Week #1 Male Authors of Colour: ‘The Street Lit Kings’ #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatteruk #amreading

Okay  guys I’m very excited to kick off this week, following on from last Thursday’s announcement 1st -31st July is a full month of promo, across all genres for male authors of colour. Week one…. get ready to meet some male authors of street lit! They hail from all corners of the USA. I’ve read one author on this list I really enjoyed his work, I found it so engaging. I also have a book of another one on my Kindle, and have been drawn to one particular author’s books covers for a while, I’ll give him a try too.   Let’s get to know their style, some fun facts that they have shared and who they are.  In the line up we have: Chris Green, Dekari, Author Rice,  Travis Yancey. This week there will be one post for each of our Street Lit Kings. Don’t miss the chance to get to know them individually, their work, and fun facts about them.

 

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Excerpt from 365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers #amwriting

Welcome! This book of writing prompts is for all my ‘tribe’ of fellow romance writers, no matter what sub-genre or heat level you represent. I’d love to spend the year with you as you create some great stories. You might be thinking ‘well who the hell is this woman, and why has she done this?’ Okay, here’s the deal. Back in 2016 I crossed paths with a fellow suspense and thriller author, we became wonderful friends and for sure she’s a girlfriend for life. Her name is Didi Oviatt, you may know her. Anyway, we went on to start a very simple blogging challenge together where we created short stories of about 2,000-3,000 words each week. One of us would write one half, and the other would finish it. No discussion, planning or anything. The best bit is we used writing prompts voted on by our blog followers and readers. At the time of writing this four years later, we’re seventeen stories and two novels deep! We have published them and are currently working on book three. I have also used writing prompts to interact with my followers, readers and fans via my own author site since day one. I love writing prompts, so for me, writing prompts have really helped with creativity, productivity and most importantly building a readership. If it can work for me, friend it can work for you. If you’re still curious, my bio is below.

 

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I was born in 1983 I’m from London in the UK. I’m a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award-winning author. While this book was on pre-sale on Amazon, this book hit the number one spot on Amazon’s romance writer’s reference new release list, so I guess I’m also a best-selling author now too, LOL. I  started my  journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also. As a reader, I love romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African-American, suspense and thrillers books. As a writer, I enjoy creating steamy stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When I’m not reading or writing my other passions include practising my French, fashion, drawing, make-up artistry, spending time at my sewing machine dressmaking, watching make –up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.

How Best to Use this Writing Reference Book and Prompts

Firstly, why even use writing prompts? Well, if my introduction has not pushed you in the right direction to understand the benefits, here’s the real deal. We all get stuck! No matter how good of a writer we are, how creative, or even how motivated, some days the words or characters just run dry as hell. I’ve been there. So, to keep it real, the purpose of this book is to help you avoid the dry spells as much as possible and keep you fresh!

The best way to use this writing reference is to keep in mind these five small things.

  1. Make every prompt your own—you will find situations or people within each prompt. Nothing is set in stone, each prompt is just an idea or even outline or direction, if you like, for where you could head. I don’t really recommend (unless you really feel drawn to my prompt) that you stick to it and not put your own spin on it somehow. Take a prompt and add, or subtract, what you feel suits your style, storytelling, experience or even desire. Basically, don’t feel stuck with what you have; it’s just an idea to get your juices flowing.
  2. No matter your genre, steal it and use it! So, as you know by now, in the romance genre I’m a romantic suspense writer in principle. Yes, I have written other stuff and yes, I can write other stuff. But, I always default here because I love to read and write romantic suspense. So, with these prompts, I have kept them as generic as possible. This means if you like an idea, and wish to make it a paranormal, urban or fantasy romance, go for it! Like I said, don’t feel stuck. Take the general idea and flip it to your own script.
  3. Heat and steam levels are completely free for all! I like my romance steamy, maybe you’re a sweet and clean writer, that’s cool. Do what you wish in terms of heat levels, if you want to ramp up a prompt and make it high in heat…please do, I’d love to read it too!
  4. Dip in and out of each month, week, etc. as you see fit, too. You can go through January-December or mix it up.
  5. The last three months of the year, all the prompts are personal blogging prompts and I recommend that if you have not already, you really start to develop an author site or use your current one and do some personal blogging. (More on that later.) Again, you don’t need to wait until October to start, start today!

 

Giveaway Time! e-books + Signed Copies #amreading.

365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers
Savvy Writers Book 1
by Kim Knight
Genre: Writing, Self Help
With 365 Days Of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers, there’s no need for additional notepads or places to store your ideas. For each day of the year there’s a dedicated space for plotting your ideas, with a writing prompt to create an outline for a romance short story, novella, novel or even flash fiction. All you need to do is adapt the characters or setting to your sub-genre of romance. For each day of the year you’ll find a creative, engaging, fun and challenging writing prompt, with situations or people to craft your next story. There is also a personal blogging challenge with writing prompts, for romance writers to engage with their readers, grow their following, find new readers and allow their audience to get to know them via their own personal blog or author site. With 356 Days Of Writing Prompts For Romance Writers you’ll never be stuck for a romance story idea, or blog topic again! Each month has a focus and fully adaptable to your sub-genre, dip in and out of each day, week, month as you wish.
January- New Directions Love
February- Unexpected New Love
March- Fresh Starts and New Beginnings
April- Love in Unexpected Places
May- Historical, Regency and Multicultural
June- Contemporary Romance
July- Paranormal, Horror and Dark Romance
August- Christmas and Holiday Love
September- Mixed Bag of Goodies!
October- December Romance Writers’ Blog Writing Challenge Prompts
Award-Winning Romantic Suspense and Thriller Author Kim Knight, also shares her secrets on writing realistic, page-turning romance. Also her experience with writing prompts, which has allowed her to co-author two novels, and seventeen short-stories to date. So, romance writers around the world, grab your pen and your copy and get ready to write every day of the year and never run out of creativity. Note the paperback version will allow you to plot your ideas all in one space in the book, and let go of your hundreds of different idea notepads.
Kim is born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France). Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release: Defense of Exeter Station, By Thom Bedford #amreading @ThomBedford and @Shalini_G26

THOM  BEDFORD BOOK BLITZ JUNE 26 – 30

DEFENSE OF EXETER STATION BY THOM BEDFORD

 

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Book blurb:

At the turn of the twenty-ninth century, the Milky Way is on the verge of a galactic war. The Combined Systems Alliance continues to expand their territory—much to the displeasure of the Free Planetary Union who, until now, lacked the resources to halt the encroachment. In a bid to wrest control from the Alliance and retake their former colonies, Union agents throughout the Alliance Fleet organize a mass insurgency seizing countless assets. During the ensuing chaos, numerous ships are decimated and millions of lives are lost.
Retired Alliance Commander Tanic Sandorn finds himself stranded on a border station after the Union launches an all-out assault. Fighting against anxieties from the incident that pushed him into early retirement, Sandorn accepts being recalled to active duty and propelled to the front lines. This time, he will protect his crew and the inhabitants of the Exeter star system from any approaching threat—never again will he leave anyone behind.

But outnumbered, outgunned, and outflanked, Exeter Station is left running at a fraction of its operating capacity. Sandorn and the Alliance officers on board must strategize quickly and carefully to hold their ground, or they will be forced to surrender the station, the system, and their lives.

For fans of epic space operas, like Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott’s Dead Space series, and David Weber’s Honor Harrington series.

Book links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PPSN87

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B088PPSN87

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53427789-the-defense-of-exeter-station

Website: https://thombedford.com/the-defense-of-exeter-station/

Book excerpt:

Every crew member aboard the Veloz ran from stem to stern working tirelessly to patch every hole in the ship. The damage was critical to the point that nearly half the ship had been evacuated. With so little power available, compartmental force fields were inoperable, leaving only a single fire door between repair crews and the vacuum of space in many areas.

Not a single deck was spared at least some devastation, for as the ship’s superstructure twisted and contorted under heavy firepower, panels came loose and circuits overloaded throughout resulting in debris littering every room and corridor. The floors weren’t only littered with discarded paneling and blown circuitry, but also injured, dying, and dead crew members. The initial unexpected surprise attack caused the most death and destruction, taking over a hundred lives. Then as the battle wore on, further loss of life was inevitable.

The victory was Pyrrhic, but it was a victory, nonetheless.

 

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Author biography:

Thom grew up in suburban Cheshire, England with his parents and brother. During school he had a propensity for creativity, either writing, building models, painting, or programming. Every subject choice was motivated by creating and building, whether it be design technology, graphic design, programming, or creative writing.

After studying Computer Science at The University of Manchester, he started working as a Software Developer. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as a Technical Consultant in London for several years, then in Data Warehousing back in Manchester.

In his spare time, Thom still writes, build models, paints, and programs, but nowadays also listens to a lot of music, watches a lot of films, and enjoys playing computer games.

His love for science fiction comes from blockbuster films like Starship Troopers, Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as B-movies like Wing Commander, Pitch Black, and Iron Sky. Computer games like Homeworld, EVE-Online, and Stellaris, and books like Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott’s Dead Space series, and David Weber’s Honor Harrington series. In other words, sci-fi—particularly space opera—in any media.

Thom currently lives in Cheshire, England, with his wife, Helen, and their two cats.

Author Social media:

Website: http://thombedford.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomBedford

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thombedford

 

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Guest Post by National Bestselling Author Sheila. E. Bell! + Giveaway

The Truth About Sista Brianna
by Shelia Bell
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Smart, sassy, and single middle school teacher, Brianna Madison, hides behind the mask of her disability. Bound by a wheelchair and held hostage by her emotions, Brianna’s self-esteem is shot, and her belief in love is non-existent. Will she ever stop running from herself and from love? Is love the cure-all or will her web of lies and secrets destroy any chance Brianna has to heal from her past and claim what the future has for her?
History teacher Trey Hollister’s first year at Augustine Prep is already off to a good start when he enters the prestigious halls of the private academy. Handsome, and newly divorced, Trey is not looking for a relationship. Fresh memories of how painful heartbreak can be keeps him grounded. Things change quickly when he sets eyes on his co-worker, Brianna. But Brianna’s tough shell is almost more than he cares to handle. Will he keep pursuing Brianna or give in to the growing demands of an ex-wife who wants him back.
Shelia E. Bell (formerly Shelia E. Lipsey) is an award-winning, national bestselling author with 20+ books published in christian fiction, women’s fiction, nonfiction, and young adult genres. Her books have garnered numerous awards and accolades, including 2017 Christian Literary Readers’ Choice Award, 2015 Rosa Parks Award, 2014 Christian Literary Award, AAMBC Nate Holmes Honorary Award, Kindle Award, OOSA Book of the Year, numerous SORMAG awards and more.
Shelia began her publishing career in 1999. Since then, she has set the literary industry ablaze with her dynamic, true to life stories that she calls “perfect stories about imperfect people like you…and me.”
Shelia is passionate about helping others and encourages and promotes people to ‘live their dreams now.’ In 2012, she founded a non profit organization “Black Writers And Book Clubs (BWABC) Literacy Association” with a mission to promote literacy one community at a time. Shelia is also a well-respected freelance book editor.
A much sought after inspirational speaker, Shelia travels near and far sharing her inspirational messages of how to overcome the adversities of life. Having had polio since the age of two, she accepts no excuses and is determined not to let her physical imperfections keep her from her life’s purposes.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

What are you passionate about these days?

I’m passionate about animal rights, about saving the lives of animals, and continuing my vegan journey of ten plus years. This is my tiny contribution to saving them and saving our lives at the same time.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

To unwind and relax I like kicking back, getting up in my bed, and surfing channels for the next best reality show! I watch a little Netflix, do a little reading and of course spend precious time with my grandkids. With the isolation due to COVID-19, of course I have to talk to them via Facetime or Duo. I miss them.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I believe I considered myself a writer before I even wrote a book. I wrote poems and as time passed I realized I had a story to tell. Now 25 books later, here I am!

Do you have a favorite movie?

My favorite movies are The Other Sister, City of Angels, You’ve Got Mail, Love and Basketball, Best Man and Best Man Holiday

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I can see every last one of my novels turned into film whether it be in the form of a movie on the big screen, a TV series or a Netflix movie. They all are great stories that I believe viewers would enjoy.

What inspired you to write this book?

This latest book release is part of standalone books I call “Shorts by Shelia.” These books are meant to be quick, entertaining, reads for readers on the go. I have other Shorts by Shelia stories such as “Forever Ain’t Enough” and “Cross Road”. I plan to release more of these Shorts by Shelia later this year.

 What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m working on more books that I call “Shorts by Shelia.” These are smaller books fewer than 125 pages that are meant to give readers a short, entertaining read while they’re sitting in a doctor’s appointment, standing in a long line, or just taking a lunch break.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I would say my characters hijack the story. For me, this is a good thing. It pulls me totally outside of ME and allows my characters free rein to act, do, and speak as they so choose. I don’t like holding the reins because it might restrict what the characters have to say and it would put more of ME into the story when it’s not about me. I’m just the messenger.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was a preteen. I wrote poetry, speeches, loved writing essays and now that has evolved into me being a published author

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I do most of my research during writing. I research whatever I need to research to enhance the story and make my book as realistic and believable as possible.

 Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, writing is already my lifelong career–and editing.

 What do you think about the current publishing market?

I think the current publishing market is oversaturated with authors or those who say they’re authors but put out less than tasteful, high quality work. As an editor, I know the importance of a well edited story. It saddens me that so many people believe in slapping words on paper, putting a cover on it, and publishing it. On the other hand, the publishing market has given an open forum to any and everyone who has a story to share. No more pleading, begging, praying and hoping for that big publishing contract.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I read but not as much as I’d like to. As an editor I read a lot of manuscripts so hardly ever do I read for pleasure anymore. My time is so busy with editing and writing, making it more difficult. I like nonfiction, suspense and general fiction.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I usually write one book at a time. I put my all into that one book before moving to the next. It works better that way for me.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Definitely typewriter/computer. I can’t see myself writing in longhand.

Advice you would give new authors?

I cannot emphasize enough to new authors: Please take your time to produce a quality story that has been professionally EDITED.