It’s been almost twenty years since my very first book signing! How time flies, right? So here’s a throwback to that signing. I’ve got my best friend and most amazing daughter with me. I so appreciate her support and understanding of my passion for writing.
#WriteWed – Playing Genre Roulette
Some people may know that I started out writing contemporary romance. Eight of them in fact for Kensington Publishing’s defunct ENCANTO romance line. I had written those novels over the course of about three years and I wanted to challenge myself by writing something totally new and different. Being a fan of The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I wondered what I would do if I mashed the two genres — suspense and vampires — and tossed in some romance as well. That’s how THE CALLING IS REBORN series was created. Little did I know I would be sucked into a world of both regular and paranormal suspense for the next ten years. WOW! But like I had before, I felt myself craving doing some different and definitely something lighter. That’s how ONE SUMMER NIGHT and WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER came about as well as the TAKE A CHANCE Military Romance novellas.
It is a risk to mix genres like that. For an author it’s like playing roulette because you never know if you’re going to have a winner and make a reader happy. Ultimately, that’s one of the big end goals – happy readers. But there is also another goal: loving what you do as a writer.
Will writing in multiple genres work? It has for some people, but I always caution first-time authors to focus on one genre for at least a few books. Develop a following before you go off and try something different. If readers like you, they will follow. If not…
Publishing is a crap shoot for sure. If you’re going to be a winner in the long run the most important thing is to be passionate about what you write.
#WriteWed FOLLOWING JANE Inspiration
Today’s Write Wednesday is dedicated to my fabulous daughter and her debut novel, FOLLOWING JANE.
Samantha was lucky enough to spend a semester in London and when combined with her love of Jane Austen and an assortment of boy bands, it was only natural that she mix up all three loves into a fun and emotionally compelling story.
FOLLOWING JANE is a young adult romance that combines a scavenger hunt left behind by none other than Jane Austen with a young woman’s desire to fulfill her dying mother’s last words: to take up an adventure that is “just around the corner.”
The heroine, Lizzie (of course), sets off to London and along the way meets a young boy band member who will soon assist her in her quest and also present another challenge: romance.
Congratulations Samantha on this debut novel! I am so proud of you! What do others have to say about this novel? Here’s just one of the many 5 star reviews:
“I literally could not put this book down. It follows a young woman around England in such a way, you feel as if you are there yourself. With a little love, lots of laughs, tears, and mystery, this book is a must read. For the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, and beyond, Jane will show you how to be independent, brave, and true to yourself. Kudos to the author for taking us on this journey!” Meaghan Abell, Reader
About the Author: Debut author Samantha Scordato has been penning stories in her journals for many years. She fell in love with Jane Austen at an early age and kept up with her love through an undergraduate degree in Fashion Merchandising and an MBA from Philadelphia University. After graduating, Samantha turned her attention to her two loves: Running a surf and skate shop and writing. FOLLOWING JANE is Samantha’s first novel, but she has already finished another novel. For more information, please visit www.lifemythlegend.com.
#ThrowBackThursday & a Debut Author
We’re going back in time today on this Throwback Thursday and I’m wondering, “Did I really think those huge ass glasses made me look good?”
Of course, it’s hard for me not to smile as I remember this moment with my best friend, my daughter, aka the debut author of FOLLOWING JANE.
I am so proud of her for writing a book and for all that she has accomplished! You rock, Samantha.
What about you? Did you have glasses like this? Or how about those man shoulder pads that were so popular in the ’80s? I’m sure we could have lent them to an NFL player for a little extra protection! LOL!
The Power of Wishes by Autumn Jordon
I am so happy to have with me today a very dear friend and fellow author, Autumn Jordon! We’ve known each other for years and in addition to being my friend, Autumn is a RWA Golden Heart Finalist and debut author. Which just goes to show how hard work and determination are the keys to success in life.
Without further ado, here’s Autumn!
“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true.†Richard Bach
A friend gave me a plague with the above quote inscribed on it some twenty-five years ago. The plague still hangs on my office wall. That quote has inspired me to take steps in my life that I might not have taken otherwise.
One path I started on was to strive to write for publication and years later, I’m finally seeing my dreams come true. My first release, OBSSESED BY WILDFIRE, hits the cyber-shelf today! I’m so excited. My stomach clenches as I wonder if anyone will dish out cash for the story. If they decided to, I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.
OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE is not my first completed novel, it’s not even my second or third. It’s my fifth. Does its ranking, among my completed works, diminish the excitement which tingles my entire soul today? HE** NO.
OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE is rated HOT! I didn’t know I could write HOT. My editor thinks I could erotica. My answer to her is a topic for another blog.
The story, set in the Texas town of Wayback, is about a woman who meets a man who could stop her from her accomplishing her dreams. I love the banter Isabelle’s emotional conflict causes between her and the sexy fire marshal, Warner. The couple made me chuckle. By the end of the book, Isobel learns love can make dreams a whole lot sweeter.
“Warner Keyson. You?†He folded his arms across his chest. His muscles bulged from beneath the rolled back sleeves of his white dress shirt. She’d seen bigger forearms—on a few NFL players.
“Isobel Trinidad.â€
“Well, Ms. Trinidad, you could’ve caused some damage or killed someone the way you barreled in here.â€
“The last time I heard, Raleigh was Wayback’s chief and you’re not one of his officers. Besides everyone’s inside.â€
“There could be a couple or two in the backseat of those cars. You know, enjoying the night.â€
Warner Keyson’s warm caramel gaze drifted over her and Isobel’s legs buckled a degree before she roped off her reaction. Refusing to look away, she wrestled the urge to step closer and touch the cute dark lock that curled behind Mr. Keyson’s right ear. “Were you peeking in windows?â€
“Nah, not peeking.†His full lips pulled up the tiniest bit.
Looking pass him, she scanned the cars. Had he been in the backseat of one of them? Had one of the local girls already run him down and claimed him?
“So what do you have in mind with that whip?â€
If you’d like to read the entire story, and I hope you will, here is the link to The Wild Rose Press home page.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
You can visit Autumn at http://www.autumnjordon.com, but first, take a moment to check out her cool video for Obsessed by Wildfire! If you’re not seeing the video player, you can also visit this link for the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkq_Um-WyzI&feature=player_embedded