Good Morning, Booklovers!
We’re having light Spring rain this morning, so I have the deck umbrellas up to keep us dry while we visit with DV Stone, featuring her sweet romance novella, Rainbow Sprinkles. (This is her second visit to the Coffee Chat. You can find her previous interview HERE.)
Welcome, Donna. It's nice to see you again. As I recall you take your coffee with one Splenda and cream.
DVS: Yes, I do, and I brought my own mug this time!
Ally: That's great. While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers who might not have been with us a year ago.
Bio
Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. I am a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Recently, Rock House Grill was released by Wild Rose Press. I also host Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window, both weekly blogs. Here’s a little more about me.
Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.
You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media:
Website Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter Instagram
Pinterest Bookbub Goodreads Newsletter
Blogs: Welcome to the Campfire Blog Peek Through the Window
Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. I am a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Recently, Rock House Grill was released by Wild Rose Press. I also host Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window, both weekly blogs. Here’s a little more about me.
Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.
You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media:
Website Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter Instagram
Pinterest Bookbub Goodreads Newsletter
Blogs: Welcome to the Campfire Blog Peek Through the Window
INTERVIEW:
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
DVS: My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, called for submissions to the One Scoop or Two series about Ice Cream. I used to own an ice cream shop, so it seemed like a great idea. At the time, the name Gloriana kept rolling around in my mind. The two came together in a perfect twist cone.
Ally: What is your favorite marketing tool? Why?
DVS: I’m a Canva fan. After using the free version, I splurged and bought it. In another life, I’d probably have gone to school for graphic design. I love playing around and creating videos. I’ve done them for other authors too.
Ally: Do you read reviews of your books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by them?
DVS: I do read reviews. I’m so blessed and thankful that most of them are 4 and 5 stars. In an early release titled Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar, I had one, who said it wasn’t for her, and she didn’t finish it. I’ve only responded to one with more than a like, and that was because she contacted me by email with some lovely things to say about Rainbow Sprinkles.
It’s tough when you get a poor review. It’s like someone criticizing your child. However, in my opinion, it’s good to look at some of the negative critiques. Some you can brush off, but others may have wisdom to think about for future books.
Ally: Do you have a newsletter? Tell us about it. Do you think it is an effective marketing tool?
DVS: My newsletter goes out on the first of the month. It’s a little about me and my life, then any book news I have to share. As an avid reader, I’ll post reviews of books I like and those on my TBR (to be read) list. Often there is a giveaway or two. When my readers interact with me, I’m so happy. Often they tell me how some of my work or insights are uplifting. I don’t know how great a marketing tool it is, but I enjoy the interaction.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
DVS: I’m in the process of submitting Jazz House, the second Impact Book. Many of the characters from Rock House are in it, but I introduce a new female lead. Madeline Cielo is a jazz singer with a secret. Michael Machau, one of my favorite characters, is the male lead. I’m thrilled with how the story turned out.
But I’m also working on a novella called Christmas Cookie Chaos. Lacey, Nathan’s daughter from Rainbow Sprinkles, is an often commented on character. I decided to give her a story as well. I’d hoped it would be available for this year, but life got in the way. We’ll have to see what happens.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
DVS: My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, called for submissions to the One Scoop or Two series about Ice Cream. I used to own an ice cream shop, so it seemed like a great idea. At the time, the name Gloriana kept rolling around in my mind. The two came together in a perfect twist cone.
Ally: What is your favorite marketing tool? Why?
DVS: I’m a Canva fan. After using the free version, I splurged and bought it. In another life, I’d probably have gone to school for graphic design. I love playing around and creating videos. I’ve done them for other authors too.
Ally: Do you read reviews of your books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by them?
DVS: I do read reviews. I’m so blessed and thankful that most of them are 4 and 5 stars. In an early release titled Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar, I had one, who said it wasn’t for her, and she didn’t finish it. I’ve only responded to one with more than a like, and that was because she contacted me by email with some lovely things to say about Rainbow Sprinkles.
It’s tough when you get a poor review. It’s like someone criticizing your child. However, in my opinion, it’s good to look at some of the negative critiques. Some you can brush off, but others may have wisdom to think about for future books.
Ally: Do you have a newsletter? Tell us about it. Do you think it is an effective marketing tool?
DVS: My newsletter goes out on the first of the month. It’s a little about me and my life, then any book news I have to share. As an avid reader, I’ll post reviews of books I like and those on my TBR (to be read) list. Often there is a giveaway or two. When my readers interact with me, I’m so happy. Often they tell me how some of my work or insights are uplifting. I don’t know how great a marketing tool it is, but I enjoy the interaction.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
DVS: I’m in the process of submitting Jazz House, the second Impact Book. Many of the characters from Rock House are in it, but I introduce a new female lead. Madeline Cielo is a jazz singer with a secret. Michael Machau, one of my favorite characters, is the male lead. I’m thrilled with how the story turned out.
But I’m also working on a novella called Christmas Cookie Chaos. Lacey, Nathan’s daughter from Rainbow Sprinkles, is an often commented on character. I decided to give her a story as well. I’d hoped it would be available for this year, but life got in the way. We’ll have to see what happens.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
- memorable book you’ve read: My inspiration for writing is spread through many authors and books—certainly, JRR Tolkien. But growing up, Heidi, Black Beauty, all the Misty of Chincoteague (I’m visiting there this summer). I began reading romance in the late 70s and 80s, so those authors as well.
- ebook or print? I’m an ebook person and do most of my reading on my phone. I love having it with me wherever I go. If I don’t know a word or want to research an idea, I press and hold. The world is at my fingertips.
- What type of music do you prefer? I’m an equal opportunity listener. My radio is programmed from the 40s to top hits. I’m partial to classic rock, blues, and prime country, which is the 80s to 2000s.
- Your hobbies: I’m a camper or glamper, actually. After I retire I plan to take long trips across the country. Cooking over the open fire. Reading, of course. I make jewelry, sketch, and sort of play the guitar.
- e) best place you’ve ever visited: Many years ago, I went on a whale watch off the coast of Maine. I’ll never forget it. The water was smooth as glass and the same color as the sky. Then a pod of whales breached. In a particularly touching moment with a mother and calf, I turned to the guide and said, “This must be what Heaven is Like.” She agreed.
Rainbow Sprinkles (A One Scoop or Two Story)
Genre: Sweet Second Chance Romance with light paranormal
Novella
Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream.
A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he's lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop.
With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?
Excerpt:
“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”
“No, you're welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”
Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I'll be right back.”
When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”
Buy Links:
Amazon Barnes & Noble iBook’s
One Stop Shop for links
Other Books by D. V. Stone
Rock House Grill
One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact
Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar
One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.
Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake
A Mid-grade paranormal
Contributing Author: Australia Burns
Rock House Grill
One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact
Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar
One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.
Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake
A Mid-grade paranormal
Contributing Author: Australia Burns
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