Wednesday, June 28, 2017

My Birthday Month Event is Almost Here!

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July is almost here...and it's my birthday month! Besides cake (chocolate, naturally), my favorite part of a birthday is presents! I find it more fun to give than to receive, however, so during my birthday month I like to offer special gifts to readers.

If you're not subscribed to my mailings, you'll want to sign up now! Because throughout the month of July, I'll be sending out special announcements for free books, an exclusive birthday story, and a chance to win a Kindle!

...and for those who DO want to give me a present, I'll be sending out a request to complete my annual reader survey. Knowing your thoughts helps me plan future books. :)

Sign up below to get in on the fun! (18 or older, please. If you're already a subscriber, there's no need to sign up again. You're already opted in!)
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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

3 Reasons Why You Need a Character Worksheet

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On Select Wednesdays, I post tips and strategies for writers. 

3 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A CHARACTER WORKSHEET
by J. Rose Allister
Whether you're the type of writer who is a careful planner or a free-wheeling pantser, taking the time to create a worksheet for each of your main characters can be a vital help to the writing process. The "worksheet" can be a simple notepad file peppered with random facts, an actual spreadsheet or worksheet taken from the many that are available online, or a full-on, fancy dossier complete with photos, a birth natal chart, and a family tree. Either way, there are three main reasons why you should consider using one:

1. Real Greetings are Dull and Expected

When two acquaintances meet up in real life, their initial exchange involves a volley of social niceties that are routine, required...and boring. If you're sitting nearby, you'll hear something like this:

This might go on for another couple of minutes, depending. The exchange happens automatically, with little thought on the answers. Ever greet someone and responded with, "Fine, you?" only to realize they hadn't actually asked how you were first? You're on autopilot. A great place to be if you're flying a plane, but fiction should never put a reader on automatic. "Routine, required, boring," are three words we don't want to see pop up in reviews.

2. Insight into their Next Move

Have you ever built up a scene or the overall plot to a point where you're struggling with what your character would do next? Have you ever had critique feedback or reviews where people didn't find a character's actions plausible? A worksheet can offer you a sort of "sketch" of the character, with tidbits of information that can inform you about their likely reaction to a situation. 

 For instance, two characters are in a room when an earthquake hits. One grew up where they happen all the time. The other has never experienced one before. Which one is likely to panic? Would the first-timer, who has never likely been drilled in quake safety, automatically go into a "cover and hold on" posture? 

3. As a Continuity Catcher

There have been many times when I've accidentally changed a character's eye color, age, or a vital fact from their past.  By keeping track of vital details, I can maintain a story's continuity. This has proven especially valuable when writing a series or a book where you're juggling a number of major characters.


So consider tossing together a worksheet ahead of time and add to it as you go along. This can be a time-saver in both drafting and editing alike. Happy writing!
~*~*~*~
For more gab, please join me on Twitter or Facebook. I love talking to people!

J. Rose Allister is the author of more than thirty books, primarily romance/erotic romance. A former editor and submissions director, she now works as a mild-mannered hospital secretary by day, naughty writer by night.
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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Berry Yummy Yogurt Pops

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It's Too Yummy Tuesday!

On select Tuesdays I share delicious recipes either inspired by my books or that are just plain delicious!

Ice cream is a frequent downfall of my diet, especially since summertime in my locale means frequent temperatures above 100 degrees. I can pack away a lion's share of ice cream-and all the calories and sugar that goes with it.  So this year I decided to cool off with a healthier alternative. 

These super easy yogurt pops can be made with plain yogurt and no added sugar, sweetened with a bit of honey, or just use your favorite flavor. I like Greek yogurt with a swirl of organic honey, or else some organic vanilla yogurt.

Berry Yummy Yogurt Pops

 Ingredients
6 strawberries, chopped fine
1/4 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)

1/2 cup yogurt
Directions

Combine ingredients in a bowl and spoon into popsicle molds. Freeze a few hrs until firm. Makes 8-12 pops.



~~~

J. Rose Allister is the author of more than thirty books, primarily romance and erotic romance. A former editor and submissions director, she now works as a mild-mannered hospital secretary by day, naughty writer by night. Connect with her on Twitter or Goodreads. She loves talking to people!
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Friday, June 9, 2017

More Beginnings -Guest Author Iris Blobel

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On occasion, I spotlight other authors and books on my blog. 

 Today I'm pleased to welcome Iris Blobel, a fellow Weekend Writing Warrior (Snippet Sunday participant) who has a blog tour going for her book More Beginnings. Welcome, Iris!

MORE BEGINNINGS
Iris Blobel

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
  AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071F7FPQ9/

    AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B071F7FPQ9/

Zach Taylor, an escort in Sydney, living in Hobart, enlists the help of Natasha Peterson when his teenage friend, Mia, runs away. He soon finds out that the ‘dragon’ is really more of a kitten. And although Natasha, Mia’s teacher, is attracted to him as well, she has her own problems to deal with, not to mention her initial reaction to Zach’s occupation.

Will Zach’s job keep him from a chance to be with Natasha?

Life is good for teenager Mia Levesque. But when Darren Schuster shows up in Hobart, she knows something is up once Sophie and Mark cut their weekend away short and rush home in the middle of the night. When Sophie won’t answer Mia’s questions, emotions run high, and Zach confirms Darren’s identity to Mia. Disappointed, angry, and feeling alone, Mia runs away.

Will life settle back into a routine for Mia once she finds out about the stranger in her life?


New Beginnings have given the Levesque girls a new start in life, will More Beginnings be another chance for them?

STORY EXCERPT
Zach Taylor’s young neighbour, Mia, let out a long sigh as she joined him on his front porch and sat next to him on the swing. Enjoying a cool lemonade, he invited her to grab a soft drink from the fridge as well. It was a warm summer day, and the air showed no sign of cooling down. A lot of people in Hobart were weary of the unusual hot spell for the very southern Australian city.
With another hefty sigh, Mia raked through her long, blond hair and stared into the distance. “Honestly, Zach, she’s a dragon. I’m sure she does it on purpose. She doesn’t like me. She thinks I’m spoilt.”
The dragon in question was Miss Peterson, Mia’s high school English teacher. There was no doubt that Mia liked school, and she enjoyed her classes. And even though English wasn’t her worst subject, it certainly was the toughest one, with Miss Peterson piling on homework one after the other.
Zach took a sip of his drink before he replied, “Hey, pumpkin, settle down. What’s that supposed to mean you’re ‘spoilt’?”
She lifted her shoulder in a slight shrug. “You know!”
Raising his brows, he replied, “Actually I don’t know! Isn’t she Sophie’s good friend?”
Another shrug. “Kind of, I suppose. They used to do the boxing stuff together, and since Soph’s carrying a baby, they go and enjoy coffee and cake instead every once in a while.”
Ignoring his chuckle, she went inside and helped herself to cold lemonade. She opened the can with a simple click as she returned outside and took a long sip.

About the Author
Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.
Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

Social Media Links:
Click here to subscribe to Iris’ Newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_b
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel
Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/iris_blobel/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/iris-blobel
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Monday, June 5, 2017

Vacation Dreams, New Books, Life is Good

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On the first Monday of the month, I gab about what's going on with me, my writing, and life in general.

Summer is here! A writing retreat vacation is just around the corner, just in time after some very busy spring months. Time to make packing and to-do lists!




Vacation Dreams

A view from the cabin deck last summer
Last summer, I took my daughter along on a writing retreat in the mountains. (My husband was away speaking on panels at San Diego Comic-Con.) We loved it so much that we vowed to return. So I've just booked another mountain cabin, this time big enough for the whole family (including one of my grown sons and Tina the wonder dog). I can already picture early mornings spent out on the deck, working on my book while sipping coffee among the forest splendor. Squee! I can't wait.

New Books

I finished the exclusive bonus book that will be offered as part of the Sons of Herne box set! Final edits and cover art are in progress, and then the bundle will be readied for release.

 Meanwhile, I'm excited to announce the upcoming re-release of my bounty hunter title Nature's Bounty!  And what do you think of the smokin' hot cover?

 Expect to see this out in the next month.


 Life is Good
Books and stories have been whipping out, the dog is getting bigger by the day, and we're all looking forward to that trip to the mountains! As cray-cray busy as things have been, including a brief health issue for my husband involving multiple trips to ER/Urgent care (he's fine now, thankfully), life has been great. Here's the latest photo of Tina, who fell asleep in my daughter's arms. I've dubbed this "dog day afternoon."

Until next time...


~*~*~*~
On select Mondays, I like to gab about whatever's going on with me. For more gab, please join me on Twitter or Facebook. I love talking to people!

J. Rose Allister is the author of more than twenty-five books, primarily romance and erotic romance. A former editor and submissions director, she now works as a mild-mannered hospital secretary by day, naughty writer by night.
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Friday, June 2, 2017

Their Secret Paradise -Freebie Friday

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On select Fridays, I offer a freebie...usually a book (but not necessarily). The books will either be one of mine or some other erotic romance that is available for free at the time of my post.

This month's freebie IS a book, and it's one of mine. Their Secret Paradise was the first book I wrote set in the Immortal Paradise world, and this series midquel is now available free!

 More about this Friday freebie:

Can she trust their feelings for each other when she knows the island's seductive, supernatural secret?

Parapsychology grad Gina Munson finds her uncle's island resort fascinating but romantically dangerous. Supernatural passion gave her a harsh lesson in the past, and now her only interest is to study the phenomenon without falling victim to the resort’s special “charms.”


Contractor David Gilroy wouldn’t believe in the island’s alleged power even if he knew about it. He’s only interested in his building job...until he sees Gina sunbathing topless. Gina knows she can’t trust what they feel. How can David convince her his passion is real? What if it isn’t?

The Immortal Paradise series: Where the gods Love and Lust reside, no one will leave untouched.
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