Monthly Archives: March 2020

Locked Down? No Problem…

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Lockdown Reads!

I’m in week two of lock down!!  Books have saved me. Anyone need saving with a gifted book? Lots of authors are doing this I’m joining in. I’m gifting copies…

Book one: Havana Heat 4.6 🌟 on Amazon.
Overcoming the past is not easy, when the future seems just as scary…
Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradise series of steamy, suspenseful, romantic stand-alone novella length stories, set in exotic locations around the world. Readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romance and heat build between Spanish Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming Detective at Casa De Amour Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Originally with different agendas, once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.

After all hell breaks out at Casa De Amour Hotel, conflict builds over Sebastian’s past, both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been with their chances of love. Sebastian and Melinda both grow as individuals from their encounter in Havana, following a few bumps along the way they find the real meaning of love. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this romance series set in paradise.

grab a copy here https://bit.ly/2QHQLG5

Book two: Lover’s Retreat 4.6 🌟 on Amazon.
From enemies to lovers, learning to live, laugh and love again is so much better with a partner in crime, and soul mate…

Lover’s Retreat is book #2 of the Romance Set in Paradise Series of stand alone steamy, suspenseful and romantic novella length stories. All set in exotic locations around the world.

For thirty seven year old recluse Yasmin O’Neil, life feels like one crisis after another. Her husband left her five years ago, she starts to suspect she’s losing her hearing, and then her mother is diagnosed with cancer. When her mother passes away her fortune changes. Yasmin is fifty thousand pounds richer from her mother’s estate. Taking her fate into her own hands after years of being a recluse, she rediscovers herself at a spiritual retreat in Sri Lanka south Asia, before she plans to spend the next six months travelling around the world. In Sri Lanka, Yasmin’s path crosses with Michael Thomas, an army soldier on his own path of self discovery. With their luke warm initial encounter the pair don’t hit it off straight away. After some push and pull the two move from enemies to lovers they are finally on the same page. Their encounter turns from luke warm to steamy sizzling hot.

In Lover’s Retreat two very different characters originally on different paths, embrace the need for change and companionship in order to live life to its fullest again. Set in the back drop of paradise, palm trees and untouched nature of Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean these two lonely souls gain more than just self discovery they gain a soul mate.
grab a copy here https://bit.ly/2QHQLG5

Book three: Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair 4.6 🌟 on Amazon.

Would you risk a second chance, 4,000 miles away in paradise?

Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair is book three of the Romance Set In Paradise Series. Of romantic, steamy and suspenseful stand-alone novella length stories, all set in exotic locations around the world. Each one can be read as a stand-alone book.

Thirty-one year old Gabby from Barcelona, Spain has a love for the finer things in life including successful men. She finds herself in need of a change of scene. Opportunity knocks when the European company she works for as a successful estate agent, selling properties to elite clientele expand. Giving her the chance to take a one month work sabbatical, in the beautiful vibrant Caribbean island Puerto Rico. She snaps up the chance to leave Europe behind. Here her path crosses with thirty-five year old Puerto Rican born Mateo Sanchez. A former ‘bad boy’ turned entrepreneur. They touch each other on a physical and soul level, the two become connected. Thing is, while the passion, heat and romance builds between the two, the pair’s love affair becomes caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal from the past.

Mateo and Gabby fight hard for their blossoming relationship, and against the drama that keeps following them. But there are decisions and sacrifices to make if they are really going to make it work. There’s nothing that Mateo won’t do to show his growing admiration for Gabby, even when the police get involved and he’s in the hot seat. His hand is forced he’s pushed to make moves he promised he would never do again, due to past events and to move forward with Gabby. Gabby is faced with the decision over what sacrifices she’ll make, and where she really sees her future. Back in Spain, London or 4,000 miles away in Puerto Rico. Romance, soul mate connection, heat, lies, betrayal and brushes with the law await readers in this exciting multicultural ‘second chance’ romance.
grab a copy here https://bit.ly/2QHQLG5

Hot New Historical Romance Series + $25.00 Giftcard Giveaway!

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Lords, Ladies and Babies
A Regency Romance Set with Little Consequences
with stories by
Meara Platt, Tabetha Waite, Tammy Andresen,
Annabelle Anders, Merry Farmer, Scarlett Scott
#LordsLadiesAndBabies
Love doesn’t always go as planned and sometimes it results in adorable little consequences! Six tales of Regency love, each including a bundle of joy. Don’t miss this very special set of books written by your favorite Historical Romance authors!
Meara Platt, Tabetha Waite, Tammy Andresen, Annabelle Anders, Merry Farmer, and Scarlett Scott!
THE DUKE’S SURPRISE by Meara Platt
Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar isn’t surprised when his wastrel brother dumps a wife and baby on his doorstep, but Jennifer is intelligent, nurturing, and sweet, just the sort Cheyne could love, if only she wasn’t already taken. When unsavory strangers come around looking for a runaway young lady, Cheyne realizes Jennifer isn’t who she claims to be, and he isn’t about to give her up.
THE SCOT’S BAIRN by Tabetha Waite
Damaris Honeywell suffers from an unwanted betrothal. Her solution? Ruin her reputation. But one night with a handsome Scotsman leads to certain…complications that can’t be ignored. When Callum Murray, Laird O’Donogue encounters her again, he intends to show her that they are meant to be.
EARL OF SIN by Tammy Andresen
The Earl of Sinclair vowed never to marry again. But when a pretty spinster befriends his daughter, he begins to wonder.
THE PERFECT LITTLE MARQUESS by Annabelle Anders
His father dies before turning forty. His oldest brother, the original heir, turns up his toes at the age of two and thirty. And this year, the spare gets shot in a duel at the tender age of eight and twenty. Things aren’t looking good for this third–son–turned–heir. The new duke of Warwick needs to secure the line… And quickly!
THE SUBSTITUTE LOVER by Merry Farmer
Lord Benedict Killian needs an heir of his own blood as fast as possible, but he has no intention of marrying. Disgraced Miss Meg Wallace needs money, and a lot of it, to start a new life. Agreeing to a deal to conceive a child for Benedict to pass off as his own seems like an easy solution for both of their problems. Until the red-hot passion between them proves irresistible.
And…
WOOED IN WINTER by Scarlett Scott
The Marquess of Haven has finally decided to do his duty and settle upon a bride, preferably before the new year begins. What better place to find her than a country house party? There’s just one problem, and she’s the beautiful widow who once owned his heart. Surely there’s no harm in indulging in one night of passion with her to get her out of his mind. But Haven is about to discover old habits are hard to break, especially when the consequences last forever…
About Meara Platt
Meara Platt is a USA Today bestselling, award winning author, and an Amazon UK All Star. Her Regency romances are infused with humor and heart, and her fantasy/paranormal stories add just enough darkness to keep her readers intrigued. For Meara, romance is a journey of enchantment, so whether you are looking for funny, uplifting escapes in her Farthingales series and Book of Love series, or wish to be transported into edgier, Fae/dragon other worlds (Dark Gardens series), or somewhere inbetween (Braydens series) take the journey and enjoy!
About Tabetha Waite
Tabetha Waite grew up in a small town in Missouri with big dreams of being a published author after her fourth grade teacher said she liked reading her stories. She began her journey by putting pen to paper writing anything from fantasy to mystery, but it wasn’t until she started high school that her grandmother introduced her to the classic, Gothic novels. As her love of romance grew to encompass Harlequins, it wasn’t until she read “Midnight Bride” by Kathleen Drymon did she develop a fascination for historical England. After discovering Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, she was hooked!
About Tammy Andresen
USA Today Bestselling Author, Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
About Annabelle Anders
Married to the same man for over 25 years, I have many experiences to both cherish and learn from. I am also the mother of three amazing children and two sassy miniature wiener dogs. After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis in 2006 and lost everything. I then put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender. Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management. Shortly after graduation, the energy market dropped off…and then my dog died…yuch! I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and wrote the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination. I am happy to have found my place in life…finally. Yay!
About Merry Farmer
Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Torpedo, her grumpy old man, and Justine, the bouncy new baby. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn’t have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon’s charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
About Scarlett Scott
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, and one TV-loving dog.
A self-professed literary junkie and nerd, she loves reading anything but especially romance novels, poetry, and Middle English verse. When she’s not writing, reading, wrangling kids, or indulging in her inappropriate sense of humor, you can catch up with her on her website http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com. Hearing from readers never fails to make her day.
$25 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

Writing Prompt: Local Flavour

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britain-2938_1280

Write a piece about a typically “local” experience from where you come from, as though it’s an entry for a travel guide”

Brilliant writing prompt under today’s date in my book, I’ve never tried my hand at travel writing…so here goes! London, like the rest of the world is on some form of lock-down, due to the Coronvirus outbreak. I too am at home  and have been for eight days! Let’s pass sometime with today’s writing prompt and see if I can ‘sell’ my city as if I were a travel guide writer!

London…

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, and one of the most diverse cities of the world. The city is located in the southern part of the United Kingdom, and has a population of 8.9 million( as of 2018)  

The capital of the United Kingdom attracts many visitors and tourists each year, to date 39.7 million visits have been recorded to the ‘city that never sleeps’ at the time of this article. The diversity of London is great, and that’s what gives it the reputation of being one of the most welcoming, tolerant and culturally richest part of the United Kingdom.

There is plenty to see and do in this part of the country, the city is divided up into what’s known as ‘post codes’, similar to the zip codes of the USA and other parts of the world. The River Thames run’s directly through the city, and is what divides the capital up between north and south.

What is there to see and do?

Central London- ‘The West End’

This part of the capital is as the name describes, the  most central part of the city.  It is the financial hub of the country. London’s economy is based largely in the central part of London. Here you will find the famous landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street  and Soho. As well as many of the other well known ‘tourist attractions’ of the city.

The centre of London, or London’s ‘West End’ is a most see! And the ultimate starting point of any visitor to the wonderful and vibrant city. Tube lines ( subways) are easy to access and navigate around the capital. In addition, there are many bus routes, overhead trains and even local bike ride schemes to travel around the city.

London operates on a strictly no cash system on transport services, therefore you will need to obtain one of London’s Oyster Cards ( a travel card) and ‘top it up’ with money to pay for travel before hand. Or you can use your debit or credit card by touching in onto the screens, when you board any form of transport.

In central London, you will also find many theaters, restaurants bars, clubs and night life! In fact, London’s night light is highly sort after as an experience, and comparable to big cities such as Miami, Amsterdam, New York and Paris! But  London is the place to be.

Museum’s Parks and Attractions

The London Eye is London’s main attraction, located along Westminster Bridge, and a stone’s throw from the iconic Big Ben Clock, that London is recognised by. Here, visitors to the capital can experience  panoramic views across London, from the height of the ride’s wheel.  The ride itself is a large Ferris wheel, that moves at a smooth and comfortable speed allowing visitors to see the north, east, south and west of London. while located in the centre of London! Don’t miss this attraction. The nearest tube stations are Lambeth North, and Westminister Bridge.  Tickets must be purchased beforehand, arrive early to avoid queues.

London also has many picturesque parks such as Clapham Common ( south London), Richmond Park ( south London), Victoria Park (east London), Hamstead Heath ( north London) as well as parks in the city centre, located near the residence of the royal family.

In the city centre,  there are also museums for those who which to soak up the culture! Such as The National Gallery, along London’s South Bank you will also find The London South Bank Museum here.  Nearest stations are Trafalgar Square and Elephant and Castle which which are both walking distance.

Urban Life in London

London, would not be complete with out the underworld of ‘urban life’. Those who wish to experience the true unique, diverse and alternate culture of London, should head out the the tourist areas and visit Camden Town’s Market. Camden Town is a funky, diverse and cool part of London, not to be missed. Shops, restaurants, bars, and tattoo and alternate body art shops are all to be discovered. Nearest tube station is Camden Town.

Brixton Market located in the south London is a must see, and a very vibrant area to experience, where all races mingle and mix enjoying the ambiance of this part of the city. Nearest tube station is Brixton.

The August carnival to celebrate Afro-Caribbean culture in the capital, takes place on the Bank Holiday in August, at the end of the summer each year! This is one big street party, where there’s food, music, drinking and dancing along the streets of west London all Caribbean style. Don’t miss this iconic event, that has been part of London’s history since the large influx of Caribbeans who settled in the UK with the Windrush Era.

Safety While Traveling

London generally is a pretty safe place to explore,  safety should be taken with valuables as with any large city in the world, opportunists will strike and pick pocket if tourists are no alert ,and protective of possessions. Female travelers should feel safe, but should also take care and guard general safety.

Overall, London is  a great city! Home to many people from all over the world. Racism is not a big thing in this part of the country, compared to other parts. As the population is diverse and it is in this part of the UK, as with other large cities such as Birmingham and Manchester and Liverpool, that you will find the highest population of immigrants, as well as inhabitants that fall into the Black-British, or Asian-British, and Non-White category.

Visit London today! The best times of year are during the  spring and summer months typically from March- August.

 

How about it guys?? Who’s coming to London ( after the travel ban is lifted LOL), have I sold my part of the world to you?? Let’s see your travel guide pieces on where you’re from. Drop your links below I’d love to read them!!

 

 

 

 

 

New Release+ Giveaway ‘Mermaida’ Anthology! (Fantasy, Paranormal)

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Mermaidia
A
Limited Edition Anthology
Genre:
Fantasy, Paranormal 
 
Love
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just for you! With more than 700 pages of captivating fiction, you’ll
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With
stories from:

 

 

 

Catherine
Banks

 

Kai
Ellory Viola



Mia
Ellas

 

 

Anthea
Sharp

 

 

Kristi
Lea

 

 

LA
Fox

 

 

Nicole
Zoltack

 

 

Mara
Amberly

 

 

Raine
English

 

 

Margo
Bond Collins

 

 

Sara
Elizabeth

 

 

Mikayla
Symonett

 

 

Tricia
Schneider

 

 

Merrie
Destefano

 

 

Bokerah
Brumley

 

 

Rachel
A. Marks

 

 

and
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Are
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Including
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Queen
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Fated
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would keep them apart.

Seize
the Storm by Kristi Lea

An
Isyre hides from the hunters who killed her family, as far from any
ocean as she can be. The fire mage who discovers her secrets has a
few of his own. Can they trust each other to face their pasts

Touched
by a Mermaid by Raine English
A
secret society. A sea witch bent on revenge. An ancient world in
peril.  
Paranormal
Maritime War by Nicole Zoltack 
A
stolen selkie skin just might start a war between the merfolk, the
selkies, and the sirens.
Racing
the Clock by Catherine Banks
“You
will seduce the prince and convince him to give you his soul. If you
fail, you will give me your soul for eternity.”
The
Church of Moon and Sea by Sara Elizabeth
She
must choose between two loves – the sea or the land.
Fury
by Merrie Destefano
To
survive, she made a secret deal in the Underworld.
Soul’s
Reef – Kai Ellory Viola
A
mysterious phenomenon. A weird cult.  Vaccines needed at the end
of the universe – Captain Holloway just needs to get through the
reefs.

The
Sea of Time and Stars by Mara Amberly
“A
woman watched from just above the water line, her sleek blue hair
drifting in the water around her. One moment she was there and the
next she was gone; so quickly I could’ve put it down to my
imagination or a hallucination from my injuries.”

 

**Only
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**scroll
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Hot New Short Story Anthology! Just .99 Cents + $10.00 Giveaway! (All Stories)

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A Compendium of Characters
by Mason Bushell
Genre: Short Stories, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Adventure
The world of imagination is a magical place filled with fantastical stories. Inside A Compendium of Characters you’ll be drawn into myth, legend, and mystery on every page, and across various genres. You’ll meet aliens, vampires, angels, and maybe a ghost or two; discover stranded people, farmers with shotguns and people to save. There’ll be romantic liaisons, fairytale frolics, and mysteries to solve!
**Only .99 cents!!**
Mason is a naturalist in every way and spends much of his time in the nature reserves by his home. His faithful dog Lucy is never too far away, especially when he is experimenting with the culinary arts. Mason loves a good mystery and dreams of opening a restaurant like the Workhouse soon.
$10 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

101: Narrating Audio Books, And Having Your Books Narrated, What’s The Deal?

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coming soonThe last few weeks have been a very unexpected experience for me! I got two jobs narrating two audio books, and uploaded my books to be narrated. That was the main intention, to have my books placed into audio and open it up to auditions. After speaking with a fellow author on Facebook, who happens to be an audio book narrator, I decided to see if there was any demand for British narrators following her encouragement. She was sure British accents would be some kind of ‘hot commodity’ that’s needed. LOL Turns out there is a massive demand!!

I did two auditions, of just two minutes reading a script for two books that interested me, and got both books offered to me to narrate. One from a publisher and one from an author. I thought I’d share both sides of the coin, how to place your books in audio, and why you might also wish to consider becoming a narrator yourself!

Where Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy…head to ACX’s site this is Audible and Amazon’s website HERE.  

Simply log in using your own Amazon account, or set up one under your author/narrator pen name. Then, head to the section which states ‘add projects’. Here upload the details and Amazon will automatically pull your book in, confirm it and that’s it! Then, you need to add a script for narrators to audition with. I recommend not placing your whole MS up there, just copy and paste a sample. It does not have to be the first pages either, you can use a really tense scene, steamy scene etc, to see how  potential narrators would handle these aspects of your book. Or just opt for a sample from the first chapter. Either  way paste it into the box, or save a Word.doc  and upload it. Bosh! Done you’re book is out there for narrators to find.

What Cost Are Involved For Authors?…

None, if you don’t want there to be. Authors and publishers are able to place their book(s) up, and offer what’s called a ‘life long royalty share option’ to the narrator. This means, if you are willing to give exclusive rights to Amazon and Audible you just split all royalties earned from audio sales with the narrator. You’ll receive 20% and so will they, each month for life. The rest goes to Amazon and Audible of course.

Or, you can pay narrators a fee per audio hour they produce. This option will involve costs to you. So if a narrator’s fee is £50.00 per hour produced for example, and your book is eight hours long = 8 x 50.00=  £400.00 must be paid to the narrator.

Or, lastly you can offer the royalty share option + an amount for each audio hour, say £20.00. So if your book is eight hours again 8 x 20.00= £160.00 PLUS a 20 % royalty share per month.

There are three options, the first one you have to give Amazon and Audible exclusive rights, with the other two you are free to have  your book sold in audio elsewhere. But there’s costs to you. So if you don’t want upfront costs, then don’t go with them.

How Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Once you’ve added your book(s) as projects, fill out the options to decide what kind of narrator you’d like. eg accent, age, type of reader eg versatile, feminine, husky etc Basically narrow down the options to the best voice you feel would be suited, or that you’d like to hear bring your work alive. Press submit and that’s it.

Narrators looking for projects will come across your book(s), and if they are interested audition. You will get an alert of an audition and can hear their voice.

What Happens Next?….

Your book(s) will be up for ‘audition’ and narrators can find you.You should hopefully start receiving auditions and hearing different voices. You can respond to anyone who takes your fancy. You can also search the data base of narrators based on the criteria you selected, then invite them to audition or reach out in some way. Once your book(s) are up, it’s time to either reach out, or kick back and wait for people to find you.

Once you offer a project the narrator has two days to accept, if they do you upload the full MS. Then, they will start working and submit to you a fifteen minute sample of their work, before the deadline agreed. You will then approve it or not, and if you do they continue and you kick back, and wait for your book to be transformed into audio by the agreed due date! Then it goes up on sale once complete and ACX has approved it for quality.

Are Narrators Willing To Do The Work With No Upfront Fee?

In short, yes I was and would do it again. Depending on 1. if they feel your book will sell 2. they have a genuine interest in your book 3. you include in your book’s details what you plan to do about marketing. To inform potential narrators who may have an interest what you’ll do to spread the word. So they can see potential.

Of course there are professional voice actors who are not! And wish to be paid a fee, rather than  risk the time and effort, your book sells little or nothing or not what they would have imagined.

My Experience So Far, As An Author…

Well as an author my books have only been up just over a week, I have not had auditions yet, but one narrator did make contact and say she would like to audition once she’s finished up a few books she’s working on this month. I honestly think patience will be needed. That said, I would advise any author wanting to place their work into audio, to be just that patient. Don’t run with the first voice you hear unless it grabs you! Remember you are looking for someone who will bring your story alive, be it fiction or non-fiction. I’m more than happy to wait and hear the right voice and emotions for my work. If you do this, I suggest you do too.  This will increase the chances of you being happy,  once the audio book is produced. I found that it was a very easy process to place my books up on ACX too.

My Experience So Far, As Narrator…

Wonderful!! Like I said, pick books and subjects that genuinely interest you. One book is non-fiction and is in the esoteric,  spirituality, and metaphysics genre so of course I’m loving it! And it’s a short book, just 15,000 words or so. The second is a autobiography, this lady’s story really interests me too. The third, which the publisher emailed me about this week to potentially narrate, is a fiction book in the women’s fiction genre. This should be interesting as it will be a different type of narration voice for me, proper voice acting for different characters! I will review it and see if I am drawn to it and the characters.

The thing is, it’s not as easy as reading out a book, you do need to make it interesting and ‘act’,  even if it’s not a fictional book. Think of the listeners, so adjusting your tone, speed and how you wish to present the author’s work for listeners in an engaging way, is key. Secondly, it can take time! To learn the software, to edit, and re-record the words and sentences you stumble on LOL. But it really has been a great experience for me, and  would do more for this publisher and other authors for sure.

I am now more than fifty percent through my first book, and hope to get it all l completed this week or next. That’s the other thing, you will agree with the author or publisher a reasonable due date. I recommend, no matter how short the book ask for six-eight weeks on the project. Unless you really feel you could or want to do it in less time.

My advice is take your time, aim for perfection and quality ( after all you want good reviews, and more work from the publisher or author). And you want to do it right, right? You need time to get each chapter correct.  I would advise you take more time, and if possible do it in less or at a pace that works for you.

When you start out I would not take on too  many projects either, if you don’t have much time on your hands. I only took on two as the first book is so short, and the second is a novel. I would not have taken on two novels in my first attempt at this, trust!

Hence why, the first project that I searched for I wanted only under three hours production time, in the genres I was interested in, So I didn’t bite off more than I can chew. But from the experience, I do feel I could do a full novel with a good timescale, and one that deeply interests me, hence I took on the second book.

What Do I Need To Narrate Books? Could I Do My Own?

Yes, you can narrate your own. In fact the thought crossed my mind to do mine if I did not find a narrator I really liked. In order to narrate books, be it your own or someone else’s all you need is…

  • a decent microphone and pop filter. ( Don’t even think about using your computer’s one it’s too crappy). A Pop filter will help to remove mouth noises, and sounds of breathing or inhaling and you DO NEED IT don’t skip it! I would not say you need to buy the most expensive either. Mine cost me under £30.00 with the pop filter. I think about £20.00 and it is ahmaaaaaaaaaaaayzin! Great quality.
  • a laptop or PC.
  • recording and editing software. Which you can grab free!! One called Audacity. ACX recommend a paid expensive software, you don’t need it all all.  I recommend you grab a free software download of Audacity HERE. It’s so simple to use too.
  • And I recommend this great ebook on Audio book production  by Krystal Wascher . Recommended to me by the author who encouraged me to audition, and I too recommend it. It’s like a Bible and a must have. There are many resources on ACX’s website to help, I say get the book too. Free on Kindle Unlimited to read also. Grab it here.
  • A VERY VERY quiet environment, table and chair.  This is key, please don’t think that any old place will do. I record in my bedroom ( at the back of the house away from the main road). Choose a quiet room, the smaller the better too.
  • Water to drink!

Overall, I think that audio books are great I have listened to them in the past. I also think that as authors it’s great to reach as many readers , via as many channels as you can! So while I am now redoing all paperbacks for my self-published works, I’m also doing audio books. My publisher who I signed with for my historical romance,  really, really also recommends that audio is the way to go…. so go for it authors!

On the other hand, if you’re someone who thinks yeah, I have the time and skill or even desire to narrate books I say go for it too. Pick the books and genres carefully, stick to what interests you. Also, think of what your voice may suit also! Keep in mind that fiction work will have characters, so you will need to adjust for this. Male and female voices, non-fiction the author will want a different approach to how their book is narrated.

There is a demand for all accents. So I’ll give this a crack, add to my monthly royalties coming in and have some fun too!

Also, there are things to help you decide on books, such as the reviews it has on Amazon, sales rank, and how established the author is, their marketing plan etc. But at the end of the day, it’s down to you to decide. You may feel a book will sell well, but  it may not sell as many copies and vice versa.

Decide if you want to be paid a fee or via royalty share or both! Remember royalty share is for life. Also remember that as the narrator you should invest in the book’s potential for sales too. Promote it once produced, you are a shareholder in it after all!!

Give it a go if you feel you’d enjoy it. Any questions get in touch or drop them in the comments.

101: Writing Realistic Romance, Seven Tips #amwriting

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writing Everyone has their own style of storytelling, believe me I know! I’m a big rebel when it comes to writing in this genre!  I don’t believe in following the crowd, I hate it. I use the present tense and first person often. While a majority of this genre is third person and past tense. That said, I have been pulled to write this short 101 to helpfully help other aspiring romance writers, and anyone for that matter, as this simple advice can be applied across the board in all genres really. Also, I’ve not written a writing 101 for ages!!

I’ve been compelled to write this as, one I read a hella-lot of romance, two I’ve read a hella-lot of romance that’s sadly unrealistic in some ways. This genre has this ‘reputation’ and I feel us romance writers should do what we can, to fight that battle. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. But I do claim to be a kick-ass romance author that I will blow my own trumpet! And I will admit, that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea you either feel me, or you don’t as a reader. But I’ll always be feelin’ myself LOLZ.  That’s because I have mastered ‘Kim’s style’ like all writers, I’ve got to a place where I feel happy with what my pen does, and at ease if others don’t like it.  Not everyone will like what you write, but if you write for yourself first, and use your own style whatever comes after is just a bonus, praise of critique. Because, you write for you first.

I’m now on novel number eleven, so from this experience here’s my simple advice and take from a humble POV, that I’d give to craft engaging and believable romance. So we can fight the whining  readers who find it ‘unrealistic’.

Characters

As a big reader I love it when characters are so believable, realistic and engaging to read. When they’re not, it can be a turn off. Not everyone is going to like your characters, and so what if they don’t they’re may be the wrong reader. The point is, when it comes to characters who are they? This is my starting point before I think about my plot. This is because, if you’re  going to write a realistic romance ( or any genre story), the characters will be what drives the plot. Not and never the other way around.  Remember this, think of your characters like this as the plot drivers.

Many may start with the plot and fill out characters, cool okay if that’s what’s best for you. But you may find that you”re  so busy spinning your plot, your characters do unrealistic things, and fall flat. I recently read two books one romance and one other, and this was my experience as a reader. If you know your characters well,  you can portray them better. They will react, think, move, talk, walk more vividly in your plot if you can focus on them first. This helps massively with character development also.

Ever read a book and the characters are boring, or they are from a certain part  of the world yet they speak perfect English in their conversations? Hmmm, chances are the  writer has skipped this part. Hence they speak perfect English, or just flat and not real. For example, when they are from the depths of south London for example and may have a different accent.

When I wrote a particular story for The Suspenseful Collection #2- Blurred Lines, I placed myself and Didi in the story lol. So when I portrayed myself in speech, I did not say, ‘oh I’m so sorry about that, here let me help you.’ I said, ‘oh no, I’m sorry, ‘er lemmie help ya’. That’s because I’m from London, and a certain part and I would not in casual speaking speak like the Queen herself!   Didi and I also had a Russian female in The Suspenseful Collection Volume #1 and of course  she said, ‘ello, yass ‘ow can help you.’ rather than ‘Hello, yes how I can I help you.’ The point is, little things like this matter, as well as who they are as people.  You may think, yeah Kim this is basic stuff. Trust, you’d be surprised  how many can easily forget, during character development.

This brings me to character development and thinking about it a  little deeper, if you start by really thinking about who your characters are, outside of things like age, race etc. But who they are as people, where they have been, how they react to things and most importantly their flaws as people. You will have more rounded, believable and developed characters that drive your plot. Rather than a plot with flat characters, doing very unrealistic things.

Flaws and Growth…

Okay so we all love a romance ( or any genre book really) where the characters are not only real, but we as readers experience and see their growth. Don’t forget this, once you know who your characters are as people, what flaws do they have? And these flaws should help drive the plot and show how they grow from it…. why? As it shows growth of each character, develops story and adds to reality! People have life experiences and we all grow from them, love and romance are no exception to the rule. If anything love and romance really do allow us all to grow in some shape or form. So, give your characters a flaw or two, then make sure in the plot you show somehow that they have overcome it, or made steps to over come it, changed or grown from it.  This could be so subtle in your writing, it does not have to be over the top, but if you can show it well it should make good believable reading. It makes the characters real, the situations real, and the best bit allows readers to experience the plot better.

Plot, Story-line and Storytelling…

Okay y’all like I said, I’ve read a hella-lot of books, especially romance and I feel a plot needs to be very realistic in as many books, if not all as possible. End of story, period and full fucking stop!! This genre has such a reputation for delivering ‘unrealistic stories’ and I hate it, and I will defend my genre I love to read and write until the cows come home! But, as a reader, I gotta say… yeah there’s some truth. Don’t get caught up in trying to spin the perfect ‘fairy tale’ that things seem unreal.  Ask yourself…

1.Would this really happen?

2.Could this even be possible?

3. And would my CHARACTER react like this, or how would they react and why?? What would my characters do in the situations I have placed them?

Where’s the challenges?…

Now if you, one know your characters, two they have realistic flaws, they should not be doing unrealistic stuff…right? Good glad we agree.

But, how do we keep it realistic, in my personal and humble opinion as a romance author, it’s down to the challenges we give them. By this I mean, if there’s no challenge and everything just fits into place we all know love and life does not roll like that! So it can come across as unrealistic, there needs to be some kind of ‘challenge’ and I use the word loosely to mean some kinda ‘debate’, ‘back and forth’ ‘questions’ or even just a good ‘ol dose of drama to keep the plot realistic. Don’t go too mad ( unless it’s like romantic suspense), but for good, clean, sweet romance a little challenge or dilemma where a decision or choices need to be made are key. And for romantic suspense, ha! Well, bring the heat with challenges!! 🙂 But keep them realistic to the characters, their environment and where they are at in life no matter what kind of romance you’re writing.

My best advice is, place your plot outline in the real world, in the time frame your story is set. So if it’s the present day would what you’ve outlined…

1. Have a chance of happening? Is this a realistic challenge to the character, time-frame and who they are?

3. Could it be believable? What is a realistic challenge for this couple to either be together, come together, or hold them back for some reason. Where is the push and pull before they can be happy?

4. Does it go inline with the challenges, flaws, and issues you’ve given the characters and the overall plot? Does it work?

5. Is there an actual challenge here worth telling? Is there more than sex in your plot? Does it develop into an actual story involving the characters? 

Pace…

All right y’all now, I believe when or if there’s  an issue with pace, it might be because of one of two things.

  1. There’s no fucking story at all to tell or is being told! And really pages are just being filled with words- the story does not move!
  2. The story does not have ‘peaks’ to keep the reader engaged. So, the pace seems like this ———————————————- all on one level and not really moving.

If you’ve really looked at your story line,  plot  or the outline whatever you call it, you should be able to see if there is a story really, and eliminate point one. If so, now where are the areas of ‘peak’ ‘heat’ tension’ whatever you want to call it. Make them clear, for you and the reader. Then decide how you will build up to these peaks. By this I mean what’s your approach to bringing the readers to these peaks, is it a sub-plot, surprise, mystery, a twist, or are you just ensuring that the story is told at a good pace and not dragged out.

You don’t have to spin mystery, surprise, or suspense into a romance, it could just be a nice sweet story ( something I’m not great at writing lol), or a contemporary romance. The point is, as you write your actual story keep up that damn pace! End as many chapters as you can with something interesting for the reader, and for the love of God keep moving! Without skimming or rushing, just make sure your pace is even.

  1. Start
  2. Middle/climax etc.
  3. level off/ OMG what will they do??/tension.
  4.  Bang…ending!

This is the most simple way I can  put it with pace. I would avoid leaving all the juicy stuff until the later part of your story, readers may fall off, lose interest or just feel that ‘the pace is slow’. Keep them interested. As a side note, I mentioned reality as a big thing. So if you leave all the juicy stuff to the end, is this realistic to how life would go, in the situations you’ve placed your characters?

Think about it. Do life and love just fit into place? Nope, think not. Especially if you have a plot with some drama, if your characters just roll with it is that really believable??? Adjust reaction if you can to fit the pace.

Insta- Love?

Ya know lots of readers may dislike this, I kinda do  as a reader as long as it’s believable. That’s the deal breaker. If you like to write insta-romance- do your thang! I like to read it and  have written it where characters connect fast. Remember what I said about pace…. That said, if you serve up some insta-love have you shown a reason ‘why they can’t get enough of each other?’  Give them some kind of connection. There is no use allowing your characters to say, ‘I love you’  ( a lot), when you can’t even see why they would love each other. It sucks, it’s unrealistic and well, where’s the connection more to the point? How or why have they fallen for each other, even if it was pretty soon.

Now connection could be simple things, common interests, both want the same things in life, at the same point in life, etc. People connect when there is a connection no matter how small, we all know and have experienced this. Establish the connection….and keep it real! Show the reader why there is a believable chance these people would fall in love, even if it’s soon.

I read a book recently and I could not see why the author’s characters had a connection, and that placed doubt in my mind about the story, reality, and why these two people were in love. But they said ‘ I love you’ a hella-lot though *rolls eyes*.

In my humble view again, if they fall fast or not, show them falling, show the change of heart! Don’t forget this, don’t write a car crash of love and  not show the change of heart, or the development of feelings in your story. Even in a very subtle way as word count can be limited at times. If you do show this, It will…help it to seem realistic! That’s the name of the game.

How Much Sex, is Too Much Sex?…

Well, this is a hard balance to strike, but in my honest view as a reader yes, there is such thing as too much sex WHEN and only WHEN the rest of the plot is not developed enough. Simple.

You decide on how much or little sex you want,  it’s not for anyone to say…but just remember this can not be the be all, and end all of how you bring your story alive. Consider carefully where you place it, why and what it adds to your overall development of the actual story. Don’t just scatter it around to fill pages, and hope that a steamy story will hold your reader, it won’t and probably can’t when there is nothing else going on. *Shrugs shoulders* I’m just being honest as a reader, and that’s my view as a writer too.

So off the top of my head these are a few tips! I will come back and keep adding to this post, if and when I feel the need. I wish every romance writer the best of luck! Let’s fight that damn reputation we have for the genre, and pen some page-turning and realistic stories! *High five*

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review- ‘Tomorrow and Yesterday’ by Kris Francoeur (Women’s Fiction) 3 stars.@KFAnnaBelleRose @RRBookTours1 @btwnthelinespub #BlogTour #WomensFiction #Romance #Giveaway #RRBookTours

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Thank you to R and R book tours for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. Three stars from me I wish I could give more. I found the pace for me a bit too slow,  and it became a little ‘hard to believe it all.’ But there were some enjoyable parts. Let’s get into the review…

Blurb

Tomorrow and Yesterday

Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Willow River Press
The air was so cold, it was hard for her to breathe. Who was she kidding? It could have been
a balmy, sunny day, and she still would have felt the clogging tightness of her throat, air
barely able to get through to her lungs…

Delaney Adams isn’t hiding from her past. She doesn’t have a past, at least as far as anyone
currently in her life knows. She has a great job, a small but supportive group of friends, and
absolutely no romantic life at all. Her life is just the way she wants it. When she meets artist
James McDaniels, she is caught between her attraction to him, her distrust of men, and the
fear that he will reject her if he ever learns who she really is. But her past secretly stalks
Delaney, and eventually it catches up to her. When it all explodes into her current life, will
she have the strength to fight for what she has.

Kim’s Review 3 Stars

What made me sign up to read this novel was the blurb, it seemed interesting to me and drew me in. It doesn’t give away much! But I sensed a good read and maybe some mystery or suspense to the plot, given the main female character. I really wish that I could have loved this book! I was so sure I would, it was an okay read. A few things sadly made me disconnect a little. That said, I’m just one reader and there may be many who would disagree, and find this a fast-paced page turner! But here’s my honest review.

Characters- I found them interesting when the book first started, and I loved the way that James and Delaney really fell for each other. It’s kinda like a ‘insta love’ but these two people have met before in the past. I liked that it seemed like a genuine connection.  And I liked the second chance at love and meeting aspect a lot! Love love that!!

Delaney herself was portrayed well, shy, nervous and a very hardworking woman. Mainly due to her past, this adds to her need to never miss work. The male character  James came across as the perfect gentleman as I read, which he was.

Story line and plot–  this is where my reading experience was held back a tiny bit. This is an over 250 page book, the first say fifty to seventy five pages I enjoyed a lot, as this part was about the two characters meeting, then meeting again, and falling in love. But as I read deeper at about eighty percent through I felt in all honestly as a reader, that this novel could have been at least 100 pages shorter if this is the full plot, and all there is to it.  Or it  could benefit from having  more in the story/plot happening in the first eighty percent,  to keep me focused, gripped and guessing. I probably would have really loved it and had that ‘page turner’ experience  if the latter! More plot please!!

I have  no problem with ‘slow burn books’, I  do like them,  but as a reader of this one I feel the ‘slow burn’ and not much happening in the plot, hindered the reality of the whole story generally, as I read.  I say this as at fifty, seventy five and say even eighty percent in, I was still waiting for something to happen, and I still never understood what Delaney had spent her life running from.

Other than the characters telling each other that they love each other, having sex, and going to work there was for me, nothing else.  As I was so in the dark for so long with the pace, and there was no real challenge from James over how he handled this situation, I didn’t feel that gripped.

The romance was there, but it all seemed to just fit together so easy,  and no challenges. Which was hard to believe, given one person is not telling the other anything but yet they are in love. And the person ( James) in the dark ( like readers), seems to be like ‘okay that’s fine, and yes I will propose to you too, yep I’m  cool with that’.  That seemed to be his attitude.

Reality- With the slow pace, and lack of challenge from James as I read I started to doubt the reality of the plot overall. I asked myself 1. could two people meet, fall in love, move in together, and the man propose marriage BUT he has no idea about the woman’s past, but knows she’s hiding something, and I mean he knows NOTHING!! Not even if she has siblings. ( Neither do we readers).  2. In this day and age? And at the age these characters are, could this be realistic? Is this a real romantic element, and is it a likely situation? I doubted it  and both  characters.  Delaney also held back from her previous husband also. But if there was more challenge, suspense, and twists around Delaney’s deception, which would give James a chance to become more believable early on, this could have been a brilliant read.

When James proposes marriage ( knowing nothing about this woman’s background and character), within the last say fifty pages, that’s when he starts digging and Delaney is kinda forced to open up. But I asked myself again, really? Would a man ( or woman)  or even me myself? Even get to this point of marriage or keep dating with such a closed and strange person? And then start digging after a proposal. I felt as a reader, while reading,  it was all too late for the action and drama at the eight-ninety percent mark, or the last fifty pages when marriage is on the table and drama kicks in.

Overall for me, three stars for enjoyable characters to start off with, and how the romance developed to start. But if the plot was a bit more gripping with other aspects, developed quicker, and not leave me with doubts over the reality and likely hood of this couple’s journey from dating, living together and marriage proposal maybe it could have been a four or five star read for me.   It was okay, but slow..  2.5 ish- 3 stars from me.

I hope there are others who fall in love with this novel! And  I wish the author a lot of luck, and a great readership for this book.

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TomorrowandYesterday

Welcome to the blog tour for Tomorrow and Yesterday, by Kris Francoeur! Read on for a sneak peek from the book and a chance to win a signed copy, plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Tomorrow and Yesterday

Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Willow River Press

The air was so cold, it was hard for her to breathe. Who was she kidding? It could have been a balmy, sunny day, and she still would have felt the clogging tightness of her throat, air barely able to get through to her lungs…

Delaney Adams isn’t hiding from her past. She doesn’t have a past, at least as far as anyone currently in her life knows. She has a great job, a small but supportive group of friends, and absolutely no romantic life at all. Her life is just the way she wants it. When she meets artist James McDaniels, she is caught between her attraction to him, her distrust of men, and the fear that he will reject her if he ever learns who she really is. But her past secretly stalks Delaney, and eventually it catches up to her. When it all explodes into her current life, will she have the strength to fight for what she has.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

Later, Delaney awoke covered in cold sweat, her heart pounding. Would the nightmares never stop? Lately, they had been less frequent but still happened fairly often. How long would she have to relive that night? Were dreams of that hell the only way she could see Jake and her mother in her mind? In the light of day, she could barely remember what they looked like, but at night, the images were so vivid…

Available on Amazon!

For your chance to win a signed copy of Tomorrow and Yesterday PLUS a $20 Amazon Gift Card, click the link below!

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About the Author

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My name is Kris Francoeur, and I am an author, educator, speaker, wife, mom, grandmother, and farmer living in Vermont. I love to spend time with my family, travel, hike, kayak, knit, spin (fiber), garden, cook, and love time with my bees, alpacas and chickens.

Currently, I have published three romance novels with Solstice Publishing, and have one that will be released by Willow River Press in January 2020. My first three romances are written under the pen name of Anna Belle Rose, and they can be purchased in paperback format through my Book Store page on this website, or in e-book or paperback on Amazon.

Kris Francoeur | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

TomorrowandYesterday

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March 9th

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

Shalini’s Books & Reviews (Spotlight) https://bookreviewsbyshalini.com/

Viviana MacKade (Spotlight) https://viviana-mackade.blog/

B is for Book Review (Spotlight) https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

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I’m into Books (Spotlight) https://imintobooks.com

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

The Reading Chemist (Spotlight) https://thereadingchemist.com/

March 11th

Breakeven Books (Spotlight) https://breakevenbooks.com

Tsarina Press (Spotlight) https://www.tsarinapress.com

Books, Teacup, & Reviews (Spotlight) https://booksteacupnreviews.wordpress.com/

March 12th

Didi Oviatt (Spotlight) https://didioviatt.wordpress.com

Just 4 My Books (Spotlight) http://www.just4mybooks.wordpress.com

My Bookish Bliss (Review) http://www.mybookishbliss.com

Book Dragons Not Worms (Review) https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/?m=1

March 13th

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/

Kim Knight (Review) https://kimknightauthor.wordpress.com

Tales of a Natural Spoonie (Review) https://talesofanaturalspoonie.com/

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International Women’s Day 2020: Equality In The Work Place, My Story #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

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womens-day

So it’s International Women’s Day 2020 today! #IWD2020 Yeah! While I believe in celebrating women and the contributions we make to the world and society at large daily, I’m always pleased when the day rolls around. This year’s theme is equality,  or #EachforEqual. I actually have an experience of being a woman in the world, battling for equality personally that I thought I’d share.

So let’s step back many years ago I was a pregnant woman in my late twenties, working extremely hard in the work place.  One as my department was being restructured and my co-workers and I was at risk of redundancy, two the department was in a shit load of mess anyway! And me being typical me, I wanted to do what I could to help clean it up. We all had to in away reapply for our jobs, to  ‘prove’ our worth to not be selected for redundancy and have our jobs merged so some went jobless. It was very stressful I tell you! Especially while pregnant I feared for my growing family’s stability.

While all this was going on, just before I started my maternity leave I started to take on ‘extra responsibilities’ in the work place, I was doing my job and another. And, yes you guessed it I wasn’t being paid for taking on the roles of a job above me.  I was not even formally asked to take on the extra work, it was just dumped on my desk by management. We had a change of management also. A man stepped in, one who had a reputation of being very harsh, unfriendly, awkward, not a people person or in any way emotionally intelligent and a ‘hard task master’.  The whole organisation was in such a mess, and going down hill I think they brought him in to try and ‘shake things up’. He never bothered me as I thought well I’m on leave soon, and anyway it’s not like I don’t do my job and then some, so whatever! Is all I thought. So anyway I did what I could, stressed, worried and about to give birth any time soon, I was in the final weeks of pregnancy.

While on maternity leave the department was restructured, I did keep my job, but during the restructure  of the organisation and department the job that I was doing ( the extra part with no pay) ,was made into an actual new role.  With higher pay and more clout… so they notified everyone internally and I heard via  post ( as they legally had to tell everyone who remained an employee of that department).  Naturally,  I put in an application for the job. Why not right? I was doing the job for nothing, no pay or anything! Before I went on maternity leave, I did it well even though I was very stressed and glad to get out of the place. I also was highly qualified for the role, in terms of experience and academic achievement etc.

This happened a few weeks before I was due to return from maternity leave. When I did  return from leave, I found out I was not even shortlisted for an interview. *face palm* Hold on a minute…. who was doing that job before leave? Unpaid? And helped to clear up a lot of the mess left, by employees that really didn’t give a hoot, left, and just were down right lazy? Muggins here, me that’s who!

Yeah, I put my male boss on the spot about it  one day when I returned and asked, “why was I not shortlisted for an interview at least?” Do you know what that ass-hole told me, “you’ve been on maternity leave that’s why, you can’t do the job?” I raised an eyebrow and left him to run his mouth as I knew then and there, I was filing a claim for discrimination on the grounds of gender, and maternity leave.  Totally illegal in employment legislation. Lucky, one of my master’s degrees covered law too… ya girl was clued up! I dread to think what would  have happened, if I were a female who never understood the laws of discrimination in the work place.

So once my sexist, abrupt, white, discriminatory,  male manager ran his mouth, I smiled sweetly and said, “okay, just to confirm because I’ve been away exercising a right that I was entitled to legally, as a woman, you’re telling me you decided not to shortlist me for an interview, and dismiss me for a job that I was already doing and can prove I was, before I went on maternity leave?” His face went pale, and he said, ” yes, you’ve been away.” I stopped there, went home then drafted up my complaint for inequality, sex and gender discrimination in the work place against my boss.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but did it turn into a legal battle? You bet your bottom dollar it did? Did I win my case against my boss and this organisation? You bet I did! And I was proud to present my case and win! I felt a sense of justice not just for myself, but for all the woman around the world over looked for jobs, by employers using measurements that impact on only them as a demographic of society, and therefore they miss out. By being marginalised and excluded from promotion, pay, and career progression. It was inequality and discrimination at its worst! So many laws are out there against this, it’s not just race the common one we hear about.

I ended up during my battle being head hunted for a better job than the one I had applied for, with better pay! I had an interview and got it. I left that piss-poor organisation a happy woman, who fought for justice, and never looked back.

Moral of the story is, in this day and age there is still a lot of work to be done for women when it comes to equality. Any statistic will tell you that, pay, promotion, etc. It makes ugly reading when you go through all the write ups, articles, and research into discrimination around women and equality. Quite frankly, I’m disgusted to read it, and to have experienced this a young woman myself, working hard, trying to balance work and life. And not miss out on the wonderful chance to be a mother, in fear of missing out on career progression.

So many woman are faced with this decision I was in, do I start a family and risk taking leave that I am entitled to? Or put it off and stay at work?  At the time as a woman in my late twenties I was proud of my achievements I was being paid well for my age, but did not let that stop me from the decision to take a long period of maternity leave I was legally entitled to and have a wonderful new chapter of my life open up.

From this experience I’ve learned first hand how we can be overlooked in the work place, at times I asked myself if I had not taken maternity leave, would my male manager have shortlisted me anyway? Based on his track record, and reputation he had would he  have wanted to even have placed a woman in that job that was created? Would he have felt “I could not do the job because of who I am?” Anyway, fuck him, and any employer or manager like him. All I know is, my name is one he’ll never forget. And I hope he has learned from the professional discipline he experienced, from bringing the organisation into a legal dispute, based on his discriminatory views against woman in the work place… the shit bag! Fuck him!

Have a wonderful International Women’s Day 2020 #IWD2020 and let’s continue to fight for #EachforEqual in whatever way you feel is needed, at work, in life and just generally.

I’d also like to take a moment to shout out these females who I respect to the max, for their outspoken, feisty, female empowering lyrical content…

P!ink-  what a rock star, love you and your personality from the bottom of my heart. I have been to every London based concert you’ve done, and I love how you fight for what’s right!

Pink

Christina Aguilera- “Can’t Hold us Down” is an anthem of female empowerment that never sounds old! Thank you for those words. “Fall in Line” is such a great song of empowerment, and the way you sing it you can’t help but feel the uplifting energy for us women!

xtina

Beyonce-  You’re just a boss when it comes to females staying on top!! Some of your songs have really resonated over the years.

Beyonce

Sia- “Unstoppable” when I first heard this song, I knew it was you singing it a totally unique voice, singing such an empowering song. Thank you.

Sia

Rhi Rhi – The line up of empowering females would be incomplete without you! You make being a woman of colour a beautiful thing, and do so much for women in general  regardless of race, and fight for what’s right. Your music, make-up line and personality are great. Very inspirational!

RhiRhi

 

Happy International Women’s Day March 2020!

#IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Hot New Romance Series + 10.00$ Gift Card Giveaway! #amreading #romance

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Paint on the Canvas
Love on the Line Book 2
by Lynn Michaels
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
A life-changing sacrifice for art and love.
Daltrey Boxbaum is an artist, a lover, an addict, and more. Through the years, he finds and loses love, fights addiction, and defines himself in new ways.
Martin Hannan was the love of Daltrey’s life, the son of a world-famous Silicon Valley developer and tycoon. Left behind to fight his own battles, Martin’s reappearance in Daltrey’s life turns the stable world he’s worked so hard for inside out.
Note: Love on the Line books can be read in any order, but best fits the numbered order.
Lines on the Mirror
Love on the Line Book 1
Martin has always done everything his parents ever asked, never making waves, but never learning how to say no either. Then his new partying neighbors introduce him to a different lifestyle that pushes his limits.
The only thing keeping him grounded is getting back in touch with his first love, Daltrey, who moved across the country when they were still teenagers. Now, he’s a successful artist and plays by his own rules. He wants Martin but won’t compromise his morals.
When Martin lets his new friends drag him down until he hits bottom, can he ever find his way back to Daltrey and take control of his life?
Note: Love on the Line books can be read in any order.
Lynn Michaels lives and writes in Tampa, Florida where the sun is hot and the Sangria is cold. When she’s not writing she’s kayaking, hanging with her husband, or reading by the pool. Lynn writes Male/Male romance because she believes everyone deserves a happy ending and the dynamics of male characters can be intriguing, vulnerable, and exciting. She has both contemporary and paranormal titles and has been writing since 2014. Her stories don’t follow any set guidelines or ideas, but come from her heart and contain love in many forms.
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!