Spotlight on Author Juliette Douglas

Welcome Juliette! 

Where are you from? I’m proud to say I am from and live in Marshall County Kentucky.

What have you written? I have written a trilogy called ‛The Freckled Venom Series’ A story about a redheaded freckled female bounty hunter set in the time frame of 1878. Working on my next novel Perfume Powder & Lead * Holy Sisters due out in 2016 and two others also this winter.

What is your favorite genre to write? Right now it is the old style westerns, but plan to branch out into other period pieces in the future. I love history, especially the local historic lore of where I live and the Old West.

Why do you write? It’s really quite simple, I write because I enjoy it. I love all the quirky characters that seem to crop up within my stories, adding humor or suspense. I love the new and different roads they decide to take me down. My neighbors get a big kick out of me talking about my characters…as if they actually live in our neighborhood instead of in my head. We have a good many laughs about that.

Favorite food: Anything just so long as I don’t have to cook it. Good strong coffee and chocolate, especially Double choc-chip brownies! Oh...and my Pepsi!

Where would you like to visit? Bucket list...bucket list...every where in North America. This land is so rich in history of all kinds...If I could I’d buy a motor home and me and my critters would load up and become nomads.

Do you listen to music when you write? Yes, Bluegrass or Malt Shop Oldies

What makes you laugh? Simple things...I find joy in listening and observing people. Love mowing my yard when I can, local HS Basketball and football games. Love the old variety shows we used to have on TV and their slap stick comedy...sigh...something we need to bring back.

How old were you when you started writing? I’m an old fart, I began writing in my late 50’s. Kept waking up with these stories in my head and they drove me nuts. Back then I didn’t have a computer or internet. Someone gave me their old one....I’ve killed 3 others since then....Well...I had never written a thing before in my life except college papers...I really didn’t know what I was doing. A friend of mine knew a retired publisher who might take a look at my story and see whether I needed to hang it up or pursue this crazy course....well lo and behold...he loved my story and WALA The Freckled Venom Series was born.

Where do you get your inspiration? Inspiration is all around us. One might take a modern day occurrence, add in some historical facts and a novel is born. I take old stories and put a new twist on them.

LINKS TO HER BOOKS! 
Copperhead (Book 1)
http://bookShow.me/B00Q383YL0
Copperhead Strikes (Book 2)
http://bookShow.me/B00Q3EIUTA
Skeletons (Book 3)...
http://bookShow.me/B00ZCQE760

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer? In my OTHER life I wash, wax and detail boats for a living. I love it because when it is cold and awful out I write...why I love winter so much.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? President Grant, he is such a contradiction, having many sides to him that many didn’t realize or poked fun at. I will be writing on such a situation in a book down the road. Little known facts woven within the framework of a fiction novel.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? Have patience, this sort of work does not happen overnight and neither does the success of your book. Perseverance, how you market your product and watching how other authors do things. Yes...it is an insane world...but where would readers be without us the authors feeding them? So keep plugging.....

Juliette Douglas's books are as entertaining as watching a good bar-room brawl.Her delightful characters engage you as she spins wild and woolly tales of the old west we all love. This talented author continues to pull in the reading audience with her action-packed scenarios and larger then life characters living ‛When The West Was Fun'.

Take time to visit www.facebook.com/author.juliette.douglas for updates and events.

Saddle up, time to read!

The author enjoys spinning tall tales.
With 3 action adventure western novels published under her belt and one a Laramie Award winner for best western fiction, she is now working on a new series.

Book Review's By Author Migraine Central: I just started reading Skeleton's, halfway through and I am hooked. Juliette really knows how to tell an authentic western tale of adventure and love. Her book makes me laugh and cry, root for the good guy and want to murder the bad myself. I will keep you updated on the other two books and give all of them a full book review soon. Meanwhile, I hear that Juliette is writing another book to be released sometime in the future. I personally cannot wait!  

Please leave a comment, Juliette loves to hear from her friends and fans! 

Spotlight on Author JoAnn Durgin

 Welcome JoAnn!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Subconsciously, I’ve probably known my entire life. I was a voracious reader in school and always worked on yearbooks staffs and wrote newspaper articles in high school and college. Writing has always been my passion. But consciously? I first started writing novels when I was a stay-at-home mom in Philadelphia with three small children and that’s when the seed was planted of one day becoming a published author. For me, it was never a question that I would write anything but Christian romance.

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

I have a joke about my debut novel, Awakening. I wrote it in two weeks, but it took 12 years to get published. Let me explain. I drafted it out quickly but then put it aside to raise our children. I wrote a short novel during a week in Puerto Rico at the end of January last year (Love So Amazing). Then I came home, edited it, and released it in early March. That was an exception, however. I also dusted off another old manuscript, revised it significantly, and released it in late March (Heart’s Design). Two in one month is an exception to the rule. Most of my short novels (up to ~55K words) normally take about 1-2 months, and my full-length novels (all over 100K words) take 3-4 months to write, edit, and publish.

 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

Crazy wonderful. I *retired* (I much prefer the term “transitioned”) from my full-time paralegal position last year to write full-time. My writing schedule varies according to my energy level and where I’m at in the story. I can stay up all night writing if I want and sleep in the next day. I realize how blessed I am to be able to do this, but I love it, and it seems to work well for me. I’ve always been more of a night owl than a morning person.

How do your books get published?

I’m considered a hybrid author in publishing, meaning I have some books that are published by a “traditional” publisher (I pay no upfront costs and they produce the cover and pay me royalties). However, I was more or less pushed into indie publishing when my former publisher for my long-running book series, The Lewis Legacy Series, decided at the end of 2013 he no longer wanted to publish—period. Then I took over and now publish the books myself. In my case, it helped that I’d already developed a loyal and growing fan base of readers. Readers don’t really care who publishes a book. They want a good story. And I’ve learned how to effectively market the books, and that is key to a successful writing career (indie published or traditionally published).

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I seem to work well with chaos and loud noise around me. I prefer the quiet, but in my household, I rarely get it. I used to study in the snack bar at college with the pinging noise of the pinball machines and the jukebox blaring, so there you go. I’ve learned to adapt to my surroundings. Buying a good set of noise-blocking headphones has been a wise investment, in any case.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?  From the newspaper, television, radio, you name it. I’m an avid people watcher and they fascinate me. For example, the idea for Love So Amazing first came about when I was at a writing conference in 2010 and rode in a pedicab for the first time. Ava is a ballet teacher with a dance recital at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis, and Sawyer gives her a ride home in his pedicab in a “meet cute” beginning. But their lives are intertwined in a way neither could ever imagine. For Heart’s Design, I originally came up with the idea when I read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about an area in the foothills of western Maine that was rich in natural gemstones and minerals. That idea clicked with me and the romance between a rugged, handsome mineralogist and part-time college professor and the rich girl from Boston who longs to be a jewelry designer (but expected to join her father’s Boston law firm) was born.

 

JoAnn will giveaway an ebook or two of the reader's choice (excluding her four-book box set). 

COMMENT on this post to enter! Winner will be announced 
October 1, 2015

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I first tried writing a full-length romance when I was a stay-at-home mom in Philadelphia. I took advantage of the time to dabble in my interest and love of writing. I sent out some manuscripts and received enough positive feedback and encouragement to know that it was something I should pursue further. The passion for writing never died, but it was on simmer on the back burner for a number of years while I raised the kids.

 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spend time with my family, read voraciously, and I absolutely love to travel.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is my greatest support system. I couldn’t do it without them. They know when to stay away because I’m “in the zone.” They’re currently used to me saying, “I need an office!” My husband goes to the YMCA and tells other guys about my books. My kids often tell others about them, too.

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That writing a book is only the beginning. Typing “The End” is really only the beginning. Thus begins the editing and marketing process. It’s quite the journey. I’d encourage you read my story to publication on my website at www.joanndurgin.com.

 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

To be fair to all my stories and characters, I always say that my favorite is the last one I released. I truly love them all. Awakening is the one I call “the book of my heart” because it was my debut novel and the one which is very loosely based on my story with my husband. It’s more the idea that the hero and heroine (Sam and Lexa) are based on our personalities and background. Each of my books has something of “me” in them whether it’s the setting, or a character trait, or something they say or do.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Keep writing. Even if you think it’s the worst thing you’ve ever written, keep writing. Like most things in life, the more you write, the more proficient you will become. You learn something with each new piece of writing you craft. Read a lot, especially in your same genre. Study structure, plot, goals, motivation, characterization, and point of view. Find a critique group. Focus on writing a good story but don’t get bogged down with trying to compare or compete with other authors. Fine tune and polish your work and start sending out queries if you’re looking for an agent or a traditional contract. Otherwise, continue the same process if you plan on self-publishing your work. As a Christian author, prayer is vital to the journey. Best wishes on your own journey!

 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I hear from readers every week in increasing numbers, especially after a new release. I can’t think of anything I like much more than receiving emails or messages from readers (via my website or FB). The ones that mean so much to me as a Christian author are the messages where readers tell me how my book has somehow encouraged them and strengthened their relationship with God and/or other people.

 

Do you like to create books for adults?

I love it! I’m much too long-winded to create children’s books although teaching kids to appreciate books at a very early age is crucial. That’s never been more important than in this current generation where kids are taught to be technologically savvy at a much younger age. I write romances with characters in their late 20s and early 30s, give or take. For the first time, in my most recent release, I wrote a YA budding romance in my book and I adored it! It was a blast and I like to believe I successfully pulled it off, too.

What do you think makes a good story?

Identifiable characters the reader cares about (and occasionally wants to shake). A strong and unique author’s “voice” is so important. A good plot is likewise important but there are only so many plots to go around and it can be difficult to come up with something new. It’s the characters that really make the difference between a mediocre book and a truly memorable one. My books have found a niche because they combine a lot of elements: faith, humor, romance, adventure, “real” characters, perhaps a little mystery, drama, emotion…a virtual melting pot of a lot of things. 

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?  A ballerina or a princess. Other than that, I had no real goals for a long time other than to be happy and to pursue what I love. In high school and then in college, I always knew I wanted to be a journalism major. And you know what? I’m now pursuing my passion for writing full-time. How many people can actually say that? Together with my husband of 28 years, we have three healthy children and now one gorgeous granddaughter. We are indeed blessed.

 

Thank you, Crystal, for asking me to join you on your blog today! Blessings.

 

*JoAnn's Bio*

JoAnn Durgin is the author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. JoAnn’s other novels include Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design, Love So Amazing and Echoes of Edinburgh. JoAnn and her husband, Jim, live in southern Indiana, and are blessed with three children and their first grandbaby, Amelia Grace.


Reminder:  

My series and indie-pubbed books are exclusive to Amazon but the Christmas books and Echoes of Edinburgh are trad-pubbed and available most everywhere online.
Also, all of my books are on Kindle Unlimited. Subscribers read for free.

http://www.amazon.com/JoAnn-Durgin/e/B004FELQDC/ref=la_B004FELQDC_pg_1?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_82%3AB004FELQDC&ie=UTF8&qid=1442848065

GREAT LAKES ORIGINAL RECIPE COOKBOOK!

Inspiration for this wonderful cookbook came for the love of the five Great Lakes...

Michigan, Huron, Superior, Ontario and Erie. 

The holidays are coming and what a better time to buy a new little cookbook full of comfort food recipes? 

 Crafted by some of your favorite Facebook friends and family.  

Deb Keenan, Sherry Lott, Author Crystal Miles Gauthier, Tawny Perez, Angela Miles Meredith, Camberleigh Dustin, Athena Huffman and more. 

These recipes come tried and true through the years.



Order the paperback here:

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Original-Recipes-Keenan-ebook/dp/B00TNZ0N46/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

COMPLICATE ME RELEASE - M. Robinson

Release Day Blitz

Complicate Me

Best Selling Author M. ROBINSON

Cover Design: Rebecca Marie at The Final Wrap

 www.thefinalwrap.com or www.Facebook.com/thefinalwrap

It was complicated, it was also just the beginning.

A decision.

A simple choice.

There is always that one moment in life where things could have been different. That one moment where you could have chosen a path that would lead you down a certain road.

A different life.

It was easier to pretend that we were still best friends, and that she was my girl and I was her boy.

Pretending was better than knowing the truth...

I. Ruined. Us.

I had her.

I lost her.

I love her.

All I did was complicate us.

Buy Links

Here are two of the platform buy links!

Amazon; http://amzn.to/1Kh8vug

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576941

My brown eyed girl sat on our blankets with her arms wrapped around her knees, hiding her face. The tiny frame that I adored so much shook uncontrollably, only heightening the deepest sobbing that escalated with each passing second. It was such an intimate moment, not to be shared with anyone, especially me. Alex didn’t cry. I watched her bawl for the first time in my life. I had never seen anyone cry like that before, and it shook me to my core, slicing me whole, and making me feel like I was dying. Carving a memory that I would take to my grave.  There was no going back…

No erasing.

No do overs.

No deleting.

What I witnessed tonight would be my purgatory; I would now close my eyes and forever see her falling apart in front of me. Shattering before my very own eyes and I found it hard to breathe.

Hard to move.

My feet were glued to the goddamn floor as she continued to weep, sob, bawl, violently sucking in air that wasn’t available. I accepted it all; each tear that fell from her face becoming pieces of me. Circulating through my veins and blood, it flowed endlessly, a river of her sadness and sorrow and of my broken promises. No beginning or ending to her cries, just an infinite current, flooding the hole where my heart should be. The shadow of her trembling petite body reflected off the walls, leaving a trail of regrets in its wake.

Mine.

Hers.

Ours.

Growing up in a small town you overheard a lot of things. People talking, stories told, town gossip. You listened a lot. You learned a lot. Tourists, townies, friends, and especially family all shared wisdom and advice that you think you will never need.

Bunch of bullshit. They say you have that one moment in life where

things could have been different, that one moment that changes the course of your life or the direction you could have taken. That one moment that could forever change you and everything you wanted to be true, everything you wanted to believe. One simple decision could alter your entire future.

My entire world.

I would forever remember this moment for the rest of my life. This is the moment that changed everything. This is the moment where I took another direction, another road that led me to my own demise. My own regrets.  I should have walked in there. I should have apologized. I should have begged for her forgiveness. I should have promised that I would never hurt her again. I should have done whatever it took to make her look at me the way she had our entire lives.

But I didn’t…

I did none of those things…

Not one.

Nothing was said between us.

No words.

No actions.

I was a coward and couldn’t do it. I couldn’t see her like that. I couldn’t look into her eyes and know that I had hurt her. That I had disappointed her. That I ruined her love and lost her respect for me. The boy who promised he would never hurt her.

The boy who swore he would always protect her.

The boy who vowed he would never let anything happen to her.

That same boy was me.

I was the reason she was bawling.

I was the reason she was hurt.

I was the reason she was broken.

She knew the truth. It had finally caught up to me… I shattered her illusion that I was hers. I ruined the one good thing I had in my life. The girl that owned my heart was bleeding out for me in a way that I had never seen before. The house was no longer our safe place.

I had brought my hurricane with me…

I couldn’t risk the possibility of losing her permanently if I walked in there and admitted my truths. She wouldn’t love me anymore, she wouldn’t look at me the same anymore, and she wouldn’t be mine anymore.

My brown eyed girl.

The girl that I had loved all of my life.

The same girl that I would love for the rest of my life.

Alexandra.

I gave her the only comfort I could in her moment of despair. I turned around and left. I walked down the stairs and got into my truck. I turned the engine on and drove my sorry ass home. I took a shower and never once looked at myself in the mirror. I pretended that nothing changed. That I didn’t cause her pain, and that she didn’t know the truth. That I didn’t see her sobbing and that she wasn’t even bawling to begin with. That we were still just best friends, and that she was my girl and I was her boy.

My Half-Pint and her Bo.

It was better than knowing…

I ruined us.

 

Best Selling Author M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.

She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left.

She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German

Shepherd mixes and a Tabby cat.  

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/authormrobinson

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/authormrobinson

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/authormrobinson

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/M.Robinson/e/B00H4HJYDQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7233168.M_Robinson

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