Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Difference Between Influencing and Reviewing

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One of the major ways I prepare for every book's release is by forming a Release Crew made up of influencers. In the publishing world, influencer is often used to refer to a reader who signs up to help in the promotion of a book in exchange for a free copy of that book. An influencer doesn't just agree to write a review of the book. Although reviews are a big part of influencing, influencers do … [Read more...]

Story Boards (and a Giveaway!)

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Do you like Sleeping Beauty retellings? BESOTTED, the third and final book in The Fairest Maidens, is now available and is a unique retelling of the old classic fairy tale. Each book of the series is fashioned after a fairy tale BEHOLDEN (September) is loosely tied to Cinderella,  BEGUILED (October) is developed around Snow White. And, as mentioned, BESOTTED (November) is a retelling of … [Read more...]

5 Tips for How to Start the First Chapter

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Recently Abby K sent me an email and said: “I am 15 and my dream is to be a published author. I am currently working on a medieval fantasy and having a hard time starting it. Do you have advice on how to start the first chapter? Do you have any advice on how to finish a manuscript and keep yourself motivated? I always jump from one project to the next.” Beginnings and endings. The take-offs and … [Read more...]

A New Cover & a New Genre!

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Today I’m super excited to reveal the cover of Come Back to Me, a time-crossing novel releasing in June of 2021 through Revell Publishers. This book has my trademark sizzling romance but interweaves it with a blend of contemporary and historical with an element of fantasy. (If you’ve read Outlander by Gabaldon or The Rose Garden by Kearsley, then you’ll understand a little bit about what’s in … [Read more...]

8 Ways to Revive Your Passion for Your Story

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I recently received an email from Anna B. asking me a really great question. She said this: “I am currently writing a book. But recently I’ve not been. Have you ever stopped writing a book in the middle and just not felt the passion you had at the beginning of writing your book?” To answer Anna’s question, let me say this: Yes, I have lost my passion and wanted to stop midway through a book. … [Read more...]

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