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Procrastination Queens (Contest–3 Winners! Plus Open Contests!)

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021

UPDATE: All 6 commenters are winners!
*~*~*

“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.”
~ Spanish Proverb

Are you like me?

I just finished a quick, intense gig editing for another author, and now have time to pay attention to my own writing. However, here I am, sleeping in late, not wanting to make my bed, not wanting to look at my work schedule, which if I don’t begin my new project soon, I’ll be crunching words to get the book done in time. “I write better when adrenaline kicks in anyway!” I say.

I tell myself I can start tomorrow. I can add an extra page to my next few days’ work to catch up. The pool is still pretty cool, I can wait to brush the sides to get rid of any algae. I can dust tomorrow. Doesn’t binge-watching some TV series sound like more fun (I’m watching True Blood for the first time)? I need to rest, right?

Excuses, all.

I love this quote: “Procrastination gives you something to look forward to.” ~ Joan Konner

She gets it. We know we’re being stupid, but argh, I just don’t wanna do nuthin today.

How about you? Do you know any funny procrastinator’s quotes or sayings? Do you have days when you look away from the dishes exploding in the sink—not because you have something more important to do, but because you plain ol’ want to do absolutely nothing?

Comment for a chance to win a FREE short story of your choice.
I’ll choose 3 winners!

Open Contests

It’s a family affair… (Contest–2 Winners) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
COWBOYS COVER (CONTEST) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
Diana Cosby: Nature’s Inspiration – Kits!!! (Contest) — Win a FREE SIGNED book!
Sunset? Dawn? What’s happening here? (Puzzle-Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

Posted in Contests!, General | 6 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Damaris Schuler - Debra Guyette - bn100 - Jennifer Beyer - Delilah -

Genevive Chamblee: Authors & Readers…

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Today is another gloomy day. It’s quite stormy out, and not the typical weather that revs up my creative writing juices. When I glanced at my to-do writing list and potential topics, none jumped out at me. I have plenty that I need to be doing, and the motivation to get going, but not the ideas. Generally, when I find myself stuck in such a situation, I switch to a different project with the hope to salvage at least part of the day, and that a change of pace will spark an idea. That didn’t happen today. Instead, I kept reverting to the questions that were holding my creativity captive on my WIPs. What do readers want?

As an author, I’m always interested in what readers expect from me. Anyone who has ever contacted me about one of my books or short stories with constructive criticism knows that I take what is said seriously. When readers ask, I do my best to deliver. However, sometimes, I have to wonder before I start writing questions that do not surface. For example, do readers like it when writers change their style? That is, if a writer is known for writing in first person, is it off-putting for readers when that writer writes a novel in third person? Or what about a writer who is known for writing steamy romances who changes it up a bit by writing a sweet (sometimes called “clean”) romance? Do readers enjoy learning about authors in the bios of their books? What tropes are romance readers sick to death of?

Another set of questions that crossed my mind was about fads and trends. Who really sets them? Is it the publishing houses or the readers? (Chicken or egg?) Are readers reading what’s out there because that’s all that’s out there? Or are publishers chasing the trends, seeing that a certain type of book does well or is popular and then pushing to publish only those types of books? Are readers truly put off by prologues, or do editors just not dislike them? Are readers more into realistic themes and/or stories or more into fantasy-type romance? Do readers prefer multiple points of view in stories or a singular one?

When I was younger, I loved reading details in book and would get lost in descriptions of rooms and costumes. I wanted the author to paint a world for me and leave no stone unturned. (To be honest, I still do.) Yet, it’s frequently said these days that readers prefer that writers only provide a sketch for the readers to fill in all of the colors and fine strokes and that details only add clutter. It’s said that readers do not want to wade through any descriptions because it slows the pace to less than the action sequence in a videogame. (Maybe that’s why I’m not a gamer.) Thus, do readers want more description in their romances or is less more? Or is that readers want more dialogue than description?

It’s an intricate dance between authors and readers.

Now, it’s time for you to sound off. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with these points? Let me know your thoughts and opinions 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. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

If you haven’t heard, my best-selling hockey romance series, Locker Room Love. Book 4, Penalty Kill, releases this August. >>> https://books2read.com/penaltykill

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person-of-interest in a double homicide and recently traded to a losing team who is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contact Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Preorder your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p
Other book sellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three 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 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.

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 tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.

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 signup today.

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

Resources:

Tagged: contemporary romance, Guest Blogger, sports romance
Posted in General | Comments Off on Genevive Chamblee: Authors & Readers… | Link

Sunset? Dawn? What’s happening here? (Puzzle-Contest)

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

The winner is…Lisa!
*~*~*

Puzzle Contest

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me is this happening at sunset or dawn? And what’s happening here?

Tagged: game, jigsaw, puzzle
Posted in General | 16 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Damaris Schuler - Joy Boutwell - Mary McCoy - ButtonsMom2003 - Delilah -

N.J. Walters: Kicking off Summer!

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

This coming weekend is the Victoria Day Weekend in Canada, or as we call it in my neck of the woods, the May Two-Four Weekend. It’s a statutory Federal holiday and the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. The holiday has been observed in Canada since at least 1845, originally falling on Victoria’s actual birthday (24 May 1819). Now it’s celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25.

We call it the May Two-Four Weekend to refer both to Queen Victoria’s birthday, but a two-four is also how we refer to a twenty-four pack of beer, always a popular drink on the holiday weekend.

So how do we celebrate?

A lot of folks go camping or to their cabins. I’ve seen snow on the holiday weekend, and I also went swimming one year. Yeah, the weather is unpredictable around here.
Drinking. A lot of people will kick back and enjoy a few cold and alcoholic beverages.
Grilling. Steaks or burgers or hotdogs…something, but food is essential.
Campfire. It’s always a nice weekend to have a campfire on the beach. I haven’t done this in years but did a lot of it during my teenage years.
Relax. It is a holiday after all, a three-day weekend to relax with family and friends, maybe curl up and read a good book.

And if you’re looking for something to read, why not check out the FORGOTTEN BROTHERHOOD series.

Who are the Forgotten Brotherhood? They’re a group of paranormal assassins, the misfits that other paranormal creatures fear. They aren’t the monsters lurking under the bed. They’re the ones that kill them.

They live by a strict code: Kill only those that truly deserve it and let their gods sort them out. Kill them before they kill you. Never, ever betray a fellow assassin.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086BT7QJL/

Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

~N.J.

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit me at:
Website: https://www.njwalters.com
Blog: https://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: https://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

Tagged: Guest Blogger, paranormal romance
Posted in General | 2 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Mary Dellenbusch - N.J. Walters -

Hot SEAL, A Forever Dad by MaryAnn Jordan **AVAILABLE NOW**

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

We have another new SEALS in Paradise story! This year’s theme is centered around holidays. The latest release is by my friend, MaryAnn Jordan, just in time for Father’s Day! All buy links are below!

Hot SEAL, A Forever Dad

Benjamin “Pops” Popovich has just finished his last mission and said goodbye to his SEAL team. At thirty, he figured he had a few more good years left in him, but when family responsibilities call, he leaves the familiar to move back to Hope City. After years of missions and living in close quarters with his team, he is looking forward to a little peace and quiet. Now, if the two irrepressible kids from next door could just understand.

Violet Mayfield is doing the best she can… an uninteresting job with a lech for a boss and a townhouse in constant need of repairs. A widow, her joy comes from her two children. As far as she is concerned, their little trio family is all she needs.

Charlie and Lily Mayfield knew their mom was lonely. And they’d met the new neighbor. He was funny, grilled great hamburgers, and had a dog. And they noticed that his eyes always brightened when their mom was around. As far as they were concerned, he’d make a great forever dad. Now… all they need is to get the adults on board.

Arresting Mason (Arresting Onyx book 1)

Their chance encounter resulted in a steamy affair, but will his former gang and a parole officer tear them apart?

Once you’re in a prison gang, you’re in it for life. That’s what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother—his parole officer—catches them together and doesn’t approve.

Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life.

When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason’s return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?

Add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39005064-arresting-mason
Check it out on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/arresting-mason-by-amber-daulton

Arresting Mason – Purchase Links
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2ppcmEJ
Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2uOj90J
Apple/iBooks – https://apple.co/2FVAQMP
Universal link – https://books2read.com/u/m2vvY7

Arresting Jeremiah (Arresting Onyx book 2)

When threats escalate, will Jim and Calista succumb, or fight for a love they can’t deny?

Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah “Jim” Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he’s craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he’s obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life.

Calista doesn’t trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim’s arms.

Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?

Add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55223686-arresting-jeremiah
Check it out on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/arresting-jeremiah-arresting-onyx-book-2-by-amber-daulton

Arresting Jeremiah – Purchase Links
Amazon – https://amzn.to/32vAlqu
Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2E4eJYO
Apple/iBooks – https://apple.co/35BOuo1
Universal link – https://books2read.com/u/mVKvMP

About the Author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.

Social Media
Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Tagged: Guest Blogger, romantic suspense
Posted in General | Someone Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Amber Daulton -

Diana Cosby: Nature’s Inspiration – Kits!!! (Contest)

Sunday, May 16th, 2021

UPDATE: The winner is…Mary McCoy!
*~*~*

As a writer, I refill my muse by taking photographs of nature. One of my favorite animals to photograph is kits.

I had a tough time deciding what photos to share as baby foxes are so cute.

When the kits first come out of their dens, they are so small.

It’s fun watching the kits play with their den mates. They jump, roll around, tackle each other, and more.

As the weeks pass, the kits begin exploring the woods around them.

The time to watch the young foxes is limited, as soon they’ll head out on their own to begin their own den.

Contest

ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, ‘Nature’s Inspiration – Kits!!!,’ on Delilah’s blog between 16 May 2021– 23 May 2021. The winner will receive a signed copy of His Destiny, book #4 in the bestselling The MacGruder Brothers Series.

About the Author

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothers series have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.

Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
The Forbidden Series

Tagged: Guest Blogger, highlander, historical romance, photography
Posted in Contests!, General | 14 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Mary Preston - bn100 - ButtonsMom2003 - Mary McCoy - Diana Cosby -

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