For those who are unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo (or NaNo), it is short for National Novel Writing Month which is a nonprofit organization and an annual writing event that happens in November. From the name alone, NaNo sounds as if it is exclusively for writers. However, it’s not. But before I get into the benefits for readers, let’s take a brief look at the organization.

NaNoWriMo was created in 1999 by Chris Baty as a writing society. The purpose was to offer and provide community, encouragement, structure, and tools to assist individuals in attaining their creative voices and succeeding at fulfilling their creative (not just writing) goals.

As writing event, NaNo is a challenge to complete writing a 50,000-word novel between November 1 to November 30. However, this description is a little deceiving. NaNo allows for much flexibility, and writers set their own goals. Not every writer wants (or needs) to write 50,000 words. Goals may be set higher or lower. In fact, it may not even include writing. Some authors use NaNo as a time to edit a completed manuscript or screenplay. Others may decide to work on blurbs, back matter, and other writing details associated with novels. The point is to set a writing goal and accomplish that goal in thirty days. During the first NaNo event, twenty-one writers participated. Last year, that number was over 400,000.

So, how is NaNo a benefit for readers? For starters, it means that many of your favorite authors have their next novel or project in progress. It also means, some authors will be looking for beta readers. As a result, readers can get sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at what authors are working on. Other authors may ask for story ideas or suggestions. Is there a side character in a story that you’d like to see have his/her own book? During NaNo would be a perfect time to suggest it.

Some authors use NaNo as a writing exercise in creative expression and not necessarily to complete a novel. They just want to write and expand their craft. For example, an author who usually writes epic novels may want to write a series of short stories with the background and history of established characters. Or a writer who typically writes contemporary romance may try his/her hand at a regency romance as a tester. In turn, they may offer these shorts as freebies.

Many authors document their NaNo journey on social media, giving readers a lot of extra content to enjoy. Readers will be able to see the writing process (which is different for each author) and writing struggles. It allows readers to get to know authors on a different level.

Although Camp NaNoWriMo occurs in April and July, October is generally the month writers begin kicking into gear for NaNo. This is why October is frequently referred to as Preptober. Preparing for NaNo is as different as the writing process itself. For some writers, it means gathering research. Maybe, now is the time for readers to join an author’s research squad. For other writers, outlining as prep is their journey. Yet, others may use the time to make arrangements for reserving writing locations or scheduling writing times. Readers can check in and see how writers are getting ready.

In short, NaNo is just as much for readers as it is for writers.

So, that’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Future Goals

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Order your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit https://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and sign up today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

About the Author

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

For those of you who’ve been waiting for this book to be released, it’s out now!

Too Good for Words

Ride hard or stay home…

A phony friendship between an ex-con biker haunted by his past and a suburban mom with an uncertain future shifts gears with startling consequences.

After more than two decades as a stay-at-home mom, Penta Potter’s life is at a crossroads, her future stretching emptily ahead. When her youngest son vandalizes a local motorcycle mechanic’s garage, confronting the forbidding yet compelling owner sparks deliciously wicked longings.

Since his release from prison twelve years ago, Cash Rylance keeps his head down and his nose clean. He has no business aching for a fiercely protective, sweet-lipped, divorced mother of four. If he promises to keep his hands to himself, maybe she will help him be the dad his estranged daughter deserves.

A fake relationship between these two restless hearts seems the perfect route to take…until their improbable plan detours toward a totally different destination.

Order your copy now!

About the Author

Brenda Margriet writes savvy, slow-burn, contemporary romances with ordinarily amazing characters. Readers call her stories “poignant,” “explicit and steamy,” “interesting, intriguing and entertaining,” and “unlike any romance you’ve read before.” She lives in northern British Columbia with her husband, various finny and furry pets, and has three grown children.

I have a new young adult contemporary book series called Stars in the City, coming out about teen celebrities looking to find both their path in the world and true love while in the big city. This is a spinoff of my funny and romantic young adult contemporary pop star/soap star Cecily Taylor Series. In this book we see Cecily’s TV co-star, Valeria Joseph, navigate the world of teen stardom and trying to find real love in a celebrity world in the city. Valeria has dated a popular heartthrob character on the show who broke her heart and her hometown ex winds up in the city and they find they still have feelings for each other. Cecily and pop star, Andrew Holiday, are also featured in this book as well, so you get to see a continuation of the relationship. Check out the blurb to learn more!

Stars in the City

These actresses seem to have it all…

Valeria Joseph and Cecily Taylor seem to have it all: careers as actresses on the soap opera, Charmed Lives, and everyone wants to be them. Then Cecily fixes Valeria up with a rising pop star named Dex Doyle and sparks start to fly. Suddenly Valeria has a bigger spotlight on her and she’s overwhelmed by the drama that follows Dex. It’s one thing being on a daytime drama, but another thing to live in one. Then Valeria’s hometown ex-boyfriend reaches out to her as he’s overwhelmed by his college basketball career. He’s always wanted a quieter life than her, but she soon she realizes she still has feelings for him even though she thought she left that life behind her. Can Valeria find true love in the big city?

Pre-order the book here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/mB8K9D
Read the Cecily Taylor Series here (Free in Kindle Unlimited): https://books2read.com/u/3nBLoB

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of young adult, middle grade, and contemporary romance. Krysten writes because she loves bringing people swoony moments & hope-filled happily ever afters. Her books are known for making you feel all the feels.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Do you see my hair on fire? My dd is back from her vacay in Ireland, and now she’d stressing out about this coming weekend’s Festival of the Arts. I am, too, but I can’t even let myself think about it until I get my book finished, formatted, and uploaded on Wednesday.

However, if anyone will be in Central Arkansas on Friday or Saturday, drop by! We’ll be manning a tent, selling art, bookmarks, postcards, some jewelry, door signs, etc. I’ll post pictures! In the meantime, I’m keeping my head down and giving my fingers a workout.

Back into the fray!

Hello Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me to visit today!  I’m publishing a book in the multi-author, shared-world series The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 today called Axe to Grind, and I wanted to give you a quick sneak peek.

When I heard about this series last year (R2R 2022), I was intrigued.  My friend, Kaje Harper wrote the first book in the series, and I happily read it, sinking into a band that was headed to a rock festival in Black Rock, Nevada (where The Burning Man takes place).

Then a little birdie told me Rocktoberfest was coming back for a third season, I found the courage to contact the organizer, and they informed me I grabbed the last spot.  While I was exchanging those messages, the idea for my story came to me, nearly fully formed.

This is the point where I say again that writing a book takes a village.  Kaje stepped up to volunteer to beta read for me since she was also in the 2023 season and, of course, had written in that world before.  My friend Laurel, who’s husband’s best friend is in a rock band, volunteered to read my manuscript as well.  Finally, Wendy, another amazing friend, offered to look at it as well since she had music industry experience in her background as well.

Then…I just had to write the book.  I tapped a good friend, whom I call the plot whisperer.  I’d hoped she might give me a band name.  She did: Grindstone.  Then I gave her my idea. She said “Okay, but where’s the conflict?” A question writers often dread.  At that point, she teased more from me and, eventually, with her dogged determination, we had plotted my story.  A good story.  Writing it was a challenge, but I’m always up for a challenge.  I wrote an interracial rock star romance with some neat twists. Oh, and of course my band are Canadian.  Finally, Kaje helped me find the perfect Ed and Natasha Snow made me the perfect cover.

That’s it. Nine months from conception to delivery.  I hope you grab a copy of the book and read it.  Then I hope you nab all the other books in the series.

As a thank you, I’m happy to give out a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one commentator.  Let me know – what’s your favorite trope?  I have so many faves, I can’t list them all, but forced proximity, single parent, rivals-to-lovers, and friends-to-lovers are some of my faves.  Tell me which do you love to read?  Winner chosen at random.

Thanks Delilah, for having me visit.

Axe to Grind

Ed

For ten challenging years, I’ve been the lead guitarist for the band I formed with my best friend Axel. Grindstone is on the verge of making it big. Which is why I’m livid when our manager brings in some snooping, scandal-chasing documentary producer to film our trip to Rocktoberfest. We’re about to hit the biggest stage of our career, and I’m worried this rich jerk, who has destroyed other celebrities, might uncover the secret I’ve kept hidden for years. I want to just ignore him, but as attraction sizzles, I start letting down my guard. Giving in to these urges might mean distracting him from his mission and getting him on my side. That’s the point. Right?

Thornton

I want to bring Ed and Axel down for what they did to my sister. I’ve managed to insinuate myself into their inner circle as a documentarian, and I’m this close to pay dirt. Using seduction to uncover the last of Ed’s secrets might be tacky, but what red-blooded man would turn down what the bisexual rock god is offering? But as we find stolen moments to try to slake the need, I’m having second thoughts. If I don’t avenge the wrong done to my family, I won’t be able to live with myself. The promise of sex shouldn’t be enough to stop me. But as I sink deeper into a relationship with Ed, I must decide if my need for revenge is worth destroying any hope of a future together.

Axe to Grind is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rock stars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your Kindle, and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

Links:
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Axe-Grind-Road-Rocktoberfest-2023-ebook/dp/B0CCLRHSQJ
Universal Book Link:  https://books2read.com/axetogrind

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.

Personal links:

Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up:  https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile:  https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey

My guest today is author Brenda Margriet. You may remember her. She wrote a fan-favorite short story for my Silver Soldiers collection.

Operation Purple Sparkle Diamond by Brenda Margriet – A resolute Afghan veteran deploys on his most desperate mission yet—wooing the hesitant heart of his daughter’s kindergarten teacher.

I knew the second I read the title of her story that I had to have it. Now, she’s back with a new book that releases on October 12th. Do you love silver fox stories? Ex-con bikers? Well, read on! ~DD

Too Good for Words

Ride hard or stay home…

A phony friendship between an ex-con biker haunted by his past and a suburban mom with an uncertain future shifts gears with startling consequences.

After more than two decades as a stay-at-home mom, Penta Potter’s life is at a crossroads, her future stretching emptily ahead. When her youngest son vandalizes a local motorcycle mechanic’s garage, confronting the forbidding yet compelling owner sparks deliciously wicked longings.

Since his release from prison twelve years ago, Cash Rylance keeps his head down and his nose clean. He has no business aching for a fiercely protective, sweet-lipped, divorced mother of four. If he promises to keep his hands to himself, maybe she will help him be the dad his estranged daughter deserves.

A fake relationship between these two restless hearts seems the perfect route to take…until their improbable plan detours toward a totally different destination.

Pre-order your copy now!

About the Author

Brenda Margriet writes savvy, slow-burn, contemporary romances with ordinarily amazing characters. Readers call her stories “poignant,” “explicit and steamy,” “interesting, intriguing and entertaining,” and “unlike any romance you’ve read before.” She lives in northern British Columbia with her husband, various finny and furry pets, and has three grown children.

UPDATE: The winner is…flchen!
*~*~*

Today’s National Pancake Day! Woohoo! Excited? No? Too mundane? Then you haven’t tried all the kinds of pancakes there are out there! I limited my list of favorites to just ten, but if you don’t know what some of them are, go Google them! You’ll find recipes for some very yummy dishes!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me which intrigue you and which are your favorites!