Authorpreneur Dashboard – Cassandra Giovanni
Finding the Cure
Romance
Ellie Abela’s life has been anything but easy. Tragedy follows her where ever she goes, and she’s been a lot of places. At twenty she’s lived in over ten different states, all because of her dad’s career in medical research. His career is just another list of the causes of tragedies in El’s life. He’s dying, and with every breath he takes closer to Heaven, Ellie dies a little bit inside too. At twelve she lost her mom in a drunk driving accident, and in a matter of months she fears she’ll lose the last person she has in the world to cancer. While Ellie’s life has been rife with sadness, Trent Wentworth’s has been a challenge. A drug-addicted mom and a dead-beat dad meant at twenty three he was the adoptive father of his two year old sister. Now at twenty five he’s working his way up the corporate ladder and a struggling single parent. Each is searching for a cure to the things in their lives dragging them down. Not all cures are black and white; not all cures save us–and sometimes saving isn’t what we need. Sometimes we just need to realize how lucky we are to be alive, at least for this moment.
Book Bubbles from Finding the Cure
The Definition of Bravery
I think the definition of bravery is different for everyone. In Finding the Cure, every single one of the main characters is brave in their own way, although I'm sure none of them would realize it. It seems with bravery comes some form of selflessness. I think that's one characteristic that we should cherish and honor more. The bravery of these characters is in their strength to be good, strong, hopeful people when they are faced with so many challenging things. They prove you don't have to face a dragon to be brave; sometimes you just have to be willing to face yourself.
Lips Smacking
This scene always makes me smile. Well, pretty much any scene with Allie in it makes me smile--BUT, it's the kissing we're here to talk about today because it's national kissing day! I picked this particular kiss scene because of the secondary kiss, because it shows how a soft teasing kiss can be even more intriguing than a deep more aggressive one. Pick up your copy today on BN, Amazon, Kobo or Google Play!
Chapter One
Finally, today is the day-- the book is available for the world to read, and hopefully enjoy. Aren't sure yet? Read the whole first chapter free--then head over to BN, Amazon, Kobo or Google Play and pick up your copy for just $1.99.
Tattoos Ooh La La
I'm pretty sure every scene from this book is going to start with "this is one of my favorites", but this one is too. I love the flirtation in this scene, and well, these tattoos--they're totally gorgeous like the man behind them! JUST HOURS before you can have your own copy of the novel. Don't forget to pick it up on Amazon, BN, Kobo and Google Play!
Being a Parent
I loved what this scene showed about Trent. He's made sacrifices for a child that's not technically his, but it shows how much commitment it takes being a parent. There's plenty of parents out there who would never consider the sacrifices he's made. This novel is about growing as a person, and this excerpt shows Ellie growing by watching how Trent interacts. Just TWO days and you can read the whole novel. Please RT -- word of mouth is the best form of flattery (and marketing) BN, Kobo, Amazon and Google Play
Hog Tying a Chicken
I'm going to be honest with you. I had a lot of fun writing this scene...mainly because I got to poke fun at the 50SOG phenom, and because books like this do exist. My best friend, Carley, bought me 50 Shades of Chicken, which is hilarious and pointless. Shirtless men-- you got it, hog tying chicken. It was fun to work that into this novel...and that's where Kinky Cooking came from ;) Just TWO days left. Get your preorder today on BN, Amazon, Kobo and Google Play.
The Most Uncomfortable Chapter
There's a lot of things about this book that were uncomfortable to write, but for the most part it was because they were emotional. This chapter, though, by far was the most uncomfortable. In every single one of my books the most uncomfortable chapter to write is "the" scene. Now, I'm sure many people would say this level of hotness is right there with a jalapeno--but for me, it tested my limits. I'm not comfortable with these scenes, so writing them is a real struggle. Hopefully, that doesn't show. FIVE days until 6/18-- Be sure to preorder your copy from BN, Amazon, Kobo or Google Play to get it the instant it's available!
For Deniz
One of my fans, Deniz (who is epically amazing and supporting of all my highs and lows), requested an excerpt that would be heart wrenching, or sweet, or heart warming. I think this scene captures all of those things. It's heart wrenching because we all know what's coming, sweet because well--you read it, and heart warming because it's a special moment between a father and a daughter. Purchase your copy today on BN, Amazon, Kobo and Google Play!
Angry at the World
What can I say about this scene? It's extremely emotional, and although you'll have to buy the book to see it, El has a major explosion on her dad. Everything comes to head in this chapter, and El knows what's coming next won't be good. We don't always handle bad news with grace, and this time, El certainly doesn't. Pick up your copy on BN, Kobo, Amazon or Google Play to read the rest!
If I'm James Dean, you're Audrey Hepburn
I actually wrote this chapter while listening to this SWS song. It inspired pretty much the whole chapter, and it played out well. Trent has that James Dean look, and he completes it well with a guitar, tattoos and, of course, an amazing voice. I really liked taking the opportunity to show Trent having a weak spot--that he's self-conscious about his tattoos. Then showing how Ellie supports him just like he supports her. Their relationship is well rounded, and they make each other so much better. Plus...hot tattoos? Yes, please!
The First Kiss
There are so many things that I love about this scene. One of my favorite quotes is in this scene, and of course, the first kiss is always amazing to write. Above all, I like the way it shows Trent as a truly caring person, even when Ellie admits something that would make most people want to run away. She basically admits she's a walking basket case, and Trent doesn't walk away. Trent never does. That's why I love him. One of the things I relate to here is that Ellie is damaged, but she's also strong. It takes a lot to admit you're feeling broken.
The Kinky Inside Joke
I don't really know where the idea came from, but when I wrote this chapter, I found myself giggling constantly. Out of embarrassment for Trent--out of embarrassment for Ellie. And, of course, out of amusement in a child wanting to know what kinky was. I liked that it showed the cuteness of a child, and how it can cause awkward moments when you realize you said something you really shouldn't of in front of them!
In Between Seasons
Romance
In 2021 the world as we know it changed. The government collapsed, and the worst characteristics of human nature were shown as the world fell into ruins. Years after The Fall, the Tribes that were established are still at war. They still fight to keep what they pillaged, and most of all they fight to keep their lies a secret. In a world filled with deception, nothing is as it seems. I was born into this world. Hunter Marks was molded into this world; a General— a person cold and harsh. A person meant to kill me. We were told to just believe. We were taught to never question. We’re supposed to be robots and accept our roles in this altered society. Too bad Hunter and I don’t follow the rules. And we’re a hell of a lot stronger than they ever thought possible. They’ve been searching for the world’s deadliest weapon. It’s me. And I’m not following the leader any more.
Book Bubbles from In Between Seasons
The Fire
There's a lot that Kate doesn't understand about the world she's living in, and there's a lot the reader doesn't know either. Scenes like this explain the nature of the post-apocalyptic world and the way things work without telling, but instead, showing them as Kate learns about them. Pick up your copy of In Between Seasons on BN, Amazon, Kobo and Google Play today!
Hunter's Struggle
During this scene Hunter is educating Kate about the world she's been living in. She knows very little about the truth of the world that has surrounded her, but she isn't surprised by what he's telling her. The surprising part is really within Hunter-- a man trained to kill, feeling guilty about it. Throughout the book, you see Hunter develop as a character, and his guilt in what he's done. Kate helps soften that blow. Available on Amazon, BN, Google Play and Kobo.
There Are No Choices
This scene sets the backdrop of things to come for Kate, and it also shows the setup of the corrupt world after the fall of the government. When I wrote this scene, I already knew Kate very well. Kate's strong and secretive, so it means a lot that she opens up to her sister. But nothing in this world is as it seems, and Kate has every right to be secretive. Those that aren't tend to die. Buy In Between Seasons now from Amazon, BN, Kobo and Google Play!
Dripping with Rain
In Between Seasons was an amazing adventure to write, and scenes like this really made it fun,too. I love the sexual tension between Hunter and Kate, both playful but the underlying forbidden part of their attraction is even better. Romeo and Juliet meets post-apocalyptic America, what more could you want? Oh, yeah...hot, toned, trained killer main man. Get your copy today on Amazon, BN, Kobo and Google Play.
