Back Away from that Phone!

mermaids, Writing

Back. Away. From. That. Phone.pintip

Imagine me saying that to myself, in the meanest, most growly voice I can muster, at least once an hour, and you’ll have a pretty accurate picture of my afternoon yesterday.

Why am I yelling at myself? Because apparently, I have no will-power. I decided this week to increase my writing productivity by being internet-free between 10am and 2pm. These are the least-interrupted hours of my day, the hours while my kids are in school.

And um, I haven’t been successful a single day.

I have excuses! Really good excuses, about things that needed to be taken care of and responded to right that very moment. I didn’t fritter the minutes away on social media. And yet, my efficiency was shot, anyway, because life happens and life takes time. Lots of time.

But instead of chalking up my experiment as a failure, I’ve decided to see it as a lesson learned. It’s not (only) the internet that interferes with my productivity; it’s the little errands and chores, it’s calling the pharmacy and signing up for camps and responding to emails.

All these daily things need to get done — don’t get me wrong. But they don’t need to be done during my prime writing hours. So, next week, I’m going to give my productivity project one more try. Only this time, instead of being internet-free, I’m going to shift my goal and reserve the hours between 10am and 2pm just for writing. The rest of the “life stuff” can be done before or after.

What do you think? Will this tweak in my strategy makes a difference in my efficiency? I certainly hope so!

What about you? What tips do you have for increasing productivity? What are your prime writing or working hours?

Editor and Agent Recommendations.. Go!

mermaids

It’s that time of year. The Easter Bunny is tiptoeing through the tulips, April showers are sowing May flowers and Masha (yes, I’m referring to myself in the third person.. shows you how much I’ve been working in 3rd POV) is getting ready to bombard unsuspecting editors and agents with her (mostly) edited manuscript. Hence, the request. If anyone has an editor or agent recommendation, swing on by your keyboard and throw out some details. Since our pond plays host to friendly fishies, please no negative recommendations. Only glowing reviews from personal experience or the gossip mill. Any and all feedback is much obliged.

Barry Manilow: He Writes the Songs

Kimberly MacCarron, mermaids, , , , ,

I grew up listening to Barry Manilow, and he’s continued to be an inspiration to me throughout my life. It’s not his fame or fortune. It’s the music, the words and the man behind them. It’s hearing him talk about his Manilow Music Project where he encourages people to donate gently used musical instruments to be given to schools. How can you not love this man?

But knowing he married his manager and long-time partner, Garry Kief, makes me love him all the more. I can’t imagine hiding who I am for fear of what people might say, but I commend him for coming out and coming out so brilliantly. However, I hope we get to the point where nobody ever feels like they need anyone’s blessing to love who they love. No matter who you are.

For all those who may not support him, there are a thousand more who will embrace him and encourage him and rally around him.

I had planned to write this post about Barry Manilow after I attended his concert at the Verizon Center in DC last month, but now I’m glad I waited. My husband of sixteen years took me to see Barry Manilow four times throughout our marriage and he sat beside me as I sang all the words and smiled the whole time, because, SERIOUSLY! How can you not smile when this man sings? My husband jokingly said, “I’ve now seen Barry Manilow more times than Rush.”

Barry Manilow sings with heart. He sings with soul. He sings with sincerity.
Whether he’s singing about what it means to be a parent or a friend or a lover, he sings with conviction. Or whether he’s singing to the misfits who feel like they don’t belong… he reminds us that we are one and we all belong. Best known for his power ballads, his words indeed hold power. He can sing about love that inspires you to love better than you ever have before.

I’m either giving him the credit or he’s taking the blame for me becoming a romance writer. In several ways. He set the bar so high. His swoon-inducing lyrics never made me think I should settle for second best. I wanted the kind of love that he inspired.

When I first heard him, I was too young to even understand the meaning behind the words, but, ohmygod, whatever it was he was singing, I knew I wanted THAT. I wanted to feel deeply and passionately and forever.

When I was a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, I used to listen to Barry Manilow on my stepdad’s stereo. This was back when you had to work to hear music. And especially me. We lived in a small house—where our electricity and water were shut off due to nonpayment more than I liked to admit—and I knew the value of having money and power. Literally and figuratively. So, money wasn’t something that I ever took for granted.

My stepdad had a nice—by our standards—stereo, but I wasn’t allowed to touch it. So, of course I did. Every day in the summer I waited patiently for him to go to work and then I’d run over to his album collection and pull out Barry. I would take the album over to the stereo, put it on the turntable and fool around with the needle until it worked correctly. Then I’d listen to that album again and again and AGAIN. I’d dance to the upbeat songs and sit all dreamily during the ballads, not even understanding that kind of love yet.

My mom was in on the secret, but she told me to make sure I was responsible with the stereo and album. We only had one small air conditioner in the house and it was for the back three small bedrooms, divided by a makeshift curtain hanging across the doorway. That made it pretty damn hot in the living room, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to listen to “my” music. One day, I got sidetracked with the temptation of the coolness in the back of the house. And I went. And fell asleep.

Later, I ran back to the living room to put the album away before my stepdad got home from work so he woudn’t know I’d been using his stereo. I looked at the stereo under the window and my heart started pounding. There was the album, completely warped like something out of a Salvador Dali painting. My heart just broke. I tried to heat it even more so I could bend it back into shape, and I managed to lay it flat and slip it back into the album cover.  But it was ruined.

I remember going back to my bed and crying. Sure, I knew I was going to get in trouble for fooling around with my stepdad’s stereo and ruining his favorite album, but it was more than that.

The music was gone.

It took awhile for my mom and me to save up the money to replace the album. It’s strange to look back now at the girl in that house who couldn’t scrape together enough money for music when now it’s something most of us can experience with one click on the internet. When people are streaming and sharing and even pirating artists’ work—whether that’s music or books. But that’s a whole other blog post.

I often think back to what inspired me to begin writing, and the answer would probably be a combination of Barry Manilow and books. Both were something I could experience in certain degrees for free or for a relatively low cost. They were my escape to different worlds. They made me imagine the lives the words told. They made me want so much. Like I said, they set the bar very high.

I write stories about love because I think love is what makes us who we are. I think love is love, and it should be celebrated every time two people find it.  I’m writing a young adult book now about two boys who fall in love, and I’ve been a little scared to finish writing it. Because I’m not a boy. I’m not a teen. And I’m not gay. With the #WeNeedDiverseBooks taking off in a different direction than how it started—which is veering off from diverse books to diverse authors, I’m wondering if it scares other authors who are writing a story that’s different from their own experiences.

But I think Barry came along once again to give me the inspiration I need. It’s not about whether I’m a gay teenage boy. It’s about whether I can write a book that shows two people—no matter their sexual orientation—falling in love.

And I hope I can do that justice.

That’s why I write romance. That’s why I write for teens. And that’s why Barry Manilow will always be my favorite songwriter. Because he sings about love, and couldn’t we all use more of that?

After all, Love is Love.

Finding My Joy

Alethea Kontis, , , , ,

Norton Nominated PrincessI finished a new novel yesterday.

I didn’t write the words “THE END” because I was running late for a dinner party. I sent the last chapter to my mom (she reads chapter by chapter) and the whole thing to my editor and went off to watch the sunset at Cocoa Beach (technically, the Banana River).

I don’t think I was much fun at the dinner party. Which was okay–it meant I got to sit around and soak up other people’s stories for a while. And it allowed me to process some things.

Because I had just finished the first book I’m ever going to self publish.

I know what you must be thinking right now: “I get it. She got dumped by her publisher because she’s a terrible writer. Ugh. I don’t have to listen to this.” I know this is going through some people’s minds because it’s what went through my mind many, many times in those first days.

Yes, I did get dumped by my publisher last year. I also got dumped by my boyfriend. Turns out, sometimes in a failing relationship you accidentally find a door marked EXIT. Sometimes even in the same 24 hours.

I’m here to tell you to take it.

Here’s what I heard happened with the publisher: Somebody new came in. Somebody higher up. For whatever reason, everyone I knew and loved at my publisher started leaving. The head of Digital. The head of Marketing. My own beloved editor. Turns out, my publishing contract was just one of the first casualties of this event. You know, no hard feelings.

I had spent years forming these relationships. If they hadn’t dropped me like a hot potato, I would have been forced to start fresh with all new people…even if I didn’t like them. As it was, I was going to have to work with all of these new people for my last book there. They pushed back the release date, sent it through several more rounds of copyedits even after the final pages were done, and declined the change we had decided to make on the cover. One of the new people, I fell in love with. One of the new people I didn’t care for at all.

And yet, like that terrible boyfriend, if they had asked me back in those first few months I probably would have said yes.

There have been other times like this in the past when the Universe has saved me from myself. This is why, when I look up at the stars at night and don’t have a wish on the tip of my tongue, I say, “Thank you.”

I finished a book last night. My editor will look at it today, because her only client is me. I have full approval on the cover art. And the title. Barnes and Noble will not be swooping in to change anything at the last minute. My author photo will be on the back (or jacket flap). I have a copyeditor lined up, and proofreaders, and I have to get back to the layout people.

This book could be out in a month.

Beyond that: New York would never have let me write this book in the first place. There are already two parallel novels in the Woodcutter Sisters Series — this is a third. It’s a spinoff series, like starting Angel in the middle of Buffy. If Dearest is Book 3 of the Woodcutter Series, this is Book 2.5. Also, the entire novel’s worth of adventure bumps right up against 40,000 words. New York pretty much has no idea what to do with that.

But you know what? My fans know what to do with it. Mom read the last chapter this morning over her coffee, gave it two thumbs up, and yelled, “ENCORE!”

I am thankful that the romance writing community has embraced self-publishing in such a vigorous way, when other genres still look down their noses at it. You know what? I think every published author should try self-publishing a novel, in the same way I think everyone in America should have to work a retail job through the Christmas season. Short stories don’t count. I’ve self-pubbed those too. It’s not the same. You have to spend months–YEARS–invested in a title and then realize that, if your ducks are in a row, it will be in the hands of fans around the world in one month. Not a year, not two years, but ONE MONTH.

That is where the joy is. JOY. That is the strange feeling I contemplated in silence as I watched the dolphins frolic in the twilight.

Would I like to continue publishing with traditional New York publishers? Yes. Specifically, I would like to work with my beloved editor again at her new publisher. But I will be finishing the Woodcutter Series on my own, with no fear.

The paperback of Dearest will hit stores next February. My goal now is to see how many books I can get out into the world before then.

What are your goals for 2015? It’s not too late. It’s never too late!

Writing on the Road: Meet My Friend, the Alligator

Denny S. Bryce

Denny (PortRoyale)This year winter in Reston has been absolutely ugh! I don’t like cold weather (years in Chicago) and I don’t like snow (years in Chicago) and even the lake in my backyard froze and ice is a huge no (years in Chicago, although Lake Michigan rarely froze:)…I do like to blame Chicago for a few of the items on my ‘don’t like’ list. But then I wonder why I set so many of my stories in Chicago? Mmmm….I’ll have to check into that, huh?

But let’s get to the reason I’m writing this blog post today. It is to share a few photos and also my first experience up close and personal with an alligator! And yes, it was so much fun, and thank you Mermaid Alethea for my meeting with a gator!

Okay, you say, why does Mermaid Alethea get the props (old school slang btw:)?

Two weekends ago, I visited Mermaid Princess Alethea at her home in Titusville, Florida – a very cool town with three of the best restaurants in Florida and a great beach, and Mermaid Alethea’s new home (absolutely adorable). But on our way to the beach one morning or afternoon, we’re driving along and I’m watching the side of the road for gators. And why not? I’m in Florida. And although I’ve visited Florida a few hundred times over the years, I’d never seen a gator in the wild. So my pal Alethea quickly (but safely) turns the car around and we jump out and there it is — my first up close experience with a gator. So I had to share the proof!

Now tell me, what animal have you seen in the wild that was on the bucket list or not on the list but still wowed you?

As readers and writers of popular fiction and romance, we enjoy going into make-believe worlds – but the wow experiences of the real world are awfully cool, too. And to some, spending 30 minutes staring at an alligator might be boring or absolutely amazing.  This was an animal wow moment for me. How about you? But come on–you know you think gators are cool, too!

IMG_0004 IMG_0007 aligator1 IMG_0005

Mermaid & Friends: Jessica Ruddick’s LETTING GO cover reveal

Books, Cover Reveal, mermaids, , ,

Friends, I am thrilled to share the cover of Jessica Ruddick’s debut NA novel, LETTING GO! This wonderful novel is being released on May 26 from Entangled Embrace.

Check out this loveliness:

LettingGo_1600

Isn’t that a great cover? I love how the shape of her body forms the bottom of a heart!

 

Blurb:

How long do you hold on?

Cori Elliott likes order. Her schedule, her social life…even her GPA is perfect. Then she finds out her high school boyfriend’s death wasn’t an accident—it was suicide. The devastating revelation is enough to fracture her perfectly structured life, sending Cori in a downward spiral of self-doubt and impulsive decisions.

And right into the arms of Luke Evans.

But Cori’s life isn’t perfect anymore. In fact, it’s all coming apart. The only way she can save herself is to let go of everything—including the girl she used to be. Even if it means losing the one guy who might just be perfect for her in the process…

Jessica cropped

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23302058-letting-go?from_search=true

 

About the Author:

Jessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?). When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at www.jessicaruddick.com.

 

Author Links:

Website │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Goodreads

 

Why Men Write Romance and Why You Should Be Reading It! #Giveaway

Carlene Love Flores, Guy Day, Interview, Motivation, Writing, , , , , ,

Mermaid-Carlene-300x225Hello, fishy friends! Carlene Mermaid here. How are we all doing? Read any good books lately? How about any sexy smart romances written by men? No??? Let’s remedy that! Some of you might be familiar with my regular “Guy Day” posts. These usually come about when I can find a gentleman who is willing to answer in-depth questions about how he would respond, think, and feel in different situations, thereby giving us a genuine male perspective. The purpose of these posts is to help women writers craft realistic and believable male characters in our stories. Some of our brave guests in the past have included a musician, firefighter, waiter, gamer and one of my favorites, a fashion blogger. But today I figured what could be more beneficial than going straight to the source–men who are actually writing romance. Rather than doing the traditional Guy Day interview, I thought it would be best to let our guests’ work speak for itself because ultimately, their writing is their truest male perspective.

man_writing

This past February, I was inspired to pick up my first romance written by a man, Primal Desire. The hero and heroine fought so hard to earn their happily ever after. It was completely sigh-worthy and now I’m hooked on this author. I then treated myself to Heart of a Hero (blushing over here) and I have to say what I appreciate most about these books written by our guests is how direct they are. These writers know how to jump in, give a quick yet thorough set up and then whisk us off to sexy, adventurous romance land. It’s quite a ride! What was so interesting and why I highly encourage you to give them a try, is that not only are they great stories, but you become intrigued by how the authors are going to handle each situation by virtue of being a man. What will be their take on things? Will they lead with emotion or action? Are the love scenes going to be harder and possibly sexier but will they lack in the sweeter moments?  During both of these reads, I became very invested in not just the story they were telling but the subtle nuances of how they went about telling it. It made for a very refreshing reading experience, sometimes hard and sometimes emotional but always good.

So it’s without further ado that I’d like to introduce you to two talented authors who just happen to be men AND bonafide romance writers. I met Mr. Axl Goode at a recent romance conference where we talked about his writing process and he was even kind enough to school me on Scrivener. And, I’m fortunate to be an Evernight-mate of the prolific Mr. James Cox who I just counted and has published 24 books, including his newest, Underneath His Armor!  I’ll be giving away a copy of both Primal Desire and Heart of a Hero or Underneath His Armor to one lucky commenter as part of today’s post but I encourage everyone to check them out, regardless.

As an added bonus, I asked these gentlemen what it is they love about writing romance and their answers were even romantic!

Carlene Mermaid: Axl, why do you love writing romance?

10492439_332299803640630_3606742841388341978_nMr. Goode: It’s pretty simple, I enjoy writing stories where people overcome their fears, take a leap of faith, and ultimately are inspired to be a better person than who they were. I think this is important because so many people struggle to live an idealistic life or the life they truly want. It’s scary to put yourself on the line knowing that failure is possible, but what I think so many people miss is that they automatically win by simply trying. If I inspire my readers to put themselves on the line, and to go after life with tenacity and a bright spirit then I’ve succeeded in my mission. Ultimately, I’d like them to see not just the romance in my stories, but in life in general. Life is romantic, so why not romanticize it and live an amazing one?

Well said, Mr. Goode. I couldn’t agree more! Your writing is very inspiring.

*********

Carlene Mermaid: James, what is it you love most about writing romance?672903

Mr. Cox: Let’s see. Romance to me is all about hope. Hope that one day I’ll fall in love like my characters. I love writing these men that are incomplete and looking for that last piece to make their life perfect. And if they happen to be in space or another planet or a futuristic world, all the better. Lol.

Let’s see … I love this! Mr. Cox, here is to hope and adventure! Your stories definitely reflect that. 

 

Friends, let’s check out these books!!

pdPrimal Desire by Axl Goode…

Money manager Brenley has always dated intelligent and stimulating guys who could keep up with her both mentally and in the bedroom. She’s the best in her field and she owes that to her keen insight and understanding of people. That’s why when she meets playboy actor Zane Anthony she knows instantly he’s not worth her time.

There’s more to Zane than meets the eye. He’s wealthy, intelligent and completely enthralled with the aloof blonde who seems to cut him down with her every glance. Fueled by a need he doesn’t quite understand, he’s determined to get over her walls and under the sexy suits she wears that drive him crazy.

Brenley doesn’t know if she can trust Zane or the electric chemistry that sizzles between them. But when she finds herself in hot water with powerful enemies, she realizes he could be her only ally.

A bit about Axl:

Axl Goode found his calling for writing after spending time with other inspiring authors of Ellora’s Cave. He currently lives in Dallas. He is spending more and more time writing but also has an accounting degree, is a model and an exotic dancer. He finds his inspiration through being surrounded by women and listening to their fantasies. He also has quite a few fantasies of his own that he enjoys through writing.

Connect with Axl: Facebook / Website / Goodreads

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6769264Heart of a Hero by James Cox…

He made it to paradise on a lie…

Kallen is a hero. He single-handed ended the war. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. The truth is that he was at the right place at the right time. As the hero, he gets a room in the heavenly triple towers and enough mouths on his body to please him every hour of every day. However, guilt and danger rise when a man starts searching for the truth. When the investigator is this sexy, he may just blow his secret, among other things.

Lorn is furious when the spy among them is named as his dead younger brother. He is determined to find the truth of what happened even if it means destroying the nation’s hero or the man he’s slowly falling for.

In Kallen’s world, bravery will get a person killed, so how exactly is he supposed to prove to Lorn that he has the heart of a hero?

Be Warned: m/m sex, rimming, sex toys, spanking, bondage

A bit about James:

James is rather hard to define. He’s obviously into men, but also finds women alluring. To him reading gay fiction is so stimulating he’s taken up a pen (keyboard) and started writing. The stories in his head are edgy, hot enough to embarrass him at work and meant to entertain.

James’ day job is pathetic but a means to get the green. He lusts after his straight boss and always longed to paint nude men.

Connect with James: Facebook / Website / Blog / Goodreads

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Big fishy hugs to our honorary mermen, Axl and James, for sharing their love of romance today! CarleneLoveOkay readers, feel free to leave a little love for our authors and also share your thoughts on reading romance written by men. Does it intrigue you? Are you still a little leery? Do you already have a favorite male romance author? I will be picking one lucky commenter to go home with e-copies of both Primal Desire and your choice of Heart of a Hero or Under His Armor. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Happy reading!

Fishy kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

photo credit: http://www.americanenglish.state.gov/national-poetry-month-celebration

Three Books That Warped Heather Brewer

Alethea Kontis, Guest Post, ,

Alethea and Heather at the Less Than Three Conference 2014My dear friend, bestselling YA author Heather Brewer, has a new book out this week. In honor of the release of THE CEMETERY BOYS, I asked Heather if she would share with us a few of the books that made her into the fabulously awesome and darkly misfit Auntie we know and love today.

Three cheers for Auntie Heather and all her Minions!

*******************

THREE BOOKS THAT WARPED ME INTO WHO I AM TODAY
By Heather Brewer

It’s not difficult to admit that I was always an…unusual…child. Whereas most of the kids my age were reading The Babysitters Club books and Little House on the Prairie, my tastes leaned toward the dark and macabre. Horror was like candy to me. I watched it on television, in movies, read books. If it featured blood or monsters, I was instantly drawn to it. But there are three books that really stand out in my childhood. Three books that happily warped my twisted little mind into the even more twisted thing it is today.

1. SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK, written by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell. This was an incredible collection of short horror stories that came out in 1981. The stories themselves were twisted and delightfully weird, but the best parts were the illustrations. I can’t imagine publishers okaying such frightening imagery in a children’s book today, but as a child in that day that hungered for scary, they were perfect for me.

2. THE AQUEDUCT by Ray Bradbury. Granted this one is a short story, but its length was good enough to satisfy a hungry young reader, and the big twist of what the aqueduct was for was MESSED UP. I loved it. It came out in 1979, and to this day, gives me a delightful shiver whenever I reread it.

3. IT by Stephen King. Published in 1986, this book is the sole reason I am afraid of clowns. More than that, it’s the most brilliant example of flashback scenes that I can think of. Perfectly evil!
There were many other books and stories that I can blame my weird side on, but these three are right up there. They made me love horror. They made me want to write it. Because what’s better than scaring children?

*********************

Thank you, Heather, for dropping by! Everyone, please be sure to check out THE CEMETERY BOYS, now available online, or in a store near you.

So…what are three–just three–stories that made YOU are who you are today?

Debut Author Siera London Swims with the Mermaids

Books, Denny S. Bryce, mermaids

Denny (PortRoyale)One of the fun things about being me is that I get to talk to authors about their work. And I enjoy sharing those conversations here at the Waterworld Mermaid blog. Today, I’m sharing some of my chat with Siera London. She has a new release coming out TODAY, March 31. So, please take a few minutes to read below and learn more about Siera (a member of the WRW-DC RWA Chapter) and her debut novel.

ABOUT Siera

Siera London, a former naval officer, is a writer of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. A native Floridian, her love of coastal towns and bustling cities shines through in her sassy and sexy storytelling. Currently she resides in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and a color patch tabby that has free reign of the house. 

Denny: Tell me about your book?

Siera: I’d love to! CHASING AVA is book one in the Bachelors of Shell Cove series. It’s a contemporary, multicultural romance set in the beautiful coastal city of Shell Cove, FL.

Ava Walters is an emotionally wounded nurse struggling to mend her shattered life. Logan Masters is a broken man pursing his future at any cost. They never expected to find redemption in each other’s arms, but one night changes both their lives, and there’s no undoing the chain reaction of their night together.

Purchase Link: Amazon.

Denny: What do you love about her hero?

Siera: Logan has the right balance of push and pull in his relationship with Ava. He doesn’t allow her to avoid making difficult decisions. His unwavering devotion to Ava compels her to make choices about her own destiny.

Denny: What about your hero makes you mad?

Siera: He wants everything now! Logan is an in your face kind of hero. He looks at life through a black and white lens. You are either with him or against him. 

Denny: How about your heroine?

033b24_46cb7408eaac4135a65d195e1c9b0d04.jpg_srz_p_298_446_75_22_0.50_1.20_0Siera: Ava is a passionate and loving woman, but she can’t see these qualities in herself. She doesn’t realize how accomplished she is, in spite of her hurtful past. 

Denny: What did your hero say or do that surprised you?

Siera: Logan’s actions surprised me when Ava came into his life. He surrenders to the fact that he loves her and it’s so out of character for him to surrender anything. He surprises her with a two-carat diamond heart pendant. Logan’s words to Ava:

“It’s my heart, Ava. I’m giving my heart to you because I’m yours and you’re mine.”

The whole scene blew my mind.

Denny: What’s coming up next for you?

Siera: I will be at Lady Jane’s Salon in Bethesda, MD on April 11, 2015 at 6 pm. I’ll be reading an excerpt from CHASING AVA.

Also, I’ll be at the Romantic Times Convention in Dallas, TX, May 12-17, 2015. Stop by and say hello at the Military SOS Tribute event or the Meet the Author sessions.

E-mail me at: [email protected]

Like me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsieralondon

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siera_london

Visit my website: www.sieralondon.com

 

 

 

 

Michelle Monkou Swims with the Mermaids: Aligning Passion, Career, and Job

Books, mermaids, Mermaids & Friends, ,

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the uber-talented Michelle Monkou to the lagoon today! I have had the pleasure of knowing Michelle for the last year and a half, and I can honestly say she is one of the most hard working, dedicated, and inspirational people I’ve ever met. Her latest book, ONE TO LOVE, is being released on April 1 from Harlequin Kimani and she has graciously agreed to talk to us about aligning her passion, career, and job. Take it away, Michelle!

*****

I’m entering my 13th year in the business…wow, I can’t believe it. From the first day of publication, I had no idea what the future would hold. I was so focused on the fact that I had signed a contract and a publisher would take my contemporary romance, Open One To Love CoverYour Heart, out to the world.

That was the big dream.

So what came after the dream had been fulfilled?

• 20 titles with an additional 3 titles in the hopper with publishers.

• One publisher expanded to three publishers and my own indie platform.

• Contemporary romance now sharing space on the shelf with urban fantasy, and erotic romance.

Now what?

I hadn’t planned for Acts or Parts or Phases to my dream. Yet, a shift in priorities and vision made me take stock of where I was and where I wanted to go. The only direction to go is forward, upward, where the sky is only an artificial limit.

Passion for writing is there. Writing groups, networking events, goals keep the momentum going and the energy flowing.

This is my career. Thirteen years is not amateur night or a side gig. I’m creating a legacy. I’m building a fan base. I’m channeling that passion for the long haul.

At the end of the day, this is my job. I earn a living, want to continue earning a living and unapologetically expect to earn a living.

With these elements aligned, I’m free as I want to be, in order to create, to imagine, to continue fulfilling my dream—to be one helluva kick ass writer.

I hope your passion, career, and job are in alignment with your dream.

*****

Photo 2 (1)Michelle Monkou is a multi-published author with over 20 books in print and digital. She began her writing career in 2002 with Black Entertainment Television (BET) Books, Arabesque imprint. She writes contemporary romances, paranormal/urban fantasy and publishes her backlist and original stories on her independent digital platform, Stella Maris Publishing. Her stories speak to the heart and offer that happy ever after ending for the romance fiction reader.

Michelle is also an active participant with romance writers’ advocacy efforts. She served on the boards and as presidents of Washington Romance Writers, and the 10,000 membership Romance Writers of America. She’s a weekly contributor on USA TODAY’s Happy Ever Blog providing commentary on romance fiction.

She resides in Maryland writing many more stories to fill the hands and e-readers of romantic bookaholics. Michelle‘s One to Love is available for purchase this week. Preorder your copy now and catch Michelle‘s fabulous other titles.