AuThursday – Joshua Knels

Please welcome Josh Knels, a fellow member of the BisMan Writer’s Guild!  Joshua, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Joshua Knels. I grew up in Fairview, MT, and moved to Bismarck after I graduated high school and attended Bottineau for a little while. I didn’t get into writing until I was fifteen. I suffered a back injury during a football game that took me out of sports for the remainder of my time in school. That’s when I started reading books and grew a passion for reading and writing. I started writing my first project when I was a sophomore in high school, but later dropped the project when I went to college.

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

Introvert. It gives me plenty of time to write since I don’t go out much (even less so since Covid-19). The only time I go out nowadays is for work or D&D nights with friends during the weekend

How do you make time to write? 

I usually write between shifts when I get home from work or on my days off. 

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

I usually write fantasy adventures since I enjoy world-building and creating new worlds. I often mix it with other elements, such as romance and horror. 

Do you ever get writer’s block? 

Not as much as I thought I would get. I am always thinking about character development and story elements and rarely get burned out from it. When I do, I just relax for a day or two and I am back at it. Listening to music while writing a scene also helps me out a lot.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Depression for sure. When I feel overwhelmed and depressed from work and personal matters, it has an impact on my writing. Whenever I am in these funks, I either write scenes where characters feel the same as I do, or I just take a personal day to myself and try to get over whatever is stressing me out or depressed at the time.

So, what have you written? 

Nothing complete right now, I’m afraid, except two books that I self-published in 2011 and 2012.

These books, The Seattle Massacre & Trails of Blood were two books of a series of murder mystery & horror books that I was writing a long time ago under the pen name J.J. Knight. I stopped writing them when I lost progress on the third book several times and a lot of my other projects when my computer went out and I didn’t have them saved on any other source. I had lost the passion for writing this series and in general when I hit a very deep depression that lasted for over three years and didn’t write anything during that time. It wasn’t until 2016 when I started writing some Pokemon fanfiction to get back into the groove of writing until 2018 when I started my D&D project. In 2019, I fell in love with one of my favorite D&D characters, Victoria “The Scarlet Rose” Valentine, and decided to write a book series based on her and in a modern setting. 

Where can we buy or see them? 

I think you can see the two books on Amazon. I don’t intend to continue that series unfortunately since there’s no passion left for that project and all energy will be devoted to my next project. 

What are your current projects?

My current project is The Scarlet Rose, a planned multi-part series. It is a modern fantasy story that was inspired by my favorite D&D character, Victoria “Scarlet Rose” Valentine. The story follows the main character Victoria, a girl born with the appearance of a devil (horns, tail, and red tail). I was inspired to write this project from elements of Hellboy, Supernatural, and Men in Black.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Never give up your dream and always practice. Write what makes you happy and don’t be afraid to ask others for help and opinions.

AuThursday – Rosanna Leo

Welcome Rosanna!  Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Thanks so much for having me here, Tina!

I’m Rosanna Leo and I write contemporary and paranormal romance. When not writing, I work at my local public library in an Acquisitions role, so I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to see all the new books when they first arrive. I come from Toronto, Canada, and I try hard to insert a bit of Canadian flavour into my books. I’ve been writing for over ten years now and am fortunate to be part of the romance community, as a writer, blogger, and reader.

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

With the subgenres of romance that I write, I really do get the best of both worlds. With my contemporary romances, I get to explore the conflicts of “real” people, and I love showing how they can grow and learn to love. In the case of my paranormal romances, the characters and situations might be a bit more outrageous, but it’s fun for me to be able to push those envelopes. Each type of writing compels me to think differently, so it’s a great exercise. The one commonality, of course, is that in those stories, the protagonists have to fall in love and be committed to one another by the end of the book. However, that journey to love is the whole point, and it’s the reason I love this genre so much. It carries a powerful sense of hope. 

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

For me, the part I dread is the initial brainstorming. I know of writers who can just shoot out fresh ideas on the spot, but I’ve never been good at that, not even in non-writing situations. I have to let my thoughts marinate for a while, and I second-guess a lot of my ideas. Nevertheless, as much as it sometimes pains me, I do try to get some ideas down. It’s the first step, after all, so it has to be done.

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

I do believe in writer’s block, and I know I’ve experienced it before. It tends to affect me at particular times, however. I had it after losing a loved one, during moments of stress in my career and family life, and I’ve experienced when I’ve written myself into a hole (when I haven’t thought out a story properly and I begin to flounder.) It happens. I won’t call myself an expert in dealing with it. For the most part, I just try to either write through it, or I take a break from writing altogether. 

How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both)

My recent release is A Good Man, Handymen 1, a contemporary romance. It released on June 9, 2020. It’s been published traditionally with Totally Bound Publishing. I’ve been working directly with publishers for a few years now and have worked with some great people. I appreciate that my publisher handles a lot of the details that I don’t feel confident handling (i.e. covers, formatting.) So, for me, it’s a good fit.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

I haven’t ruled out self-publishing and may attempt it down the road. I have many author friends who prefer that method, and they have it down to a fine art. Not having done it myself, I probably can’t speak to its disadvantages, and I think a writer should always do their research before committing to either path. 

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

I like to think my writing is more polished now, more pared down. When I started writing, I used some overly-descriptive language and made some interesting style choices. It’s all part of learning, and it was definitely part of my process. Now, I try to take a lot of care with my word choices, and if I can simplify a statement, I will.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I don’t have a favorite motivational phrase, but I do believe in the power of positive affirmations. For the most part, I try to express gratitude for where I am in life, and I try to be grateful for something each day. 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Blog: https://rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeoRosanna

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rleoauthor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rleoauthor/

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosanna-leo

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

Sure! I’d love to share an excerpt from A Good Man, Handymen1:

Emily threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his torso, cutting off his words and his breath. Only when he hugged her back did he realize how hard she was quivering.

She wasn’t just crying about the old photos.

“It’s okay, Em. Let it out, sweetheart.”

The collar of his shirt grew wet but he didn’t care. Wardrobe had tons of shirts. Besides, she felt good in his arms, all soft and warm. He rubbed her shoulders and the back of her waist, exploring and familiarizing himself with her luscious body. He breathed, drinking in her scent. His nasal cavities had never known such bliss. It was like that first clear breath after a long period of congestion. His fingers were pretty happy too, enjoying the give of her body. It was all he could do not to slide them down, cup her sweet ass, and pull her up against him.

Just not while she was crying over another man.

She lingered in his arms and he did nothing to push her away. In fact, it surprised him how badly he wanted to keep her there, so much so that when Emily finally extricated herself, he wanted to pull her back into his embrace. Instead, he wiped her cheeks clean of the remaining tears.

“The makeup ladies are going to kill me for making you cry.”

It might have been his imagination, but her tears made her eyes appear even greener. In fact, her entire face seemed a riot of tempting color. Each shade called to him. The crushed roses in her cheeks. Her strawberry lips, so plump and moist. Even the doeskin brown of her freckles fascinated him to no end. He wanted to count them, to kiss and mark them all.

Kissing her made a whole lot of sense right now. Kissing her senseless seemed even better.

Emily’s eyes widened. Her lips parted in invitation. Michael paused, knowing it was wrong, even though every raised hair on his arms told him it was right.

As he debated with himself for a split second, she brushed her lips against his. It was quick and soft, hunger masquerading as something platonic. Even though a spectator might have called it a friendly kiss, he knew the truth. As brief as it may have been, he felt her yield to him, even if just a little.

From the startled look in her eyes, Emily knew it too.

 

Cover Reveal – Behemoth by D.M. Earl

Title: Behemoth

Series: Grimm Wolves MC Series #1

Author: D.M. Earl

Genre: Paranormal Romance/MC Romance

Release Date: July 31, 2020
Cover Design: Jo-Anna Walker @ Just Write Creations

 

How does a man live two lives? One part is with honor as a firefighter and the other questionable as a nomad in a motorcycle club. Add into the already confusing mix an unbelievable skill set that allows him the uncanny ability to absorb other’s thoughts and emotions, and things can become complicated.

 

 

Francis M. Stein, aka Stitch is surviving the best he can with the hand he has been dealt. He has found an extended family in his brothers in both his firehouse and MC. Still he is alone, isolated, and living a solitary life, seeing no changes in his immediate future. He is simply existing. 

 

That is until a young boy named Damien enters his life and introduces him to everything he is missing. Francis finally is able to see a future for himself that includes a woman of his own and a family. Grace Sinclair is everything he could ever dream of and more. 

 

As with everything in Francis’ life, there is good and there is bad. Will Francis, Grace, and Damien be able to overcome their problems for a happily ever after or will fate once again cause chaos for them? Only time will tell.

 

USA Today Bestselling author D. M. Earl spins stories about real life situations with characters that are authentic, genuine and sincere. Each story allows the characters to come to life with each turn of the page while they try to find their HEA through much drama and angst.

 

 

DM resides in Northwest Indiana with her husband and 8 fur babies. When not writing she loves to read, ride her Harley and garden. Also DM likes to spend time with her family and friends.

HOSTED BY:

 

Cover Reveal – Angel Face by Nicki Rae

Title: Angel Face: A Life in the Crosshairs Novel

Author: Nicki Rae

Genre: Suspense w/ Romance

Release Date: August 1, 2020

Cover Design: Colbert Creative Design

 

Dalton

The thing about love…

It’s kind & beautiful, soft & hard, forgiving & emotional, but love can also be blind. Love can twist and turn you into someone unrecognizable.

That’s the way it was for Josie and me. She became my everything. I fell heart over mind, allowing her to take the only thing that I could call my own. The life I envisioned for us was blurred by secrets, hard to overcome. She made me question whether what we had was based on truth or a lie.

 

 

Joselyn

Dalton was an obstacle in the way of what I’d always shied away from, and the only way to reach my end was through him. So, I made a choice to get close to him, even when I shouldn’t have. We were never meant to be what we became. I didn’t intend for something forced to turn into something real. In the end, Dalton was so much more than just a means to an end. He held the key to everything, including my heart. It was his to have, to hold, to break, and to mend.

That’s the thing about love…

It can’t be forced. It just happens, and once it’s in motion, it’s impossible to stop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Nicki Rae is the author of Broken Minds, Lather: A Moore Love Story and The Date: A Moore Love Short Story, The Perfection Series: Damaged and Resisting Perfection. She’s a born Buckeye turned Hoosier who loves to spend time with her family. Along with being an avid reader, she also loves animals and the Indianapolis Colts. 

 

HOSTED BY:

 

Cover Reveal – Finding Peace by Adelyn Zara

Title: Finding Peace

Series: Tales of Resilience #1

Author: Adelyn Zara

Genre: Romance

Release Date: July 9, 2020

 

Struggling after the death of her husband and hindered by her inability to recover from cancer treatment, Lynn isn’t expecting to find anything other than entertainment at an awards show. When she meets music exec Donovan Rue, there’s instant chemistry – and instant chaos.

 

 

 

Donovan faces lawsuits and complaints from disgruntled employees. Lynn’s fragile self-esteem and her recent personal tragedy make her leery of Donovan’s interest. As things heat up between them, their chemistry threatens to implode.

As outside tensions and pressures mount, Lynn breaks away, but Donovan refuses to give up on the strong, resilient woman he sees beneath the damage. Can these two people find peace?

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An exhausted puppy was asleep in his crate near Lynn’s bedroom fireplace. Lynn and Donovan snuggled together, leaving the young people downstairs.“I hate when Christmas day ends,” Lynn declared as she stared into the fire. “It was such a nice Christmas. I’m glad that you and Dara could share it with us.”

“Thank you for having us,” Donovan answered. He smiled softly and asked, “Are you ready for your present, Peace?”

A small thrill ran through Lynn followed by guilt.

“You’ve given me so much, Donovan! Fancy clothes, jewelry, a chair …”

“But today is Christmas!”

Donovan stood up, found new music on his playlist. He motioned for Lynn to join him in another dance. Ben Harper’s Forever played as they swayed gently in place. Lynn’s body grew warm, her heartbeat increased at an idea of what Donovan’s present might be.

“Donovan,” she whispered as his lips grazed her cheek, their feet barely moving as he swayed her back and forth. His dark eyes sparkled, but he looked intense, needy.

“Just let me talk, please,” he pleaded.

He quit dancing. Taking a deep breath, Donovan took both of Lynn’s hands into his own.

“Lynn, you totally captivate me.”

His hand swiped through that raven hair again.

“I can’t imagine being without you. I love you so much.”

Donovan looked upward, closing his eyes tightly for a minute.

“Shit! I can’t even put this into coherent words.”

Lynn’s eyes widened in amazement. She was tongue-tied, too. Before she could find words to encourage or comfort him, Donovan was on one knee, still holding her hands. Lynn gasped, breaking her right hand loose from his hold, covering her mouth in surprise.

“Lynn, would you marry me?”

Now Lynn took back her left hand, bringing it up to join the other on her face. Tears sprung into her bright blue eyes; she still could not communicate.

Donovan wasn’t sure what to make of a subdued Lynn.

“I know we haven’t known each other long, but I know what I want when I see it.”

Again, he ran his hand through his hair.

“You see me for who I am, not the celebrity that the media makes up. You bring peace, happiness … shit, Lynn! I don’t care if I get sixty years with you or six minutes. I can’t live without you! I don’t know how to …”

“Yes.”

Lynn sucked in a breath after she said the one word. Looking down at the man she loved, she saw a mixture of surprise, then relief, then complete love.

“Yes?” he whispered.

“Yes!” Lynn repeated, then grabbed his hands, intending to help him off the floor. Instead, Donovan pulled her down, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her as if he was afraid the answer would change.

“I was afraid you would say no, say it’s still too soon,” he said when he broke the kiss.

“What’s too soon?” Lynn asked. “I’ve been thinking a lot about this since your first proposal. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that time does go quickly, and you’d better grab what you want when the opportunity presents itself. And enjoy every second you have.”

Donovan pulled Lynn to him, surrounding her with strong arms.

“Absolutely!” he agreed, then continued. “I mean it when I said the time thing. I need to enjoy every minute with you, whether it’s ten minutes or one hundred years.”

Lynn leaned over to give Donovan another big kiss.

Adelyn Zara knew she wanted to be a writer after creating a paragraph about a snowman in 4th grade.

 

She taught herself to type when her grandfather brought home an old typewriter from his job in Chicago.

 

She loved working with international students but hated the pressure cooker of work. So, she retired! But she continues to belong to NAFSA, National Association of International Educators.

 

She has compassion for the mentally ill because of her daughter, joined NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), taught Family to Family classes for them, and keeps learning more about it.

 

She has an ongoing battle with breast cancer and considers herself earning a Ph.D. in it, something she never wanted to do.

 

She’s been told she’s RESILIENT, and by God, those are the woman she admires most! Her stories feature men and women who are encountering problems in life and figuring out how to overcome them.

 

Curious? Give her a read.

HOSTED BY:

 

AuThursday – Shilah Ferr

Please welcome Shilah Ferr to The Clog Blog.  Shilah, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? 

I grew up in northern New Jersey with my brother and sister. We share treasured memories of high school, the Jersey shore, and skiing with cousins, all of which became a part of April’s Heart! I went to college in Washington, DC, and became a teacher. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia with my husband of thirty years. Our two boys are in their twenties making their own way in the world. 

How do you make time to write? 

Well, before the pandemic, my husband often worked nights, so I would write at night. Now I find time between working at home, and on the weekends. 

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

Not really. My second book is not coming as easily as the first, but I believe in writing about things that really happened, and I have a ton of memories that eventually will make another epic story. 

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

I love the feeling Romance novels can give you. I love feeling the character’s angst, hurt, and joy. I love erotic romance too. It gets your blood flowing! 

How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both)

I am a first-time author, so definitely publishing independently! 

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

I am more of an extrovert because I cannot say I am introverted. Yet, some of the content I write is controversial (underage drinking, mild drug use, sex) and I sometimes feel self-conscious about it. Afraid of what people might think. I’ve learned to deal with that. 

What is your favorite motivational phrase? 

Whether you say you can or you can’t, you are right. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

My advice is the advice that was given to me, and I keep it in mind always. And that is that not every book is everyone’s cup of tea. So understanding that not everyone is going to like your book, and that’s ok. If I become afraid of content because of what somewhat might think, I tell myself to be brave, and just put it in there! 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web? 

https://aprilsheartbook.com 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pi1L9k2v7dGlCGm2PWF0e3KpcswUnvExKnDXTeZWyoo/e

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

Mitch and April made plans to meet at the pool. 

He waited for her just inside the entrance structure, in the shade. 

She walked up in her string bikini top and cut off jean shorts. The fly was splayed open, a sexy little look that exposed a little more of her tight belly. Holy crap! 

God love her, thought Mitch to himself, feeling his erection beginning already. 

She saw him leaning against the wall on his hands. April walked up to Mitch, and seeing his hair in his face, pushed her hand through his hair for him. It was such an intimate gesture. No words were spoken. Her hands in his hair was her way of saying hello. 

Quick as a wink he had switched places with her and had her up against the wall. 

They looked into each other’s eyes. They were desirous for each other in the worst way. 

April’s heart was pounding in her chest. She was nervous. It had been such a long time. 

He put his hand over her heart to feel it, thus confirming for April that if your heart beats loud enough, another person CAN hear it. 

She filled her lungs with air taking a deep breath. 

He moved his hands behind her neck and kissed her, passionately, for a small moment breathing her in. 

They were standing in a public place. 

“We gotta get out of here,” Mitchell said. 

“No swimming?” April teased. 

Cover Reveal – Endless Summer Romance Anthology

Title: Endless Summer Romance Anthology

Authors: Muriel Garcia ~ Krista Ames ~ J P Uvalle ~ Hanleigh Bradley ~ Elaine May ~ KB Cinder ~ Brie Paisley ~ Lea Winkleman 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 24, 2020

 

 

 

Dreaming of love this summer? Come on a summer romance adventure you will never forget.

Our incredible authors have come together to bring you contemporary romance stories you’ll fall in love with!

Stories written by –

Muriel Garcia

Krista Ames

J P Uvalle

Hanleigh Bradley

Elaine May

KB Cinder

Brie Paisley

Lea Winkleman

 

Muriel Garcia

Krista Ames

J P Uvalle

Hanleigh Bradley

Elaine May

KB Cinder

Brie Paisley

Lea Winkleman

HOSTED BY:

 

AuThursday – Autumn Stone

Please welcome Autumn Stone to The Clog Blog.  Autumn, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? 

I am a personal finance influencer who was fell into writing romances. It was an experiment that has become one of my favorite ways to make passive income. I run two very different projects: a website and podcast about personal finance and a website and podcast about Colorado (I’m from Colorado). I also speak at different conferences such as Podcast Movement, FinCon, and others. I’m also a mentor for a podcasting program that is being held here in Denver for the second time this summer. 

How do you make time to write? 

I try to write when I’m feeling relaxed. Typically, I will write from a coffee shop patio or carry a journal with me so that I can capture inspiration whenever it hits me. I don’t have a daily writing goal. 

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

Absolutely, sometimes the muse slips from you. 

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

I write both fiction and non-fiction books. For my romance books I write in the BWWM genre and I love sharing endless love stories that show women like me in different situations ranging from the fantastical to realistic situations depending on the story. I’m a romantic and love writing about love! 

How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both) 

Self-publish! I love it so much because there are no limits placed on me and I can publish as many books as I would like. I don’t have to wait for someone else (other than my fans) to validate my stories. 

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

Extrovert. I’m very comfortable with marketing my work. 

What is your favorite motivational phrase? 

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” –Anonymous 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

Keep trying, keep learning, it’s never a mistake it’s a learning opportunity. Most content creators (authors/bloggers/podcasters/vloggers/etc) Don’t spend enough time marketing their work. It’s a daily process. 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web? 

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07FCT2BNF 

 

Saturday Spotlight – For the Love of a Bear by Sunny Mawson

Title: For the Love of a Bear

Series: For the Love of Shifter Series #2

Author: Sunny Mawson

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: June 11, 2020

Calla Stirling is living a humble life in the Breagha Oidhche Wolf Pack in Scotland when her teenage life is turned upside down by her would-be mate. She knew a mate would present himself in the future, but what she didn’t expect was the gruff Russian bear Sergey Patrushev, Vojak of Clan Chislennost. 

Off to a rocky start thanks to the ill-advised plan Sergey uses to introduce himself to his mate, they have bigger problems than the fact she’s still underage. Sergey needs to get back to his volatile bear clan in Russia, but he won’t be without his mate. Constant strife within his clan, Sergey knows he needs to present a united front with his wolf mate, Calla, regardless of the danger her presence presents to both of them. 

Faced with traitors, Sergey and Calla call upon their wolf allies to help them end the coming war. Only a bond forged in destiny can bring the pack and the clan together to defeat their enemies both old and new.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Sunny Mawson is a Washington based writer who was born and raised in Texas. She is married with three lovely children and one adorable granddaughter. They also have a dog named Panzer who is the best cuddler ever. Except when he has gas. Which is most of the time. Oh well. Married to a sailor, Sunny has lived all over the country, something that factors into her writing a great deal. Working as a Pastry Chef, food plays a heavy influence on her writing as well.

HOSTED BY:

 

Double Trouble Tuesday!

 

This happens in the Romance Industry more than you think.  I actually kind of love it and was pretty keen on spotlighting Anne Kane’s “Kidnapping the Cyborg” when I saw it matched my “Fireproof”

So here’s a blurb from each –

Plan: Seduce the Cyborg, kidnap him, and force him to help her escape. What could possibly go wrong?

Life in the breeder’s enclave on Terras Five was comfortable. Safe. Boring! Abigail wanted more. She wanted to explore the galaxy, have a career, enjoy all the freedoms that a human female took for granted. In order to do that she needed to get off-planet, and in order to accomplish that, she needed help. Male help.

She had a plan.

Jackson was flattered that the young female chose him to sire her offspring, and he was more than willing to play his part and make sure she enjoyed the experience as much as he did. What he wasn’t prepared for was being kidnapped at weapons point and forced to help the young breeder escape. Of course, he could have disarmed her and foiled her plan, but where’s the fun in that?

You can find out more about this book at Changeling Press.

You can find out more about Anne on her Website.

 

Did you know all fairies are ruled by the elements? And they answer to a group known as the Veil–sort of a fairy secret council. There are rules that must be obeyed the first being never reveal what you are.

Jamie Waters broke the rules when she retrieved an anchor off the shores of California setting a new world-record for free-diving. She flees where the Veil will not find her, the town of Innocent, Minnesota. There she meets and falls hard for a human, Beau Collins. Beau Collins isn’t like most humans, he can’t catch fire and being a fireman is the perfect job for him. When he meets Jamie Waters it’s an instant attraction. Opposites attract but everyone knows, Fire and water don’t mix.

When Beau is burned after battling a warehouse fire, Jamie works to help him find the arsonist. Can they find out who it is before they lose control over the elements? Will Beau risk being with Jamie even if it means he can’t be Fireproof? 

And you are right where you need to be to learn more about my books and me. 🙂