Superficial by Diane Billas

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I first started off writing adult fiction, but as I was querying my now shelved book, I was reading a ton of YA books, and it got me thinking, what if I tried my hand at writing my own YA book? I personally love reading YA because I never read them in high school, so I think I am making up for lost time. When I was growing up, I couldn’t see myself on the page of any books I read; now there are so many great YA books that I can’t help but want to read them.

I always say that I write the books I wished I could have read in high school, which means I write books with queer characters. I feel like if I had more queer books available to me growing up, I might have understood myself a little bit more and not felt so alone. I hope my books help others feel seen.

Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?

You’ll see Marvel posters and postcards of places that she wants to travel. She’s from a tiny town in Ohio and wants to see the world. You’ll also see a flyer for UCLA, where she’s going to college to become an archivist.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

I was an avid reader but read adult books, mainly murder mysteries. I loved trying to figure out how the books all wrapped up and was really proud of myself when I figured out who was the killer.

What’s your favorite sweet treat?

I love almost all sweet treats but if I have to pick one, I’ll say ice cream. Whenever I received a particularly hard rejection when I was querying, I’d treat myself to some ice cream and when I finished revisions on SUPERFICIAL, I went to this fancy ice cream place and got myself their cookie monster ice cream with lots of extra Oreos added in.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I had many dream jobs besides being an author, but the one that stuck around the longest was I wanted to be a librarian. I loved books so much that it was enticing to work around them every single day. Even though I didn’t become a librarian, I still love libraries, so much so I became a member of my local library’s board.


What would you write in a letter to your teen self?

It’s okay to not know who you are yet. It will take some time to figure it out and to give yourself the time and space to do so. I’d also explain to my teenage self what bisexual/pansexual means because I never even heard of the term bisexual until college. I feel like if I knew the term sooner, I might have recognized that’s how I identify. Same thing goes with demisexual. I only recently learned of the term and a light bulb moment went off for me. It made sense why many of my dates never worked out.

What superpower would you love to have? Why?

This is something I’ve thought about a lot, especially since I love superheroes so much. I would have to go with flying. I hate driving so it would be great to be able to just fly wherever I go, although I would have to get over my fear of heights first…

What book is on your nightstand currently?

I’m reading the book Love Immortal by Kit Vincent. It has gay vampires, and it’s set at a college in Vermont. It’s the perfect fall read!

Ideal summer vacation.

Going to the beach or lake would be my ideal summer vacation. Somewhere I can swim and lie in the sun and read tons of books! I also get inspired by the water, so I’d be sure to bring a notebook to jot down any ideas and to write some lines if I feel like it. I try to not do too much writing on vacation, since it is vacation, but it’s hard not to when an idea sneaks into my brain.

You’re stranded on a desert island—which character from your book do you want with you? Why?

Jake Johnson, also known as The Amazing Boy. He has many superpowers, including super strength, is fire resistant, and can see through buildings, so they could come in handy, especially the super strength! He could help get materials that we need to build some sort of life raft to escape our island.

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea's friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Read an Excerpt

I’ve been trained for situations like this when I’m stuck with a civilian during a mission. I’m supposed to keep playing The Amazing Boy, clear her memory, and continue along like nothing’s happened, but this time everything is different. The Agent is nowhere to be found to give me a mission report and he’s usually the one who takes care of the memories. I need all the help I can get right now, but I don’t know how much this girl can actually support me. She’s already tripped over a clearly marked extension cord.

That’s when we hear it. The kind of boom where your ears continue to ring minutes after it sounds. Even the floor keeps vibrating.

“This must’ve been the diversion. Come on, people might need saving,” I say, grabbing Lea’s hand. And now I really need to go be The Amazing Boy.

She’s in some sort of trance but once I grab her hand, she wakes up from wherever her brain was living.

“What’s happening, Jake? Are we in a movie right now?” If she thinks that, I’m not going to say otherwise, because she’s not wrong, she just doesn’t realize that it’s different from how other movies are made.

“This is going to sound crazy, but we need to go to wherever that boom occurred and see if there is anything we can do. I can’t explain everything to you but please trust me. I know things seem out of sorts right now and I’m being a completely different person, but I ask you this, if your life was in danger, would you trust The Amazing Boy?” I ask, looking Lea square in the face.

Her baby blue eyes stare right back at me, full of terror.

“Like if The Amazing Boy was real? Absolutely.”

“Okay, just keep holding onto that thought and follow me.”

About the Author:

Diane Billas currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When she’s not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once, performing the French horn or piano, or dreaming of the next country she’s going to visit.

Does Love Always Win? is her debut novel, which released June 2023 from Creative James Media. This book was drawn from Diane’s personal experiences as a queer individual who has struggled throughout life being comfortable identifying and expressing herself. Diane wrote the book she wished was available to her when she was in high school.

Website: https://dianebillas.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dianebillaswrites
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dianebillas
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dianebillas
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/dianebillas

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Superficial-Diane-Billas-ebook/dp/B0D92WFJ8Q/ref=sr_1_1

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The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

If I could keep a mythical creature as a pet, I’d choose a qilin. The qilin is a majestic, gentle creature from Chinese mythology, often depicted with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and the scales of a fish, and is known for its wisdom and protective nature. Having a qilin as a pet would be like having a guardian that brings peace and good fortune wherever it goes. It is also said that a qilin can look into a person’s heart to see how pure their spirit is, so my pet could double as my own personal walking lie detector!

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

How I write is that I focus on adding humor and making sure every character, no matter how minor, has a distinct and memorable arc. I love creating characters with their own quirks and personal journeys, which makes them feel real and relatable. It's important to me that readers can connect with each character, laugh at their antics, and root for them along the way. I try to balance humor with heart, making sure my stories are both entertaining and meaningful.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?

The best writing advice I ever received was to "write the story only you can tell." This piece of wisdom has always resonated deeply with me. It’s a gentle reminder not to write to trends, but rather to draw from my own experiences, perspectives, and imagination, crafting stories that are uniquely mine. It encourages authenticity and helps me stay true to my voice, ensuring that my stories are rich and genuine.

When it comes to the worst advice, it's hard to pinpoint any. I know this might sound like a cop-out, but I truly can't think of a "bad" piece of writing advice I've received. Every bit of advice I've come across reflects a writer's personal journey and what worked for them. Writing is such a diverse and individualistic craft that advice fitting one person might not fit another. But that doesn’t mean it is bad advice; it just means it’s different. There's always something to be learned from any piece of advice, even if it’s understanding what doesn’t work for you. This perspective has taught me to value all insights, using them to refine my own writing journey.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Many of the experiences in The Legendary Mo Seto are drawn from my own real or imagined experiences. Like Mo, I started training in martial arts as a child and participated in competitions. The emotions, challenges, and triumphs she faces are reflective of my own journey in the martial arts world. Additionally, Mo's cultural background and family dynamics are inspired by my own experiences growing up in a Chinese household. I feel that these personal touches help bring authenticity and depth to my story.

Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there's a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!

Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!

Read an Excerpt

I tap the arm of a boy next to me. He’s around my height, though he looks like he’s probably a good couple of years younger. “What’s everyone looking at?”

The boy cocks his head toward the crowd and frowns. “There’s a poster about auditions for a Cody Kwok movie, but—”

Cody Kwok? Cody Kwok! Aaaaaaaah! Every thought inside my brain disappears, except for the words “CODY KWOK” in capital letters, surrounded by flashing lights.

I need to see that poster.

I crane my neck, but it’s no use. What would Cody Kwok do? Cody wouldn’t let buildings or bridges or trains or nuclear explosions stand in the way of what he wanted—let alone a few people.

“Nacho, meet me out front. I’ll be right back.” Slipping through cracks, under armpits and between legs, I duck, crawl, and push my way through until I’m standing in front of Cody’s magnificent face. I’d recognize it anywhere. His black eyes are narrowed, and his lips are curled, as if daring his opponent to strike. His fists are held in a classic fighting stance.

“Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.”

Below the picture are the words:

CASTING CALL FOR THE PROTEGES
PRESENTED BY FLYING FIST STUDIOS
Inviting all young martial artists to participate in our open auditions to star alongside CODY KWOK in his next movie.
Sign up for an audition spot on Sunday, July 7
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Auditions begin Saturday July 13.

Sign-ups are—I double-check my phone—in a week.

About the Author:

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

Book Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Mo-Seto-1/dp/1665937327
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legendary-mo-seto-a-y-chan/1144226905
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-legendary-mo-seto-ay-chan/20699961

Twitter/X: https://x.com/AYChanWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aychanwrites>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aychanwrites>
Website: http://www.aychanwrites.com
Simon & Schuster Author Page: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Legendary-Mo-Seto/A-Y-Chan/The-Legendary-Mo-Seto/9781665937320

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The Rise Up Trilogy by Henrik Wilenius

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award the winner's choice of an audiobook set via Spotify or a digital book set of THE RISE UP TRILOGY. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I never thought I was going to be an author, although my two older brothers, my sister, my father, my grandfather and my great uncle were writers. In my early twenties, I founded an art servicing company, selling contemporary art, and after an initial success, I ventured out to real estate development and market researched. But something was not right. By living the high life, I was neglecting my spiritual needs. I decided to radically downsize and went back to university to study philosophy, because I was obsessed with the question of why it is so hard for us to expand our understanding. And when I found the culprit, I became a writer. It was supposed to be an essay on Rhetoric by Aristotle, but only after half an hour of writing, I knew it was going to be a full-length manuscript. End of Restlessness, a philosophical study into my own coming-of-age, was published in 2001in Finland. Soon I realized that if I really want to relay my understanding, I needed to write fiction, young adult fiction, because that’s the genre where the post-modernism doesn’t reign, and grand narrative is accepted. In other words, I can tell stories where my characters evolve as spiritual beings. And I’ve been on that road ever since.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

When I was a kid, I loved books about faraway countries. At the age of twelve I stumbled upon Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. It takes place about two thousand five hundred years ago during the time of Siddhartha Gautama, aka Buddha, the namesake of the protagonist. There are a lot of similarities between this fictional character and Buddha, at least enough to get me excited about Buddhism. This book really changed my life. I became aware of the spiritual world and the need to explore it further, and to do that, I needed to work on my self-discipline, which I began by quitting candy and chocolate for year. I have continued this exercise in one form or the other all throughout my life. It also very much affected how I look at the world. I realized that it’s not important how different I am from the other people, but what I have in common with them. This new-born fascination made me delve into different cultures and religions since my early teens and all the understanding I gained over the years through people I met was what turned me into a writer in my thirties.

What book is on your nightstand currently?

I loved to read several books at the same time. In the Kindle on my nightstand, you find these following five books opened right now:

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple about how Ancient India transformed the world. It discusses the ways in which India's ideas and influences spread throughout and shaped Eurasia
Leto v Pionerskom Galstuke by Silvanova Katerina and Malisova Elena. It’s a Russian language coming of age series that takes place in a youth camp in Ukraine during the soviet times.
Yo soy una senora by Jaime Bayly. It’s a Spanish language collection of short stories by Peruvian Jaime Bayly.
Secret City: The Hidden history of Gay Washington by James Kirchick.
Him by Sarina Bowen. A new adult series about two gay ice hockey players.

What reality show would you love to be on? Why?

I love the gay Japanese Netflix reality show Boyfriend, and I would love to be on the panel (if I spoke Japanese) commenting what’s happening in the house. It’s the only reality series I ever watched. What draws me to this particular program is how natural and genuine the male contestants are and vulnerable they appear which makes them so interesting to me.

Favorite TV show from your childhood?

We didn’t have TV when I was growing up. My parents didn’t allow it. All my family was very big in reading, and the only time we could have TV (a rented one) was during the ice hockey world championship games.

Who was your teenaged crush? Why?

My teenage crush was my best friend. We just clicked so well and had so much fun together. I never dared to take it further and show my true feelings because I was afraid to lose him. He was very touchy feely and would sometimes French kiss me in front of our friends just to shock them. We would sometimes sleep in the same bed and cuddle or walk outside hand in hand. He didn’t care if people thought he was gay (which I assume he was not), and he used that excuse to get out of the national military service. Maybe he was also rehearsing different roles as he became a successful actor in Finland and Sweden. Our relationship was the real-life model for the one between Hashim and Alex.

Favorite class in high school. Why?

I’ve always been a great history buff. It fed my curiosity towards different cultures and gave me a solid base to reach out to people as I was able to show my respect to their culture through knowing their history. But then again, I was interested in everything in school, and I was good in all the subjects. Only thing that didn’t excite me was naming plants or animals (birds), and I’m still bad at it.

The Rise up trilogy is a coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam, three best friends on the threshold of adulthood. Before they can find their place in this world, they must come to terms with their past and learn to confide in each other as they are confronted by intolerance, ignorance, and corporate greed that threaten to rob them of their future. Inspirational, harrowing, intense and deeply moving, this trilogy presents a ray of hope amidst terrible hardship, misfortune and loss.

Book One: Catch You if You Fall

High school best friends Hashim, Alex, and Maryam must confront real-life issues that loom for Gen-Z today, including the climate crisis, corrupt politics, and racial and gender equity.

When Hashim turns eighteen, he receives a grant from his Mosque that will send him to an Ivy League in New York. His devout Muslim family couldn’t be more proud. And to support their young son on his journey, they arrange a wife for him. There’s only one problem: Hashim is gay.

Hashim’s best friend Alex is struggling with a difficult home life, a non-present father, and financial issues that prove particularly painful when all his friends are planning to go off to college and leave him behind.

Standing confidently alongside these two boys is Maryam, a headstrong Muslim girl who bucks her traditional roots by becoming a vegan activist.

It doesn’t take long until certain evil forces start to draw these three even closer, as their futures and the wellbeing of their community and the world is threatened. They are called to act.

Book Two: Merry Farm

In the second installment of the Rise Up Trilogy, best friends Hashi, Alex, and Maryam stumble upon a huge government coverup. When more people get sicker and sicker, and nothing about the outbreak makes news, it becomes clear the corruption goes up high.

As the three attempt to expose and stop a tragedy that could kill thousands, they end up framed as the bioterrorists responsible for this exact crime, and a team of hitmen is dispatched to hunt them down. As they grapple with their own growing pains, Hashi, Alex, and Maryam hurry to outrun the disaster, prove that they are innocent, and do what they feel is right.

Book Three: Collusion

Now a well-known activist, Maryam, along with her two best friends Hashim and Alex, is chosen by the President of the United States to draw up a proposal to help fight climate change, mere weeks before superstorm Roxanne makes landfall in the Northeast.

After the President’s Future Rescue Advisory Board hears their climate proposal to set heavy taxes on meat, dairy and carbon emissions, and someone leaks it to the press, chaos spreads across party lines. A few months since they stopped a deadly virus in its tracks, the three uncover a conspiracy on the highest level of the legislative branch.

While the deadly hurricane wreaks havoc along the eastern seaboard, destroying the U.S. Naval Command in Norfolk, Virginia, and hitting New York City with devastating force, Maryam, Hashim, and Alex grapple with forces beyond their control in the government.

How will their stories unravel? What do their futures hold as they mature into adults in a world that may not accept them? Find out in this last book in the Rise Up Trilogy.

Read an Excerpt from COLLUSION:

“Yes, let’s talk about protecting the American way,” Maryam responded to the reporter. “Let’s talk about the Norfolk Naval Station in his home state of Virginia. We were there only a few days ago. All it takes is some rain and high tide, and a large part of the base goes underwater. And many of the piers were out of operation for that reason. Like Norfolk, many other U.S. navy bases have been built on lowlands by the water, and most of them are literally sinking into the sea as we speak.”

Hashim bit down a smile from the sidelines. Maryam was going head on. She had seen how well it worked with the President when Alex did it.

“But Senator Stevenson and his colleagues refuse to talk about the biggest national security risk of our time, because it’s caused by climate change. Senator Stevenson with his fellow climate change deniers in the Senate are blocking all the attempts to fund any initiatives to address the issue. So I truly wonder what or who is the real threat to the American way?”

About the Author:

Henrik Wilenius is the author of the Rise Up Trilogy, a young adult coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam confronting real-life issues like climate change, corrupt politics, animal cruelty and racial and gender equity.

The Rise Up Trilogy is now available also as an audiobook and a weekly serialized audiobook podcast on all the major platforms.

Previously, Henrik as published two books (an autobiographical coming of age book and a YA novel) by a major publisher (WSOY) in Finland before switching to English and self-publishing. The Rise Up Trilogy was inspired by his fifteen-year stint as a volunteer in a Red Cross Youth Shelter and by his vegan activism.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVJ1TNFG
Buzz Sprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2264640
Website: http://www.henrikwilenius.com
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/henrikwileniusauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/@henrikwileniusauthor

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Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

Read an Excerpt

The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

About the Author:

Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/

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Beautiful One by Mary Cope

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the ther stops on the tour.

How do you develop your characters and ensure they feel authentic and relatable to readers?

I start by creating a character profile, I jot down basic details like their name, age, appearance, and background. Next, I define their goals and motivations, digging deep to understand what drives them. I give them strengths and weaknesses to make them more relatable and complex. I then develop a detailed backstory for my character, exploring how their past experiences have shaped who they are. I consider their relationships with others, including family, friends, and romantic partners.

In my writing, I show my character's personality through their dialogue and actions, allowing readers to understand them better. As the story progresses, I allow my character to evolve, changing and growing based on their experiences.

I also draw inspiration from real-life people and events to create more authentic and relatable characters.

What’s the favorite part of the writing process for a writer?

My favorite part of the writing process is when inspiration strikes and I get that initial spark of an idea. I love developing that idea, fleshing it out, and watching it grow into a full-fledged story or concept.

I really enjoy creating characters and bringing them to life on the page. It's exciting to explore their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, and to see how they interact with each other and the world around them.

The first draft is where I feel most free as a writer. I love being able to let my ideas flow without worrying too much about perfection, knowing that I can always go back and revise later.

As a published author, one of the most rewarding aspects of writing is connecting with readers who are touched or inspired by my work. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that my words have resonated with others.

How important do you think social media and online platforms are for modern authors?

I believe social media is extremely important for modern authors. Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram can help you reach an audience far beyond what you might have imagined. However, navigating social media can be challenging, especially when it comes to gaining followers and addressing issues like bots and hackers.

For example, my Facebook author page was recently hacked, resulting in being locked out of my account and losing all of my 900 hard-earned followers. It was so frustrating, I literally wanted to cry. Despite the setback, I will continue to reach out, rebuild my fanbase and try and reach new followers.

Can you share any details about your current work in progress?

I'm currently working on the sequel, "Beautiful Mess," which delves into the aftermath of the love triangle from "Beautiful One," centering on the character Elizabeth didn't choose. This character sets out on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and rediscovering love. While I don't want to give away too much, readers can anticipate a heartfelt narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, healing and the search for inner peace.

Transformation, empowerment, love and music come together in the book, Beautiful One.

Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.

Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.

Read an Excerpt

The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.

I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.

Then my heart stopped.

I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.

I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.

About the Author:

Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about.

Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marycope_author?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557161136038

Beautiful One was just announced as the YA first place winner in the NEST awards.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-One-Mary-Cope/dp/1505601800

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LASR 17th Anniversary

Like books? No matter the genre, we have a great place for you to find your next favorite read!

Long and Short Reviews is celebrating their 17th (wow!) anniversary, but you get the gifts. They're featuring more than 50 books in all genres from romance to science fiction, young adult to poetry... no matter your reading preferences, you can find something to enjoy!

What could possibly be better than that? 

How about a chance to win one of two $100 Amazon GCs, of course! Think of how many books you could buy... 

Once you're arrived at the Long and Short Reviews site, simply read through the book posts each day and answer a simple question (or follow authors on their social media accounts) and you're entered to win. New chances to enter every day! So, go visit and enter and don't forget to tell a friend or two. Good luck!

Contest runs from August 19-23, 2024.

One Little Witch by Crystal Beach

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A brilliant Little Witch counts the pumpkins in her pumpkin patch and discovers some surprising surprises. Join author and illustrator Crystal Beach (One Polar Bear and Two Polar Bears) as she captivates you with her latest adventure story and a brand-new series—One Little Witch. You and your child will be delighted by this hilarious tale as together you learn counting and sight words, and experiment with sound.

A charming holiday tale for autumn, or any time of the year, One Little Witch is filled with pumpkins and childlike enthusiasm for learning. This little book is sure to enchant, and will make a spooky addition to your child's library.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

About the Author:

Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children's future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children's literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

For more information visit Website: http://www.crystalbeachauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40712712.Crystal_Beach
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crystal.beach.aut
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_m_beach

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