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#IWSG February 2017: “Being a writer changes how you read” & my #YouTube channel.

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Monthly Question: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

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Being a writer has turned me into a hungry reader. I used to just read to escape and or enjoy a good story. Now when I read, I want more. I want to be inspired. I want to learn. I want to see what does and doesn’t work. I want to experience the stories, good or bad, to better my own writing.

I still read for pure enjoyment, but now I also read for review and critique. I find that while I’m more critical over plot, character, and world development, I’ve become more compassionate about all the technical stuff. I don’t ignore or make excuses for outright bad writing and poor editing, but I recognize how difficult it is to find good, reliable, and affordable editing services as an indie; and don’t get me started on critique partners and support groups. Anyone can call him or herself a writer, but to be a good writer- to be an author- it takes determination and creativity that not everyone has.

Being a writer has made me truly respect all the books I’ve always loved. If you’d like to know more about my thoughts on reading, please consider following this blog (I post reviews twice a month) and checking out my You Tube channel.

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Has being a writer changed your reading experience?
Live in or near Hampton Roads? Please check out my giveaway on the side panel.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Misha Gericke,
LK Hill,
Juneta Key,
Christy, and
Joylene Buter!!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #69).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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About Toi Videos

In case you missed it; #fun #video & #books

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Videos Virtual Book Tours

Bad Uncle by @Gillianfx Blog Tour-Playlist & #Giveaway by Plain Talk Marketing via #thetoiboxofwords #drama

Follow the tour here.

Who needs enemies when you’ve got family

The stars are aligned in Adriana’s favor, but secrets have a way of exposing themselves just when everything is perfect. As Adriana and Haze’s relationship heads south, Carys is ready to pounce. Will Adriana’s lies drive the man she loves into the arms of another?

Meanwhile Zax is finally with his dream girl, but why can’t he get his best friend’s girl out of his mind? When she turns to him for advice on how to be a better girlfriend, can he put his selfish desires aside, or will he follow his siblings and take what he wants despite the consequences?

When Kevin’s lifestyle puts innocent L’Wren in danger, his retaliation brings his ruthless uncle back to Los Angeles and into the lives of his family. In Bad Uncle, you’ll get to know the man who has the power to change the legacy of the Banovic family forever.

Suitable for adults 18+

So here’s the dream soundtrack for Bad Uncle
and some notes to help you follow along.

Little Do You Know – Alex & Sierra
Haze and Adriana are so much in love with each other they make themselves crazy. For Adriana it was love at first sight when she first saw him at a photo shoot. Their relationship went through all sorts of trials and twists but they made it. Cut to Bad Uncle (Book 5), Haze discovers that Adriana has a secret that could land him in jail or worse. Because of this secret coming to light he has to break up with her and it is killing them both.

Never Stop – SafetySuit
This is a power Ballard for the millennium! Kevin knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like L’Wren. L’Wren is innocent, sweet and she had no idea how bad Kevin really is. In Bad Uncle his business dealings puts her in serious danger. Can he keep her safe and still get revenge against his enemies?

Nirvana – Sam Smith
Kristin has a lot to live up to, her father has set very high standards for her, so naturally she wants to rebel. She does so with her boyfriend’s best friend who is the biggest player in Westwood Academy. Kristin and Frankie give into temptation in a big way. The scene with them is by far the HOTTEST sex scene I’ve ever written. Because of this scene I have to give the book a Mature Audience rating.

I’m in love with a boy – Kaya Stewart
So now we’re back to Adriana and Haze. This song is so bad-ass reminds me of Adriana, this would totally be a song on her playlist. Adriana is sneaking around with Haze and to keep him safe and protect her secret she has to keep their relationship on the DL.

Almost Lover – Jasmine Thompson
Haze broke up with Adriana the love of his life but he is having a hard time moving on. He keeps looking at her pictures, texts and paintings of her. He is devastated because he’d had such high hopes for their future together. From the beginning he knew that she had the power to rip his heart out.

I See Fire – Jasmine Thompson
Zax realizes he has feelings for songster Leighann when he sees her performing this song around the campfire. Despite Leighann being an international singing sensation, Zax had never really paid attention to her music up until this moment.

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Adriana and Haze has a wonderful moment together, in this moment he knew he wanted her in his life forever. For the first time he lets her know about the plans he has for their future. He is timid because he doesn’t know if that would appeal to her. He’s fully prepared for her to shoot him down.

Who are you when I’m not looking – Blake Shelton
Haze know that Adriana is hiding something but he can’t figure it out. They’re on a date and her mind is far, he tries to find out what’s bothering her but she deflects.

Leave your lover – Sam Smith
Zax is falling for his best friend’s girl; he is in a losing battle with his heart and his loyalty. When he found out that they spent the night together, he pretends like it’s no big deal. He reflects on the time that she had a crush on him but he ignored her. Now it is too late.

Break Even – Script
After Adriana and Haze breaks up she goes to his house and gets there in time to see her nemesis Carys leaving Haze’s house. Carys is partially responsible for their breakup but Adriana doesn’t know that … Yet.

So there you have it. Bad Uncle and a whole lot of drama in
The Family Portrait Series.

See what people are saying about the series.

These characters will forge a place in your heart and mind as they fall into three categories, the good, the bad and the ones who must straddle the line with great care. – Dii Bylo, Tome Tender Book Reviewer

The endless drama is still here and I can’t seem to get enough of it. The plot gets even more complicated and every characters receives even more depth and complexity. Jola, Book reviewer

I absolutely loved this story written at a very high standard very talented one not to be overlooked. Highly recommend 5 mind blowing stars! My playlist for this book would be The Killers – Direct Hits 2013. – Nikki, Book reviewer

Changes gets an overall rating of 9 on 10 for the excellent storytelling, smart characterization and interesting plot. The story is good enough to be made into a TV series. Ondrilla De, Book reviewer

Purchase Bad Uncle Here

Get introduced to the characters in Changes Book 1 FREE on Amazon and everywhere digital books are sold in the US. If you are located internationally and would like to review email me for a digital copy at gillianfelix23 AT Gmail.com. Books 3 to 5 can be read as standalones.

For information on other novels in the series on Amazon visit this link.

Also visit the Family Portrait Media site.

Tour Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Author
Gillian Felix was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She grew up watching prime-time soap operas by Aaron Spelling with her mother. That’s where her obsession with rich, powerful and devious characters were born. After repeatedly seeing Mr. Spelling’s name on the screen night after night, Gillian knew she wanted to be an Aaron Spelling, before she knew that Aaron Spelling was actually a person.

Gillian have been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years. She is an entrepreneur and advocate for women and children’s rights. She enjoys hiking and volunteering.

Newsletter | Media site | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Goodreads Author | Bad Uncle on Goodreads

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords