• Autism Awareness Month

    Posted on by Karen 2 Comments

    Did you know …

    Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
    Autism prevalence figures are growing
    Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the U.S.
    Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
    Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
    There is no medical detection or cure for autism

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    It is true, people who are not touched by someone with Autism don’t understand. Fortunately, today is the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. I, along with many other people, will be filling you in on Autism. If you didn’t read my About Me page, or seen my Facebook page recently, I have a son who was officially diagnosed with ASD in first grade. What is ASD? According to Autism Speaks, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

    ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

    Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.” That is why it is better to seek treatment for Autism at the earliest. Medical clinics like Novel Biome are known to have a team of dedicated medical professionals who can support children and families affected by autism. Furthermore, many believe that medical clinics like the one mentioned above can provide clinically proven and medically supervised Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT), which can improve the quality of lives of those affected by autism (and range of symptoms that come with being on the spectrum). However, treatment alone cannot help in curing Autism. Parents too play an important role. For example, parents of children with Autism have to learn as the child is learning too. There are many centres and experts that help with coaching kids with autism, that give parents an idea of how to understand their child’s condition.

    I knew ddc155459633ac7d15edfaa05c371c7csomething was different with my son when he was about 3 or 4. Nursery school (pre-school) even noticed a difference. It took me 3-4 years to finally get my suspicions confirmed. You would never think anyone would be so happy to know their son had Autism, but I was. With that diagnosis, I knew now he would have access to many different classes and services within the school district. I always had the thought that the diagnosis isn’t the end, but the beginning for him.

    Today he is a thriving 14 year old about to graduate middle school. He is in a 15:1 class (15 Students to one teacher) and has a 3:1 (1 aid to 3 children) aid. Having a child with ASD you learn a whole new lingo. I will not bore you with a vocabulary lesson, but I will clarify where I can. Nick’s class is the exact same class a “typical” child would go to. Same curriculum., however, modifications are made so that the kids learn to the best of their ability. I mean, Nick has never really done a full report like I did in school. They are too busy learning what is really important. Math (especially the evil common core crap) is hard. It takes some kids longer to learn than others. These classes are designed for that. But like I said they learn everything their peers do.

    autism-label1My son is in band, chorus and is on the school track teams. There is nothing my son can’t do that others can’t. Not every child of Autism has the same abilities. All I tell my son is that there is nothing he can’t do if he puts his mind to it. Like the graphic says, one description of a child with Autism is the same. They are unique. What works for one, may not for another. Many children with Autism have melt downs. Trust me, when you see it you will know it. Some are full out, some more subtle. I have one request though. If you see a child in full melt down in the middle of the store, trust me when I say the parent who is there knows what they are doing. Don’t add your two cents unless asked.

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    Have you noticed that my usual pink/purple font is absent from this post? That is because I am going blue for Autism.

    Every April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with a global autism awareness campaign called Light It Up Blue (#LIUB).

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    How to LIUB

    In honor of people with autism worldwide, iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, schools, universities, bridges, retail stores, and thousands of homes will light blue beginning on April 2!

    Light Homes, Businesses, Schools, and Landmarks Blue

    • Project the Autism Speaks puzzle piece or Light It Up Blue logo on walls or buildings

    AAD

    Wear Blue

    • Ask family, friends, coworkers, and staff to wear blue (ties, scarfs, shirts, etc.)
    • Supply Autism Speaks lapel pins, bracelets, or other blue accessories to wear during the month of April.

    Post Blue

    • Personalize your LIUB Selfie Sign to tell us where you Light It Up Blue
    • Post your photos on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, or Flickr with the hashtag #LIUB to be a part of the global autism awareness movement!
    • Turn your website blue with our Site It Up Blue kit or add the Light It Up Blue logo with a link to autismspeaks.org/liub
    • Turn your Facebook or Twitter profile picture blue
    • Tweet autism facts with the hashtag #LIUB

    Raise Awareness with Blue

    • Distribute information about autism, World Autism Awareness Day, and Light It Up Blue in your establishment, neighborhood, or company.
    • Invite a local Autism Speaks representative to speak to your staff, school, or town about autism and the Light It Up Blue campaign.
    • Reach out to local media to let the community know about your great work for the autism community and your support of autism.
    Autism Puzzle banner
    Click to go to event.

    Dear fellow authors, bloggers and interested parties,

    Come join a group of romance writers, parents, other interested parties who want to help raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We hope to share information about groups, support services and extend a hand to those families dealing with ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)… Romance Authors Unite: Bringing awareness out of the prehistoric times.

    Want to help with the planning? Sign up for a takeover slot? Join this group, ~ Romance Authors Unite for ASD Awareness…

    Beginning on April 2 we will begin sharing public service type posts. The event page will share at least one post per day throughout the month of April. The event will culminate with a big author-takeover event on May 2nd!

    A month long push to raise awareness, and to help those families/caregivers affected by ASD locate
    resources and information which will end with a FUN PG-13 party!


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  • Long Island Romance Writers Open House Recap.

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    LOGO9

    On Saturday, January 28, 2015 I had the good fortune to attend the Long Island Chapter of the Romance Writers (LIRW) Open House at the South Huntington Library on Long Island in New York. Unfortunately, I was a tad late, but not that late that I was not able to catch the panel of published authors. The panel consisted of Michele Lang, Jennifer Gracen, Meara Platt, Pamela Burford, and Patty Blount. Unfortunately, Jeannie Moon, who helped organize the event, was unable to attend at the last minute.

    The panel discussed many topics including how each was fortunate to get published. Here are some key points that stuck in my head enough, that I wrote them down and answers to some questions that were posed (I might add my two cents in at times):

    • Support from people not related to you is key. Many of the authors on the panel expressed how being a part of LIRW has been a wonderful place for support. They are able to speak to their peers, established or not, and learn about the industry. They support each other by critiquing works, sharking marketing ideas and much more.
    • Social media, especially Twitter is a wonderful networking and marketing tool One author expressed that without Twitter, she would have never have met one of her publishers. You never know who is lurking out there! Twitter is networking 140 characters at a time. Don’t rely on your publisher (if you have one) to do all your marketing for you. (My thought is, what your publisher thinks is your target reader, may not be what is your target reader really is. You think it is a paranormal book they say urban fantasy, but face it, it is paranormal!) It is amazing how one tweet can multiply to thousands in the matter of seconds. Facebook is an awsome tool to interact with your fans. Give them a piece of who you are as a person. You don’t have to tell them anymore than you want to, but let them know a little more than what is in your bio. As a reader, talking to an author I love makes me want everyone else I know how awsome that author is. I will share and retweet that author. Loyalty is established.
    • Put your eggs in more than one basket. One publisher might like one genre, but not another. One on the panel has, I believe, 3 different publishers that she releases books with. I personally know some authors who are with a publisher with a certain genre, then wanted to do something else and self-published……which leads me to….
    • Self-Publishing is becoming more acceptable in the industry. If you can find a publisher willing to contract you, try it. There are actually authors who are self-published that are for RITAs this year. BTW congratulations to Ms. Blount for her nomination!
    • Did you know that according to industry a romance must have a happy ending? Some might even let happy for now books through. If you are a writer and want to know more about where your writing fits in the industry standards, the Romance Writers Association has a multiple resources to help you with that.
    • If you are working on more than one genre, work on the one that has characters who are talking to you in your head the loudest. That is who you write. When a character stops bothering you, then you can work on something else. If there are multiple characters screaming at you, then pick the one you have a deadline for.
    • Do you have many short stories? Keep them, you never know when one of those short stories may lead to something more. If you have many, perhaps publishing as a compilation, or collaborate with other authors and make an anothogy.
    • After the panel was done, we went into the atrium of the library and had refreshments and we got to mingle. Networking at its best. I enjoyed meeting many of the published authors, and better yet meeting those still unpublished, but hopeful.

    The RWA and their local chapters are great resources for any author. On the RWA website, there are many resources that can help you on many of the topics I mentioned about. If you have questions, I have put the links to LIRW and RWA below.

    Please note, these are my thoughts and recollections of what I heard at the meeting.  If you attended and feel I left something out or got something wrong, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

    http://www.lirw.org/
    https://www.rwa.org/


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  • Forsaken by Caitlyn O’Leary

    Posted on by Karen 1 Comment

    Forsaken Tour Banner

     

    My Review

    This book just simply rocks!!!  But that shouldn’t really surprise anyone who knows the wonderful Caitlyn O’Leary.   I can’t even tell you how often I bugged her for this book to be finished.  I am sure she hates me by now, but as long as she keeps writing books like this, I don’t care.

    Seth left the love of his life for an assignment he thought would be over and done with in a few weeks.  He finds himself between a rock and a hard place almost a year later when he finds himself face to face with other Found.   They tell him that the love of his life, Annie, is there and helping him so that they end this forsaken life he is currently in.

    I love Annie.  She will do anything for her daughter and for the man she loves.  She is more brave than I could ever be.  I admire and respect her immensely.  What she endures for the sake of love, is vile.  But if it wasn’t for her, he would still find himself FORSAKEN.

    Forsaken

    Synopsis

    Caught Between Duty and Love…

    Seth Natani is one of the DEA’s best operatives thanks to his “found” abilities, but he’s hanging on by a thread. It is thoughts of the love of his life keep him sane. In the meantime he finds solace in his dreams.

    Clinging to Hope…

    Parted from the man that means everything to her, Annie desperately holds onto the past that they shared, and prays for the day they can be reunited. In the meantime she finds solace in her dreams.

    Where Dreams Are Real…

    Night after night Seth and Annie cling to one another in their dreams, finding a passion that leaves them gloriously fulfilled in sleep, but achingly lonely upon waking. Just when Seth thinks his assignment is ending, it takes a turn for the worse when he finds out the people he is investigating are trafficking in young women. When Annie is taken, will Seth be able to save the woman he loves and make their dreams reality?

    Links to Buy:

    Amazon: http://amzn.to/19bXnDW
    Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/19bXnDW

    Forsaken Teaser 41-jpeg

    Excerpt

    “Stop.”

    Thiago continued.

    Seth grabbed Thiago’s forearm in a punishing grip, seconds away from breaking it.

    “Let go,” Thiago said, through gritted teeth. “You forget yourself.”

    “Until I say differently, she’s my property, or I leave now.” Seth was truly scared. Labado was a murdering sadist, and he might have pushed him too far, but he couldn’t ignore it for one more second. Labado stared at him and slowly let go of the whimpering girl. She dropped to the floor. Labado cradled his arm and toed her with his shoe.

    “Is she the one?”

    “How would I know, I haven’t seen the others,” Seth said in a calm voice.

    “Anton, bring in the next sample,” he called out. Four more young women were brought in for Seth to view, all slightly older than the girl who remained silently crying on the floor at his feet.

    After they all were standing in a row, Leslie turned to him. “Well?”

    “And the one in the picture?”

    “She’s not as docile, and she has bruising.”

    Seth gave her a toothy smile. “So she has spirit and marks up well. Too bad you didn’t bring her.” He set down his drink and got up.

    “She’s in the hall. Bring her in Anton.” He continued to stand. This was it, his palms were damp, and a bead of sweat trickled down his neck. The bastard was gripping Annie tightly by the scruff of her neck, forcing her into the room. Her face was mostly hidden by her hair. It was a trick he had seen her use many times to assess a situation without people being aware of what she was doing. Then like a laser, she saw the girl lying on the ground and she yanked out of the man’s hold and was on her knees in front of Labado, cradling the girl’s head in her lap.

    “Oh, I like a woman who knows her place,” Labado crooned.

    Why didn’t I break the fucker’s arm?

    “What did you do to her?” Annie demanded, her head turning to Labado, as Leslie watched Seth. He looked at her, schooling his features, so he could survive the contempt he would see in his lover’s, his love’s face. But while her face was hard and cold her eyes held nothing but joy.

    “She is not your business.”

    “I’m making her my business.”

    “You’re in no position to negotiate. You’re a captive. All but naked on the floor. Where is your leverage?”

    “Apparently I’m a commodity of some value, or I wouldn’t be here.” She tossed her hair and looked at Labado. “I’m of value to him. I have leverage.” She helped the girl off the floor, murmuring softly to her. God, she was magnificent. He kept his face flat and raised an eyebrow at Labado.

    “You seem taken.” Seth said stating the obvious.

    “You don’t. I thought spirit and easily marked were two of your criteria.” Labado’s eyes followed Annie as she took the young girl to a sofa. Anton followed her with an amused expression on his face.

    “I find myself drawn to both of them. They both have,” Seth paused, “certain qualities.”

    “I am in complete agreement. I will take whichever one you pass up.”

    “But you told me the other day your current mistress was to your liking.”

    “A man can always make room for two women.” Labado licked his lips as he looked at the women/girls on the sofa. Seth looked at the four other women in the room. He wished a man could always make room for six. God, they had to stop this tonight, but it wasn’t going to happen. Could Kota and Nate somehow keep track of these four?

    “I’m sorry. I really can’t decide. If you’re intent on taking one of these two, I’m going to have to go through with the divorce.” Labado pulled his gaze away from the sofa and stared incredulously at Seth.

    “You are talking crazy. You have what you want. You just said so.”

    “But you are intent on taking what I truly desire.” He watched as the sick bastard processed what he was saying. Leslie laughed.

    “Well aren’t you just full of surprises. First you didn’t want any of the women I had to offer, and now you want two. But I thought you liked spirit, and one seems like a bit of a victim.”

    “I like the dichotomy. But the point is moot.” He looked at the sofa and couldn’t see Annie’s face, her hair hid everything. He knew exactly what was going on in her mind, in her soul, because it mirrored his own heart. He had to pull this off.

     

    Revealed Cover v4

    Revealed, The Found, Book 1

     Synopsis

    Tortured beyond Endurance…

    Kelly Wachowski has no memory of her life before she was five. Despite being one of the ‘found’ children and her uncanny ability to assimilate languages, she’s managed to live a normal life for twenty years until the day she was kidnapped. Tortured beyond endurance she prayed for death while she dreamed of a boy long forgotten—Noah.

     

    A Hero with a Secret…

    Samson Noah Kukailimoku is another ‘found’ child. His existence was kept secret by the Polynesian family who adopted him. Now he’s a highly decorated naval officer, and part of an elite unit whose mission is to rescue children like Kelly. The closer he gets to finding her the more he connects to her and shares the pain of her torture and the dreams of their shared past.

    A Love That Is More than a Dream…

    After her rescue, Kelly is convinced she’s losing her mind as she experiences Noah’s life in a waking dream. Knowing she’s in danger, Noah must save Kelly from herself and those tracking her, moving Heaven and Earth to protect her. Linked by their past, danger and deception follow them everywhere. Together they discover a love and passion surpassing all of their dreams, but before they can have a future together they have to solve the mystery of their past.

    AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1A2CXcJ
    AMAZON UK: http://tinyurl.com/jwyt9m6
    KOBO: http://tinyurl.com/n5bogu9
    GOOGLE: http://tinyurl.com/nwauhzk
    ITUNES: http://tinyurl.com/mraps33Kelly

    Giveaway 3-jpeg

     

     

    caitlyn oleary Author Bio

    Caitlyn O’Leary was raised in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. She has always been an avid reader. Her earliest creative writing endeavors consisted of “ghost writing” exercises where she pretended to be her younger brothers and sister when she did their homework assignments.

    Years in corporate America honed her ability to manipulate words by day and at night she read everything she could get her hands on, including many steamy romances.

    Now happily married to her long, tall Texan and living in Southern California, Caitlyn has finally found the time to write erotic happily ever afters. She enjoys swimming, traveling, babysitting for her nieces and nephews, spending time with friends and family, and doing lots of “research” with her husband for upcoming novels.

    Keep Up With Caitlyn O’Leary

    Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/nuhvey2

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaitlynOLearyNA

    Pinterest: http://tinyurl.com/q36uohc

    Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/nqy66h7

    Website: www.caitlynoleary.com

    Email: Caitlyn@caitlynoleary.com


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  • Cover Reveal Make Me Forget by Jacqueline Anne

    Posted on by Karen 1 Comment

    JacquelBestselling romance author, Paige Mattheson, is experiencing the worst case of writer’s block. She hasn’t written a word in weeks and is struggling with the intimate scenes in her book. With deadlines quickly approaching, she goes on a weekend getaway to the beach to clear her head. She promises herself she will relax and find her true self again, along with some inspiration to see past her heartache and complete her novel.

    Fun loving, Tyler Barrow, is vacationing in Montauk, New York. He is passionate about his career as a teacher and about surfing. When Tyler misses his original flight home, a miscommunication with the owner of the rental unit finds Tyler staring at a beautiful woman in his kitchen. He is instantly drawn to her and eager to find out why, even if it is only for the weekend.

    Paige is initially annoyed by the naked intruder who has interrupted her quiet vacation. She sticks to the promise she made herself and tries to let go and have some fun.

    Will Tyler be able to make Paige forget about her past? Will fate prove to be more than just a weekend fling even though they live on different ends of the earth?

    Only time and a bestselling novel will tell.

    Estimate release dates:

    Pre-order – July 24
    Early download for Totally Bound readers – August 7
    General Release – September 4
    https://www.facebook.com/TotalEBound
    https://www.totallybound.com/
    https://twitter.com/Totally_Bound

    About Jacqueline Anne

    Struggling through health issues, I discovered my love for reading romances. Writing then became my escape and in some ways, a depiction of my spirit. I enjoy creating strong female characters who overcome hardships, reflecting on some of my own adversities, trials, and triumphs. The relationships are sweet and sexy with characters who embody discovery, lust, trust, happiness, and love.

    I lead a full and exciting life in Northeast Ohio. I love to bake, create, workout, dance, and read. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. My life can attest to that. Work hard. Play hard. Live life to the fullest each and every day, doing it all in a pair of 4″ heels ;). Who says you can’t have it all?

    Social Media:

    Website: www.authorjacquelineanne.com
    Email: jacquelineanne@authorjacquelineanne.com
    Facebook: www.Facebook.com/authorjacquelineanne
    Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8537336.Jacqueline_Anne
    Amazon Author: www.amazon.com/author/jacquelineanne
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorJacAnne
    Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/AuthorJacAnne
    Tsu: http://www.tsu.co/AuthorJacAnne


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  • Changing things up and Someone New.

    Posted on by Karen 6 Comments

    I have come to realize that although I will still include the synopsis of books I am reviewing, they will now come second to my actual review.

    I mean, this is my blog, I should come first right?  Right!  So from now on, you have to see my review first.  Another change is my Hearts or Stars or whatever.  I am giving them up. at least here on the blog.  You want stars, you can see my Goodreads or Amazon reviews where that kind of rating is needed.  I will tell you my thoughts on a book, and you can use the brains I know you have to figure out how much I loved or hated a book.  You want to know, read the review.  

    That being said……..

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      If you know me at all (hmmm I say that a lot) you know that I am a self proclaimed Siren Ho.   Huh?  Yeah I heard that from all the way here on Long Island.  A Siren Ho is a person who reads a great deal of books that have been published by Siren Publishing.  Tymber Dalton, Honor James, Tara Rose, Elle Boon, Suzette Cauler, Suzy Shearer, Lori King, Caitlyn O’Leary and on and on and on…..  You know when you go to Target or Walmart intending to go buy just one or two things and wind up at the register with at least a $200.00 receipt?  That happens to be me at Bookstrand.com where Siren sells their books.  

    So, when I open an email and see that a brand new Siren author is requesting me to review their book, I say absolutely.  I say yes not just because of the publisher, I am not on payroll to them or anything, but I seem to enjoy many of the author’s they give a shot, so why not me?  Not many reviewers will give newbie authors a shot.  They think they haven’t paid their dues yet.  But, I will always give a newbie a chance if the story intrigues me enough. 

    So this new author, Maia Dylan, emailed me and she endeared herself to me from the get go.  How?  She read my review requirements.     I wasn’t just sitting there with please read my book.  It was please consider and here is everything you need to decide if my book is something you would like.  Here is my links so you know I am legit and everything.  How could I refuse!!!  So I didn’t.  I said I would love too.  She sent me the book letting me know that me reading and reviewing her book was “and a little nerve racking and potentially nausea inducing.”  So what did I think of the book?

    Let me say this, if this is only her first book, I cannot wait to see what her second book will be like.  Is it perfect, no, but no story is, especially from a newbie, but the story kept my interest and had my emotions everywhere.  I even found myself near tears at a point.  I wanted to slap Tyler and Trent upside the head a few times.  Alphas or not, they needed someone to kick their asses.  I mean Tyler is a cop but couldn’t find his mate  when she was right under his nose the whole time?   And then they gave up finding her and then closed themselves off from then pack bond?    Faith should have had the right to string them up by their balls for so many reasons!!!   At least Ty and Trent had the decency to be guilty and remorseful.  Fate always has a way to bring things together and have things be the way they are supposed to.  Passion and love the triad shares is hot.  I would really like to see how  Faith’s psychic ability  develop in coming stories.  Speaking of that…

    One of the things I think Maia did really well for this first book was setting up everything for the rest of the series.  All the characters and situations have been introduced.  Characters, such as the Psychiatrist (Rowena), have me wondering more about them.  I just know that Noah will be a character that may well become a Book Boyfriend.  Big, bad, damaged, but for the right woman, he will be a teddy bear.  I just know it!  

    For that, I am naming Maia Dylan an author to watch.  With a little more experience, I see great things coming from her.  No pressure though.  Stay true to you. 

     

    md-gr-lostfaith3150312_0346Synopsis

    Is it better to have loved and lost than never loved at all? For Ty and Trent Jamieson, the Grey River pack Alphas, they would say either would be preferable to both! 

    They knew Faith was destined to be theirs from the moment they first came across her scent. Finding out that she was only 19 and studying put their grand mating plans to the back burner, at least for a couple of years. Problems only arose when she suddenly left them when they had finally decided to come clean about their feelings that they had kept hidden and claim her.  They lost Faith and when Mother Nature steps in dramatically to give them an opportunity to get her back, things become very clear that perhaps her leaving was not all as it seemed. Can the brothers bring their fated triad together and protect their mate as it should have always been? Or are they destined to lose Faith forever?

    Author’s Bio 

    Maia Dylan lives, loves and works in beautiful New Zealand. She married her best friend and they have two adorable, but stubborn children who obviously take after their father.

    Maia’s career has featured a lot of travel, and she has filled her time at airports and in the air with books, books, and more books. Her love of erotic paranormal romance has seen her amass a huge library. She has been an avid reader and lover of ménage romances since she read her first book in this genre about three years ago.

    In January of 2015, Maia submitted her first ever manuscript to Siren Publishing. She wasn’t at all confident that it would be accepted and in fact she was expecting a nicely worded email with a resounding no! Much to her surprise less than two weeks later she had an acceptance and a signed contract in hand and since then she hasn’t looked back.

    Outside of writing, Maia loves to eat, so she loves to cook! Her herb garden is legendary, but she still has issues getting tomatoes to grow. She’s been a performer for years, and has even sung on international stages, she would love to own a classic Ford Mustang one day and of course have the opportunity to race it on a race track without fear of a speeding ticket.

    Although ultimately her dream is to be able to write full time on a sandy beach with a Mai Tai in hand, she is quite happy to fit her writing in when she can. As long as someone reads her books, gets a laugh, and maybe comes to love her characters as much as she does, then she feels that she is living her dream no matter what!

    Visit her website: http://www.maiadylan.com

    Email her at: maia.dylan@yahoo.com

    Author’s Q&A

    Q: What inspired you to write your first book?

    A: I have always been an avid reader. I am never without a book or two to fill my day, especially as I got older and my career took me around the world giving me plenty of airports and flight time to fill. I would find myself continually thinking, what if that book ended in a different way? The next thing you know, on a recent flight and hotel stay, I started writingLost Faith!

    Q: If you could choose, which published author would you like to brainstorm with and why?

    A: One? I can’t pick one! What a question and my answer could go on for miles, so I will try to reduce the list that immediately popped into my head. I’d love the opportunity to talk with Christine Feehan, Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole and Sherrilyn Kenyon about how they bring their paranormal elements to such vivid life. Then Sophie Oak, Heather Rainier, Honor James, Dixie Lynn Dwyer and a whole host of others about how they are able to weave such strong romance into a steamy sensual story that only enhances the readers understanding of the connection between their characters.

    Q: What is the hardest part about writing?

    A: Finding the time to write! Working full time with two small children and a husband can be a little time consuming, but I make sure to find time each and every day.

    Q: What would surprise people to know about you?

    A: I speak three languages.

    Q: Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

    A: Everywhere! I have been fortunate enough in my life to have traveled extensively and met many wonderful people who inspire me every time a new character turns up.

    Q: What advice would you give aspiring writers?

    A: Write, write, and write some more. Surround yourself with positive people and listen to the advice of people in the know. Write what you love to read.

    Q: Is there any one author that you have read that has influenced your writing?

    A: Every single author I have read has had an influence on me, but if I had to limit it to say three then I would say Heather Rainier, Nalini Singh, and Sophie Oak.

    Q: Did you learn anything about yourself when you wrote your first book?

    A: Ah yeah, I learnt that my grammar is terrible, there are a lot of differences between language used in the Southern hemisphere compared to the Northern, and that I love to write.

    Q: Was becoming a writer a dream of yours since childhood?

    A: Nope! My dream job was as an official chocolate taster, but alas, that was not to be. I do try to pay homage to that dream as much and as often as possible though.

    Q: Do you plan your stories before you start to write them?

    A: Not really. I just start writing and let the characters tell their own story. Sometimes it feels like I am just along for the ride!

    Q: What helps you to overcome writers block?

    A: Chocolate and dancing around the house listening to music, singing the lyrics into an old hairbrush. Works every time!

    Q: What has been the most surprising aspect of your writing journey?

    A: That someone would want to publish and others would want to read something that I had actually written!


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