The Importance of Finding Your People
COVER REVEAL - Only With You, by Kyra Lennon
Greetings Readers!
I took a little break towards the end of August, as I burned myself out a bit by going too heavy on the social media and blog content.
To that end, I'm cutting back my blog posts to one per week, and alternating between promotions, updates, and chatter about things I've enjoyed recently.
With that in mind, today I'm here with the cover reveal for Single Dad, Bad Boy, Spicy Romance ONLY WITH YOU, by Kyra Lennon.
Title: Only With You (Oakwood Lane Book 2)
Author: Kyra Lennon
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Blurb: One mistake. One truth. One last chance.
Callum Lewis thought he was finally getting his life on track, but a sudden accusation turns his world upside down once again. Wrestling with self-doubt and the demons of his past, he makes a devastating choice, one that shatters not only his world but his son Aiden’s too.
Shannen Morgan is still reeling from the fallout. When a momentary mistake upturns her happiness, she's left to navigate life without the two people who have come to mean everything to her. But one question lingers: how could it have all gone so wrong so quickly?
As a shocking truth is uncovered, Cal and Shannen are faced with an impossible choice—reveal what they know and risk everything, or keep their secrets and stay apart.
And when one final revelation forces their paths to cross again, the stakes are higher than ever. Can they overcome the obstacles that have kept them apart, or is their love destined to remain just out of reach?
Will Cal and Shannen find their way back to each other, or is some damage beyond repair?
Only With You is a small-town single dad romance set in England (UK). It features elements of hurt/comfort, along with intense emotions, high heat levels, and pulse-racing action that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Pre-order here: https://books2read.com/
Haven't read All Of You yet? Get it here: https://books2read.com/
Follow Kyra on FB here: https://www.facebook.
Book Recommendations for 23 August, 2024
I'm back with some more recommendations from BookFunnel and around the web.
Please note, I understand I've gone pretty heavy on the recommendations front this month, and I'm aiming to streamline for September onwards to just two posts per month, featuring only three books per post. hopefully, that will be less 'spammy' for you.
For those interested in an update about ME you can check out my blog post from yesterday -- Writing, ADHD & Funtimes, and I'll be back this coming Monday with a feature on the amazing writing community WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW.
Until then, take care & stay creative.
T.T.F.N.
Title: Fate is a Mated Bitch
Link: books2read.com/fateisamatedbitch
Blurb:
A different kind of danger arises when a romance author meets a real life Alpha shifter.
Tall, sexy, smug, confident, and covered in mouthwatering tattoos, Walt Lupinski is determined to bring his Clan out of their 'old way is the best way' mentality that leaves them currently in danger. He can't afford any distractions, let alone a fated mate, to get in the way. Especially when it's against the Good of the Clan law to be with her.
When romance author Andy Cryder discovers her fiancé fulfilling one of his secret desires with their real estate agent, she takes off, not expecting to end up stranded on a desolate mountain...or to be rescued by a group of hot men that look more cut out to be on her book covers than in her real life.
For the first time in her life, Andy feels like she belongs. That is, until their Alpha walks in. What unfolds between Andy and Walt could change everything for the better...or destroy two families for good.
If you’re a fan of Charlaine Harris, Georgette St. Clair, or Milly Taiden, you’ll love the Lupinski Clan series.
One click today and meet a new breed of book boyfriend.
Title: Their Pretty Little Monster
Link: https://a.co/d/6hBThCY
Blurb:
In their arms, danger becomes desire.
Every year, monsters demand their Offerings—women like me. This year, I thought I escaped. I thought I was safe. Then he arrived.
The Viscount.
Dangerous and ruthless, he declares me a late Offering.
Swept into the deadly realm of the Shadowfen, I realize I’m not here by chance.
They want to rule, and I’m their key. My reality crumbles, and as much as we act like enemies, they refuse to let me go. Their touch ignites a fire I can’t resist, fueling desires I never expected.
They call me their little monster.
Maybe they’re right.
Because when everything is stripped away, a fiercer side of me no one expected—not even me—emerges.
You see, in the shadows, temptation and peril collide.
So, ready or not, the monster within is about to be unleashed… and these three Shadowfen are eager to claim their prize...
Me…
Their Pretty Little Monster is a standalone paranormal romance with darker themes, enemies to lovers, a sassy heroine who comes into her own power, and three stubborn Alphas who aren’t releasing her.
Title: Celestial Hearts
Link: https://books2read.com/b/mq70X2
Blurb:
Celestial Hearts: A Sci-Fi Romance Anthology is a limited-time collection from three unique voices in science fiction romance.
For readers who long for love stories that transcend galaxies and sweep you away from the realities of planet Earth, lose yourself in this collection and discover your next favorite author! From diners in futuristic space cities to grand ballrooms on luxurious deep space cruise ships, you'll have every chance for a starry-eyed romantic encounter.
Three authors. Three stories. Three chances for love among the stars.
Hurry, this collection won't be available for long! Grab your copy now to get all three novellas at one great price
Title: Claimed
Link: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/weuxilyq91?tid=til4o70pri
Blurb:
Claimed is a mm alien warrior romance and is intended for mature adults only.
Dracix
I feel a great love, and I know what will set my beloved's heart free. A life with me would never be enough while he remains captive. If I wish to declare and prove my love to him, I must do it by setting him free. With my military position and the backing of others within the rebellion, I have a plan to get him home and expose my people and our crimes to the rest of the galaxy. I know I will be seen as the enemy, but as long as he knows the truth and the evil stopped, I can die a happy male.
For love, honor, and justice!
You can also visit https://books.bookfunnel.com/preorders-and-new-releases-september/kn4er1qcjj for a list of 18 new romance recent releases and pre-order titles, including Beyond Starlight: An Alien Fated Mates Collection.
Writing, ADHD & Funtimes
Greetings Readers!
It's been a while since I wrote an update post, for various reasons. Partly because so far, August has been filled with lots of fun times outside of the house.
My oldest child and their partner visited for a week, and we went bowling and did some other fun family activities, including visiting the Kenji Store. It's described as 'Modern Asian culture with a British twist,' and sells everything from snacks, to journals, to homeware. Needless to say, I always spend a fortune when I go there. This past time I went, I bought some enamel pins, and realized my collection is getting quite big now!
Bonus picture of me posing with the cute anime-style figure in the Kenji store.
Then, this past Monday, I met up with fellow authors-turned-friends Karen Sanders and Clare Bentley. An excellent time was had all around, and plans were made for the author group Karen runs -- Write Here, Write Now.
You've probably heard me mention the group before, and I will be doing a spotlight post this coming Monday. But while me, Karen and Clare B. were together on Monday, we made plans for the 'Olympics' themed activities for September, as well as discussing promotion for the forth-coming Christmas anthology.
Speaking of the anthology -- I've changed what I'm writing for it. (Twice!). Originally, I was going to write a Josain Jovenne short, but the idea just didn't fit with where Josain is as a character since working on her main story.
Then I conceived an idea about a snowman that comes to life and turns into a sexy elf. I do love that idea, and might still write it as a one-shot/ freebie type thing, time pending.
But I remembered a story I started a few years ago, about an older couple, on the brink of separating, who agree to spend one last Christmas together as a family with their three children, and then they get snowed in. I re-read what I'd previously written, and I love the story, so that's the one I'm going with for the WH,WN Chirstmas anthology.
We'll see if Frosty The Snow-Elf gets a story of his own too ... I have three other stories or partial stories I need to complete before the end of the year, and those are my priority.
Speaking of stories ... I *think* I've finished The Adventures of Josain Jovene. At just over 30k words. The story really got away from me, but I love how it's turned out. It's put some additional things nicely in place for The Starlight Prince. Now I just have to move a few scenes around, work on edits and it should be ready to share with my mailing list subs soon.
Then I need to work on the three projects I alluded to above ... There's the WH, WN Christmas anthology piece which is 15k words maximum and due October 22, the first 25k for a sorcerer-themed collection with StoryTellerPublisher22 that's due at the end of the year, and of course, the continuation of the Starlight Prince. The release date for that is 25 February 2025, but I want to allow my editor enough time to work on it too.
I know that sounds like a lot. It is a lot. But I have planned a schedule, and I'm confident if I focus and write 5000 words a week, I can meet all the various deadlines ... which will be easier said than done with Dragon Age coming out on October 31, but maybe I can reward myself for X amount of words with X hours of playtime.
Speaking of milestones in November, I will have my ADHD assessment! The email that I could book my assessment came through almost a year to the day since my referral was received by psychiatry-uk and I was added to their system. The first available appointments were in November, which I expected. What I didn't expect was the choice of psychiatrists. There were at least five per day available and at first, the choice was a little overwhelming. But I found someone who specializes in women's mental health, ADHD in women, and PMDD, making them a perfect fit for me. Now I just have to stop worrying until November. And of course, after the assessment, if I do have ADHD (which I'm 90% sure I do) I will have to through titration for medication, which can take several months. Still, progress is being made.
I will have to check in with my GP about the gynaecologist referral for PMDD because it's been a few months and I haven't heard anything … but I’ll take one thing at a time and *try* not to overload myself.
I’m also planning on making other health changes. My weight is starting to bother me … or more accurately, I don’t want to die young due to weight-related issues. I am not putting all this time and effort into getting help with ADHD and PMDD, only to keel over from a heart attack or something.
So, from September, hubby and I will be dieting again, as we know we will have more success if we do it together. (ADHD buddy system folks!). Tomorrow, we’re going out and we’re going to get smartwatches to track our calories and sleep, and some weights. We already have an exercise bike, and I want to be a ‘muscle mommy’ so we’re alternating weights and cycling 2 times a week from September.
Wish us luck!
I think that’s everything I have for now, but there might be some changes to the blog going forward … As I mentioned previously, I don’t always have posts/ ideas for ‘Favourites Friday’ and while I do LOVE the ‘Memorable Monday’ posts, I only have three more in mind. Plus, I want to make sure my focus is on my novels, not blog content. At the same time, I don’t want to fall into the habit of only posting when I have promos to share, so I will *try* to update at least once a month, hopefully more.
That said, I have some promos and swaps coming tomorrow, and I have a few more ‘Memorable Monday’ posts planned so posts will be more frequent than once a month for a little longer.
Okay, I’m really going now! lol I want to work on the revisions of The Adventures of Josain Jovene. I need to move some scenes around and I want to check in on the editing suggestions Clare B has made (bless her heart).
Until next time, take care & stay creative.
T.T.F.N
99 Pence Sale - After The Rain Charity Anthology
If you're looking for a collection of great stories and a way to support charity, I have the perfect anthology for you.
After The Rain is now only 99p until August 25th, before leaving Amazon forever on 3rd September.
After The Rain is a collection of stories written by the Write Here, Write Now Community celebrating life after loss—and not always the most obvious kind.
With a hearty mix of humour and warmth, these short reads will remind you that even in the darkest times, there's always a ray of sunshine ready to break through the clouds.
From finding the courage to start over, discovering happiness in the strangest of ways, or simply learning to rise above life’s challenges, these stories will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and entertained.
After The Rain is a limited-time anthology, raising funds for Hopefull Handbags.
Featuring stories by Clare Bentley and Kyra Lennon, Clare Dugmore, Toya Richardson, Louise Emmerson, Donna Frank, Katie L Smith, T.S. Arthur, Julie Archer, M.B. Feeney, HL Heidemann, Anna Edwards
Favourites Friday - NETFLIX’S THE DRAGON PRINCE
Are you looking for a show with representation? Heartfelt emotions? Intriguing relationships? Funny moments? Amazing fantasy world-building and lore?
Well, I’ve got the show for you.
First, let’s deal with the obvious -- the show I’m about to discuss is animated and aimed at children/preteens. However, neither of those aspects takes away from the greatness that is:
NETFLIX’S THE DRAGON PRINCE.
I believe animation (for all ages) is a worthy form of media, and I also think media aimed at different age groups can also have value if the writing is strong enough. If you agree with these things, please read on …
I’ve been vaguely aware of The Dragon Prince for a number of months now. I often watch ‘children’s’ shows and Ghibli films on Netflix when I need something light and comforting to relax and destress.
Two things instantly caught my eye. 1. Dragons. Anything with dragons in it is usually a winner for me. 2. An elf character with long, white hair and purple eyes. My A Song of Ice and Fire-loving self was intrigued.
Last week while on ‘Staycation’ I was looking for something new to watch, and through, why not give ‘The Dragon Prince’ a try?
By the end of the opening prologue, I was hooked.
Here’s the basic premise/ background from Wikipedia:
The continent of Xadia is rich in magic derived from six primal sources: the Moon, Sky, Sun, Earth, Ocean, and the Stars. The dragons, elves, and humans of Xadia once lived in peace until the humans, unable to utilize primal magic naturally, began to practice dark magic.
This newfound power was gifted to them by the ancient Startouch Elf Aaravos, which allowed them to draw in and utilize the life essence from magical creatures to manifest their spells at the cost of their spirit being corrupted. As a consequence, they were driven away to the western half of Xadia by the dragons and elves, and the continent was split in two.
Seven centuries later, Aaravos' machinations to cause further conflict between dragons and elves are exposed, resulting in his incarceration under the supervision of the King of the Dragons and Archdragon of the Sky, Avizandum, through an enchanted mirror.
Three centuries later, the human King Harrow of Katolis and his advisor, the dark mage Lord Viren, kill Avizandum. Viren then steals the egg of his unborn heir, the Dragon Prince; however, the world comes to believe that the egg was destroyed.
The show picks up the story some years into King Harrow’s reign as king and follows his two sons Callum and Ezran. It’s quickly discovered that in retaliation for Avizandum's death, Moonshadow Elf assassins have entered Katolis in an attempt to assassinate Harrow and his sons.
The story moves quickly from there, taking viewers to parts of Katolis and later Xadia, as an epic journey unfolds.
One thing I wasn’t expecting when I watched the prologue was for the show to have so many shades of grey. I thought at first “The humans killed magical creatures and practised dark magic, they’re bad,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Callum and Ezran are good kids, and not responsible for the crimes of their father or ancestors. Likewise, while the elves, dragons and magical creatures of Xadia have indeed been oppressed and hunted, as the show goes on, it becomes clear not everyone from Xadia is a good person.
Another thing I wasn’t expecting was the representation. Maybe I’m used to Disney shows, only portraying CIS, Het, able-bodied characters and relationships. Instead, race (in the sense of people of colour) isn’t really a thing. Harrow is a man of colour, and Ezran is of mixed race. There’s a whole tribe of darker-skinned sun elves. There are characters with disabilities which don’t prevent them from being awesome warriors. There are multiple LGBTQA couples, and in season four a trans character is introduced.
I was pleasantly delighted with the representation.
In a similar vein, tough issues like mental health, trauma, grief, generational trauma, and racism are heavily featured in the show. I especially loved a storyline featuring the sun elves co-habiting with humans, and the humans not taking the sun elves’ mourning rituals seriously. It really highlights how important it is to respect other cultures, even when their practices are different from your own.
The fantasy world-building and lore are exceptional, with in-depth explorations of different types of magic, and different races -- there aren’t just ‘elves’ there are a number of different elves, such as the aforementioned sun elves, each with their own unique appearance, cultures and abilities -- magical creatures and planets.
Both Xadia and Katolis feel alive, and well-thought-out, with distinct differences from region to region.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is character development, and even side characters have complete arcs with challenges to overcome and room for growth. As proof of how good the character development is, there’s a character from season one who I disliked but is now one of my favourites. There’s also careful attention to continuity, with recurring minor characters throughout the six seasons.
The animation is rich and gorgeous, with of course the dragons being one of my favourite aspects. But I also love how the show represents each character and their distinct personalities through their clothing and accessories.
I’m no expert on voice acting, but nothing stood out to me as bad, and as far as I’m aware, the voice cast is just as diverse as the characters.
Of course, this is a kid’s show, and there is some immature humour including fart and poop jokes in season four. But on the whole, it wasn’t annoyingly childlike, with some parts I actually laughed out loud at.
The story is thought-provoking and engaging, with mysteries, twists and turns. There’s a clear arc for seasons 1-3, and then a two-year time jump when season 4 starts. Season four is the beginning of a second arc which was hinted at in the first seasons, and spans seasons 4-7. Sadly, season seven hasn’t aired on Netflix yet, so I don’t know how the story concludes.
I’ve read that there is a possibility of more seasons and additional arcs, and I really hope so. The world is so vast and rich that I could think of countless stories to tell in Xadia, Katolis and the surrounding kingdoms.
Each episode is only thirty minutes long, and each season is only nine episodes, so it’s super easy to binge-watch. I binge-watched the whole six seasons in a week. And now I have to wait until December for season seven. :( lol
The Dragon Prince has won two awards and has been nominated for several others, and it’s easy to understand why. The show is amazing.
If anyone is looking for a fun, fantasy story, with hidden depths, I suggest checking it out.
Book Funnel Promos & Swaps for 16 August, 2024
Greetings Readers!
I'm back with more book promos and swaps for your reading enjoyment!
Writing Wednesday - The Internal Stories We Tell Ourselves
Greetings readers!
Thanks to anyone who dropped by on my Memorable Monday post, where I interviewed artist Lainey T.
Today, I wanted to talk about something I've been ruminating on while I took a week's 'staycation' to spend some quality time with my family, while my son and his partner visited.
I've been thinking about how the internal stories we tell ourselves, and the language we use, can affect how we see ourselves and influence our behaviour.
During one of my ADHD coaching sessions, I complained about how I hadn't achieved anything in the previous week between sessions. My coach asked why. What had been going on in my life? I replied that I had felt too burned out from changing GP surgeries to work on my novel.
My coach stopped me ... "You changed GPs?" She clarified.
I shrugged, like it was no big deal, and replied, "Yes, but I haven't worked on my writing this week."
My coach then pointed out that changing GPs is a huge achievement, and that I should be proud of myself. She also noted how we think about our actions, the language we use and the internal stories we tell ourselves can affect our behaviour.
She gave me the example that she worked late on a Sunday, knowing that she had a busy day coming up, and that she wouldn't have time to prepare for a forthcoming trip otherwise. Was that her neglecting her partner during her time off? Or was that her doing a kindness to her future self, but ensuring all her tasks were completed, and she had some downtime before her trip?
Reframing it like that really resonated with me, and I started trying to reframe all my actions.
Was I lazy because I spent all day in bed? Or was I investing in self-care, because I was prepmentrual and in a more low energy phase?
Another part of this was recognizing I am not just one thing. I am a writer, but that's not ALL I am. I'm also a spouse, a parent, a child, and a person with health difficulties, among other things. Each of these facets of myself are valid, and sometimes one area takes precedence over another.
Am I a failure because I haven't written for a week? Well, what's the reason I haven't written? Oh, I took the week off because my son and his partner were visiting, and we went on some trips and spent quality time together.
So, it wasn't a failure, it was prioritizing one valid part of my life over another, equally as valid part of my life. That's how it goes sometimes.
The key is finding the balance, recognizing your wants and needs, and thinking carefully about the internal language you use.
Try replacing lazy with self-care, and see how that changes your perspective of a day spent in bed.
Substitute 'good, hard-working writer,' for 'good, well-rounded person' and then ask yourself if you've achieved nothing in a week.
The world will try to knock us down. Society is quick to point out when people are 'lazy' for not spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week doing something 'productive' (aka something that benefits capitalism). We don't need to be reinforcing these lies in our own heads.
We need to be kinder to ourselves. We need to be conscious of the internal stories we tell, and the language we use. We need to recognize our achievements, even if they weren't on our 'to-do' lists that week. We need to accept we're still valuable members of society even when we're not productive. A person's worth isn't dictated by how many hours a week they've worked. And one part of your life (i.e. career) isn't more important than another (i.e. marriage) even if sometimes, one aspect has to take priority.
Before I head off, I wanted to ask what everything thinks of these types of posts. The last two 'Writing Wednesday' posts have been less about my novels, and my writing journey, and more about my life as a whole. Is that something you'd prefer, and like to see more of? Because honestly, that's what I'm feeling most drawn to blogging about right now. And we all know how the old adage goes, "Write what you know."
I'll be back this 'Favourites Friday,' where I'll be discussing my latest obsession -- the animated Netflix show The Dragon Prince. Spoilers: It's amazing!
Until then, take care and stay creative.
T.T.F.N.
Memorable Monday - Interview with Artist Lainey T
Greetings readers!
I'm back from my staycation. I had a wonderful time disconnecting from the internet and spending some quality time with my family.
Regularly scheduled posts will now resume, and to start things off, I have a Memorable Monday post where I interview artist Lainey T, who did the stunning illustration for THE ADVENTURES OF JOSAIN JOVENNE.
What initially sparked your interest in becoming an artist, and how has your passion evolved over the years?
I've been drawing ever since I can remember. The doodles and drawings I did as a kid never stopped and have yet to do so. My passion in art has evolved by seeing other artists and striving to be better at my own art. Another inspiration for me is wanting to draw and make fanart of the things I like.
How has Jojo's Bizarre Adventure influenced your art style and creative process?
Jojo's bizarre adventure has definitely changed my artstyle and helped me improve overall in drawing more realistically. I’ve learned better facial and body anatomy through the show, and It really helped me with muscle anatomy of course. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure has really helped me change my artstyle from more cartoonish to more realistic and I don’t regret watching it one bit.
What elements from horror games like Five Nights at Freddy's inspire your work, and how do you incorporate them into your art?
Five nights at Freddy's has been a staple of my life ever since I was around seven. Some of my original characters have definitely been inspired by FNAF and its designs. I’ve been drawing fanart of the games since I’ve liked it and still love to watch videos about it on YouTube. I love its character/robot designs and I love all the games.
Can you walk us through your process of designing a new character, and do any of your characters draw inspiration from your interests?
The process of designing a character always comes from an idea in my head, whether it be from another artist, music, a game or something else. I’ve had lots of my original characters originally be fan ocs for the franchises I like. If I’m making my own character I usually don’t need much of a design process. I’m always set on a certain vision in my head that I usually like when I first draw it out. If I’m designing a character for someone else, then I like to have a big designing process so I can make sure that the character looks exactly like how the person envisioned it.
How do you balance visual storytelling in your artwork?
My art pieces never really have much of a big meaning. However, one can really tell a lot about a piece based on many factors. Facial expressions and clothes can really tell a lot about an art work and the character/person in it. The background tells the setting and often more about the character too. Colours are also a big part of telling the mood or tone of a piece.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent artist, and how have you overcome them?
I would say that the biggest challenge for me is being self taught, which isn’t too much of an issue for me. Pinterest has definitely been my art teacher and biggest inspiration. I have a board full of art references and tutorials that I keep adding things to and that I keep in mind when working on a drawing.
How does feedback from your fans and the broader art community influence your work?
My followers definitely are an important inspiration for me to keep drawing. Their support, comments, and reposts are very special to me and I think I’d be a lot further behind on my art growth if it wasn’t for them.
Have you considered expanding your art into other forms of media, such as animation or game design? If so, what would you like to explore first?
My major that I want to go to college for is actually animation, character design, game design, and 3D modelling. While I have much experience in character design I would love to learn the other things I mentioned. I’ve dabbled in a little bit of animation for fun but I would love to improve on it.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?
I’m definitely excited about working with Clare more! I don’t have much else in mind besides college which is obviously a big step for me, in my art journey and life in general.
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out?
Practice! Practice! Practice! I know it’s what every artist says but it’s the complete truth. If you draw every day, even if it’s just a doodle, you are bound to improve! Another piece of advice is to use lots of references. Some people say it’s cheating, but I say that it’s the most important thing an artist can do to hone their skills.
Thank you for answering my questions, Lainey, and thank you for the amazing art of Josain and Savrion. I cannot wait to commission more from you.
If you're interested in commissioning art from Lainey, they can be contacted at their Instagram profile. @___lain__
Thanks for reading, and please be sure to check back this Writing Wednesday, where I'll be discussing how the internal stories we tell ourselves, and the language we use, can affect how we see ourselves and influence our behaviour.
Until then. Take care and stay creative,
T.T.F.N.
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