– Toni Morrison
Thursday, January 31, 2019
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The Write Way Cafe
Dawn Baca Explores Family Themes
The Write Way Café welcomes Dawn Baca, who enjoys the adventure of living and exploring themes of family in her writing.Tell us a little about your Letting Love In series.
This whole adventure started as a single story that morphed into a series about a young woman with four sisters, a controlling mother, and all the family drama one could imagine.
Each of the five sisters will have their own novel and their own love story, with novella length, spin-off stories of key people in the series. The first book in the Letting Love In series, Her Guarded Heart, tells the story of Addison’s experience in Russia where, while studying abroad, she falls in love.
The second book, Her Heart’s Desire is a spin-off novella and tells part one of the story of Sophie, the French roommate Addison had in book one. Right now, I’m writing the second part of Sophie’s story, another novella.
The series itself will follow Addison as she struggles to find balance in her life, and wade through the muck of a dysfunctional family, meeting new people, and having adventures. It’s full of characters and situations that many readers will find (wholly, absolutely, entertainingly) relatable. Partly completely fictional and partly a compilation of my friends and families various experiences.
If Her Guarded Heart and Her Heart’s Desire were made into movies, who would play your main characters, and why?
Addison – Mandy Moore: Mandy’s got that down to earth girl next door feel to her while being beautiful without it being all you notice about her.
Sergei – Eric Bana: Eric sports those exotic good looks and easy-going demeanor which reminds me of how easy it is to fall in love with a smile.
Sophie – Natalie Portman: Natalie is full of fun and laughter and innocence all rolled into a spitfire personality that gets things done
Claude – Scott Eastwood: Scott’s rugged good looks give you the impression that he would easily get down in the trenches and get his hands dirty which is perfect for a man on a horse farm.
What or who has been instrumental in or to your writing journey?
I have met dozens of writers over the last few years, and their constant support has helped push me forward even when I didn’t think I had what it took. I would never have even started this journey without the encouragement and initial help from my darling friend Deb Julienne. Not only did I learn so much from her, but we also learned a lot of new things together. Another author, Casey Hagen, has become one of my greatest friends. Her critiques are always spot on and I treasure our friendship.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve been given? What’s your best writing advice for others?
The best advice given so far is to tell the story the best way you know how. It can always be edited into shape later, so get those words down, and even the best of writers need to be edited, so never skip that step. The second piece is to establish a solid social media platform under your author name long before you publish so that you can build relationships that are not all about pushing your book.
My advice to others is to write at least three complete books before you even try to publish. The practice will make you a stronger writer, and the experience will prepare you better for the fast pace of the business. Also, take the advice of other authors, both established and those that are in the same place as you. You can always learn and grow from another’s experiences.
What “keepers” are in your home library?
My home library contains an eclectic array of: JK Rowling (Harry Potter Series), Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody Series), Mary Higgins Clark, Nora Roberts (The key Series, the Irish Sisters Trilogy), Julia Garwood, Kay Hooper (Bishop Series), and Iris Johansen (The Eve Duncan Series) at the moment. Additionally, about two dozen stand-alone romance novels I picked up at the last RWA Conference. Last year I donated a couple hundred Harlequins that I’d had since high school. Since I read diverse genre’s, my tastes are constantly changing, and so are the books on my shelves.
If you could be a character in any book you’ve read (or written), which character would you be and why?
I would have to pick the Nora Roberts Born In Trilogy. My father was a huge fan and sent me the books. He often said that the main characters reminded him of his three daughters. I often thought that I was similar to Maggie the firstborn, torn by duty and the desire for independence, an often fiery temper, and sharp tongue, and stubborn as only the Irish can be and laughing all the way, my father agreed.
Characters often find themselves in situations they aren’t sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of and what did you do?
Oddly enough, I find myself in one of those currently. Every year the hubs take a ‘guys' camping trip. Mind you its not just all guys, some of them take their wives too but, to me, it’s always been a week-long trip, with 40 to 60-year-old men behaving like 12-year olds playing at a college frat party drunk fest, ‘guys’ trip. I usually pass on that experience. This time around, one of our dear friends is bringing his wife and she really wants me to go as well… Again, a bunch of mostly guys sitting around getting rip-roaring drunk for a week out in the desert in early February is not my idea of fun. But it seems I have been outvoted and volun-told that I am going along this year and should be getting ready as well. I can think of a half dozen reasons to bow out. Have tried voicing about half of them come to think of it. However, the guilt trip/peer pressure is wearing me down. I have just about accepted that this is going to happen. Still, I resist. So… how to make the best of the situation… If I am honest, I am currently threatening to find a way to induce food poisoning upon my unsuspecting but thoroughly insistent traveling companions so as to not be invited back next year, lol. (I’m joking.)
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Criticism – Many of my initial critique partners often told me that what I write is too personal and dry, and I need to make it less real and more fictional in order to make the story more interesting to read.
Compliment – A friend I’d lost touch with when we stopped working together more than a decade ago reached out after I published my first book to tell me she loved it. We reconnected and she’s been a great support ever since. She said that I wrote like Robyn Carr and that she had no doubt that, in time I’d become someone else’s new favorite author.
We’re adding books to our Café menu. Would your book be a drink, an appetizer, an entrée, or a dessert? What would you call it?
I would have to go with an appetizer. Specifically, Crepes filled with melted Brie, and a fruity jam sauce, and I’d name it Decadence.
What is your favorite social media? Why?
I think Facebook gets that dubious honor. I find it’s a great way to easily connect with so many different types of people, and I’ve reconnected with many long lost friends because of it as well. Also, I won’t lie… I love the cat videos. Having five cats of my own, I’m never far from their constant shenanigans.
And now for the fun stuff!
If you were a hashtag, what would you be?
#CrazyCatLady – being allergic to cats and dogs now, and having allergy-induced asthma, the doctors and my friends all think I’m certifiable to have so many cats inside. (I can’t help myself)
What is your biggest shopping downfall?
I’m not a big shopper; in fact, do most of my shopping online now. But when I do buy things that are all about me, it’s usually shoes, wine, and books… in that order.
Are you a dog/cat/other person?
I’m both. I’ve had 3 dogs, and 8 cats so far. (Currently 5 indoor cats, 1 outdoor cat, 0 dogs) Trying to convince the hubs we need another dog, but he’s still trying to get over the loss of both of our Labs last year…
What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is Fall. It’s the most comfortable here in Central California. The warmth of Summer starts to taper off but the freezing (for me anything under 65 is freezing) hasn’t started yet.
If you had to write with a pen instead of a computer, what type of pen would be your preference?
I love Blue ink I think its prettier on the page. It’s a weird thing, but I don’t like to write in black ink. I like the gel rollerballs the best because they seem the smoothest to glide across the paper and as a lefty; I tend to press down hard.
Her Guarded Heart
Her Hearts Desire
About Dawn: An insatiable reader of all genres since her childhood, Dawn is a globetrotter hungry to discover new places and experience unique adventures. She can be found indulging in her husband’s first love of summer camping in the mountains or luxuriating on the open seas while cruising to exotic destinations during the frigid winter months. When she’s not jet-setting she can be found in Central Valley California with her family and their many rescue animals.
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Tuesday, January 29, 2019
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By:
The Write Way Cafe
Tuesday Special: Her Heart's Desire by Dawn Baca
A loving woman’s desire . . .Sophie Compte leads a charmed life. Blessed with brains, beauty, and wealth she’s spent her whole life preparing to someday take the reins of the family business, a horse breeding farm world-renowned for its championship lineage. Also lucky in love, Sophie expects to marry the only boy ever to win her heart—if she can convince the man he’s become to bury his foolish pride.
A strong man’s honor . . .
Claude Durand loves Sophie more than his next breath, but loving her and being worthy of her are two different things. He appreciates the long-term employment assured to him and his widowed mother by Sophie’s family, but he is determined to earn it for himself. For Claude, this means becoming an accomplished veterinarian so his value to the Compte business will never be questioned. He’ll marry Sophie because she owns his heart, but not until he’s proven to the world he’s the man she deserves.
Threatened by scandal and pride . . .
Turmoil erupts when the elite Compte horses are compromised by drugs. As the spiraling scandal threatens Sophie’s legacy, Claude’s hard-earned reputation, and puts their families at risk, the lovers race to find the culprit before all they’ve worked for is lost. Sophie believes their love is strong enough to survive anything but fears Claude’s stubborn pride is stronger. She’ll do anything to convince him that win or lose, he is her heart’s desire.
Amazon
About Dawn:
An insatiable reader of all genres since her childhood, Dawn is a
Monday, January 28, 2019
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By:
The Write Way Cafe
Monday Morsels: Madam Mom
MADAM MOM
by Lynda Rees
He had the most engaging smile. She wanted to stroke the tiny wrinkles in the corners of his eyes to see if the skin felt soft or firm. When he smiled, slight dimples formed to the sides of his mouth. She wondered how it would feel kissing those tempting lips and nibbling to explore the depth of those tiny dips.
Wow. Where had it come from?
Her libido, normally well-guarded and in check, entangled emotions with actions. Nothing fired as it should. She was beyond able to control sparking senses, no matter how inappropriate.
Sex appeal oozed from each breath he expelled. Pheromones struck a happy, hot dance in her veins.
The Seatbelt On sign blinked off. He extended a hand. “I’m Sam Finch.”
Tisha shook it firmly. Heat from his skin melted any resistance that remained. Their eyes locked and spoke more than words could.
“Nice meeting you, Sam Finch. I’m Tisha McClain.” The sultry words came out with a life of their own, expressing more about her needs than her name.
Sam blinked, cocked his head and raised an eyebrow, keeping their gaze locked as though trying to read her intention.
“Listen, I owe you an apology for the way I acted today. I’m sorry. I’ve been overwhelmed, and you offered nothing but kindness. I hope you’ll forgive my rudeness.” Her lashes fluttered flirtingly as though they had a will of their own. She didn’t try to control them.
“Don’t give it another thought. I understand. I shouldn’t have butted in. You appeared . . . well, desperate.”
“I guess that about sums it up. I’ve been in shock since getting the news.” She couldn’t bear repeating it.
“I’m sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you’re going through.” It rang sincere.
“Thank you.” Glad he hadn’t assumed to understand. She hated when people did that. How could anyone know how a person felt? She struggled to get grounded. Sam is a nice guy, certainly a handsome one; and he acts interested.
He wouldn’t leave her alone. He certainly had sex appeal. She longed to run her fingers through the golden locks continually straying out of place and pull the gorgeous lips to hers.
Maybe a hot tryst with a sexy stranger would help her equilibrium return. She wasn’t fast and loose with men normally, but discretion got her a broken heart more often than she cared to count.
She’d never see Sam again. The perfect plan formed in her mind. They stepped into the gate and claimed their baggage.
“Could I buy you a cup of coffee?” Sam appeared hopeful.
She felt herself falling under his spell. She had nothing to lose. Why not go for it?
“If you need anything while in town, don’t hesitate to call me—really.” Sam handed her a business card.
She pocketed it without looking at it. Her humming horny side heated her cheeks instead of the ebbing allergic reaction. “I doubt it. I’m busy and heading home soon as possible. I won’t have a social life while here.”
He was hitting on her— commendable after what she’d put him through. He acted gluttonous for punishment, but it served her needs.
She dabbed at a tear in the corner of her eye. Would they never stop?
“I’m sorry. Again I’ve screwed up. I never know when to shut my trap. I didn’t mean disrespect. Growing up in a houseful of females, I can’t stand to see a woman cry. You might need a friend. But of course, you must have lots of friends, having grown up here.” He blundered around acting flustered and looking cute.
Tisha felt sorry for him. “Not really.” Tisha gazed away wiping a tear.
Now or never. The guy acted interested, clearly. Men were always opened to sex without strings. Why not take advantage? She needed something to bolster her strength. They’d both get laid. No one lost in the deal. No harm. No fowl.
Want to read more?
Unraveling her family’s sordid past, Tisha exposes deception. Proper, business-woman, Mom performed as a stripper and ran a brothel. Dad had managed strip clubs, associated with gangsters, and his brutal execution remains unsolved.
Recognizing their misconceptions about each other, Tisha and Sam form a special bond; but Tisha’s been betrayed by men before. Can Tisha get out of an unlawful predicament, evade the killer targeting her, and end the vicious McClain Curse?
Amazon
📚 Find Lynda Rees here:
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Email: lyndareesauthor@gmail.com
Friday, January 25, 2019
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By:
The Write Way Cafe
Thursday, January 24, 2019
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By:
The Write Way Cafe
The Heart of Aleppo by Ammar Habbib
The Write Way Café welcomes Ammar Habbib, an award-winning, best selling author who tackles serious topics with positive messages.Tell us a little about The Heart of Aleppo: A Story of the Syrian Civil War.
Thank you for the interview! As the title suggests, this novel is set in the midst of the current Syrian Civil War. It follows a 13-year-old boy (Zaid Kadir) who is trapped in the city of Aleppo after it becomes a warzone. The book encompasses themes of humanity’s strength during the darkest times. The novel is definitely not politically powered, as it focuses more on the human aspect of the tragedies occurring in Syria. It’s told from the perspective of the young protagonist, which I think gives an extra layer of development to the story. Although the main character is fictional, everything that he sees and experiences in the novel is based on true events. It has done extremely well since its release in July 2018 in terms of its reception.
If The Heart of Aleppo was made into a movie, who would play your main characters, and why?
For this question, I honestly don’t have an answer. I am not very familiar with many Arabian actors who fall under the age of the main characters (who are all teenagers), so I’m not sure which actors/actresses I would pick.
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
I think most readers would enjoy this book due to the contemporary topic, but it was written with the young adult audience in mind. However, I have gotten a lot of feedback from readers of all ages about the novel. I think that because of its relevant subject, most readers would connect with the story.
How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?
I’ve been keeping up with the Syrian Civil War since it began several years ago. Hearing all the first-hand accounts, I wanted to write a work that would do justice to those who have been hurt or affected by the war. However, I wanted to keep the novel true to the people suffering from the war and keep the focus on them, not politics. That’s really how the idea for this novel began.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
My favorite character is the protagonist, Zaid Kadir. He’s a 13-year-old boy, and this book is very much his “coming-of-age” story. His character is very much based on me when I was a child, everything from his personality, physique, and internal thoughts. For that reason, I think I connected with him in a way I haven’t connected with any of my previous protagonists.
Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?
The artwork was created by my friend, Fiona Jayde. She is a freelance book cover designer who I’ve worked with for nearly all my projects. What I loved about this book cover is that it shows the themes of the novel. It displays the destruction that we see in the story. The burnt up soccer ball symbolizes that lost innocence of the protagonist, Zaid, as he journeys through the wrecked city. And the lighting effect where a small stream of bright light breaks the darkness shows the theme of how hope never dies as long as we hold onto it.
Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series.
One fact about this book is that it is very accurate to the events of 2012’s Battle of Aleppo. Everything that Zaid is faced with and witnesses is true-to-life. I wanted this work to show war from the perspective of a refugee, and I did a lot of research to keep the timeline of events accurate to what really happened. I think this all adds a layer of realism to the story that it would not have otherwise had.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
That’s a great question. I don’t have a mentor when it comes to my writing as of now. However, if I ever had the chance, I would love to learn from one of my favorite authors, John Grisham. I’ve always enjoyed his books, and I would love to pick his brain about storytelling.
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Outside of writing, my unique talents would be my ability to daydream in any situation!
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
I’ve learned a lot about the industry over the past few years. What I’ve seen is that along with filmmaking, it is probably the most subjective industry out there. A writer may spend months perfecting their story, putting their heart and soul into it, staying up the whole night working on it, only for an editor to reject it with a short sentence of vague reasoning. That’s what can make the industry very frustrating.
What I tell people who ask is that you need to write something that you believe in. Don’t worry about what others think about it. If you think it’s a great story and one that needs to be told, then write it! The other thing is that writers need to have thick skin. Editors and agents reject hundreds of works a day and critics give bad reviews all the time, so never take it personal. But if you believe in your work and did your best, then never let the opinions of anyone tear you down. Write stories that you’d want to read, regardless of what others say!
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
The biggest thing readers can do to help out an author is to leave a review after they read the work. Whether it’s a positive, neutral, or negative review, reviews left on Amazon, Goodreads, or personal blogs all help generate visibility for an author’s work!!
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m currently working on 3 new projects (2 fiction and 1 narrative nonfiction). I don’t have release dates or official titles for any of them yet, but I hope to release at least one more novel in 2019!
Separated from his family during the night the rebels attacked the city, thirteen-year-old Zaid Kadir is lost in the middle of a war zone. Alongside his friends, he is forced to survive the dangers of a civil war he does not even fully understand. Zaid witnesses the destruction of the brutal Syrian Civil War as it grows more deadly by the day and rips his city apart. However, as he braves this destruction, as he desperately tries to survive this catastrophe, he discovers something. Zaid realizes that it is in the darkest hours when humanity's spirit of hope burns brightest.
Amazon
Ammar Habbib is an award-winning & bestselling author originally from Lake Jackson, Texas. Writing has always been a passion of Ammar’s since he was in elementary school. Ammar enjoys crafting stories that are not only entertaining, but also have something useful to say to the reader. Ammar presently resides in his hometown. He lives with his family, all of whom are his biggest fans. To learn more about Ammar, please visit his official author website at: www.ammarahsenhabib.com
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Tuesday, January 22, 2019
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By:
The Write Way Cafe
Tuesday Special: Her Guarded Heart by Dawn Baca
Addison Tetrick fears one thing: becoming like her demanding, train-wreck of a mother who wallows in the bitterness bred by poor choices, from marrying the wrong men to being controlled by them. Addison vows to walk a different path, one of independence and free of men—until she meets fellow student Sergei Petrova while studying abroad. Sergei’s intelligence, kindness, and dedication to family win Addison’s heart. But is that enough to dissolve her fears?
Devotion born of strength . . .
Sergei Petrova is driven to bring pride to his adoptive parents whose love built a solid foundation, but his ambition toward success has left him hollow. When Sergei meets Addison, his world explodes with light, and he knows she is the missing piece of his heart. Convinced Addison is his destiny, Sergei promises to destroy the barriers behind which she hides.
Love born of the stars . . .
Addison and Sergei soon find their hearts and souls entwined. Sergei believes no obstacle can break them, but Addison’s fears deepen and darken until tensions boil, and she makes a fateful decision that shatters their world. A life apart is in their stars until the Fates offer a second chance. But is Addison capable of releasing a lifetime of fear to accept the gift of Sergei’s heart? Sergei’s love for Addison must be strong enough to conquer the walls that surround . . . Her Guarded Heart.
Amazon
About Dawn:
An insatiable reader of all genres since her childhood, Dawn is a
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