Reese Ryan

Blogger Book Fair: Interview with Marisa Cleveland

July 24, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Welcome, Marisa! Where are you from originally and where do you call home?

Hi, Reese! Thanks for having me. 🙂 I was born in South Korea, adopted and raised in New Hampshire, and call home wherever my hubby happens to be. 🙂

We know you love writing. What other hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I WISH I had time for hobbies. Is Twitter considered a hobby? I love to read.

What kind of stories do you typically write? Do you write in any other genres?

I write contemporary romances where my characters find out they love each other during that moment when they also really need a friend and they realize that person is there for them.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how’d you get started in your writing career?

I’ve always loved writing, but I didn’t get started in writing as a career until I met Judi McCoy (*sniffles and smiles*) and she told me about RWA.

Tell us about your path to publication. A year ago you were ready to give up your dream of being a writer. What changed that?

OH! That’s so completely true. I’ve blocked the unpleasant details, but I will say this: I start so many projects until about page 50, and then I lose interest or lose hope or lose confidence. But when my best friend helped me finish a manuscript, I realized I could do this, and I wanted to do this more than anything. I also realized I couldn’t write exclusively. I needed balance in my life. So instead of quitting completely, I found my balance. Once I realized I couldn’t control things out of my control, I became a much happier person.

What advice would you give to other writers who may be discouraged and ready to give up?

Advice is such a funny thing. 🙂 But I will say what someone said to me, though this advice might not be for everyone: “If you really want a career in publishing, then do what needs to be done to make it happen.” I will add this, “within reason,” because we all need balance.

Tell us a little about The Valentine Challenge.

The Valentine Challenge is my first ever published anything! It’s a contemporary romance novella, and because it’s so short, it’s really just about one moment in two people’s lives when they realize they need each other and they are there for each other, and they fall in love because at that moment, instead of giving up or leaving or not caring, they take the time to be with that other person. 🙂

Tell us a little about the characters and what inspired you to write this story.

Stacey and Marsh are so completely loosely based on two of my friends, and one weekend while my husband was in class – he’s working on his Ph.D. – I opened my iPad and instead of playing on Twitter, I wrote a novella. 🙂

Let’s talk about that three-book deal that turned everything around for you. Who is the publisher? What is the overall premise of the stories? When will they be available?

Entangled Publishing – and Liz – took a huge chance on this debut author, and let me add that I have the most amazing agent ever! The books are my South Beach Books, and the novella released last February. The first Entangled Indulgence (category-length) releases this September, and it’s about a Country singer and a cafe owner.

What can we expect from Marisa Cleveland in the future?

Ooooh, that sounds so intriguing! I’d love to know that as well. 🙂 Expect that I’ll still be blogging. It’s so much fun and a great way to find new authors to read, and of course, I’ll still be addicted to Twitter and Facebook, though lately I’ve discovered Pinterest and Tumblr, so… help?!?

The Valentine Challenge Summary:

Stacey Bradford believes in love, but when her hot boss, Marshall Royce, decides to close her best friend’s flower shop – days before Valentine’s Day! – Stacey declares war.

Intrigued by Stacey’s devotion to her friend, the hearts and flowers holiday, and belief in true love, Marsh issues a challenge – prove love exists or deliver the closing documents to her friend herself.

Stacey never could resist a challenge, but when Marsh makes Valentine’s Day the deadline for their deal, Stacey must decide how far she’s willing to go for love.

Show less

Excerpt:

“In your note to me, you said you don’t date your staff.”

He swallowed. “I don’t.”

“This is a date.”

He shook his head. “This is a…”

She wrinkled her nose at him and waited while he paused.

He grinned. “Okay.”

“Okay? That’s your answer?” She stepped into his personal space. “I want you to say it.”

She couldn’t read his expression as he regarded her for a long moment. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she let him tug her toward him. His words brushed over her cheek. “Date. This is a date.”

Bio:

Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. Perhaps because she married her best friend, her adult romance novels focus on playfully naughty relationships developed through friendship and family-oriented values. She loves to connect with other writers and readers.

Connect with Marisa Cleveland online:

Website: http://www.marisacleveland.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marisacleveland

Facebook: http://facebook.com/marisacleveland00

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937874.Marisa_Cleveland

Where to buy The Valentine Challenge: A South Beach Novella:

Release Day Party: Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

July 22, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I can hardly believe it. Release day for Making the First Move is finally here! So a little partying is in order. Since Making the First Move is an e-book, it felt entirely appropriate to have the party online. So thank you for coming, and for helping me celebrate the release of my debut novel.

Party central will be on Facebook. Make yourself some hors d’oeuvres and an adult beverage. Coffee, tea, champagne, a mojito, champipple–whatever you like. We won’t tell, and you don’t have to share. That’s what makes online parties so awesome. 😉 Then feel free to mingle and chat here, on Facebook, and at as many of today’s party events (listed below) as you’d like. Don’t forget to register for the tour grand prize! You’ll find the description below.

Release Day Party Events

All Things Girl — Brief intro & excerpt
Contemporary Romance Café — Brief intro & excerpt
A Thought Grows — Book Highlight
Shaken But Not Stirred — Interview
Rhet Effects –Interview
Like a Bump on a Blog –Book Highlight
Ruth A. Casie Blog — Book Highlight
Writer & Cat — Interview (by Meankitty–an actual cat)
Kate Davies Blog — Book Highlight
Word Wranglers — Guest Post
Christi Barth’s Blog –Book Highlight
Facebook — All day, clothing-optional party 😉

Thank you again for celebrating this very special day with me!

Hugs & Kisses,

Summary

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan — *Making the First Move* is available at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iTunes | Amazon United Kingdom | Audible

Melanie Gordon has spent the past five years obsessing over her career to dull the pain of a devastating breakup and the loss of her father. Her effort pays off when she receives the promotion that could be her big break. Only it means returning to her hometown to face her past while leaving behind the man who could be her future.

Selfless (and insanely sexy) philanthropist, Raine Mason, is committed to his cause. But his passion for rescuing high-risk young males from the road to disaster is fueled by his own dark and tragic past.

When Raine is ready to take his casual friendship with Melanie to sizzling new heights, her one-way ticket to Cleveland is already booked. But a steamy night of passion leaves them both wanting more, even if Melanie is afraid to admit it. She reluctantly agrees to a long-distance relationship with no promises and no commitments.

Melanie may finally be ready to give Raine her heart…but then she discovers startling news that causes her to question everything she knows about him. Worse, he’s harboring a dark secret from his past that threatens to shatter any hope of a future for them unless he can convince her that their love is worth the risk.

Excerpt

I rummage in the back of our tiny office refrigerator for the bottle of Perrier I promised Jax. A wicked grin spreads across my face as I imagine how delicious it would feel to smash this bottle upside his smug head. After the contract had been signed, of course.

I hand Jaxson the chilled bottle of lemon Perrier and smooth my skirt before sitting in my high-back leather chair. I’m glad my chair sits several inches higher than his.

“Thank you for considering Jasper & Gravel for your executive search.” I force a smile through clenched teeth. “As you know, I’m a long-time basketball fan. I’m thrilled that the WNBA has decided to bring another team to Cleveland, and about the prospect of working with your organization.”

Jax takes a sip from the bottle. “Basketball fan is an understatement.” He chuckles. “You still got that tattered old Mark Price jersey your dad gave you?”

My spine tightens. I place my feet firmly on the floor. The last thing I need is a stroll down memory lane. The memories are far too painful. For me, at least. I take a long sip of my tea then place my mug on a coaster. “So you were saying you need a new senior vice president of marketing and a vice president of sales and service.” I refer to the notes I scribbled on a napkin.

Jaxson gives me a conciliatory smile. My maneuver isn’t lost on him. “The candidates I hoped to go with were offered more lucrative positions with NBA teams.” He crosses his legs and scoots back in the chair. He looks comfortable, like he’s settling in for the winter. “I realize this may take some time, but it’s more important to me that we get the best possible candidates in these positions.”

“Of course.” I nod. “Our mission is to find candidates who are well-qualified and fit seamlessly into your organization. It appears Brett Hanson runs his organization like a tight-knit family and that he’s determined to make the Monarchs a title-winning franchise as quickly as possible. How would you describe the company culture?”

“I couldn’t have stated it better.” Jaxson steeples his long, slender fingertips. “Speaking of family…how about you? Are you married? Do you have kids?”

My patience is wearing thin just five minutes into our meeting. “Can we stay on topic here? That’s the only way this will work.”

“I’m sorry.” He straightens his purple and green Ermenegildo Zegna necktie. “It’s just that…the homemade coasters…it’s the kind of thing only a parent would bring to the office.”

“They were a gift from my assistant’s seven-year-old daughter.” I take a deep breath and try to pull it together. This is harder than I imagined, and believe me, I imagined it would be pretty damned hard. “Do you have job descriptions and job requirements for each position?”

“They’re back at the office, along with an entire file of information I should have brought for this meeting. Sorry I’m not better prepared. I didn’t expect to run into you today. It was quite a surprise to see you.” He leans forward in his chair again. “I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

“Neither did I.” There are a few choice statements I refrain from adding. “But here we are. Perhaps we should reschedule for a time when you have all the necessary documents. I can come to your office next week. I’ll have Leslie call you tomorrow with some options.” I rise to my feet and extend my hand to him, signaling the end of our meeting.

Jaxson casually climbs to his feet and takes my hand. He doesn’t shake it. He holds it in his.

My legs are unsteady and my head feels light. How can the simple touch of his hand still take me back to those intimate moments between us, despite everything we’ve been through? I yank my hand away and take a step back. My cheeks burn and my eyes sting with the tears I refuse to let fall.

Jaxson comes around the desk and sits on the edge of it, leaving a safe distance between us. “I’m sorry,” he says, his head down, hands folded between his legs. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just…seeing you today brought back a lot of memories. It felt so natural, holding your hand like that. It wasn’t something I intended to do. Muscle memory, I guess.” He runs his hand over his hair.

I want to scream to the top of my lungs and tell him I don’t give a fuck about his unresolved feelings or muscle memory. But I’m a goddamned professional. I know what’s at stake here. I have to make this work.

Bio:

Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary fiction filled with colorful characters and sinfully-sweet romance. She secretly enjoys torturing her heroines with family and career drama, reformed bad boys, revealed secrets, and the occasional identity crisis, but always rewards them with a happily ever after.

Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides in Central North Carolina with her husband and young adult son who tolerate her propensity to sing and dance badly. A self-proclaimed Bohemian Southern Belle, she treads the line carefully between being a Northerner and a damned Yankee–despite her insistence on calling soda pop. Reese gauges her progress by the number of “bless your lil’ hearts” she gets each week. She is currently down to two.

Visit Reese online at ReeseRyan.com. Follow her on Twitter @ReeseRyanWrites. Connect with her on Facebook.

Making the First Move Blog Tour Grand Prize

$25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Digital copy of Making the First Move by Reese Ryan
Digital copy of The Winning Season by Alison Packard
Digital copy of Knowing the Score by Kat Latham
Digital copy of Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning
Digital copy of Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sexism in Romance (or Romance Heroines are Mad as Hell and Not Gonna Take It Anymore)

July 2, 2013 by ReeseRyan

This morning I’m over at the Café discussing a topic that has long bothered me. Sexism in romance.

We normally accuse men of being sexist. Of wielding double standards. Yet in literature–and romance in particular–we are the ones who condemn brash, strong heroines and saddle them with uncomplimentary designations. I’ll admit that I’ve determined a heroine unlikeable and closed the book on her whereas I’ve pushed through to the end of a book even though the hero made me want to strangle him…from the very first chapter.

Why the double standard?

If a character needs to be likeable for me to read the book, shouldn’t that apply to both the hero and the heroine? It’s a question I asked myself while reading Janet Fitch’s literary fiction title, Paint It Black several years ago. To say her main character Josie Tyrell is deeply-flawed is like saying that deep-fried Twinkies aren’t an optimal dining selection. The truth is she’s horrid. Irresponsible. Self-absorbed. Yet the story is quite compelling.

So I ignored everything in me that screamed for me to shut the pages on Ms. Josie Tyrell and move on to a nice, sympathetic heroine. Or a least a flawed, but funny one like Heather Wells from Meg Cabot’s Size 12 is Not Fat. But the story pulled me forward. So I kept reading and was introduced to a woman who was perhaps even more unlikeable…Meredith–the mother of Josie’s dead boyfriend.

I finished the book. And I’m glad that I did. It opened my eyes to the beauty that can be found in tales of broken, seemingly unredeemable female characters. I was drawn to more stories and characters like this–even in romance where we are assured a happy-ending–if only for now. This type of character also made her way into my own writing. At first she was always a secondary character–maybe even the best friend. But Jamie Charles–the best friend character in my upcoming debut novel, Making the First Move, had a lasting impact on me. I wasn’t satisfied to just know that she was a better person now. I wanted to go back and delve into the dirt to find out why she’d changed and witness the process. Jamie gets her own story later this year.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café to discuss why we hold heroines to a much higher standard than romance heroes and if that trend is changing. Plus meet Jamie in an excerpt of Making the First Move.

See you there!

Photo courtesy of Philippe Leroyer. Some rights reserved.

Announcing the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance Giveaway

July 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve teamed with fellow Carina Press authors: Kat Latham, Tamara Morgan, Alison Packards, and Kelsey Browning to celebrate our sizzling summer contemporary romance releases! The Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance event runs July 15 – September 6.

As part of the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance I will be doing a Grand Prize giveaway in conjunction with my Making the First Move Blog Tour running Monday, July 22nd to Sunday, August 4th. I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and ALL FIVE of our contemporary romance titles listed below. Want to enter the giveaway or add your blog to the tour? For more information and scheduled tour stops, visit the tour page here.

Each author is running a separate giveaway. To learn more about the giveaway the others will be offering, visit the individual author websites listed below.

The Winning Season by Alison Packard

Publication date: July 15, 2013

Kelly Maxwell has finally landed her dream job, publicist for the San Francisco Blaze. But the team’s newest member, handsome bad boy catcher Matt Scanlon, is refusing every interview. She’s got to get him to open up before the season ends, or she may not be back next year. And after everything she overcame to achieve her dream, Kelly’s not about to let that happen.

Matt Scanlon just wants to be left alone to rebuild his life and his career. After a year of masking the pain of a recent loss with hard partying and fast women, he finally hit rock bottom and was traded to a team he’s loathed his entire life—a team with little or no chance at the post-season.

Butting heads is getting Kelly and Matt nowhere but annoyed, and with the team’s schedule on the road, they can’t avoid close quarters—or their surprising attraction to one another. As the season winds down, Matt finds his growing feelings for Kelly have brought his numbed emotions back to life. But when betrayal shatters their fragile trust, winning it all seems more impossible than ever.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Alison on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

Publication date: July 22, 2013

Melanie Gordon has spent the past five years obsessing over her career to dull the pain of a devastating breakup and the loss of her father. Her effort pays off when she receives the promotion that could be her big break. Only it means returning to her hometown to face her past while leaving behind the man who could be her future.

Selfless (and insanely sexy) philanthropist, Raine Mason, is committed to his cause. But his passion for rescuing high-risk young males from the road to disaster is fueled by his own dark and tragic past.

When Raine is ready to take his casual friendship with Melanie to sizzling new heights, her one-way ticket to Cleveland is already booked. A steamy night of passion leaves them both wanting more. But just when she thinks she is finally ready to give her heart to him she discovers startling news that causes her to question everything she knows about him. Worse, he is harboring a dark secret that threatens to shatter any hope of a future for them unless he can convince her that their love is worth the risk.

Read an excerpt.

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Reese on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Knowing the Score by Kat Latham

Publication date: August 5, 2013

Book one of the London Legends

Rugby player Spencer Bailey is determined to win a spot on England’s World Cup team. But with a month break before the selectors start watching him, he’s eager to have fun with a woman who knows the score: the relationship will end when rugby season begins. The lovely American Caitlyn Sweeney seems perfect for the role of temporary lover, since her visa will run out soon anyway.

Caitlyn works for an international disaster relief organization and can handle the world’s worst crises, but she flinches from her own. Her past has left her with a fear of intimacy so deep that she has trouble getting close to anyone—until she meets sexy Spencer. His hot body and easygoing nature are too much for even her to resist.

Neither Caitlyn nor Spencer expects to fall hard for each other. But with their relationship deadline approaching, the old rules of the game seem less important than before…until past secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kat at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | katlatham.com

Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning

Publication date: August 26, 2013

Book one of the Texas Nights series

Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.

Cameron has come home to fulfill his dream of restoring classic cars. Back in high school, he knew the town princess, Allie Shelby, was way out of his league. Today he has even less in common with Allie, so he’s shocked as hell when she propositions him. Still, he’s only human, so he accepts her offer—and with each encounter, she shows him another, wilder side. Before long, he’s thinking about more than just sex.

But while her personal life heats up, Allie’s business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she’s one princess who’s not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kelsey at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | KelseyBrowning.com

The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

Publication Date: August 26, 2013

Book Two of the Getting Physical Series

Roller derby girl Gretchen “Honey Badger” Badgerton lives in the moment, no apologies. Like every woman in Pleasant Park with a pulse, she finds Dr. Jared Fine irresistible, but she’s taken by surprise when her unattainable new neighbor asks her out.

On paper, Jared is the perfect man: gorgeous, wealthy and charitable. But his golden image is just that, and opening an upstate practice is a welcome chance to start a new life. When Gretchen stops to help him with a flat tire, he’s intrigued by her feisty attitude—and her sexy body art. There’s something refreshing about being with a take-charge woman who doesn’t expect him to be anything but himself.

Though Gretchen is hesitant to shatter Jared’s “bad girl” illusion of her, she has to face facts: she’s fallen for the good doctor. She’s used to putting everyone else’s needs before hers, but as their relationship heats up, can she handle having someone take care of her for a change?

Buy it at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Find Tamara at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Who Would You Be for a Day and a Making the First Move Excerpt

June 19, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m over at Caribbean Accent Book Reviews (CABR) chatting with my gracious host, Sasha. I’ve interviewed lots of authors (actors, musicians, artists, etc.) over the years–most of them over on All Things Girl. It is strange, yet exciting, to be on the other end of the questions. Sasha’s questions were a great way to ease into this whole new world of being the interviewee.

We discuss what prompted me to tell Melanie and Raine’s story, a scene I found challenging to write, and who I would be if I could be anybody for a day. (That last one is probably my favorite.)

I’m also sharing a funny Making the First Move excerpt which features one of my favorite secondary characters from this story–Melanie’s mom, Ellie Gordon. I love Ellie’s character. She’s the matriarch of the Gordon Family and she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. She loves her girls fiercely, but she also seems to have a gift for embarrassing poor Melanie. This scene is essentially a meet cute between Melanie’s love interest–Raine–and her mother who is immediately smitten with him–on behalf of her daughter, of course. 😉 The story takes place in my hometown and this scene occurs at one of my favorite spots in town–the Cleveland Museum of Art.

I’d love it if you’d stop by CABR to say hello. While you’re there, be sure to enter into a drawing for an e-copy of Making the First Move.

Interview w/ THE IMPACT OF YOU Author Kendall Ryan

June 8, 2013 by ReeseRyan

One of the things I am constantly impressed with is the generosity of fellow members of the writing community. The competition to get our books noticed grows tougher as an increasing number of books hit virtual bookshelves each day. This phenomenon is both a pro and con of the ongoing self-publishing/digital publishing revolution.

You’d think that writers would become territorial, stake their claim, and sabotage fellow writers. Well, it happens. But such instances are quite rare. Instead the majority of writers are willing to reach down and extend aspiring and new writers a hand. They share their knowledge, wisdom, and hard-learned strategies. And they often do so without expecting a thing in return.

The explosion of digital and social media has also shortened the space between authors and their readers. Some authors don’t like this change. The majority have embraced it. This is particularly true of indie authors.

Rising indie author Kendall Ryan embodies both concepts. I met Kendall online after I posted a glowing tweet about her book Make Me Yours which I absolutely adored. This led to an interview which I did for All Things Girl and then a second interview for The Contemporary Romance Café that went live today.

The success Kendall is experiencing is no lucky break or happy coincidence. The woman has a serious work ethic that would put lots of corporate workers (and CEOs) to shame. She generously shares her knowledge and experience as an indie author in these interviews. Kendall is also graciously connects with her fans. Any author can learn a lot from what she has to say.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for a chat with Kendall Ryan.

Why I Write Smart, Strong Heroines with a Side of Family Drama

June 4, 2013 by ReeseRyan

As writers, 99.9% of us are also avid readers. Each of us has favorite authors whose work inspires us and in some way influences our own writing.

There are several authors I’m quite fond of. Judy Blume, Pearl Cleage, Jane Green, and Benilde Little to name a few. But my very favorite author is Jane Austen–primarily because of my deep and abiding love for Pride and Prejudice with its heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.

This month we’re discussing our favorite literary characters over at the Contemporary Romance Café. Today I’m chatting about my two favorite heroines and the impact those stories have had on the novels I write and the characters who populate them.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a print copy of one the books in guest author M. Malone’s The Alexanders series.

Photo credit: Still from A&E’s miniseries Pride and Prejudice.

Blogger Book Fair Coming July 22-26, 2013

June 2, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Check in to the Blogger Book Fair,
and book your trip to far away places!

July 22-26, 2013

Authors and Book Bloggers,

Sign ups for the July 2013 Blogger Book Fair will close on June 15 at midnight central time, so get your registrations in to participate!

As of 5/31/2013, we have:

Authors: 89
Books: 233
Bloggers: 14

If you haven’t yet registered, you can find all of the information on the Blogger Book Fair page.

Check out the Code of Conduct
Fill out either the Author Sign Up form or the Blogger Sign Up form (Deadline June 15)
Kayla will match everyone with hosts and send out this information to you after sign-ups close
Check out the events–all authors are eligible to participate in the events, and if you have an event you’d like to host, just fill out the simple Event Sign Up Form–all of this information can be found on the Events! page (Deadline July 8).
If you’re interested in hosting a giveaway to drive traffic to your site, sign up via the Giveaway Sign Up form (Deadline July 15).
And if your book will be FREE or $0.99 for the duration of the Fair, you can sign up on the Free and $.99 Book Sign Up Forms (Deadline July 15).

Events:

as of 5/31/2013

Art Fiction Gala hosted by Lucie Smoker

Does your fiction promote the visual arts–through featuring an artist, painting, sculpture, performance art, etc? Then, consider entering Lucie’s Art Fiction Gala.
The Art Fiction Gala is a virtual celebration of fiction that highlights the visual arts. Dress up in your finest, pick up some friends–a bottle of wine–and sample mind-blowing fiction that crosses the line between literary and visual art. Plus a gallery of art featuring reading.
More information & entry instructions

Three Wishes hosted by Kirstin Pulioff

Introduce your characters to the world.
Kirstin Pulioff invites you to ask your main character, “If you found a magic genie lamp, what would be your three choices?”
More information & entry instructions

Flash Fiction Challenge II hosted by Thomas Winship

Get ready to exercise your flash fiction muscles.
For the Flash Fiction Challenge II, Thomas Winship will provide an opening line.
From there, entrants will craft a flash fiction piece of approx 500 words. Entries will be displayed on Thomas’ blog Vaempires during the BBF, spread out evenly across the five days, in order of receipt.
More information & entry instructions

Snapshot Synopsis Contest hosted by Fel at The Peasants Revolt

Challenge: chisel your synopsis down to 50 words or less.
Voting will be open throughout the fair for visitors to vote on their favorite Snapshot Synopsis.
More information & entry instructions

Reader’s Choice Awards hosted by Sherri at Shut Up & Read

All books registered for the Blogger Book Fair are automatically entered into the running for the Reader’s Choice Awards. Voting will be open from July 22 to July 25.
More information

Indie Soap Box Files hosted by Shah Wharton

Take a turn on the Soap Box.
Shah invites speculative fiction writers to write a guest post about being an indie (or hybrid) writer.
More information & entry instructions
Restrictions: Speculative fiction writers only

Monster Menagerie hosted by Noree at Trip the Eclipse

What’s your favorite monster or supernatural creature?
Feature your creature in a flash fiction piece (500-800) words to be featured on Trip the Eclipse. Visitors will vote on their favorite piece.
More information & entry instructions

Ways to Help:

Donate to the Blogger Book Fair via the BBF Donation Fund. To help get the word out about BBF, we would like to place ads on Facebook, Goodreads and other places, but to do, so we need a little help. We’d also like to have some BBF sponsored giveaways, so money donated would also go toward prizes. NO MONEY WILL BE KEPT BY ANY ORGANIZER OR PARTICIPANT.

Spread the word! Share the Fair on your social media accounts and show off the Blogger Book Fair logo in your blog’s sidebar.

Join us on:

In-depth Interview with Indie Author M. Malone

June 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Outside of writing fiction, one of the things I enjoy most is doing author interviews. First, there’s the excitement of getting to know authors whose work and accomplishments I personally admire. Then there is the thrill of introducing readers to an author they might not have read otherwise. As a reader I’m interested in their characters, stories, and what inspired them. As a novelist I sit as a student at the feet of masters, hoping to glean some knowledge that I can use in my own work and career. My recent interview with Minx Malone is no exception.

As an author of contemporary romance featuring multicultural characters that don’t quite fit into the typical “check here” box, I’m a huge fan of Minx Malone. Recently I had a chance to get the skinny on her current contemporary romance series–The Alexanders–and a chance to ask this hugely successful indie author about the inspiration for her stories and why going indie was right for her. She also gave us a glimpse into what she has planned for the future, and her writing process.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for an in-depth chat over coffee with indie publishing rock star, M. Malone.

Talking About Inspiration Over at the Contemporary Romance Café Today

May 7, 2013 by ReeseRyan

The theme this month over at the newly launched Contemporary Romance Café is “Inspiration.” It’s been fun hearing the inspiration behind the writing and novels of fellow Carina Press authors.

Today it’s my turn to host the Café and I’m chatting about my inspiration for writing everyday heroines, setting my stories in the my Midwest hometown of Cleveland, OH, and the specific idea that prompted me to write Making the First Move, my debut novel launching this summer.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win the weekly Amazon Gift Card giveaway and our Grand Prize. I’m saving a space on the couch just for you.