Thursday, October 20, 2011

Spotlight on: Lisa Kessler!

You've heard me say it before and you'll hear me say it again--the best part of being an author is all the people I get to meet.  Lisa Kessler is one of them.  I can't remember where we first met, but we renewed our friendship at the RomCon in Denver this summer, sitting line to have our fortunes told.  When Lisa let me know her novel was coming out, I couldn't wait to shout out about it.  So, without further ado, please welcome Lisa Kessler!

PS:  Be sure to leave Lisa a comment.  She's giving away signed Night Walker romance trading cards and a digital copy of Across the Veil to one lucky commenter!
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Romance Writers Rock
Thank you to Erin Quinn for inviting me to her blog today!

My first paranormal romance, Night Walker, was released in August, but before I became a debut author, I was a romance reader who loved meeting authors. (Okay I still am, but you know what I mean, right? :)

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of my favorite romance authors at book signings and conferences. I’ve emailed with others too, but the unifying trait that I found with romance and urban fantasy authors was this.

These amazing writers love their readers!!!

And as my book got closer to publication, I discovered another romance author trait… Many romance authors spend lots of time helping and encouraging new writers. As a debut author, the biggest hurdle has been to get the word out about my book. Since I’m a new writer, just building a readership, most people aren’t going to know to search for my book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I was stunned by the support I received from established romance authors.

(Note from Erin--Lisa is such a lovely, warm person, who wouldn't want to support her?  :)

When I stepped across the line, from romance reader to romance author, many published authors, like Erin, offered to let me guest blog, they posted on facebook and tweeted on twitter. I get teary-eyed thinking about the fabulous women who have helped me on this journey.

What other industry in this competitive world we live in would be so welcoming?

At the RWA National Conference this summer, NYT Bestselling Author, Sherrilyn Kenyon gave an inspiring speech about her publishing journey and reminded us that there is room on the NYT list for everyone. She encouraged writers to support each other and stand together while the publishing world shifts.

I’ve been doing my best to reach out to readers through social media, (and giving away lots of romance trading cards! LOL) but without the help of amazing romance authors like Erin Quinn, I’m pretty sure I’d still be treading water!

(another side note from Erin...aww, shucks.  Lisa, I'm a firm believer in paying it forward.  If you get to that NYT list before, remember me, ok?  :)
So what kind of cool experiences have you had meeting authors? Any fun stories to share?

Lisa

You can find Lisa all over the web at:
http://lisakessler.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
http://facebook.com/NightSeries


Night Walker

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

Learn more about Nightwalker at http://www.entangledpublishing.com/night-walker/ .

Don't forget to leave Lisa a comment. She's giving away signed Night Walker romance trading cards and a digital copy of Across the Veil to one lucky commenter!



24 comments:

Chrisbails said...

Great excerpt. Lisa is a new author for me, but have heard great things about her. I am always looking for new books and authors to check out and would love to add her to my list. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com

Modokker said...

If Erin says your have a great book that's good enough for me. I love love your cover. I think it is stare worthy for sure. lol I am just a reader and blogger but i have had some great experience with authors. Erin is one of them. I read Haunting Beauty for Romcon the first year they had the contests and loved it so much. I contacted Erin about how much i loved it and have read all her works since then and encouraged her to try Romcon again with Haunting Warrior. The majority of authors are nice giving people who are just like everyone else. Not to many act like their better than everyone else. It's so gret to see that. Erin is amazing.

I've read several great debut authors this year. I wish you many sales Lisa. Congrats on your debut book!! I love my paranormal.

Lisa B

cherthib said...

Always on the lookout for new authors so this is great"!!"!!

Jary said...

Always glad to read new authors!

flaca798 at hotmail dot com

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Chris!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!! I'm honored to be added to your list! :)

Lisa

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Lisa B -

You've got a great name by the way! LOL :)

Erin is the coolest isn't she?

Thanks for commenting!!! I hope you'll check out Night Walker...

Lisa :)

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Cher -

Thanks for commenting!!! :)

Nice to meet you!

Lisa :)

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Jary -

Nice to meet you!!!

Thanks for commenting!!!

Lisa :)

Aurian said...

Your book sounds intriguing. And I guess doing blogtours is the best promotion you can have in bookland.

I live in Holland, so unfortunately, I have not met any of my favourite authors (yet). Someday I will come to America, and go to a convention though. As a child, I did meet some of my favourite Dutch authors, and I still treasure that memory. They were so nice, and they signed my books (still have them of course!).

Thanks for the give away. I would love to win some of those cards, as I love swag.

auriansbooks at gmail dot com

Gail said...

I love to read new books and get to know ew authors.This book really sounds great. I would love to read it.

Gwen said...

Ohh, sounds like a good one. Sign me up for the giveaway. Nothing's better than a free read, unless of course you add free chocolate :).

Melanie said...

Each year at RomCon I discover new authors and this year was no different, Erin quickly became one of my favorites and was tons of fun to hang out with. I also have to say thanks Lisa for not being shy and staring that conversation at the table, we were able to find Night Walker on my IPad and download it right there, I LOVE technology! Took me a little while but finally had a chance to read it and I would suggest everyone get a copy right away, you won't be disappointed!

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Aurian -

I love international readers! :)

And if you come to the US for a convention, Romantic Times or RomCon are both really fun with lots of opportunities to meet amazing authors!

Thanks for commenting! It's great to meet you...

Lisa :)

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Gail -

Thanks for commenting!!!

It's great to meet you!

Lisa :)

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Gwen -

Free chocolate is the best!!! :)

Thanks for commenting! it's great to meet you!

Lisa :)

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Melanie! *waving*

It was so fun meeting you at RomCon!!!

And I smile everytime I see the pic of you with Night Walker on your iPad!!! LOL Amazing times...

Thanks for commenting!!! I'm totally going to nudge you next time I go to Las Vegas! LOL

I'm so glad you enjoyed Night Walker!!! :)

Lisa :)

VampBard said...

Avid reader and have recently become a part of a review team for the blog of a dear friend :) Even though the first novel was finished years ago and is now lost, I continue working (as time permits! life is busy!) on perfecting my craft. I find that one of the best ways is to read as many authors as possible. I'm getting to do that via reviewing, but am always on the lookout for new voices!

Loving Erin's Haunting Embrace - and she's an awesome person, to boot! Trying to virtually 'meet' as many authors as possible...and hopefully attend Authors After Dark in August (New Orleans, baby!).

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, Lisa! I look forward to reading your title - added to my TBR list!

Margaret said...

Wow, it sounds like a fantastic book! I can't wait to get a hold of it!

Maggie

Erin Quinn said...

And the winner is.... Aurian! Congratulations Aurian. Please send me an email to write2erinquinn (@) aol.com with your email address and snail mail so we can get your prizes out to you!

Erin Quinn said...

PS: Thank you to all who stopped by to welcome Lisa. I read all of your comments and you are all too good to me. You made my week!!!!!

Aurian said...

Ooo thank you so much! Very happy start of the weekend.

Lisa Kessler said...

Congratulations to Aurian!!!

And thanks for all the wonderful comments!!! it was great to meet all of you!!!

Thanks again to Erin for inviting me! I had a wonderful time! :)

Lisa :)

Amber Scott Books said...

Hiya Lisa!
We got to chat on Para Your Normal and I love seeing you here at one of my all time fave author sites. Kismet!
This series is on my TBR!

Lisa Kessler said...

Hi Amber! *waving*

I had such a blast on your Para Your Normal radio show!!! :)

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Hope you enjoy Night Walker!!!

Lisa :)