Do It Write
An inside look at author writing spaces
-
Who needs an alpha when you can have a lone wolf? đș Do It Write: Where NJ Walters writes @njwaltersauthor #RLFblog #ParanormalRomance #PNR
An immortal lone wolf and a human woman battle werewolf assassins, magic, and obsession while falling in love with each other in NJ Walters’ latest paranormal romance book, Taming the White Wolf, the first book in the Lone Wolf Legacy trilogy.NJ, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.
Taming the White Wolf by NJ Walters
Genre paranormal romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): AdultThe lone wolf answers to no alpha or pack. From his first transformation, he knows his destiny: to be both judge and executioner for rogue werewolves. Welcome to the spellbinding first book in New York Times bestselling author NJ Walters intense new werewolf series.
White wolf Devlin Moore has spent nearly the last century following his destiny: hunting rogue werewolves. His fate is to be the only one of his kindâhardened, feared, and brutally ruthless. Only now, Devlin’s not alone. There are two others. And if that wasn’t unsettling enough, Devlin is drawn to New York City for what appears to be a humanâŠ
As far as Devlin can tell, vibrant artist Zoe Galvani is no threat. But there’s something about herâfrom her unusual eyes that look similar to the same shocking hue as his own, to his growing need to mark her as his that suggests magical forces may be at play.
Now there’s no escaping each other, or the attraction that grows stronger by the second. But no one, especially a human woman, should have this effect on a lone wolf. And just when he’s sure that having her could be his undoingâŠthe truth steps out of the shadows.
How long have you been writing?
I didn’t actually write my first book until I was in my thirties. I wrote two books in the mid-1990s, tried to find a home for them, put them away, and didn’t write again until late 2003. My first book was published in October 2004, a month shy of my fortieth birthday.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
All but my first two booksâwhich weren’t my first published booksâhave been written in an office nook I created in the corner of my living room. It’s cozy, but it works for me. I write on a desktop computer, not a laptop.
What do you love most about that area?
I like that it’s a small and cozy space. It helps keep me focused. When I sit there, there’s nothing to do but write. I have a small shelf behind me and a tall screen tin front of my computer desk that acts as a “wall.”
What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
Other than my computer, I am the queen of the file card. I know most writers organize their book or series notes on computer programs, but my brain works better with a physical copy. I have a row of file cards propped up on the top of my keyboard, sometimes taped to the wall, all in an effort to keep me organized. They contained brief character sketches I can refer to, as well as other details I need to remember. On larger series, I’ve used notebooks to organize details, but I still primarily rely on my 4″X6″ file cards.
What’s the last book about writing that you read?
I honestly don’t read many books about writing. I get frustrated because my brain doesn’t want to follow the “rules” set down in most books. I do love the Writers Helping Writers Series by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. They’re reference books I use often.
What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?
I’d recommend Becca Syme’s QuitBooks for Writers series. They’re more about the writing life and the writer than about how to write a book. Also, any books in the Writers Helping Writers series by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. They’re a great reference.
What do you like to read for relaxation?
Romance books are at the top of the list. I started writing them because I love reading them. I change it up with self-help books and the occasional biography. Basically, whatever interests me.
Where to buy Taming the White Wolf
Publisher https://entangledpublishing.com/books/taming-the-white-wolf
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7NTXG92/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-white-wolf-n-j-walters/1143634327
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/taming-the-white-wolf/id6450183902
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/taming-the-white-wolfNJ Walters Social Media
NJ Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looksâall vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
Website njwalters.com
Blog https://njwalters.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
Get to know NJ Walters better by signing up for an email newsletter https://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Romance Lives Forever Blog (RLFblog) is closed as of Dec 1, 2023. Comments prior to 2021 have been deleted. This site will remain online until July 2025.
-
Do It Write: Where Karen Cino writes @karencino #RLFblog #WomensFiction #Romance
-
Do It Write: Where Karen Cino writes @karencino #RLFblog #CozyMystery #Romance
A long-awaited vacation turns into an unsolved murder in Karen Cino’s new Cozy Mystery Romance, Cruise Ship Chaos. Getting close to the killer puts their own lives in danger. Will they be able to solve the case before they become the next victims?Karen, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.
Cruise Ship Chaos by Karen Cino
Genre Cozy Mystery Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG 17
Connie and Sara go on a cruise with their detective boyfriends. This is the first time Connie is on a cruise. Even though she was reluctant at first, she quickly settles into their suite. This trip was about relaxing and not worrying about solving murders. However, as Connie and Brett are making their way to their room, the elevator door open to a staged dead body. Once again, the women are on the case. Will they be able to solve the case before they become the next victims?
How long have you been writing?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. I can remember writing my first poem in high school and writing for the school newspaper. My life has always been about writing.
What was your first published book?
My first book published was Roses. Roses is a contemporary romance. It’s about a woman who goes to Mexico to work through the death of her husband.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
My writing place has changed four times during the course of six years. I am now in forever home. I’m going to rework my office sometime in the future.
Anything special about your space?
I love that from my desk I can see the woods and the creek running along the back of the house.
What do you love most about that area?
I’m in a spot in my house where I can be excluded from the rest of the house and have my own place.
What would like to change about your home office?
I want to put French doors so I can really be closed in.
If money was no object, what would your home office look like?
I’d have floor to ceiling bookcases.
What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
My printer. I always print out what I write so I can read though it before I go to sleep.
What do you think is a must have for an efficient office?
It’s essential that the office is organized in order not to waste time straightening up and looking for your research.
Are you a writing mom/dad?
I used to be a writing mom. Now that my kids are engaged, I amliving on my own. I sure miss the disruptions.
What’s the last book about writing that you read?
It’s been quite some time, but I do keep going back to Save the Cat.
What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?
I would recommend Save the Cat, Stephen King on writing and most importantly The Elements of Style.
What do you like to read for relaxation?
I read a lot of Women’s Fiction and Cozy Mysteries.
Where to buy Cruise Ship Chaos
Publisher Mandolay Press
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHLC78H
Karen Cino Social Media
Karen Cino is a multi-published author who has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. After reading Jackie Collin’s Lovers and Gamblers and Jacqueline Susann’s, Valley of the Dolls, Karen found her niche. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and took place in various locations in Staten Island. Her Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery Series takes place at the New Jersey Shore.
Karen is a member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano, singer, songwriter and producer, and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2015 Karen moved to the Jersey Shore.
Website: http://karencino.com
Blog: http://karencinobooks.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
Newsletter: http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karencino
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/You May Also Like
Do It Write: Where Karen Cino writes @karencino #RLFblog #Cozy #Mystery
Who needs an alpha when you can have a lone wolf? đș Do It Write: Where NJ Walters writes @njwaltersauthor #RLFblog #ParanormalRomance #PNR
Do It Write: Where Livia Quinn writes @liviaquinn #RLFblog #MilitaryRomance
-
Do It Write: Where Bernadette Jones writes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #Romantic Suspense
A runaway on a storm-buffeted highway brings danger to Spencer, Colorado, in Bernadette Jones’ new romantic suspense, Lonely Eyes. Can Owen Strong protect young Keira Hoa, or is she leading them all into a death trap?Bernadette, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.
Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones
Genre Romantic Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
There is an art to pursuit.
Keira is running out of time. The handsome stranger with a dragon tattoo says he can keep her safe, but he doesn’t know the demons on her trail… Will her mysterious past lead her to escape, or drag her back to living hell?
Owen Strong has suffered tragedy, but he’s made a new family in Spencer, Coloradoâone he will protect at all costs. When he finds determined Keira Hoa, she rouses more than just trouble. Looking into her lonely eyes, he sees that everyone’s in danger.
But she’s come to the right place. He’s the monster hunter.
How long have you been writing?
I wrote for 18 years and came close to a traditional publishing contract 3 times. Then I had to quit writing for a few years. I’ve been back at it for a year and a half, with three self-published books out.
What was your first published book?
Sleepin’ Alone. You actually meet the hero of Lonely Eyes in Sleepin’ Alone.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
I live in a studio apartment in the Big Apple. I have gorgeous views, but space is at a premium. My desk sits beside a window and my bookshelf is within easy reachâall my craft books, dictionaries and Thesaurus at my fingertips. Other than my coffee pot, everything is so handy. Um, maybe I should think about moving the coffee?!
Anything special about your space?
Two things make it special. The view of the east river and the magnificent skyline at night. Really, I have one of the best views of the city skyline and the most glorious light from the floor-to-ceiling window. The natural light to warm my spirits. Like I said, it’s not a huge space, but it has some definite perks.
What do you love most about that area?
My desk, computer, and bookcase have always been my safe place. My comfort zone. Like other authors, I spend a lot of time in my head and here, in this chair, I get to create what I love.
What would like to change about your home office?
I would like my desk to be one foot longer. Ha. But if it was, I’d still probably want another foot.
If money was no object, what would your home office look like?
I would have an ocean view and open windows so I could hear the surf. Doesn’t that sound like the best place to write everyday?What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
Alexa, I love her! I must have music when writing. Every book has its own playlist that helps inspire and drive the story.
What do you think is a must have for an efficient office?
Lots of colored pens, planners, and a storyboard. I am a plotter. I need to know where I’m going.
Are you a writing mom/dad?
My human children have left home, but they continue to support and assist with critiquing and social media.
My furbaby pup still lives at home and calls me mom.
How do you juggle writing and family?
Covid has forced me to stay home more. I have a six-day-a-week work schedule, but the off day is not set in stone. If something comes up that I want or need to do with family, I change my day off. Life inspires my stories⊠it can’t be all work.
What’s the last book about writing that you read?
I’m currently reading, Intuitive Editing, by Tiffany Yates Martin. I love her down to earth common sense suggestions. She keeps it simple.
What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?
I grew up on Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Dwight V. Swain. It is still the first book I always recommend. This book tells you why readers read, what they expect, and how to get the emotional reactions you want from your readers. After he explains, he gives examples to show exactly the impact he’s after.
What do you like to read for relaxation?
I’m a paranormal-junkie. I love shapeshifters. Oh, and MC books.
Where to buy Lonely Eyes
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJL2BSR/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-eyes-bernadette-jones/1137714832
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1532665553
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lonely-eyesBernadette Jones Social Media
Romantic Suspense Writer, Never Giver Up-er, First Wives Club-er,
Lifelong Dream Achiever & Mom
Bernadette Jones has been making up stories since she learned to read on her daddy’s lap. She has imagined casts of characters everywhere she’s called home: Texas, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts, and now New York.
Books and music filled her life as she, her dad and two brothers traveled the country. She would sit in the back seat of the carâher older brother always got to ride shotgunâlistening to the current music on the radio, looking out the window and spinning a story based on a phrase she’d heard in the lyrics. As you can imagine, traveling the country, the music changed from state to state, as did the stories. To this day, she enjoys a wide variety of music and book genres.
After a career in corporate writing, she’s decided to settle down and put pen to paper doing what she loves. Living the dream in her NYC apartment with her canine companion, she’s bringing her stories and characters to life.
Website https://www.bernadettejones.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RomanceBJones
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/boards/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bernadettejonesauthor/
Goodread https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19728724.Bernadette_Jones
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bernadette-jones
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K
Get to know Put your author name here better by signing up for an email newsletter
http://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters -
Do It Write: Where Caro Carson writes @TheCaroCarson #RLFblog #Contemporary Romance #HolidayRomance #amwriting
A chance encounter at the lighting of a small town’s Yule log will change two lives in USA Today bestselling author Caro Carson’s new contemporary romance, For This Christmas Only. Masterson University’s most famous alumnus has survived a plane crash, but to start living again, he needs a Christmas miracleâŠperhaps in the form of a determined heroine who won’t take a gruff “go away” for an answer.Caro, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.
For This Christmas Only by Caro Carson
Genre Contemporary Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
His book inspired her to return to school, but he no longer believes in his own advice.
After nearly dying in a plane crash, financial guru Eli Taylor wants to find meaning in his life. A chance encounter at a small town’s Yule log lighting leads to an evening spent as the fake boyfriend of his superfan Mallory Ames. When she finds herself homeless for the holidays, he invites her to stay with himâif she’ll return the favor and be his fake girlfriend, so he can show his siblings what a loving partnership should look like. Their arrangement will end when the new year beginsâŠor will it?
How long have you been writing?
Is it too trite to say I’ve been writing as long as I could hold a pencil? It’s true, though. I was so frustrated in first grade when I could only fit one or two sentences on those large-ruled sheets of notebook paper.
What was your first published book?
Doctor, Soldier, Daddy, a contemporary romance published in 2013. The “marriage of convenience” trope met the “falling for the nanny” trope, and the result won the Booksellers Best Award for Best First Book, and I will always be super proud of that, can you tell?
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
Once upon a time, I stopped at a furniture consignment store, and I saw a black-lacquer Victorian-era fantasy. Because it was “used,” it was actually less expensive than a desk from Target! I bought it on the spot. Now I try to write up to the level which I think somebody sitting at that desk should be writing.
Anything special about your space?
My desk is at a window that lets me look out on the street. I’m the creepy neighbor who is always watching all the cars and delivery vans stop. But my favorite is the school busses that stop on the corner, dropping off elementary school kids who sprint down the sidewalk and teenagers who trod sullenly home. I love my neighborhood.
What do you love most about that area?
I love having things to touch on my desk. I have a wood bowl that is so smooth to touch, a drawer full of squeeze balls, and even a crystal ball that sits on a little iron cat. There’s nowhere else in my house those things would belong.
What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
I have an old-fashioned spiral notebook and a pen beside me. Sudden lines of dialogue will pop into my head that have nothing to do with the scene I’m currently typing, and I’ve learned if I don’t write them down immediately, I won’t remember them when it gets to the right scene to use them. I’ve tried opening a blank document and typing the ideas there, but it doesn’t work the same for me. I think writing by hand and being able to scribble or draw arrows between things on a page is essential to my process.
Where to buy For This Christmas Only
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335894977
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-this-christmas-only-caro-carson/1137123780?ean=9781488070280
Books-a-Million https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781335894977
Target https://www.target.com/p/for-this-christmas-only-masterson-texas-3-by-caro-carson-paperback/-/A-80501841#lnk=sametab
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/for-this-christmas-only/id1516624158
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/for-this-christmas-only
Harlequin https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488070280_for-this-christmas-only.html
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781488070280&c=booksCaro Carson Social Media
Despite a no-nonsense background as a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, Caro Carson has always treasured the happily-ever-after of a good romance novel. After her military service, she worked in the healthcare industry with a Fortune 100 company, talking science with doctors who were rarely handsome bachelor Texans like the doctors in her books. Now a USA Today bestselling author and RITAâą award winner, Caro is delighted to be living her own happily-ever-after with her husband (who actually is a handsome Texan) and their two children. They live in the great state of Florida, a location which has saved the coaster-loving theme park fanatics a fortune on plane tickets.
Website https://www.CaroCarson.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/TheCaroCarson
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/caro.carson
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6984425.Caro_Carson
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caro-carson
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Caro-Carson/e/B00GSGRZ62
Get to know Caro Carson better by signing up for an email newsletter https://www.carocarson.com/contact -
Do It Write: Where Jessica James writes @jessicajames #RLFblog #thriller
Don’t miss Presidential Advantage, the must-read 2020 Romantic Thriller by Jessica James. An unsuspecting First Lady depends on a Secret Service agent to help her survive life in the White House in a political thriller by Jessica James.Jessica, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.
Presidential Advantage by Jessica James
Genre Romantic Political Thriller
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G
An unsuspecting First Lady must rely on a Secret Service agent to discover who can be trusted–and who will do anything to keep control.
When a shy country girl from Virginia marries a prominent Georgetown attorney, her life is bound to change. But when that attorney is catapulted to the office of President of the United States, she is thrust into the role of First Lady–and uncovers a world of secrets and betrayals that alters everything she once knew.
After recovering from her initial missteps and negotiating the obstacles of her new public life, Elizabeth Collins begins to understand the nature of politics. But as another election approaches, turmoil in the White House intensifies. Leaks. Lies. Deceit. Deception. People the First Lady thought were friends desert her and the true character of people she thought she knew is revealed.
When the stakes become life and death, the First Lady uncovers the ultimate betrayal and is forced to come to terms with her own role in the political process. Only with the help of Secret Service Agent Clint Brody, can she hope to find her way out of danger–and uncover the identity of the real traitor in the White House.
How long have you been writing?
Pretty much forever, though not as a fiction writer. I have a degree in journalism, so started out in the newspaper business.
What was your first published book?
Shades of Gray, which is an epic historical fiction novel set during the Civil War. I never thought I’d write another book after finishing that one, and it’s still one of my bestselling books with almost 1,500 reviews.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
Well, it’s pretty much the reason I bought my house twenty-five years ago. It’s the entire first floor of the original stone house (which is more two hundred years old). I had to build an addition so I would have a kitchen, living room and bathrooms.
Anything special about your space?
It’s old and has a lot of character. It’s a comfortable and welcoming space.
What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
I bought an extra wide recliner with proceeds from winning a book contest. I do most of my writing in that.
What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. The writing process is kind of magical to me, and Elizabeth explains it in a way that is interesting and entertaining.
What do you like to read for relaxation?
I enjoy reading just about anything historical or military-related. I don’t read a lot of fiction, but Vince Flynn (Kyle Mills) novels are a definite exception.
Where to buy Presidential Advantage
Publisher https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com/presidential-advantage
Coming Soon! To know when this book is available,
follow the author on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IYTXOGor sign up for the author’s newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/jessicajamesnews.
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088CS9WV4
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/presidential-advantage-jessica-james/1137023047?ean=2940164077020
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/presidential-advantage-operation-first-lady/id1515085528?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/presidential-advantage-operation-first-lady
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1021768?ref=jessicajames
Draft 2 Digital https://books2read.com/u/3LDodNJessica James Social Media
Jessica James believes in honor, duty, and true love–and that’s what she writes about in her award-winning novels that span the ages from the Revolutionary War to modern day.
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and has won more than a dozen other literary awards, including a Readers’ Favorite International Book Award and a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. Her novels have been used in schools and are available in hundreds of libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Website https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com
Blog https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com/blog
Twitter https://twitter.com/jessicajames
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/romantichistoricalfiction
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/southernromance/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicajames/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/586216.Jessica_James
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-james
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IYTXOG
One Link https://linktr.ee/AuthorJessicaJames
Get to know Jessica James better by signing up for an email newsletter
https://www.subscribepage.com/jessicajamesnewsYou May Also Like
Who needs an alpha when you can have a lone wolf? đș Do It Write: Where NJ Walters writes @njwaltersauthor #RLFblog #ParanormalRomance #PNR
Do It Write: Where Karen Cino writes @karencino #RLFblog #CozyMystery #Romance
Do It Write: Where Aidee Ladnier writes @aideeladnier #RLFblog #Paranormal #Shifters
