Showing posts with label #writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #writing. Show all posts

April 16, 2024

À Bientôt

I started my blog Maya's Musings in January 2014, over ten years ago. Discounting the "bots" from Singapore (80k views over the last year seems suspicious when my blog's lifetime views total 212k over ten years), I see about 20 views per post. I am grateful for those views, but—unfortunately—the time of the blog is over. Recent marketing and promotion tips for writers have been putting more emphasis on the newsletter. I have worked to build my list since December 2014 and have about 1,000 subscribers. If you have enjoyed my blog over the last ten years and are not yet a newsletter subscriber, I encourage you to subscribe here. On a quarterly or so basis, I aim to provide a balance of interesting tidbits and authorly updates plus contests and giveaways.

I am reluctant to say "good-bye" to the blog that helped form the foundation of my author platform. But I acknowledge that in this ever-evolving world, author blogs have begun to be obsolete. Today, I have a website (which I am in the process of overhauling—change is good), and I supplement my Internet presence by participating in the various social media platforms.

I started my journey because I wanted to write and publish a book. I accomplished that goal and found deep personal satisfaction. Over the last ten years, I have learned so much about myself. And I've continued to write and publish books. Writing is a passion project for me. I am not a financially successful author, but—luckily for me—I use other metrics to measure my success. When a reader tells me that they've enjoyed my book. When a reader conveys how I've impacted their life. When a reader posts a five-star review. That is success.

I am here to tell a story. I will continue to tell my stories. And, maybe someday, I will return to Maya's Musings.


September 18, 2023

It's A Numbers Game

I started Maya's Musings in January 2014. I was a baby writer ticking the boxes on the "How To Be A Writer" guide. I don't actually think there's a definitive list, but maybe. At the time, and still to this day, "they" (whoever they are) say a writer needs a blog (and a website and a social media presence). Blogger offers a (free and) simple format. You can do all sorts of things here, but I only use it for my blog.

At the beginning of this year (in January, February, March, and one day in May), I had a human rights hearing. During the hearing, my blog (and the time I spent and compensation I received) was brought up. So, I made a chart. This data was correct as of February 7, 2023.


Managing a blog can be very time consuming so I learned to outsource the work (as much as possible) to guests and other author promotions. New content, minimal effort. I also (by 2019) started posting my Quote of the Week and #TirgearrTuesday pictures to my blog to maximize my potential audience. These were also cross-posted (via social media schedulers) to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I don't make any money from my blog. Honestly, maybe I'm not technologically savvy enough to monetize it. And paying IT support seems like an unnecessary expense as my writing expenses already outweigh my book royalties.

Anyway, so aside from pointing out during the hearing that I have a blog and am losing so much money on my writing (thanks a lot, I feel so validated - not), my views have exploded! Maybe it's my employer and its team of industrious lawyers spying on me, but maybe it's new readers and fans. I like to believe the latter. And, seriously, if you are new to my work, I have six books out and I would love your support (aka please buy my book).

My posts see an average of 25 views. And this past month, like I said, my views have exploded!

Views - All-Time

Views - Last 30 days

And, surprisingly, the majority of these views are coming from Singapore!

Locations of Viewers - Last 30 days

So, welcome, my Singapore visitors! I am open to author interviews and visiting podcasts. Just email me. Or contact me via socials. I'm very interested to know why I am suddenly so popular in Southeast Asia. My last release, Designed by Destiny, was very popular in Australia. Anyway, it's super cool and I'm hyped about it.

I've loved reading and writing my whole life. And it's a privilege and an honor to share my interest with all you wonderful people out there!


April 22, 2022

Finding Balance Between Art and Business

A published author who wants to achieve "commercial success" must keep focused on both the creation and promotion of their work. That said, writing and promoting are two very separate activities, requiring different skill sets.

There are only twenty-four hours in a day... and some of those are dedicated to sleeping and eating. Plus, in the indie author world, most of us have day jobs. Some people have families and other responsibilities. Where does writing fit in? Who has the time (and money) to promote?

Promotion on a Limited Time and Money Budget

What are the goals? Constant engagement on all the social media platforms plus maintaining a blog (and/or newsletter) and website. Constant ads on book promotion sites. Continuous production of new work to promote. Being everywhere. Doing everything. Sound unrealistic? Unless you are ten different people or have a personal assistant, probably.

I have a decent understanding of social media. I'm fairly active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. In the last year, I've seen a 16% increase in Instagram followers whereas Facebook and Twitter have grown by 2%. I use my blog to post my weekly features like "Quote of the Week" on Mondays and "#TirgearrTuesday" on Tuesdays with a not-so-regular-lately post on Fridays. For time management, I use several social media post schedulers, like Planoly and Buffer. In the fall, I started contributing (non-promotional posts) on medium.com on Wednesdays to expand my audience. Words are important, but it's even better if you can reach the readers.

For new releases, I have used Facebook parties, virtual book tours, and book trailers to create interest.

I have a blog (obviously) and a quarterly newsletter I send using MailChimp. A lot of the how-to guides to book promoting stress the importance of building a mailing list. I have participated in promotions to add to my numbers. Most recently, a Booksweeps promotion which added 300 people to my list, equating to a 29% increase from last year. Ideally, offering a lead magnet would encourage readers to sign up too. It's on my to-do list.

My skill set has expanded to include (basic) web and graphic design. Templates make it accessible for diys. I design my own graphics using sites like Canva. I outsource when my requirements exceed my abilities.

My website contains the recommended pages: Home, About, My Books, and I use it as a landing page for newsletter sign-ups. My current package includes ten pages so I have an entire series on one page with shortcut links to individual books. I also have a Writing Community page with links to my author pages and interviews, other authors, writing resources, and promotional sites.

Aside from the author platform—social media, blog, newsletter, website—reader reviews are an invaluable source for promotional material. I've sent hundreds of book review request emails over the last ten years, found some excellent reviewers, and used review snippets in my book graphics.

In conclusion, I save money by doing as much as I can myself. Unfortunately, doing promotional activities takes time away from writing. In truth, this is probably not a good strategy because I don't make any money. For my last four books, I have spent an average of $800 per new book release ($3,000 total) and earned less than $100 in royalties (in the first year). Seriously, what I am I doing wrong?

I imagine I am not alone in this seemingly losing battle. I write. I promote. Capital is required to get my books in front of readers in order to make sales. But my past strategies are not getting results. So, where should I spend my promotional dollars?


December 24, 2021

2021 Writing Goals

In order to make progress in whatever it is you do, SMART goals are an essential part of the process.

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Achievable

R - Realistic

T -  Timely

At the beginning of 2021, I set some writing and writing-related goals. I am pleased to say that I achieved (mostly) each of these goals.

1. Write creatively everyday for one hour. This falls under mostly successful. I didn't write everyday, but I did write most days. I participated in NaNoWriMo as well.

2. Engage on social media (see social media goals). Increase the following: brand awareness (measured by number of followers and reach of posts, including mentions, shares and retweets); website traffic (measured by number of visitors to website and blog); lead generation (measured by newsletter sign-ups); and engagement (measured by likes, shares, comments, mentions, and replies). I saw increases to the number of followers on each social media platform except YouTube which stayed the same as 2020. My website, blog, and Pinterest had steady daily traffic. My social media posts were shared and liked, although I didn't receive many comments. My newsletter mailing list had a net increase of 64 people. Some of my posts had hundreds of shares and likes.

3. Publish A Fairy's Quest. I submitted my book in late 2020 and published it on April 6, 2021.

4. Publish A Fairy Godmother's Redemption. I submitted my book in early 2021 and published it on July 27, 2021.

5. Write A Magical's Gift. I started writing this book for NaNoWriMo 2020 and finished the first draft in September... some 310 days later. I have submitted it for publication.

Bonus Goal:

1. Revamp website. I'm always tweaking my site and updating images. This year, I went dark... Well, I changed to a dark theme. It is very dramatic with a black background and white text. Images against the black "white space" really pop out. I also incorporated my new logo, and added links to my book covers.

This year, I made positive strides focusing on my author platform and brand. If I'm going to be serious about writing—which I am—I need to set and achieve SMART goals.

As I look to 2022, I think about what I want to accomplish in the next year. I want to publish A Magical's Gift, finish writing this year's NaNoWriMo project which is Book One of a new series (I'm 37k in), and write Book Two. The new series is set to be a trilogy, and the pipe dream is to finish all three books next year, but that goal doesn't sound very achievable or realistic with everything else I have on my plate. I have more than enough ideas, but time is at a premium. On the author platform side, I'd like to increase social media followers and engagement; my newsletter mailing list; and my blog subscribers. I'll set my SMART goals and let you know how I measured up next year.


April 27, 2018

Dangerous Liaisons

How did I emerge unscathed?

In my pre-adult days... How many times did I put myself (unknowingly) into potentially dangerous situations. Unfortunately, more times than I care to remember. Except one particular incident came to mind this morning, and I’ve been trying to forget it ever since, quite unsuccessfully. When I was 14 going on 15, I became enamoured with an older guy, an 18 year old. Looking back, I wonder what in the world a, for all intents and purposes, man saw in a newly minted teenager, but it’s best not to overthink that.

It was 1995. The summer loomed before me, brimming with countless possibilities. I didn’t know it at the time, but I’d be moving to a different town, several hours away, in the fall. I encountered him, “John” at a teenage dance. He asked me to dance to a slow song. I had a crush on him so I was thrilled. The next thing I knew, we were kissing in the middle of the dance door like there was no tomorrow. To my recollection, he was the second guy I’d ever really kissed so I totally fell into the inexperienced category. I wasn’t even sure if he was sober or knew exactly who I was. He may not have been sober, but he did know my name. I checked several times. That was good enough for me.

Throughout the summer, we’d meet around town and drive off to go make out in his truck. My friends told me he was bad news, but I didn’t care. I liked him. The river was a favorite spot to park. It had secluded going for it and a romantic atmosphere. My adult self screams, “what were you thinking parking with a guy, with probably only one thing on his mind, in such a secluded area?” to my 14 year old self. Young me was just over the moon to have this cool guy paying me any attention. Like I said, I was terribly innocent. And, to his credit, he didn’t really try anything with me. One night, he slipped his hand in my shorts, but the minute he reached the short and curlies, I pulled away in complete shock.

Then, I found out he was taking another girl parking on the same nights as me AFTER he brought me home. I confronted him and that was that. Except for one night, a few months later, when I had a moment of weakness, and we made out at a dance. He was a good kisser, and I really liked kissing.

If I hadn’t been such a prude set on protecting my virtue... oh the trouble I might’ve found in those days. Luckily, the few other dicey situations I landed in didn’t end badly either.

But it made me think about how my view of the world has changed since I was the innocent 14 year old. And, really, why kids take such risks with their lives. Lying down in the middle of the road to play chicken. Joyriding in the back of a pickup truck. Leaving the bar late at night to catch a cab alone. Not that I ever did any of those things.

Examining human nature becomes second nature to a writer. We’re always asking questions about what we observe around us. Why do people do the things they do? I postulate. And it doesn’t always make sense. Not by a long shot. But what would be the fun in that?

September 11, 2015

Book Spotlight - Claimed By Her Bears by @mamaD8




Thanks so much for having me on your blog today with my newest release, Claimed By her Bears.

Loosely based on Goldilocks and the three bears, this is my version of one of my favourite Fairytales with a decidedly naughty spin.

Imagine being Goldie. You’re not only running late, but you just have to tumble right into your new CEO’s arms, covering both of you in coffee at the same time. Not the best impression to make on the new, sex on legs boss.

Jason Stanhope, for that matter, did not expect to have his mate tumble into his arms on his first day at the office. His very human, clueless about shifters, and inexperienced in the lifestyle mate.

What’s a Dom to do?

This delectable human morsel will run for the hills, if he reveals his bear, never mind the fact that he comes as a package deal, won’t she?

Well, Goldie might be human, but she has a few surprises of her own up her sleeve as it were, and as she embarks on a crash course in all things BDSM, she surprises not only her bears, but also herself.

In her words:

“To heck with labels and what other people might think.”


Let the naughty fun begin J



Blurb:

Take one very human girl. Add three bear shifters and one BDSM club. Shake well…

When Goldie Lockwood tumbles into the arms of the new CEO, she falls head over heels in lust with the enigmatic Dom. Interested in the lifestyle she might be, but Jason Stanhope seems way out of her league.

Jason’s bear wants nothing more than to bend Goldie over his desk and claim her right there, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. This bear shifter comes as a package deal—three for the prize of one. As the oldest of triplets, his mate will also have to submit to his brother and sister.

While Goldie responds beautifully to his training, will a weekend at the club be one step too far, or can she be the sweet sub the siblings need?

Revealing their bears might very well make Goldilocks live up to her name.


Excerpt:

He had originally planned to spank her insolent ass, and then fuck her over his desk, but when she hadn’t appeared, his mood had darkened. For one soul wrenchingly disappointing second he’d thought she’d run out on him, and then his bear had picked up the scent of aroused woman. He’d tracked her down to the ladies’, and just when he thought he’d have to break the door in, she had appeared, and a new plan had taken hold.
Her untutored responses to him had made the Dom in him roar, and his bear had positively strutted at them. Fucking her now was out of the question. His volatile animal was too close to the surface, and he would not be able to resist biting her. No, it was far safer for everyone involved to consummate their relationship at the safety of the club, where his bear would be easier to control in the company of Jacob and Cat.
Besides, they had to establish the ground rules, and his little Goldilocks had some homework to do, starting right now.
He spread his legs and raised an eyebrow at her when she just stood there, staring at him openmouthed.
“I’m waiting, girl. If you can’t follow a simple instruction then this ain't gonna work out between us.” She gasped at that, and grinning he reached out and shut her mouth with his index finger under her chin. A shudder went through her when he rubbed the pad of his thumb over her kiss swollen lips, and she pouted when he withdrew again.
“Can’t you just spank me or something, and get that punishment over with, please, Sir?”
Jason threw his head back and laughed, and her pout deepened, but when he shook his head, she gave an exaggerated sigh, and slowly inched the hemline of her skirt up.
It was his turn to groan when her pretty pink pussy lips came into view. Delightfully bare, they glistened in her dew, and his bear huffed his need for a taste of the nectar between her legs.
Jason had to clear his throat to get his voice to work, and the little minx grinned at him.
“Spread your legs, girl. Give your Sir a good view.”
With a groan to match his, Goldie complied, and Jason had to rub his aching shaft through his trousers to gain some relief, as her outer lips opened to reveal the bounty therein. Her inner lips darkened in color the longer he stared at them, as the blood rushed to that area. Her engorged clit stood proudly out its hood, almost daring him to devour it with his teeth, and her pussy hole clenched and released, causing more of her juices to trickle out of it and down the inside of her thighs.
“Now, that is a pretty sight, my girl. I bet you want to come pretty badly right now, don’t you.”
“Ye-es.”
He smirked at her strangled answer, and taking his phone out of his pocket got to his knees to take some candid close up shots of his girl’s cunt. Both Jacob and Cat would sure appreciate those, not to mention he would, while he imagined himself balls deep inside that pretty flesh.
“What are you doing, Sir?” Her voice wobbled, but she didn’t close her legs either, and pride surged in him. Maybe this would work out after all. Not claiming her as his was already too painful to contemplate. All three of them would just have to work really hard to make her fall in love with them so that the small matter of them shifting into grizzlies wouldn’t freak her out too much.
He had a sudden vision of her running away screaming from the club when she found out about them like her namesake in the popular fairytale. He shook his head to free it of those disturbing thoughts, and getting back to his feet showed her the last picture he’d just taken.
“Just taking a picture of what’s mine, girl.”
Goldie glanced at the screen briefly and blushed crimson.
“No need to be ashamed, Goldilocks. You have the prettiest little cunt I've ever seen, and I can't wait to claim it.”
The hopeful look she threw his way made him laugh, and he shook his head.
“Not today though.” He pulled the hemline of her pencil skirt down and tapped her nose.
“You can close your legs now, but remember what I said. No making yourself come, and no panties. I’ll be checking to make sure you follow that rule, and if you don’t…” He grinned at her sharp intake of breath when he swatted her ass twice.
“You won't be able to sit that pretty behind of yours down for a week, got it?”
 “Yes, Sir,” she whispered, and he brushed his lips over hers, drinking in the scent of his woman.
“You have some homework to do first, and when I think you’re ready, we’ll be taking that step at the club.”
Her eyes widened anew at that proclamation.
“The club?” she asked. “Not the one all the staff is dying to find out about?”
Jason tapped her nose again and stepping away, pulled out the list of websites he’d printed off for her earlier out his trouser pocket.
“The very same, baby, only, you’re looking at the new owner. Well one of them. My sister and brother own a third each.”
“There’s more of you?” Her voice rose in her astonishment, and he knew now was the perfect time to test the waters.
“Yes, we’re triplets, and…” He let his words trail off waiting for her reaction, and she didn’t disappoint.
“Triplets? I guess that makes you really close, right?” she asked, and when he just shrugged his shoulders, she wrapped her arms around herself.
“Is there a reason you’re telling me this now?” she asked, and he nodded.
“Let’s just say, we like to share—everything.”

Available from Evernight Publishing and all other on-line retailers from September 1st.

For all other buy links, please check the book page here.

Author Bio

Doris is a writer of sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get.  From contemporary to paranormal, Sci-fi, BDSM, F/F, M/M, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Happily married for the last twenty-five years, she lives with her husband and their brood of nine in a far too small house filled with love, laughter, and chaos.

Stalk her in these places

Website   Tsu   Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest   Evernight Publishing

             Amazon   All Romance E-Books   BookStrand   Barnes&Noble

August 28, 2015

10 Things About... @tarataylorquinn

Thank you again to Rachel Thompson, my last guest on the '10 Things About Me' series on Maya's Musings...

This month I have hosted Karen Rose Smith, Madison Sevier, Karin Baine, Jinxie G, Summerita Rhayne, Rachel Thompson and now USA Today bestselling author Tara Taylor Quinn!

A warm welcome to Tara!

10 Things About Tara Taylor Quinn


1.      I was excited when I googled ttq and found out that it’s an acronym for me!!  Tara Taylor Quinn.  I’m not kidding.  Try it!

2.       I am such a dog person that…there was a fire in a neighborhood not far from my home.  I was telling my aunt about it.  The entire house burned with the exception of the master bedroom closet which, ironically, was where the woman stored all of her most precious possessions, family photos, memorabilia, etc.  The couple who lived there got out safely.  And so did the dog.  I called the dog by name.  My aunt asked me the names of the couple.  I didn’t know. 

3.       I don’t know how to relax.  Just can’t slow my brain down.  I can’t just watch TV, I have to be accomplishing something at the same time.  I have afghans and tissue boxes, Christmas ornaments, a tree top angel, doilies and baby booties, wash cloths and scarves and coasters (just since January of this year) to prove it.  I donate them all to the annual holiday boutique my mother runs.  All of the proceeds go to children’s charities.  Last year she raised more than $14,000 in one weekend.

4.       My current furry friend – a five pound toy poodle who sits in my chair with me as I write – is named after my daughter and me.  Taylor Marie.

5.       I am addicted to Diet Coke and Frosted Mini-Wheats which I eat dry out of the box.  No matter what city I’m in, I find a place to get my stash.  I’ve looked for a Share A Diet Coke with Tara can or bottle but haven’t been able to find one yet.

6.       I am a workaholic.  I love writing, have always written, from the time I was six years old, and will commonly be at my desk seven days a week.

7.       I am a domestic violence survivor who was lucky enough to get out early.  I am a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and currently have a series with Superromance, Where Secrets Are Safe, that is nine books and counting, has been on the Amazon bestseller list for 18 months, and revolves around a very unique women’s shelter that I created off the coast of California.

8.       I am a Harlequin groupie, through and through.  As a reader, and as a writer, I am as loyal as they come.  You can find my seventy published Harlequin books listed at http://www.tarataylorquinn.com and follow book tour and contest giveaway information there, too!

9.       I love heat.  Ha ha, yeah that kind, but temperature, too.  As in HOT weather.  It’s 109 in Arizona today and while most people around me grumble and pray for fall when it cools down to the eighties and nineties, I am in heaven.


10.   Friendship is vitally important to me.  I don’t have a lot of friends as I tend to those I love with focus and depth, but I think having friends is vital to life, living and joy.  It’s our friendships that sustain us.  That give us strength, and sometimes the greatest joys, too.  It’s tough being a writer and being alone all day every day so I created a Friendship board on Pinterest.  It’s a group board.  Anyone can ask to be added and Pin their own friendship pins.  We currently have 1000 pinners and almost 5000 pins.  It’s become a great comfort to me.  A friend in and of itself as I’ve connected with strangers from around the world.  We lift each other with good morning friend pins.  Or friendship pins that make you smile just looking at them. https://www.pinterest.com/tarataylorquinn/friendship/  

Bio:

I've been at this writing gig for a long time.  70 published books can attest to that.  I've been told that my books are deeply emotional and psychologically compelling looks at life.  To me, they're just the way I co-exist with the voices in my head.  I've appeared often on local and national TV including CBS Sunday Morning, and frequently fill guest speaker slots.  I enjoy getting out and traveling, and I'm also very happy sitting alone for days at my computer living all kinds of different lives.  I was honored to win the Reader's Choice Award and to final multiple times for the RWA RITA award. 

I live life from my heart.  I'm a wife, a mother, a survivor, an in-line skater, and a supporter of The National Domestic Violence Hotline.  I am also a secret dog whisperer.

Where Secrets Are Safe... New Bestselling Series...



Coming in October...






August 26, 2015

10 Things About... @BadRedheadMedia

Welcome again to my '10 Things About Me' series... I am delighted to present my next guest... Rachel Thompson...

Rachel is best known for writing Broken Pieces and Broken Places, being an advocate for childhood sexual abuse survivors, her business BadRedhead Media, the director the new Gravity Imprint of for Booktrope (bringing fiction and nonfiction stories of trauma and recovery to life), Huffington Post writer on book marketing and social media, tough love for authors, and of course, Nutella advocate.

Here are her 10 things...

10 Things About Rachel Thompson

1. My eyes are naturally green (thank you Russian and German ancestors). Less than 2% of the world’s population has green eyes. And there’s the red hair, too, you may have noticed.
2. I took classical piano lessons for over ten years. I mostly remember Beatles songs but can play any melody by ear.
3. I lived in NYC for a few years and hated it.
4. I adore poetry, and wish more people read it. I share quite a lot here (mine and others).  
5. I hate green peppers, but love yellow and red. I’m pretty sure green peppers hate me, too.
6. I’m always cold, especially my toes.
7. My cat squeaks instead of meows. She has red fur and green eyes, which is coincidental, given that I adopted her from writing friend Amy Gigi Alexander, who is off traveling the world and needed to rehome her. My boyfriend named her Squeakers, my kids named her Phoebe Khaleesi Meow Meow. Her tag is very long. (I voted for Hemingway but was shot down.)
8. I really do love Nutella, but eat it very rarely. Too much sugar. Instead, I pin and share pictures (mostly on my Nutella Pinterest board).
9. My escape from reality is ‘Friends’ – I know every line from every episode.

10. I’m always listening to some kind of music, especially when I write. I’m particularly drawn to soundscores (Thomas Newman is a fave), female singer/songwriters (Imogen Heap, Tori Amos, Jonatha Brooke), and 70s rock.
Bio:
Rachel Thompson
Rachel Thompson is the author of newly released Broken Places (2015 Honorable Mention Winner, San Francisco Book Festival), and the multi award-winning Broken Pieces, as well as two additional humor books, A Walk In The Snark and Mancode: Exposed. Rachel is published and represented by Booktrope. She owns BadRedhead Media, creating effective social media and book marketing campaigns for authors. For affordable group sessions check out Author Social Media Boot Camp, monthly sessions to help all authors! Her articles appear regularly in The Huffington PostThe San Francisco Book Review (BadRedhead Says…), 12Most.com, bitrebels.com, BookPromotion.com, and Self-Publishers Monthly.
Not just an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, Rachel is the creator and founder of the hashtag phenomenon #MondayBlogs and the live Twitter chat, #SexAbuseChat, co-hosted with certified therapist/survivor, Bobbi Parish.
She is also now the director of the Gravity Imprint for Booktrope, bringing stories of trauma and recovery (fiction and nonfiction) to life.
She hates walks in the rain, running out of coffee, and coconut. She lives in California with her family.
Author Contact Information:
Author Site: rachelintheoc.com
BadRedhead Media Site: badredheadmedia.com
Twitter: @RachelintheOCTwitter (Business): @BadRedheadMedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelThompsonFacebook Broken Pieces Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/BrokenPiecesByRachelThompsonFacebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/BadRedheadMedia
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+RachelThompson/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rachelintheoc/Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachelintheoc/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rachel-thompson/24/784/b95
Goodreadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4619475.Rachel_Thompson
Author Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/j9oaH
BadRedhead Media Newsletter: 
http://eepurl.com/koN8r
Full-size Author Photo Link:http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o158/Froze8/RachelThompson_zps88bd401e.jpg
Thank you, Rachel, for joining me today. 'Friends' is also one of my favorite shows... I am in the process of watching it again - season by season - for about the millionth time!
Stay tuned for my next - and last - guest Tara Taylor Quinn - joining me on August 28! :)

August 21, 2015

10 Things About... @SummeritaRhayne

The '10 Things About Me' series continues... So far I have hosted Karen Rose Smith, Madison Sevier, Karin Baine, and Jinxie G... Thanks again to all, especially Jinxie, my last guest!

Today I have the privilege of hosting romance author Summerita Rhayne... best known for sensual, emotional romance to sweep you away into another world.

10 Things About Summerita Rhayne

1) I love to teach. Whether it’s simply coloring with little kids or going over complex human body processes with college students, I love to impart what I know and watch new knowledge take root in young minds…lol, that was a bit overdone. Fine, I confess, whatever the topic, I love to lecture!

2) I write in snatches of time. Lately my routine has become a bit rushed. Too many things occupying my mind. So I don’t get to concentrate for a fixed length of time, and have learned to write in brief snatches. My daily output is down to 200 words but I am happy to put down whatever I can.

3) I love to sketch. Not good but here’s an example of my efforts. My Indian friends would recognize him (or should). Okay, stop laughing! It’s supposed to be Hrithik Roshan :)


4) I’m not the tidiest person but I like order in some things. For example I would press the edges of currency notes and put them all the right side up, I like books put with the spine out and I search compulsively for the right word to put in my writing. I still haven’t been able to understand why I’m sloppy in most other things.

5) I’m a great procrastinator. It took me several years to get down to writing even though I have wanted to write for a long time. (Now that’s some procrastination!)

6) Sometimes, I dream of full-fledged stories. However, they can’t be used in fiction writing as they are lacking in logic.

7) I’m addicted to tea and coffee. I can go without food but not my beverages!

8) I carry three phones, a Blackberry for my typing, one for internet and a third to use for calls.

9) I’m multi-published in traditional publishing as well as self-published. But I’m still to decide which one has been a better experience.

10) I’m really very easy to please. No matter how angry I’m at someone, the tiniest gesture makes me melt. However, I must be convinced of its sincerity.

Bio
Summerita Rhayne writes contemporary and historical romance. She first got published in 2013 and has won contests with Harlequin and Harper Collins India. Writing, she finds, is the only way to deal with the numerous story ideas bubbling in her brain which pop up more rapidly than her keyboard can do justice to. Her pet belief is that a story and its characters have a life of their own and will find a way to make the writer pen them down.

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Her Books
Against All Rules
Hidden Passion
The Eligible Princess
Unexpected Valentines

Her latest released book is The Eligible Princess, a historical romance set in early medieval India.


Here’s something about it.

BLURB:

....After Hidden Passion, the Kamboj Princesses Saga continues with Rukmani’s sister Lakshaya...
THE ELIGIBLE PRINCESS 

King Kartikeya must marry a princess. He's determined to do anything to keep the kingdom that he has taken with strategy and sheer guts. If that involves charming a princess into marriage, then so be it.

Princess Lakshaya infinitely prefers her pursuit of scientific experiments to the learning of the arts of impressing a suitor. In fact, she would rather have no more proposals at all. But refusing a king as opulent as Kartik is out of question. Drawn against her will by the force of his attraction, she begins to accept him, only to discover hidden secrets along the way.

Can she bring herself to go ahead with this marriage?

Set in Early Middle Ages in India, Book 2 in the Kamboj Princesses Saga follows Lakshaya in her journey to discover desire, passion, intrigue and love.

Order now at:


EXCERPT:

She thought she could detect movement in one chamber and raised her vision enhancer to her eye.

The next instant, she gasped and nearly dropped the instrument. Recovering, she trained her eye to it again.

The king stood, handing his gold chest plate to the servant who was next handed the strings of pearls from around his throat. His armlets and cuffs came off. Then his hand slid lower and he unwrapped the gold belt from his kayaband.

Lakshayas hands nearly slipped from the cylinder. She could make out a vast expanse of skin. Male skin. Toned skin covering corded muscles. She had a view up close of how dark hair smattered across his upper chest, not thick, rather pleasing to behold as they thickened slightly. Muscles of his chest, bulging, moving as he she gulped as he now removed his kayaband. She trembled. Surely she should go now. A maiden shouldnt observe a man undressing, should she? The servant was bid something. Maybe to prepare his bath? The uniformed man left. Lakshaya brought back the focus on the king. His hands went to the knot of his antariya. Just as her lower belly contracted, the moonlight came and flooded the courtyard as a cloud uncovered the lunar gods visage. Light fell on the glass, momentarily blinding her. With a small gasp, Lakshaya moved back into the shadows. Regaining composure, she trained her instrument on the object of her fascination again. He turned till his back was towards her. He raised his arms and flexed and extended them by turns, his back muscles moving and bulging. Something contracted in her stomach, a strange fluttering attacking her pulse. Shame, excitement and anticipation mingled like magic potions to produce butterflies inside her stomach. He repeated the movement. For her, breathing became difficult. She lowered the cylinder, hands trembling, heart beating fast. Oh devi ma! She had to take control. Had to think...

After a breather, she raised it again, her mouth dry with the knowledge of the forbidden. What would she find now...?

He wasnt immediately in her view. Frowning, she moved it from one wall to the other. Where had King Kartikeya gone?

A hand gripped her wrist and she gasped, dropping the cylinder. She had an impression of hair covered skin covering honed muscles and gasped anew as she realized who it was.

She had her answer as to where he had gone!

Maharaj! 

He had caught her instrument as it slipped from her fingers and now turned it this way and that. A device for spying? Or was it peeking for your own benefit? Dark eyes snared her gaze. Why strain your eyes, charuta. Have a look at the real thing up close.


Thanks, Summerita, for participating in my summer series! I read The Eligible Princess and would highly recommend it! Next up is Rachel Thompson, joining me on August 26!