THANK YOU SO MUCH! Love this review of Reno's story: Before the Madness
Crystal's Many Reviewers: #Throwback: Shadow-Keepers: This is the first in a series of novella
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Whispers with Author - Piper Kay
Why
don’t you share with us what a day in the life of Piper Kay is like away from
the books?
Wait, what? We get days
away from the books? Does it also apply to the men living in my head? Lol Well
for me, it’s a fun filled day of non-stop adventures. I get to find my way
through the maze of mismatched clothes, play a game of scrubbing bubbles with
the toilet.
Oh,
oooh and on very special occasions, I get permission to enter the Do Not Enter
room, that belongs to my teenager. She’s an activist and been really involved
with some sort of “Save the carpet” campaign. She takes all the clothes in her
closet and her drawers, along with all the things she’s borrowed from friends
and stolen from me, and strategically strews them across her carpet in a
protest to fight for carpet fiber rights. She’s amazing at it, making sure
every time, to use all her clean clothes, as well as her dirty ones to do this.
After making her point through reminding me she’s always right and she does
indeed know everything at age 15, we may sit down to have a real home cooked
meal together. She loves our time together so much, that she spends the entire
time texting every single one of her friends to tell them about it. Okay, hold
up, Is it getting deep in here yet? Lol Is for me. I’m so boring it’s unreal. I
do household chores, grocery shop and sleep. Hahaha On occasions, I will read,
catch a movie or make a concert.
Your
upcoming book – Passion’s Pride is being released soon. Can you tell us a bit about it and the series
it’s a part of?
Oh yes, the Passion
Series
Book One-A
Perfect Passion, is about my guys Damien and Dax, oh and a crazy lunatic ex
named Aaron. Damien was always giving too much, and Aaron, his live= in
boyfriend took advantage of that, but he gets caught in the act and is out of
Damien’s life. Damien’s pool man, Dax, sexy, tall, rock god body is a straight
man, who just split with his girlfriend. Since Damien has a big house he rents
Dax a room and their story takes the two of them from hurt and fears to trust
and love, and a passion neither of them can deny as much as they might try.
BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjv01WtlWFc
Book Two-Payce’s
Passion is all about finding Aaron, the lunatic from book one, Damien’s ex. See
Payce, Aaron and Braxton grew up on the streets as kids. Payce was the ring
leader, but was set up and did a little time behind bars to protect Braxton. As
young adults, barely legal, they shared one night together, the next day is
when Payce went away. As Payce hunts down Aaron, he crosses paths with
childhood one nighter, Brax again, after seven long years and everything
ignites. They have so much stuff to get past, mainly Payce going away and never
coming back to him, to Aaron, and being set up, that both are almost ready to
walk away from it all. Again though, passion is a powerful thing. Now Sparky
(from book three) first appears as a waiter in this story, but when he talks,
he steals the scene. So much so, that he HAD to have his own story. He went
from a one line character, into one that became everyone’s favorite character
in the series. He was that good.
Book Three-Passions Pride, Passion’s
Pride is the final book of The Passion Series, featuring all the characters
from the first two, but focusing in on Serge, aka Sparky, and Ash. Sparky has had a crush on his manager for
almost 2 years, so in this one, they finally take a chance on each other. And
the Sparks
If
you had to decide on one influence and/or person that made you head down the
writer’s path, who or what was it?
Okay, this is actually the truth, but in a negative sort of way,
so I’ll keep it short and sweet, then give you a positive if that is okay? My mother and her words growing up “you’ll
never amount to anything if…” and also the words “Stop daydreaming, what makes
you think you have what it takes to become an author, you’re delusional for
even thinking that. You need to snap out of this fantasy world you live in and
go get a real job.
Now the positive was from my best friend, Bobby, who I’d known since 6th grade until he passed away 2 yrs ago. He was also an author. “You can do anything you put your mind to, so just do it. Put pen to paper and let what happens, happen. And then if it doesn’t come naturally, we going to do it differently. We’re forcing it out of you, because your mother is going to eat those words one day.” Hahaha He was someone who truly understood me, and loved me and vice versa. How can you have a friendship that long without it?
Now the positive was from my best friend, Bobby, who I’d known since 6th grade until he passed away 2 yrs ago. He was also an author. “You can do anything you put your mind to, so just do it. Put pen to paper and let what happens, happen. And then if it doesn’t come naturally, we going to do it differently. We’re forcing it out of you, because your mother is going to eat those words one day.” Hahaha He was someone who truly understood me, and loved me and vice versa. How can you have a friendship that long without it?
You
were recently named Author of the Month at Divine Magazine. What was that like?
Incredible, and so humbling. I felt very honored.
It was all awe and amazement at the same time. The magazine has an outstanding
following in the LGBT community and is a great resource point of reference.
Unfortunately, they were also targeted about a week ago by some that are
anti-gay . Yes, there are still those that feel the need to judge others and
carry out hateful things, even in 2015, so last minute, they decided to rename
the magazine and start completely over again rather than take any more risks at
being targeted again. They will have to build their following again, etc. Here
is the link to them (and the Author of the Month feature-lol)I would love it if
you could show your support by following them as they build back up what was
taken from them. http://divinemagazine.net/book-stuff/author-of-the-month/february-2015-author-of-the-month-piper-kay
Their other sites are: FB https://www.facebook.com/divinemagazine.net
Twitter: https://twitter.com/divineweekly
You
are with an Indie publishing house. Can you tell me your thoughts on the indie environment and
things you wish would change? Or is ideal about it?
Well, I’m published through a small Indie house publisher, called Hot Ink Press. Hot Ink
is an imprint of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. When I signed
with them, they were one of the first ones I’d heard called that, but I didn’t
know exactly what it meant…I soon found out and I love the whole concept of
being indie.
Basically, our authors get a say in how our books are published,
what genre and categories they will fall into, and we have control over what
our covers look like, have a say so in designing them, how promotions are handled,
etc. All in all, we have a voice in decisions regarding our own books. These
are all ideal working arrangements in my book.
The owner, SJ Davis, is a real down to earth person whom the
authors adore and love. Over the two plus years I’ve never once heard a demand
from her, but instead a fairness in what we think. She actually does listen to
us, asks for input or feedback regarding things that will affect us, our books,
and us as a whole unit. Our indie house works together as a family unit. We
have just over a hundred authors now, and to be able to pull off that many with
set schedules, plans, ideas, opinions and keep it civil at all times, is a huge
plus where I’m concerned.
I guess it’s a little obvious I’m all pro-indie, huh? Lol
I guess it’s a little obvious I’m all pro-indie, huh? Lol
As for negatives, when I find one, I’ll let you know. There used
to be a certain dislike for indies, but that has even calmed down over the
years.
What
is your process when you sit down to write a book? Can you share your techniques, keys to seeing
that you finish it?
My technique is to have no technique. Lol! A
sure fire way to get me off the beaten path is to plan it out, or make an
outline. I’m a total pantser. I may have a general story line in mind, but when
I come to the desk, I come empty handed. I completely let my characters do the
walking and talking. Where they take me, I just follow along and type it down
as they show it to me. I think what drives me to finish it, is that I also want
to know how it ends too, so the sooner I can get there, the better. There are certain
things that I do when writing, like blast music, guzzle caffeine like a Mac
truck does fuel, but those are just little extras. Hahahaha! I kid you not, I
have been on the last pages of a book and gone to sleep only to wake up and
type what they want and bam my solo just turned into a series. It happened with
A Perfect Passion. I had to message my publisher and tell her what happened,
she said run with it, so I did. Hahaha It was intense.
You
have a great following and many authors are looking to have the same —what
advice could you give to others?
My readers ROCK, seriously. They are the best and I’m very lucky
to have them. Advice, hmmm… Be yourself,
never forget where you came from, and never get too big for your britches.
Traditional
versus Indie—why did you choose indie?
In the beginning, I honestly came into writing almost blind. I
hadn’t researched it, but knew I wanted to do it. Luckily I ended up in contact
with some wonderful people along the way who told me what to expect, to watch
out for and probably the best advice ever given was to find someone I wanted to
be like and find someone I didn’t want to be like and watch them and what they
do, how they interact, promote, comment, share, etc., etc., etc. I learned a
lot about some indie authors at the time, as well as traditional authors. I
knew I didn’t want what the traditional authors had to go through right off the
bat. The authors themselves are extremely nice and sweet people, but their
publishing companies, I just didn’t agree with a lot of what they do is all.
It’s fine for some, it just wasn’t my cup of tea is all. I like the freedom
that comes with being indie.
What
is in the future with your writing? What projects are you working on?
Oh wow ummm…there are a lot of them,
projects that is, for this year. Hope I can do it all.
~Currently waiting for the all clear on Passion’s Pride, which
will be very soon.
~March 10th is tentative for a surprise mini-series
coming out. No one knows about it, so I’ll spill a little bit here, it’s an M/M
Erotic Comedy Mini Series, and by mini-series, I mean episodes like a weekly TV
series would have, but this will be every 2-3 months, then the next episode
will release. And by comedy, I mean me attempting something I’m completely
clueless about.
~March 25th tentative for Joey’s Choice. Now, don’t
faint, but it’s my first ya/teen book coming out. It’s a super short, about a
17 yr old high school boy who is bullied because he is gay. It’s got a few
tough spots in it, but the outcome of it all is awesome. You’ll see.
That covers up until March, then I have a break with releases
until June, so have some major writing to do in between the two.
~June 27th is tentative release date for my 3rd
book in the Invicta Series (my go-go dancing boys-growl)
~July 31st is tentative date for my new MC series
called The Southern Sinners Series. It’s my motorcycle club story that I am so
excited about. Leather, hotties, Harley’s= Mmmm…
~October 24th is also tentative release date for my 4th
book in the Invicta Series (more go-go boys-woo hoo)
~December 12th tentative for The Passion Series Reunion
book. (yes, I am one of those authors who can’t let her characters go. I just
can’t seem to cut the apron strings)
What
do you consider some of the best blogs, promo services and others for getting
the word out there? Who do you
recommend?
Any blog is a
good blog, it’s free promo. For LGBT
books, I would say Rainbow Gold Reviews, Bike Book Reviews, GGR, Gay Media.
For M/F and/or MM too. Ashley’s Addictive Book Promotions, Crystals Many Review’s,
Naughtybook Snitch, Naughty Ladies Book Page, Pussycat Promotions, plus ~ahem,
cough cough~ I just started a promo page and review section on my website as
well www.piperkayauthor.com
And finally—here’s your chance to give a
fellow writer or someone that wants to become one some advice—what would it be?
Watch, a lot. Find those you do and don’t want to
be like and observe from a safe distance, no stalking now.-hahaha Join some writing groups, and never be afraid
to ask questions, everyone has to do it.
Fun Stuff:
Favorite Color - Blue
Favorite Color - Blue
Favorite Type of Food - Mexican
If you could be a cartoon character, who? Jessica Rabbit, Rogers
And tell me Piper….are you a CRUISER GIRL?
J Ahhhhhhhh,
well now you got me going. Absolutely a CRUISER GIRL. Nederland Nederland , Texas
I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and share a bit of yourself with me. How can people stalk...I mean ;) find you?
Links:
Website & Blog: http://www.piperkayauthor.com
Amazon author page: http://smarturl.it/PiperKayOnAmazon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperKayAuthor
Google: https://google.com/+PiperKay
Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/piperkay80/
About me: http://about.me/piper.kay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChQcM-y0AvDtn6YO9PY7lxg
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
To Give It Up (Writing)
I admit...in the last few weeks I have given very real thought to giving up writing. It had very little to do with my new career which more than pays my bills. Nor to do with stress or lack of motivation and inspiration. I always find motivation and inspiration.
My books do well. My fans are the best. I've been lucky to never have less than a 4-star review and the rest are 5. And all love my books.
The literary world has been kind to me in the form of wonderful peers and bloggers as well as others in the industry. So...now that I've made that clear (and you know this isn't a woe is me, pity me post...read on. I know you were worried there. :) )
No...the crux of my mental meanderings was this: In a sea of freebies, 99 cent books and never ending TBR's I was asking myself what's the point?
I have been called many things, and I don't know, maybe they are all true: book snob, egotistical author, asshole, judgmental, holier than us, no talent, puppeteer of people...insert more words here. Yeah. Some of that hurt. Others...well...you don't know me at ALL so it didn't even tickle.
No. It was because I just can't do the whole freebie, cheap book thing unless its a special deal, or limited time as a reward. Add to my book being stolen and given out to dozens and dozens of people either by blogs or people (I'm told this is a positive thing--helping to get my name/books out there..uh...no) its just frustrating.
Sure...who doesn't want to be known for their talent? Known as an author of worth who writes well, constantly strives to become better and makes sure to put out books (full-length, fully edited, original covers...books) and price them the average price worthy of all the hard work I've put into them.
Sure...I won't lie. I'd love to make lots of money for my writing, pack signings. And any author who says they don't care or want those things are lying--we love to write, sure. But we like to eat and see all that hard work pay off too. None of my books, are priced ridiculously...$2.99- $4.99.
But it goes so far and beyond getting known...
It goes deep to the core of valuing my work. My characters. Are they worth free? Less than a dollar? Hell no. To me they are priceless in the value they give me in creating them. They make me feel like a million when someone loved them too. When a reader says they cried, ranted, screamed as they read the pages.
I just can't toss all that effort out to be consumed cheap just to "get my name out there". Because chances are my pricing my books as free or $.99 is not going to get my name " known". Its like saying somehow my name will float to the top of the ocean of names that penny-ed their books or wash up on the shore of a TBR beach. Its literary bingo with a million of numbered balls and even more of those stupid cards that never match.
I don't want to be known as that type of author. I'm sorry...call me a snob. Call me delusional or naive. But one thing you can't say is my books aren't good. You can't say I don't believe in them by investing not only money but time on them because I don't cheapen them...in any aspect.
What's the point, you ask?
Its this: if all the readers care about is cheap and free, what is the point in trying to produce a quality novel? Why stay up nights...days on end in creating characters, worlds and stories if I am just going to invest and get zero return? Whether it be a royalty or a review? Why would I price that creation cheaper than the worse burger at the cheapest junk food place? Or free... No. There was no point so why keep trying? I couldn't find one. And it broke my heart.
I don't solely blame readers. I don't place all the guilt upon digital formats or Amazon. I don't even toss that big of a hunk of accusation at my fellow authors. I think its a combo of all...and we all shall stumble with the burden and cost eventually.
So, I consoled myself in the fact that all that time and energy I was now using for writing, I could now use to HOPEFULLY be a positive energy in a venom filled indie publishing world. I'm mentoring two promising authors and DBP has so much potential to be that creative home that authors need--there would be plenty to take up the slack I would have in giving up writing my own works. I could work closely with struggling writers and maybe help them in that struggle with what I've learned. It makes me so sad to see our writing community turning on its residents so brutally. Something has to change. Its a dark, vicious world for authors if they aren't "big"... But well knowns aren't immune either. The literary world is in a fiery tailspin. It will hit and crash...soon.
But could I do that to my wonderful fans? Some of which have become my friends and best supporters? Well, I was writing and putting it out there long before I published my first book with my name on it via social media and other avenues--I could still give them things to read " The Ward Way". They, most of all, would understand.
It's a huge decision. Big for me considering writing is my therapy. It kept me up and it made me ill in even thinking of making that choice.
So here's what I did...
I sat down. I picked up some books. I shut away the world over the weekend and I read. I let myself get lost in the worlds and listened to the characters voices as they told me their stories. I laughed and cried. I ranted and yelled. It was a real touch base as to why I do this.
Or would I be saying "did that".
So...guess you're wondering what the verdict is huh?
Now I could do the trend of a badly flowed cliff-hanger to get you to buy in to what happened next, but I'm not that kind of writer either. ;)
I can't give it up. Spending that reading sabbatical made me realize my writing books is as much a part of my soul as all other aspects of my life--my family, children, pets. And just like them...my life is so much richer with the existence and would mourn most of my days without.
But...I still won't toss my books into the cheap freebie bin just to " get attention ". No...they shall be valued what they are worth and will get highlight by being the best book I could place in front of a reader. And know that reader believed in it and me by purchasing it. I will get known one reader...one quality book at a time. My books...its characters don't mind. As long as I make sure to care and give them " life ".
In fact...I might go completely old school and e-books will not be my standard platform, but secondary. But that's a subject that will be babbled about when the time comes.
Oh...and before I forget. Would you like to know which books saved the part of my soul where author me clings?
My own.
Take care and happy writing.
-JTW
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