Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

June Kramin, a Romance, Suspense,and Chick Lit
author, will be joining us for a Q&A and book giveaway from March 13 - March 14, 2013.


Meet June:


Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.

"There is a fine line between genius and crazy... I like to use that line as a jump rope!"

June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.

She enjoys riding her Paint horse, Ringo, around the small ghost town they are playfully reestablishing with the neighbors and playing in Photoshop. Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.

Being hopelessly addicted to 80's music is her super power.






Hunter's Find

Helping your prisoner is one thing. Falling in love with her is another altogether.

Hunt is a small town Sheriff who finds himself in for more than he bargained for when he discovers Mandy beaten and unconscious. After repeated attempts of escaping him, he finds himself now her captive instead. Mandy convinces him she’s after her husband who has kidnapped their daughter and will stop at nothing to find her.

Although his instincts tell him differently, Hunt becomes involved with her and agrees to help. What he doesn’t know is there is no child. Mandy is hiding her involvement with the FBI and the mob, and after revenge. Hunt is in over his head tracking her husband to the isolated cabin and the backlash it causes a year later.


Website: http://www.junekramin.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/junekramin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneKramin



Books:



Giveaway: June will be giving away 1 copy of Hunter's Find, print if U.S. winner, ecopy if International winner, and 1 copy of Come & Talk To Me, print if a U.S. winner, ecopy if International winner.

Welcome June, it's a pleasure having you with us!

I hope you enjoy your time with our members; and good luck to you all!


GUIDELINES FOR AUTHOR AND PARTICIPANTS:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3...

Members, if you can please write the questions in bold; it would be easier for June to know that you have asked a question and less chance that it will be missed. Thanks!



In order to bold-

Place < b > before the question you have for June and < /b > after the question. Make sure there are no spaces.

Hi everyone! Thanks for having me today, Fran. I'll check in often to look for questions. Nothing is off limits for me question wise. I'm an open book, no pun intended ;)

June aka: Bug

First, thanks for coming today, June. I was really excited to see you were doing this.

I hope to win either one of your books. I have just started reading your books(Dustin Time-my first book of yours to read) and I love it. Your an author that has books that catch my attention.


From what I read so far about your book, "Come and Talk to Me", it is a very emotional read. My question about that book is How did you come up with the idea of that book?

How long does it normally take you to write a book?

Susan S. (kevmi98(at)gmail(dot)com)

Hi June!

Thanks so much for joining us :)

Your entire backlist looks very intriguing to me. I haven't read a lot of time-travel novels, but Dustin Time has caught my eye.

Was it difficult writing a time-travel story? How was it different from writing your other books?

The idea that you could go back and forth between time periods and do things differently and maybe change the outcome of your future seems awesome and also a fun read :)

Susan wrote: "First, thanks for coming today, June. I was really excited to see you were doing this.

I hope to win either one of your books. I have just started reading your books(Dustin Time-my first book of..."

Come & Talk to Me hits way close to home. A lot of it actually stems from my husband and me. We met on Kauai & he was in the Coast Guard. Many of the places and quirks are ours as well. Everyone says they have a book in them & that story was sort of a doozie for me. Of course I threw in some twists - like killing him off. LOL! I really loved how it all came together. I never imagined I'd have people thanking me for making them cry.

As far as completing a book - most of them are done in around a month's time frame. When I get on a roll - the story nags at me until it's done. Some then nag for sequels. I do what the voices in my head tell me to. :}

Thanks for popping in!

Where did you come up with this story idea and do you plan many more like it in the future?

Fran wrote: "Hi June!

Thanks so much for joining us :)

Your entire backlist looks very intriguing to me. I haven't read a lot of time-travel novels, but Dustin Time has caught my eye.

Was it difficult writi..."

It's funny because I didn't sit down & decide to write a time travel - it kind of just happened. I had the veterinarian pegged as a character & pondering her life. All of a sudden there was a baby in her lap. I hadn't figured out if she was dreaming or what at that point. I loved how it came together. Dusty was the most persistent character I had, trying to win her over. I loved writing him! It was the 5th novel I completed but the 1st I got published.

I didn't find it difficult to do. At times I thought my time-frame was off & I tried to fix it but then I found out it was actually right the first time. I have learned to listen to my character's first instinct! Even as I wrote Dustin's Turn - it seemed like I had always planned on doing it. That was not the case at all. I guess some stories are just meant to be.

I've been asked about a 3rd & haven't toyed with it yet... yet. :)

Thanks for stopping in!

Chanin wrote: "Where did you come up with this story idea and do you plan many more like it in the future?"

Hunter's Find was sort of a surprise for me as well. Most of my books start from a single idea that pops into my head - my fingers take it from there. I pictured someone walking home from a bar, all of a sudden he found a woman in the bushes then got her to a hospital. When she tried to escape it had me going! Amanda is really the 1st character that didn't have a job I did. It was a lot of fun throwing her into the FBI & Mob & seeing what would happen next. The sequel, Amanda's Return, was just as much fun. I love when I write & can't wait to see what happens next. I know I'm making writers that outline cringe, but it's how I work.

As far as a #3, I don't have any in mind so far. I am working on another thriller series at the moment.

Thanks & Good luck!

Hi June! Thanks for taking time to visit with us.

I would love to know how you went from an idea to a full book. I have several ideas (read: short stories) but no idea how to turn them into full books. I always seem to get lost somewhere in the middle when I try to expand my ideas.

Susie wrote: "Hi June! Thanks for taking time to visit with us.

I would love to know how you went from an idea to a full book. I have several ideas (read: short stories) but no idea how to turn them into fu..."

I wish I could tell you. It's not one of those "I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you" things - I honestly don't know sometimes. Every book for me has started from a single thought and been done "pantsing". The art of writing by the seat of your butt & not plotting it out. I let the characters run the show. I've heard people say "then you don't know what you're doing" while other say "that's when you know your characters have really come to life".

About 1/2 way though Hunter's Find - some writers would have called it done & submitted a great short story. I always aim for novel length (80K to me), so I had to keep going. I loved how I figured out to bring them back together and keep the book going.

I wish I could be helpful but if I could explain it, I'd...yanno... write a book on it. :)

Each day before I write, I read the last page I wrote the day before & just keep going. I write till I'm done with the whole novel then go back & fix any inconsistencies that may have made their way in. I have a lot of friends that can't get past certain chapter & keep re-writing parts. Just keep going & see where it takes you. You may find yourself yelling at your characters like I do but sometimes, they know what they are doing.

I've hollered "I told you not to sleep with him!" and called out to my hubby, "You won't believe what Paul just said." "Um ... you wrote it." "No I didn't - he just said it."

Yes, I'm in touch with my insanity. Sorry - it's all I have to work with! ;)

Good luck with your writing! Your books will come out when they're good & ready! They are truly like our babies. It's not always up to you when they want to show up. :}

How long have you been writing?

Hi June - thanks for joining us!

who would you say are the greatest influences in hour writing?

It's been only about 7 years since I've been doing it daily, and actively having things published. I've been told since the 3rd grade that I'd be a writer - I guess life just got in the way. I never submitted short stories or articles - when I dove in - it was novels.

Thanks for joining the group!

Thank you so much June for being here! I hope and pray I can win your books! I too am a writer longing to be published one day! Do you have any websites you'd suggest for advice for unpublished writers?

Dee wrote: "Hi June - thanks for joining us!

who would you say are the greatest influences in hour writing?"

This is one of those questions I always fall over. I have so many friends attached to some of the great old-style novelists, but I don't have someone like that. I wasn't a "book worm" through school. There are a few classics I'd love to read that I'm sure were mandatory reading elsewhere.

Two of my favorite authors are from Minnesota - John Sandford & William Kent Krueger. They write crime thrillers, which I didn't think would be stuff I'd read, but I love the characters and I love following a series. Maybe that's why I'm leaning more to thrillers these days. I always have to have a romantic element, though. There's enough to keep the women that like romance happy, but I love when guys say they have really enjoyed my books. Style-wise we're very different though, so I'm not sure if they count. I really don't have anyone in my genre that I read. I tend to hop around & read all I can that my friends publish.

Not sure I answered you - but there you have it :)

Thanks!

Michelle wrote: "Thank you so much June for being here! I hope and pray I can win your books! I too am a writer longing to be published one day! Do you have any websites you'd suggest for advice for unpublished wr..."

I've started a links page at my website & plan on making a whole tab for this. I have learned so much over the years - I really love "sharing the wealth". There are so many scams you have to watch out for.

The forum I found when I 1st started looking for help was: http://absolutewrite.com/ There is always someone going through the stage you are and a ton of people willing to help. There is a thread for everything. Bewares & background help on publishers & agents, grammar help, query help... everything. Some of my best friends are relationships that started there. If you're a writer - you are probably a wee bit different. It helps mingling with our own kind!

http://pred-ed.com/ is another good one to help weed through scam publishers & agents as well.

http://www.agentquery.com/ is a great resource when you start to query. There is also a how to on writing that dreaded query & synopsis help.

Good luck! You have to acquire thick skin when you start that route. No matter what - you'll deal with rejection on a daily basis. It's hard not to take it personally.

Above all - know the golden rule. Money flows TO the author. You don't pay to get your book published. Ever! Anyone selling you that is just going to take your money.

Thanks!

Is it difficult to come up with ideas or do you have so many that you don't know what to write first?

Rebecca wrote: "Is it difficult to come up with ideas or do you have so many that you don't know what to write first?"

So far - ideas have just come to me one at a time. No.. "SQUIRREL" moments mid-writing. After I've finished a novel, I put it aside for a while & let it think about what it's done before I dive into edits. When I'm detoxing, something new will niggle at me until I figure it out.

A while back, there were a few days where each time I stopped at a certain stop sign - I imagined having to slam on my breaks to avoid hitting someone. (This was at a county road mind you - no chance of it happening.) I finally sat down to write it & it was a guy trying to avoid a girl. Suddenly she was in a wedding dress. 80K words later - Money Didn't Buy Her Love was born. It's my May release. (http://www.junekramin.com/coming)

The things that hit me & develop into books have always floored me, but they do wait their turn to bombard me. I don't always get a break, though. I do have six completed novels that I haven't polished yet or even considered sending out to agents. I figured they aren't going anywhere. I have to write when ideas hit. Writing is the fun part. I'll put off editing whenever I'm given the chance!

Thanks for stopping! You guys are all great!

Hi June!

Did you go to school for writing? If so what was your major?
Thanks

I have one more question if that is okay! What is your favorite romance novel??

Tiffany wrote: "Hi June!

Did you go to school for writing? If so what was your major?
Thanks"

In all honesty, no. Since the 3rd grade, all of my teachers have said I would be a writer. From the simple creative writing stories to book reports - I always loved to do what other students hated. My junior year teacher really made a fuss over my stories & I always had my speech teacher rolling. Back then I wasn't thinking about writing as a career - I just enjoyed it.

I grew up on Maui, had my son at a young age, & took to working 3 jobs to get by over flying to Colorado with most of my friends to go to college there. I may have gotten straight A's in English (& Japanese ;) but that seems like 100 years ago. I do rely on my editors to catch the little things, but I don't know of any writer that doesn't get that dreaded *insert comma here*.

I have a lot of teacher/professor friends. I've heard a 100 times how storytelling isn't taught. There's correct grammar etc, but it seems to all have exceptions to the rules. I can ask the same question about a comma & get 3 different answers. I can't help the stories that come at me. I let them flow. I'm happy to accept the eyeballs of an editor for the rest.

On that note, I've worked with 3 publishing houses & found some things are a matter of "house-style" & not really writing rules at all. So if you've taken other courses & nothing specifically writing related - don't think you can't pen that story!

Thanks for the friend request! On my way now. :)

Thanks for the add!

Welcome!! I was wondering if you experience writers block very much. If so - how do you work through it?

Tiffany wrote: "I have one more question if that is okay! What is your favorite romance novel??"

No problem! The only books I read anymore are ones by my friends. I never rush out & get a "NY Top 10" book everyone is talking about. I've loved a few great ones that should be best sellers - I hope they get their day in the spotlight. The last one that was popular that I read that everyone would know was probably Time Traveler's Wife. I love time travel & read that a couple times. I read it again later to be sure it had nothing in common with my time travel! I can't think of another I read more than once. I don't have that luxury. I covet the time I get to spend reading someone else's work! :)

Julie wrote: " Welcome!! I was wondering if you experience writers block very much. If so - how do you work through it?"

I'm not superstitious at all, but I knock on wood every time I'm asked this. I have yet to experience a case of "writer's block". I guess it's because I never have a plan of where it's going - I don't have to worry about getting there. I don't have an outline to follow so I'm not stressing on plot & plot-holes. Even when I've had to walk away for a few weeks for editing deadlines for something being released, I have always picked right back up.

I did an interview once & the person actually got really mad at me. It's not bragging by any means. I just can't explain how I work. Maybe I have a used Muse and she's well trained :)

Thanks for dropping in!

Hi, June.
It feels weird, saying hello to myself. I'm joking. Funny, we have the same name!! Thanks for joining us.
How do you know when to stop? I mean, after you finish it, don't you just want to go back again and again to edit it until it's perfect? How do you know when to stop?

June wrote: "Hi, June.
It feels weird, saying hello to myself. I'm joking. Funny, we have the same name!! Thanks for joining us.
How do you know when to stop? I mean, after you finish it, don't you just want to..."

Hey! I don't think I know another June. *waves*

You'll know when you've hit the end - don't mistake that with not going back & editing. I've probably tripped over my words here in explaining myself. I do write start to finish but certainly go back several times & edit. Because I let the characters run the show, I have found I've veered a little so that needs to be fixed. I usually read it right away so it's fresh in my mind then park it for a while before I read it again, so I'm not anticipating every word. I've gone back after 3 years to some of my work & was surprised how much I forgot. It was like I was editing someone else work & helping them look for mistakes. I love things I can add in them after all that time & fix things I've learned since I first started writing. I'm sure I re-read & edit something no less than 10 times before sending it to my beta readers.

Even after it published, you'll look back and want to change something. My first editor told me that. I've never re-read one of my books one I've held the final copy. I guess in your eyes, your book is never really done. There will always be one small thing you'll want to change.

So... once again, I'm no help! LOL
You guys are so forgiving!

Welcome June! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
I have been reading over the questions and your answers and was truly surprised to read that your novels take about a month for you to complete. WOW!
Do you have a writing schedule, like an 8-hour working day? Or do you disappear for a month then climb out of your office and reunite with your family when you are finished?

Nicola wrote: "Welcome June! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
I have been reading over the questions and your answers and was truly surprised to read that your novels take about a month for you to compl..."

Thanks for all the great questions. This is better than any writing prompt!

I have a very unfair advantage. I get to spent a lot of my work day writing. When I have downtime - it's mine. Only on rare occasions do I write when I'm home. If I have a scene I'm working on and just have to get it done, or am in the shower and something hits me that I just can't wait to jot down, then I'll boot up. Otherwise, I try to treat it like a job & leave family time for home. I know it's a gift for sure.

I would do "word wars" with friends & put in 5,000 to their 1,000. I treat it like a golf score & need to give them a handicap. They are trying to write, feed kids, clean house, run to appointments & do laundry while I just write and maybe get disturbed by a phone call. I know a lot of people that can't find the time to write so trust me - I am very grateful. We are moving soon and I'm sad to think what a "real" job will do to my book output. I may have to cut into my reading time. *sniff*

Before you hate me - there is one that I have been polishing for about 5 years, so there are exceptions to everything. :) I keep putting it aside then digging it out. It's done - I just don't know that I'll ever be done editing or think I'm ready for it to be released into the world.

Thanks for asking! I need to learn to add that when I say how fast I complete my novels. I'm not a speed typist by any means. If it weren't for spell check "the" would forever be "teh" and don't looks like --->dont'!

Unfortunately I've had two laptops stolen by mean x boyfriends and can't afford anymore lol What I was wondering is do you ever just do handwritten stories or do you think in time it will stop all together for all writers?

Hi June (Bug :) Thanks for joining us.

I haven't read through all of them, but you have some terrific book reviews by members here on GR. How much notice do you take of reviews (professional and amateur) on your books (good and bad)?

Michelle wrote: " Unfortunately I've had two laptops stolen by mean x boyfriends and can't afford anymore lol What I was wondering is do you ever just do handwritten stories or do you think in time it will stop al..."

Good morning everyone! I'm glad to see I haven't bored everyone to tears yet!

Sorry on the laptops, Michelle. That is my worst fear. I have near anxiety attacks every time I run into a store with my laptop in the car. I do backups often on a flash drive, but still... it's scary.

Personally, I could never go to handwriting my stories. First of all, as bad as my typing is - I can type faster than I can write. It's always a worry when you're on a roll & you want to get it all down as fast as you can before you forget it! Second, I can barely read my own writing.

About 5 years ago I was working on one of my middle grade books when I flew home. I didn't want to deal with my laptop so I left it behind. I brought a notebook to write on the plane & regretted it. I made out enough to get by but it was really a pain getting it from one to the other. It's sad, really. I remember that same 3rd grade teacher that said I would be a writer - she always said I had such pretty handwriting. I wonder what the heck happened. :)

Thanks for stopping! Get yourself a small laptop & guard it with your life!

Jane (PS) wrote: "Hi June (Bug :) Thanks for joining us.

I haven't read through all of them, but you have some terrific book reviews by members here on GR. How much notice do you take of reviews (professional and ..."

Gah - I got windier than I planned here. This is an edited version. LOL. I could go on & on about this subject!

It's hard not to want to see what people are saying about your books. As much as you don't want to look - it's like a car accident - you just gotta sneak a peek. The first few 4 & 5 star reviews are great...then a 3 will slip in. There is a promo gal I know that says 3's are great. They like it - it's an honest review. (Side note - I hate 3.5 because it shows up as a 3 on Amazon!) But to me - that's a C. I never got them in school & I don't want to accept them for my books - but it is what it is. Not everyone will love your book - that's hard to sink in, but so totally true.

I love the enthusiasm of comments when they say they want to read more of my work - those are my favorites.

I keep waiting to get called out on the fact that I have 4's & 5's for the reviews that I leave - that I'm padding friend's books. The fact is - if I can't leave a 4 or 5 - I simply don't leave one. Too many people look for bad in books so they can complain about it - it seems like they aren't looking for a good read at all. It upsets me when I see nasty ones - that goes for people I don't even know as well. I'd never do that to another writer. I read a book riddled with typos & still gave it a 5 because the story was great. I know a couple slipped by my editor in one of mine & I got blasted for it. It only makes me feel better when I find them in books from the "Big Six" publishing houses too. It's sad, but it just happens. Why give a great story a 1 for it? If ripping on the writer makes someone feel better about themselves - that's just sad.

I did a blog barrage recently for a newer release. I got a lot of 5's & one 3. The 3 said she thought the female was too wishy-washy but she loved everyone else & the story. Well, I wouldn't call her wishy-washy. I'd call her a bitch. LOL. She was a pain - but that just made me love the male MC more for still loving her & trying to win her over anyway. Other's loved it - it didn't float that one readers boat. cest la vie Maybe I'll win her over next time.

When I want a good laugh - I'll go read the one stars on 50 Shades of Grey. There are as many 1's as 5's. That actually goes for a ton of books. Opinions are like... well... you know. Everyone has one ;) No 2 people read the same book. I like the movie Hunger Games but thought the books were painfully slow. I forced myself to read them because everyone said I had to with an "OMG! they rock!" To each his own; thanks for the recommendation & for thinking of me.

Long story short (too late), I have to let them roll off me or it will eat me alive. I spent a very bad week after I got a bad review, wanted to curl up in a ball & die. Then I got a message on my fan page about how someone loved both books in that series and would I write a 3rd. Gotta take the good with the bad. It's just another aspect of the game that makes it so hard.

Thanks for the paper cut. How about some lemon juice? LOL! Kidding! It's so much easier to say ignore them than it is. I have 1 - one star & it stings, as as unfair & wrong as the comment seemed.

PS - I hate chocolate. Pretty sure there are less than a handful of people on the entire planet that feel this way. I just saw a facebook post about someone that didn't like puppies. Wha????? How can that be??? Everyone is different & that really goes for taste in books. Different strokes for different folks. (You're welcome if you're old enough & I just got that TV ditty suck in your head!;)

Hi June!

I love your honesty in your answers :)

Um, you don't like chocolate?? I can't relate, LOL! As you said, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Personally for me, when I give a 3 star review, in my head it's a B not a C. I liked it. It was good and I enjoyed many things about it. I may not have loved it, but I did like it.


Do you have a favorite character from one on your books? Anyone who stayed with you long after you finished writing about them?

Fran wrote: "Hi June!

I love your honesty in your answers :)

Um, you don't like chocolate?? I can't relate, LOL! As you said, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Personally for me, when I give a 3 star..."

Glad to hear your take on reviews. Sounds like what the one promo gal was trying to say. We are our own worst critics! :)

I'm not fibbing when I say all of them. I catch myself daydreaming into my stories here and there often, thinking about my awesome hunks. Maybe because my women are always so difficult and the men love them so much anyway, I relate them to my own hubby. He's a great sport about it. I tease that I've been with a dozen men while I've been with him and he laughs that he doesn't care what his name is - as long as it's still him! It always is... just don't tell him I said that. Boy's ego is already bad ;) (We've been married 18 years... he's still on our honeymoon. *swoon*)

Bix in Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number is really a favorite for some reason, though. I had to write a character when I heard the name. I thought I was breaking the mold but when I found out he was a computer geek I thought, "Dammit! It's my husband again!" LOL

Thanks for having me! This is a ton of fun! I love one on one with readers. I think that's why I'm so active in signings. Sales aren't always something to write home about, but I love talking with people about writing.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Thank you so very much for all your detailed responses. You may think that your answers aren't very helpful, but for some of us (like me) that LOVE to write, and just don't know how to get started, you are more helpful than you can imagine!

I just wanted to say thanks again!

Dee wrote: "If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?"

Writer? John Sanford. I went to a talk/signing once. Loved him. I handed him my book to sign with my post it with my name (Bug) & to write "to my #1 fan." I didn't realize till we were outside that he wrote "to my 912th fan." The least he could do is buy me a drink for that stunt! ;)

Susie wrote: "Thank you so very much for all your detailed responses. You may think that your answers aren't very helpful, but for some of us (like me) that LOVE to write, and just don't know how to get started..."

You're very welcome! Glad to try to help or at least put in my humble .02 & experiences where I can. Having support with something as hard as this really helps!

HI well i am a reader and i ask about your books it self.! do you have one in mind when you start write the book 2 he cover of the book do you have some one who will do them all 3 do you ever use someone who will draw you pic for the book and then submit it for cover i know a lday who will and does that in calf

Desiree wrote: "HI well i am a reader and i ask about your books it self.! do you have one in mind when you start write the book 2 he cover of the book do you have some one who will do them all 3 do you ever us..."

Hi there!

As far as the covers go, publishers usually do them. I am fortunate to have a say in mine. I had one publisher that gave me total control. I have a friend that is a graphic designer - I had her do one for me. Other than that one, my daughter does them. She's a wiz at photoshop when I find just the right couple. My middle grade series is drawn by her. They are amazing. She did the 1st one when she was only 14. http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com...

Good luck to your friend. If she's looking for work, she can get on that forum I mentioned. Occasionally there are people self publishing, looking for someone to do their covers.

Fran wrote: " Personally for me, when I give a 3 star review, in my head it's a B not a C. I liked it. It was good and I enjoyed many things about it. I may not have loved it, but I did like it..."

Me too Fran. To me a 'C' is 2 stars. ...I think you are too hard on yourself June(bug)! I was really impressed by how many 4 and 5 stars your books had received - you are right up there on the ratings!

I like June's idea of not rating books under 4 stars, but my problem is that I will then forget what I thought of the book... And I HAVE to rate the books from my OCD perspective ;)

June - are any of your books available in audio? (I checked on audible, but nothing came up. But this could be because of DRM as I live in Australia.)

Do you have a passionate cause you think you might write about beyond writing?

Hello, I would like to ask you, what are your favorite books?

I hope I win one of your books.

Have you ever in your life had a period you felt like you felt like you had dreams to write and they weren't coming true? What did you do to keep going and you knew in your heart that's what your meant to be!

Thanks for joining us June!

It was great chatting with you and learning about your backlist and approach to writing :)

Stay tuned everyone for the winners of June's giveaway.......

June - are any of your books available in audio? (I checked on audible, but nothing came up. But this could be because of DRM as I live in Australia.) /i>

Thanks for your take on reviews as well :)

As far as audio books - no - but that has nothing to do with DRM. I hold the rights for audio books which means that I have to find and pay someone to do it. I am in the middle of re-releasing a few titles & have a ton of expenses lined up at the moment.

That is on the back burner though for sure :)

Coco wrote: "Hello, I would like to ask you, what are your favorite books?

I hope I win one of your books."

I love to follow a series. John Sandford & William Kent Krueger are my favorite thrillers. Kelly Meding's Dreg series is wonderful. I'm not into paranormal - but I love these! Look them up!

Michelle wrote: " Have you ever in your life had a period you felt like you felt like you had dreams to write and they weren't coming true? What did you do to keep going and you knew in your heart that's what your ..."

I burst out laughing hard at a movie when it started off with the MC saying "I was running low on money - so I decided to write a book." People have such a misconception about writing & money. You have to do it because it's what you love. Marketing is hard work - your reward has to be that you got your work out there.

The dream was to be published. Then I discovered it was going to be e for a few months before print. Then it was print & I discovered because I didn't have one of the "big six" publishing houses - I'd never see book store shelves (unless it was small mom & pop ones that would let me)... and so on. There is always a factor of wanting more. You'll have to be happy to know it's out there & someone loves it - and be able to take the fact that some won't, and you will probably never see it made into the movie with Channing Tatum as the star!

Writing in itself has to be enough. Hope that answered you!