Tag Archives: romance

Her Hearts Desire Media Tour with Author Lisa Watson

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Lisa Watson Answers Linda Fegins’ Questions About Her Book and Her Writing Journey

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

– I’d like readers to read Her Heart’s Desire and see that your life and relationships are yours to mold and shape in a way to makes you happy, and contributes to your life in a positive way. When you find someone that centers you, and compliments who you are…hang on to them. Don’t be afraid to do the work. Life isn’t cookie cutter, and neither are people.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was fascinated by Norma Jean’s character. Here’s this matchmaking mother that would do anything to ensure that her only son finds the type of happiness she’s found with his father. The thing is she doesn’t stop there. That single-minded purpose extends to his friends, too and before long, “The Love Broker” has several of Adrian’s friends in her sights. They think she’s horrible at match making…but is she?

What is your favorite chapter from the book and why? –

My favorite chapter would have to be the black hole moment. When Tiffany and Ivan are presented with an obstacle that seems insurmountable. Tiffany’s past experiences with on love, life, and how she views the man in her life present challenges for Ivan. How he handles things within their relationship is also based on what he’s used to doing, and are ingrained in him. Sometimes the combination of the two makes for a bumpy road for the couple.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I wanted readers to be able to connect, and root for the relationships in The Match Broker series; Love Contract and Her Heart’s Desire. Like all of us, these are real-life people. Have you ever had a family member that considered themselves a match maker and wouldn’t take no for an answer? Fears about life, problems with work, or dating and relationship dilemmas? We all do, and I wanted my characters to be no different. I believe that love, open communication and respect for your significant other can get you on the road to happiness…that doesn’t always mean it’s a smooth trip, and without its share of bumps along the way.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?


1. How important it is that the person representing you as your agent, editor, or publisher is a great fit for you. Are they as passionate about your work as you are? Will they work hard, and represent you in the best possible way? Spend time, do the research and find that perfect fit. It may save you a lot of time, and effort later if they relationship isn’t all you expected.
2. The importance of great marketing for your book, and the time involved as a new author publicizing yourself, and your works. It’s very essential, and some publishers may not provide you with promotional materials. If not, it’s up to you as the author to do what it takes to get your name out there and promote yourself and your brand.
3. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream. If it’s to be a writer…or if it’s another career…move mountains to accomplish what’s in your heart. Don’t let others dissuade you from at least trying to do what makes your soul happy. You have an inner voice for a reason—listen to it.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

– I know that writing isn’t all glamour, it takes a great deal of hard work, dedication, passion and faith. You will get rejected, we don’t all start out getting phenomenal advances, and bestseller status. For most it’s a long road, and you’ll need a strong back bone for the times those reviews are less than favorable, and it’s scary sharing your innermost thoughts with the world…but for me, knowing that I am using my God given talents is an indescribable joy. Receiving those unexpected emails from readers offering support and excitement for my work…weaving a tale from my imagination, and then seeing it in print, and knowing that my words have touched even one person’s life and made them smile and feel better…inspires me to keep going and never look back.

If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing, living or deceased, who would you invite and why?

– Maya Angelou. She is such an inspirational woman. For me, her words are soul stirring and compel you to do better than your best. Ms. Angelou is doing exactly what she was born to do, and that’s phenomenal. Leslie Esdaile Banks. She was such a wonderful person. When I first met her at a writer’s convention, I was awe struck. Here was this bestselling, famous author, and she was chatting with me like we had been friends for decades. She was a beautiful soul, and would always offer me pearls of wisdom and sage advice on lessons learned, how to make it in such a competitive business, and how not to get caught up in the hype. I miss her terribly, but I’m so grateful that she and I crossed paths. I would love to have chatted with Jane Austen, too. I enjoy reading historical novels, and her heroines were strong, ahead of their time, and were not content to sit and let life pass them by. I’m sure she would have fascinating tales to tell in person.

How do you find time to connect with God?

– I truly have to stop and listen. I multi-task a lot, but that doesn’t always assure that I get things accomplished. There was one time when I was on deadline worrying over a part of my manuscript, stressing over my full-time job pressures, family life and wishing there were more hours in the day. I have the habit of worrying over everything all at once. This was one of those times, and meltdown was imminent. Suddenly, the words “Be Still,” popped into my head. Immediately I stopped, and did just that. I felt an overwhelming calm that came from sitting there, being quiet, and not thinking about anything but that. That was God’s wake up call for me, and I listened. Since then, I find the time to unplug and just Be Still. I pray more, read more, and focus on the things that matter, like trying to grow spiritually and do the things that I was put on Earth to do. I don’t major on the minutia nearly as much. I’m far from perfect at it, but I am a work in progress.

About the Book

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Love’s his only mission

After a series of dating disasters, Tiffany Gentry isn’t ready to risk her heart again. Just when she decides it’s safer to stay single, the Chicago boutique owner meets Colonel Ivan Mangum. The gorgeous military hero is an expert in security. Yet Tiffany has no defense against Ivan’s sensual maneuvers….

Ivan knows that Tiffany should stop looking for Mr. Right—she has already found him! From romantic city nights to a passionate tryst at his mountain retreat, Ivan uses every seductive weapon in his arsenal to prove he’s her true soul mate. But when their future together is threatened, will this soldier find a way to turn his dream of love into a mission possible?

About the Author

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A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Lisa has written several multi-cultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love.
Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, and is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

Lisa’s Amazon Bestselling novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, is book one of The Match Broker series. Book two, Her Heart’s Desire is coming May 2014, and book three, Love by Design in Fall 2014. Her new holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, in the Love at Christmastime series is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Allromanceebooks.com.

Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at www.lisawatson.com.

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Visit the author online at:
www.lisawatson.com

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Filed under romance novel, Urban

Where We Left Off, Virtual Book Tour with J. Alex Blane~~April 21-May 2, 2014

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About The Author

J. Alex Blane is an author whose debut Novel “Where We Left Off” was his first break in the literary world of fiction romantic suspense, but definitely not his last as he is currently working on both his second & third novels within the series. A Multi-Media developer by trade; “J. Alex Blane is a talented man whose creativity is exceptional!” – Katrina Coleman (Amazon).
Since Alex could remember, it has always been his dream to write a novel. After nearly eight years of deciding to put a single ballpoint pen to a piece of paper he finally finished placing the last period at the end of the last sentence and introduced readers to Where We Left Off, a story that has evolved into something to this day he will say he never expected and in some cases transcending the definition of its genre.

Alex currently resides in Bear, Delaware with his wife and his two children where they share a small home just right for him to sneak off into a little corner and write more of what he loves and where he is currently at work on his next novel. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Upsilon Chapter in Wilmington, Delaware, a father and a husband. Alex loves to tell a good story, but more than that he loves to make you feel as if you are right there as it’s happening.

About The Book

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Some memories you do your best to forget. Others you wish you simply had the opportunity to remember. Mason Everett found himself in the center of both, as he felt the warmth of an autumn sun graze his face through the tinted windows. A successful Real-estate developer, Mason had his picture perfect life. He was young, handsome, wealthy and single. No stranger to keeping relationships at-arms-length he tries to avoided them at all costs living tirelessly by one rule: Never again let anyone close enough to hurt you–
Until he found himself falling for Sydney McCail, a young woman he met at his brother’s wedding. In the midst of a developing relationship Mason’s past begins to surface causing him to push Sydney away in fear of her finding out a secret he’d kept hidden for most of his life. In the wake of a tragic accident she finds what she thought she knew was only the beginning, and what happens from there leaves them both searching for answers to a single question in what turns out to be a startling outcome. Where We Left Off.

Comment
I enjoyed this book ! The characters were interesting, real and vibrant. I love the theme of forgiveness and healing from betrayal and feeling abandoned by those who should protect you. While there are some areas that could have been improved upon, this story was a refreshing romance with unexpected twists and turns. This is a story of devotion, pain, being blinded with unforgiveness and hope. A great love story of how God can work all things together for our good. I look forward to the sequel.

Social Links:
Email: jalexblane@gmail.com
Website: http://www.jalexblane.com
Twitter @JAlexBlane
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorj.alexblane

Practical Advice for Writers

Practical Advice for Beginning Fiction (or other genre) Writers

If I could give any advice to beginning fiction writers I would say this: Just write. One of the biggest mistakes we make a freshman authors is that we are overwhelmingly seduced by the ideas that we are not enough, that we don’t know as much, or can write as good as those appearing on New York Times, and National Best Seller Lists. We are …you are just as good if not better. What you write is about you and your story, your characters and your plots be it fiction or otherwise. Regardless of how much you may think or hear that “we’ve heard this story or we’ve seen his before”, YOUR story hasn’t been told until YOU tell it.

Another piece of advice I would give you is not to rush. When I finished my novel I was ready to publish it and make it ready for the world. I was so happy to place that last period at the end of the sentence until I was willing to overlook the editing process. A friend of mine said to me “this is your first book, and what you put out whether it’s good or bad will determine the level of expectation readers place on you and your next novel. You can put it out without being edited and risk that being your first impression or you can be patient send it to be edited and release it when you are happy with the results. Either way it’s your choice”. From there I actually did a few things. I established a focus group to first read my novel completely unedited just to get their unbiased views and opinions. From that I was able to revise, take away add to etc. After that I submitted to have it edited which helped me to see a lot more. So long advice short, I would say (1) Be confident in your decision to write. (2) Don’t rush progress. (3) Find a trusted and unbiased focus group of friends and family to read your novel. (4) Remember, first impressions are everything.

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Filed under christian romance novel, Urban Christian

Worth A Thousand Words- Book review by Linda Fegins (Faygo)

Worth A Thousand Words    ISBN-10: 0800732677worth a thousand words
Jubilant Soul Series Book Two
by Stacy Hawkins Adams

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. However, Indigo Burns discovers that a wonderful near picture perfect life may only display a surface portrayal of satisfaction, completeness and fulfillment, but cover-up  deep conflicting emotions and values.  Ambitious, smart, intelligent and beautiful, Indigo has a man who wants to marry her without reservation.    Indigo loves him, but she has plans to attend graduate school   to enable her to pursue a photography career.  Brian proposes to her and wants the wedding to occur soon and for Indigo to change her plans for the future.

Indigo said yes to the proposal, yet she is not an enthusiastic bride- to- be. To everyone Brian is a wonderful man and a great catch. Indigo knows that, but still wonders can she be fulfilled and happy if she sacrifices her dreams to become his wife at this time instead of waiting. What will happen to her well laid plans after her photography internship at her home town of Jubilant, Texas? Is the seemingly love of her life  worth sacrificing her career for or can  the plans Brian has for her to fit her career within the narrow confines of a Navy Officer’s wife suffice just as well?

 How does Indigo grapple with the competing desires of her heart and the competing agendas of those whom she loves?  Can Indigo live with the consequences of her choices? “Worth A Thousand Words” explores the tough issue of making hard choices about love, relationships,  and career. It gracefully demonstrates the power of prayer and faith to overcome unexpected adversity, the importance of friendships and wise counsel, and the  courage  of being truthful to the persons in our lives, and to ourselves in a non-preachy , but spiritually profound manner. Moreover, this graceful story emphasizes  the importance of  trusting in God when one cannot afford to “lean to one’s own understanding”. It is a heartfelt compelling novel about trust, love, friendship and forgiveness.

Book review by Linda Fegins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR    of the book      StacyHawkinsAdams-th

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.  

She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles.

Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children.

Follow the blog tour schedule at http://bitly.com/WorthAThousandWords

For more information about Stacy, visit her at stacyhawkinsadams.com.

Purchase “Worth a Thousand Words” at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Thousand-Words-Novel-Jubilant/dp/0800732677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245674685&sr=8-1

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

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