by SantanaBlair | Aug 18, 2020 | Updates
Sometimes a tiny win can sometimes change everything.
This summer has been rough for me. Creatively.
When I started 2020, I had so many plans for book completions and releases. And then life happened. Somewhere in the midst of the chaotic spiral that this year has been, I lost track of a lot of my creative drive. I often found myself seeing whole stories play out in my head yet every time I sat at a desk only led to self-frustration (Is that a word? Let’s make it a word)
I did release INTERCEPTION as part of the ONE MORE STEP Anthology though.
And guess what?
I’ve gotten to talk to some amazing new readers.
But today I want to talk about one particular conversation.
I’ll let the reader remain nameless but if you’re reading this and recognize yourself… THANK YOU.
This particular reader happened to read Cash and Kenadi’s story in the anthology and not only followed me on social media but went out of her way to write me such an amazing post.
She commented that reading a heroine like Kenadi nearly brought her to tears. Why?
Because REPRESENTATION MATTERS.
When I first started writing the stories were only ever intended for my eyes alone. But each story… every character… was so full of the life and color and culture I saw in my everyday life. From our foods to our music…
Our waist to hip ratio…
Our kinky coils to the braids to the waves to spiraled tendrils and every other variation and COLOR imaginable.
It was important of me to read a story and see myself… my friends… my family.
It was something that had never been accessible to me in my life of reading books. Especially when it came to this genre.
When I decided to share my writing with the public finally I made myself a promise. To never change my voice and vision for anyone. Not for public “appeal” or profitability. Why? Because I’m writing stories for messages like the one that sweet reader sent me.
And little did she know how much her words fed me and my creativity.
She thanked me for writing.
I thanked her for reading.
I’m the first to admit I’m my own BIGGEST critic. I will self-doubt myself into a corner and struggle to make my way out.
Then in the midst of what I can easily say has been the LONGEST AND MOST FRUSTRATING writer’s block I’ve ever dealt with…
My soul was fed.
To that reader… and all the other readers who have read and loved these characters and stories…
To every single one of you who have cheered for my diverse characters and their love stories.
I see you.
I thank you.
I’m beyond grateful for every kind word you’ve ever written about them.
You motivate my hands to pick up the pen and pour out words because I know there’s a reader out there waiting for more.
XOXO
by SantanaBlair | Aug 5, 2020 | Updates
It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so you know that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Every month I sit down with a fellow author and get to pick their mind on all things writing. We also throw a little fun in the chat because I’m random like that lol.
I’m really excited to share this month’s chat. I got to talk with Danielle Allen and I’m so excited to share our conversation.
In an industry where you can find exclusivity, I’ve come to see her as a QUEEN who not only writes amazing books but jumps at the chance to support other writers and share the shine. She’s quick with the humorous posts and even quicker with the motivational posts and quotes. Danielle is a literal gem of a person and her reader’s group is always the best kind of fun.
Let’s chat…
Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Danielle!
Let’s talk all about your writing style first…
How do you handle writer’s block?
Danielle Allen: If I’m blocked, it’s usually because I have too many things going on. Typically I will take a day to decompress. I will use the time to rest and recharge or I will use music or other forms of entertainment to stimulate and inspire me. But if I’m ever blocked, I know it’s a sign that I need to breathe.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
DA: The message that I want to convey comes first so depending on the message, sometimes it’s the character and sometimes it’s the plot.
Where is your favorite place to write?
DA: My favorite place to write is in bed! I’m probably the least productive when I write in bed but it’s still my favorite
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
DA: I love writing to music! I create whole playlists based off the story lines.
How do you come up with the titles to your books?
DA: A lot of my titles come from songs: Back to Life, Back to Reality, Back to December, Work Song, Broken Clocks, Trouble’s What You’re In
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
DA: I’ve written 30 books! I’ve published 28.
Who is your favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special.
DA: I don’t necessarily have a favorite character. But I probably sprinkled more of my personality in Tatiana from Work Song.
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
DA: I try to add a little something extra to my contemporary romances. If I were to ever write something other than romance, it would be mystery. I love a good mystery—book, movie, tv show, whatever!
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
DA: I loved writing them all. But something about the Poe inspired ones make me especially proud because I’ve never seen or heard of Poe being done in that way.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
DA: Follow me on social media! Follow me on amazon! Join my newsletter! Visit my website. But most directly, come to my group. That’s where all the sneak peeks and character inspirations are posted. Danielle’s Chat Room is a Facebook group I created and when I’m on Facebook, that’s where I spend most of the time.
The Scoop on
Danielle’s Books
Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
DA: My most recent release is The Delay. Trenton’s friend who asks him about his hottest holiday hookup is getting a book!
Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?
DA: Things get hot and heavy pretty early during this hot holiday novella
What was the inspiration for the story?
DA: There are three hot holiday hookups in this novella series. They are all standalones. Slow News Day. Fool in Love. The Delay. I was inspired by holidays that you don’t typically think of when you’re thinking of sexy or romantic holidays. Most people go with New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, even Christmas. So I went with Groundhog Day, April Fool’s Day and Juneteenth.
What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?
DA: There is no plan for a sequel BUT since Zola, Trenton’s friend, has a novel coming soon, you may see him attend her release celebration
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
DA: Trenton would be played by Trevante Rhoads
India would be played by Aja Naomi King
Who is your favorite author and why?
DA: Favorite author is Maya Angelou. Her voice is powerful and resonates so deeply. She will be my forever favorite.
What are you reading now?
DA: I usually can’t read and write at the same time. And since I’m in the midst of a project, I’m only reading edits
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
DA: There’s not just one. It’s so amazing to see so many authors I know build powerful brands by writing quality romance novels. I’m always so proud to see the star power of my friends rise to such heights. I would list them all but there’s truly a lot of them.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
DA: I don’t remember. But I definitely read a lot of Sweet Valley Twins and Goosebumps in elementary school.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
DA: Michelle Obama please!
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: I would rather die
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
DA: Endless winter
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
DA: An hour early
Movie or Book
DA: Book
Toilet Paper: Over or Under
DA: Over
Morning Person or Night Owl
DA: Night Owl
Share a playlist
DA: Follow me‼️
Thanks so much for talking with me today, Danielle!
Be sure to hop by Danielle’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,
and tell her Santana sent you!
by SantanaBlair | Aug 3, 2020 | Blog, Playlists
Dear Summer Inspired Playlist
Since my Sticks & Stones Playlist is such a favorite among readers of that book, I thought I would share some of the other playlists I’ve created for my other books.
Since it’s summer and Dear Summer is a great read for these long hot days, I’ll kick off things with some Parker and Summer inspired tunes.
Let Me Love You — DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMs0GnYze34
Wild — Troye Sivan feat. Alessia Cara https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WI49G4Xfls
Young Girls — Bruno Mars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyM5AjiZris
There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back — Shawn Mendes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyM5AjiZris
Let Me Love the Lonely — James Arthur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PArW96-XCKM
Perfect — Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vv-BfVoq4g
Impossible — James Arthur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdxjDUGIeJY
Safe Inside — James Arthur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TtgkKZNTa8
Make It Rain — Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRv0agDZMjA
by SantanaBlair | Jul 7, 2020 | Updates
INTERCEPTION is a short story that will launch a new series of mine!
MORE DETAILS ON THAT SOON *WINK*
It’s currently exclusive in the ONE MORE STEP Anthology that released today!
One More Step is an exclusive The Bookworm Box anthology featuring 26 incredible authors!
Have you ever been curious how a writers mind works? The Bookworm Box is proud to present One More Step, and exciting an unique reading experience. Each of the twenty-six authors featured in this anthology were given the same first sentence. Where they took that first sentence was completely up to them.
Each story is different. No Story is related.
The only thing these stories have in common is their starting point. Each author showcased in this anthology was featured in The Bookworm Box charity during 2019. Each author has graciously donated their story so that 100% of profits from this anthology will be going to all the various charities The Bookworm Box is able to support because of you, the readers.
You can also order a special exclusive *SIGNED* copy of the book by visiting
thebookwormbox.com
by SantanaBlair | Jul 1, 2020 | Updates
⭐ GIVEAWAY ALERT ⭐
The Bookworm Box, The Guide to Romance Novels, and the authors of the One More Step Anthology collection have come together to bring you a MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away a $250 Amazon Gift Card, One More Step paperback, 23 signed paperbacks from participating authors, a box of goodies from The Bookworm Box, and a book sleeve from The Guide to Romance Novel’s Etsy store. There will be two winners. One winner will receive the Amazon Gift Card and the other will receive the paperbacks, box of goodies, and book sleeve. Open internationally.
To get started hop over to INSTAGRAM and get to liking!
… and don’t forget to PRE ORDER your copy of this amazing anthology!
100% of proceeds going to charity!
https://amzn.to/2VyHDpI
