Family Members Who Supported and Influenced Me as a Writer #IWSG #Writers

  

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially 

Insecure Writer's Support Group day.

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

IWSG Asks: Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

My mother was an avid reader. She always carried a book with her everywhere she went. She greatly influenced my love of reading. 

My mom, Patty, and me.

When I was little, about 8 or 9, I told her about a re-occurring dream I had at night. It was a strange dream involving zombies. Yes, even as a little girl, I was apparently obsessed with the supernatural! lol I gave her such vivid detail of the dream that she said I should write about my dream in a journal. She suggested that maybe, one day, I could turn the dream into a story and write it.

Her suggestion inspired me to create a dream journal where each morning, I'd write as much detail as I could remember from my dreams during the night. I still do this. From several of these dream journals, I've come up with many of my stories.

My mom passed away from leukemia when I was 11 years old, so she never got to see how her suggestion that day had impacted my life. Later, during my late teens when I already knew I wanted to become a published author one day, I stumbled across some of my mother's notebooks. Flipping through them, I found several pages of short stories and story ideas she had written. Apparently, she'd been interested in writing stories, too.

Finding those notebooks and discovering that my mom had dabbled in writing romance fiction made me feel closer to her. It was a bond we shared. Our shared love for writing and reading romance.

Apparently, I am my mother's daughter! 

I miss her, more than anything, and I hope she'd be proud to know that I've pursued my dreams of becoming published and succeeded, as well as becoming a USA Today Bestselling author.

My grandmother, Pat, with me and my daughter.

And while my mother was the one who inspired me to write, my grandmother was the one who supported and encouraged me to continue making my dreams a reality. My grandmother believed I would succeed. She believed in my talent, strength and imagination. There was no doubt in her mind that I would get where I wanted to go with my career one day. Thankfully, she saw my first few books published, but passed away before I became a bestselling author.

I hope she and my mom are watching. I still have many plans. I have further to go in my career, more books to write, more goals to accomplish. Even though they're gone, I still feel like they're supporting me from the other side, and I hope I'm making them proud.

Happy writing!

~ Tricia 

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal, sci-fi and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Looking for a little escape? Check out these books!

 Alpha Shifters Furever               Shifting Hearts

Working, Aspiring, or Hobbyist? #IWSG #writing

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially 

Insecure Writer's Support Group day.

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe have for insecure writers of all kinds!

IWSG Asks: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if the latter two, what does that look like?

 

This only my opinion as I'm sure others see these terms differently. And that's okay. We're all allowed to have our own views! :)

I suppose I see the term working writer as just that. A writer that's working. Someone who is getting paid for their writing. A writer who's working every day or maybe several days a week. One who has a publishing schedule and is actively working to move his/her writing career forward.

An aspiring writer is someone who is actively striving to be a working writer. An aspiring writer isn't published. Not yet. He/she is on their way. They're still writing every day or as much as possible, but they're not getting paid for their writing.

A hobbyist is someone who is only writing for fun. A writer who writes because its part of their soul, or something to do to pass the time. Hobby = Just for Fun. A hobbyist could be getting paid or not. To me, a hobbyist isn't publishing for the money, if they're publishing, they're doing it for the beauty of sharing their creativity.

These are all different terms and I'm sure people have different opinions in interpreting them. To me, it doesn't really matter. A writer is a writer. Published, unpublished, making money or not making money. It doesn't matter. The reason we're each writing is up to the individual.

For myself, I can see I started my career as a hobbyist. Writing was fun and a way to play when I was a kid and teenager. Publishing wasn't even on my radar at that time. When I grew older and began to become more interested in writing, I switched from hobbyist to an aspiring writer. I realized then that I did want to become published and earn money for my words.

And now... years and years and years later... I am a working writer.

The next level I believe is the retired writer. The writer who has written for long years and has now decided to retire from writing. They're done making their money or playing as a hobby. It's time for them to put their pen down.

"I'm done," they say. "I'm retired."

You know, like Stephen King!

And then a week or two, maybe even a month goes by, and they pick up their pen again.

"Just kidding!"

Yeah, I don't believe writers ever retire! It's in our hearts and soul to keep writing. I don't think we can ever give that up! Nor would we really want to. :)

Be safe! Stay healthy! And keep writing!

~ Tricia 

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Need a little escape? Check out these books!

   

PREORDER!                            PREORDER!

What I Wanted to Be When I Was a Kid #LongandShortReviews #BlogChallenge

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge hosted by Long and Short Reviews.

This week's topic: What I wanted to do when I grew up vs. what I do

When I was 5, I wanted to be Wonder Woman. She was my favorite superhero, aside from Superman. I had a Wonder Woman t-shirt and every time I wore it, I pretended to be her.

Reva and my mom.

When I was about 8, my uncle brought home a puppy that he bought from a friend of his. My mom fell in love with this part Doberman/part German Shepherd/part something else (we don't know for sure! lol). My uncle named his puppy Jagger, after his favorite singer from the Rolling Stones. My mom asked him to get one for her, too. A day later, he went back to the farm and brought home the first puppy who greeted him. My mom named her Reva, after her favorite character from her favorite soap opera, The Guiding Light, Reva Shayne Lewis.

I fell totally in love with our dog! Reva was my very first pet and I helped my mom train her and play with her. She was adorable! But, then Reva got sick. I can't remember now exactly what happened, but she started losing her fur in spots. We took her to the veterinarian and I was amazed by this animal hospital and the doctors working there. The vet looked her over and prescribed medicated dog food. Whatever the problem was, it cleared up.

At that moment, I decided when I grew up, I'd be a veterinarian so I could help keep pets healthy for other families as well as my own.

And that's what I wanted to do for years and years. I read books on dogs and cats, as well as other animals, learning all I could about how to take care of them. When I was a teenager, I volunteered for an animal rehabilitation center where I helped feed and care for the animals there and educate people about them at fairs and events.

When I was about 12, I developed a huge crush on Indiana Jones. It was maybe around the time that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade released on VHS (this was my first VHS tape as a birthday present!). I'd always been a fan, but something about this movie pulled me into the world of history. Now I know Indiana isn't the ideal archaeologist, but when I was a kid, this idea thrilled me. I wanted to be an archaeologist. I wanted to discover ancient cultures and solve long-forgotten mysteries.

I began reading history books and books about other cultures. Every week, I'd pick a new book from the library about another part of history that I wanted to learn. I discovered a great love of history that I continue with today. I've always had a difficult time picking a favorite time period. They're all so interesting!

It wasn't until I was 18, taking a creative writing class for my senior year in high school that the thought of becoming an author began to take root in my mind. I've talked about my experience with Mr. McCormick's class on my blog before, so I won't go into it here, but it was that moment in my life that I decided I wanted to become a published author.

I had several jobs during my teenage years from babysitter to painting tables for the local farmer's market to working at Burger King. After high school, I worked in a few sewing factories before I found a job as a temporary seasonal sales clerk for Waldenbooks. A few months later, I was hired as a part-time bookseller. Shortly after that, I quit my factory job sewing women's lingerie and became Assistant Manager at Waldenbooks where I worked for the next 12 years, writing at night and on lunch breaks and submitting to magazines and book publishers. This was the best job I'd ever had and I'm so grateful for the time I spent there and the people and lifelong friends I met. My bookstore family!


The rest, as they say, is history. Now, I'm working full-time as a published author while raising my four kids on my own. I'm living my dream and loving every minute! (Although, I do miss my bookstore!!)

Be sure to check out the other blogger's suggestions at ...

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Happy Reading!

~Tricia

AMAZON

10-Year #AuthorAnniversary! The Witch and the Wolf turns 10 Today! #BookBirthday #PNR #paranormalromance

My writing journey has taken me to many romance subgenres including paranormal romance, gothic romance, fantasy romance, historical romance and more recently, sci-fi romance.
I've published short stories, novellas and novels. Series, standalone stories, anthologies and boxed sets.

It's my anniversary!!

My publishing began 10 years ago today! I can hardly believe it's been a decade since I became a published author.

I still remember getting the call, i.e. email from Callie Lynn Wolfe who became my editor from The Wild Rose Press. I had submitted The Witch and the Wolf for possible inclusion in an anthology they were putting together. While my manuscript didn't make the cut for the anthology, Ms. Wolfe kindly suggested I re-submit in the Black Rose category because she saw promise in my story. Not long after, I received the email offering to publish my book with The Wild Rose Press.

I was thrilled!

On July 21, 2010, The Witch and the Wolf entered the world. To say I was nervous is an extreme understatement. I was equally ecstatic and terrified. Up until then, I'd only published a few poems and won a few awards for short stories.

It was one of the major highlights of my entire life! I achieved my dream of publishing a book. I had two little boys and was pregnant with my daughter. Life was just beginning for my family and my career.

My publisher was amazing! My editor was wonderful! Patient and thorough. She answered all of my many questions. She introduced me to the relationship between author and editor. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher and guide. She is truly one of the best editors I've ever had the pleasure to work with!

Once the book was released, I worked on the sequel as the reviews trickled in. I held my breath as I read them, frightened and eager to witness the reaction of readers.

My debut book, The Witch and the Wolf received many fantastic 5-Star and 4-Star reviews!

"Tricia Schneider has earned a new fan in this reviewer! Her writing flowed with poetic mastery, keeping me glued to the pages from the beginning until 'the end.' She created an atmosphere ripe with desire; from a look, to an innocent touch, to the grand finale, the romance divine. I highly recommend paranormal romance fans to pick up their copy!"

~LynnMarie, Happily Ever After Reviews - 5 Teacups!

"I had a great time reading this tale and look forward to finding out what happens next. What a fun book!"

~Xeranthemum, Long and Short Reviews - 4.5 Stars!

"I enjoyed the story so much that I was sad to see it come to an end. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer as this is one story I know I will read over and over again."

~Theresa Joseph, The Romance Studio - 5 Hearts!

"The Witch and the Wolf grabs you in the beginning and holds you until the end. You will fall in love with the good guys and loathe the bad guys."

~Stacey Krug, Siren Book Reviews - 4.5 Siren Stones!

Read more reviews 

for The Witch and the Wolf here!

Now, here I am. Ten years later with 18 publications under my belt and more to come! I still find myself shocked that I'm really on this path today. It's truly a dream come true! Writing has always been my passion, and I'm so grateful that readers enjoy the stories my imagination conjures. 

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. I wouldn't be here without you!

The Witch and the Wolf 

Book 1 in The Merriweather Witches

Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.

Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press

Don't miss the rest of the Merriweather Witches as they search for love 

in Regency England!

The Witch and the Vampire

The Witch's Thief

The Witch's Kiss

I'm giving away a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card to celebrate my Author Anniversary!

Click here to ENTER!

Night of the Full Moon FREE for Newsletter Readers #PNR

Looking for a FREE book to enjoy?

Sign-up for my Romance Readers Newsletter and I'll send 

Night of the Full Moon to you for FREEEEE!

Clara Boyer's strict no-dating-policemen policy gets tested one full moon night when a dog darts across the road and she crashes her car. As she's counting her lucky stars she's not injured, a menacing growl echoes from the dark forest. Stuck on a lonely road, she needs help and there's only one man she can call. 

Officer Ethan Rakowski races to her rescue, but Clara discovers Ethan has been keeping dark, supernatural secrets. The animal she nearly hit isn't a stray dog, but something more sinister. If it's not destroyed, Clara may be its next victim.

How can a typical night after work go so wrong... or so right with the sexy cop who promises to keep her safe?

***A Stand-Alone Steamy Short Story Romance

Get Your FREE Copy Here

* * *

Why would you want to subscribe to my newsletter?

Well, I'm hoping that if you're reading this, then you might be interested in my books. Either you're a fan or someone who has stumbled across the link to my blog on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest or Instagram.

Or you just want a free book!

When you subscribe to my Romance Readers Newsletter, I'll send 1 to 2 emails a month, letting you know about my upcoming and new releases, contests and giveaways, free books and books on sale. I'll also share news about my writing journey and you'll be the first to see exclusive cover reveals for my books and boxed sets.

Love romance?

Then you're in the right place! I write many types of romance. Paranormal romance, historical paranormal romance, fantasy romance, sci-fi and alien romance, historical romance and gothic romance.

Witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, dragons, shifters, ghosts and, yes, aliens, too. I write contemporary-set paranormal romances and also paranormal romances set during Regency-era England. And there's a seductive pirate here and there, too.

The heroes I write may have dark pasts, but they're sexy and strong with inner hearts of gold. The heroines are sassy, smart and know what they want. When these two get together, sparks ignite and passions collide! Suspenseful and filled with romance, I guarantee these stories end with a happily-ever-after. 

Still not sure? That's okay! Check out my books on my website to see what I've published and if it's the right fit for you. 

Still want the book, but don't want to sign up for my newsletter? That's okay, too! You can also purchase Night of the Full Moon on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple or Kobo for only $0.99.

****Check your bookshelves first! If you purchased Heart of a Phoenix: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy and Reverse Harem Collection, then you already own Night of the Full Moon! Enjoy!

A New Sweet 'n Sexy Diva

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm a new Diva writing for Sweet 'N Sexy Divas. I'll be posting at the end of each month, but I encourage you to check out all the other writers as they chat about their books, their upcoming book releases, contests and other fun topics.

Today I introduced myself to their readers, so you can check out that post here to discover some interesting info about me and my writing. See you there!

Book Review: How to Make a Living as a Writer by James Scott Bell #writinglife #writingcraft #bookreview

How to Make a Living As a Writer by James Scott Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's the best time on Earth to be a writer

More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone.

Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing.

In How to Make a Living as a Writer, you'll learn the secrets of writing for profit and increasing your chances of making a living wage from your work. Here are some of the subjects covered:

- The 7 Secrets of Writing Success
- The 8 Essentials of Your Writing Business
- How to Reach Your Goals
- Keys to a Winning System
- How to Stay Relentless
- Unlocking Your Creativity
- How to Write More, Faster
- Comparing Traditional and Self-Publishing
- How to Go Traditional
- How to Go Indie
- How to Form Multiple Streams of Writing Income
- How to Write a Novel in a Month
- How to Choose Non-Fiction Subjects
- How to Keep a Positive Mental Attitude
- Resources for Further Study

And much more, all to help you write what you love and earn what you’re worth.

James Scott Bell has made a living as a writer for nearly two decades, and shares with you everything he knows about the best practices for turning your writing dream into a reality.

My Review:

I read this book in 3 days. If I didn't have a husband and 4 children who wanted food and clean clothes all the time, I would've finished it sooner. It's been a while since I've read a book on writing that has kept my attention as well as this one. I've read many books on the subject of writing and after a while it sometimes seems the same information is regurgitated in different ways by different authors.

However, I learned new things in this book. Tips I haven't tried before such as using a site with the sounds of a coffee shop as background noise while I write (FANTASTIC!). Also, methods for brainstorming that I haven't used in a long time, and frankly, forgot about, but work so wonderfully that I'm happy to be reminded of it so I can attempt them again. I've never heard of the LOCK system, so I'm eager to give that one a try. Personally, I enjoyed reading the sections on traditional publishing, self-publishing, and how to write a novella and short story the best. The examples used were excellent and informative.

Which brings me to the format of this book. The chapters are broken down in easy to locate sections, which I know will be essential when I re-read this (and I guarantee, I'll re-read this one). It's full of valuable information for both newbie writers and old pros. Perhaps the best piece of advice was given at the beginning of the book, how a writer should look at writing success as a game and not winning the lottery. That part lit a spark in my brain. Why hadn't I thought of it like that before?

The author's voice is entertaining to make this an easy, quick read, slowed down only by the need to jot down notes in a notebook. I wrote several pages of information I hope to make use of shortly. I'm the kind of writer who likes to try new ideas or methods to improve my writing. I'll never be finished with studying the craft, but finding a book like this one adds that little valuable something that makes me remember why I love writing so much.



View all my reviews

Now on Kindle! The Princess and the O by Felicia Forella

Here's another re-release from friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, Felicia Forella. I read The Princess and the O shortly after it was released the first time around and loved it! Now it's available on Kindle with a brand new cover! If you're a fan of spicy romance and haven't read any of Felicia's books, then you've got to check them out! They are hot! I could not put this one down!

What’s a girl got to do?

Princess Acelin of Timoria is staring down the barrel of her self-imposed deadline to marry and grant her father’s wish, her thirtieth birthday is less than a month away. She has been wined and dined by royalty from England to Monaco and everywhere in between. And she has yet to meet her Prince Charming, the man who can give her the one thing she longs for…an orgasm. She’s beginning to wonder if she’s asking for too much.

Is he the man for the job?

Prince Nolan of Bermine is beginning his leave from the Royal Air Force when his father drags him to the birthday celebration of the woman dubbed “the Promiscuous Princess” by the press. And finds himself tied up in knots over her. Now he just has to exert enough control to prove to her that she can indeed it all.

For more information about Felicia Forella and her books, check out her website or Facebook.

To purchase this book: Amazon Kindle.