Cover Reveal for Z.N. Willett's : The Trouble With Dating A Movie Star

Z.N. Willett is publishing her first book ever! It is AMAZING! Here for all of you is the cover reveal!

Release date for this book is May 12th!!  To keep up with the happenings of Z.N. Willett and get more info on this book like her Facebook page : Z.N. on Facebook   

Or go to her website http://www.znwillett.com/

Cover Reveal for Jude Ouvrard's Lost Dreams

Book: Lost Dreams

Author: Jude Ouvrard Date of the cover reveal: April 20^th, 2014 Genre: Military Contemporary Romance / New Adult Cover Designer: K23 Design    

Blurb:

When Carter is killed in combat, he left behind his heartbroken wife, Avery and his shattered best friend Remy. Naturally these two wounded soul gravitate together, irresistibly drawn by the loss of the one they both loved, as well as their deep friendship with each other. But when that friendship starts to turn into something more, new problems arise. Will Avery be able to move on after losing the love of her life?

Will Remy be able to fill the void left by the loss if his best friend? Or will this new chance at love cost them all they have left?

Author bio:

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, Isaac and has spent the last twelve years with her boyfriend, Cedric.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. She has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.   Also by Jude: Under the Sun and Wonderland.... To learn more about Jude Ouvrard, here are her links: Website/blog: www.judeouvrard.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JudeOuvrard Twitter: @JudeOuvrard @AuthorJude_O Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks

Excerpt:

July 17th, 2007

Carter

I tried to be the strong one, but today hurt every bone, muscle and brain cell in my body. Without her by my side, life was painful. For years, she had been the sun in my days, the one I was looking for in the darkness. She was my light, my love and inspiration. My reason to stay alive. We were always together before I joined Special Forces. During our last deployment, we were lucky to be working together as a team and we both enjoyed it. I knew her better than I knew myself and while we worked jointly, I saw who she was and how strong and dedicated she had become. Her pride over serving in the Army was beyond most men. Her determination was astounding, she'd faced death, survived to my abject relief and still stayed the fighter she's always been. Her injuries and pain didn’t make her weak, she'd become stronger and fought against her fears.

I sat in the plane next to Remy. We had left a little over two hours ago and I could still feel her sadness, as if it was attached to my heart. Remy was also feeling blue, as he considered Avery to be like a sister. I hated that I was the reason behind her sadness. I held back the tears as long as I could, but mid-way to our destination, it overwhelmed me and I gave up.

"Fuck.... Fuck... I hate this!" I yelled. I regretted leaving her. I should have requested a release at the same time as she did. This was a fucking nightmare. "I should be home with her, Remy. We could be starting a family like we want. I shouldn’t have come... I shouldn’t have." Each word, every memory of our conversations about the future hurt, kicking me in the chest because I wanted them now. Every minute away from her was a waste of our time.

"Cart, man, relax." Remy squeezed my shoulder with a strong hand. "This, the Army, is our life, you can't go back now. We'll do this and go back home like we always do. A couple of months won't change anything in the end. She loves you like crazy and you love her even more." He paused. "Look, we can do this. It’s hard now because you just left her. Even I'm sad. I'll miss her too but it's what we do, man, we are Special Forces. We leave and we come back stronger. We fight for what's right. We have a job to get done now. Focus on that."

"Being away from her is different this time. It's not that I don't like it, I hate it. It shouldn’t be like this. We had the best times of our lives these past few days. She was glowing, she was smiling like she used to, before the bombing. I felt like she was finally back with me, with us."

"I saw it too. She was different, happy." He smiled. "It's all you, Carter. You were able to make her the happiest bride, even though she knew you were leaving. Use that to motivate yourself. We'll be back before we know it."

"Thanks, bro." I dried my tears on the sleeve of my shirt. I was still angry at myself but he was right. She was happy again. I had to focus on that and come back home as soon as possible. She was my life now. Everything I am or own, is hers.

''I want you to tell me how you feel while you are away. Write me or call me as much as you can.'' I grabbed my backpack and opened the front pocket to find my pen and paper.

Avery,

I haven't arrived at our destination yet, and I’m already writing because I'm thinking about you. I miss you. I can't stop seeing your smile and beauty in my mind.

Thank you for the pictures, I'll keep the one of you in your wedding dress with me all the time. Except when I'm in the shower, of course.

I’ve been wanting to tell you how amazing and beautiful you are. Your smiles are back, the ones that made me fall in love with you years ago. The smiles that reach your eyes and the smiles when you bite your lower lip. I loved the way you blushed when you walked down the aisle. You took my heart at that moment and stole it. You are the one who owns it, take care of it. My heart is nothing without you.

I will be back to you soon and we'll start our family. We could even buy a dog or a cat and move to a different city. Somewhere by the beach or in the country. Anything baby, just say it and you'll have it.

I love you my shining star, more than you'll ever know.

Carter

Kisses and hugs

I placed the letter in an envelope and addressed it. I wanted her to receive it soon, as I knew the waiting would be hard for Avery. I was planning to write to her every day or every other day.

Remy had fallen asleep and I wondered how life was for him. He was single, I'd never seen him serious about a girl before. He flirted here and there but he never talked about any girl in particular, or suggested he hoped to meet 'the one'. Never. As far as I knew, he didn't plan to stay in the Army forever and I always assumed he would eventually try to settle down with someone. I feared the loneliness he must sometimes feel. It was probably hard for him to see Avery and me so happy together. I wanted him to be happy too. He deserved to be.

I couldn’t force him into anything but maybe I could talk to him about dating.

~~~*~~~

We finally made it to the camp. It looked the same as the last one. I had to try and stop imagining Avery everywhere. I was ridiculously obsessed with my wife. She was safe at home and this was the right thing for her, for both of us. While we were getting installed, the guys were talking about our wedding and were really cool about it. Most of them were married and already fathers. Some of them even asked me to show them my ring. That was just weird, wasn't it something girls do? The ring was simple, white gold with two small diamonds. We chose it together, the diamonds representing us. Avery's ring was as simple as mine, she'd never been the type of girl who wanted huge diamonds. I was ready to buy her the biggest diamond I could afford but she'd refused and went for something small and modest. It represented her after all.

As soon as we got on camp, we started doing some work in settling in and we discovered issues. And to make everything worse, the internet was not working properly. We had security issues and couldn't use it for personal requirements. That meant no emailing and Avery was probably going to lose it in Fort Bragg. I had to make sure my letter got to her as soon as possible. I could try to call her, I would love to hear her voice. In the Special Forces, it only happened rarely that we had to deal with communication problems since it was one of our most important tool.

Finally, I located my bunk bed, I placed my backpack next to it and put the envelope containing the pictures under the thin blanket. I retrieved Avery's picture from my front pocket and looked at her for a few seconds. Her pale blond hair was piled on top of her head, in elaborate curls. She was gorgeous. Her gown was showing just enough skin, and kissed all of her curves. I was a proud man, and knew I was lucky that she picked me.

Today was my first day away but on the bright side, I was one day closer to seeing her again.

That was my main focus.

Author Spotlight Saturday: Garrett Leigh *Interview and Giveaway*

If you've ever read a Garrett Leigh book then you know was I mean when I say "Angstly Beautiful" Yeah I know that's not a real word but it's what I think of when I read her books.

Back in February I finished reading her Roads Series and wrote up a review here on my blog. You can click this link to read it. Review of Roads Series . That was the first time I ever read Garrett Leigh. I became an instant fan and had to get my hands on more of her books.

She has a way of drawing you in with realism and captivating characters. A great example is Only Love:

Blurb:
The diagnosis of a chronic stomach condition leaves thirty-two-year-old Sergeant Jed Cooper with little choice but to call time on his Army career. Then on the dusty streets of Kirkuk, an ambush gone tragically wrong decimates his team, and he returns to the US with a shattered leg and the memory of his best friend dying in his arms.

Life in his sleepy hometown proves intolerable until he finds solace in a lakeside cabin with vivacious young carpenter, Max O’Dair. In the shadow of the epilepsy that periodically plagues Max, he and Jed form an unspoken bond. After a late night episode, Jed realizes how much Max means to him, and life has taught him not to waste time.

But the lines between contentment and complacency are blurred. Things left hidden resurface to tear through their world, and before they can repair the damage, death comes to call again. Faces, past and present, rally around them to weather the storm, but before long, they are left with only love.

There are so many facets in this book. Each character had a struggle that was real and knowing that real people inspired a lot of this book really drove it home.

So if a series is something you dread beginning I suggest you give Only Love a shot. It shows you the depth of the writer and understanding her style. I have faith that after you read this you will want more. Also Awake and Alive is a novella attached to Only Love, ,so check it out too:

Blurb:
A Missing Moment from Only Love

After a successful surgery relieves Jed of the illness that nearly killed him, he returns home to slowly recover with Max. With time to reconnect, Max shows him a new way to love. Now at a crossroads and facing a new life, Jed must listen to his friends and family to learn how to move forward.


Other books by Garrett Leigh:

Blurb:
Cornish fudge maker Seb Wright is anticipating and dreading the upcoming tourist season with equal measure. The cash injection is more than welcome, the long hours in the sticky, vanilla scented kitchen less so.

A few days into the first tentative sparks of summer a shadowy Good Samaritan catches his eye. Vagrant Dex is a new face in town…a beautiful, sullen enigma, and yet with each busy day that passes, Seb finds himself becoming more and more attracted to the mysterious, young man.

A young man who seems destined to become the heartbeat of a summer he'll never forget

Roads isn't the only series by Garrett Leigh there is also her Blue Boy Series... 

You can get more information on that series on Goodreads : Blue Boy Series

Something amazing and beautiful I would also like to announce for those who don't already know. Garrett Leigh took part in a most extraordinary collaboration.  Dreamspinner Press put together a fabulous collection of stories by many talent authors and Garrett is one of them.

It's called Grand Adventures:

On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, "...it's not about the ending, it's about the journey..." in a review of Eric Arvin's Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric's continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.

One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.

I seriously recommend you all grab your copy and help out 2 outstanding authors, all the while enjoying amazing stories and more of Garrett Leigh's talent. 

***Interview*** 

1.           Your Roads Series is so beautifully written. Ash touched so many people's hearts. You created a powerful character in him. Did you do research, how did he come to be?

Ash is very special to me. A lot of his nuances ARE me, but that’s a story for another day. As far as researching him went, some things I knew well, like tattoos and his art, but with his background, I had to do a lot of research into the American foster care system and repressed memory syndrome.

2. In Only Love you explain that this book is based on true stories from extraordinary men. I couldn't help but feel that in many of Jed's flashbacks... how did you mold so many stories into one?

I took the most emotive parts of many stories and used them as inspiration. Jed’s flashbacks were written long before the actual book for some reason, but I felt they were very important to his character development within the book.

3. Did you ever think you'd ever become an author? 

No. I became an author entirely by accident.

4. How long did it take you to publish your first book, after you started trying?

A few months. I was very lucky to land with Dreamspinner Press. They are an awesome publisher to work for.

5. How do you come up with the titles for your books?

I try and pick a word that resonates with the emotion of the book. I like simple, one word titles, but that stems from laziness more than anything else. I design my own covers so one word titles are easier to handle!

6. Are there any occupational hazards to being a writer, have you ever faced any?

Hand strain and headaches! The thumb of my right hand is buggered. I swear it’s got a life of its own these days.

7. Do you have inspirations or a muse that gets you through your writing?

Music, food and people watching. Music is the main one, but I also work in the restaurant industry, so food is creeping more and more into my books. It helps that I’m a total foodie. I have to be quite careful about what I eat, but I’m a pretty mean cook, so I have a lot of fun weaving that into my work.

8.  Are you currently working on a project and can you maybe PLEEEEEEEASE tell us a bit about it?

My current WIP is about a graphic artist and a DJ. I’m not settled on the names yet, but it’s my first attempt at a kind of ‘gay-for-you’ trope. Might yet prove a disaster, but I’m having a lot of fun with it.

After that, I need to write the fourth book in the Blue Boy series and knuckle down into a long planned, never started project. A top secret project. LOL.

9. Often time writers love to challenge themselves. Have you ever had the urge to veer off and write something different like a comedy or children's book?

Eh, not really, though I do have an unfinished MF romance novel hanging around my laptop. One day, I’d love to try a YA novel, but I reckon I need to train my dirty mind first. Other than that, comedy isn’t for me. My husband tells me every day how distinctly unfunny I am J and I’m an angst hoor at heart.

I’d also like to try my hand at supernatural. I have a short piece I’m thinking of expanding. As ever…watch this space!

  
10. How can your readers find your work? A website or author's page? 

I can be found at all these places, procrastinating and generally wasting time…
Garrett Leigh on Goodreads  

Garrett Leigh on Amazon 

Garrett Leigh on Twitter 

Garrett Leigh's Fangroup on Facebook 

Garrett Leigh on Instagram 

Truly a wonderful interview and now you know all the ways to follow her work. NOW! Garrett Leigh has agreed to do a Reader's Choice Giveaway for all of you today. (( MINUS GRAND ADVENTURES)) Since proceeds go to Eric and TJ it doesn't seem right to make that free, sorry. BUT ANY other Garrett  Leigh Book CAN BE YOURS!!!! Simply enter the giveaway below. 

Giveaway ends April 25th. Winner will be notified via email, so keep that in mind. You will have 48 hours to respond and after that I will draw another winner. 

***GIVEAWAY***
 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boston Strong: Let Us Remember

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since the bombings at the Boston Marathon. It's important to remember, to never forget. There were many victims that day. Boston is a strong city attached to a brave state. Let us take a moment today to remember all of the victims. Bless us all! BOSTON STRONG!

Krystle Campbell

29

Arlington

Fatal injury

Martin William Richard

8

Dorchester

Fatal injury

Lingzi Lu

23

China

Fatal Injury

Sean Collier

26

Wilmington

Fatal Injury

Richard H. Donohue Jr.

33

Woburn

Severe injury

Kaitlynn Cates

25

Boston

Severe leg injury

Brittany Loring

29

Ayer

Boston College JD/MBA student, severe head, leg and arm injuries

Sydney Corcoran

17

Lowell

Severe leg injury, Lowell High School senior

Liza Cherney

Boston College MBA student was a spectator

Heather Abbott

38

Newport, R.I.

Severe leg injury

Jeff Bauman Jr.

27

Chelmsford

Severe leg injury

Roseann Sdoia

45

Dracut

Severe leg injury

Jacqui Webb

Severe leg injury

Patrick Downes

30

Cambridge

BC, alumnus,severe leg injuries

Jessica Downes

32

MGH nurse, severe leg injuries

David Yepez

15

Andover

Head and arm injuries

Jarrod Clowery

35

Stoneham

Hearing loss, leg injuries

Aaron Hern

11

Martinez, Calif.

Leg injury

Remy Lawler

25

Amesbury

Upper leg injuries

JP Norden

31

Wakefield

Severe leg injury

Paul Norden

33

Stoneham

Severe leg injury

Caroline Reinsch

39

Boston

Severe leg and ear injuries

Christian Williams

41

Boston

Severe leg and hand injuries

Adrianne Haslet

32

Boston

Severe leg injury

Adam Davis

33

Boston

Severe foot and leg injuries

Sarah MacKay

21

Falmouth, Maine

Severe leg and ear injuries

Ron Brassard

51

Epsom, N.H.

Severe leg, artery, and nerve injuries

Karen Brassard

51

Epsom, N.H.

Severe leg and ankle injuries

Krystara Brassard

20

Epsom, N.H.

Severe hip and ankle injuries

Karen Rand

52

Somerville

Severe leg injury

Alvaro Galvis

62

Nashua, N.H.

Severe leg and buttocks injuries

Martha Galvis

60

Nashua, N.H.

Severe leg and hand injuries

Beth Roche

59

Highland, Ind.

Severe leg injury

Marc Fucarile

34

Stoneham

Severe leg, chest injuries

Erika Brannock

29

Towson, Md.

Severe leg injury

John Odom

65

Redondo Beach, Calif.

Severe leg injury

Eric Whalley

65

Charlestown

Severe head injury, other wounds

Ann Whalley

65

Charlestown

Severe leg injury

Sarah Girouard

20

Falmouth, Maine

Injuries to lower extremities, received surgery

Celeste Corcoran

47

Lowell

Sydney's mother, severe leg injury

Nicole Gross

31

Charlotte, N.C.

Severe leg and ear injuries

Kevin Corcoran

-

Lowell

Sydney's father, minor injuries

Zhou Danling

-

China

Chinese student studying actuarial sciences

Gillian Reny

17

Boston

Senior at Buckingham Brown & Nichols School in Cambridge

Marilyn Kight

63

Redding, Calif.

Severe leg injury

Denise Richard

-

Dorchester

Severe upper body injury, Martin Richard's mother

Jane Richard

7

Dorchester

Severe leg injury, Martin Richard's sister

Unidentified female

9

Severe leg injury

Denise Spenard

-

Manchester, N.H.

Abdominal injury

Lee Ann Yanni

31

Severe leg injury

J.P. Craven

24

Hingham

Head injuries

Michelle L'Heureux

-

Quincy

Severe arm and leg injuries

Darrel Folkert

42

Redondo Beach, Calif.

Leg injuries

William White

-

Bolton

Severe leg injury

Mary Jo White

-

Bolton

Hand injury

Kevin White

-

Bolton

Moderate injuries

Victoria McGrath

20

Northeastern student, severe leg injuries

Michael Gross

38

Charlotte, N.C.

Head injuries

Michelle Connolly

52

South Boston

Head injuries

Nicholas Yanni

32

Boston

Temporary hearing loss

Ascer Barlatier

35

Boston

Wounded in chest and leg

Jenny Chung

-

Shrapnel wounds

Dan Soleau

36

Hearing loss

Ryan C. McMahon

33

Longmeadow

Back and arm injuries

Mery Daniel

31

Boston

Severe leg injury

If I forgot anyone I do apologize. 

Bless all the victims and their families <3

Author Saturday Spotlight: Anne Tenino *Interview and Giveaway*

It's easily said that Anne Tenino is one of my favorite authors. Her talent seems limitless and with every book of hers I finish I am never ever disappointed. Well, I am sad it ended. Her characters burrow their way into your mind and heart and you just have to go with it. They kind of demand your attention. Many nights have turned into early mornings when read an Anne Tenino book.

Anne has a few series out there: Theta Alpha Gamma series... Frat Boy and Toppy (book 1) Love, Hypothetically (Book 2) Sweet Young Thang (book 3) Good Boy (book 4) AND SOON TO BE AND YOUR GIVEAWAY TODAY " POSTER BOY" (book 5) you can of course read all about them on Goodreads : TAG Series

Another series is Whitetail Rock and there are 2 books in that series: Whitetail Rock (Book 1) and The Fix (Book 2) Be sure to check them out as well : Whitetail Rock Series

Task Force Iota is yet another wonderful and entertaining series 18% Gray (Book 1 ) and Turning Tricks (Book 2) with a short after that called, Happy Birthday To Me. Check those out here... TFI Series

Romancelandia Series is the newest to the bunch with Book 1, Too Stupid to Live. I have to say it's a WONDERFUL book. I laughed, sniffled and just all around adored it. I can't wait to see this series grow! Here's the blurb to that book:

It isn't true love until someone gets hurt.

Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.

Until he meets Ian.

Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.

Until he meets Sam.

Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?

Anne was gracious to agree to an interview where we will hear maybe a bit more about the Romancelandia series, and of course with her new book Poster Boy (Part of the TAG Series) coming out she is offering one reader a chance to win a free ebook of it. Release date for that book is April 19th! SOOOOOOOOO The giveaway will run until the 19th and the winner will receive the book THAT DAY! How awesome is Anne?

Being able to conjure up questions to as an author I greatly admire was a bit nerve-wracking. Anne was SO amazing and forthcoming and I can easily say she made this experience a wonderful memory.  Let's get to that interview shall we?

***INTERVIEW***

1. Theta Alpha Gamma is such a wonderfully entertaining and amazingly written series. Sebastian is O-M-G! My favorite character in the series. Do you have a favorite as the writer, or do you just have a special place in your heart for all of them?

I definitely have a special place in my heart for all the guys, but at the moment, my favorite is Toby. My favorite character changes depending on which guys I've been working on. I love Jock, too, but he has all these personality traits that I just don't have, and I can't quite relate. He's so type-A, and I'm so not. LOL

Overall, my favorite couple will probably always be Brad and Sebastian, though. I can't imagine having a book in the series where they didn't have a hand in the outcome.

2. How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?

Names a very, very important. I spend a ton of time looking for the right name. Like, with Brad, I remember searching for a while, and I kept thinking the guy's name needed to be something like Ryan, but not actually be Ryan. And by "something like" I mean it has to have the same feel for me. I thought about it for a few days, then one afternoon I sat in the backyard with my husband and went through this long, detailed description of what qualities the name should have (during which my husband valiantly didn't look at me like I was nuts), and then we went through  a bunch of names, and I ended up trying to decide between Brad and another name I can't even remember, and finally the husband (probably bored out of his freaking mind), said, "It's gonna be Brad. Accept it and move on."

So I did.

Naming resources? The internet. 

3. You have a new book coming out, Poster Boy. I am sure it will be a success and I am eager to get my hands on it. Can you maybe tell us a bit about it?

Well, technically it's the last Theta Alpha Gamma book, so I went all out. The first few chapters overlap the end of Sweet Young Thang. The first third of the book is mostly about Jock settling into Calapooya, and TAG, and getting used to being out. Toby's struggling to finishing his thesis, and it's all complicated by his inconvenient crush on the newest TAG frat boy (Jock, of course), who barely acknowledges him.

Everything changes when a small group of the crazier frat boys (plus Jock) goes to Provence for spring term. Toby is roped into "chaperoning" the trip, and not surprisingly, highjinx ensue. No spoilers, but I will say that the fratbros and EuroTAG make quite an impression on the French. Oh, and Toby and Jock end up falling in love.

4. Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

Non-consensual relationships. I can't even read them. I would say I'll never touch either childhood sexual abuse or Lyme disease (since I have personal experience with both), but chances are I will at least allude to them in the future.

5. Can you tell us anything about a project you are currently working on?

I'm currently finishing up the second Romancelandia book, Billionaire with Benefits. It's the story of Dalton and Tierney, and it's a little darker than usual for me. Tierney has some serious issues, and Dalton has a bit of a past himself. But there's some humor in there, I swear, plus the guys make me all squishy inside whenever I write scenes with the two of them together. 

6. You state on your Goodreads page that Josh Lanyon, K.A. Mitchell, Laney Cairo and Jon Krakauer are your biggest influences. It's rare we get an author to admit other authors as influences. Can you maybe tell us a little bit more about how they have influenced you?

Well, let's begin with Jon Krakauer. The books he writes (generally biographies about adventurers or athletes) resonate with me for some reason I can't quite define. I always end up finishing them deeply affected, yet somehow invigorated.

As for the others? Those authors are all people I read before I started writing who showed me I could actually write what I wanted to, both stylistically and plot wise. Role models, essentially. 

7. What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you, what tools are must-haves for writers?

I don't actually believe there's one must-have tool or method for all writers. The reality is everyone approaches it differently, so you have to find what works for you and develop your practice around it. That said, it helps if one actually writes. The least successful writers are the ones who talk about writing all the time but never get more than a few thousand words of anything started.

The most important element of good writing is conviction. The author has to be certain that they're telling the story the way it wants to be told. Not every second—I spend a ton of time wandering around in the middle-of-the-book doldrums—but when the book's done? If I'm not positive it's correct, that's a problem. That said, I often have it "right" overall, but have to make changes in edits, like cutting or adding scenes. 

It's also important for me to recognize that no matter how "right" I think the book is, and/or how "right" my editors and betas think it is, there will be readers out there not into it. There's an audience out there for pretty much every style of writing, but that also means there's an audience out there that won't like certain things, period.

8. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Writing. Sitting down and putting words into the document. I mean, it takes forever, and it's boring at times, especially in those parts where I have a list of things that have to happen, and I can't just let the scene take on a life of its own. Writing is much more fun when you can just see what happens (Yes, I'm a pantser, why do you ask?).

9. How can readers follow your talent? Website or other social media?

I have a website, http://annetenino.com, and there people can not only poke around, but can also sign up for my newsletter, which, if I'm particularly on top of things, might come out three times a year. Or not. Online, I'm generally easiest to find on Facebook (links for all my social media below).

I love to meet fans, so if you ever see me around please don't be shy. This year (2014), I'm going to be at the RT Convention in New Orleans, May 13-18, the GayRomance Northwest Meet-up in Seattle, September 19-20, and GayRomLit in Chicago, October 15-19. If you're in the Portland area (or will be there), check out the Oregon LGBT Romance Reader Group (our next event is April 27th, Oregon LGBT Romance Reader Group Lunch

 

Here is all of the ways you can follow Anne Tenino:

 Riptide

Dreamspinner

Twitter

Goodreads

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We all have so many choices out there when it comes to reading, I know this. I often spin through my Kindle carousel and can't decide what book to start. Every writer has their own style. Like a fingerprint, each is unique and there are enough out there to choose from. Anne's style? Naturally breathtaking. Crisp, fun, romantic, funny and realistic. If I had to sum it up for you. 

 The giveaway I have for you today is going to run longer then usual but just by a day! NEXT SATURDAY Poster Boy releases and YOU can get yourself a free copy RIGHT HERE! Yep! Anne's awesome like that and I'm honored she is allowing me to run this giveaway for you. So let's get familiar with the ebook I have for you today... POSTER BOY, Book 5 of the TAG SERIES...

BLURB!!!

It’s all fun and games until someone puts his heart out.

When Jock meets sexy grad student Toby at a frat party, things finally start looking up. After having been outed to his hockey team and then changing schools, he figures he’s due something good—like the sex he missed out on in the closet. Toby seems like a great place to start, and their night together is an awesome introduction to the fine art of hooking up.

Toby’s heart takes a bruising after the near-perfect experience with Jock leads to . . . nothing. He’s been left on the outside as his friends pair up into blissful coupledom, and he’s in danger of never completing (or starting) his thesis. Can’t something go right?

Then Toby’s coerced into chaperoning a Theta Alpha Gamma trip to France. Not that he’s complaining. What better place to finish his thesis and get over that frat boy? Except Jock’s outing is leaked to the press, making him an unwilling gay rights martyr, and he decides France is a great escape, too. It’s a break from reality for both guys, but they soon find their connection is as real as it gets.

Before I get to the giveaway, I want to thank Anne for being so fabulous today and for sharing her talent with us! I hope you have all enjoyed this as much as I have! Now the giveaway...

***GIVEAWAY***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Rising Talent of Photographer Jordan Grady

We get our inspiration from the world around us. For some it's in a song or a childhood memory. Others. it's in a picture. Jordan Grady is inspired by everything around him and through his lens he freezes that moment. Ever wonder as you read a story where the author got the idea for it? It's interesting really... Photographer sees a sunset and is drawn to it's beauty, itches to still it for just a moment. He lifts his camera and... click! Frozen in time. Perhaps that sunset hangs on the wall of a library. An author enters to do research and sees the picture and an idea is born, a story is written and a world is created. All because a photographer was so taken with the beauty of the sun. A domino effect.

I have had the privilege of viewing a lot of Jordan Grady's work and even got him to sit down and let me interview him for all of you. He has agreed to share some of his work as well. Afterwards I will link all of his contact information for you to get in touch and see what it is he can do for you.

All photos are property of Jordan Grady and he has allowed me to post them here for your enjoyment:

***INTERVIEW***

Of course after viewing all these amazing pictures it's no doubt that Jordan Grady has an eye for the incredible. I want to thank him again for agreeing to allow me to torture him with questions so that I can bring HIS talent to all of you :)

1. What made you get into photography?

 -Quite honestly, it's something I fell into by accident. I had some friends at the time who were photographers and the craft really began to intrigue me, so I started taking shots on my iPhone and posting them to my Facebook. A few friends commented saying I had talent and should continue. A family member loaned me a camera and the rest is history. I look back occasionally and cringe at what I thought was 'cool' and 'hip' back then. I've definitely grown and evolved as a photographer and an artist and for that I'm grateful. Here's an example of those early iPhone shots:

2. Do you have a specialty, ie landscapes, people?

 -This is something I'm actually very conscientious about. I love finding and capturing the beauty in all things, whether that be people, animals, or breathtaking landscapes. I enjoy them all, and have been blessed with opportunities to work with all those things.

3. You also do some photo manipulation. Just your photos, or other people's?

 -From a professional standpoint, I will only manipulate my own pictures, unless it's a stock photo that has been purchased from the owner.

4. Can you name any photographers you'd compare yourself to?

 -Hmmmm...like I said earlier, I had a few friends, one in particular, who really influenced me to pick up a camera and start shooting. That said, I'm very careful about creating my own brand. The last thing I want to do is emulate someone else's style or artistic outlook. 

5. Right now you're local to NC. What services do you offer for locals and what to people who seek you out from all over?

 - Yes, currently I am located in eastern NC. For anyone local, I'm down to shoot pretty much whatever they're wanting (engagements, weddings, maternity, family shots, pets, events, boudoir, and even nudes). I'm not opposed to traveling, provided it's beneficial to me. I actually was just hired for my first out of state wedding, so that's pretty exciting. I've also recently been contracted to do a cover for one of AJ Rose's upcoming books. I'm very excited, and slightly nervous, to begin work on that project. 

6. If people wanted to see what you could do, aside from these beautiful pictures here, do you offer examples based on a consultation?

  -Of course. I'm always striving to add to and diversify my portfolio.

7. Where would you like to see your business in say a year's time?

 -When I started out in photography (and photo manipulation) it was a hobby. The photography part has sort of evolved over the years and is now becoming more of a side business. I'd love to say that I see myself quitting my day job and doing this full time, since it is my dream, but unfortunately I just don't see the market here in NC supporting that. I'd be doing this whether I'm making money at it or not. It's my form of self-expression; my way of showing people the world through my eyes and lens. So, if I make enough to pay for my equipment I'm happy.

8. Tell us about the equipment you use.

 -I'm a Canon man through and through. No offense to any Nikon lovers out there, but I'm in love with Canon's products. I pretty much exclusively use their product and have been very satisfied with the result. 

9. What are all the means you have at this time for people to contact you?

 -People can email me at jGradyPhotographyNC@gmail.com or they can message me via my photography Facebook page: JGrady Photography. Link here > JGrady

10.Do you have standard packages or do you cater to each person's individual need?

  -I try to cater to whatever people want when they hire me. I'm fairly new to the business aspect of this, so it's taking me some time to figure out where my profit line is. That said though, I do have set prices for standard, run of the mill shoots.

Be sure to like Jordan Grady's Facebook page! All contact info is up there as well AND he posts regularly on there so you can enjoy gorgeous pictures, and perhaps see something you like. 

He is a very diverse photographer so naturally he's a quick favorite in my book! Check him out and maybe JUST maybe he has the muse you've been looking for!