Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Cover Reveal!! Award Winning Author Amy Patrick's Channel 20Something!

I have a  special treat for you today!  I'm part of my dear friend Amy Patrick's cover reveal! 

So without further adieu!  Here's the cover for Amy's up and coming release, Channel 20Something!



I think it's so beautiful and I can't wait to read it!
Here's some more information about the book and its talented author!

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Channel 20Something by Amy Patrick
(20Something, #1)
Publication date: August 12th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job and her first apartment, but she’s yet to experience first love. Yes, she’s in a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart, and according to her friends and family, he’s perfect for her. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.

And while Heidi’s doing what she wants to do, she’s not where she wants to be. She longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.

Well-traveled Californian Aric Serrano plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. But when he walks into the newsroom and meets Heidi, he may have finally found something and someone worth committing to.

Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could avoid her new co-worker—he’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid. But that becomes impossible when she and Aric are forced to work together on the weekend news. Now there’s no denying the attraction between them, and she’ll have to decide between settling for the “good enough” life she already has or taking the risk of going for what she dreams of, an exciting career and a real love.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22430248-channel-20something



AUTHOR BIO
Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014). She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She's been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.

Author links: 

Monday, June 16, 2014

USA Today HEA blog AND The Writing Process Blog Tour!

First of all, I'm on the USA Today's HEA blog today!!  Go over and say hi!!  

http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/06/15/recommended-reads-shewanda-pugh-ac-arthur/10551991/

I’m also a stop on The Writing Process Blog Tour! I was tagged by one of my lovely Golden Heart® sisters, Jessica Ruddick.  Jessica writes YA, NA, and romantic fiction. You can find her here.

So here I go!

What am I working on?
Right now, I’m working on a YA speculative story. I’m not ready to give much more than that about it yet, but I’m really enjoying writing it. I’m also planning out the story set right after my historical AFTER THE SCANDAL. I’ll write that next, I believe.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
ALTERED, my Golden Heart finalist, is different because it’s a YA from 3rd person POV. Also, it’s science fiction instead of straight paranormal or fantasy.  It’s set in our world instead of an alternate one, even though it stretches the boundaries of reality a little bit.
My historical are edgier than most of the fare out there. I’ve never written a ballroom scene. Most of my action takes place in sketchy places and the stories are full of suspense.

Why do I write what I do?
I write suspense because I love action and drama. I’m enjoying writing for younger folks because I think so much happens and changes in those years. As to historicals, I love the kinds of conflicts in the 19th century, the time period I write. That time was lush with social conflict and social conflict is a lot of fun to delve into.

How does your writing process work?
I usually spend about a month or so getting my thoughts around a story.  Plot, GMC/character stuff, etc. I plan out a storyboard. Then it usually takes me 2-3 months to write a rough draft. After that, a month or more to revise. Longer sometimes, depending on the story. If real life interferes, well, these times become very fluid.  As to times during the day when I write? Well, I have two little boys. I'm not really sure where I find time to write. :)

Thanks for stopping by!  I’m going to tag two of my 2014 Golden Heart® sisters, Carrie Padgett and Lenora Bell!


Carrie Padgett lives with her husband, a dog, and a cat in the flattest middle part of California. The up side is she's only a couple of hours from both beaches and mountains. She writes sweet contemporary stories set in Yosemite's front yard. She is a 2014 Golden Heart® finalist in the Inspirational Romance category.  Her blog can be found here: http://livevicarrieous.com/




Lenora Bell is Golden Heart® Finalist in the Historical Romance category.  Her blog can be found here: http://lenorabell.blogspot.com/

Make sure to visit them both next Monday, June 23!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

SIX WEEKS!

I fly to San Antonio for RWA Nationals in six weeks!


This is pretty much me right now.

Our 2014 Golden Heart yahoo loop has been full of dresses and pin talk and name talk and a few awesome call stories. We've decided to call ourselves the Dreamweavers and we're finalizing out pin design now. The more I learn about these amazing women, the more excited I am to meet them.

I have a dress I can wear for the ceremony but I've debated borrowing a different one from a friend. I'll make my final decision closer to the date. I like to have wardrobe options, you see. Don't we all?

But, most important, I'm finishing a new story and I'll be preparing to pitch it at Nationals along with my GH finaling manuscript.

These past couple of months have been a whirlwind of excitement. Being a finalist in this contest has been an amazing ride.  There have been a lot of cool things going on and to keep myself grounded, I've been writing something new. I'm really excited about it and when I have more information, I'll post it here.  Or rather, on my books tab above.

In the meantime, the summer is beginning. I have two little boys and I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead full of sunshine and fun with them.

What are your plans for the summer, readers? Are you going to Nationals?  If so, leave me a note so we can meet up!