Order of the Dragon Knights Series Anniversary Celebration and Sale by Mary Morgan

Hello Jennifer! Thank you for hosting me on your fabulous blog to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with The Wild Rose Press! What an epic adventure since I signed my first contract for Dragon Knight’s Sword (Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 1) all those years ago.  

 

Through the Looking Glass with my Writing Career 

 

When I signed my first contract in May 2013, little did I fathom the dedication, time, and energy involved with promoting and marketing my book. By the time Dragon Knight’s Sword entered the world in June 2014, I was almost finished writing the fourth story in a five-book series. My much wiser and knowledgeable author friends kept warning me of the dangers of letting the business side interfere with my creative writing. In recollection, I recall laughing. Yes, I laughed at these friends. I kept saying, “I’m eager and looking forward to marketing my book! I can do it without any assistants. Bring it on!” What a silly woman I was and should have paid a wee bit more attention to their kind words of wisdom.

 

I used my vast administrative background to become an efficient task-master. I set a rigorous schedule Monday - Saturday: 5:00am wake-up call, breakfast at the computer to work on all business matters, exercise regime between 9:00-10:00, lunch at noon, and back in my writing cave around 12:30-1:00pm to write until 5:00pm. Saturday was more flexible, but I was sitting in front of my computer screen around 1:00pm until after 5:00. If my day became interrupted by family or emergencies, I made up the writing loss later in the evening. And yes, I worked on those research travel trips, too. 

 

What about Sundays? Should I take this day off? Well maybe… On Sunday mornings, I’d print out what I had worked on during the week. I considered this a day of rest while I did line edits for a couple hours on the couch. My daughters laughed and scolded me. “This is not resting from work, Mom!”

 

My routine required a shake-up. When the pandemic hit, you would have thought I’d be in my glory with all this quiet time. Quite the opposite. My knight (aka the husband) required surgeries, and I struggled with what was happening in the world. I slowed down but still continued a slightly modified schedule. Eventually, I became burnt out and needed a break. Those wise words of wisdom from my friends came rushing back to me in late 2021 and 2022. In addition, I had several health issues which were a major signal for me to quit putting this pressure on my shoulders. I called it my “Stress Demon” and she had to leave! 

 

Looking back through this lovely rose-colored looking glass, I honestly can say I would not have done anything differently. Why? Because I’m a firm believer in learning lessons on my journey in life. Nothing is perfect. I’ve had a successful, illuminating career. Yet if I hadn’t pushed on through those early years, I might have gone in another direction or stopped writing. I continue to grow, learn, and now enjoy every single moment of my day. 

 

And if I want to take the day off or scale back on my word count, I no longer scold myself anymore.  Nope! A wiser Mary Morgan Author has emerged, and I’m eager to see how the next 10 years evolve. Psst, there’ll definitely be more Dragon Knights.   

 

Order of the Dragon Knights ~

 

They were an ancient order, descended from the great Tuatha Dé Danann, the Sidhe, or in simpler terms: the Fae. Half-human and half-fae, each knight blessed with mystical powers. Given to them were holy relics from the Fae and guardianship over their Dragons.

 

They were known as the Dragon Knights.

 

However, some believed the Order had too much power and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. The brothers of the Clan MacKay—Dragon Knights, fought a battle. Blood spilled onto holy ground, bringing forth the wrath of the Fae. Their relics were taken, and the Order was banished—each name stricken from the hallowed halls of the Fae.

 

The Clan MacKay is no longer.

 

The Dragon Knights have scattered across the land.

 

Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption, and the women they love.

 

For a limited time, Dragon Knight’s Sword is on sale for 99¢ from Amazon. Grab your copy today or collect them all! 

Sale dates: 5.11.23 – 6.2.23

Available at AMAZON

 

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7QR2T3 )

 

Book Trailer for Dragon Knights: https://youtu.be/iEruV9P6PtU

 

About the Author: 

Multi award-winning romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

 

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

 

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.

 

Connect with Mary here ~

Website/Blog:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

Amazon Author:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/  

 

 

The End of the Empty Nest

It’s my last full week of an empty nest. My youngest graduates from college in 10 days. After that, she’s coming home to live here while she works in New York City. It’ll be a temporary move, until she can find an apartment. But until that time, my husband and I will once again have a kid living under our roof.

I’m not upset. I miss both my girls when they’re away, and I’m thrilled she’ll be coming back home for a while. But it will be an adjustment having another body in the house. I’m still getting used to the quirks of having my husband working from home full time. And while Banana Girl will be employed in a hybrid situation, I suspect my working areas will be limited somewhat due to our working styles.

 

Eating will also change, as she has a much more creative palate than we do. It makes lunches fun, since she’s constantly suggesting food I never would make or order myself but am happy to share when she’s willing. And I’m not going to argue about having an extra “honey” for my “honey-do” list—Oh, you’re going to the dry cleaner? Great, can you take my stuff, too?

 

So, this week I’m focusing on getting all my work done ahead of time, meeting my deadlines, and preparing for her “college junk invasion.” 

 

One of the things I’m looking ahead to is my book signing at Barnes & Noble in Easton, PA. I’ll be there on May 6 from 11-4 with several other romance authors. We’ll talk about our books, sign them, and lead panels on topics of interest to readers and writers. I’d love you to stop by—it’s a great way to prepare for the reading mothers in your lives!

Welcome Back, Debby Grahl

 Jennifer, thank you so much for having me today.

My inspiration for writing is a little different than most. I have a disease
of the retina called Retinitis Pigmentosa which causes gradual vision loss.
I lost the ability to read in my early twenties, but even when I had sight,
seeing the printed word was always difficult for me. Reading a book would
take me twice as long as a person with normal sight. I became frustrated
with this and began to make up my own stories. I used to entertain my
girlfriends with these as we walked to school. They were kind enough to
listen, and today they’re some of my biggest fans. It wasn’t until the
invention of screen-reading software that I was able to put my stories into
print. Everything I write is read back to me, but I still have difficulty
with some postings. For instance, Facebook. I'm unable to tell if my book
cover is upside-down or sideways. This is where my wonderful seeing-eye
husband comes in.

I can now look back and laugh at my first attempt in getting published, but
at the time I was devastated. An editor was offering a free critique of your
first twenty-five pages. I happily sent this in, just knowing she'd love it.
Well, when she sent her remarks back, my confidence was shattered. She said
she marked everything I'd done wrong in red. Which as far as I could tell,
covered the entire twenty-five pages. And to rub  salt into my writers ego,
she also said, "You have a good story if you could write it." Yikes! I took
some writing classes and my new release Island Heat, will be my sixth
published novel.

Island Heat blurb: 

When bookstore owner Suzanna Shay and writer Austen Kincade meet on a Who Done It mystery cruise, their instant attraction has them more interested in romance than searching for clues.  But when the leading actress in the shipboard murder skit, Austen’s publisher’s wife, throws herself at Austen, she’s furious when he rejects her advances and vows to have Austen no matter what it takes.

After the ship docks, with plans for a future together, Suzanna and Austen part, unaware vindictive lies will soon test their newfound love and entangle them in a real mystery that proves deadly.

Island Heat Excerpt

“There’s a full moon. How about a stroll out on the deck?”

Suzanna, you don’t know him. Think about what you’re doing. Her mother’s voice rang through her head. But as she gazed into Austen’s face, careful was the last thing she wanted to be. She stood. “Let’s go.”

They said goodbye to the Paiges and headed for the doors leading onto the deck. The night was warm with a gentle breeze. Stars filled the velvet sky as moonlight sparkled upon the water.

Suzanna breathed in the salty air. Right now, my life in Charlotte might as well be a million miles away, and I haven’t a care in the world.

“There’s Orion,” Austen pointed. “Studying the constellations is a hobby of mine.”

“I find the stars fascinating. And I love having my fortune told.”

“I can tell you what your future will bring,” Austen replied. 

“What’s that?”

He took her into his arms. “This.” His lips covered hers.

The warmth of his mouth made Suzanna’s skin tingle. This moment came right off the pages of the romance novels she so loved — a moonlit night, a handsome man, and the faint sound of a piano in the distance. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. 

He held her close. His kiss, gentle at first, his lips moving slowly across hers, skillfully coaxed her lips apart. Their tongues met, and Suzanna let out a low moan as the kiss deepened. Her body molded to his. She slid her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. His hand glided up and down her back. His hard erection rubbed against her, and Suzanna’s passion soared.

Austen broke their kiss and gazed into her eyes. In a husky voice he said, “I want you.”

Suzanna, never one to jump into bed with a man she’d just met, hesitated. Again, for a second, her mother’s disapproving scowl flashed through her mind. She defiantly brushed it aside. There’s no one here to question your actions.Don’t let this perfect night pass you by. Besides,  who would ever know? the adventurous part of her brain screamed drowning out any misgivings. Who was she kidding? Nothing would keep her from having sex with Austen. “Yes.” she whispered.

“I suggest we get off this deck before we go any further. Your cabin or mine?” 

Struggling to gather her wits, Suzanna nodded. “Mine.” 

Buy links

Amazon Author Page -- https://www.amazon.com/Debby-Grahl/e/B00B34HM26

B&N --https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Debby+Grahl?_requestid=5525094

Bio

Award-winning author Debby Grahl lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach, and a glass of wine at sunset. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books. 

Rue Toulouse, a contemporary romance set in the French Quarter, medalled as second place in the Readers’ Favorite international competition, and was awarded first place in the Top Shelf Fiction for the Romance category. His Magic Touch, a paranormal romance, is also set in New Orleans. Her latest book, Island Heat, will be released May 1, 2023, and will be the second book in her three-part Carolina series. The first, Mountain Blaze, released November 2, 2020, has received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. 

 

You can find Debby at the following:

Website -- www.debbygrahl.com
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/debbygrahlauthor?ref=br_rs

Bookbub -- https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=debby%20grahl
Twitter -- https://twitter.com/DebbyGrahl

 

Buy links

Amazon Author Page -- https://www.amazon.com/Debby-Grahl/e/B00B34HM26

B&N --https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Debby+Grahl?_requestid=5525094

 

Release Day!

It’s book release day! That’s right, my fourteenth book is out today. I can’t believe I’ve published 14 books, with several more on the way. Crazy. Here’s the link if you’re interested: Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3k2G5n

This release day I’m celebrating a little differently, with two live events. 

 

The first happened this morning via Facebook Live. I’m attending a big reader’s event in the fall, and one of the women offered to interview author attendees. We coordinated it around today’s release, and I had so much fun talking to her. As she described it, it was like sitting down for a cup of coffee and chatting. We talked about my writing process, my reading preferences, and my book. And I’ve gained a new reader, since she tried A Heart Restrained, loved it, and now wants to read the rest of the series. Yay! I answered watchers’ questions and really had so much fun.

 

The second will happen tonight. I’m going into Manhattan to a place called P&T Knitwear, which is a gift store, bookstore, podcast recording studio and more. I, along with several other authors, will read excerpts from our books, discuss our writing, and sign books for readers. I’ve never done something like this before, and I’m excited to be a part of it. If you’re in the area this evening, stop by!

 

Usually, I focus more on social media events, which I’m still doing. I’ve got blogs and reviews tours and social media posts. But I’m trying to reach readers who might not be on social media. We’ll see what happens. 

 

This book was a lot of fun to write, but more difficult than my usual ones. The hero doesn’t show his emotions. And that makes it very hard for me, as the author, to show you, the reader, what he’s feeling. Because I don’t want to say, “he was angry.” I want you to see it. But if I can’t show you his anger, I have to find other methods. So, it was a struggle. But I hope I did it well. Fiona, who does show her emotions, was fun to write. I’m a big fan of strong, independent women, and she is definitely strong and independent. Sassy, too. 

 

I hope you’ll consider reading the book, and if you do, I hope you’ll leave a review. Short, long, good, bad, all the reviews help by making my books more visible. Thanks for coming along on the journey with me!

 

 

Welcome, Alexa Sullivan

Don’t Give Up on Finding Your Voice

 

I stared at another email from my agent, informing me that a publisher had once again passed on my manuscript. Dejected, I wondered how I was ever going to get over the seemingly 100-foot-high publication gate guarded by mysterious, faceless people my agent was corresponding with. The feedback she kept passing me was incredibly vague – my book just “wasn’t for” the person in question or “didn’t quite captivate” them. What was I doing wrong?

 

This was many years ago. At the time, I was trying to be a YA fantasy writer in a sea of such writers. After several years of working with that agent and failing to get three separate YA books through the publication gauntlet, I amicably parted ways with my agent and took some time to re-center myself. I focused on other things, like my career. And off and on, I kept writing.

 

Eventually, I found the inspiration to try writing romance – something I’d dabbled with in the past but never seriously pursued. After self-publishing a sweet contemporary romance, I turned to writing more steamy paranormal romance and finally found my writing home (yes, my home now includes some level of smut). Instead of trying to write something that was popular, I wrote to entertain myself. I included the most random of plot points (like a three-headed Pomeranian hellhound) – whatever would make me laugh. In doing so, I found my voice as a writer.

 

It only took about 15 years.

 

If you’re an as-yet-unpublished writer and not sure what your “brand” is, I would encourage you to set aside worries about what’s popular in the market right now and write only for yourself. If there’s a genre you love to read but struggle to write, don’t write that, either. Find the type of story you both love to read and write, then tell yourself that story. Your voice, like mine, might be a little quirky. But I guarantee it will be authentic.

 

And authenticity might just sell your book.

I DREAM OF DEMIGODS

 

By Alexa Sullivan

 

Blurb

Ro Baird can't cast a spell without setting her own pants on fire—until she kisses her hot new boss, Alex. Suddenly, she's able to access her magic…sort of…and she now has a familiar, who may be more trouble than she is helpful.

Alex Kouris happens to be a soul-stealing demigod of the Underworld. He claims he's trying to leave the life, but can she really trust a man whose magical talents are manipulation and charm? When Alex enlists a shady ex to help him, Ro must risk her heart and her life to save him and humanity from Hades’s evil scheme. 

 

Can she harness her true power to set Alex and herself free?

Bio

 

Alexa Sullivan writes humorous, contemporary paranormal romance. Inspired by her previous career in IT,, she imagines a world where the mundane meets magic—and where vampires and werewolves have regular jobs. Oh, and there are cats, too. She lives and works in the beautiful state of Oregon, where she sets all of her stories. When not writing, she can be found hanging out with her husband, walking her cats on a leash, and watching far too much Bravo reality TV.

 

Socials

 

Website: https://www.alexasullivan.com/

 

Sign up for Alexa’s Newsletter: https://www.alexasullivan.com/subscribe

 

Instagram: @alexasullivanromance

 

Buy Link: https://mybook.to/ufacndK

 

Check Out This Awesome Series!

 

Series BLURB:

 

A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.

Throughout time people have sought heir heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.

Carved with Ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.

Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.

 

 

5 Fun Facts About the Series:

1. Each book has a paranormal element or thread—selkies, gifted heroines, healers, vampires…a bit of magic and a whole lotta love!
2. The Mortar & Pestle plays a role in each book to bring true love upon an unsuspecting couple in unique ways. Whether it’s used for grinding food or herbs, hitting an adversary’s head [hey, that bowl is heavy!], making medicines, mixing paints, or being uncovered in an archaeological find, the magical bowl finds its way into each of the stories.
3. The Mortar & Pestle transcends time. Originating with the Norse/Vikings, it is passed on to medieval Scotland, across the sea to 1700s Caribbean pirates, to North American WWII treasure hunters, and lastly it joins with three contemporary couples just trying to find their path, including an emotional vampire, a healer, and an artist.
4. Each book can be read as a standalone, out of or order, in order! 
5. Each romance is low-heat (= PG to PG-13/behind closed doors or fade to black – whatever you like to call it!) and some of the authors are offering extra bonus spicy scenes or graphics! Check out their websites for more info.

 

Inspiration For the Series 

In early 2022, a group of seven authors got together through Zoom to talk shop, and one thing led to another…and a magical Mortar & Pestle was born! A few of us were in writing slumps. A few were looking for something new or fun to write. Our intention was to talk the biz, and instead, we left, our fingers itching to write a new romance! Each story has a bit of magic and is novella-length, spanning time from 900 AD to modern day. The series takes the reader on an adventure with Vikings, Highlanders, pirates, treasure hunters, vampires, healers, and artists. 

 

About the authors:

Sydney Winward is a writer of action packed paranormal and fantasy romance, and a stay-at-home mom and seamstress on the side. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): her family who are considered an essential, so she’d also bring loads of fabric, her sewing machine, and her favorite book.

Jean M. Grant is a gardener, coffee lover, hiker girl, and cheerleader for her neurodiverse family. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): coffee, lip balm, endless pink sticky notes, and The Rock Dwayne Johnson. Bonus: my island better have fruit, veggie, and loads of flower gardens or I’ll be making a raft to escape.

Marilyn Barr is an award-winning historical, PNR author who writes about societal misfits and the fate mates who cherish them. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): her spouse (she is totally obsessed with her nerd), caffeine (she’s addicted to coffee, energy drinks, and black tea – and would need gentle weaning), and cheesecloth (for desalinating ocean water), and some herbivore’s milk to make cheese.

D.V. Stone writes several different genres all with a bit of romance and fun. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): a multi-tool like a Leatherman, a kindle, and a satellite hot spot.

Shirley Goldberg trolls for funny in life, relationships, and in her writing. Her characters are often of a certain age, although her energy vampire is in his thirties. She loves small, intimate joints with a little dance and music—and her honey. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): since the stranded on a deserted island theme is a fantasy, her family and honey count as one. She’d bring her kindle and a bag of dark Utz pretzels.

Darlene Fredette is an author of heartwarming contemporary romances and an artist at heart. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): her family to keep her sane—they travel together so if she was stranded, so are they! She’d bring a radio so she can listen to music, and a lighter to make a fire because while she is a Survivor fan, she’s not getting her torch snuffed out for trying to get a spark from a flint.

Ginny Frost is a writer, dreamer, romantic. And a total fangirl for Sci-Fi, horror, and fantasy. Must haves for a deserted island (besides essentials): her kindle—completely filled with books and cross-stitch patterns, her cross-stitch supplies in bulk, and a vat of diet Pepsi.

Taglines & buy link:

Seeker - Nock, draw, release. Her bow is always ready, and if her arrow hits its mark, she will secure her destined soulmate.

Buy link-- Preorder all the books now, each for 99 cents!

 

Series link on Amazon

 

Check out the trailer!

 

Check out the free prequel that includes the first chapter of each book in the series - HERE!

 

Jean M. Grant

www.jeanmgrant.com

 

Social Media links:

Website ~ Twitter  ~ Facebook ~  Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Instagram

 

Time to Take A Break

It’s February, and I’m taking the month off. Coincidentally, it’s also my birthday month, so that just makes my break more fun. But really, the two have nothing to do with each other.

I finished the first draft of my second Harlequin manuscript and sent it off to my agent to read. Instead of moving right into the third book, I’m taking a step back and breathing. I’ve got my timeline set up with what’s due when, and I can still make my official deadline of May 1 even without doing anything during February. 

 

It doesn’t mean I’m doing nothing this month. I’m just doing different things. I have a manuscript that I started at the suggestion of the Princess, and I’m playing around with that this month. It’s fun because there’s no pressure on me. I’m starting to tackle the art sheets for this second Harlequin book, because they are detailed and require a lot of thought. If I want a good cover, I need to make sure I answer the questions correctly. And at some point this month, I have to fix the synopsis for book 2 since what I thought I was going to write and what I actually wrote don’t exactly match.

 

That’s no surprise to me. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t write from an outline. I’ve given plenty of talks about it and written plenty of blog posts about it, too. But when publishers offer contracts, they like to know what you’re going to write. So, editors ask for synopses—summaries of proposed additional books. And I wrote them. I didn’t lie. I looked at the first book I wrote that was accepted, and I created two more stories in the series, based on what characters would work and where I thought the stories would go. But then I started writing and my characters took over. My synopsis no longer matches my story. Since the story is good, I’ll change up the synopsis. I’m not the first author to do this. My editor’s been in the business long enough to expect it to happen. All is good, I’ve just created extra work for myself. But that’s how my brain functions.

 

In between all those tasks, I want to take advantage of things that fill my creative well. Last week a friend and I visited the Virginia Woolf exhibit at the New York Public Library. It was great, and I recommend going if you’re able.

 

And as usual, I’m keeping up with my marketing efforts. To that end, if you’re a reader and like giveaways, check out two that I’m participating in:

 

VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE GIVEAWAY

Feb 1st-14th

Goodies Given Away Every Day Totalling Over $150

 

https://ellenmint.blog/valentines-day-countdown-giveaway/

 

Cupid‘s brought you a magical box of chocolates. Every day, the heart-shaped box reveals a new treat. Take a bite to discover both what flavor is lurking inside the tempting chocolate shell and a new giveaway.

 

Each day, return to the site to click on the box of chocolates and discover another fantastic prize. Be swept away this holiday season by gripping romance, pampering treats, cozy gifts, and an amazing offer hidden inside the box of chocolates.

 

The giveaway is sponsored by these wonderful authors:

 

Ellen Mint • Kara Kendrick • Jennifer Wilck • Delta James • Jordyn Kross • AT Lander • Sandra Carmel • January Bain • T. Strange • Maggie Sims • J.P.  Bowie • Rosanna Leo • C. J. Burright • V.J. Allison

 

 

and

 

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you...

I’ve teamed up with 50+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Steamy ContemporaryRomances to 2 lucky winners!
Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets a BRAND NEW eReader? 😁
You can win my novel ADDICTED TO LOVE, plus books from authors like JILL SHALVIS and JENNIFER PROBST.
Enter the giveaway by clicking here 👉 https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/february23-win-
a-bundle-of-steamy-contemporary-romance/
Good luck and enjoy!