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Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Alex Raine

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Alex Raine! Her debut Only Human: Paranormal Academy Romance (Legends Springs Series Book 1) released on October 25th 2022.

How long have you been writing?

A little over a year. It actually started as a dare from one of my author friends. Now, I have the bug.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s interesting or not but I’m very slow, and I can’t follow an outline to save my soul! I have to write as it comes to me or no words hit the page.

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

How hard it is to actually make a profitable career out of this. The income vs expenses is crazy different.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Humor. I hope that when they read my characters they laugh. I want my books to brighten someone’s day. I also want people to read it if for nothing else than to give my poor PA Angela someone to talk to about it lol. Bless her, she really needs that. 😉

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

My bestie author E.A. Shanniak. She gave the dare and pushed me to do it.

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

Crazy. Weird. Nerd. And none of those are insulting.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

Coming up with my characters. They pretty much wrote my first book and I’m waiting for them to finish telling me the story for book two.

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

I just published my first Vella story from the POV of one of my characters in Only Human. Cosa. I’m also working on Book two Only Blood.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Never give up. Always spring for an editor. Have friends or someone look your work over for errors and while it’s great to take advice, don’t let others change your voice.

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

That even though I don’t produce works extremely fast, know that what I do produce is straight from the heart. My characters are relatable and fun. All I ever ask is to give me and my book a chance.

Thank you Alex Raine for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her debut release, Only Human today!

~Synopsis~

Welcome to Legend Springs University, the most elite university in the world.

Kimble –
I knew two things growing up: One, that my girls and I would always be BFFs. And two, that we were going to attend the best school in the world together, like we’d always dreamed.

What I didn’t know when I got my acceptance letter from Legend Springs University was that it was actually a school for the magical elite.

What? I don’t even believe in magic, so why have I been accepted to Legend Springs?

Riftyn –

I knew growing up that I was meant to be the next Alpha of the Wintercrest Pack. But my boys and I had always been a pack unto ourselves. As strange as it sounded for a werewolf, a dragon, a vampire, and a demon to be friends, we were. Brothers for life.

At Legend Springs, the girls wanted me for a night, but no one seemed to want to tie themselves to me long term.

But the moment I met Kimble Sawyer, our bond was instant, and everything changed.

Mysterious forces are trying to pull us apart.

How can I hold on to Kimble’s heart and become the Alpha I’m destined to be?

Publisher’s Note: Only Human is a New Adult, paranormal, magic academy, romantic comedy, filled with fated mates, shifters, vampires, demons, angels and more. Only Human is for mature readers only.

Alex Raine is the epitome of a country girl. Born and raised in the South, she enjoys riding horses and atvs, and hanging out with her family. She is an avid reader who likes anything from YA to Horror, with Paranormal Romance being her first love. If she isn’t spending time with her family and friends, you can find her curled up reading a good book or watching kitschy, B-rated movies.
Alex’s first book, Only Human, which is a humorous, slightly steamy PNR, debuted in October of 2022. She enjoys making new friends and encourages stalking so look for her on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon and Goodreads.

Website- www.alexrainebooks.com  

IG- https://www.instagram.com/alexraine_author

FB- https://www.facebook.com/AlexRaineAuthor/ 

FB Page- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexRaine/ 

FB Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/rainstorms/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/151193100-alex-raine 

Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-raine 

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/author/alexraine 

Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/09bff913d85f/newsletter-signup 

Patreon- patreon.com/AlexRaineAuthor

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Poppy Jacobson

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Poppy Jacobson! Her latest release, Lies like Rubies, Part One: A Dark, Reverse Harem, Mafia Romance (Savage Jewels Book 2) releases on April 7th 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hiiiiiiiii.  My name is Poppy Jacobson. I write dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests. My debut story, Diamond in the Dark, is a dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who takes her sister’s place in a Faustian bargain with three men to protect her family.

The sequel, Lies like Rubies, Part One, is another dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who’ll do anything to protect her daughter from her abusive ex.  Anything.

How long have you been writing?

I first put pen to paper in November 2021, for NaNoWriMo. I didn’t publish my first novel, or my second, but my third was Diamond in the Dark, which came out in August 2022 (get your copy here: https://geni.us/DiamondInTheDark).

Do you have a writing quirk or ritual?

I do my best writing first thing in the morning, before work.  I get up before dawn, log into discord to sprint with friends, and then get to writing. Aspirationally, I write a thousand new words a day, but I don’t often actually hit that number.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I like to joke that all of my books start out with a vibe and one scene idea, and then everything flows from there. It’s sort of true, though!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character is always the FMC I’m currently writing. Right now, that’s Morgan, an ex prom queen who’s hellbent on taking revenge on some men who wronged her. I love women who think they don’t have any power, any choices, and then slowly realize that in fact, they hold ALL of the power.

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

I am a cold-ass motherfucker. Heh. I think of my stories in terms of the emotional impact they have on the reader, but I don’t tend to get so deep into my characters’ heads that their emotions affect me.

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

Writing isn’t a solitary activity! I have been delighted to find an amazing community of readers and authors who’ve supported me every step of the way.

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

Hah. I haven’t written so many books yet that I even worry about keeping it fresh. Each book is new and exciting to me, and I hope it’s new and exciting to the reader too.

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

YES!  I’m working on two books right now and I am so so so excited about both of them.  Queen of Vengeance is about a woman returning to her hometown for her high school reunion, who takes murderous revenge on four men who wronged her on prom night.  You can preorder it here: https://geni.us/BHSQueenOfVengeance.

I’m also working with a good friend, Willow Sinclair, to cowrite a dark cowboy romance.  She writes steamy small-town romance, and I write dark and kinky (very dark, very kinky) mafia romance.  We put our heads together and asked, what if we smashed the two together?  Keep an eye out for a dark and taboo western romance coming out from the two of us in late summer.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Stop futzing around and publish. It’ll never be perfect. You’ll learn more from discovering what your readers like and by diving into the next book than endless rounds of editing to get it just a little bit better.

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

I contain multitudes, and so do my books.  I write stories about women who not only discover their own power but learn to wield it.  But they’re also deliciously smutty stories about women being railed by multiple men.

If you’re interested in a free story to get a taste for my writing, you can get one here: https://BookHip.com/LWFZMTP.

Thank you Poppy Jacobson for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Lies like Rubies today!

~Synopsis~

The dangerous mafia world is no place to raise a child. Nobody knows that better than me.

When my abusive ex returns from exile to snatch our four-year-old daughter away from me, I’m on my own against him, until three men with their own agendas show up and consume my life.

Dante, a violent and unpredictable arms trafficker, promises protection for my daughter in exchange for my body and my tears.

Lorenzo, my brother’s best friend, my father’s enforcer, and my first heartbreak, comes barreling back into my life in the name of keeping me safe.

And Nick, my daughter’s persistent and sexy pediatrician, dives back to the violent life he left behind in order to save us from the dark current pulling us under.

In a world where a woman’s value is defined by her purity, I’m damaged goods, but these men don’t care that I’m a single mom. And I’m going to use every weapon in my arsenal, including these deadly men, to keep Lizzie safe.

Will it be enough?

Lies like Rubies, Part One, is a dark, why choose romance that ends in a cliffhanger. Lies like Rubies, Part Two, concludes Sofia’s story. For a full list of content notes, please see the author’s website. The Lies like Rubies Duetand Diamond in the Dark are interconnected, but may be read separately.

Poppy Jacobson writes dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests.  When she’s not peddling smut, she lives in Virginia with her husband and children, making soup and hiking on the weekends.

Author links: https://linktr.ee/poppyjacobson

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Leslie Crowne

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Leslie Crowne! Her debut, Ella’s Rise: A Fairy Tale Retelling (Fairy Tale Realm Series Book 1) released on May 2nd 2023.

How long have you been writing?

All my life, in one form or another! But I published my first novel in 2016.

Describe a typical writing day.

I work on Author business for the first few hours, and in the afternoon I write or edit, whichever is needed for the book I’m working on.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Usually from threads on social media. Readers talk about what they like or are looking for, and that sparks plot bunnies for me.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

This is the debut of my new pen name, Leslie Crowne, so I hope Ella’s Rise brings interest for the Fairy Tale Realm series.

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

The desire to connect with readers.

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

A highly organized dreamer!

What was the highlight of writing this book?

The world building. It’s a retelling of Cinderella, so the bones of the story are there, but it’s set in my invented magical kingdom, and has some fun twists.

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

Book 2, a Beauty and the Beast retell, will be released soon. I am working on Book 3, untitled at present.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Never give up! This business is always changing so there are opportunities everywhere. Keep growing and trying different things until you find your niche.

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

They’re romantic, fun, and twisty, with a good bit of spice.

Thank you Leslie Crowne for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Ella’s Rise today!

~Synopsis~

A forgotten princess, bent on vengeance. A reluctant prince, thrust into a role he never wanted. When fate brings them together, there is more at stake than either of them could imagine.

Ella’s Vow…

I was raised by a family of blacksmiths since my parents, the King and Queen of Sartoon, were killed in a coup. No one else in the kingdom knows my true identity. I may be the forgotten Princess, but once I get my revenge on the current royal family, everyone will know my name.

What I didn’t count on when I snuck into the palace was meeting Thal—he’s not what I imagined, or expected in a Prince. To avoid being arrested, I agree to his demands. But can I trust him, or is he like his despicable father, the King?
And why does my heart beat out of my chest when he’s near?

Thal’s Dilemma…

I wasn’t supposed to be the heir to the throne—I’m the second son. Now I’m being pressured to find a bride and secure the kingdom. When I catch Ella Briggs sneaking into the palace, we strike a bargain. She’ll be my decoy, so I can avoid having to dance with so many hopeful women at the upcoming ball.

But soon I’m embroiled in her plans, and falling for her. When she’s in my arms, nothing else matters. As we grow closer, the stakes get higher, for Ella has secrets that could ruin us both.

And she is not who she pretends to be.

Ella’s Rise is an Adult Fairy Tale Retelling of the timeless tale, Cinderella, with an unexpected twist.

When her mother told her to get her head out of the clouds, Leslie Crowne didn’t listen. Good thing, because her vivid imagination has allowed her to spin tales of enchanting worlds and epic love affairs. Going deep into each character’s heart and building worlds that enhance each story, Leslie delivers layered plots with satisfying twists.

In the real world, she lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, three cats, and a turtle named Myrtle who rules the house. She’s an avid reader and so grateful to live a life centered around books.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090284144642

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30394488.Leslie_Crowne

Instagram- @lesliecrowne

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/leslie-crowne

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lesliecrowneauthor/

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Kenzie Graves

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kenzie Graves! Her debut, She-Wolf and the Beast: A Rejected Mate Retelling (Love is Grimm Book 1) released on October 31st 2021.

What inspired you to start writing?

I always wanted to be a writer ever since I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when I was about 11. I tried many times to write a story, but never seemed to be able to complete it. Then when I was about 21, I had a dream that was extremely vivid and I sat on that idea for four years. I was in a group chat with two indie authors in 2019 and they encouraged me to get that idea on paper. So, I finally did after I had my son in October 2019, and published the story in June 2020!

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have been told that I tend to write the FMC’s best friend to always be extremely sassy. In every book that I have written, this has happened. That and every animal counterpart I write is very sassy and tends to want the FMC to do things to the MMC.

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

I actually tend to go through the emotions with my characters. If they are making a joke, I am laughing at it. If they are angry at another character, I am angry along with them. When their heart breaks or suffering from a loss, I am holding back tears as I type out the words. My characters are a part of me, so I experience everything that they go through as I type out the words.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written 11 books so far, and I would have to say Little Red Wolf has been my favorite. It was the first book that I wrote spicier scenes than normal, and it broke me out of my shell. The FMC and MMC were so fun to write. They truly loved each other from the moment I created them, and it was so easy to write their story because of it.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would have to say Patricia Briggs and P.C Cast. Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series was the first series that was Urban Fantasy and a little PNR that made me only enjoy stories that had some form of magic or paranormal creature inside of it. Both authors are incredible with their world building, character arcs, and amazing storytelling that I aspire to have in my own stories.

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

Every so often I get a reader who reaches out to me. Not too long ago I had a reader join my group and post in it that Little Red Wolf got her out of a reading slump and it made my life. It truly keeps me wanting to write when I hear from my readers. I love when they post in my group or PM me on messenger!

What book is currently on your bedside table?

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. I watched the show and I hear the books are monumentally better, as books usually are, and I want to read the details that the show missed.

Do you have any new series planned?

I do! After Love is Grimm, I have a whole new world planned of 5 different kingdoms and in each kingdom the FMC will go through their own journey of rejection and finding mates that truly love her and will support her. Some may have some enemies to lovers thrown in, too.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

My current series are standalones, so I’ll go with She-Wolf and the Beast. I’d say Bella Thorn for Isabelle, Dove Cameron for Abby, Dylan Sprouse for Colin, a young Johnny Depp for Garrett and Liam Hemsworth for Aiden.

What advice would you give to other authors?

I would have to say learn your genre, build your readership, and have an understanding of how to market within your genre before you even start writing. I didn’t, and it has been a struggle. I am learning as I go, which is the hard way, and it will make your life easier if you learn those things before you jump into publishing.

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

It is my passion to be an author. I’ve wanted to do this since I was eleven years old and becoming a bookworm. I’ve always been someone who loves to help others, and I see this as my way of helping others I don’t even know. If I can provide you an escape from reality when you need it most, then I did what I set out to do. I hope to make someone’s day by reading the worlds and characters I have created just like the authors I read growing up did for me.

Thank you Kenzie Graves for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out She-Wolf and the Beast today!

~Synopsis~

A rejection. A deal. A curse that needs to be broken.

After being rejected at her birthday party, Isabelle Crane banishes her Fated Mate from the pack. Garrett refuses to accept that fate.

Garrett attacks the pack, causing Isabelle’s father to seek help from the Alpha of the Sanction, Aiden Black. Only, The Beast keeps her father captive and Isabelle trades his life for hers. The Beast accepts in hopes that Isabelle is the key to breaking his curse.

As Isabelle adjusts to her life in a new pack, Garrett lurks around the territory. He wants to reclaim Isabelle and doesn’t care who he hurts to get her back.

If you like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Jaymin Eve’s Shadowbeast Shifters, you’ll devour She-Wolf and the Beast!

Find out how this fairytale retelling mixes with wolf shifter romances by reading it today!

This is a standalone within a series, 100k words full-length dark paranormal romance novel. Content is 18+ with sexual and adult content.

Kenzie Graves is a paranormal romance author within the dark, rejected mates, and why choose subgenres. She is a mother of two and two fur-babies. Her love of reading evolved into her love of creating her own worlds and characters for others to enjoy!

https://linktr.ee/kenziegraves

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Kat McGee

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kat McGee! Her cozy mystery, Cupcakes and Conjures: A Cozy Witch Mystery (Witches of Willow Hollow Book 1) released on July 22nd 2020.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Since childhood, I’ve wanted to write stories, and learned to type at an early age to do just that.

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

I intuitively create the particular book’s featured world as I write.

What time of the day do you usually write?

Early morning into mid-afternoon seems to be the sweet spot of writing focus for me.

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

A deep need to write and share stories with amazing readers.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Each book I write is enjoyable in different ways. Sometimes it’s the quirky characters, others it might be an unfolding story or a twisty plot.

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

Storytelling is the most satisfying aspect of all. Above all, I am proudly a storyteller.

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

Suffering a severe concussion and needing to learn how to do some things differently than before the injury so I’ve had the opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t. 

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

A paranormal women’s fiction series featuring midlife ghost hunters. (So much fun to write!) and a return to Willow Hollow which features Harper Dade’s familiar, Bub, being accused of murder.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Experiment and learn what works best for you! (Writing fiction isn’t a one-size fits all proposition. Your technique may be different from most. If it is, welcome it! (Then maybe write a nonfiction book about your process.) But most of all, entertain yourself with your storytelling as you write. Have fun with it, embrace your imagination, and enjoy the ride.

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

You’ll find plenty of mystery, magic, and mayhem within the pages.

 

Thank you Kat McGee for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Cupcakes and Conjures today!

~Synopsis~

There’s nothing worse than a witch who can’t magic, except for a bad case of wishcraft, a curse, and the body in the bakery.

Unable to bake any better than she can magic, Harper Dade, in the aftermath of a divorce and the theft of her inheritance, returns to Willow Hollow, Tennessee, where she joins her aunt at the Taste of Magic Bakery.

Suffering a sudden surge of wishcraft that encourages her to become an amateur sleuth, Harper and her newfound familiar search for evidence surrounding the cupcake creation class gone wrong. Together they delve into the murder of an obnoxious ghost tour guide not quite ready to move on.

When the investigation goes awry and the local mechanic—who’s not just a wizard with car engines but an actual wizard—seems interested in her, she struggles to squelch her overwhelming urge to look for clues.

Yet, there’s no turning back when the potential killer targets her and the local shifter newshound with the full moon on the horizon.

With the help of her black cat familiar, Bub, her newly surfacing witchiness, and the quirky citizens of the magically imbued tourist town, Harper’s return to Willow Hollow turns into a recipe for disaster.

Southerner Kat McGee writes cozy mysteries and paranormal women’s fiction set in the magical South, to include visits to the mystical shores of Maine and the haunting places of New Orleans, with a bit of mayhem woven in. Fast becoming a crazy cat lady, her favorite mystery is Where the Crawdads Sing.

Website: https://katmcgeecozies.com/

New Release & Author News: https://bit.ly/2XKNMRn

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kat-McGee/author/B083TL6QNL

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kat-mcgee

 

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

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 · 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

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Gabby Skeldon

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Gabby Skledon! Her debut, Found: Merlin’s Heir released on November 18th 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Gabby (obviously) and I’m celebrating the release of my debut novel (and my 30th Birthday!). I love anything fantasy, reading allll the books, exploring the outdoors and hanging out with my friends and family. I still work full time at a university, and my job is to deliver employability skills and training to students.

Congrats on your new release! How has the new release been going for you?

Thank you! Found only came out on Friday, but I managed to get quite a few pre-orders of e-books and signed copies. My family, friends and colleagues are really supportive and are always telling people about my book, which is amazing. I’ve also made some great friends on BookTok which has definitely helped me gain lots of visibility. I’ve been excited for the release for months and gave myself lots of time to make sure I could get everything ready, really it couldn’t have been better.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember (I used to copy out books that were already written when I was about 5 so I could pretend I was an author). As I started to get older I moved over into writing like, novels of dialogue, kind of like a play I guess? And when I was about 13 I had a go at my first novel. From then I’ve just written all the time! Between 13-16 I hand wrote everything and still have stacks of ancient notebooks full of those old stories. I decided to get serious about trying to publish something in 2019 and that’s when I came up with the idea for Found.

Describe a typical writing day.

Because I work, I usually have to divide my time between that and writing so I don’t have a ‘typical’ day. But when I sit down to write I normally make sure I have lots of coffee on hand. I write in my bedroom and usually have music or TV on. I do lots of daydreaming when I’m plotting so I like to have background noise on. I usually try to write in chronological order, but will skip to more fun bits if I get stuck. I’m a Puzzler in terms of plotting (a new term I found out about recently which means I like a basic outline but also like to problem solve along the way), but I do use a plot grid for main points and to help me stay motivated.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Found is inspired by a lot of Arthurian legend and Merlin stories. I’ve always found it really interesting, ever since me and my sisters saw the film Merlin (1998, Sam Neil). It was such a great story with so many themes and characters. I just wanted to see what I could do with the legends myself and bring some of the more obscure stories back onto the public’s radar.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I honestly just hope they enjoy it. It’s supposed to be a lighthearted easy read (with lots of twists and turns) to introduce you to the beginning of an epic fantasy adventure. I hope that people can connect to the diverse cast of characters and maybe see themselves represented in the world of British Myth and Legend that has previously (wrongly) excluded them.

What is the significance of the title?

Hahaha honestly, I’m not great at thinking up cool titles. All the books in the series (5 in total) will have 1-word titles all relating to the theme of the book. As this book is the start of Merle and the gang’s journey and all about self-discovery, Found seemed like an appropriate way to go!

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

Positive. Helpful. Thoughtful.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

I loved editing it a lot more than I should have! But I really enjoyed that process. I liked getting to know my characters better and figuring out the plot. I also learnt a lot of important lessons about writing craft that I’m going to be able to use throughout my career.

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

I’m currently working on book 2 of the Merlin’s Heir series which I’m hoping to release in Spring/Summer of 2023!

What advice would you give to other authors?

That Indie Publishing is a lot more doable than you think, and that you are a lot more capable, adaptable, and resilient than you think! A lot of people get put off from indie publishing because it is a lot of work (especially for one person!) but it is absolutely doable! You also don’t need to break the bank. Practice your craft! Learn how to edit and format and design. There are so many resources and a whole community of indie’s out there to help you! If you’re thinking about writing a book, give it a go. You’ll truly be amazed at what you can accomplish with a YouTube tutorial and a positive mindset!

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

I’d like them to know that Found is dedicated to my dad who sadly passed away in 2021 after a short battle with Stage 4 Liver and Bone cancer. He was a wonderful man and a great dad. We miss him every day, but I hope he’d be proud of my work and above all, enjoy the story!

 

Thank you Gabby Skeldon for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Found today!

~Synopsis~

Mysterious Shadows. Arthurian legend. Dangerous magic.

Ten years after her father’s disappearance, Merle Wilde has lost hope she’ll ever find answers. Her Mum is convinced he was taken by the Shadows she sees, and that they’re coming back for Merle. In a last ditch attempt to save herself, Merle makes a blood wish. Will she find the answers she seeks?

The Knights Templar faces extinction. For hundreds of years the knights have protected the true heirs to Camelot from evil, but faery Queen Morgwese is determined to claim the throne for herself . As her power threatens to overwhelm them, the knights must start the search for Merlin’s Heir, the only sorcerer who can banish her for good.

When the mysterious Ren enters Merle’s life, claiming she’s the lost heir of the great wizard Merlin, and that the Shadows are not what they seem, Merle is catapulted into a world of magic, adventure, and legend. Tasked with protecting the Pendragon’s and with time running out, Merle must convince the Knights of the Round Table that she can claim Merlin’s magic and defeat Morgwese, before the fae bring ruin to them all.

Gabby is a YA Fantasy author based in Yorkshire. Gabby has grown up reading adventure stories and heading out into the woods, daydreaming about one day creating her own magical worlds and sharing this passion with others. When she’s not writing, Gabby works at the University of Huddersfield as a Global professional Award Trainer, delivering employability and skills training to young people. She spends most of her free time reading, cooking, going to the gym and spending time with her loved ones.

Website: www.authorgabskeldon.com

Email: gab@authorgabskeldon.com

IG/TikTok: @authorgabskeldon

Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7P2CNYY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ET777FXPXALJ&keywords=found+gabby+skeldon&qid=1658848898&s=digital-text&sprefix=found+gabby+skeldon%2Cdigital-text%2C44&sr=1-1

Etsy (signed copies): https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AuthorGabSkeldon

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22723773.Gabby_Skeldon