Happy Thursday ,

I had the honor of talking to two New York Times best-selling romance authors this week! And they were so much fun to talk with. I'll tell you a little about it below.

First, the author swaps. I have some really interesting books of very diverse books today! I'm pretty sure I have something for almost everyone. Let's take a look!

First up is Cross Country Hearts by Suzanne August. Her sister is the bride. His cousin is the groom. This love story involves two enemies, one car, and an epic road trip.

Next up is Uneasy: a collection of dark, gothic short stories by Vanessa Jones. Uneasy is a collection of dark short stories with an undercurrent of suburban ennui and the uneasiness that comes from ordinary life. Each story is haunting in its way it highlights the things we don't want to talk about but, nonetheless, exist.

Then there is Disrupting Destiny by Jan Foster. Annabella’s secret destiny was never meant to come between them, but after a century of hiding in Tudor England, a violent confrontation with a shadowy figure from her past leaves her heartbroken and alone in a realm she hated.

And last but not least, Captured by the Earl by Melanie Rose Clarke for the romance readers. The earl returns. Philip is shocked to arrive home to an unexpected betrothal. He doesn’t know Lady Emma’s motives or goals, yet the intelligent lady intrigues him.

If none of the books capture your heart, take a look at this group promotion still going on.

Group promotion

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This week I had the chance to interview Desire Holt and Carrie Ann Ryan for my podcast, Pencils&Lipstick. They are both New York Times Best-Selling romance authors and have been in the business for a decade or more. Desire has over 300 books and Carrie Ann Ryan has over 100!

Yes. My mouth dropped. I want to get to where Desiree Holt is: having written so many books I can't quite remember the actual number. Ha!

I loved how Desiree Holt advised writers to not pay too much attention to the one star reviews if it sounds like the person just doesn't like the genre OR sounds like they're trying to be a NYT reviewers (without the being one). Pay attention to the 3 start and up. But ultimately, write what you like to read!

Carrie Ann Ryan has some tips on how to organize large series, how to make sure you don't use the same personality twice and to feel free to glean creativity from other works like books, movies and (her favorite at the moment) music.

Their interviews will publish January 31 and February 7 respectively. This week on the podcast Jeremy Bassetti and I talked about Place and Travel writing.

Have you been somewhere that impacted you? Would you or have you written about it? Check out some tips on Place and Travel writing here on the podcast.

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I am over 10000 words into the next novel and making notes on the sequel to Stepping Across the Desert, which will feature Christophe's friend Daucer as the hero. I'm very excited about getting to write that book, but I have to finished the research first. The book I'm working on has no title yet, but follows Tread a once aspiring musician as he struggles to put his life together after his twin brother breaks up the band. Just as he's getting back on his feet, his brother shows up and his mother finds out she's dying of cancer. It's time for Tread to confront his past in order to move ahead with he future he really desires.

.....Well, the blurb needs some work, but that's more or less where the story is going!

Happy reading and writing everyone!

Kat