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These Small Hours By Gloria HerrmannGeneral Release Date: 20th July 2021Word Count: 86,701 Book Length: SUPER NOVEL Pages: 322 Genres: CONTEMPORARY CRIME CRIME AND MYSTERY EROTIC ROMANCE MYSTERY THRILLERS AND SUSPENSE Add to GoodreadsBook Description Keep writing…or die trying. Charlene Vanderberg is a bestselling author whose world is turned upside as she experiences writer’s block for the first time. She now faces a deadline to redeem her career after her last book, a sappy romance, flopped. Charley had only wanted to try her hand at a different genre, one with a little less murder and mayhem, but had ended up creating some disgruntled fans. That’s when the words disappeared, and Charley found herself unable to write a single sentence. After being plagued with crippling writer’s block for months and about to hang up the towel, Charley’s agent Pamela has convinced her that a change of scenery would help get her creative juices flowing again. She sends Charley off to a cozy lake resort and has enlisted some protection for her in the person of Nick Capra, a detective who is running from his own demons, has no desire to babysit the famous author but finds himself unable to stop developing feelings for his charge. Famous for writing chilling tales, Charley isn’t prepared for the nightmare in store for her. The sleepy lake community where nothing bad ever happens begins to see a string of grisly murders. Charley discovers these murders were meant to inspire her to write her next novel. A copycat killer is reenacting scenes from her bestsellers. No one is safe from this killer—not even Charley. Reader advisory: This book contains incidents of alcohol use, violence and murder.
Excerpt“You can’t possibly be serious?” “I am, and it will be good for you. I promise. You need to trust me on this.” Charley—also known as Charlene Vanderberg, a bestselling author—was currently experiencing writer’s block for the first time. The words were there, locked somewhere in her mind and refusing to come out when she sat down every night to free them. Nothing. Just a blank page staring back at her, taunting Charley with the blinking cursor of where words should form. It had been months since Charley had written anything that hadn’t ended up on the wrong side of the delete button. At this rate, she feared there might never be words again. “It’s the perfect solution,” Pamela beseeched. Her agent was a force of nature and had the manipulative power of getting her way. That’s why Charley had agreed to sign on with Pamela Mansfield once her second manuscript had been complete. Charley had needed someone fierce to land her a book deal and steer her career in the right direction. Rejection letters didn’t help her fragile writer’s ego, and it was challenging enough to be recognized by any publisher without an agent. That’s why she needed one like Pamela. That woman knew her way around the publishing world and had seen something in Charley. Her advice and encouragement had pushed Charley and ultimately launched her into the success she was now enjoying. Over the years, they had become good friends, almost like family. Charley had learned a great deal from this tiny woman who was set on building a brand and empire with the clients she represented. Pamela only worked with the best, most talented people in the industry, and Charley still couldn’t believe she was among them. She didn’t want to disappoint Pamela and worried that if those words didn’t start making an appearance soon, there would be some ugly consequences. They both had reputations to uphold. Charley eyed Pamela curiously from across the table, half-hoping to break her agent’s resolve. It wasn’t going to happen, and they both knew that. The unwavering but tender stare as Pamela held her ground on what a great idea this was showed Charley that it truly was in her best interest. “So, you honestly think by shipping me off to some lake resort in the middle of nowhere, I’ll really get this book done? That magically all of my creative juices will start to flow again because you’ve got me locked up in some hillbilly cabin?” Charley scoffed. “Sounds like all the makings of a Stephen King novel, and we both know how those go,” Charley teased as she poked her straw at a bobbing ice cube in her sweaty glass of water. “Not just any cabin, Charley. My nephew owns the cutest little resort in Crescent Lake. The best part is that it’s only a few hours from here. Just imagine, all these quaint cabins around that gorgeous lake. Besides, you know very well that you give Stephen King a run for his money.” Pamela winked and turned her attention to the plate in front of her. “I thought nature was sort of your thing? Aren’t you some kind of country girl?” Pamela countered playfully as she stabbed her colorful salad of varied bright leaves and vegetables. “It was. I mean, I like it well enough, but I’m hardly a country girl,” she answered with a touch of sophisticated sass. “That’s right. You’re a famous writer now and living in your fabulous apartment with a perfect view of the Seattle skyline.” Pamela smirked with her fork to her lips. “Too good for the great outdoors?” “What I meant was that I haven’t done anything remotely outdoorsy for years.” “Then you’re long overdue.” “I just don’t see how it will help.” Charley shook her head and looked away. The restaurant with its elegant lighting and décor was filled with patrons all sipping wine and dining on extravagant dishes. Her writing had afforded her this lifestyle. Maybe I’m a little out of touch. The years of success and landing movie deals had pampered her with opportunities she’d never dreamed possible, especially for a girl who’d grown up on a rural farm town in the middle of Washington. She gazed back and saw a peculiar flicker in Pamela’s hazel eyes. “What?” Pamela squirmed ever so slightly in her seat and bit her mauve-painted bottom lip. All the playfulness abandoned her face and was quickly replaced with something else. Charley studied her and tried to figure out exactly what it was. She could sense her agent’s nervous energy. “They want that book before fall,” Pamela stated bluntly as she gently placed her fork down. “And if they don’t get it by then?” Charley asked. Her belly began to do anxiety-induced flip-flops. So many what ifs ran through her mind that her sense of reason started to trip over them. She clasped her hands together in prayer form. Pamela exhaled but kept her eyes locked on Charley. Through a forced smile, she calmly replied, “Let’s just focus on getting this book done.” “Nothing like a little pressure to add to my already-growing problem.” Charley nibbled on a dry piece of skin on her bottom lip. “You need a change of scenery and a little quiet inspiration then that ridiculous writer’s block will be gone. Every author goes through this at some point,” Pamela reassured Charley but nervously twirled a strand of her chestnut hair between her fingers. “I’ve had clients who’ve been down this road before.” “I haven’t ever had this problem,” Charley confessed in a near whisper. “I’ve never had an issue with writing—like…ever, Pamela.” Charley’s heart beat a little faster with a sudden pang of anxiety. “The stories always kept coming, the characters made their demands well known and now poof, they’re gone. Writing is what I do—what I did.” As the words left her mouth, Charley realized the severity of her problem. If she didn’t pull it together and find a way to get her writing mojo back, Charley didn’t know what would become of her career. By the look on her agent’s face, it definitely wasn’t good. “Fine… I’ll go to your nephew’s little resort.” Charley defiantly speared the lemon wedge that rested on her perfectly cooked salmon. She no longer had an appetite as her brain developed images of her impending failure. She could lose it all—her swanky apartment, ridiculously expensive SUV and her famous name. It could all be gone. Pamela smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this book done and you’ll be back on top again. Everyone wins.” Charley hoped Pamela was right.Buy LinksChoose Your Store First For Romance
About the AuthorGloria HerrmannGloria Herrmann is a contemporary romance author originally from California but now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and pug Rizzo. Her stories are a reflection of the love she has for family, friends, and real-life moments. You can follow Gloria on Instagram here
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I'm excited to have Candice Crear, author and founder of the From Fatherless to Fearless movement on the blog today. I first met Candice at a book festival in 2016 and was so impressed with her work and message. Check out my interview with her for more.
Tell us about From Fatherless to Fearless. How did it come about?
From Fatherless to Fearless® began as a Facebook series that allowed fatherless women to tell their stories and the truth about the healing journey. Those interviews would turn into the anthology From Fatherless to Fearless. From there, I was trying to balance the dream and the job. The need for healing amongst fatherless women was so great, and my purpose was so strong, I could not give up. After a few years, From Fatherless to Fearless is now a nonprofit organization, and now I am the CEO.
You have written several books, tell us about your work.
I have published five best-selling books:
Invisible Dad is my story journey through fatherlessness and the true steps to healing.
Invisible God, I’m Waiting is a book that is takes you 20 ways to actively wait on God.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Reset! is a 30-day devotional helping others to center their life, and leave the chaos behind.
From Fatherless to Fearless is an anthology of how nine women journeyed from tragedy to triumph.
From Fatherless to Fearless II is an anthology of how six courageous women are defeating the odds by being married to a new way.
These books provide readers tangible tools that will help guide them through life situations and propel them into a future of hope and wholeness.
In addition to writing, you also incorporate coaching in your work. Can you share a little more about that program?
Sure. I created the program Your B.R.I.D.G.E. to Healing when I began coaching women four years ago privately. This critical program focuses on healing the root for fatherless women. The program has evolved to include mental health, spiritual health, and financial health. We welcome all women to apply for our next cohort at:
www.fromfatherlesstofearless.org
What would you share with your eleven year old self if you could go back in time?
This is a great question because I have been through a lot. I would tell my eleven year old self that her father does not determine her worth. I am worthy just as I am. I would also say, hang on for the ride. God is guiding you. Don’t give up!
What is the message you’d like to share with the world?
Fatherlessness will not defeat us. While the statistics are heart wrenching,
Where can readers find you online?
@fromfatherlesstofearless – Instagram and Facebook
@candicecrear – Instagram and Facebook
To purchase books, visit www.fromfatherlesstofearless.myshopify.com
Find her books on Amazon:
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Tell us about From Fatherless to Fearless. How did it come about?
From Fatherless to Fearless® began as a Facebook series that allowed fatherless women to tell their stories and the truth about the healing journey. Those interviews would turn into the anthology From Fatherless to Fearless. From there, I was trying to balance the dream and the job. The need for healing amongst fatherless women was so great, and my purpose was so strong, I could not give up. After a few years, From Fatherless to Fearless is now a nonprofit organization, and now I am the CEO.
You have written several books, tell us about your work.
I have published five best-selling books:
Invisible Dad is my story journey through fatherlessness and the true steps to healing.
Invisible God, I’m Waiting is a book that is takes you 20 ways to actively wait on God.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Reset! is a 30-day devotional helping others to center their life, and leave the chaos behind.
From Fatherless to Fearless is an anthology of how nine women journeyed from tragedy to triumph.
From Fatherless to Fearless II is an anthology of how six courageous women are defeating the odds by being married to a new way.
These books provide readers tangible tools that will help guide them through life situations and propel them into a future of hope and wholeness.
In addition to writing, you also incorporate coaching in your work. Can you share a little more about that program?
Sure. I created the program Your B.R.I.D.G.E. to Healing when I began coaching women four years ago privately. This critical program focuses on healing the root for fatherless women. The program has evolved to include mental health, spiritual health, and financial health. We welcome all women to apply for our next cohort at:
www.fromfatherlesstofearless.org
What would you share with your eleven year old self if you could go back in time?
This is a great question because I have been through a lot. I would tell my eleven year old self that her father does not determine her worth. I am worthy just as I am. I would also say, hang on for the ride. God is guiding you. Don’t give up!
What is the message you’d like to share with the world?
Fatherlessness will not defeat us. While the statistics are heart wrenching,
- 4x more likely to live in poverty
- 76% more likely to commit crimes
- 69% more likely to use drugs
- 70% of unplanned pregnancies
- 2x more likely to drop out of school
Where can readers find you online?
@fromfatherlesstofearless – Instagram and Facebook
@candicecrear – Instagram and Facebook
To purchase books, visit www.fromfatherlesstofearless.myshopify.com
Find her books on Amazon:
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
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Today I did an interview with The Author's Porch where we talked about everything from writing, reading, and some of the challenges that come with being an author.
You can check it out here:
theauthorsporch.com/2021/06/30/krysten-lindsay-hager/
So excited to show you my new book trailer for Competing with the Star! It turned out so cute. Hope you enjoy it.
Find the book here:
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Happy to have YA author Joey Paul back on the blog with her latest book!
Lights Off: (Lights Out #3) by Joey Paul
The Revolution will be televised War happens in the blink of an eye. And it kills without hesitation.
With the King’s reign threatened, he will do whatever it takes to end the war and bring peace to his people. Only he has no qualms about sacrificing anyone who gets in his way.
Lock and Clara, together with the Evendown rebels have a part to play in making sure the war ends with their side as victorious. The only thing they can do is train to fight and act as a safe haven for people joining the war.
Border crossings, an alliance with Raildown and Cardown, and the threat of death and destruction fill everyone’s minds. Lock has one job, to stay alive.
Peace takes time. The question is, do they have the time to wait? Or will the King continue his reign of terror?
The link for the ebook is: http://www.books2read.com/LOFF
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53253731-lights-off
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lights-Off-Out-3/dp/B095PNF6H9/
Book trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQIz1d-7lM&feature=youtu.be
Book depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Lights-Off-Joey-Paul/9798719744346?ref=grid-view&qid=1623485773696&sr=1-1
Amazon US:
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Looking for a great beach read? If you're looking for a young adult modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women try Falling for the Tutor: A Social Class YA Sweet Romance (A March Sisters Sweet Romance.
She dreams of wearing a crown.
He’s more pauper than prince.
Can their love story have a happy ending?
Brooks:
You couldn’t pay me enough to tutor my high school’s biggest goof-off. Not even the obscene amount of money his grandfather’s offering me can make it enticing . . . until I find out this job takes place next door to my longtime crush.
Megan’s sweet, fun, and beautiful—basically my dream girl. I know I’m not good enough for her, but I can’t seem to stay away, especially now that my life happens next door to hers.
Is it crazy to hope that a popular cheerleader who always looks like she’s stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine could fall for a quiet, nerdy guy like me?
Megan:
It’s exhausting keeping up with the in-crowd at school. I must be doing okay, though, (even shopping the thrift stores on a baby-sitting budget) since I’m on prom court and invited to my dream sorority’s Greek preview day. I’m so close to having everything I’ve always dreamed of.
In my social circle, you’re expected to look flawless, act a certain way, and, especially, date the “right” guy. But what if the smart, sweet, serious loner I’ve fallen for isn’t “prom king worthy?” Brooks definitely isn’t someone my friends would approve of, even if does treat me like a princess.
Is there a way to date him and keep up the perfect image I’ve been building for the past four years?
Falling for the Tutor is a fun social class YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
She dreams of wearing a crown.
He’s more pauper than prince.
Can their love story have a happy ending?
Brooks:
You couldn’t pay me enough to tutor my high school’s biggest goof-off. Not even the obscene amount of money his grandfather’s offering me can make it enticing . . . until I find out this job takes place next door to my longtime crush.
Megan’s sweet, fun, and beautiful—basically my dream girl. I know I’m not good enough for her, but I can’t seem to stay away, especially now that my life happens next door to hers.
Is it crazy to hope that a popular cheerleader who always looks like she’s stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine could fall for a quiet, nerdy guy like me?
Megan:
It’s exhausting keeping up with the in-crowd at school. I must be doing okay, though, (even shopping the thrift stores on a baby-sitting budget) since I’m on prom court and invited to my dream sorority’s Greek preview day. I’m so close to having everything I’ve always dreamed of.
In my social circle, you’re expected to look flawless, act a certain way, and, especially, date the “right” guy. But what if the smart, sweet, serious loner I’ve fallen for isn’t “prom king worthy?” Brooks definitely isn’t someone my friends would approve of, even if does treat me like a princess.
Is there a way to date him and keep up the perfect image I’ve been building for the past four years?
Falling for the Tutor is a fun social class YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Listen to the first chapter of my YA novel, Next Door to a Star, read by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits today. Hope you enjoy hearing about Hadley's adventures.
You can pick up a copy of the books here:
It's free in Kindle Unlimited
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Ebook Paperback Ebook Paperback
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This spring I tried something new to help me get my goals on track. Basically, everything went nuts in the world and suddenly everything in my life was up in the air. Sometimes life can seem so overwhelming and even though I’ve never been a big planner, I thought I needed to try something different to get back on track. Plus hearing, “Make your dream life a reality,” sounded pretty good.
I had heard about HB90 (Heart Breathings) before from other people who had done it. I wasn’t sure it was something that I’d follow through on or that would work for me since I wasn’t one of those people who was addicted to my planner. I had planners, but I used them for appointments and things like that, but not much else. But because everything’s been up in the air lately, I decided to look into it and I signed up for the HB90 Bootcamp. The whole HB90 system is designed to help you prioritize what you want to accomplish. That was definitely something I needed.
The 1st step is printing a workbook that has exercises in it that help you pinpoint what exactly you want to work toward. There’s a whole part about prioritizing that made me look at things in a different way. The system helps you break down your goals into manageable steps. It really helps to get your mindset right and focused on what you need to do to get where you want to be.
The program is geared toward writers, but honestly it would help to apply these principles to any goal where it’s in business or some other avenue you’re looking to achieve in. The workbook is worth its weight in gold and the videos and online group are very helpful. And you have access to the videos after the course is over if you want a refresher.
Since I’ve decided to become an affiliate for the program (I do get a commission), I thought I’d share what happens when you sign up for the paid program. First, you get the workbook and a quarterly planner that you download and print out (there’s tips on sizes and the best way to do that for whatever kind of binder, folder, or planner you want to use), you also get access to the online Facebook group where people share their tips of what worked best for them, then you get videos with Sarra Cannon where she goes through the workbook and the system including the Kanban board system which is a game changer—get your Post it notes ready!
Now new things can be scary, but with this you have videos, a workbook, and a helpful online community. Plus, you pretty much encouraged to play with fun stickers, washi tape, and markers/colored pencils. Maybe you remember my posts about a new planner cover on IG (pictured below). In case you were wondering, I printed the workbook and quarterly planner out regular paper sized and used a regular binder and hole punch for the calendar and I used my Happy Planner Happy Notes notebook for my workbook with new disks—I just used my special hole punch for it and all of the extras I used for my planner are available in my Amazon storefront.
Course Information: Enrollment is open now.
Course Dates This Round: Sunday, June 13-19th with the live kick off call on the 13th at 3PM eastern via Facebook or YouTube
Check out my affiliate link here:
https://heartbreathings.teachable.com/p/hb90-bootcamp/?affcode=145068_lq2ubthv
Enrollment will close Midnight EST June 12th.
I also have some of the planner stuff I used for this in my Amazon storefront if you want to take a peek. It's in the, "Always Planning Section."
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Krysten's Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/krystenlindsay
Shop this pic at my Amazon storefront: amzn.to/3fQQspr
Welcome author Stephanie J. Scott to the blog today! If you like beach town romances, read on!
Tell us about your latest book!
Sunset Summer is about a girl who tries to do everything right but we all know how that goes, right? Exiled to her grandparents’ sleepy beach town to work community service hours, she meets Will, a bad boy who spells trouble. Only Will is not all as he seems. As they grow closer over the summer, Holli worries he’ll uncover her big secret which threats to ruin everything they’ve built.
We both have series set in Lake Michigan beach towns (both my Star Series and Cecily Taylor Series are set there—one in a real town, one I made up!). What inspired you to set your series there?
How cool! I grew up in Michigan and still try to get to the beach on the Michigan side every year. I loved growing up around lakes of all sizes. The key is to know somebody with a boat.
Do you have a favorite beach town?
As much as I love Lake Michigan towns, I’ve got to give this to Cannon Beach, Oregon on the Pacific coast.
Favorite thing to do in summer when you were a teen?
Sticking with beach themes, I have great memories of riding with friends to the beach at South Haven, listening to music, and just laughing and being silly.
What was your favorite book when you were growing up?
I should mention I’m terrible at naming a single favorite anything. My mom gave me a paperback of Little Women with a pretty awful cover. I ended up liking it and reading it multiple times. The ‘90s movie version became one of my favorite movies. When I was younger, I loved Roald Dahl books for their total weirdness.
I have a special love for YA books as those are the books I devoured growing up. Why do you like writing YA books?
I think there are a lot of us who wished we’d had more books aimed at where we then, and now we’re writing what we wanted to see. I read old Sweet Valley High books from the library because there were so many of them even though I thought they were dumb. There was a real gap back then from what we now call middle grade to older YA. So many writers I know now went from Babysitter’s Club to Stephen King in an eighth grade summer.
I always reread my favorite books. Do you reread books and if so, which one(s) have you read over again?
I rarely re-read. My TBR causes me mild panic sometimes. Too many other books to read, but every so often I revisit a few favorites with a skim, mainly to see if I can see the craft behind the magic.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
As noted, I have a hard time picking favorites. I’ve read a LOT of romance this past year. Authors I consistently read: Sandhya Menon, Alexa Martin, Kristan Higgins, Joanna Shupe, Sarah MacLean, Sonali Dev, Tif Marcelo, Kate Clayborn. I like Kelsie Stelting’s Curvy Girls YA series. I recently hopped on the Lisa Kleypas train and just bought a whole backlist series of hers.
A lot of creatives (artists, writers, musicians) have talked about how the pandemic has impacted their creativity. How has it been for you?
For a stretch of time, it felt strangely comforting to have no weekend plans and nowhere to go. I will note, I am privileged to work at home primarily even before the pandemic and my husband was able to be at home this past year. So many of my friends’ lives were turned upside down with loss of childcare or having family working in high-risk jobs. When my own day job grew very busy and intense – it’s healthcare related – my creativity shut down. I played a lot of Destiny to de-stress myself. And I found an amazing book club through Instagram that provided so much joy the past year.
What are you working on now?
Polishing up book 3 in my summer series and brainstorming a potential book four! Meanwhile, I’m revisiting a YA with threads of magic – also set in coastal Michigan – to send to my literary agent, and shaping up another idea I’ll need to write from scratch to send the agent. I have an adult romcom making the rounds with publishers, so I aim to stay busy while that’s going on.
Where can we find you online?
website: www.stephaniejscott.com/
twitter: @StephScottYA https://twitter.com/StephScottYA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephscottya/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniescottauthor
This or That Questions:
Autumn or Spring? autumn
Ocean/Lake or Mountains? Tough call – I love mountains but I live somewhere very flat. I’ll say lakes.
Coffee, Tea, or soda? Tea
Song you could listen to on repeat for hours: I’m going to pick an album: Metric – Fantasies
Favorite show to watch: Killing Eve – the aesthetic, the cast – amazing. And I can’t predict it.
Bio:
Stephanie J. Scott writes young adult and romance about characters who put their passions first. Her debut ALTERATIONS about a fashion-obsessed loner who reinvents herself was a Romance Writers of America RITA® award finalist. She enjoys dance fitness, everything cats, and has a slight obsession with Instagram. A Midwest girl at heart, she resides outside of Chicago with her tech-of-all-trades husband and fuzzy furbabies.
Buy Links: https://www.stephaniejscott.com/books
As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Amazon: amzn.to/3oYtbEK
Tell us about your latest book!
Sunset Summer is about a girl who tries to do everything right but we all know how that goes, right? Exiled to her grandparents’ sleepy beach town to work community service hours, she meets Will, a bad boy who spells trouble. Only Will is not all as he seems. As they grow closer over the summer, Holli worries he’ll uncover her big secret which threats to ruin everything they’ve built.
We both have series set in Lake Michigan beach towns (both my Star Series and Cecily Taylor Series are set there—one in a real town, one I made up!). What inspired you to set your series there?
How cool! I grew up in Michigan and still try to get to the beach on the Michigan side every year. I loved growing up around lakes of all sizes. The key is to know somebody with a boat.
Do you have a favorite beach town?
As much as I love Lake Michigan towns, I’ve got to give this to Cannon Beach, Oregon on the Pacific coast.
Favorite thing to do in summer when you were a teen?
Sticking with beach themes, I have great memories of riding with friends to the beach at South Haven, listening to music, and just laughing and being silly.
What was your favorite book when you were growing up?
I should mention I’m terrible at naming a single favorite anything. My mom gave me a paperback of Little Women with a pretty awful cover. I ended up liking it and reading it multiple times. The ‘90s movie version became one of my favorite movies. When I was younger, I loved Roald Dahl books for their total weirdness.
I have a special love for YA books as those are the books I devoured growing up. Why do you like writing YA books?
I think there are a lot of us who wished we’d had more books aimed at where we then, and now we’re writing what we wanted to see. I read old Sweet Valley High books from the library because there were so many of them even though I thought they were dumb. There was a real gap back then from what we now call middle grade to older YA. So many writers I know now went from Babysitter’s Club to Stephen King in an eighth grade summer.
I always reread my favorite books. Do you reread books and if so, which one(s) have you read over again?
I rarely re-read. My TBR causes me mild panic sometimes. Too many other books to read, but every so often I revisit a few favorites with a skim, mainly to see if I can see the craft behind the magic.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
As noted, I have a hard time picking favorites. I’ve read a LOT of romance this past year. Authors I consistently read: Sandhya Menon, Alexa Martin, Kristan Higgins, Joanna Shupe, Sarah MacLean, Sonali Dev, Tif Marcelo, Kate Clayborn. I like Kelsie Stelting’s Curvy Girls YA series. I recently hopped on the Lisa Kleypas train and just bought a whole backlist series of hers.
A lot of creatives (artists, writers, musicians) have talked about how the pandemic has impacted their creativity. How has it been for you?
For a stretch of time, it felt strangely comforting to have no weekend plans and nowhere to go. I will note, I am privileged to work at home primarily even before the pandemic and my husband was able to be at home this past year. So many of my friends’ lives were turned upside down with loss of childcare or having family working in high-risk jobs. When my own day job grew very busy and intense – it’s healthcare related – my creativity shut down. I played a lot of Destiny to de-stress myself. And I found an amazing book club through Instagram that provided so much joy the past year.
What are you working on now?
Polishing up book 3 in my summer series and brainstorming a potential book four! Meanwhile, I’m revisiting a YA with threads of magic – also set in coastal Michigan – to send to my literary agent, and shaping up another idea I’ll need to write from scratch to send the agent. I have an adult romcom making the rounds with publishers, so I aim to stay busy while that’s going on.
Where can we find you online?
website: www.stephaniejscott.com/
twitter: @StephScottYA https://twitter.com/StephScottYA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephscottya/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniescottauthor
This or That Questions:
Autumn or Spring? autumn
Ocean/Lake or Mountains? Tough call – I love mountains but I live somewhere very flat. I’ll say lakes.
Coffee, Tea, or soda? Tea
Song you could listen to on repeat for hours: I’m going to pick an album: Metric – Fantasies
Favorite show to watch: Killing Eve – the aesthetic, the cast – amazing. And I can’t predict it.
Bio:
Stephanie J. Scott writes young adult and romance about characters who put their passions first. Her debut ALTERATIONS about a fashion-obsessed loner who reinvents herself was a Romance Writers of America RITA® award finalist. She enjoys dance fitness, everything cats, and has a slight obsession with Instagram. A Midwest girl at heart, she resides outside of Chicago with her tech-of-all-trades husband and fuzzy furbabies.
Buy Links: https://www.stephaniejscott.com/books
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Amazon: amzn.to/3oYtbEK
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Author
Author of the Landry's True Colors Series, the Cecily Taylor Series, the Star Series, and Dating the It Guy.
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