AuThursday – Stella Stevenson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

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

How do you make time to write?

When my kids are sleeping.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely.

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

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

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

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

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

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

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

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

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

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

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

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

AuThursday – M.K. Chester

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

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

How do you make time to write?

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

Do you believe in writer’s block?

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

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

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

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

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

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

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

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

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

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

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

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

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

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

My latest paranormal series blurb:

Welcome to Midheaven.

Where heaven and earth collide.

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

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

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

AuThursday – 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 – Cynthia Terelst

Welcome Cynthia Terelst to The Clog Blog!  Cynthia, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I work full-time as a Document Controls Manager. I loved reading as a child and began writing in earnest when I was a teenager. I wrote my first novel when I was sixteen. It is still unpublished but I do work on it every now and then.

How do you make time to write?

I am very structured. My day job takes a lot out of me, both mentally and time-wise. I write after work and on weekends. I am fortunate that I don’t have any children at home. Writing is me time. I try to do it every day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. I am sure that a lot of authors feel stuck at times. When I do, I try to just keep writing. Even if it’s just a few words. It helps me think about what is coming.

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

I write contemporary romance. I have always enjoyed reading romance, even as a teenager. Back then the books I read were more sweet, nothing more than a kiss. I love romance because it gives you feel-good vibes. Love is what makes the world go around.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

All of my books are indie published. The traditional route did not meet the speed at which I wanted to publish. Indie is a big investment in time and money but I feel that it is worth it. I don’t skimp on anything – covers, editing, proofreading – because I want to give my readers the best possible book.

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

I’m a bit of both. I am a shy person unless I am confident in a situation. I don’t think it affects my writing.

Sometimes being quiet allows you to read situations. But when you are an extrovert you can be in the middle of those situations.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Today’s is –

You are your only limit

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Practice, practice, practice. Learn, learn, learn. Get feedback on your writing. It will help you become a better writer.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

cynthiaterelst.com

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

The four of us were ready to leave camp. Rosanna and Mak each had a towel and book ready to hit the beach to read. I was disappointed Mak wasn’t joining us. As we walked past them, I paused. I leant in to give her a kiss. My lips embraced hers, once, twice, tasting as much as I dared. She tasted good, like bacon and the sweet taste of Makayla.

I wanted her to know that although I was leaving there was a promise of my return and more kissing to come. Could all that be conveyed in one kiss?

“Enjoy your book,” I said as her eyes met mine.

“Thanks.” She gave me a small smile. Her complete attention was on me, like no one else existed. I wanted another kiss but that would be overkill. I walked away. I don’t know what possessed me to kiss her. Sure, I’d kissed plenty of women before. But nothing like that. Nothing meaningful.

The people making the footsteps behind me were silent. I knew each of them would have something to say but not one of them uttered a word. Not until we hopped into the four-wheel drive.

“What was that?” Manny asked from the front seat.

“What was what?”

“Don’t be difficult. That kiss.”

Nicki who sat next to me turned her face to mine, as did Harrison beside her.

“It was a kiss. No big deal.”

“Since when do you and Mak kiss?” Nicki stared at me like she was trying to decipher unexpected results from an experiment.

“Since we decided it was a fun thing to do.”

“In all the years I’ve known you, I have never seen you kiss someone like that,” Harrison said.

“Time to try something new.”

Nicki sat back and stared straight ahead. She clutched her hands in her lap. Then she looked at me again. “I hope you’re not playing her. Mak spent ten years with the wrong person. I don’t want to see her hurt because you think she’s a good experiment, or just something frivolous and fun.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“What did you mean then?”

“Mak’s different to anyone I’ve ever met.”

“We’re all different to anyone you’ve ever met.” Jeez she was a hard task master. I thought she was all for this with the way she and Rosanna acted. Maybe they were all for it until there was risk of Makayla getting hurt. A kiss wasn’t a promise of forever or even ten years. We weren’t putting our hearts out there, just our lips. Of course, it was just our lips…

I needed to show Nicki what I meant about Makayla being different.

“She can be so distant one moment, stubborn to a fault. And then she loses control. Something comes out and I see a glimpse of the person hiding beneath.” Were these words actually coming out of me? I sounded love struck…but I was nothing of the sort.

AuThursday – Becca Turner

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an author from southwestern Missouri, but I spent the first couple of years of my life in a small town an hour north of Oklahoma City. Somehow I got stuck with an Okie accent and I really love Green Country. I noticed that a lot of contemporary western romances are set in Texas. I was like, okay, but Oklahoma has its fair share of cowboys, so I decided to set a book series in a fictional town near Tulsa. Now I can’t stop writing about cowboys.

How do you make time to write?

I write in Google Docs on my phone. I basically have a word processor anywhere I go. I’ve been known to write while standing in long shopping lines, in restaurants, in cars, and pretty much everywhere.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. Sometimes I just don’t feel like writing, but I find it’s mostly due to real-life stress or a lack of connection with the characters.

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

Specifically contemporary western romance. I used to write historical westerns and even paranormal western romance, but in the last couple of years, I’ve focused on contemporary. When I was 16, I co-wrote a contemporary western romance with a friend. It never made it to publication, but the story stuck with me. In 2017 (almost twenty years later) another friend invited me to write for a boxed set. So I rewrote the first one, changed a bunch of stuff, and now there are six novellas and five novels in my Only an Okie Will Do series. The next novel should be coming out in late July.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I publish everything indie. I signed on with a couple of houses a few years ago, but three went under and I couldn’t see eye to eye with an editor at another. I like being my own boss. It’s also opened up pathways for me to learn book formatting. I also have several works published on a visual novel app called Chapters. It’s been a huge learning curve to create visual characters and get the text on there, but it’s really cool to see the stories come to life. And the readers here are so supportive and wonderful.

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

Definitely an introvert. It gives me a lot of time to write.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent. – Jean Kerr

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Writing isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always fun. It’s full of hardships and disappointment and days of staring at your blank earnings dashboard. But when you touch someone with your words, you know you’re in the right place. Use that to keep going, because if you’re truly meant to be a writer, even after long breaks and slumps and swearing you’re done for good, you’re not done. A reader once told me she was bawling at 12:30 at night over the ending of my book. It moved me to tears because I was amazed that she felt so strongly over my characters. If I’d never gone back to my computer after the last time I said I was done, I’d never have gotten that message, and so many more like it, from readers.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

http://beccaturnerbooks.wordpress.com

FB: @beccaturnerbooks

Insta: @beccaturnerbooks

Chapters: BTBooks

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

This is from my first novel in the Only an Okie Will Do series, Cowboy Kind of Trouble.

“Life’s not fair.” He slapped the side of the wheelchair. “So I guess I’ll sit my pathetic ass in the house all day from now on so you can keep an eye on me.”

“Wait. Listen to me, please?” She skirted Cielo and moved swiftly to Will’s side. “I didn’t panic because I didn’t think you couldn’t or shouldn’t go somewhere. I worried because…because I care what happens to you.”

His expression didn’t soften. “Why?”

“For the same reason you care that I’m upset after Ronni texts me. I guess we’re friends and we want each other to be all right.” She didn’t want to admit she was attracted to him. That maybe her concern went beyond caretaker and client. Because if she was honest with herself, before Will, her life had felt a lot emptier.

“Because I’m a paycheck.” He stared past her. “If you let me get hurt or killed, you’re out of a job. Maybe permanently.”

“Don’t say things like that. That’s not it.”

He stared sullenly at the pasture. “Right. Whatever. Go back to what you were doing before I messed everything up. Again.”

“Will Baxter, be quiet.”

“Why should I? I know you’d have told me where to stuff my attitude if you could’ve after the first day you were here.” He avoided her gaze. “I’m the last person you—or anyone—wants to deal with. Just admit it.”

She kneeled beside him and put her hand on his bicep. With a few words, she’d wrecked his confidence. “You don’t know everything.”

His back was straight, shoulders square, jaw tight. “I know the truth when I see it. Maybe we’d both be better off if you left for the day.” His comment stung, as he meant it to.

“You’re throwing up that wall to prove to yourself that you’re not worth me caring about you. Well, you’re wrong, just like you were when I first started coming here. I’m not going anywhere.” She leaned forward, her stomach pressed against the arm of his chair. Her face was inches from his. “I do care about you. More than I should.”

“Why?” His voice was a dry whisper.

“I can’t help myself.” She pressed her hands to either side of his face and pulled him closer. Damn it anyway. She kissed him, throwing the rules out the door once again. He pushed his fingers into her hair, holding her close. As though he was hungry for her kiss. As though he’d given it considerable thought. The same way she had. When she wasn’t dreading more bad news from Ronni, she thought about Will. About how they’d talked. How he laughed.

AuThursday – Kathryn Halberg

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I write spicy, contemporary romances that take place largely in the Cincinnati area, where I’m from. When not writing, I work full-time for a local university and am an unpaid shuttle driver for my children’s various sporting activities 😉

How do you make time to write?

Insomnia.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Not in those words, but I sometimes have to pause to wait for a character to better develop in my mind, and find out more about what they really want.

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

I was always told to write what you know. There’s nothing I know more than the here and now! I love to write contemporary romances that feature strong, independent women in fairly realistic situations. I try to avoid drama for the sake of drama.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Both (Indie and Traditional) – I just published the second book of my trilogy with GenZ Publishing, and am self-publishing the third book of the series to learn the ropes. I attended a 20Books conference last fall that really made me want to examine my options.

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

Ambivert. I grew up a full-fledged introvert and parenting has made me come out of my shell a bit more. This helps me be able to better grasp the needs of my characters.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Like a good wine, let your work breathe before you enjoy it again. My best work comes when I edit a manuscript at least six months after I wrote it.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

KathrynHalberg.com and @KathrynHalberg on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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

She grabbed a soft pretzel and lemonade and waited for Carlie to show. Why was it that shopping depression meant eating more carbs, which increased the likelihood of more shopping depression? It’s a vicious cycle, she thought as she tore off another bite of buttered therapy. It really wasn’t fair. She had hella good body image and loved her curves, but put her in a dressing room and her self-esteem fled like an autobahn speed demon.

AuThursday – Beck Grey

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an LGBTQ+ Contemporary Romance author with a day job to pay the bills and have insurance. I live in the NE USA and have two adorable fur babies. When I’m not working or writing I love to listen to audiobooks, play D&D, print and paint minis for D&D, and play RPG video games.

How do you make time to write?

I write on my lunch hour, most evenings, and on the weekends. I’m very picky with how I spend my time because writing is important to me, so I try not to participate in activities I don’t find rewarding because I’m usually wishing I could be writing instead.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. It’s real and has many different reasons. The trick is to find out what that reason is and fix what you can and accept what you can’t. I couldn’t write a thing during a certain four-year period when things were very scary in the world.

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

I write LGBTQ+ Contemporary Romance. As a non-binary person, typical mainstream romances don’t represent me or how I’d like to envision my HEA. I enjoy reading stories that more closely reflect my self-image and ideal and LGBTQ Romance does that for me. I also think it allows authors to leave the stereotypical baggage behind that usually accompanies MF romance.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’m an Indie published author because my genre still isn’t widely acknowledged or accepted by trad publishing, and LGBTQ+ Romance has a strong grass-roots base that is incredibly supportive and vocal.

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

I’m an introvert until I’m with my people. Put me in a room full of strangers and you’ll find me in the corner with the kids or the dog. Put me in a room full of my friends and you’ll never believe I’m an introvert. It actually helps me work because I don’t have a lot of motivation to go out and socialize. It leaves a lot of time for writing! 😀

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

In typical nerd fashion, it’s Yoda’s

“Do…or do not. There is no try.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Find a group of like-minded authors and support each other. There is nothing like going through an experience with people who are at the same stage of career development as you are experiencing. There is an incredible amount of empathy and knowledge-sharing that can happen in a group like that. The support is incredible.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Www.beckgrey.com

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

This is from my new book Embrace Me. It’s the story of Quinn MacDougall, a hearing man unsuccessfully trying to juggle his career and the demands of a large family with romance, and Tadhg Byrne, a Deaf man doubting his instincts and fighting to make it in the Hearing world.

Embrace me is a 95,000-word contemporary MM romance about language barriers, loving but demanding families, crappy bosses, and sexy guys in speedos. It contains no cheating and a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

I glance back at Tadhg to find him watching me curiously. I drain my beer and jump up. ‘Need another. You want one?’

He finishes his bottle and stands. ‘I’ll come with you.’

Oh. Okay. That’s. Fine? Sure. It’s fine. We’re just two people who work together, getting a beer. Together. As co-workers. I spin on my heels and hurry into the kitchen, with Tadhg trailing behind me. I toss my empty bottle into the recycle bin and pull two fresh beers out of the fridge. When I spin around, Tadhg is so close I have to lean back so I don’t bump into him. “Oh!” His beautiful blue eyes look into mine and it sucks all the air out of the room. I stand there like an idiot holding a beer in each hand, panting as if I’ve just run a mile flat out.

He gently pulls one bottle from my hand and carefully opens it, his eyes never leaving mine. I hadn’t even noticed he’d picked up an opener. He hands the opened beer back and takes the second one, repeating the process just as easily, like he does this solely by touch all the time. It’s kinda hot.

We stand there, so close I can feel warmth rolling off his body, and he smells so damned good I want to press my face into his neck and inhale lungfuls of him. His gaze drops to my mouth and then snaps back up to meet my eyes. And oh god, he’s going to kiss me. He leans forward and I move closer, unable to fight his pull.

AuThursday – Raleigh Damson Snow

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hi! I’m Raleigh, from Northern Ontario and a homeschooling mama bear to two. I thrive on coffee.

How do you make time to write?

Just like I make the time for anything else–it’s another ball to juggle. Sometimes that means getting up at 5 and joining in the #5AMWRITERSCLUB , sometimes that means saying, “in twenty minutes” to certain requests from my cubs.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I think “writer’s block” is over hyped to the point where it has lost a lot of meaning. I think there are certain things in life that can cause you not to have access to your creative brian…I couldn’t write for three years after I experienced trauma and loosing that part of myself was a loss. Regaining it took time.

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

I am writing Steamy BDSM Contemporary Suspense Romance! I love that I get to play with fantasies, I love there is always a sense of danger lurking and most of all, I love giving readers the HEA they expect.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie! It took me a long time to get here-to releasing books in a series and I want all the control.

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

Introvert! It affects my work because I work best if I can be immersive, in a silence house, lol-tand that doesn’t happen often.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

“Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” -Dorris Lessing.

These words remind me that there isn’t always going to be a quiet house or a good time or the dishes done, or other responsibiliteis I can put off…so I have to write, now however and whenever I can.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m most active on twitter @DamsonSnow

AuThursday – Shannon O’Connor

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a twenty something bisexual single mother from New York. I started writing full time during the pandemic and started publishing poetry in 2018, with my first romance novel in 2021.

How do you make time to write?

This is something I’m still figuring out, I honestly write when the creativity strikes.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I do! It hits me more often than I’d like.

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

Poetry and Contemporary Romance. Poetry is something that has always been there for me and gives me a way to let out my feelings. It helps me process everything I’m feeling and heal. Contemporary romance is something newer for me. I’ve always written growing up but lately I have all these ideas and stories to tell that really feels like an escape. They’re stories I wish I had growing up or character’s who’s stories I feel I need to tell.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie! I like the control that indie publishing has. Being able to be in complete control of each step is really important to me.

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

Extrovert. I like to think this positively affects my work because I will go out and look for new experiences to be able to write about them first hand.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

You got this. (something my mother has always said)

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing, take breaks but then keep writing & write the story you wish you could read.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Website: https://shanoconnor.com

twitter: https://twitter.com/Shan_OConnor14

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/shan_oconnor_/

FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shanssquad

FB PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorShanOConnorhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorShanOConnor

TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@shanoconnor_?lang=en

AMAZON PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-OConnor/e/B07DJ4LPM9/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18091746.Shannon_O_Connor

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shannon-o-connor

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

From my upcoming short story Christmas Sweets featured in the anthology, A Taste of You:

If there’s one thing to know about me it’s this; I hate Christmas. I’m not like a Grinch or anything, I’ll get the ones I love presents, spend the holidays with my family, but I just hate what it brings out in some people. I own a bakery and I have never seen people more hostile than they are at Christmas time. Something about the holidays bring out the worst in people. Because of this, I normally spend most of November and December in the back of the cafe. I’ll busy myself with paperwork, baking cookies, frosting cakes, anything to keep me from interacting with customers.

Except half my staff caught the flu this week so I’ve been forced to take charge of the counter. I guess that’s what I get for being in charge. I’ve already had several customers tell me they wouldn’t be coming back. Another customer angry that we don’t make cakes from scratch on the spot for their children’s birthday party they forgot to order a cake for.

I’m quickly making it through the line of customers asking for pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin flavored desserts. It’s one of our biggest sellers this time of year, and I can’t say I blame them, it’s one of my favorites too. Most other places give up on Pumpkin after October but this is when it really thrives. Half our front case is decked out in pumpkin flavored cheesecake, muffins, bagels, donuts, bread, and cake.

Although I do miss when just two weeks away I was decorating jack o lanterns and tombstones. Halloween is a much better holiday in my opinion, the chance for you to dress up with no fear or expectations. The day where it’s okay to be the most exuberant you, you can be. I sigh as I finish wrapping up a pumpkin cheesecake and pass it to the customer to pay. She thanks me with a smile and I’m silently grateful for her patience.

AuThursday – Paris Wynters

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a multi-racial author who lives in NY. I have been a Pitch Wars mentor for four years. I am also a search and rescue canine handler.

How do you make time to write?

I make time to write to write by planning my days. Life always gets in the way but when I have things planned out I am more able to adjust then when I don’t.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely. For me it can be due to stress, health, and even trying to hard.

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

I mostly write contemporary romance. I absolutely love it because I get to explore bits of the human condition, explore and represent the mixed race experience as well as some of the struggles with being disabled. And I absolutely love having happily ever afters.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Most of my books are traditionally published. I am currently working on a novel that will be self published because it falls into a series where my rights were reverted back to me. But I do have another new story I am working on that I hope will be going on submission soon.

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

Introvert. It becomes hard to interact with people and ask for help. I find that it ends up being tougher for me to get that writer support group bc I feel awkward. But when I’m comfortable around people I do become more extroverted.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Do what works for you.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Everyone works differently. No one way is correct, so don’t force yourself to do something that doesn’t work for you even if 90% of everyone else is doing it. If writing every day doesn’t work for you, that’s fine.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Www.pariswynters.com

on IG and Twitter: @pariswynters

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

“Get your stuff,” Qara called over her shoulder, looking back at her grandmother and sister while grabbing for the door handle…only to hit something else. She spun her head forward, her gaze jerking down to see her gloved hand sitting atop another glove. A much larger one and suddenly felt the presence of a large body to her left.

She yelped, jumped, and slipped on an icy patch of sidewalk. A pair of strong hands landed on her shoulders. Steadying her. She lifted her gaze to meet a pair of dazzling blue eyes. Then, the rest of him registered. Tall. Broad shouldered. Cheekbones for days.

Qara blinked and tried to regain her focus, while her heart gave an unsteady thump. “I’m sorry, I thought the cab was pulling over for me.” The man smiled at her before releasing her shoulders and stepping back. He rubbed his chin, a motion that brought Qara’s attention to his sandy-blond beard. Her pulse fluttered again. She’d always been a sucker for a rugged man with facial hair. Apparently that appreciation extended even to taxi thieves.

The man turned up the collar of his wool coat and yanked his knit hat over his ears. “It’s okay. I can hail another one.”

Great. Now she felt bad for accusing him of being a thief. Even if she had done it silently. Qara fiddled with her purse strap and nodded, still feeling a little dazed. Was it just her, or did this guy look like Charlie Hunnam’s younger brother?

While she debated that very important fact, a familiar voice cut through the air. “Nonsense. Where are you heading?” Emee said.

The man turned to face her grandmother. “The Shangri-La Hotel.”

“What a coincidence,” Rose said. She lifted her eyebrows at Qara, and the corners of her mouth tipped up.

Qara’s eyes widened. Oh, no. She knew that look on her sister’s face all too well. Now was not the time for Rose to get involved in her dating life—or lack of one. Enough was said a few days ago at their grandmother’s birthday dinner, and she needed to put an end to this before her sister got any bright ideas. Like playing matchmaker.

Before she could protest, though, her sister piped up again. “That’s where we’re heading. Why not join us? We can all squeeze in.”