⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'The Lord Blackwood Regency Romance series' Arabella Sheraton⭐ #interview

 

Arabella Sheraton grew up reading her mom’s collection of Georgette Heyer novels, the queen of modern-day Regency romance, and of course, Jane Austen’s iconic Regency novels. Although Arabella’s literary background was in publishing and editing, she had never written a fiction book. Her first novel started out in response to her mom’s complaint that she had nothing new to read. That first Regency novel was The Dangerous Duke! Since then, Arabella has penned six more authentic Regency novels and a romance self-help guide to finding the right partner, with useful quotes by none other than Jane Austen. Arabella has branched out with a mash-up of genre in her latest work in progress. A murder-mystery, time travel, Regency romance coming soon!

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself?

Research is essential in historical romances, especially the Regency era. I subscribe to various excellent blogs that cover day to day historical details as well as Regency ‘encyclopedias.’

Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub?

I found a publisher via a writing newsletter, quite by accident!

If self-published, did you hire someone to format the ebook version for you or did you do it yourself?  Can you tell us what that was like?

I would never even try to format it myself. The publishers handled all that technical stuff.

Did you purposefully choose a distinct month to release your book?  Why?

The publisher asked me to write a Valentine novella and that is how Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball came about. The sequel, The Lady’s Revenge, was released 6 months later.

How did you choose your cover?

I have an excellent designer who gave me various options and I chose the ones that said the most about the stories.

Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went?

I always revise as I write. Then I leave the book to ‘simmer’ for a few weeks and go back to it. It is amazing what one can miss.

What’s your opinion on giving your book away to sell other copies of your book?

It’s a great lure to attract readers. The first book, Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball, is perma-free on all book sites and the second one, The Lady’s Revenge, is reasonably priced.

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do before their book is released?

Make sure the book is edited to the high standards of the publishing industry; spend money on an eye-catching cover; tell everyone you know, friends and family, and on social media that your book is coming out on whatever date you have chosen.

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do after their book is released?

Chase after as many reviews as you can; maintain your marketing drive (do not drop the ball!); do a blog tour.

What kind of pre-promotion did you do before the book came out?

I have a Twitter and FB page for my romance books, so I promote and keep up to date. A book blast is always a great way to let people know what is coming.

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

For die-hard Regency romance fans who want authentic Regency and historical accuracy, The Lord Blackwood Regency Romance series is for you. There is love and romance, intrigue, mystery, machinations behind the scenes, subterfuge, deceit, mystery and a whole lot more!

Inside the Books

Title: LORD BLACKWOOD’S VALENTINE BALL (Book 1)
Author: Arabella Sheraton
Publisher: Bublish
Pages: 90 (novella)
Genre: Regency Romance

BOOK BLURB:

In this romantic traditional Regency novella, Patience Cherwell is resigned to a life of spinsterhood. Therefore, when her young friend, the lovely Lorna Hartley, comes to stay for a London season, she decides the eligible, charming Lord Blackwood is the perfect match for Lorna. Granted, Lord Blackwood, at forty, is much older than the vivacious 20-year-old Lorna, but Patience is determined to help her young friend make a good match. So why isn’t she happy when his lordship and Lorna seem to like each other’s company? The problem is that Patience is already madly in love with his lordship! An unexpected invitation arrives for Lorna and Patience to attend Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball. This is the perfect moment for him to propose to Lorna. Mysteriously, a corsage arrives from an anonymous admirer. Who is it for? And what will be the outcome for the wearer at Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball? Patience and Lord Blackwood’s enchanting story continues in The Lady’s Revenge.

PRAISE

“Set in the era of grace and chivalry, Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball by Arabella Sheraton is the heart-warming novella prequel to the more adventurous novel, The Lady’s Revenge. Written with similar charm and panache of Jane Austen’s, Pride and Prejudice, this enchanting story captivates the reader and draws them into the vibrant life of Patience Cherwell. Patience’s loving and noble spirit is evident from the onset of the story; instantly capturing the reader. Despite the results that could lead to a lifetime of loveless solitude, Patience’s sacrifice of self for the love of a friend is gut-wrenching, yet profoundly noteworthy. This is a beautiful story of eternal love and redemption, and I highly recommend it to hopeless romantics.” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars

Charles Edward Jasper, Lord Blackwood, was, in her opinion, the handsomest man she had ever met, possibly, the handsomest man in London. The first time he shook her hand had sent a shocking tingle radiating right through her body and caused her to blush so fierily that she was sure he must have noticed. He had held her hand for a few moments as he spoke to her, his touch producing such an alarming effect that her knees trembled as if they had turned to water. Patience had felt breathless and thought she might have gasped her greeting. He did not appear to have observed her awkwardness because by then he had turned to welcome Lorna and her ever-giggling friend, Miss Sophie Sutcliffe. Had he even really noticed her that first time? Perhaps the only reason he tried to engage her in social chat on subsequent occasions was out of politeness to her as Lorna’s hostess during her London sojourn.

 

Title: THE LADY’S REVENGE (Book 2)
Author: Arabella Sheraton
Publisher: Bublish
Pages: 186
Genre: Regency Romance

BOOK BLURB:

This engaging traditional Regency romance is the sequel to Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball. Miss Letitia DeVere decides that revenge is a dish best eaten cold when she returns to London after a two-year absence to find her former admirer Lord Charles Blackwood on the verge of proposing to Miss Patience Cherwell. Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball proved to be the turning point in his fledgling romance with Patience. Letitia is not the kind of woman who gives up easily, as Patience and Charles soon find out. She stops at nothing to achieve her aims. However, Letitia has a dark past, with secrets that threaten to return and destroy her newfound social success. When Charles proves less malleable than in the past, Letitia resorts to subterfuge, seduction, blackmail, and even violence to force him to propose. Will he see through her tricks and remain true to Patience, or will Letitia’s seductive wiles lure him back?

PRAISE

“The timing is one of the most wonderful things in this read, especially because of the various means of subterfuge and blackmail which are at play. Author Arabella Sheraton has a knack for timing her comedy and her suspense in just the right balance to keep that rompy pace going, just like authentic Regency novels should do. I can’t recommend this two-partner enough, or indeed the author herself and her other super-fun works. Readers with a modern mindset or a lack of historical knowledge might not fully ‘get’ the style, but if you’re someone that does, then you’re going to truly fall in love and want to keep stepping back into this world time and again, so give them a try!” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars

 

⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'Safe Harbour' Mike Martin⭐ #interview

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 10 books in this light mystery series with the publication of Safe Harbour. A Tangled Web was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and Darkest Before the Dawn won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. Mike has also published Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries, a Sgt. Windflower Book of Christmas past and present.

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writing Guild and Ottawa Independent Writers.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mike54martin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore

Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself?

I do my research as I go along and when things come up I go searching for as much information as I can about that topic. In Safe Harbour there is some suspicion that someone was the victim of insulin poisoning. How does that work? Google knows…

Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub?

I’ve used bot models and now utilize a hybrid model where we share expenses and the publisher looks after distribution and I take care of most book promotion.

If self-published, did you hire someone to format the ebook version for you or did you do it yourself?  Can you tell us what that was like?

I have always used experts to format all book versions. I don’t want to take any chances with that. My publisher looks after this right now.

If self-published, how did you determine the price?

That’s discussed with the publisher.

If published by a publisher, what was your deciding factor in going with them?

The publisher I chose was local and could deliver books on the schedule that I wanted to write them. That’s not always the case.

If published by a publisher, are you happy with the price they chose?

I’m fine. This time we decided to charge $3.99 for the ebook versus the usual $2.99. We’ll know soon if that makes any difference.

Did you purposefully choose a distinct month to release your book?  Why?

Yes. May and October are the best months, at least for me. May to capture the summer reading market and October to be on shelves for Christmas shoppers.

How did you choose your cover?

I work with the cover designer. Usually, I have a picture or photo in mind and she crafts it into a full book cover.

Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went?

I write about 10 chapters and then revise. Repeat until the book is done the first major draft. Then a long review before I send it to the beta readers for their comments and input.

Did you come up with special swag for your book and how are you using it to help get the word out about your book?

I have done this before, but did not because of covid. I don’t think they make a big difference unless you are at a conference or event.

Did you consider making or hiring someone to make a book trailer for your book?  If so, what’s the link?

Nope

What’s your opinion on giving your book away to sell other copies of your book?

I agree. With a series of 10 books I often give away the first and/or second in the hopes of gaining a long term reader who will read all the books in the series. It works, at least for me.

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do before their book is released?

Make it the best book possible in all ways. Have a promo plan ready before the book comes out, including a blog tour with PUYB. Get some early reviews so that other readers can be inspired to go but this book.

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do after their book is released?

Put your promo plan into action. Get even more reviews. Blog about the book and your experiences with the book and try to engage your readers.

What kind of pre-promotion did you do before the book came out?  

All of the above

Do you have a long term plan with your book?

Just to have the best possible book every single time. To make each book better than the rest. And to sell a million copies. lol

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

Thank you for reading Safe Harbour. You have given me the gift of your valuable time and I really appreciate it. It you like it, tell others.

 

Inside the Book

Title: SAFE HARBOUR
Author: Mike Martin
Publisher: Ottawa Press and Publishing
Pages: 264
Genre: Mystery

BOOK BLURB:

Sgt. Windflower is on a special assignment in St. John’s and adjusting to life in the big city. He is navigating traffic, a difficult boss at work and what seems like an epidemic of missing girls. He becomes more interested when he discovers that one of the girls is from Grand Bank. Then a girl approaches his RCMP van one night and he is pulled into the underlife of the capital city. But he still manages to enjoy all of the good things in life. His family, old and new friends, and the love of living so close to the Atlantic Ocean. Welcome back to St. Windflower Mysteries.

PRAISE

“Safe Harbour is a thought-provoking, fast-paced read. The mystery woven around his home life is very nicely done, containing just the right amount of tension and development to make for an inviting leisure read.” – Midwest Reviews

⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'The Truth Behind the Mask' W.L. Brooks⭐ #interview

W.L. Brooks was born with an active imagination.  When characters come into her mind, she has to give them a life- a chance to tell their stories. With a coffee cup in her hand and a cat by her side, she spends her days letting the ideas flow onto paper.  A voracious reader, she draws her inspiration from mystery, romance, suspense and a dash of the paranormal.

A native of Virginia Beach, she is currently living in Western North Carolina. Pick up her latest novel, Unearthing the Past – available now!

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself?

I usually do my research as I’m writing.

Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub?

I was lucky enough to get a contract with The Wild Rose Press.

 

If published by a publisher, what was your deciding factor in going with them?

I’ve worked with The Wild Rose Press on multiple books, and I’ve always had a great experience with them.

 

If published by a publisher, are you happy with the price they chose?

Absolutely, I trust their judgment.

 

How did you choose your cover?

 I usually have a cover idea right from the beginning, but, for this book, it wasn’t until after I came up with the title that inspiration struck. I told my publisher my vision, and they hooked me up with an awesome cover artist, Kim Mendoza, who brought my ideas to life.

 

Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went? 

I usually write then revise. If I try to revise as I write it takes me hours to write a simple paragraph—I totally overthink it.

 

What’s your opinion on giving your book away to sell other copies of your book? 

I think it’s a smart idea.

 

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do before their book is released? 

Promote, Promote, Promote!

 

What are three of the most important things you believe an author should do after their book is released?

Market, Market, Market!

 

What kind of pre-promotion did you do before the book came out? 

I put the other books in the series on sale (the eBooks) and did an ad campaign for the sale.  I utilized my Facebook and Instagram to get the word out about pre-ordering, set up the new book on Goodreads, and did a cover reveal ad on social media.  

 

Do you have a long-term plan with your book? 

Hahaha—I try not to make any long-term plans about anything.

 

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

This is probably my favorite book in the series thus far, and I hope readers enjoy it as much as I do. 

 

Inside the Book

Title: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MASK
Author: W.L. Brooks
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 302
Genre: Romantic Suspense

BOOK BLURB:

Is Alexandra McKay the reason her sister Fletcher left town? Yes. Does that mean Alex wants to put her life on hold to bring the little beast back? No! But when she discovers her sister’s been abducted, Alex will do whatever it takes to rescue her.

Giving up his PI gig was tough, but Jake Keller would rather do that any day than partner up with Alexandra McKay. Unfortunately, if he wants to find his friend Fletcher, he has to work with Her Royal Pain-in-the-Behind-ness. Hot or not, the woman makes his jaw twitch.

Forced together by circumstance, and ensnared in a web of clues, the pair submit to their undeniable passion. But if they’re unwilling to face the truth, they will risk not only Fletcher’s life but their own chance at happiness.

ORDER YOUR COPY BELOW

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3xIHFN2

⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'Lyssa Strata: A Comedy for the Frustrated' Martti Nelson⭐@maladymartti #pumpupyourbook #interview

Martti Nelson is the author of comedy novels Lyssa Strata and Attack of the Rom-Com, which is due out later in 2021, as well as some love letters to Totino’s in honor of their fine Party Pizzas. She’s been featured on such luminous sites as Weekly Humorist, The Belladonna, Robot Butt, Daily Drunk Magazine, and Slackjaw. In addition to writing brilliant stuff that is often referred to as “stop mentioning menstruation so much,” Martti enjoys yard work with power tools that make her feel important. Martti creates funny books because she believes that humor can inspire joy, bring people together, and save the world, even in times of darkness. This bio has gotten a tad deep, so she will end on another joke.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Before you started writing your book, what kind of research did you do to prepare yourself?

I pulled on a couple of different threads of research. First, I re-read Lysistrata by Aristophanes. Man, does that work hold up! It’s hilarious on every level, and the eagle-eyed can find actual quotes from Lysistrata in the book.

The other thing I did was research still-on-the-books sexist laws in the United States. Child marriage is still legal in several states. Isn’t that just wonderful? There are less horrifying ones. For example, In Michigan, a wife must obtain her husband’s permission before she can cut her hair. That’s not misogynistic at all! Did you know that women can’t wear pants in Tucson, Arizona? The argument about these laws are that they’re not enforced, so who cares? The point is, they could be enforced, which, *spoiler* happens in Lyssa Strata—after the women start a sex strike protest against the very same laws.

All this research put me right in the mood…to not let any of my characters be in the mood.

Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub?

Lyssa Strata got picked up by two amazing men, Marty Dundics and Andy Newton at Humorist Books. I’ve never talked with a publisher and editor who so completely understand humor and the challenges that can come with getting funny work out there. It’s funny—I was actually pitching another book to them (Attack of the Rom-Com, releasing early 2022!) when I brought up Lyssa Strata. I sent it to Andy so he would know I’m able to, ya know, actually finish a book…and then he ended up wanting to publish that one, too! Got two for the price of one, and I couldn’t be more delighted.

If published by a publisher, what was your deciding factor in going with them?

They’re weirdos who get my weird.

How did you choose your cover?

Marty Dundics designed my cover, and I love it! A pink fist pump is kinda my whole thing. Unless I’m expressing a pink middle finger, but that’s much more rare.

Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went?

I revise as I go. A lot of writers talk about getting the words on the page, no matter if they’re not-so-great, just to finish the first draft, or that all first drafts are automatically terrible. Well, that’s a good way to give your first draft low self-esteem! But I only write when the funny is flowing because I don’t love thinking that any of what I type out is terrible. I require more delusion than that.

What’s your opinion on giving your book away to sell other copies of your book?

I like giveaways, both as an author and a reader. A free book can land in the hands of someone who otherwise wouldn’t pick up my work. It’s tough to get your work out there as a debut author; one great review can beget five more and so on.

Do you have a long term plan with your book?

First books from non-famous authors are an exercise in patience for we nobodies. It’s slow and steady wins the race, so I try to just keep going, keep promoting, and write more. Because the best way to sell a back list is with a good new book. Plus, I need these bats out of my brain, so take them away and read them. Read them, please!

What would you like to say to your readers and fans about your book?

Thank you for being a fan! I knew I’d get one eventually.

Seriously, though, my ultimate goal is to make every lady, no matter her age, origin, creed, sexuality, color, gender, or anything else, feel like a superheroine by the time she closes my book. I know what it’s like, as a woman, to never be able to win. We’re too fat or too thin, too bold or too meek, too tall, too short, too medium, probably too old, and how dare we express an opinion?! No matter how awesome we’re out here trying to be, it can feel like the negative messages are burying us, as if our pink convertible hit the back of a manure truck. But those messages are bullshit, my sister. You’re never too old to be awesome, pursue your dreams, change your life. You’re never the wrong color, or size, or gender to matter. I believe in your capacity for greatness—heck, I’m willing to bet you’re far more kickass right this minute than you believe yourself to be. That’s what Lyssa Strata is about. It’s what all my books are about.

 

Inside the Book

Title: LYSSA STRATA: A COMEDY FOR THE FRUSTRATED
Author: Martti Nelson
Publisher: Humorist Books
Pages: 205
Genre: Women’s Fiction / Commercial Fiction / Humorous Fiction

BOOK BLURB:

She’s mad as hell, and she’s not gonna give it up anymore.

Librarian Lyssa Strata has long begged the Town Council of Athena, Massachusetts, to repeal its disgusting old misogynist and racist laws. But the Council, an all-male entity for 400 years, has blown her off as a redheaded spinster—who, according to a 1673 law, should legally be run out of town at the end of a musket upon a poor fiscal year. So Lyssa seeks to invade the male bastion as the first woman ever on the Council. The men in charge treat her candidacy as a hilarious joke, which does not impress the female townsfolk.

The women are damn tired of being second-class citizens. For example, it’s illegal for them to use a toaster, as the manipulation of buttons is thought to impede brainwaves and cause menstruation. They decide to wield the only power left to them: Lyssa leads them on a sex strike as a revolt against inequality. The fellas are enthusiastic supporters! LOL no, they protest and issue death threats. Yet, when the national news shows up to cover the contentious election, everyone finally starts to listen to the ladies.

In retaliation against the motley crew of sex-strikers, the Council enacts the antique laws they assured Lyssa were merely charming historical trivia. She is accused of witchcraft and thrown in the stocks! Now this bookish dork, once content to hide in the stacks and distribute quiet feminism via checkout, is burning down her torture device and sending the evils of the past to the dustbin. When you want something done, do it yourself.

Or don’t do it—they’re on a sex strike, after all.

PRAISE

“If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like if Terry Pratchett wrote The Handmaid’s Tale, this is the book for you.” —Jenny Trout, USA Today and Internationally Bestselling Author

“Funny and rage-inducing is a tough balance but Martti Nelson has written a book that is equal parts laugh riot and just plain riot. I want be Lyssa Strata’s best friend!” —Jen Mann, New York Times Bestselling Author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat

“There’s a lot to be frustrated about: the pink tax, politics, old white guys. Nelson deftly satirizes local politics and the patriarchy in Lyssa Strata. The ladies of Athena, Massachusetts may cherish a secret, but I don’t—read this book.” —Brooke Knisley, Your Local Redheaded Succubus. Oh, and Also Writer.

“Nelson’s deliciously laugh-out-loud spin on an ancient Greek tale shreds modern-day sexism with OG feminism.” —Marta Acosta, award-winning author of the Casa Dracula series

“Fans of Parks and Recreation, rejoice—there’s a new Leslie Knope to be found in Martti Nelson’s Lyssa Strata. Packed with callbacks to the Greek myth on which it’s based, this book will make for a satisfying read for any woman who’s mad at hell at the patriarchy and isn’t going to take it anymore, but also wants a laugh a minute along the way.” —Lana Schwartz, author of Build Your Own Romantic Comedy: Pick Your Plot, Meet Your Man, and Direct Your Happily Ever After

“A wickedly clever, sly take on the Greek classic that will have you rolling in the aisles of your own home as hard as the ancient Greeks rolled in the …aisles? Of their…. Ancient theaters??? Whatever, I didn’t read the original Aristophanes and neither did you. Save yourself the trouble and read this hilarious reimagination of it instead.” —Emily Flake, Saint Nell’s Proprietrix & Cartoonist, New Yorker

“Martti Nelson has created a character in Lyssa the librarian who anyone could love, admire and relate to—one who has had enough of the BS and does something about it. This novel will make you feel alive, or at least awake.”

—Jessica Delfino, author of Amazon #1 bestseller Dumb Jokes For Smart Folks

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3hSVLpu

Humorist Books → https://bit.ly/3vl08xH