New Release-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: THE NATURE OF THE GAME by Amy Aislin (Stick Side #2)-Includes Author Mini-Interview!

The Nature of the Game

by Amy Aislin

Series: Stick Side #2
**Please note: book 1 in the Stick Side series, ON THE ICE, is on mega sale at only 99 cents from May 6 - 13**

Publisher: self-published

Release Date (Print & Ebook): May 7, 2019

Length (Print & Ebook): 87,000 words/330 pages

Subgenre: M/M contemporary romance

Tropes: second chances

Book Links

Amazon - Author Website

Synopsis

Six years ago, an ultimatum forced Dan Greyson to make a choice that cost him everything he loved most. One of those things? His boyfriend, hockey player Ashton Yager. Now that they’ve crossed paths again, Dan isn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. Ash’s reappearance in his life is just the catalyst Dan needs to escape the rut he’s fallen into…and win back Ash’s trust and love.

Ashton Yager, once burned and now a little bit shy, didn’t mean to publicly come out as bisexual. But now that he has, he’s got to deal with the consequences, including the fact that it might’ve cost him his NHL contract. With his job on the line, he needs to keep his head down, work hard, and play the best hockey of his life. Rekindling things with Dan? That’s not exactly keeping a low profile. It’s also never going to happen, not after Dan walked away once without an explanation.

When a hurricane forces Ash to seek shelter out-of-state, he and Dan find themselves in the same B&B, where old feelings resurface. But with everything Ash has on the line, does he dare play with fire again?

Excerpt

Ash’s phone beeped in his pocket and he pulled it out, eyebrows winging up when he saw who it was.

Speak of the damn devil.

I heard about the hurricane coming your way. Are you okay? Did you get out?

Then a second text: Oh, BTW, this is Dan.

How had Dan gotten his phone number? It was different than the one he’d had while living in Syracuse.

I’m fine, Ash sent back. Flying out this afternoon. And because he didn’t want to seem like a jerk who didn’t appreciate the concern—which, honestly, he wasn’t sure whether he did appreciate it or not—he added, Thanks for thinking of me.

I’m always thinking of you.

Ash’s mouth dropped open and something suspiciously like butterflies erupted in his belly.

Carra's Review

I loved the first book in this series, so of course I was ready to dive right in once I got my hands on book two.  This time around the focus is on Dan and Ash, which means that yes you will get to see Mitch and Alex from book one popping up in this story as supporting characters.  The Nature of the Game is both a second chance and a hockey romance, so right there it was ticking off some boxes for me.  The story alternates between its present day and six years prior (Dan and Ash’s first time around) as all the aspects of the guys’ relationship are revealed.  I’m usually not a fan of the back and forth on the timeline, but in this case I think it worked fine.

This book’s synopsis doesn’t clue you in on what happened the first time around with Dan and Ash—but if you’re like me, the circumstances will probably tick you off, and the way Dan handled things will likely frustrate you as well.  Dan is sweet and selfless, but is definitely not living his dream…and that’s primarily thanks to what happened six years ago (which I’m not going to spoil, no matter how much it’s killing me not to say anything), and the selfless aspect of his personality.  I definitely felt for his character, and wanted so much for him to do what HE wanted.  

I liked Ash a lot, though he did irk me a bit with his continual refusal to let Dan explain what happened that first time around.  I understood his point regarding not wanting to listen, it just still resulted in some minor frustration for me.

The flashbacks to six years ago painted a great picture of the initial evolution of Dan and Ash’s relationship.  The way it was told, broken out and interspersed with present day scenes, helped make things feel gradual between them.  And there is a scene with them working through their first let’s-go-all-the-way encounter that is just classic (neither had been with a man before).  Them doing “the thing” cracked me up.  

One other note?  There was one character in this story that I absolutely despised.  Petty, vindictive, and uncaring…and if you’ve read the first book, you may already know who I’m talking about.  The complete opposite of Dan…and they play a critical role in what goes on.  All I can say is, Dan’s either a better person than I am or he’s just too forgiving—take your pick once you’ve read this.  Maybe it’s character growth, and I’m just more intolerant than Dan.

The Nature of the Game was a solid 4-star read for me, and as with book one it has me hooked for more in the series.  Possibly Cody or Kinsey next?  No matter who it is, I’ll be picking that one up too.  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

Mini-interview with Amy Aislin

How do you handle writer’s block?

I’m a panster, not a plotter, so I always start out writing a novel not knowing where it’s going to go, but also not fully knowing my characters either. I’ve found that when the writer’s block hits, it’s because I’m not yet fully acquainted with my characters. I don’t know them well enough. What do they really want, both internally and externally, and what’s preventing them from getting it? Once I have that nailed down, the story starts to develop much more smoothly.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

The Nature of the Game is my eighth published novel, which is how many books I’ve written. I’d say my favourite is On the Ice. Not only was it the easiest book for me to write—I was very intimately acquainted with the characters before I started writing—but it’s the book of my heart. It’s a slow-burn, friends to lovers story with a flirty college hockey player who meets his match in a demisexual NHL player. There’s a small part of me in most of my books, however certain facets of who I am are strongly reflected in both Mitch and Alex (the main characters in On the Ice), so it’s also a very personal book for me.

Do you have a favorite cover from one of your books?

My favourite cover from my books is the cover for As Big as the Sky, which was released in August 2017. My cover designer, Melody Pond, took my instructions and gave me back something that was a hundred times better than I’d imagined. The pink cover, flowers in the foreground, and house in the background perfectly set the mood of this low-angst, feel-good novella.

Secondary Characters: Why they are important to the story?

Secondary characters in my stories can be sources of conflict or sounding boards. In The Nature of the Game, my secondary characters take on both of these attributes. For example, one of the secondary characters in Dan’s life is a source of pain for him. By contrast, the secondary characters in Ash’s life are supportive, and help him talk through things he’s dealing with.

What's your favorite scene from this book?

Well… [insert giggles]. My two lead characters are both bisexual men, however neither one has ever had sex with another man. My favourite scene in The Nature of the Game is one where they discover the joys (and trepidations) of anal sex. It’s quite a funny scene, if I do say so myself.

About the Author

Amy started writing on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class was forced to stay inside for recess. Tales of adventures with her classmates quickly morphed into tales of adventures with the characters in her head. Based in the suburbs of Toronto, Amy is a marketer/fundraiser at a large environmental non-profit in Toronto by day, and a writer by night. Book enthusiast, animal lover and (very) amateur photographer, her interests are many and varied, including travelling, astronomy, ecology, and baking. She binge watches too much anime, and loves musical theater, Julie Andrews, the Backstreet Boys, and her hometown of Oakville, Ontario.  

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GIVEAWAY!

Release blitz/blog tour giveaway: Win a Stick Side prize pack, including signed paperbacks of books 1 and 2 in the series, as well as some Stick Side swag! Contest open internationally. Enter via Rafflecopter. Contest ends at 12:00am May 12.

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Interview with Bryan T. Clark, Author of DIEGO'S SECRET

Interview with Bryan T. Clark 

Today we are chatting with Bryan T. Clark, author of Diego’s Secret.  Bryan writes M/M Romance with an emphasis on moral dilemma.  His multicultural characters and riveting plots embody real life, filled with challenges, personal growth, and, of course, what we all desire—love.

1. Tell us something unexpected about yourself!

• I was an investigator for twenty-seven years prior to releasing my first book, ‘Ancient House of Cards’ in 2014.  Although I dabbled a little with writing fiction in high school, I never had any aspirations of being published.  I just wrote for fun.

2. What kind of books do you write?

• I write romance books that present a moral dilemma that the characters have to resolve in order for their relationship to work.  I try to infuse real emotions into real situations that someone in the LGBTQ community would face, whether it’s at their job, coming out to family members, or going against the grain of what is expected of them.  Love doesn’t always come at the most convenient time.

3. What inspired you to write?

• At the age of fifteen, I accidently stumbled onto a book called ‘The Front Runner’ by Patricia Neil Warren on my mother’s bookshelf.  Admittedly, it was the cover that really caught my eye!  However, it was Patricia’s emotional tale of romance between two men that opened my eyes to a whole new world, not only in literature, but for my own life. Later on, I also discovered Maya Angelou and Iyanla Vanzant.  They taught me that you can put real, raw, emotions on paper.  I learned so much about the world through other people’s writing.  Now, I want people, when they read my books, to feel the experience of falling in love and to be enriched in some way by what I have written.

4. Tell us a little about your recent release, Diego’s Secret. 

• This is a book about two opposites-Winston Makena, age 32, is rich and successful, but finds no joy in life after the death of his beloved husband Parker LeBlanc.  Seeking solace in the gardens that Parker designed to surround their estate, he finds a new love interest in Diego Castillo, the 25-year-old gardener trained by Parker to maintain the property.  However, Diego has a secret life.  He is not just a closeted gay man, but also an undocumented Mexican immigrant.  The two men meet by chance in Parker’s garden and together, share their memories of Parker.  It is a story about falling in love when you least expect it.

5. The major characters in each of your novels are always faced with a moral dilemma surrounding their relationship with one another.  Why is the concept of moral dilemma so central to all of your novels?

It’s my brand; it is the one consistent thing in all of my books.  It is that delicate mixture of romance and suspense. You can’t help but root for my characters when they struggle with the dilemma that they each face in order to overcome the major obstacles and hurdles in finding true love.  And, when the last page is turned, and the book is closed, you feel as if you were a part of something special, the birth of a beautiful love story. 

6. All of your novels have really well-developed primary and secondary characters.  Do you have a particular method you use to develop your characters?  

• It is important for me to create characters that are believable, three-dimensional and flawed.  Finding love is easy; understanding yourself enough to participate in a healthy, loving, sustaining relationship, is the hard part. As the story progresses, I measure their growth from where they are at the beginning of the story and compare and contrast their development to where they are at the end, and detail all along the way how their transformation happens.  This dynamic process, for me, is the heart and soul and the pure joy in writing!

7. What’s next?

• I am always polishing my next novel getting it ready for publication and have several waiting in the pipeline.  My current work in progress deals with homelessness and prostitution.  There is so much that is misunderstood about these issues and how they impact the LGBT community.  I think we could be doing a better job in protecting our most vulnerable youth and I hope to shine a little light on these issues. 

Bryan is currently on his book tour promoting his latest novel, Diego’s Secret. 

For more information visited www.BTClark.com

Universal Buy Link

Cover Design: Krista Lynn Design

Length: 80,921 words

Blurb

Can love conquer our deepest secrets and fears?

Are the challenges worth the struggle?

Eight years ago, at the age of seventeen, Diego Castillo came to the United States illegally from Mexico. Working long hours in the family landscaping business, he now shares a tiny apartment with his two machismo brothers in Southern California. Diego has worked hard to keep his desires for other men a secret from his brothers. He's worked just as hard to keep his undocumented status a secret from the world he now lives in.

Thirty-two-year-old Winston Makena is beautiful, intelligent, and intimidating. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but no amount of money can relieve the enormous grief he is suffering from his husband's sudden death. He is one of Diego's best accounts and lives a life in stark contrast to his gardener's. Winston's wealthy upbringing has influenced his ideas, leading him to certain biases.

Winston believes he could never love again. Diego believes that his family's lives depend on him keeping his secrets. What neither of them know is that the heart knows no such boundaries. Will social divisions, ideology, and secrets destroy both their chances for happiness?

Can love really conquer all?

Author Bio

Bryan Thomas Clark is a funny, loving, family-oriented, and proud member of the LGBTQ community. After twenty-seven years in law enforcement, Bryan retired in 2015 to focus on his writing full time. Behind his computer, working on his next novel, Bryan writes Romance with real emotions that represent the moral dilemma that his characters face in their pursuit of love. He brilliantly weaves real life situations filled with difficult challenges, where his vibrant characters experience personal growth, and of course, what we all desire, lasting love.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Goodreads

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New Release: HALLOWEEN IS MURDER by Carolyn Arnold-Includes Excerpt & Author Interview!

HALLOWEEN IS MURDER

McKinley Mysteries, book 11

by Carolyn Arnold

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway-BENEATH THE STARS by Lynn Charles-Includes Author Interview! ***TOP RECOMMENDATION***

Summary

Sid Marneaux puts his fashion career on the line when he returns home to care for his ailing father. When he meets the new fire chief Eddie Garner, their romance sparks hot, but Eddie harbors burdens of his own. Through the wisdom of a child and the connection of mothers-now-gone, the men redefine family, career, and most importantly, love.

Purchase Links:

Interlude Press - Amazon - Barnes and Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Smashwords - Book Depository - Indiebound

Excerpt

Sid walked around the center circle and spun around. “It’s smaller than I remember.”

“You’re bigger,” Eddie said, grabbing Sid’s hand. “Does it feel weird being here?”

They sat in the middle of the field. Its size seemed to stretch out, and perspective was restored. “It does. It’s been a long time.” Sid lay on his back and tugged Eddie to join him. “And in all the time I spent on this field,” he said, “I never did this.”

“Did you want to?”

“No offense to present company, but I dreamt it would have been after a winning game with Tyrone Lemmon. Built more for baseball than soccer. Lousy stamina on the field—great ass.”

Eddie laughed. “Jon Marcum. Lousy basketball player. Got cut our senior year. Thighs… for days.”

“Oh, what could have been.”

“Eh, I dated too many exactly like him. We didn’t miss anything.”

Sid looked away from the lights to find Eddie staring at him. “Maybe it wasn’t the right time.”

“Maybe it wasn’t the right guy.”

With a loud pop and a whoosh, the field lights shut off. After laughing at their mutual squeaks of surprise, Sid wiggled closer. They fell silent and refocused on the night sky. 

“Is that the North Star?” Eddie asked. 

“Yep, Polaris. See? It’s the tip of Little Dipper’s handle. Big Dipper—Ursa Major, my dad would correct—is to the west of it.” 

Neither moved or spoke, letting the vastness of the sky rearrange perspective once again. 

“I had a nice time tonight,” Sid said. 

Eddie reached for Sid’s hand. “So did I.” 

The quiet they shared was new for Sid. Everyone had something to say: plans to be organized, money to be made, successes to be touted, or worse, failures to be shamed. As they lay there, the ground cooled on his back; Eddie’s hand rested comfortably in his. Sometimes, silence sang the most beautiful of tunes. 

“So,” Sid finally said. “My place isn’t much… but I have fresh peaches. Will you come?”

“I’d love to.” Eddie sat and pulled them up to stand. His cheeks were flushed, his hair was ruffled, but his attention remained on the sky. 

“Hey,” Sid said, brushing his finger along Eddie’s cheek. When Eddie turned, Sid caught a sadness in Eddie’s eyes he’d not seen before. Sid knew the sky was for dreaming and melancholy, for longing and love. With his finger at the curve of Eddie’s chin, Sid kissed him, lingering when Eddie’s smile bent beneath his lips. “Thanks for being my first.”

Carra's Review

I LOVED this book.  This is one of those stories that I can’t wait to tell you I’ve given a 5-star, top recommendation rating to because it just needs to be said right up front.  Sid and Eddie’s story is beautiful-emotional, heartwarming, sad, sweet and was just a joy to read.  The characters are easy to relate to, and in the middle of it all is the incredibly precocious and intelligent Adrian who pretty much steals the show in every scene in which he appears.

Family drama, especially when it relates to parents being slowly taken from us by illness, always ratchets up the tension in a story.  Here in Beneath the Stars, it makes the evolving relationship between Sid and Eddie more complicated since without that drama, Sid and Eddie would not have met in the first place—and once the drama is resolved, what happens then?  The strain of Sid’s father’s deteriorating health along with the stress of trying to help while his fledgling business back home is just getting off the ground makes things very hard on Sid.  Eddie has his own pain to work through from the loss of his best friend, and he now has his own strained life as he adjusts to raising his son on his own while still grieving for his friend’s loss.  Eddie is the one who holds Sid together, and Sid does the same thing for Eddie.

The emotionally charged relationship that develops between them is healing but becomes is more than Sid can handle—until he realizes he actually can’t handle things without Eddie there to be his rock.  They’re good for each other, and watching as their connection evolving gave me a warm feeling inside as it felt natural, loving and just RIGHT.  And Eddie’s son Adrian—well, this book wouldn’t be what it is without him.  He is brilliant, talented and adds levity and such sweetness to the story.  

I was so wrapped up in this story as I read; the writing was fantastic and really drew me in.  I was fully invested in not just Sid and Eddie, but in Adrian as well.  The chemistry between Sid and Eddie was apparent from the start, and everything between them was so comfortable.  Their physical scenes ranged from loving and intimate to steamy and intense, never overtaking the story.  You can really feel the conflict both Sid and Eddie go through as they try to work out being together long-term.  My feelings were one hundred percent involved in their happiness, and I loved how everything turned out.

Beneath the Stars is a story that just made me happy in the end, and it truly deserves the top recommendation, 5-star rating I’ve given it.  M/M romance fans will definitely want to add this to their library…and I dare you not to fall in love with little Adrian.  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.  This was the first story I’ve read by this author, and I’m certainly hooked!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: BENEATH THE STARS—LYNN CHARLES

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Lynn Charles author of Black Dust. Hi Lynn, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about  yourself, your background, and your current book. 

I'm happy to be here! I’m an author, wife and mother living in Central Ohio. I’ve  been writing—from lavish journal entries to fictional stories—most of my life. My first novel, Chef's Table, was published in December 2014 with Interlude Press. Black Dust is about a couple who, fifteen years after a tragic car accident tore  them apart, are given a second chance to heal and to love.

What’s the easiest thing about writing?

Coming up with the seed idea that gets the ball rolling. Keeping the ball rolling can be easy, but sometimes you’re pushing that fool thing through rough terrain, up steep hills, or through depths of muck. Coasting to the end is usually pretty easy too—especially if you’ve laid the proper groundwork for a solid end.

Name one author (living or dead) you’d like to write  with?

Jennifer Crusie. She writes hilarious and smart romantic comedy in a style I’ve always enjoyed: strong dialogue, layered stories and rich characters from supporting to lead.

Tell us about your cover and how it came about.

My publishing company is blessed to have the most talented CB Messer as art director. After she’s read the manuscript, we have a conference call and discuss ideas I might bring to the table. I, however, had few ideas this time: no faces and a gif I had seen online that represented the colors and a general movement I’d like to see. How she took those meaningless requests and made it into the gorgeous cover I have, I’ll never know. I’ve come to believe she’s a wizard.

Is this book part of a series? Do you have ideas that could make it into a series? If it is a series, tell us a little about it.

It is a stand alone book, but if I were to do a series, I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t expand Rue’s story. She is Sid’s assistant at his company in Chicago: strong, wise, has a layered backstory and would have a girlfriend of equal interest… or she’d be pursuing one like that anyway. 

Word association. Tell us the first thing that comes to mind when you read these words.

Ketchup—hot dog

Flakes—frosted (I might be hungry)

Elastic—waistband 

Timer—dinner’s ready (yes, I’m definitely hungry)

Google—chaotic information

About the Author

Lynn Charles’ love of writing dates to her childhood where thoughts, dreams, frustrations, and joys poured onto the pages of journals and diaries. 

She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and adult children where a blind dog and his guardian cat rule the roost. When she’s not writing, Lynn can be found planning a trip to New York or strolling its streets daydreaming about retirement. Her previous novels include Chef’s Table (2014) and Black Dust (2016). 

Connect with the author at lynncharles.net, on Twitter @lynncharlesnet and on Facebook at facebook.com/lynncharles.net.

Giveaway!

Grand Prize $25 IP Gift Card + Multi-format eBook of Hold // Five winners receive Beneath the Stars eBook

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New Release-BLINDED by Lyz Kelley (Eldridge Series #1)-Includes Author Interview & Giveaway!

BLINDED (Elkridge Series, Book 1)

by Lyz Kelley

Contemporary Romance / Romantic Suspense

The first book in the ELKRIDGE SERIES debuts a quirky cast of characters. Follow along in the series to gather evidence to solve Sheriff Sam murder. Book #1 starts off with a double-bang! Sheriff Sam is murdered. Joey returns to Elkridge. Does that mean Mara will get a second chance at love?

A FLORIST WHO REFUSES HELP...Mara dreams died the night a drunk driver killed her parents and sister, and left her permanently wounded. After months of therapy, she's finally adjusting to her new reality while working to save her mother's floral business. When the first boy she ever had a crush on walks back into her life, she wonders if she's getting a second chance to find happiness.

A DETECTIVE WHO WANTS TO PROTECT...Somebody killed Joey's brother. After a ten-year absence, the big city detective returns home to Colorado for the funeral knowing he will be pressured to find Sheriff Sam's killer. Joey's instincts say whoever murdered his brother is part of something more sinister than the Elkridge deputies can handle. When Mara is stalked, Joey wonders if the mystery man is the killer.

BUT, WILL THEY LEARN TO COMPROMISE? Joey's boss is pressuring him to return to Seattle. Mara refuses to leave Elkridge. Neither wants to be apart, but will they take the risk and make the necessary sacrifices to be with each other?

ON SALE FOR 99¢

Amazon

 

Meet the Author

Would you like to know when Lyz Kelley’s award-winning new releases are available?  Sign up for Kelley’s Heroes: www.LyzKelleysHeroes.com. You’ll get an exclusive copy of A Soldier’s Wife, release news, learn about giveaways, and receive exclusive previews of her new books.

Lyz loves to tell stories about strong women who have faced extraordinary challenges, then pair them with men who have an enormous capacity to love, even if they may not know it. Exploring these wounded and strong characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—takes Lyz on an incredible, and sometimes unexpected journey. Lyz's books have received high accolades in numerous writing contests. Lyz loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.LyzKelley.com.

Brand: Honorable Men, Brave Women, and a Healing Love

Mission: To write about emotional subjects and help the world heal through the written word.

 

Author Interview

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? How old were you when you decided to pursue writing professionally?

When I was 8, I began writing a story, first in my head, and later in my diary. The world I dreamed about was big and complex; filled with interesting creatures. When I turned 40, I tried to translate the story I’d lived with all those years to the page…and couldn’t. So I sought help. Romance Writers of America was the only group that said, “Come on in. We’ll help.” So, I started writing and learning and exploring the craft of writing. One day, when I’ve learned enough to write such a complicated story, I will write about the world that exists in my head.

Why do you write about Honorable Men, Brave Women, and a Healing Love?

I used to think I wrote about strong men and women. After all, some of the men in my stories are modeled after my husband, a former military guy, and the strongest man I know. But then I realized I write about characters that are healed by love. The characters I write about aren’t just mentally or physically strong, but brave and honorable and willing to do the right things, even if loving someone comes at a personal sacrifice.

What is your writing process?

Over the years my writing process has changed.  When I first started, I plotted and plotted, making massive spreadsheets of every little detail. I knew everything I could about my characters and story before I began, but my books turned out stiff and emotionless. My process has evolved into a story structure outline, which works much better. Now, I write my first draft and focus on story structure and let my characters do what is natural. After I get the bones of the book down, I start several edit passes to deepen the emotions and add flavor to the book. Normally, before the book goes to an editor, I’ve done at least 4, maybe 5 passes of the book. After that, I work with content editor, line editor, and a proofreader to make sure I’m putting out the best book possible.

Have you won any awards for your writing?

Yes, actually. During my journey to write the best book possible, I’ve won several awards for three of my books. There is one book that has won an award that I don’t intend to publish. There are four other books also sitting in the archives of my computer. These, I call my practice books, and will remain in a folder to be looked at when I need to reflect on how far I’ve come on this writing journey.

How do you develop your characters?

Character development is the driving force in my writing process. I start with what the character fears the most, and then move onto the false belief that character has created to cope with that fear. Then I start building a growth arc to help that character resolve their fear through a healing love. After that, secondary characters are used to entice main characters to reflect, either by mirroring bad behavior or “calling out,” essentially creating a catalyst for change.

If you couldn’t read or write for a day, how would you spend your time?

I love spending time chatting with friends on Facebook or Twitter, or researching new words for my Word Wednesday posts. I also enjoy designing little notes for my quotes and sharing them on Pinterest. If my husband isn’t traveling for his job, I like spending time with him, playing with my four-legged fur babies, or exercising. Several times a year, I like to get away to explore, usually to international destinations. I enjoy experiencing new cultures, visiting museums, or studying the city architecture or landscapes. My favorite trips so far have been to Machu Picchu and Prague.

How do you come up with character names?

Don’t laugh…I usually just Google professional model names, or use an iPhone app called, Name Dice. Name selection is always hard because each character in a book needs to start with a different letter.  In fact, in the book, Orphaned, I had a Rachelle and a Michelle in the book and beta readers kept getting confused so I had to change Michelle’s name to Caitlyn.

If I wanted to be a Beta Reader or one of your Advanced Readers, how do I sign up?

That’s an easy question. You sign up on the website http://www.LyzKelleysHeroes.com.  All the information is available. I’ve created a VIP Club for those special members who provide feedback or leave reviews. In return, this special group is the first to see my covers, hear release news, and receive freebies. If readers have additional questions, they can always contact me. I am the human on the other end of that email, and will respond.

If you wrote a book about your life, what would it be called?

I love one-word titles for my books, so I would believe the book title would be, Determined. My husband always says I’m the most determined person he’s ever met.

What do you find the hardest about writing?

I think it’s the mental anguish that goes into the writing process. Each word, each sentence is a struggle to get right. Every day I push, push, push to get better, and then I get edits back or read a review and the person on the other end of the keyboard has just ripped my heart out and crushed it without even knowing how much their words hurt. Even so, I do appreciate the feedback. Feedback helps me get better. Over the years, I’ve gotten a much tougher skin, but there are days that are hard. For me, no actor, singer, artist, photographer, or anyone who is brave enough to share their creation with the world, will get a negative thought from me. I know what it takes to put myself out there. It’s hard, but there’s something in all creative types that compel artists to keep reaching for their nirvana.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given about writing, or life?

The best advice I’ve received was from my great-grandmother. She said: “Set your goals high. If you don’t, you will never know what you might have been capable of achieving.”  And boy, did I set my goals high. When I first started writing my stories down, I figured it would take me two, maybe three years to write my book. Ten years later, I have my first viable project. Most writers will tell you that publishing is a marathon, not a sprint—a very accurate description.

If you could go back and change one thing about your writing journey, what would it have been?

Nothing. Each mistake I’ve learned from. I wouldn’t change a thing.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before you started writing your first book?

Find your tribe. Find the people who will help you achieve your dream. Writing is a community effort. You need people who give you constructive feedback and help you to understand if the story in your head has translated well onto the page. You also need people who can make you laugh or pull you back from the edge of the cliff when something happens. There are so many things that can chip away at your confidence and create insecurities. Friends help provide the perspective you need to keep writing.

How would you describe your writing style?

When I was young, I used to love to write poems. I loved the struggle to find the right word that rhymed, and the beat of each line. Maybe, that’s why it takes me so long to write my novels. I still love using the English language to it’s fullest, and finding that perfect word to communicate exactly what the character is feeling. It’s what makes writing exciting, exhausting, and euphorically fun.

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