Publishing Anniversary--19 Years!

Nineteen years ago, my first book was published by Ellora's Cave. Since then, I’ve had 119 books published with a variety of publishers—Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Carina Press, Beyond the Page Publishing, The Naughty Literati, Entangled Publishing, Evernight Publishing, and a variety of indie anthologies.

 

(Some original covers and some reprint covers. Not all books are currently available.)

What a strange and wonderful ride it’s been since that fateful day back in 2004. None of it would have been possible without the amazing publishers and editors I’ve had the privilege to work with. I’ve learned so much and continue to grow and learn with each book I write.

 

 

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has every purchased and read one of my books. Because of you, it’s been possible for me to make a living as a writer. It’s been a gift to me. It’s impossible for you to know how much it’s meant and continues to mean to me.

 

 

Thank you to my fellow writers for your support, kindness, and encouragement and for helping me spread the word about my books. (I suck at promo, so I really appreciate it.)

 

  

This is not an easy profession. There have been countless ups and downs over the almost two decades—triumphs and tragedies, frustration and satisfaction, laughter and tears. There have been days I’ve almost thrown in the towel and given up, but at the end of the day, I love writing too much, even when I’m struggling to find the words.

 

 

Thank you for 19 amazing years. I look forward to many more.

Author Interview

I was recently interviewed by NFReads. Be sure to check out my author interview. I'm talking about creativity, the writing process, and more!

https://www.nfreads.com/interview-with-author-n-j-walters/

Writer Wednesday--Conventions

I've been published for almost 15 years and this past week I went to my very first convention--RTC (Romancing the Capital in Ottawa, Ontario). I had an amazing time and met so many wonderful author friends and readers, some of whom I've been online friends with for fifteen years.

I'm an introvert and an extremely private person so this wasn't easy for me to do. But it was at the top of my bucketlist. So I pushed past my fears and did it--including panels and the book signing. I'm so glad I did. I may never do another, but this experience will live in my memory forever.

Thank you to Eve Langlais for organizing this event, and the wonderful Jess Ripley for helping to make it happen.

Thank you to the wonderful authors and readers.

 

All set up for the book signing.

What comes first--title, characters, plot?

Which comes first when you start a new story? The title? The characters’ names? The plot? Explain your starting process and what you need before you can write the first words.

That's the question Coffee Time Romance asked authors this month.

Want to know my answer? Be sure to check it out.

https://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/adapr2019-nj-walters/

 

Planning for 2019

Today is a statutory holiday here, so there wasn't a lot open--restaurants, theatres, gas stations, and the like. BUT the bookstore was open, likely because they have a Starbucks.

So after getting suggestions from friends, I spent several hours last night looking at the various planners available. I had no idea there were so many different types.

 I decided to go with this simple one I found at the local Chapters bookstore. Not only was it on sale, which is always a plus, it had the weekly layout I wanted. And stickers, too.

I'm going to give it a try and see if I can't get a bit more oganized in 2019.

14 Years Ago Today...

October 27, 2004 my first book was published--Annabelle Lee. It was given a new cover by Ellora's Cave in 2012 and republished as Uncovering Annabelle by Beyond the Page in 2016.

14 years ago today my first book was published and it changed my life.

Thank you to all the publishers, editors, fellow writers, and readers for making it possible for me to make my living as a writer these past years. It's been a gift to me.

I'm hoping this continues for many years to come.

*I had to block part of the original cover to make sure I didn't get in trouble. :-) *

Follow my Facebook Author Page

So there has been some discussion about what is or is not acceptable to be posted on my FB personal profile. So if you want to make sure you don't miss any of my book news, please like my Author Page and follow.
 

https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor/

 

Want the Chance to Win a Print Book?

October 27th marks my 8th anniversary as a published writer. How fast the time has flown. To celebrate, I'm holding a contest and giving away a print book
every Friday from August 31st until October 19th. That's 8 print books up for grabs.

For details on how you can enter for a chance to win, go to my WEBSITE and click on the "Contests" page.


NOTE: You only need to enter once to be eligable for all 8 draws.

The Writer's Life

I think that a lot of folks think writers sit around all day eating and watching television and putting in an hour or two at their computers. Some days that might be true, but the majority of them are spent sitting on our butts while we write, edit and promote our writing.

Honestly, I find that the promoting part takes up  a great part of my time these days. There are blog posts, social media (primarily Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo Groups), advertising, promotional items, contests and the list goes on. Not that I'm complaining. I love talking to readers and other writers, but some days it does feel a little overwhelming.

I've often said I can put in the equivalent of a days work in a two hour period in the morning. How? Once I sit at my computer (the one without internet access) and start writing, I don't move, I don't look away and I don't stop. I'm a very focused person once I begin writing, but the downside is that I can usually only get one writing session in a day because I've got nothing creatively left to give after one of these sessions. But that's okay. It works for me.

And when I'm not writing or promoting...I'm thinking about writing and promoting. I work from home so I never leave work. My desk is in the corner of my living room, a constant reminder that I should be working. So, many evenings you'll find me with my head buried in a book. It's relaxing, but it's also market research...at least that's what I tell myself. *g*

Now I'm off to work!

Some great links to check out:

Adele Dubois' Blog on her experience at Bob Mayer's Writer's Workshop.

Redlines and Deadlines blog lets you know what authors are celebrating 10 years with Ellora's Cave. Check out the Orginal Bad Girls of Romance

Welcome Kathy Kulig!

I want to welcome author Kathy Kulig to my blog! Be sure to leave a comment as Kathy is giving away an ebook from her backlist. (See full instructions below.)

One Night Stands

You barely know his last name, and he barely knows yours. Maybe you met while traveling on business, through friends, on vacation, at a friend’s wedding or another event, but one thing for sure, the chemistry is there and you want each other BAD! The sex is guaranteed to be hot! Well, maybe, if you communicate well.
The number one reason for having a one night stand? Sex, hot, hot sex!

Chances are you may never see each other after that night, and you understand that, and if you’re smart you’ll accept that reality. There’s a risk of guilt and shame the morning after too. In a small percentage of one night stands, the couple end up in a long term relationship, even marriage, but don’t count on that.


Are there rules or tips for one night stands? Just because the sex is casual, use common sense:

• Don’t have one night sex with a co-worker, a boss, a sibling’s friend, or anyone who’d put you in an awkward situation later.

• Practice safe sex, obviously.

• Don’t discuss personal matters. A data dump of your last break-up/divorce is a big no-no.

• Never let a stranger tie you up, duh.

• Keep the clingy emotions out of it. Remember the number one reason for having a one night stand.

Two adults doing are what they both want, and that isn’t a bad thing as long as you don’t have any expectations the day after.

What are your thoughts on one night stands?

In my new release, SPRING BREAK, release date 4/13 from Ellora’s Cave, http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10007-spring-break.aspx my hero and heroine have a one night stand that actually turns into a ménage. They know what they’re getting into. They’re adults and accept that this may be a onetime fling. See what happens their morning after.


Here’s the Blurb:

Spring break beyond your wildest fantasies? If Justin Watkins can stop keeping watch over his college students like Big Brother, he might convince the prim-and-proper Mariko Maguire to be his sex partner at the invitation-only adult club called TropiX.

Mariko is in Fort Lauderdale on business, trying to secure new clients for her PR firm. Abandoning prior commitments for one wickedly lustful evening—a one-night stand of kinky sex—was not on her agenda.

Carter Bosworth is looking for an evening of sex games during his layover in the tropical playground. He’s a regular at TropiX and always open for a new thrill. His plans are sidetracked, but it may be to his benefit after all when he meets the beautiful Mariko. The potent heat developing between Justin and Mariko tempts her into shedding her inhibitions, and an exploration in eroticism develops beyond her imagination at the fetish club.

Excerpt: http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419939822.htm

Thanks so much for having me NJ!

I’m giving an ebook copy from any of my backlist books. I’ll select a name from one of the people commenting on this blog post on April 18th. Please leave your email in the comment.

Find me:

www.kathykulig.com
http://www.kathykulig.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/kathykulig
www.facebook.com/kathykulig
www.facebook.com/kathykuligauthor

Beloved Children's Author Passes

I was saddened to hear the news that Jan Berenstain, the co-creator of the wonderful children's series, The Berenstain Bears, has passed away at the age of 88. For 50 years the books she and her husband wrote have been a favorite for children and parents.

Read More Here

Happy Birthday Charles Dickens

Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of English writer Charles Dickens. He was born on February 7, 1812 and wrote many novels that focused on the living and working conditions of the poor in England. He was extremely popular in his time and continues to be a favorite today, creating many iconic characters, including Scrooge.

I really enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities, but my favorite Dicken's book is A Christmas Carol. Do you have a favorite?

Relaxing the Writer

Saw another author talking about this blog and thought I should pass on the link. It's focused on writers, but I think it's great for everybody!

Check out Relaxing the Writer.

Two New Contracts!

I've just signed two new contracts--one with Ellora's Cave Publishing and the other with Samhain Publishing!

Tracking Talia is a Quickie that is part of the Courage brothers of Texas series I'm writing for Ellora's Cave. The first two are Tempting Tori and Lassoing Lara. No release date yet.

Legacy Found is the third book in the Legacy werewolf series I'm writing for Samhain Publishing. This is James' book. His story was originally part of book one, Alexandra's Legacy, but I pulled it out as I felt it needed much more space than including it in the original book would allow. The ongoing war between werewolves, purists and paranormal bounty hunters continues in this one. It will be released sometime in 2011. I will let you know as soon as I get a release date.