Author Spotlight: Dawn Sullivan

Dawn Sullivan Author

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
I have always had a story or ten running around in my head. Even when I was a child, I would make up stories, pretending I was the main character in them, normally kicking ass and falling in love.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It just depends on if my characters are talking. Sometimes it takes a couple of months, sometimes a year. I also write several books at once, so it can take longer when I am jumping back and forth before I pick one story and run with it.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I have a full time job, a hubby, and three beautiful children, which makes finding time to write difficult at times. Normally I work during the day, spend time with my family afterwards, and write late into the night.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have notebooks for every book I write…that’s a lot of notebooks because as soon as I know a character will have their own story in the future, I start a notebook for them.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I always have some character wanting their own story, and my active imagination comes up with one for them.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
Even though I have always had stories running through my head, I had never actually written any of them down until Nico’s Heart. That was just a couple of years ago.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read, watch NCIS, spend time with the family. I really don’t have a lot of free time.

8. What does your family think of your writing?
They are all very supportive. My mother reads everything I write, and she has her friends at work hooked on my RARE Series. Some of my aunts and cousins read all of my books as well. My husband has always been one of my biggest supporters. I am very blessed to have him by my side through this journey.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Nothing too surprising just yet, except that I can write a book without action, suspense, and sex. I was a bit worried when I started my first Christian Romance, but the words flowed just as easily for that sweet romance as they do for my cowboys and shifters.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I now have eight books out, seven under Dawn and a Christian Romance under a pen name.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
What I tell everyone is always follow your dreams. Believe in yourself as you will go far. Actual suggestions to becoming a better writer-I would have to say to make sure you do your research. Yes, we write fiction, but there are some things that you need to make sure you follow up on before you publish. Editing is also very important, but above all else, have fun!

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do, and I love it! They message me to tell me how much they enjoyed one of my series, and it seriously makes my day. I have several who have actually become good friends after contacting me.

13. Do you like to create books for adults?
I love it! I love to spin a tale and I never know going into writing a new book, exactly what the outcome is going to be. I may have an idea, but my characters can take me to a totally different direction than I originally thought I was going. It’s a lot of fun, and I don’t ever see myself stopping. I have several characters out there that need their own happily ever after.

14. What do you think makes a good story?
There are so many things that make a good story, and the answer is probably different for everyone. I love a lot of action and suspense in mine. I like to read a book that keeps me guessing and enthralled the whole time. I also love romance. If a book doesn’t have at least a hint of romance in it, I normally won’t read it.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher. One of my aunts is a teacher and is a huge inspiration to many of her students. I have always admired her, and I wanted to teach and help children the way she does.

Bio:

I have a wonderful, supportive husband and three beautiful children. I enjoy spending time with all of them which normally involves some baseball, shooting hoops, taking walks, watching movies, and of course reading.
My passion for reading began at a very young age and only grew over time. Whether I was bringing home a book from the library, or sneaking one of my mom's romance novels and reading by the light in the hallway when we were supposed to be sleeping, I always had a book.
I read several different genres and subgenres, but Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense have always been my favorites. I read anything by Katie Reus, Lora Leigh, J.R. Ward and Rebecca Zanetti.
I have always made up my own stories, and have just recently decided to start sharing them. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

Stalker Links:( Because she loves to be stalked)

https://www.facebook.com/dawnsullivanauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/dawnsullivanauthor

amazon.com/author/dawnsullivan

https://twitter.com/dawn_author

dawnsullivanauthor.com

Book Links:

Slade's Desire
Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/20j8QXW
UK: http://amzn.to/1K1dYvB
CA: http://amzn.to/1nDvtIy
AU: http://bit.ly/1RZ1CHt
B & N: http://bit.ly/1S1azQy
Itunes: http://apple.co/1Qq3kzR
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ZHDAzA
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1Npte01

Nico’s Heart
Amazon:
US: http://amzn.to/23cgXYy
UK: http://amzn.to/1StYByo
CA: http://amzn.to/1WqVDtR
AU http://bit.ly/1Qbrufs
B & N: http://bit.ly/1ZK0Ke2
Itunes: http://apple.co/1ZK0Lyu
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RR91bG
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1lr2ZQB

Phoenix’s Fate
Amazon:
US: http://amzn.to/1U9o1PD
UK: http://amzn.to/1U9rWMh
AU: http://bit.ly/1KpcLsN
CA: http://amzn.to/1V5gWzV
B & N: http://bit.ly/1Po8nf5
Itunes: http://apple.co/1ZKaWDl
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1QliC97
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1lrdX8G

Josie’s Miracle
Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/1uQy914
UK: http://amzn.to/136XYnl
CA: http://amzn.to/1weTczQ
AU: http://bit.ly/1ADzVaj
B & N: http://bit.ly/1vXnLow
Itunes: http://apple.co/1OuiHow
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1S20Ibm
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1Su86he

Trace’s Temptation
Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/1Ry0wSm
UK: http://amzn.to/1JfBUeC
CA: http://amzn.to/1PDePzl
AU: http://bit.ly/1JWlqIo
B & N: http://bit.ly/1JfDmgZ
Itunes: http://apple.co/1niAUwy
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Su8zzZ
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1RRffIP

          

Author Spotlight: L.Ann Marie

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
In college I wrote some stories that were published in the school newspaper. I loved writing because it was different than the numbers and intense information I was getting from my classes. It was a good release. I never wrote anything after that as my jobs were as far away from writing as they could be. When I needed a way to pay for insurance premiums I thought I could write a short story and maybe come close to getting the little boost I needed for that. Once I started it was like a dam released. I couldn't stop.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?
Three weeks to a month. I am extremely focused and keep at it until it's done.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Intense. I have other books that need promoting and takeovers in between. It gets crazy when the characters in my head just want to be heard. Trying to balance it out with family obligations is a challenge.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't sleep much so writing at 4 or 5 in the morning isn't unusual. I also write in the bathtub. I love the technology that lets that happen for me.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Life. Everywhere you look there is a story. I've lived through so much I just add my experiences to the characters and what I see and read. I am also blessed with a vast amount of useless information. The little tidbits that I throw in my books are really just useless information that I found interesting.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
<laughing> Last year. I started writing in September of 2014. I rewrote the first three of the Baxter Series and the first couple of the MC series then published them on Amazon in April. I have 13 books and I'm working on an MC book right now.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spending time with my family. Engage with my friends and readers on Facebook. I love driving and my music.

8. What does your family think of your writing?
They didn't realize how many books I had written until they were on Amazon. They are proud and tell everyone about them. It's embarrassing but at the same time feels good to be thought of is such a positive way.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people read them. <laughing again> I have this Street Team and an author partner, Barbi Barnard, that keep me smiling with their support and encouragement. Finding people that want to build each other up is an amazing feeling. When you can find a whole group of them it's a damn miracle. Everyday they bring something new strengthening that bond for us collectively. It is truly awesome.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have 5 in the Baxter Series and 8 in the MC. I have to refrain from naming my favorite book. I fall in love with every damn man I write. Also, my Street Team would go nuts if I didn't pick their favorite.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Go with your heart. Put it all out there. When you leave your heart out of your book people know. The ones that matter will find you. Don't look at reviews, don't engage in negative. Keep your course and do what feels right. It isn't a race or contest so relax and be happy for yourself. You'll meet the most extraordinary people along the way that will help and point you the right way.

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Oh my gosh. Everything! They want a particular guys story, they get pissed if someone dies or turns on the other characters. They love real life conversations and the loyalty and respect given when it's earned. They want to move to the towns I write about and are forever asking where they are. The funniest thing is the fighting over men. It cracks me up, they actually post threats, wars (pics of grenades and explosions) and I even had someone post an obituary for a woman suspected of trying to get with another's man. They are crazy.
I get email from people that relate to a situation or person from the books. Most notable is a woman suffering from arthritis pain. She wrote to tell me she was stopping the poor me phase of her life and was going to start living like one of my characters before she couldn't. It was heartwarming to know she was inspired by my character.

13. Do you like to create books for adults?
All my books have adult content and warnings. I write about subjects that require the mind of an adult to understand and put in perspective. I also write some kinky erotic stories so there's always that. <laughing again>

14. What do you think makes a good story?
When you can relate to a character it's a good story. Everyday conversations and emotions. Showing your main character as an ass in some chapters and how they overcome and fix things in later chapters. It makes them more believable (relatable).

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Get older. You would not believe how many times I have answered this question. I grew up in and out of foster care and was emancipated at 16. I had no dream of a career until I actually hit college and even then I just wanted a job. I didn't know if I would make it to the next birthday so to dream of something unattainable was a waste of time and energy. I think in care we were conditioned to just make it. There were no dreams of something we didn't see or experience. So get older.

Bio:

I live with my daughter and her family we take care of each other and give what the others need. It's a new way of living but works for all of us. I get to do homework and dinner with my grandsons and my daughter does the dreaded shopping. Win-win! I live in New Mexico where the mountains are prevalent and the scenery is beautiful. It doesn't get much better than this!
I am just starting to read MC books. There are thousands of them out there! I've read like 3....I downloaded a ton of them though. My book choices ran to King, Koontz and Rice...I'm starting to enjoy the shorter Romance books but hate when I get half a book...Blame it on the three above, they conditioned my brain for long ass books that have an ending. When I started reading romance it was Evanovich and Ashley (Love RockChicks). Now I'm into writing MC books I don't read them, when I start a new series I can catch up on all that I missed for now I enjoy being the label of being a different kind of MC than everyone else. My stories deal with hard issues head on and my alphas don't disappoint.

Stalker Links:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/L-Ann-Marie-Pen-Page-14234722946…/…

Email: l_ann_marie@aol.com

https://twitter.com/lannmarie1(Twitter)

Website: http://www.lannmarie.com

Author Spotlight: Layla Stevens

Interview:

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

I was actually going through chemo. I found out in March of 2014 that I had cancer. I had read so many books at this point, that I was like hell, this looks easy I can do this. Boy was I wrong. I thought you honestly just wrote it, and it was magically accepted into book stores, but that is not how it works. There is a lot of behind the scenes work first. I may never get in a book store, but hey I love my stories and I'm proud of each one.

2.How long does it take you to write a book?

Well, to be honest I write multiple books at one time. So I flip flop. But I'd say from start to finish 6 months is a good time span for me. Some come out sooner, but that is because I was working on them while writing on the previous one.

3.What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

I actually don't work, I'm a three time cancer patient so all my free time is spent going to doctors appointments. I write in the wee hours of the morning, when the rest of the world is sleeping.

4.What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

OH my gosh, I love post it notes. I have them everywhere. It's like a sea of multi-colored rainbow goodness. I can never have enough. I buy them every single time I'm in the store. I have them in every color, shape, and size.

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

To be honest most of my books are based on true stories. I write as a way to heal. If you know me, you know I'm an open book. I've never been ashamed of my past, I speak open about my past. I will not let my demons get the better of me any longer. They held me down for too long. As my Motto says "Never let your fear be bigger than your Faith." Every book I write will have some mention of Faith in it. Because I Believe you have to have FAITH in yourself . if you don't believe in yourself NO-ONE else will either.

6.When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in 2014 and I was 34 years old

7.What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to color, I am addicted to the adult coloring books, they are fantastic, but I wont lie, I have coloring books that aren't adult

8.What does your family think of your writing?

My mom is my #1 fan, she supports me 100%. I shocked the rest of my family when I told them I was going to be an author, because I was reading a book, never thought I'd write one

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

I have learned to trust myself. To listen to what my head and heart is telling me, and to write what I want to write regardless what people want me to write. I am not your typical cookie cutter author. I'm not afraid to step outside of the box. I will take risks, and I will write about sensitive subjects such as LBGT, I will write about rape, I will write about drug use, I will write abuse. WHY do you ask? Because those are all real issues. And I'm a real person. I've never been one to care what people think about me. I like being different.

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

I have written 7 so far some are in anthologies. My favorite book I've written is Love Thyself

11.Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

The best advice I can give is Write for you, don't write for anyone else. Write what you want. Ask Questions, don't be afraid to ask questions, I'm always available. I know I'm a big fish but I will answer any question I can. And above all Have faith in your writing because if you don't the readers wont either.

12.Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Yes, I do actually, I actually text message some of my readers daily. I'm a social media Hoe, I love talking to my fans

.

13.Do you like to create books for adults?

Yes, right now all my books are for the 18 and older crowd. Now if a younger person reads it would they understand it yes, but I cuss a lot because I have no filter. I do mark my books with Warnings for Adults ONLY

14.What do you think makes a good story?

I want to feel like I'm part of the story. I want to be captivated in the book. i read all genres, so if it can catch my attention and has a good plot then I'll read it.

15.As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a country music singer. I loved to sing. But, I'm scared to death to stand up in front of people and speak, so singing is out the window.

Bio:

I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma but moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1996. I have a huge family who I shocked them when I told them I was writing my first book. I have had a love a reading since I was young. Reading has always been my escape. I can read and be a princess or a warrior. Reading for me was always something magical. And I hope to pass that on to you all.

I am blessed to be the mom of a little girl named Sage who is the light of my life. {I call her Olga, and she hates it} I did not give birth to her but I choose her.

I am blessed with great friends who have always had my back. I have a lot to learn in this world of writing but, so far I am enjoying the ride. I have a fantastic Four that are my true loves. No names will be mentioned as they know who they are. I Love you all very much. {I didn't included alters in that comment}.

I'm very opinionated and have no filter. I speak my mind without thinking of the consequences. Does this get me in Trouble? Yes it does every single day. But I will not change. I march to my own beat. My mom says that I can be a one man band.

I am always willing to help out anyone who is in need all you have to do is ask. I never knew that writing a book would show me so much about myself. I have learned so much in a short amount of time. And I can't wait to learn more.

Connect with Layla:

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Like page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Layla-Stevens/697947530238039

Amazon page

http://www.amazon.com/Layla-Stevens/e/B00MRB0TTM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Buy Links Broken Love & Forever Bound

Us http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MR3HQZ0

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18773845-broken-love-and-forever-bound

Buy Links for Damaged Love Book 2

http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Love-Bound-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00WVO0T1I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443374168&sr=1-1&keywords=damaged+love+layla+stevens

Goodreads for Damaged Love Book 2

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25089097-damaged-love?from_search=true&search_version=service

Goodreads for Love Thyself

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26228725-love-thyself?from_search=true&search_version=service

Goodreads for Beautiful Escape Volume Two {Inspirational Anthology}

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25824877-this-beautiful-escape-2?from_search=true&search_version=service

Goodreads link for Claiming Claire

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28196500-claiming-claire?from_search=true&search_version=service

Tease Me

http://www.amazon.com/Tease-Me-Ella-Emerson-ebook/dp/B019EZMCDE/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450726213&sr=1-4&keywords=layla+stevens

Mouth Anthology

http://www.amazon.com/MOUTH-Steamy-Anthology-Christy-Dilg-ebook/dp/B0163TRR8O/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450726213&sr=1-5&keywords=layla+stevens

This Beautiful Escape Volume Two {Believing in Faith}

http://www.amazon.com/This-Beautiful-Escape-Two-Melissa-ebook/dp/B017WLDDIK/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450726213&sr=1-8&keywords=layla+stevens

If you would like to Join Layla Stevens Street-team please send request to

https://www.facebook.com/groups/layla.stevens.author/

Plague

My new addiction http://plag.com/app/