Let me apologize in advance…

March 28, 2017March 28, 2017Leave a comment

Writing this post is painful. I have given you fabulous readers nothing but bad news lately, and I’m about to hand over some more…

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Two weeks ago, I was being a responsible adult (true story) and making important phone calls. After I finalized my last one, I hit END CALL like any other person would. But here’s where things went south…

As I was hitting END CALL, my phone somersaulted (seriously, I’ve no clue how this happened) out of my hand and fell to the ground.

The scene was out of a horror movie. Everything in slow motion. I could feel my S6 slipping from my grasp, but by the time the fact I’d lost hold registered in my overwhelmed brain, I was watching as it careened to the floor, hitting the ground with a solid thwack. Face-down.

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It’s not like I was doing too many things at once… holding my phone, ending the call, trying to write an important date on the calendar, juggling a notepad, pen, and mail, and semi-hollering at my cat for intertwining himself around my ankles or anything…

No, I was adulting. Bad stuff isn’t supposed to happen when we adult!

For a millisecond, I held out hope.

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I may have groaned a little. I vaguely remember spewing a few profanities (I did. I curse like a sailor) and gasping for air. How many times had I dropped the phone on its face, side, corner, or back, thinking for sure it was the end? Like a dozen plus twenty-two.

You can guess the outcome here. No Schrödinger’s cat with this story.

That f#cker was dead.

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After panicking, I took it to my phone people and I kid you not, this is what happened.

Phone guy looked at my phone, hit buttons, asked me what happened (“It just stopped working”, I said innocently), and then held my ENTIRE LIFE IN A LITTLE BOX up to his co-worker and asked, “Do you know any tricks to get a phone back on after it has the Screen of Death?”

Second phone guy shook with head and with a grim expression said, “Nah, Dude. It’s a goner.”

My heart stopped. THE SCREEN OF DEATH.

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Now here’s the bad news…

For the last twenty months, writing has been extremely difficult. If you read my short post about the events in my life, you’ll understand why. In short, writing anything on my laptop seemed too daunting a task. So, what did I do?

You guessed it. I wrote short snippets, entire paragraphs that turned into almost chapters on a notes program on my phone. I jotted down thoughts, story ideas, character conversations, you NAME IT and it was on my phone. No biggie, right?

Except it was a HUGE deal.

At some point shortly after I got my wonderful and hardy new phone, it became un-synced. In short, I stupidly didn’t have it auto-backed-up.

Yes. I f#cking lost everything.

And when I say everything, I mean, a good first quarter to a book that I’ve been semi-working on, parts of In the Shadow of Demons, plot ideas, character development for both the Guardian Series and the Playhouse Series. Pictures of my life and other pieces of much needed info was lost that day.

Everything.

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And, there it is. The bad news. I’d love to be able to give you something like, “but don’t worry, the book is almost done!”, but I can’t, and for that I’m sorry.

While those words may be gone to the ether’s, the ideas are still there. It’s just going to take me a bit to get it all back, and I hope beyond all hope that you’ll stick with me while I do.

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Happy Reading and Best Wishes!

Fanny Lee

The Problem with Facebook – Disabled Accounts and Pen Names

January 26, 2017January 27, 2017Leave a comment

It finally happened. The Facebook Identity Police found me and shut my profile down. Yep, I was disabled for a “fake name” account. At least I think this is what happened. I’m taking a wild guess, though I have a feeling I’m not too far from the truth.

It’s a bit baffling considering I’ve never had Facebook contact me for any rules violations. I’ve never been banned from “liking”, banned from posting, banned from anything…

Except, now I’m banned from posting anything for my readers and fellow indie authors to see.

How have I avoided the Facebook ban? Not sure, I’m not that active, which I’m guessing plays a part.

Over the last few years, I’ve watched several indie authors get shut down over the years thanks to Facebooks fake name policy. The fact many people have accounts where they are not using their real names is a mute point. When Facebook finds you and wants proof of your name, there is nothing you can do but provide them with “evidence” you are who you write in that little box upon sign-up.

So, despite attempts to reinstate my profile, I’m still disabled and doing my best to fork over some proof that I am in fact, Ms. Savage.

Until then, my page will be inactive being my only access to post is via my author account.

Hopefully, I’ll be back up soon.

Guest Author Interview – Daniel Peyton

October 22, 2016Leave a comment

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Daniel Peyton is an up and coming author with Cosby Media Productions. Currently CMP is publishing his trilogy, Legacy of Dragonwand with book one released on February 16th (2016). Look for more work from Daniel Peyton in the future or check out his previous publications.







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Please introduce yourself and tell us something about your books.

Hello, my name is Daniel Peyton. I’m a author, artist, performer, cook, and teacher. I love to write fantasy as well as science fiction and other genres. I was born in Oklahoma and eventually moved to East Tennessee. My books that have been published thus far are all Fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres to read, watch, and write. I keep my work clean, which is why it often lands in the YA category.

What genres do you write in?

Fantasy primarily. I also dabble in Science Fiction. I have tried out post-apocalyptic and even Christian fiction.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have two answers for that question. I first fell in love with writing in the fourth grade. I started writing then with the encouragement of my teacher and I simply loved spinning stories. However, I really focused on being a published novelist around 2007 when I penned my first, full length novel.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Typically, three months goes into the actual writing. Then around three months goes into my first major stage of editing. After that, the time all depends on the others who I get to edit and work with the book. Two years usually rounds out the whole process.

How do your books get published?

Most of my work has been self published. I did make a good connection with a friend who is part of Cosby Media Productions. He helped me make a contact in that publisher and they picked up several of my books.

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Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Life itself and my own overly fertile imagination. Since I was very young, I occupied my down time by imaging stories and adventures. When my teacher gave me the idea of actually writing my thoughts down, I realized that I could weave my own imagination into stories.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The editing process. I never really understood the depth and breadth of editing until I jumped feet first into publishing. Outside of the true publishing world, I assumed that authors had one editor, and together they created a polished book. Boy was I wrong. But, what I have learned is how that these many layers of editing turns a manuscript into a novel. It takes time, but that time is well spent.

What does your writing process look like?

Sitting in front of a computer and typing like the wind. Some times I plan scenes and characters and even some of the plot. However, normally I take my notes and then start writing. The story grabs me and drags me along for the journey. Normally, all the notes I wrote beforehand are merely suggestions to the actual writing time.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I guess my strangest writing habit is being tired. I have found that I do best when I am worn out after a long day. Relaxing in front of a computer while I write has produced my best work. I schedule my writing time for 10 or even 11 pm. I can write other times, but it just seems to come out better late.

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

Names are of great importance to me. Some names are of real people who I know and craft a character around, so there is a tiny ounce of reality behind this fictional character. Some names are designed to harbor foreshadow to the characters origins, thinking, plans, or ultimate defeat. Some names are pulled out of the air because they sound awesome. Typically the names that are used that simply sound cool are for places, ships, planets, that sort of stuff.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

Battle. I want to paint a clear picture of the whole scene, but so much is going on simultaneously that it can get bogged down in details. I do the most chopping and editing around my battle scenes than anything else. I want the reader to feel that they are in the throes of combat, but not weigh the story down with ponderous detail.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I have a whole blacklog of stories that I haven’t published. Some I doubt will ever be published because they are written within the universe of an established canon. I have Star Trek novels that I wrote just for the fun and exercise. I also have works that are currently in the editing and polishing stages that I plan on getting published. A few already have contracts on them with my publisher, some are being prepped for submission.

Currently working on anything?

At this very moment, no. I don’t have any work that is in progress. However, that will change very soon. I am using the month of October to get some editing work done, plan work on other needed projects, and get ready for a large bookshow in Nashville. November will arrive and that’s when NaNoWriMo starts.

Who are your favorite authors? Do you read many books by indie authors?

My first favorite was John M. Ford, who wrote a wonderfully funny Star Trek novel called How Much for Just the Planet. I also love Charles Dickens, I am a big fan of A Christmas Carol. I do have a lot of Indie author friends and I have read quite a bit of their work.

What secret talents do you have?

I am a professional dancer in Okinawan classic and modern styles. I am a 28 year veteran embroiderer trained in many various styles. I play the violin, Shami-Sen, Alto Recorder, and Irish Flute. And I am a distinguished member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. So, yes, a few. However, I don’t keep many of my talents that secret.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

“Your work is boring” Ouch. I can handle it if someone doesn’t like my work, everyone has differing tastes. But, when I’ve had someone read an unfinished manuscript and mark a section as boring, that burns. I will set the world aside and work on that section of a manuscript until it is fixed.

What has been the best compliment?

“I had to tell my friend about your book” This line, in any form it is said, really makes me smile. Not only does it tell me that they enjoyed my work, but that they liked it so much they want others to like it.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

Legacy of Dragonwand book 1 is my most recent publication. Book 2 is due out soon. The book is a YA high fantasy adventure. If you liked books like Eragon or Harry Potter. If you enjoyed watching The Hobbit series, or Lord of the Rings, or even Game of Thrones. You have a wetting appetite for fantasy, and here is another course to keep you going. This book is especially good if you have teens who love fantasy, but you don’t want them reading anything as risqué as Game of Thrones.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

The characters do drive the story. I am still the master of their destinies, but I also know them inside and out. When writing a scene, I often come across the problem of “well, he wouldn’t do that” or “She hates those, that wouldn’t happen.” so, the characters themselves decide how the scene plays out because I know their reactions.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

In all of my literature, I cannot settle on one. In Legacy of Dragonwand, I’d have to go with Donna. She is quirky, funny, smart, and well rounded. Some of the funniest scenes in this book revolve around her. She is a side character who does not have a lot of scenes, comparatively, in the whole trilogy. But, I believe readers will connect with her and love her as much as I.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They are understanding, but confused. I don’t have a lot of real life author friends, most of them are online only. So, the people around me don’t fully grasp the work I do and the world I live in. I try to explain the details that go into editing, and they don’t get it. I hope to explain why I spend so much time alone, just writing, and it doesn’t quite make sense. But, they respect my work.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

On writing: Keep doing it. Don’t stop. Everyday, just write. On marketing: Get out there and make yourself known. I don’t care if you are the wilting flower who never wanted to be called in in class. Those days are behind you if you want to make this work. Talk to people, shake hands, go to conventions, get on the stage in front of thousands and speak to them with confidence.

Have any events, releases, or other special you’d like to share?

For the month of October I do have some exciting news. I am going to be at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, TN. Also, this month we are debuting the cover for Dragonwand book 2. Following that, we will be releasing book 2 around Halloween.

A huge thanks for sharing with us!

For more info check out the website!

Guest Author Interview -Susan Renee

October 3, 2016Leave a comment

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Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from lawn mowers to thick colossal bottles of wine, and has won a Snuggle Buddy award for her nonfiction book, “The Hula Hoop Tester’s Guide to Jumping.” She lives in Ohio with her family and seven tiny donkeys. She’s a Pet Whispering major from OMGU with a Masters in medical care for inanimate objects (a la Doc. McStuffins). Susan enjoys crab-walking through the Swiss Alps, drinking Muscle Milk, and doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

FACEBOOK
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AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
INSTAGRAM
EMAIL

Please introduce yourself and tell us something about your books.

Hi! I’m Indie Author Susan Renee! I popped my indie author cherry last November with the release of SOLVING US and released my second novel, SEVEN, this past May!

What genres do you write in?

New Adult and Contemporary Romance

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t think it was so much that I WANTED to be as much as it was that I knew I COULD be. I had given it thought years and years ago as I was looking into colleges but chose a different path. I suppose somehow life has a way of placing you right where you belong.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Well my first book, SOLVING US, took about a year from the day I decided I was going to write. It takes time to put pain and raw emotion to paper. SEVEN took about six months, and my third book, HOLE-PUNCHED is taking longer than I want it to, but I also want it to be good and since I’ve never written a romantic comedy before, it takes time, you know, to make sure I’m funny 😉

How do your books get published?

I click “submit” in the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing program 🙂 hahaha

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Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

SOLVING US is a story that I created in order to write out the raw feelings I had toward my life at the time. My idea for SEVEN literally came from a conversation I had with my husband in bed one night. HOLE-PUNCHED came about because of what my husband does for a living 🙂 I promise it’s going to be good!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I can actually DO THIS! That my words touch people and that those messages I get from fans/readers can make my day in an instant!

What does your writing process look like?

A HOT MESS!! I take only a few notes to get me started, then I just write…a little each day. Sometimes I ask my fans questions that help me along and I have a team that sort of beta reads for me as I go. They help me a ton!

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Well I don’t write naked or anything, if that’s what you’re wondering 🙂

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

Some character names come from real people, but otherwise no. I try to think of a name that I feel really fits the character.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

I’ve only ever really cried once and that was writing the last couple chapters of SEVEN which is odd since my readers like to tell me how much chapter 1 killed them. The scene in SEVEN was more of an emotional celebration scene but man, it got me. I remember listening to the music that I was talking about in the book while writing and I just sat there crying while typing. And then I played the damn song again. What is WRONG with me?!

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Other than the one I’m working on now and the ones I have planned to come? No.

Currently working on anything?

YES!! My first romantic Comedy, called HOLE-PUNCHED! It’s gonna be good!!! A whole lot of inappropriate, but good!!

Who are your favorite authors? Do you read many books by indie authors?

Meghan Quinn, Tara Sivec, K. Bromberg, Colleen Hoover, Sarah King, Gail McHugh, Deborah Anastasia, Helena Hunting….I could keep going…And YES I’m trying to read MORE AND MORE books by Indie authors especially! We ALL have a voice!!! I have several indie books on my desk WAITING for me to read them and I can’t wait!!

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

(from a friend) That I’m working too fast. (From a reader): The vulgar language throughout the story. That one just came through the other day. It’s “tough criticism” I guess but I laugh it off. Language in my books is spoken how I would speak it so I’m guessing that reader and I wouldn’t be friends in real life 😉

What has been the best compliment?

1. My mother (an AVID romance reader) telling me how surprised and proud she is of my writing 2. ALL reviews from readers who tell me how much they loved the book/story or that they were touched by something I wrote. That’s the best compliment any author can get

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

SEVEN is sort of a story about a second chance at life/love/peace. I really can’t say much without giving it away but one of my characters moves back to her home town after a personal tragedy and by chance, of course, runs into the one guy she hated in school. You can probably guess where the story might go there, except there is a twist that makes the “Second chance love” even more tricky. Oh and if my readers have anything to say about it, you’ll need tissues. #sorrynotsorry

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

BOTH!! Totally depends on where I am in the story!

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

I should probably say Olivia from SOLVING US because she’s me in so many ways, but I really loved and fell in love with Bryant Wood in SEVEN. His life isn’t as easy as it may seem and he’s dealt a tricky hand. I think he handles his demons like my husband would if they were his.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

Uhhh….well….many of them TELL me they love the books! Whether or not they’re saying that because they’re family and maybe feel obligated? I guess I’ll never know.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

On Writing. Just keep writing. Try to come up with a new idea or a way to spin an old idea. MAKE FRIENDS with veteran writers. They’re always willing to help out! Marketing: Make friends with those bloggers who are excited to talk about BOOKS!!!! 🙂

Have any events, releases, or other special you’d like to share?

Arch City Author Event signing – October 15th in Columbus Ohio HOLE-PUNCHED releasing HOPEFULLY before the holidays? YOU DON’T KNOW JACK SCHMIDT releasing spring 2017!

A huge thanks for sharing with us!

For more info check out the website!

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanRenee/

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Guest Author Interview -Maegan Provan

September 26, 2016September 17, 20161 Comment

13537544_1151880508188711_5878129559336739662_n Maegan Provan is the New Adult/ Urban Fantasy author of The Night Touched Chronicles and the mini series Becoming Night Touched.

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Please introduce yourself and tell us something about your books.

My name is Maegan Provan, and I am the author of The Night Touched Chronicles, as well as the prequel mini series, Becoming Night Touched. Created by the First Born, The Night Touched created the bloodlines from which all modern day vampires descended. Different because of their incredible powers and advantages in the human world, The Night Touched were a special kind of vampire. However, they were believed to have died out centuries ago, and had been reduced to little more than whispers in the vampire world. Until now. Harper believed that she was the only modern Night Touched in existence. The reasons behind her creation were unknown and she had been abandoned during her change. Eventually she was found by Lily and Jason and taught how to handle what she had become. She learned how to blend in with the human world and even made herself in to quite the socialite of the New York City elite scene. After a plea for help in her dreams and the dangers of a forbidden love, Harper is sent down a path to discovery; not only is she not alone, she’s about to face her worst nightmare – a slayer named Silas with a finger on her nonexistent pulse.

What genres do you write in?

Primarily Urban Fantasy, but I enjoy New Adult, as well.

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When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I grew up looking up to my granny, who was a published author herself. She always encouraged my writing, and that was a big deal for me. I wanted to be like Granny. It kinda stuck.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Unfortunately, right now it’s take about a year and a half, to two years to finish a novel. I am working to get that down with the next novel

How do your books get published?

I self-publish.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The internet is a great source for information. Of course, you have to weed through the bad stuff to get to the useful stuff. A lot of my ideas come from obsessions or weird, out of nowhere ideas.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That the majority of the community is so supportive and so helpful. This is a dog eat dog business, but I have met so many amazingly wonderful people. Granted, there are still some bad eggs out there, that’s unavoidable. But yeah, this community has been the most surprising thing to me.

What does your writing process look like?

A lot of Facebook, some World of Warcraft, possibly some Twitter or Instagram thrown in there… Oh! And a little bit of writing.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I don’t think it’s too strange, but I talk to myself. Well, more-so, I talk to my characters, but they’re my creation, so I am talking to myself by extension. It makes it less crazy if I admit to knowing it’s crazy, right?

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

The characters are pretty good about telling me. I used to say that Harper’s original name was Amelia, but the more I think about it, the more that’s not true. I had a weird vampire story that started off as a Buffy fan-fic which was turned into it’s own thing. The only one I actually had to work out was Jason, one of the supporting protagonists. He started off as James, but his partner’s name is Lily… And you see why I had to change it.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

Racy scenes. I go into the story with the intention of being edgy and sexy… Then I get embarrassed about half way through and I have to give up.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Nope.

Currently working on anything?

I am trying to finish up the rewrite for Book 1 of The Night Touched Chronicles, and that’s really it.

Who are your favorite authors? Do you read many books by indie authors?

Tricia Drammeh, and Joleene Naylor, hands down. They are my closest writing friends, and constant sources of inspiration. I love those ladies. They are both indie authors, and I try to read indie books as much as possible.

What secret talents do you have?

I can go from focused to distracted at the speed of… squirrel!

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

A couple of people thought that Harper was too mopey and that she didn’t have enough range of emotion to be considered a main character. That was one of the hardest things to hear about my books in general. I’m sure there is other stuff, but that is what sticks out to me.

What has been the best compliment?

That my take on vampires is new and different. That was the coolest thing to me. In an overly saturated genre, you want to stand out.

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BUY NOW

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

My most recent release is Becoming Night Touched: The Collection, which is a collection of short stories about the main characters in the moments before their lives either ended or changed.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I let my characters lead the story for the most part. The only time I have to intervene is when someone tries to take the story in a direction that I am not ready for it to go.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

They’re all my favorites for one reason or another. I can’t pick just one!

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

For the most part, my family and friends like it. A lot of them are not in to vampire fiction, so that’s a thing. However, they’re mostly proud that I have done something that I put my mind to.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

Just go for it. Don’t worry about ‘what ifs’ or what’s in. As for marketing, I would say ‘don’t spam, pay attention to group rules, and be nice.’

Have any events, releases, or other special you’d like to share?

Nothing set in stone yet. I keep hoping to get Celine done, but I figure it’ll happen when it happens, haha.

A huge thanks for sharing with us!

For more info check out the website!

http://www.maeganprovan.com/

Guest Author Interview -Izzy Szyn

September 19, 2016September 17, 2016Leave a comment

Author Izzy Szyn

New York Times Bestselling Author Izzy Szyn was born in May of 2014 when a friend dared her to write. Born and raised in Detroit, Mi. Izzy now lives in Oklahoma City with her furchild Misty, the friendliest Chihuahua/Terrier you will ever meet. Currently works in a call center, where she writes in between phone calls.

FACEBOOK
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AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
WEBSITE (WARNING 18+ ONLY)

Please introduce yourself and tell us something about your books.

I’m Izzy Szyn. I live in Oklahoma City and I write menages in both contemporary and paranormal settings.

What genres do you write in?

Contemporary and Paranormal

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

About 2 years ago.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on how the book is going. Sometimes they write themselves. Other times they take a few months.

How do your books get published?

I have a few books published with Hot Ink Press, others I’ve self-published on Amazon. Recently I discovered an awesome place where I can have them published in different formats so I use that.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everywhere. Books, movies, I have evil friends that give me plot bunnies.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I like to write FF. When I started writing I knew that I wanted to write menages. I always loved to read them and just seemed natural to write it. But I thought that they would be in the more popular MMF category. Now I just let the characters tell me their story and I just write it down.

What does your writing process look like?

Organized chaos.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Not really.

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

I use name generators if I can’t think of a name.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

For me it’s more the beginning.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

There are a few, I just need time to complete them.

Currently working on anything?

Right now I’m writing the first book in a new series called Extra Mile. Extra Mile features Brittany Jones who takes a job as a high class escort to help her family with financial problems. She learns that she loves the life far more than she ever thought she would. I’m planning on making this a continuing series, in that you will follow Brittany’s journey from becoming an escort to running the service. Each story will build up from the last.

Who are your favorite authors? Do you read many books by indie authors?

Too many to name, but Cynthia Sax (I love her), Cheryl Dragon, Kate Douglas, Lori Foster, Jayne Ann Krentz, Selena Kitt just to name an few. I like to read a mixture of indie and traditional.

What secret talents do you have?

Ummmm…..

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

I think it was after I wrote Sexual Chemistry Three, I was told that the book seemed rush, that it wasn’t as good. So I went back, reread it and made the book better.

What has been the best compliment?

I get surprised when authors I admire say that they love my books.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

Sexual Healing which comes out today and is part of the Coming in Hot Boxed set. It was literally written in ten days because I had a hardware crash and had to start from scratch pretty much. But in this case it became a blessing from what my beta readers have said. It was originally supposed to be a contemporary. It was going okay until the crash. Around that time I started to get an itch to write another vampire. So I reworked it and it became a paranormal. In Sexual Healing, Zoe is a paramedic and getting ready to become engaged to Dr. Derek Barnes. But she’s never forgotten his twin brother Liam with whom she always felt a closer connection. He left town when he and his lover Brent were discovered in bed together during their high school graduation party. Brent and Liam return years later, for Zoe the mate they need to make them complete.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

They hijack

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

Right now it’s Brittany Jones from Extra Mile. But that changes with each book.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They are supportive and think it’s cool even though some won’t read it.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

Just write. I wish that I had started sooner. Marketing is the hardest part for me surprisingly. I can promote everyone else no problem, but myself it’s harder.

Have any events, releases, or other special you’d like to share?

I’m going to be at the Piedmont, Oklahoma library for Indie author day on Oct 9. I’m also so far going to be signing at Hard Rock Cafe Casino in Tulsa in July. So far, but I’m open to any invites in the area. 🙂

A huge thanks for sharing with us!

For more info check out the website!

An open letter to readers…

September 7, 2016September 7, 20164 Comments

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Dear Readers,

It’s been over a year since you’ve last heard from me. That’s a long time to go without keeping contact with you. I don’t mean my silly page posts or blogs, Instagram pictures, and posts on Facebook. I mean keeping contact by sharing more of the stories piling up in my head. The books I write. The pages you’ve read and the characters you’ve come to care about.

So, I’m writing this to tell you I’m sorry that I’ve been so quiet. And, to tell you why.

You’ve allowed me in a sense—Charlotte, Aydin, Lucius, Jess, and Liam— to occupy your time. You’ve sent me messages, emails—little notes of encouragement with each one—reminding me why I love to write, and thanking me (THANKING ME!) for sharing these characters with you. Asking me when I’ll deliver more, and today I have finally decided I’ll share more with you. Though, not what you expect. Today I’ll tell you the reason why my stories remain untold and your Kindles vacant of new books.

A while back I wrote a blog post about a major life event that has left me behind on my current work. It was a vague post because I didn’t want to share. It felt too personal.

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Too personal. I know…

Here you’ve cried over my stories, felt rage, and I was worried about getting personal!

But, you beautiful people, you deserve personal. I’m not the only woman who’s experienced this type of trauma. I’m not the only one who’s had too much pride, refusing to talk about their life and problems out of sheer stubbornness and fear of being shamed.

So here it is.

Just over a year ago, I woke up to what I thought was an ordinary day only to discover I was no longer married. No, he didn’t pass away……. and I’m sorry to those of you who’ve endured such a horrific tragedy.

After devoting my entire adult life to being a wife and mom, I was suddenly a single mother, with no job, no education (no I never went to school), and the life I thought I was living turned out to be a complete lie. It was a week before Four Days was released, and I already had the first chapter for In the Shadow of Demons finished, but when the floor falls out from under you, there is nothing to grab hold of. Not even something you worked so hard to achieve.

Like, say… My books.

Expecting something more? People get divorced all the time, right? Here in the US over half of marriages end in divorce. I mean, it could be worse… And, you’re right. It could. It was, with a hell of a lot more to it. An entire year + worth of it, but I’ll spare you the details.

In short, my little life fell apart and left me with writer’s block. Mental block. A concrete block wall separating me and the characters I created. Everyone stopped talking to me. Aydin, Jess, Liam. Utter silence. Honestly, I’m not sure if I was capable of listening for a long time.

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Thankfully, bits and pieces are coming together, but I won’t commit to a release date yet. I assure you, as soon as I know, you’ll be the first I contact. Those signed copies you amazing readers won? I’m working on it. I truly am….

Was this too personal? Seem small? Probably yes to both of those questions. Yet, none of it feels small. I’m sure some of you reading this can relate to the devastation. Actually, I know you can. I’ve seen your posts, read your blogs, lived the nightmare that is your reality. It’s mine now too.

That is why I share with you all today and ask for a bit more patience. The stories are there. The books are coming. Pages get typed. Erased, then typed again. So please, dear readers, bear with me. The words will appear and be in your hands in due time.

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Best Wishes and Happy Reading,

Fanny Lee