Author: theliteraryvixen

My name is Laura and I am a Makeup Junkie, Book Dragon, Blogger, Beta Reader, and PA I’ve always loved both books and makeup. I’m always reading at least two or three books at any given time. Email: theliteraryvixen@gmail.com
Review

Cambion’s Law by Erin Fulmer – My Review

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Title: Cambion’s Law

Author: Erin Fulmer

Release Date: November 9th 2021

Genre: Shifter Thrillers

Lawyer. Demon. Lily Knight is both—half-human, half-succubus, and utterly dangerous.

Lily protects her secret and the safety of those around her by abstaining from the skin-to-skin contact that would grant her superhuman powers. An ambitious criminal prosecutor, she’s all work and no play, determined to prove herself in the courtroom to atone for the ex-lovers she’s left for dead in her past.

But after a fellow succubus turns up murdered and the police arrest an innocent man, Lily discovers evidence of a supernatural killer stalking the foggy San Francisco streets. And when human justice falls short, she launches an unsanctioned investigation to find the real culprit.

To stop the killer, she must embrace the full power of her heritage and risk the soul of the handsome suspect she can’t help but fall for. Can Lily face her true nature without losing her humanity—or will she become the monster she fears most of all?

If you love Richelle Mead, Lisa Edmonds, or Seanan McGuire, discover a paranormal mystery series complete with a fierce heroine that will have you begging for the next book!

This is my first book by Erin Fulmer and it won’t be my last. Her storytelling style drew me in and I was here for the ride that is Cambion’s Law. I have never read a demon book quite like this one. The author definitely added her own twist and I was here for it. These characters were great! I have my faves! 

This was such an entertaining read. I had trouble putting it down. I needed to know what was going to happen next! Erin Fulmer is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more from her! I highly recommend this one! I give this 5 stars. 

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Jenna Rivers

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Jenna Rivers! Her paranormal romance book, Spell Shocked (A Charmed Midlife Book 1) released on March 8th 2022.

How long have you been writing?

I used to write when I was younger, but I started writing longer fiction about a decade ago. I started off with contemporary romance, but I love all things paranormal too much not to include witches and vampires and fairies (oh my!) in all of my stories. 

Describe a typical writing day.

I just got a brand new “used” desk that I absolutely love. It’s become the grounding of my work, and now I love being in my office all day long. I get up in the morning, grab my breakfast and coffee, and sit down to do some writing sprints first thing. Usually, I have one of my cats sitting near me. When I get tired of sitting, I have a standing desk that I also use. I typically finish writing by lunchtime, and then in the afternoon, I either write more or plan what I’ll be writing the next day.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from the shows that I watch. I fell head-over-heels in love with Netflix’s Wednesday, and I also love the show A Discovery of Witches. A lot of times, I’ll even get inspiration for stories from non-paranormal shows when I imagine what they’d be like if you added supernatural elements to them. 

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

Unfortunately, I lost my father a couple of years ago. That really rocked my creative world and made it more difficult to find my footing in my writing again. The good news is that I feel like some of those skills are returning, and I’m so excited for the books I’m working on.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

Music is the key for my inspiration. Whether it’s listening to Lo-Fi music while writing or setting the mood, I constantly have my noise-cancelling headphones on so I’m immersed in the sound. I have my go-to playlists for different moods. For example, I listen to a band called Two Steps From Hell and their music when I want to write a fight scene because what they play is so cinematic.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Chatty, loyal, and determined.

How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

Sometimes, if a book takes a toll on me, I’ll have to do some self-care days. That could mean no writing at all, allowing myself time to read instead of write, or getting out of the house completely to go out and get in some exercise outside. I also have some special places I like to write in that help me push through the tougher scenes to write because I find comfort being in them.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I am finishing up Bombspell, book 2 in my Charmed Midlife series. Fun story is that I had a clear outline and plan for my characters. And yet, they had other plans for themselves, so it’s taken extra time to adjust the story and give them what they want. It’s hard realizing that your characters sometimes know better than you.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Write your first book all the way through. Get some feedback on it, pick some top things to fix, but then get it out there. After that, write your second book. Writing is a skill that you have to practice, and the best way to get better at it is to write the next book and the next book. Also, perfection is overrated, and trying to make a book perfect means you’ll never share your story with anyone else but yourself.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I put a lot of myself and my life into my stories. While I might not always share the exact details, I hope the readers feel like they get to know me through my writing.

Thank you Jenna Rivers for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her paranormal romance, Spell Shocked today!

~Synopsis~

One feisty aunt with talking animals, a surprisingly supernatural lakeside town, and a boatload of magic are all it takes to shake up my midlife.

No one should live day to day just to exist. It only took an invite from a person I’ve never met to a place I didn’t know existed to tempt me to walk…no, run away from everything I knew. How sad is it when I’m the last one to see that my crappy life needs a do-over?

Starting over in my midlife wasn’t exactly the plan. But with the discovery that I actually have an aunt I never knew existed, magic is real, humans can turn into animals, and there might even be a real freaking dragon living in Guardian Lake—I can’t help but hope there has to be a better life waiting for me to choose it.

I’m going to make the rest of my forties fabulous by any means necessary. From here on out, I’m carving my own path in life, choosing my own adventures, and creating my own happy ending.

Once I get the hang of my Charmed Midlife, I intend to never look back!

Spell Shocked is a slow-burn romantic paranormal women’s fiction with a woman who’s rediscovering her sass and learning how to kick a little ass.

Jenna is a lover of all things paranormal! When she’s not dreaming of hot shifter men or deciding what magical power she’d like to possess, she’s busy writing Paranormal Romance and Paranormal Women’s Fiction. She suspects she’ll be inheriting her powers any day now that she’s officially middle-aged, although she thinks she’d use her magic to help her write more words faster. When not writing, she’s busy playing ukulele, hiking, or learning a new recipe to cook!

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jenna-Rivers/author/B09GH2H91P

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennariversbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/659904638465163

Website: https://jennariversbooks.com/

Review

Wicked Match (The Wicked Book 2) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Wicked Match (The Wicked Book 2)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: November 8th 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

Can a good girl witch princess and a bad boy bodyguard fight their way from enemies to lovers and stop a killer?

Good girl Prys Bane is the ultimate witch princess—titled, rich, beautiful, and from the best royal bloodlines. But the STEM genius would rather hide with her statistics and crush on a forbidden bodyguard than marry a proper prince. Better to guarantee that no one discovers her true magic—powers more suited to a storybook villain than any princess.

Bad boy John Donovan has pretended to be a bodyguard while hiding his supernatural double agent status from everyone—even his own sisters who see him as the villain. Crushing on Prys seemed safe until he learns she’s not only the witch magistrate investigating a murder where his sister is the chief suspect, but Prys is also the matchmaker hired to force him into an arranged marriage.

When John and Prys are pulled into a deadly mystery that comes closer and closer to the couple by the hour, they must work together. When Prys discovers John’s kink, these enemies quickly become lovers whose passions ignite. Can this princess and her antihero find happily ever after or will the killer be a best friend whose betrayal neither can survive?

Who doesn’t love a good girl/bad boy story?

Especially one written by the fabulous Luna Joya. She brings all the steam and that slow burn will leave you wanting more. Long after you’ve finished. In Wicked Match, we learn more about John. Secrets will be revealed. Everything is not as it seems. I devoured this book! That twist! That ending! It had my heart racing and me shouting at my kindle. I’m not dramatic at all. 

This was another highly enjoyable read. It has action, suspense, steam, and a twist you didn’t see coming. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance with steam, this book is for you! Skip adding it to your TBR and just dive right in. I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Whispers In The Woods by Ariel Dawn – My Review

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Title: Whispers In The Woods

Author: Ariel Dawn

Release Date: January 31st 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Why Choose

The darkness called, and she followed it like a moth to a flame…

In the wake of buying Ashwood Manor, Jenna Hellsing discovers that a grumbly gargoyle and a sexy shadow are not the only monsters haunting her. The terrifying beast in the woods is calling her home, and the truth begs to be set free…

As Jenna slips into old habits and her past collides with her present, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly game, one that is all too familiar.

Flint never thought he’d have a second chance. A chance to love again, a chance to re-write the past. Though it seems not even a Hide-Behind can outrun fate, and danger follows Jenna wherever she goes…

Will Flint, Degal, and Shadow refuse to let history repeat itself… even if it means they have to face their own nightmares and ghosts?

The highly anticipated follow up to Voices in the Dark, Whispers in the Woods is dark, steamy, and will get your pulse racing!

The characters need to face their past to move forward. We also meet Flint. Ah Flint. Love him! There’s a bit of suspense and those steamy scenes….*chef’s kiss* I’m a huge fan of dark reads and Miss Dawn did not disappoint.

This was everything and more! This was an engaging guilty pleasure read. I was not disappointed! I highly recommend this and the first book. I love the author’s storytelling style and I look forward to reading more from her. I give this 5 stars.

Review

Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns by Joanna Reeder – My Review

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Title: Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns

Author: Joanna Reeder

Release Date: January 18th 2023

Genre: Epic Fantasy

A tournament for the prince’s heart.
Fifteen fae hopefuls chosen, vying for the crown.
But the king has planted a beautiful spy in their midst…

Half-fae Amberle is a thief, but there’s nothing she can steal that will buy her father’s freedom. When she’s invited to enter a glamorous competition to become the potential mate and bride of the prince, her every instinct blares a warning. After all, the king can’t be trusted. And worse, she knew Prince Rion as a youngling, and he hates her.

The feeling is mutual.

But when the very King of Faerie who holds her father prisoner offers to free him in exchange for Amberle’s compliance, will she strike a bargain?

How hard can it be to spy on a few royals and noble wannabes? It’s not like she’s at risk of falling in love.

Joanna Reeder wows readers with her phenomenal world building and cast of lively characters. Enter the world of the Fae courts. Dazzling beauty is everywhere but nothing is as it seems. This unputdownable tale of magic, mystery, and more will keep readers enraptured till the very end.

Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author · Pre-Order

Interview with an Author featuring Christine Clinton

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Christine Clinton! Her upcoming release, Xavion (YNO Idols Series Book 1) is releasing February 6th 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello my name is Christine Clinton and I live in Oklahoma. I have been married for 31 years. We live on 55 acres where we raise cattle and chickens.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always loved to tell stories, writing just came along with it.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

 I make a vision board. I try to see the characters before I write about them.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I write mostly during the day because I stay at home by myself.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I was so scared to push the button. I said a quick prayer and pushed it. Here goes nothing haha

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

I love all my books but if I had to chose one it would be Apache Sun. It just came so naturally.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

What has surprised me the most is how some characters are just chatty and easy to tell the story, but there is always that one character that is hard to figure out.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

I have struggled finding a good editor. I finally after several editors found an honest reliable one.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Yes, I’m working on Looks to Timber. This book is a part of the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers series.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t give up. Write something everyday even if it is one sentence. Believe in yourself you can do it.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

 I hope that when people read my books they feel and hear my heart in every story. I pray they walk away satisfied.

 

Thank you Christine Clinton for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Xavion today!

~Synopsis~

Emma, a naive country girl is burned by the first love. Out of this relationship she emerges, not just with scars and the broken pieces of her heart, but with the opportunity to be a mother.
Just when Emma thinks she has all she ever wanted in her life, in comes Xavion, K-pop singer and hallyu star from Korea. Xavion with his own share of difficulties shows Emma that sometimes, your life is not as complete as you think it is. We just need that one last piece for life to really fall into its perfect place.
This is a story that tells how love can rise above barriers set by origins and status.

I was born and raised in Arizona. Which is where I met the love of my life. We decided to move to Northern Oklahoma. Where we have raised our children around faith, love, and storytelling. When I’m not writing I’m usually enjoying spending time with my grandbabies, junk journaling or researching history. I’m a hopeless romantic. I have always been a sucker for happy endings.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Clinton/author/B087N1SM1B

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristineclinton

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christineclintonreadergroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchristineclinton/

Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author · Pre-Order

Interview with an Author featuring Victoria DeLuis

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Victoria DeLuis! Her upcoming release, No Witch is an Island (An Eira Snow Cozy Mystery Book 5) is releasing January 31st 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a happily Married mother of a tween girl who is 12 going on 42. I have 3 cats and a dog, who rule the house. The dog bosses me around, and the cats boss the dog around.

I’ve been writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal mystery for a few years and have a number of books out, including the Rune Witch Series and The Eira Snow Mysteries. I like to focus my books and characters around Wales, which is where I was born and still live.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, my mother enjoyed writing as a hobby, and it’s something she passed on to me at a very early age. I started writing the ‘Continuing Stories of Gandalf’ after reading The Hobbit when I was young, and always harboured the dream of being a published writer, even when I was working in finance in my early twenties, my spare time was spent taking course after course on writing, and of course, reading lots and lots of books. I am a huge fantasy fan 😊

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I used to do a lot more than I do know. Every detail had to be in place and I needed to know everything, but I found that after I had finished the world and planning all the details, I felt like that story was somehow complete in my head, and didn’t need to be written. In light of this, I do a lot less world-building these days. I plan my characters and chapter outlines briefly and let them evolve more on the page. 

I like to incorporate Welsh Mythology, locations, and history into my stories, so most of research I complete goes into researching these elements.

What time of the day do you usually write?

When I’m approaching a deadline, I work all hours of the day and night, but my sweet spot for getting work done is between 10:00 and 14:00.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I met a wonderful man online called David way back in 2012. We met on an online class called ‘Write About Dragons’ which was following Brandon Sanderson’s recorded lectures At Brigham Young University. Dave became a good friend who met Meg Cowley in real life, while practising archery. Along with Meg, David, and a few others, we formed an online writing group where we gave each other a lot of support and encouragement. Meg was the first to take the plunge into self-publishing. To be honest, until then it wasn’t something I had considered. Meg encouraged me to take the plunge, and I first hit publish in 2016.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

That’s a hard question to answer. I go up and down with my emotions when writing all of them. I’m often nervous to start, and then I get into the writing, then the self-doubt kicks in!

I think though it would have to be the current Eira Snow Mystery. I know I am on the downward track of finishing the series (I am on book 5, and there will be 7 all together). It’s fun starting to wind things up.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I’m often surprised at how little things that happened in previous books can be used as clues to link the overarching story together. In my new book, I also found a way to link my previous Rune Witch series to my Eira Snow series. This was something I never planned on doing, but has worked out quite well. Plus, it’s been fun to go back and delve into characters I last wrote about in 2019.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

I find there is always so much to learn and do, and everything changes all the time. This can be particularly difficult as I also work at the local college. Thankfully, there is an awesome community out there that is always happy and willing to help you stay up to date with all you need to know.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I am working on finishing my Eira Snow Mystery series at the moment. The next book is out shortly and the remaining two later in the year.

As I mentioned, I am also a huge fantasy fan, but with my writing I focus on urban fantasy and paranormal cozy mysteries. I have therefore decided to explore a bit more fantasy orientated stories this year, and my first, The Flame Within, is included in the Shadows and Fate anthology, which is out in February.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Keep writing and keep learning. As with everything in life, you are going to run into some hurdles but if you love what you are doing then it’s worth it. Make connections. As I said before, there is an amazing community out there who will support you on your journey.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

To me books are escapism and entertainment, and I like to think that’s what I aim for in my books. They are fun reads that are safe for everyone. They’re feel good stories that aren’t too dark. Overall, they’re about the relationships people make.

Thank you Victoria DeLuis for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, No Witch is an Island today!

~Synopsis~

Description coming soon!

Join witch Eira Snow, her bubbly apprentice Fleur Evans, and a cast of quirky characters as they solve a new mystery in the quaint Welsh village of Caerleon.

No Witch is an Island is the 5th book in the Eira Snow series of paranormal cozy mysteries.

If you like believable characters, fun mysteries with surprising clues, then you’ll love Victoria DeLuis’ delightful story.

Victoria is a short story author and novelist, who loves reading – everything – and writing urban fantasy, mystery stories, paranormal romantic suspense, and even the occasional sci-fi.

She was born and raised in South Wales, which offers her rich heritage and mythology to use in her stories.

After the birth of her fabulous daughter, Jennifer, she decided to abandon the corporate life, return to education, and pursue her lifelong passion for writing. She studied creative writing and gained a first-class honours degree, and followed that with a Masters in Novel Writing.

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Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Bella Falls

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Bella Falls! Her upcoming release, Bargain Haunting is releasing soon. 

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I started writing after reading Edgar Allen Poe’s short stories when I was young. I just loved how he told stories. I gave up on writing fiction for a very long time, and only took on the challenge of writing on a regular basis within the last ten years. It’s kind of like returning home to me.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I am what’s called a planning pantser—which means I do a lot of planning up front but allow for the story to develop and to change as needed when I write. When I’m planning out a series, it can take me over a month to nail down all the details prior to writing one word.

What time of the day do you usually write?

Funny enough, I used to be a night writer, but I now get up pretty early in the morning to write. I love writing when it’s still dark and then the sun comes up.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I honestly published on a dare from another writer friend. As a former English teacher, I used to help other writers with plotting and stuff. Finally, a good friend dared me to use my skills for my own storytelling. I’m so glad he challenged me!

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

This is such a loaded question because it’s almost always the last book I wrote. I go through a rollercoaster of emotions while in the middle of writing a book. Lots of self doubt. But as soon as I publish it, that book usually becomes my favorite book I’ve written and I forget all the struggle. However, I do have one book that I was still writing while on vacation in the Cotswolds in England. That book has a special spot in my memory because of all the cool places I found to write in.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I’m constantly surprised when my characters take on a life of their own. So many times, they’ve actually surprised me and gone off my plans, letting me know that they would do something totally different. And they’re almost always right! In Collards & Cauldrons, I knew who the killer was until another character revealed themselves to me as the one who did it. That was a complete shock to me as the writer who had things planned all along. But it was actually a much better outcome, which in turn made it a better book.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

I started writing my first paranormal cozy mystery series while my husband and I were stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I had to finish up a book while making the overseas move back home. Let’s just say I had to wait to publish that book until the move was complete.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Yes, I’m so excited to finally be finishing up Bargain Haunting. It’s Book 5 in the Southern Relics series and has been a huge challenge to write for over a years now. There is an amazing relationship between the main character Ruby Mae and her father, which mimicked the one I had with my dad. Unfortunately, after I lost him, it became really hard to write the book. However, I find now that the scenes between those two characters allows me to spend time with my dad in a different way. I’m really excited about the mystery and the story overall, and can’t wait to get it ready for my readers!

What advice would you give to other authors?

If you haven’t finished writing your first book, get that done first. Get it edited and get it out there. And then go write the next one. Don’t get too caught up in trying to make it “perfect.”

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I put a lot of myself in my books, including friends and family. So, all of my books and series always carry a part of me somewhere in them. I hope that the readers get a real sense of me and my goofy worlds when they read my books!

Thank you Bella Falls for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Keep an eye out for her upcoming release, Bargain Haunting!

Scroll down for a free gift!

~Synopsis~

A little sweet tea and a whole lot of spells won’t always put out the fire…
Ruby Mae Jewell is getting ready to marry to her hot vampire boyfriend. With so much going on from her cousin learning how to change from a pig back into his human form to her future mother-in-law visiting from Italy to all of the wedding planning stuff, she’s being pushed to her limits.
A sudden visit from her long-lost mother almost tips her over the edge, except the new witch who came with her mom might come in handy when it turns out there’s a ghost haunting new brides—and Ruby Mae could be next. Will the newcomer be able to help her stop the spirit from causing more harm or will the soon-to-be-bride be at risk until the ghost is clear?

Bella Falls grew up on the magic of sweet tea, barbecue, and hot and humid Southern days. She met her husband at college over an argument of how to properly pronounce the word pecan (for the record, it should be pea-cawn, and they taste amazing in a pie). Although she’s had the privilege of living all over the States and the world, her heart still beats to the rhythm of the cicadas on a hot summer’s evening.

Now, she’s taken her love of the South and woven it into a world where magic and mystery aren’t the only Charms.

FREE GIFT: https://BookHip.com/JJHLFN

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0811K69RR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellafallsbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/southerncharmscozycompanions/

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring E A Porter

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is E A Porter! Her latest release, War Pony (Native Warrior Series) released on December 1st 2022.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first story at age 11, and I really haven’t stopped since. I knew what I wanted to be, and, because of my wonderful readers, I’ve been lucky enough to have a career doing what I love.

Do you have a writing quirk or ritual?

My only quirk (as far as writing goes) is that I will not end my writing day until the goal is reached (normally the end of a current chapter).

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Inside my head (as I suppose the case is with many writers) are characters demanding to be heard. It’s a scary place but I’m getting used to it.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Every story, every character, every situation is different. It’s not so much about what “I” think but more so about how the story plays out in my head.

I love the covers to your Native Warrior series. What made you decide to use Indigenous men on your covers?

Thank you! I just seemed like the thing to do. My Native Warrior Series is all about Indigenous people (well, save the heroine of the tale, in most cases) so it was only proper to match my covers to the stories.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Reviews are for the readers – not the author. I’ve ceased reading my reviews because, while most of them are glowing, one “bad” review will have me tied in knots for a long time. Once I release the book to the wild, I’m certain that I’ve done all I can to make it as correct and entertaining as possible. I don’t believe there is anything I can do with a published story to make the negative reviewer happy. Good reviews make me feel wonderful – but a bad review can crush me. So, again, reviews are for the potential readers.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Ok. I’m gonna let everyone in on a little forbidden secret here (in the spirit of honesty). The book I most enjoyed writing, the characters that made me smile, the worlds I would have loved to visit… well, they are all in books which are no longer published. They were fantasy, vampiric, paranormal, etc. I really enjoyed writing those books, but it seemed no one was interested in reading them. A decision has been made to combine my love of paranormal/supernatural with my love of the Native culture. The characters are running circles in my head trying to tell me their story. I’ve just gotta pay attention and get it on paper.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Yes. My newest series is based in Native mythos (combining, as I stated before, my loves of Native culture and the supernatural).

What advice would you give to other authors?

Reconsider, as this one is 90+% frustrating. I joke, of course, but it can be hard on the psyche. The only real advice I can offer is to know your characters and subject. If you have any doubt, research (then research from another angle or three!). It’s a shame to lose readers over small incorrect details in an otherwise great story. Oh, and don’t be afraid to publish. Get it right first but then, publish. Readers cannot read a book that isn’t out there.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I’ve put everything I have into these stories. The historical aspect of my stories is spot-on, and the stories have very little “sugar-coating” when it comes to the Native way of life at the time of the story. Life was hard (from our modern-day perspective) and I try to portray that in the best way possible. Sure, the pairings of lovers may seem a little fantastic but, hey, they are meant to take you away from the real world and swallow you, keeping your attention and entertaining you all the way through to the last page. They are my heart and soul, my blood, sweat, and tears. I’d like my readers to know how much I appreciate their support. Without them, there’d be no reason to continue writing.

 

Thank you E A Porter for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, War Pony today!

~Synopsis~

War Pony had everything he could have hoped for in life – his beautiful wife, Pretty Raven, and their unborn child. However, Pretty Raven’s death at the hands of the white man destroyed his future. Instead of following his desire to seek revenge, the Warrior did as his wife would have wanted. He remained in the village to help his people.
Many seasons passed, and the Warrior found himself desiring companionship. Welcoming the company of the most willing woman in the village did not fill the void in his heart.
After being informed that his wife had been taken from the village alive, War Pony, with renewed hope, will risk everything to find her. Will his determination and love be enough to free her from her abductors? Or will it end in tragedy, the Warrior left once again broken-hearted and devastated?

Elizabeth Anne Porter was born in Ruislip, in the London borough of Hillingdon. She currently lives in Oklahoma with her pedantic husband and two literary cats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/E-A-Porter/author/B01LA5JNA6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethAnnePorter

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870418326359699

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoreaporter/

 

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Cerynn McCain

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Cerynn McCain! Her newest release, Shattered (The Abandoned Crown Series Book 4) releases on December 29th 2022.

Congrats on your latest release! How has it been? Does it get easier with each release?

The release went well. Small since it’s book 4 in the series and hard to promote. 

No it gets so much harder. Every book I get more and more anxious about them and overthink them way more. I’m hoping one day it gets easier though.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing Inhibited when I was 13. I wrote a few little goof off stories as a kid, but Inhibited was my start into actually seriously writing.

Describe a typical writing day.

Oh gosh do I have to… 

A typical writing day for me looks like: Coffee first. Most important. I try to get up around 7:30 but I’m not successful all the time. I spend the morning with my husband and sit down to write after he goes to work (around 9:30 or 10 depending on how busy he is that day). But I have a terrible attention span, so I set an alarm on my phone for 30 min. I have to write for that 30 min. Then I take a break. Normally I play minecraft for the next 30 min, or do laundry, or the dishes or someother domestic thing. Then it’s writing again for 30 min. Rinse and repeat until like 9pm. Some days I’m at work so I’ll just write when it’s slow there.

Where do you get inspiration for your books?

Hard question. Boredom? I daydream while I drive. I plot things while I play minecraft. I love browsing Pinterest and sometimes I’ll see a picture and think “oh, I should do something like that in my story!” But a lot of it just comes from daydreaming.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

Marketing! I can write all day long. I love it. I love formatting. I love all the “behind the scenes” stuff. But when it comes to getting word out? I have a hard time even remembering to post, and when I do I’m either scared I’ll give away too much of the story, can’t think of anything interesting or “hooking” to make into an ad, or scared my stories are too dark and no one will like them.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

The emotional scenes fuel me! Give me the intense, the sad, the torture, the sexy, I love it all!

Regular normal life happy stuff? Yeah… I have a hard time writing that. That’s like pulling teeth and I still don’t know how to get in the mood. I’m always in the mood for emotions though.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Odd, Quiet, Creative

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

I only write for 30 min and then I take a brain break! No, but really… sometimes I’ll take a long bath after a particularly hard scene. Or I’ll watch a funny movie. Or cry in the shower. My poor husband just gets to look on and shake his head.

Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with me?

Right now I’m working on book 5 in the Abandoned Crown Series. I’m also slowly working on a prequel series for one of my characters. I switch to that one when I get really stuck.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Join writing groups on facebook (some are really toxic but there are a few gems out there). And find at least one person that loves your writing and believes in you. Even if it’s just an online friend. I can write all day long. But I get really discouraged some days and I’ll text my friend and tell her that I’m thinking of giving up and she rallies right behind me and pushes me to keep going. I wouldn’t still be writing without her and I’m so grateful for all the pushing.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

My books are really dark but I promise I’m nice!

Thank you Cerynn McCain for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Shattered today!

~Synopsis~

The madness is calling

After a prisoner begs for their life and is granted mercy by The General, his queen is forced to confront her rising jealousy.
Jealousy over this prisoner lying for his favor.
Jealousy over the Mistress he obsesses over.
Jealousy that everyone is more powerful than she is.
The mounting need to prove her worth distorts the world around her, and blinds her to the powerful position her husband has given her.
While the young queen grapples with this urgency to secure the crown upon her head, another kingdom slowly falls into decay waiting for their own ruler to step up and fight for them.
Caught in a battle of wit and will, no life is safe, no step secure, and no plan is exactly as it seems.

Cerynn McCain has been writing since she was a child, weaving as many stories as she can from the tales her imaginary friends tell her. She grew up curled in a nest of art supplies and yarn, and has always found a creative answer to every challenge thrown at her. Right now she lives on the beautiful Lake Chelan with her husband and two cat babies, writing her stories and moonlighting as a librarian in her spare time. Her love of creative arts follows her through every aspect of her life, and her husband constantly has to pull her back to earth when her daydreams take over.

And, when all is said and done, she’d have it no other way.

https://linktr.ee/cerynnmccain