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New Release: HEATED SWEETS by @AMWillardAuthor #romance

Jennifer Lane
Heated Sweets (A Taste of Love Series #3)
Author: A.M. Willard
Cover Design: MadHat Books
Now Available

Synopsis

Do you believe someone can change your whole perspective on life? I didn’t, but I do now…

It all happens when I meet my sexy neighbor, Evan Taylor.
My name’s Francesca, better known as Frankie, and I’ve been hiding behind my camera for years. It’s what I know and love- not to mention the best way to disguise myself. It’s easy to make life look perfect from this side, even when yours is in shambles. My chronic illness is my biggest insecurity, and what I not only hide from myself, but from the world. Good thing I have a group of friends who can supply me with massive overloads of cupcakes, or life would totally stink.

Brody’s always been my crutch, but I knew deep down that he wouldn’t be the one I’d end up with. We just had to find a way to let the past go as we moved forward with our search of happiness. He’ll always be my hero, but sometimes in life you need more than a cape.

Evan Taylor is exciting, and doesn’t expect me to give him the world. He accepts me for who I am with no additional pressure. Evan’s also the one who can offer me the one thing I think I can’t give him – life. With the passion and desire that we hold for each other–it might be enough to win in the end and come out from behind the camera.

Goodreads

Purchase Links


Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Books in the Series

Frosted Sweets Volume 1

Sugary Sweets Volume 2

About the Author

Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard resides in Savannah, Georgia. She joined the Peach State many years ago after leaving the crystal blue waters and sugary white sand behind from the Panhandle of Florida. She’s also known for being a wife, mother, and caretaker for her farm animals. A.M. loves anything sassy, glittery, and is a sucker for the Hallmark Channel. That last one might be the reason she believes in soulmates or it could be because she married her high school sweetheart almost twenty years ago.

Connect with A.M. Willard

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ppqMHS
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2gHSCep
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2cvozRF
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2f4bsLD
BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2qxk2rv
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#CoverReveal MARKED BEAUTY by @SA_Larsen #paranormal #romance

Jennifer Lane



MARKED BEAUTY by S.A. Larsen, Digital Cover Reveal Information


Title: Marked Beauty
Author: S.A. Larsen
Publisher: Ellysian Press
Release Date: October 2017

Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.

Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.
Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.

After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.

As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.


About the Author
S.A. LARSEN is the author of the award-winning novel Motley Education, the first book in a fantasy-adventure series for middle grade readers. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Marked Beauty is her debut young adult novel. Find her in the land of snowy winters and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty-five years, four children, a playful pooch, and three kittens. 

Visit her cyber home anytime at www.salarsenbooks.com.
Connect with her on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blog | Goodreads


Giveaway
This is a #hashtag giveaway, where two lucky winners will receive a FREE eBook of Marked Beauty upon its release.
To participate:

  • Share one of the premade images via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or write up a blog post using one of the images.
  • Include #MarkedBeauty in your description.
  • Optional for extra entry: include Add to Goodreads (with link) in your description.

***Posts MUST contain the hashtag #MarkedBeauty for entry into the giveaway or we won’t be able to find you.

Pre-made tweets (you add the image)
“A lust 4 life energy. An ancient curse. One soul’s journey thru death 2 find the cure.” #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0
“Uncovering some secrets can kill you, or worse … steal your soul.” #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit
An ancient race. A timid girl. And a journey to the in-between. #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit
The giveaway begins May 17th and will be open until May 23rd. Winners will be announced May 24th via social media.

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Life’s a Beach #Giveaway Hop

Jennifer Lane

Welcome to the Life is a Beach Giveaway Hop, sponsored by The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island.

I’m so stoked for summer, my favorite season. I’m visiting my sister near Hilton Head, South Carolina soon, and we will definitely hit the beach.

Want a beach read recommendation? Check out my college volleyball romance series starting with Blocked, or my swimming military murder mystery Streamline, set in Pensacola, Florida.

I’m giving away both ebooks along with a $10 gift card. Enter on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stroll over to these beachy blogs to win more stuff!

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#IWSG Weird, Cool #Writing Research

Jennifer Lane


Happy May to all writers!


Pop over to Alex Cavanaugh’s blog to join us for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

Today’s co-hosts: Nancy Gideon, Tamara Narayan, Liesbet @ Roaming About, Michelle Wallace, and Feather Stone!

How’s your writing? I’m about 40% done with my romantic suspense WIP, Twin Sacrifice. Thank you to my awesome critique partner, Nicki Elson, for her tremendous help.

I love this month’s IWSG question:

What’s the weirdest/coolest thing you’ve researched for a story?

So many weird/cool topics to choose from! I know quite a few writers like me hope our internet search histories don’t alert the authorities to possible subversive behavior. Here are my highlights:

* Building bomb triggers

* Layout of rooms in the White House

* Effects of Rohypnol (Roofies) on the body

* How to get a gun through airport security

And my most fun research? Taking a Chicago architectural cruise.

I look forward to hearing what funky stuff you’ve researched!

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#IWSG Is Your Writing a Dream?

Jennifer Lane

Happy April to all writers!


Head on over to Alex Cavanaugh’s blog to join us for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

After the publication of my 7th novel in October of 2016, I took a writing break to focus on my day job and other fun activities. But in March I jumped back into writing a romantic suspense I started in 2009: Twin Sacrifice.

Has a dream ever inspired your writing? As I mourned the end of my favorite TV show, Prison Break, in 2009, I had a dream about an alternate ending to the show. That dream inspired the plot of Twin Sacrifice.

Now I’m no longer in mourning, since Prison Break returns for a 5th season on April 4, yahooooo!

Wentworth Miller *swoons*


April IWSG Day Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?


I did A to Z once (maybe 2012?) and it was fun but exhausting. Blogging was a more active world back then, and I post less frequently now. But it’s still great to bond with writers in both A to Z and IWSG!

IWSG Co-Hosts:

I’ll leave you with a marketing idea. The folks at USB Memory Direct sent me some cool flash drives with my book cover and website on them. I plan to load my ebooks and use them as giveaways. Check them out HERE. They even have a fun book-shaped flash drive.

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Flash Drive #Giveaway and April #KU Challenge: SPIKED

Jennifer Lane


Lots of giveaways and news to share from Jennifer Lane Books!

I’m pairing with USB Memory Direct to offer a giveaway of three flash drives loaded with a Jennifer Lane ebook of your choice.

Enter on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, SPIKED (Blocked #3) is part of the Love Kissed Books KU Challenge. We struggle to like each other in this heated political climate, and the NA Sports Romance Blocked series is about finding love despite our differences. Love across the aisle!

Have you participated in the Kindle Unlimited Challenge? You can win a Kindle and Amazon gift cards by reading awesome books.

Finally, are you a Prison Break fan? I’m a HUGE fanatic and writing fan fiction for the show is what started my crazy author adventure. I’m so psyched for the show’s return this April! If you haven’t seen it, check out season one on Netflix.

Prison Break inspired my debut novel WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR, which will be re-released soon after a fresh, new edit.

My work in progress is a romantic suspense novel: Twin Sacrifice. Stay tuned for excerpts from this psychological thriller.

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Six Ways to Be a Team Player #indie #author

Jennifer Lane
Independent authors and entrepreneurs don’t have to go it alone, according to Lucy Adams. Take it away, Lucy!

Six Clever Ways to Be a Team Player as an Entrepreneur


Whether or not you like teams, they’re all around us. Of course, there are exceptions (night watchmen, for example), but the number of jobs based on teamwork grows year by year. Even if you’re an independent author, you have teammates including beta readers, critique partners, editors, book designers, marketing assistants, and most of all, READERS. You need solid communication among teammates to achieve the best results.

If you’re an excellent team player, you’ll be in demand, your opinion will be highly valued, and your ideas will be accepted.

So what are the qualities and skills that will make you a brilliant chain link? Below are the 7 most important by Lucy Adams, an outsourcer from the British essay writing service.


#1 Strive to be an Example for Others


Instead of complaining about the incompetence of others, take the matter into your own hands and become an example for the rest of the team. Don’t be afraid to take on responsibilities – hard work and passion will make you a living legend!

Besides, by showing your best qualities, you’ll raise the bar so that the teammates will have extra motivation and develop as professionals. For example, if you notice writing errors, first raise your own literacy. People appreciate, trust, and respect those who lead by example.

#2 Help Your Team

Any person, even the most powerful, endures difficult times, in both private and professional lives. Develop your communication skills to find the right approach for each member of your team.

The company’s strength is defined by both the strongest and the weakest link. Improve your skills to help the rest of your team to grow professionally and mentally. Build the corporate spirit around mutual support and unity.

Share positive emotions and energy with your employees. Morale works not only in war but also a commercial company. Avoid Debbie Downer moods even if something doesn’t go as expected. Even if you’re angry and struggle to cope at work, leave it all behind the office door. Develop your emotional intelligence.

#3 One for All, and All for One!


The most effective entrepreneurs always put this principle at the forefront. They work hard to develop themselves and their teammates. The hardest part of adopting this concept is in reining in selfish urges. Even if you’re a best-selling author, remember that you’re nothing without your team. Seek ways to help fellow authors market their books, and all will benefit.


#4 Build Favorable Relationships


Good relationships are the core of any team’s effectiveness. To determine whether the relationships in your team are favorable, conduct an anonymous poll. Include burning questions like:

· What needs to improve on the team?

· How comfortable do you feel when communicating with the team?

· What do you estimate is the current psychological climate of the team? What is one thing you could do to improve morale?

Get to know your teammates on a deeper level. Strong relationships mean spending time not only on work but also establishing backgrounds, companionship, and understanding. Share vulnerabilities with each other to develop trust. You may be smart and competent, but if you haven’t achieved trust within your team, you won’t be as effective. 


#5 Be Fair and Humble


You and your staff will make mistakes, and that’s ok – the key is to achieve harmony and bounce back quickly, which is possible only in an atmosphere of trust. So create it!

According to studies, more than 90% of great leaders are modest, and some even shy. These leaders take responsibility for mistakes, and sincerely believe that nothing would be achieved without the strength of the team. The arrogance of genius looks great in the “House” TV series but has nothing in common with business realities.

You can’t build good relationships without trust. The atmosphere of distrust and suspicion brings chaos and helplessness. The best leaders treat their employees as family members and allow trust to grow.

Be honest, reliable, and open-hearted!

#6 Listen Carefully and Accept Criticism


Ignoring your staff inevitably leads to the collapse of the company. On the contrary, if you’re a good listener, you become aware and well-informed.

Treat criticism as an opportunity to become better – this will allow you to stay open to new opportunities. Harsh reviews can sting, but sometimes offer sage advice for improving our writing. 


If you need to point out a mistake to a teammate, couch the feedback with observations of the teammates successes.

I wish you the best in your entrepreneurial endeavors!

Bio:

Lucy Adams is an essay writer and blogger. This generalist is always in touch and ready to take the most exciting ideas of yours. Feel free to suggest Lucy a few intriguing topics, let her choose one or two that she likes best, and wait a week or so to get an in-depth research on the matter!

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March Madness $250 #Giveaway

Jennifer Lane

march madness

To celebrate my sports romances BLOCKED, ACED (Blocked #2), SPIKED (Blocked #3), and STREAMLINE, I’m joining the March Madness Giveaway!

Score Big during the $250 March Madness Cash giveaway where you have the option of choosing between $250 PayPal Cash OR an Amazon E-Gift Card! 

This event was organized by The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island and sponsored by the awesome bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners listed below!

Give some love to the March Madness sponsors and follow them on social media:

March Madness Sponsors:


ONE entrant will be selected by the entry form to win $250 PayPal cash OR $250 Amazon e-gift card. 

Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 03/14/17 thru 04/03/17 at 11:59pm ET. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. 

The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize via PayPal or Amazon. The winner has the option of choosing between PayPal and an Amazon gift card. Please contact Amanda (joyskidsdidit@gmail.com) if you have questions or you’d like an event organized. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#IWSG Dusting Off Old Manuscripts

Jennifer Lane


Happy March Insecure Writers Support Group!


Hop over to Alex Cavanaugh’s blog to join us.

Co-Hosts:


I’m late to post this month because work has been so busy and my friends are going through some big changes. One friend’s husband just died, and another good friend (my swimming buddy) is moving to Nashville. *sad face* But it’s good to hang with my writer pals in the support group!

March IWSG Day Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?


Well, I’m actually doing that right now so the outcome is yet to be seen. I started a romantic suspense novel titled Twin Sacrifice back in 2009, and I’m dusting it off to rework it. I haven’t had much time to write lately but I hope to get cranking soon.

Write on, friends!

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How to Make Your #Arguments Effective–Guest Post by Lucy Adams

Jennifer Lane

How to Make Your Arguments Effective to Convince People
(https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/12/03/07/57/exchange-of-ideas-222786_960_720.jpg)
Welcome to Lucy Adams from BuzzEssay, here today with a guest post.

There are a lot of different books and training on how to be successful. Many aim to achieve it through thick and thin, but very few notice that all that they need is the skill of convincing. Yes, convincing and nothing more!

Knowing how to manipulate and change opinions of others, you’ll easily reach personal goals. So if you’re dreaming of becoming a master of conviction, this article is just for you!

To begin with, let’s state that the structure of persuasion consists of three key elements – thesis, arguments, and support. Use them wisely, and you’ll be able to change the position of others towards what you say and do.

#1 Thesis

A thesis is the point of view you want to convey to the audience. Try to state it briefly, clearly, and within one sentence. For example, let’s imagine you say, “Fast food is unhealthy.” Of course, that’s not enough! Explain why you think so. People usually take little for granted, except the well-known axioms that are difficult to argue.

#2 Argumentation

Argumentation is the most complicated stage of convincing, which is carried out to change the position of the interlocutor. It’s used with respect to the social context (if you’re the boss, it’s unlikely that you’ll convince your subordinate of something as you can just put him before the fact).
There are also situations when a person simply does not have enough information to change his position. And when you disclose some additional data, he changes his view. Actually, in this case, you just give information, not using any other tricks.

Argumentation can be either theoretical (based on logical reasoning) or empirical (relying on practice or experience). So how to build your proof? The rules are quite simple:

·     First of all, you should prepare in advance. Approach to the matter seriously – write down all your arguments, and then distribute them into four groups:
o   Safety (for example, a guarantee).
o  Respect (how the person will fill after taking your point of view or buying your product).
o   Independence (the positive implications).
o   Perfection (how the person can use his potential due to the change of his/her previous point of view to yours).

At first glance, these concepts are quite abstract and in some cases even stretched, but they are actively and quite successfully used in sales when you need to convince a potential customer to buy some product or service.

·    Once you divide all your arguments into the four groups, check whether they give comprehensive answers to the following questions:
o   What problems does your statement/thesis solve?
o   Is it convenient for the opponent to take your point of view? Will it be worth much to the interlocutor?
o   Have you provided the interlocutor with enough information so that he/she can safely take your position?


(http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/static/photo/1x/Board-Game-Chess-Conflict-Resignation-Checkmate-1511866.jpg)

If you have clear answers to all these questions while the arguments are backed up and related to safety, respect, independenceand perfection, most likely, you’ll be able to persuade the other person.

Now let’s get back to the example. You should explain the thesis using several arguments, ideally three. These may be:

·      Substandard products are used for cooking.
·      Fast food contains many preservatives.
·      Fast food contains harmful flavor enhancers.

#3 Support

Any argument becomes much more significant if you prove it. For this purpose, you can use statistics, personal experience, reviews, references to authoritative sources, documents and so on. For example:
·      After I had lunch at a fast food restaurant, I had a stomach ache.
·      The doctor said that consuming a lot of cheeseburgers leads to gastritis.
·      According to “XXX” documentary, fast food restaurant use poor-quality raw materials.


The main requirement at this stage is that the provided information must be truthful and not contrary to the arguments.

Some oratory masters believe that the three stages of conviction should strictly follow each other, some say that this sequence is not important. Also, there is the following technique:

·      Thesis->Argument no.1 + Support no.1, Argument no.2 + Support no.2, Argument no.3 + Support no.3, summary concerning the thesis in the beginning.


(http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/static/photo/1x/Dispute-Contention-Argument-Conflict-Controversy-238529.jpg)

Well, the most important is that all these strategies work! The main point is that you should rely on your personal experience and context of the particular situation when choosing between them.   

Bio:

Lucy Adams is a blogger from BuzzEssay – a website that provides research paper writing and many other writing services. She’s an aspiring author who never refuses to cover intriguing themes, regardless of their origin. Education, literature, business, psychology – whatever – if you have something exciting to suggest, Lucy will bring it to life! Contact this diligent author at lucyadams@buzzessay.com