On the Fly Turns 1!

Happy 1st Birthday, On the Fly!

Baton Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop on the hop! Perfect timing too, because On the Fly turns one year-old tomorrow. Author and editor Jennifer Lawler passed the baton to me, and I’m honored! This awesome woman chose On the Fly for publication. Jennifer has written over thirty fiction and non-fiction books and now focuses mainly on romance. Check out her March 10th contribution to the hop at: http://jenniferlawler.com/blog/

1. What am I working on?

I’m currently plotting Winning Streak, the third book in my Las Vegas Sinners series. If you read the first book, On the Fly, you probably remember Jacey’s loveable, screw-up brother, Madden. He’s the hero of the third novel, which comes after Full Strength, just released this February. In true Madden form, he’s giving me the most trouble, but I know he’ll be worth it in the end.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I stepped a little outside the box with my Sinners series. I made a woman the sole owner of an NHL team, which is very rare. I also made a woman head coach, which I haven’t seen in any other hockey romance. My team plays in the warm weather climate of Las Vegas—another element that sets it apart. I try to include a decent amount of hockey in each book, and I’ve read others in the genre that orbit around the hockey world but don’t go too far inside it. My love for action on the ice is what drew me to write this in the first place, so you can expect to be rink-side in every novel J

3. Why do I write what I do?

Even in the sizable subgenre of sports romance, hockey is still a small niche, but that’s okay! I write what I do because I LOVE hockey, and I’m a sucker for happily ever afters. I always knew I wanted to write romance with a very contemporary attitude and strong heroines. I stumbled onto Deirdre Martin’s New York Blades and Rachel Gibson’s Seattle Chinooks, and I knew I wanted to add my voice to theirs.

4. How does my writing process work?

It’s actually different for each book. When I’m starting a new series or a stand-alone book, I ask myself what would be the best, most fun job in the world? Then I ask what kind of person would have that job? What kind of person wouldn’t have that job? Sometimes that scenario is more entertaining. What is the worst thing that could happen to this person? And events spiral from there.

I mentioned before that Madden is giving me a hard time. Because he’s a character I started to establish in a previous book, my first step was to re-read his scenes in On the Fly so I could make sure I didn’t forget any of those details. He was a supporting character in the first book, so I’ll need to flesh him out more and crawl inside his head to do his book justice, which means a character profile that includes everything from his inner and outer motivations and fears to his hobbies to what he eats for breakfast. I’ll have to do the same with the heroine, Saralynn, who was introduced in Full Strength.

I have two dry-erase boards, one for the hero and one for the heroine, where I write out what needs to happen in each of their lives for maximum growth. I like dry erase because when I change my mind about a plot point, it’s easy to correct.

For every book I write, I have a Pinterest board with character and setting pictures and pins of whatever might inspire me. Here’s the one I’ve started for Winning Streak: http://www.pinterest.com/xjezzebelle/winning-streak-inspiration/

I’ll add to it throughout the writing process and even after the book is done if I find something that reminds me of a character.

The truth is, plotting is really hard for me, and my process is constantly evolving. I’m always looking for new ideas!

That’s it for me. On Monday, March 24^th, I’m passing the baton to authors Tara Mills, Jenn Loring, and Shauna Allen!

Tara Mills writes contemporary romance and is multi-published with titles such as In Love and War, Forest Fires, and many more. You can find her here: http://www.taramillsromance.com/blog.html

Jenn Loring is a horror writer. Jennifer’s poetry and short stories have appeared in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies. Hop on over to her stop: http://jenniferloring.wordpress.com/

Shauna Allen writes the Cupid Chronicles, a paranormal romance series about sexy angels! Visit her here: http://www.shaunaallen.com/blog/

Book Birthday!

Tomorrow is Book Birthday for Full Strength!

Come celebrate with me on my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/603871706345027/

I'll be giving away three digital copies of the book plus some unique Sinners swag! Also, throughout the day, I'll post character quote pictures. You don't want to miss Nealy's gems! Did I mention there's cake?

Come spend your Monday with me and the Sinners! We'll save you a piece :)

Full Strength Sneak Peek

Thursday, May 16^th

Allie stared at the glowing sign that read Red Rock Lanes. Why did she agree to this? It was clearly a bad idea. Her responsible therapist side had no doubt about the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the hopeful romantic she tried to keep hidden was the one holding the car keys. What did Mac say? This was her heart fighting back. She blew out a sigh. Might as well get it over with.

The bowling alley was jumping for a Thursday night, but then again, Las Vegas was one endless weekend. Shane stepped into view by the front desk and waved her over. He’d erased the stubble from his chin and traded the t-shirt and shorts from practice for dark-wash jeans and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow. It glowed under the neon lights, and when he smiled, his teeth had the same effect, kind of Cheshire Cat-like. He lifted his voice over the music and sea of other voices. “What size shoes do you wear?”

“Eight.” Oops. Was he going to pay? She angled closer to protest but stopped. True, it might be too much like a date if he paid, but he made more in a day than she did in a month, and the effort to be heard over the ruckus wasn’t worth preserving a small boundary. He’d invited her out as a friend. He could pay ten bucks for her to bowl. But that was the last concession. If she kept it up, she might reason herself into kissing him again. Wow, that kiss.

Before she could replay it for the hundredth time, she focused instead on Saralynn. The younger Reese had opted for a billowy, hot pink, chiffon blouse, dark skinny jeans and silver gladiator sandals. Her long, light brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail. For most women, it was a typical first date outfit. For Saralynn, it didn’t exactly add up. Way too much coverage, and no way Shane had any say in what his sister wore. Curious.

Size eight saddle shoes appeared in Allie’s field of vision, and she took them from Shane’s outstretched hand. “Thanks.”

His dimples winked at her.

Oh boy. Time to think of anything else. As the group walked toward their lane, she took the opportunity to scope out Saralynn’s mystery date. Tall and lean, clean cut with hipster glasses and a button-down plaid shirt. Pants so tight they looked like leggings and Converse sneakers. She might not know Saralynn that well, but this guy didn’t seem like her type. When they all sat on the horseshoe bench by their lane to switch out their shoes, Hipster lifted his head and smiled politely. “Hi, I’m Ted.”

“Allie. Nice to meet you.” She glanced at Saralynn, whose entire attention remained on her nails.

“We ready to get started or what?” Saralynn hopped up to the monitor and touched the screen to begin their game. Her name was at the top, so she selected a neon orange ball, approached the line with a wobble, and rolled the ball right into the gutter. Twice. “Oops. You’re up, Ned.”

The corners of Ted’s eyes crinkled, but he didn’t correct her. Apparently, Saralynn’s million-watt grin took the sting out of forgetting his name. He ambled up, chose a green ball, and tip-toed to the line.

“So what do you think?” Shane’s husky voice rumbled in her ear, and she jumped.

How did he get so close? His shoulder brushed hers, and if she turned her head, they’d be nose to nose. She pressed her lips together and stared down at her lap. “I think she’s going to eat poor ‘Ned’ alive.”

Shane laughed deep and throaty, and the sound shot a tingle down her spine. This close, the citrus and musk of his cologne just about short-circuited her brain. From the corner of her eye, she saw the pulse point at his neck and struggled not to lean in and kiss it.

Holy self-control. She slid over half a foot for some space and closed her eyes for a second.

“You’re up, Allie,” Ted called as he sauntered back to the bench. According to the scoreboard, he’d picked up an impressive spare that she’d missed entirely. And so had Saralynn, who didn’t look up from her phone as Ted sat hip to hip with her.

Allie bit her lip and picked a purple ball. Ten pounds. She tested the weight in her hand. Heavy but not overly. She made a not-so-graceful approach, but she drew her arm back and aimed as straight as possible. She shifted from foot to foot as it rolled along, and when all of the pins went down, she threw her arms in the air and danced in a circle. “Whoo!”

“And I had you pegged for a gracious winner,” Shane said. He looked happier than she’d ever seen him, even when he’d won that first game back. Her heart hiccupped.

He held his hand up for a high-five in passing, and she obliged. His fingers curled around hers briefly in a small squeeze. To observers, they were little, casual gestures. Platonic. But she knew better. She took a seat and tried to look anywhere except his butt as he leaned over and chose a ball, but the fit of his jeans demanded attention. I am in so much trouble.


Catch up with the Sinners in the first book, On the Fly, then find out what happens with Allie and Shane in Full Strength!

Cover reveal for Full Strength!

Isn't it lovely? Are you ready for Allie and Shane?! E-book available Feb. 17th from all major retailers with a print release to follow. And coming soon, 8 inside facts about the book and the series :)

Madden Wins!

Through polls on various social mediums, it's clear you want Madden first, so he will get Sinners book 3, Winning Streak. It's currently in the early plotting stages, but here's a sneak peek at the Pinterest board!

http://www.pinterest.com/xjezzebelle/winning-streak-inspiration/

Madden Vaughn vs. Dylan Cole

The second Sinners book, Full Strength, will be out February 17th 2014! It follows Shane Reese, the goalie, on his road to recovery through the playoffs. I'm already thinking about book three, and I need your help! Whose story do you want to see first? Madden Vaughn, Jacey's lovable, screw-up brother/Sinners assistant GM, or Dylan Cole, the superstar rookie and now captain of the team? Here are the models for each character if that helps :)

 

          Madden Vaughn        vs.               Dylan Cole