Yes, it’s a quickie. The Muses are tired and the pantry is locked. No more Oreo’s for the day. Off to bed once we finish this post.
Okay, so first…
Orrville Public Library is hosting their 2nd Annual Author Book Signing this weekend, Saturday, March 11th from 11 am to 3 pm. And yes, I’ll be there. Don’t count on the Musedes, they’ll be bowling. Apparently, their spring league starts that day. Hmm? How convenient, right?
But they might make an appearance on Saturday, March 18th for the Massillon Public Library Book Signing. I’m excited for both, but Massillon is my first time there. Woohoo!!!
Nevertheless, I’ll have both novels at each location, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.
We’ll be doing a special price deal on both novelss for a bundle package. And if you can’t make it, it send me an E-mail from my website mentioning the special and you can order the set via E-mail or hopefully off my Extras page on the website.
But, in all honesty, I hope you’ll come… I love you guys!
Second…
The Muses are getting restless and want me to make sure you can order any of our fun merch plus autographed books from the extras page https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras
There will be a limited supply Saturday. And don’t worry, I’ll have QR codes to pass out for links to the E-books if you’d rather have that version. We can also send you away with an autographed book cover postcard if you really want one. In fact, I’d be happy to put my signature on one.
Finally, the best for last…
The Prickle Forrest Chronicles will be featuring two more romance authors this month. First one, Tuesday, March 14th with Cassie Mae cook and the second on Tuesday, March 28th with Sherri hollister.
Woohoo!
Okay, I’ve been informed it’s time to hit the pillow. Sheesh, definitely a quickie here. But don’t forget about the Author interviews on the 14th and 28th. Will chat soon…
So for now, Good night Pricklers.. and don’t forget to stay prickley!
Chrissy Hartmann
P.S. We’ll send another update at the end of the month with pictures of the book signings. Hope to see you there!
Chrissy Hartmann
Contemporary Western Romance Author and Award-Winning Short Story Writer
Don’t miss out on Chrissy’s debut novel now available on digital and paperback…
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three?
God, family, and coffee always come first for Charlie Stockton. But not always in that order. Charlie just wants a cup of coffee. But there’s a battle between wife and daughter that rages on. How does he help without betraying his wife? And let’s not forget about the mischivious troupe of clowns!
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Cecelia Conway!
It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.
First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?
I’m from Southern Wisconsin and have just started on my publishing journey about eight months ago. I’ve always been interested in writing and majored in English/Creative writing in college but then put it aside to pursue other ventures until now. Three Months in Spring is going to be my third full length novel and is part of my Door County Dreams series.
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
Right now I’m focused primarily on contemporary romance although I do have plans for a paranormal series that will debut in late 2024.
As far as what I read, I’ll pick up almost anything. If you name a trope or subgenre I’ve probably got it on my shelves or in my Kindle.
When I was younger I got a lot of my inspiration from authors like Lori Foster and Debbie Macomber. To me, seeing them in the grocery store aisle seemed like the pinnacle of success. Right now, I’m loving all the creativity coming from Indie Authors that I’ve been introduced to through BookTok and BookStagram. Self publishing has opened up so many options for storytellers to stay true to their creative vision.
In brief, tell us about your book, Three Months In Spring.
I knew after finishing my first two books in this series exactly who was getting their happily ever after in book three.
Andrea Owens is a reclusive chef with a dark history that she’s trying to keep buried. Unfortunately her charming boss, Steven Freider, isn’t letting her do that.
Their turbulent relationship is put to the test when her past comes back to haunt her. Will he get serious and commit to what they could have? And will she take the risk and put her trust in him?
When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Three Months In Spring how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?
As a baby author, seeing that box of books with my name on the cover come in the mail is always nerve wracking and exhilarating. With this one, I was so excited to see them and share Steve and Andrea’s story that I posted about it right away.
When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?
Honestly? I mostly stare at my screen, scroll through TikTok for an hour, and then realize I’ve put myself behind schedule 😛 It seems the adrenaline rush from procrastination usually resolves whatever issue I was having and my brain will conjure up a solution.
Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?
My desk is super small so there’s not too much on it. The biggest things are a daily journal, planner, and my reading log for the year. My one concession to decoration is an eiffel tower letter opener. You might have It was super popular on BookTok because it looks just like the dagger on the cover of From Blood and Ash 😂
What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?
I think, foundationally, all of my characters are dealing with some kind of trauma and ultimately overcoming it. When I started seriously writing again, it was a way for me to work through some of my own demons and I put a little of that into each of my stories.
When I get to the end of a manuscript I’m definitely a little shell shocked that I’ve managed to string together 80,000 words.
If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?
I think the best time to write them changes a little with every character’s story. In my first two books, the main female character was a sexual assault survivor so they didn’t get to that point in their relationship until well into the second book.
But with Three Months In Spring, the characters have a history…that comes up in the prologue.
Funny story. My dad actually reads my books. At first I was completely horrified but we’ve come to an understanding that we never mention those parts of the story and we never ever tell mom about it.
So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?
I did a charity anthology last fall with a group of indie authors and that was the start of my West Wing inspired series of novellas (the first one comes out this June). I’m also in a small town anthology with Fluffy Fox Publishing this coming fall and that will be the prologue to a new series of equestrian themed books that will be coming in 2025.
If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?
Well, it just so happens that my second book, Four Weeks in September, is going to be free on Amazon from March 5th-7th. This past weekend Book 1 was on sale so now it’s Book 2’s turn in the spotlight.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
According to my pinterest board suggestions, for Three Months In Spring I’m looking for a blend of Rachel McAdams and Scarlett Johanson for Andrea’s part and for Steve I’ve always pictured him as a bit of Luke Evans mixed with Charlie Hunman.
Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?
It seems like the best answer is always groveling, especially for Steven in this book 😛
Prickle Forrest Chronicles
February 15, 2023
Chrissy Hartmann
Hello Pricklers!
First let me say, I hope all of you lovers had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.😍🥰😘
Okay, okay, I know I’m a day late, but I have my reasons. Good or bad, at least I got it close. But then again as the old timers would say,
“Close only counts with horse Shoes and hand gernades.”
Okay, right?
Seriously, who says that?🤨 Oh wait, I did. Oops!
The plans were to launch Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation on the 14th of February, but at the last minute Amazon decided to flag the book cover measurements.
Why?
Still not sure because the actual physical proof looked beautiful. So why it happened , have no clue. Anyway, those of yu who preordered your copy, via E-book, it’s coming soon, real soon! Promise!!!
For those who are ordering a paperback go here to get your copy:
Please leave a book review on Amazon or GoodReads. There is even a new place for romance readers to leave a review. Check out Romance IO.
Now that’s a great place to find reviews and links to order romance novels.
Very clean and concise platform.
But, hey, your just glad its out now, right?
If you have any comments or questions you want to direct to the author, you know, me, you can go to my website and send me a message from my contact page. Here’s the link: Https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact
Next thing up is either editing my short story anthology,
Tales From The Prickle Forrest or writing the third book to the Whiskey Salvation Series.
Which one do you prefer?
Leave your thoughts below or send them to me, if you are one of those quiet shy types.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Orrville Publick Library 2nd Annual Author Book Signing 📖📖📖
Saturday, March 11, 2023
from 11 am to 3 pm.
Massilon Public Library Author Book Signing 📖📖📖
Saturday, March 18, 2023
from 11 am to 3 pm
I’ll have both Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation books there to autograph plus some really cool merch.
Well, in two days or less I knocked out this 599+ page contemporary romance by the highly successful Indie Author, Lucy Score. If, you haven’t heard of her, well, read below. And please don’t hesitate to leave your own comments about the book. I’d love to hear your opinion. And suggestions on other books are welcome too!
sunshine and Grumpy? No, more like Grumpy and Grumpy, which I’m not opposed to at all. Well, for the most part. Just at least make the guy like “the Viking” a little more grumpier, which Lucy Score did.
Only “the Viking’s” grumpy endearing character propelled me to read on. and the other? At first, a “likeable” bitchy tude, but then turned into a wilting daisy for the most part.
Didn’t quite follow the sunshine trope if that’s what the author intended. The grumpiness worked though, especially one with a great heart.
I will have to admit somewhere after Lucian had been introduced I started to daydream about him… and I’ll admit, lost interest in the MMC, Knox whenever he entered the scene. Oops! Disappointed will need to wait until book three comes out to read his story with Sloane.
Had a little trouble believing Knox having the what I like to call “authority,” “command,” or whatever you want to call it that he had over what seemed like the town folk with only being a tatted up barber and lottery winner. Hmm? In almost 600 pages would like to have seen more about that side of him come out than some of the other stuff. But, hey, maybe, I just missed it. I’ll reread it, maybe? I. Doubt it, but maybe.
Naomi, I liked… at first. Liked her attitude when she tried to get her coffee. I really thought, hey, now here’s someone different. I’m going to like her. After all, I might act this same way when I’m in need of some coffee. But nope, she just seemed to get worse. And no, you can’t blame the lack of caffeine on her character. How anyone might think at the start she’s the sunshine I’ll never understand.
The supporting cast are the ones to keep an eye on. Well, except if you’re the dog. I only suggest next time, the author NOT name the dog similar to one of the supporting characters. Got too confusing to keep track of who was who. But the Way and Way’s relationship warmed my heart. Well done!
and speaking of the supporting cast, Nash, I’ll read, but only because it gets me one step closer to Lucian. Good Lord, I hope Lucian’s not a disappointment.
Stef, the parents, the bar crew and coffee shop drinkers definitely added flavor to the story and can relate to some of those characters in a small town, which Knockemout had no lack of and which made the whole small town setting believable.
And let’s not forget the “bad twin” Tina. glad to see she’s not so horrible Now, she, would be an interesting character to develop into her own book with a “bad girl” and “nerd” trope once of course she gets out of prison and reunites with her family, but at her age, might have to tone down the sex and develop the storyline in order to compensate for her age. What, she might be 50+ once she gets out of jail? Right? Would have loved to see these characters a little younger, not by much, but a few years might have helped with the whole “sunshine and grumpy” approach and a story for Tina. But if anyone could write a fun romance for Tina and some unsuspecting Knockemout” guy, then I have every confidence that Lucy can write one without too much trouble with the logistics. She’s got the talent to do it.
All in all, it was a fun read, but to be honest, not the trope I would have gone for. The Sunshine Grumpy thing just didn’t work here. I’d say a strike out, but, with Knox’s appeal, I think he got a walk. But, hey, Nash is on deck and Lucian’s in the whole. So will I keep going with the series? You bet your bottom dollar. Authors tend to get better with their series and I have every confidence in Lucy on hitting a grand slam by the time she’s done. And if a book can make me laugh more than once, I’ll be happy to give the other’s their time on the field. And let’s not forget the Lucian factor. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read a romance about a mysterious bad guy and a librarian? Hmm?
Now to crack the whip! After all, my novella, a contemporary western romance, Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation comes out February 14th on KDP and KU.
For more info on Lucy’s books you can find her on Amazon and probably tons of other places Plus you can go to https://lucyschore.com.
Don’t miss out on Chrissy’s debut novel now available on digital and paperback…
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly Troupe of clowns? Or all three?
The freeze is on. Happy New Year! Yes, it’s January 2023 and at the moment even though there is a roaring fire, it’s heading to 23 degrees tonight. The weighted blanket, heating sheet, and wool socks will be on before the pillow gets fluffed. In other words, it’s cold, freezing cold here in northeast Ohio. Not even trying to get a cuddle from my long-haired bobtail kitten is warming me up. Probably doesn’t help either when she’s not in the mood to cuddle.
Chrissy and Punkin cuddling… Sort of.
The Past…
Managed to win a bet with another author friend and her hubby. We had to see who could lose the most weight between us. Didn’t look like we would win, but hubby managed to get the flue the last two weeks of the contest and we pulled it off by losing 20.4 pounds between the two of us. Woohoo! Woohoo! Not the way to do it though. I expect a rematch this spring though. And our prize? Since, chocolate is not tops on the list, it might have been something called a “chocolate stampede” from Longhorn. Our secret? Rowing machine, treadmill, and smaller portions. Well, at least for me. The hubby? Smaller portions and the flue. HaHaHa! But hey, we won.
The Present…
Finished edits for Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.
The Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation book cover
I think. Manuscript at the editors for one last review of formatting. Hope to have it up on Amazon by the end of the month as long as my copyright gets submitted in time. then will officially start back to work on book 2 of the Whiskey Salvation Series. Yeah baby!
Started to new craft books. Structure for novel writing by James Scott Bell. He teaches one of those Great Works/Master classes and it’s fabulous. If you can’t take it, which you could just ask your library to see if they can get it. If they can’t then get his book. It’s exactly like the course. Love those kinds of classes.
Superstructure, The key to unleashing the power of story by James Scott Bell
The other book is on newsletter marketing. It’s a top seller, but at the moment I’m not fond of it. I just started it, so hopefully once I get deeper into it, it will get better. Right now only would give it 3 stars, the other book on structure gets 5 stars. It’s actually the first craft book that puts plotting all in layman terms that makes it actually understandable. Woohoo! Woohoo! Saved by the Bell!
The Future…
February is coming up. Ground hog day and St. Valentine’s day too. Might possibly host the Wayne NOvelist Guilds Christmas party since we had to cancel it due to a few getting sick. If I host it, will make it into a romance one. Sorry, but Christmas is over. No rewinds.Got to keep moving forward.
Looking forward to a euchre party on the 17th, even got a new deck of cards. And yes, they have Braille marks on them. Should be interesting and a lot of fun unles of course the couples bring the same appetizers and desserts. I plan to take my stuffed mushrooms and possibly frozen raspberry oreo fluff, but only if The Muses can stay out of the Oreos.The rotten thieves pick the lock to the pantry every time they find out Oreos are in the house.
Also will be planning on the author book signings I’ll do in March, June, August, and possibly October.
The news…
Barns and Noble will be opening a number of new stores this year.
A presumed dead author is alive, at least that’s what she is telling her fans now. Isn’t that fraud? I think Sherlock would agree. AI is making its presence known in the writing community. Lots of writers using it. Maybe will consider it for those sticky Act 2 problems I seem to always have. Rumor has it that the Twitter tweets might be going to 4000 characters a post. Hopefully, it’s true. I know a number of authors that would help out greatly with advertising for their books.
Other news…
Politics are heating up. Now that the Republicans have control of the house, it might just get a little more exciting. Maybe even more than the election of the Speaker of the House. I’ll bet even more if the CSpan cameras are reinstalled. Might be more exciting than Monday night football. And don’t get me started on “carlargo.” Wow! That’s a mess, probably as bad as the whole thing with DOT. Don’t look to fly off anywhere in a hurry. That looks like a no go. Sheesh!
Speaking of football or even sports, whats with these healthy athletes having hart attacks and dying on the field?Heard even some were dying as they walked to class? Holy smokes, not good! This is got to stop. And honestly, it’s not from climate change, but I’ll bet instead it’s from MRNA jabbs. And what’s with the inflation? Has anyone ever done an audit on the Federal Reserve? Are they even managing it correctly? Don’t they know economics there? Sure doesn’t seem like it. Okay, finally on my top five, the border? Wow! I have friends and family down there and they say it’s bad. This is got to stop. Did find a couple of alternative news sources just to see what the other side is saying and I’ll admit, they are quite entertaining. Some say they are On the Fringe and talk with some sort of X22 report factor.then there are those “107” other spots.Definitely, see the truth in them.
An Finally, Me…
Author book signing March 11th at the Akron Public Library from 11 am to 3 pm. I’ll be there with Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation books and merchandise.Then the next weekend, on the 18th, I’ll be signing books at Massilon Public Library from 11 am to 2 pm, and tentatively will be attending the Orrville Public Library book signing on the 25th. Later to be announced will be the dates for the Dover Public Library and the Coshockton Write-On Writers Guild book fair. Plus hoping to get our local library to do a book fair for local authors too, but those dates as mentioned before will be posted on a later date. In the meantime, it’s back to the keyboard for novel writing. Woohoo! Woohoo!
Tootles for now. Got to locate my wool socks and turn on the electric blanket because once I’m done working on book 2, my weighted blanket won’t be enough.
If you want to subscribe to my newsletter to get it into your in box go to my website and sign up, please. Https://chrissyhartmann.com/blog
What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead”uncle? A closed down shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three? Only one way to find out… 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Julie Lucia!
It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.
First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?
I am from Buffalo, New York. I have been writing for over ten years. This is my fourth book and my first contemporary romance.
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
I typically write Historical Romances, but I decided to change it up a bit and wrote my first Contemporary Romance. I enjoy reading Contemporary Romances with a Supernatural twist. I hate to be cliché, but a romance author that inspires me is Jane Austen since her writing always ends with a sweet happily ever after.
In brief, tell us about your book, Best Friends Christmas.
When besties Allison and Avery swear off desperation holiday affairs and write their Christmas bucket list, suddenly men find them irresistible. Allison runs into her college crush and Avery finds herself being pursued by a charming hockey player. This new wrinkle wreaks havoc on their bucket list.
When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Best Friends Christmas how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?
My family and I celebrated with a night out to our favorite restaurant.
When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?
I call on my friends to help me work through the obstacle, either with a walk or a long talk on the phone.
Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?
On my writing desk, a cup of hazelnut coffee, the prayer of Saint Francis De Sales, and my reading glasses can be found.
What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?
A resilient character that can persevere through obstacles populates the majority of my pages. My favorite trope to read and also write is enemies to lovers. Every time I go back and read an excerpt of my pieces of writing I always get astounded that I wrote them.
So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?
When I was sixteen, I read Rose of the Mists by Laura Parker and I was introduced to the romance genre. I was instantly hooked and was inspired to start writing romance of my
own. I would want to collaborate with Laura Parker and Nora Roberts to work on a strangers to lovers romance.
If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?
It would be Happenstance, hands down. This book started as a dream that I had and the love interest, Sanderson, is my favorite of all the protagonists I have written.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
Allison would be played by Florence Pugh. Avery would be played by Hailee Steinfeld. Jack would be played by Charlie Gillespie. Sam would be played by Ross Lynch.
Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?
In Happenstance, Sanderson tries to rescue the main character in a blizzard to win her love.
Where can we find your book…
Belgravehouse.com, Amazon, Google Play, and Apple Books
Where do you socialize……
Facebook: @SouthernBeautyBook
Twitter: @scribelucia
Big –big thanks to Julie Lucia for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Best Friends Christmas. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Julie Lucia’s newest release at https://a.co/d/ccqeqW6 .
Wow! We’ve made it to the end of another year. It seemed a little touch and go with the weather as of late. Thought maybe this blizzard-like weather here in the Ohio area might get a little scary, but looks like things might be warming up now for the next week. It might actually get up into the 40s. Woohoo! It’s still perfect weather to crawl under the covers with a book and spend the day reading… or in my case writing.
Speaking of writing…
Finished Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation and just going over and making a few fine tweaks to it, but hoping still to get it out before the year ends. If not, then hopefully by mid-January, no later though. This book had to be one of my favorites to write. Love the characters and the whole plot. I hope all you Pricklers find it just as enjoyable .
I wanted to take a short break before I got started back on the third book to the series, but those pesky Muses keep telling me “no rest for the wicked.” Not sure exactly what they mean or who they are talking about, but to humor them I have started back on it. The plans are to have the third book done by November 2023. Act 1 and part of Act 2 is written, which for me is about 25,000 words. It does have its name and the book cover made up already. How I’ll keep them under wraps until November I have no clue. But we will do another contest like we did for CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION book cover and title. We’ll kick that off in early October. So stay tuned…
On another positive note, we have more author interviews coming up with Julie Lucia on January 3rd, Celia Phoenix on January 10th, Cecelia Conway on February 28th and even more after that.
Don’t forget you can get an autographed copy of CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION by going to my website and order a copy from there. I would love to send you one just as soon as they are published. You can preorder it at https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras
Merry Christmas! 💚🤍❤️🎄🎅🏻🤶🏻☃🎄❤🤍💚
We’ve been working hard to share the news about a lovely group of Indie Authors. We wanted to share the news with you so that you too can enjoy their novels. Most of all, we hope it brings you lots of cheer and romance. And don’t forget their books make a fabulous stocking stuffer for those special romantics in your life.
So let me introduce our latest Indie Author,
We also have by luck an interview with Indie Author, Jennifer Skinnell who we caught before she got out on to the road again with her hubby and their camper to continue their travels across America. Please click on her link to find out more about her and her books…
Author, Jennifer Skinnel’s romance, One Sweet Development
Jennifer Skinnell’s romance Death By Golf Cart
And our last favorite Indie Author, Dallas Ryan who broke the ground as our first Indie Author interviewee. She’s written a wonderful novel that should be on your shopping list too. For more info on her book check it out here…
Again, we here at the Prickle Forrest Chronicles hope you all have a Merry Christmas! And remember there’s nothing like a great Christmas romance over the holidays even if you have to get it from the pages of a book.
Enjoy and thanks once again for tuning in for another special edition from the Prickle Forrest Chronicles!
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Jessica Butler!
Author Jessica Butler
It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.
First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?
Hey everyone! I was born and raised in New Jersey but have been residing in Pennsylvania for over 15 years. I’ve always been an avid reader but didn’t take up writing until the beginning of quarantine in 2020. “Sweet Pear” is my first book and I’m currently working on the sequel!
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
I write cozy Romance/Mystery novels that make you think. I love to read romance books that make me feel all of the emotions. Tears, laughter, anger, sadness … give me all of it! One of my favorite romance authors is Sally Thorne. I read “The Hating Game” many years ago and her characters just stuck with me.
In brief, tell us about your book, Sweet Pear.
Elle Elverson, a mostly happily married, successful writer, wakes up one morning with a man other than her husband, Ryan, lying next to her. The kicker is that she knows who this man is. It’s none other than the one who broke her heart and soul whom she hasn’t spoken to in many years. Her ex-boyfriend, Josh Wilson.
With the help of her best friend, Gwen, she’s on a mission to recover the missing pieces of what happened, what life she’s entered, and whom does she really desire to be in it?
Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is it simply artificial?
When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Sweet Pear how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?
The feeling of holding my published book was so surreal. I immediately cozied up in fluffy blankets to read it over again. To feel the actual pages, reading the words knowing they came from me but having the ability to step outside myself as a writer and view it as a reader was wild! I celebrated with pinot noir (my fave) and went on a family beach vacation to the Outerbanks.
When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?
I read it out loud. Sometimes hearing it come out of my mouth helps me feel as if I am the character. When that happens the conversations can flow easier and sometimes they lead you into unexpected territory you hadn’t originally planned. That’s the best when they take you by surprise!
Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?
I have candles that I like to light when I’m writing (gardenia scented ones are my fave) and I will always have some kind’ve beverage whether it’s coffee in the morning or a glass of white or red wine in the evening. I like to set the scene so music is always playing as well.
What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?
I like to write about the “perfectly imperfect” character. The one who is “flawed” but also isn’t afraid to share their vulnerabilities. I like to read enemies to lovers and love triangle tropes so it’s no wonder that my favorites to write are also those. Yes, reading your own novel is such a cool feeling. Sometimes when you write you’re so “in the zone” that you forget some of the wording. One of the coolest feelings is to separate yourself as the writer and enjoy your words and story.
If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?
Haha; this one made me laugh. “Sweet Pear” is a little on the sweeter side rather than full spice but the sequel is making up for it. I do have moments where I blush of course but I think that also comes from developing crushes on the characters, (it happens). Music sets the tone for me for writing those kinds of scenes. I also like to envision the story as if I’m watching a movie.
So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?
I would choose Sally Thorne and Alessandra Torre. It would have a nice blend of sweet & spicy. I would write an enemies to lovers trope for sure.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
I actually have a Pinterest board made up for this! For the lead female role of Elle, I would have Kaley Cuoco play the part. For the lead male character, I would have either Lucas Bravo or Joshua Jackson. As long as they have dimples; I’m sold!
Big –big thanks to Jessica Butler for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Sweet Pear. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out (Jessica Butler’s newest release at Amazon.com/author/jessicabutler
Indie Romance and Mystery Author, Jennifer Skinnell
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Jennifer Skinnell!
It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.
First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?
I’m originally from Ohio, but spent 34+ years in Northern Virginia before selling everything and traveling full-time with my husband in our RV. I began my writing career in 2016 and to date I have six books published—my 5-book Hope Springs Romance Series and the first book in my Palm Shores RV Resort Mystery Series.
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read?
I write sweet romantic comedies about love and life in a small town. I like to find other independent authors like myself. Kind of like “shopping small”.
Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
As far as inspiration goes, Debbie Macomber is one of my favorites. I know she’s not an independent author, but after reading one of her novels, I feel inspired to keep writing.
In brief, tell us about your book, One Sweet Development.
Book cover for Jennifer Sskinnell’s novel One Sweet Development
One Sweet Development is the first of 5 books in my Hope Springs Romance Series. It is the one that started it all, as they say.
Hope Springs, Virginia, is home to the Advice Quilting Bee and is full of strong, independent women. In One Sweet Development, Chandler Bradford, the town baker and historian, is trying to save the town from real estate developer, Peter Frederick. Rosie Macintire, the town matriarch, is Peter’s grandmother. Along with the Little Old Lady Network and a few spirits, Rosie shows Peter there is more to life than money and that Chandler is all he needs to make him happy.
When you received your first copy of your newly published book, One Sweet Development how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?
I remember standing in my kitchen when the Amazon package arrived. I was literally shaking as I opened the box and I cried. Of course, once I pulled it together, I spread the word on Facebook that my book was up and ready to buy.
When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?
Sometimes I’ll go for a bike ride with my husband and the answer will come to me. I’ve been known to pull off to the side of the trail and type my thoughts in my notes app so I don’t forget everything!
Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?
Since I live in an RV, my desk is our kitchen table. Usually just a cup of coffee, my iPad and my computer. Sometimes I pull out a steno pad and head to the picnic table if the weather is nice and we have a great view.
What type of character populates the majority of your pages?
I love writing about strong, independent women. They have great careers or run their own business, so having a man isn’t a necessity. For the man, he must be kind, loving, and respectful to the woman he’s interested in.
What’s your favorite trope to read and write?
Definitely a small-town romance with a twist. I like throwing a few spirits in my books to help move the relationship along.
After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?
Not necessarily the entire novel, but definitely parts of it. My aunt was a big inspiration for me in beginning my writing career, and unfortunately, she did not live to read any of my books. She died tragically two weeks after I told her I was beginning my first novel. I do feel, however, that she is with me at times. I’ll go back and read something I’d written the day before and not even remember writing that chapter or scene!
If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?
Since my novels are of the clean and wholesome variety, this isn’t something I have to deal with.
So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?
That is a great question. I don’t have names, but being and independent author (without a publishing company backing me), I’d have to say I’d pick two other authors who don’t have one either. It would be in the sweet small-town romance genre, though.
If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?
Jennifer Skinnell’s book cover for her debut mystery series
Aside from writing my Hope Springs Romance Series, I have also published Death by Golf Cart, the first in my Palm Shores RV Resort Mystery Series. It’s a definite departure from writing a romance series, but it is a cozy mystery with a romantic thread.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
I’ve always pictured my books in my head as movies from that certain greeting card channel. There are so many good actors on that channel, that it would depend on who fit the character description in each book.
Do you have any blog tours, signings, or other upcoming events that you would like to promote?
Since I live and travel full-time, those things are not an option for me. All my promoting is strictly through social media.
Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?
As much as I’d like to answer this, in my novels this is always part of the plot. You’ll just have to read my books to find out!
Where can we find your book…
My books are available on Amazon in eBook, Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback. Visit my Amazon Author Page for all the details.
Big –big thanks to Jennifer Skinnell for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and One Sweet Development. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Jennifer Skinnell’s newest release at jenniferskinnell.com
