Monthly Archives: October 2023
Enemies hiding in plain sight
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND RANDY OVERBECK!!!
“We have met the enemy and he is us.”
I’ve admired this quote ever since Walt Kelly penned it in his Pogo comic strip in 1972. I’ve even used this maxim working with teachers because, at time, I’ve found we could be our own worst enemy.
But the world we live in today has changed that dynamic.
Largely because of the partisan politics, the prevailing world view has shifted to an “us vs. them” perspective. And it doesn’t seem to matter what end of the political spectrum you claim. For far too many, it is the unquestioned assumption that the good guys are all on one side and the bad guys are all on the other. We have all the answers, do everything right and they know little or nothing and do everything wrong. Sound like a post or tweet you read lately?
Of course, that is nonsense. No one, no “side” has a monopoly on the truth. It’s simply easier and safer to believe we’re on the side of the good guys and the bad guys (okay, and bad girls) are all over theresomewhere.
So I decided to challenge this current notion in my new novel, Cruel Lessons.
In my three plus decades of experience in education, I’ve had the privilege to work with thousands of unselfish, dedicated teachers, aides and staff, whose primary objective was serving children. But in education, like every other walk of life, we have our outliers, individuals who joined the profession for less than honorable motives. So, when I developed the storyline for this novel, I decided to follow Walt Kelly’s piece of wisdom. What if, within a school district, a teacher or school leader suspected that one of their own was using children for, say, profit and children were dying in the process. But this “educator”—I use the word only in quotes—look and act like all the other teachers and school leaders. They live and work within the system, they know the system and can get access to the right kids.
Cruel Lesson is an atmospheric, amateur sleuth mystery,the first in a new series set in schools called “Lessons in Peril.” In the story, students as young as eleven are experimenting with a new rogue, hallucinogenic drug and sometimes paying the ultimate price. And the villains and heroes look remarkably the same. But, if Ken Parks—the real hero—can’t tell who’s who in time, more students will die. I think it works and professional reviewers really like the result.
“A thrilling murder mystery…with an immersive plot, steady pace and stellar character development…one of the best mysteries of 2023.” ★★★★★—ReaderViews
“Brilliant from start to finish…Impressive storytelling left me with a racing heart and shivers. One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.” ★★★★★+++—N.N. Light’s Bookheaven.
But don’t simply take their word for it. Check out the exciting new mystery, Cruel Lessons, the first entry in the new series set in schools, “Lessons in Peril.” The novel was released earlier this month.
EXCERPT:
From the bend, the road descended quickly and Amanda felt the car picking up speed as gravity and its powerful engine propelled it downhill. As she approached the next turn, she realized she was coming in a little too fast. She slid her foot to the brake. Her concentration on steering the twisting road ahead, at first it didn’t register. She dared to take her gaze off the road and look down at her feet before she understood. When her right foot depressed the brake, the pedal glided all the way to the floor. No friction. She pulled her foot back and slammed on the brake again. The pedal slid all the way down. Unbelieving, she pumped it, again and again.
There was nothing there.
She jerked her eyes back. The hairpin turn hurtled at her. On instinct, she kept jamming on the pedal. It was supposed to work. She turned the wheel wildly. The big car shuddered as it tried to negotiate the turn. The two rear wheels slipped off the pavement, spinning in space. With the front wheel drive, the front two tires managed enough traction to catch. The car veered around the curve and headed down the next straight incline. The heavy vehicle rolled faster again as gravity pulled it down the hill.
Amanda’s mind reeled. What was she supposed to do?
Struggling desperately to force her mind to think, Amanda tried to consider her options. It was all happening too quickly. The next treacherous turn came at her fast. She had no way to slow down. White knuckles gripped the steering wheel.
The bend ahead showed a hard curve to the right, not quite as tight as the last one, but steeper. And she felt the car accelerating, though she hadn’t touched the gas pedal. Right before the car hit the curve, Amanda spun the steering wheel. The car lurched around the bend. The driver side of the car lifted up. Halfway through the long bend, Amanda watched the hood tilt in the turn until it was almost vertical. No seat belt on, she was catapulted down the leather seat, crashing into the passenger door.
“Hell!” she cried, reaching to grab her bruised shoulder.
She froze as the two wheels still on the ground shuddered in the gravel, sliding off the small road. Slammed against the side door, she heard the tall weeds and low branches whip against the body. But the car didn’t slow. Blood streamed from a gash on her forehead. For an instant she lay there stretched across the passenger door, holding her breath.
Then she sensed the car teetering. The front tire bumped something hard. Amanda stared, unbelieving, as the car began to flip. As the Regal made the first revolution, she screamed.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS
randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1924616/10983135
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1658371317&sr=8-1
Buy Links
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143862801?ean=9781509252138
https://www.bookbub.com/books/cruel-lessons-by-randy-overbeck
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has turned that experience into captivating fiction, authoring the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, winner of nine national awards. This fall, the Wild Rose Press will release his newest work, an atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery, CRUEL LESSONS, the first installment in a new series set in schools, “Lessons in Peril.” He is the host of the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” “A Few Favorite Haunts,” and “Everything You Wanted to Know About Publishing” with audiences all over the USA. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.
Embracing the shadows
WELCOMING LISABET SARAI and her New Release–Serpent’s Kiss!
What makes paranormal romance so popular? I’ve been pondering this question for a while. Readers, it seems, are happy to consume as many tales about vampires, shape shifters, ghosts and psychics as we authors can produce. You’d think that they’d get bored, but that doesn’t seem to happen. Why not?
I’ve got a theory. We’re all tempted by the dark side.
The realms of paranormal romance are vast, but most books offer characters with dual natures, torn between normal humanity and―otherness. The “other” aspect conveys special powers―unnatural strength, heightened sensation, hidden knowledge―but always at a price. The characters suffer because of their power. Blood-drinkers and half-beasts are ravaged by conscience because they maim or kill. Immortals bear the weight of lonely, isolated centuries and the pain of watching mortal companions wither and die.
In my novella Fin d’Espoir, vampire Etienne de Rémorcy haunts the forest around the ruined plantation of his former mistress, guilty, bitter and alone. He has sworn to never again taste human blood, but when the woman he rescues begs him to take her, he cannot resist. My prescient hero Kyle in At the Margins of Madness can see the future but the fury of his visions drives him insane. In my new release Serpent’s Kiss, Jorge Pélikal is the incarnation of an ancient god but each time he makes love to his human mate he comes close to killing her.
In the paranormal genre, power and darkness go hand in hand. Yet somehow, we are attracted to the darkness. We brush the suffering aside; we want to feel the power. A vampire isn’t sexy when he’s fighting against his blood craving. Only when he sweeps his victim into his arms and buries his fangs in her flesh does he make us breathless and moist.
How many books have you read where the human hero or heroine willingly submits to “the change”, the transformation that will make them “other” as well? How many characters, in contrast, manage to resist the pull of the dark side? Not many. Normal mortal life seems absurd, bland and empty after you’ve tasted power. This is especially true because sex on the dark side in erotic romance is always more intense, more extreme, transcending the limits that bind ordinary humans.
Even a villain with supernatural powers tempts us. A well-written antagonist should invite enough identification that the reader can understand what moves him to do evil. The best bad guys are ambiguous, able to justify their deeds so well that they draw our sympathy. They dazzle us with their logic and their beauty, until we can’t see their wickedness. Lucifer still looks like an angel as he bargains for your soul. Stefan Aries, my villain in At the Margins of Madness, is handsome and brilliant enough to make Kyle want him, despite his being a murderer. Jorge’s evil twin Teodoro Remorros is suave, handsome, and terribly convincing as he tries to persuade Elena to abandon Jorge and the world he’s trying to save.
We’re drawn to the dark side, I think, because it’s an escape. Sometimes the real world leaves us feeling so powerless―we can’t help wanting the ability to take control, to bend the world to our will the way our paranormal characters do. Who wouldn’t want to leave the dirty dishes and the unpaid bills behind and slip away into the night, to slink through the shadowy streets scenting for blood or to howl, unfettered, at the moon?
The dark side calls to us in paranormal romance. Every time we open a new book, we flirt with the possibility of ecstatic surrender.
THE STORY: When a woman atoning for past sins heals the human avatar of an ancient god, she’s drawn into a perilous dance of destiny and desire.
From the first, Dr. Elena Navarro senses that the wounded man she discovers outside the gate of her rural clinic is not an ordinary mortal. With his chest ripped open, Jorge Pélikal still demonstrates unnatural strength and power. Elena is irresistibly attracted to Jorge, although he warns her their coupling could open the gates of chaos and cost her life. Despite his dire predictions, they fall in love. Gradually Elena comes to understand that Jorge is a supernatural player in a cosmic drama that will determine the fate of the earth and of mankind—and that even if he triumphs in his apocalyptic struggle with his nemesis, she may lose him forever.
Note: Serpent’s Kiss was previously published by Totally Entwined. This new edition has been re-edited, revised and expanded.
Reader Advisory: This book may not be appropriate for individuals with a fear of snakes.
EXCERPT:
The waiting room was dim. An unfamiliar smell lingered in the air, some kind of petroleum smell, like tar or kerosene. She sniffed suspiciously. She kept two Coleman lanterns in the storeroom, in case the generator ran out of diesel. Could some animal have got into the place and knocked them over?
Elena moved cautiously towards the door of the infirmary, not wanting to alarm a possible animal intruder. As she placed her hand on the doorknob, she heard noises behind her—footsteps, and the sound of the front door bolt being thrown.
She whirled around. “Who’s there?” In her sinking heart, though, she already knew.
“You lied to me,” Teodoro Remorros growled at her. He looked as affluent and dapper as ever, but his handsome features were twisted into a grimace of rage. “You told me that you didn’t know Jorge, that you hadn’t seen him.”
Elena tried to swallow her fear. He might be only guessing, threatening her in order to get her to talk.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“He’s been here, here inside this pathetic clinic of yours. I can smell him.”
The man’s nostrils flared, exactly like a beast’s.
“How can you smell anything? The place reeks of kerosene. I was just going to check the storeroom…” Elena began inching backwards, toward the infirmary, the rear exit and freedom.
Remorros lunged forward and grabbed her arm. His nails bit into her flesh like talons. “I warned you, woman. You don’t know what you are dealing with. Jorge is not a normal man. He doesn’t have a man’s heart. He’s a power, a force of nature, hard and pitiless, implacable, vicious, evil.”
“No, he’s not! He’s not evil!”
“Fool!” Remorros dragged her into the infirmary and threw her on the cot. “You’ve been meddling in matters far beyond your puny mortal capabilities. And now you will pay the price.”
Buy Links
Kinky Literature – https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/1317-serpents-kiss/
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1465062
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serpents-kiss-lisabet-sarai/1017488008?ean=2940166119209
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/serpent-s-kiss-26
Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6469359665
Add on Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199721219-serpent-s-kiss
Add on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/serpent-s-kiss-by-lisabet-sarai-2023-10-15
About Lisabet
Lisabet Sarai became addicted to words at an early age. She began reading when she was four. She wrote her first story at five years old and her first poem at seven. Since then, she has written plays, tutorials, scholarly articles, marketing brochures, software specifications, self-help books, press releases, a five-hundred page dissertation, and lots of erotica and erotic romance – over one hundred titles, and counting, in nearly every sub-genre—paranormal, scifi, ménage, BDSM, LGBTQ, and more. Regardless of the genre, every one of her stories illustrates her motto: Imagination is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
You’ll find information and excerpts from all Lisabet’s books on her website (http://www.lisabetsarai.com/books.html), along with more than fifty free stories and lots more. At her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com), she shares her philosophy and her news and hosts lots of other great authors. She’s also on Goodreads, BookBub and Twitter. Join her VIP email list here: https://btn.ymlp.com/xgjjhmhugmgh
On the road again–speed dating version
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND CHELSEY M. ORTEGA!!!
When I was twelve years old, my family drove from Provo, Utah to Rochester, New York to visit my cousins. If you’re driving straight there, with the only stops being to eat, go to the bathroom, and sleep; it’s roughly a three day trip. Well, we didn’t want to drive straight there. We wanted to sightsee. So we drove a full week there, spent two weeks with family, and drove a full week back.
On the way there we visited Independence Rock in Wyoming, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota (where we also drove by a tornado, unplanned), The American Girl Store and a Cubs game in Chicago, and the University of Michigan (my grandpa is an alumni, and we went to go see his name on an athletics wall).
On the way back we visited the Kirtland Temple in Ohio (a Mormon history site), Nauvoo, Illinois (another Mormon history site), Adam-ondi-ahman in Jackson County, Missouri (yet another Mormon history site), and Devil’s Tower in Nebraska. We ended the trip driving through the Colorado Rockies.
Traveling by car has been a huge part of my life. We rarely flew to our vacations, we almost always drove. That preferred method of travel has carried on into my adult life with my own family. My husband and I have only flown together once. The rest of the time, we drive. We have our road trip playlist. We enjoy checking out new restaurants along the way. The journey is part of the vacation.
My love of road trips subconsciously made its way into my debut novel, Bondwitch. There are three road trips that move the plot forward. This first is when my main character, Annamaria, needs a prom dress. She lives in a small town, so there aren’t a lot of local choices. Her aunt takes her on a weekend trip to the nearest city to go shopping. They stay in a hotel, eat at new restaurants, and witness something very
strange.
Annamaria’s second and third road trips are less fun and much more dramatic, as both times she is fleeing for her life. She has to get as far away from the threat as possible, which takes her across the country both times. Because time and distance is of the essence, Annamaria didn’t get to visit all the cool places I did when I traveled from west to east, then east to west. But she does get introduced to a new kind of hotel: The Daylight.
The Daylight is a refuge for vampires to crash in during the day while they hide from the sun. Over time the place has turned into a location for daytime social gatherings for vampires and their witch allies. Because Annamaria is fleeing turmoil, she won’t have time to be social in The Daylight in this first book, but she’ll definitely visit again and party in later books.
Follow Chelsey at www.chelseymortega.com
Buy Links:
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Bondwitch-Chelsey-M-Ortega-ebook/dp/B0CF6H8NYC?ref_=ast_author_mpb
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143894193?ean=9781509251940
Excerpt:
“Annamaria… Prom Queen… Congratulations.”
“Uh…thanks.” Anna grunted as she tried to shove away from him.
“My Senior Prom was pretty amazing too.” His eyes darkened. “But my senior year didn’t end so well. Hopefully, yours is better.”
Anna stopped trying to push him away and looked up at him. He was older, which must be why Anna didn’t recognize him. Their eyes met, and Anna froze as his pupils expanded until they almost covered his brown irises. The surrounding volume lowered, and the music became fuzzy. Anna swayed, and her fear disappeared. Her surroundings were a blur save this handsome man. This man who held her desire in his hand. He was the only thing that mattered. Obeying him was the only thing she wanted.
“Let’s leave,” he whispered. Goosebumps erupted along Anna’s cheek and neck. “Come with me.” They stopped dancing, and he gripped Anna’s hand and led her toward the exit.
Visiting one of the spookiest film locations in America
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND TERRY SEGAN!!!
Do you recognize the place she got to visit? Maybe not without the scary soundtrack and the twin girls. Let’s hear more about her time in the Stanley Hotel.
Who wants to tour a haunted hotel? You should all have your hand up! After all, it’s Halloween season.
While I write paranormal mysteries that are pure fiction, I love a good ghost story based on reality. My tour of The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO, fed those cravings. I’ll tell you upfront that I did not see any spirits with my own eyes (insert disappointed foot stomp here), but the whole time spent had a spooky vibe, which I loved.
The first surprise about the hotel is that it’s a stone’s throw from the town of Estes Park. As hauntingly beautiful the drive to The Overlook Hotel is depicted in Stephen King’s The Shining, it is not off by its lonesome. Rolling up to the actual structure, however, wiped away any disappointment as the hotel is simply majestic.
Of course, there were many touches referring back to the original movie, despite not being filmed there. It surprised me to hear from the tour guide that Stephen King and his family only spent a single night. The author received enough inspiration from the setting and the stories told by the staff that he wrote the novel.
My tour guide not only believed in spirits, but related personal encounters she’d had at The Stanley. She also shared pictures of apparitions that were sent to her from previous guests. Room 217 has been renamed after the famous writer who stayed there, and reservations for the suite are booked out two years. The only paranormal experience I had took place in a large room on the ground floor, which had once been the bar. Immediately upon entering, most guests (myself included) felt a heaviness to the air.
Many of the historical facts about the two Stanley brothers, who built the structure, can be found online. My attraction for the place lies in the paranormal aspects attributed to the hotel. As a writer, much of my own inspiration comes from places I’ve lived or visited. Every trip I take leads me to create plot lines, scenes, and even mishaps which could find their way to the pages of my books.
Today’s release of Manatee Soul, The Marni Legend Series Book 2, came about from a girls’ trip to Crystal River, FL. My two main characters, Marni and her sister, Gloria, participate in some of the tourist activities I enjoyed. While my travel companion and I both willingly ventured into the water, Gloria didn’t have quite the same enthusiasm, as you’ll discover. Add in Phil, a snarky ghost demanding the sisters’ attention, and you’ll embark on quite the aquatic adventure.
Book & Author Details:
Title: Manatee Soul
Author: Terry Segan
Blurb:
Marni Legend has embarked on the most perilous journey of her life—a vacation with her sister. The women are like two peas in a pod, providing each pod came from a different mother ship. One day into their Florida adventure, Marni questions her choice of travel partner. Gloria strives to understand her carefree younger sibling while kayaking and snorkeling without chipping a nail.
With nothing but eternity on his hands, Phil insists the sisters resolve the circumstances of his untimely demise. The wise-cracking spirit leads them on a trail filled with bartenders, bikers, and the promise of a hidden treasure.
Her greatest challenge will either be enduring a week with Gloria or surviving the thugs searching for the stolen booty. Can Marni figure out who to trust, who to avoid, and who she’d most likely want to be trapped alone in an elevator with?
EXCERPT
“What’s wrong? Can’t hold your liquor?” Phil quirked from beside the outer rail.
“You are not allowed to comment,” Gloria rasped.
“Why not? This is terribly amusing.” Phil stood with arms crossed.
“We went to the bar because of you,” Gloria said.
“And did I make you down several beers and shots of tequila?” Phil asked.
Gloria put a palm to her forehead. “Can you talk quieter? I can’t handle shouting right now.”
Phil snickered.
“Phil, give her a break. She’s not used to playing the wild girl.”
“And I’m not used to playing the dead guy. Guess we all have our issues. At least she’ll recover from hers.”
She sucked down more soda. “Why is he still here?”
“Because you haven’t helped me to move on. You really are slacking on your responsibilities.” He shook his head.
Letting out a loud gasp, Gloria said, “I don’t mean here, like still on this planet. I mean why are you still here on our balcony? If you don’t stop prattling, my head will explode.”
Phil rubbed his hands together. “Now that would be fun to watch. And by the way, I do not prattle.”
“Just let me die in peace.” Did she end that comment with a growl?
“If that were to happen, then we’d be together for eternity.” Phil clapped his hands together like an excited toddler. “Marni, quick, more tequila.”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Manatee-Soul-Marni-Legend-Book-ebook/dp/B0CF6HFHKD
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143894199
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/manatee-soul
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195939375-manatee-soul
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/manatee-soul-the-marni-legend-series-book-2-by-terry-segan
Author Website: https://terrysegan.com/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerrySegan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrysegan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeganTerry
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorterrysegan
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Terry-Segan/e/B087YQGXMD
BIO
Terry Segan, originally from Commack, NY, now resides in the desert where she’ll never require an ice scraper or snow shovel again. The beach is her happy place, but any opportunity to travel soothes her gypsy soul. The stories conjured by her imagination while riding backseat on her husband’s motorcycle can be found throughout the pages of her paranormal mysteries. Growing up immersed in sarcastic humor and science fiction movies, Terry’s goals are to cause her readers to laugh out loud, cry with joy, or cower under the covers wondering if the noise under the bed was real or imagined.
Witchy stories for the Halloween season by Mary E. Jung!
Plese welcome Lyndi’s Adventurous Friend, Mary E. Jung!
Thanks for being with us today. First, would you tell us a bit about yourself? What area of the country do you live in, do you have a family, pets, etc.
I live in Dover, Pennsylvania. I have two young sons and an amazing husband. I don’t have any pets, but we’ve adopted my mother’s rottweiler by proxy. We’re at her house so much our sons believe the dog is there’s.
Are you a coffee fiend, or do you have another “addiction” you must have on your desk at all times?
I usually drink water. I’m so boring. I thrive off of natural energy. When I need a little kick to get my brain juiced, I usually go for black tea. In a fancy tea cup. That’s the only way to drink tea.
Is your education relevant to your writing, or have you branched off in something entirely different to create? How would you best describe your books?
I’m a romantic fantasy and epic fantasy writer. I love it spicy or like Tolkien. It depends on my mood. My degree is in Arts Management and Opera. Writing came later in my life and I feel it was a great career change. It’s opened a channel for my business skills, and allowed my creative mind to explore new possibilities.
Tell us about your most recent publication/whichever book you’d like to talk about today?
Blossom and Bone is my bestseller. It’s from my Libra Witch Series. I’ve published the two subsequent books this year. Spindle and Shears is the second in series and Divine and Devour is the third in series. The series is romantic fantasy about witches. It get progressively spicier and builds on the world I’ve created. The books are standalone within a series and do not have to be read in order. The best way to describe the series is Tim Burton vibes, but written by a lady. 
. It’s a little creepy, romantic, and a whole lot of magic. If you like Halloween Hocus Pocus vibes all year round, then this is the series for you.
What inspired you to write this story? What interesting thing did you learn or research to write it that you didn’t know before?
Honestly, I was in trouble with another series. It crashed and burned. No matter how many times I rewrote it, tweaked it, or asked for advice it just didn’t make the cut. I needed a back-up book and so I went digging around for some quick fiction stories I wrote for fun. One of the pieces caught my interest and I decided to go with it. I turned it into a full length novel and it’s become a fan favorite. Sometimes things have to go wrong before they can go right. I had to research plant genetics, bones, and human and animal anatomy. I learned so much about the earth through the books I read to prepare for Blossom and Bone.
What’s your favorite thing about the book featured here today? Any special memories you have in the creation of it?
I really like the gothic romance vibes of this book. There’s a house of bones and ancestry magic that really brings a special touch to the writing. It’s got an element of science to it that’s always been a fun aspect as well. The fmc invents a plant that produces true love with the sower. There’s a whole different way of writing when you have to mix reality with fantasy. I really enjoyed researching plant genetics and plan on writing a novella featuring the creation of these plants.
What do you most like about writing? Least like? When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I love how my mind can weave through infinite stories and possibilities. World building and magic systems are my specialty. I enjoy the details of fantasy and how imagination can bring readers to a special place. I don’t super love the proofreading part of writing. I’m not strong in adverbial modifiers, prepositions, and comma placements. They tend to trip me up and grammar plug-ins make it all the more confusing. Fictional writing and academic writing are different. I often get the two mixed up in my head. All those college papers sometimes want to shove the creative process out the window. Thank goodness for my editor! I became a writer after my first son was born as a way to give myself purpose. There’s only so many diapers you can change before you go nuts. I decided to publish my novel as a way to ‘make something happen’. Sometimes you just have to see a project through to its full extent for no other reason than to answer the question ‘what if’. I never expected hundreds of people to love it, but I’m glad they do!
Do you belong to any writing groups? Are there any writing websites you find particularly useful?
I’m a peripheral member of the Gettysburg Brigade Writing Group. I linger online, and interact with the other authors. I am also a member of the Pennwriter’s Organization. I love being able to interact with local authors. I’m a member of Wide for the Win for self-publishing. The Write Women Network. I’m a huge advocator for female writers.
Is there any special music you like to listen to while writing? How does it inspire you?
I like silence. I spend a lot of time with small children and the noise can get to me. Writing is my time to recharge and bask in the quiet. I’m inspired by being alone with my thoughts and finding new things about myself and my world.
Do you belong to a critique group? What do you find most valuable about the experience?
I don’t have critique groups. I had trouble finding ones that meshed with me, so I have select beta readers. They are trusted readers who send their feedback and I weave their opinions into my work. I’m lost without them! Betas are very valuable to writers and their process. I recommend beginning writers to find at least one good critique partner. It’s best to get one-on-one attention with the first manuscript. After authors find their footing, then betas are great. Helpful critique is always welcome no matter what stage of writing an author is at.
To encourage those still on the path, tell us a little about your path to publication. How many books have you published? How many books did you write before selling one? What do you think was the key to selling that first book?
Hooboy. I had quite the journey. I started off with one book. It was an epic fantasy with a romantic subplot. I was picked up by a vanity publisher and it all went to crap from there. My publishing story is long and it wasn’t the best, but I learned a lot. My take away is that authors should either go big or go home. What I mean is, either take on self-publishing or go trade. It can take years to get into a trade company, but the process is better for those who like to focus on writing. My first book that I published was a novella. It is called Queen of Light and Ashes. It started making money right away, but not a lot. Don’t have images of grandeur here. It isn’t my bestseller and it is hit or miss with fans. Either people love it or hate it. There’s no medium ground. I’ve been published for 2 years and I have 6 books in the world. I focus well on projects and make my deadlines, so I’m able to publish two books a year. It might stretch to three when my kids go to school full time. I had three books in the world before I started to make enough money to cover publishing costs. Three seems to be the magic number. It’s been my experience that it takes a bit for people to realize you are out there. Growing organically is key to a stable business. I think promotions like Freebooksy, Fussy Librarian, and Ereader News helped make the money I needed for the first book. Paid newsletter promos are great for first time writers. Unless you are trade. Then they take the risk and populate your ARCs all over the world. Build a team of marketing experts, because you’ll need it. Selling and writing are very different things. Once the book is published then you have to get business savvy or you will stare at a blank paycheck every month.
What are you writing now? What’s next for you—will you be making personal appearances anywhere our readers can find you?
I’m on a writing break. But when I return, I’ll begin the next installment of my epic fantasy novella series. My plan is to finish that out in 2024. I’m expanding my libra witch universe and I’m planning a secret project I’ll announce in December. I’ll ultimately have 3 series branching off the main series.
I’ll be at the Write Women’s Bookfest October 14th 2023 in Maryland.
Dirty Minds in Maryland May 2024
Rage in NJ 2024
LLS in Savanah, Georgia July 2024
Getting Witchy With It in 2025
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for having me on your blog and for interviewing me. I enjoyed greeting all your readers and sharing my journey.
Anyone can join my free newsletter and become a Museling member. I give away free bonus scenes, coloring pages, maps, and art prints. It’s where I share most of my news and members always get to know about books first. I have a website for signed books and merchandise. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks again for joining me today! I look forward to reading Lyndi’s books and becoming another fantasy fan.
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Lyndi Alexander's worlds of fancy 