The Road to a HEA

It's been a long road since Hayley and I decided to become authors. Not long in terms of physical time, but long in terms of the learning curve we've had to navigate. And our navigation hasn't always been smooth. 

First, we've learned that most people hate endings that don't result in the characters living happily ever after. And some people REALLY hate it. We know... they've left reviews. Our desire to be realistic in our writing has turned a few people off, pissed a few off, and caused a few to tell us off. (And we know that banging a pro athlete in an airport isn't realistic, but that scene was so hot, we're sure you'll forgive us). We get where readers are coming from. Life so rarely gives us the happy ending we wish for. That's why we all read to begin with. So, if you read Pieces of Perfect and felt robbed by the ending, we're sorry. Kind of. Maybe just a little. Okay, we're not really apologetic at all. We chose the unconventional path and we're happy there. It's where we belong. Besides, we always planned a sequel. So be patient with us and you'll get the ending many of you were hoping for. We promise. 

Second, it's become abundantly obvious that Hayley and I did not go into business for a reason. We suck at it. We've asked for--and received--advice, guidance, and step-by-step directions. Aaand we still suck. I am particularly awful at this part of being an author because I am completely unable to multitask. If we're writing, then that's all I can focus on. If we're reading to gather intel on how best to approach certain techniques, then all I do is read. I'm unable to launch full-scale Facebook attacks on blogs, because I don't even know where to start. I mean, I can't even get my one year old to stop hitting me. If I can't get her to like me, I have no chance at getting the rest of you to. Thank God for Hayley and her husband carrying my dead weight. 

Third, we've learned that other authors are amazing. We've made so many writer friends, and every one of them has offered guidance and support. A few have gone so above and beyond for us, it's astounding. I don't know what we did to deserve you girls, but now that we've got you, we're never letting go. Never. Cue creepy stalker music. 

Fourth, we've learned that were a tad odd, more than a little crazy, so similar it's frightening, and completely in love with what we're doing. This is it for us: a path that we can't veer off of without becoming permanently and irrevocably lost. And it's a path that we walk together because all journeys are more fun when you have someone to enjoy the scenery with. Someone who points out what would've otherwise been missed. Someone who gets the way you see the world because they see it that way too. Hayley is my soulmate in writing. And I sure as hell better be hers. 

Our road has ultimately just started. And we hope that it is long and easily traveled. But even if it's not, that's okay. Even if it's littered with pot holes, speed bumps, hitchhikers, and hills, we'll get there. We have to. We're no longer just ourselves; we're also Elizabeth and Hayley: two total wackos who have an unshakable belief that we've finally found our calling. So, as we begin writing the sequel to Pieces of Perfect and tell you more of Lily's story, we hope you also get to hear more of ours. 

Happy Reading, everybody.

I'm Obsessive

Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am a book-aholic.  (This is where I imagine you all saying, "Hi, Elizabeth.")

I've always enjoyed a good book: a relaxing read before bed, a delightful distraction to kill some time, or a satisfying storyline on the beach.  But everything spiraled out of control for me a year ago when a "friend" introduced me to my first erotic novel.

Fifty Shades of Grey changed me. I went from a fun, energetic, casual reader to a manic, paranoid, obsessive devourer of smut. I've read Fifty Shades three times since the summer of 2012. I'm not proud of it . . . okay, I'm actually really proud of it . . . but I can't stop.

My husband has staged interventions in our bedroom, begging me to turn off my phone because the light was keeping him awake. What did I do?  I turned on my side away from him so my body would block the glow. He has knocked my kindle out of my hands, asking me to talk to my family and stop reading my book. My response?  "Just let me finish this chapter."

And as the list of available smut grows, I only sink deeper into my addiction. There is no cure for my affliction, no therapy to help me fight my cravings for book boyfriends. Writing a romance has convinced me that there is no turning back. I will take this disease to my grave.

So I'm reaching out to my fellow sufferers (authors) to help satisfy my demand for romance novels.  I'm looking for well-written books to review in exchange for you doing the same for ours. I'll post to Amazon and Goodreads (if my review is favorable). If anyone is willing to swap reviews, you can contact us on Facebook or by email at elizabethhayley12@gmail.com.  

Happy reading,

Elizabeth