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7/30/2025 0 Comments Romance Bookstore Day There are a few more outside of this list, but here are some bookstores that are doing something special for Romance Bookstore Day in Washington.
Romance Bookstore Daywashington book eventsAuthor signings in Washington
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7/27/2025 0 Comments Vill-iens are on their way
Save room on your dining card for a meal in an upcoming sit-down restaurant- think Beauty and the Beast's “Be Our Guest,” maybe even enjoy a signature themed cocktail. Though the details are few, the speculation is plenty from fans across the realm. I know quite a few villain enthusiasts who will be chomping at the bit for this new expansion. 
 Concept Art of Avatar Land by Disneyland Resorts Villains LandPandoraCinderellaDisneyland ResortCalifornia AdventuresSkynet, Ultron, M3GAN, and many other machine villains from movies in the past should make people wary of using AI in everyday things, like driving a car or conducting surgical operations. But what about using AI for creativity purposes? In the writing community today, social media has presented a cancel culture for writers and artists who use AI and profit from it. What’s the Problem?
Not All Are The SameAll of that said, there are some websites who have agreements with artists to utilize their art in the generation of AI. For instance, Canva and Adobe Firefly have safety protocols and transparency with their artists. How Do You Know?In order to know which sites use ethical AI, you have to do some digging. Google is your friend, as the list changes regularly. The best advice I can offer is to check the website before you use it for AI. Also, do more than scratch the surface in your research. A site might boast they use ethical practices but have no way of protecting the artist.  Art by BeautyHero Burn The Witch!...I Mean Cancel ThemThe first “witch” to burn at the stake, according to The Brooklyn Museum, was in 1324. Petronilla de Meath was found guilty, most likely due to association more than the actual practice of witchcraft. When her boss was accused and escaped capture, she was found, tried, put to death in her stead. Nowadays, it feels the same is happening with creators. Instead of asking for more information or context, followers are jumping to conclusions when creators admit they use AI. Simply saying “I use AI” will get your books or art tossed in the trash unless you follow it with “for editing.” This happened to an author on TikTok last week when, during a live interview, she was asked, “What inspires you to write the stories that you do?” To which she answered, “I use AI to generate ideas.” People took this to mean she allowed AI to generate her entire book, and ran with it. Within a few hours, she was losing followers, readers, and revenue. When many of us use AI on a regular bases. I mean, basis. Stupid, AutoCorrect. Read More About Creative Issues with AIAI CreatorAI artAI writingAI Ethics7/17/2025 0 Comments where to find me this weekend!This weekend, you can find me at the Meet Cute Market on Sunday at It's A Love Story in Hayden, ID  Barnes & Noble has its moments, and indie bookstores hold a special place in readers' hearts, but have you ever been to a romance genre-specific bookstore? If not, you are sorely missing out if you are a romance reader. There aren't many, but here's a list I've compiled of those I could find in the US. I know there are a couple more that just haven't opened to the public yet, so keep your eyes out on Instagram or TikTok. It's like walking into a book club and being able to strike up a conversation about the love, heartbreak, shadow daddy, or morally grey characters we've fallen for before knowing anyone's name. If you live near any one of these places, I highly recommend you plan a visit. Share pics while you're at it!  Reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. What we consume through literature often shapes our perspectives, creativity, and writing style. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dynamic relationship between reading and writing and how your reading preferences can significantly influence your writing.
Reading and writing share a symbiotic relationship—each feeds into and enriches the other. As you dive into a gripping novel or a thought-provoking article, your mind absorbs narrative styles, vocabulary, and ideas that can inspire and shape your own writing endeavors. According to a National Endowment for the Arts study, people who read frequently are more likely to write and engage in creative activities. This statistic underscores the importance of reading in fostering a rich writing life. Yet, with significant influence comes the responsibility to maintain originality and respect intellectual property rights. Concerns about copyright infringement and plagiarism can loom large, especially in a world where ideas are easily shared and replicated. To help other writers, I hope this will guide you through some strategies to leverage your reading habits into writing prowess while safeguarding against infringement and plagiarism. 1. Embrace Diverse Genres Reading across various genres broadens your understanding and exposes you to different writing styles, themes, and vocabularies. This diversity can enhance your creativity and adaptability as a writer. Explore genres outside your comfort zone, such as mystery, science fiction, or historical fiction. Keep a reading journal to reflect on different styles and how they resonate with you. 2. Analyze Writing Techniques By dissecting the writing techniques used by your favorite authors, you can identify what makes their work compelling and apply similar techniques to your writing. Pay attention to sentence structure, narrative flow, and character development. Annotate your books with notes on practical techniques. 3. Expand Your Vocabulary Reading expands your vocabulary, allowing you to express ideas more precisely and creatively in your writing. Keep a vocabulary log of new words and their meanings. Use new words in your writing to reinforce learning. 4. Understand Different Perspectives Reading diverse authors and narratives can help you understand different cultural and personal perspectives, enriching your writing with depth and empathy. Read authors from various backgrounds and cultures. Challenge yourself to write from perspectives different from your own. 5. Develop Critical Thinking Engaging with complex texts hones your critical thinking skills, enabling you to construct more nuanced arguments and narratives in your writing. Engage with challenging texts and discuss them with others. Reflect on the texts you read, focusing on their themes and arguments. 6. Avoid Plagiarism Through Paraphrasing and Quotations While reading influences your writing, it’s crucial to maintain originality by properly paraphrasing and quoting sources. Use citation tools to manage your sources. Practice paraphrasing ideas in your own words without altering the original meaning. 7. Stay Updated with Current Trends Reading current publications keeps you informed about the latest trends and topics, which can inspire timely and relevant writing. Subscribe to industry publications and news outlets. Follow thought leaders in your field on social media. 8. Cultivate a Unique Voice While reading can influence style, it’s essential to cultivate a unique voice that sets your writing apart. Reflect on what makes your perspective unique. Experiment with different styles and formats to find your voice. 9. Respect Copyright Law Understanding copyright laws is essential to ensure that your writing respects the intellectual property of others. Familiarize yourself with copyright basics and fair use policies. Use public domain texts and Creative Commons licenses when applicable. 10. Maintain Consistency and Originality Consistent reading and writing help develop originality over time, as regular practice solidifies your style and ideas. As you continue exploring the world of literature, remember that what you read profoundly influences your writing. By embracing diverse genres, analyzing writing techniques, and maintaining originality, you can harness this influence to enhance your writing craft. I’d like you to please be aware of copyright laws and the importance of creating original work to avoid plagiarism. Now, could you reflect on your reading habits? How can you diversify your reading to enrich your writing? What steps will you take to ensure your writing remains original and impactful? The journey of reading and writing is ongoing—embrace it with curiosity and creativity. 7/3/2025 0 Comments 15 Most Popular Romance Tropes If you're a trope fanatic when it comes to the books you read, here's a short list for you on books that fit the bill for 15 of the most popular romance tropes.
Romance novelsLove storiesRomantic tropes6/30/2025 0 Comments Marketing for romance indie authorIn the rapidly growing world of self-publishing, indie romance authors, myself included, have carved out a lucrative niche on platforms like Amazon. This strategy outlines a comprehensive plan for an indie romance author already established with a modest following, aiming to increase visibility, sales, and reader engagement. By leveraging data-driven insights and innovative marketing techniques, this strategy will focus on both short-term sales boosts and long-term brand building.
Target Audience Analysis Understanding the target audience is crucial for crafting effective marketing campaigns. The typical reader of indie romance novels on Amazon is:
The USP for this indie romance author is their ability to weave heartwarming, relatable stories with strong, diverse characters that resonate with modern readers. This author offers more than just a love story; they provide a journey that readers can emotionally invest in. By emphasizing unique storylines and authentic voices, this author stands out in the crowded romance genre. Marketing Objectives
Product
Since most of us know about BookTok, I’d like to focus on Facebook and how to use that platform for marketing.
I will say, that most of my sales come from Facebook and Amazon Advertising, in that order. I have to revamp the ads now and then do they don’t get tired, but I definitely recommend trying Facebook ads to promote your books, especially romance genres. 6/28/2025 0 Comments New Covers!New Cover Announcement for the Descending series ebooks!    6/27/2025 0 Comments Embrace the ChaosAs the warm sun heralds us into what some of us call "summer BREAK" I'm forced into a balancing act with the exuberant energy of my children and the steadfast demands of my work-in-progress projects. It’s a delicate dance, one that requires flexibility, creativity, and a healthy sense of humor.
I have a history of clocking out as an author during the summer, becoming too overwhelmed with the kids and my trying to actually finish a book. But I've decided to take a different approach this year. The first step, being, to roll with the punches. Embrace the chaos. Summer break transforms our home into a lively hub of activity, with laughter echoing through the halls and endless requests for snacks. At least, some of the time. A lot of the days are filled with breaking up fights, keeping meltdowns at bay and keeping from melting or passing out in the heat that my kids insist on dragging me out into. Instead of resisting, I've learned to cherish these moments as best I could. They remind me of the joys of childhood, and, surprisingly, they often fuel my creativity. It's completely different from when I was a child. An only child. In a neighborhood full of kids my age to play with. Sprinklers to jump through, a bucket to call my pool and a hose to drink from. In my backyard, my kids have a trampoline, pool, chalk, sandbox, toys galore and tablets. And yet...they still insist on being by my side or playing Mortal Kombat with one another. I know I may not finish a book this summer. But when my kids are in the pool, I have a few minutes to write without too many fights. To maintain my sanity and productivity, setting realistic expectations is crucial, though. I don't set a crazy schedule for writing. Just think, "Are the kids occupied? Then it's time to write!" My latest tool is earning money by doing educational games on their tablets or worksheets I've printed. My youngest is still learning to read, and is starting 2nd grade this Fall. For every 30 minutes of ABC DuoLingo she plays, she earns a dollar. She doesn't usually do more than that half-hour, but it's enough for me to get 500 words or so written. Another vital strategy is delegation. Enlisting the help of family members, friends, or even hiring a babysitter, i.e. my teenage step-son (yes, we pay him) for a few hours can provide the precious time I need to advance my projects. It’s a win-win situation: my children get to interact with others, and I get a moment of peace to concentrate. They love hanging out with their big brother, anyways. In the midst of the summer whirlwind, it's important to celebrate the small wins. Whether it's completing a chapter or simply enjoying a peaceful moment with my kids, acknowledging these achievements helps keep me motivated. It helps that I have other writer friends to keep me motivated and feeling upbeat about it all. I guess this means the deadline for September that I have with my editor for A Shield of Blood and Honor isn't too far out of reach. Keep your fingers crossed, everyone! |
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