Windham, New Hampshire, local fiction Author

I am delighted to introduce my lovely writer friend Jennifer Smith, who shares my passion and determination for crafting stories that readers will love. Her debut adult fiction novel Flying Backwards was released in August 2015, and she is currently working on a fantasy trilogy!  


Jennifer W Smith lives in a quaint New Hampshire town with her husband and two children. Her kitty, a beautiful blue-eyed Balinese is always nearby, and she’s recently adopted a four-year-old collie who’s made herself at home.  She debuted her first woman’s fiction novel in late August of 2015 titled FLYING BACKWARDS.

                                             About the book: FLYING BACKWARDS

Would it be exciting to travel to exotic places, meet a man who makes your heart summersault, and become a person you admire?  Eleanor (Nora) Clark realizes the key to an interesting life is eluding her. Never leaving the small Pennsylvania town she grew up in, living in a house her fiancé bought his ex-girlfriend, and spending weekends helping in the family business. She realizes life is passing her by as her twenty-ninth birthday looms on the horizon. Why hasn’t she taken any gutsy chances in life?

On a whim, she applies to become a flight attendant. Suddenly, she is jetting off to London, Rome, and St. Petersburg where she finds herself romantically entangled with three very different suitors. Eleanor’s new life exceeds all her wildest dreams.To find fulfillment, Eleanor must discover success, confidence, friendship, and love. As her daydreams become reality, the choices she makes both build and break her heart. But her last choice decides it all.

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I thought it might be fun to ask you some questions so the readers out there can get to know you a little better....

1.      Who is your favorite author and do you aspire to write like him or her?

I don’t have one favorite author. I think it’s their particular story that touches me and sticks with me. If you read a lot, it’s like treasure hunting, and I know I get excited when I finish that one book in a pile of many, that I could start reading all over again.

2. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

I like history, traveling, reading…things in my everyday life spark ideas, and then, I hunt down more information to support my budding story.

3. Your first book was an adult fiction story and I hear you're writing an adult fantasy trilogy. Was that switch hard for you and what was the inspiration behind that series?

Switching from mainstream romance to fantasy isn’t hard for me. Both require believable characters and a solid storyline. It’s a little more fun writing fantasy because I get to invent a new realm and all the creatures in it. When I was a teenager I was writing fantasy, so I decided to give it another go.

4. Being a busy mom, with two kids, how do you manage your writing? 

I write around their schedules, mostly when they are at school. I’m the mom on her laptop in the parking lot during dance and soccer practice.

5. You are a self-published author, do you think you will try to submit to a traditional publisher?

During the last nine months, I’ve finished my first novel and set out to publish it on my own. I’ve worked so hard learning how to hire an editor, cover artist, build my own website, market, and so much more. I’m not saying I’ll never submit to a traditional publisher, but I’m doing pretty well on my own.

6. Any advice for aspiring authors?

Becoming an author was a dream come true for me. I worked hard to make it happen, that said, it was my passion. So if having a book published is your passion, it is attainable.

7. Aside from writing and being a mom what hobbies do you enjoy?

I’ve dabbled in many things from scrapbooking to knitting, but I always enjoy traveling to interesting places and learning local traditions. I also love jigsaw puzzles – I think of it as linking a story together.

8. How do you cope with stress or bad days when nothing is going right?

As Scarlett O’Hara  said “Tomorrow is another day.”

9. What is the BEST part about being an author?

Aside from personal fulfillment of achieving a life-long goal, when a stranger tells me they LOVE my story, not only is it validating, but humbling and my heart swells. Also, if I can be an inspiration to others, that too, brings me great joy.

10. What do you see happening for you as an author in 2016?

In 2016, I’ll be working on writing and releasing three books in the Broken Water Series. I’ll be releasing the first book in this adult fantasy series The Lavender Pearl in the spring. The second book in the Broken Water Series is being worked on now, and may be released as early as the fall of 2016. I will also be scheduling book signings and I look forward to meeting fans!

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Guest author Dilys J Carnie

I'd like to welcome the lovely Welsh romance author Dilys J Carnie, who has been my go-to person for several years. When I had a question about writing and the publication process, Dilys was there! I have read several of her twelve books, and I can tell you she spins a lovely story with ease.

Dilys J Carnie


My home is on the beautiful island of Anglesey on the west coast of North Wales. Anglesey has been my home since the age of eleven after moving here with my mum and dad and three sisters from Scotland.
I'm the proud mother of two grown children. My daughter Emma is a primary school teacher, and my son Christopher is part of the family business.
I'm a health freak and a vegetarian. Pilates class combined with visiting the gym at least four times a week keeps me fit. I love clothes, makeup, and having my nails and hair done. I'm just a girl's girl.
If I'm not in my office pounding the keys I'm sitting in my favourite chair reading books and discovering new authors on my Kindle.
As a young child I loved to write. I always carried a notebook and pen around with me and wrote about everything. I never thought for one moment I would ever be able to pick up a book with my name on it and say "I wrote that". It was a dream come true when I signed with a publisher for my first book in November 2012. So, dare I say at the young age of fifty I think it's time for me to see if those dreams are everything that I hope they will be.
http://www.dilysjcarnie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dilysj.carnie.3
http://dilys-j-carnie.blogspot.co.uk/
Chester in England, Llanberis in Wales and Kinneff in Scotland.

Three glories places to spend a romantic Christmas, A chance to be naughty and nice with men who we would all like to find in our Christmas stockings. 

One touch…one moment in time.

Belle Jones never did anything that wasn't planned…that was until she met Ethan Thompson on one steamy afternoon.

Now he’s come looking for her and he discovers more than he bargained for.

Belle is trying to come to terms with her first Christmas on her own. Until Ethan throws all her plans out the window and leaves her with a decision to make.

Will the secret she is hiding from this man bring them together or push them apart?

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Blurb
Holly Berry is grateful to be alive... so she has a new bucket list. No more nice girl for the new Holly... this year her wish for Santa is on the naughty list.
Noah Miller plays Santa Claus at Snowdrop House, where he is surprised to find a very grownup...and willing...Holly Berry on his knee. He’d never guessed that a Santa costume and twenty-four hours would make such a difference to his Christmas.
Will this little sexy little bundle of fun who rocks his world change his future too?

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Blurb
Come to the Scottish Highlands for a delightful romance. Skye heads off to a remote village for peace and quiet over Christmas but doesn't factor in Callum McIntyre, the man broke her heart ten years ago. When she is snowed in and has to stay at his cottage...will she be able to resist his charms this time...or does she really want to?

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NEW BOOK RELEASE!

The last two months have been busy with personal issues, which are now resolved and getting my YA trilogy back out there for readers as my publisher closed its doors suddenly in September. As you can imagine it's been a tough time. Eighteen months ago, I signed a contract and was delighted to have some validation of my work, but in all honesty, it's been a bumpy ride.

Through the summer, I had decided to self-publish my first adult paranormal, but I hadn't anticipated having to use every penny that I had earned to re-publish my books and pay for the editing and art work for the third book.

Anyway, this is life, and you have to roll with it. I am very fortunate that I could  start over, and I'm happy to say the books are all available on Amazon worldwide. I'm also delighted that I managed to complete the books I set out as my goals for 2015.

Releasing Capturing the Last Welsh Witch is really the icing on the cake.

I have a new editor and cover artist, and I am very happy working with both ladies!  My goals for 2016 are to keep writing, I have 2 projects that are started, possibly a sequel, and another series all good fun....

If you pop over and like my author page, make sure you leave a comment and you'll be entered in a competition to win an ARC copy of Capturing the Last Welsh Witch.

                                                        Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

Ella Masters’s soul is five hundred years old and in each life, she has been fatally betrayed by men. This is her fifth and final life, and legend says she must meet her true love or this time death is eternal. Wanted for the murder of her latest boyfriend and on the run from the FBI, as well as the ruthless group the Elusti, it doesn’t bode well for any would-be suitors.

Marcus Drayton has a sixth sense when it comes to knowing people, which has helped in his career as a special agent for the FBI, as well as his previous stint as a Navy SEAL. His latest assignment is to deliver Ella Masters, the Witch, which will give him the prized promotion in New York. After he meets the mysterious Ella, and realizes the Elusti are involved, the ghosts of his past force him to seek the truth, making every one he loves a target.

As she runs for her life and freedom, Ella needs to discover whether Marcus is the warrior she needs. And can she trust him with her heart and soul before it’s too late?



                                                        A little snippet from the beginning!


Her fingers touched the torn edges of the material and she stared into the distance, blinking as an old memory shook her.
“Come here, before I come and get you.” Aidan’s voice was deep and hoarse. His piercing eyes glared into hers, and she looked back as she contemplated her options. She glanced toward the door; if she moved, he would grab her. She could try to seduce him. However, that would be hopeless with Aidan. No, the only way was to trick him.
Aidan inched closer. So close, she could smell his musky aftershave. Ella let him get closer still. Let him think he had won. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs, but still she waited, barely breathing. Aidan inched closer, his eyes never leaving her face.
“Are you ready to admit defeat?” He raised one eyebrow, and his mouth spread into a lazy smile.
“Never, Professor.” She flicked her leg outward and kicked as hard as possible, just like he had taught her.
“What the…” He fell to the ground, doubled over and clutched his stomach.
Sucking on her lower lip, she hesitated before she turned away. That split second of doubt was her undoing. Arms came from nowhere and grabbed her legs. Whoosh. The view of the room shifted, and the floor went from under her feet. She ended up flat on her back, with Aidan’s body impaling her to the floor.
“Never trust the enemy,” he said.
She spluttered and coughed as the memory swirled away. Professor Aidan O’Connor was an enigma: a historian, friend, pretend-lover, and expert at martial arts. He’d taught her how to use her body as a weapon.
“But last night wasn’t practice, was it? Aidan, what have you done?”

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The end of the Children of Annwn series!

It’s incredible to me that after six years of writing, I’ve finally finished the Children of Annwn series. What started out as a cathartic outpouring of my own journey wrapped up in a tender romantic fantasy evolved into something so much more, but one that continued to mirror my own challenges in life and writing.  I know as a writer that I’m not alone is using life experiences as a basis for the characters we create, but I didn't realize or plan it that way.  

The series is a voyage of self-discovery for Mia Leronde who transforms from this insecure high-school student into a determined and powerful caster that is driven by her love of her family, friends, and Ryder. The series is about the power of love, the meaning of family, overcoming the challenges in life, and learning to accept who we are despite our insecurities and fears.

In six years, a lot has changed as I have gone from being signed with a small publishing company to being self-published like over-night. It wasn't a complete shock but a HUGE learning curve. I'm taking each experience in my stride, not losing sight of what I want which is to write. I will weigh up all the pro's and con's to help me decide where my future lies.

However, the writing is my focus all the rest is icing on the cake and I still approach publishers and agents with caution as I like not feeling as if  I'm having a heart attack as I approach the finish rushing to get to the deadline even though I impose my own. I like having control over the price and as for promoting well I have to do it anyway!

After six years, I still LOVE writing and ideas are always bouncing around for further stories, even if bit by bit I'm becoming more of a recluse. Does anyone else feel like this?

I am my biggest cheerleader even when the tides of negativity threaten to drown me.I believe I can write stories that are entertaining and that readers will enjoy and therefore, I keep marching along to my own band!

I get highly anxious when I’m not writing almost as if I will forget how to write. Like guilt driven panic attacks, anyone else?? 

The promoting and marketing side is another issue, and I have to embrace this and push harder to get the stories out. I think this will definitely be a goal for 2016 because I NEED help!!!! 

Anyway for now, I’m delighted to wallow in the glory of the fact that I have finished the trilogy as often I felt an incredible impatience to get it down on paper before I lost my focus.

Writing is not easy, don't let anyone tell you that. It's very personal. The reader gets to see how your brain ticks, and what is in our heart and soul. It makes us very vulnerable. However, just like cooking a fantastic dinner, there is nothing better than sharing that meal with friends and having a good laugh. I want to share my stories with you, and make you laugh and cry. I hope I manage that. 

                        Snippet from the Power of the Gilgamesh release date Friday 16th October 2015.

“There was a soft voice singing ever so quietly, more like a whisper, I guess, but I could hear every word. It was as if the girl or woman—I don’t know how old she is—was guiding me somewhere. This place is special, don’t you feel it?” Mia studied each one in turn before resting her stare on Malachi.

“Why do we always end up in damp bloody forests freezing our nuts off,” Tristan said. Ryder and Malachi laughed.

“This isn’t funny. None of this is funny. Brianna has disappeared, and you let her go, Tristan. I guess, I’m to blame as well because after Tyler left I have been pre-occupied with everything, which left Brianna grieving alone.”

“That’s not true. She wasn’t alone. I just couldn’t reach her,” Tristan spoke into the light breeze that was rustling through the trees and leaves.

“Back to the voice, because it doesn’t matter how or why we’re here, but here we are. What was the song about?” Malachi raised his eyebrow, staring at Mia with his hands joined together as if praying with his thumbs resting on his chin. Mia breathed out, trying to focus and recall the words of the song. She closed her eyes.

“If ever there were fairies surely this is where their tiny feet would tread in a woodland full of bluebells where the air smells so sweet…”

“Stop, does this have a point because I hate to say it, but I agree with Tristan, my feet are cold and damp,” said Lucas.

“Shut up Lucas, Mia’s right, this place is special and the magic around us is very powerful, powerful enough to call out to her, so we must be on our guard. Now go on, but if you can skip anything that isn’t relevant that would be good,” Malachi smirked at Mia and placed his hands around his back. As Mia sucked a deep breath in, she stared at Lucas, Ryder, Tristan, Dr. Mathews and Malachi, who started pacing back and forth. Skip anything that may be irrelevant. How was she supposed to know? Again, she closed her eyes and focused on the song and the words, letting the sweet melody roll over her brain until she could see it clearly written like a poem in her mind, and she read the words picking and choosing what she thought was important.

“If there was a doorway to another world, this is where it would be hidden, among the wild bluebells and sacred leafy trees. I think the portal is here somewhere, but the last line or two is a warning,” she said, staring over at Ryder. “Time passes and yet forever the bluebells return, spreading like wildfire swaying with the breeze, carrying their delicate perfume, captivating all but beware those who dare to enter Fairyland. For once there, you may never want to leave...” she said slowly with a haunting voice that left everyone silent for a moment. Malachi scratched his head, staring at Lucas, and then he rubbed his mouth with his hand.

“Okay, so there is a portal near. I think we should keep walking. How far do these woods go on for?” Malachi asked, staring at Dr. Mathews. Until now, Dr. Mathews had been silent, simply plodding along with the group, but he pushed himself in front with his hands in the pockets of his dark-blue  jeans and stared at Ryder whilst he fumbled with his MET device.

Not everything goes to plan!

 I don’t think anyone goes through life problem free. How you decide to deal with them is another thing! You can either choose to face them and figure something out or ignore them.

For a while, I have ignored one, and unfortunately everything erupted at once.

Several stressors collided like an explosion that rocked my foundation. To be honest, I’m still feeling the after-effects of some.

It’s so true when you meet people you have no clue about the battles they face. For days, I didn’t know how to pull myself out from a very dark place where I simply wanted to cry all the time. I wanted to chuck everything in and my body wasn’t helping me either as I lacked any energy or drive. My hormones were surging making me tearful which didn't help at all in making any kind of plan.

I like to keep busy to take my mind off of the issues but every now and then it all seeps back and some problems, you know, you cannot solve and those are the most heartbreaking.

However, my hubbie of nineteen years, which must be love, right, has been my rock. He’s supported me and allowed me to wallow for a day, and then we talked and talked about the future and how we’re able to help with a family issue. He’s such a good man. He came up with suggestions and ideas to help me when I couldn’t.

On a professional matter, he has helped me after I made the decision to self-publish my Children of Annwn series when my publishing company closed their doors at the beginning of September.  My professional life is crazy busy, but I have control now and I’m happy with this. I feel overwhelmed with all there is to learn about self-publishing, but I have a brilliant band of friends who have heaps of experience of this and it’s due to them, that I decided to take this route.

Children of Annwn Amazon USA      $3.99

Children of Annwn: The Battle Amazon USA     $3.99
Children of Annwn:The Promise Amazon UK       2.50
Children of Annwn:The Battle Amazon UK            2.50

 I planned  to self-publish my first adult paranormal, Capturing the Last Welsh Witch, but I now find myself self-publishing all four of my books, so I’m a little busy right now…

However, come October, I will be taking some time out as the health issue, I had been ignoring will be finally addressed. Therefore, I am not certain about my timeline for the book releases they will get out there when I can honestly say, I’m happy, and they’re ready. As I’m the boss, I definitely have a deadline, and I am a hard taskmaster, but I will not rush and if it has to wait, then so be it.

I know love. I know sorrow. I know pain, and this is life. I will embrace it in all its beautiful forms because in this way, I know I’m still alive. Life is precious and a gift.

No matter what I face, I will always try to keep the writing going because it’s what I love to do.       

                                         

Writing in the Summer!

Writing to a deadline is hard, writing during the summer with the kids around is almost impossible, but like the saying above if I waited for the perfect time I may never write at all.

I have to write or I get frustrated, and even if I know it’s not the best I could do it is something on the screen that I can go back and improve upon.

This summer has taught me several things.

1. I can work to a deadline.

2. I will not apologize for putting my writing before my social life.

3. Guard your writing time.

4. I still love the creative writing process.

5. I can adapt.

On August 11^th my second installment in the YA romantic fantasy, Children of Annwn series was released in print. This always means so much to me. Having the actual book in my hands is confirmation that my writing is really out there. As I promote this book, I’m also writing and finishing my first adult paranormal romance, Capturing the Last Welsh Witch which I have penned for release by the end of 2015. I have at least two further books I need to finish, as well as an idea for another series. I have managed to find time to stay connected to my writers group and that I always find inspiring. I also visited an author event at Haverhill library and was able to chat with an eclectic mix of writers who were fascinating and it gave me great insight into the set- up of such events as I hope to be one of those authors next time!

The Battle in print

The Battle in kindle

I would LOVE some help with reviews if you have read  the book and if not, please spare five minutes after reading it to post your comments. I will love you forever....

                                         

Me with my two books in the Children of Annwn series, such a wonderful feeling. The future is looking great, and I’m open to anything that comes my way. Oh, I also had time for a holiday in Canada at Niagara on the Lake. Amazing, and I spent time with my sister and her family which was fabulous but over too soon.


                                                              

I am planning a giveaway on Goodreads which starts next week on the 27th, will post details, and I have another competition in September, details to follow. To keep up to date with all the goings on check out my facebook page, or website both included below.

Facebook

Website

Is it LUCK?

Mr, D sent me an email the other day after we had been discussing the latest sales figures for my books. Attached to the email was an article from The Wall Street Journal which I have included as a link for you to read at you leisure. Anyway, when I read the post, I was totally blown away, and I truly haven't been able to stop thinking about Hugh Howey! Not because he's gorgeous and sexy, although he does look pretty cute, no because this man, a former college dropout who has worked as a yacht captain, a roofer, and a bookseller before self-publishing has achieved such phenomenal success.

Hugh Howey is the author of the best-selling Wool series!

Initially, he was selling Wool at 99c as an e-book novella in 2011, which is now available on Amazon at $5.99.

The five-part post-apocalyptic series is set in a time when the thousands of human survivors live in an enormous, 144 story underground silo. 

Blurb from Amazon!

"This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside."

This guy was selling 20,000-30,000 digital copies A MONTH!!! What the heck???

How does one do that? He was making so much money he was able to give up his day job and focus on writing further books in the series which is mind-blowing and I'm left wondering what on earth do I need to do to make it happen to me?

High Howey has sold over a half a million copies of his digital books and has over 10, 000 reviews on Amazon. I am totally fascinated by his story and rise to fame because in a world in which millions of books are published every year how in all that's holy do you make YOURS stand out???

My next question is once a wonderful and incredible book-loving person takes that chance on your unknown and first novel, how do you get them to post a review?

Did he pay for reviews? Have multiple friends post them? Blackmail, ply them with gifts of chocolate and wine, it would be enough for me but honestly whatever his strategy it worked big time! I would LOVE for him to write a step-by-step guide as to what he did and then I would follow it in the hopes of achieving a modicum of his success. I understand he was active on Goodreads which although I'm a member, I don't lurk there often, but I will definitely be searching to see if the readers of YA Fiction are there AND willing to leave those precious reviews. 

Obtaining reviews still doesn't guarantee success. If your story sucks, the reviews will suck too which brings me back to this, no matter your background or how your journey started as an author if you have a GREAT story it will sell.

I BELIEVE THAT!

And you just need one great story to bring attention to you as an author and hey ho Ridley Scott may come calling to buy the movie rights to your books? 

Congratulations, Mr. Hugh Howey, I'm pleased for your success and very, very jealous!

The Wall Street Journal