For at least the past six months I knew I wanted to start a group blog. Initially I thought it would be a blog on writing, like the one I had for many years. But a series of email chats with my lovely, writer friend Julie Luek brought me some clarity on where I wanted to focus my time and attention. So I made the decision to stop updating my old writer blog, Mindful Banter, and instead focus on developing my author’s blog here. But I still wanted very much to be part of a group blog.
During a discussion on the Carina Press authors loop, it occurred to me that while there are many blogs dedicated to historical romance, mystery writing, and erotic romance, there aren’t many group author blogs that focus on contemporary romance. So I floated the idea to my fellow Carina Press authors. The response was thrilling and there are currently 23 founding members of the new group blog we call the Contemporary Romance Café.
We created the Café as a cozy space online where you can dish with resident Carina Press authors and our guests about your favorite novels and characters and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the crazy lives of storytellers. Sample juicy excerpts from new releases. Discover authors and novels that will keep you up all night feverishly turning the pages.
At the Café we’re serving contemporary romance in every flavor. Resident authors write in styles ranging from sweet to caliente heat. So whether you like your romance sweet or savory, we’ve got just the contemporary romance for you.
The Café launched on May 1st and it’s already off to a great start. Check out my welcome message here. Then peruse posts by my fellow Carina Press authors: Jana Richards (sizzling romance), Jeffe Kennedy (red-hot romance) and Amie Denman (sweet romance).
In the coming weeks expect posts from an all-star lineup of guests including Fiona Lowe, New York Times bestselling author, Shannon Stacey. Rock star indie authors: Minx Malone, Kendall Ryan, Jami Alden, and J.A. Redmerski, and more.
We’re delighted to be the new home of all things contemporary romance. To kick off the celebration we’re giving away lots of goodies. During May we’re giving away one $25 Amazon gift card each week, and a grand prize $50 Amazon gift card plus the bundle of contemporary romance titles seen here.
So come on over. Mingle with our resident authors. Enter for a chance to win. Bring your own coffee, but we’ll supply the laughter, fun, and great stories. We’ve got a seat saved just for you.
Central Perk set photo taken at Warner Brothers Studio courtesy of Elentari86. Some rights reserved.
Thanks for the shout-out. I’m so impressed you took an idea and saw it to fruition. What a fantastic way to attract readers. I’ll be looking forward to future posts and cheering you on (and getting FANTASTIC book suggestions to read!!).
Thanks Julie! Your support and encouragement has been invaluable. You always seem to say the right thing or ask the right question at the perfect time.
Looking forward to your posts!!! So glad you started what promises to be a really awesome place to hang out!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Stephanie, and for stopping by to visit!
Congrats on taking the plunge.
Thanks Joy! We’re all really excited about it.
Holy guacamole, Reese! This is exciting news. You are really moving and shaking things up in your writing career and I love watching you shine your light on the world. Keep doing your thing, girlfriend. I will definitely make my way over to the Romance Cafe’ for a warm cup of tea.