by SantanaBlair | Oct 7, 2020 | Updates
It’s the first Wednesday in October (if you can believe it). So I’m officially excited to get into this WCW chat with none other than Sawyer Lee Davis.
I’ve known Sawyer for quite a bit of time now as she is a champion for so many book in the book community – especially those from diverse authors featuring diverse characters.
She’s witty, fun, and quick with a GIF reply to pretty much any situation.
So without further ado… let’s chat!
Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Sawyer!
Let’s talk all about your writing style first…
SB: How do you handle writer’s block?
SLD: I usually do a round of self-care by watching my favorite comfort shows or movies. It’ll jumpstart my creativity and remind me why I’m writing in the first place.
SB: What comes first, the plot or characters?
SLD: The characters, definitely. My books are very character driven and the plot comes together through the choices they make and how they develop.
SB: Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
SLD: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to write with something wholesome and soothing playing in the background like the Hallmark Channel or some country music.
SB: How do you come up with the titles to your books?
SLD: Song titles can be very inspiring, things my characters say through dialogue helps too, and then sometimes I bug you. Because brilliant.
(SB laughing and inserting a mental gif response)
SB: You’ve written in the YA, NA, and contemporary romance genres. Do you have a preference?
SLD: I’m a huge fan of YA. I love the innocence and sometimes cathartic feeling it gives me when writing. Takes me back to simpler times and almost makes me feel like I’m giving my younger self happily ever afters and lessons I needed then but didn’t get.
SB: If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
SLD: Definitely sci-fi and fantasy. I have a few ideas but I’m terrified. I just casually pretend the notes aren’t on my laptop. LOL.
SB: Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
SLD: My upcoming novel On The Line was a lot of fun to write. It’s about the pureness of true love and the trials and tribulations growing up too soon can cause but also prevailing in the end.
SB: Where do you get your inspiration?
SLD: Life experiences, for sure, but also music. Songwriting can be epic at storytelling. Sometimes I’ll hear a song and I’ll go who did this happen to and a character will form and then a plot and boom I’ve got a book in the works. It’s really fun.
SB: If you had to recommend one of your books to a new reader, which would you recommend?
SLD: Definitely say start with Everything Has Changed. It introduces my writing style, my unique tone, and quirky characters.
THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT SAWYER
SB: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
SLD: Definitely watch terrible reality TV shows. Makes me feel like I somewhat have my life together.
SB: What was your dream job when you were younger?
SLD: THIS. Lol. I’d love to go full time one day.
SB: What’s your favorite food?
SLD: I could eat Chinese every single day of my life. I want it now. LOL.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SAWYER LEE DAVIS & HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA
SB: Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
SLD: The characters are so pure. One of my favorite aspects of it is the MC’s relationship with her best friend Jasmine. I took inspiration from my relationships with my childhood friends. It was fun to write their scenes.
SB: Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?
SLD: You won’t ever guess the plot twist. You’ll never see it coming. Muhaha.
SB: Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?
SLD: I was inspired by the song “2 Train” by Mario.
SB: What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?
SLD: It’s definitely a standalone. I don’t think there will be a sequel. But you never know. I do love the characters enough to consider it if readers want to revisit them.
SB: If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?
SLD: Shy, fearless, and intelligent. When I was writing Mila I wanted it to be clear that a girl can be all of those things at once. I like to think I pulled it off. 😊
SB: Who is your favorite author and why?
SLD: John Green. That man can WRITE, OKAY. And he was the first author I read where I was like his young characters sound extremely intelligent but are still KIDS. The balance of kids aren’t dumb and it’s cool to be smart and SOUND smart BUT they can still make mistakes is wonderful to read in his work. I think he really defines the coming-of-age trope in a beautiful way. Nobody writes like him.
SB: What are you reading now?
SLD: Better Than People by Roan Parrish. Roan is a superhero, btw. Read her stuff asap. Her prose is not to be messed with.
SB: What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
SLD: Colleen Hoover. I think she’s a phenomenal storyteller and writes really deep, authentic, and beautifully flawed characters. But she also writes moments in her books that kind of always seem to take my breath away, always compelling, and I’m like HOW? WHERE? WHY? WHAT? LOL.
BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?
SB: Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
SLD: Snakes. I find them fascinating.
SB: Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
SLD: WHAT? That’s hard. I’d say endless winter if snow is apart of the deal. I love snow days.
SB: Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
SLD: An hour early, for sure.
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee
Movie or Book?
Book
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke
Share a photo of a favorite place/food/animal, etc.
SLD: I have an irrational love for moose, hippos, and koala bears.
Thanks so much for talking with me today, Sawyer!
Be sure to hop by Sawyer’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,
and tell her Santana sent you!
by SantanaBlair | Sep 2, 2020 | Blog, Updates
Happy September everyone!
It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Every month I sit and chat with a fellow author. We talk books, writing processes, character building and other fun things.
This month we’re throwing the spotlight on author M.L. Preston.
Let’s get into the chat, shall we?
Thanks for taking the time to chat today!
Let’s talk all about your writing style and process first…
How do you handle writer’s block?
MLP: I usually step away from the project and allow myself to disengage from the world I’m writing or ask my critique partner/book buddy to help get me out of the corner I’ve written myself into.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
MLP: A little of both. A ‘bunny’ will sometimes appear in a scene leaving me with a plot to flesh out and an image of my characters.
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
MLP: Both. If my head is already ‘full’ I have to write in silence, but for the most part, I write with some kind of music in the background.
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
MLP: Subsequent. Sure, you know what the big picture looks like overall, but getting there is the hardest part. Having to keep up with your timeline, making sure you carry over important facts and getting your characters in line, make all subsequent novels a task.
How many books have you written?
MLP: Published: 12; Soon To Be Released: 1; Waiting on me to write: Too Many (LOL)
Which is your favorite?
MLP: Ugh, that is hard. They are all my favorites. I think if I had to choose, it would be…
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
MLP: I recently released Bella and Her Beast, a fairytale retelling in the Once Upon A Temptation Anthology. Of course it is Fantasy, and my character was a shifter. I enjoyed researching and learning about that genre and may be tempted to do it again. Other than that, maybe Dark Romance.
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
MLP: Bella and Her Beast. First time outside my norm and it was exhilarating.
Where do you get your inspiration?
MLP: I usually get it from songs/music, and things people say that spark a plot bunny. Other times a storm can generate steamy scenes and more often than non my own marriage can give me inspiration.
If you had to recommend one of your books to a new reader, which would you recommend?
MLP: If you like second chance of sorts, I say High Roller. If you like one-night stands that turn into something more, Southern Charm.
THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT M.L. PRESTON
What are you reading now?
I am catching up, so my Kindle App is in a constant carousel. I just finished Playboy Pilot.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
Where the Wild Things Are
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
Michelle Obama
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT M.L. Preston & HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA
Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
MLP: The heroine in this book is in a non-traditional role for a female.
What was the inspiration for the story?
MLP: My own love of taking things apart and putting them back together. Also, the opportunity to write my first AA book which is something I will expand on in the future. Probably near future.
Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?
MLP: This is the playlist we collectively put together to help us with our journey. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZTPwcJ6AS3zJC3TlS6LtD?si=El9pLX6NTFS1oYk-Et4iAw
If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?
MLP: Tall, Handsome, Smooth
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
MLP: Romeo Miller, (yes, Lil Romeo), and KeKe Palmer.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
MLP: Crafting and making T-shirts. I’ve actually started a business.
What was your dream job when you were younger?
MLP: I always knew I wanted to be somewhat famous. Either dancing, singing, or stylist to the stars.
Favorite artist and favorite song?
MLP: Prince and I Wanna Be Your Lover (among others)
BEFORE WE WRAP THIS UP LET’S DO A RAPID FIRE ROUND!!
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
MLP: Ewwww, can’t answer. Just ick!!!
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
MLP: Summer.
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
MLP: An hour early.
Movie or Book
MLP: Book
Toilet Paper: Over or Under
MLP: Over
City or Country
MLP: Country
Share a photo of a character inspiration
ChaNelle Baines as Tiffany Lang from High Roller
Greg Vaughn as Carter Jackson
Thanks so much for talking with me today!
Be sure to hop by M.L. Preston’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,
and tell her Santana sent you!
by SantanaBlair | Aug 18, 2020 | Updates
Sometimes a tiny win can sometimes change everything.
This summer has been rough for me. Creatively.
When I started 2020, I had so many plans for book completions and releases. And then life happened. Somewhere in the midst of the chaotic spiral that this year has been, I lost track of a lot of my creative drive. I often found myself seeing whole stories play out in my head yet every time I sat at a desk only led to self-frustration (Is that a word? Let’s make it a word)
I did release INTERCEPTION as part of the ONE MORE STEP Anthology though.
And guess what?
I’ve gotten to talk to some amazing new readers.
But today I want to talk about one particular conversation.
I’ll let the reader remain nameless but if you’re reading this and recognize yourself… THANK YOU.
This particular reader happened to read Cash and Kenadi’s story in the anthology and not only followed me on social media but went out of her way to write me such an amazing post.
She commented that reading a heroine like Kenadi nearly brought her to tears. Why?
Because REPRESENTATION MATTERS.
When I first started writing the stories were only ever intended for my eyes alone. But each story… every character… was so full of the life and color and culture I saw in my everyday life. From our foods to our music…
Our waist to hip ratio…
Our kinky coils to the braids to the waves to spiraled tendrils and every other variation and COLOR imaginable.
It was important of me to read a story and see myself… my friends… my family.
It was something that had never been accessible to me in my life of reading books. Especially when it came to this genre.
When I decided to share my writing with the public finally I made myself a promise. To never change my voice and vision for anyone. Not for public “appeal” or profitability. Why? Because I’m writing stories for messages like the one that sweet reader sent me.
And little did she know how much her words fed me and my creativity.
She thanked me for writing.
I thanked her for reading.
I’m the first to admit I’m my own BIGGEST critic. I will self-doubt myself into a corner and struggle to make my way out.
Then in the midst of what I can easily say has been the LONGEST AND MOST FRUSTRATING writer’s block I’ve ever dealt with…
My soul was fed.
To that reader… and all the other readers who have read and loved these characters and stories…
To every single one of you who have cheered for my diverse characters and their love stories.
I see you.
I thank you.
I’m beyond grateful for every kind word you’ve ever written about them.
You motivate my hands to pick up the pen and pour out words because I know there’s a reader out there waiting for more.
XOXO
by SantanaBlair | Aug 5, 2020 | Updates
It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so you know that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Every month I sit down with a fellow author and get to pick their mind on all things writing. We also throw a little fun in the chat because I’m random like that lol.
I’m really excited to share this month’s chat. I got to talk with Danielle Allen and I’m so excited to share our conversation.
In an industry where you can find exclusivity, I’ve come to see her as a QUEEN who not only writes amazing books but jumps at the chance to support other writers and share the shine. She’s quick with the humorous posts and even quicker with the motivational posts and quotes. Danielle is a literal gem of a person and her reader’s group is always the best kind of fun.
Let’s chat…
Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Danielle!
Let’s talk all about your writing style first…
How do you handle writer’s block?
Danielle Allen: If I’m blocked, it’s usually because I have too many things going on. Typically I will take a day to decompress. I will use the time to rest and recharge or I will use music or other forms of entertainment to stimulate and inspire me. But if I’m ever blocked, I know it’s a sign that I need to breathe.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
DA: The message that I want to convey comes first so depending on the message, sometimes it’s the character and sometimes it’s the plot.
Where is your favorite place to write?
DA: My favorite place to write is in bed! I’m probably the least productive when I write in bed but it’s still my favorite
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
DA: I love writing to music! I create whole playlists based off the story lines.
How do you come up with the titles to your books?
DA: A lot of my titles come from songs: Back to Life, Back to Reality, Back to December, Work Song, Broken Clocks, Trouble’s What You’re In
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
DA: I’ve written 30 books! I’ve published 28.
Who is your favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special.
DA: I don’t necessarily have a favorite character. But I probably sprinkled more of my personality in Tatiana from Work Song.
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
DA: I try to add a little something extra to my contemporary romances. If I were to ever write something other than romance, it would be mystery. I love a good mystery—book, movie, tv show, whatever!
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
DA: I loved writing them all. But something about the Poe inspired ones make me especially proud because I’ve never seen or heard of Poe being done in that way.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
DA: Follow me on social media! Follow me on amazon! Join my newsletter! Visit my website. But most directly, come to my group. That’s where all the sneak peeks and character inspirations are posted. Danielle’s Chat Room is a Facebook group I created and when I’m on Facebook, that’s where I spend most of the time.
The Scoop on
Danielle’s Books
Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
DA: My most recent release is The Delay. Trenton’s friend who asks him about his hottest holiday hookup is getting a book!
Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?
DA: Things get hot and heavy pretty early during this hot holiday novella
What was the inspiration for the story?
DA: There are three hot holiday hookups in this novella series. They are all standalones. Slow News Day. Fool in Love. The Delay. I was inspired by holidays that you don’t typically think of when you’re thinking of sexy or romantic holidays. Most people go with New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, even Christmas. So I went with Groundhog Day, April Fool’s Day and Juneteenth.
What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?
DA: There is no plan for a sequel BUT since Zola, Trenton’s friend, has a novel coming soon, you may see him attend her release celebration
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
DA: Trenton would be played by Trevante Rhoads
India would be played by Aja Naomi King
Who is your favorite author and why?
DA: Favorite author is Maya Angelou. Her voice is powerful and resonates so deeply. She will be my forever favorite.
What are you reading now?
DA: I usually can’t read and write at the same time. And since I’m in the midst of a project, I’m only reading edits
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
DA: There’s not just one. It’s so amazing to see so many authors I know build powerful brands by writing quality romance novels. I’m always so proud to see the star power of my friends rise to such heights. I would list them all but there’s truly a lot of them.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
DA: I don’t remember. But I definitely read a lot of Sweet Valley Twins and Goosebumps in elementary school.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
DA: Michelle Obama please!
BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
DA: I would rather die
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
DA: Endless winter
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
DA: An hour early
Movie or Book
DA: Book
Toilet Paper: Over or Under
DA: Over
Morning Person or Night Owl
DA: Night Owl
Share a playlist
DA: Follow me‼️
Thanks so much for talking with me today, Danielle!
Be sure to hop by Danielle’s social media, give her a like, check out her books,
and tell her Santana sent you!
by SantanaBlair | Jul 7, 2020 | Updates
INTERCEPTION is a short story that will launch a new series of mine!
MORE DETAILS ON THAT SOON *WINK*
It’s currently exclusive in the ONE MORE STEP Anthology that released today!
One More Step is an exclusive The Bookworm Box anthology featuring 26 incredible authors!
Have you ever been curious how a writers mind works? The Bookworm Box is proud to present One More Step, and exciting an unique reading experience. Each of the twenty-six authors featured in this anthology were given the same first sentence. Where they took that first sentence was completely up to them.
Each story is different. No Story is related.
The only thing these stories have in common is their starting point. Each author showcased in this anthology was featured in The Bookworm Box charity during 2019. Each author has graciously donated their story so that 100% of profits from this anthology will be going to all the various charities The Bookworm Box is able to support because of you, the readers.
You can also order a special exclusive *SIGNED* copy of the book by visiting
thebookwormbox.com
