Whatnots & Doodads by Stacey Kennedy

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

1.  What inspires you as a writer?

Anything and everything. Usually I get my inspiration from the current story I’m working on. A scene will pop into my head, or a new character will develop, or even I’ll see a side character that needs to have their story told. I always go with what my muse wants. I gave up fighting against her a long time ago.

2.  When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer?

Easy answer. After I wrote my first book and realized I could do it.

3.  What is your writing process?

I’m a panster trying hard to be a plotter. I do a rough outline of the story, then I fly by the seat of my pants and write the story. Once I’m done, I do a chart that shows the story as a whole so I can get a good look at it. Usually then is when I move chapters around, have to add more, and make sure I’m hitting all the important conflicts, plot and other goodies.

4.  Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

My favorite character is usually the one I’m working on. I love all my characters for all different reasons. I really can’t pick a favorite. That might not make them very happy.

5.  What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m writing Bite Me, I’m Yours. I’ll be self-publishing this paranormal romance in a month or two. It’s turning out to be quite an action packed, humorous, steamy read!

6.  Any upcoming events?

I love to party so I always have lots of events on the go. You can come see were I’ll be here - http://www.staceykennedy.com/fun/

7.  If you could be anyone you like, who would you be?

Katie MacAlister, because she’s my favorite author and I’d love to get into her creative mind for a little while.

8.  Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

Just write and keep writing! The more you do, the better you get at it! And jump on any opportunity you can. One opportunity can lead into another and you don’t want to let them pass you by.

9.   Where can your followers find you?

Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000956942180

Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

10.              Any last words?

Happy Reading! Come find me at the places above, I love making new friends!

A witch with unruly magic, a demon gone good, lava-hot passion and a tornado of emotions–just another night in Strange Hollow.

For Bryanna, a witch from the Asheville Coven, magic is on the fritz. Shunned by her coven and her boyfriend Layton for her unruly magic, she seeks a new life for herself. It just so happens, fate steps in and brings her to Strange Hollow–a place where being different is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

When Bryanna arrives in Strange Hollow, Zeke, a demon gone good, is burning with Hell’s fire over her. Not only has she set his world ablaze, but he’s found one soul he can save. He’s determined to free her from the insecurities that have damaged her soul.

Together they experience lava-hot passion as they weave their way through a tornado of emotions. But when Layton returns for her, will Zeke’s attempts to break the unworthy cage woven around her be enough to keep her in Strange Hollow forever?

Thank you for stopping by Stacey! For more information please visit her on her website.

The Golden Pen

Review: A Cold Dark Place by HD Hatcher

 

Meet Author HD Hatcher

A Cold Dark Place

Unloved

One Too Many

On a chance meeting, (at a mutual friend’s house) Luke finds the love of his life. Andy is what Luke has been longing for all of his adult years: the perfect man. But, this perfect man is not only straight—he is married to a woman who is more devilish than Satan himself.

In a bittersweet journey that will change his life forever, Luke must reach deep inside and find the strength he never knew existed. A Cold Dark Place is the story of a man who must pick up the pieces of his broken heart after a lifetime of heartbreak and betrayal.


The Review

After reading this novel I completely understand the cover. Poor Luke is a wreck from start to finish. Luke spends his time lusting after a seemingly straight man who is married to one of the rudest, non-caring, and self-absorbed women I have ever come across. Andy is merely her footstool and she only wants him to keep him miserable.

HD does such a great job telling his story through the eyes of Luke that you forget this is about a gay man wanting what is deemed taboo. You see him as you would any other male seeking love going through the motions of love found, love lost, and looking. 

This story broaches on some thought provoking topics all the while with a humorous undertone. I laughed out loud at the internet dating. If you have ever tried it yourself you will completely understand.

A Cold Dark Place has an excellent storyline and great characters which had me glued from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book along with his short, One Too Many.

4.5 Gold Stars

The Golden Pen

Review Can You Keep a Secret? by Omegia Keeys

Monica has it all, a handsome entrepreneur for a husband, two adorable children, a big house in the suburbs, and a career as the Human Resources Manager at one of the largest insurance firms. Even in a tough economy, Monica lives the American dream. Then, one day, she comes home early from a business trip and finds out her husband is sleeping with another woman. After years of standing in her husband's shadow, Monica uses his betrayal to jumpstart the life she always yearned for.

In the hunt to find herself, Monica starts dating men on adult dating websites and working as an online cam girl. The excitement and allure of her new-found freedom has her living a double life. She is a career woman by day and vixen in her nightlife. Will Monica be able to keep her secret? Or, will her two worlds collide to bring her secret to life?

 Author Omegia Keeys

 The Review

  

Can You Keep a Secret? Author Omegia Keeys surely couldn’t for she wrote this sultry novel but her character surely does a pretty good job of it for a while. Yes, Monica finds out her husband is cheating and one would expect the typical man bashing to ensue. This is hardly the case in between these pages. Monica instead uses it as a way to find out who she really is and that woman is strong, independent, and an undercover freak. 

By writing in first person, Omegia, chose a great way to pull the reader into the story. You were right there along with Monica feeling what she felt along with knowing her thoughts. Some were quite hilarious. Along with Monica you got to meet her supporting characters: the ex-husband Jamal, her sassy sister, and of course the new men in her life. Through her interactions you see Monica transition from the overlooked Plain Jane to the beautiful swan.

Now on to the spiciness, this is Erotica after all, but far from the wam bam thank you mam. Each scene has a purpose and helps to make the story. I personally would lean more to labeling this novel mainstream if it were not for the very detailed sex scenes which I had to take a break from reading to cool off. 

If you are looking for a well written novel with spice and that oh so naughty yet nice, then Can You Keep a Secret? Is definitely for you. I would recommend reading to your significant other or if single turn on the slow music and have a glass of wine. This is not for the prude. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

5 Golden Stars

The Golden Pen

Featured Author: Omegia Keeys

Okay, Omegia, before I get into what you are doing these days I had to bring up this blog post I found from last year.

How did you come up with your main character?

I came up with my main character by stepping outside myself and creating an alter ego....What? So you are claiming to be me now? Alter Ego my behind! This is Erika, for those of you all who don't know me I am who she based her first two books on. Do not let Omegia Keeys fool you. She wishes she could be me. I am a woman that every man desires, I have my own internet business, and now I just opened up my own club. Omegia on the other hand, sits in a freaking office wearing that US Army uniform. As a matter of fact her hair is pulled up in a bun each day! You know she stole my life story and had the nerve to write about it calling the first one Passionate Playmates and the second Seduction.com. From what I heard she has another one set to release at the end of this month, Can You Keep a Secret? Well I have a secret for her and I am telling it.

Omegia brought her sneaky behind up to my club Passionate Playmates a few years back and started taking notes. I saw her watching me, how I move, how I talk, and even how I pull in all my customers. She is so sneaky she somehow figured out what I do in my own home! I mean how the heck does she know I have private rooms in my house and the names of my security guards....

Look, Erika, be quiet and let me finish this. Sorry about that. Erika gets a bit beside herself sometimes and thinks she runs everything. As I was saying Erika aka Ecstasy is like my alter ego. She is that sassy part of me that comes out on paper. When I start writing she just takes over and my story seems to just flow. When I first start a story I already know the basic concept along with the beginning and end. I just need to fill in the gaps.

My advice for character development is to turn yourself into your character and let them take over. I am an erotic fiction writer so almost anything goes. It's a way of freeing myself on paper.

Speaking of freeing...my time is not free. Omegia, hurry up. You are costing me money! You know my girls start act crazy when I am not keeping a close eye on them. Hurry up and finish this.

Okay, once again I apologize for that. It has been my pleasure. As always keep writing!

The Golden Pen again.  I love this blog post. Great way of giving us a feel for your character. Now please tell me Erika is not gone. I know you are working on new projects and had a few releases since Seduction.com. Can You Keep a Secret? Does mention our heroin but she is more in the background. What made you switch?

Omegia: I can’t believe you dug that up…lol. Well, to be honest she (Erika) finally let me. Erika had taken up a few years of my life and finally has been kind enough to allow the other stories inside to come out, including my own. For those who enjoy YA, The Baby Girl, is a great read for those teenagers dealing with peer pressure and their local environment. I used the pen name Key Rollins for this one so my spicy readers will not be confused, nor will my young ladies pick up the adult content by mistake. I also contributed to an Anthology by The Author Project, Unloved.

Right now I finishing up edits on Rise and Fall of a Track Star. This is my memoirs from elementary to my college years. I am hitting the dark secrets we (as an African American community) tend to ignore and brush under the rug. I really can’t go further into detail as some of the content of my life may shock some of those who think they know me. 

But, to answer your question, Erika is never too far. She wants me to focus more on her girls once I am finished with Rise and Fall of a Track Star. She understands the importance of this book.

Golden Pen: Wow so Erika can step back from being the boss? That is great to hear. I also find it very impressive that you can switch genera’s and still have the same success. My pens up to you. What made you switch to YA for The Baby Girl? And why the memoir now?

Omegia: The Baby Girl is close to my heart. It is loosely based off a portion of my childhood. I grew up with drug dealing brothers and not once did my mother let us live the lavish live because of it. My mother kept me well grounded, but I was still affected by their dealings as well as the normal life of a teenage girl coming into her own. For Rise and Fall of a Track Star me gut told me it was time. It was more of me letting out things I have been holding in for far too long. I needed to free myself and in the process I hope to help others. I want girls and women to know they are not alone and what they went through is not their shame.

Golden Pen: Interesting. Funny how even though we write fiction it still has a lot of truth to it. I can’t wait see what’s in store for us with your nonfiction piece. Hopefully I will have the pleasure of a review, hint, hint.

Omegia: It would be my pleasure.

Golden Pen: Okay, Omegia, thank  you for giving me a few moments or your time. Do you have anything to say to your readers or fellow authors?

Omegia: GP thank you for having me once again. For readers I will say keep reading and try something new, you just might like it. To my fellow authors, write whatever is on your heart to write. Just make sure you get it edited before sharing it with the world.

You can find my books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and most online retailers in paperback and ebook formats.

www.omegiakeeys.com

www.passionatewriterpublishing.com

Let Omegia know you were here and leave a comment!

Romancing Your Dark Side Tour-Amber Scott

What inspires you as a writer?

Music. Rock. Pop. Angsty indie. Any song that pulls me into an emotional or physical reaction. For every novel I write, I create a soundtrack. Each character gets a theme song and I love to pick songs for the hot scenes. “Electric Feel” by MGMT, “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine, and “Come Undone” by My Darkest Days are a few of my current faves.

When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer?

I was about four years old. I couldn’t even read yet and I didn’t have a firm grasp of what writing entailed but I vividly recall answering my mom’s what are you going to be when you grow up question with that answer. A writer. It wasn’t until I became a stay home mom that I decided to actually try it. I had that moment Stephen King talks about where I finished a book and thought, hey, I can do that!

What is your writing process?

I get a little whisper of an idea from my muse, Milla. I let myself daydream about it. A lot. I think of the characters, try to listen to them, then I look for music. I decide on a length and commit to a daily word count and a goal finish date, then I plot using Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet and 3x5 cards. I make lots of lists and sometimes journal in the character’s point of view. Little by little, day by day, I get to the end. Then I share, edit, set aside, edit, and publish it, hopefully without putting so much pressure on myself that I shut down.

Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

Ooooh. Just one favorite? My favorite tends to be one that I’m in deep writing. So right now, it’s Lyric. He’s a secondary character in Fierce Dawn and is fighting his vampirism, trying to recover from blood addiction. But he’s a bit dark and reckless and he tends to follow his good intentions through the wrong path. I adore him. He often gets his shirt torn off.

What are you currently working on?

Stealing Dusk, the second book in the ParaRealm series where we see human changelings starting to really start to populate the human realm. More and more realm lines are becoming less stable. In his search for Crusoe, leader of the Illeautians, Lyric has stumbled upon an underground ring exploiting immortals and changelings alike. He gets a nice shock to the system when his best friend’s ex-flame shows up on the wrong side of fighting lines and the entanglement that lust always creates ensues.

Any upcoming events?

In addition to this amazing tour, I’ll join eleven other indie authors for Masquerade this October, the next Blog Tour de Force. I’m really looking forward to masquerading as another author and seeing how many readers guess who is who correctly.

If you could be anyone you like, who would you be?

Joan Jett. She comes accross as so deliciously cocky. Thankfully, a part of me is like Joan. Milla, my muse, might kick Joan’s ass. Or make out with her. Who knows?

Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

Grow a pair. No, really. It’s the best accidental advice my bff and career coach ever gave me. Your doubts will never go away. You just get better at ignoring them. So don’t ever let that niggling fear that you aren’t good enough, or that you will never ‘make it’, get in the way. When it comes down to it, if it’s fun for you to write, it will always be worth writing it.

Where can your followers find you?

I’m online everywhere. Twitter, Facebook, chatting with my secret Facebook reader group, the HOT Club where all are welcome. I just joined The Next Best Book Club on Goodreads and am getting to know everyone there, too. I love going to conferences, too, and now that the kidlets are getting a bit older, I can attend more. I update my weblog with dates and events every month.

Any last words?

Thank you for reading. An author once told me I’m not supposed to do that, but it just goes against who I am. So, I do it anyways. Without readers, I’m just a chick and her laptop. That is why my motto is “Spoil the HOT” in the HOT Club. Readers deserve it. Don’t you think?

Thank you for stopping by Amber and I could not have said it better, grow a pair! Love it. To learn more about this best selling author and her muse, Milla, stop by her website to find out just who the eff she is (okay I stole that from her muse).

http://amberscottbooks.com/

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win your ebook copy!

The Golden Pen

Back to School

It's that time of the year again...back to school. As parents when spend a lot of this time agonizing over the cost of school clothes, supplies, and getting the kids back into the swing of things. One thing some of us neglect is are our children returning to a life of being bullied or worse are they the aggressor? Whether your child is new to the school or returning this could more than likely be their reality. As you go about prepping them for the dreaded first day, give them a hint of encouragement and let them know they are not 'Unloved'.

Take a hint from the Author Project, a group of authors, who decided to say no to bullying. They even went so far as to donate all the proceeds to charity.

Bravo HD Hatcher, Autumn Prince, KJ Thompson, Vogue, Omegia Keeys, Jo Davis and Lisa Rusczyk! My tween really enjoyed this one along with myself.

The Golden Pen