Tune In Today For My Radio Debut!

WOOOHOOOO!! For today only, Kelli and Amber from ParaYourNormal and the Indie Book Collective have asked ME *insert gulp* to come on their blog talk radio to talk more about Without Mercy and books. Ignore the knocking of my knees for a moment and SQUEE with me! I'm so excited for this opportunity so wish me luck, pray I don't stammer and tune in for my FIRST EVER radio appearance. Think about it... you've seen me as The Bookish Snob and you're seeing me as Belinda Boring BUT have you heard me? *cue mysterious sounding music*  Follow the link at 6.30pm tonight and prepare to be DAZZLED! LOL                                         Blog Talk Radio HERE

Holding Onto The SQUEE Moments

I have to say I'm a little stunned. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the kind of response I've had with Without Mercy. I've been squeeing in my bedroom since it's release because I don't ever want to seem boastful but I've been told that I should celebrate and share my excitement because truthfully, my success is everyone's success. I wouldn't have been able to do this without the LOVE and SUPPORT from you all. From those that cheerlead me from the sidelines each day, to the countless well wishes and comments on Twitter and Facebook. From all those that encourage me to write and follow my dreams and do all they can to see it happen. This is as much for me as it is for you... THANK YOU!

So, since I'm squeeing, did you know?

Without Mercy was ranked:

#5 on Amazon's Best Sellers list for Urban Fantasy anthologies

#9 on Amazon's Hottest New Releases list for Urban Fantasy anthologies

#5 on Smashword's Best Sellers list for Urban Fantasy

Unbelievable, right?

I also have some amazing friends because I got this fun surprise in my email box:

Great Advice To Start The Day

 

I woke up this morning to see this quote on one of the Facebook groups I'm a part of...

"If I don't write every day, the characters begin to stale off in my mind--they begin to seem like characters instead of real people. The tale's narrative cutting edge starts to rust an...d I begin to lose my hold on the story's plot and pace. Worst of all, the excitement of spinning something new begins to fade. The work starts to feel like work, and for most writers that is the smooch of death. Writing is at its best--always, always, always--when it is a kind of inspired play for the writer. I can write in cold blood if I have to, but I like it best when it's fresh and almost too hot to handle."

~ Stephen King

I LOVE those last few words - ALMOST TOO HOT TO HANDLE. That's when writing seems effortless to me, it's the ideal frame of mind I want to be in each and everytime I sit down to write. I've been struggling with how to do and it seems that EVERY author I've talked to and read, share the same thing - WRITE. No secret formula, no magic words.... JUST WRITE. That's the way to keep the excitement alive and the creativity flowing. It's obvious if you walk away from your manuscript and don't connect with it on a daily basis, it will become distant and harder and harder to work on. Why would you think any different?

Did you hear that loud noise? That was it finally "clicking" in my head.

Talk about a DUH moment and I'm trying really hard not to bang my head on my keyboard *grins* Thank you to all the patient people who've gone before this quote... sooner or later it was going to sink in! Thank goodness it has.

Happy writing today everyone. I am eager and ready!

I've Had My First Interview!

I know I'm a little late sharing ... I blame it on an emergency move and a severe case of being distracted by my muse for Mason, *insert sigh* but I had my first ever author interview the other day! I knew it wouldn't be long before an author I put in the "hot seat" would want to return the favor and it was L.M Pruitt (she writes AH-MAZING urban fantasy stories that leave me speechless) who seized the chance. I have to say, I was TERRIFIED of how to answer her questions and she was super gentle with me.

So here's the beginning of the interview and the link that will take you to the rest. I will add... the last question she asked was if I had any crazy stories to share *hides face* I shared a DOOZY that involves what NOT to do when you meet a gorgeous cover model. Hope you get a giggle from it!

Interview with L.M Pruitt at Food, Fun and Urban Fantasy

You're well known in the blogging community for your awesome reviews of swoon worthy books. Why the jump to "the other side"?

Well, someone told me you guys gave away free ice cream and there'd be semi naked men here with killer abs! Hahaha see you can take a writer out of a reader, but you can't take The Bookish Snob out of a writer. LOL I actually started writing before I started blogging. I wrote a REALLY short story on... man, if I told you I would have to kill you. Let's just say, it got me really excited to explore and I decided to try write a fan fiction of one of my favorite paranormal romance series, Christine Feehan's Dark Carpathians. I loved it and tinkered around but it wasn't until the blessed meeting of my bestfriend Lacey, that I started thinking seriously. She encouraged me to take part in the National Novel Writing Month challenge last year (50,000 words in a month) and cheerleadered me the entire time. Writing is so addicting when you're focused and full charged! I completed the challenge and after that, I began writing. Every dream became a story idea and neatly filed away on my computer. Of course, being The Bookish Snob has put me in the path of some AMAZING authors who have encouraged, listened and offered a ton of support. Each book I read, I think "Hmmm I can do this. I want to see my name on a book I wrote." So here I am... on the other side. Actually come to think of it, I don't think I jumped... I was lovingly pushed LOL Thanks Lacey!

To keep reading, click HERE

A Surprise On Facebook

Okay.. another SQUEE moment. I've been getting such amazing support, comments and reviews for my first release Without Mercy. I feel like I'm walking on cloud nine and absolutely loving it! I have HUGE plans in store for my writing - more releases of the Mystic Wolves novelettes, two additional shorts and of course, the much anticipated release of my full length novel, Broken Promises. I'm having to readjust things but I'm heading in the right direction.

So... I was on Facebook the other day when I saw I had a message on my Wall from my Dad. Hands down, I'm a Daddy's girl - always have and always will be so when I saw what he'd written, it was one GIANT squee and cry!

"I've just read Without Mercy and Mam has downloaded it onto her Kindle reader and will read it later. To be honest Vampires and Werewolves are usually not on my reading list but I enjoyed your narative. Nicely written, well worded and interest gripping. Well done Belinda I'm looking forward to the next instalment. Lots of love Dad XXXXXXXX"

So there you have it... my Daddy's stamp of approval! Okay, back to writing. Thanks everyone!

WOW + Giveaway Winners!

I think this little kitty says it all! Have I told you all how grateful I am for all the support you gave for my first release?? I was so nervous and then you all blew me away with well wishes! Thursday was a whirlwind and it hasn't stopped since *giddy grin* In case I haven't said it...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Before I announce who won the giveaway (there was about 38 entries!) can I share how my day went and how I celebrated?

First, I spent it with my BFF Lacey

(she's the one that designed the cover and helped me get it released)

A HUGE thank you to her because she's been my greatest supporter and she helped my realize my dream...* hehe sappy moment*

I'm Now Officially ... PUBLISHED + Giveaway

I did it ... I am "officially" a published author! I can't begin to describe what an amazing feeling this is and I am SO grateful to everyone who helped cheer me along! Surprisingly, my first release isn't strictly a romance *insert gasp* I know, shocking isn't it? It's a novelette and introduction to my urban fantasy series called Mystic Wolves and the title is Without Mercy. You may recognize it as the title that was going to be included in the Dream On anthology but I couldn't wait so here it is...

Without Mercy

A Mystic Wolves novelette

Urban Fantasy

Published by 4 Corners Press

Buy from: Smashwords

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream.

Or was it?          

Pinch Me, Please!

This was me yesterday. Maybe it's all the good ju-ju and karma I've been stockpiling the last few months but I've never had such an overwhelming and exciting day where I had the manic urge to run around my house dancing and singing. It's no wonder I'm DOG TIRED today and barely able to breath from all the heart racing and head spinning. So what happened? Let me show you....

First off, I gathered enough to courage to send out a copy of my short story Without Mercy for a beta read and review. It's officially been set for a November 15th release but the impatient person I am, I wanted to know sooner what everyone thinks. Once the email was sent, I felt so nervous and then I received the message "Hey Bel, I've downloaded it to my Nook. It looks good." A quick trip to my email and what do I find??

That is MY story on that ereader... something I wrote! I can't begin to describe how validating it was to see that or how rewarding it felt to know this was going to become real. I'm a doubting Thomas, I thought it'd never happen and this was such an amazing way to say "Yes, Belinda... keep going. You're about to realize your dreams!" First major SQUEE of the day!

A little later I get the message, "Bels, there's something wrong with your story." My stomach sank and then I whooped when I kept reading, "IT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH!" Are you one of those people who can have a million people tell you something is good but you still have those moments of insecurites? It was at that moment I could imagine my BFF Lacey holding up a sign saying, "I told you so.... ROCKSTAR" Yeah, I need to work on that.

Shortly after that, I got my FIRST EVER reader review!! It was about this time that everything started getting a little surreal and I'd wondered if I'd fallen into the Twilight zone or something. A quick check and there it was on Goodreads under the Dream On book link:

Review by Stephanie Overton ~ 5 stars

"The Sneak Peek Gods were looking down on me today!

I got the wonderful gift of being allowed a sneak peek into the up coming release of Dream On, an Anthology of short stories.

So, what should appear in my inbox . . but an ARC of Without Mercy by Belinda Boring.

Darcy and Jasmine were only suppose to run into town for a quick stop and come right back. Mason, the pack Alpha and future mate of Darcy, had "fought" with Darcy about this very topic. He didn't want them out without back up, but he gave in and allowed them to go . . Now, Darcy is wishing she hadn't fought for this freedom. Staring down the barrel of a gun and no possible way to call for back up, Darcy tries to pull together a plan. . .

You won't want to miss how this story plays out. Be prepared to feel a handful of emotions come rushing at you while you read this short tale of Pride loyalty.

I for one will patiently await for more from this up and coming author.

Ok, so I never wait patiently for anything ."

Second major SQUEE for the day!

As if I couldn't get more excited, my book cover for Broken Promises FINALLY became official. This book (and series) is such a labor of love for me and I've wanted the perfect cover. I thought I had it but Hell decided to drag me in and some tough decisions had to be made. Thank goodness, I was able to have something created that not only has the EXACT feel I wanted but has made it mandatory the story I write matches it. The intensity I feel when I connect with the story and characters, the seductiveness I was after and heat I needed, is all right there on the cover. I am BEYOND happy with it and it features my favorite model and all time good guy, Jimmy Thomas. Want to see?

Hot as heck where all I want to do is stare all day and lick my screen! This has been such a team effort and a HUGE thanks go to Elizabeth Sharp, for braving the streets late one night to get the perfect alley shot. To Lacey Weatherford, who stayed up all night and braved the person "snoring" beside her and the helpful critiques from none other than Jimmy Thomas. Big smoochies to you all.... except for you Jimmy because if I do, I just might melt all over the place. Either that, or get a little "carried away" *blushes* Have you seen him ladies? Third major SQUEE of the day.

So there you have it. The day where I felt the constant need to pinch myself and one that will go down as unforgetable. Good thing about sharing it here is I now have it recorded, so each time doubt comes kicking down my door, I'll just reread this and know "Bels, you're on your way!" Happy writing everyone!