AuThursday – Stella Stevenson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a SAHM but a former Pre-K/K teacher who now writes spicy RomComs.

How do you make time to write?

When my kids are sleeping.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write spicy RomComs and contemporary romance. I lovingly refer to my genre as “brain candy.” I love that it can be a quick, fun, sexy, sweet escape.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I am an indie-published author. I love having the creative control over all the aspects of the story. Especially my own covers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Definitely an introvert. It makes the writing easier but the marketing harder.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You can’t sit down to write, until you stand up to live.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

You can fix anything except a blank page. Get the words on the paper and then edit it a million times until it’s what you want it to be.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My paperbacks are with all online retailers. My ebooks are Amazon exclusive and in KU.

AuThursday – M.K. Chester

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up in the Midwest and was a voracious reader as a child–so much so I would run out of things to read. That’s when I started writing my own stories, and I’m still writing them today. I’m married with grown kids, a couple grandkids, and a couple dogs.

How do you make time to write?

I can (and do) typically write anywhere, as long as I have a keyboard. I’ll use a lunch hour, and an empty house, and when I have a deadline, set a schedule to ensure I get things done.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No, which is to say I’ve never experienced it. I believe in taking a wrong turn and writing yourself into a corner, but I’ve never been in a place where I couldn’t put words on a page

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical (20th century and ancient), contemporary, and paranormal. The theme is consistent: redemption. I love characters who are seeking to be better or find a better way. My voice is different in each genre, and the “easiest” for me is the 20th-century historical because it’s something I heard from my parents and family for years.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I am strictly an indie author right now, however, I have been traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press and Carina Press. I have republished my books from The Wild Rose Press independently, and still, have one title with Carina.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Team introvert all the way! Writing recharges my batteries, so when I write, I come out the other side ready to interact with the world.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Pressure makes diamonds.” I think this is George Patton, and I learned a long time ago not to avoid change and growth situations, even if they are stressful.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing! This is the job, to write, to learn to write better by writing. Write what you want to read, write to entertain yourself first and foremost.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My website has all the goods: https://www.mkchester.com/

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

My latest paranormal series blurb:

Welcome to Midheaven.

Where heaven and earth collide.

All manner of beings exist behind the veil of everyday mortal life. Their paths should never, ever cross with humans. Until they do.

Thibodeaux women have been unlucky for seven generations. Sensitive to the feelings and perceptions of others, they are targeted by an immortal Fallen Angel, who needs only one of them to buy into his plan long enough to throw the whole world into chaos.

Grigori, originally sent to earth to teach and train humans, instead fell in love with women, tumbled from grace, and became half-human, half-angel. Some hybrids know their calling from birth, while others stumble into divinity when humans need them most.

AuThursday – Laura Emmons

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’ve been a voracious reader since I was 12. I started with Barbara Cartlands then moved up to Victoria Holts. My mom introduced me to Anne McCaffery when I got married. I’ve never stopped reading. At forty I heard a voice in my head, “What am I going to do with you?” It was the start of my first book and I haven’t stopped writing since then.

How do you make time to write?

When I first started writing I was homeschooling a High Schooler and a Jr. High Schooler. They had their schedules down so I spent time in the kitchen typing away on my laptop. I didn’t get much sleep the first year but got a 100,000 words into my computer.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No, when I have trouble getting back into the story I edit back a few chapters. I find most of the time that’s all I need to quick start the muse. I do have a separate file I fill up with starts of books that just lose my interest. Once when I went in I found I’d slowly finished a book.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I love Romantic Suspense on the darker side. I think I have a mid-spice level. I have to admit I have Non-consensual or Forced proximity in all my books. I know it’s not PC but it’s what my characters want. If I don’t listen to them they will shut down a book. Arguing with your characters is a dangerous game to play. My characters are so real to me when I write, that I need to talk about them to others. When someone reads my book and wants to talk about them like they are real people it makes my heart jump with pleasure.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I am Indie publishing on Amazon using Kindle Unlimited. I fell in love with KU for my own reading habit.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’ve always been an Introvert and this entire publishing experience has been a terrifying endeavor. My first book was written when I was forty. I put off publishing until the last two years I’m sixty now. I have twenty-five books written at the moment. When I decided it was time to publish, I had to push back on the fear of being read by someone who doesn’t know me. I’ve had so many panic attacks over the last few months. I just call my sister and breathe deeply until it passes. The day I hit preorder I couldn’t even speak. It’s hard to let your baby go out into the world.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Yes, I can!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write, read, write, read, and read more. Stop worrying about what you write, just get it on the computer.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.LauraEmmons.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Cory brought Bryan home a girl. She did happen to be drugged into unconscious at the moment, but good friends did what had to be done to pull a buddy out of a slump.

LeeAnn fought the arrangement just as everyone expected her to, as she woke, but damn Bryan was hot.

“Well, if you don’t want my gift, then I’ll just get rid of it.”

“No!” Bryan screamed as she went airborne and fell. She knew she hit the water from the splash, then the cold engulfed her, and she lost consciousness.

An instant decision to keep her alive and do as Cory wanted. Cory was always right. At least that was what he told Bryan daily.

AuThursday – Cass Scotka

Please welcome Cass Scotka to The Clog Blog, again.  You can find her previous interview here.  Cass, please refresh our memory and tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am in love with love and have been since I peeked at my first romance novel at age fifteen. When an unannounced romance hero walked into my imagination presenting his heroine and pushing her into the spotlight, I knew I was destined to become a romance writer. The adventure of a new book and the comfort of an old favorite are two of my most cherished pleasures. When I’m not writing or reading, I explore the world with my spouse and two kids. I love chocolate, the Texas Longhorns, and the Oxford comma. Find out more about me and my books at http://www.cassscotka.com!

How do you make time to write?

Spare time in between my family and my day job. Mostly in the evenings and weekends. It’s hard to find time, but so worthwhile!

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes! It’s difficult to be creative at all times. Taking breaks, staring a blank page, and writing something – anything – helps me bring my muse back.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write either historical or contemporary romance, primarily. I have an idea for a book that would sprinkle in some light paranormal into the contemporary romance, but that’s still brewing in my brain. I love all things romance and I have since a very young age. Everything I read or write has romance somewhere in it because love is the best!

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

My upcoming book (and series!) is being released through Totally Bound. I’ve loved the process of working with them so far and I enjoy the support of a publisher/editing team, no matter how small the group. I admire the self-publish authors out there doing everything for themselves! It’s such hard work!!

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

One million percent introvert! It helps me to make more time for writing since that is a solitary and quiet way to recharge and fill my creative well.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I’m one of those I’ll-throat-punch-you-if-you-try-to-motivational-phrase-me kind of people.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what you love. If you don’t enjoy what you’re writing, no one will. Trying to fit the trends or wishlists out there is like getting hit by lightning and so frustrating.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Best way to find me and my socials is at my website: www.cassscotka.com. Sign up for my newsletter while you’re at it!

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Excerpt from MAKE ME FALL, coming July 18, 2023, from Totally Bound:

“You don’t mind?” She felt bad that he was investing all this time helping her today then again on Sunday, too. Surely this wasn’t that exciting to him.

Jack shook his head and lifted one side of his mouth into a smile. “I really don’t. I enjoy this kind of thing. It’s what I did as my main work focus before coming here. I’ve done more on the administrative side of businesses than physical work like logging. I have to admit as hard as it’s been, I like being a lumberjack. It’s a nice change of pace and I’m already in way better shape than when I arrived.”

“Oh, I think you were plenty in shape when I first saw you. Although I will admit, you can tell a bit of difference.” She ran her eyes over his shoulders and chest again. Yeah, that flannel treated him well. It really emphasized the size of him.

A low chuckle met her ears and she flushed. Damn, she hadn’t been subtle about that, now had she? “Well, hot damn. You’ve been checking me out.” He puffed up his chest with a grin.

Bridget smacked his arm then winced. He was built. “Oh, stop it. Like you need a bigger ego.”

“A man never gets tired of a woman, particularly one as beautiful as you, paying him a compliment. I’m not too proud.” Embarrassed, she ducked around the counter to distract herself from what she’d just said to him and what he’d told her in response. A guy could find a woman attractive—that didn’t equate to him wanting to date her. She busied herself by straightening up and getting ready to close the shop for the night. “Sunday would be good. I’ll make you dinner as a thank you. Cornelius can come over, too.” Grabbing up her coat, she turned back to Jack. “I’m ready to head home. Thanks for all of your advice. I’ll download that software tonight to get things changed over.”

AuThursday – Bea Teal

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m Bea, and I’m Italian. My favorite color is teal. Hence, my pen name. When I’m not writing, I’m teaching Italian as a Second Language, reading, or traveling. The inspiration for Painting Stars, my first book in English, came from the time I spent in Michigan as an exchange student. I live on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy with my husband.

How do you make time to write?

“Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” Václav Havel

With a lot of hope and willpower.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

“Nobody said it was easy” the Scientist, Coldplay.

I write in my second language. Yes, I do believe in writer’s block, and I have a language barrier on top of that.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Love in all its forms. Found family. HEA. I love the connection between reader and character. I love stories that are warm, witty, and uplifting.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie. Traditional feels like a pipe dream at the moment.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. I struggle with self-promotion.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

If somebody tells you “you can’t”, they’re showing you their limits. Not yours.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

“Don’t be discouraged if people don’t see your vision, your harvest. All they see from their perspective is that you’re watering a whole lot of dirt. They don’t SEE what seeds you’ve been planting with blood, sweat, tears and lack of sleep. Make sure you don’t abandon or neglect it because “they” don’t see it. You have to KNOW and believe for yourself. They don’t see the roots and what’s budding under the dirt. But it’s okay, because it’s NOT meant for them to see it. While you wait, MASTER it. You continue to do YOUR work and have unwavering faith! Remember why you started planting in the first place. Your harvest WILL come!” ― Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Soul Cried: A Memoir.

Don’t be discouraged if some of your friends and family members are unsupportive. They don’t share your passion. Find someone who does.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m happy to hear from readers, and you can write me at: beatealauthor@gmail.com, but please consider that English isn’t my first language! 😉

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Our evening together begins with a romantic stroll.

Too bad I’m wearing impossibly high heels. The ones that look like a dream and feel like a nightmare. To upgrade my legs to first class, I squeezed my feet into the non-reclining middle seat in the last row of economy. These shoes were shaped on elves’ ears, not women’s toes.

The sunset on Lake Michigan is beautiful, but I’m too busy trying not to twist an ankle on the gravel, get a heel stuck in the drain grate, or sink into soft ground to fully appreciate it. Noah valiantly offers his arm in support, but he looks more like my keeper than my beau.

Once we get to the restaurant, things don’t improve.

There’s been a mix-up with the reservation, and our table isn’t ready, but they offer us a drink at the bar while we wait.

“Our stools are called waves,” the hostess explains. “The sleek, delicate curves are designed to evoke a visually fluid concept.”

Translation: there’s no backrest, no handles, no footrest, and man, do they swivel. I’m getting seasick. I’m on a slippery slope, pun intended.

When our table is finally ready, I’m glad to see the imaginary back of them.

“Fox, they brought us a plate with a dirty spoon in it,” Noah tells me.

“I think the course is what’s in the spoon.”

“I’m afraid I left my magnifying glass at home. What’s in the spoon, exactly?”

“It’s an amuse-bouche. A velouté.”

“I’m far from amused. It reminds me of the baby food Levi would spit in my face when he was a toddler. What’s the next one called?”

“Tiny temptations. A garden of Eden to share.”

“That’s just an excuse to throw a bunch of fruit and veggies together, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No? Then how do you explain this green mush with horns?”

“That’s an artichoke.”

“And this shaving cream gone sour?”

“That’s the cloud of heaven, aka goat cheese mousse, and stop making me laugh!”

“Why should I stop? I love your laugh.”

“‘Cause my belt is so tight from sitting I’m electrocuted every time I move.”

“Take it off, then.”

“I can’t. It’s holding my top and skirt together.”

“Why did I let you order the appetizer again?” Noah asks, taking a bite of the red apple.

“Because I let you order tenderloin à la Wellington wrapped in Parma ham as the main dish.”

And he was right, it was totally delicious, I think as the last nibble of puff pastry melts in my mouth.

“Since dessert is deconstructed tiramisù, how about taking it to go, Fox?” he lowers his voice and leans forward, “We can put it back together at home.”

“I like the way you think.”

AuThursday – Alivia Fleau

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a Victorian-era historical romance writer living on a farm in Australia. I have 4 awesome dogs, 14 chickens, including one named Persephone who is my favourite, and a loving husband. And too many sheep to name!

How do you make time to write?

I get up early, sometimes as early as 4am. I take leave from work, use lunch hours, or in the evenings I write if I have the energy.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in creative problems, the trick is to have a cache of tools to tackle them with. A walk, swim, music, I do a LOT of baking when I’ve got a writing issue. And sometimes, you just gotta put your bum in the chair.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical romance. I love research, I love history, but I’m also a sucker for a good pash or seeing two people fall in love.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie all the way. I love the freedom of indie, the speed, and also the close connection with readers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert, but not shy. For me, being an introvert is about balancing my energy levels between being with others, and being alone.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Don’t get it right, get it written.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Start, learn, embrace failure, celebrate every success. Because the knocks come hard on the heels of a win.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Aliviafleur.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

You have become something of a marvel, haven’t you?’ Hamish looked up and down the table.

‘Setting a table is not a challenge. You just lift things with your hands and place them.’ She pulled a corked flask of lemonade from the basket and set it with a flourish. ‘See?’

‘Hilarious,’ he said, then took another bite. ‘Not only this. I mean all of your accomplishments. World traveller. Fundraiser. Businesswoman,’ he added in a hush. ‘And caring for your father. You really are a goddess. Do you have supernatural abilities I should be worried about?’

‘I wish. I am afraid it’s just me, although today is Elise’s work. I am only here to help with the table.’ She couldn’t help but smile, her heart flushing with pride. So much of her work went unnoticed, or had to be hidden, and even a little praise made her glow.

‘When do you sleep?’ he continued, his voice still tinged with awe. ‘And when do you have fun?’

‘Fun?’ Iris frowned. ‘I have fun. I am having fun right now.’

He gave an exaggerated eye roll. ‘Proper fun. Like what we used to have. Surely the wild girl of Honeysuckle Street can still cause mischief?’

She closed the lid on the hamper with a snap. ‘The wild girl grew up a long time ago, I’m afraid. It’s just boring old me and my numbers now.’

Hamish leaned over the table. ‘I don’t believe it. The wild girl’s still in there. I’ll coax her out.’

AuThursday – G. A. Anderson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a self-employed behavioral health consultant, mom, and wife. I’ve been writing since I was in college and just had my debut novel published. South of Happily, a light-hearted story about the secrets and pain that send the life of a first-generation Hungarian American sideways.

How do you make time to write?

In between work, family, and caring for my aging mother. It’s taken me 20 years to write this book.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes!

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Fiction and humor. I believe people like to read stories they can relate to. Not too close, but bits and pieces need to touch you in some way. Humor, dry humor—it’s how I think, I have no way to keep it out of my writing. I recently got a review saying: “I laughed, I cried, and my cheeks hurt by the end of the book.”

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Published by Black Rose Writing. No agent. The book is available at all the usual booksellers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. I’m more comfortable writing down what I think than telling you or making a speech. Working on this…as I’ve had to make a few speeches and I’m going to be on a few authors’ panels this spring.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

There was an old Michael Jackson song about being backed into a corner…having nowhere to go and needing to just stand up and do it. I still remember hearing that when I was about 15, and it stays with me today.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t do it for the money.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.anderson-author.com , Facebook, TikTok and Instagram

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Wrinkled, white-haired people, who in my youth, told stories about some mysterious past while Mom shushed them and covered my ears. My grandmother was the exception. She’d smile, pinch my cheeks, and say in broken English, “go finding your happily”.

AuThursday – Nichole Sky

Please welcome Nichole Sky to The Clog Blog! Nichole, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’ve been teaching for 17 years. These past 3 years, I have made my way out of the traditional classroom and I work for an online charter school which I LOVE! I have 3 kids and have been married for 16 years. I love puzzles, crocheting (taught myself pre-internet with library books), and plants–to my husband’s chagrin! I’ve been writing for decades at this point, but I just published my first novella!

How do you make time to write?

I make my own work schedule, so I actually blocked time out in my schedule to write every day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes and no. I believe we can get mental blocks that knock us out of our creativity, but I also believe there are so many ways to tap into your creativity, that if you just keep trying, you cannot be blocked.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write instalove but with a twist: all my characters are teachers! I feel like I’m making a new genre. For now, all of my 60-minute reads will take place at the same high school. I’m so excited because it is so hard to find teacher romances, but I know there’s a market for it. Teachers deserve so much…some love and fantasy isn’t too much to ask for.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

INDIE! I like the freedom of it. I can fix mistakes, adjust pricing, and write whatever I want!

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m a combo. Lol! I want to be an extrovert 100% of the time, but I can get drained and be shy.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Well-behaved women rarely make history.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Just do it!

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Authornicholesky.com

AuThursday – Faye Hall

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Author of passionate embraces, deceitful devotions, lustful encounters, corruption, and betrayal, as well as desire and seduction. Faye Hall is an author of Scandalously Steamy Australian Historical Romantic Suspense novels. Born and raised in North Queensland, Australia, she uses the tales of local history, and the struggles and adventures of her own family, to bring her characters to life in a uniquely, rural setting. Her fast-paced stories incorporate scandal, crime, suspense, and seduction to pull her characters along on unique stories of love and romance.

How do you make time to write?

With a family of 5 schoolchildren, this is very hard! I have learned to write where and when I can, and use late nights and early mornings to my advantage.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, I do. It happens sometimes for the strangest reasons. Other times it happens because of a bad review or feeling low because of struggling achievements.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write Steamy Historical Romantic Suspense set in Australia. I love it because I get to tell the stories of the earlier generations from my area of the world and the struggles that drew them together.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’ve turned all my books to indie publishing recently, with the help of my family-run publishing company. It was a long thought-out decision, but after having 3 small publishers close down and return my rights to me, it was the most logical option. And I’m enjoying the freedom it allows me for now.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert, married to an introvert, who birthed 5 other introverts. It doesn’t really affect my work, but it does make promoting a challenge. I get too nervous to speak for podcasts. I live in a rural area, so author events aren’t a thing, nor do I desire to travel far from home to attend such things.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” – Mary Engelbreit

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

To write from your heart even if it’s not always well received at first.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.fayehall.com.au

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Needing to understand what was driving his actions, Phoebe followed Raymond at a distance. Perhaps his need to push her away had more to do with his life rather than her own. For all she knew, he could be married with children waiting for him back home. Her gaze narrowed as she studied him at a distance. Raymond didn’t look like the type to be a floundering snake. If anything, he looked more like the type of man who needed to be possessed by a woman, his every movement governed by hers, expecting the same loyalty in return. Even the thought of such devotion made her heart skip a beat.

The sound of splashing water up ahead dragged her from her musings and her steps slowed as she nestled in amongst the thick scrub surrounding the creek. Peering through the branches, she stifled a gasp as her stare rested on Raymond moving about in the water. Her gaze shifted to the moving fabric hanging from the tree, and her eyes widened. She’d never seen a naked man before, certainly never watched one bathing. Part of her wanted to be brave and walk out and join him, but her cowardliness kept her firmly in her hiding place. He’d pushed her away so many times already, she couldn’t bear for him to dismiss her should she try to join him.

Phoebe should go back to the camp, but she couldn’t force herself to turn away from the man swimming in the creek. Watching him stand, his torso leaving the water, droplets covering his skin, she ached to wipe them from him even if just to feel his firm skin beneath her fingers once more. Though she called herself a fool for allowing such thoughts to enter her mind, she couldn’t deny she wanted more than his skin against hers. She wanted to be wrapped in his embrace, his soft voice begging to share unspeakable passions with her, quenching the hunger he stirred inside her that she could no longer ignore.

“I seem to remember you calling me a bastard for watching you bathe,” Raymond yelled, turning toward where she was hiding in the bushes.

AuThursday – M.S. Ocampo

Please welcome M.S. Ocampo to The Clog Blog, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an indie writer and tutor in the process of publishing my YA urban fantasy novel, My Ex is a Vampire.

How do you make time to write?

I join up with writing sprints. I usually write around the same time every day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yep. It usually means I have to take a break or talk things out.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

My debut novel is YA urban fantasy. It’s a love letter to Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Filipino-American protagonists. I love mixing up high school drama with action.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Bird by Bird.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Lean into what you love. Don’t be afraid to put a lot of yourself into your writing.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Twitter and Instagram as well as my blog.

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Inconceivable! Some vampires had the gall to go out in the daytime, risking their undead existence for the sake of a meal.