AuThursday – Jenni Nakken

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am from Utah. I have written 3 children’s books about emotions. I love movie theatre buttered popcorn and being outside. I graduated in Family Science and worked in social work and as a special Ed teacher.

How do you make time to write?

I usually write on my phone so I just write when kids are sleeping or playing.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely! I published my three books all within a year and after I went to write the fourth book and had zero inspiration.

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

Children’s picture books. I love that they can rhyme or not. I love that they’re short. I mostly love that they hopefully inspire children.

How are you publishing your books? 

…I’m self-published and have a small educational publisher.

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

Extrovert. Makes my work easier. I like talking and selling my books to people.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Never give up! I was persistent in writing and selling my books and I am now making money selling them. (Illustrations and printing costs are a lot of money)

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

https://jenninakkenbooks.square.site

Jenni Matthews Nakken on FB

@jenni_nakken_books on IG

@jenninakkenbooks on TikTok

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

When you’re mad or you’re sad it may not seem good. These feelings aren’t bad, just misunderstood. The actual feeling is not what’s the trouble. It’s what you do that can give you a struggle.

AuThursday – Christine Lane

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a stay-at-home mom of two boys who discovered a passion for writing in 2020. I have no formal education in creative writing, but I found stories I love and let them flow.

How do you make time to write?

I have 3 dedicated days per week for writing while the kids are at school. And I sneak in any time I can get if the opportunity arises.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, but I also believe it’s just a matter of working through it.

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

I write open-door contemporary romance. I had never read a romance until 2020, and the bug bit me. I love writing about the quirky things people do when they’re in love, and the emotions they go through while navigating it.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I am an indie author, I self-publish currently through Amazon but am dipping my toes into other avenues.

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

I’m an extroverted introvert lol. I prefer to stay home or be alone, but I enjoy social gatherings for short periods. As a result, I have a hard time writing super extroverted characters since I don’t really know what that’s like.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. ~Jodi Picoult

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

1. Write it all down. It can be fixed later

2. Hire an editor.

3. Don’t compare you’re writing journey to anyone else’s

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

All the platforms, but use my Linktree, it’s easier. Linktr.ee/christine.Layne.author

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

We’re not supposed to cuddle. Cuddling leads to feelings, and feelings lead to relationships, and relationships lead to…well, nothing that I’m interested in doing with Sam. I knew spending the night was a bad idea, but I was so swept up in the incredible sex that I didn’t even consider the consequences. And now those consequences have me wrapped in their embrace.

~from my upcoming novel Mud, Love, and Chemistry

AuThursday – Lisette Blythe

Welcome Lisette Blythe to the Clog Blog!  Lisette, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hello there, I’m Lisette Blythe! This is my second year of being published. Last year I released four books. This year looks like it will be the same. My background is in technology. Up until recently my bread and butter had been infrastructure (servers, routers, and switches). Two years ago I made the leap to a less technical role as an IT business analyst. My writing career kicked off by writing fan fiction. It was a moderately popular one in a particular K-pop fandom.

How do you make time to write?

When you have something you like to do, it’s easy to find ways. Sometimes on my lunch break at my 9-5, you can catch me writing on my phone. In the evenings when I have a bit of time to myself, I’ll go back to edit what I wrote.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Oh yes, very much so. Prior to 2020, it had been over ten years since I’d written anything. I didn’t have it in me. I used to write all the time in high school but the well just dried up.

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

My genre is considered new adult romance. Think college-age love. That time of your lives is about figuring out who you are. We all know that you evolve as you age, but this is a very poignant time in your life when it can mostly be about you and who you want to be.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’m published under a boutique publisher called Three Fortnights Press. They are currently up for an award with AAMBC (make sure you cast your vote! https://theaambcawards.com/vote/). I like having the support of a publisher behind me. Shai (the owner) has done all of this before and has no qualms guiding me through it. Also, she puts up with my general foolishness.

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

I’m an introvert with bursts of extroversion. A lot of my main characters will be introverted. In the second book that comes out this year (September 30th), the main character is incredibly extroverted. It wasn’t difficult to write because I just drew on what happens when I’m around my friends with good music and booze.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“I don’t work 40 hours a week to not be able to afford lotion in my tissues.”

It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? I’m making a point. I work hard. I’m a wife and a mom. I have a 9-5 and write. On top of all of that, I go to conventions to sell my books. At the end of the day, all of that allows me to do the things I want to do, so I’m going to do them!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Just write. Write what you know, write what you don’t. You can always edit.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I am what is known as chronically online. Comes from being in technology (though my husband, also in technology would say the devil is a lie.) Catch me on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @lisetteblythe.

Instagram is lisetteblythe5 because whoever owns lisetteblythe won’t give it up. I have a discord where people come and talk about the most random of things. We also talk about the books we’re currently reading. You can find that here: https://discord.gg/TKDFJmK3CZ

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

Actually, if you are so inclined, you can get the first four chapters of my book which comes out in June for free!

Glory: A Sorority Rejects Tale is the story of understanding you aren’t what everyone tells you that you are. Grab those chapters from here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/bev73s5svs

AuThursday – Paula Judith Johnson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Four romance books self-published (2 historical & 2 contemporary). Creator and Hostess of Writing Romance Mastery Summit & creator of the Writing Romance Mastery Beats Course due for launch in Jan 2024.

How do you make time to write?

I get up at 5:00 am and write for 2 hours before I start my day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, and it can be overcome.

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

My favorite time period is 1810 to 1820 in the USA. It spans the time period of the War of 1812 and is rich in tension for romance. That time period requires a different mindset from more recent history because communication was slower.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie because I don’t have the patience for Traditional.

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

A little Introvert & a lot of Extrovert. My characters are bold and a little hard-headed.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself. The world needs your stories.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/romancedreamweavers

AuThursday – Dean L. Hovey

Please Welcome Dean L. Hovey to The Clog Blog!  Dean can you tell us a little about yourself and your background. 

I’m a science and writing geek. Seriously, I was educated as a scientist. I’ve always written, and I’ve enjoyed writing, from the high school newspaper to technical scientific articles. I started writing my first mystery about 1995 after making a New Year’s resolution to stop watching television and make better use of my time. “Where Evil Hides” was published by a small press in 2000. That’s been followed by 32 other mysteries. “Family Trees” won the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award for best fiction in 2016. I joined BWL Publishing in 2019 and have been among their best-selling authors ever since.

How do you make time to write? 

I try to write every morning. Having momentum is critical, and writing every day keeps my mind engaged and the ideas flowing. I make myself a cup of coffee, settle into my favorite chair, fire up the laptop, and I let the characters speak. Many times, it’s not “making time to write”, it’s more a matter of being rousted from bed by my fictional characters who demand that I get up and capture their thoughts. Seriously!

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

I know it’s a real problem for some writers. The famous mystery writer, Jan Burke, explained how to deal with it. Momentum is the key and if you’re uninspired, you have to write something absolutely terrible to maintain the flow. It’s easier to go back and rewrite the bad stuff than it is to lose momentum and try to restart.

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

I’ve always read mysteries. My parents always had Erle Stanley Gardner, Ellery Queen, and other mystery books around the house. I read those and was hooked. I think the intelligent detective sifting through the clues intrigued me. I still love salting in scientific and medical tidbits that seem unrelated but are later revealed to be key to solving the crime.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I have a traditional publisher, BWL in Alberta, Canada. Having a traditional publisher frees me from the drudgery of publishing details. They supply a wonderfully supportive editor whose role is to make my book even better. They also handle the formatting, cover design, and much of the marketing, which frees me to focus on writing, which is the fun part!

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

I’m one of the rare extrovert authors. Being an extrovert helps when I’m talking to book clubs, bookstores, libraries, and readers. I love talking about books with anyone. It’s detrimental because I’m easily distracted by conversation and will easily let my mind wander. I’ve discovered that most authors tend to be introverts who live their lives through their fictional characters, doing things that never happened, in places that don’t exist. As a panel discussion moderator once told me at a Tucson book convention, “I’ve found my tribe here! Nearly everyone here is an introvert who lives a richer fictional life than their real life.”

What is your favorite motivational phrase? 

“I didn’t have time to write a short letter.”

That’s from Mark Twain. It illustrates the difficulty every successful author has in writing succinct, yet meaningful fiction with enough detail to engage the reader, without putting them to sleep.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

Write three pages a day! Do that every day, and you’ll have a book at the end of a year.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web? 

Facebook.com/Dean.Hovey.94

https://bookswelove.net/hovey-dean/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dean-L.-Hovey/author/B00J78JMLY

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

Drawing a sharp breath, Peggy reached into her back pocket for her cell phone. Punching 911 into the keypad, she waited two rings before the dispatcher answered. “Crook County emergency services. How can I assist you?”

Having not considered what she was going to say when the phone was answered, Peggy stated what came to her mind. “I’m looking at a dead body. Could you send someone over to fetch it?”

“Is the body human?”

Peggy cocked her head to examine details that became clearer as he eyes adjusted to the shadows behind the building. “It appears so.”

“You can’t tell?” The dispatcher asked.

“It’s complicated. It’s kind of tangled in some brush partway up a hill.”

“Do you need an ambulance?”

“No, this soul is well past the ambulance stage.”

“Where are you, ma’am?”

“I’m standing behind the Vore Buffalo Jump Museum building.”

“Where exactly is that?”

“It’s along the Wyoming interstate, between the Beulah and Aladdin exits.”

“I’ll dispatch a deputy to your location. The nearest officer is in Hulett, so it might take him the better part of a half hour to get there, if he’s through with lunch.”

“There’s no rush. Whoever this is, isn’t going anywhere.”

Dean L. Hovey is awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  

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Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

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AuThursday – Sarah Louise Dale

Please Welcome Sarah Louise Dale to the Clog Blog!

Hi! Vania Rheault recommended you.

Vania is so great. She frequently likes The Clog Blog.  So Sara, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a baby author who published my book in Feb 2018…it’s a new version. I have been writing since 2011, but more seriously over the last five years. I have a lot of learning to do and working on my next book which is in the editing stage. I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mama of 2 and a Navy wife whose husband is getting ready to retire next year. I write women’s fiction, but consider myself a rebel writer. My book Shattered Yesterdays is considered a love story, but not with a HEA.

How do you make time to write?

Honestly, I try to set aside 2 hours a day. I use my notes app on my phone a lot and my mind is always wrapped in a story.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in self-doubt and lack of motivation. Maybe that’s the same thing?

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

I take stories from my own life and put a fictional spin on them. The genre varies but in 2024 I am hoping to try a little more HEA and Romantic Suspense or Psychological Thriller genres.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie all the way. Mainly because I lack patience for the traditional publishing route. Mainly I use KDP but hoping to branch out to going wide in 2024. I love the freedom that Indie authors are given.

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

I used to be an extrovert in person. Now, I prefer to stay home. Online, I’m a total extrovert but end up feeling like an introvert. So both? It affects me because I like to be seen (learning this is a trauma response from my childhood lol), and when I’m not it makes me feel unimportant.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You get one life, live it wisely”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Slow down. Start at the bottom step and work your way up. Don’t try to start where a seasoned author is at because you’ll fail every time.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.thesweetteamama.com

FB: Nano Springs Bookshop & Cafe

IG: AuthorSarahLouiseDale

TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@thesweetteamama

PINTEREST:https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorSarahLouiseDale/

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

Blurb to my published book:

Gabby Lawson is a small-town girl who has dreams of running the local Inn located in Nano Springs, Vermont. Her boyfriend Parker Warrick is on board to follow those dreams alongside her….until he isn’t. Parker loves Gabby but not enough to stay in Nano Springs, and when Hollywood calls with his big break, he doesn’t hesitate to answer. Landon Marshall is in town trying to escape his own heartbreak when he meets the beautiful but heartbroken Gabby. What begins as a conversation of understanding, leads to a connection neither of them expected. Will Gabby and Parker reunite or has Landon entered the story at the right place, right time?

AuThursday – Z. Lindsey via Goddess Fish

Please welcome Z. Lindsey to the Clog Blog, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I usually say I’m an anthropologist by training and a fiction writer for fun. Anthropology and cultural variation play an important role in my worldbuilding. I also use an ethnographic style of worldbuilding development; that means I build my world by ‘interviewing’ my characters about their daily experiences. This way, the world is always very character-focused, and the details the readers see are the ones that are most important to the characters.

More personally, I’m a dad. This particular book came from stories and jokes I told my wife when my daughter was a baby. The character’s based on my wife and the setting is inspired by the rainforest of Quintana Roo where we live. 

How do you make time to write? 

I have no freaking clue! I’ve got a kid and two jobs … but telling stories really helps me relax. It’s a huge stress reliever for me. Sometimes this is a bad thing; there have definitely been times when I should have been doing actual work but I was writing instead …

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

One thing that makes writing tricky is it requires multiple different skill sets. Generating ideas is different from apt use of grammar, which is different from understanding the flow of a story, which is different from self-editing, which is different from marketing, which is different from etc. etc.

I’ve had some success approaching each of these different problems as a puzzle. This helps me stay excited about each type of puzzle that I’m approaching. Writer’s block is a puzzle of idea generation. Something isn’t clicking in your plot. But it’s not bad; it’s a puzzle to be solved. You can make it click. When you look at it this way, there’s a lot of potential in writer’s block because it’s your chance to work on the puzzle of your plot and characters. 

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

I mostly write fantasy. I just think it’s fun, honestly. It’s so flexible, which means you can really focus on characters and their emotions. While there is certainly grim fantasy, great fantasy often radiates a sense of wonder with the world around us. While most of the manuscripts I’ve written get pretty dark, there’s always a glimmer of hope, even if the characters can’t see it. Fantasy lends itself well to those sorts of emotions.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I’m self-publishing. Because it’s such a personal story to me, I wanted the freedom to write whatever I wanted, make the cover look like I wanted, and promote it the way I wanted. I know there are some stigmas around self-publishing, and it’s also easy to get taken advantage of, but I didn’t really consider traditional publishing. 

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

Hard introvert. As far as how it affects my work, you’re very likely to find me inside working instead of going to the bar or something, so I would say it is very good for my work!

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

In terms of writing, I take a lot of inspiration from the Neil Gaiman quote;

“You can write a lot of tosh and go back and edit it later … You can’t edit a blank page.” 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Run some games of Dungeons and Dragons. This will help you with pacing and teach you how to re-rail a derailed plotline because your players will derail absolutely any plot you set in front of them. It will also teach you how much and what kind of information is important for people to be able to follow a narrative. Plus it’s fun. 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

instagram.com/z.lindsey_fiction and zlindseyfiction.substack.com

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

“My cousin believes they’ll attack on One Wyrm,” the captain said.

“One . . . Wyrm?” Essie asked as she tried to adjust the ropes around her. 

Bunts scoffed.

“Didn’t you read your briefing?” 

Essie felt the blood rush to her cheeks. 

“I read about the calendar, but it was confusing. It was like math, but it had this religious undercurrent going on. Did not like.” 

The captain squinted at her and raised his lip in distaste. 

“Bunts, tell our bureaucrat what One Wyrm is.” 

“Heh,” Bunts said. He cleared his throat, then shrugged.

The captain squinted at him, too. 

“One Wyrm is New Year’s Day.” 

“New Year’s Day, of course,” Bunts said. “Those jerks.”

“And what do you want me to do about it?” Essie asked. 

“Nothing,” the captain said. “Report that the cargo got handed over and let us go on our way.”

“And if I don’t agree, you’ll throw me off the ship,” she said.

Bunts snorted.

“Seriously?”

The captain scratched his chin. 

“To be honest, I was just hoping you’d agree. If you don’t . . .” The captain puffed up his cheeks and stared at the ceiling in thought. “I guess we’ll lock you in the brig until the weapons are safely delivered and we’re back at sea. That’ll give me a good lead on any Agency cutters.”

She tried to adjust herself in her chair, but couldn’t do much, so she frowned. Slowly she turned to Bunts and gave him her best puppy-dog eyes. 

“Can’t you undo these bonds?” 

Bunts shook his head. 

“Nuh-uh. I’m told you’re stronger than you look. And that you eat people’s hearts.”

Essie frowned. 

“Not raw.”

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AuThursday – Jasmine Hill

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

I’m an erotic romance author and have been writing and publishing my books since 2013. I’ve always loved reading and immersed myself in stories from a young age. I’m Australian but I’ve lived in India and Spain and have travelled widely. I draw on these experiences, plus those provided by life in general, combined with a healthy dose of imagination, to bring my stories to life.

How do you make time to write?

I set aside some time in the morning or afternoon to dedicate to writing. Basically, I like to reserve a few hours a day for my writing commitments. This isn’t possible for everyone but I think as long as you’re dedicated, you can find a schedule that works for you.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Definitely! For me, sometimes the words just don’t come. When this occurs, I put down what I’m working on and take some time to reassess and regroup. Sometimes, reading over what I’ve written helps, or I start working on something else for a while.

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

I write erotic romance. I’ve always loved the romance genre but I find the erotic genre so much more satisfying to read and write. Sweet romance makes me frustrated as I’m always left wanting the characters to take things to the next level. I also find that erotic romance gives me more scope and material to work with — for me, it’s exciting.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

All my books have been published traditionally, through Totally Bound Publishing. This works for me for a number of reasons. My publisher has experienced editors who work with the authors through the editorial process. They also provide cover art and cover art packs to assist with social media promotion and they help authors with advertising and promotional activities. Basically, my publisher is with me every step of the way. Traditional and indie publishing each have different benefits and/or drawbacks. As an author, you have to decide what works best for you and your creative vision.

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

Extrovert — at least I think I am. I enjoy meeting new people, going to new places, and social situations. I think this helps my writing process as I’m not shy about talking to people and I enjoy hearing their stories. Frank and open conversations can be incredibly beneficial. I also don’t mind discussing my writing and asking people’s opinions about it. Any feedback, good or bad, is always helpful.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go” — Carol Burnett

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Read as much as you can in the genre in which you want to write. But most importantly, have fun and don’t give up!

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.jasminehillromance.com amazon.com/author/jasminehill

www.totallybound.com/author/jasmine-hill

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

This is an excerpt from my latest novel (general release 5th Dec 2023). “Candy Canes and Cuffs: Sold to the Billionaire“.

Ashley trained her focus on her prey. She could tell that she’d gained his attention. His narrowed gaze hadn’t left hers, the intensity of his stare sending goosebumps skipping down her spine. The photos she’d studied of Talbot Stone had done nothing to prepare her for seeing the man in person.

His hair fell in sexy waves just past his ears. His square, stubbled jaw flexed tight as his silver gaze pierced hers, and his bespoke tux stretched taut over a broad, muscular chest that tapered to a trim waist. The photos didn’t do justice to the man in the flesh.

He smirked, a subtle tilt of his lips that was at once ominous and sexy. He had dominant alpha male written all over him—it all but seeped from his pores. This man would be formidable. A shudder of anxiety rippled through her and conversely, desire pooled in her core. Oh my God, what’s he doing to me?

The bidding started high and soon Talbot was locked in a war with another billionaire. She’d done it. She’d succeeded at gaining his interest and it seemed that he had no intentions of losing. Her head spun as the bids reached dizzying amounts. She had no time to calculate what she would receive before the next bid, her value in dollars, was barked at the auctioneer.

The room fell silent as Talbot stood, planted both palms on the table, and glared at his opponent. “Two million dollars!”

A collective gasp shook the room followed by murmurs of disbelief. Ashley couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. The highest bid thus far had been just over one million. Talbot had doubled that in one offer.

She did a quick calculation and realised in amazement that minus the ten percent that she owed the organisers, she’d pocket an astounding one point eight million dollars. Holy shit! She’d never contemplated such a sum…and all she had to do was be Talbot Stone’s submissive for a week.

Her head swam and she watched in anxiety as Talbot’s opponent shook his head and gestured to the stage. “She’s yours, Stone. Congratulations.”

The auctioneer gave a triumphant shout. “Sold! Merry Christmas!”

Talbot nodded once then turned to face her with his arm outstretched. “Come here, little sub.”

Ashley stepped off the small stage and walked on shaking legs towards him. The auction was over and so too was the adrenaline rush that had been firing her system. Just as she reached her new Dom, her legs gave out, but his reflexes were fast—quick as a flash, he swept her up into his arms.

He gazed down at her. “You need to lie down before the after-party.”

She’d forgotten about the party.

“I’d like to skip it, but it’s protocol and expected of us.” Carrying her bridal style, he started towards the door.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To my stateroom.”

“I have an assigned cabin.”

He gave her an inscrutable look. “I’m aware, but in case you’re not, you’re mine now.”

How could she forget? She’d thought, however naïvely, that she’d have a little time to herself before she had to succumb to his Dom’s demands.

AuThursday – Johny Weber

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I have been a lifelong educator, rancher’s wife, and horsewoman. Retired now, I taught for over 30 years, beginning in elementary classrooms and ending my teaching career by teaching graduate classes in university. My husband was a cowboy, cattle buyer, and rancher and we raised our children on the prairie of western South Dakota. Horses have always been a huge part of my life and still are. My first novel sat for 30 years on a shelf before I did anything with it. Now I have two novels with a third at my publisher’s and I am writing the fourth.

How do you make time to write?

My first novel was written when I had small children. I hate to handwrite or use a typewriter, so it wasn’t until I had access to a computer that I really put my stories to print. Not having a computer at the time, I wrote on some weekend nights when my cattle buyer husband was home to be with the children and I could go to my school and use the computer there. The first novel, therefore, took years. Now I am retired. I can write whenever the urge takes me.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I am sure it happens, but not to me. If I have a story fleshed out in my mind, I can put it down on paper. If not, I work on the story in my mind while I am doing something else. A lot of my stories are something I think about while driving the endless miles we have in western South Dakota. And if all else fails, I ride my horse.

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

My two published novels are historical fiction and are in a series. There is some romance within the book, but they aren’t of the romance genre. The third in the series is at my publisher and I am working on the fourth. I also have a manuscript written that is not part of the series. It is set in the early 1970s and it is centered around professional rodeo. I have editing to do on that one before I push it to my publisher. I have always loved the history of the American West so that is the type of historical fiction I write. As for the rodeo book, it is part of my husband and my early life together. It is what we lived.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

For my first novel, I used a self-publishing company. I did not like it. I found my traditional publisher, W. Brand Publishing, at the Tucson Book Festival in 2022 and sent her a proposal for the second in the series. My publisher liked the manuscript so well, that she asked for book one to read and then asked to republish it so that the books would be in a series. I like this publisher and feel comfortable with her.

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

Depending on the people I am with, I might be both or neither. I can be shy in big groups. I have lived too long in north central South Dakota to feel real comfortable in big cities.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Nothing good ever comes easy.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

If you want to write, then do it. If you want to publish, look around at the possibilities. If you don’t like what you first find, look again. Get good editors and prereaders.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

https://johnyw.com/

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

Both of my novels, Mountain Refuge and Mountain Grown, are on Amazon and the first chapter can be read there. I think pulling a section out of my novels without additional information about the characters or setting would be hard for the reader. I have many places where I go back and read myself and laugh, or cry, or just enjoy. I hope others will find their own excerpts that they love as well.

AuThursday – Dillon Bancroft

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

Writing is something that I always just *did*. In middle and high school, I wrote Harry Potter fan fiction on Quizilla (and you can’t find that anymore because Quzilla is dead.) When we were supposed to be taking notes in class, the pages of my notebooks were filled with the stories that were always in my head. I always knew I wanted to be an author, but I didn’t think I could turn that dream into a reality. And I published my first book in August 2021 and haven’t stopped!

How do you make time to write?

As an author with ADHD, the only way I CAN write is if I have a routine. During the pandemic, it was easier because I was working from home and I could write all day. My muggle job has me coming into the office every day, so now I write on my lunch breaks. When I get home, I’m a mom, so once homework is done and kids are bathed and put to bed, I’ll squeak out a few more words. On the weekends, I block out half a day and write until I have to stop and be an adult.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely I do! It’s very real and extremely discouraging.

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

Romantic Suspense is just fun. You get the best of both worlds where you’re immersed in a story where the characters are finding love, but then you get the danger and action. I love my stories with bite. I want to fall in love, and I want to be properly surprised.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I’m an indie! For me, I didn’t want to have to wait to be accepted by an agent or a publishing house. I write because I love it. And if I’m going to be bringing this book baby into the world, I want full creative control.

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

Introverted all the way. There are pros and cons. Pros: I’m happy with staying home and writing all day. Cons: I’ve definitely missed out on some experiences that some of my extroverted characters would have gone through, thus making it difficult to write something that rings true, if that makes any sense.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise!” — Maya Angelou

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Be true to yourself, and give yourself some grace.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m most active on Instagram! @authordillonbancroft or my website: www.dillonbancroft.com

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

Book: Make Me Dream (Book 1 of the Sage Creek Series)

I can’t live like this.

I quietly pull myself up from the porch swing and step on the hot pavement, the heat warming my bare feet. His wooden steps are sanded and stained a dark oak color. I pull open the storm door and gently knock on his front door before I change my mind.

My heart hammers in my chest, begging me to turn around and go back home and begging me to stay right here, all at the same time. My stomach aches in anticipation.

And to my horror, the door opens. He stands before me, shirtless. And regardless of what my mind’s image of him in this light, somehow it’s even better. Tufts of dark hair trail down the center of his stomach. He wears basketball shorts, and his bare feet are in desperate need of some sun.

“You all right, Ace?”

My eyes meet his, and I swallow the anxiety by closing the gap between us, pressing my lips to his.

And oh, shit. It feels like…heaven.

“Aria, wait—”