|
Hi Passionate Inkers,
When I first dove into writing romance, I never imagined a career without Romance Writers of America. And now, after 7 years as a member, and 3 years as a member of the Passionate Ink Chapter, I find myself sharing some pretty stunning news: Passionate Ink members have voted to disaffiliate from the organization 16 years after our founding in July 2005 by Sylvia Day!
The Board is currently evaluating our charter, our commitments to membership, and looking at everything from our pricing structure to our member services and where we can do even more for our members. We are collaborating with you, our members, and taking the time to get this right; while we can’t share specifics now, we will soon.
We look forward to partnering with RWA and relevant organizations in the future to forge meaningful and mutually beneficial alliances, deepen publisher accessibility and relationships, and accelerate author education and success across the spectrum of romance to meet our membership’s needs.
If you would like to read more about the changes to come, CLICK HERE. And stay tuned for more news to come!
Sincerely,
President, Passionate Ink
Here are the members of your 2021 board with their emails in case you would like to contact us:
President: Ashley Bostock, president@passionateink.org
Vice President: Jordyn Kross, vp@passionateink.org
Marketing Liaison: Leslie Noyes, communications@passionateink.org
Secretary: Raisa Greywood, secretary@passionateink.org
Treasurer: Mira Noire, treasurer@passionateink.org
Workshop Director: Barbra Campbell, workshops@passionateink.org
Webmistress/Admin: Mira Noire, webmistress@passionateink.org
Membership Engagement: Ryan Osborn
Social Media: Cadence Vonn
|
|
CONTEST ENTRY DATE EXTENDED!
We are extending the deadline for entering the Passionate Plume Contest.
If you write historical, sci-fi, and paranormal, we are especially hoping to receive an entry from you — these categories are wide open. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Please note that we still have judging positions open and would love your help. You can judge even if you are submitting your novel, because you would judge a separate category. Learn more HERE.
|
|
|
Workshop for Passionate Ink Members:
Social media can – and should – be part of your marketing. It’s a chance to engage with readers, to promote your books, and to spread brand awareness. Social media is important for an author’s career, but there’s so much out there – how do you choose the social media outlet to focus on, how do you grow your platform on it, and what kinds of posts are going to keep your readers engaged? Most importantly, how do you keep it from taking time away from your writing?
Golden Angel is a USA Today Bestselling Author, Amazon Top 50 author, and Barnes & Noble Bestselling Author of kinky hot romances in multiple genres. She is happily married, old enough to know better but still too young to care, and a big fan of happily-ever-afters, strong heroes and heroines, and sizzling chemistry. She can be found on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
|
|
|
• T H E W R I T I N G L I F E •
IN PRAISE OF OLDER HEROINES
By Leslie Morris Noyes
The Romance publishing biz has finally decided lovers of different shapes, colors, and sexualities are worthy of fiction. But lovers in their 40s and beyond are in shorter supply. Of course I'm thrilled that no matter our sexual or racial identity, the publishing world wants to turn out stories that represent a wider array of readers.
But the disconnect here is that women over 40 keep the publishing industry alive. So, why is the industry ignoring this large audience ready made for stories about themselves? Novels about mature lovers are hard to find and even if some of us would enjoy the occasional heroine who has left her 30s behind, there isn't much selection in this area. Maybe publishers assume that since older female readers are buying what is put in front of them, they are content.
Older women have had rewarding long-term relationships as well as bad ones. We know how much work it takes to live with another human, or to be on our own, and to raise children while juggling many other hats—the partner hat, the keeper of the household hat, the career hat, the caretaker of aging parents hat. We have begun losing friends and parents. We have had relationships fail. There have been career and financial woes, as well as other disappointments. We are well acquainted with grief and grit.
Equally important, we have experienced great triumphs. By the time we blow out forty-odd candles, we have learned a little something about how not to sweat the small stuff. We are getting a handle on how to nourish ourselves. We are more confident about who we are than we were when we were younger. Best of all, we are comfortable owning our own power.
If we are over older and unattached, the stakes are so much higher after 40. Our lives are full of commitments already, so meeting someone and finding the time to foster a relationship is harder than ever before. I remember reading that you are statistically more likely to be hit by lightning than to get married after 40. I doubt that’s actually true—but it has the ring of truth. Finding new love can be particularly fraught when you are older.
Novels that offer insights into lives like our own—novels that honor women’s lives and examine the issues specific to maturing—are satisfying, enriching, and entertaining. I wrote a novel that begins when the heroine is 45 because I wanted to offer up a sexy story about a protagonist who has all of the strengths we acquire as we age, and also, because she is vital and engaged with life, has a lot more to learn.
The responsibilities and the challenges of women’s lives make compelling elements for any story. Whether we are single or coupled, many of us are hungry for stories with heroines who defy the odds. Those stories nurture hopes for our own happy endings.
Here’s a prediction: sooner than later, novels about mature heroines will be everywhere. As for me, I’m happy to be riding the upswing of this wave and to write more stories that celebrate us!
For further musings from Leslie, visit her at: www.LeslieNoyesAuthor.com
Do you have knowledge or opinions you'd like to share about writing, romance, or publishing trends?
We'd love to hear from you. Please submit 500 words or less here.
|
|
|
Members—mark Your Calendar
We can't wait to meet you—see you there!
|
|
Monthly Milestones
THIS MONTH'S GOOD NEWS
- New member Kay Freeman is an RWARamp mentee. Her mentor is A.R. Case. She sees the experience as an opportunity of a lifetime. Congratulations, Kay!
- Barbra Campbell reports that for the first time ever, she had a book profit of over $1,000 in less than a week—no easy task at 99¢ per book. Congratulations, Barbra!
HAVE GOOD NEWS TO SHARE? Did you make PAN status? Hit a publishing milestone? Place in a contest? Email news@passionateink.org to be featured inFebruary's newsletter.
|
|
G E T T I N G T O K N O W
Jennifer Noseworthy
|
|
Jennifer Noseworthy, also known by her alter-ego, Jennifer Kayne, is an author of dark erotic romance. She currently resides in Texas. When away from the pen and paper, Jennifer enjoys making stained glass designs and reading self-help books. She also enjoys shopping for anything purple, collecting Jim Shore figurines, and watching sci-fi and horror films.
Jennifer was inspired to write by her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, who had the class start writing books to present to their classmates. She loved all the wacky and ridiculous ideas she floating around her head that she put down on the paper. She states that “It was the most beautiful thing in the world to me.” Initially, Jennifer started writing horror stories but switched to romance when she was thirteen. “I’m forever thankful to my mother for handing me my first Julie Garwood Novel. From that day on, I was hooked on writing romance novels.”
To the newbie writer, she states, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone started off somewhere and had to learn what worked for them. Never stop learning. I listen to podcasts, take classes, read books and watch webinars to continue learning about everything from self-publishing to marketing to creating my brand. There is always something new to learn.” She also quotes author Jodi Picoult in saying, “‘You can’t edit a blank page.’ Just write. It doesn’t have to be great. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be down on the paper [or] on a computer screen.”
Her biggest challenge as a writer is being an introvert. That makes it hard to put herself out there as a writer. Jennifer confesses that she tends to be overly critical of her work and can self-edit for years. “It’s hard to overcome the things I view as my shortcomings, but I’ve learned that it’s okay not to be perfect. I stopped comparing myself to other writers because everyone started off someplace as a newbie. I limit myself to three rounds, and then I stop,” she says.
If Jennifer had a parrot for a writing partner, the parrot would be saying, “Fucking hell.”
You can learn more about Jennifer at: www.jenniferkayne.com
|
|
Please help us get to know you!
Just answer a few questions and we'll do the rest. Our interview form makes the process easy. Your interview will be featured in future newsletters. Click the button below to get started.
|
|
Passionate Ink members, want to see your new release here?
We need your title, release date, cover image (300 x 450 pixels, .JPG), a description of up to 175 words, and your author website URL
SEND YOR MATERIALS TO:
news@passionateink.org
|
|
The Viking Blues
Jennie Kew
Release Date: April 13, 2021
 He was her first love. She was his only.
Mia Caldwell knows how to get shit done. Armed with a plan to transform her family home into a veteran’s retreat, she employs the help of her childhood friend and former crush, Oliver Bennett. But banging the sexy blacksmith wasn’t on her to-do list.
Oliver Bennett knew from the first day they met: Mia Caldwell was the girl of his dreams. She was smart, funny and driven to succeed, not to mention she had a smile that could drop him to his knees and a dominant streak that could keep him where he fell.
For more information go to:
www.jenniekew.com
|
|
Through Thick & Thin
By Barbra Campbell
Release Date: May 18, 2021
 When I returned home after three years away, things had changed. The love of my life had set our long-term plans aside, had developed a life that left little time for us, and if I was to believe the information piling up in front of me, she was part of a drug ring.
Was I nothing more than a lovesick puppy clamoring for attention?
The thing about puppies was that they could be pretty dang loyal. I was ready to do whatever it took to remind Mira that we were better together than we ever could be apart. And no matter what the evidence said, I would defend Mira against the allegations.
The only question was whether staying on the right side of Mira’s heart would put me on the wrong side of the law.
For more information go to:
BarbraCampbell.com
|
|
Idle Hands
By Barbra Campbell
Release Date: April 18, 2021
He thinks she doesn't work hard enough.
She thinks he doesn't play hard enough.
The only thing they have in common is the bar where they work.
And their attraction.
But well-intended comments aren't always welcome, and lazy isn't exactly a term of endearment.
For more information go to:
BarbraCampbell.com
|
|
Older, Wiser, & Sexier
By Barbra Campbell
Release Date: April 1, 2021
The thing about pranking my kids every year for April Fool's Day was that the tradition was bound to come back and haunt me.
Never in a million years would I have imagined it would happen at the exact moment I crossed paths with the woman of my dreams. And that it would send her into a frantic rant about my immaturity.
But with age comes wisdom, and I was on a mission to prove to her that first impressions were sometimes wrong.
For more information go to:
BarbraCampbell.com
|
|
Willing
By Leslie Noyes
Release Date: March 23, 2021
 Liz Silver is a wedding photographer who's given up on love for herself, though not for everyone else. So, when her creative fire starts burning out she can’t figure what's wrong.
She distracts herself with a couple of short-term affairs. The men she sleeps with have enough “fatal flaws” to not tempt Liz into love. But her problem remains.
Given an opportunity to leave frosty New England for a winter in the South, Liz heads for Coastal Georgia with her standard poodle, hoping a change of scenery will help to rekindle her spark. The marshy landscape is a subject of photographic interest, but her attractive landlord Kit Couper is just as interesting.
Soon, the mystery of her creative slump and her issues with love intersect, forcing Liz to decide whether risking her heart is the only way to reclaim her joyful creative life—and maybe love, too.
For more information go to:
LeslieNoyesAuthor.com
|
|
HOUSTON: A Choice & Consequence Novel
By Cadence Vonn
Release Date: March 16, 2021
 Bodyguard Houston Templeton goes with his gut. Lucia Larrson believes in fate. Danger will test their skills—and trust—to stay alive.
It’s another dreary December day for Houston Templeton until a beautiful woman crashes into him on a busy New York City street. The kiss she steals ignites his desire for more. But the man chasing her threatens to kill them both, unless Houston intervenes. As their relationship intensifies, will it destroy his ability to keep her alive?
After surviving a sadistic Dominant, Lucia Larrson struggles to trust anyone. She panics when a stalker follows her to New York City from Chicago. Driven by fear, her chances of surviving alone are slim. Led by an inner voice, she discovers safety in the arms of a stranger. Now she’ll trust him with her life…and her heart.
If you love reading about a serial killer, a heartless Dominant, betrayal, and sex hot enough to sear your eyebrows, this book is for you.
For more information go to:
Cadenevonn.com
|
|
|
Readers, are you looking for your next favorite author?
Authors, are you looking to connect with more readers?
The following sites are beneficial to everyone and sponsor books with all levels of heat!
Book+Main
Pillow Talk Books
Red Feather Romance
Bargain Books
Choosy Bookworm
Romance Lives Forever Blog
Eden Books
Love Romance Reads
Most of these sites are free to readers, however some do charge the authors. To learn more about these different venues go to our blog located here. https://passionateink.org/blog/
Do you know of other beneficial sites for authors? Let us know at: http://communications@passionateink.org
|
|
PI is only as strong as its members, so please make the most of your Chapter. Here are a few ways to get involved.
Network with published authors in your genre
Take advantage of a special PI, members-only benefit and join us on the Passionate Ink Forum. Share your news, meet with the movers and shakers of the genre, pitch your work directly to editors and agents, view special chats with experts in the field, and help us keep our community vibrant.
Join our Facebook group
Join PI's members-only Facebook group, Passionate Inkers. Hang out and chat with us, share your successes, frustrations, tips, and tricks, and get to know your chapter!
Volunteer for our chapter!
There are several ways to volunteer, whether assisting with the Passionate Plume contest or helping us out at the PI Party at RWA’s annual conference. Please email directors@passionateink.org to learn how you can help.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Get to know us through our newsletter.
|
|
|
|
