#WCW– Author Chat & Interview feat. Nicole Banks

#WCW– Author Chat & Interview feat. Nicole Banks

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Updates

Happy April!

Since it’s the first Wednesday of the month, I’m sure you already know it’s time for another #WCW chat. 

If this is your first time here, every month I chat with fellow authors and I share it right here.

We talk books, inspiration, and all about their upcoming projects. You get a chance to get to know them and their books. 

It’s officially one of my favorite things to do here on the blog. 

  

This month chat is all about author Nicole Banks. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Nicole! 

Let’s talk writing first… 

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

NB: I didn’t think there was ever any realization on my part. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. I still have the diary my aunt gave me at seven and the first entry was how excited I was to have a book exclusively for writing instead of using my school books. lol

How do you handle writer’s block?

NB: Music, reading, get up and get out. (I know harder to do now)

What comes first, the plot or characters?

NB: It really depends. If I can’t see the story play out in my head I can’t write it.

Where is your favorite place to write?

NB: Beach/by the water and in a coffee shop.

Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?

NB: Music. I can probably write through pretty much anything.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

NB: Zero. I make it up as I go.

How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

NB: I don’t think it hit until once I type the end. After that I have to decompress for at least a week to flush the story out of me. I become the characters as I write so everything they go through is real for me––even the bad guys.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

NB: On the fly. I usually have the title as soon as the story concept happens.

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?

NB: subsequent novels. I have the shittiest memory so it’s a lot of going back for timeline reasoning. Plus the personal need to make sure the book is up to par with the first book in the series.

… And about your books…

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

NB: 13 books. My fave so far is ORSO. It’s the second in my Tesoro Series. 

Who is your favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special.

NB: Bear, he’s from my Tesoro Series and his book is Orso. He’s an enforcer for the main crime family in the story. I don’t believe in perfect men but mannnnnn Bear is the perfect man. He’s this gentle giant that’s also a killer. He knows how to treat his woman, he’s loyal and his communication skills are on point. I love him. lol.

You’ve written in multiple romance genres. Do you have a preference?

NB: My Shattered Hearts series can fall under NA and contemporary with a mix of suspense. I do prefer NA adult.

If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?

NB: Probably psychological thriller

Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?

NB: Tesoro. The story just flew out of me with an ease that I appreciated.

Where do you get your inspiration?

NB: Real life, music, pretty much my life.

If you had to recommend one of your books to a new reader, which would you recommend?

NB: Probably Tesoro for some mafia romance or Possessed by Lust for some paranormal romance.

 

 

THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT NICOLE

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

NB: Yoga, dancing, reading and hanging out with my people. 

What was your dream job when you were younger?

NB: To be a Veterinarian

What’s your favorite food?

NB: Pizza, pasta and watermelon

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NICOLE & HER BOOKS

CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/175649469763957/?ref=share

https://www.Facebook.com/nicolebanks13

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2YXNmWB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nicolebanks_/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeMw7Vdg/

Pre-order—> https://books2read.com/u/mVg0WP

Add to TBR—> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49370512-il-re

 

 

 

The Scoop on

IL RE

Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?

NB: It’s the conclusion to my Tesoro Series.

Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?

NB: No secrets without it spoiling the first two books for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

What was the inspiration for the story?

NB: I actually don’t remember. I think I hadn’t read any books where the heroine was her own boss and it kind of sparked the story.

Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?

NB: I have a few songs for the series as a whole but for this current WIP Carl Storm–with you in the morning.

What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?

NB: My lips are sealed on the future of the characters. Things hit the fan in this installment.

If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?

NB: Loyal, big heart, deadly.

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

NB: Oh no. I hate this question lol. I really don’t know and it’s more because I want my readers to envision their own version of the characters and because I don’t watch a lot of tv or movies.

 

AUTHOR CRUSHING 

Who is your favorite author and why?

NB: Off the top of my head Jr Ward. I love her black dagger brotherhood series and her writing style is unique. 

What are you reading now?

NB: Hard to love by Willow Winters

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

NB: Ashley Jade, Kandi Steiner, Kay Blake, Nicole Garcia and Courtney Lynn Rose to name a few.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

NB: The Goosebumps books

Favorite book you’ve read as an adult?

NB: A native son by Richard Wright.

What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?

NB: JR Ward.

 

BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?

Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?

NB: Snakes

Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?

NB: endless summer

Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?

NB: Hour early

Tea or Coffee

NB: Matcha

Movie or Book

NB: Book

Morning Person or Night Owl

NB: Morning person

Share a playlist! 

 

Thanks so much for talking with me today, Nicole!

 


Be sure to hop by Nicole’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,

and tell her Santana sent you! 

 

COVER REVEAL — Destination: Cove

COVER REVEAL — Destination: Cove

by | Apr 2, 2021 | Updates

Title: Destination Cove
Series: Paradise Cove
Author: Santana Blair
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Cover Design: Recreatives Design



A reunion
A breakup
A job offer... or two

A move
A wedding
A baby... or two.

A celebration
A family dinner
An annoyed brother... or two.

Welcome back to Paradise Cove where everyone suddenly seems to have a secret

...or two.






Santana Blair has always been a storyteller. Even at an early age, she would spend hours losing herself in world building and creating stories to ensure even her Barbie dolls had the most enthralling lives. Ask any of her childhood friends and they'll tell you it wasn't uncommon for her to spend her days creating origin stories and legacies for all of their play sessions.
All of her imagination was fueled and/or enhanced by her lifelong love of books and writing.

Now, she's all grown up and using the same passion for storytelling to create worlds of words.
She's always been a sucker for a good love story in any form, so when she's not reading or writing you could probably find her curled up with her favorite blanket and a good movie on a screen.

Her idea of a good time includes long walks through bookstores & stationery aisles.

Santana Blair lives in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, where she's always brewing up a big cup of tea and her next story.



HOSTED BY:
Time for a Makeover

Time for a Makeover

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Updates

As you may know, my first published book of 2021 will be a return to the Paradise Cove series. I am so excited to share this special reunion story with all of you. As I worked on it, I got to revisit stories and characters and filled myself on all those great feelings of nostalgia. And because my brain works the way it does, I decided to do something I’ve wanted to do for a while… 

I give you the new look for THIRTY DAYS IN TECHNICOLOR. 

I am in love with this cover. If you’re familiar with the story I think you’ll know why. 

It’s already updated on Amazon, so if you’d like to grab yourself a beautiful new paperback, hit the link! 

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZM1UV1

#WCW – Author Chat & Interview feat. Krystyna Allyn

#WCW – Author Chat & Interview feat. Krystyna Allyn

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Updates

Happy March!

It’s the first Wednesday of the month and it’s time for another #WCW chat. 

If this is your first time here, every month I chat with fellow authors and I share the convo right here. We talk books, inspiration, and all about their projects. 

It’s one of my favorite things to do here on the blog and I love sharing it with all of you.  

This month chat is all about author Krystyna Allyn. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Krystyna! 

Let’s talk all about your writing style first… 

 

What comes first, the plot or characters?

KA: Plot. The characters just fall in line with my story.

Where is your favorite place to write?

KA: Starbucks when we could. Right now, I’ve been working at a neighborhood writing space for authors. It’s been heavenly.

Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?

KA: I can do both. As long as the space is clear from other distractions, the work can get done.

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?

KA: Honestly, I don’t. Each book has its own difficulties, and I always go in expecting a wrinkle or seven.

… And about your books…

Where do you get your inspiration?

KA: Sometimes random dreams, or situations from daily life

 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

KA: Eight books and working on number nine. It’s hard to say which is my favorite. I love each of them for different reasons. If I had to choose, my current WIP, Firefly would be the selection. It’s a slow burn, and I typically don’t write those. It’s challenging, but I welcome it.

 

Who is your favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special.

KA: Oliver from Seducing My Valentine. I loosely based that book on me and my husband’s courtship.

 

Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?

KA: I loved writing my upcoming release, Insatiable Lover. I laughed way too hard at my main character’s antics.

 

If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?

KA: Paranormal YA. I just have to tone down my steamy—Ummm

 

 

THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT KRYSTYNA

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

KA: Spend time with my husband and sleep.

What’s your favorite food?

KA: Cake.

Can you share something your readers wouldn’t know about you?

KA: I’m secretly shy in some instances.

 

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KRYSTYNA & HER BOOKS

CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA

FB Page => http://bit.ly/2KgTHar

Instagram => http://bit.ly/KrystynaAllynIG

Twitter => http://bit.ly/2NGPx9u  

Amazon Page => http://bit.ly/KrystynaAllyn

BookBub => http://bit.ly/KAllynBB

Newsletter => http://bit.ly/2MYUI5t

Goodreads => http://bit.ly/2NDH5sC

Pinterest=> https://www.pinterest.com/krystynaallyn/

Website => https://www.krystynaallyn.com/

TikTok => http://www.tiktok.com/@krystynaallynauthor

CHECK OUT INSATIABLE LOVER HERE

https://bit.ly/InsatiableLover

Interested in reading an ARC copy?

 

 

 

The Scoop on

INSATIABLE LOVER

Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?

KA: Yes. There’s this scene in the *****room, where the Easton **** and then he *******

What was the inspiration for the story?

KA: My book takes place in Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero World

Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?

KA: Yes. Trouble by Taylor Swift, accurately fits the Hero, Easton. He’s definitely a piece of work. http://bit.ly/ILPlaylist

What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?

KA: There are currently no plans for a sequel. One book is enough for their shenanigans. 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

KA: JD Pardo, and actor from Mayans MC; Marquita Pring—A gorgeous plus size model (Google her)

 

AUTHOR CRUSHING 

What are you reading now?

KA: I just finished The Segonian by Dianne Duvall and I loved it. Paranormal is my jam and this checked all the boxes for me.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

KA: Tales of the fourth grade nothing by Judy Blume

What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?

KA: J.R. Ward or Kristen Ashley – Their world building skills are magical.

 

BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?

Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?

KA: Snakes. 

Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?

KA: Summer! I don’t like being cold.

Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?

KA: An hour early. I hate being late.

Tea or Coffee

KA: Coffee

Movie or Book

KA: Book

Coke or Pepsi

KA: Coke

Share a playlist! 

http://bit.ly/ILPlaylist

 

Thanks so much for talking with me today, Krystyna!

 


Be sure to hop by Krystyna’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,

and tell her Santana sent you! 

 

#WCW – Author Chat & Interview feat. Dylan Allen

#WCW – Author Chat & Interview feat. Dylan Allen

by | Feb 3, 2021 | Blog, Updates

It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so you know that means it’s time for another special #WCW – Author Edition. 

If you’re new here, every month I have a chat with fellow authors. We talk about books, creating worlds of words, and other things. 

And for the first chat of 2021, I get to share my chat with the lovely Dylan Allen. 

Let’s get into the chat, shall we?

 

Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Dylan! 

Let’s talk all about your writing style first… 

How do you handle writer’s block?

DA: I read, write in my journal, listen to a lot of music. It’s hard when it hits, and some days I just have to force myself even when every word feels like a drop of blood. It’s the worst and so scary because I never know  how long it will last. But what I do know is that it WILL pass and if I journal enough, I can usually get to the root of the problem and once I know what’s truly wrong, I work on addressing it. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that trying to “get over” things without allowing yourself to sit in the pain and feel self-pity isn’t healthy for me. Once I started giving myself permission to be sad about a disappointing release or whatever – it was much easier to move on and get going again.

What comes first, the plot or characters? – 

DA: The characters. Always. I’m a very curious (some may say nosey) person and so when someone intrigues me, I usually stop and ask questions. For my book The Sun and Her Star, my hero was inspired by the “naked bartender” at my sister’s wedding shower. He was nude but for a tiny apron that was open in the back and while I could see that it was supposed to be a sexy, fun thing, and he was very nice to look at, I couldn’t imagine that it was an enjoyable job – having your bare ass out in a room from of strangers. So, I asked him – and he told me that he didn’t particularly like it, but that it paid the bills and let him work exclusively on weekends so he could go to school full time. All my characters have an origin story like that. 

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

DA: A Lot. Setting is very important – I like my readers to have an immersive experience, and for me that means engaging all of their senses. And even if not all of the details make it into the story, it helps me give my characters context.

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

DA: Not very well honestly, when I have to write emotionally difficult scenes, I tend to avoid writing altogether. But when I can’t avoid it anymore, I just let my emotions have their way. I cry, and agonize and celebrate along with my characters and it’s usually very cathartic. And it takes me a while to move on from stories when I’m done. 

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

DA: I don’t know – they usually come to me when I’m building my Pinterest boards and playlists. 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

DA: I’ve published 9 books and they are all special for so many reasons. But if I had a gun to my head, I’d say it’s my fourth book, Release. It’s set it in my home country of Ghana and I loved introducing readers to that world. Also it’s deeply emotional and so very romantic. 

If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?

DA: I think fantasy. I’d love to test the bounds of my imagination and world build without worrying about accuracy. 

Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?

DA: The Sun and Her Star. 

If you had to recommend one of your books to a new reader, which would you recommend?

DA: I’ll let my readers answer this. Whenever I ask this question, the response is always Thicker Than Water. 

THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT DYLAN

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

DA: binge tv shows with my husband.

What’s your favorite food?

DA: things you can only buy on the street corners in Ghana. 

Can you share something your readers wouldn’t know about you?

DA: I’m terrified of heights because I fell off a two story building when I was four years old. 

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DYLAN & HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA

Website: https://www.dylanallenbooks.com/

Facebook Profile Page: https://www.facebook.com/authordylanallen

 

 

Available for PreOrder!

The Scoop on

THE SOUND OF TEMPTATION

Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?

DA:  My hero in The Sound of Temptation  is the product of an affair his father had and when his birth mother died, his biological father brought him to live with his family – which has always made my hero feel like a fly in the ointment of his family’s otherwise picturesque tableau. 

What was the inspiration for the story?

DA: A woman I met randomly while in NYC who discovered, after doing a 23 & Me DNA kit just for kicks, that the people who raised her were not her biological parents. 

Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?

DA: Yes. Each book has a playlist. For this book the song that inspired me a lot was Killing Me Softly with His Song by The Fugees. 

What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?

DA: I don’t plan to write a sequel. But I hope maybe they’ll make cameos in future books. My heroine’s best friend is going to be the love interest in my Rivers Wilde novella – The Daredevil

If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?

DA: Brave, restless, creative. 

AUTHOR CRUSHING 

Who is your favorite author and why?

DA: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Her TedTalk, The Danger of a Single Story solidified her spot as my number one favorite forever. 

What are you reading now?

DA: I’m reading The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I just finished Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. I highly recommend them both and consider Caste essential reading. 

Favorite book when you were a kid?

DA: The Color Purple by Alice Walker 

BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?

Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?

DA: Death, please. 

Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?

DA: Endless Summer

Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?

DA: An hour early

Tea or Coffee

DA: Tea

Movie or Book

DA: Movie

Toilet Paper: Over or Under?

DA: Over

 

Share a playlist!

DA: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5V3f1wNaGJWAp8wX34cRsD?si=i80EdYmCRL2J57mikKYpwQ

Thanks so much for talking with me today!

 


Be sure to hop by Dylan’s social media and show her some much deserved love! 

Be sure to tell her Santana sent you! 


If you’re new to her please be sure to check out her books – you won’t regret it!