AuThursday – Amy Curiston

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I have worked in the Healthcare industry for 30 years then went back to college where I rediscovered my love of writing. I am a mother of four with 1 rambunctious grandbaby. Creativity has always fed my soul whether crafting, decorating cakes or writing. Many characters have lived in my head for years begging me to tell their stories. After filing countless notebooks, I finally finished my first full manuscript. I now have 3 books published on Amazon and am working on my fourth
How do you make time to write?
It is always a challenge. Between the needs of family and my day job. Evenings are my most productive time. I try to set aside two hours each night.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Certainly, there are times the story isn’t flowing. It can be frustrating. Sometimes you have to let it sit for a day or two.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
Romance is the foundation, with a focus on family dynamics and how they shape us and affect our relationships. Stories of single parenthood, redemption arcs, and later-in-life romance are part of what I’ve written. I have set my stories in the past and the present. Love is the cornerstone of life. It feeds our souls. Family, friends, and lovers are the people who give life purpose. I’m also suckered for a happy ending.
How are you publishing your recent book and why? 
I have published independently so far. The way things are anymore, agents and publishers want a story that has been edited and polished and a writer who has established a social media presence, building an audience. For me, if I am doing the work I would rather maintain control of the finished product and the timeline.
Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?
I enjoy talking to people, sharing stories, and making people laugh. Inspiration comes from many places including the people I meet. My family would say, I have never met a stranger. That said, I am also comfortable in my own company. Having time to myself is important to me to indulge my creativity.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
You can edit a bad page, but there is no editing a blank page.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Just start writing. Don’t be afraid to put your ideas on paper. Also read as much as you can. For me, free writing is a great tool to work through ideas.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share?

Amy CuristonThe sweetest torture is wanting what you can’t have.

Luke Saello walks a thin line, managing properties in Boston’s North End. He must remain cordial with the notorious Murabito family without being drawn into their illegal dealings. He could have left, returned to Miami after his girlfriend was murdered, but he is determined to find her killer. The last thing he needs is to deal with a mafia princess.

She wants to rent the old bakery space he owns and when Anthony Murabito asks; you make it happen. The woman is supposed to marry Murabito’s son Tony, who has made it clear to Luke he better keep his hands off. He figures this won’t be a problem since spoiled, vapid women were not his thing. Unfortunately, she isn’t at all what he is expecting.

Billie Palmieri has spent her life trying to distance herself from her father. When her parents divorced, she found solace with Nonna M, as all the kids had called her. She learned the joy of baking at the grandmotherly woman’s side, and now that she is grown, Billie wants to reopen the bakery that meant so much to her. That is the only reason she returned to Boston, certainly not to be manipulated and used by her father, so he can gain more power.

She has no trouble resisting Tony’s advances, but her new landlord is another story. The man looks more like an enforcer for Murabito, making her question his motives. She’s determined to keep him at arm’s length, but as trouble finds its way to her door, he insists on coming to her rescue.

Billie fights her attraction, fearing getting involved with her will put Luke in danger. Threats have been made, and she is determined to protect him, but there may be more to fear than the enemy they know.

EXCERPT

Billie

Luke stands and starts pacing the room, finally stopping in front of me and kneeling down.

  “You need to tell me. Whatever it is, I want to help.” His voice is gentle, his eyes holding mine. It’s painful to look at him, knowing I have to let him go before we even explore this.

  “I need you to stay away from me, all of you.”

  “The hell I will,” Luke grinds out as he takes my face in his hands.

   “I won’t be responsible for anyone getting hurt again.” Pushing Luke back, I run to the door, grabbing my coat on my way out. I’m being a coward, but I can’t look at any of them right now, especially Luke. Downstairs, I raise my hand to hail a cab as Luke bursts out of the building.

  “You don’t get to say something like that and then take off, Billie. We need to talk about this.” He holds one of my arms as I watch him trying to control his frustration.

  “There isn’t anything to talk about. Tony made it clear. This won’t end well for you. For all I know, he set up the break in.”

  “Well, I can’t live with you sacrificing yourself to that asshole, not when I… when we’ve gotten this close.” His hands are on my face again and he kisses me with a ferocity I haven’t felt from him before, and I can’t help but reciprocate. I want this, how he makes me feel as he presses close, lifting me from the ground, deepening the kiss. My feet dangle as I lose myself in him.

  “I’m not letting you go.” He growls against my lips, setting me back down before pulling me toward his SUV. We drive in silence back to my apartment, each glancing at the other as we process what just transpired between us. When we reach the third floor of my building, I see a simple white envelope taped to my door. 

  The tape pulls a strip of paint off the door as I take it down. Something I’ll have to touch up since my landlord here is nowhere near as attentive as the one hovering behind me.

 I unlock the door, but Luke insists on going before me to check if anything is amiss. 

  “Take it easy, cowboy. It’s probably from Falco announcing a rent increase.”

  “You know… I have a guest room,” he says, bending down to nuzzle my neck. His beard tickles as his full lips brush my skin, then I feel his teeth. “Actually, I have a king-size bed that would be much more comfortable.”

  “That’s sweet, but I would feel terrible making you sleep in your own guest room.” He growls, spinning me around to look up at him. 

  “Don’t worry, I’m not trying to rush things. Now, about you trying to get rid of me…”

  “Luke, you know the sort of people we’re dealing with. Tony was very specific. You face down in the Charles river was the image he painted and I can’t live with that.” I’m trembling with rage, a little fear mixed in for good measure. I wrap my arms around myself, squeezing hard, but I can’t make it stop. “You need to go. This isn’t good for either of us. We should just stop this before it starts.”

  “Before it starts. Are you serious? We are way past the starting line, Billie. At least I am. You telling me this isn’t real to you?” Luke is standing too close, crowding me. The smell of him, his warmth all threatens to take me under, where I’ll lose myself forever. “Well, you gonna answer me?”

  Hurt and anger flash in his eyes as he stares down at me. I continue to shake, stepping away from him, needing the space to think.
  “Please,” I whisper. I don’t even know what I’m pleading for, but he decides for me.

Luke

  This night has not gone as I expected. I wanted to shake some sense into her, but she looked so broken at that moment. Arms wrapped around herself like a shield, I didn’t think she would let me touch her. Anger welled when she said we should stop before we start. Then she uttered one word; please. So I did the thing I said I wouldn’t. I walked out on her.

  Now I’m sitting here with a half empty bottle of vodka in my hand watching the Celtics lose in overtime. How do I keep screwing things up? I know what I want, but it’s always just out of reach. With Jenny, I had the family, but not the love. With Billie, I can see the entire package. Not that I’m ready to bring the “L” word into things yet, but I already feel a deep connection with her I’ve never had with anyone else. There’s just too much bullshit circling around us. There has to be a way for us to be together without all this drama. Maybe I could talk to her father. If Joe Palmieri sees my intentions are honorable, would he intervene? Sure, and I could pitch for the Red Sox next season. Who am I kidding? Billie’s father doesn’t care what’s best for her. If he did, he never would have offered her up to a jerk like Tony.

   Who’s the jerk now? I never should have left like that. She’s scared, trying to protect everyone but herself. There has to be a way to make this right. I start a text then think better of it. I know it’s late, and she’s probably in bed, but I need to hear her voice. The line connects and I wait. Two rings, three, four, then her voicemail kicks in. Damn it. I hang up and dial again. After three tries, my gut is tied in knots. This can’t be happening again. Get a grip, Saello. She’s pissed, so she isn’t picking up. One more try. Still going to voicemail. 

  I flick off the TV, leave the bottle on my coffee table and grab my coat. Not a good idea to drive, so I hoof it the two blocks to Billie’s apartment. Looking up, there are no lights on, so she’s probably asleep. I don’t care. Could be the vodka talking, but I need to see her. At her door, I hesitate, wondering if this is a bad idea. I know it is. Knock, knock, knock. My heart kicks up as I hear the deadbolt turn. One half of her beautiful face greets me as she opens the door as far as the chain will allow.

  “It’s after midnight and I have to be up in a few hours.”

  “Please let me in. I was an idiot.”

  “You woke me up for that revelation? Wonderful. Go home Luke.” She tries to shut the door, but I jam my foot in the small space.

  “I shouldn’t have left. I know you were telling me to, but I still shouldn’t have left like that.” She studies me for a minute before telling me to move my foot. When I do, she shuts the door and I figure I’m screwed, until I hear the chain rattle. The door swings open and I face Billie in all her warm, sleepy glory, her hair snarled like she’s been restless. She’s wearing purple pajama pants with fluffy sheep all over them. The sweater she’s wearing is too big, the neck sliding down to expose one shoulder. When she catches my stare, she tries to fix it, but I’m on her in a heartbeat.

  My hands dive into her messy hair as I kiss her, dragging her against me. I kick the door shut, turning her so her back is against it, then turn the lock.

  “This isn’t over cara mia. No one is running me off, so you’ll just have to deal with it.”

AuThursday – G. A. Anderson

Gaby Side PhotoTell 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?
South 1
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?
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Cover Reveal – Cleric by Gail Haris

Title: Cleric: An Arranged Marriage
Series: The Mayhem Makers Series – MMM World Collaboration
Author: Gail Haris
Genre: Mayhem Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2023
Cover Design: CT Cover Creations



All I’ve ever wanted is my freedom.
From my boastful and controlling father.

When I discover he’s gambling away my savings at the Gold Strike casino on the muddy banks of the Mississippi River, I have no choice but to go there.
I’ve heard whispers about the eccentric man who runs it, his illusive identity as much of a mystery as what’s lurking in the shadowy swamps. He sounds more myth than man, but the moment I sit across from him, and he offers me a deal, it all becomes shockingly real.

To settle my father’s debts, the broody, handsome stranger wants me to live with him for three months.

I was ready to agree. Ready to give myself to him. Until he told me the final piece of the arrangement.

I’d have to give him a child.

A steamy, modern retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem Author Event proudly presents, The Mayhem Makers Series.
These standalone novels are brought to you by several bestselling authors, specializing in writing twisted chaos. You’ll get all the bikers, mobsters, and dark romance your heart can handle.
Follow us so you never miss a new release, as they can be added in at any time!






Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists. Using coffee and her imagination, Gail writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, small-town, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Gail enjoys living in her small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear, who is her ultimate real-life book boyfriend. When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with forbidden and crazy scenarios for her characters. Hopefully by following her dream, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality.

Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…especially the coffee. Don’t give up on coffee and books.

Learn more at gailharis.com



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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.

Cover Reveal

Title: Cougar From Hell
Series: Hellman Brothers Series
Author: Marika Ray
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Small Town Romance
Release Date: January 12, 2023
Cover Design: Jennifer Olson



I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.

Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.

It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago. It’s a long story of too many drinks, grief that made me resort to acting out, and an encounter in the dirty bathroom of a bar. Try as I might, I can’t forget that night. And now I have a name to go with that hot body.

Daxon growls at me…I irritate him with my constant social media posting. He orders me to do things…I trample all over his ridiculous commands with a smile and a choice finger in the air. He builds my house with that tool belt slung low on his hips and my cat steals his construction plans. We fit together like rain and exposed drywall.

Between insults and hot stolen kisses, Daxon and I reach a truce: to let our bodies do the talking and keep our hearts locked down. I’m older than him, which means I’m smart enough to keep a clear head. Until I realize when it comes to love, age and common sense do not go hand in hand.

This crazy town has more surprises up its sleeve to drive us apart, which makes me think this might not be our forever home after all…







 


Marika Ray is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and sweet RomComs, spending her time behind a computer crafting stories, walking any beach she can find, and making healthy food for her kids and husband whether they like it or not. Prior to writing novels, Marika held various jobs in the finance industry, with private start-up companies, and then in health & fitness. Cats may have nine lives, but Marika believes everyone should have nine careers to keep things spicy. All her books come with a money-back guarantee that you’ll smile at least once with every book.

More information can be found at www.marikaray.com



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Teaser Tuesday – Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray

o Kindle Unlimited on January 12th!
Add to your Goodreads TBR: https://bit.ly/3Gdb0Wk
💞 Ten-year age gap with an explosive mee-cute💞 Hero is the town a-hole, hired to build the heroine her dream cabin💞 Heroine is widowed and now a single mom, looking for peace, not love, and certainly not a fling💞 small town RomCom hilarity

𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘛𝘰𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦.

Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago. It’s a long story of too many drinks, grief that made me resort to acting out, and an encounter in the dirty bathroom of a bar. Try as I might, I can’t forget that night. And now I have a name to go with that hot body.

Daxon growls at me…I irritate him with my constant social media posting. He orders me to do things…I trample all over his ridiculous commands with a smile and a choice finger in the air. He builds my house with that tool belt slung low on his hips and my cat steals his construction plans. We fit together like rain and exposed drywall.

Between insults and hot stolen kisses, Daxon and I reach a truce: to let our bodies do the talking and keep our hearts locked down. I’m older than him, which means I’m smart enough to keep a clear head. Until I realize when it comes to love, age and common sense do not go hand in hand. This crazy town has more surprises up its sleeve to drive us apart, which makes me think this might not be our forever home after all…

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝘿𝙖𝙭𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙞𝙩𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘.”
#CougarFromHellMarikaRay #CougarFromHellTeaserBlast #TeaserTuesday #ComingSoon #JanuaryRelease #AgeGap #RomCom #SmallTown #MarikaRayAuthor #MustRead #TBR #EnticingJourney
Hosted by Enticing Journey Book Promotions

Cover Reveal – Alpha Mike Foxtrot by Giulia Lagomarsino

Title: Alpha Mike Foxtrot
Series: OPS Protector Romance Book 5
Author: Giulia Lagomarsino
Genre: Alpha/Protector Romance
Release Date: December 26, 2022
Cover Design: T.E. Black Designs
Photographer: Reggie Deanching – R+M Photo
Cover Model: Vince



They call me crazy, lethal—psychotic.
I’m all those things and more.
The darkness calls to me, sending me spiraling out of control.
But one woman calms me, bringing me back from the edge when I’m about to lose it.
She’s my savior in every way possible.

But she doesn’t even know I exist. Yet.

I see the way she struggles, trying to maintain her sanity.
I won’t let her go down the same path as my mother.
She won’t be another statistic.
There’s only one thing for me to do—take her.

It’s not kidnapping if you know the person.

She didn’t believe me when I said that.
But I’m not worried about it. She’ll soon find out there are worse things than being hitched to my wagon.
I’ll cherish the ground she walks on for the rest of my life, whether she’s in it or not.

She is my priority, the only reason I continue to live when the darkness takes over.

I’m not naive. Just because I want Anna doesn’t mean I can have her.
I am not a good man, but I am the man for her. I will protect her with my life, slaughter anyone that tries to take her from me.
And when an enemy threat looms, I’ll remove them just like any other baddie.

There is no surviving when The Phantom is calling to me.








I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.



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AuThursday – Barbara M. Britton

Britton- Head ShotPlease welcome Barbara M. Britton to The Clog Blog!  Barbara, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I am traditionally published in Christian Fiction. I write mostly Biblical Fiction, but I have a Contemporary Christmas Romance coming out in October. I have a breast cancer thread in the book, and I put my journey through breast cancer at the end of the book. My e-release date is October 14th–in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
How do you make time to write?
I schedule time to write. Around a book launch, I may not write as often. With social media and platform building, my writing time can get left out of the equation. I have to be diligent to make time to write. Having a critique group forces me to get pages written in order to exchange for comments.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I think it’s more a case of writer’s burnout. Or you’re stuck on a story and there’s no one to help you brainstorm options. There are definitely times in my life when I’m more productive than others. Life happens.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
I love bringing little-known Bible stories to light to help shine a light on stories that no one knows about in the Bible. In “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” I tackle the tough subject of breast cancer with a touch of humor and romance. I felt compelled to shine a light on how younger women are experiencing breast cancer. I was over fifty when cancer struck. Some cancer patients are in their twenties and thirties. Mammography is done mostly on us older gals.
How are you publishing your recent book and why? 
I’m with a traditional publisher. They have published all of my books so far. I am not opposed to being my own publisher. Technology is not my friend. The idea of formatting and interacting with sites on the web scares me. I do feel that indie publishing gives the author more freedom to publish the story in their heart.
Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?
I’m a combination. I do reach out to friends and family, but I can very easily hold up in my writing cave and not engage with the world. I like to write letters and cards to brighten someone’s day.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
You can’t fix a blank page.
I have used this phrase when my kids needed to finish writing assignments in college.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
I would give the advice I received as a newbie writer. I was encouraged to join a professional writing organization and to attend writing conferences. I had a lot to learn about the craft of writing and about the business side of writing. Classes are wonderful, but there’s nothing like sitting next to a published author and getting sage advice. Start building your network of writing friends early. I don’t know where I would be without prayer and my writing buddies.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
I have a website-barbarambritton.com    –but I am also on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and BookBub under the name Barbara M. Britton. I have to use the M in my name as there was an older movie actress that went by Barbara Britton. There is also a writer named Barbara Bretton.
Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?
ChristmasAtWhisperingCreek_w13197_680“Thank you, Cole.” She held him a little closer.
A shooting star took flight from his heart.
“For cheering me up with your humor and being cool about…well, earlier.” Her tone nose-dived.
“You mean when my old toy became a prop for discussing breast prosthetics.” He was not letting her bring embarrassment into this hug.
“No seriously.” She swayed in his arms. “I guess I’m still anxious about the cancer. I check in with my oncologist, so I feel pressure to get back to Milwaukee. It’s familiar, and well, I have to think about interviewing for a teaching contract.” She blew out a breath. “And then there’s Christmas.”
“You’re an only child. Wherever you want to be for Christmas, your parents will show up. There’s nothing like a Tennessee Christmas. You probably won’t have to shovel out your drive.” He brushed a hand through her silky hair. “And I bet you could get a few references for teaching jobs either in Whispering Creek or Sperry’s Crossing. Lucinda’s reference will be glowing.” Come on, Wisconsin Sam. Stay for Christmas and beyond.
Do you have a preferred Thursday Date?
October 20th

AuThursday – Claire Kohler

Claire Kohler
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
My favorite preschool activity was story time if that tells you anything. I’ve loved writing since I was ten years old. I wanted to pursue an English degree in college but felt it would be too hard to make a career out of writing, so I became a teacher. My husband actually encouraged me to get back into writing in 2016, and that’s when I got the idea for what became my debut novel. It took me five years from that idea to publication, but now I’m finally chasing my dream and am about to publish my second novel in October.
How do you make time to write?
I have a three-year-old and a one-year-old. I made it a habit to write during afternoon naps five days a week.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes! One of my strengths from the Clifton Strengths Finder is intellection. That means it’s important for me to turn ideas over and over in my mind. If I go too fast, I tend to get stuck or the story won’t feel right, and I’ll have to go back and think for a while until the right idea comes to me (I’m a discovery writer, so I don’t plan out my stories before I start writing them). It’s also important to soak up new information, and sometimes that means taking your nose away from the grindstone and enjoying others’ stories, so you can improve your own.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
I write historical fantasy! I’ve always enjoyed monsters and the magic of fantasy, but I also love learning about cultures from around the world. Historical fantasy allows me to blend the two, so fantasy seems like maybe it isn’t such a stretch to believe in. Maybe mythical creatures did exist once upon a time.
How are you publishing your recent book and why? 
I’m an indie author. I originally tried the traditional route, but without connections, it’s hard to get an agent. Plus, you’re limited to the type of story a publishing house wants to print. With indie, I can create what I would like to read.The Heart of Everton Inn
Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?
I’m an introvert! I love people, but working with them can be intimidating, so being an author is great. I hide away in my office/cave and create works of art that I can then share with the world.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Learn, learn, learn as much as you can, and then be brave enough to chase your dream.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
First off, there’s my website: www.clairekohlerbooks.com, but I’m also on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?
“I shall always love you, my dear bairn. Remember that, no matter what happens. And you must promise me something before I go,” the older woman whispered.
“Anything, Mum,” Briony answered.
“You must stay away from the water.”
Briony looked down at the floor, holding back tears as she tried to get a handle on herself. She couldn’t fathom why this was her mother’s dying wish, why this was so important.
Is her fear o’ the sea that strong? How can she hate it so much?
Briony felt the enigmatic pull she always did when she thought of the ocean. It called to her in a way she could neither explain nor understand. She had no reason to desire it as she did, for the sea had stolen her father from them years ago. At least, that was what her mother told her since Briony had no memory of the man.
She glanced out the window of the small cottage, wishing she could run to the waves at that very moment and escape the expectation lurking in her mother’s eyes. No matter how Briony replied, she knew she would cause misery; the only question was who would have to bear it.
She turned back to her mother, ignoring the lump in her throat as she said, “I promise.”
At hearing those words, Bethany gave Briony an earnest smile that lit up the room much more than the candles around them. Then, with a small sigh, the older woman closed her eyes and relinquished her spirit.
Briony almost felt it depart, ascending from her mother’s physical form before slipping away.
And it was at that precise moment that a series of bloodcurdling howls rang through the air. The sounds rose from just beyond Everton’s shores, filling the entire village with dread. The only person who didn’t notice them was the young woman herself, for the cries melded with her own moans of anguish as perfectly as if they had all come from the same throat.
The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore, Book 1) by Claire Kohler