Week 5: The Artist's Way

Week 5: 

Recovering a Sense of Possibility

I apologize for my hiatus. My husband had major surgery and it kind of threw me for a loop. So if there’s any time I need a creative recovery, it’s now.  Anyway, I hope to be back on my weekly or sort-of-weekly schedule of going through this program.

This past week we were supposed to examine our payoffs to remaining stuck. Julia Cameron said most of us have a limited notion to what we are able to accomplish. I’d agree with this. Lately, with my focus elsewhere and not on my writing, I don’t believe I can write at all. So I haven’t even tried.

Cameron suggests we look to our higher power (whatever that is for us) for help, saying that we must not set a limit on how much He can help us or give us. Here’s the thing, while I’m not a religious person, I am spiritual. And I’ve prayed every night for my husband’s healing. I haven’t thought to pray for my creative recovery—it sounds so trite and trivial in comparison. But perhaps I shouldn’t limit my beliefs to thinking I’m asking for too much.

Cameron says we need to stop discounting our dreams, and not be afraid to ask for help, guidance, abundance. Hmm. That’ll be hard for me, given my circumstances now, but I will try. I will try to be open to opportunities and at least try to write again.

She also says we must have downtime to do nothing. That withdrawal from others is a necessity to an artist. If we deprive ourselves of this, we feel “vexed, angry, out of sorts.” I can relate to this. I have had no time to myself for weeks. I don’t begrudge my husband or the situation, but I guess it makes sense then that I have no creative well to draw from when I barely have time to myself to think. I will work on this. I will try to tend a bit more to my needs as I’m tending to his.

So… no major revelations this week. If my life wasn’t so topsy turvy right now, I would have really enjoyed this week’s exercises and readings. I’m going to assume my subconscious is taking in all Cameron’s advice to use sometime in the future.

Weekly Check-in:

Morning pages: Except for the few days I stayed at the hospital with my hubby, I have done these religiously. In fact, I believe they’re what have kept me somewhat sane.

Artist Date: Ummm, not really. I have been coloring in my adult coloring book, which I find enjoyable and meditative. I feel guilty coloring for more than a few minutes at a time, but some is better than none, right?

Any synchronicity this week? If there was, I wasn’t paying attention. LOL. Maybe next week…

Stepping out of my comfort zone

As an introvert, I like to stay tucked inside my comfort zone. But occasionally, I force myself out of it, in big or small ways. 

The other day I did something I never do: I posted some photos of myself demonstrating exercises for a writing loop I belong to. 

Now, you might think this is no big deal, but if you know me or are friends with me on Facebook, you'll see that I rarely post photos of myself. If I do, they're just parts of my face, rarely my whole face or body. If I find a photo I like, I use it for years. 

I'm a personal trainer in my day job. If you saw me in person, you might think I don't look anything like you might have expected a personal trainer to look like. I'm 50 years old, and I'm far from a size two. I'm very fit, but I'm certainly not "skinny." In fact, like many women my age, I have a few extra pounds I struggle to lose. I post a lot on Facebook and my blogs about fitness, but I've never used photos of myself demonstrating exercises, because I know what people's expectations are, and I'm just not comfortable sharing photos like that.

But the other day, I did. I was trying to explain some exercises and finally thought, "Screw it. I'll just have my hubby take some pictures. That'll make it much easier." So I did. And you know what? The world didn't end. The internet didn't blow up. In fact, nobody even commented. So basically I was worried about nothing. 

Sometimes, we just need to do it. Push aside our discomfort and do it. Whatever "it" is.

What about you? Have you done anything recently to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Let me know in the comments so I can give you a virtual high five. 

Q & A with author Dominique Eastwick

Thanks for being here today, Dominique. Would you

please share a short bio about yourself?
First thank you so much for hosting me today. My name is Dominique Eastwick and I am a multi-genre romance writer whose books tend to be on the spicy side. But the love story has to be first and foremost for the story to work. I live in Raleigh NC with my husband two teenage boys, a lazy cat and a very crazy lab. When I am not writing, my favorite place to be is behind the lens of my camera. (Note: see some of her photos in this post.)

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person? 

It all depends on the situation. I am shy in big groups where I know no one. But once I know you I am not what anyone would call shy. I don’t like to be the center of attention unless I am with friends or if I have to do a speech on something I am both passionate about or feel I am confident enough on the subject. I don’t think anyone would call me introverted though. 

In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered

your writing career? 

It hinders me in marketing. So many authors have no issue in jumping right in and saying Hi, I am a writer. This is my book, buy it. I tend to ease to the side of the room.

In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career? 

I listen and watch people. So I get ideas from those around me. 

What’s the hardest part of this business for you? 

I’m extremely dyslexic so writing is slow and editing is tedious for my editors. I am lucky that I have great ones. 

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life? 

I did my first author meet and greet. It’s always scary to sit there hoping someone will talk to you.

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you? 

Take a deep breath and walk over to someone and talk. Go to cons with someone outgoing and let them know you need help meeting people.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

The Marquis and the Mistress (Book 2 in the House of Lords Series)--Lord Simon James Winston, seventh Marquis of Breckinridge, can have anything he wants, except the woman he loves. After Chandra, his lover of two years, spurns his marriage offer, he does his best to forget her. When friends discussed the services of Madame Eve one night over cards, it seems like just the thing to get him over his heartbreak.

Mrs. Chandra Mallory wants nothing more than to marry her lord, but deep-hidden secrets threaten to destroy that dream. On a whim, the widow calls on the services of Madame, hoping a night of passion can help her move on.

Can one evening heal past hurts and concerns and help a marquis and his mistress realize true love is always worth the chance?

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where can my readers find you on the web?

Website http://dominique-eastwick.wix.com/dominique-eastwick

Blog www.dominiqueEastwick.com

FB https://www.facebook.com/dominique.eastwick

Twitter @dominieastwick

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/dominieastwick/

An interview with...Erotica author MORGAN HENRY

Thanks for being here today, Morgan.

First of all, I want to congratulate you for just getting a new contract offer from Siren-Bookstrand! Woo hoo! Very exciting.

Now...would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I was able to realize a long unfulfilled dream when Siren accepted my manuscript for publication.  Though I had always loved reading and writing, I made the decision to pursue a career in science when I was still in high school.  It was a choice based in a need for stability and financial security.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I returned to my love of writing.  I wrote a manuscript, deciding that it was better to try and fail than to always wonder if I could have been a writer.           

I reside in Ontario, with my loving and supportive husband, cat and Boston terrorizer, oops I mean terrier.  When I’m not writing, I still have a full time “day job”, family to look after, friends to enjoy spending time with, and quilts to make.

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person? 

I am most definitely introverted.

In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

I am still very early in my writing career, so these next few questions are maybe a bit premature. I’m not sure it hindered the writing. I think it hinders the publicity end of things. I have a hard time with promoting me and my writing.

In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

The definition of an introvert is someone who needs time by themselves to recharge their personal energy. Since I enjoy alone time, I find the solitary nature of writing quite pleasurable.

What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

I’m still struggling with the whole “web presence” thing. I don’t generally spend a great deal of time online, so trying to manage a website, facebook, etc is a bit difficult for me.  As I mentioned earlier, I also find the promotion aspect difficult too.

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life? 

Well, as for the writing, I’m going to my first writing seminar a few days before this interview comes out. We’ll have to see how that goes.  It involves going to a place with a lot of people that I don’t know, to an event type I’ve never encountered and I’ll be by myself. A crowd and doing something for the first time – it’s an introvert’s nightmare!

Actually, when I think about the things that have made me most uncomfortable in life, they all tend to have crowds of people I don’t know. Conferences, weddings, funerals, concerts, etc. They all are draining.

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

I think that introverts need to embrace that part of themselves. It’s okay to need alone time to recharge.  It’s also important to understand that about yourself, but not let it hold you back from achieving what you want in life.

For example, I can force myself to go to that writing seminar, but I know that will be pretty much it for me for the day. I wouldn’t try to schedule a dinner party for 12 on the same day, because I’ll be too wrung out to be good company later.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy  it?

This is the blub for my newest book, A Hard Choice for Hanna.  It’s the second book in the Hardwick Bay series.

Hanna Marks is happy with her life.  She loves her job as a veterinary technician, her home, beautiful garden, friends and family.  When sexy Kent and Carter VanLindt pursue her, she feels that it can't get much better.  They’re smart, successful, fun to be around and amazing in bed.

Hanna loves her family dearly, and can’t imagine life without them. But her parents didn't grow up in Hardwick Bay, the little town that embraces alternative lifestyles. Surely they’ll be able to accept her relationship with two men.  Or will her mother’s increasingly conservative views on marriage and relationships ruin it all?

Kent and Carter love Hanna to bits.  She’s the one for them. But when Hanna pulls away at the first sign of trouble, Kent’s past relationship disaster comes back to haunt him. Can Carter convince him to forgive Hanna and give their relationship another chance?

Where can my readers find you on the web?

www.morganhenrybooks.com

You can buy her first book, A New Life for Cailynn, here.

 Thanks for a great interview, Morgan! Wishing you many sales and many more contracts!

Writing Process Blog Hop

I love reading about other authors' writing processes, so I'm happy to share mine in this blog hop. Many thanks to the lovely Kate Curran for linking to my post here. You can read about her process here. And if you're looking for an emotional, tear-jerker love story, you must check out her newest book, Falling For You...Again.

What am I working on?
I tend to work on several projects at once (probably why I'm so slow in getting out new releases...). Right now, the main book I'm working on is a follow up to my very first book, Borrowed Stilettos. This new book will be the twin sister's story--this is a challenge, because in Borrowed, Ava isn't an all-together likable character. She's very shallow and selfish, so turning her into the heroine of her own book is kind of difficult. But I think when readers learn why she is shallow and selfish, they'll come to love her as I do.

How does my work differ from others of the same genre?
Every author has his or her own unique voice and style. My heroines tend to have my quirky sense of humor, which can get them into trouble sometimes. I also like to write heroes I could truly see myself falling in love with. Some romance novel heroes are awesome to read about in a book, but would I really want to have a relationship with someone so arrogant, so cocky, so...whatever? I like to make my readers laugh, cry and fall in love along with me.

Why do I write what I do?
While my books are all contemporary romances, some of them are light and funny, and others are more angsty, dramatic and emotional. Some of them are really, really spicy, and some of them (Her One-Night Prince) have no sex at all. My books are varied just as my reading habits are--I don't have a favorite genre to read. Although I am a bit partial to serial killer novels (if I thought I could write a good one, I'd give it a try. Maybe someday...).

Recently, I wrote and released something completely different. The Checklist Diet is my first non-fiction book--it's basically a compilation of the advice I give my personal training clients (I've been a personal fitness trainer for 10+ years). 

How does my writing process work? 
My process is a big, fat mess. I listened to a Jane Porter workshop once called, It's My Process and I'll Cry if I Want To. That pretty much sums it up for me. I am a pantser when I write--which means I don't write from a plan but from the seat of my pants. But I always get stuck about halfway through the book. So stuck that I usually move on to another project for a while. 

Each book goes through countless drafts and revisions. I never really know who my characters are until I've written the first draft. In fact, sometimes I don't know them or really enjoy the writing process until the 3rd or 4th draft, when my story starts to look and feel like a book someone other than me or my mom would like to read. LOL. That part of the revision process is really fun. Sometimes, when in the middle of the first couple of drafts, I will read parts of my published novels to remind myself that I've weathered this storm before, and I can weather it again.

All that said...I really want to become more of a plotter. I think if I could plot out my books beforehand, my first drafts wouldn't be quite so hideous, and the revisions process might be a little less likely to make me want to jump off the nearest cliff. I keep taking workshops and classes, hoping for the magic elixir that will turn me into a plotter. I haven't found that elixir yet, but I'm hopeful. I'm taking a class right now from Margie Lawson's website--Story Safari. So far, I'm loving it. Will I be able to actually write this marvelous book I'm plotting? I will keep you posted. :)

You can find me on the web:
http:rebeccajclark.com
This blog or my other one, Life is a First Draft
Facebook 
@RebeccaJClark on Twitter

The Writing Process Blog Hop continues. Next Monday, check out Ana Kenley's process: 

Ana Kenley writes young adult romantic suspense. Ana is a member of Savvy Authors, YALitChat, and Young Adult Romance Writers of America. She has lived all over the country, and enjoys imagining which neighbor is hiding a dark, mysterious past.

You can connect with her here:

Website: www.anakenley.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorana

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorAnaKenley

The link for her blog is: Ana Kenley - YA Romantic Suspense Author

What to do when you're stuck and the words won't come...

by Regan Walker

Author of the Agents of the Crown trilogy
www.reganwalkerauthor.com

As writers, we’ve all experienced that unfortunate time when the well of words dries up and we sit staring at our computer feeling stale. To me it comes midway though the story as in my current release, Wind Raven, the 3rd in my Agents of the Crown, a seafaring pirate romance. Argh! I think when that happens. I’ve hit the wall—again.

So what to do when that occurs? First, I should tell you I’m a pantster—I do not have an elaborate plot all drawn up when I begin. (I envy those people.) Usually I have an idea for the characters and the beginning. The rest is magic. So, I thought to share what I do to help me get writing again. Perhaps you will find one of these helpful. And I’d love to know what you do!

1. First, I go back and edit the last few chapters, sometimes I go all the way back to the beginning. Along the way, I pick up new ideas, so when I hit the end of what I’ve written the next words sometimes just flow, along with the next scenes.

2.Sometimes, I just force myself to stay at my computer and put words on the page, saying to myself I will come back and fix whatever is wrong tomorrow. Surprisingly, I find I have less to fix than I’d first thought. It doesn’t work all the time, but when it does, I pat myself on the back for being willing to slog through the difficult parts.

3.When I can, I might skip to later scenes, maybe even the end if I have a thought of how I want to bring the threads together. Often those out of place scenes fit in just fine with I get to them.

4.Since I’m an author of historical romance, I might dive into the history a little deeper to see if any ideas come to me. My stories are driven by history and real historic figures so this can give me an idea of a new scene or a new character.

5.I go to lunch with one of my critique partners and tell her where I’m stuck. She may suggest an idea that has me saying, “Yes! Great idea.” And then, when I get home, I can’t wait to begin writing again. I always take pen and paper to those luncheons so I can capture the idea as we are discussing it.

6.I might read a book. Somehow diving into an absorbing romance written by someone else takes me out of the stuck place. It works like greasing the skids. But I don’t reach for this too often as it takes me farther away from my own story.

7. Lastly, when all else fails, I take a break. I take a walk with my Golden Retriever, go shopping, listen to music (which often inspires scenes), or I bake (yes, I love to bake; you can see a few of my recipes on my website). There’s always Facebook, and email too, but I do those most days so they aren’t much of a break.

The point is to do whatever you can to move past the blank page—past that place where nothing is coming to you.

I would love to know what you do when you hit those rough places, so do share!

You can buy Regan's new book on Amazon
and Barnes & Noble!

Q & A with erotic romance author Nicole Morgan

Thanks for being here today, Nicole. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Thanks for having me! I am a multi-published author of erotic romantic novels, which more often than not have a suspenseful back story. Erotic romance mixed with a good old-fashioned whodunit.
In additional to her books, I also have a recurring column called, "Sex and the Single Woman" in BT Showcase's online eMagazine. Also, I have recently partnered up with three of my author friends and became Four Seduced Muses, a blog dedicated to the steamier side of romance.

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person? 

I’m definitely not shy. I may appear quietly polite to strangers, but I’m not shy. I have no problem meeting new people and interacting with them.

What’s the hardest part of this business for you? 
Coming up with new material on a consistent basis. You can’t just write a book and expect to become a huge success with that one story. You need to work at it constantly, putting more books out there several times a year. Sometimes the monotony of it can be a bit much, but in the end I also find it very rewarding – as cheesy as that may sound. 

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life? 
I’ve recently starting writing under a new pen name (Ssshhh… I’m not telling what it is either *winks*) and that was a bit hard for me. Nicole Morgan books have been such a huge part of my life for the past several years I found it hard taking on new genres and getting comfortable in those shoes.

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
I would say, nothing is as bad as you think it is. If you’re too nervous to say hi to someone or break the ice, chances are they’re thinking the same thing. Appearing outgoing (even if you’re not) with a smile on your face will often times make you the life of a party and people will soon seek you out for conversation.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it? 
Jenny manages a resort and works tirelessly to maintain the lush property. Thomas is a drifter. Sexy and confident, he’s the last thing she needs in her life. Still he relentlessly pursues her. Will his charms be too much to resist? Will she act on her desires and be...impetuous? 

PURCHASE LINK:

http://bookstrand.com/impetuous

Where can my readers find you on the web? 
Nicole’s website: http://nicolemorgan1.webs.com

Nicole’s blog: http://nicolemorganauthor.blogspot.com

 

Q & A with Social Media Expert, Beth Barany

I'm so excited to have you here today, Beth. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Rebecca, thanks for having me. I'm a fantasy author, teacher and speaker, and a creativity coach for writers. I live in Oakland, California, with my husband, also a writer, and our two cats. My newest book is Twitter for Authors: Social Media Book Marketing Strategies for Shy Writers, available on Amazon, iTunes, and Nook.

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

 

I do consider myself an introverted person, though not necessarily shy, since I have lots of extroverted qualities, too. I do like networking and meeting new people; I just need to be in the mood for that.

In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

I've had a hard time calling attention to my fiction writing, in other words, marketing it, because of my introverted nature. I could probably take more risks than I have. Just knowing this helps me take baby steps out of my comfort zone, little by little. 

In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

Being introverted has helped me spend a lot of time by myself writing, putting in the time to make my books as excellent as I can. Being introverted has also helped reach out via social media and communicate with lots of people that way. Social media has allowed me to be social and chatty in ways I never expected I could.

 

What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

Marketing my fiction and nonfiction books is hard for me, though I am getting better at it. I also have the challenge of comparing my marketing actions, or non actions, with other people. A bad habit, I know.

 

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

Taking acting and improv class and teaching/speaking classes definitely were outside my comfort zone and helped me get more comfortable being myself in front of people. Now, I actually like presenting to groups.

 

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

I think taking improv is a wonderful tool that has really helped me. Also what's helped me has been triathlon training with a group of like-minded women. So I'd recommend sports training or a workout class that you love. It helps to get out of the mind and into the body.

 

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

Sure!

Twitter for Authors: Social Media Book Marketing Strategies for Shy Writers by Beth Barany

Social media book marketing is key to building your author platform and to selling more books. For many authors, the idea of sharing themselves with the world through Twitter and other social media platforms can be petrifying.  But in Twitter for Authors: Social Media Book Marketing Strategies for Shy Writers, you will discover simple ways to connect with your audience and potential readers. 

In this easy-to-read guide, written by a shy writer, novelist and teacher, Beth Barany, you'll find the confidence and encouragement to step into social media and the how-to steps on what to say, how to find your followers, and how to present yourself in 140 characters or less.

Amazon (http://bit.ly/TwitterForAuthorsBarany)

 

Where can my readers find you on the web?

Here's a list of my social media locations and sites. Thanks for having me on your site, and for helping me take a step outside my comfort zone! :-)

FACEBOOK 
https://www.facebook.com/HenriettaTheDragonSlayer

TWITTER      

http://www.twitter.com/beth_barany

PINTEREST  

http://pinterest.com/bethbarany/

GOODREADS          
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4169630.Beth_Barany

WEBSITE      

http://www.bethbarany.com/

WRITING BLOG     

http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog

My indie adventure...

Here it is, my new cover!

It's my favorite of all the books I've written, yet it wasn't quite right for the Big 6. So...after thinking about it for many months, I've decided to do it. I'm going indie.

SHAMELESS will release in early December. Exactly when, I'm not quite sure. It's with a copy editor right now (the fabulous Jen Gracen) and I am in the process of lining up a formatter. I'd planned to hire a cover artist, but as I started making mock ups to show her, I realized I'd pretty much designed it already. I have a major in Graphic Design from a million years ago, so I knew I could create a cover I liked, but producing it? That's another story. So I hired Rachel Conner to tweak and perfect it and give me the correct sizes.

As for how I plan to promote it...well, um, we'll talk about that another time. (In other words: I have NO idea yet!!!!) As a shy/introverted author, you KNOW this is not my favorite topic.

Will keep you posted on SHAMELESS's progress!

Q & A with author JM Stewart

Thanks for being here today. Would you please share a short bio about yourself? 

Thanks for having me! I live on the west coast of Washington state, where it rains something like 300 days a year. I've been married for sixteen years now, and we have two teenage boys and two very spoiled puppies.

I’ve been reading romance since…I can’t even remember. Somewhere around high school, I think. I’ve always loved it. I started writing a little over ten years ago. I think it might even be eleven now. but it all began with a dream that demanded to be written down. I fell in love with the process!

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person? 

I consider myself both. I’m almost painfully shy. I’ve never really learned how to be social, and I’m scared to death of saying the wrong thing and making a fool out of myself. I get so nervous my heart races and my palms sweat and I stand there saying absolutely nothing, because my mind has gone completely blank.

But I also just prefer to be by myself or in small groups. I don’t mind my own company, and I find large crowds very disorienting. I’ll go out of my way to avoid them if I can.

In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career? 
Self-promotion is extremely difficult. I don’t like to talk about myself. I’m convinced that nobody wants to hear about me or what I have to say. So getting up and saying, “Hey! Look at what I did!” goes completely against the grain for me. So, a lot of the time, I hold back, when I probably shouldn’t.

In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career? I’m perfectly okay being by myself, so sitting for hours alone and writing is a wonderful day for me.

What’s the hardest part of this business for you? 
See the third question above. The self-promotion. Having to toot my own horn. I don’t do it well, so the two years since I’ve been published have all been a very long learning curve. LOL

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

For me, anytime I have to talk to a stranger is stepping out of my comfort zone. When I call the doctor’s office or the vet’s office, to make an appointment, I have to talk myself into it. I have to plan what I’m going to say. It takes me ages to email someone. But most recently, emailing other authors and/or blogs to ask if they would be willing to host me.

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

Ignore the fear and do it anyway. If you feel like a fool, laugh at yourself. I’ve often found that if a) do it anyway, and b) laugh and admit how nervous I am, it warms people to me.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it? 
The Playboy’s Baby

They can't forget the past, but is it enough to create a future?

When an accident leaves her guardian to her six-month-old niece, Emma Stanton must return to her small hometown of Hastings, Montana, to find the one man she's spent the last eight years trying to forget. She and Dillon had grown up together--he was her sister's best friend. But that hadn't stopped him from sharing a kiss with Emma that had followed her through the years. Now, not only must she break the news of her sister's tragic death to Dillon, but she must risk the only family she has left and tell him he's the baby's father.

Wealthy nightclub owner Dillon James has been used for his name and money one too many times, so when he comes face-to-face with Emma Stanton and her gorgeous lips, he's determined to keep things light. All he wants is to be the father his daughter needs, to make up for not being there for her and her mother. But spending time with Emma, as she shows him the ropes of caring for his daughter, is wearing down his defenses. Perhaps it's time he took a chance on love.

If only he can convince Emma to take a chance on him...

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Playboys-Baby-ebook/dp/B008RPKBMM

All Romance ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theplayboy039sbaby-905734-149.html

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-playboys-baby-jm-stewart/1112343120?ean=2940014920773

Where can my readers find you on the web?

Website: http://authorjmstewart.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMStewartWriter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorJMStewart

Blog: http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159044.J_M_Stewart
 

DO YOU HAVE PHOBIAS…OR AM I THE ONLY ONE?

I don’t really have a long list of phobias; I don’t run screaming from mice or spiders or snakes, and while I don’t particularly like heights or being in water over my head, I can still ride the elevator to the top of a tall building and swim in a deep pool.  No, my biggest fear is of an inanimate object.

A microphone.

Now, a fear of microphones isn’t a bad thing…if you never have to get in front of one. But as an author there are ample opportunities to get up close and personal with a microphone. For a shy person, it can be a painful, humiliating experience as the microphone picks up every little tremor, every mispronunciation, and every mouse-like squeak. And isn’t it true, as a shy person that I am more self-conscious anyway? I think sometimes my shyness comes from my life-long struggle to be perfect. Intellectually, I know no one can be perfect. And yet I keep trying, and failing.

The microphone only magnifies this failing for everyone to hear. I learned this when I took piano lessons. Before each recital or competition, my mother would pull out the old tape recorder and set it up to tape me while I practiced. I learned to hate microphones then. Especially when, fancying myself a singer, I secretly tried recording songs—yikes! Who was that girl with the shrill, high-pitched voice? Certainly nothing like I imagined.

Somehow I ended up president of Dallas Area Romance Authors (1994)-really a great and supportive group of writers. But in looking back, just what was I thinking? I suppose when I first walked into my first DARA meeting that I felt so at home and so welcomed, I thought I could conquer the world. Here were people who “got me.” Each subsequent meeting only made me feel more powerful, who can fail with awesome writer friends--so what was a little microphone phobia?

Yet as the date approached for the first meeting with me as president, and I got to thinking about that microphone…um, yeah, not hard to guess.  Nerve city. I suppose I should have gotten some counseling for the phobia, but I was a busy homeschooling mom of (at that time) four young children. (Now, I have six but four are grown, still homeschooling the last two). There was no time in the schedule for visits to a counselor.

I had a writer friend who was also a college teacher—an awesome college teacher, I took her scriptwriting class and was never bored. She told me she practiced her classes beforehand. So I figured I’d try that. The whole talking in front of a mirror thing only made me more self-conscious, but I found I could drive around in the car and talk to myself. Which is what I did.

By the time January rolled around and my first meeting, we’d moved over an hour away from the DARA meetings. That gave me a whole hour alone in the car to practice and picture in my mind how the meeting would go--these days they’d call it creative visualization, but I didn’t know that at the time. But I’d picture myself in front of the microphone, picture how my voice would sound reverberating to me and practice what I was going to say. That worked really well for the first few months. Then,  one month I gave a ride to a friend and DIDN’T do my practicing and visualization (I figured it’d be okay, after all, I’d handled the microphone so far ) it didn’t go well. Right before the meeting I started worrying that I hadn’t practiced and I didn’t have time to conquer the nerves before I had to get in front of the microphone. That was a painful meeting for all involved, I’m sure.

I did think I had conquered this phobia even though I’d avoided microphones all the years since, until I made my first sale. At DARA they present you with a first sale rose and you get up and accept the rose and tell everyone what your book’s about—with the microphone. How had I forgotten that detail? So no, I had not practiced on the way. When I realized, pretty much last minute, that I was going to have to take that microphone, I started making mental notes, which is not the same as talking to yourself and visualizing how it will go. Too many people around, too many distractions and nerves had a chance to really take hold. When it was time to tell about my book, I took that microphone and pretty much went blank.

This experience taught me I’m never going to be over my fear of microphones, so the next time I will make sure to practice, practice, practice!

How about you? Do you have phobias? If so, how do you deal with them? If you’ve conquered them, spill!

Diana Layne is an award-winning author of PIRATE’S PROPOSAL, a swashbuckling pirate tale in The Tales of The Scrimshaw Doll series, and THE GOOD DAUGHTER: A Mafia Story (Vista Security prequel). Book 1 of the Vista Security Series, TRUST NO ONE (also her Golden Heart® final) is due to release the first of June. Check out her BLOG post to find out how to get an ARC of TRUST NO ONE (and to see the new cover), and her WEBSITE for buy links and to sign up for her newsletter to keep up with her releases.

Q & A with Isabella Macotte

Thanks for being here today, Isabella. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?
I love romance novels with a paranormal twist. I’ll read everything from light to dark paranormal, but especially enjoy a lighter humorous tone. Everyone I know needs to escape from their everyday world, and what better way than a romantic fantasy place starring a hunky hero and a strong heroine?

My latest release is The Heart Gem, a historical romance novel set in England. The story incorporates paranormal elements, a heroine who plans to be a businesswoman, and a sexy hero who needs to wed to leave the Fae world behind.

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

Probably depends on the situation now. As a child I was very shy, but as I get older not too much bothers me.  

What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

I think the most difficult part was venturing into the marketing and social media world. There was so much to learn! Once I got the hang of things, I started to enjoy the different platforms. The nicest surprise has been the wonderful people I’ve met along this journey. I’ve connected with readers and writers all over the world, none of which I’d have met outside of the social media outlets.

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

By writing romance novels, you really open yourself up to the reader being in your head. As a writer, you can’t let yourself be intimidated by that fact. Don’t tailor your novel based on what your mom or boss may think about your story. Write solely for the reader’s enjoyment.                                                                              

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you? 

Most people are happy to get to know you. Be natural, never pushy, but trust your intuition.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

BLURB:
In 1885, a proper Victorian woman's place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She's inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who's proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn't cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple's future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn't need proof?

Available now!

The Wild Rose Press|Amazon|Barnes & Noble

Where can my readers find you on the web?

WEBSITE: www.isabellamacotte.com      

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/IsabellaMacotte

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella-Macotte/160318097368777

Q & A with DAWNE PROCHILO

I'm so excited to have you here today, Dawne. Would you please share a short bio for our readers?

I currently have many erotic and contemporary romance books. My writing in the romance genre varies from sweet and sensual all the way up to four flame heat erotic.

I am the Promotions Director for a publisher, and a freelance writer for a newspaper. I oversee and contribute to thirteen blogs weekly, twelve facebook fan pages and am in the process of writing a promotional eBook for authors.

I do reviews books for Coffee Beans and Love Scenes, Simply Erotic Reviews, All-Girls Reviews and Sexy Reads.

Wow, I need a nap after reading that bio. Okay, I think I know the answer to this next question, but do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

No, not at all.

That's what I thought. So, what’s the hardest part of this business for you?

Balancing my time between my personal writing, promotions for the publisher, reading for reviews and finding some leisure down time. I love the behind the scenes aspects of the business just as much as the writing and being a published author. I am having an identity crisis. LOL

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

I wanted to challenge my writing style and prolific writing so I had a vision of a F/F novel one day. I thought, I can do that. How hard can it be? So I set to writing and within one weekend's time, I had produced a 6k F/F about love and connection. I submitted the work to Secret Cravings Publishing and within a few days it was accepted. I never told my husband until after I had the cover in hand. Needless to say, he was quite surprised with my writing ability. He read it and immediately said, "Now I need a cigarette." I took that as a huge compliment.

Another time (even though I have over a decade of newspaper writing background) I was asked by a USA Today editor to write an article about erotica and its advances within the e-reader world. Now, keep in mind, I have written hundreds, if not thousands, of newspaper articles but this one had me fumbling. This was BIG! This was USA Today. I wrote it, no editing, and it came out in the fall of 2011.

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

Building self-confidence is key. No matter the person, if you are comfortable with yourself and your writing, use that as a stepping stone to expand and elaborate any aspect of your life. If you have confidence in yourself, roll with it.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

Rand Bartlett, tall, dark and a loner, is not a man to be reckoned with – but tell that to Darci Hart. According to Rand, Darci would try the patience of a saint. After a one-night stand, Darci finds herself pregnant. Rand, a loner, wants to marry Darci, but she has other plans – and they don’t include Rand. Despite all of Darci's attempts to keep Rand out of the picture, his persistence pays off. It's a love-hate relationship that keeps Rand and Darci on their toes.

Buy: Secret Cravings Publishing

Where can my readers find you on the web?

Facebook

Blog
Twitter

Thanks so much for being here today, Dawne!