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 | 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
by SantanaBlair | Jul 1, 2020 | Blog, Updates
It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so you know that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Once a month, I will be sitting down with fellow authors and talking books, words, and other random things (because I am who I am lol).
And for this month, I’m shining the spotlight on Sierra Hill.
Let’s get into the chat, shall we?
First and foremost thanks for taking the time to chat with me and the readers today, Sierra!
Let’s talk all about your writing process first…
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Sierra: I think I had to write a story about my family when I was in 2nd grade. By third grade, I was making up stories and by 7th grade I was writing for the school newspaper. I was always writing and loved putting words to paper. After college, I started writing and submitting short works to contests, but never finished a full book until my debut in 2014.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
Sierra: It’s usually my characters, then the title, then the storyline and plot. I have a thing for naming my characters – I’m fascinated by names. And once I find a name, that’s when I begin delving into who they are and what they want.
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
Sierra: I write in silence and edit with soft music in the background. When I write, I need all the focus to be on the words. But editing is soooo boring! So the music helps me slog through it.
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
Sierra: All my books are standalone, but some are in interconnected series. It’s much easier for me to write the first book, because I have a really bad memory and by the 3rd, 4th or 5th, I sometimes can’t even remember the previous book character names! Eeek.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Sierra: I just published book #27! And to think I really only ever set out to write just one. Ha! That’s the thing with writing, it’s like a drug and you just have to keep going. I have several favorites along the way. Several are in my Courting Love series which is my college basketball series. I loved The Rebound and Pivot, because they resembled a lot of my own first love experiences. And I have a 3-book serial called Reckless that I published at the end of 2018 that I was really proud of because of the emotional complexities involved with the 3 characters.
Do you have a favorite genre to write in?
Sierra: I’m a true fan of new adult. I just love to go back in time and experience it from my own perspective again each time I write characters in their young twenties. There’s just so many nuances to that age group and it’s often when young adults find out who they really are and learn through trial and error – especially in relationships.
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
Sierra: I have an outline for a romantic suspense novel but in all honestly, I’m scared to write it. It takes a different type of writing style and imagination to come up with those types of twists. Maybe someday I’ll gather up the courage.
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
Sierra: There are a few that just “came to me” in a snap. The words and story just flowed onto the pages. The Reckless serial is one of those. I woke up one day, had the idea pop in my head over breakfast and coffee and I ran to my laptop to start working on it. I wrote all three books in less than 4 months.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Sierra: I read a lot of contemporary romance and as the saying goes, there’s nothing new under the sun except a little twist here and there. When I read, I’m always thinking about the “What if’s” and I think about different ways that story could have played out or told.
THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT SIERRA
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Sierra: I have the attention span of a gnat! So I read in short spurts, I love to do dance and cardio fitness, hot yoga and walking my dog
What was your dream job when you were younger?
Sierra: To be a writer
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you?
Sierra: I completed my undergrad and received my Masters degree all while working FT as an adult. It taught me how to prioritize my time and invest my focus on the right things.
WANT MORE SIERRA HILL?
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT HER SOCIALS
GET TO KNOW HER AND HER BOOKS!
Check out all of Sierra’s books here!
Can you tell us anything about your current project?
Sierra: I am in the midst of writing several different books, one of which is called The Boy Next Door which is part of an upcoming shared world series, the All American Boy, which will release in early 2021. It’s a next door neighbor, frenemies-to-lovers, forced proximity story set in the Sonoma wine country, featuring a retired pro baseball player who purchases a vineyard and hires his old high school nemesis to be the wine grower. It’s full of angst and flashback memories of their childhood and where things all went wrong.
Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?
Sierra: let’s just say both mc’s had secret crushes on one another but had their reasons for not following through
If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?
Sierra: Amelia, my female mc, is book smart but her naïve. (btw – I’m a writer and bad with math. Was that 3 words? Hehe)
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Sierra: Regardless of who my male character is, the muse in my head is ALWAYS set on Chris Evans. He’s my unicorn. Beautiful, smart, socially conscious. And HOT.
AUTHOR CRUSHING w/ SIERRA
What are you currently reading?
Sierra: I would love to read all the time if I could. But alas, I don’t always have the time. I read when I can but it means I’m very selective and can’t always keep up with all the new releases. I try to read ARCs by my author friends as much as possible. But right now I’m in the midst of non-romance books and reading about racial injustice in America. I’m listening to the audiobook “How to be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi and “White Fragility” by Robin D’Angelo. I’m educating myself so I can educate others about white privilege and how to change that. None of us can change the color of our skin, but we can change our behaviors and attitudes and our intentions.
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
Sierra: I devour Sawyer Bennett, Sarina Bowen, Tessa Bailey and Elle Kennedy books. It’s not like I don’t try others, because I do, but these four are my 1-Click authors and the ones I aspire to write like. These authors are so brilliant with their prose and character development. I learn so much from reading their books.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
Harold and the Purple Crayon. And The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
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?
Sierra: OMG neither! That’s just horrifying.
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
Sierra: Living in Seattle, it feels like we are in the constant endless winter from Oct-June ever year. So I’ll take the summer, please.
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
Sierra: I was born 5-days late and it’s been my MO ever since.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
Morning Person
Coke or Pepsi
Pepsi
Paperback or EBook
EBook
Thanks so much for chatting with me today, Sierra!
Make sure you hop over to Sierra’s socials and give her like!
Tell her Santana sent ya!
by SantanaBlair | Jun 23, 2020 | Blog, Updates
|
With the release of this brand new and sparkly SECOND EDITION of TWICE UPON A TIME – the Original Crew is officially back together!
You may know him as Jayson’s little brother, but you’re about to get to know Jayden for real in this SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE…
BLURB:
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a young prince who fell in love with the fairest maiden…
Four years ago, Jayden Williams did what he felt he had to do to chase his basketball dreams, leaving Paradise Cove and his high school best friend and love behind. Now, he’s back home, coming face-to-beer with the girl he never should have let go of.
Natalie Velas has spent the last four years in New York, nursing her wounded heart. When the death of her grandfather brings her back to Paradise Cove, she’s in over her head in figuring out her new path, only to have the very boy she never wanted to see again show up and act like he never broke her.
On the court, Jayden is known for making some of the riskiest shots under pressure, and he’s determined to take the most precarious shot ever: winning back his princess.
What he doesn’t expect is the tower of impenetrable walls Natalie’s built around her heart.
Jayden’s made promises before.
But they were just pretty words.
Will Natalie’s prince be able to prove love comes twice upon a time?
|
|
