Blogger Book Fair

Blogger Book Fair: Meet Author Kiru Taye

July 25, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Welcome, Kiru! Where are you from originally and where do you call home?

Thank you, Reese. It’s good to be here. I was born and spent most of my childhood in Nigeria. But these days I live in a small town just outside London, United Kingdom with my husband and kids.

We know you love writing. What other hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I love reading. You only have to check out the number of eBooks on my eReaders (over 1500 at the last count) plus all the paperbacks in shelves and boxes. BTW my husband has banned me from buying any more paperbacks. We are running out of physical storage space. LOL. I also love travelling and visiting friends/family.

What are three things people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m usually the quiet, sensible one. But when I want something I can be very determined and passionate about making it happen. I am a creature ruled by my senses most of the time. For me, seeing is believing.

What kind of stories do you typically write? Do you write in any other genres?

I write romance stories filled with passion, sensuality and suspense. So far I’ve written historical, contemporary as well as paranormal romances. Most of my stories are set in Africa and/or have African characters.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how’d you get started in your writing career?

As a child I used to write stories but I didn’t aspire to be an author until a few years ago. I had realized that there weren’t romance books about Africans like me out there. So I decided to write them.

Setting is a critical component to your stories. Why is it so important to you to tell sensuous, exotic tales that give readers a glimpse into a different, more vibrant Africa than they might expect?

This question made me smile because it’s at the centre of why I write.

I know a lot of contemporary Africans whether living on the continent or abroad who are tired of media Africa (the war-torn, starving, sickly and fraudulent Africa).

I know I shout at the TV screen sometimes when the news comes on and the only thing I see are negative news from Africa.

So I ask, what about the Africa I know? What about the contemporary Africa filled with determined entrepreneurs that are over-achieving despite the challenges? What about the Africa filled with young people who are online changing their futures and governments via social media and mobile phones? What about the Africa rich in culture, heritage and history? What about Africa the birth place of modern man?

That’s the Africa I know and write about.

Give us a brief listing of the books you’ve written.

My current published titles include:

Historical romance

His Treasure (Men of Valor series)
His Strength (Men of Valor series)
His Princess (Men of Valor series)
Her Protector (Men of Valor series)

Contemporary romance

A Valentine Challenge (Challenge series)
An Engagement Challenge (Challenge series)
Island Bound

Paranormal romance

Unbound (The Enforcers – Blood Bar Chronicles Anthology)

Erotic fiction

Scars (Passion Shields series. #1) – coming August 2013
Sex Tape (7 Sinful Secrets Anthology) – coming August 2013

Tell us a little about Island Bound.

Island Bound is a sensual, contemporary romance novella, set in Brass Island, Nigeria. It’s the story of Christy and Joshua who are on the verge of a marriage breakdown and how they get their second chance at a life together. It is published by Decadent Publishing for their new African Romance – Ubuntu line.

What inspired you to write about a married couple experiencing difficulties? What were the challenges of writing about an already married couple?

When we’re young, we assume that once we meet the man/woman of our dreams and get married, we will live happily ever after. Well, that’s what the romance books tell us. The truth is the marriage involves continuous work and commitment to keep it fresh and interesting.

Sometimes the simplest thing like a misunderstanding between a married couple can lead to resentment and breakdown if not dealt with early on.

I wanted to write a story about what happens when a couple take their eyes of the ball and stop working at their relationship consciously.

What can we expect from Kiru Taye in the future?

I recently signed a 3-book deal with Decadent Publishing for a contemporary romance series titled The Essien Trilogy set mainly in Nigeria. If you enjoy category romance, then you’ll love this series. The stories are full of secrets, scandals and of course romance. The first book is out in Spring/Summer 2014.

You can sign up to receive emails via my blog for news on upcoming releases or visit my website.

Book Summary:

When Christy Inemi-Spiff discovers that the man she vowed to love and honor has no such feelings for her, she’s determined to cut her losses and move on with her life. A quick, quiet divorce is all she wishes for Christmas.

However, Joshua has other ideas. He’s not ready to walk away yet, especially when he doesn’t understand why Christy wants out of their marriage. So he demands she agree to spend a quiet Christmas on a remote African Island with him, hoping they can salvage their relationship. If she still wants a divorce after these two weeks, he will let her go. But not before he’s had his fill of her.

But with the sparking tension between them, and the secrets behind the disintegration of their marriage threatening to explode, will either of them get their wish? Or will this season of good will show them what really lies at the bottom of their hearts?

Excerpt:

Read an excerpt here.

Bio:

A lover of books, as a teenager Kiru Taye used to read novels under the blanket during lights-outs in boarding school. These days, with a young family to take care of, she’s still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book.

During the day though, she transforms her wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters.

When she’s not writing or reading, she’d hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UK with husband and children.

Connect with Kiru Taye online:

Purchase Island Bound:

Blogger Book Fair: Interview with Marisa Cleveland

July 24, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Welcome, Marisa! Where are you from originally and where do you call home?

Hi, Reese! Thanks for having me. 🙂 I was born in South Korea, adopted and raised in New Hampshire, and call home wherever my hubby happens to be. 🙂

We know you love writing. What other hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I WISH I had time for hobbies. Is Twitter considered a hobby? I love to read.

What kind of stories do you typically write? Do you write in any other genres?

I write contemporary romances where my characters find out they love each other during that moment when they also really need a friend and they realize that person is there for them.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how’d you get started in your writing career?

I’ve always loved writing, but I didn’t get started in writing as a career until I met Judi McCoy (*sniffles and smiles*) and she told me about RWA.

Tell us about your path to publication. A year ago you were ready to give up your dream of being a writer. What changed that?

OH! That’s so completely true. I’ve blocked the unpleasant details, but I will say this: I start so many projects until about page 50, and then I lose interest or lose hope or lose confidence. But when my best friend helped me finish a manuscript, I realized I could do this, and I wanted to do this more than anything. I also realized I couldn’t write exclusively. I needed balance in my life. So instead of quitting completely, I found my balance. Once I realized I couldn’t control things out of my control, I became a much happier person.

What advice would you give to other writers who may be discouraged and ready to give up?

Advice is such a funny thing. 🙂 But I will say what someone said to me, though this advice might not be for everyone: “If you really want a career in publishing, then do what needs to be done to make it happen.” I will add this, “within reason,” because we all need balance.

Tell us a little about The Valentine Challenge.

The Valentine Challenge is my first ever published anything! It’s a contemporary romance novella, and because it’s so short, it’s really just about one moment in two people’s lives when they realize they need each other and they are there for each other, and they fall in love because at that moment, instead of giving up or leaving or not caring, they take the time to be with that other person. 🙂

Tell us a little about the characters and what inspired you to write this story.

Stacey and Marsh are so completely loosely based on two of my friends, and one weekend while my husband was in class – he’s working on his Ph.D. – I opened my iPad and instead of playing on Twitter, I wrote a novella. 🙂

Let’s talk about that three-book deal that turned everything around for you. Who is the publisher? What is the overall premise of the stories? When will they be available?

Entangled Publishing – and Liz – took a huge chance on this debut author, and let me add that I have the most amazing agent ever! The books are my South Beach Books, and the novella released last February. The first Entangled Indulgence (category-length) releases this September, and it’s about a Country singer and a cafe owner.

What can we expect from Marisa Cleveland in the future?

Ooooh, that sounds so intriguing! I’d love to know that as well. 🙂 Expect that I’ll still be blogging. It’s so much fun and a great way to find new authors to read, and of course, I’ll still be addicted to Twitter and Facebook, though lately I’ve discovered Pinterest and Tumblr, so… help?!?

The Valentine Challenge Summary:

Stacey Bradford believes in love, but when her hot boss, Marshall Royce, decides to close her best friend’s flower shop – days before Valentine’s Day! – Stacey declares war.

Intrigued by Stacey’s devotion to her friend, the hearts and flowers holiday, and belief in true love, Marsh issues a challenge – prove love exists or deliver the closing documents to her friend herself.

Stacey never could resist a challenge, but when Marsh makes Valentine’s Day the deadline for their deal, Stacey must decide how far she’s willing to go for love.

Show less

Excerpt:

“In your note to me, you said you don’t date your staff.”

He swallowed. “I don’t.”

“This is a date.”

He shook his head. “This is a…”

She wrinkled her nose at him and waited while he paused.

He grinned. “Okay.”

“Okay? That’s your answer?” She stepped into his personal space. “I want you to say it.”

She couldn’t read his expression as he regarded her for a long moment. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she let him tug her toward him. His words brushed over her cheek. “Date. This is a date.”

Bio:

Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. Perhaps because she married her best friend, her adult romance novels focus on playfully naughty relationships developed through friendship and family-oriented values. She loves to connect with other writers and readers.

Connect with Marisa Cleveland online:

Website: http://www.marisacleveland.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marisacleveland

Facebook: http://facebook.com/marisacleveland00

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937874.Marisa_Cleveland

Where to buy The Valentine Challenge: A South Beach Novella:

Blogger Book Fair Coming July 22-26, 2013

June 2, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Check in to the Blogger Book Fair,
and book your trip to far away places!

July 22-26, 2013

Authors and Book Bloggers,

Sign ups for the July 2013 Blogger Book Fair will close on June 15 at midnight central time, so get your registrations in to participate!

As of 5/31/2013, we have:

Authors: 89
Books: 233
Bloggers: 14

If you haven’t yet registered, you can find all of the information on the Blogger Book Fair page.

Check out the Code of Conduct
Fill out either the Author Sign Up form or the Blogger Sign Up form (Deadline June 15)
Kayla will match everyone with hosts and send out this information to you after sign-ups close
Check out the events–all authors are eligible to participate in the events, and if you have an event you’d like to host, just fill out the simple Event Sign Up Form–all of this information can be found on the Events! page (Deadline July 8).
If you’re interested in hosting a giveaway to drive traffic to your site, sign up via the Giveaway Sign Up form (Deadline July 15).
And if your book will be FREE or $0.99 for the duration of the Fair, you can sign up on the Free and $.99 Book Sign Up Forms (Deadline July 15).

Events:

as of 5/31/2013

Art Fiction Gala hosted by Lucie Smoker

Does your fiction promote the visual arts–through featuring an artist, painting, sculpture, performance art, etc? Then, consider entering Lucie’s Art Fiction Gala.
The Art Fiction Gala is a virtual celebration of fiction that highlights the visual arts. Dress up in your finest, pick up some friends–a bottle of wine–and sample mind-blowing fiction that crosses the line between literary and visual art. Plus a gallery of art featuring reading.
More information & entry instructions

Three Wishes hosted by Kirstin Pulioff

Introduce your characters to the world.
Kirstin Pulioff invites you to ask your main character, “If you found a magic genie lamp, what would be your three choices?”
More information & entry instructions

Flash Fiction Challenge II hosted by Thomas Winship

Get ready to exercise your flash fiction muscles.
For the Flash Fiction Challenge II, Thomas Winship will provide an opening line.
From there, entrants will craft a flash fiction piece of approx 500 words. Entries will be displayed on Thomas’ blog Vaempires during the BBF, spread out evenly across the five days, in order of receipt.
More information & entry instructions

Snapshot Synopsis Contest hosted by Fel at The Peasants Revolt

Challenge: chisel your synopsis down to 50 words or less.
Voting will be open throughout the fair for visitors to vote on their favorite Snapshot Synopsis.
More information & entry instructions

Reader’s Choice Awards hosted by Sherri at Shut Up & Read

All books registered for the Blogger Book Fair are automatically entered into the running for the Reader’s Choice Awards. Voting will be open from July 22 to July 25.
More information

Indie Soap Box Files hosted by Shah Wharton

Take a turn on the Soap Box.
Shah invites speculative fiction writers to write a guest post about being an indie (or hybrid) writer.
More information & entry instructions
Restrictions: Speculative fiction writers only

Monster Menagerie hosted by Noree at Trip the Eclipse

What’s your favorite monster or supernatural creature?
Feature your creature in a flash fiction piece (500-800) words to be featured on Trip the Eclipse. Visitors will vote on their favorite piece.
More information & entry instructions

Ways to Help:

Donate to the Blogger Book Fair via the BBF Donation Fund. To help get the word out about BBF, we would like to place ads on Facebook, Goodreads and other places, but to do, so we need a little help. We’d also like to have some BBF sponsored giveaways, so money donated would also go toward prizes. NO MONEY WILL BE KEPT BY ANY ORGANIZER OR PARTICIPANT.

Spread the word! Share the Fair on your social media accounts and show off the Blogger Book Fair logo in your blog’s sidebar.