Kiss Pitch Author Mentor

About Me:

Romance is hard-wired into my brain. I can’t write without it turning into a kissing story. My first novel was written during NaNoWriMo in 2012. A small press picked it up in 2013 and like that, I was hooked. I exclusively self-publish now under two names with over 30 titles on my backlist.

My husband and two kids keep me busy when I’m not writing or working part-time at Barnes and Noble.

This is my first time as an official writing mentor, but I have worked with authors in the past as a freelance editor and critique partner. Working with authors to help them hone their skills gives me a great sense of community. Other authors are NOT our competition, they’re our community. 😍

Wishlist

I am open to nearly all subgenres of open-door, steamy, spicy adult romance. No literary fiction with romance elements. No erotica. No Christian or Inspirational. Reminder: Romance is defined as a story that is focused on the romantic relationship between the main characters and HEA is REQUIRED, not optional.

Here’s more details about what I’m looking for:
• I LOVE TROPES. Give me some fresh ideas using well-worn tropes. Any and all combinations of tropes. Shake things up.
• Strong, relatable characters
• A basic understanding of market expectations (what are your readers looking for)
• Relatable characters of all backgrounds
• Open to anything with past trauma that shapes the main character’s motivation and shows growth
• I want main characters over the age of 30. Under is fine, but I crave those over 30/over 40 romances.
• Fun, well-rounded cast of secondary characters
• Fresh, unique locales and settings
• Strong, unique writer’s voice

Do NOT Send Me a Story With:

• Modern military anything. A veteran MC is fine, but active duty is a no for me. I lived that. Not a fan.
• Abuse/Trauma for the sake of gratuitous titillation. It needs to serve a purpose and be written in a tasteful way to push the story forward.
• Dark romance. (Not my wheelhouse.)
• Cheating.
• Pregnancy or accidental pregnancy is a main part of the story or used as a plot device/conflict.
• Family members dying of cancer/etc.
• Straight up Erotica
• Literary fiction with romance elements
• Christian or Inspirational Romance
• Hardcore BDSM/kink (some elements I can work with, but it’s not something I’m well versed in)

My Ideal Mentee

I’m looking for authors who are open to learning and flexible. It’s important to learn to find the groove that works for you when it comes to your writing process and goals. But I’d also like to see your passion. Show me how much you want your story to shine and how desperately you want to share it with the world. I want to see your passion for romance blossom into something amazing!

My Mentoring Style

A few years ago I spent some time as a freelance editor, and while I learned a lot during that time, I realized that I’m better equipped to help with content edits than line/copy edits. If you’re looking for an editor, I can make some great recommendations.

What I can do is help you create a basic outline of your story and guide you as you write your first draft, or help you polish an existing draft by showing you how to trim those extra scenes and tighten your prose.

Be open to feedback. I do give constructive criticism in my notes, but I will also squeal and fangirl when you send me a piece that hits all the right notes. Oh, and I swear too. You’ve been warned.

If we’re a good fit, we will meet and discuss a game plan, set some realistic goals, and then create a plan of attack for that first draft. I want to be your biggest cheerleader. You can do this!