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Friday, October 31, 2014

Author Spotlight!! Jacquelyn Ayres!

Author Spotlight!

Jacquelyn Ayres

Author Interview

What prompted you to write your first book?

I was making a lot of changes in my life that were basically getting me back to me. One of the biggest changes was getting back to my writing. A story started in my head and instead of letting it play out there, I put it down on paper. I haven’t been able to stop since!

Is there anything or anyone in particular that you draw inspiration from?

I don’t think there is anyone in particular. I tend be inspired by many different people and how they pull through what life has handed them. I always try to showcase that in my books—bring awareness.

Which story has been your favorite to write?

I had the most fun writing Under Contract. I had just come off of writing The Lost & Found series which, though laced with humor itself, tore me to shreds.

Is there a book concept you’re just dying to write?

Yes, actually there is! It came to me several months ago but with having to finish the GEG series and the prequel for my other series, it’s going to have to sit and marinate on the back burner for a while.  I won’t tell you much about it because it’s so early except to say that it will be about lost love and not between lovers. ;)

Which character of yours, is your favorite?

That’s a close call for me but I’m going to say most of the parent figures like Hazel, Alma, Happy, Grams, Shannon, and now, Winnie. They don’t have these huge parts in my books but when they come into a scene, their presence is known and often stays with you. That’s what I think makes them the most kick-ass!

Do you have a favorite book?

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia. Brilliant book and funny to boot. I always recommend that one!

Who is your favorite Disney character?

 Snow White

Do you have a method to your writing process?

Outlining, etc.  Yes. I start writing, getting interrupted by my kids, beg for fifteen minutes to work, they leave me alone for five.  Hit repeat on that and throw in laundry, cooking, errands, activities, and others and that’s my day time routine. Once they are in bed then it’s on like Donkey Kong! I don’t do outlines because even when I have the story in my head, once I start writing, my characters take me in a totally different direction. Sometimes (most of the time) I stare at the screen while a whole scene plays out in my head. Then I snap out of it and realize I didn't write a damn word of that scene! It’s a wonder I ever get a book finished!

Have you ever gone back to book you've published and wished you could have changed the ending or some other major aspect of the story?

 The only thing I would change is not make the last Chapter of Under Contract a chapter. It’s a short one and I think some people felt that the book ended abruptly. It didn't. Their story was done and any unanswered questions are a part of someone else’s main story in the series. It’s up to them to tell it. J

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?

First, make sure you get an editor. Then make sure that editor actually knows what they are doing and follows the guidelines of the Chicago Manual of Style. If this editor doesn't mention it or doesn't know what you are talking about, then they probably were good with commas in school and think they can edit a book. Not the case! Secondly, don’t let one person’s negative opinion of your work, guide your career. There will always be someone out there who doesn't like your style. Everything is subjective. In saying that, always make sure to surround yourself with honest people. You definitely don’t want people who will put rose-colored glasses on you either. Thirdly, this is hard work. It takes up a lot of hours in your day. You have to keep at it. Writing the book is the easiest part. Fourth, enjoy the experience. If you’re not enjoying it then that reflects elsewhere. Good luck and Congrats!


About Jacquelyn Ayres

I am a Domestic Engineer (born and raised in NJ) whose sole responsibility is to guide three young impressionable kids into becoming phenomenal adults. This challenging, yet rewarding work requires a lot of love (coffee), patience (wine) and determination (periodic exorcisms). I work all of this magic in the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Before becoming a Domestic Goddess (not really), I spent over a decade working in the medical field where I wore more hats than the Queen.

I have had a love for the written word and the great escape it provides since I was a little girl. When I wasn't reading about people and the places they lived, I was creating my own characters and adventures. Finally, I have been putting a pen to paper allowing my characters to come to life. When I don't have a pen and paper in hand, you can often find me laughing at the conversations my characters are having in my head. 


Stalk Her

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Books by Jacquelyn Ayres

The Lost & Found Series:

 

Goodbye Caution: 

Becca Campbell is a mother, friend, and widow to a war hero (may he rot in hell). She just wants to raise her daughter right and keep her bed-and-breakfast afloat in this economy. Her traumatic past leaves her with no desire for a relationship until Grayson James walks through her door. He’s not the type of man you can easily say “no” to. Becca can’t quite understand the pull she feels toward him. But then his controlling nature starts to push her away—and into Ray McNeil’s comforting arms. Which is right where Ray has always wanted her.

Who will Becca choose?

Will she finally give in to her feelings for Ray, or continue the tumultuous relationship with Grayson? Only one thing is certain -either choice will mean saying goodbye to caution. 

***Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language and violence.

10% of the proceeds from this book will be donated to YWCAUSA.org to help abused women and children.
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Goodbye Secrets

What if your life wasn't exactly as you thought it was? What if there were secrets you kept—from yourself?

Becca Campbell has no idea her world is about to be turned upside down when she and Grayson return to New Hampshire.

Pieces start flying into place, answering the questions of the puzzle she calls her life. Things finally add up—it all makes sense. All that was lost is now found.

But will she be able to move forward, knowing the truth?


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Goodbye Uncertainty
BECCA Campbell was lost for seven years, until an unexpected person from her past came back into her life and unveiled the truth. 

This truth has set her free.

If only it were that easy.

Knowing what she now knows, Becca must come to grips with reality. She has to fight for the man she loves. The man she is meant to be with.

Becca, very sure of her path, needs to get him to say goodbye to uncertainty.

What happens, though, when uncertainty with her is all he’s ever known?

Amazon ¨ Amazon UK ¨ B&N ¨ Google ¨ Kobo



The One (a novella)

Kip Taylor is everyone’s dream. His one downfall is that he’s a player. He can have any woman he wants in town—state, even—and he knows it. There’s only one woman Kip wants. Trouble is, he hasn’t met her yet. Until then, he’s going to fill his dance card with the Johnson girls: Maggie, May, and Missy.
Shelby never thought she’d see Rison, Arkansas, again. She’s been estranged from her extended family for over a decade. Things happen and sometimes the only place you can find solitude is the very place that has raised so many questions in your life. 

She was looking to start her life over.

He was looking for his to truly begin.

Neither one of them understood the power of kismet until the day their eyes locked. From that moment—in their heart of hearts—they knew that the other was The One.
Amazon  ¨  Amazon UK  ¨  B&N  ¨  Google 



The GEG series:


*** This book contains the GEGs! For those of you who don't understand that warning: GEGs= strong language. gut-busting LOL moments caused by best friends who check their maturity at the door when they're together, and impromptu Kegel exercises. This book does not come with batteries.


Under Contract
Charlotte McKendrick is your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. She has three beautiful children, a loving family, special friends, and the most wonderful, adoring husband. Her life is a dream.

Er . . . let’s try this again.

Charlotte McKendrick is not your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. Yes, she’s got three beautiful children, a loving family (all of them lingerers—you’ll see), and her friends are special, all right! As far as her wonderful, adoring husband, what a joke! That bastard abandoned her and the kids six months ago. 

Now, she will do anything she can to survive and provide for her children. Even if it means signing on the dotted line . . .

Mitch Colton is the CEO of Colton Technologies. Most of his year is spent traveling around the world, bringing companies the latest innovations in automobile technology. He doesn’t have time for a traditional relationship and the BS that comes with it. He doesn’t do the “marriage” thing, the “kid” thing, and he certainly doesn’t do the “falling in love” thing. All that said, he still wants someone to come home to. Someone who will offer everything he wants, and nothing he doesn’t. He realizes loyalty paired with these kinds of demands won’t come cheap. No problem. What he doesn’t realize is that once Charlotte McKendrick signs that dotted line, he’ll be paying with a lot more than money.

Amazon  ¨  Amazon UK  ¨  B&N  ¨  Google  




Coming Soon

In The Mix
November 2014
CiCi O’Brien has a weapon of mass destruction—her mouth. It’s always loaded and ready to strike, whether the situation calls for laughter or a professional smartass. It’s been her strongest defense against unwanted feelings over the past fifteen years. If she acts like she doesn’t care, then she won’t, right?

Yeah . . . keep telling yourself that, Ceese!

Luckily for CiCi, she’s surrounded by friends and family who can easily see through her façade. They (and the furballs she takes care of at work) are who enrich her life, have been the ones she’s needed. That is, until the day her life changed—when she grabbed it by the balls.

No, seriously . . . she grabbed him by the balls. Not kidding. 

Kyle Cooper has it all. He’s smart, handsome, and a ninja (not really, but that’s what Mitch likes to call him). As vice president of Colton Technologies, he travels around the world with Mitch, bringing companies the latest innovations in automobile technology. At home, he’s a force to be reckoned with, always hanging out with his parents and sister or . . . working.

Oh.

Kyle Cooper does not have it all, and he’s ready for a change. He just isn’t sure where to begin. That is, until CiCi O’Brien walks into his office and grabs this bull by the . . . horns (wink), which causes a spark to ignite in both of them. Kyle embraces it. CiCi does everything, short of calling the fire department, to put it out. Who will prevail? And what will that win truly mean? 

***Though it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order since all books will have a continuation of EVERYONE'S story. 

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