Tag Archives: Resplendence Publishing
First Friday Lunch – The Courtesan of Constantinople
This month I’m talking about the process of querying, rejections and why I chose a small press for this project.
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AuThursday – Kara O’Neal
Please welcome my fellow Resplendence Writer Kara O’Neal to the Clog Blog. Kara – Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’m a teacher with three children who are kind people and talented artists. I’ve been married to a wonderful man for almost twenty years, who is also a talented artist. I have always been an avid reader, loving books written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Carolyn Keene, and Louisa May Alcott then on to Jane Austen, Mary Balogh and a plethora of others. My active imagination, which got me into trouble in school because I was often day dreaming, got to work and eventually I wrote my own story. I never thought I’d be an author. It didn’t even cross my mind until after I’d graduated college. But that’s the grand thing about life. A person can decide to do anything at any time. I’m so grateful I’ve had this opportunity.
How do you make time to write?
I write just about anywhere. That’s the only way I get it done. I’ve written in the car, in doctors’ offices, waiting for one of my children to come out of rehearsal, in those few minutes before meetings start, and while I’m cooking supper. Whenever I have a free moment, I’m writing.
What are your current projects?
I have finished the 10th book in the Pikes Run Series – The Cowboy’s Embrace – and I’m preparing to send it to my editor soon. I have also finished my 11th book in the series, but it still needs to go through the critique process. It also doesn’t have a title. (Yikes!)
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
For me, it’s making sure they sound like men. Sometimes I can have a male character explain something with flowery language and several sentences, but when I go back and read it, I realize it’s way too much. Short and sweet – that’s what I say to myself when a male character is talking about feelings or working through some sort of conflict. It usually helps.
Are you an Introvert or Extrovert? How does this affect your work?
I’m an introvert until I get to know the person or environment then I’m comfortable and can be the “life of the party”. For the most part though, I’m quiet. Therefore, this makes it hard to talk about myself and to market myself. I don’t want to do it, so I usually steer away from social media and other avenues of a similar nature.
What is your Kryptonite?
Hmmm. Well, with writing it would have to be the television show, Once Upon A Time. If I turn that show on – usually through Netflix or Hulu – nothing will get done. I can’t tear myself away from the love story of Emma Swan and Captain Hook. (Even though I’ve seen the episodes a million times!) And now I’m blushing because y’all know how much I watch it!
So, when it’s time to write, I can’t have that show playing in the background.
My other weakness would be rain. When it’s raining outside, all I want to do is stay under the covers and write or read or watch a movie.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep writing. Finish the book. Even if you know it’s terrible. The best thing you can do for yourself is finish, because the only way to get better is to edit and revise your current work. If you delete or tear up what you’ve done because it’s awful, you’re only going to be in the same spot you were before. Keep going. Write so you can revise. Then once you’ve finished, find a critique group so they can tell you how awful it is, and you can figure out how to fix it. It’ll be hard to hear, but it’s so worth it.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
A few places! Here are the links:
My website: www.karaoneal.com.
My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o’neal?_requestid=845025
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor
Do you have a sexy teaser you’d like to share with us?
I sure do! The following is from Love’s Promise – Book 6 in the Pikes Run Series.
She bit down on her back teeth, needing to find some semblance of control. It was as if she felt his lips running over her flesh, and she had the distinct impression he would lick every part of her if given the chance. And she suddenly wanted to give him that chance.
Join me Saturday when we read an excerpt from Kara’s book THE EDITOR’S KISSES. ~Tina
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AuThursday – Tina Holland (me)
I figured since today was my birthday and I’d already have comments on FB and Twitter (at least I hope I do), it might best serve to hog the spotlight, so next week another author can have the limelight to themselves. 🙂 I’ve sent an FB interview out a few weeks ago, so the format below will feel very familiar.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I was born on October 26th (today) in Frankfurt, Germany. We moved to North Dakota when I was seven, and I have lived here ever since. I married my high school sweetheart and we currently live on a hobby farm with two horses, two dogs, a cat, a catfish and a parrot.
How do you make time to write?
I have a full-time job, so I tend to write in the evenings or on the weekends. I’ve written before work and on my lunch hour too when I’m trying to finish a project.
Do you believe in Writer’s Block?
I do. Not in the sense of I’m just not feeling it, but in the sense that a life-event can interrupt your flow on a project. I believe stress creates true writer’s block. Writing yourself into a corner or reigniting passion for a project can be fixed.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
I write in both contemporary and SFFP (Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Paranormal) subgenres of romance. I love writing contemporary, because it makes for a quick write, as it doesn’t require the level of world building that SFFP does. SFFP is fun to write because I love exploring legends, myths, and fairy tales, putting your own twist in for readers is wonderful. They say you should write what you read. I love historicals, but have not tackled them because I’m so intimidated by the history aspect. When I discovered Steampunk, which usually requires changing history and including fantasy elements I knew I discovered a niche that I’d love.
How are you publishing your recent book and why? (e.g. Indie, traditional or both).
I just finished a Steampunk Novel, titled The Courtesan of Constantinople and am currently seeking representation for the traditional publishing market. I’ve been digitally published in the past with both Liquid Silver Books and Resplendence Publishing, but am looking for a different (and hopefully expanded) market for my current story.
Are you an Introvert or extrovert? How does this affect your work?
I’m an Extrovert. I learned recently that how you get your energy is what determines whether you’re an Introvert or an Extrovert. I get mine from people. It makes it very easy to write in noisy (like coffee houses) environments.
What is your favorite motivational phrase? 
“Just keep swimming.” ~Dory from Finding Nemo. It’s simplistic but when I don’t feel like writing, it puts my butt in chair. I have a goal to write 200 words a day, knowing if I write 200, I’m just as likely to write 500 or more.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
No one cares more about you and your story than you do. I think knowing yourself and what you want out of writing is the most important thing you can do for your story.
Creating a work of fiction is a tremendous success and what you want when you in type “The End” is just as important as publishing (if that’s what you want). I would recommend each writer get to know themselves and figure out their own path, which might be similar to other writers or completely different.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
https://twitter.com/haveubeenaughty
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3122975.Tina_Holland
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003OLKLA6
I hope you enjoyed this insight into my writing life. Next week we’ll get back on track meeting other writers. 🙂 Until then be Naughty. ~Tina
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Writer Wednesday – Writing the Synopsis
The synopsis is an integral part of most submission packets, including my most recent agent submissions. This was a struggle for me, as I hadn’t written one since I published “The Pilot and the Pinup” with Liquid Silver Books. A fellow author told me to break each of the chapters down into paragraphs. I did exactly that and it was quiet the disaster.
The Acquisitions editor at the time informed me I suffered from Dreaded Synopsis Syndrome. Boy did I ever. LSB requested a love scene (probably to make sure I didn’t purple-prose the hell out of it) and the last chapter (likely to make sure the book was done). They accepted my full ms and I never had to write a synopsis for them again. Thank the writing gods.
Thankfully, My other digital publisher, Resplendence Publishing, didn’t require the synopsis. Whew.
Now that I’m looking for an agent I’m back in the land of having to write a synopsis. Ugh!
Luckily, there is a ton of info on the interwebs on how to write one. I found this site to be very helpful.
http://www.publishingcrawl.com/2012/04/17/how-to-write-a-1-page-synopsis/
After writing said one page synopsis, I find some agents now want 3-5 pages. Ugh! And I thought I’d mastered the dreaded synopsis.
~Join me next week as we continue the query journey.
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Saturday Sexcerpt – Calla’s Summer Fantasy by Amber Daulton
“…Here are the blurb and a sexy quick peek at Calla’s Summer Fantasy, my latest erotic romance novella from Resplendence Publishing.”~Amber Daulton
Blurb
Calla Lansky needed help at playing the field.
She scheduled two dates for the same night at her favorite seafood restaurant and she owed her shocked boyfriends an explanation. To her surprise, Nathan Risley and Sam Tomlin handled the awkward situation like pros and happily agreed to her ultimate fantasy: a ménage à trois.
After the hottest night of her life, Calla faced the ultimate decision.
Should she commit to the one man who secretly loved her all along or keep her options open and indulge in her summer fantasy again and again?
Excerpt
Calla couldn’t decide which passionate, rock-hard hunk satisfied her body more.
She glanced back down at the bed coverings and kicked away her heels. Only a coward would continue to stall. Calla turned her back on her lovers, slowly untied the halter straps of her little blue dress and shimmied her hips. The clingy fabric slid down her body, pooled around her ankles and left her in nothing but a pair of lacy black panties and a matching bra. A flirty pout puckered her lips as she glanced behind her.
“Little tease.” Sam clenched one hand at his side, his gaze dropped to her perky ass, and he pumped his cock harder with his other hand.
She grinned, her self-confidence shot like a rocket into outer space, and she tunneled her hands through her hair to lift the heavy locks. The nape of her neck tingled and her hair cascaded back down in a slow fall to sway at the tip of her ass. Nathan growled as Calla reached for her bra clasp and she batted her eyelashes at him from over her shoulder. “You wanna do it?” Nathan liked undressing her, Sam enjoyed her strip shows, but Calla didn’t care how she undressed as long as she woke up sore in the morning.
Nathan crossed the blankets in three long strides and grasped her waist with his strong hands. His fingers dug a little hard into her skin. Desire shot through her and she almost melted as he trailed hard little kisses along her shoulder blade. She inadvertently transferred power and control of the situation to him but she couldn’t find the will or the want to steal it back. Nathan swiped her hair to one side, feathered his fingertips down her spine and wrapped his arms around her like two steel bands. Caged against his solid chest, his cock pressed into the small of her back and she felt scorched by his possessive hold.
He turned her around so they faced Sam. The photographer’s lustful gaze burned like hot coals over her body. Nathan cupped her breasts, tweaked her nipples through the lace and snapped the clasp of her bra free. The scrap of fabric fell down her arms. A light breeze hardened her achy nipples into stiff peaks. Her body hummed with awareness. Calla closed her eyes as Nathan massaged her breasts with a soft but firm grip.
To read more about Calla and her naughty fantasy, check out these links:
Amazon – http://amzn.to/25yXk0z
Barnes and Noble – http://bit.ly/1U9bDQZ
ARe – http://bit.ly/1XN1Hio
Kobo – http://bit.ly/1WXe1NY
Resplendence Publishing – http://bit.ly/25O5bHJ
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30325866-calla-s-summer-fantasy
Join me next Thursday when we meet romance author Trvann Rogers. ~Tina
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AuThursday – Amber Daulton
Please welcome my fellow Resplendence author, Amber Daulton. You’ve written so many books, how do you find the time?
I write whenever and as often as possible, but it can be difficult. Trust me. I’ve had nine books published so far and there are several more collecting digital dust on my computer. I don’t have children—so no distractions there—but my cats are demanding little creatures and I have to appease them. My hubby is the cook in the household so luckily I don’t have to worry about fixing my meals. I just keep on writing, usually with a cat on my lap.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the length I plan to write, the research I need to do and the amount of edits each book will need. On average, I can usually churn out a novella (say 15 to 35k WC) in maybe a month or so. For a full-length novel (80k plus), around three or four months.
You write in multiple genres, what draws you to each genre, do you have a favorite?
I love so many sub-genres of romance. It’s hard to choose a favorite but I’d probably have to pick contemporary or paranormal. Since some stories and characters only work in certain settings, I try to read a wide variety of books to get a feel of all the flavors so to speak. In essence, I write the same way.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I tend to write late into the night, sleep late in the day and do it again. My muse really comes alive at the witching hour. Sometimes I have to put aside my precious WIPs and clean. *Grrr* Why can’t the laundry do itself?
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I’ve been writing since I was twelve and, when looking back at my old attempts, I flush in embarrassment. But hey, everyone starts somewhere. My stories have become much more complex over the years. I still like to write the boy-meets-girl storyline but it’s not simple and dry. There’s danger, death, divorce, betrayal and lies, real human emotion in all the characters, even the minor ones. Every little detail adds to the H/h’s relationship. I can’t take anything for granted when it comes to creating a character’s world but it took me a while to realize that.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
The hardest thing for me is deciding on character names. Now, that might not sound like a big deal, but the names have to fit with the characters I see in my mind perfectly. I feel stumped and lose my creativity if I assign a name to someone and it just doesn’t feel right. I usually choose the names based on their personality, physical characteristics, family dynamics/heritage, the time period of the novel or just what I find sexy! I sometimes spend hours, if not days, just scouring through baby name books and websites for the best names.
What are you working on at the minute?
I’m in the process of writing the final book in my Arresting Onyx series. The sexy, dirty-talking contemporary romance series spans five books with a standalone HEA for each rough-and-tumble hero and their spunky heroines. The first book is out on call and I hope to have it picked up soon.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
I absolutely love talking to readers. They can find me here:
Blogsite – http://amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page – www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/
Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton
Amazon Author Page – http://amzn.to/14JoZff
Resplendence Publishing, LLC. – http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/
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AuThursday -LT Kelly
Please welcome my fellow Resplendence author, LT Kelly to the Clog Blog. Welcome LT!
Hi, Tina, thanks so much for having me!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I was in the Royal Air Force from the age of seventeen. I loved that life up until I had children, it was fantastic career that provided a story rich environment. I left when I was pregnant with my second child.
It was when I was home with the children that I started revisiting my love of writing. I hadn’t really done anything much since I left school, but I’ve always been an avid reader and that has never and will never fail to be a part of my life. I took a level 3 qualification in Fiction Writing and the rest is history…
Q: Where do your ideas come from?
All of my ideas come from experience. It’s so difficult to write what’s not in your heart, whether it’s good or bad.
Q: Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I would love to write 5 days a week, but the reality is much different. I have 2 kids and 2 dogs as well as a full-time job. I write as and when, but when I do it seems to flow because the story is continuously writing itself in my head.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I used to plot to the letter, the problem is my characters always seem to ignore me and do what they want. Much like the aforementioned children and canines! So, I draw up initial loose plot and don’t beat myself up over changes or developments.
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Honestly, I don’t believe in it. I think I spend so much time thinking about what I’m going to write and sitting there appearing to be in another world that by the time I eventually sit down and start typing it simply flows from my fingertips.
Q: I see you write two book series, FALLING and KISSING, can you tell us a bit about them?
The Falling Series is about a woman called Teagan Lewis who just so happens to be a vampire. What I mean by that is that the two books don’t merely reply on the paranormal aspect to get by. Book one, Falling to Pieces is set in London and has a Romeo and Juliet forbidden love theme. Book two, Falling into You is where intricate plotting and twists and turns came out in my writing style. So, I’m not going to say too much about what happens.
The Kissing Series is entirely different. The series is contemporary romance, and they are standalone books. Both of them invite the reader into fantasy land in the form of making your desired Hollywood movie star, favorite model, or rock star assess-able in the realist of situations. Kissing Cassie for instance is a story about a British high school teacher who bumps into her movie idol on a European beach and he refuses to let her go. Whereas Kissing Katie tells a moving tale of the war widowed single mother who learns to love again with a rising rock star.
Q: What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
I have written a follow on series, a standalone series, and a standalone so far. If I’m honest the standalone has killed me the most because the ending leaves no series potential. I felt a little bereft at the end of it. For the most part we grow to love our characters and to leave them behind is a struggle. I especially struggled with Teagan. Alas, we must let go and move on to avoid the sluggishness writing a long series can bring.
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
As I said previously, I am an avid reader. Although, now I’m a writer I admit I find it less enjoyable than I once did. I have a total girl crush on JK Rowling because I never thought I would like Harry Potter in a million years, but I was completely and utterly captivated.
Another writer whom I adore completely is MK Meredith. She’s a writer of contemporary romance, and I adored the books in her Malibu Sights series.
Q: Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
I’m usually found on FB. Please feel free to tell me to get off it and get some work done. You can go ahead and like my page here:
https://www.facebook.com/authorltkelly/
I run a review blog as well. I’m always happy to help other writers with getting their stuff out there, as well as enabling readers to find their next new treasure, so please follow along:
Find me on twitter here:
Join me for a new author, next Thursday. ~Tina
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Saturday Sexcerpt -The Club by Sean Michael
Caution: Male/Male Romance ahead…
“This is from The Club – the third book in the Losing His Cover Series.”~Sean Michael
Bruce put Alex’s hand back on his arm and walked with him to the back. He looked over to the bartender and the door in front of them buzzed, letting them in.
“Room two,” Bruce told him.
“Enjoy your boy, Brucy.”
He looked back to snap, but Bruce’s hand was on his back.
“You are, you know,” Bruce said as they went into their room and Bruce flicked on the lights, closed the door behind them.
“Are what?”
“Mine.”
“I know that. I have the ring.” He caught sight of his arm, the colors of the new tattoo bright and cheery. “I have another appointment with Sledge on Sunday, don’t forget.”
“I’m not going to forget, babe. I love the work he’s doing.” Bruce drew him toward the bed. “He’s helping to bury Nicky.”
“I don’t know if that’s possible anymore. He’s stubborn.”
“Not as stubborn as we are, babe. And I know how to banish him.” Bruce began to strip him down.
Bruce sounded so sure. “I wish it was that easy.”
“We don’t need easy, do we? We just need a chance.” Bruce pulled his T-shirt over his head and undid his belt, opened his jeans.
“Greedy man. You’re in your suit, still.”
Bruce pushed down his jeans. “And you’re pretty much naked.”
“Yes.” Naked and a little hard.
“I like it. Get on the bed.” Bruce sauntered over to the wardrobe.
“You don’t want to get naked?” He sat on the mattress, stretching until his back popped.
“I kind of like the dynamic of you being naked and needy while I’m still fully dressed.”
Alex pinked and, for the first time in years, thought about covering his cock with his hand.
Bruce’s gaze swept over him, his husband’s admiration absolutely clear. Then Bruce opened the wardrobe and began looking through it. “I’m looking for a cock ring. Don’t want you coming too soon.”
“Are we going to be here for more than a quickie?”
“I think you need more than a quickie.” Bruce grabbed something from the wardrobe then came back to him. “I think you need it long and hard.”
“Listen to you.” He reached out, cupped Bruce’s cock through his slacks.
“That’s feeling, not listening,” Bruce noted, pushing his hips forward, the heavy prick moving into his hand.
“Listening…” He leaned forward, nuzzled Bruce’s belly.
Bruce groaned for him. “You going to distract me with your ‘listening’?”
“I like distracting you.”
Bruce’s hand dropped onto his head, stroking over his hair. “Yeah, I like it, too.”
“You want me to suck you, love?”
“I do. But first I want to watch you put this on.” Bruce handed him the cock ring. “Sit back and spread your legs and let me watch.”
The cold metal ring slowly warmed in his hand.
“I love watching you touch yourself. It turns me on.” Bruce’s gaze never left him.
The Club blurb:
Home for two and a half weeks now, now retired undercover cop Alex must begin to deal with what he’s going to do with the rest of his life.
His husband, Bruce, has gone back to work after taking a two week vacation, and Alex is alone for the whole day for the first time since dropping the mantle of his undercover persona “Nicky”.
It is through Bruce’s work at a BDSM bar/club that he and Alex make the biggest inroads into expelling Alex’s undercover persona for good, and bringing Alex completely home in body, mind and spirit.
Links:
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theclublosinghiscoverbookthree-2049980-147.html
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AuThursday- Sean Michael
Please welcome my fellow Resplendence Writer, Sean Micheal to the Clog Blog. Welcome Sean.
Thank you very much for having me, Tina!
Q: You’ve written so many books, how do you make the time to write?
Writing is my job, so I do it every day. I have set times when I sit down and write, but I love it so much that I will often be writing outside of those set times as well.
Q: Where do your ideas come from?
Sometimes they come from the call I’m writing for. Other times I’ll see or hear something that will spark an idea. Or I’ll be in the mood to write something kinky and the guys who need that kind of thing will pop into my head.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I tend to have a general idea of where the story is going to go, but the characters are in charge and will often go left when I think we’re headed right, so I need to be flexible or it stalls the writing. I did try outlining once because I thought I ought to be more organized and when I had finished the outline, I couldn’t write the book – like my brain said what’s the point of writing it if you’ve already told the story albeit in point form.
Q: What is the hardest thing about writing?
The business of writing is the hardest part of it. Prepping stuff for submission, filling out all the various forms the publishers need, the editing. It’s surprising how much time gets eaten up by things that aren’t actually writing.
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Sort of. I usually have anywhere from four to six documents open at any one time and I work on each of them every day. I try to give each story the same amount of attention, however sometimes there will be one or two that are ‘hot’ and easy to write, and one or two that are ‘cold’ and the writing just doesn’t come easy. So I’ll write more on the stories that are popping than the ones that are not. But being able to switch keeps a block on one story from becoming a total block.
Q: You’ve written a lot of different series, can you tell us a bit about your favorites, and what
you find appealing about series writing?
I hate choosing favorites, in part because whatever I’m working on at the time is the current favorite, but when people ask about older books and I think back on it, I always say oh, I loved writing those guys, because truly I did. The Drawing Straws guys for instance were so much fun to write because they were a foursome full of kinky goodness (and then they went and plotted on me!)
The thing I like best about writing series is being able to revisit the characters. And I enjoy both kinds of series – the ones that follow the same characters through all the books and the ones that follow different characters with each book, but that are set I the same world and have appearances by the characters from other books in the series.
Q: What are you working on at the minute?
Let’s see what’s open today. I’m working on a kinky demons story, the second in a series I can’t talk about yet, the next Iron Eagle Gym story, the next Windbrothers book, a ghost hunters book, and a Velvet Glove book.
Q: Which writers inspire you?
I love words and how authors put them together. Off the top of my head I’d have to say Stephen King, Michael Ondaatje, Timothy Findlay, Anthony Burgess… I honestly could go on and on.
Books are wonderful things.
Q: Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
Website: www.seanmichaelwrites.com
Blog: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/
Twitter: twitter.com/seanmichael09
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