Guest Post and Giveaway: Rim Shot by Skylar M. Cates

Welcome to author Skylar M. Cates and the Rim Shot blog tour! She’s joining us today to give us a glimpse at how the book came to be, AND she’s also giving away a $15 store credit at Dreamspinner Press! This is a comment-to-enter giveaway with a specific prompt question, so be sure to check out all the pertinent details to qualify.

And now, here’s Skylar!

Kyle arched in answer, raising his legs slightly, and nodded. The way Kyle trusted me was almost as amazing as the soft cries he made as I gently circled my slicked finger at his entrance. I looked at Kyle’s dazed face, his eyes unfocused, and slid the finger deeper. Kyle pushed his hips up for more. So I gave him more. I got lost in getting him beyond ready. There were no words for how beautiful Kyle was as he reacted. Sex with Kyle was so different. I could lick and suck and give him pleasure endlessly. Because it wasn’t just his body. It was his emotions, his joy and want, charging me on, making it new and real.

— teaser from Rim Shot

The Road to Rim Shot

Hello there! I’m happy to share some backstory of my new release Rim Shot. Some novels are written in a flash; others have a long road. Rim Shot’s road was full of bumps and twists.

Early Days:

I had read a few articles on college athletics, including an article about sports and scandals, and the urge to write a sports orientated book hit me. At the time, I was editing my first book in my Sunshine and Happiness series. I took some notes on the idea for the sports book and tucked it away.

When I tried to return to it months later, I just couldn’t find the story’s flow.

The Middle:

But Rim Shot refused to die. It bothered me that I had invested pages of notes, written several chapter drafts, and had fallen hard for the characters, only to give up on it. I knew it could be fabulous! If only….

–If only I could reclaim the draft

–If only I could push ahead and ignore my doubts

—If only I could figure out why we became stuck and resolve it

That is what I did. It was a slow, sometimes painful, project. I began the book all over again. I changed it from third person to alternating first person. This gave the MCs a younger sound.

I wrote several different options. I did a new outline.

Basically? I began it again.

I found Kyle’s voice. Then Micah’s. I found my story’s heart.

 The End:

After a shaky start, there came that sweet moment when the book clicked and the words slipped out. H

Suddenly, I was writing it at lightning speed. I had these characters. I got them!

Once the book was finished and contracted, I went through my editing with Dreamspinner. In the end, the book became one of my favorites that I have ever written. I loved the characters and their kindness, and I hope readers will too.

I’m satisfied with the changes the novel went through, and I’m proud of myself for refusing to abandon it.

This is not truly the end, of course. It’s only the beginning of this book’s journey. Thanks to all the hardworking bloggers and readers out there, it will be reviewed and shared online.

I’m off to write a new book.  Hopefully, one that might make me smile and sigh as much as Rim Shot did! 

Giveaway Prompt: What is something you almost gave up on, but then fought your way to finish?

The Giveaway

Comment below for the chance to win a $15 Dreamspinner Press store credit

The Fine Print:
*Contest closes at 11:59pm Eastern time on Monday, October 2, 2017
*Comments must be a direct answer to the prompt question to qualify
*Must be 18 years or older
*No purchase necessary to win
*Void where prohibited by law

About the Book

Can college roommates go from friends to lovers?

Kyle: I’m confident that with hard work, my position as point guard can carry me from rural Indiana to the NBA. I also know I’m attracted to guys, but admitting it might disappoint my father, who is all I have in this world. I have big dreams, so I’ll stay in the closet. As long as my life remains scandal-free, I have a shot.

Micah: My large family can’t spare the money to help with my education, but that won’t stop me from studying medicine. I needed to get out of the house I was sharing with my ex before I went insane. Luckily, I heard about a guy looking for a roommate. Living with a straight jock won’t be easy, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take.

Buy the Book: Dreamspinner Press || Amazon

About the Author

Skylar M. Cates loves a good romance, especially ones that are both steamy and emotionally satisfying. She is quite happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her best-selling novels feature strong, passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic men are challenged with emotional situations. Skylar’s character-driven series will often feature close-knit families, animals, and loyal friendships being tested.

Skylar dreams about spending her days writing novels, walking along the beach, and listening to good live music. She also dreams of eating dessert without weight gain and robots cleaning her house. But she knows she can’t have it all… yet. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar still loves to chat with people from all around the globe.
Skylar can be found on Facebook, Twitter, or on her blog.

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