Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Up, Up, and Away. Ready for 2015? What Worked and What didn't in 2014 #amwriting @AyalaRachelle


It's that time again, out with the old and in with the new. A good time to keep what worked from 2014 and dump what doesn't work. Okay, enough with the philosophy. I don't make New Year's resolutions because change is an ongoing process and face it, most resolutions last a week or a month if lucky. Instead, I'll give you a list of what worked in 2014 and what didn't work, mostly related to my writing, but also personal growth.

What Worked:
1. Positive Thinking and Affirmation. My life is lived one moment at a time, and I can choose at each moment to make it positive or negative. I can also choose to make other people's lives positive. Taking a page from Dylan Jewell, hero in Whole Latte Love, I decided that I would simply be happy and make others happy. From letting others cut the line at the grocery store, to liking my friends' status updates, to praises and affirmation to those around me, it's been a great choice.

2. Living in the Moment. The only moment you can influence in your life is right now--the present. While writing Roaring Hot, I learned how my hero, Teo Alexiou, can fearlessly ride a speeding motorcycle around dangerous and challenging tracks by being totally immersed in the present. It is the only point of control he has with his bike. He is infinitely aware of everything and lets it go as soon as it has passed.

3. Fill Your Journey with Friends and Traveling Companions. This year, 2014, I discovered group writing--sharing and having people comment on my first draft a chapter or scene at a time. In the past, writers were advised to write their first draft in isolation, not showing or sharing their ideas with anyone lest it dampen their spirit or dissuade them from pursuing their story further. This is probably true if the people they are showing or discussing it with are negative people who tell them all the reasons why such and such won't work. However I've found that if I surround myself with positive people who are affirming and encouraging, then I am spurred to write faster and more imaginative work by sharing my ideas. The act of sharing for me creates new and better, or at least more outrageous ideas. It's like having a audience prods me to excel. Join my writing group, Romance In A Month, or start your own! You'll be glad you did.

The proof? In 2012, I published two novels and one nonfiction.
2013: Two novels and one multi-author boxed set
2014: Four novels, four novellas, two nonfiction books, started a writing class, Romance In A Month, and joined two multi-author boxed sets.

Not only did I write more, I also made more friends, visited more people, went more places, and had more experiences because of my three guiding principles.

What Didn't Work or No Longer Worked:
1. Hanging out in Online Forums where Writers Congregate. This year has been full of negative news as far as writing and publishing are concerned. There are complaints about algorithms, the Amazon-Hachette debate, authors taking sides, the moaning about Kindle Unlimited, Scribd, and Oyster. None of these debates are particularly helpful, especially to a little author like me who is not well known, and only serves as procrastination in the guise of "learning the market."

2. Detailed Critiques by a group of strangers. I learned a lot from critiques and spent most of 2011-2013 as a top contributor at CritiqueCircle.com. It's where I honed my craft, made friends, and learned how to write and revise. It worked for me at the beginning and I recommend it as a great way to get detailed feedback from a varied group of writers and aspiring writers. You quickly learn that everyone thinks differently, and that what works for one person does not work for another. But after putting Whole Latte Love through Critique Circle, and subjecting myself to over seven, or is it eight revisions with plot changes and whiplash, I realized, that I had to be strong and convicted about my vision, that I knew how to tell my own story.

3. Marketing and Promoting Excessively. This site [see the top bar] has a giant list of marketing and promotion sites. I have used almost all of them, more than 90%. I spent most of 2012 and 2013 promoting, doing giveaways, short-term price drops, blogging, blog touring, and tweeting. All of this time could have been spent writing and meeting readers who remember me. I realized that the techniques of mass media, i.e. of the late twentieth century, of getting your name out there (by repeated exposure), does not work when there are millions of names shouting just as loudly. This year, I went back to basics. I started a fan club, worked on my mailing list, and personally engaged readers who write to me. I've gotten to know readers from India to Portugal to Australia, and even though the numbers are small, the interaction is richer and more satisfying. Not to mention, I have people willing to beta read for me and give me early feedback. When Romancing Christmas released, I offered everyone in my mailing list a free copy. The ones who took the gift got an early Christmas gift and I got to "spread happiness." It worked great.

My 2014 Crop:


Join my private reader's club Club Rachelle Ayala here. Or get on my mailing list [here] to be notified of new releases, giveaways, and updates.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

So... your turn. What worked for you and what will you drop? As the critiquers on Critique Circle are fond of saying, "Keep what works, drop what doesn't."

Monday, December 29, 2014

#NewRelease AROUSED and DESIRED by Jade Kerrion #contemporary #romance #novella








Title: Aroused
Author: Jade Kerrion
 Release Date: December 29, 2014




Synopsis




Recently divorced, Dr.
Vera Rios is too busy navigating the potholes of single parenthood to
look for Mr. Right, but along comes a man who cherishes her, adores her
daughter, and helps her find her sexy groove. The only problem: Mr.
Perfect is an escort.

Rowan Forrester conceals many other
secrets, one of which threatens the happiness he finds with Vera. Can
love find a way, or will Vera have to choose between her beloved
daughter and the man of her dreams?








Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK



Review

Vera Rios is a single mother, a doctor, and lonely. But she doesn't have time for dating or relationships, especially when she's coparenting her daughter with her not so nice ex-husband.

During her volunteer hours at a free clinic, she runs into Rowan who's getting screened for STD's and charms her into a date. The only problem? She thinks he's a male escort.

Vera fights her attraction to Rowan, but who can resist such male pulchritude? She falls for him, only to discover he's hiding some horrible secrets, the type that can cause her to lose her daughter.

What is love worth to Vera? Can Rowan clear his name? Read Aroused and find out.

What struck me most in reading Jade Kerrion's romance debut is the clear, clean writing and gut-wrenching plot. There are no wasted words, and the pacing is fast and engaging. I'm really excited about the Life Shocks series and will be reading more.




Title: Desired
Author: Jade Kerrion
 Release Date: December 29, 2014




Synopsis




At seventeen, Gabriel
Cruz and Valeria Trevino exchanged promise rings and agreed on the grand
plan for their life, including marriage, children, and a
happily-ever-after. Twenty years later, “The Plan” is on track, and a
key milestone—Gabriel’s partnership in a law firm—is within grasp, but
Valeria derails their shared lives by demanding a divorce.

Valeria
can’t explain her decision, but she is compelled by a desperate need
for something more than they had agreed upon. What can they do when the
foundation of their grand plan crumbles beneath them?








Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK




Author Bio






Jade Kerrion writes award-winning and occasionally best-selling
science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels anchored on unlikely romances
you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. Her favorite romance is
the Double
Helix
love triangle between Galahad—the lab-created perfect human
being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the
woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate





Sign up for Jade’s New
Release Mailing List
for news of giveaways, contests, and new releases.





 


Author Links

Giveaway

Friday, December 26, 2014

#CharacterInterview Alexi on Jesse, her Hero to Swoon From from WILD IRISH RIDE by Jennifer Saints


Alexi tingled as she looked at the rugged face and chiseled chest of the man who’d just saved her from falling. Half a day’s stubble covered his rough jaw, and his deep sea-blue eyes, crinkled at the corners from the sun, warily assessed her then stared at her mouth. He was hard and smooth all over, she thought studying how the nuances of light and shadow played upon his muscles. Her gaze drifted lower, following the dark line of silky hair as her fingers tingled with the need to touch.
    Her body thrummed to the vibrant, sensual display of maleness before her that drew her deeper into the past.
    Tension oozed from him. She had no trouble connecting the man to the wild devil who’d led her astray years ago then broke her heart.
    She refused to think about the last time she'd touched him, but she had no will where Jesse was concerned. The scene from her bedroom played in her mind, making her want to fall into his arms all over again.

“Lexi, you don’t know what you’re asking for.”
“Please, Jesse.”  She pressed her yearning body against him.  “Please.”
“Damn,” he whispered.  “Just damn.”  He kissed her back then.  Kissed her all the way back to fall on her bed. 

Wild Irish Ride is Book #10 in Heroes to Swoon For Boxed Set: 11 Sizzling Contemporary Romances




We all need a hero! Preferably a hot, muscled, romantic one who's not afraid to fight for the woman he loves. From firefighters to athletes, and artists to rockers, these swoon-worthy heroes will keep you on your toes and weak in your knees. Slip into a reading adventure that will have you panting for more: fun, steam, and thrills.

Authors include:

Jade Kerrion, Chantel Rhondeau, 
Rachelle Ayala, Lyssa Lane,
Michele Shriver, P.C. Zick, K.S. Thomas,
Stacy Eaton, Melinda Curtis, Jennifer
Saints, and Julie Leto

Thursday, December 25, 2014

What's Rachelle Up to? Holiday Edition - #Christmas Gift to all my #Readers


First of all, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful year and that many blessings are in store for you next year. It's been a fruitful year for me. I published ten books: 4 full-length novels, 4 novellas, 2 non-fiction writing books, and 2 multi-author boxed sets.



In January, I joined Mina Esguerra's #buqosteamyreads class. The aim was to write a steamy romance in a few months. I really got into the class camaraderie and wrote and published my first story in 25 days.




Taming Romeo, Sánchez Sisters Book #1 - Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak when she runs into Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Now a movie star, Romeo reignites her love with romance and skillful lovemaking. But is the fantasy real or revenge?





April, I finished Whole Latte Love - A career oriented young woman has no time for distractions—especially the sexy, guitar-playing barista she rooms with. But how can she resist his hot looks, lattes, and heart for the homeless? Set in Berkeley, California, this opposites-attract romance mixes bluesy rock music, hot, steamy love scenes, and financial shenanigans.


From May 15 to June 15, I ran my first Romance In A Month class with about twenty-five authors where we encouraged and cheered each other on while writing a romance in a month. Nine books were finished from that first class, and since then, another twenty have been written. Total for the year: 29 books from 13 authors [ranging from 1 to 6 stories from May to December].


Romance in a Month: Guide to Writing a Romance in 30 Days. Learn the basics of writing a romance: characterization, plot points, motivation and goals, and how to speed up your writing by using common romance tropes and archetypes. Exercises, slides, and examples are also included to guide you in creating your own unique romance in a short period of time, and do it again, and again.

After that, I wrote a series of novellas and published them over the summer.

#Played Novellas - featuring hot men in sports and feisty heroines doing their thing.

Played by Love. Soccer goalkeeper, Jaden Sloup, has his eye on Ella Kennedy, a woman who won’t date jocks or frat boys. He pretends to be a techno-geek to win her heart. When a bully harasses Ella and challenges Jaden to a fight, he proves that even a goalie can score.

Playing the Rookie. Jessica Song and baseball rookie Jay Pak Ahn agree to a week of enchanting, starry-eyed dates and rebound sex to get over their exes. When their affair threatens Jay’s position on the team and exposes Jessica’s past hurts, what will they sacrifice for true love?


In August, I was asked by the Killer Romances team to join a Christmas boxed set, Romancing Christmas. I wrote A Father for Christmas and published it in September.

A Father for Christmas - (Holiday Romance)

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.

From then, I was on a roll. We had another Romance In A Month class and I organized another multi-author boxed set Heroes to Swoon For.



In October, I published Claiming Carlos, the story I worked on in the May Romance In a Month class.

Claiming Carlos – Choco and Carlos have been friends forever. When flashy restaurant consultant flirts with Choco and changes her image, Carlos aims to claim Choco’s heart by cooking hot, spicy, and steamy.

November, the Romancing Christmas boxed set was published and I submitted Roaring Hot, the story I wrote in the September Romance In A Month class, to the Heroes to Swoon For set.

Roaring Hot! A playboy motorcycle racer hires an aspiring actress when he is challenged by his grandmother to bring a real girlfriend to her birthday party.

One of the favorite features in my Romance In A Month class, is the daily character question. I would post a question and the class members would answer about what their character would or wouldn't do. This turned out to be a great motivator for deepening characters and many people said it stimulated additional scenes or even story directions. So in November, while waiting for the Heroes Boxed set to publish, I compiled the questions I had in the class with additional ones and published it.

366 Ways to Know Your Character: A Romance In A Month Workbook. Revolutionize your writing with living, breathing characters you and your readers will remember long after the dust settles on "The End." Each question in this workbook is designed to draw you deeper into your character’s psyche. It doesn’t matter whether the answer jumps out at you or that you must painfully dig it out. Either way, you will win new insights into your characters until they feel and act like real people.

I finished the year with an explosive December. The Heroes to Swoon For set was published first and we had an enjoyable two days of partying.

I thought I'd close out the year with Roaring Hot, my billionaire motorcycle romance.

But as the year wound down, I got inspired at the Heroes To Swoon For launch party to do one more story, a Christmas story. On December 9th, I started a brainstorming session with the members of my private reader's club [Club Rachelle Ayala] and wrote Christmas Flirt, posting the chapters and receiving comments as I went. Now, I had a goal to finish it by Christmas. I wasn't sure if I could do it, but the club members kept me going by waiting impatiently for the next chapter. On December 18, I finished my first draft and sent to my beta readers Dec 20-22. Incredibly, 7 out of 9 readers gave me their detailed feedback and comments. I revised and edited Dec 22-23 and uploaded to Amazon on the evening of Dec 23. They published it Dec 24, and voila! I did it. 10 books published in 2014.

Christmas Flirt! Naughty girl Lacy Reed gets more than she bargained for when her naked selfies turn up on her boss’s phone. What will it take for her to get her Christmas wish to come true?

Now, for the Christmas Gift! Both Played by Love and Christmas Flirt are FREE on Amazon from December 25th to December 27th! So Merry Christmas to all, and may 2015 be blessed and prosperous.




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas Eve - Christmas Flirt is ready for Club Rachelle Ayala members #holiday #romance

I did it! Yesterday afternoon, I finished my 43,000 word LAST MINUTE Christmas romance - Christmas Flirt, and uploaded it to Amazon. Since they are on holiday hours, it may not be available soon, BUT, this means you all get to read it FREE. Join my private Reader's Club on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClubRachelleAyala/] and all 18 chapters are available for you to read BEFORE Santa comes down the chimney.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+** 

Lacy Reed has been a very naughty girl. What does Santa have in store for her? Join my Reader's Club and find out!


Christmas Flirt - (A Holiday Romance)
Lacy Reed is the ultimate bad girl, and she doesn't care what anyone thinks--until her naked selfies show up on her boss's cell phone.

Brandon Cole never smiles, ever. Not even when Lacy's indecent pictures appear on his phone. He's got an image and reputation to protect. Already a VP before age thirty, he doesn't need flirtatious and nosy Lacy to get close and discover his well hidden secret.

When hackers break into their company's network, Lacy and Brandon walk into a trap where Brandon's past catches up with him. What will he risk to free himself in a gamble that Lacy's flirting has turned to love and grant him his secret Christmas wish?

Amazon Link will be posted when available, but read it now at Club Rachelle Ayala
News Flash: They posted it! But you can still read free at my club.


Monday, December 22, 2014

Will Santa bring Christmas Flirt down the chimney this year? #amwriting #amediting

Earlier this month, I decided to challenge myself to writing and publishing a steamy Christmas novella (42,000 words) by Christmas. Last night, my beta readers gave me an earful, and I have stuff to change. But it's all for the better. Then it's editing and formatting. Will I make it by Christmas? Fingers crossed. I still have cooking, cleaning, present wrapping to do too. Watch this spot on Christmas Day to see if I succeeded. Meanwhile, may all your Christmas preparations be awesome and fun!

Christmas Flirt - (A Holiday Romance)
Lacy Reed is the ultimate bad girl, and she doesn't care what anyone thinks--until her naked selfies show up on her boss's cell phone.

Brandon Cole never smiles, ever. Not even when Lacy's indecent pictures appear on his phone. He's got an image and reputation to protect. Already a VP before age thirty, he doesn't need flirtatious and nosy Lacy to get close and discover his well hidden secret.

When hackers break into their company's network, Lacy and Brandon walk into a trap where Brandon's past catches up with him. What will he risk to free himself in a gamble that Lacy's flirting has turned to love and grant him his secret Christmas wish?

Friday, December 19, 2014

It's Release Day for Teo and Amy - the new hot couple from ROARING HOT motorcycle racing romance by Rachelle Ayala

Hey Everyone! Today's the day to meet Teo and Amy in motorcycle racing romance, Roaring Hot!


Teo Alexiou is an arrogant playboy who gets what he wants. He meets his match in actress Amy Suzuki, a woman he hired to play his girlfriend. The fun starts when he falls for her, and suddenly, the billionaire bad boy is wishing she’d cut the act and show him her true heart.

Swoon for Teo, an intense motorcycle racer on the competitive MotoGP race circuit and cheer for Amy on her first acting gig - a reality show called Romancing the Racer.


Roaring Hot is available on Amazon, Nook, and Kobo for 99c or read FREE with Scribd subscription.

Get your copy today and see why Zen and Motorcycle Racing is the new HOT!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Knowing Vera wins 2015 Angie Award Multicultural Outstanding Author for Rachelle Ayala

I'm honored to announce that my romantic suspense, Knowing Vera, has won the Angie Awards in the category of Multicultural romance. Vera and Zach overcome a lot of obstacles in their search for true love.

I'm blown away by the recognition of winning the Outstanding Author in Multicultural Romance 2015 with my book, Knowing Vera, a love story involving a disabled athlete. What an honor to be among such fantastic writers who are pushing the boundaries to tell the stories that need to be told. I'm inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk to ensure multiple stories for people of all cultural backgrounds. I appreciate the stories of all the people around me, and I love a good romance no matter the circumstances. Thank you, Angeline Bishop, and all the fabulous people who made this award possible.


Picture
The AMB Awards provide honors and recognition of authors’ outstanding achievements in the multicultural romance literary profession.






Nomination Thanks:

A heartfelt thanks to B. Esposito for nominating me and my story. I was surprised when my friends notified me of the nomination, but after hearing your story and that of your boyfriend, I was overjoyed by how Vera and Zach's romance had been able to touch you and uplift you during such trying circumstances. Both of you are very courageous, and with love and faith, everything's possible. Thanks, thanks, thanks. I can't say it enough. I'm humbled and grateful that I've spread a ray of sunshine through my writing.

Listen to what she has to say about Knowing Vera.

Nominated by B. Esposito "I was searching for a book like this after my longtime boyfriend lost his leg after he was in a horrific car accident. The rehabilitation has been long and hard, and in many ways I needed a novel that could help me escape and also give me a glimpse of a couple with the same obstacles to overcome. I enjoyed Vera and Zach's love story. At first glance, you think Vera is a very strong woman, but once you begin to read, you'll understand how really broken she is. I love how these characters overcome many challenges to get back together. I love the way the characters are well developed and how fast paced the story is. I really hope Ms. Ayala receives an AMB Ovation Award, because this novel is a sizzling tale of love and intrigue."


For more information and reviews, please go to http://rachelleayala.me/books/booksknowing-vera/

Monday, December 15, 2014

#CharacterInterview Colie Adger on Grant Adamson, her Hero to Swoon For from The Right Pitch by Lyssa Layne #sports #romance


"Grant Adamson-He is totally hardheaded! I know a woman working in a man's world, but I can handle my own. Of course, I don't mind running my hands all over his sexy, sculpted body and that sexy eyebrow scar-ugh! Sometimes, he makes it so hard to focus on my job."~Colie



“Life will always throw you curves, just keep fouling them off ... the right pitch will come, but when it does, be prepared to run the bases.” 
-Rick Maksian 

Colie Adger is trying to make it in the big leagues as an athletic trainer. Working in a man's world isn't easy but Colie has the help of Grant Adamson, a veteran pitcher on her team that has her back through the good, the bad, and the oh-so-ugly times. 

Colie's elated when big time pitcher Jace Richards, her former crush, comes back into her life. This time, he wants it all, with Colie front and center. 

Grant thinks Jace is too good to be true and doesn’t trust his rival with the heart of his trainer. Voicing his opinion, Grant steps to the side and lets Colie follow her own path. Colie is torn between Jace's lavish attention and the common sense of a solid friend. 

Throughout the season, Colie must figure out how to make the best decisions for all the men in her life—both on and off the field. As good as she is at making decisions for others, can Colie figure out her own heart and hit a homerun off the right pitch?

by Lyssa Layne


The Right Pitch is Book #5 in Heroes to Swoon For Boxed Set: 11 Sizzling Contemporary Romances




We all need a hero! Preferably a hot, muscled, romantic one who's not afraid to fight for the woman he loves. From firefighters to athletes, and artists to rockers, these swoon-worthy heroes will keep you on your toes and weak in your knees. Slip into a reading adventure that will have you panting for more: fun, steam, and thrills.

Authors include:

Jade Kerrion, Chantel Rhondeau, 
Rachelle Ayala, Lyssa Lane,
Michele Shriver, P.C. Zick, K.S. Thomas,
Stacy Eaton, Melinda Curtis, Jennifer
Saints, and Julie Leto