WRITING IN THE TIME OF THE PANDEMIC

So far, 2020 sucks for most of us. Thank goodness it's almost over. For many writers, it's been nearly impossible to focus, to get anything down on paper (in a doc. file, anyway)...me included. What is currently happening in the world can be overwhelming, but I remind myself that beautifully-written books offer an invaluable escape for many people. 

With my mood mellowing, I've begun writing darker stories under the pen name Marina Evans. The manuscripts are twisted domestic suspense and nail-biting psychological thrillers because, after all, they are the types of books (along with sweet romance) I love to read. Please wish me luck getting my new work published, but in the meantime I'm sending heartfelt safety vibes to each and every one of you, We'll get through this one day at a time! 

READERSHIP APPRECIATION DAY WENT SWIMMINGLY!

 

 

So many wonderful romance readers participated in the Midnight in the Garden Reader's Group giveaway -- which was a fantastic chance for us authors to interact!

Thanks to everyone involved!

 

Congratulations go to Helen Rodin Drake who won a digital copy of Sleeping Beauty and the Demon (The Cursed Princes Book 3.) Her favorite fairytale is Sleeping Beauty because she remembers seeing the original Disney movie in theaters - just like me!

Also, congratulations to Dianna Teixeira whose favorite book of all time is Anne of Green Gables. The reason? It was the story that convinced her father to adopt her. Talk about a story that tugs at one's heartstrings!

 

Dianna posted this on the Midnight in the Garden FB page:

 

 

 

Update: BEAUTY AND THE WOLF (The Cursed Princes Book 1) is available right now through Kindle Unlimited.

https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Wolf-Cursed-Princes-Book-ebook/dp/B00B86NOEY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BEA897XNVM41&keywords=marina+myles&qid=1569617075&sprefix=marina+myles%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1

 

It's a perfect way for a new reader to start the series off!

 



Love paranormal and suspense fiction?

LOVE PARANORMAL AND SUSPENSE FICTION??

Then be part of a readers' extravaganza!

 

On September 20, 2019, Facebook is hosting a "Midnight in the Garden" event. Join some of your favorite authors and get in on their giveaways!

Mark your calendars because one lucky winner will receive this stash of amazing books from yours truly!

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/midnightgarden/  

 

 

 

 

Do you have BEAUTY AND THE BEAST fever, too?!

 

I cannot wait for the release of Disney's live film version this weekend! It looks heartwarming, visually stunning, and touching. Everything found in the original fairytale!

 

As if the folks at Amazon and Barnes and Noble knew my readers would love it, they are offering the ebook version of my novel, BEAUTY AND THE WOLF, for FREE!

 

So, be my guest!!

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Wolf-Cursed-Princes-Book-ebook/dp/B00B86NOEY/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489698670&sr=8-1&keywords=marina+myles

 

 

A FEW THINGS...

 

 

First off, I want to congratulate Amy D. of Gentry, Arkansas for winning my Spring Giveaway Extravaganza! She posted a pic of her prize package on Facebook, so I think she's pretty excited about receiving it!

Thanks also to my new webmistress, Carol. My newsletter and its sign up form are functioning with style.

 

Secondly, Amazon & Barnes and Noble are running a sale on all the books in my Cursed Princes series! Kindle & Nook versions of my full-length novels are $1.99 Novellas are only .99 cents.

If you haven't read any of my books yet, now is a great time!

 

Finally, I just tried my first mint julep and let me say, I'm obsessed. Nothing is more refreshing on a spring day. Okay, I may not be at the Kentucky Derby or in the south at all, but I love sipping this delicious beverage on my porch while I watch the sun go down.

 

Enjoy this classic recipe!

 

 

To highball glass or silver Julep cup, add minted simple syrup, then 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon, and splash of water. Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass. Stir well and garnish with mint sprig.

It's a Spring Giveaway Extravaganza!!

 

 

Dear reader: have you signed up for my newsletter yet? If you follow this link and do just that, you could win this bundle of fun!

http://www.marinamyles.com/Newsletter/index.html

 

Prizes include books and anthologies, a $25 Amazon gift card, candy, and a fluffy Peeps stuffed animal.

...

Winner will be drawn at random and then notified by email. Deadline is Easter Sunday 3/27. Tell a friend and best of luck!

 

 

 

I just registered for my very first Romance Writer's of America National Conference!

 

Since California is a hop, skip, and a jump away from where I live, I'll be loading up my car and driving to breezy San Diego this July. (Who wouldn't want to escape the brutally hot weather in Arizona that time of year!)

 

Besides offering incredible craft workshops and revered guest speakers, RWA conferences are also opportunities for romance writers to connect with their wonderful readers. I will be signing at the big Literacy Autography Event on Wednesday, July 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds for anyone purchasing a book will go to various literacy awareness charities.

Win, win!
Hope to see you there!

 

 

 Meanwhile, I just sent off two new manuscripts to my fabulous literary agent. The first book is a sultry historical romance that will kick off a new series for me. The other is a chilling psychological thriller in the vein of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl. This one was written under the pen name Gwen London.
Wish me luck as my agent shops them around!

Hope your spring is delightful. I'd love to hear what you've been up to...