What’s your one-line pitch or teaser for the book? Grab a
reader’s attention with one line.
In a sea dyed red, can trust sail against the wind of vengeance and love be in its wake?
Tell readers a little about your main character or
characters?
Captain Elouise "Lou" Farrington is a force to be reckoned with on the Caviar Sea. As the youngest pirate in this treacherous expanse, she bears a fiery spirit and a thirst for revenge that rides on every wave. Her heart was scuttled by the murder of her father, setting her on a dangerous journey of vengeance against his killer. But she is not all hard edges; within her lies a sense of justice that threatens to quell her thirst for revenge. This conflict within her is exacerbated by a proposed pact with her enemy, a chance to bring about a greater good by ending the War of the Sea. Her determination is as relentless as the oceanic tides, and the choices she makes will shape her legacy in the world of piracy.
Captain Rylander "Rye" Bordeaux is the epitome of royal navy finesse and discipline. As the esteemed captain of the Isle of Cava, he has a single-minded mission to end the War of the Sea by killing the Siren Queen. Rylander views the ocean as his home and is determined to bring peace to its turbulent waves. Yet, beneath his stoic demeanor and strategic mind lies a past that haunts him and he must conquer it to reshape the future. His hopes rest heavily on the fiery and unpredictable Captain Elouise. Her siren-like allure poses a challenge to his mission, his heart, and most importantly, his faith. He is drawn into a dangerous dance of trust and deceit with her. The question remains: Can he rely on a pirate who wants his life, to save countless others? As each question is answered, another arises leaving him with his most concerning: Is he falling for the woman who believes him to be her father’s murder?
Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or
writing nook?
I write in a loft that I absolutely love. One of the standout features is a beautifully crafted lighted wall tree that adds a touch of charm and coziness to the space. The twinkling lights give off a soft, enchanting glow, creating a magical atmosphere that helps get my creative juices flowing.
I have three computer screens set up, and they're like my trusty companions throughout the writing process. They provide me with ample screen space to work with, allowing me to have multiple windows open for research, writing, and editing. It's incredibly convenient and helps me stay organized and focused.
Next to my desk is a cork board. I map out all my plots with colorful sticky notes. I only take them down when I finish a book. It’s tradition.
So, that's my writing space for. It's a space where imagination comes to life, stories are woven, and the magic of writing unfolds.
What is one of your best marketing tips for other
authors?
The best marketing tip I have for every author is a reader magnet, a free piece of content that an author provides, often in exchange for a reader's email address. This tool is significant in an author's marketing toolkit for several reasons:
- Building an Email List: The main purpose of a reader magnet is to build an email list. This list is a direct line of communication between the author and the readers. It can be used to send updates, share new releases, and promote other works. Having direct access to your readers is a powerful marketing tool that isn't subject to algorithm changes as social media platforms are.
- Reader Engagement: Providing a free piece of content helps to engage readers and cultivate a stronger relationship with them. It could be a short story, a novella, or a related guide, all of which serve to deepen a reader's connection with the author's work.
- Establishing a Fan Base: Giving away a high-quality piece of content for free is a great way to attract readers who might not otherwise have taken a chance on the author's work. It helps establish a fan base, especially for new authors.
- Getting Reviews: By giving away a reader magnet, authors may increase the chances of getting reviews. It's an opportunity for readers to try out their writing style and leave a review, which helps the author get social proof and credibility.
- Retaining Readers: Reader magnets aren't just for attracting new readers. They can also be used to retain existing readers by offering something new and exclusive, keeping the author's name fresh in the readers' minds.
- Upselling and Cross-Selling: Once a reader is on the author's email list, they can be marketed to directly with new releases or other books they might enjoy. This direct marketing can lead to more sales.
Overall, a reader magnet is an effective way to connect with readers, build a dedicated fan base, and increase book sales over time. It's a marketing strategy that can yield significant benefits when used correctly.
What websites or tools have you found that offer the best
results?
Atticus is a powerful software tool for authors that streamlines several aspects of the book writing, formatting, and publishing process. Here are several ways Atticus can benefit an author:
- Book Formatting: Atticus provides robust formatting tools that make it easy for authors to professionally format their manuscripts for both eBooks and print versions. You can control things like font choice, line spacing, indents, and chapter headings, all within a user-friendly interface.
- Writing: Atticus includes a writing platform that allows authors to write their manuscripts directly in the application, making the transition from writing to formatting seamless. It also includes organizational tools to help authors manage their chapters and sections easily.
- Revision and Editing: Atticus makes it easy to edit and revise work, track changes, and make notes.
- Export Options: Once the manuscript is complete, Atticus allows authors to export their books in a variety of formats compatible with major self-publishing platforms.
The INKfluence, premier author marketing agency, is dedicated to empowering authors with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the dynamic world of publishing. They help with email marketing, promotional products, crowdfunding, design, book tours/signings, direct selling and reviews. What's truly exciting is that they deliver all these advantages at a significantly lower cost than traditional agencies, ensuring you get maximum value. www.theinkfluence.com
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Stay positive. It may sound simple, but it's a mindset that can truly transform your journey as a writer. Self-doubt is like a dark cloud that tries to obscure your dreams, but don't let it. You are worthy, talented, and deserving of success.
Believe me when I say that your story needs to be heard. Your words have the power to touch hearts, ignite imaginations, and inspire change. Don't let the whispers of insecurity silence your voice. Embrace the uniqueness of your perspective and the power of your storytelling. Trust that there are readers out there waiting to connect with your words, to be moved by your experiences.
Writing
can be a solitary pursuit, but you don't have to face it alone. Seek out
connections and support within the writing community. Join writer groups,
attend events, and engage with fellow writers online. Surround yourself with
kindred spirits who understand the challenges and triumphs of the creative
journey. Share your struggles, seek advice, and offer support in return.
Remember, you are not alone in this.
Excerpt:
Our mouths met once again, hungry and desperate, as I lifted her into my arms. Her chemise rose and bunched in between us. My palms cupped her exposed thighs, urging them to encircle my waist. I walked us backward to the bed, never breaking our kiss, and slowly lowered her down, careful to bear my weight against my forearm. I savored the softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath mingling with mine, as her fingers wove into my hair. Pleasure and pain radiated through my scalp as she pulled the ends with her iron grip, her moans urging me on. With my free hand, I explored her, tracing the lines of her neck, the softness of her breasts. Her body arched in response, a silent plea for more.
I continued my journey, my hand tracing the curve of her hip, slipping beneath her knee, and wrapping her leg around me once more. The connection between us grew stronger, an unspoken understanding that we were meant to be entwined, a meeting of souls. And then, with a surge of anticipation, I pressed into her, feeling her heat and the electric pulse of our bodies against one another.
She pulled back, her eyes locking onto mine, reflecting a hunger and longing that mirrored my own. A mischievous smile played upon her lips as her fingers toyed with the button on my trousers. But before she undid it, I heard a noise. Footsteps.
“It’s probably a good idea to tell you both I’m in the room.” Smitter’s voice sounded somewhere behind me, way too close to the bed, to us.
I jumped backward, lost my balance, and stumbled to the floor. My rear landed hard. Lou swathed herself in a wad of sheets.
“I had hoped you’d come up for air, but there’s really no good way to interrupt.” He waved in between us.
“I’m going to kill you,” I growled from the floor. Out of all the times my uncle had popped in and out of a room, this had to be the most invasive and humiliating.
“Why would you …? I can’t— Don’t you ever do that again,” Lou shouted, horrified. Her hands balled around the sheets. Flushed like a sunburned noble, she volleyed her gaze between me, half clothed on the floor, and Smitter. Her knotted hair stuck up on top of her head.
“Yes, I realize it’s not great timing, but the two of you need your rest. We drop anchor tomorrow on the perimeter of Anthemusa. The men have already been moved to the soundproof rooms. And we need to strategize how you’ll slay the Siren Queen, now that our first plan is no longer viable.” Smitter’s concerned brown eyes found mine. “Also, your aunt said this isn’t the right time for”—he swirled a finger in our general direction—“this.”
Lou’s brows contorted. “What? Who is your aunt?” She gaped at me.
I waved Lou off. Aunt Artemis, the goddess of childbirth, would know when Lou should abstain, but I wasn’t about to have that conversation. I bent my knees, resting my elbows on my thighs, and rubbed my temples. My family had truly outdone themselves. Not a single boundary nor a clue as to how their incessant involvement could be a nuisance.
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