insecure writers support group

Insecure Writers Support Group: Why I Write

Happy November, writers! Kvetch with us at Alex Cavanaugh’s blog.

Thank you to the wonderful co-hosts for the November 4 posting of the IWSG: Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

November 4 question – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

Fantastic question! I never expected to become a writer. What I didn’t realize, however, was that I lived the writer experience long before publishing novels. As a psychologist, I write a case note after every psychotherapy session. These are narratives about the past, present, and future; narratives about tragedies and triumphs. I’ve also written a few scientific journal articles and book chapters.

So, maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched that I started writing novels, since they share a common motivation with my case notes: trying to make sense of why we do what we do.

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay
Image by Foundry Co. from Pixabay
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay 

Over time, I’ve developed other reasons for writing:

  • Demystifying psychotherapy
  • Sharing the healing power of love
  • Exploring how functional and dysfunctional families work
  • Creating happy endings when I can’t find them in real life, and…
  • CONNECTING with the reader. I think we’re all seeking connection.

What about you? What motivates you to write or read?

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Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop

Thanks to The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It for hosting the Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop. What a cute kitty.


How do you like winter? I’m not a big fan, especially due to the shorter days. Americans, let’s lobby Congress to keep Daylight Savings Time all year long!

Until that happens, let’s celebrate a fun part of winter holidays: GIFTS! I’m giving away a $15 gift card and a Jennifer Lane ebook of your choice. I write sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist.

Enter on the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop on over to these participating wintry blogs!

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Cover Reveal: Stars Fall From the Sky by @KGFletcher3

Congratulations to KG Fletcher on her upcoming release, Stars Fall From the Sky! Check out the sunny cover.

Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Fall-Reigning-Hearts-Book-ebook/dp/B07XXF9QDT/

Grief brought them together. Will love tear them apart?

Ginger McCormick is living her very own happily-ever-after. With her precious newborn daughter and handsome firefighter husband by her side, life couldn’t be any sweeter in Sandersville Beach. When a freak accident occurs, and her world is suddenly turned upside down, Ginger can no longer bear to be near the ocean that anchored so many happy memories. Nevertheless, her best friend’s beachside wedding is on the horizon, and Ginger must face her biggest fears to be there for Emeline on her special day.

Across town, Doctor Jonathon Walden struggles to move on from his former life and career in Atlanta after relocating to the sleepy beach town. He mostly keeps to himself and yearns for the day when the ghosts of his past will no longer haunt him.

When Ginger and Jonathon both realize they need outside help to mend their broken hearts, the two run into each other at a local meeting and develop an instant friendship. Can they resist the undeniable connection they feel for each other as they navigate their grief together? Or will they decide to go it alone and walk away from a second chance at love?


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Oh The Places You’ll Go #Giveaway Hop

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

How do you feel about school time approaching? I work at a university where my workload is lighter in the summer, so I have some trepidation about the school year starting, but it’s also exciting for fall sports to begin.

I’m giving away a $10 gift card as well as two ebooks of Blocked, featuring a romance between two volleyball rivals as they start college.


Enter on the Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Hop over to these oh so great places to enter to win their prizes!

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Cover Reveal: FOUR MEANINGFUL WORDS by @AM_Guilliams

Title: Four Meaningful Words
Author: A.M. Guilliams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Kari March Designs
Release Date: July 31, 2019

Blurb

Four words posed in a question started the beginning of our future.
Will you marry me?
Ten years of love and laughter, triumphs and failures, losses and gains later, and four words threatened to end it all.
Everything has a beginning and an end. I just never saw mine coming. Especially when I finally thought we were getting it all.
Until my husband and lifeline uttered….
I want a divorce.
Only I had four words of my own. Words that should be said out of happiness and pure joy. Words I’d been dying to say, but never could. A sentence that he may never hear now that he didn’t want to be my forever anymore.

Exclusive Pre-order
$2.99 for a limited time!!
Author Bio
A.M. Guilliams is a romantic suspense and women’s fiction author who currently resides in Virginia with her husband, three children, and fur babies. Books, flip flops, coffee, chocolate, The Walking Dead, and Chicago Fire are just a few of her obsessions. Her love of books began with novels by Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. When she’s not writing, you can find her down by the river with her family, curled up on the couch with a good book, or watching her favorite movies and television shows.
Author Links
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New Release: THE REINTRODUCTION OF SAMMIE MORGAN by @Nancee_Cain #romance #series



Release Date: July 11, 2019

Cover Design: Shannon M. Lumetta

Congratulations to Nancee! I’m reading this now and enjoying the characterization. Great series!

Synopsis


Still reeling from the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter, Matt Tyler trudges through life, caring for his young son, managing his cantankerous father, and working as much as he can. Despite his best efforts, bills are piling up and his vindictive in-laws seem determined to take Luke away from him.

Things change when he stumbles upon Sammie Morgan—with a car that won’t run and her mother’s ashes in the backseat. Best friends growing up, Matt and Sammie have spent years apart following very different paths. Now they’ve both run out of options. Without a dime in her pocket, Sammie has nowhere to go. And Matt lacks the stable home life he needs to fight his former in-laws. 

Their hasty solution? A marriage of convenience.

But how convenient will this reintroduction be if it means Matt and Sammie have to relive the most painful parts of their past?

Goodreads



Purchase Link


Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/1AWbzO

Now Available





The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie (Pine Bluff – Book 1) – FREE
Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/gNnEh

The Redemption of Emma Devine (Pine Bluff – Book 2) – .99 cents
Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/Jpi5Mz

The Rehabilitation of Angel Sinclair (Pine Bluff – Book 3)
Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/B9zs1Av

The Redirection of Damien Sinclair (Pine Bluff – Book 4)
Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/6qssg9j

The Reinvention of Jinx Howell (Pine Bluff – Book 5)
Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/dmVt



About the Author


During the day, Nancee works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction. This supports her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. Readers say her stories are character driven and full of angst with humor. She is represented by Stephanie Phillips of SBR Media. 

Connect with Nancee



Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2IzKmaN

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2XC9qV5




Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2R3dnzN

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/31psubu


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Christmas in July #NewAdult #Book #Sale #SportsRomance #.99

Welcome to the New Adult Christmas in July Promo! This week you’ll find all these wonderful New Adult titles for $2.99 or less out on Amazon. (My book, BLOCKED, is only $.99!) Be sure to read up on each title and check them out. 

Death Island

Author: Kelsey Ketch Her family name tainted by her great-grandfather’s crimes of piracy, Meriden Cummings is far from the typical 18th century woman. A social outcast, she works in a carpentry shop in a small village, where the people barely tolerate unconventional behavior. However, her life takes a turn after a gang of pirates attack her village and her blood reveals an ancient map adorned with Mayan glyphs leading to Death Island. An island legends say is ruled by the Mayan god of the underworld, Ah Puch. Her great-grandfather had sought after the island before he vanished without a trace. Now, Meriden is about to journey across the sea to understand her family history. There are only a few problems: her growing feelings toward a mysterious stranger linked to her great-grandfather’s past; a greedy band of pirates after her great-grandfather’s legendary treasure; and a contract she has unwittingly signed in blood with Ah Puch himself.

Amazon

Blocked

Author: Jennifer Lane Blocked is a New Adult sports romance. College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her. Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President. When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start?

Amazon

Olympian Passion

Author: Andrya Bailey Olympian Passion is the first book in the Olympian trilogy, by romance author Andrya Bailey. It is the recipient of Readers’ Favorite 5-star seal and 2016 New Apple Literary Medalist Winner in Contemporary Romance. Sabrina loves everything about Greek mythology and can’t believe when she’s accepted for an internship at the Fine Arts Museum in Houston. There, she meets the handsome Greek archaeologist Nikos Soulis, who will spend two months at the museum, and she falls head over heels for him. But the sexy professor seems too busy and already spoken for… so why does he insist on helping her with her project? Can Sabrina avoid heartbreak when she is seduced by the hot Olympian-looking god of her dreams? “A great romance that does justice to the mythological theme.”

Amazon

Tin Man’s Dance

Author: MK Schiller The one time Lilly Franklin rewards herself with a front-row concert ticket is turning into an epic fail. Not to mention the tall, cocky boy who claims her front-row seat is all wicked smiles, long legs and tug-worthy hair. Well, he’s messing with the wrong girl. But as the night wears on, Lily starts to see a softer side of former marine, James “Hutch” Hutchinson. A side that makes her shed her loner inhibitions along with her clothes. There is a difference between trouble and troubled. In Hutch, she has found both. Hutch lost more than a leg in the Iraqi desert. Returning to school on the GI Bill wasn’t exactly in the plans…but plans change. Now he only wants to meet the mysterious dancer, but he’s forgotten how to talk to women, especially one as graceful as Lilly. So armed with a plan that even a twelve-year-old would laugh at, he steals Lilly’s seat. Only fair since she stole his heart first. But Lilly has plans, too. As if Hutch’s life wasn’t already a sh*t storm of sacrifice. How can he give up the one thing that’s made him feel real?

Amazon

If We Had No Winter

Author: D.L. Pitchford Does a father who abandoned his family deserve a second chance? Can an unwanted daughter restore her faith in men? Or has Billie already sabotaged her chance at first love? After her parents’ divorce, introverted Billie Dixon buries herself in her studies. Her plan? To stay out of sight, out of mind, and out of trouble. But that plan fails when she starts at Bradford College. While hopeful to renew her relationship with her estranged father, she struggles to resist the advances of her persuasive tutoring student. But no one gets under her skin like her best friend’s playboy roommate, whose snarky smirk drives her up a wall…and into his bed. But is Billie too broken to open her heart again? If she can’t find closure with her father, she’ll close the door on love. But a huge fight with her father threatens to ruin any hope of healing her past and securing her future. If you enjoyed Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Looking for Alaska by John Green, you’re sure to love IF WE HAD NO WINTER.

Amazon


His Dark Magic

  Author: Pat Esden Its power is legendary. It can fulfill every impossible magical desire. But for one young witch seeking redemption, the Northern Circle coven will challenge her skills—and her heart—beyond measure. One tragic impulsive mistake made Chloe Winslow an outcast to her influential magic family. As a medical student, she wants to combine science with sorcery to heal those she hurt and right her wrongs. But brilliant, charismatic Devlin Marsh re-routes her plans with a once-in-eternity offer: membership in the exclusive Northern Circle, a mysterious Vermont coven known for pushing the limits. Enthralled by Devlin and their mesmerizing mutual attraction, Chloe makes a dangerous sacrifice to help the Circle’s high priestess awaken Merlin himself—and learn his timeless cures. But a foreshadowing soon causes Chloe to doubt the Circle’s real motives, as well as Devlin’s . . . Now Merlin’s demonic shade is loose in the human world, while Chloe and Devlin’s uneasy alliance will pit them against ancient enemies, malevolent illusions, and shattering betrayal. And with the fate of two realms in the balance, Chloe must risk her untried power against a force she can’t defeat—and a passion that could destroy her.

Amazon

House of Goths

Author: Maria Bernard House of Goths – Not Your Average Fraternity House Becky Sparks is a sweet, average girl who refuses to spend her college years in a lonely, soul destroying dorm, surrounded by people who don’t care enough to ask her name. Bassist Kelley Keele is a Goth with a dark past. He resides at what he and his equally eccentric bandmates, Crispin, and Dorian, like to refer to as the House of Goths. On the first day of class, these two polar opposites literally crash into each other. Mesmerized by his overwhelming persona, Becky forms an instant bond with the scary Goth with red streaks in his hair. So much so that when she spies him putting up an ad for a fourth housemate, Becky jumps at the chance to move in, away from her dreary life at the unfriendly dorm. The problem is, well, she’s a girl and a mundane one at that.

Amazon

Reckless Treasure

Author: Cecily Wolfe When her mother is sleeping with the man she loves, what’s a girl to do? Francesca is weeks away from high school graduation and the hope of escaping her self-centered, grasping family – her trashy mother and hustling twin brother. While her crush on their older neighbor holds her attention, she is blind to what everyone else can clearly see, the love her best friend Mitch carries in his heart for her. When her dead grandmother’s high school boyfriend returns to town for his class reunion, his immediate attraction to Francesca is a game changer. Can Mr. Long – and his wealth – open up undreamed of opportunities for Francesca’s future, and at what price?

Amazon

Calling California

Author: J.P. Grider A modern day story about pride and prejudice… Cali Parker is poor. She has a lot on her plate – her father is dying, she’s working to help pay the rent, and she’s two-years behind in college. Griffin Brooks is rich. He has not a care in the world – he’s acing his engineering courses, his hobby is restoring his fifty-thousand dollar classic car, and he has a different girl on his arm every week. When Cali sees Griffin on her first day of class, she’s immediately smitten and thinks she’s found the perfect guy. When Griffin sees Cali at the bank, he immediately forgets the blonde he was with that morning. Then they meet, and their worlds collide. Cali doesn’t belong in Griffin’s world, and he doesn’t understand hers. But just when Griffin convinces Cali that their two different worlds can blend, a secret is revealed that tears them apart. Is their love strong enough to bring them back together, or will their worlds drift further apart?

Amazon

Just One Summer

Author: Lynn Stevens One summer, no regrets Carly Reynolds does not want to work at her father’s Branson theater over the summer, but she has no choice. After wrecking his prized Mercedes on Prom night, she’s got to pay him back somehow before she leaves for college. Now she’s stuck working as the personal assistant to twenty-year-old Gracin Ford, former member of one-hit-wonder boy band Accentuate. Gracin is demanding, condescending, and an all-around jerk. Carly would rather eat glass than deal with a male diva who’s more famous for his stint in rehab than his music. Until she realizes that Gracin’s lonely. Once she welcomes him into her life, she starts to let him into her heart. Even though she knows it will end when she leaves for school, Carly doesn’t want to look back on her life and wonder what if. Even if it means a broken heart.

Amazon

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New Release: FOLLOW YOUR ARROW by @AMWillardAuthor #romance


Release Date: May 22, 2018
Cover Design: MadHat Books

Synopsis

All I wanted to do was run my bookstore, forget my failed marriage, and escape my past. But life on a tiny island makes that tough, especially when rumors are swirling that Justin Albott, famous mystery writer and my first love, is returning to the island. I’ve watched his career. Stocked my bookstore with hardcovers that bear his glossy photo. There seems to be two sides to his personality. The online persona, who smiles when prompted, and the one that I remember—the thief of hearts. The one who just walked into my store and crooked that familiar grin. We’ve both changed over the years. I’m no longer married, and he’s no longer the boy who left me behind. I’d give anything to know why he’s really come back and if that kiss between us was real.  

 

Purchase Links
Kobo: Coming Soon
   
Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card

 

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 for twenty years ago.

After releasing her first novella series back in 2014, A.M. set out on a new goal to bring her readers a broad range of romantic stories from her desk. This includes Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, and from time to time some Sexy Romance. A.M. is an active member of RWA (Romance Writers of America).  

Connect with A.M. Willard
Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2eIn2wHFacebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2s1tFLrFacebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2eDhrnMGoodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2xN42BVTwitter: http://bit.ly/2w4ovjPInstagram: http://bit.ly/2j10sRzAmazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2xMQV3HBookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2iZUbW6
 
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New Release: CHAOS by Jen Locklear @RandomCran #romance


Title: Chaos
Series: Constellation #2
Author: Jennifer Locklear
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 17

Congratulations, Jennifer!

He’s older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets. She’s intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb.
On the surface, advertising executive Jack Evans has it all. Blessed with striking good looks, a thriving career, a stylish wife, and an adoring daughter, he’s still struggling with personal turmoil. And when his wife abruptly leaves, it’s up to Jack to care for his child alone while picking up the pieces of his broken past.
While doing so, Jack is drawn to the up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton. She’s stunning and intuitive—and everything he needs now that the divorce is finalized. As he falls for his sexy colleague, Jack worries that Kathleen may not be able to handle the chaos of his life. Will Jack escape the mistakes of his past to capture the future he deserves?

AMAZON * AMAZON UK

AMAZON CA * AMAZON AU

Jennifer Locklear lives in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She married her high school sweetheart, Morgan, in 1995. She is the mother of two children, a son and daughter.
Jennifer enjoyed creative writing as an adolescent, but set aside her favorite hobby to concentrate on college studies, career and family. In 2010, she rediscovered her passion for writing when her husband recruited her to edit his own stories. They co-authored and published their debut novel, Exposure, in 2014.
Since 2000, Jennifer has been employed in fundraising and development for a non-profit organization. She has been a contributing reviewer for the “Bookish Temptations” book blog and is a founding moderator of “Argyle Empire,” an approved fan site for author Sylvain Reynard. She also enjoys participating in charitable activities, both locally and online.
Constellation is Jennifer’s first solo novel.
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New Release: ASPHALT COWBOY’S GIRL by Marie Savage #romance #giveaway


Title: Asphalt Cowboys Girl
Author: Marie Savage
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 15, 2018


On the highway, bad things can happen …

Aimee Jo Elliot isn’t having a good day. Her long anticipated journey to California is cut short when her car is stolen. Stranded at a truck stop in Alabama, with no car, no money, and most of all, no hope, she’s desperate to get back on the road. California holds the answer to her dreams and an escape from the danger she’s left behind in Georgia. Accepting a ride from the sexy truck driver has its own set of risks, but she never considered it would be to her heart.

The life of an asphalt cowboy …

Luke McIntyre has life all figured out. He owns his own rig, makes his own rules, and only answers to himself. The solitude of life on the road suits him just fine. Not one for permanent relationships, he has no problems picking up temporary lovers. And he always makes sure they know the score—hot sex, respect, but no strings. His quiet life is shot to hell, however, when he offers the Georgia beauty a ride. He soon discovers that rules are made to be broken.

In for the long haul …

Luke and Aimee Jo soon realize their simple four-day journey is anything but simple. An instant attraction sidetracks their well-made plans and dreams. When they reach California, decisions must be made. Will they go their separate ways, or journey on together? 

Marie Savage is a self-published author who has a love for family, friendships, patriotic spirit, and hometown pride.
Born and raised in the Florida Panhandle, she has always had a love for reading and writing, with the romance genre being her obvious favorite. Her desire to expand her horizons, led her to join the United States Air Force and proudly serve her country for six years.
While stationed in Atwater California, she met her true love and together they have shared life’s beautiful joys and tragic losses. After spending over half her life in the Central Valley of California, she has moved back home to the Wiregrass area, where her passion for writing first began.

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