Michelle checks in with Shelia M. Goss and Synithia Williams
Today, we're taking a quick side trip to introduce you to some of the authors behind my recommended reads and book reviews.
Shelia M. Goss is a national best-selling author and a 2012 Emma Award finalist. She has written more than 15 books, including Her Invisible Husband, The Commitment Plan, The Kandie Shop, Love Unexpected, Ruthless, Hollywood Deception and The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Besides creating stories with a twist, she has a knack for creating unforgettable characters.
Shelia on … some of the themes she uses:
Shelia: One theme I chose to use is the exciting, unique and insightful look into the world of Hollywood. Each book with this theme is filled with romance and drama. It's not just about the glamorous life of a celebrity, but it also deals with the relationships and downside of Hollywood fame and fortune. The next romance story that I will write with this theme will be about an agent to the stars. She's a recurring character in three of my books: The Bad Twin, VIP and Hollywood Deception.
I also enjoy writing short stories. I call them Love Bites. Love Bites are short stories in e-book format only and are meant to be romantic appetizers for readers. I and author Tess Allen (The Jewel Thief and His Wife's Diary) have written several Love Bites. The stories I've written that are considered Love Bites are The Kandie Shop, Mrs. America and Tosha's Invisible Man.
Shelia on … maintaining the discipline to be a writer:
Shelia: I enjoy writing, but since this is also my career, I treat my time as if I was on a regular 9-to-5 job. I schedule time for writing. When I am working on a novel, I set aside at least six hours a day, Monday through Friday, until I complete the first draft. I also stay logged off the social-networking sites, because as much as I love using some of the social networks, they can be time-zappers when it comes to productivity.
Shelia on ... romance fiction, her chosen genre:
Shelia: I've always been an avid reader of the genre. I like to write the type of books I like to read. I'm also a romantic at heart so I love writing romance stories. I enjoy taking readers on a journey that also includes the happily ever after.
Shelia on … her work in progress:
Shelia: I am currently wrapping up my holiday romance story, Mr. Naughty & Ms. Nice. It will be a Love Bite, so it'll be available as an e-book in November.
I'm also working on a new women's fiction series dealing with family, love and community. I don't have a publication date for it right now because the details are still being ironed out, but I'm hoping the first book of the series will be out in the latter part of 2013 or first part of 2014.
To learn more about Shelia and her books, you can visit her website SheliaGoss.com or Facebook page.
Next up …
Synithia Williams has loved romance novels since reading her first one at the age of 13. It was only natural that she would dream of writing her own soon afterward. It wasn't until 2010 that she actively pursued her writing dreams. Her first novel, You Can't Plan Love, is available now from Crimson Romance. When she isn't writing, this Green Queen, as dubbed by her area's largest newspaper, works to improve air and water quality, while balancing her family life with her husband and two sons.
Synithia on … her favorite themes in her writing:
Synithia: I believe love comes easiest to those who don't have a bunch of rules for relationships. So many of my characters are fighting their preconceived notions of what love is and who their perfect mate should be.
Synithia on … maintaining her discipline:
Synithia: I treat my writing like a part-time job. If I worked part time at a grocery store and had to be there at a certain time I'd be there. During the week, I go to work at 9 p.m. after my kids go to bed. I write, research a story line, work on an outline, or do a blog post. All things related to my writing career. I want to write full time one day, and if I treat writing like a hobby I won't reach that goal.
Synithia on … on romance fiction as her genre of choice:
Synithia: After a hard day I need a happy ending, the sigh that comes when the characters say "I love you" and the joy of reliving the feelings of falling in love all over again. Life has enough sadness in it, and I want to contribute a bit of happy.
Synithia on … on what's coming next:
Synithia: I'm working on the edits for my second book, Worth the Wait. The story is about Jared Patterson (brother of Malcolm from my first novel), a playboy who finds love with his complete opposite. It's scheduled for release Jan. 7, from Crimson Romance. Once that's done, I'm going straight into revisions on my third novel and a novella I recently completed.
To learn more about Synithia and her books, you can visit her website, SynithiaWilliams.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@synithiaw).
What's going on
Here's a personal message from author Donna Hill: "I wanted to take a moment to truly thank the readers who have kept me in print for an amazing 22 years! OMG. I could not have done it without your love, encouragement and buying my books. Because of each of you my 70th and 71st titles are ready for you! Touch Me Now, my 70th title, hit bookstores this month, and my 71st title, Everything Is You, hits stores at the end of November. My readers are truly awesome and I humbly thank you!!!"
Michelle Monkou is a best-selling romance author who lives by the motto "live, love, and laugh." Her website is MichelleMonkou.com.