<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>ellethorpe</title><description>ellethorpe</description><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/blog</link><item><title>Only the Beginning Cover Reveal! And a giveaway!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_257%2Ch_192/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2019/04/11/Only-the-Beginning-Cover-Reveal-And-a-giveaway</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2019/04/11/Only-the-Beginning-Cover-Reveal-And-a-giveaway</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:01:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_e9830333fa921d9427099bd09e68d538.html"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Negatives - COVER REVEAL!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_263%2Ch_197/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2019/01/17/Only-the-Negatives---COVER-REVEAL</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2019/01/17/Only-the-Negatives---COVER-REVEAL</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2019 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_61b062e7ebbfa1a205e21e9856bd3e71.html"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Truth - Cover Reveal!</title><description><![CDATA[]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/11/30/Only-the-Truth---Cover-Reveal</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/11/30/Only-the-Truth---Cover-Reveal</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:18:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_8634e9ebf038312defb89a23338598e7.html"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Perfect is LIVE on Amazon &amp; FREE in Kindle Unlimited!</title><description><![CDATA[I really hope you guys enjoy it!! Let me know what you think!<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_263%2Ch_197/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/11/08/Only-the-Perfect-is-LIVE-on-Amazon-FREE-in-Kindle-Unlimited</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/11/08/Only-the-Perfect-is-LIVE-on-Amazon-FREE-in-Kindle-Unlimited</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2018 05:59:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_e6bb097adc9234fe829cf7c724d46c23.html"/><div>I really hope you guys enjoy it!! Let me know what you think! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Perfect, Cover Reveal and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_213%2Ch_159/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/10/18/Only-the-Perfect-Cover-Reveal-and-10-Amazon-Giftcard-Giveaway</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/10/18/Only-the-Perfect-Cover-Reveal-and-10-Amazon-Giftcard-Giveaway</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_99e7176ee33dd6ade7104d7e0dbf46da.html"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Positive is LIVE on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!</title><description><![CDATA[I can't wait for you guys to read it! Make sure you let me know what you think! I love hearing from you all!<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_250%2Ch_188/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/09/20/Only-the-Positive-is-LIVE-on-Amazon-and-Kindle-Unlimited</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/09/20/Only-the-Positive-is-LIVE-on-Amazon-and-Kindle-Unlimited</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_7f9d2b8a625a319cba723140d727e947.html"/><div> I can't wait for you guys to read it! Make sure you let me know what you think! I love hearing from you all! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bookstagrammer Spotlight! Ally Always Reads!</title><description><![CDATA[Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love!Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Allyson from Ally Always Reads!!! She's not only an awesome bookstagrammer, but she's one of my beta readers and on my instagram team! She also has<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_0bbc4c42443f4939bdbf6822d289bbc1%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_0bbc4c42443f4939bdbf6822d289bbc1%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/09/02/Bookstagrammer-Spotlight-Ally-Always-Reads</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/09/02/Bookstagrammer-Spotlight-Ally-Always-Reads</guid><pubDate>Sun, 02 Sep 2018 03:22:40 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_0bbc4c42443f4939bdbf6822d289bbc1~mv2.jpg"/><div>Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Allyson from Ally Always Reads!!! She's not only an awesome bookstagrammer, but she's one of my beta readers and on my instagram team! She also has wicked good taste in music! You can find her awesome account <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ally.always.reads">here on instagram</a></div><div>Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! </div><div>Allyson. 26. Reader. Traveler. Aunt (to 6 nieces and 2 nephews). Work in Human Resources.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_62ed1d1352c04174a2501295c5170309~mv2.jpg"/><div>What made you decide to start a blog or Bookstagram account? What sorts of features does your blog regularly include? </div><div>I just love to read. And I’m a big cover buyer... I’ve been known to buy some books just based on the cover. I sometimes include reviews, I’ve done a giveaway or two. I really just take pictures and talk about what I’m reading and loving.</div><div>What was the last book you gave 5 stars to?</div><div>Levi’s Blue by M. Leighton. I actually didn’t write a review for this one. It was really emotional and I had been wanting to read this book for SO LONG. She had taken her books off retailers for a bit, I’m not really sure why but I ended up finding the book on a second hand site and devoured it. I have a soft spot for mute, blind, deaf characters in books. I’m not sure why but I absolutely adore them! I highly recommend this book.</div><div>Bookstagrammers! I want to see your favourite photo! </div><div>I don’t really have a favorite. I would say one of the pictures of Devney Perry’s books or LK Farlow’s or Beth Ehemann’s. I’m no hope I know. 😬🤷🏼♀️</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_f61ed89546ab429e82d84a8926349f56~mv2.jpg"/><div>What’s your favourite genre to read? </div><div>Romance. (My favorite trope is single parent).</div><div>Who is your favourite author and which book of theirs must everyone read? </div><div>Devney Perry. The Coppersmith Farmhouse. It’s her very first book and I fell in love Jess. He’s my main man... well, one of them.</div><div>What’s your all time favourite book, and how much do you hate me for making you pick just one? ;-) </div><div>I absolutely hate this question! My answer is always different. It really depends on the mood I’m in. One of the books that I’m always recommending is Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan. She absolutely slays me with every word.... I use the word slay in the best possible way. 😂</div><div>What’s the best part of blogging or Bookstagram? </div><div>The people. Every one in the book community is absolutely incredible. They’re fun, creative, supportive... they’re the best.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_e7af341d7fc74362a796bf1c18a73c71~mv2.jpg"/><div>Series or standalones? </div><div>Series. Hands down, series. When I find a book I love, I always want more. I would be absolutely okay with an author continuing one series forever.</div><div>Ebooks or paperbacks? </div><div>Depends. I mostly read ebooks because I typically read at night and I hate artificial light. It messes with my eyes. But I LOVE paperbacks. I could sit and stare at my books all day.</div><div>Who’s your number 1 bookboyfriend and why? Don’t forget to tell us which book he’s from so we can fall in love too! </div><div>Typically I say Archer from Archer’s Voice but lately I’ve had Brody Murphy from Beth Ehemann’s Room for You on my mind. I’ve added a foreign edition and some bookish candles to my Beth collection so I’ve got Brody on the brain. 😍 If you love athletes and single parents, this book is for you! SO. GOOD.</div><div>Cinnamon roll Beta’s or Alpha assholes?</div><div>Oh man. This is tough. I love some sweet and cuddly but I tend to lean toward the alphas.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_2a679c585dd24010b6ee037a04ad3dd7~mv2.jpg"/><div>Where else can we find you? Pimp yourself and leave all your links here! </div><div>Just on Instagram: @Ally.Always.Reads You can always friend me on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AllyM612</div><div>Thanks so much for being here today Ally, and for all you do for us authors! Drama Llamas, go make sure you all go show her some love! </div><div>If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer and would like to be featured here on my website, you can fill out the<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xSKsSb-_LaPtnw_LzeeIKOiyOuDCjKd50RzsnlEvD0M/edit">interview questions here.</a>The only rule is you must be a romance lover! We're all about the kissin' here at Drama Llama Romance! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Only the Positive, Cover Reveal!!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_263%2Ch_197/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/08/15/Only-the-Positive-Cover-Reveal</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/08/15/Only-the-Positive-Cover-Reveal</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_4f991113f439a01c879c99fa1e12abcc.html"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Blogger and Bookstagram Spotlights! Featuring Tweezy Reads!</title><description><![CDATA[Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love!Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Tweezy Reads!!! You can find her awesome account here on instagram Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! I am a traveling freelance Events<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_3553c9a085174672ad9bd7d1e7d69cd4%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_3553c9a085174672ad9bd7d1e7d69cd4%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/31/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlights-Featuring-Tweezy-Reads</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/31/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlights-Featuring-Tweezy-Reads</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:33:19 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_3553c9a085174672ad9bd7d1e7d69cd4~mv2.jpg"/><div>Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love!</div><div>Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Tweezy Reads!!! You can find her awesome account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweezyreads/">here on instagram</a></div><div>Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! </div><div>I am a traveling freelance Events Floral Designer. The company I work for, travel everywhere designing wedding or special events decor. So, I am part of a team that makes dreams happen for couples in love. I am also a mom of 3. I met my husband in college. We were best friends. We have the best friends to lovers story. I love reading so much. I've always been a bookworm since I was young. I read different genres but my favorite is Contemporary Romance.</div><div>What made you decide to start a blog or Bookstagram account? What sorts of features does your blog regularly include? (Eg: reviews only, promo, giveaways, special events?) </div><div>I decided to make a Bookstagram because I needed to keep it separated from my family and friends. LOL. They do not understand my love and passion for romance novels and always give me a hard time about reading &quot;porn&quot;...So, I had to create a Bookstagram, to freely get excited and talk about what I love about romance books. And yes, I've blocked all my friends and family from my Bookstagram. I still have a personal account and love that I have an outlet to go to and post cover reveals, reviews, promos, new releases, freebies, release blitz's. I love the Bookstagram community so much!</div><div>What was the last book you gave 5 stars to? (Link us to the review if you have one!).</div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2248871201?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1">Maddox by Melanie Moreland</a></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2418410477">The Bombshell Effect by Karla Sorensen</a></div><div>Bookstagrammers! I want to see your favourite photo! </div><div>I can't pick! </div><div>Elle- I picked my favourite for you! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_8cca4150cf1a43df99748bed21a7c7de~mv2.jpg"/><div>What’s your favourite genre to read? </div><div>Contemporary Romance</div><div>Who is your favourite author and which book of theirs must everyone read? </div><div>The Contract by Melanie Moreland</div><div>#nerd series by Cambria Hebert</div><div>Vicious by LJ Shen</div><div>I can't pick one.</div><div>What’s your all time favourite book, and how much do you hate me for making you pick just one? ;-) </div><div>I hate you for making me pick one...just kidding, but since I have to pick one it would have to be Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. I took a break from reading during college. I was on a 7-9 year break, and one day, I picked it up and fell in love with reading again and haven't stopped. That book, her writing, the characters brought me back.</div><div>What’s the best part of blogging or Bookstagram? </div><div>When posting a review or letting them know they need to add to their TBR, when someone comments and said they read it, loved it and thanks me for the recommendation!!! That makes me so happy. Also, when posting a review on a post and the author thanking and loving the review. I am not very good with words most times, I feel like I jumble everything up, but its very gratifying.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_9a0ca47cadff404fb9d787818a9158a0~mv2.jpg"/><div>Series or standalones? </div><div>Both.</div><div>Ebooks or paperbacks? </div><div>Both! I can't pick.</div><div>Who’s your number 1 bookboyfriend and why? Don’t forget to tell us which book he’s from so we can fall in love too! </div><div>One I can think of right now would be Prescott Beckham from Chasing Vivi by A.M. Hargrove....so flawed but perfect and loving.</div><div>Cinnamon roll Beta’s or Alpha assholes? </div><div>ASSHOLES!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_f568c2df297f487dad32e5ba024ee88a~mv2.jpg"/><div>Where else can we find you? Pimp yourself and leave all your links here! </div><div>JUST BOOKSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/tweezyreads/</div><div>Thanks so much for being here today and for all you do for us authors! Drama Llamas, go make sure you all go show Tweezy Reads some love! </div><div>If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer and would like to be featured here on my website, you can<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xSKsSb-_LaPtnw_LzeeIKOiyOuDCjKd50RzsnlEvD0M/edit">fill out the interview questions here.</a> The only rule is you must be a romance lover! We're all about the kissin' here at Drama Llama Romance! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Blogger and Bookstagram Spotlight! Featuring Bookwhore Am I!</title><description><![CDATA[Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love! Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Brandie from Bookwhore Am I !!! You can find her on Facebook or Instagram Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! Brandie Lueth- Mom of a 3<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_dc80a78bbf29426fa1d2279d93920d2a%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_dc80a78bbf29426fa1d2279d93920d2a%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/14/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlight-Featuring-Bookwhore-Am-I</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/14/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlight-Featuring-Bookwhore-Am-I</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Jul 2018 03:07:16 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_dc80a78bbf29426fa1d2279d93920d2a~mv2.jpg"/><div>Drama Llamas! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love! Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Brandie from Bookwhore Am I !!! You can find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bookwh0re">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.instagram.com/bookwhore_am_i">Instagram</a></div><div>Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! </div><div>Brandie Lueth- Mom of a 3 year old little girl- Wife of 19 years. Accountant by day, Writer by night and bookwhore at heart. My love is audiobooks but all mediums call to me. I love helping out amazing authors and getting visibility to amazing books.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_f10b6427fcf64a2cb950e2e668b16bf2~mv2.jpg"/><div>What made you decide to start a blog or Bookstagram account? What sorts of features does your blog regularly include? (Eg: reviews only, promo, giveaways, special events?) </div><div>I started Bookstagramming as a way to bring visibility to the books i am raving about. They need read! I am happy to help spread the word. My bookstagram currently is mostly bookstagrams, reviews and recs. I LOVE recommending books! Tell me what you are craving and i will not stop until we have found one you will love. The other thing i love is talking books. I have been working with a sister blog &quot;Audiobook Addiction&quot; in creating an awesome group based around book discussions. We all read and then discuss with the author, narrators and each other. As my blog grows, I hope to include giveaways and special events as well.</div><div>What was the last book you gave 5 stars to? (Link us to the review if you have one!).</div><div>I read lots of 5 star books! My most recent one is F*cking Shattered by K.B. Andrews https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2421195179?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1</div><div>Bookstagrammers! I want to see your favourite photo!</div><div>Oh Man! I don't know my favorite. I I am critical of my work and just try to do my best to make the most attractive promo possible. I feel like i am a work in progress. I hope that my photos are improving over time.</div><div>*Elle- I chose one for ya, Brandie! This is gorgeous!!! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_34b5a8e9ae8146a5bae29a44dc7a4129~mv2.jpg"/><div>What’s your favourite genre to read? </div><div>I love PNR! I also love Alpha CEO type, BDSM, Rockstar , MMA... ok, i love everything. The only thing i avoid is MC and Historical.</div><div>Who is your favourite author and which book of theirs must everyone read? </div><div>Noo!!! I can't pick one! I love Tijan! She has so many great series! Carter Reed is a fabulous Mafia Romance Series. I also love Jennifer Armentrout. You must start with Obsidian. Great NA PNR series! My all time favorite is Sylvia Day's Crossfire series.</div><div>*Elle- I second Obsidian and Jennifer L Armentrout! One of my faves! </div><div>What’s your all time favourite book, and how much do you hate me for making you pick just one? ;-)</div><div>lol, see prior answer. Wait, can i add Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McGuire?</div><div>What’s the best part of blogging or Bookstagram? </div><div>The interaction with amazing authors and narrators! I have encountered so many authors that i would shout from the rooftops about</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_ccbfa2fcfcbb4a27a55a07b691953891~mv2.jpg"/><div>Series or standalones? </div><div>Series!</div><div>Ebooks or paperbacks? </div><div>E-books unless the paperback is signed</div><div>Who’s your number 1 bookboyfriend and why? Don’t forget to tell us which book he’s from so we can fall in love too!</div><div>Gideon Cross- Sylvia Day's Crossfire series</div><div>Cinnamon roll Beta’s or Alpha assholes? </div><div>Alpha Assholes</div><div>Where else can we find you? Pimp yourself and leave all your links here! </div><div>facebook.com/bookwh0re</div><div>instagram.com/bookwhore_am_i</div><div>facebook.com/victoriacroftauthor</div><div>Thanks so much for being here today Brandie and for all you do for us authors! Drama Llamas, go make sure you all go show Brandie some love! </div><div>If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer and would like to be featured here on my website, you can fill out the<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xSKsSb-_LaPtnw_LzeeIKOiyOuDCjKd50RzsnlEvD0M/edit">interview questions here.</a>The only rule is you must be a romance lover! We're all about the kissin' here at Drama Llama Romance! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Blogger and Bookstagram Spotlight! Featuring One Click Romance!</title><description><![CDATA[Drama Llamas!Welcome to a brand new feature here on my website! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love! Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Yericka from One Click Romance! Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! Hi! My name is<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_885c7fb6385843c9a46dad5e1817cdf1%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_885c7fb6385843c9a46dad5e1817cdf1%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/02/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlight-Featuring-One-Click-Romance</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/07/02/Blogger-and-Bookstagram-Spotlight-Featuring-One-Click-Romance</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2018 02:44:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_885c7fb6385843c9a46dad5e1817cdf1~mv2.jpg"/><div>Drama Llamas!</div><div>Welcome to a brand new feature here on my website! I love all my bookstagram and blogger friends, and they do so much for this wonderful book community of ours, that I thought they deserved their own special feature. Every week I'll be featuring a blogger or bookstagrammer and showing them some of the love! Without further adieu, lets get on with the interview! Today's spotlight is Yericka from <a href="http://www.instagram.com/oneclickromance">One Click Romance!</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fdeff55a8e004b438175a4daff3ce15d~mv2.jpg"/><div>Please tell us your name and a bit about yourself! </div><div>Hi! My name is Yericka, pronounced JE-ri-Kuh. Favorite color is green, favorite animal is a flamingo. I love books, gardening and swimming. I can't sing or dance but I do it anyways!</div><div>What made you decide to start a blog or Bookstagram account? What sorts of features does your blog regularly include? (Eg: reviews only, promo, giveaways, special events?) </div><div>My love of books and reviewing did. I wanted to share my honest thoughts with whoever wanted to listen/read, I wanted get new readers to read the books I love and see what their thought were. I am currently only doing reviews, promos and the odd giveaway.</div><div>What was the last book you gave 5 stars to? (Link us to the review if you have one!).</div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R10H9UD75NPQIH?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp">The Other Side of Tomorrow by Micalea Smeltzer</a></div><div>Bookstagrammers! I want to see your favourite photo! </div><div>Pas De Deux: A Dance for Two by Lynn Turner. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_addc720ad57b428d976ebd476cdab59d~mv2.jpg"/><div>What’s your favourite genre to read?</div><div>Romance, romance, romance!</div><div>Who is your favourite author and which book of theirs must everyone read? </div><div>Favorite author? I can't pick just one so, here are four: - Belle Brooks, everyone must read is Always You. Such a beautiful story. - J Thompson, ANY book by her. - Micalea Smeltzer, Bring Me Back. - Julie Anne Addicott, her Untamed series (Belial is MINE).</div><div>What’s your all time favourite book, and how much do you hate me for making you pick just one? ;-) </div><div>FFS! Okay, if I must pick just one, Always You by Belle Brooks.</div><div>What’s the best part of blogging or Bookstagram?</div><div>Interacting with new writers and readers. Seeing how many people out there love to read, love to write and love to share that love with the rest of us.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_b91703e602cf4085b277bf973f6db873~mv2.jpg"/><div>Series or standalones?</div><div>Standalone series, hehe</div><div>Ebooks or paperbacks?</div><div>There's nothing like a physical book. But, ebooks are easier on the pockets and storage space!</div><div>Who’s your number 1 bookboyfriend and why? Don’t forget to tell us which book he’s from so we can fall in love too!</div><div>Troy Brennan (Sparrow by L.J. Shen) was the first one to pop into my head. He's an asshole and I love him for it.</div><div>Cinnamon roll Beta’s or Alpha assholes? </div><div>Alpha assholes all day.</div><div>Where else can we find you? Pimp yourself and leave all your links here!</div><div>Stalk here - https://linktr.ee/oneclickromance</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_471dbc4c63254b9a8d64f7e2ae38d067~mv2.jpg"/><div>Isn't she awesome!? Make sure you go show her some love! Thanks for being here Yericka! </div><div>If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer that would like to be featured in this segment and in my newsletter, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xSKsSb-_LaPtnw_LzeeIKOiyOuDCjKd50RzsnlEvD0M/edit">you can fill out the form here.</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>So you found a CP. What now?</title><description><![CDATA[So you found a critique partner. Either through the match up i host here on my website or through some other means. Congrats! Putting yourself out there is a big step, and finding someone to work with is the hard bit and you've already done it! Now for the fun bit. How you proceed with your new CP is really up to you, and each partnership will be different. But here's what I'd do, if i were in your situation again. 1. Chat a little over email. If i matched you up, I've already given you a few<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_cc134e4d2cd34e55ba0823135c126960%7Emv2_d_4900_3675_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_444%2Ch_334/0742c7_cc134e4d2cd34e55ba0823135c126960%7Emv2_d_4900_3675_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/16/So-you-found-a-CP-What-now</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/16/So-you-found-a-CP-What-now</guid><pubDate>Sat, 16 Jun 2018 05:38:39 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>So you found a critique partner. Either through the match up i host here on my website or through some other means. Congrats! Putting yourself out there is a big step, and finding someone to work with is the hard bit and you've already done it! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_cc134e4d2cd34e55ba0823135c126960~mv2_d_4900_3675_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Now for the fun bit. How you proceed with your new CP is really up to you, and each partnership will be different. But here's what I'd do, if i were in your situation again. </div><div>1. Chat a little over email. If i matched you up, I've already given you a few things you might have in common. Tell each other a little about where you're at in your writing journey, talk about your WIP or the books you've already published. Ask each other what you're looking for in a partner, and what you can offer. </div><div>2. Swap a sample chapter or two. Once you've gotten to know each other a little, put your big girl panties on and send off your work. I know! It's terrifying, especially if you're new to writing, but this is honestly a vital step. Take a few days and critique each others work. Remember! A good critique not only points out the bad things in a piece of writing, but also praises the good! If you can, give examples of how your CP might be able to change something to make it better There's no point saying, &quot;I hate this paragraph.&quot; Tell them why. </div><div>3. Read over your critique. Yep. Take a deep breath, because this might sting a little. I've been working with my CP's for about 18months, and I STILL am terrified to open their critiques, even though i know their comments ALWAYS make my work stronger. Read over it. Then step away for twenty four hours to let your emotions settle. It always stings most as you read, but over the next few hours, let their advice sink in. It's probably not THAT bad. Don't let pride get in the way of becoming a better writer. </div><div>4. Talk about your critiques if there's anything you don't understand. Ask questions. Don't get defensive and keep an open mind. This is just one opinion. You don't have to take every point on board, but you should see value in at least some comments your CP is made. </div><div>5. Keep going! Or not. If you're both happy, fantastic! Keep going! Add each other on facebook, or twitter or some other place and make a commitment to check in with each other at set times. Once a day. Once a week. Whatever suits you. But if you honestly got your critique back and saw no value in it, or you found you honestly couldn't critique your partners work fairly, don't be afraid to thank them for their time and move on. These things only work if both people are on board. </div><div>I really hope your new partnerships work out. If they do, be sure to let me know! In a few months time, I'd love to feature you here on my site. And if not, don't despair. There will be more CP match ups in future. Follow any of my social media or hit me up with a friend request on Facebook so you don't miss the announcement. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Off Screen by Josephine Traynor - Cover Reveal! With Giveaway!</title><description><![CDATA[Drama Llama's! Josephine Traynor is one of my author buddies and I am so excited to share her new cover with you! I've been hearing her talk about this one for weeks now and I am DYING to read it. DYING. Anyway, without further rambling from me, here's all the details you need to know! And there's a giveaway at the bottom! Congrats Josephine! Bring on release day! How good does this one sound!? I hope you're as excited as I am! Make sure you go add to your TBR's and show Josephine some love.<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_282%2Ch_211/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea%7Emv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/14/Off-Screen-by-Josephine-Traynor---Cover-Reveal-With-Giveaway</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/14/Off-Screen-by-Josephine-Traynor---Cover-Reveal-With-Giveaway</guid><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Drama Llama's! Josephine Traynor is one of my author buddies and I am so excited to share her new cover with you! I've been hearing her talk about this one for weeks now and I am DYING to read it. DYING. Anyway, without further rambling from me, here's all the details you need to know! And there's a giveaway at the bottom! Congrats Josephine! Bring on release day! </div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/539565_8d76fe9bc9e5da93ac453d9e9ba87a38.html"/><div>How good does this one sound!? I hope you're as excited as I am! Make sure you go add to your TBR's and show Josephine some love. She's a cool chick to know! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Critique Partner Interview and Romance Writer CP Match Up! Part II - CLOSED</title><description><![CDATA[DUE TO OVERWHELMING INTEREST, I HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE MATCH UP EARLY AT 100 PARTICIPANTS. I APOLOGISE FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE MISSED OUT THIS TIME, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON ANY OF MY VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IF YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW WHEN I OPEN THIS UP FOR A SECOND ROUND. AND IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY THE INTERVIEW! THANK YOU! Hey, Drama Llamas :) Welcome to part II of my interview with my awesome critique partners, Jolie Vines and Zoe Ashwood. If you missed Part I, you can read it here! Don't<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-CP-Match-Up-Part-II</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-CP-Match-Up-Part-II</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jun 2018 06:07:02 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>DUE TO OVERWHELMING INTEREST, I HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE MATCH UP EARLY AT 100 PARTICIPANTS. I APOLOGISE FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE MISSED OUT THIS TIME, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON ANY OF MY VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IF YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW WHEN I OPEN THIS UP FOR A SECOND ROUND. AND IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY THE INTERVIEW! THANK YOU! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33~mv2.jpg"/><div>Hey, Drama Llamas :) Welcome to part II of my interview with my awesome critique partners, Jolie Vines and Zoe Ashwood.<a href="https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-Match-Up-Part-I">If you missed Part I, you can read it here!</a> Don't forget to sign up for our romance writer critique partner match up at the end of the interview if you're in the market for a new writing bestie! </div><div>QUESTION 7: What impact has having a CP had on your writing? Do you think it’s necessary for writers to have CP’s?</div><div>Jo: I absolutely believe CPs are your writing's best friend. Your CPs are your first readers! I've had several CPs but am never letting my current ones go *evil plan laugh*</div><div>Elle: Please. Even if you tried to let us go, we’d find you...</div><div>Elle: My writing has improved 100% since working with Zoe and Jo. I honestly knew nothing about self editing when we started together and their feedback and encouragement were the only things that got me through long months and multiple rewrites. But now that story I worked on all last year will be published in September! You’d better believe there will be an entire paragraph in the acknowledgements thanking them for not letting me give up.</div><div>Elle (again. Shuttup already Elle! lol) : That said, I don’t think it’s 100% necessary for a writer to have a CP, but feedback of SOME SORT, whether that be a developmental editor, a CP or a bunch of alpha/beta readers is essential.</div><div>Jo: Agreed on Elle's last point - having a CP is a commitment, because you get out of it what you put in. Not everyone will have time for that. Beta readers can give more general like/dislike feedback, or you can pay a dev editor to help with overall issues. But will they fangirl over the first kiss? Are you going to be able to message them at 2am because you just thought of the BEST scene detail? Nope. Didn't think so.</div><div>Elle: ^best point ever. And your CP’s begin to know your story almost as well as you do. So later on down the editing line, they’re STILL there to bounce ideas off, when you get stuck. You can’t go back to a dev editor 6 months later and ask if your character should now do XYZ. But you can with a CP.</div><div>Zoe: YES to all of this. A CP is like a fangirling/boying developmental editor. Especially when you're starting out and can't afford an editor, swapping critiques is the only way to go. Later on, using a developmental editor might make everything easier. But we also boost each other's posts on social media, and I expect we'll promote each other's books when they're published. We're maybe a bit unusual as far as CPs go, we've maybe morphed more into an author group? I don't have a clear label for this.And cracking the whip! Sprinting together, being encouraging - this all comes naturally.</div><div>QUESTION 8: How much work is involved in having a CP? On an average week or month, how much time do u spend on your CP Work?</div><div>Jo: Typically a book might take me between 2 and 6 weeks to return. It depends on the complexity of the story and the amount of time I have free to work on / think about it. A good rule of thumb is that a chapter can take between one and two hours to critique.</div><div>Elle: I can normally do a full critique in about 3 weeks. We’ve also critiqued queries and blurbs and synopsis’ and I can get those back in a day or two. It does take time, but I think you learn a lot from doing it.</div><div>Zoe: Mmm...it IS a commitment. When I'm critiquing a full MS, I sometimes have to pause my own writing because I rarely have enough time in a day to work on both. That can be tough - but it worked out great recently when I was critiquing Jo's book, because I just wasn't ready to commit on my next project and took that time to brainstorm. But it's the most valuable thing you can do for your stories.  When I'm working for an hour in the evening, I can usually critique 1 chapter a session, which means I can critique a 80k book...maybe in a month? As Elle said, outlines, queries, synopses and such are much faster.</div><div>QUESTION 9: What’s one thing your CP always pulls you up on?</div><div>Jo: Punctutation. Odd details, like recently I invented medieval Etruscans. Oops.</div><div>Elle: Etrus-whaaaat? Obviously I was not the CP that pulled you up on that one.</div><div>Elle: I’m always being pulled up on using the characters names too much in dialogue. I know it doesn’t sound natural yet I somehow still do it all the time! And we won’t even talk about my grammar...</div><div>Jo: I seem to have a bad habit of arranging my characters in weird ways. I believe Elle once described my heroine's positioning when taking a phone call as a 'pretzel'.Also, I write over-dramatic foreshadowing that needs reining in. I even confuse myself with it.</div><div>Elle: See, this is why we’re friends. We like the drama lol. And Zoe counter balances us</div><div>Zoe: Yeah, I'm the resident fact-checker! :D I remember reading Elle's outline for Only the Positive and she had the hero shoving the heroine against the fridge in a passionate kiss - and I was like &quot;all the fridge magnets would fall off and it would be awkward&quot;.</div><div>I get consistency problems (like people NOT falling down the stairs when they're supposed to), my character motivations are never clearly expressed, and my setting is always missing - I get too stuck in dialogue and then I need to flesh out the surroundings.</div><div>QUESTION 10: How is a CP different to a beta reader or an editor? </div><div>Jo: CP would read a potentially rougher draft than later in the process. I'd also expect them to have skills a Beta wouldn't. Betas should be all about the enjoyment / does it make sense, without being able to tell you why.Editors come in such a range. A CP acts as a developmental editor, so there's an overlap. I wouldn't expect a CP to do copy edits! (Though I'm very lucky one of my CPs is an expert and I've used her expertise to force grammar rules through my thick skull). Overall, a story might go through several iterations, a CP at the beginning and an editor being near the end of the process.</div><div>Zoe: A beta is a general reader, not a writer, usually. A CP MUST be a writer, preferably in the same genre (or even subgenre!) as you write. A beta will make comments on general stuff, like whether they liked the characters, found any passages too slow, etc, but a CP will dig deeper, making sure characters are behaving as they should and that plot points are where they should be. An editor is - first of all - paid to do their work. So the relationship is, I expect, much more professional (which would probably mean fewer emojis in the comments?). </div><div>QUESTION 11: Have you ever been part of a critique partnership that didn’t work out? Can you tell us why?</div><div>Jo: Mostly, my CP relationships have been limited to single books. Sometimes they haven't worked past a single chapter exchange - never be afraid to say if it isn't working out!I did have one relationship which I had to end because my trust was lost in the individual. That was a hard lesson, as I'm a pretty open person, but you live and learn.</div><div>Elle: I’m a newbie to CP’s and I got damn lucky first go!</div><div>Zoe: I had two other CPs with whom I worked on full novel critique swaps - we still keep in touch occasionally but I think our critiquing styles (and our genres, really!) didn't match. With Jo and Elle, it was just an immediate connection, they were fun to chat with and serious about writing. Their stories didn't make me cringe, and I could honestly see myself reading those kinds of books in my free time. That's important, I think. If you hate what the other person is writing (like... dark romance with lots of angst and abuse just isn't for me - or horror, ugh!), you'll probably have trouble being a good CP.</div><div>***</div><div>Huge thanks to Jo and Zoe for joining me on the blog today! If you're a romance writer ready to find a critique partner of your own, you can sign up below! And if you aren't signing up, please share the post with your romance writing buddies! Let's help each other become better writers! </div><div><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cQTT3DEqhV5-bXSVdtDMIpfZXNspf7hBgZLjzZH_4FE/edit">SIGN UP HERE BY JUNE 30,2018 TO BE PART OF THE ROMANCE WRITER CRITIQUE PARTNER MATCH UP!</a></div><div>Are you already a part of an awesome critique partnership? I'd love to feature you here on the blog! Drop me a line at elle@ellethorpe.com </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Critique Partner Interview and Romance Writer Match-Up! Part I - CLOSED.</title><description><![CDATA[DUE TO OVERWHELMING INTEREST, I HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE MATCH UP EARLY AT 100 PARTICIPANTS. I APOLOGISE FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE MISSED OUT THIS TIME, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON ANY OF MY VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IF YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW WHEN I OPEN THIS UP FOR A SECOND ROUND. AND IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY THE INTERVIEW! THANK YOU! Hey, Drama Llama's!Have you heard of these 'critique partner' people some writers talk about? Wondering what they are, how they work or where to find one? I have two<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_371/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-Match-Up-Part-I</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-Match-Up-Part-I</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jun 2018 05:53:41 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>DUE TO OVERWHELMING INTEREST, I HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE MATCH UP EARLY AT 100 PARTICIPANTS. I APOLOGISE FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE MISSED OUT THIS TIME, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON ANY OF MY VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IF YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW WHEN I OPEN THIS UP FOR A SECOND ROUND. AND IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY THE INTERVIEW! THANK YOU! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_ee90189b225b47808c5c762fff9efa33~mv2.jpg"/><div>Hey, Drama Llama's!</div><div>Have you heard of these 'critique partner' people some writers talk about? Wondering what they are, how they work or where to find one? I have two critique partners, and they are two of the most important people in my writing world. Whenever the three of us talk about our partnership in writing groups, someone is always curious about how we work. So i decided to interview my critique partners in the hopes of inspiring you to find your own. But i wouldn't just leave you to do that all by your lonesome, because i know that's kind of overwhelming and terrifying, right? So read the interview, see if you think a CP might help you with your writing. If you think you're ready to meet your writerly soul mate, fill out the form at the bottom of the interview and I will endeavor to hook some romance writers up! </div><div>Interview time! </div><div>QUESTION 1: Please give us a quick intro to who you are and what you write. Include where you’re at in the writing/publishing process. Also, do you have a team name?</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_6e3d5ff8f2aa486fb03de8a9cf7659a7~mv2_d_3024_3234_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Elle: I'm Elle, and we're here on my site :) I write contemporary romance full of drama, angst and swoon worthy chemistry. My debut novel, Only the Positive, releases in September. I'm heading on down the indie route, and i have two other books in various stages of pre-publication that will follow later in 2018/2019. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_d898513335984f80a86d32544139107b~mv2_d_2048_2048_s_2.jpg"/><div>Zoe: Hi! I'm Zoe and I write across several genres. So far, I have WIPs in small-town contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense. I'm still on the fence about my publishing options - I've been querying my novels a little (ok, so maybe my efforts are a little half-hearted?) but also researching self-publishing. I have two WIPs that are basically finished and ready to go, and one that's still a rough mess.</div><div>Our team name. HA! It's currently either Team Bunny or Team Valkyrie, so that should give you some insight into our nature. We're terrible at naming ourselves.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_2f18c4a913104f3baf48583a3fb35319~mv2_d_1536_1536_s_2.jpg"/><div>Jo: I'm Jolie, and I'm a romance-aholic. I've got two novels written, one military-based romantic suspense, with an alpha heroine just ready to kick a$$, and a contemporary office romance. My first is out for a fresh beta read following querying feedback, and my second is currently in critique with Zoe. Elle has already added all the drama llama to that one. In the meantime I'm writing again! It never ends.</div><div>QUESTION 2: How did you find your CP? How long have you been working together?</div><div>Zoe: How did we find each other? Well, I created a FB group for writers struggling with their edits (because I was in editing hell and wanted to share my misery with others), and found Jo and Elle through that! I think we also followed each other on Twitter before that. It was a happy meeting! I think I posted that I was writing romance, and they both replied that they were, too, and we decided to switch first chapters (correct me if I'm wrong)? That was in January 2017. Now we chat every day.</div><div>Elle: Actually, didn’t Jo ask for a critique on an outline? And we both jumped at the chance. I don’t think we actually swapped chapters until sometime after that. I cringe when I think of the rough mess I first sent you guys. I’m so thankful you didn’t both laugh me out of the group!</div><div>Jo: Yes, my outline for Rescue Me was our first piece of collaborative work. That novel is now written and edited - along with at least maybe five more (?!) between us - look how far we've come!</div><div>QUESTION 3: How does your partnership work? At What part of the writing/publishing process do you critique for each other?</div><div>Zoe: Ooh, that's a good question. Ok. Nowadays, we often bounce ideas off each other even before any actual planning is done. We're all three hardcore planners, which is one of the reasons this partnership works so well. When one of us is starting a new story, she'll write a full outline (those can get up to almost 10k!) and then ideally, the other two will critique it. This is such a vital step! This is where glaring plot holes and weird character motivations can get ironed out before we waste thousands of words writing bad prose. Then it's on to drafting, which we all do fairly quickly because writing with an outline is so much easier (duh).Then we self-edit - because no-one wants to read first-draft messes (and there's no way I'd ever inflict my first drafts on anyone omg). Then critique partners get the story and let loose with Word's &quot;track changes&quot; option! :) I'm super nitpicky about grammar and vocabulary, Jo is a fantastic developmental editor, and Elle takes care of the emotional punch (and points out slow bits, eek!). I think we're very lucky in that we all do different things.And that's when torture begins. I mean, that's when editing begins. :) Throughout the process, we're there for each other for moral support!</div><div>Elle: I think that outline critique is something that makes us a bit different to most other CP’s. But I think we’ve all found it SO helpful! Who wants to write 70k only to be told there’s glaring problems that easily could have been fixed from the very beginning. It certainly saves some editing time.</div><div>QUESTION 4: What are the best ways you’ve found of communicating with each other. How often do you check in?</div><div>Zoe: We chat daily on Twitter DMs, though we've been talking lately on switching apps - we should get on that. And then I often sprint with Jo in the evenings on Skype (because we're in similar time zones). Elle is usually still asleep when that happens (because if nobody has mentioned it yet, we all live thousands of miles apart, *sob*).</div><div>Jo: I'll get right on that Whatsapp group *forgets instantly*</div><div>Elle: Ha! I still don’t even know what that is. We do critiques in Word with track changes and comments, so we’re also communicating over email to send those back and forth. We use email if we’re discussing something too wordy for twitter DM’s.</div><div>Zoe: Ooh, good point. When one of us critiques an outline or a novel or whatever, she only sends the feedback to the author - NOT to everyone. I think that's respectful. I don't think we agreed on that beforehand, we just started doing that.</div><div>Elle: Yeah, agreed. We do often end up discussing certain parts of our critiques as a group, but it’s up to the author whether she wants to do that.</div><div>QUESTION 5: What sort of things do you look for while critiquing? How can you give honest feedback without hurting feelings?</div><div>Jo: A good critique partner is well versed in the genre you're writing in, so can instinctively pick up on obvious issues. Our CP arrangement works we as we're all avid readers of romance and can spy a duff motivation in a heartbeat. After that, it's down to our individual specialisms and skill. I couldn't place a semi colon effectively if my life depended on it, but I know GMCs and can feel when pace and structure is wrong. As for the second question, honest feedback is essential, but no one benefits from 'this is bad' type comments. Giving clear examples of what is wrong and a better example is far more effective. Plus show me one writer who wrote perfect prose from the off. They don't exist. Putting your work out there is a scary and nervewracking business. Getting quality-and kind-feedback can make all the difference on your next draft. The worst thing, by far, is if any writer gave up because a critique crushed them instead of inspiring the next draft. That would be a bad CP move, and I wouldn't want to work with someone like that.</div><div>Elle: Depends on what the writer wants. I mostly look for slow points, lack of or confused character motivation and plot holes. If there’s sentences I find confusing, I point that out. And I think I’m quite good at picking up on details that might be missing. If your character started a scene wearing a red shirt but somehow switched to a green, I’ll notice. I recently did one for Zoe with the sole intention of upping the drama she thought was missing.  But while I look for what’s missing, I do a lot of commenting on what’s not! If something makes me smile (or swoon) I’ll write a comment. If I’m outraged that a character did something, but I can tell that was the intended reaction, you can expect me to rant about it (playfully). Jo once wrote a sex scene so hot I wrote her a half a page love note about how she was my sexy times hero and that she’d better let me keep that character as my own, personal book boyfriend. There is ALWAYS something good, in even the worst stories. (Not that either of these ladies write bad stories!) It doesn’t take much to throw in compliments where they are deserved, and to be enthusiastic about your partner’s work. If you honestly can’t do that, you have the wrong CP.</div><div>Zoe: Well personally, I tend to get lost in scenes that don't DO anything. And my conflicts are too easily resolved - I basically just want my characters to be happy. But they need to be broken a little first :D So my CPs always point this out - I need someone who can look at the structure of a scene and tell me it isn't doing anything for the plot, for example. I don't need as much help with grammar or typos. I would never want a CP that would sugar coat everything for me - that's not the point of this exercise. There was one tweet going around if I remember correctly (I'm really sorry I can't find the original): BAD CP: Yeah, honey, you look great, let's just go to the party .GOOD CP: You have lipstick on your teeth and your skirt is tucked into your knickers, here, borrow my mirror. This, for me, sums up a good CP relationship. It's like having a good bookfriend. Can this be a word from now on? When I critique, I always go for the compliment sandwich. I never EVER just point out the bad stuff - that wouldn't work at all. I always comment on good turns of phrase, great chapter endings, parts that made me laugh etc. You can *always* find something good in a person's book.</div><div>QUESTION 6: What makes your partnership work? Do you all have similar skills or do each of you bring something different to the table?</div><div>Jo: Zoe gave a good summary of our individual skills in an earlier question, but I think the reason we glue so well is that we are all busy and committed people, with lots in common. Young families equal rare writing time, so we take our work seriously and value one another.</div><div>Elle: That’s true. We work partly because we have a similar output level. And I think we all see how valuable this sort of partnership can be, so we’re willing to do the work to keep it going. We’re all committed to writing as a career, so we’re all doing something book related every day. It might not work if one of us was only writing once a month or something.</div><div>Zoe: Oh yeah, commitment is crucial. We're all at a stage in life where we have families and work and obligations, so tearing an hour or two a day from that schedule to write is HARD. But we do it anyway because we NEED and WANT to write. It also wouldn't work if one of us was spending years on a single novel while another was churning out five a year. Right now, I think we're at... what? Two books a year per person? Something like that. I expect that if/when we start writing full-time, this will go much faster and we'll have to rethink our systems, but for now, it works great!</div><div>***</div><div>Well, as you can see, we talk a lot. If you still aren't convinced you need a CP and want to know more, you can <a href="https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/06/11/Critique-Partner-Interview-and-Romance-Writer-CP-Match-Up-Part-II">continue reading our interview in Part II.</a> But if you're already sold on the idea of making a new friend or two, and improving your writing through a critique partnership, fill in the form and hopefully we can match some people up!</div><div>I'll leave this form open until the end of the month! Whether you're signing up or not, please share this post with your romance writing buddies! Let's help each other be better writers! </div><div><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cQTT3DEqhV5-bXSVdtDMIpfZXNspf7hBgZLjzZH_4FE/edit">SIGN UP HERE BY JUNE 30, 2018 TO BE PART OF THE ROMANCE WRITER CRITIQUE PARTNER MATCH UP!</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Book Review: Stripped by Tara Wyatt</title><description><![CDATA[I have two words for you- stripper cop. Oh wait! Here’s a few more- he looks like a long lost Hemsworth brother. Need I say more? Don’t worry, I’ll wait while you run out and one-click... No seriously, I love Tara’s writing. She could probably write a high school essay and I’d still thoroughly enjoy it. But I don’t have to, because she writes plenty of steamy, swoon worthy romances to keep me happy! And Stripped is a great new addition to her lineup. Sawyer is a super hot cop but kinda grumpy<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_b3fc81679c034cde8d5cc707462802aa%7Emv2_d_3024_3024_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_394%2Ch_394/0742c7_b3fc81679c034cde8d5cc707462802aa%7Emv2_d_3024_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/05/18/Book-Review-Stripped-by-Tara-Wyatt</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/05/18/Book-Review-Stripped-by-Tara-Wyatt</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2018 02:16:11 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_b3fc81679c034cde8d5cc707462802aa~mv2_d_3024_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>I have two words for you- stripper cop. Oh wait! Here’s a few more- he looks like a long lost Hemsworth brother. Need I say more? Don’t worry, I’ll wait while you run out and one-click... No seriously, I love Tara’s writing. She could probably write a high school essay and I’d still thoroughly enjoy it. But I don’t have to, because she writes plenty of steamy, swoon worthy romances to keep me happy! And Stripped is a great new addition to her lineup.  Sawyer is a super hot cop but kinda grumpy and a bit of an asshole. Just how I like my book boyfriends! Brooke is his partner, and she’s beautiful and kickass and so likable.  They’ve got a history, so when they’re partnered up, sparks immediately fly. And when Sawyer has to go undercover as a stripper, you better believe things are about to get hot!  This has all the chemistry, and emotional connection I’ve come to expect from Tara’s writing, with a fun and suspenseful storyline to go with it. I knocked a star off because I thought the ending could have used a little more depth and description. It felt a bit rushed, and I wanted to be really enveloped by its epicness. I didn’t quite get that, but overall, a super enjoyable read I’d recommend to everyone.  It’s the first in a new series so if you haven’t read any of Tara’s work yet, it’s great place to start!</div><div>It gets a 4 on the drama llama scale! </div><div>Aaaaaand since Tara was kind enough to send me an ARC of this book, I'm going to giveaway an ebook copy to one of you! Check out the posts on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellethorpebooks/">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks/">Facebook</a> pages for details! </div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stripped-Blue-HEAT-Tara-Wyatt-ebook/dp/B071NKV9KJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1526609984&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=stripped+by+tara+wyatt">One click here on Amazon!</a></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068853-stripped">Add to Goodreads here!</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>We are all found things by Molly O’Keefe| Book Review</title><description><![CDATA[My critique partners and I have been discussing writing shorter length stories, and basically wondering how the hell to do it. Squeezing in all the regular romance beats, along with character arcs, depth of emotion and all without resorting to instalove seems like an incredibly difficult feat to accomplish when you have less than 30,000 words to play with. So the three of us buddy read this, so we could study it, pull it apart and work out how the pro’s do it. And Molly O’Keefe is a pro. No<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_319317c0ce13455d9c3ecada58d6ecea%7Emv2_d_2916_2916_s_4_2.png/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_626/0742c7_319317c0ce13455d9c3ecada58d6ecea%7Emv2_d_2916_2916_s_4_2.png"/>]]></description><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/11/We-are-all-found-things-by-Molly-O%E2%80%99Keefe-Book-Review</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/11/We-are-all-found-things-by-Molly-O%E2%80%99Keefe-Book-Review</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2018 03:28:10 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_319317c0ce13455d9c3ecada58d6ecea~mv2_d_2916_2916_s_4_2.png"/><div>My critique partners and I have been discussing writing shorter length stories, and basically wondering how the hell to do it. Squeezing in all the regular romance beats, along with character arcs, depth of emotion and all without resorting to instalove seems like an incredibly difficult feat to accomplish when you have less than 30,000 words to play with. So the three of us buddy read this, so we could study it, pull it apart and work out how the pro’s do it. And Molly O’Keefe is a pro. No doubt about that. I was blown away by how much detail she managed to squeeze into such a small book. Luka and Rennie jumped off the page from the very first sentence and drew me into their world. Rennie is an artist, welding being her choice of medium. She has a rented space in a shitty part of town that keeps getting broken into. The only solution is to find someone to live in the loft apartment over her workspace, who can call the cops when trouble arises. There’s an attraction from the minute she meets tall, blonde, Viking-ish Luka. He’s beautiful but awkward and she can’t work out how she knows him. It’s only after he moves in, that she realizes how she recognizes him and that she already knows the secret he’s keeping. In fact, the whole world knows his shameful secrets. There isn’t a ton of plot to the story, beyond them revealing their secrets to each other, but the need to know their secrets had me flipping pages. The ending snuck up on me, partly because it finished at 84% so it did feel like an abrupt ending, but it wasn’t entirely unsatisfying. Lukas secret is a good one, and explained his character. Rennie’s secret didn’t seem big enough for her behaviour and there were some little things that went unexplained. Which is the only reason I knocked off a star. Molly’s writing is beautiful and moving to the point of being poetic at times. I’d definitely read more of her work. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_d40f0901488c47fba8442adfe079d091~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Book Review | Deep Redemption (Hades Hangmen #4) by Tillie Cole</title><description><![CDATA[First up, this review is spoilery. This is the fourth book in a true series, that you need to read in order, so there’s just no way of reviewing it without giving SOMETHING away. I will say this to anyone new to this series, though. Read it. Start with ‘It ain’t me, babe’ then message me so we can gush over it together. I recommend this series a lot, and I’m yet to have anyone say I steered them wrong. Trust me.Now onto the review. It’s been awhile since I immersed myself in the Hades Hangmen<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_3e4251197eeb4a6caa59137d76a1710e%7Emv2_d_3024_4032_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_451%2Ch_601/0742c7_3e4251197eeb4a6caa59137d76a1710e%7Emv2_d_3024_4032_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/04/Book-Review-Deep-Redemption-Hades-Hangmen-4-by-Tillie-Cole</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/04/Book-Review-Deep-Redemption-Hades-Hangmen-4-by-Tillie-Cole</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2018 03:38:08 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_3e4251197eeb4a6caa59137d76a1710e~mv2_d_3024_4032_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>First up, this review is spoilery. This is the fourth book in a true series, that you need to read in order, so there’s just no way of reviewing it without giving SOMETHING away. I will say this to anyone new to this series, though. Read it. Start with ‘It ain’t me, babe’ then message me so we can gush over it together. I recommend this series a lot, and I’m yet to have anyone say I steered them wrong. Trust me.</div><div>Now onto the review. It’s been awhile since I immersed myself in the Hades Hangmen world. The 3rd book (Flame and Maddie’s story)broke me so utterly and completely that although I loved it, my emotions were too raw to read another one right away. But it’s been, maybe 6 months, so it was time.  Maybe it was because I did take a few months off, or maybe it was because it was Rider’s story and I still kinda hated him, but it took me a bit to get into this story. We saw glimpses in the first three books that proved Rider was maybe a good guy, but let’s face it, he did some majorly bad shit too. I couldn’t for the life of me work out how on earth Tillie Cole was going to redeem him.  Ha. Stupid me. I can’t believe I doubted the awesomeness that is Tillie Cole’s writing. Once the story got going, I got sucked in. Maybe I would have seen the plot twist coming, if I hadn’t taken that break, but I’d forgotten a few details, so I totally didn’t see it coming, until it was right on me.  This was some seriously clever writing. And Tillie Cole never took the easy way out. She stayed true to each character’s personality, and I wholeheartedly believed in their actions, even if occasionally I really wanted something else to happen! I was all ‘why don’t they just take him back into the club and love him!’ But of course, that wouldn’t have been realistic and Tillie’s way was much better. I can’t wait to continue on with this series, and see where the story goes now that the main antagonist for the first 4 books is kaput! I really hope we get to see more of Rider, because I’m desperate to know how his role within the Hangmen will develop over time. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_d40f0901488c47fba8442adfe079d091~mv2.jpg"/><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Redemption-Hades-Hangmen-Book-ebook/dp/B01IAAIP5S/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1522812524&amp;sr=8-7&amp;keywords=tillie+cole">You can buy Deep Redemption here</a></div><div>Are we friends on Goodreads? We should be! <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/73737096-elle-thorpe">Add me here</a></div><div>Have you read any of the Hades Hangmen books? Let me know!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Camp Nanowrimo</title><description><![CDATA[It's Sunday night here, and I am sooo full right now, i can barely breathe. But I had a lovely day, despite the 35 degree heat (seriously, it's Autumn, where is the cooler weather?). We had a full blown banquet style feast for lunch, did an easter egg hunt, kids had fun on the slip n slide with their cousins AND I started Camp Nanowrimo! 2000 words done and dusted, baby! No idea what I'm talking about? Nanowrimo stands for National novel writing month and is held each November. The idea of the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_10a30b3795b649bc8bce42cbf91bdf44%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_210/0742c7_10a30b3795b649bc8bce42cbf91bdf44%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/01/Camp-Nanowrimo</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/04/01/Camp-Nanowrimo</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2018 09:05:51 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_10a30b3795b649bc8bce42cbf91bdf44~mv2.png"/><div>It's Sunday night here, and I am sooo full right now, i can barely breathe. But I had a lovely day, despite the 35 degree heat (seriously, it's Autumn, where is the cooler weather?). We had a full blown banquet style feast for lunch, did an easter egg hunt, kids had fun on the slip n slide with their cousins AND I started Camp Nanowrimo! 2000 words done and dusted, baby! </div><div>No idea what I'm talking about? Nanowrimo stands for National novel writing month and is held each November. The idea of the game is to write a full length novel (or 50k words) in 30 days. Camp Nano is held in July and April, and is all about the team spirit and support, but with less pressure, because you get to set your own writing goal. </div><div>I'm a weirdo, and instead of making myself a nice easy word goal, I made it harder. I'm aiming for 60,000words in April. I feel a little sick even writing that down, because 60k is an INSANE goal. But, there is method to my madness. I'm writing the second full length book in my Only You series, called Only the Negatives. This was the last book I'd planned to actually write this year. I've got a lot of editing scheduled, and Only the Positive releases in September, so I think I'll be pretty busy with that. </div><div>Thing is, I'm well ahead of schedule right now. And i have a little plot bunny, bouncing around my head, begging for me to write him a story too. SO, if i can knock over this draft pretty quick, I'm thinking i might be able to squeeze in another novella at the end of the year. </div><div>Am I biting off way more than i can chew? Quite possibly! But hopefully not. I'm pretty committed, so bring on April and lets see how we go! Make sure you're following me on social media so you can kick my butt from time to time and make sure I'm still writing! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New website, new branding, same old Elle</title><description><![CDATA[So, what do you think?I've been working on this website, and my new branding for what feels like forever! In reality, it's probably been six months. And truthfully? It could have been half that if I hadn't been so horrifically indecisive. I originally did the whole thing up with this theme, which might look vaguely familiar if you follow me on facebook, because that's what I'm currently rocking over there. It was nice enough. But kind of boring. Which was why i could never bring myself to hit<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_2d00a63179f64449ab86dc7c5df437c6%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_192/0742c7_2d00a63179f64449ab86dc7c5df437c6%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Elle</dc:creator><link>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/03/31/New-website-new-branding-same-old-Elle</link><guid>https://www.ellethorpe.com/single-post/2018/03/31/New-website-new-branding-same-old-Elle</guid><pubDate>Sat, 31 Mar 2018 03:51:50 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>So, what do you think?</div><div>I've been working on this website, and my new branding for what feels like forever! In reality, it's probably been six months. And truthfully? It could have been half that if I hadn't been so horrifically indecisive. </div><div>I originally did the whole thing up with this theme, which might look vaguely familiar if you follow me on facebook, because that's what I'm currently rocking over there. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_2d00a63179f64449ab86dc7c5df437c6~mv2.png"/><div>It was nice enough. But kind of boring. Which was why i could never bring myself to hit publish on the website. </div><div>Then one day, a few weeks back, I posted this video on social media. </div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_SRDHfcwZM"/><div>And people seemed to like it. My parentals have a little alpaca farm, and i spend a ton of time there, writing on their back deck, helping out and just generally running around trying to squish the animals because they're so stinkin' cute. </div><div>What does that have to do with writing and books? Well, amongst my writing friends, I'm known as the drama llama. I love my romances full of drama and angst (along with humour, chemistry and swoon worthy book boyfriends). So then i started thinking, well, I'm a bit of a drama llama. And i have these llamas (or rather, alpacas. But whatever. Who even knows the difference?). Why don't i build a brand around it? </div><div>So I did! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_9b25c6ec8b904b0dbf73f3817098a1e6~mv2_d_2255_2039_s_2.jpg"/><div>Have a poke around the site, and let me know what you think! And be sure to check in regularly for book updates, giveaways, and drama llama fun! I'll be back on the blog tomorrow to talk about Camp nanowrimo! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0742c7_fb1169d5f2454debae54387aa567bdea~mv2_d_2009_1505_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>