May 10 2019

Author & Poet Ben Ditmars #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author and poet Ben Ditmars

Tell us a bit about yourself

Ah, the million-dollar question. Which is good, because I could really use a million dollars. I am an author and poet, currently working in bookkeeping and accounting. This ties into my latest collection Number Poetry – all about the hidden rhythm of the written word. But when I’m not writing or counting beans, I enjoy exploring local history and traveling. I found a bar near my parent’s house where Al Capone used to relax. Pretty cool, eh?

Have you always wanted to become an poet/author?

I’ve always wanted to be heard. But I’m shy around strangers. Writing helps me decipher my thoughts and communicate better.

What was your inspiration for the writing?

I find inspiration everywhere. The sky, the trees, stars in space – a lot with the stars in space. Science in general makes me think and ask questions. It’s a good conduit for metaphors. So is romance. My favorite poems from other poets are romantic ones – borderline erotic. Sex is liberating as an art form. And probably other ways too.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

OCD. Lots of OCD. I can agonize over a single word or piece of punctuation for hours. It’s slightly more muted writing for publications, because I can take time. But if it’s for the internet, you’re naked when it’s posted. There’s an urgency, exhilaration and fear that goes with it. But it also helps you find what works and resonates with an audience.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Research the publishing and business world. Go to author events and see how they promote and interact. Watch Mad Men. Read as much as possible of the genre you intend to write. Think of who your audience will be and what you can give them they don’t have.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on quite a few things. A book of romantic haiku, a haiku novella and fantasy adventure, and a young-adult collection with various life lessons. It should be a real hoot.

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love to keep expanding and reaching new audiences. That’s my biggest struggle is growing the ranks of people who read poetry. Partly, I’ve been doing this through posting on Instagram, or the Gram as hip Gen-Y kids call it. Or it Gen Z? I’m too much of a Millennial to actually remember.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Yes, as a matter of fact. I appreciate you staying with me through these weird ideas I have. I could be living under a bridge shouting haiku, but you like my posts and buy books so I don’t have to.

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Author links

Apr 20 2019

Author Bella Claire #interview

Please give a warm welcome to debut author Bella Claire

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi everyone! I’m Bella Claire. I just recently wrote my first reverse harem novel called Safe Haven which is book one in the Born In Hell series. Life is pretty crazy. I have three wild, but amazing kids that definitely know how to keep me on my toes. I work part-time, sometimes full-time, for a psychological center, which can be stressful at times, but also quite interesting depending on who walks in that day. I try to write every chance I get, but get distracted sometimes and could seriously watch Supernatural all day if I could. Oh and food, well food is life besides my family.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Actually, no. Surprisingly, I didn’t really get into reading until I was about nineteen. I started reading more suspenseful books, then really got into the romance genre. I remember searching my kindle one day and came across the first two books in The Stardust Series by Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke. I had no idea what reverse harem was then, and still didn’t really get it until I joined their group on Facebook. From there I found other groups and reverse harem readers and authors and couldn’t believe what a great community of people I had come across. It was then I decided to write. It took many attempts at writing until one day Safe Haven popped in my head and I just went with it. Sometimes I still can’t believe I accomplished it, but I’m so glad I did!

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Honestly, I’m not sure. The idea just popped in my head one day and the story just kind of came to me. My next book, which will be a standalone, is influenced from the cover. I fell in love with the cover and then bam, another story to write.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on book two in my Born in Hell series, New Haven, but also writing a standalone that will be called Their Dirty Little Secret.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Not really, I just need it to be quite. I feel like a lot of authors listen to music while writing, but I just end up jamming out and singing along. If there is anything, even something small that could distract me, my brain turns to mush.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that one day I can be a full time writer and keep putting out books for readers to get lost in and enjoy.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Don’t be scared to ask for help! Without fellow authors and friends, there is absolutely no way that I could have done this on my own. There is always new things to learn and room for growth.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you all so much for giving my newbie self a chance! It means so much to me and I’m so happy to have each and everyone of you with me along for this journey!

Buy link

Author links

Bella Claire’s Rebel Readers

Their Dirty Little Secret

Blurb

Being a shifter is complicated.

Being a dirty little secret is even worse.

For years I’ve tried to blend in with my pack, find my place, but it’s impossible when everything about you screams intruder.

That is until three wolves trespass into our territory. They say they’re searching for something that was stolen from them, something precious and irreplaceable.

But when my pack decides they’ve had enough from our visitors, things go from bad to worse. Unable to keep me hidden from them any longer, the three men soon see what my pack chooses to ignore.

I’m left with two options: stay in a life full of loneliness, or go with them. Will I find my place or will I become someone else’s dirty little secret?

Mar 21 2019

Author Brooke Warren #interview

Please give a warm welcome to debut author Brooke Warren

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Well…where to start? 🤔 I’m a Social Worker by day. I work in an outpatient cancer clinic helping cancer patients and their families. I love what I do!

I’ve also learned over the years that I need an outlet for myself to help take my mind off my day job. Most people are surprised to know I’m a gamer girl. Yup! World of Warcraft is my addiction and has been for the past 13ish years. I’m also
a die hard Fallout fan!

I’m married to my bestie. We’ve been together for 15 years and this year will be 5 years of marriage. My hubby is my rock. Love him to the moon and back and then some. We also have 3 dogs.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

To be honest, no. In school, I was really good at writing papers but I never pictured writing for fun as something I would do.

I’ve always had an overactive imagination. I’ll even admit to making up stories or scenarios in my head and watching them play out. It just never occurred to me to put all my nonsense on paper. 😂 I kick myself in the butt everyday for not doing
this sooner but I feel my journey started at the perfect time.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

So….I always laugh when people ask me this question. For my Alpha and Betas series, I legit was inspired by a music video I randomly came across on YouTube. Dirty Minds by Boy Epic to be exact.

As I watched the video, this crazy detailed dance scene popped into my mind and played out like a movie. Oddly enough, the dance scene that inspired the book didnt make it into the book. 😱 *gasp* I know! I’m holding onto it for a special moment.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on edits for book 2, Bonded By Fate, in the A&B series. It due to release in June. I’ve also started working on book 1 of my motorcycle club series that will release by end of year. And I’m working on an amazing secret co-write project. I do believe my other half was even interviewed by you recently. 😊

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Yes! I totally write better while at work. 😂 I also need to have music blasting in my ears. It doesnt matter the genre, I can tune it in and out. But, if I’m writing a sex scene, I try and pair the scene up with a song then I put that song on repeat till I’m done with the scene.

What are your hopes for the future?

Gosh, I dont know. I hope that my future self is still writing. I have some ideas for more series in my head that should take me through the next 3 years at least.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Find an editor you mesh well with and who you can trust. My editor has become an important person in my life. Without her guidance, I shudder to think where I would be now.

Also, talk to other authors, make friends. I was so scared to do this but I’m glad I did! It’s nice to have people who understand what you’re going through and to ask questions so you dont feel like your drowning in a sea of new information.

In the end though, just write. Go where the muses take you and find a system that works for you.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

To my readers: I LOVE ALL YOUR FACES! True story. All the support I’ve received since the launch of my book has been amazing. Thank you for taking a chance on a newbie author. For the bottom of my heart, you guys are the best ever!

Buy links

Author links

Brook Warren’s Runaways

Mar 1 2019

Author Bea Paige #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Bea Paige

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I’ve always had a story to tell. I was a pretty chatty, imaginative kid. But the real urge to write those stories down didn’t come until much later in life. I completed a Creative Writing / English degree in my early twenties, but didn’t actually start writing my first book until I was in my thirties! Family life happened and it wasn’t until my youngest started school full time that I had some spare time on my hands and begun to write! Five years later here I am, though I didn’t publish my first reverse harem book until November 2017, so I guess I’m still classed as a relatively new author.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My current book series – Finding Their Muse – a dark contemporary reverse harem was inspired by Sergei Polunin (a ballet dancer). I was writing another book and listening to music on you tube when Hozier’s song ‘Take Me To Church’ begun playing, it was such a beautiful song that I had to see the video that went with it and then clapped eyes on the most beautiful dancer I’ve ever seen. Ivan Sachov (one of the harem in Finding Their Muse was pretty much based on him). I must’ve watched this video a thousand times, and was utterly enthralled and mesmerised. Then, I just began to write, it was as simple and as magical as that. I love how someone else’s creativity can inspire more. Here’s the link to the infamous video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-tW0CkvdDI
I’m fortunate enough to have got tickets to watch Sergei in London in June! I am so excited!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on Strings, the third book in my Finding Their Muse series (will be four books, finishing with Symphony) This series is based around Rose (an ex-ballet dancer) and the men of Browlace Manor. In the first book Steps, Rose is introduced to Ivan, the dangerous and sexy ex-dancer, Anton the troubled artist and Erik, a gifted but damaged violinist.

Steps and Strokes were actually really difficult to write because of the darker themes (suicide, drug abuse, self harm, PTSD) but the characters themselves, though complicated, are beautifully flawed and real. That realness is important to me, and I hope the characters come alive because of it.

I love exploring beauty in the darkness, it’s kind of addicting honestly. I’m inspired by writers like Pepper Winters, and Addison Cain who aren’t afraid to delve into the human psyche.

Together the characters in this story find redemption and a place they can call home in each other’s arms and though the journey might sometimes be rocky they’ll get to a good place together in the end. Having said that, as with all my writing, the muse takes charge and I just do as I’m told!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I always listen to music. I find it inspiring, and whilst occasionally I get distracted with singing, mostly it helps to focus my mind. On occasion, I’ll drink a glass of red wine and snack on my favourite fizzy Haribo sweets!

What are your hopes for the future?

This year I’ve already reached one goal, and that was to get an orange tag on Amazon. Strokes got me my first number one new release in the US in British Contemporary Fiction and I just cried! I was so happy. My next aim is to get one of my books in the top #1000 rank on Amazon US. I got so close with Strokes, so I’m hoping Strings might just get me there. Other than that, I’d love to write full time. I currently have a part-time day job. But to be able to write all day, everyday would be incredible.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s so easy to want to have the same incredible journey as other authors and then feel sad when that might not happen. Your path is your own, your achievements belong to you an no one else. Be glad for every little goal that you reach, and not what others reach. Stay out of drama and work hard.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I’m not sure I have fans, lol. I do have readers, and those readers I am eternally grateful for. When I first started out I didn’t think anyone would be interested in reading my books. To have readers is still a surprise and a blessing. Without their fabulous support and encouragement I wouldn’t still be writing. I write my stories for them. #OneOfTheHive

Buy links

Steps

Strokes

Author links – These are the main places you can find me! Most of the time I spend in my Facebook Group, Queen Bea’s Hive (name lovingly chosen by my readers) followed by Instagram. I’m around a lot and welcome new members who want to become #OneOfTheHive

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeaPaige/

Feb 12 2019

Author B.L. Brunnemer #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author B.L. Brunnemer

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m honestly just a crazy sarcastic woman with a computer. Lol. I’ve been married to my best friend, Robert, for eight years, together thirteen. Have two dogs, one cat. The cat is currently sleeping in her heated bed in front of the heater vent. (Yeah, they’re spoiled.)

Have you always wanted to become an author?

It never occurred to me that I could until I was older but yeah. I’ve always been writing something but never finishing it. I was always coming up with stories in my head. Getting them down on paper or on the computer was always the challenge.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

With Veil Diaries, I actually was watching a show, Dead Files. I wondered what growing up seeing the dead would be like. How it would affect a person. And the idea went from there.

What are you working on now?

At the moment, I’m working on the second book in my other series, Books of Stone. I’ve been dealing with a bit of writer’s block with this one. But we’re getting there.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Quirks… Since I do have ADHD, my office is usually quiet with my desk facing a wall. Lol. My husband knows that if I’m working to leave me alone. Lol. When I hyperfocus on work then I get really grumpy when something interrupts me. At this point, he asks if I’m at a place where I can stop. If I can, then I stop, if I can’t I tell him I’ll come to talk to him when I finish what I’m doing. We’ve got it down to a science now. Other then something crunchy to munch on while thinking, that’s the only one I can think of. I used to sit in the chair with my legs crossed under me but I can’t do that with my new chair. (Yeah, I kinda miss it)

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes are to honestly work hard to become a better writer, that I can make each book better than the last. And keep writing. I honestly want to write for the rest of my life. * Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world? 90% of writing is getting out of your own way. Turning off that critic in your head especially during the first draft. The rest is hard work.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Thank you all so much for your support! Without you guys, I wouldn’t have the courage to keep writing. You guys are the best! Seriously, on bad days I’ll go on facebook and someone will have posted a picture that reminds them of the book or someone has a new theory. It gives me the jolt I need.

Buy link

Author link

Beyond the Veil: The Official B.L. Brunnemer Author Club

Feb 9 2019

Author Blake Blessing #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Blake Blessing

Tell us a bit about yourself

Ugh. I’m the most boring person ever. I’m a working mom, trying to raise my family and follow my dreams all from Denver, Colorado. I’ve always been addicted to reading from a young age. If I wasn’t drawing or painting, I was reading. So much so, when I was grounded, my aunt would take my books away. I remember one time, the fourth Harry Potter book had just come out. She took my book away when I was grounded for two weeks! It sat on top of the fridge taunting me lol.

I also love to laugh and hang out with my kids. And I have a penchant for chocolate milk. See, boring.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do growing up, I just knew I wanted to be good at it. Looking back over my adult life, I only held jobs for about two years before either switching to something else or getting promoted. I did do a year of art school and found myself. Then I found I needed an income and went back to work.

It wasn’t until the last year or so where I really started to entertain writing my own stories. One of my close girlfriends practically strong armed me into it because she thought I’d be good at it. So I did. I sat down and grumbled through the first two chapters, then I realized just how much fun it was. It also works really well with my limited attention span. The different plot and character ideas satisfy my need for scenery changes.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Ooohh… So I could talk about Mazza. Orr….. I could talk about a secret project I’m working on.

I think I’ll do that!

Going back to my art school stint, I also love a little side photography. When I was on vacation in Jackson, WY, I just minding my own business, taking pictures of the kids and the snow. And I started thinking about how photos only show people what the photographer wants them to see.

That’s it! That’s all I’m sharing. ♡

What are you working on now?

Hmm… I answered this above. But my current works I’m either working on now or planning to work on soon are Secrets of the Mazza (3), A Secret-Secret YA/NA Contemporary RH, and The first in a fantasy RH trilogy that’s connected to my short story that dropped in December.

You’ll get no other secrets from me!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Ha! Actually there is one. It’s really strange and I don’t know why I do it. If I get distracted or lapse for a second in what to write, I type “I can’t believe”.

I don’t know what it is that I can’t believe, but that always makes its way onto the page. I just laugh at myself and delete it lol. Don’t judge me.

What are your hopes for the future?

I feel like you just asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up! LOL.

I have a big girl job I really enjoy, and I love crafting stories.

That being said, if one day I’m able to stay home and write full time, I would jump on the opportunity in a heartbeat! There’s a rush that comes with authoring, from creating something that others value and genuinely love. That’s important to me.

I wrote a book about PTSD called Full Glasses and Burju Shoes and one woman reached out to me after she read it. She told me that she has PTSD and that she had never read a story written quite like mine, and how incredibly touching it was. That right there made me legit cry.

So short story long, I’d love to author full time. ❤

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Yes! I waited until I was about to publish before I started developing relationships because I didn’t feel legit. Don’t do that! Build relationships and a following now. It can be done and there are people that will care about what you have to say. You have to kill the doubt that strangles your self-worth (That’s totally an Avett Brothers lyric).

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Yes! A million times yes! For my fans that love what I write and experience the emotions my characters feel as if you are living their story, you are the reason all the editing tears are worth it. And for those that encourage me and make me want to keep writing with kind words and sweet actions, thank you from the bottom of my soul. I’ve been blessed with the best circle of readers, ARCers, BETAs, and author friends. The whole damn community is pretty freaking amazing.

Buy links

Shifting Destiny

Marks of the Mazza
Bonds of the Mazza

Author links

Bonds of the Mazza review

Blake’s Lusty Legion Reader Group

Feb 25 2015

Mind’s Eye Author Ben Ditmars @benditty

Bio:

Ben is an author of gnomes, plays, poetry and more. He was first published in his college publication and heads the poetry committee at the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society. Currently, he lives in Marion, Ohio and is working toward his Master’s Degree. He loves historical documentaries and all things gnome.

What genre do you write?

I mostly write poetry but I’ve been known to dabble in fan fiction and stories about magic Zeppelins.

Have you always wanted to be an author/poet?

Interesting question. I’ve always been writing (and sometimes scaring my elementary school teachers in the process).

I know I’ve always wanted to be myself and make a difference, which writing seems to help.

Tell me three things your readers might not know.

I’m terrified of uncertainty. Writing helps me face my fears, but driving to strange places, relationships, even the dark at times can overwhelm me. Also, death. I really don’t want to die.
I’m addicted to caffeine: soda, coffee, tea. Everything but energy drinks. Apparently, I draw the line somewhere.
I head a local poetry group where we meet every month to share words, thoughts, and other suggestions.

My poems in “Triptychs” are inspired by some thought-provoking (and beautiful) photographs. For the first Think Green I thought of my mother. She’s always had a green-thumb and seems to think days are best spent outside doing some form of yard work. It’s not a bad thing, unless you have poetry to write or lessons to plan, but I know I’ll miss it when she’s gone. My second poem “Dry dock” was a take on nostalgia. Martin’s photograph reminded me of age and the danger of complacency. Writers can be guilty of over-dreaming and I’ve tried to get outside and live as much as I write: but it’s hard when there are books to read.

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