“Straying from the Dark Side” by Selena Blake
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Dark Side,
First, thanks so much for letting me drop by today. And second, I hope you’ll indulge me as I step away from the dark side for a moment. That’s right folks. This is your sappy-emotional-cliched-moments-ahead warning. Fasten your seat belts!
I recently had the pleasure of meeting a few of my readers in person. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. Face to face over dinner is a very different experience from online interaction. Would they like me? Would dinner go smoothly? Would there be an awkward lull in conversation? Would I get lettuce stuck in my teeth?
Luckily, I have the best bunch of readers in the whole world and these ladies are no exception. They were warm and friendly and talkative. There were no lulls in the conversation; what was I thinking?! And that lettuce in the teeth disaster, avoided. One sweet reader even drove two hundred miles to meet me. Yes, I got a little sniffly when she told me that.
I loved getting to know my readers in a real way. Not that the internet isn’t real, but the conversations you have over a Caramel Mocha is different than on Facebook. I discovered who these women are as people. I learned about their beloved families, their favorite books, their hopes, goals, dreams, struggles.
All of this drove home what I already knew. My readers are amazing and resilient. They’re hopeful and loving, compassionate and they love hunky werewolves as much as I do. And they’re full of excellent advice. Any time I have a problem that I think other Wolfpack members might have, I ask them and they never let me down. From sinus headaches to the latest tablets on the market, my readers are in the know. And they’re always willing to help out.
Just like I was amazed that anyone would drive to meet me, let alone four hours one way, I’m routinely amazed at this community that has come together. It all started with a werewolf named Sebastian Deveraux and his love for a woman named Amanda. And that love story resonated with one reader and then another and then another. And soon, thousands of readers were reading it. And thousands have joined my Wolfpack.
What started as one author’s idea and imagination has morphed and become bigger. I’ve had countless readers tell me how my stories have lifted their spirits, helped them escape during a rough situation and even made them believe in love again. I guess you could say I’m the catalyst. That’s crazy to me, but at the same time, it’s a responsibility that I understand and undertake. It humbles me.
So my point is this Dark Side readers, any time that you think one person can’t make a difference, I urge you to think again. There have been many days where I’ve been down in the dumps, frustrated with a story or life in general, or ready to call it quits. And there’s always been a reader who sends me a sweet note or a funny picture that brightens my day. That one person reached out and made a difference. And you know what’s amazing about that? Kindness has a ripple effect. That one reader reaching out made my day better and then I pay it forward.
That’s the point. Reach out. Be kind. Pay it forward. You never know when a smile might change someone’s life.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
But before I go, I’d love to hear about a person who’s brightened your day. Care to share a story about someone who’s made a difference, big or small, in your life? Have you ever read a book that changed your outlook or attitude? Does meeting an author in real life give you warm fuzzies? What’s your favorite way to “pay it forward?”
Be sure to look for Selena’s upcoming Pursued by a Werewolf due out on December 11th.
Until then, here’s a blurb from Selena’s most recent release, Ask For It:
Trevor Wyatt has lusted for journalist JJ Fairchild since before he retired from the NFL. Now she’s back in his life and he’s not going to miss the opportunity to show her just how good they could be together.
Words may be JJ’s tool of trade, but when it comes to the bedroom, words escape her. Trevor’s an excellent teacher and before she knows it, she’s asking for what she wants.
But when outside forces threaten to expose dark secrets from Trevor’s past, can he overcome his suspicions and trust the woman in his bed?
ASK FOR IT is a contemporary romance novel by bestselling author Selena Blake. Get your copy of the associated short story free at http://www.selena-blake.com
Find Ask For It at any of the following retailers: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | ARe | Smashwords | Kobo
About Selena Blake
Selena Blake writes erotic paranormal and contemporary romance. First published in 2008, her series Stormy Weather has been on the best seller lists and nominated for awards. She's a fan of action movies, Diet Coke, Milky Way bars and thunderstorms, not necessarily in that order.
I’m looking forward to reading Selena’s books. They both sound good. I will have to see if BAM (Books A Million) has the first book.
Lori, Pursued By a Werewolf will be released on December 11th. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for this guestpost Selena, and you are so right. Kindness often repays itself. Can’t think of a nice example now though, sorry.
Aurian, you’re right. At least, that’s my hope. Paying kindness forward, a good goal to have. Happy reading!