giveaway, insecure writers support group, writing

Rivals Giveaway, Happy 15 Years of the Insecure Writers Support Group, and Fave Character Archetype #IWSG

*sings* Did you remember…To post on the second of September? Welcome to this month’s Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop, started by the groovy Alex Cavanaugh.

Happy 15th Anniversary to the IWSG! What a motivational group that has kept me in the writing game long after the release of my debut novel in 2010. I’m full of gratitude to Alex and all the writers who keep this group going, including today’s co-hosts Kate Larkinsdale, SE White, JS Pailly, Olga Godim, and Natalie Aguirre!  

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

To celebrate, we’re sharing links to our published works to support fellow writers. The best place to find my 10 novels and 2 novellas is my Amazon page. I have quite a few freebies listed in Kindle Unlimited:

Find Jennifer Lane books on Amazon

You can also find me on Goodreads, where I’ve written almost 600 reviews as an avid reader.

Speaking of Goodreads, I’m giving away 100 ebooks of RIVALS! The giveaway starts tomorrow (September 3) and lasts till the end of the month–just in time to read the sports romance between an Ohio State and Michigan coach before the big rivalry football game in November. Thanks to L. Diane Wolfe for formatting this book! Enter the giveaway HERE.

September 2 question – Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

My obsession with the TV show Prison Break, particularly the character of Michael Scofield, started my writing adventure. Actor Wentworth Miller captivated me as he portrayed a poignant juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength. His brilliant character would do anything, including tattooing a full sleeve of the prison blueprints and committing his own crime to get thrown into prison, to save his wrongfully-accused brother from death row.

Since I started writing in 2007, that character archetype of wounded hero has stuck with me. Here’s a definition from scribophile.com:

The wounded hero archetype represents a character who has experienced significant trauma or suffering, which often drives their journey toward healing and redemption. This archetype highlights the struggle between their pain and the desire to help others, making them relatable and complex.

As a psychologist, I’m all about the character arc from trauma to redemption. I get to witness it every day! And I hope to bring that meaningful journey to the stories that I write.

giveaway, sale

New Adult Sports Romance Blocked is FREE

Get book one in the BLOCKED trilogy FREE until 6/18/26! Featured today at Book Bub.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blocked is book one in a trilogy, the Blocked Series.

Blocked — A New Adult Sports Romance Trilogy

For Lucia, volleyball has always been her escape from the suffocating pressure of her father’s presidential campaign. But when she lands at the same university as Dane — the infuriatingly charming son of her father’s rival — her carefully-built walls start to crack. Especially since Dane is the blond 6’8” setter she’s been secretly crushing on from afar.

Opposites in every way, Lucia and Dane shouldn’t work. He’s convinced his family will win the presidency. She’s battling anxiety that threatens to derail her college dreams. Yet the pull between them is impossible to ignore.

The chaos doesn’t stop there.

In Aced (Blocked #2), Lucia’s brooding older brother Alejandro can’t focus on med school once he meets Madison — Lucia’s smart, sexy volleyball teammate who challenges everything he thinks he wants.

In Spiked (Blocked #3), younger brother Mateo, a talented musician, falls hard for a girl with bouncy blond curls — Dane’s sister Jessica. But Jessica’s attraction to another swimmer on her team could destroy her shot at the Olympics… and her heart.

Funny, flirty, and emotional, the Blocked series follows Lucia and her brothers as they navigate forbidden attraction, family loyalty, mental health struggles, and sizzling second chances — proving that sometimes the best plays happen off the court.

Can opposites attract when politics, family, and futures are on the line? Can you rebuild when the block feels permanent?

Perfect for fans of sports romance with heart, heat, and depth — think The Deal meets Kulti with a volleyball-and-swim-team vibe and an unforgettable soundtrack.

insecure writers support group

Book Launches #IWSG

Join our monthly blog post for the Insecure Writers Support Group, created by Alex Cavanaugh.

Thank you to this month’s co-hosts PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!

March 4 question:

What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

I’m choosing to focus on the marketing efforts involved in releasing a novel into the world. My book launches have endured many changes over the years. There were many steps to set myself up as a new author before a small publisher released my debut novel, With Good Behavior, in 2010. I started this blog/website and signed up for Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Book blogging was much more of a thing then, including virtual book tours and review requests. I was fortunate to garner wonderful support from online readers that led to a Goodreads nomination for best romance.

Later releases involved less fanfare. When I transitioned to self-publishing for my New Adult sports romance Blocked in 2014, book blogs and blog tours began to fade. Though I never developed a “street team” or group of beta readers to help market my novels, I benefited from Facebook launch parties in my page and pub sisters’ fan groups. The flurry of posts felt frenetic as fellow authors and I hosted giveaways and games throughout launch day. In particular, I give a shout out to Nicki Elson, Nancee Cain and IWSG writers who have helped promote my novels!

I have hired blog tour companies to host cover reveal and new release tours. I also paid a reader friend to design ads and publicize my brand as a personal assistant. Other marketing efforts have included Goodreads giveaways, Kindle countdown sales, and Amazon preorders. I have used Amazon KDP for all of my novels except for my 2025 releases: Low Water and Behind the Catcher’s Mask, which I published wide on Draft 2 Digital.

Image by Robert Cubitt from Pixabay

With book launches and marketing in general, I believe it’s important to 1) stay current and 2) be persistent. Unfortunately, I don’t follow either piece of advice! Readers have told me I should market my books on TikTok (especially BookTok), but I have no interest in joining yet another social media platform, especially one with ties to China. I also don’t have the motivation or patience to spend money and time on constant promotion of my writing. Instead, I focus on my fulfilling day job and family and friends.

What has worked for you?

giveaway

Howl-o-ween Giveaway Hop

Thanks to The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It for hosting!

It’s great to participate in the October giveaway hop–my first from my new home in South Carolina. I’m sure the Halloween weather will be warmer compared to Ohio.

As a psychologist / author (psycho author), I took a hiatus after the release of Rivals–a romance between Ohio State and Michigan coaches. I’m thrilled to be writing again! My next novel is a psychological drama titled Low Water that features a powerful treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

I’m giving away two of my ebooks and a $20 Amazon gift card. Enter on the Rafflecopter, and be sure to check out all the cool giveaways.

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December $100 Cash Giveaway

I’m excited to co-host this fantastic giveaway. Besides the chance to win $100, individuals who comment on this post are entered to win a Jennifer Lane ebook trilogy of your choice, either romantic suspense (The CONduct Series) or sports romance (The BLOCKED Series.) 

Please comment on this post and tell me your favorite book or favorite reading genre that keeps you warm during the cold winter!

Happy December! We wish you a warm time of cheer this holiday season and offer you the chance to win some cash! This event is HOSTED by The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It and sponsored by fabulous bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! Click Your Way Over To Our CoHosts! Sunshine and Rollercoasters, Get Your Holiday On, Deliciously Savvy, Sybrina’s Book Blog, Author Jill Chapman, Ottawa Mommy Club, Versatileer, Saving K, Jessica Inspired by Faith, Jennifer Lane Books, Mom Does Reviews, and The Frugal Grandmom.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef ONE entrant will be selected by the entry form to win $100 USD PayPal Cash! Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 12/01/2023 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 12/21/2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This event is not sponsored or endorsed by PayPal. A winner will be chosen after/around December 22, 2023. The winner will have 12 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize. Twitter and Facebook dummy/fake accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
giveaway

Life’s a Beach Giveaway Hop

Thanks to The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It for hosting!

So pumped that summer is around the corner here in Ohio! We may not have great beaches, but I’m giddy about my outdoor pool opening soon. Lap swimming is *so* much better in the sunshine.

I’m giving away three prizes: a $10 gift card, an audiobook of my sports romance Rivals to a US or UK winner, and a Jennifer Lane ebook of your choice.

As a psychologist and author (psycho author), I write sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist.

Enter on the Rafflecopter.

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Splash on over to these fun participating blogs:

giveaway

September to Remember Giveaway

Thank you to The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island for hosting!

While the shortening daylight and outdoor pool closures sadden me, I am excited for cooler walking temperatures in September.

What are you looking forward to this September?

I’m giving away a $10 gift card and an audiobook (US or UK) and ebook (international) of my latest release, sports romance Rivals.

She’s a Buckeye. He’s a Wolverine. It’s a romance with balls.
a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hop over to these participating blogs to win more stuff!

giveaway, new release

Life’s a Beach Giveaway Hop

Thanks to The Kids Did It and The Mommy’s Island for hosting this fun giveaway!

I’m giving away an ebook and audiobook of my latest sports romance, Rivals, which includes a beach volleyball scene. Also up for grabs is a $10 gift card!

He’s a Wolverine. She’s a Buckeye. It’s a forbidden romance with balls.

Enter to win on the Rafflecopter!

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Paddle over to these participating blogs to win more beach gear!

giveaway, new release

Let’s Get Lucky Giveaway Hop

Thanks to The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island for hosting!

In addition to a $10 gift card, I’m giving away an advance reader copy of my new sports romance, Rivals. It’s only $.99 to preorder HERE.

She’s a Buckeye. He’s a Wolverine. It’s a romance with balls.

Enter on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And hop over to these lucky blogs!

giveaway

Bath and Body Works $100 Gift Card Giveaway

2021 is a year of new possibilities! I’m joining a group of bloggers to offer this giveaway. Enter to win by adding my new sports romance, Rivals, to your Goodreads shelf along with other entries on the Rafflecopter below. We hope you’re the lucky winner of our January monthly gift card event featuring Bath & Body Works!

This event is HOSTED by The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It and sponsored by the awesome bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! Find Your Way Over To The CoHosts!Still Blonde… after all these YEARS!, Raising 3 Savvy Ladies,Versatileer, Smarter Home Cooking, Angie’s Angle, This Frugal Family, Beautiful Touches, Deliciously Savvy, Dine Dream Discover, The Frugal Grandmom, Simply Sherryl, Sonya’s Happenings…, It’s Free At Last, and Mom To Grandma!

Enter the Giveaway! ONE entrant will be selected by the entry form to win a $100 Bath & Body Works Gift Card! Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 01/01/21 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 01/31/21 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. A winner will be chosen after/around February 01, 2021. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize. Dummy/fake accounts including Twitter and Facebook are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. Remember this is an OPTIONAL giveaway and you DO NOT have to enter if you do not like how many entries there are. The bloggers listed have come together as a collective to give a gift card to a winner. Rude comments and complaining will not be tolerated.

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