Author: troublemakerslibrary

Author Spotlight – K. Reis & Kitka Buchanan

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Blurb –

Natasha and Skylar are sisters…and witches. They are hellbent on gaining as much power as they possibly can. Nothing, including the two men hunting them, will stand in their way.

Logan Archer and Chase Jamison have been hunting the Bodrova sisters for quite some time. Their hunt is about to heat up in ways they could never imagine.

Who will win the power struggle in this dark, erotic fantasy?

Book is intended for an audience of 18+ only.

 

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Blurb –

He has waited twenty-one years for this moment. Twenty-one years, biding his time. Waiting for the chance to enact his plan. For revenge.

Chase Jamison had been happy when his life was destroyed. When the woman he loved was taken from him. Half-human, half-demon, he spent the next two decades locked away learning about his demon side and plotting his revenge on the man who had ripped his life apart, his best friend.

Harmony Archer was raised unaware of the secrets she held deep inside of her. She was blissfully unaware of the darker side of the magic that her mother yielded on a daily basis.

Would darkness and evil be released when Chase revealed who he really was? Or would it bind them together in ways they never thought possible?

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Author Spotlight – Kitka Buchanan

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20 Questions with Kitka Buchanan

1. What made you decide to become an author? 

I generally write for fun for myself.  It’s a way for me to escape to my own fantasy world and be whomever I want to be…I can be fierce and strong.  I finally decided that if I was writing so much, I might as well put it out there for the world to see.

2. What is the hardest thing about writing for you? 

Finding the time to do it.  There always seems to be something that needs to be done first.

3. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book? 

I usually put Supernatural on TV.  Mostly because I’ve seen all of the episodes so often that I can listen to it without feeling the need to watch it and it makes great background noise. 

4. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most? 

Jim Butcher.  I want to write characters like his.  They are snarky and funny.  They are true to themselves and their emotions bleed onto the page.  You don’t just read his books, you immerse yourself into his world.

5. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

I love all my characters, but I think Natasha from Spellcasters was my favorite.  She is such a cute little pixie on the outside, but could literally rip you apart if you cross her.  I haven’t come across a character that is difficult to write yet.  Some of them have been obstinate and didn’t want to cooperate when I wanted a story to go in a certain direction.  But we always seem to work it out. 

6. Would you consider collaborating on a book with anyone else? If so…who? Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with? 

I have.  My first book was written with my best friend, Kat Ries. We also wrote a sequel to that book and have a novella coming out for Christmas.  She is my favorite author to collaborate with.  However, my unicorn would probably be to write a suspense or horror novel with Jay Bonansinga.  He’s amazing.

7. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking? 

Jim Butcher.  I buy everything he writes the minute it comes out.  

8. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish? 

Always keep writing.  Even during those times of writer’s block.  You may think what you put on paper is meaningless, but it may turn into something exquisite.  And it keeps your mind active and moving in the right direction.

9. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

I’d like to know what they’d like to see more or less of in my books.  I write for myself.  My books flow as I’d like to read them.  So I sometimes feel like I may miss something that someone else would like to read. 

10. What is your writing kryptonite? 

Description.  I am terrible with it.  I want to get right into the action…he did this, she did that.  But describing a room or them walking down a hallway bores me to death.  So it is very difficult for me to write, even though I realize the importance of it.

11. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go? 

I’m trying to get better about plotting them out, but I generally just write as I go.  I usually start with a plan in my head, but seldom end up on course.  The characters take me off track and lead me down paths I didn’t expect.

12. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other? 

Yes.  Right now, I have two series started.  Spellcasters and Obeying the Rules.  I have other books in mind for the Spellcasters series, including individual books about various characters.  I have two other books due out for the Obeying the Rules series.  They are their own separate worlds.  But I also have a couple standalone books coming out as well.

13. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be? 

Always listen to your intuition.

14. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book? 

I’m stronger than I thought I was and I learned to have some faith in myself.

15. What is a guilty pleasure? 

Shhhhh….I love John Denver!  I even have a box set of his music.  I also love the Spice Girls movie.  It’s hysterical!  I wouldn’t buy one of their albums, but the movie is a riot!

16. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? 

I don’t vacation a lot, but I would go to Los Angeles in a heartbeat.  I used to live there and miss it.  And I desperately want to visit Morocco one day.

17. What’s an Item on your bucket list? 

Seeing Morocco…the food, the beautiful scenery, the music.  Everything about that country calls to me.

18. Do you have a spirit animal? If so, what is it? 

I love animals so much that it could be just about anything.  However, I do know that rabbits seem to show up all the time around me.  They represent creativity and fertility…not just of the body, but of the mind as well.  So maybe it’s rabbits.  But my cat Cleo is my Reiki kitty.  She’s always at my side and will sit on me and purr to give me Reiki energy.

19. What is your favorite holiday & why? 

All of the holidays at the end of October…Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead.  I love them all.  Halloween is just fun.  Samhain and Day of the Dead are beautifully spiritual days to spend time honoring our departed loved ones.

20. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Sixlets and those little mini Twix bars.  Oh, and Whoppers.

 

 

 

Author Links

 

Kitka’s Playground (FB Group):  https://bit.ly/2jgEdEq

Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/2Km88ap

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KitkaBuchanan

Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/2H3aKHQ

Website: https://bit.ly/2tf8N94

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2rblI7U

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2tIOf6J

Author Spotlight – K. Ries

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20 Questions with K. Ries

 

1. What made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always wanted to write. A teacher encouraged me back in 5th grade. Then I wrote for a while but stopped. About 9 years ago, some friends were writing and I said, why not give it another shot.

I went on vacation with my bff and one thing led to another and we decided to publish the story we were working on.

2. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Taking the time to actually write. I have ideas a plenty. Writing time, not so much.

3. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book?

I have to have coffee, nuts, water and a glass of soda by me when I am writing. Along with my cigarettes and my lighter. I used to love to write in bed but I can’t anymore. Favorite music to write to: Thirty Seconds To Mars or Fall Out Boy.

4. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most?

This one is tough. I look up to many people, but Author J.M Walker has inspired my inner thriller writer… she knows why 😉

5. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

Oh come on! Don’t ask me this. Now my head will be filled with arguments over who I like more. Dang it >.< As for who was the Hardest, Kendall, Wyatt and Ryder’s story so far.  It’s tragically beautiful. But I have more tragedy coming.

6. Would you consider collaborating a book with anyone else? If so…who? Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

I’ve published 2 books (soon to be 3) with my BFF I love her. And I have more co-writing projects planned. My unicorn collaboration… Hmm. Too many!

7. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking?

JM Walker. She is always my one-click no questions asked, I don’t even need the blurb just give me words author.

8. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

Grow a thick skin, screw what everyone says is “Standard” Have a backbone, don’t forget where you’ve come from or who helped you, and most importantly : Reviews are NOT for authors so don’t Frickin read em!

9. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

Which character of mine do they feel most connected to.

10. What is your writing kryptonite?

Anything historical…and I recently found out YA! I tip my hat to all the YA authors out there. That ‘ish is hard freakin work!!

11. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go?

Plotting is a dirty word….

12. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other?

For my other works that aren’t Paranormal/Fantasy I want them to stand on their own. As for the Spellcasters Universe…well I created a world from air so…

13. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be?

Don’t worry about everyone else. Worry about you KAT.

14. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

People suck. And they’re all about community….until one of their own asks for help.

15. What is a guilty pleasure?

Are pleasures really guilty? Especially if you enjoy them.

16. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Madison, Wisconsin believe it or not. It’s so peaceful.

17. What’s an Item on your bucket list?

To see New Orleans.

18. Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it?

The Tiger.

19. What is your favorite holiday & why?

Christmas. Because of the traditions.

20. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

I have a few. Vanilla tootsie rolls, Kit-Kat (which also happens to be my nickname) and Mini Twix bars.

 

 

Author Spotlight – Scott Clark

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Blurb

Vincent has put up with a lot in his sixteen years. He’s turned out shy and awkward. But when all hell breaks loose, and people can’t hold it together, he steps up and takes charge. The zombie apocalypse will expose people’s true character.

 

 

Blurb 

Twelve thousand words of tears and terror! These short stories all have one thing in common – they do not end well. Be it murderers, monsters, or love, something always goes wrong. Hollywood didn’t write these tales, so the good guy doesn’t win. Lock the doors, close the drapes, and turn on the lights. Get ready for Unhappy Endings.

 

Author Spotlight – Scott Clark

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20 Questoins with Scott Clark

1. What made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always had an interest in writing. I think my love of it came in my junior year of high school. One of my teachers, Ms. Saunders, wrote on an essay I turned in that I had a strong command of language. It took quite a few years of not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, dropping out of college, and dead-end jobs before I realized how much I wanted to write for a living.

2. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Taking criticism. I get defensive when a beta reader or someone makes suggestions about what does/doesn’t work. I eventually give in, though. I’m working on it.

3. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book?

Really, the only thing I can’t have is music with lyrics or a tv going. I get too distracted by what they are saying. I do most of my writing on lunch breaks or at night, when everyone else goes to sleep. No real routine or anything.

4. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most?

I think I’d have to say Stephen King. For one, I would love to make a living writing horror. There are a ridiculous number of movies based on his stories. He is a household name. That would be a dream come true for me.

5. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

I think my favorite character is probably Vincent in The Anura Incident. I don’t think I’ve really had any difficulties writing any of my characters so far.

6. Would you consider collaborating on a book with anyone else? If so…who?  Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

I would consider it given the right circumstances. If I could write with anyone, it would probably be Phil Rossi, the author of Crescent and Harvey.

7. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking?

Again, I’d have to say Rossi. Well, him and Scott Sigler.

8. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

Just do it. If you want to be a writer, just start writing. I joined a few Facebook groups of writers and picked up some good tips there. The more you write, you better you’ll get.

9. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

Do I scare you? Or rather, do my stories scare you?

10. What is your writing kryptonite?

The internet. I can be easily distracted.

11. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go?

I usually come up with a general idea and just start writing. I let it write itself, basically. I also get ideas for the storyline while doing other things and sometimes make short notes, but I don’t really outline or anything.

12. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other?

Both. I want people to be able to pick up any of my books and enjoy them on their own, but I also like to have little things here and there to tie them all together.

13. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be?

Write more. Get serious about it sooner.

14. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

That I need to learn more about marketing my work.

15. What is a guilty pleasure?

I don’t know if it’s exactly a guilty pleasure, but I’ve always really bad enjoyed those terrible, over-the-top, ridiculous horror movies.

16. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I love the beach.

17. What’s an Item on your bucket list?

To buy a house out in the country, surrounded by farms and whatnot.

18. Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it?

I suppose it would be a cat of some type. I need to be around people who care about me, but I also need my time to be left alone.

19. What is your favorite holiday & why?

I really like Thanksgiving for the turkey. But my favorite is Halloween. It’s the time when I can indulge in my obsession with zombies and monsters without being looked at as a freak.

20. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Anything Reese’s is always a plus.

About Scott Clark 

I’m an author who grew up in central Ohio. I had an aunt who got me into horror at a young (probably too young) age. I would like to be a full-time author, but I would most like to entertain people with something I love to do. I’ve always been kind of obsessed with zombies, even before it was cool.
Author Links
I can be found/followed at:
I always appreciate new followers, and try to reply to any messages asap.

Author Spotlight – Robert Lee Johnston

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Blurb

Tribute is a small, Australian township blessed with ancient mountainous rainforest, waterfalls, clean pristine rivers and a filthy secret. Six young lives are brought together by a church orphanage as wards of the state then groomed and sold off at a tender age. Other than the jungle, their only comfort is each other, and Stirrup, a brave blue cattle dog. The only family they have ever known.Led by Cozy, wild, defiant and found in Tribute’s rainforest as an infant, the youngsters plot the demise of their tormentor. Will the kids finally experience freedom and happiness? Or will tyranny and heartache stubbornly cling to them? Refreshingly guttural and unashamedly Australian, Tribute’s untamed growl is bold and confronting.

Amazon- https://amzn.to/2XQMSA

To purchase print in Australia – http://www.robertleejohnston.net

#robertleejohnston #thriller #autrailianliterature #horror #ilovehorror #australianbooks #authorsofinstagram #readersofinsta #booksofintagram #ilovebooks #ineedtoread #igreadsarg #igbooks #indirauthor #australianbooks #australianauthor #horrorwriter #horrorreaders #horrorreads

 

 

Blurb

A deal has been struck.

The twenty-first century has a visitor. He visits earth for one year each century.
On arrival, he is stripped of his power. The devil is one of us, among us.

Living down under.

Lucifer is on leave. And he’s here, in Australia.

 

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2twwVBE

To purchase print in Australia – http://www.robertleejohnston.net

Author Spotlight – Robert Lee Johnston

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20 Questions with Robert Lee Johnston

1. What made you decide to become an author?

I always wrote stuff, I love sentences and used to just play with words. I love a dictionary and also for some reason phrases always stuck in my head.

2. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Sacrificing every other part of my life and mind is the hardest, constantly analyzing.

3. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book?

No, but i only get creative at around midnight.

4. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most?

I don’t know anyone in the profession, so, Greg Shilton, because he is not in the writing business is a big part of my writing business.

5. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

I love some of the women i wrote, and they are the hardest for me to write,,,, cos I’m a bloke.

6. Would you consider collaborating on a book with anyone else? If so…who?  Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

No. I am to slow and am hard to write with and don’t play well with others.

7. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking?

Henry Lawson

8. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

Write a lot.

9. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

Did you tell ya mates how good I write?

10. What is your writing kryptonite?

Working ….

11. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go?

I have to see the ending in my head then I’m fine.

12. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other? I dislike sequels and prefer to get my book fix in one hit.

13. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be?

Write better! Be normal! Hahahaha.

14. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

I learned that writing is the easy part.

15. What is a guilty pleasure?

Drums

16. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Amsterdam

17. What’s an Item on your bucket list?

The biggest item, success

18. Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it?

No, I’m just me

19. What is your favorite holiday & why?

Any holiday is a good one, the best ones are with music and mates.

20. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

I’m Australian and it really isn’t a thing here yet, but i love a Tim Tam.

Robert Lee Johnston 

Robert enjoys writing challenging, villainous characters and subjects. He loves the Australian humour, in good or poor taste, that is born from those places of darkness. It is his belief that the deeper, more painful the situation, the funnier and better Aussies become. 

Australia is a nation of fair fighters, with a proud sense of humour and humility. That combination is unique and rare and continues to inspire and supply him with many characters, brawlers, squealers, pelicans, cowards, galahs, absolute bloody champions and the down- trodden to choose from. 

Check out Robert’s Podcast Interviews: http://www.buzzsprout.com/182351 

Contact information: 

PO Box 181 Mirriwinni QLD 4871 

Email: tributerobertleejohnston@gmail.com 

United States Contact: 

Raven Canely PA/Management RavenCanely@gmail.com 

✮ Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/groups/tributarians/

✮ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HZgkP 3
✮ Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/robert.lee.johnston/
✮ Twitter: https://twitter.com/R_L_J ohnston
✮ Website: https://www.robertleejoh nston.net/
✮ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2P6LPZd
✮ MeWe group: https://mewe.com/join/tribu tarians
✮ MeWe author: https://bit.ly/2Gj0ZI1

Author Spotlight – Lucy Smoke/Lucinda Dark

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Rest in Pieces (Barbie: The Vampire Hunter Book 1)

Ashes to Ashes. Dust to Dust. If vampires kill your entire family, vengeance is a must.

I can’t say my parents never warned me about vampires. I just never believed them. Not—that is—until six months ago when vampires broke into my home and killed my family. Thanks to all the skills my parents taught me, I managed to escape but I couldn’t save them.

Two vampires down and the rest of the world to go.

My bid for revenge is going to have to wait, though, because until I turn 18, I’m being placed in the loving care of Elizabeth and Jonathan McKnight—godparents I didn’t even know existed. The clock is ticking until I can get back to my goal of eradicating the vampire race. But something is amiss at my new high school. According to my parents, vampires can’t walk in daylight. So, why then, does Torin Priest? If he’s not a vampire, then what is he? Because unlike the obnoxious asshole, Maverick McKnight, who sees me as some sort of bloodsucking leech on his wealthy family, Torin Priest is most certainly not human.

To stake or not to stake, that is the question.

 

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DAIMON (Nerys Newblood Book 1)

In the darkness of Nerys Newblood’s mind, there is an ancient voice.

Obidian is a spirit guide, thousands of years old, and Nerys is his new host making her his Daimon. The only issue is that in Nerys’ Kingdom, Daimons are outlawed. To be found out as a Daimon, a human with untapped magical power, will surely sentence her to death.

Pursued by a vengeful king and thrust into a journey of escape, Nerys finds the lives of five incredible men in her hands.

A talented druid.
A curious changeling.
A thief.
An outcast.
A best friend.

All potentials drawn in by the untapped power within her.

But when betrayal shatters the budding relationship between them, the last vestiges of hope for freedom are destroyed. Between the wrath of the king and the ailment of her spirit guide, someone must pay an ultimate price.
***This book is a reverse harem title***

 

 

In the pitted depths of despair, a flame burns ever eternal – a Daimon’s strength to do what she must.

Nerys is determined to rescue Coen. She and her potentials make the treacherous journey back to the place where it all began. Matric’s Kingdom—Euron. But what lies in wait is something much deadlier than the recently deceased king.

A new darkness has escaped its confines, ready to reign and wreak havoc.

Torture.
Pain.
Loss.

The world begins to unravel and with it, the Gods’ plan for Nerys is revealed. Though it may mean the destruction of her own life, Nerys will be the weapon to end the coming war.

 

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Fortune Favors the Cruel (Dark Maji Book 1)

Throne of Glass meets Black Jewels in this twisted yet alluring dark fantasy tale.

Quinn Darkova, freed from the chains of slavery, wants nothing more than vengeance against those who sold her. But with her dark powers on the rise and her ascension nearing, Quinn’s blood retribution will have to wait in favor of her immediate survival.

Lazarus Fierté is a nobleman without equal. He’s as controlling as he is stubborn, and for the last six years he’s been waiting for a woman to appear—but not just any woman. A Maji of great power, capable of terrible things. She could be the key to everything he holds dear.

His savior … or his destroyer.

The only thing he didn’t predict was that she would become both.

*Please note, this is a dark fantasy series. There is a heavy romance subplot between two consenting adults but the material is dark in nature. The characters are not heroes. This isn’t a story about saving the day. If you’re looking for a series that’s romance dressed up as fantasy, this is NOT it. If you’re looking for Game of Thrones level of fantasy, this will have too much romance for you. If you want a dark fantasy about characters that are antiheroes on their best days and the villains on their worst…this is for you.*

 

See author website for more releases.

Amazon Author Page – Lucy Smoke: https://www.amazon.com/Lucy-Smoke/

Amazon Author Page – Lucinda Dark: https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Dark/e/B07W3YS1WV?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1569296032&sr=8-2

 

Author Spotlight – Lucy Smoke/Lucinda Dark

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20 Questions with Lucy Smoke/Lucinda Dark

 

 

  • What made you decide to become an author?

 

I’ve literally wanted to be an author since I was a child. When I figured out that acting would probably be a really hard to get into, I decided to be “safe” and go for being an author. HAHAHAHAHA BOY DID I NOT THINK THAT THROUGH. 

 

  • What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

 

I don’t know if I have something that’s “hard” to write about per se. I have one book (that’s non PNR/UF) that is partially based on real experiences (though I would argue that it’s completely fiction) and I guess putting so much of myself into a character/storyline isn’t hard, but it takes a lot out of me and it is a much longer process. 

 

  • Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book?

 

Not really. Each book and each character is different. While I do have a general writing playlist, I do end up creating playlists specifically for each series/book. I also switch back and forth between pantsing the hell out of a book and outlining to the nines. I’m really all over the place as a writer. One thing I’ve done in the past, though, that a lot of people don’t do is that I’ve outlined on my bathroom mirror with dry erase markers. 

 

  • Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most?

 

That’s an incredibly difficult answer and I’m sure I’m not the only person that will say I can’t choose. There are so many people who have inspired me. There’s not really one that’s gone above others. Although, I would say that author Jex Lane is the one that (unintentionally) inspired me to self-publish. She writes UF/Fantasy M/M. I was lucky enough recently to meet her in person and I could not be more grateful to call someone as amazing and down to Earth a friend. She’s truly a wonderful person. 

 

  • Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

 

I’m torn between favorite characters—my favorite character changes based on what I’m focusing on writing. Right now? My favorite character is Barbie Steele from my upcoming series Barbie: the Vampire Hunter (yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking). She’s sarcastic. She’s kind of a bitch. And I just love stabbing her because she’s always got some witty retort to throw my way. 

As for the “hardest” character to write. Like I said before, Idk if it’s “hard” so much as it’s draining. But that would be Love from my dark angsty contemporary, Expressionate. And the reason is because I wrote Love’s story when I was a sophomore in undergrad at the height of my depression. The following year I finally decided to seek therapy for my depression (where I was later diagnosed), but writing her story really made me see myself in an objective manner. I saw a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms and I shaped her as I once saw myself when I rewrote it years later. I gave her the happy ending I always wanted. 

 

  • Would you consider collaborating on a book with anyone else? If so…who?  Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

 

I would and have! Lol. I have a coauthored series with Kel Carpenter that’s dark high fantasy. The Dark Maji series. I’m also working on an RH Urban Fantasy series with Carysa Locke. But if I were to choose someone else… I’m not really sure. I still suffer from imposter syndrome, so anyone I’d choose would be someone that probably doesn’t even know I exist lol. 

 

  • Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking?

 

I don’t necessarily have a favorite author, but I do have a few authors that I one-click without even reading the blurb. I love Lexi Blake and Lynsay Sands. Both write a combination of urban fantasy/PNR and contemporary. And both have great sexy times. 😉 😉 

 

  • What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

 

Oh gosh, I’ve got a mixture of stuff I’m sure any hopeful writer/author has already heard and probably doesn’t want to hear again (but I promise, it’s the best piece of advice you could possibly follow). 

  • Finish your book. Whatever it is. Just finish it. Even if it sucks. 
  • Ignore what everyone else tells you (by that I mean, ignore what they say you SHOULD do with your book and focus on what YOU want to write). 
  • Have a plan. (I literally wish I had actually planned my releases. I wish I’d done more research) 

 

  • If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

 

Hmmmmm. Okay, this is hard. Maybe … it’d be … “What about my books or any books in general makes you want to keep reading them?” 

 

  • What is your writing kryptonite?

 

Darkness. Even in my brightest series, there’s always a hint of darkness. Every once in a while I’ll get the urge to write a light fluffy romance, but when I try it out, I end up inserting something that’s not quite as fluffy as people expected it to be. I love sarcasm and witty characters, but I also like torturing them. Oh and I love characters that are different. Some of my MCs/FMCs are similar. But I think across the board, they’re also quite different. Some are youthful and naïve, some are hardened and tough, some are wild and free, and some are reserved and unsure. I like showcasing the differences in people. 

 

  • Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go?

 

I flip back and forth. For Heart of Tartarus, my dystopian RH, I outlined book 1 to the nines and followed it almost exactly. But for many of my other books, the outline gets thrown out halfway through. Sometimes, I only outline 5 chapters ahead at a time. 

 

 

  • Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other?

 

Neither? I’m not sure. I’m not planning on having all of my series connecting to each other. But I’m also not…NOT planning that, you know? #awardforvaguestanswergoesto 

 

  • If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be?

 

Start earlier. Publish sooner. PLEASE for the love of GOD plan ahead. Don’t rush.

 

  • What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

 

Ironically, the biggest lesson I’ve learned after I published my first book doesn’t necessarily have to do with writing. It has to do with the industry. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take everything in stride. There will be reviewers who hurt your feelings, readers, other authors, even family members who misunderstand you. I’ve gotten really angry at people and I’ve felt resentment for others. But others success has no bearing on my own. And vice versa.  

 

  • What is a guilty pleasure?

 

Erotic romance. *hides* I write romance. I even write sex, but I find it really hard to write romance that’s primarily about sexual aspects. I have to write a longer, more detailed plot (even if it makes me want to yank my hair out and scream). But every once in a while, I just want to sit down with a filthy book and pilfer through it and ignore the world. Whoever ends up marrying me is really in for a surprise bc as soon as I get married, I’ll be sending them screen shots of my favorite scenes and demanding we reenact them. LMFAO (okay probably not, but a girl can dream, can’t she?)

 

  • Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

 

Not yet. Let me finish traveling the world and I’ll get back to you ;-P

 

  • What’s an Item on your bucket list?

 

Get a trad deal? Have a book made into a (decent) movie? Those would be amazing. 

 

  • Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it?

 

My spirit animal is Edna Mode from Disney’s The Incredibles. XDDD I don’t know, probably not her. She’s far too confident to be me. I’m incredibly random and weird. I’m also insecure as hell. #Storytime A lot of people watch my Instagram stories and at the last signing I went to, people would come up to me and tell me they loved watching me and they enjoyed my books and whereas a normal person would say “Thank you, I’m glad” my response was “Why?” Just think of the most awkward turtle in the ocean and that’s probably my spirit animal. 

 

  • What is your favorite holiday & why?

 

Other than my birthday, because let’s be real, it’s totally a holiday—HALLOWEEN. If Halloween could last all year, that’d be amazing. When I got to a writer’s retreat next year for Halloween, I’m going to wear a different costume every day for a week. 

 

  • What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

 

Alright. No one judge me. If we’re talking candy SPECIFIC to Halloween (and not like chocolate or something like that…) I love candy corn. It’s delicious sugary goodness #cannotchangemymind

 

Lucy Smoke/Lucinda Dark Stalker links

 

Newsletter Link: http://eepurl.com/c5kaM5

 FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LucySmokeAuthor

FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smokinghotreaders/

Website: www.lucysmoke.com  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlucysmoke/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smokinghotreaders/

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/Lucy_Smoke

Amazon Author Page – Lucy Smoke: https://www.amazon.com/Lucy-Smoke/

Amazon Author Page – Lucinda Dark: https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Dark/e/B07W3YS1WV?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1569296032&sr=8-2

Goodreads Author Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/LucySmoke

​Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Lucy_Smoke​

Books + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/users/6396

 

 

Author Spotlight – Quinn Slater

~ troublemakerslibrary ~ Leave a comment

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20 Questions with Quinn Slater

  1. What made you decide to become an author? 

I needed to escape my mistakes in life. It allowed me freedom to experience the things I wanted to experience. I needed that outlet.

  1. What is the hardest thing about writing for you? 

Confidence. I really am my own worst critic. I have dozens of stories that have not been finished because I lack the confidence to do so, or I have written myself into a corner and I’m not sure how to get out.

  1. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book? 

When I release a book I like to going hiking and get away from everything. Just be alone and enjoy the peace and quiet.

  1. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most? 

Probably my mentor in graduate school when I was working on my MFA. He famously told our class that I was the only student in class who could make two people fuck for three pages. We all got a great laugh. He has no idea I write under a pan name. He also called me out in class one day, saying, “Learn to use a fucking comma!”. He was awesome.

  1. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

Probably Quin Slater (yes, a character named after my pen name) because he’s a guy that has experienced a number of people walking out on him in his life. People seem to overlook his damaged soul. I feel like I relate to him and his struggles.

  1. Would you consider collaborating on a book with anyone else? If so…who?  Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

If really depends on genre, since I write in several. Literary- Jonathan trooper, Horror-Robert McCammon, Thriller-Jonathan Kellerman

  1. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking? 

Jonathan Trooper

  1. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

Patience and thick skin. You have to understand that, like so many other parts of life, there are bad people in the business and they are more than willing to take advantage of you. Educate yourself on the business.

  1. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be? 

That’s a tough one. Maybe what they thought of my female characters?

  1. What is your writing kryptonite? 

Stresses in life. I have certain people close to me that can shut down my mood to write in only a couple of words. It’s too bad because they are close to me and there’s no way to rid myself of them

  1. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go? 

Write as I go. I’v tried plotting it but I enjoy the discovery too much.

  1. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other? 

This is a huge issue for me. I have so many different things in my head that I have trouble writing a series.

  1. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be? 

Honestly, writing was more important than the people who interfere with the writing.

  1. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

No one believes in your dream more than you do. I thought family and friends would be all over my books. That wasn’t the case. And the more I published the less friendly some people became.

  1. What is a guilty pleasure? 

I’d love to do the things in my books.

  1. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? 

Hawaii was beautiful. I could live out the rest of my life there.

  1. What’s an Item on your bucket list? 

Visit Iceland. I’d also like to visit all the places I’ve read about in books.

  1. Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it? 

An Eagle. I’d love to have the power of flight and fly free through the skies

  1. What is your favorite holiday & why? 

Christmas because I love to give.

  1. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?  

Wax lips J, although I’m not sure they make them anymore.