Please Welcome Contemporary Author Jolyse Barnett

    Today I'll be interviewing with Author Jolyse Barnett about her writing, books and what's new. She's amazing and she lives in New York, by the vineyards and the beaches. I'm so jealous. I would love to see a vineyard, and New York.

    1.  How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always expressed myself more eloquently in the written word than the spoken.

      2.  Tell me about your journey as an author… where did it start?

It started in the fifth grade when my teacher needed to keep me occupied while she worked with reading groups. I would read poetry magazines, copy and memorize the poems, then write my own inspired by those I’d memorized. I began keeping a diary after that, which I kept up for years…until I married and life became too busy. Years later, I decided to pursue romance writing seriously upon my daughter’s insistence that I follow my lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Six years ago I joined a local chapter of Romance Writers of America here on Long Island, wrote five pages of my first book over and over until my critique group wanted more, then finished the book within a year. That book’s first chapter won an award, but I’ve yet to pursue publication with it. (Maybe I will one day. LOL.) I wrote three-quarters of the second book in that series, but didn’t finish it, frustrated in general with my lack of originality. I spent the next year focused on building my imagination and learning the craft and industry. Toward the end of that year I came up with the premise for my Mystic Escapes Series.

Since then, I’ve written six more romances, four of which have been published. My debut was a contemporary romance novella, Christmas Light. The second was His Kiss (retitled as The Rebel’s Redemption). Text Me, Maybe released on August 8^th, and I’m excited that One More Sunset—first published last autumn by a now-defunct publisher—has found its home with Foundations LLC and will release on October 3^rd.

 3.     Are you a “plotter” or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

I’m what you might call a hybrid. When I first began writing seriously six years ago, I created a personal writing template, which includes the story’s working title, the setting, character details, a logline, tagline, and brief synopsis. Once that handy form is all filled out, I sit down and let my imagination take care of the details as I alternate between brainstorming and drafting. However, on my most recent two WIPs, I’ve begun to be far more detailed, and am making sure I’ve nailed down all the major beats and have woven in the subplots and romance arc BEFORE drafting. So far, this is making the drafting part go much more quickly. 

       4. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere! J 

      5.  What has been the greatest challenge in being a writer and becoming published? What lessons would you share with new writers?

The greatest challenge has been deciding which genre fits me best. I love so many types of books that I’ve struggled with settling into just one genre. Also, I’ve learned I’ve had to say no to projects that I knew didn’t fit me so that I could focus on projects that I feel strongly about. As far as advice, I’ll suggest that aspiring writers relax and be true to themselves, writing and reading a lot, and focus on their own creative journeys rather than comparing themselves to other authors.

      6.  What you working on at the moment?

I tend to be a multi-tasker when it comes to writing. Currently, I’m drafting a small town contemporary romance, a flirty urban-set romance, and am in the edits process for the next book in the Mystic Escapes series called One More Touch. I’m also percolating ideas for One More Chance, the third story in the series which will be set between Long Island and Bermuda.

      7.  What should readers expect from your books?

Generally speaking, I write complex, emotional storylines but with a dose of humor and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

      8. What’s on your bookshelf? Do you have favorite authors?

Pretty much all subgenres of romance. I don’t generally read horror or psychological thrillers (real life is scary enough for me), although my curiosity has been piqued by the movie trailers for The Girl on a Train. I might just have to get up the nerve and read that book and see the film. (I’m a sucker for fast-paced mysteries.)

      9.   And of your own books, which is your favorite?

I love them all in different ways, but the one I’ve reread most just so happens to be One More Sunset. Perhaps that’s because I adore Key West so much and all those details allow me to relive wonderful couple getaway memories via Abby’s adventure.

     10.  If you could write in any other genre than your own, what would it be?

I’d write middle grade fantasy or mysteries.

Thank you for a great interview and answering all the questions. Here is how you can reach Jolyse Barnett.

Guest Details:

Author Name:  Jolyse Barnett

Author Website/Blog:  http://jolysebarnett.com

Author Profile Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jolyse-Barnett

Author Profile on Smashwords:  NONE

Goodreads Profile:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9788820.Jolyse_Barnett

 

Facebook Profile:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJolyseBarnett

Twitter Account:  https://twitter.com/JolyseBarnett

Pinterest Account:  https://www.pinterest.com/jolysebarnett/

Book Titles:

Christmas Light

Amazon
Print:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/194224004X

B&N Print:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-new-york-jeannie-moon/1120676053?ean=9781942240044

Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PG4T6UU

Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-light-in-the-window-jolyse-barnett/1121212408?ean=2940150041004

iBook:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-light-in-the-window/id967064484?mt=11

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jolyse_Barnett_Christmas_Light?id=2FLjBgAAQBAJ

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-light-in-the-window-3

The Rebel’s Redemption (formerly His Kiss)

Amazon Print:  http://www.amazon.com/His-Kiss-Summer-New-York/dp/1943963185

Kindle:  https://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Redemption-Heroes-York-Book-ebook/dp/B0113ED526

Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-kiss-jolyse-barnett/1122259073?ean=2940150965980

iBook:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-kiss/id1016669425?mt=11

GooglePlay:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jolyse_Barnett_His_Kiss?id=TcMZCgAAQBAJ

Kobo:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jolyse_Barnett_His_Kiss?id=TcMZCgAAQBAJ

Text Me, Maybe

Amazon Print:  http://www.amazon.com/Text-Me-Maybe-Jolyse-Barnett/dp/1682811883/

B&N Print: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/text-me-maybe-jolyse-barnett/1123671813?ean=9781682811887

Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/Text-Me-Maybe-Jolyse-Barnett-ebook/dp/B01EFK4YPW

Nook:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/text-me-maybe-jolyse-barnett/1123671813?ean=9781633756373

 iBook:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/text-me-maybe/id1104874442?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/text-me-maybe

One More Sunset

Amazon Print:

B&N Print:

Kindle:

Nook:

iBook:

Kobo:

GooglePlay:

Hanging out with Personal Assistant Mitsy Princell and Market Manger for Foundation Publishing

         As a indie author there are so many avenues to get your name out there but it's just you, ONE person. I know as an author there isn't enough time in the day to write and promote. Sometimes I get caught up in Facebook, or Twitter and time just slips away. That's where you call in for help. Today I'm chatting with Mitsy Princell who has been working as a Personal Assistant since last year.
          If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I'm sure one of us will come back to answer it for you. So here we go with the questions:

 
1. How long have you been a PA? I started PA work in Ocotber of 2015.
2. What publishing houses do you work for if any? Just started working for Foundations as a Marketing Manager.

3. What kind of references do you offer? I can offer many professional references.
4. If an author hires you for PA/Personal Assistant, what is included? I have a website with the basic fees, yet I prefer discussing it with the author before determining the price range of the services provided. I work with a lot of indie authors, so prices vary with each author depending on their budget.
5. Are you a writer as well? What is your favorite genre? No. Well, I imagined writing a short story yet that's not coming together.
6. Tell me something about you? I am 41, single, from South Carolina, and have no kids. I have my cat, Jynx! I love sports, every sport except boxing, and watch ESPN all the time! I love attending live sporting events, which I wish I could do more often.

My links:
Mitsy PA https://www.facebook.com/mitsypa/
Web Site http://mitsypa.com/index.html

Blog http://bookloverpa.blogspot.com
Review Team http://goo.gl/forms/DWfZwxlliXck4PiH3
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/Mitsyc Twitter @Mitsycp
PinInterest mitsyc106

Chatting with Alissa B. Gregory Young Adult Author

   Today Author Alissa B. Gregory is visiting with me to talk about her two books that is out and she has some great news. This winter she has a new book coming out. These books lean towards children of the ages 3 to 5. How exciting to start your little one reading and getting them pump up about learning.  So let's sit back and enjoy the interview.
Here is one of the covers.

1.     How did you know you wanted to be a writer? I HAVE LOVED WRITING SINCE I WAS A YOUNG GIRL AND WAS ABLE TO WRITE. I RECENTLY DECIDED TO PUBLISH BOOKS. I DEFINITELY BECAME INSPIRED WHEN I HAD MY SON.

2.     Tell me about your journey as an author… where did it start? AS A WRITER, IT ONLY STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO. ONE DAY, I HAD AN THOUGHT…THAT THOUGHT WAS “I WAS PUT ON THIS EARTH TO DO MORE THAN SELL POULTRY PRODUCTS, I THINK I SHOULD WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS.”

3.     Are you a “plotter” or do you fly by the seat of your pants? I MOST CERTAINLY FLY BY THE SEAT OF MY PANTS. THOUGHTS JUST

COME TO ME, SO I JUST GO WITH IT.

4.     Where do you get your inspiration from? 100% FROM MY SON. HE IS ONLY FOUR, AND HE LOVES “HELPING” ME.

5.     What’s been the greatest challenge in being a writer and becoming published? FIGURING OUT WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT CAN SOMETIMES BE A STRUGGLE. What lessons would you share with new writers? I HAVE LEARNED THAT A LOT OF WRITERS ARE SCARED THEY WILL BE REJECTED. MY ADVICE TO THAT IS, GO FOR IT. WHAT CAN IT HURT TO TRY, RIGHT?

6.     What you working on at the moment? I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON A BOOK INSPIRED BY MY HUSBAND WHO HAPPENS TO BE A POLICE OFFICER.

7.     What should readers expect from your books? FUN, CREATIVITY, BUT MOST IMPORTANT, SOMETHING THAT TEACHES KIDS.

8.     What’s on your bookshelf? Do you have favourite authors? I LOVE ANYTHING WRITTEN BY JAMES PATTERSON OR NICHOLAS SPARKS.

9.     And of your own books, which is your favourite? MY FAVORITE BOOK OF MINE WON’T BE PUBLISHED UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2016.

10.  If you could write in any other genre than your own, what would it be? I WOULD HAVE TO SAY CRIME AND ROMANCE IS SOMETHING I WOULD CONSIDER.

Here is everything you'll need to buy and follow Author Alissa B. Gregory.

Author Name: ALISSA B. GREGORY

Website: WWW.ALISSAGREGORYBKS.WIX.COM/MYSITE

Social Media Links: FACEBOOK (ALISSA B. GREGORY) TWITTER (@ALISSAB_GREGORY) INSTAGRAM (ALISSA_GREGORY)

Book Titles: “EASY PEASEY, LEARNING IS EASY” “SCHOOL’S NOT SO BAD”

“Buy Links”

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Peasey-Learning-Alissa-Gregory/dp/1530950856/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472433839&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=easy+peasy+learning+is+easy+ALISSA+B.

https://www.amazon.com/Schools-Not-Bad-Alissa-Gregory/dp/1535288353/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472433840&sr=1-1&keywords=school%27s+not+so+bad

https://www.amazon.com/Schools-Not-Bad-Coloring-Book/dp/1535454474/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472433890&sr=1-1&keywords=school%27s+not+so+bad+COLORING

Introducing YA Author Des Birch from the UK

Good Morning everyone,

   Today I'll be interviewing Author Des Birch. He writes young adult novels for children. What a great gift to give a child instead of a game or phone because to me a book expands their mind, their imagination. So today we're going to give you some great information for your next purchase of these great YA books for your child, or a niece or nephew, or it could be for yourself.
    So let's get started.
Here is one of the title covers.

1.  How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have always written.  At school, English was my favorite subject.  When my children were young, I wrote short stories for their entertainment.  Writing books was a natural progression.

   2.  Tell me about your journey as an author… where did it start?

I wrote my first book, the Diary of an Innocent, while I was living in Spain.  It took me about eight months to write, but it had been in my mind for the usual two years before that.  When I moved back to England, I decided that I preferred to write for young minds.  that was when I wrote The Redemption.  the dark waters series began after that, but not before a book on my mental list (which hadn't been waiting in line for the customary two years), bullied its way to the front, demanding to be written.  Lamia is far removed from YA literature, and that is why I published it under the nom-de-plume Juliandes.  I have now written two books in the Dark Waters series and I am working on the third.

   3.  Are you a “plotter” or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

Most books have to serve their time in my mental queue, before they get written.  During this period, I must know the story completely, including the beginning, the end and at least one major highlight.  Then it is a battle, after which each book explains to me why I should write it.  I then choose the winner.  The story is already there.  I never fly by the seat of my pants.

   4.  Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from the natural world and the unnatural people I encounter in my everyday life.

   5.  What’s been the greatest challenge in being a writer and becoming published? What lessons would you share with new writers?

I don't know if this will help other writers, but I believe that it helped me enormously.  It can be very difficult at first, to concentrate on writing quality, storyline/flow, structure and where you last saw a character.  Whilst writing The redemption, I actually lost one of the girls and I had to go back many pages, to find where I left her.  When I was young, I used to read a lot of Hammer horror short stories.  I would read a story, wait a few days and then re-write the story.  It already had structure and storyline, so I could just concentrate on the writing quality.  Eventually I became used to structure and could plan a story it myself.  I have now extended it to my books.

   6.  What you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on the third book in the Dark Waters series.  This takes the hero from the first book and grows him up.  Instead of quests in the Quinling world, his quests are now real as young readers are given a glimpse into the life of an adult.  It tackles things like relationships with parents, love, marriage, raising children, the death of a loved one and finally his own demise.  It is the most difficult book I have ever worked on.

7  7.  What should readers expect from your books?

It is my job as an author, to entertain.  A reader should expect to become immersed in the story and want to turn the page to find out what happens next.  If a reader does not feel inclined to finish one of my books, the reader hasn't failed; I have.

   8.  What’s on your bookshelf? Do you have favorite authors?

I am a non-fiction fan and a shark/natural world lover.  My bookcase is full of these books with odd pieces of psychology and history thrown in.  I hold a BSc (Hons) open, mainly in science, so my bottom shelf is full of old course books.

   9.  And of your own books, which is your favorite?

Oh, don't make me choose.  It might upset the others.  I guess any of the Dark Waters series would do.

   10.If you could write in any other genre than your own, what would it be?

Psychological thrillers.  I like to play with people's minds.

 You can find Des Birch through these social media:

Blog                                            http://desbirch.blogspot.co.uk/

Smashwords                        https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Sharklet

Goodreads                            https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Amazon                                    https://www.amazon.com/Des-                                                    Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1472236632&sr=8-1

Twitter                                     @AuthorDes

Linkedin                                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/des-birch-              33494598?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Pinterest                                https://uk.pinterest.com/desbirch/

Facebook                                https://www.facebook.com/Author-Des-118110241600887/

Twitter                                     https://twitter.com/AuthorDes

Book Titles:

The Redemption

The Diary Of An Innocent

Different eyes

Beyond Dark Waters

Above and Beyond Dark Waters

“Buy Links”

https://www.amazon.com/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1472295636&sr=8-1

Have you attached copies of your book covers and/or author photo?

If not, are you happy for me to use images from your social media feed, website or author page?

Let me Introduce to you to Miss.Toni Michelle of Polished Pages Editing Services

 If you are an aspiring author, indie author and looking for a top of the line editing service, I have Toni Michelle of Polished Pages Editing Service and Binding Dreams Marketing Manager with me today to talk business.
      When you are finished writing your book, it's far from over. Now is the hard part, editing. With you being the author you can't see your own mistakes because you are too close to the story. You need a professional to edit and prep you for your next step.
 Here are a few questions I put together to help you, the author with a experienced editor. Someone who's willing to go that extra mile and put your book out there among the readers. 


1. How long have you been an editor? I started editing in 2004, however, that was not with books. I edited legal docs to be filed with courts. I started editing books in 2012.
2. What publishing houses do you work for if any? Foundations, LLC, Totally Romance Publishing, and The Red Pen of Doom

 
               
3. What kind of references do you offer? I can offer many professional references. Working with publishing companies and freelancing allows me to edit for many different authors.
4. For new authors out there who may not understand the breakdown of your services, what is the difference between content editing and copy line editing? Content editing checks for factual errors, contradictions, and inconsistencies. If the content is fictional, I would check for discrepancies in the plot, character, or dialogue. I check whether the theme has been developed properly, or whether the sub-plots have been integrated into the story line well enough. So, content editing evaluates the content in detail. Copy editing is checking for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, verb tenses and other grammatical errors. It also involves checking for continuity, sentence structure, paragraph lengths, word choices, missed words, and the like. So, basically, copy editing involves correcting the language of the text.
5. If an author hires you for PA/Personal Assistant, what is included? I offer several different packages, so this varies based on the author’s needs and budget.
I took
6. Are you a writer as well? What is your favorite genre? I write, however, am not planning to publish anything soon. A favorite is hard to pick. I really love them all. I guess it is just whatever I am in the mood for that day.
7. Once I had a person edit my work only to find out later she never understood the genre. Considering you edit different genres, my question is, do you read all the different genres you would edit? I do. I am a fan of many genres and edit nearly all. Unfortunately, I do not enjoy reading Urban Lit, so I would not be comfortable with editing same. I do not feel I would be able to provide a quality edit for this genre.
8. Tell me something about you? I am a thirty-five year old mother of six (well, two are stepchildren, but I still claim them as mine) and work full-time from home as an Editor, Author PA, and Marketing Manager. In my free time (I know, what is that?!), I love to fish, snorkel and dive.


If you have any questions you can find Toni Michelle on Facebook under Polished Pages Editing Services or Binding Dreams Market Manager, her email is t-michelle@live.com She also has a blog 
Binding Dreams Word Press Blog 

I thank you for visiting with me and answering such important questions. I hope you'll come back to visit.

Writer's Block is REAL

Omgoodness, I'm so close to the end of my book, but now I find myself stuck like Chuck. It's no playing matter as I'm ready to be done with this, so I can start another book. I've stopped cold against a brick wall. When that usually happens I set it aside and do a little art which is my favorite thing to do when I'm not writing. I brainstorm while I play, then I'm able to finish writing.  Well peeps. That didn't happen. Rolling my eyes in disgust. 

     What's funny, is while I'm writing I get these other character's with their stories entering my mind. I'ts like this door opens and this fine man walks in and says, "Hey babe, come write my story." One of these characters I have been dreaming about for a few days. He's determined and demanding, the shit, but I have to finish what I started so I can get it edited and out to my readers. 

     In desperation, I emailed a great author friend and told her my plot, and she suggested I go back and re-read the last chapter. It took me two days after that to do it. Now, I think I'm good now. I actually want to write. WHAT? It worked. Laughs. 

    So, I have my coffee and I have to go to work later, so I'm off to write for a little while. Have a great day. 

    I do have a question. Do you like books that may not have a followup? Let me a message I'd love to hear from you. 

Oh, my art is on Etsy if your interested. Here is the link. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Adult Coloring Pages, Stress Relief, PTSD relief..

This has been a fun week with coming up with ideas to draw. The reason I'm starting this is because this helps people relax from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This is for all my military stressed peeps. This is my way of helping. My joy in helping. To all my military peeps you are all my hero's so if my drawings can help you relax and enjoy coloring.. This makes me happy.

 This is my first version of my horn girl then I redrew her for Etsy.  It's not exactly like the first one but Its a run off so I could add more for the person getting her can have more to color. Then my coworker colored the last picture. Too cute right?

These can be found on my etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Fantasy Adult Coloring pages and Books

Well, I have recently been introduced to Adult Coloring books. I had no idea of such things, but there great for relieving stress, and PTSD/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or if you just want to color. One of my friends Kelly added me to a group on facebook and told me since you like to draw and paint you should create your own Adult Coloring Book. I'm also thinking of doing a few drawings on acrylic paper so the person can buy the page and then they can use acrylic paints and markers, I just wouldn't recommend water colors. So what do you think of the idea? Leave me comments...

My writing comes first and I'm at the end of finishing my newest book with a new genre other then paranormal fantasy, then onto edits.. growls... so while I'm at work I can doodle if we're not busy. So far I have three done and there on Etsy.

So here is the link so you can check out my new adventure.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu