• RLF Gems

    Saying goodbye to the Romance Lives Forever blog #RLFblog

    As of today, Dec 1, 2023, I am closing Romance Lives Forever. Why? I'm organized and efficient, but with as much as I want to do going forward, I can no longer maintain RLF. I used Triberr to amplify the blog on social media, especially Twitter. The new requirements and limits from Twitter cut exposure by a huge margin. Triberr brought 80%+ of all readers to the blog. Since it's no longer active, that cost another huge drop in traffic.

    It costs a bit to run the blog, register its domain name, pay for the signup/reminder service, and it takes time to chase down people who send things last minute (or not at all). Plus I have to let authors know the service is available. Then I format the material, resize the images, upload everything, and schedule its promotion. Alas, time and money won out.

    I started the blog in 2009, and went to daily posts in 2010. I've explored many ways to do all this and still find time to write and market for myself. I hired an assistant last year, but only I can write the stories in my heart. I am loath to give up, not being a quitter by nature.

    When it's Time to Quit

    Last month, I heard Becca Syme (one of my mentors) say that it's time to quit when you no longer love what you do. Becca is brilliant. I took her Strengths for Writers and Write Better-Faster courses in the last 12 months. Each came with 6 months of follow up calls and targeted counseling. Changed my life in so many ways. Here's the video I'm referring to if you're curious. https://youtu.be/GRG5UeFYihE

    Daily monitoring this blog is not what I love. What I love is supporting other authors, and the blog was how I did that. I will still support them but in ways that leave time for my own priorities. It took more than a year for me to decide to do this (or rather, stop doing this). I almost didn't commit to 2023, but felt guilty for quitting. It wasn't until I heard Becca's comment last month that I gave myself permission to do what I had to do. She wasn't talking about blogging, or anything even close to what I was doing. She was talking about writing in the golden age of publishing (the new era we've recently entered), and how to know what to do next (or stop doing).

    The video was from Ream, which is a new subscription platform for authors. I've just launched mine. I attended an accelerator class with a handful of other authors in a small-group setting for mentorship. Wonderful support and I learned things I never expected.


    Some of the Many Authors Who Made RLF a Success

    Adriana Kraft, Alexa Aston, Alina K Field, Amber Daulton, Anne Kane, Brenda Sparks, Daryl Devore, Dee S Knight, Effrosyni Moschoudi, Faye Hall, Iris Blobel, J Arlene Culiner, Jami Gray, Jana Richards, Karen Cino, Kate Hill, Kris Bock, Linda O'Connor, Lisabet Sarai, Livia Quinn, NJ Walters, Seelie Kay, Tena Stetler, Tina Donahue, Veronica Scott, Vicki Batman

    I'll miss the blog. It's been a part of my life during most of my career as an author. I look forward to what comes after this, and having the time and freedom to pursue the next steps.


    Thank you for being part of my journey. If you'd like to support me and keep up with what I'm doing next, here's how:

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    Romance Lives Forever Blog (RLFblog) is closed as of Dec 1, 2023. Comments prior to 2021 have been deleted. This site will remain online until July 2025.


     
  • Cover Art,  Paranormal

    Peek behind the cover of A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks @brendasparks #RLFblog #PNR

    Peek behind the cover of A Midsummer Night's Demon by Brenda Sparks @brendasparks #RLFblog #PNRA blind date takes a deadly turn in Brenda Sparks’ paranormal romance, A Midsummer Night’s Demon. The only problem: demons and witches go together like fire and ice.

    In A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks, a blind date takes a deadly turn. When a mysterious man comes to the rescue, there’s only one problem…Demons and witches go together like fire and ice.

    Brenda, I’m happy to host you on Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Tell us about A Midsummer Night’s Demon.

    A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks

    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Born a witch, Daelyn Torres knows little outside her home and work. A chance blind date promises adventure and a walk on the wild side. But her night on the town takes a deadly turn when she is gravely injured and left to die. A handsome, mysterious stranger comes to her rescue and brings with him a passion she has never experienced. Daelyn never believed in things that went bump in the night but is more than willing to be seduced by the sexy demon who marks both her body and soul.

    A dark guardian sent to investigate a series of missing person cases, Ky Robinson is ready for anything, except the insatiable desire that engulfs him when he meets Daelyn. He senses that their destiny is intertwined and vows do everything in his power to keep her safe. The only problem: demons and witches go together like fire and ice.

    Tell Us About Your Cover

    What was your reaction when you first saw this cover?

    This is the second version of this cover. The first was created when the book was published through an e-publisher. Once I got the rights back to the book, I was able to contract with a cover artist to create a new cover. I adore this cover. I think it is the best cover of any of my stories.

    How did you choose the artist?

    The artist is personally known to me. He has been doing cover art for years, and it was a pleasure to be able to get him to do this cover.

    What was it like to work with this artist?

    Working with the artist was easy. He strives to make the author happy. The only thing I wanted to change from the original design was the font on the lettering of my name. He made the change in minutes and sent me a new mockup of the design.

    What do you like best about your cover?

    The fire. Fire is involved in a pivotal moment in the story. I love seeing it included on the cover.

    In what ways do the models match your story’s characters?

    The models are a perfect fit for my characters. The artist used my descriptions of the main characters when choosing who to put on the cover. They are an exact match, right down to the ice-blue eyes of the hero.

    A good cover conveys the genre at a glance. What are the genre clues on this cover?

    I believe the hazy moon, the hero’s icy stare, and the attractive male and female models all help to convey the paranormal romance genre.

    What emotions do you hope your cover communicates?

    I wanted this cover to be like my heroes…dark and intriguing with an air of mystery.

    If they are open to new authors, feel free to share their website.

    The cover artist is DW Adler. You can find Don on Instagram @DW Adler or contact him via DW.Adler9@gmail.com

    Where to buy A Midsummer Night’s Demon

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55095894-a-midsummer-night-s-demon
    Amazon: http://mybook.to/AMidsummerNightDemon
    *This story is exclusively available on Kindle Unlimited.*

    Brenda Sparks Social Media

    Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
    Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
    Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
    Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
    Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
    Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
    Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
    http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html

     

     

  • Is It True

    Is It True: Alpha Mine by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #ParanormalRomance

    Is It True: Alpha Mine by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #ParanormalRomanceHe stood stone still, wrapped in the darkness of the shadows… Alpha Mine, by Brenda Sparks, a PNR novel in the Alpha Council Chronicles.

    Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Let’s play Is It True with today’s guest, Brenda Sparks. This is a game with yes and no questions. Writers can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.

    Alpha Mine by Brenda Sparks

    Genre Paranormal Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    In the shadows of the night, there exists a band of warriors–a group of vampires, known as the Alpha Council. Their formidable leader, Stephan von Haas, has vowed to protect not only his kind but the humans existing alongside them. His duty comes before all else–until a sassy blonde saunters into his life.

    When a sensual, dark-haired stranger walks into Katrina Spencer’s life, he stirs her deepest desires and sweeps her into a world beyond her wildest dreams. But when Katrina is targeted by Stephan’s enemies, reality shifts into something violent and deadly, as she is thrust into a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and vengeance is coming for her.

    Together they will confront an extraordinary destiny of peril, passion, and dark pleasures. But when one horrid mistake brings retribution, their love may pay the price.

    Is it true:

    this is your first book?

    Yes. This is the first book I published. It holds a dear place in my heart because I’ll never forget the feeling I had when my publisher offered me a contract for the story. The old saying is true…you never forget your first. 😉

    this book is part of a series?

    It is. Alpha Mine the first book in my Alpha Council Chronicles series.

    you lost sleep while writing this book?

    Sleep? What is this thing called sleep? The heroes of this story invaded my dreams, especially Stephan. I’d wake in the middle of the night and have to get out of bed to write down a scene.

    you did research for this book?

    The research needed for this book was a lot of fun, because it is set in Las Vegas. I love it when I can set a story in a place I have not been before. It gives me a great excuse to take a vacation to a fun new place. Of course, I can’t share anything else about the research for Alpha Mine, because, after all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

    some characters in this book are not human? (pets for example)

    There are vampires in this story, some are heroes, some are villains.

    this book has more than one genre?

    No. It is strictly a paranormal romance.

    you speak more than one language?

    I can understand a little Spanish, French, and sign language, but I speak English.

    you grew up where you live now?

    Unfortunately, no. I grew up in Virginia.

    you love to read?

    Absolutely! There is never enough time in a week to read, but I do it every chance I get. I’m a big fan of paranormal and historical romances.

    you are never late?

    I’m one of those people who feels like if I arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule then I’m actually late. Being late is one of my biggest pet peeves.

    you love pizza?

    Ummm…yes!! I’m a wanna be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

    you love sushi?

    It’s not my thing, but I love watching the sushi chefs make it.

    you have a pet?

    I do not. We will be moving a great distance soon, so we have decided not to get another pet until after we move. I miss having a fur baby in the house but know that it would be difficult on one to make the move with us.

    Where to buy Alpha Mine

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brenda%20Sparks%22;jsessionid=2F4221ED16638F18E041B57F9FB22853
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/author/brenda-sparks/id643137043
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=brenda%20sparks&fcsearchfield=Author

    Brenda Sparks Social Media

    Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
    Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
    Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
    Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
    Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
    Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
    Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
    http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html

     

     

  • Paranormal

    A fun read: #PNR Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #Paranormal

    Coming Soon: Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #PNRA chance meeting in the past comes back to haunt the unlikely couple in Brenda Sparks’ new paranormal romance, Alpha Eternal. He’s a spy. She’s his enemy. But fate seems destined to bring them together.

    Brenda, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Alpha Eternal.

    Thank you so much for having me, Kayelle! I’d love to share a little about my newest story.

    Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks

    Genre: Paranormal Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Alexander Hall is a fun-loving vampire whose duty comes before all else, except maybe finding a heartmate. Discouraged when he is assigned to infiltrate a demonic compound, Alex plans on getting in and out fast, but fate has other plans. Once Alex discovers a sexy demon from his past is chosen as his guide, he couldn’t be more pleased.

    Shira is a demon who likes to keep to herself, so when the demon king asks her to be Alex’s guide, she couldn’t be less pleased. Keeping the vampire from discovering demon secrets quickly becomes a fulltime job. A job she didn’t ask for and most definitely doesn’t want.

    With the vampire’s desire for someone to commit his heart to and the demon looking to run as far away as possible, how will fate intervene to bring this unlikely couple together?

    Where to buy Alpha Eternal

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Eternal-Council-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B08NP2STVB/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alpha-eternal-brenda-sparks/1138275373?ean=2940162965534
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/alpha-eternal/id1540683330

    Brenda Sparks Social Media

    Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
    Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
    Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
    Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
    Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
    Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
    Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
    http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html

     

     

  • Vampire

    #VampireRomance The Alpha Council Chronicles by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #PNR

    #VampireRomance The Alpha Council Chronicles by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #BooksWelcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Today’s guest is Brenda Sparks, author of The Alpha Council Chronicles, a paranormal romance series. Brenda, tell us about your book.

    The Alpha Council Chronicles Series by Brenda Sparks

    Genre Paranormal Romance

    Series heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    In the shadows of the night, there exists a band of warriors–a group of vampires, known as the Alpha Council. Their vow, to protect not only their kind but the humans existing alongside them.

    Together they will confront an extraordinary destiny of peril, passion, and dark pleasures in the riveting paranormal romance series, The Alpha Council Chronicles.

    Where to buy The Alpha Council Chronicles Series

    Publisher https://www.thewildrosepress.com/authors/brenda-sparks
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alpha-revealed-brenda-sparks/1136277240
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/alpha-revealed/id1497481224

    Brenda Sparks Social Media

    Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
    Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
    Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
    Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
    Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
    Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
    Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
    http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html

     

  • Contemporary

    Read the #PNR Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #Paranormal

    Coming Soon: Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks @brenda_sparks #RLFblog #PNRA chance meeting in the past comes back to haunt the unlikely couple in Brenda Sparks’ new paranormal romance, Alpha Eternal. He’s a spy. She’s his enemy. But fate seems destined to bring them together.

    Brenda, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Alpha Eternal.

    Thank you so much for having me, Kayelle! I’d love to share a little about my newest story.

    Alpha Eternal by Brenda Sparks

    Genre: Paranormal Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Alexander Hall is a fun-loving vampire whose duty comes before all else, except maybe finding a heartmate. Discouraged when he is assigned to infiltrate a demonic compound, Alex plans on getting in and out fast, but fate has other plans. Once Alex discovers a sexy demon from his past is chosen as his guide, he couldn’t be more pleased.

    Shira is a demon who likes to keep to herself, so when the demon king asks her to be Alex’s guide, she couldn’t be less pleased. Keeping the vampire from discovering demon secrets quickly becomes a fulltime job. A job she didn’t ask for and most definitely doesn’t want.

    With the vampire’s desire for someone to commit his heart to and the demon looking to run as far away as possible, how will fate intervene to bring this unlikely couple together?

    Where to buy Alpha Eternal

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Eternal-Council-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B08NP2STVB/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alpha-eternal-brenda-sparks/1138275373?ean=2940162965534
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/alpha-eternal/id1540683330

    Brenda Sparks Social Media

    Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
    Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
    Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
    Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
    Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
    Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
    Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
    http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html