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 – 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 – T.J. Fier

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Tiffany Fier, but I write under T.J. Fier. By day I’m an associate professor of set design at NDSU, and I write when I can around my hectic professorial schedule. I have several short stories in several anthologies, and my debut novel has recently been released: THE BRIGHT ONE.

What does your writing process look like?

Each project is a little different. Sometimes I put together a detailed outline primarily to get to know my characters better. Other times I pants my way through a story. Or, especially with short stories, I’ll give myself a few guiding notes and plot points and work the story around those ideas.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Depends on the project and the task at hand. Sometimes it’s incredibly energizing, and sometimes, it’s not. Sometimes the story pours out, and sometimes you need to drag it out by its ears.

 What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?

I oscillate between contemporary fantasy, dark fantasy, paranormal fantasy, urban fantasy, and horror. There is a dark undercurrent to most of my writing. It’s just how I’m wired. However, I often try to throw in a touch of irreverence to my stories or a bit of humor to keep the mood from sinking too deep.

What are your current projects?

Too many! My debut novel, The Bright One was recently released by my publisher Three Little Sisters. It’s a contemporary sci-fi/fantasy adventure with a surly unicorn named Una. I have a short story in a recently-released anthology, Seasons in the Dark, from Bisman Writers Guild. I’m reviewing edits on another short story for the second Moorhead Friends Writing Group anthology. I’m sharing the sequel to The Bright One with some of my writing group AND another story of mine is in the beta-reading phase of review.

How do you relax?

I read, hang out with furry friends, and curl up on the couch with one of my favorite “comfort shows.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

You get better the more you write. Also, having a critique partner or a writing group has been vital to my progression as a writer. Surround yourself with a support system. It takes lots of time, patience, and hard work to have success with writing.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Check out my linktree:

https://linktr.ee/tjfier

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

From the end of Chapter One of The Bright One:

“Holy crap.” 

The beast flicked a lion-like tail with a cascading plume of white hair. Long enough so strands brushed the floor. The hair shimmered fine as silk threads and light refracted off flaxen curls. A radiant blue eyes stared back at her with a mixture of fear and defiance.

Alexa’s head seemed to disconnect from her body, unable to process what stood before her. She refused to accept the creature and backed away, heart racing beneath her trembling fingers.

The smeared light couldn’t manipulate the shape she had seen, nor could it change the animal in anything but what stood before her.

It was a unicorn.

A real, live unicorn.

AuThursday – Lynda Cox

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’ve been a writer all of my life, but it wasn’t until my mid-30s that I got serious about publication. I now have 11 books published, both traditionally and as an indie. I hold a master’s degree in English that other than being a point of pride doesn’t do much for me. When I’m not writing, I raise and show collies.

How do you make time to write?

I have a set schedule. I may not be writing during that scheduled time, but at least I’m sitting at the keyboard and playing with words.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes and no. Yes, I believe outside influences can stymie the creative flow. But, there are other ways to be creative. When the words won’t come, I play around with promo images or I make beaded “bling” show leads to support my dog show addiction or I make beaded string bookmarks.

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

Under my real name, I write western historical romance, some of it very steamy. I grew up on a steady diet of Westerns and John Wayne movies. I love that so much of that time period seemed to be cut and dry/black and white. It wasn’t because that’s the romanticized version of the Old West, but there is a bit of comfort in holding on to that romanticized ideal. Under my pen name Linnea Fletcher, I write fantasy romance with my writing partner McKayla Jade. That stuff is VERY spicy.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

The most recent is under the pen name. It’s called *Monster* and it is indie published. I like the control that is open to indie authors as well as the significant lack of a time lag between acceptance by a publishing house and actually publishing said book.

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

I’m an extreme introvert. Writing under my own name, I struggle with certain “smexxy” scenes. Writing under my pen name takes away that struggle. I can be an extrovert. I can be outgoing and push the boundaries of my comfort zone.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Actually, I have two and both are believed to be attributed to Ernest Hemingway. The first one is

“The first draft is always sh*t.”

The second is

“Write drunk. Edit sober.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up. I signed my first book contract when I was working on my master’s degree when I was 37. Keep writing. Keep cultivating a reader base. Don’t stop writing. The world needs your unique voice because you’re the only one who can tell your story.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

On FB at https://www.facebook.com/LyndaJCox,

on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Lynda-J-Cox/e/B009LW3JZ6,

on my web page at http://www.lyndajcox.com/

For my “alter ego” Linnea Fletcher:

on FB at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058297754556,

on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-Fletcher/e/B082W15DTV

AuThursday – Barbara M. Britton

Please 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q5Jh1cT3Hc

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

“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 – Katherine Brown

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

I’m a book-obsessed mom raising a book-obsessed toddler and a great teen while trying to carve out time to write and occasionally shower. I live in Texas and love spending time with my husband and family. Also, there is no such thing as too much chocolate.

How do you make time to write?

I cram all of my writing in when my two-year-old daughter is napping or the one day a week she stays with my mom.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in writer’s procrastination and in tired brains that find creativity hard, at least for myself.

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

I’ve written a few genres. Primarily cozy mystery, a few kids mysteries, short sweet romance, and am preparing to publish my first steampunk mystery/adventure. One thing all of my works have in common is that they are clean fiction meaning fade to black and minimal to no swearing etc. I want any age to be able to enjoy them and I want to model my personal values for my daughters even when I write. With mystery, I love it because you can follow the trail and still be surprised by the ending even if you are the writer in my experience.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie and probably because I’m too impatient to wade through years of potential rejections before being able to offer my story to book lovers everywhere.

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

An introvert who can mingle and hold conversations with no problem but finds too much peopling to be exhausting and also struggles to market my books because I hate to be “pushy” or “selly” lol.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Do something today you will thank yourself for tomorrow is probably one of them.

Another is Psalm 46:5

God is within her she will not fail. Even when I feel like I’m failing, I remind myself I can’t see the future or even the whole picture of now; if I’m pursuing my writing with the creativity I was given, then I’m blessed.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write. Then write more. Don’t stop even if you have to work another job. You can’t edit a blank page or publish an idea. Write it and figure out what to do with it when you get the chance.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.instagram.com/katherinebrownkatie

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-h-brown

https://www.amazon.com/Katherine-Brown/e/B078J72H8M

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

“A woman who can still give orders when she’s scared; just what I need.” He pulled a cutlass from the scabbard at his side. Pushing Marie further back, he swung and smoothly severed the head from the wriggling creature. Not that decapitation ceased the wriggling.

Marie closed her eyes. It was one of the things she hated about the wily little devils, snakes didn’t have the decency to just die and be still.”

~An excerpt from my steampunk mystery coming in 2022!

AuThursday – V. Mull

Please welcome V. Mull to the Clog Blog.  Virginia, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Virginia, but I go by the pen name V. Mull. I’ve been telling stories since I was five and writing them since I was old enough to. Being a published author was my dream. I had to put it on hold because of life – I got married and had three amazing kids, but something was missing. I finally figured it out. I NEEDED to write, to create. And so I did.

How do you make time to write?

It’s so hard to write when you have the constant needs of those around you. The questions, the noise – it pulls you out of the world you’re creating. But there are ways around that. I use notebooks, of which I have multiple in every room, to jot down ideas that flash through my mind while folding laundry or making lunch. Then, when I do get an hour or two of quiet, I’m able to glue those ideas together.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I sure do! Writer’s block isn’t the lack of motivation or inspiration, it’s not even laziness. It’s when you have all the tools to write – you have the need – the want – to write, yet forming sentences, even words is difficult!

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

Fantasy romance. Oh, the magic, the creatures born of magic, the amazing relationships between characters – I live for it. Gail Carson Levine (author of Ella Enchanted) was my first inspiration for creating such worlds. And I’m a sucker for a good Jane Austen love story, so I mix the two together.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie. I was always against self-publishing, only because I didn’t understand it. But I knew how long the wait could be if I chose traditionally, so I decided to take the expensive fate into my own hands. It’s hard, so hard. But I’m happy.

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

I suppose introvert, though I’m not a fan of labeling myself as such. I have extrovert tendencies with certain people and in certain situations, but I need to recharge for at least half a week. I suppose, from the description of an extrovert, being an “introvert” helps me immensely because I really don’t mind being alone. I prefer it at least 80% of the time, which gives me the time to write and create (if I didn’t have the kids, of course)

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

JUST DO IT – Shia LaBeouf.  It was the first thing to come to mind, to be honest!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Practice makes perfect! Cliché, absolutely. But true! I could never understand the saying because in everything I tried I simply couldn’t do better. But with writing? You can physically SEE the progress. Write something. Write more and more. Then look back on your old work and I promise you will see a difference.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

World Wide Web sounds terrifying! And it is, for an author. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and my website (where you can find all social media links) authorvmull.org

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

Again, they laughed like angels. “We all get angry, Nathalia. It’s what you are angry for, and how you choose to react after making a mistake that makes you pure. Your sensitivity is not a weakness, no matter how many tears you shed. You feel to your very core, and that, my child is strength.”

~Excerpt from my upcoming novella, The Secrets of Gelid Lake

AuThursday – Emersyn Park

Please welcome Emersyn Park to The Clog Blog!  Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’ve always loved to write: plays, poetry, and stories. Covid kept me from leaving the house so I decided to check something off of my bucket list. Turns out people liked my boredom buster.

How do you make time to write?

The best time of the day for my imagination is at night when the house is quiet and no one “needs” me.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, I can’t force imagination or creativity. Some people can, but I work best with no pressure. Writer’s block for me happens when I push it.

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

My first two books are Women’s Fiction, leaning toward family drama. I hate drama in my real life, but love to create it on paper.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Initially, I wrote “He Loves Me, She Loves Me Not” just for myself. No intention of sharing it with the world. But a good friend encouraged me to publish it- I did self-publishing because I had no idea that it would progress this far.

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

Before Covid, I would have said EXTROVERT for sure. But now I hate to make plans to leave the house. I would like to believe I am more selective of who I spend my time with.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write the book!!! Don’t make excuses.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

EmersynPark.com

AuThursday – Mia Sivan

Please welcome Mia to the Clog Blog!  Mia, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an Israeli who writes in English, and I wrote a romance novel set in Tel Aviv. The book is based on actual events that occurred in the Israeli financial market, and it draws from my experience as an investment manager.

How do you make time to write?

I am now writing almost full-time.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

It happened to me – so yes. But I found a way to get out of it (I’m willing to expound).

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

Steamy romance. I love it because there is always a HEA – BUT! since it’s established that all will end well I can raise social issues that are important to me and discuss them.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie. I wanted full control over the content.

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

I’m more an introvert than anything else, but not really.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Even five written words a day – are words.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Persevere.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

https://www.amazon.com/author/miasivan

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

First kiss:

“I want to kiss you before I go.” Her eyes finally smiled at him, and he didn’t wait for a more literal consent. He caught her lovely mouth, the mouth that he’d been fantasizing about for months on end. She tasted like honey, sweet and rich. He made a small, needy noise, and maybe she made one too.

Her hands held his face in place, bossy, so Kelly-like, and she angled her head just a bit and demanded his surrender, which he gave so willingly.

Then he asked her for a little bit more, diving in a little bit deeper, darting his tongue, asking for her capitulation. Which, incredibly, she gave.

Slava moaned pitifully.

He wished so badly, for so long, for her lips, and now he had it and he wished he hadn’t. They were like a black hole, these lips, swallowing light and reason. He stopped thinking, he couldn’t tell how it had happened, but he was hoisting her with his arms, laying her on the sofa, and kissing her some more—on her neck, her shoulders, then coming back again and again to her addictive lips. His leg gathered her to him, his hand cradled her head, drawing her closer, nestling her in his arms, the long, dangling earrings tangling in her hair. He pulled up for air.

AuThursday – Joseph P. Garland

Welcome to The Clog Blog, Joseph.  Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Native New Yorker. Lawyer.

How do you make time to write?

I have flexible hours.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. I find walks, though not on a beach necessarily, is good for clearing the head.

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

I write contemporary and historical (mostly early Gilded Age) fiction, mostly set in and around New York.

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?

Coming up empty.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write for yourself.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

DermodyHouse.com