Ann Simas launches her newest book Fortune's Cookie

Welcome back to the talented Ann Simas!

Ann Simas lives in Eugene, Oregon, but she is a Colorado girl at heart, having grown up in the Rocky Mountains. An avid word-lover since childhood, she penned her first fiction “book” in high school. The author of 42 novels, one novella, and one short-story collection, she particularly likes to write a mix of mystery/thriller/suspense, with a love story and sometimes, paranormal or supernatural elements. 

In addition to being a three-time Romance Writers of Amer­ica Golden Heart Finalist, Ann is also an award-winning watercolorist and budding photographer who enjoys doing needlework in her spare time. She is her family’s “genealogist” and has been blessed with the opportunity to conduct first-hand research in Italy for both her writing and her family tree. The genealogy research from century’s-old documents, written in Italian, has been a supreme but gratifying and exciting challenge for her.

Website and Social Media Links

 

Website        https://annsimas.com

Facebook      https://www.facebook.com/Ann-Simas-Author-410011319127684/

BookBub       https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-simas

Goodreads    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7039844.Ann_Simas

Amazon        https://amazon.com/author/annsimas

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

I have staying power, By that, I mean I have dozens and dozens of book ideas rumbling around in my head. Some are started, others are nothing but a title, and some are a title and a one-liner, or even a paragraph. Fortune’s Cookie, to be released on May 19, 2023, fell into that final category. You can preorder the ebook on Amazon, or email me at ann@annsimas.com to order a signed paperback. If you don’t care if it’s signed, the paperback is also available from Amazon.

Another strength I have is writing good dialogue. What occurs to me is what I write. Afterward, I go over it (and over it), making sure it’s even better. In Fortune’s Cookie, the two main characters, Brynn and Rafe, exchange some amusing dialogue, which is always fun to write.

My final strength is that I’ve always been a daydreamer. I know, you’ve never thought daydreaming could be a strength, but for me, it is. I never know where my imagination is going to take me!

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

Usually, I write anywhere from five to seven days a week. However, I have a family, and they come first. My routine isn’t exactly strict, but I try to write at least two chapters a day. If I’m on a roll, it’s more, and if I’m not, it’s less.

I release three to four books a year now, so I write as much as I can. I also create my own book covers, which is (usually) fun. Sometimes, however, it can be aggravating, too, until I get the right mix. I have an editor (Nancy Jankow) who keeps me on the straight and narrow, and my husband, Frank, makes sure all my mechanical/gun stuff is right.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

In five years, I hope to have 60 books written. My hope is that readers never tire of reading what I’ve written, but let’s face it. I can’t go on writing forever, although if there’s an opportunity to write in the Hereafter, I’ll take it!

If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

Don’t give up! Writing can be difficult, and then you wait and wait for a reply from the publishing house, or the agent, or readers. Don’t know what to do while you’re waiting? If you’re serious about writing, start working on the next book!

I started out with Harlequin/Silhouette (The Sugar Cup/Annie Sims), but life got in the way and I wrote only sporadically. After I left my last job, I decided to write fulltime. By then, indies were a thing, and Amazon had entered the publishing market, so I decided to try my hand at being an indie author. I haven’t regretted it, though I don’t make as much money, but hey, that’s the way life is! I like being an indie author and I like being my own boss, though sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to do my own marketing.

Whichever route you decide to take, whether as an indie or a publishing-house author, remember this: Always give it your best.

What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?

I love it when readers tell me they couldn’t put the book down…not to eat, or sleep, or feed their husband or pets. It thrills me when they like the twisty-turny events in the book. I smile when they comment on the romantic elements of the story. I smile even bigger when they mention the book made them laugh out loud. I’m blown away when they tell me how many times they’ve read my books. I absolutely love my readers!

What are you working on now?

I just finished Torched to Die (book 9, Grace Gabbiano Mysteries), which will be released on July 28. These are my best-selling books, followed by Fossil, Colorado Books, and Christmas Valley Romances. I started another new series in November 2022 entitled Sugar Plum Creek Holiday Books. They’ll be released throughout the year (not in any specific order), and revolve around a holiday. Released so far are Merry Witchy Christmas and Stupid Cupid (the titles always reflect the holiday in the book).

Fortune’s Cookie is the first book in my latest series, The Bly Family. Fortune’s Cookie is a rom-com thriller about Brynn and Rafe. Up next is Diaper Dude (Derry and Knox, 2024), and after that, Sweet Talk (Casey and Gabe, 2025). I haven’t got Mollie’s story figured out yet. I’m also debating writing their mother’s (Egan and Flynn) story, or let it come naturally through the other books. All For Love, a stand-alone romantic thriller, will be released on October 20. 

 

FORTUNE'S COOKIE

mybook.to/FortunesCookie

 

TORCHED TO DIE (Grace Gabbiano Mysteries #9) 

mybook.to/Torch-to-Die

ALL FOR LOVE 

mybook.to/All-For-Love 

 

Ilona Fridl introduces her books Prime Catch and A Balancing Act

 

Welcome to Facebook friend and amazing author, Ilona Fridl!

Ilona Fridl was born in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, where she lived the first twenty-one years of her life. In high school and college, she took Journalism and Creative Writing. She moved with her family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she met her husband, Mark. They started a locksmithing business and raised a daughter to adulthood. All the while, she dreamed about being a writer, but she hated typewriters. In the nineties, they purchased their first computer, and she never looked back. With some articles and short stories under her belt, she started her first novel. The eighth book is just being released by The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, and a student of AllWriters in Waukesha, Wisconsin. 

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.ilonafridl.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/IFridl 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062913266892&show_switched_toast=true&show_switched_tooltip=false

 

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

I love to do research, and try to get the historical theme in my stories as true to the times as I can. The way I storytell, I visualize the scenes like I was directing a movie. I've been told that the readers feel like they were there with the characters.

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

Running a business with my husband, I have to write when I can. I try to find some time in the day to write.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

As a woman of my age, seventy-three, I think instead of writing as long as I can. I've always said, I wish I would have started at a younger age.

If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

No matter how many rejects you get on a manuscript, never give up.

What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?

That they can visualize the story and characters as they read the book.

What are you working on now?

I've departed somewhat from the straight historical romance, and ventured into the fantasy genre with a historical slant.

Thank you for hosting me on your wonderful blog!

 You're welcome! Any time. 

 

PRIME CATCH

Someone is killing executives in a string of Alaskan canneries. Is it natives because their food supply is being cut short? Or is there another reason, another culprit? With racial tension running high, Juneau 's Sheriff Amos Darcy, a man of few words, is going to find out who it is, come hell or high water.
Deputy Sarah Lakat, a Tlingit woman, knows her job, but she wants to prove her people aren't responsible for these vicious crimes. Her family and childhood friends give her access to clues the white sheriff would never have discovered, though, and she has to realize justice must be served no matter who the murderers are.
Amos is married to his work and Sarah was badly hurt by a man in her past, yet as they work together in the investigation they grow close, facing danger and discrimination together. Can they solve the case even as they fight their attraction to each other? 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Catch-Ilona-Fridl-ebook/dp/B00DNOKG90/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3IUI4D7ELJTU3&keywords=ilona+fridl&qid=1653936641&sprefix=Ilona+Fridl%2Caps%2C1323&sr=8-3

 

A BALANCING ACT

Lenora LaRue, Bareback Rider Extraordinaire, is the star of her family’s circus—until a cyclone hits. A main tent pole falls on her during the storm, and when her injuries require the loss of her leg, her family abandons her, believing she is of no further use to them.

John Mallory, the young surgon who does the necessary operation, decides to help her readjust to the real world, against his father's advice. John takes her to his aunt’s sanitarium in the resort city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, where the two of them undertake to teach Lenora how to live outside the harsh circus culture that has been her whole life. He sets up a practice in the town to be near her, positive that rehabilitation is possible. As a woman doubly cursed by society as both a cripple and a former circus performer, Lenora is not so sure. She struggles to learn social skills…but can she learn what love is, too?

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Act-Ilona-Fridl-ebook/dp/B07DBHZBLK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=EMFEQZ50PSAU&keywords=ilona+fridl&qid=1655925847&sprefix=Ilona+Fridl%2Caps%2C1014&sr=8-6

Are you tired of reading dull as dishwater books about organizing your writing career? Katie O'Connor can help!

 

Welcome to Canadian author Katie O'Connor!

Best-selling author Katie O’Connor lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She married her high school sweetheart and is living her happily ever after. She is the mother of two grown daughters and is extremely proud of her five grandchildren. 

She is the founder of The Write Chicks, a private romance writer’s group in her hometown. Currently, she is chapter president of the Calgary branch of the Romance Writers of America. In the past, she’s been their secretary and has also served on the organizing committee for When Words Collide, a reader and writer conference in Calgary, Alberta. 

Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and X-ray technician. She’s been a small business owner and is an avid quilter and crafter. 

She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, erotic romance, fantasy/paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and erotica. 

She believes in all things magical, including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance, and hope.

LINKS:

Mailchimp Signup:             http://eepurl.com/Q2nRr

Website:                             https://katieohwrites.com

Email:                                 katie@katieohwrites.com

Facebook:                           http://www.facebook.com/katieohwrites

BookBub:                           https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katie-o-connor

Instagram:                          https://www.instagram.com/katieohwrites/

Goodreads:                         https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362469.Katie_O_Connor

MeWe:                                mewe.com/i/katieoconnor7

Amazon Author Page:        https://www.amazon.ca/Katie-OConnor/e/B007GZT1IO/

Pinterest:                            https://www.pinterest.ca/katieohwrites/_created/

Katie's Kittens:                   https://www.facebook.com/groups/345891595596122

What would you write if you knew you couldn't fail?

Hmm. That's a tough one. Honestly, fear of failure isn't huge for my writing ego. Don't misunderstand, I always worried about reader reactions to my story, and those negative reviews do hurt. But for me, I simply write the stories I have to tell and write them the best way I can. I've already stepped out of my box with my Creative Career Planning for Authors Workbook.  I knew I had important information to share with writer's, so I bit the bullet and wrote it. My next big step, the one I'm more afraid of, it the sequel to that book which is a life planner. It's about how I planned my life into a place of career success and general happiness. I'm worried that nobody will want to read a life planning book that isn't from a medical professional or life coach. But, again, I have information to share, so I'm putting it out there.

How do you know your book is finished?

I'm a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I create two well detailed main characters, and a couple minor players. Then, I set them loose and follow them to see where they go. I generally have a couple plot points in mind and know where they'll end up, I just don't know how they'll get there. The rough draft is done when they achieve their happily ever after. Of course the edits are next. That's tougher for me to know when it is finished. I make four to six passes through the entire book. I look for phrasing and comprehension flaws, plot holes, characters acting out of character for who they are.  I keep going until it feels right. Then, it's off to beta readers for feedback. After that comes another two rounds of edits and a professional editor for the final polish. In short, the book is finished when it reads nicely, the story is finished, and it has an emotional impact on me.

Do you write full or part time?

I am a full time writer. I write seven days a week. I rarely take a day off. If I'm not plotting, or writing, I'm working on social media, book keeping, advertising. There's a lot of behind the scenes work when you are an author. But generally, I spent six to eight hours a day at this writing job. When the words are flowing well, I can spend up to twelve hours behind my desk.

How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?

Each book is its own entity. The story itself determines how long it will be. Generally, it takes about 30 days to write a 65K word romance. Some stories are harder, some are faster. I just take the words as they come, and when they don't come, I force them. My record is 48k in 8 days, by hand with a pen and paper. I'm old school, my mind works better with a pen than with a keyboard.

What is the most difficult part of the artistic process?

Honestly, this varies day by day. Some days I cannot write a description. Other days, all my characters sound the same when they talk. But generally, it's remembering to include all of the senses. I want at least three senses in every scene as I find that brings the scene to life. Touch, scent, sight, sound, taste. They all need to be there and add to the scene without being blatantly visible.

What is your next project?

I am a multi-project author. When I'm struggling with one, another takes its place. I hop back and forth. But in a general sense, I'm planning to finish my Coyote Creek and Three Moon Falls series next. When I'm not working on them, I'm working on that life planning workbook, and a book about positive self-talk and how it can change your life.

A LESSON IN LOVE:  (EBook and print) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B086VQKYY5

Fired from her job and accused of a crime she has not committed, Tricia Paxton retreats to Coyote Creek to recover from trauma and rebuild her career. Though she shields herself from the past, her secrets challenge her relationships, and her new position as an elementary school teacher further complicates personal boundaries when an eye-catching stranger requires lessons of his own.

Carefree bachelor, Riley Flint, has problems, too. While focusing on building a veterinary practice, his plans grind to a halt when a daughter he has never known enters his life. Accepting the troublesome news that the mother has passed away and her maternal grandparents cannot offer their care, he assumes the responsibility of raising his daughter. But he has little experience with children and the girl needs more instruction than a man can give, so Riley approaches the new teacher for help.

 

THE CREATIVE CAREER PLANNING WORKBOOK FOR AUTHORS:  (Print only)

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1989816274

Are you tired of reading dull as dishwater books about organizing your writing career?

Are you looking for career planning help that doesn’t put you to sleep or make your head spin? Does your logical brain interfere with your creative brain? 

If this describes you, and if you’re looking for a revolutionary approach to planning your writing career, this workbook is for you. We’re going to color and doodle our way to the perfect career plan. The plan that suits you. 

Yes, I said color. With actual crayons. Like a five-year-old child, we’ll let our minds soar while our fingers color and doodle. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime author or a beginner. You might be highly productive; you might just have a few stories to tell. Whoever and whatever you are, there is an ideal career path for you and best-selling romance author Katie O'Connor will guide you there.