Roanoke Author Invasion: Featured Authors and Giveaway (5)

Image Credit: Laura Howard

The Roanoke Author Invasion is coming to the Star City on April 11, 2015. THAT'S LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!!! Thirty authors of contemporary, romance, and paranormal fiction will be in attendance. Over the past month, I've featured many of the authors with mini-interviews. They've shared writing advice, books that made them fall in love with reading, and random/interesting facts about themselves. If you've missed any of the previous posts, you should definitely check them out. 

It's been a pleasure hosting the authors for this feature and I'm really looking forward to finally meeting them next weekend!

For more information about this FREE event, please visit Roanoke Author Invasion at roanokeauthorinvasion.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeInvasion

Get your tickets now through EVENTBRITE.

Today I am featuring Inger Iverson, Nicole Zoltack, Bella Roccaforte, Mari Mancusi, and Jennifer Armentrout. 

Inger Iverson

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

My all time favorite book, Kissed by an Angel from Elizabeth Chandler. I loved Ivy and Christain's romance. They courted, they fell in love and then face tragedy, but even that couldn't keep them apart. I love stories in which true love lasts forever. I think that book helped mold a lot of the love in my romance novels.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Amanda Hocking said: Write the things you want to read. That was the best advice I'd ever received. I've gotten a few jems since then, but those words helped me become more successful and I enjoy writing so much more now!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Never give up. You have to keep giving your readers a reason to come back to you.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1. I live 10 minutes away from the beach, but I haven't been in at least 2 years! I just can't get into it. It's hot out and there are sharks...yes people, SHARKS!

2. My favorite time of the year in Halloween, but I despise scary stuff. 

3. I am DEATHLY afraid of spiders no matter how big or small. Seriously, I will pay a person 20 bucks to get rid of them.

Find Inger online at http://www.ingeriversen.com/

Nicole Zoltack

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?
Definitely Anne of Green Gables. It was one of the first books I read over and over and over again. Anne and I would have been bosom buddies, that's for sure!

I've always been a reader. I definitely was one of those kids that sneaked reading during class at school. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and so much more. I read just about anything I could get my hands on.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
That it's all right for first drafts to be garbage. There's plenty of time for perfecting during the editing and polishing stages.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read everything. Read in your genre, read outside your genre, just read. It's the best way to learn about what works and what doesn't.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.
1. I'm pregnant with my fourth. Hoping to finally have a girl!
2. I enjoy exercise. I'm a freak, I know.
3. I love everything that goes into making a book, which is why I'm not just a writer. I'm also a freelance editor.

Find Nicole online at http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com/

Bella Roccaforte

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

I was never much of a reader because of dyslexia. When I got my iPad I discovered that I was able to read and actually enjoy it! The first book I read was Sarra Cannon's Beautiful Demons. I devoured it, gobbled it up and couldn't enough. I went through the entire series in just a few days! So she really got me started in my love of reading!

I also devoured the Elfhunter series by C.S. Marks and the Celestra Series by Addison Moore!

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Keep writing.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing – haha. No seriously. Never give up, never surrender!

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

I love to paint and my most recent series is based on a series of paintings (I'll be bringing some to Roanoke with me:).

I actually have many minions. I'm “The Belladona” of the House of Brotus. A fantastic group of guys (most of them I've watched grow up) and me share a wonderful bond of friendship. It's like our own special club that means none of us ever have to be alone. Many of them also appear in my books.

My creative mojo is so crazy strong that people that sleep on the futon in my office have nightmares from my books. It's happened to three people now, people that haven't read my books!

Find Bella online at http://www.bellawrites.com/

Mari Mancusi

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

I used to love Nancy Drew when I was a kid. Read them all, I think. Those and Choose Your Own Adventure books -- though I would cheat and put my finger in the place where you make a decision so I could go back and read all the options! I also loved fantasy books like Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and the Prydain Chronicles. My favorite book growing up was Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley about a girl dragon slayer!

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Stephen King once said he wrote every day but his birthday and Christmas and then later took it back and admitted he wrote on his birthday and Christmas, too. I think writing in a muscle that needs to be exercised and the idea that writers write--every day if possible--really stuck with me and I try to do that now. (I did write on my birthday, which was March 2nd. But with a 3 year old, Christmas writing wasn't happening last year!!) 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write all the words. Don't say you're going to write "when you have time." MAKE the time. Even if it's just 15 minutes a day in the pickup line at school. Don't just talk about it, do it. Books are written one word at a time and those words do add up! 

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

I am a Disney freak and go to Disney World at least once, usually twice, a year. I like to tell people it's because my mom lives in Florida and I have friends in Orlando, just to make it sound more normal. But between you and me, I just love it there! 

My step grandmother was a guest star on the original Star Trek, in the episode, The Empath. But she didn't get to make out with Captain Kirk. She also played Kim Hughes on As the World Turns for, like, 30 something years. 

I once made sushi out of marshmallow peeps. And it was the best sushi ever. 

Find Mari online at http://www.bellawrites.com/

Jennifer Armentrout

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?  

I loved reading anything by Richie Cusick.  She's one of my favorite authors.  I also read a lot of historical romances and I still enjoy reading them.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?  

The best writing advice that I've ever received is to always be writing something new.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?  

I think that you should always write what you want to write and not what you think you need to write.   

Tell me 3 things about yourself.  

1. I'm a huge Supernatural fan and Dean is my favorite character on the show.  

2. I need background noise when I'm writing, so I usually have the TV on.  

3. I enjoy gardening, but I don't get to do it very often. 

Find Jennifer online at http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Now for the Giveaway

One person will receive a selection of Books, E-books and Swag collected from RAI

(some items are donated by the authors and some items will be purchased at RAI and from Amazon for this giveaway)

Must be 18 years or older to enter

U.S. Addresses only

Enter via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roanoke Author Invasion: Featured Authors and Giveaway (4)

Image Credit: Laura Howard

The Roanoke Author Invasion is coming to the Star City on April 11, 2015. Thirty authors of contemporary, romance, and paranormal fiction will be in attendance. I am thrilled to be attending this event held in Southwest Virginia. To get ready for the event, I am featuring the authors on my blog in the weeks leading up to the event through promotional posts and mini-interviews. I'm asking each author to share a little about themselves, books, and writing advice, and ending this month-long feature with a huge giveaway.

For more information about this FREE event, please visit Roanoke Author Invasion at roanokeauthorinvasion.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeInvasion

Get your tickets now through EVENTBRITE.

Today I am featuring Bryna Butler, Alyssa Rose Ivy, Nancy Straight, Theresa Kay, and Adrianne James. 

Bryna Butler

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

I'm one of those late bloomers. I didn't fall in love with reading until I was an adult, and then it was a children's book about an orphan boy who found out he was a wizard. Yep, I fell under Harry's spell pretty quickly. ;)

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

A couple of years ago, I got a chance to meet one of my writer role models, Charlaine Harris. The advice she gave me was "read everything". She said that reading books in your genre helps you become better at the mechanics of writing. She said that reading books outside your genre helps you to think more creatively and bring something new to your work. She was right. Being an avid reader has helped me hone my craft in a well-rounded way.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don't forget to write. Seems obvious, but it is so easy to get caught up in the cover design, networking, marketing, and everything else.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1) I list splashing my hands in the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial among my greatest life achievements.

2) Back in the day, I used to watch episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD while I washed dishes or cleaned house, even though I'm a terrible housekeeper, to this day I can recite nearly every word of dialog without even trying.

3) On one of the shelves in my office, I kept a toy Dalek and a replica Hermione time turner. It bothered me so much to see a Dalek so close to the time turner that I finally had to move them apart. 

Find Bryna online at brynabutler.com

Alyssa Rose Ivy

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

One of my first book loves was The Hobbit. I was also really into mysteries. I especially loved Agatha Christie. Later on I went through an obsessive Baby Sitters Club stage followed by reading every single Mary Higgins Clark I could get my hands on. When I found an author I enjoyed I read everything by them.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Write what you love. It's such great advice because in the end that’s the one reason to keep writing.

What is advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I’d share the same advice I received. Write what you love. Also, embrace constructive criticism when it comes from the right places. Ignore negativity if it’s not constructive.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1)      I love writing with music

2)      I’m addicted to coffee

3)      I’m both a cat and dog person 

Find Alyssa online at www.alyssaroseivy.com

Nancy Straight

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?  

I keep toothpicks by my bed to prop my eyelids open at night, which is a problem because my days start promptly at 6am.  Inescapable by Amy Bartol was beyond amazing, I was so blown away I messaged Amy and asked if we could meet for dinner!  Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott had me rooting for an Angel and a Demon.  Damon from Jennifer Armentrout’s Lux series made me hope aliens really would invade our planet. I could go on forever – there are never a shortage of fantastic books to read or a new hero for me to fall in love with.   

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?  

Grammar doesn’t have to be a nemesis, but after nine novels I still don’t know where commas go (thank God for editors!).

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?  

Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.  Instant success is rare.  Keep writing.   

 Tell me 3 things about yourself.  

I have a lead foot when I drive, so I set cruise control even in 25MPH zones.  

I have written 9 novels and still chat regularly with my first five fans I met on Goodreads.  

I have two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Find Nancy online at www.nancystraight.com

Theresa Kay

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

My love for reading started at a very young age, but a few of the books that really stick out for me would be: A Wrinkle In Time, Sign of the Beaver (my first school assigned book that I finished the very first evening and then had to fake my way through the 'what do you think will happen next' exercises in class), Eyes of the Dragon, The Stand, Jurassic Park, The Black Stallion, Anne of Green Gables, and pretty much anything by RL Stine.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Give yourself permission to write garbage. It sounds much easier than it actually is, but it basically means letting go of my expectations and letting myself write-- even if what I'm writing at the time is absolutely awful.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

This goes along with giving yourself permission to write garbage, but I think one of the things most writers need to keep in mind is that you can't edit what isn't written. Tell the story first and then worry about going back and fixing the holes. You'll be surprised at the things that will flow onto the page when you stop expecting perfection and just let yourself write.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1- I’m much more comfortable talking about books than almost anything else, especially if the conversation is about books other than ones I wrote. I read almost every genre and I’m great at book recommendations. I'm an introvert and pretty shy, but I can talk books with almost anyone.

2- I grew up on Stephen King books, so my stories typically have darker elements to them and, in my writing group, I’m known as the one who is meanest to her characters.

3- I’m awful with visual creativity. I can’t draw or sculpt or even pick out paint colors for my house. Unless we’re talking stick figures, I can only make pretty pictures with words.

Find Theresa online at www.theresakay.com

Adrianne James

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading? 

This is such a hard question as I have been a reader since a small child. I remember reading 50 babysitters club books the summer I turned 9. My mother was driving all over the state to find them at different libraries! I also read The Chronicles of Narnia. The Harry Potter books of course played a big role, the Alvin Maker series as well as the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received? 
The best piece of advice I ever received was to keep writing. Never stop writing, never stop learning, never stop growing. A writer can always improve.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

The piece of advice I would give is to stop calling yourself an aspiring writer. You either write or you don't. If you spend time putting words to a page (or computer screen) you ARE a writer. Believe in yourself. Now, if your goal is to be a published author, take the time to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Research and planning. Being published is a business and it needs to be treated as such.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

Three things about me.... 

I am a huge coffee addict. 

I love gardening and growing my own food. 

I can fold my tongue in half backwards but cannot make that u shaped straw like thing that so many others can.

Find Adrianne online at www.AdrianneJames.com

Now for the Giveaway

One person will receive a selection of Books, E-books and Swag collected from RAI

(some items are donated by the authors and some items will be purchased at RAI and from Amazon for this giveaway)

Must be 18 years or older to enter

U.S. Addresses only

Enter via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roanoke Author Invasion: Featured Authors and Giveaway (3)

Image Credit: Laura Howard

The Roanoke Author Invasion is coming to the Star City on April 11, 2015. Thirty authors of contemporary, romance, and paranormal fiction will be in attendance. I am thrilled to be attending this event held in Southwest Virginia. To get ready for the event, I am featuring the authors on my blog in the weeks leading up to the event through promotional posts and mini-interviews. I'm asking each author to share a little about themselves, books, and writing advice, and ending this month-long feature with a huge giveaway.

For more information about this FREE event, please visit Roanoke Author Invasion at roanokeauthorinvasion.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeInvasion

Get your tickets now through EVENTBRITE.

Today I am featuring Michele G. Miller, Karen Lynch, Rysa Walker, Melissa Haag, and Rebecca Rynecki.

Michele G. Miller

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

I've always been a reader, but I had three influential stretches of reading in my lifetime:

1) In middle school there was a period where I devoured all of the VC Andrews (Flowers in the Attic) series. I would go to the flea market bookstore and buy them for 25¢. Then came harder English classes and I moved to reading for school instead of enjoyment. Lord of the Flies is one book I loved in high school

2) The around my early 20s my mother-in-law gave me a copy of Judith McNaughts 'Only You' I fell in love with it and historical romance and began snapping up all of her books. I also began reading Mary Higgins Clark thanks to my own mother. I'm stuck to those two authors for a good long time, reading everything they had. Then a baby came and work and life got in the way of reading again.
3) Like so many others, my love of voracious reading returned thanks to that little book 'Twilight'. You might have heard of it.   

After Twilight, I read the Hunger Games trilogy and we bought an iPad. That little iPad changed my reading life (I read with my Kindle now). E-books made it easier for me to read a few chapters in bed at night without bothering my sleeping husband. I love reading in peace so - with 3 kids - I rarely read during the day. I could snuggle up in bed and read all night happily and I've been doing that now for years.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

When I first sat down to write Author Nancy Straight told me to write 2k a day. 2k a day = 90k in 3 months. That sounded legit and doable, so I ran with it. It helps to break up your writing into small goals like that, especially when you're first starting out. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Something I keep in mind always is 'don't follow the trends, follow your heart' that is harder advice to follow when you see so many people raking in great sales because they are selling a particular type of book that's currently 'hot'. You have to know your voice and passion. Also, know that this industry is hard. Some people come out of the gates and make it big, some take years, and still others never see much in the way of an income (remember the majority of books sell 500 copies in their lifetime - there are millions of books out there). You might see no sales with book one and a ton with two or vice versa. Different books 'hit' for different reasons. Don't compare yourself, your sales or your success to others. Come up with YOUR own goals and chase them down! 

Tell me three things about yourself:
1) I'm a real life Disney princess ;) by that I mean I am constantly singing and dancing as I go about the house during the day. I'm the person who, if there were a hidden camera in my kitchen, you would see doing pirouettes on the wood floors while I wait for my lunch to cook. *I was an ice skater as a little girl and I have a dancing daughter - so I've got moves ;)
2) I'm a sports fanatic. I will happily watch pretty much all sports and love watching ESPN - when I have free time, of course, I've been really busy with books lately :(
3) I have a MASSIVE sweet tooth. Like really really massive. Jelly beans and Twizzlers are both approved writing snacks.

Find Michele on-line at http://www.michelegmillerbooks.com/

Karen Lynch 

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

I read so many books in my childhood that it’s hard to single out a couple. I’d have to say that the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder was one of my favorites and really drew me in every time. Another one I adored was To Nowhere and Back by Margaret Anderson. I think that is the one that made me start thinking about writing. I still have a copy of that book.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

I think the best piece of advice I’ve received is to write every day. Writing is a craft and like any craft it requires practice. The more you practice, the better you get.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

The advice I give to new writers is to read a lot in the genre you want to write, to write every day, and to write books that you would want to read. Don’t follow trends, Write what feels good to you.

Three things about me:

I am a romantic at heart. I love Jane Austin movies and I don’t like books or movies that do not have a happy ending. I read for the sheer enjoyment of it, not for some kind of personal enrichment. When an author kills of a main character for no good reason, they lose me as a reader. That’s not to say their books aren’t otherwise well written. They just aren’t for me.

I am a total softy when it comes to animals. I have two German Shepherds and three cats I rescued. Growing up, I brought home so many stray dogs and cats and injured birds that it drove my parents nuts.

I work full time as a computer programmer and I write on nights and weekends. My dream is to make writing a full time career and the sooner the better.

Find Karen online at http://www.karenlynchnl.com/ 

Rysa Walker

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

I can't remember a time when I didn't love reading, so I suspect that the earliest culprits were some book from the Little Golden Library.  I've always been one of those people who is constantly reading--I'll read the cereal box, the toothpaste tube, or the shampoo bottle if there's nothing else around. The books that engage me the most, however, are speculative fiction--fantasy, science fiction, horror.  That's always been the case, even when I was a kid.  I loved The Wizard of Oz.  I started reading Stephen King in middle school and still have to plan a day off when he has a new release, because I know I won't get anything done until I finish it.  Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Mark Twain's snarkier stuff (like Letters from Earth), Robert Heinlein, Tolkien...I could go on for a very long time.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Unless you live alone, get an office with a door that you can lock.  Runner up: turn off social media until the word count is finished.  (I'm not always as diligent on that last one as I should be.)  

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Read.  And when you really enjoy a book, go back and reread it.  That's something that I don't do often enough in this era of easy access to new books--just click the button and you're on to the next story--but it's a very important thing for writers to do.  If the story pulled you in or you really identify with the characters, figure out why.  And then figure out how you can make those same tricks of the trade work for your characters and your plot.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

• Like most writers, I'm an introvert...until you get me in a group of other writers.  Or a group of readers who like the same things I do. Then all bets are off. 
• I love chocolate, but not that sweet, milky stuff.  Make my chocolate darker than the soul of Satan, add a cup of coffee on the side, and I'm a happy camper.  (This quite possibly came to mind because that's what is on my desk right now. ;) )
• My current work-in-progress (the final novella in my CHRONOS Files series) would already be complete if not for my unfortunate addiction to Bejeweled. Any time I get stuck on a plot point or one of the multiple timelines has me going crazy, I play a few speed rounds.  And unless I hit 350K early, I usually play a few more.  I recently paid twenty bucks for a program that limits the time I can play to fifteen minutes...but then I deleted it the very next day.  I think I need professional help.

Find Rysa online at http://rysa.com/

Melissa Haag

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

The first book that hooked me on romance was one of my mom’s indian “savage” books.  I was 13 and she didn't know I’d picked it up.  I closed myself in my room for hours.  When she finally thought to look in on my, I was over halfway through the book.  I can still remember her face.  HAHA!  She was so mad.  She took the book away and hid it in her room.  Yeah, I found it and finished it, and I've been reading romance since.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

To just keep writing.  Not every book is meant to be published or will be loved by readers if you do publish it.  But that doesn't mean you should stop writing.  Keep at it.  As in anything, practicing will hone your skills.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

There’s so much I could say!  Honestly, I would give the same advice given to me.  Just keep writing.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

Ticks freak me out.

I hate spit!  (yes, it’s in my mouth…I try not to think about it)

I write best at night when everyone’s in bed.

Find Melissa online at http://melissahaag.com

Rebecca Rynecki

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading?

Way too many to name, but there are a few that I come back to over and over again. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and Enchanted by Orson Scott Card are the ones that I re-read quite a bit.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

It may seem like nothing big, but my 9th grade English teacher just told me to keep going. Small, but it meant a lot to me when I was uncertain. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

To have fun with it! Be as silly as you'd like! 

Three things about myself:

1. I love pina coladas. Dancing in the rain...kind of iffy. Unless it's warm.

2. I went to Hollins University for college. It was the best experience!

3. I cannot sing. That doesn't stop me from belting it out though. Even when my son asks me to stop. 

Find Rebecca online at https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRyneckiAuthor

Now for the Giveaway

One person will receive a selection of Books, E-books and Swag collected from RAI

(some items are donated by the authors and some items will be purchased at RAI and from Amazon for this giveaway)

Must be 18 years or older to enter

U.S. Addresses only

Enter via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roanoke Author Invasion: Featured Authors and Giveaway (2)

Image Credit: Laura Howard

The Roanoke Author Invasion is coming to the Star City on April 11, 2015. Thirty authors of contemporary, romance, and paranormal fiction will be in attendance. I am thrilled to be attending this event held in Southwest Virginia. To get ready for the event, I am featuring the authors on my blog in the weeks leading up to the event through promotional posts and mini-interviews. I'm asking each author to share a little about themselves, books, and writing advice, and ending this month-long feature with a huge giveaway.

For more information about this FREE event, please visit Roanoke Author Invasion at roanokeauthorinvasion.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeInvasion

Get your tickets now through EVENTBRITE.

Today I am featuring Heather Hildenbrand, TR Lykins, Casey Peeler, and TC McKee. 

Heather Hildenbrand

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

The Hobbit is #1 for me. I started writing my first book immediately after I finished reading this one back in 8th grade. (It was horrible, btw). I've always loved fantasy and made up worlds because of that book.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Self-publish!

What is advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Get the info! When I started, all of my failures and big mistakes were due to NOT understanding how this publishing and marketing thing works. The best thing you can do is understand this is a business and LEARN it. Set aside the time and do your research. Don't get on the hamster wheel. It will save you so much time and money. 

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1. I am terrified of slugs

2. I love motorcycles. I own 3 and ride whenever I can. 

3. I live in Guam half the year (and VA the other half)

Find Heather online at http://www.heatherhildenbrand.com/

T.R. Lykins

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?  

I first fell in love with The Shopaholic Series by Sophia Kinsella and Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (who I met and love).  I soon found some amazing Indie authors who wrote incredible books.  Some of my favorites are on my website and to many to list.  Here is the link to my favorite authors:  http://authortrlykins.com/authors-who-inspire-me/

As you will see from my website, some authors will be at RAI and I will be fangirling these authors, hopefully not drooling over them.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Make sure you find a editor that likes your genre and that you see the same vision of your book.

What is advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what you love and what is in your heart.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

1.  I write clean romance because my teenagers like to read too.  The world has enough of bad influences in it so if I can be an inspiration to them than I will.

2.  I have been married to my husband for twenty one years and we fell in love the first day we met.  This has lead to us having two wonderful boys and I would do it all over again.

3.  I love to drive fast so maybe someday I will be a race car driver.  No I don't watch car racing but love fast cars. 

Find T.R. online at http://authortrlykins.com/

Casey Peeler

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

~Zora Neal Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God 

~Tiffany King's Miss Me Not

~Colleen Hoover's Slammed

~Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Write what you believe.  Readers can feel it though the pages.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what makes YOU happy.  Also, remember that everyone has a right to their own opinion, and you can't please everyone.

Tell me 3 things about yourself.

~I wear flip flips year long.

~I'm addicted to guacamole.

~I LOVE country music!!! 

Find Casey online at http://authorcaseypeeler.weebly.com/

T.C. McKee

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading? 

There's so many. I was a classics geek back in high school. I know. Weird. I loved to read Shakespeare. Hamlet was my favorite. I loved Pride and Prejudice, and Wuthering Heights. I still love old works, historical fiction. There's just something about the guys back in those days that I find so alluring. Maybe it's the build up of the romance, or the scene rather than the immediate attraction or the immediate delivery of the conflict in so many books of today. I just love the journey. 

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received? 

Keep going. No matter what just keep going forward with each new chapter, with each new project, in spite of fear or criticism keep moving forward. Best advice ever. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

Keep going. See above. :) 

Tell me 3 things about yourself. 

1. I'm part hermit. Since I work from home with my day job, leaving the house has become a planned event. I want to do all the shopping and socializing in one night then I'm home for the entire week. It's disturbing.

2. I love Great Danes and have one, although he would balk at this sentence. He thinks he's my office manager and not a dog. He actually listens to my stories when I read them out loud. His name is Cooper and he may be my biggest critic...unless scrambled eggs are involved. Then I'm like at pulitzer status. Traitor. 

3. I'm a night owl and therefore not an early riser. I hate this about myself. It seems like the whole world gets up with Jesus and I'm just having my first cup of coffee at 9:30. To be fair, it's not all my fault. I do have to make my office manager eggs before I get to have that cup of coffee, but still, I feel so unproductive until about 10ish. It's pathetic. I'd look into a new office manager but this one is so gosh darn cute. The sacrifices we make, right?

Find T.C. online at http://tcmckeewriter.blogspot.com/

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