Reading Reviews #IWSG #readers #bookreviews

 

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: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you? 

I don't like to admit this, but I'm such an insecure writer that any reader who responds with a positive review surprises me! I have such a bad case of imposter syndrome, I think with each book I publish readers will see what a horrible writer I am and call me out. With every 4 & 5 star review my books receive, I breathe a huge sigh of relief.

I was surprised by my first one-star review. Not because I received it, I had fully expected to find one with my debut book. That first one-star review arrived with my third book. 

I was surprised by my response to it. I had been fearful of the complete and utter devastation I would inevitably feel. I was afraid I would never want to publish my books ever again because of some scathing remark from some faceless reader.

Instead, I laughed.

Yes, I laughed at my first one-star review. And surprisingly still, I continue to laugh at the critical reviews I receive. Not because I'm some diva writer who laughs in the face of adversity, but because I am so much more critical of myself. These one-star reviews can never compare to the criticism I give to myself.

Sometimes, I agree with the reviewer. They make valid points that I did not see. Yes, maybe that character wasn't as heroic as I intended. Maybe that scene did not fit the storyline. Good point. Thank you for responding.

Good reviews are great for stroking a writer's ego, but sometimes the bad reviews give a writer more insight.

Another surprise I received from a reader was when they labeled my steamy romance as sweet and wholesome in a review.

But, my paranormal romance was filled with sex scenes, hot and sensual, definitely with the bedroom door held wide open. Not what I would ever classify as a sweet romance. When I think of sweet romance, that bedroom door is held firmly closed.

I was puzzled. It took me some time to figure that one out. That's when I started discovering other books labeled as steamy sweet. It's not exactly the sex scenes that are the issue here. 

The love shared between the characters is sweet, tender and wholesome. The romance where they fall in love is sweet.

But the characters also share sexy times, too!

Sweet and steamy!

Yes, I got it! That's totally what I write! It took a reader's review to make me look at my own writing in a new way.

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 ...

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Looking for a little escape? Check out this book!

books2read.com/AlienEmbrace/

Write the Story Until It's Done! #writingadvice #wordcount #IWSG

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: Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be." 

Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

 

This is an excellent question and one I struggle to find the answer to years ago.

When I first began writing, I wrote stories to fit the guidelines of the New York Big Book Publishers. Most of the guidelines for romances were around 70k - 80k words (if I remember correctly). There were some exceptions, but definitely none below 50k words.  

At that time, 50k - 80k felt like huge tomes for me to write. I'd been writing short stories just for fun and stretching a story to fit those kinds of word counts felt intimidating. Not to mention, with my busy life and work schedule, it would take me years to finish a full-length novel. 

I did it. And it did take years!

But then something strange happened. E-books became a thing. And with them came more variety with lengths and heat levels.

Suddenly, I wasn't grappling with how to stretch a story to fit such lengthy categories, now I was writing the story that felt right to me.

Some stories don't need to be told in epic lengths. Sometimes, 10k is enough. There's flash fiction that can be told in a hundred words! 

To me, the word counts don't matter and your story shouldn't be shoved to fit inside a box that it wasn't meant for. Write your stories until they're done.

That's it.

When your characters are finished telling their stories, then you know your job as a writer is done. Word counts, page lengths... None of that matters. 

The story matters.

Don't worry about not finding an audience for your work. Some readers like longer novels. Some readers just want a short story. I'm a former Waldenbooks bookseller, trust me, I know there is a reader for everything out there!

Strangely enough, 20 years later, the short story and novella-sized stories that I wrote so easily when I was starting out are now lengthening. My stories are growing with complexity and depth which make them longer to write. 

I joined an alien abduction romance boxed set, Stolen and Seduced, with a 5k - 20k word count limit. My personal goal was 10k, but the story took off and settled into a little over 20k. Thankfully, the co-ordinator is flexible with word counts.

I hadn't planned on writing a longer short story (I even outlined... a bit.). But at 10k, the characters weren't finished telling their story, so I simply followed along. 

As it stands, these characters touched me so much with their story, that I have a series planned now because of them. Those stories will probably be longer than 20k, but that's okay. It needs to be done.

As I said, my advice to writers is to write until the story is done. Don't worry about the word count. There's a reader out there for everything.

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!

   

#BookReview ~ The Miracle Morning for Writers: How to Build a Writing Ritual That Increases Your Impact and Your Income (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod #writinglife #writers

The Miracle Morning for Writers: How to Build a Writing Ritual That Increases Your Impact and Your Income (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Need to find more time to write--without sacrificing the important things? Looking to consistently discover great book ideas? Wish you could generate a steady income from your words...or increase what you already make?

The solution to these questions is to change what you do first thing in the morning. And that's why you should read The Miracle Morning for Writers: How to Build a Writing Ritual That Increases Your Impact and Income (Before 8AM).

The Miracle Morning for Writers combines Hal Elrod's global phenomenon with Steve Scott's proven writing habit techniques (which helped him get on the Wall Street Journal bestsellers list). You learn how to take charge of your morning and maximize "the rest of the day" for your writing efforts.

Here's what you'll discover in The Miracle Morning for Writers:
How a morning routine can change every area of your life (Including your health, happiness, finances and relationships).
The proven strategy for "finding the time" to write--even if you have a full-time job.
Our method for selling lots of books (and the 8-step process to build it).
Steve's favorite app for tracking your great ideas and researching your next book.
Hal's process for overcoming the limiting beliefs that hold you back from success.
"Flow state" and how it can forever eradicate writer's block.

You will also learn:
4 business models perfect for writers, how to get started, and which one we recommend.
The 10-step process for publishing a book that readers love.
6 tools for improving your writing skills.
2 techniques for doubling (even tripling) your daily word count total.
How to find the "80/20" of your book-based business.

The Miracle Morning for Writers is your key to building a writing habit that will increase both your income and the value you provide to the world.

My Review
This book is a fantastic addition to any writer's library. Whether you're just starting out and need a how-to book with simple steps or a veteran writer who wants to add to your collection of informative writing library, this book will satisfy you both.

I've been writing for nearly two decades, and enjoyed reading the The Miracle Morning for Writers. There are several tips that I intend to try and a few that I already have. It was interesting to learn about Life S.A.V.E.R.S. and I can see how beneficial such a program can be for a morning person.

I highly recommend this book for writers as well as the other books in this series. If this one is an example of the other Miracle Morning books, then I'm sure it will help anyone who is looking to change their life for the better.


View all my reviews

When Writers Have Wishes #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 haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

IWSG Asks: If you could use a wish to help you write just one scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? 

If authors had access to a genie in a magic lamp, the wish would be for the next big idea that will sell millions. Something along the lines of selling books as popular as Harry Potter.

This question is more challenging. Help with just one scene or one chapter?

The method I use to write is part panster, part plotter. I have an idea and I write everything I know about it. Whether that includes characters, setting, plot, goals, action pieces, love scenes, whatever. It's always different with each book. Usually, I'll have most of the parts to the story together before I begin. Those missing bits will work out while I write the story. That's the fun of writing and it's also the hardest because inevitably there's always a part when I have to ask the question I absolutely dread...

What happens next?

I don't know.

I'm only the author. I'm simply writing down the images and dialogue taking place in my head. It's not like I'm deciding on what happens. I'm just a conduit that the Universe or characters or whoever is using to tell stories. They pop into my head and I record them to the best of my ability.

I don't make any decisions about what happens. That's out of my control. The characters are telling these stories, not me.

Unfortunately, I've set aside quite a few stories because I didn't know the answer to...what happens next?

Not forever.

Otherwise, I'd never have anything published! But I set them aside to cook a little. I need time for the Universe to send my brain the answer. Eventually, something pops in there. I might be cutting the grass, shoveling snow, taking a walk, taking a shower or even wandering the isles at the grocery store when suddenly an image or a thought or a line of dialogue will shock me into standing still and gasping aloud, "That's it!"

I've probably startled many customers into thinking I'm a bit looney tunes.

And each story is different.

Typically, I often get stuck on endings. I have brilliant beginnings and the characters have it tough throughout the story until the bitter end. How will they get out of the pickle they've found themselves in? How will they end up happily-ever-after. (I write romances, in case you're new here.)

Hell, if I know.

Sometimes it's a character's viewpoint where I get stuck. I have a WIP that is sitting on the shelf because I don't know what the heroine's brother is going to do. He's involved in the plot. I don't know what or how he does it, but he needs to end up at that exact moment, at that exact spot to save his sister. The book is completely written except for that one single scene.

I have a shapeshifter story that is waiting for an ending. Those poor lovers are torn apart at the moment and I haven't a clue as how they're getting back together.

In The Wolf's Bride, the story included in the upcoming Guardian: A Limited Edition Collection of Wolf Shifters, the heroine's occupation troubled me. I couldn't figure out why Madeline was doing the things that she did until I realized that, no, she wasn't a simple governess after all, but something so much more. I had the whole story figured out except for that piece.

In The Witch and the Vampire, the beginning was too similar to what happened in the prequel, The Witch and the Wolf, with both heroine's struggling through a blizzard to get to the hero's houses. Suddenly, in a flash of inspiration, I realized Melora Merriweather's carriage overturned from the icy roads and the hero had to save her, not meet her calmly at the door to his house.

And how to break Marianne's curse in The Witch's Kiss? Well, it took me two books to figure that one out.

If I could have help with those scenes where I don't know what happens next, that would be brilliant! I'd love to be able to write stories faster. I love writing and I hope readers enjoy my books, too. But I want the stories to be the best they can be and if I have to wait a little for the answer to work its way into my brain, then that's what I'll do.

Until I find that magic lamp.

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!

Happy Writing!
~ Tricia 

Writing for fun, profit or other? #MFRWAuthor #writerslife

Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2019 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.

Week 1: "Writing - Doing it for fun, profit or other?"

I started a little late this year, but I plan to get caught up with the Marketing For Romance Author's 2019 Blog Challenge. Here goes...

I started writing for fun. Writing was another form of imaginative play when I was a child. My first series was about my brother's pet turtle, Gonzo, who was a detective, solving mysteries in our grandmother's backyard.

Eventually, my stories developed along with my own growth as a child into a teenager into an adult. After my mother died when I was 11, I found myself writing stories about a young girl with a troubling home life, usually with no mother. Writing became therapy for me. It helped me work through the struggles that I was facing. As a matter of fact, that hasn't really changed at all. I still consider my writing to be very therapeutic.

I didn't consider writing for profit until my senior year in high school when my creative writing teacher, Mr. McCormick, took me aside after class the one day. He told me that the short story that I had handed in had great potential to become a novel and I should consider publication one day. Up to that point in my life, I'd never considered writing as a career choice. Until then, writing was just for fun.

After that fateful day, I began reading books on the writing craft, I took writing courses and workshops, and I attended writing conferences. I began crafting my novels and submitting them to the big New York publishers. Although I received rejections, all of my submissions were returned with helpful insight and constructive criticism on how to strengthen my writing and requests to keep trying and resubmit.

I never gave up. It took a while before my confidence in my writing strengthened, but I continue to grow as a writer every day. I think we all do with each story we write. We learn distinct lessons from each manuscript we write.

Each year, my writing income grows. I consider myself blessed to be able to make money doing something that I love. Not everyone has that kind of opportunity.

So, in answer to the question... Yes. I write for fun, profit and therapy. All three.

Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!

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 

Happy Writing!

~Tricia

Work Attire for Writers = Clothing is Optional #MFRWAuthor #writinglife

Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.

Week 40: "What I Wear When I Write"

I bet that got your attention!

One of the benefits of working at home is you don't have to wear a uniform, a business suit or anything at all for that matter! Yes. If that's your thing, clothing is definitely optional when you're working in the privacy of your own home. No one will ever know if the latest novel you wrote was written while wearing your Birthday Suit. Unless, of course, you tell them!

For me, I have what I lovingly refer to as lounge wear. I have several pairs of yoga and running pants, along with a variety of comfy t-shirts. Among those are littered with sayings or designs from Doctor Who, Supernatural, Sherlock, The Walking Dead or several Disney Princesses. I think I may have a Star Wars shirt, too.

There are times when casual is just too casual and I don't feel in a work mood. Those days, I shower and get dressed in stretchy jeans and a nice button-down shirt. To get in the mood to write, I sometimes need to pretend that I have an actual job to go to, so I'll dress nicely for that. 

Still comfy though. Comfy is a priority in my life. I'm not a glamorous writer who wears sexy dresses and high heels. In fact, I don't really think I have any high heels, at all. I'm tall enough and sometimes those thing hurt! Sneakers are my thing. Barefoot is great, too, but I have little kids and there's always the terrifying threat of stepping on Lego's or Matchbox cars.

I'm about what feels good. If I wear skin-tight clothing, then it must be stretchy, because no way is my post 4x C-Section body in any shape for sexy skin-tight. I exercise, but I'm not a super model. I'm a mom with wide hips, big boobs and stretch marks. I realized several years ago that there are some clothes that I will never fit into again.

Which again, comes back to if you're a writer working from home, you can wear whatever you darn well please! As long as the kids are at school, anyway. Then have at it, by all means! Just get those words written!

Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!

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!

Happy Writing!

~Tricia

Publishing Paths #IWSG #writerslife

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: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why? 

When I started out the only path to publishing was through those industry giants in New York, the old gate-keepers of the publishing world. I began my journey by going to conferences and writing workshops, meeting with editors and agents and sending in my manuscript submissions upon request. I was fortunate to receive many positive rejections which I was assured by other writers was not the norm. Considering I was barely 20 years-old, I took that as a good sign that I was on the right track.

Then the internet erupted with the indie publishing revolution changed the landscape of the publishing world forever. An author friend, Catherine Bybee, whom I met on MySpace (remember that one?) recommended a small press publisher called, The Wild Rose Press, and the rest as they say is history. I have several of my romances published through them, but I also have a few short stories that have been published since by indie publishers.

One of my closest author friends, Ash Krafton, is urging me to go indie on my own and I believe that is the new path in my future. I think I'll be happy being a hybrid author although the process does feel intimidating. It's validating for me when an editor or publisher accepts your work and gives you the thumbs up that it's good writing with a marketable story. To self-publish is to declare to the world that I have complete confidence that my story is amazing without any acceptance from anyone in the industry. That's a confidence that I greatly admire in my self-published friends. Also, it's a costly endeavor, one that I hope to have the funds for one day soon.

In this startling new world, there are many paths for a writer to take. Not only are there indie and traditional publishing, but there are different formats for your writing to consider, it's not just print and ebooks now, but audio books, too. Who knows what else the future might hold?

I'm also open to the idea of screenwriting one day. In my younger days, I thought it would be the coolest thing ever to write an episode for one of my favorite TV shows like Doctor Who or Supernatural. Well, really, the first show I wanted to write for was Dark Shadows, but I was born too late for that one. Perhaps one day I might, even if it's a fan fiction version.

And, of course, writing alone is only one piece of the pie. Perhaps one day I'll hold a workshop or become a speaker for a writer's group. Teaching others about writing is a possible path, too. Maybe posting a YouTube video or two on writing. Who knows? I'm keeping my options open for my writing future.

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!

Happy Writing!
~ Tricia 

You've Got to Start Writing to Finish #NaNoWriMo #IWSG

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: Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?

Today is the start of NaNoWriMo! For anyone unfamiliar with NaNo, according to their website:

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your pants approach to creative writing 

On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. 

Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel

I've had the great pleasure and hair-pulling torment of having participated in NaNo for several years now. Some years I win, other years I barely manage an oddly mangled outline. However, I usually go on to finish those novels...eventually. I love participating in NaNo every year, despite having to struggle to find time to get those extra words written within this month. I'm not a fast writer. I'm a mother of four children ages 2, 7, 10, & 11. My family loves to keep me busy and on my toes with very little free time to call my own. I don't have the writing time like I used to even when I worked management in retail full-time. However, I love writing and I enjoy supporting other writers with their goals which makes this a fun event for me even if I'm not keep up with my word count goal.

Some writers are blessed to have families and friends who support their writing endeavors. Some writers struggle to find 10 minutes of their day to scribble a few lines. Whether we write 50 words or 5000 words a day, we are all writers. The important thing is to start writing! Equally important, in my mind, is to finish what you start!

That's what I think is so important about NaNo. There are many people out there who have always wanted to write a novel. This is a great time to start! When you have so many others encouraging you to keep going! Don't give up! Write that story!

And among those many people out there who have started writing, how many actually finish their projects? Those are the true winners! Whether they do it in a month or a year, I don't think it matters. To finish a WIP is one of the greatest accomplishments and one of the best feelings in the world.

Having that novel published? Icing on the cake!

I've had two of my NaNo projects published. The Witch's Thief and The Witch's Kiss. Hopefully, I'll have more to add to that list soon.

Do you NaNo? If you do, you can check out my NaNoWriMo profile and we'll write every day this November! Have you finished or published any of your past writing projects? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to check them out!

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? 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!

Happy Writing!

Tricia

How Writing Changed the Way I Read #IWSG #writinglife

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: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader? 

There was a time in my life when I could read a 300 page book in a day. I'd absorb every word, engrossed in the tale the author wove in my head, morphing myself into the main character to experience all the wonderful and often life-threatening adventures and if it was a romance, falling head over heels in love with the hero.

Then I started to study the craft of writing. I began to learn how those authors wove those fantastical tales.

I learned how a writer writes.

Instead of reading to lose myself into a book, I began studying the placement of those words, learning how the author created a world where the reader could find those adventures. I learned why they chose to reveal certain characteristics and events at the times they did. How they created the descriptions for the settings and the people in their stories. I discovered how plots work and all the intricacies involved with back story, foreshadowing, hero's journeys and 3-act structures.

Essentially, I'll never read books in the same way ever again.

Now, when I read a book its with a critical editor-like eye. Every story I read has become a textbook for the craft of novel writing. I learn what the author does that makes the story work, but what's worse is that I see the mistakes the author makes, too!

I've begun to anticipate certain actions and plot-points to the point where I can predict what will

happen next (which ruins a mystery, believe you me!). Sometimes I catch grammar mistakes that make it past all those people in the process of creating a book and I cross my fingers with hope that I don't have any of those in my books. Sometimes the author's words don't grip me with that magical wonderment that I had before and no matter how I try, I can't lose myself into the story. I see too much that pulls me out of it. I uncover character faults, badly written dialogue, and head-hopping POV.

Who knew head-hopping point-of-view could be so distracting?! It never bothered me before and now I can't stand it!

Now, that I've learned and practiced how to read a novel from a writer's perspective, its extremely difficult to turn off that mini-editor in my head. I'd love to slap a hand over her mouth to shut her up so that I can finally enjoy losing myself into a novel again, even a badly written one. The pleasure that reading brings is one of the reasons I started off on this path in the first place. However, I'm still learning with every book I read. Whether its written by a bestselling author or someone who is newly published, I'm still learning about the writing craft. And I sincerely hope that reading those books helps my own writing abilities grow.

It's difficult being a writer! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I have list of my favorite authors, the ones that I'm able to lose myself in their stories that keep my internal editor on a leash, and I've put them on my automatic to-buy list. To my extreme sorrow, I hesitate to read new-to-me authors these days. But, that doesn't mean I give up on them. It's one of the reasons that I think book reviews are so important. Those reviews give readers a chance to find out if that author and story is a right fit for them. I read a lot of book blogs and review sites. I chat with people on Facebook and Twitter to discover new authors. And I absolutely love Goodreads! So many great groups on there all dedicated to books. Also, I love reading anthologies. Often, I'll buy an anthology for one of my favorite authors, but those short stories give me a taste of a new-to-me author's writing style. I recently got hooked on a couple of new favorite authors by reading Holly and Hopeful Hearts by Bluestocking Belles this winter.  

As a thank you to those fantastic authors, for their talent and hard-work, I started writing reviews. I also want to help fellow readers find those valuable reading gems that are able to magically sweep them off their feet and into another world. I hope to help readers find great books to read, and I hope to help authors find those very special readers. Really, book reviewing feels just like an extension of my old day job as a bookseller. Instead of speaking to a reader face-to-face to tell them what kinds of books are sitting on our bookstore shelves, its the review that helps lead them to virtual bookshelves. And if I can help readers find a way to escape into another world for a short time, with either my own books or another author's books, then I feel very good indeed.

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? 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!

Happy Reading!

Tricia