Monday, July 31, 2017

Meet Arnetta Ellinwood, the Narrator Who Brings Books to Life


When I first heard Arnetta Ellinwood narrate the book, The Last Firefly by Kimberly A. Lagrone-DeMarco, it was a done deal. I would ask her to narrate my book, Deception in Plain Sight. And what an extraordinary job she did when delving into every scene, every character’s interpretation and dialogue, and bringing the storyline to perfection with her velvety voice. Switching from one character’s discussion to another is not an easy task, but Arnetta made it seem as though it was a cakewalk because she brought the sequence of events to life through her patience, supportive feedback, comments, and suggestions and going beyond the call of duty when it came to following directions. And if I learned anything from working with her on this project, I could never be a narrator.

Please tell our readers something about yourself. I am a mom of an awesome little three-year-old who I love to sing the Spiderman song with and spend most of my days with. I also love to DIY. When I am not hanging with my son/family or narrating great books, I am usually trying to find my next DIY fix. Lol 

I see you have done voice-over work. Is there a difference between a narrator and a voice-over? There is definitely a difference in my delivery between the two.  I find my voice-over work is mostly geared toward commercials or voicemails for small businesses and usually when I do these types of voice-overs, the expectation of my voice is always the same: Bubbly and uplifting. As opposed to when I narrate books, I usually have to get a feel for the characters and truly become their personalities. I feel like the audiobook is definitely more of an acting role than most of the voice-over work I do. Although, I absolutely love both. 

Is there a book you would like to narrate, and if so, can you tell us the title and author? Never know who is reading this Blog. :) Anything Oprah has written. Lol 

Have you ever received a negative comment or review about your narrating, and if so, how did you handle it? I have, and I honestly do not look at it as negative so much as a criticism that I should take constructively. I had someone tell me something about my recording that sounded off to them. My response was simple, give me every detail you can think of and I will work to fix it. I actually ended up fixing the issue and realizing my audio was improved because I took the time to listen to the person. I even wrote them to thank them for the advice and told them how much it helped. They have actually returned, but to buy from me. :)

When it comes to narrating, how do you manage your time? Well, I will say this took me forever to figure out. I make sure the most important things come first. My son is number one priority, providing and caring for him is always at the top of my list. For me, it’s important to keep a planner for my work purposes only. My family and son come first and then it’s to my planner to plan out recordings and editing time for ACX or Fiverr. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what I do and the opportunities it has and will give me but my first love is my family, so I make sure they come first at all times. As long as I plan out my work week, it’s smooth sailing. I pray I never lose that planner because I will be lost. Lol 

What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned from being a narrator? Be consistent and it’s also taught me to listen. I only know what the author wants from their character through how they choose to verbalize that through their writing. I have learned to listen to what they want not only through communication, through email, and simply asking questions, but to really listen to the words they use in the book. 

As a narrator, what have been your biggest challenges, trials or tribulations, which you have overcome? I most recently finished a book that required me to speak French in a couple of chapters. This was so scary for me as I have never in my life taken a French class. Lol. I told the author I would work at it and I did and it happened to turn out pretty well. I just finished the book and it should be out soon. I am hoping readers like the French parts and that I am not torn apart too much. Lol. I actually surprised myself in the end though; I joked with the author and told him I wished it was Spanish because of all the years of Spanish classes I took. Lol. I definitely would have knocked it out of the park. Lol. I have also currently started a novel that is very deep in its message and I find it hard to portray one of the characters in the book because of this. I am finding that I have to really dive in and feel the pain and passion within the book to make sure I deliver it to the standards that I know both I and the author want. It has made me really appreciate actors and actresses that have to portray a character who is considered the villain in movies, especially when the movie has a deeper and some times dark message or story that needs to be told. 

Do you have any words of wisdom for future or current narrators? Honestly, just love what you do and it will show in your efforts. I can’t tell you how much this rings true. If you want to try narrating, do it. Give it a try and if you don’t love it wholeheartedly, let it go so that you can find something you truly fall in love with. I spent a lot of time doing other things I thought I wanted either because of money or because I had my own idea of what success was supposed to look like. I always say I think I am pretty blessed because narration found me and once I got started it was like love at first sight. So, just love what you do and do it with a good clean heart. 

What approach do you use before narrating a story? I always try to read out loud so I can hear myself saying the words. When I do this I am listening for a couple of things. The first is can I hear myself in any of these characters, the second is will this reading catch the ear of a random audible listener? And last but definitely not least, am I interested in what I have read so far? If all of these answers are yes, I usually know this is the book for me and that I need to audition ASAP :) or if I have already been offered, then I know I can move forward. 

How can our readers get in touch with you? They can get in touch with me by clicking here.

Arnetta, thank you for stopping by and allowing our readers and visitors to learn more about you and your service and thank you again for making Deception in Plain Sight a more captivating story. It was a joy working with you.

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Buying Links to Audiobook - The Last Firefly by Kimberly A. LaGrone-Demarco


Buying Links to Audiobook - Deception in Plain Sight by Vivienne Diane Neal

Monday, July 24, 2017

Our Love Challenges - A Book for Couples in Love


Create your own unique story with this original book full of challenges which you will be completing with your partner.


Our Love Challenges is a project inspired by our own experience. We often struggle to come up with original and lovely presents for our loved ones. There are many people with the same problem (maybe even you?) and so we decided to create this book.

Our Love Challenges is a unique book full of intriguing challenges, romance, adventure and enough free space to note down all the awesome things you experience. Along the way, as you complete the challenges, you strengthen your relationship and create a beautiful album of your memories that you can come back to at any time and remember how much fun you had together.

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Link to their Kickstarter campaign with pre-order option  
Link to their website at www.ourlovechallenges.com


Monday, July 17, 2017

Virtual Book Tour - Meet Michelle Stimpson, Author of Who Killed My Husband?


Write Now Literary is pleased to announce 
Who Killed My Husband? By Michelle Stimpson
Virtual Book Tour. July 17-28, 2017.  

Genre: Short Story/Mystery

ASIN: B071743ZLP




Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com. Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.







Ashley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What happened to him on the campgrounds? Who would want to kill Allan? And why are the detectives pointing fingers at Ashley? In her quest to solve the mystery and clear her name, Ashley will learn something about her husband that she didn’t want to know and something about her Christian faith that shifts her life. 

This short work by national bestselling, multi-published author Michelle Stimpson is packed with emotion, suspense, and her signature way of weaving hope into a story – always a hit with readers who enjoy faith-based reads.

In Conversation with Michelle Stimpson

Q: This is a different kind of book for you. What made you venture a little with this title?

A: After writing 40+ books, an author can get kinds stagnant. I have recently started reading clean mysteries, and I found that I actually enjoy them. They keep me up late at night because I truly want to find out whodunit and why. I’m hoping my readers will enjoy a different pace, too. I think they’ll be glad to know it’s possible to change things up and still keep the message of the book strong.

Q: What is the message of the book?

A: The main character, Ashley, is struggling to make sense of things as they relate to her. She has suffered much loss in her life already. But she’s going to have to understand that God doesn’t make His plans around Her. She may be the apple of His eye, but she is not the center of the universe.  His promise to be there always will have to sufficient for some of us until we reach the other side.

Q: Wow! That title really caught me. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

A: You know what, I wish I could remember. Thankfully, I have not experience much death around me, but I know that the longer I live, the more loved ones will pass away. Death is a part of life.  I don’t kill off a lot of characters in my books, but there was just something about this couple that struck my imagination and I knew they needed a book. Quickly!

Q: How quick?

A: About 10 days from outline to finished first draft.

Q: Seriously?

A: Yes, but keep in mind: This is a shorter work of fiction.

Q: Why did you choose to write a shorter piece?

A: I actually got my start with fiction as a short-story writer. I love shorter reads because I can finish them quickly. My schedule is often irregular, so it’s hard for me to get into longer books during hectic weeks. When I sit down for a few hours with a short read, I already know I’m going to have the satisfaction of finishing it. I usually save longer reads for holidays/vacations.

Q: What else is going on with you outside of the writing world?

A: Glad you asked! I am now the grandmother of a wonderful baby girl. Bless God! I am spending a ridiculous amount of time just staring at her and nibbling on her juicy cheeks.

Q: What’s your next release?

A: I’ve got a non-fiction book coming out entitled Change Your Mind, Transform Your Life: 21 Truths to Renew Your Mind in Christ. I am always sooo excited about edifying believers. Non-fiction is not my first genre, but it is definitely one of the most fulfilling to me.

Q: Do you have advice for aspiring authors?

A: I have more than advice—I have help! They can visit www.PublishMyBookAlready.com to take classes and learn more about publishing, marketing, etc.
o:po:pspandiv

Q: How Can Readers Connect with You?

A: The best way to keep in touch is through my email list. I send out notice of new books and keep people posted on all kinds of things from events to what’s happening with their favorite characters to upcoming releases. Click here to join.















Tour hosted by Write Now Literary 




Click here to follow the tour. 

Monday, July 10, 2017

Until Ray Virtual Book Tour, with Author Cheryl Robinson




Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Until Ray Virtual Book Tour, with author Cheryl Robinson. June 19- July 14, 2017. 

Releasing "free" June 27 at select ebook retailers. 

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary


About The Author



Cheryl currently resides in the Sunshine State with plans to return to her hometown Detroit shortly. For the past fifteen years, she has been busy writing contemporary women’s fiction. While writing is her first love, making delicious green smoothies is easily her second. She also enjoys spoiling her miniature Schnauzer and whipping up healthy meals from recipes she finds online.

About The Book




Two people in the same city but worlds apart.

Until Ray is an unconventional love story of how two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other and develop a bond that will be tested through three decades.

RAY IS LOST …

He lives in northwest Detroit with his mother. When he’s not at home, he’s either at the mall selling women’s shoes or in the club. In both places, he's focused on one thing—picking up women. Only now he’s ready to make a change but isn’t sure how to do it.

THEN SARITA ARRIVES …

At twenty-four, she has an MBA, is a CPA, and works in upper-level management at GM. But all that success comes at a cost: she’s lonely and craves the one thing she’s never had—attention from men.

Dive into a love story filled with soul-searching drama told from two very different perspectives. Until Ray, the first book of a trilogy, is set in the mid-eighties in Detroit, where the author was born and raised.



Connect Socially




Facebook Contest # 1



Link to contest Facebook


Blog Contest # 2

Link to blog contest Meet the Characters Giveaway 



Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com




Monday, July 03, 2017

Dual Book Release - Enticed Forever - A Bad Boy Romance, and Naked Attraction ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance By Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku



Book Title: Enticed Forever ~ A Bad Boy Romance

Author: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Interracial/Multicultural
No of Pages: 332
ISBN: 978-1542402040 (Paperback)
Release Date: April 13th 2017
Don’t Miss Updates on New Releases and Book Deals.


Quote from Enticed Forever

“I can’t move on. She has everything I never knew I wanted in a woman. – Theo Galanos

Blurb

~ An Attraction…so Irresistible ~

Millionaire bad boy, Theo Galanos has two things worked out. Women want anything money can buy. And he has no problems keeping them sweet as long as his heart is not involved. But when he hits a car and sends it spinning off the road, he meets Aize, an attractive woman in a figure-hugging dress who wants nothing he has to offer. Nothing prepares him for the body-popping tension which grips his chest and nearly sweeps him off his feet.

Aize must find the President of Galanos Holdings, get him to approve the all-important contract if she must secure the promotion she wants. But the mysterious man, rumoured to be Hampshire’s bad boy is hard to catch. When her car is bumped off the road and she opens her eyes on a hospital bed, the exotic-speaking and muscular man staring down at her sends shockwaves through her cleavage.

Faced with the sexy man who only gives a woman what money can buy, Aize is torn between giving up on her promotion and allowing her heart sway her head. Will Theo let go of his selfish desire?

~ From the Author of Naked Attraction: 
A Sweet & Sexy Romance ~


Purchase Links


Teaser

Aize raised her eyebrows at the insane assumption she would even consider going anywhere with Theo – a man she had just met.

‘You will be in good hands,’ the doctor carried on. ‘Theo has assured me he will drive you home and make sure you follow my advice. I understand your car is quite a wreck at the moment.’ Doctor Garrick emphasized the word, wreck as if she needed a reminder. At least she was not dead, a damaged car could be replaced.

Narrowing her eyes at Theo, Aize whispered, ‘Are you a doctor or a nurse? And why do you think I’ll go anywhere with you? I could always take a taxi.’ But the idea of getting into a taxi in her condition made her want to puke.

Shaking his head with his brow furrowed, Theo spoke gently in her ear. ‘Although I’m neither a doctor nor a nurse, there’s nothing a week’s rest, good food and tender loving care can’t put right in your situation. I will look after you if you’ll allow me.’

Theo’s heated breath blew her skin hot and her body trembled. Not to mention his vibrating voice in her ear. Pressing her lips to keep from moaning out loud, Aize nodded. There was no point exchanging words with this man, he just did not give up.

‘Okay, you win,’ she conceded just to get Theo off her back.

Her self-imposed caregiver for the next week stretched to his full height and shook hands with Doctor Garrick. ‘Thank you, Doc for all your help.’

Theo’s grin, which was not even aimed at her, left a honey feeling inside her stomach.

As soon as Doctor Garrick left the room, silence took control, heightening the slowly building tension between Theo and Aize.

To ease the edgy moment, she looked up at him, and he winked at her with a cute grin on his lips. Again, she lowered her lashes, but not before a small chuckle raced out of her mouth.

One would think they were flirting, but Aize was doing no such thing. At least that was what she believed.


Book Title: Naked Attraction ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance

Author: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Interracial/Multicultural
No of Pages: 262
ISBN: 978-1542402040 (Paperback)
Release Date: January 24th, 2017
Don’t Miss Updates on New Releases and Book Deals.


Quote From Naked Attraction

“As long as you lock me up in the same cell as you, I’ll be happy to spend a long time behind bars without complaining.” ~ Mofe.

Read Naked Attraction to find out how Mofe, a hot & sexy Café owner tempts and pursues Ronke, a feisty & sassy female District Judge.

Blurb

~ A dangerous attraction…is mounting ~

Replaying her hip-wriggling dance steps in his head, Mofe is on the trail of a dancer he saw in a beach club in Europe. No one seems to recall who she is, not even the beach club owner. But he has her picture on his phone. When he walks into the city’s courtroom and sets eyes on the female District Judge presiding over his brother’s case, he knows he has found the elusive dancer. Whether or not his brother receives a jail sentence is in her hands.

Caring for her little sister takes up most of Ronke’s free time, but she knows how to juggle work with having a good time abroad dancing on bar tables. The moment Ronke locks gaze with the dark, gorgeous man with rippling muscles and tattooed arms, a dangerous attraction sizzles inside her. With no plans to forgo her current no-strings secret affair, she disappears without a trace, hoping never to see the stranger again. But when he walks into her courtroom, her stomach walls tighten and she can barely breathe.

Can Mofe convince a woman who holds the key to his brother’s future to date him? And will Ronke deny her attraction to protect her reputation?

~ From the Author of His Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance ~

Purchase Links

 

Teaser


“The question is why would a magistrate judge be spotted dancing on a bar table in nothing but a bra and thong in one of Europe’s beach clubs? And then appear serious on Monday morning in a London courtroom wearing a wig and black gown?” While he waited for her answer, he took a passing look around her chambers.

Thick, leather-bound books graced wooden shelves on every side, but the room was immaculate and clean. Grey carpets complimented the beige upper walls.

The gold and black name plaque on the desk indicated her name was District Judge Ronke Oni.

“What I do with my time is none of your business,” Ronke snapped as she swivelled around. But a sly grin wired her full lips as she got up on her feet.

Gone was the dark gown. And so was the funny wig. Now, her silky white ruffled top fell wide open, enough for him to see the swell of her cleavage.

Peeling his eyes away from her chest was not easy, but he tried. With the black skirt suit plastered around her body so tight, she looked like a bomb waiting to explode.

Electric currents flashed through his body and he laughed to quench the upsurge.

Up close, she looked a little older than he’d thought, still, she was a raving beauty.

“And what was it you wanted from the dancer?” Ronke asked with her arms folded beneath her busts, pushing her breasts further out of her top.

And for a fleeting second, he wondered if she wedged her full breasts with a lacy bra.

“Are you kidding me, Ma’am? You’re not going to deny the fact you’re an erotic dancer over the weekend and a learned woman during the week?”

With her butt perched against her curved walnut desk and her legs crossed at the ankle, she looked like a sexy model about to strip off her clothes for the camera.

And as long as he was the photographer, they would have an album of perfect shots.

“Since you took the trouble to trace me down here...” she started. 


About the Author

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, Author
I'm Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, the author of several toe-curling & heart-fluttering Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels consisting of Contemporary/ Interracial and Historical & Paranormal Romance. There are 17 published books so far.

Just so you know, I'm a romantic freak, mother of two fun - loving teenagers, married to my gorgeous husband and we live in London, UK. If my teens had their way, they would fill our home with a dozen pets. Swimming on my back like a star-fish is one of my skills.

My stories are dotted with unexpected twists and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America. An emotional spin is what you get when you read my books. Please write or connect with me on social media. I love hearing from you. https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E/ 


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