My Quiet Year

It's that time of year where people recount the last twelve months, everyone on social media is using a new app to see their most liked pictures/posts, and readers and bloggers post their favorite books of 2015.

And for the first time in a long time I didn't publish a book the entire year. Don't get me wrong, I was writing. I poured my heart and soul into BEDMATES which will be out next year. I outlined other projects, but I also did something different. I took my time. I took my time writing. I spent time crafting a book that I'm proud of and can't wait to share. I took my time while hanging out with my family, cuddling, and playing with my daughter and husband. There have been adventures in crafting and reading.I did things just for me. And I'm so much happier and healthier for that time.

In a world where some authors put out twelve to twenty books a year, I didn't put out a single title. Instead I just wrote. And wrote, and wrote, and wrote. There were times where I thought that I might get lost in the sea of authors and new books, that I might end up forgotten, and decided that it didn't matter. It was scary but liberating. I wanted to write books in my own time, write books that I love.

And I'm doing just that.

(You'll be happy to know though, that I do have books coming in 2016.)

In the coming year, remember to take time for yourself, to take your time with those people you love, and don't forget that you are important and deserve to be happy.

I wish you all the happiest of New Years.

FALL GIVEAWAY!

It's fall and that means it's time for a huge YA giveaway. I've teamed up with several YA authors to bring you a bunch of great prizes.

(It's true, I have entire YA trilogy out there in the world!)

First, here are the participating authors:

Now for the prizes. There will be a winner for each prize. Yes, that means there are a ton of chances to win!

Prizes:

2 $40 gift cards

eBook of PERFECT FOR YOU by Ashelyn Drake

eBook of FINE ART OF PRE-TENDING by Rachel Harris

eBook of SOMETHING ABOUT LOVE by Elana Johnson

eBook of ELEVATED by Elana Johnson

eBook of PLAYING WITH FIRE by Sherry Ficklin

One of the GUARDIANS OF GAL-AXY books by Ednah Walters

RITE OF REJECTION by Sarah Negovetich

4 copies of THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY by Lauren Morrill

eBook set of THE DARK BETRAYAL Trilogy by Nichole Chase

eBook of TOUCHING SMOKE by Airicka Phoenix

You can enter on Ashelyn Drake's Facebook page or on the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is international and will run from November 9th to November 15th. Good luck!

a Rafflecop-ter giveaway

Giveaway hosted by Ashelyn Drake. 

More info about Ashelyn can be found below: 

Ashelyn is a pen name for Kelly Hashway. Kelly grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.

Website || Ashelyn’s blog || Ashelyn’s Facebook || Ashelyn’s Twitter || Google+ || 

Pinterest || Ashelyn’s Amazon Author Page || Ashelyn’s Goodreads || YouTube ||

Instagram

*Sign up for Ashelyn's newsletter to stay current on her new releases: http://bit.ly/1tRQqzg

Join her street team, Kelly’s Coven, for exclusive giveaways, ARCs, and to chat with her: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KellysCoven/

 

#RealRomance Day Three

This week I'm spending a lot of time talking about what #RealRomance means to me and trying to find out what it means to everyone else.

As I've mentioned, I met my husband in high school, but we didn't start dating until college. In the last fourteen years, we've had a lot of moments I would classify as #RealRomance. Some of them have been hilarious, serious, sad, and happy. It's that combination of all those things that makes love amazing.

Here is one of my #RealRomance moments:

My husband and I had been dating for a month or two when we decided to watch Pearl Harbor. Do you remember that movie? It's the one with Kate Beckinsale, Jash Hartnett, and Ben Affleck. I had been in class all morning and then at work the rest of the day. On top of that I hadn't been feeling wonderful so took some Nyquil. Now, being young and in love, I didn't let a little cold stop me from kissing my boyfriend during a romantic movie. It was all going great...

...until I fell asleep and drooled all over his chest.

I fell asleep while making out with my hot boyfriend and then drooled all over him.

When I woke up, his t-shirt was stuck to my face and I was covered with one of the throw blankets from the couch. He hadn't moved or pushed me off of him in disgust. Instead he chuckled, made sure I was comfortable, and held me during my Nyquil coma. Needless to say I was horrified but he only chuckled and tucked my head back against his chest.

That was when I knew that I loved him...and had an inkling that he just might love me too.

A bunch of really great authors are participating in the #RealRomance theme today and we have a bunch of goodies to giveaway! So check them out and be sure to enter for your chance to win some awesome things!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Real Romance

I've been asked why I write romance. In fact I get asked that quite often. Why do I write romance?

Well, I believe in real romance. Not just the big moments standing under the Eiffel Tower, or doves floating through a blue sky, but the little moments that take our breath away. A single look that conveys a hundred words. A small act of kindness or understanding that passes between people that have spent fifty years together.

I believe that romance is more than the perfection that is often portrayed in movies and books. It's bonking heads when you go in for your first kiss (or teeth in my case...), it's falling off the couch while trying to be sexy (guilty again), it's stealing a bite of ice cream before taking the bowl to your sick partner in bed.

Years ago, I met my husband in high school. We didn't start dating until college but somehow I knew that we would eventually end up together. It was this weird sort of patient knowing that we were meant to be and that it would happen when the time was right.

Now, don't let me make it sound too perfect. I mean--it was magical. I saw him across the parking lot of my high school and had one of those slow-mo moments where I grabbed my friends arm and asked who that boy with the blond hair was. Years before I'd moved to Georgia, I'd had a dream and the boy in that dream looked just like the guy running across the parking lot in front of me.

...but there were also not so magical moments. Like hitting our teeth during our first kiss--don't worry--I laughed then too. Or the fact that he had two jobs for our wedding and managed to get one of them wrong. (Pick up the correct number of tables for the reception and show up on time. Well, he was there on time, but we didn't have all the tables.) And I may have accidently turned some of his favorite pants pink while doing laundry... and eaten the leftovers he'd been saving for lunch. What can I say? They looked yummy.

THIS is why I write romance. REAL ROMANCE.

And now I want to hear about your #RealRomance moments. I want to know the perfect and the not so perfect.

The sky is the limit with these real life stories! Tell about your first date with your love, a funny story, your first fight, include pictures or don't. It is completely up to you! We want the real deal on romance. Does your significant other steal bites of your favorite ice cream when you aren’t looking? Do you rush inside to find the remote after a long day so you’re not stuck watching ESPN? Did you play Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who would get up with the kids at midnight? Share those real life moments that make the magic of real romance with real people so much better.

I want the goods. And to repay you for sharing I'm hosting giveaways all week. I may even have a few friends join the fun, so keep your eyes open.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

A little surprise for Flukes

Well, after several years, I decided it was time to give FLUKES a new look.

Here it is! What do you think? I fell in love with this picture immediately because it looked just like Meena and Blake.

I sent the image to Stephanie at Once Upon a Time Covers and she worked her magic to make it perfect. She understood exactly what I wanted. (She's also responsible for the amazing cover of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy covers and happens to be an amazing author.)

Flukes is currently on sale for $.99 right now too.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Kobo
Smashwords

Now, I want to touch base with you about RIPTIDE, the next book in the FLUKES series. I've received a great deal of emails and messages asking if I am indeed releasing that book and when I will do so. I'm afraid I don't have any more information for you right this minute. Riptide is coming, I swear. I'm dying to write the story and publish it for everyone else. Jacen is a loud character in my head. The truth, which isn't going to be popular (but I'm going to be honest with you anyway), is that I must focus on my contracted books with HarperCollins before I can move on to anything else. While FLUKES has a very vocal set of readers that love Meena and Blake as much as I do, this book has never been a big seller. That's totally fine and I'm not complaining. I wrote this book for me after I finished my first series and to be honest you never know if how you feel about a book will translate into sales. Those that read it loved it, got it, and want more--I hear you. I WILL get this book out.

So, straight up honesty here, I had to focus on the books that paid the bills. I also had to decide on how much time it took me to write books that I am proud to put out. I don't want to rush anything--I want readers to get my very best. That means taking my time and not throwing something together just to make everyone happy... because that wouldn't really make anyone happy, would it? I promise that when Riptide is released you will have the very best story possible... and you should have the very best. Because Jacen and Violet deserve a beautiful story. (Look, I just dropped a little information that some of you might have already figured out. Meena's best friend Violet plays a very important part on Jacen's story.)

So, keep on asking me when it's coming. Let me hear how much you want to read their story. I am going to make it happen. It's mostly plotted (just a few things to work out) the cover is done (whoa!) and I'm dying to write it. So, hang in there guys. Before you know it, Jacen will be swimming your way in all of his hunky merman glory.

 

BEDMATES: An American Royalty Novel

You can officially add the first American Royalty Novel to your Goodreads to-read list!

From the bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25817470-bedmates

 

 

 

Shark Week 2015

I look forward to this week all year. All you have to do is check my social media. I love Shark Week. Hell, it was on the TV in the delivery room while I was in labor. No lie. I don't remember much, other than some Air Jaws between contractions, but it. Was. On. I wasn't going to watch something else in the middle of night while suffering. Nope. It was SHARK WEEK!


My daughter was born on August 4th 2009. It was the happiest day of my life.

And I managed to get though my contractions while watching giant great white sharks fly out of the water while trying to eat fake seals. It was amazing. If those massive creatures could launch themselves from the water, then I could get through the birth of my gorgeous daughter.

I eagerly await Shark Week each year. I set up my DVR as far in advance as possible. There are snacks planned ahead of time. At some point I'm going to host a really kick-ass Shark Week party. Complete with awesome cupcakes, shark fin hats, shark inspired snacks. Oh yes, it's going to happen.
And when I do have this party, it will be awesome.

Shark week is this wonderful bit of TV that shows us how beautiful (and terrifying) nature can be. Without realizing it, hundreds of thousands of people sit in front of the TV soaking up real-life facts. They're watching television and learning. (And deciding how they would fight off a shark attack of course.) This is a huge deal. With all of the misleading information on the internet this is your chance to flush your audience with truth. The Discovery Channel should continue it's legacy of education. Show the world how amazing our planet truly is.

But I've got to take my enthusiasm down a notch and tell you that I was so disappointed by the Megalodon crap. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Mermaid Mock-umentary. Loved it. (I write about mermaids, so duh, I love them!) But uh, mermaids have no real evidence. Megalodon actually existed at one point. So all of these people that were open to receiving fun facts and instead were given a load of B.S.

I get it. You've got to keep Shark Week fresh, interesting, give the people something new.

So, last night as I set up my DVR I thought of a couple topics that might be fun to look into for future shows. Ready? Here I go:

• Prehistoric sharks. (Hey, Shark Week/ Discovery Channel PR people? You totally dropped the ball here. Jurassic World came out this summer. People are LOVING dinosaurs right now. They're hot. My daughter would have loved a show about sharks/shark types that were alive with dinosaurs and what dinosaurs they would have eaten. You could have possibly even done some promo with Jurassic World. How cool would that have been?)
• Has global warming affected sharks and their habitat? We hear more and more about bull sharks farther up rivers. Have they always been there? Or is this a new development?
• What about baby sharks? Where do all of the little baby sharks live? What do they eat? Where are do they hide and for how long?
• What about animals that sharks are wary of? Can dolphins really kill a shark? Would they protect people? What about orcas? Will they hunt sharks?
• I'm sure I can come up with more ideas. Those only took me like five minutes.

If you ever want talk ideas, hit me up. ;) Seriously, I just love Shark Week. But can we save the mock-umentaries for another time? You know what was an awesome *documentary*? The one about the giant squid. I still watch it when it comes on t.v. (Yeah, I'm a dork, but the good kind of dork.)

So, I guess the main point of this post is that I want to see more of the awesomeness that is nature and less of the trumped up fake shows.



Now, excuse me while I go make sure that my snacks are lined up and my schedule is cleared for next week.

 

This looks like my toothy grin

as I prepare for my favorite

week of the summer.

 

 

P.S. Readers, please be careful if you decide to go swimming in North Carolina. Maybe Shark Week can tell us what's up with that. ;) Also, avoid swimming on Tybee Island or Hilton Head Island--There is a warning about bacteria in the water. Just an FYI.

 

My (late) RT recap (and lots of pictures)

I know that everyone has already done their recap of the awesomness that is the RT Convention.

You guys, it was SO much fun. So. Much. Fun.

And I was completely exhausted afterward. My flight home was delayed (waah) and I missed my connection. Then I got home and immediately slipped into mommy mode because my munchkin graduated kindergarten. Myyyy baaaabbbyyyy is growing up too fast!

But you want to hear about all he fabulous things at RT, so prepare yourself for pictures. I feel like I didn't take enough last year, so worked to make up for it this year.



These are from my panel on Wednesday morning. I was so nervous but I loved having these ladies sitting with me, chatting about the things I loved. I don't think I did too terrible, despite being incredibly nervous.

 

 

I also had the privilege of being on a panel with my rock star agent Rebecca Friedman and fantastic publicist KP Simmon of InkslingerPR.

 

I also had the chance to hang out with some of my favorite people.

(Below is my awesome sister (glasses) and brilliant Elizabeth Hunter.)

The delightful Tammara Webber! 

 

 

My sister and the gorgeous EL James.

And I *FINALLY* had the chance to see Killian McRae in person.

One of the highlights of the trip? Dinner at Mortons with Tammara Webber, Ruth Clampett, Daisy Prescott, Colleen Hoover, EL James, Colleen Hoover, Murphy Rae, Vilma Gomez, Killian McRae, and my fantastic sister Becki Perkins.(<--- a="" business="" consultation="" for="" is="" p="" starting="" who="" wildlife="" writers="">

 

Another of my favorite parts of RT is the giant Avon Book signing. Tons and I do mean tons of FREE books.

 

Before the chaos of the signing!

 

All the people! I was so happy to see and meet everyone that came to my table.

Oh, and I got to meet MEG FREAKING CABOT!

And yes, we're both wearing tiaras.

 

The giant RT book fair. Whoa. The amount of people was insane. INSANE.

 

 

Oh. And this happened again. Only this time I got to share the moment with my sister.

For those of you that don't know, Tamora Pierce is one of my literary heroes. And I got to see her! She was on a panel before one of mine and I spoke to her. Probably something stupid, if I managed to speak English at all. Then again at the giant book fair I had the chance to grab a picture with her and I don't look like I was crying. (Unlike last years.)

In other words, RT was freaking fantastic. I'm so glad I had the privilege of attending RT while meeting so many readers and friends and making new ones. Such a great trip. And I wouldn't have traded any of it for anything. <3 p="">

If you saw me at RT I'd love to see any pictures you took.

Sending love!

 

TWO WEEKS! The 2015 RT Convention in Dallas, Texas

It's almost here. One of the most fun events in the book world is happening in Dallas this year! Are you coming? I sure hope you are because it's shaping up to be helluva event.

There are going to be books, talks, books, events, and more books.

I'm going to be on a panel. Oy vey. Me speaking. Oh, and I'm moderating a panel with Colleen Hoover, Jay Crownover, Sophie Jordan, Christina Lee, K.A. Linde, and Lia Riley. We will be discussing the New Adult genre inside and outside the college setting.

I'm going to take a moment right here to take a deep breath. *gasp, struggle, gasp* Great unicorns, how the heck did I end up moderating a panel with these amazing women on it? So, if you want to watch me turn really pink, stutter, and possibly sound like an idiot, then you should definitely come to the panel! If you don't want to see any of that but you DO want to see these amazing authors share their brilliance? Then come on out and be sure to clap and whistle for them. Bonus points if you get to see me laugh enough to snort. ;)

Here's the info: https://www.rtconvention.com/event/exploring-new-adult-inside-and-outside-college-setting

If I manage to not snort on that panel, you'll have another chance to make an idiot of myself. I'm also on a panel with my fabulous agent Rebecca Friedman, awesome publicist KP Simmon, amazing Kevan Lyon, and stupendous author Kristen Proby. We will be discussing Hybrid Publishing teams and how they work. Considering the way the publishing world is changing and shifting this is an important topic.

Here's the info: https://www.rtconvention.com/event/hybrid-authors-and-hybrid-teams-%E2%80%94-can-they-work

Oh, oh, oh! Don't miss Avons Night in Paris... Texas. There are going to be a TON of amazing authors signing FREE books. Here's a little idea of what you're in for...

Tout arrive en Texas!  Y’all are all invited to join the authors of Avon Books for an exclusive, kick-your-heels-up adventure in the City of Lights…right here in the Lone Star State, home of “The Second Largest Paris in the World!”  Join us for a trēs romantique interlude featuring all your favorite Avon, William Morrow, Harper Voyager and Harper Teen authors (list TK), who will be signing copies of some of their most beloved books—just for attendees of the RT Booklovers convention.  Be our guest and enjoy beaucoup de vin delicieux, compliments of our co-sponsor Little Black Dress Wines, and a variety of tray-passed sweets and French-style treats!  All sweetness and Light, just for one night!

Click on the link to see who is going to be there with free books! https://www.rtconvention.com/event/avon-presents-night-paris%E2%80%A6texas


And of course, there is going to be the NEW ADULT COLLEGE PARTY on Tuesday night! Come join us to mingle with readers and authors while playing fun college games, and possible chance to win some awesome prizes! And the authors that will be there!? Well, find out here... https://www.rtconvention.com/event/new-adult-college-game-night


Now, I do have a little bad news... If you want to get signed copies of any of my self-published titles you'll need to order the books a head of time and bring them for me to sign. I apologize for the inconvenience, but the convention isn't set up to handle both indie published and traditional published books for each author (thought they are working on that.) I will have a few of my titles to giveaway, but if there is one you are looking for in particular then you should order it ahead of time and bring it along with you. A link where you can purchase physical copies: HERE. 

I'm really stoked guys and can't wait to see everyone. And if you see me, you should totally ask me for a tiara. I'm bringing some to give out and want to see them being proudly worn during the convention!

For more information check out the RT Convention website. There is SO much happening.


So come see me and don't forget I've cut my hair short, but I think my tiara will give me away. ;)



 

Spring Break Sale!

Next week is spring break in Chase house. To celebrate I've decided to put a few books on sale!

The Accidental Assassin is currently only $0.99!
You can get your ecopy at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Smashwords


And...

FLUKES, book 1 in a New Adult Paranormal Romance is FREE until April 11th on Amazon!


On top of all that fun stuff, I'm gearing up for the 2015 Romantic Times Convention. And I need your help. I want to bring some fun goodies for everyone, but I want to make sure that it's stuff that YOU want! So, if you wouldn't mind, take a minute and let me know your favorite swag.

(Also, stay tuned for details about RT! I'm moderating a panel with some amazing author and sitting on a panel about 'hybrid' authors. Not to mention lots of other fun events.)






Thank you for your input! And if you take advantage of one of the current sales I'd appreciate it if you took just a minute to leave an honest review.

 

I can finally tell you...

 

 

 

...About my newest series!

 

 

 

HERE’S THE SCOOP!

The American Royalty Series is coming!!!

 

Things to Expect from The American Royalty Series:

·       Humor and witty banter

·       West Wing meets Scandal meets Suddenly Royal Mashup, anyone?

·       A cameo (or two) from the Royal Series

·       Drama

·       Jake. Jake. Jake.

·       Um….did I mention Jake?

I'm very excited to be working with HarperCollins to bring the American Royalty series to life. I'm very interested in the life of politics--there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that most people never hear about and it intertwines with our daily government and in some ways, affecting everyone. As I was thinking about that fact, Jake and Maddie's story began to take form and I found myself enthralled by the challenges they would face and just what their happy-ever-after would entail, if there could *be* a happy-ever-after.

About Book 1 (Title TBA) in The American Royalty Series:

Color me jaded, but coming home just isn’t the same when you have to go through security before you can see your dad. Don’t get me wrong, everyone had to go through security to see my dad. Even Kings, Queens, celebrities, my step-mother and half-brother we’re given the metal detector treatment. It wasn’t like I was a hooligan being singled out. It’s just part of life when your father is president. Go figure.

Maddie’s father is in his second term as president and she could care less. Being a politician’s child has made her world weary and leery of being manipulated. When she comes home from college for her summer break, she thinks it’s the last time she’ll be in the white house. Her father’s term is almost over and she’ll finally be able to live the life she wanted. What she doesn’t count on is facing her nemesis, Jake Simmon, back from the war. As the son of the Vice President, she had constantly been paired with him for events and during campaign tours. The tabloids loved to speculate about a possible relationship, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Jake was the perfect politician’s son. He always did as he was asked, always smiled, and to her absolute horror always looked dreamy.

In other words, he was her exact opposite.

Jake was finally home, but he couldn’t wait to escape. Instead of searching for peace and quiet after losing his leg in Afghanistan, he was sitting in on campaign meetings and giving interviews. He had never felt so helpless in his life, not even after waking strapped to a table in a blistering hot med tent. His mother was intent on using his brand new disability as a campaign tool. Show off her wounded son so people would find her relatable. The only positive thing he had to focus on was the fact that he would get to see Maddie again, which was pathetic when you considered that they hated each other. She’d always gotten under his skin, throwing caution to the wind and doing what she’d wanted while he had walked the line. In a world where everyone looked at him with sympathy, he knew she wouldn’t hold back. And though he was loathe to admit it, one of his favorite past times was verbally sparring with the spunky brunette. What he isn’t counting on is how much they have both changed over the last two years.

 

I know some people are going to be worried about my other series. Don't be. (Yes, Emily Lamphear, I'm looking at you. lol!) The next Flukes novel, Riptide, is on my schedule, as is the next Assassin book. Switching back and forth keeps me fresh and happy. And happy writers write more. It's not that I don't miss my characters from other series, sometimes it's just the way the schedule works. So hang in there mermaid lovers and fictional assassin lovers. Those books are coming and I'll keep you posted on dates when I have them.