Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden ~Promo~

Enslaved in Shadows

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: January 29, 2013

A man's Past leads to his Future...... 

Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind. 

When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made. 

The Heart of a woman is Tested........ 

Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life. 

How can she trust any man after what she's endured? Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life. 

Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again? 

One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late. 

The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.

BUY YOUR COPY

AMAZON   

About the Author

Tigris Eden

My name is Katina Jewel Hernandez pen name Tigris Eden. I am eternally 29 years old. I love to write, read, and listen to music, watch movies, and travel. My biggest goal right now is to be waited on hand and foot. Possibly a group of hot cabana boys, maybe two or three door men, a butler and personal chef and driver, for now. I adore oatmeal crème cookies and long walks to my pillow. I’m pretty laid back and I love to laugh.

 I’m an ex-military brat, and have been to a number of wonderful places. I’ve been writing for as long as I was able to put pen to paper. I use to write music and play flute. So if it wasn’t music notes jumping at me to be put on paper it was words. True story: When I was growing up in Germany my father and I watched a lot of musicals. Sound of Music, Annie…. You name it I’ve watched and probably know the words by heart. Anyway, I thought life was a musical and my first day of school I sang the entire day. Whether it was hello, my name is Katina or can I go to the restroom. Two years later I was asked to write about my very first day of school. When I wrote my story the teacher didn’t believe me, told me I was a big story teller. So I’ve been telling stories ever since, whether it was with music or words.

 I live in Cypress, Texas with my Husband LL and my boys Darryl Joseph and Andrew and a newly acquired puppy name Kastor. When I’m not writing, I’m balancing payroll taxes, moving state wages, or answering that age old question. “Why don’t my wages in box 1 equal what’s on my pay stub. 

Website   Blog   Facebook   Amazon   Smashwords

EXCERPT

“Stop trying to bait me.” She stepped away from him to the other side of the elevator. Gabe had a wide smile on his face as well and stood with his hands behind his back teetering on the soles of his boots. The elevator dinged and the three of them stepped inside facing the front. As the doors began to close a very angry Draven was peering at them through the glass of the conference room he didn’t look happy at all.

“You know if you tell him,” Jesminda said under her breath. “I will see to it personally you and your man parts meet with a very dear friend of mine.” Let him read that from her mind and see if he still wanted to open his mouth. She looked him straight in the eyes, amber darkened to deep orange.

“Careful, you might find I quite enjoy a dose of pain with my pleasure. You, dear handling my junk bring nothing but salacious intentions to my brain and its receptive pleasure neurons.”

What was with these guys and their subtle and not so subtle come-ons? You would think they’d never been in the presence of a female before. She knew that wasn’t it. Royce tilted the corners of his mouth. The bastard was way too full of himself for his own good.

“I had a very up close and personal relationship with my father so the term bastard does not apply.”

Jesminda grinned.

An Interview with Adam and Eve

Today, I have the incredible honor of interviewing perhaps the most famous couple the world has ever known. They are a couple made famous in numerous books, religious tomes and testaments, including the Bible, and their legacy easily spans the centuries touching each and every one of us in ways we can only begin to imagine. The input of their genetics alone changed the entire direction of our species’ development. But beyond that, they changed our development both culturally and spiritually, and the effect of their presence is felt even today. The ironic part is, most of us know very little about the couple I'm going to introduce you to, our guests today, Adam and Eve.

Welcome.

Adam and Eve: Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here.

 If you could change anything what would it be?

Adam: Pretty much everything. I mean, let's face it. The world, as you know it, is in the mess it's in because of us. Had we not defaulted your evolutionary level would be far superior today than what it is.

Eve: I think Adam is being far too hard on himself. I think he still feels that because of his betrayal to the covenant of Jhira thatthe blame for our default rests squarely on his shoulders. I keep telling him, that's not the case. We’re human and we made mistakes, and though we’d like to change things, it's never going to happen. We all have to live with the decisions we make.

 What would you consider to be your biggest success with the Terran project?

Eve: You! I mean you as a people. You’re here, you’re growing and you’re surviving. That in itself speaks volumes.

Adam: Yes, I would have to agree with Eve. As a species you are struggling, but you've made it 40,000 years. I suppose we are most pleased by that.

 In that respect how do you see our planet today? What are your concerns? What gives you hope?

Adam: I'm most concerned with your lack of compassion for one another. The most disconcerting signs is the violence I see. I keep hoping that the light will go on, and that one day you’ll realize the only way for your species to really succeed is by banding together. The Neanderthals understood that and that's why they survived for 200,000 years. But somehow you, the Cro-Magnon people, have pushed that characteristic aside. Perhaps it’s because so little of our genetics was infused into you—it’s hard to say.

You know, there are billions of life forms out there in space, and that's just in your corner of the universe. If you would just accept that it’s the differences in each and every one of you that makes you unique. You could be so much further down the road.

Eve: I’m most saddened by the treatment of woman on Earth. I mean, how can you think that you’re going to survive and grow when you suppress and subjugate half your population. It’s foolish. It’s like building a house with no roof and wondering why you get wet when it rains.

 Tell us about the Garden.

Eve: It was a magnificent place. I don't think I can begin to describe just what a gorgeous place it was. The weather was temperate, the waters surrounding the Peninsula a deep blue, and oh, so clear. There was no pollution, and the seas were filled with fish. In fact, there was life everywhere surrounding the Peninsula. Of all the places that I wish I could re-create it would bethe Garden Peninsula of Eden.

Adam: Yes, Eve is correct about that. If there was anything right about our arrival on Earth, it was the Garden of Eden. Of all places I wish to revisit, it would be there.

 Can you give us a glimpse of our future? Can we look forward to a new stage anytime soon in our physical evolution?

Adam: No. Any glimpse into your future would be unearned knowledge. And as far as any changes in your evolution, and I assume you mean from an outside source, I am not privy to that. However, the Neanderthal race had to wait 200,000 years before any infusion was conducted and you are nowhere close to that time frame. Also, you must realize that you are still evolving even as we speak. Let’s see what happens over the next 100,000 years before bringing in outside help. You might be surprised by what occurs naturally.

Adam, Eve, I would like to thank you for a wonderful interview. Meeting you has been a delight and far more than I could've ever have imagined, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And for our readers, I do hope you will take the time to pick up a copy of THE GARDEN, The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve, available now at Amazon.com You won’t be disappointed.

Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with their story with Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet–or is there more to the story?

For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people, the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history?

The Garden of Eden, a perfect home built and designed for two people, until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?

Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you—and, of course, the devil waiting for that first fatal mistake.

Could you have done things better?

The Garden 

Killing Me Softly By Elle Chardou ~Review & Guest Post~

Killing Me Softly 

Romantic Suspense/ Erotica/ BDSM

Date Published: 1/12/13

Aurélie experiences an identity crisis now that so much has happened over the past few months and realizes she is no longer comfortable with being sub for her fiancé, Rory Krieger. She leaves him though he tracks her down several months later and begs her to return and promises to change for her.

Meanwhile, ghosts from the past continue to haunt their togetherness and Aurélie wonders if a happy ending is at all possible between the two of them. When her family is placed in the center of the conflict, she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep them safe.

Thoughts

A rather interesting look on couples in a BDSM relationship. Sometimes even the strongest have problems.

This story has it's ups and downs, there are a lot of different situations that come across through out.
I for one, really enjoyed Rory. He is a man in love and he lives in a life-style that demands certain things. Aurelie took a bit too long to come to the realization that isn't the life style for her.  
Aurelie seems to want a lot, even after leaving she didn't give up everything Rory had given her, then upon returning she was kinda expecting things to be back to norm with him and friends.
The story on a whole was interesting with the twist and turns...then finally what all comes out in the end.

The author, Elle Chardou, is very descriptive in her writing and makes this story more vivid. Her characters are interesting enough, just at times hard to relate full with( not in a bad way, just a bit confusing).

Buy Your Own Copy

Amazon    Barnes and Noble  Smashwords


And now a word with our author....

Why Book Covers are So Important
by Elle Chardou

The book cover is the first part of your product the reader sees so it has to be engaging and eye-catching. I am a control freak and work directly with my cover designer on every aspect of the cover. For instance, sometimes I go completely simple and use a stock photo of a couple and give it to my cover artist. She works her magic and voila! It looks like nothing else even if the same photo is used on a different book.

I have accepted I do not make good covers or ones that don’t scream: “Indie book!” so I rely on an expert who has designed covers for publishing companies and knows what a good cover looks like.

For example, all the covers in The Ties That Bind Trilogy are all various photos blended together. I hand picked them myself and sent them to my cover artist. I trust her vision and I have yet to be disappointed in a cover she has done for me.

If a book cover fails to engage the reader or it is poorly done, the reader may just pass by your book and not bother to read the description. That is why it is important to seek out professional help so you can make your book cover as great as possible. Ask for a sample of the cover artist’s work or peruse their website to make sure they are a good fit for you.

Most importantly, know what kind of genre they excel at best and then think of the genre you are writing in. You don’t want a cover artist that does primarily thrillers to do your New Adult or Contemporary Romance cover.

A good cover designer will be professional, stay in touch and always be sensitive to changes you would like to do. They will also be efficient and give you a deadline as to when they can finish your cover. Always ask about the paperback as well because if you have written a good eBook, you will want to design a paperback for those who may not be ready for the eBook revolution yet but they still want to read your book.

However, the best advice I can give is be friendly with your cover designer and realize they are human with family and outside obligations just like you. Be willing to be flexible and if they are super busy then don’t send them a rush job. And if you have a certain type of book cover in mind, check out stock photo sites. Sometimes having the pictures handy is a great way to help your cover designer and let them know what kind of cover you want. If a writer can accomplish all of this then they will have a very happy and productive relationship with their cover designer and will be satisfied with the results that are produced.

Elle Chardou is a world traveler and author of several different series.

Ms. Chardou is the author of The Ties That Bind Trilogy, The Atonement Series, The Hart Family Saga, The Vamp Saga, The Supernaturals,Beginnings: Book I (The Plague) series.

She is currently working on Undertow, Only Love (The Atonement Series), and several other novels for her continuing paranormal series, The Vamp Saga.

Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

BLOG   TWITTER    FACEBOOK

*Disclosure of Material Connection: no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

The Unspeakable by Tessa Stockton ~Book Blast & Giveaway~

       THE UNSPEAKABLE

Who said forgiveness was easy? When a furtive conflict is pitted between violent leftist guerrillas and a rightwing paramilitary group in Colombia, a North American woman mistakenly gets caught in the middle. “I spent four months, one week and two days in a clandestine prison referred to as The Water Cave. Every day I stared hell in the face, and each day I wanted to die. I don’t want to share too much too quickly. To understand fully, you must join hands with me, fasten your heart to mine, and course through my book. Stumble over the incomprehensible human rights journey with me. I’ve pondered it to the brink of questionable sanity, and it is the only way. It’s the only way to explain. I suppose I should consider myself lucky I survived at all—for many did not—yet, perplexingly so, that’s not the premise of this narrative. He altered my life, marked me forever. But it’s not how you might imagine. This is a story involving Horacio Botello, my torturer known as Puma.”

Purchase your copy:

BARNES & NOBLE | WINGS PRESS

--------------------------------------------------

ABOUT TESSA STOCKTON

A veteran of the performing arts and worldwide missions, Tessa Stockton also contributed as a writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today she writes novels in a variety of genres, often laced with romance and intrigue. In addition to her Christian suspense/thriller, THE UNSPEAKABLE, she’s the author of the political intrigue/romance, THE UNFORGIVABLE, a fable, LOVE AND LULL, and the upcoming inspirational fantasy romance, WIND’S ARIA, with more in the works.

Visit the Author:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

--------------------------------------------------

~ ~ ~ $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD + 2 BOOK GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Tessa Stockton are teaming up to give you a chance to win some fabulous prizes!

Here's how it works:

This promotion will run from January 14 - February 15. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on February 16, 2013. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour. The prize includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash, one paperback copy of The Unspeakable and one paperback copy of The Unforgiveable. This giveaway is only open to those over the age of 18 and can accept an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash. You must be a resident of the U.S. to win.

--------------------------------------------------

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Falling For Sarah by Cate Beauman ~ Ultimate Book Blast & Giveaway~

Falling For Sarah

October 2012

Widow Sarah Johnson struggled to pick up the pieces after her life was ripped apart. After two years of grieving, she’s found contentment in her thriving business as photographer to Hollywood’s A-list and in raising her angel-faced daughter, Kylee... until bodyguard and long-time friend Ethan Cooke changes everything with a searing moonlight kiss. 

Sarah’s world turns upside down as she struggles with her unexpected attraction to Ethan and the guilt of betraying her husband’s memory. But when blue roses and disturbing notes start appearing on her doorstep, she has no choice but to lean on Ethan as he fights to save her from a stalker that won’t stop until he has what he prizes most.

Thoughts

There are so many words that come to mind after reading this...WOW, AMAZING, WHOLLY BOOGERS!
Cate Beauman has totally found a follower in me. Her writing and characters are supreme.

This story although starting kinda sad with Jake's death, goes zero to sixty from there. A creepy, insane , psycho thrown in with HOT manly men always make for an awesome ride.

Ethan is definitely my favorite character. Aside from being this hottie with muscles (and money...lol), he's bound by love and honor. That says a lot about a man. He picks up the pieces and then some, grant you he can be a totally dummy at times....he is a guy.

As for dear sweet Sarah, once she worked through all her issues she turn out to be one pretty cool chick. Although, at times I wanted to smack her upside the head for various reasons...if only she would stop over thinking things...LOL

 Ms. Beauman did an excellent job with Ethan and Sarah as a couple/non-couple...you'd almost believe it in reality!

The VERY SCARY PART......
BLUE ROSES!!!

Serious, after reading this I don't want to see a blue rose ever!!

Zeke is just one flipping NUT CASE!

I was following along really good and then bam...he goes and changes things up on you. I mean really and no it's not his fault he changes...oh no...it's all Sarah's. She's the one...CREEPY!

A sick craving...but the man has to practice before he gets to her. One woman after another after another.....

For a story that at first glace you would think it just cut and dry....you'd be  passing once heck of a read up.

This story has love, murder, a PSYCHO and more turns then you can handle!

Buy Your Copy

Amazon    

And now a special word with none other than........

Cate Beauman

Hello BJ! Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to share Falling for Sarah, Book Two in The Bodyguards of L.A. County Series, with everyone.
While writing Morgan’s Hunter, the first novel in The Bodyguards series, I knew I had to tell Ethan and Sarah’s story next, but I didn’t know where to take them. Every good piece of writing is centered around great characters, a strong plotline and gobs and gobs of conflict. I had my characters, but the plotline and conflicts were still iffy until everything changed with a porch beam.  

Yes, you read that right.  I’m addicted to Crime Television and psychology in general.  Late one evening, I had finished watching a particularly disturbing documentary on serial killers.  I had the ‘spooks’ and a major need for a glass of water.  I went out to the kitchen and turned on the faucet and freaked myself out when I caught site of our porch beam in the window.  For a moment, I thought someone was standing there peaking in.  Of course, I laughed at myself, shook my head, and got my glass of water, but my imagination started churning.  I asked myself, ‘what would it be like to look up and see someone in your window that didn’t belong? ‘What would it feel like to know someone was constantly watching?’  The next day I started my research on the inner workings of a true sociopath. Falling for Sarah came together quickly after that!  

About Cate

I currently live in Tennessee with my husband, two boys, and our St. Bernard, Bear. I recently resigned from my day job to concentrate on this thing I refer to as ‘My Dream Come True’ career! 

I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, two years later, I’m working on the fourth novel in my best selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards Of L.A. County. 

Morgan's Hunter (Book 1) Falling For Sarah (Book 2) Hailey's Truth (Book 3)

WEBSITE FACEBOOK GOODREADS AMAZON

AWESOME GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Fact

Music is a huge part of my writing process. I typically listen to Pandora or YouTube and compile a collection of songs that I feel represent my characters or the situations they face as the novel unfolds. It’s a rare occasion that my creativity demands quiet (And that’s a good thing. I’m a mother of two boys. Quiet doesn’t happen in my house.). Here are a few of the songs that ‘spoke’ to me while I created Ethan and Sarah’s story!  

The soundtrack, of sorts, for Falling for Sarah:

• One Moment More by Mindy Smith
• Just So You Know by Jesse McCartney
• Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute
• Falling In by Lifehouse
• Into Your Arms by The Maine
• With You, Tonight by Matt Wertz
• Edge of Desire by John Mayer
• Wild Horses by The Sundays
• Breathe by Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat
• Far Away by Nickelback

Click Read More For Chapter One Excerpt!!!

Stronger Than Magic by Melinda VanLone ~Book Tour & Guest Post~

Stronger Than Magic

Urban Fantasy

Date Published: 12/20/12

Being attacked by a demon in Philadelphia shouldn’t have been a big deal. Tarian Xannon is, after all, heir to the Dolphin Throne and the strongest magical talent in generations.

 Never mind that demons aren’t even supposed to exist. Never mind that the demon managed to swipe some of her blood. She’s never met her match before and she’s confident she can handle the situation.

 She creates a plan to find the demon, and kill him, before he destroys her, or worse, steals her power and the Dolphin Throne.

 Of course, she hadn't counted on the throne insisting that now would be a great time for her to provide the next heir.

 She’s a modern woman with a demon to kill, and a baby to produce. What could possibly go wrong?

Buy Your Own Copy

E-book Amazon    Print Amazon   

A Day In The Life of a Writer

By Melinda VanLone

I treat writing like I would any other job. That means I keep regular hours, and try to be professional about what I get done for the day or week. Working from home is a privilege but also a responsibility. It's so easy to get distracted.

My typical day goes something like this:

• Grumble at the alarm. Poke the husband to get him out of bed, then drag myself out of bed.

• Feed the cat.

• Get a cup of coffee.

• Sit down to answer emails. Get distracted by shiny things for sale on the internet.

• See husband out the door, then sit down to take advantage of the caffeine surge. I'm a morning person by nature, so often a spark of inspiration will hit first thing and I usually want to grab it before it flits away.

• Type furiously on whatever project is at hand.

• Look up and realize it's 11 am and I haven't showered and the kitchen is a mess. Attempt to remedy those things.

• Get distracted by shiny object.

• Grab more coffee.

• Sit down to write, fighting the urge to surf the internet or chat on Twitter.

• Type furiously for a few minutes.

• Get distracted by fluffy plot bunny in an entirely different project. Firmly push plot bunny off to the side to continue with the main project.

• Leap out of chair and head for a different room. Realize I have no idea why I'm there or what I intended to do and force myself back to the office to write.

• Urge to chat on Twitter wins...spend next few minutes with internet friends.

• Get lost in internet research for new series.

• Look up and realize it's now 4 pm and I have no idea what I'm making for dinner.

• Get distracted by dirt on keyboard.

• Type furiously for a few more minutes until the door opens and husband arrives home from work.

• Order take out since dinner never got made.

• Spend a bit of quality time with husband.

• Wander back to keyboard and type some more.

My writing usually doesn't take place all at once, but the writing day also never really stops. I write when I have an idea, and I write when I don't. I write when the urge hits, and when it doesn't. It's a heck of a job that invades every part of my life. Anything and everything I see is potential material for a story. It often means I suffer from sensory overload and spend a lot of time out in public taking furious notes and muttering to myself. I know I look slightly insane, but such is the price of my art and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Melinda VanLone

Melinda VanLone writes fantasy and science fiction, freelances as a graphic designer, and dabbles in photography. She currently lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and furbabies. When she's not playing with her imaginary friends you can find her playing World of Warcraft, wandering aimlessly through the streets taking photos, or hovered over coffee in Starbucks.

Facebook   Website Twitter

Just For Fun by Rosalind James ~Book Tour & Guest Post~

Just For Fun

Contemporary Romance

Title: Just For Fun (Escape to New Zealand #4)

Author - Rosalind James

Date Published: 12/8/12

What if the person who broke your heart turned out to be the only one who could mend it?

 Nic Wilkinson is a responsible, organized, disciplined rugby player at the top of his game. Emma Martens is a sometimes-scattered, often-emotional, and always-broke would-be designer with a big chip on her shoulder where Nic’s concerned.

 They have no history together, except one perfect week. Nothing in common anymore, except the most important thing of all.

 Getting together again would be messy. Complicated. Scary. And, just maybe, worth every risk.

Thoughts

This was a fun book, anytime you can mix Rugby in a story, I say GO FOR IT!!!

Nic and Emma are two of the most stubborn characters I have read in a long time. They truly give this story the WOW factor!
Nic being the re-bound/mistake/re-bound hot rugby player and Emma being the can't pick a guy or make good decisions type of girl.
I swear as I was first starting this I thought OK ...she gets dumps finds him ...have their fun and then maybe a simple twist like the jerk comes back or something like that.

NO WAY!

I couldn't have been further from the truth....we have girl gets dumped...hot honeymoon ...to rugby camp...to hot rugby player...to crazy emotionless  fiancee ...to more "footy" ...to scandals.
If that wasn't enough there's some mild-ish love scenes and you would never guess who comes to their aid in the end!
I love how the story progresses and the flashbacks are AWESOME.
A great cuddle up and read book!

Buy Your Own Copy

Amazon Kindle   Amazon Paperback

Why I Don’t Get Writer’s Block

By Rosalind James

“What do you do about writer’s block?” I hear this question all the time. Short answer: I don’t get it! After ten years as a marketing writer, I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent toiling to make alphabet letter tiles or fireplace inserts sound sexy. Writing stories about two people falling in love? Piece of cake!

The longer answer is that the techniques I developed to keep myself on track while writing about Building Your Classroom Library or Our Salon Services have continued to serve me well in writing fiction. Here they are:

1. Take a walk. Or a run, or a bike ride, or a swim. We’re not just giant disembodied brains. Something about moving my body makes the left brain/right brain combination work. I don’t try to force my story to come to me, just let my mind wander. For the first ten minutes or so, it DOES wander. Then somehow, without any direction, it comes back to the book. Often, the scene that appears isn’t even the one I thought I was working on. I’ve learned to trust the process, and go home and write the scene that came to me. Maybe that other scene will appear next time—or maybe it wasn’t right after all.
2. Try a different spot. I often take a notebook to the coffee shop in the morning. The walk up there gets my mind working (see #1), and the change from my normal writing place shakes up my mind a bit. The difficulty arises when I’m scribbling a particularly steamy scene in longhand, hoping devoutly that nobody can look over my shoulder and read what I’ve written—or that they’ll guess why I’m concentrating so hard!
3. Just write. Don’t worry about getting it perfect at first. Your words may start out stilted, but the act of writing will make the ideas start to flow, and you can go back and edit later. I often don’t start at the “beginning” of a scene, as that bogs me down. I start with the “fun” part, the part that presents itself most insistently. Afterwards, I’ll come back and write the graceful introduction.
4. Give it a day. I start each day by going back over what I wrote the day before. I can always improve it. It also jump-starts that day’s work by getting me back into the book.
5. If you’re stuck, move! This goes back to #1. If I’m blanking out, I get up and make a cup of tea, empty the dishwasher, anything to shake myself up. The right idea always comes once I stop trying to force it.

There you go. I hope my tips help. And happy writing!

About The Author

Rosalind James is the author of the Kindle bestseller Just This Once and the three subsequent books in the Escape to New Zealand series. She is a former marketing executive who has lived all over the United States and in a number of other countries, traveling with her civil engineer husband. Most recently, she spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries.

Visit www.rosalindjames.com to listen to the songs from the books, follow the characters on their travels, watch funny and fascinating New Zealand and rugby videos, and learn about what's new!

Author website   Facebook  Twitter

*Disclosure of Material Connection: no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*