MY FAVORITE 10 BOOKS I'VE READ IN 2014

MY FAVORITE 10 BOOKS I'VE READ IN 2014

 

Well the year is rapidly approaching an end and as I look forward to some free time over the holidays, I'm taking a look back at some of the books I've read this year. Many of them have been out for some time and some are new releases. Either way, I'd like to share with you my top 10 favorite books I've read this year in no particular order.

1. BORN TO DIE by Lisa Jackson-  A mystery/thriller with elements of romance and look-alikes being murdered at a rapid pace Read this novel.

2. THE ARRANGEMENT (THE RUSSIAN GUNS) by Bethany-Kris- Looking for a hot mob boss who runs his territory with an iron fist and red hot romance? Read this novel, the first in a 3 book series.

3. TWICE KISSED by Lisa Jackson- Another romantic mystery/thriller featuring sisters living vastly different lives with murder and disappearances.

4. BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE by Alessandra Torre- Hot sex? A playboy hot shot lawyer and a young innocent intern. Oh yeah. Read this.

5. ANOTHER WOMAN'S MAN by Shelly Ellis- Successful woman with a past. Long lost father and spoiled half sister. Add in an attraction to sister's man and you have all the makings of a world class triangle. Meet the newest Gibbons girl.

6. IT AIN'T EASY BEING JAZZY by Quanie Miller- Looking for a romantic comedy that will keep you laughing? Interested in characters so like your own crazy family? You need to check out this novel.

7. THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS by Rick Riordan- The last in the Heroes of Olympus series. Young demi-gods coming into their own. A battle it looks like can't be won. An exciting conclusion to a fantastic series.

8. RUTHLESS PEOPLE by J.J. McAvoy- A female mob boss who is the baddest to ever walk the Earth and an Irish boss who has finally met his match. Hot sex, violence and ruthlessness. Read this one.

9. BLOOD CHAINED by Eden Ashley- A new take on the siren myth, a complete fantasy world unlike anything you've ever read. Blood Chained is the third in the Dark Siren series. Check out Dark Siren and Banewolf to get caught up on the events unfolding in Blood Chained.

10. WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE by Perri Forrest- The second in the Pandora's Box series following the adventures of Private Investigator Brooklyn Kellog and her staff as they catch cheaters in their absolute worst.

And there's my list. What are some of your favorite novels you've read this year?

 

 



CHARACTER INTERVIEW- Arienne Alexandra Marcos

A CHARACTER INTERVIEW FROM GODDESS BY CHANCE

 

 

ME: Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with the beautiful and immensely smart Arienne Alexandra Marcos. How are you today Arienne?

 

A: I'm doing even better after that wonderful introduction. My head might have swelled just a bit.

 

ME: Me nor anyone else will hold that against you. Trust me.

 

A: I hope not.

 

ME: Don't worry. Now let's get into it. What would you say is your greatest fear?

 

A: Wow. You're making me have to hit the ground running on that one. Hmm. Honestly I'd probably say looking back over my life and feeling that I spent so much time basking in past regrets that I hadn't actually lived.

 

ME: That's very profound. Why do you think that happens to people?

 

A: Things go wrong and you get stuck in a cycle and instead of looking forward to what's ahead you stay stuck in the past.

 

ME: You're taking it to school on that one. No speaking of the future, what are you looking forward to?

 

A: A lifetime of love, passion, family and exploring the different facets of myself that I'd never really explored before.

 

ME: Such as?

 

A: My burgeoning sexual prowess. I never know I was such a wanton until Triton came into my life so I'm really exploring that side of myself.

 

ME: There's no doubt in my mind that Triton is enjoying that.

 

A: He is. Probably more than he should.

 

ME: Well speaking of Triton, what would you say is the quality you like most about him?

 

A: Another hard question. There are so many but if I had to only pick one I would say his heart. He doesn't show it to everyone and it's hard to get to, but when you're finally there the only thing you want in this entire world is to feel the entire depths of his love and give it back to him tenfold.

 

ME: Truly spoken like a woman in love.

 

A: I am. Very much so.

 

ME: Now anyone who knows your story, knows that your path to love and a happily ever after has not been easy. How did you find the strength to forgive?

 

A: It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I held so much hurt and resentment inside. So much anger. When someone betrays you, all you want is their blood. To feel their pain. But when they come to you with true sincerity, ready to do whatever it takes to earn your trust and love again and they show you with their actions that they are serious, you have to forgive them. The greatest act of love or strength is to forgive.

 

ME: Indeed it is. We hear so many times, in so many ways how powerful love and forgiveness is.

 

A: It is. True strength is in opening yourself up.

 

ME: I can tell just from speaking with you that you have been through a lot and as a result you've blossomed into such a self assured woman. Looking back now, what would you say is your biggest regret?

 

A: Taking so long to open myself up to love. If I could do it all over again, I would've taken the leap of faith a lot sooner.

 

ME: You live and you learn.

 

A: Indeed.

 

ME: Well Arienne thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I wish you and Triton nothing but the absolute best.

 

A: Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

 

ME: You're very welcome.

 

If you haven't checked out Arienne's journey through love, betrayal and finding the strength to forgive, check out Goddess by Chance today: http://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Chance-Demi-God-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B00PI792E0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418492052&sr=1-1&keywords=goddess+by+chance+by+erin+ashley+tanner&pebp=1418492060968



CHARACTER INTERVIEW- Chris Triton

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

 

Inside the Mind of Chris Triton

 



 What's the best way to learn more about a person? By asking someone exactly what you want to know. Today I'm sitting down with Chris Triton, one of the stars of the new Demi-god Daughters novel, Goddess by Chance.

ME: Chris, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.

CT: First of all let's cut the Chris nonsense. My real name is Triton, Greek God of Calm Seas to those that didn't know.

ME: Forgive me. I didn't know if you wanted your real identity exposed to everyone.

CT: There's no time like the present.

ME: I agree. Well then, shall we get this interview started?

T: I'm ready whenever you are.

ME: Well let's get to the meat of things. What is your greatest fear?

T: Wow, no warning with that one. Straight to the gut. Hmm...Since I'm being honest, probably being alone with no one to love and truly care for you. Eternity gets lonely for everyone.

ME: I can't even imagine. So what would you say is your current state of mind now?

T: Absolute bliss. I have everything I could ever ask for. I love Arienne more than anything in this entire universe. Everyday is something to look forward to because she's here.

ME: It seems she's changed your life in a lot of ways.

T: She has. I started living again when I met her.

ME: So how do we classify you now? Hero? Reformed Villain? Stoic Anti-hero

T: Why so many labels? Geesh

ME: Well people want to know.

T: I know. I know. For all the inquiring minds I'm still the stoic anti-hero. Don't get me wrong. I'm a changed man, but if the time calls for it I can still be ruthless and will not hesitate to be so.

ME: I guess that says everything we need to know.

T: It should. Anything else you want to know?

ME: What is the quality you most like in a woman?

T: I have to pick just one?

ME: Try to.

T: Hmm...Well if I have to pick just one, then loyalty.

ME: Why loyalty?

T: Because while there are a lot of people who may claim to love you and may even believe that they do if they aren't loyal to you, it doesn't mean anything?

ME: I can't argue you with you on that point. You've made it abundantly clear disloyalty is the trait you most deplore in orders. Would I be correct?

T: Absolutely. Without a doubt.

ME: Now out of everything, what would you say is your biggest regret?

T: Denying my feelings for Arienne as long as I did. Trying to convince myself that love wasn't in my future anymore.

ME: Now that is an all too human feeling.

T: Indeed it is.

ME: But knowing what you know now, aren't you glad you finally gave in to what you felt?

T: More than you'll ever know.

ME: So what would you say the future holds for you now?

T: Happiness for all eternity. A life with the woman I love and lots and lots of babies.

ME: Lots of babies huh? Is Arienne on board with this?

T: I kind of still have to ask her.

ME: Be sure to let me know how that goes and thank you for sitting down with me today.

T: Thank you for having me.

GODDESS BY CHANCE- A New Release

GODDESS BY CHANCE

       
       Well, it's that time again. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to release another novel. Releasing on November 12th from Evernight Publishing is the second novel in the Demi-god Daughters series...Goddess by Chance!

 Blurb: Arienne Marcos is a librarian with a secret. She has super human strength, a genius level IQ and a goddess mother who is never satisfied. When Arienne lands on the radar of a god determined to use her for revenge, she has no idea what she is in for.

When Chris Triton enters her life, Arienne is unprepared for the long dormant feelings and blazing passion he arouses. While basking in her budding new relationship, Arienne is unprepared for the shattering event that nearly destroys her town and her entire life.

In time, Arienne will discover that her new lover harbors secrets of his own that could be deadly. Along the way she will find herself caught in the center of an eons old grudge between gods with a thirst for revenge.

Interested yet? I hope so. I had a great time writing Goddess by Chance and I hope that you will love it as much as I do.

And if you haven't read the first in the Demi-god Daughters series, Goddess of Legend, there's still time to get caught up. http://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Legend-Demi-God-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B00FVGCZN8/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_4



SETBACKS, DELAYS AND CONTINUING TO MOVE FORWARD

SETBACKS, DELAYS AND CONTINUING TO MOVE FORWARD

 

 



 

 

 

         It's been a while I know. I'm still alive and kicking. Life has just really gotten in the way of my artistic pursuits. I'm currently in school pursuing the completion of a Licensed Practical Nurse program and let me tell you requires massive testing everyday, which requires me to devote all of my little free time to studying. As a result I have not written anything since completing my 5th book back in August. So now that I've caught you up on the life that is no longer my own, let me get to the real reason for this post.

 

       On the way to my dream of having my novel in print, in a store, I have experienced a major setback. My agent has been beyond impressive with the list of places she has sent my first novel in another paranormal romance series. I mean, majorly impressive. Unfortunately, everyone has passed on it. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I thought (maybe naively) that having an agent would allow me to cross the final hurdle to my dream a lot faster. Apparently I was wrong. I was wrong about a lot of things and as I go on I learn.

 

      So for now it seems my other paranormal series is back at the orphanage and out of prospects of finding a forever home. But maybe a miracle will happen. You never know what the future will bring. Either way I've learned that waiting is a very large part of life. A fact that I am also facing is that stories featuring people of color are an enormously hard sell to "the powers that be."

 

      No, I'm not just blowing smoke out of my ass. Lately there has been a lot of pressure for my diverse books and while "some" have claimed that they rarely received novels featuring people of color, that is a flat out lie. I have met many fellow authors of color who have taken the plunge and submitted the traditional route with the same outcome as me: thanks but no thanks or no response. The truth is sadly that traditional publishing does not seem ready to open the doors up for more of us to come through anytime soon. But again, miracles do happen and maybe the second novel my agent has will have better luck. I can hope, but right now it is not the worry and source of constant stress it has been for me.

 

     I find myself at peace. Just as there are people in the world who will never like and accept you for who you are, publishing is pretty much the same. You are blessed if you find your niche, but if you don't it is not the end of the world. If your dream is to write, then there are other avenues open out there to make that happen. I'm done spending all of my time trying to write to please "the powers that be." Instead I am returning to what worked for me when I first picked up a pen...writing for myself. That's right. I'm going to write the stories that I want. I'm going to submit to smaller publishers like I initially started out doing and I'm going to self publish. Enough of allowing others to dictate what I write. I have a gift and no one is going to tell me how to use it. So while I've had setbacks and some long delays, I'm going to continue moving forward and putting the stories I want to write out to the world, one way or another.

THINGS THAT BREAK YOUR WRITER'S SPIRIT

    I love writing. I really do. With all my heart and all my soul. So now that I've made that clear I can honestly say that for the past few weeks I haven't wanted to write. And no I'm not talking about just a little case of needing a break. I'm talking about the serious soul searching pondering you do when trying to decide if you ever want to write again. Yeah. It went that deep. So what happened you ask? What nearly drove me over that cliff?

1. THE WAITING AND NOT KNOWING IS DRIVING ME INSANE- When I jumped into this writing dream feet first I had no idea what to expect and apparently as I go along now I still don't. My amazing agent has sent my novel into the world in search of a book deal. I'd heard that getting a NY publisher takes a long time, but I was totally unprepared for just how long. I want to pull my hair out, stomp my feet and pout like a child (too bad it won't do any good. LOL.) So while I'm in limbo, waiting and wondering how am I supposed to continue on with writing the second book in the series when there is a potential the first will not sell? This has been eating at me for a while. I think about working on it and I just can't. I love the story. I love the characters but until I know something concrete I just don't want to invest any more time into it. And I haven't.

2. THE "MARKET" IS DICTATING MY WRITING- People say write what you want. That's well and fine if you're self publishing or sending your novel to a smaller e-book publisher, but if you're trying to see your novel in print and possibly on a shelf somewhere, you need to give the top dogs what they want. I'm upset by this. No lie. I'd planned to write all of my paranormal/fantasy novels first before I transitioned into contemporary romance. With the market changing and the demand for paranormal from new authors trickling away I'm having to re-evaluate and change my writing plans. I'm not happy. Not in the least. I love paranormal. I feel it is a more liberating form of storytelling, but there's no point in me spending the majority of my time on it if it. So with sadness and many tears I put my paranormal and fantasy romance ideas on the backburner for a while.

3. I'M RESENTFUL OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WRITE WHAT THEY WANT- What do I mean? I mean I'm starting to get angry that I simply can't just write a novel. With every novel I create I have to worry whether or not people will even want to read it because there are black and multicultural characters in my novel. Yes. I'm throwing that out there. I'm growing envious of those  who can just write their books and know they will find an audience. All I want to do is write what I love and send it out knowing there will be an audience who wants to read it.

So yes, I've been pretty frustrated. I haven't written anything in the past couple of weeks. So unlike me. But I've decided to take on my frustrations. I don't know what it's going to be yet, but I'm going to self publish something. I believe it will put some of the power back in my own hands as well as give me something to focus on while I wait for the slow NY publishing process. I also decided that I'm going to write, write, write. The more novels I have completed, the more work I can share with the world one way or another.

It took a long time for me to listen to my writer's voice. The last thing I need to do is let my tendency for everything at microwave speed silence the voice I waited so long to find.

What are some things that attempt break your writer's spirit and how do you fight back?



7 THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN ABOUT WRITING AND PUBLISHING BEFORE I STARTED

   Greetings world. Yes I'm still alive and kicking. Still waiting for news on a lot of fronts. But you know as I continue to wait for news on the publishing front I've been doing a lot of thinking. Remembering how I got started on this crazy road to becoming an author. And as I learn more and more there are so many things I wish I'd known before I decided I wanted to be an author.

1. PLEASE HAVE MORE THAN ONE NOVEL FINISHED- Yep. You heard it here folks. When my first novel, Goddess of Legend was published in October 2013, it was the only novel I'd completed. Yep. You heard right. In hindsight I wish I had finished the series GOL belongs to before I started querying. Why you ask? Because how was I to know it wasn't a fluke that I wrote a complete novel? How did I know I could do it again and start a career as an author? What if all I ever managed was the one book? I would've been a one hit wonder who wasted my time and that of people who liked my first book and wanted more from me.

2. DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO- What do I mean? Let me give you an example. I am a die hard lover of all things paranormal. When I decided to take the leap and start writing I knew I wanted to create paranormal stories as well and not just your average vampire, werewolf or zombie story. I was thinking gods and mermaids. Pretty different right? Yep, but what if paranormal is not what publishers are looking for at the moment you finally finish your novel? You're left with two options: If you are bound and determined to pursue traditional publishing then you need to shelf that baby and wait until it comes back in style. If not, then jump into self publishing feet first and put out your novel yourself. But if you want to be traditionally published then you need to have a backup plan. A story in another genre you are working on that will likely hold some appeal for what editors are looking for. I know you may think it screams of not being true to yourself, but how do you know you're not? Unless you try another genre, you may very well miss out on creating a masterpiece in another genre. Don't be afraid to try something different.

3. WRITING IS SUBJECTIVE- Meaning what? Meaning that just because an agent, editor, or reader doesn't like your work does not mean it belongs in file thirteen. We're all different. We all like to read different things. Writing is not a one size fits all thing. As famous as J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is there are people out there who don't like it (mind you I don't know anyone who doesn't like it but you get my point.) So if you love to write then continue. Don't stop, regardless of how discouraging it can get sometimes.

4. FIND A MODEL AND STUDY THEM- My greatest inspirations for becoming a writer are owed to the late L.A. Banks and the fantastic Jackie Collins. Because of these ladies I wanted to write. Ever since I have discovered Jackie Collins I have done my best to pay attention to her career. To how she promotes and interacts with her fans. To her publishing schedule and how she writes. I feel like I've learned a lot. So I say to you if there is an author that has a career and writing you admire study them. See how they got to where they are. What do they seem to be doing that keeps readers begging for more? How are they whetting that appetite? And by no means am I only referring to traditionally published authors. No way. Look at Jasinda Wilder. She's not traditionally published and is selling novels like you wouldn't believe. Or hybrid authors like Marie Force who have a traditional deal and also self publish. Just find somebody to be your guide.

5. TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING TAKES A REALLY, REALLY LONG TIME- Lord I wish someone had told me this! When your query makes its way to the wonderful editor at the publishing house you've dreamed of being published with the wait time is anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Yeah. Not only does the editor have to like it, but so does everyone else involved in the process. In addition to that you have to add money to the mix. After all they have to figure out if your novel is going to be profitable enough for them to bother with. And even if you are blessed to get the deal you've been dreaming of in some cases you still have to wait anywhere from a year to eighteen months before readers will ever see your work. Be prepared to wait. Be prepared to keep yourself busy so you are not pulling your hair out.

6. SOMETIMES YOUR MUSE WILL LEAVE YOU HIGH AND DRY- Amen anyone? I know because it's happened to me and many I know. Whether you're on a deadline to have something turned in to an editor or just trying to work on the next story brewing in your head, some days you will just not be able to write. Some days the drive will not be there. Or you will be ready to go and the words just will not come to you. It happens to everyone. Be prepared for it. Don't get mad. Don't throw things. Just take some time off. Chances could be you are burned out.

7. PAY ATTENTION TO TRENDS- Some will say it's not important, but really it is. Whether traditional or independent, you need to have some idea of what readers are currently craving. You can't afford just to stick your head in the sand and remain oblivious. If you're self-publishing you want to find out what people are craving to read and appeal to them when your novel comes out. If you're going the traditional route then pay attention to what editors and agents submission calls. If you do you'll be better informed as to what's selling and where your work fits on the scale. You will also know if you have a chance of being published now or if you will have to be on the next merry go round.

Now that you've heard my list, what are some things you wish you'd known about writing and publishing before you started?