Hi Peeps! 
How is everyone doing with the dreaded curse that's taking over our lands?
You know, the one they call Covid-19?
​My family has, so far, been well, but my brother and his family caught it. 
It wasn't good.
Like, you hear about it, you read about it, and then you see the graph on that one website, and you think... Dang, this is crazy. What you don't think about is how REAL it is until someone you know gets it.
I didn't. Then someone I knew died. Then my brother and his family got sick. 
My brother, with a fever, barely breathing and throwing up, thought that he was dying. He's in his 40's and his job is labor intensive, so he's a pretty tone and a healthy. So for Covid-19 to take him down like it did, was mind-boggling.  
His wife, who wasn't experiencing  symptoms like him, only fever, chills, and lost of taste, fared better than him. Their teenage daughter thought she only had a cold. The youngest didn't have any symptoms at all. Ever. All of them tested positive.    
The reason I'm writing this is to bring awareness. 
While all of them tested positive, they all had very different symptoms. 
The real danger of this virus, to me at least, was the little one.
He felt fine, looked fine, but he HAD Covid-19.
Unknowingly, he could have passed it on to someone else, someone who might not be lucky enough to react to the virus in the same way he had, but might end up gasping for breath in a coughing fit for days, like my brother.   
My brother didn't go to the hospital, even though at times he wanted to, but he read online about how RSVN machines (Like they use with those who have asthma) pared with a certain type of saline can help. 
So, lucky enough, my sister had an RSVN machine and some saline drops that she let him use. 
Peeps, it took him 7 breathing treatments A DAY for 4 days to finally feel better. 
The point in all of this is, sometimes you don't realize the true crippling impact this virus has until it reaches someone you love. 
That it. That's all I have. I hope this story help someone in someway and thank you for reading. 

Be safe and healthy out there and I'll check in later. 
- Nikki

Hey Peeps, 

I'm to the point of filling up my bathtub with Jello and soaking in it. Just kidding, I don't have a bathtub. 
What I do have is a big, crazy, mess. A jello bath would totally be relaxing then this headache of a mistake. I guess it's time to give up the theatrics and get down to the nitty-gritty of things.
Okay. Here it is. There are a few things going on and it’s going to affect my books.

Let me give a very brief explanation.

I made some changes on where I publish my books.
At the beginning of March my new publishing platform sent me an email asking for some information concerning my old publishing platform. They only gave me a certain time frame to respond back.
 
And... here lies where mistakes were made. 

We all know how crazy March has been with the virus. On top of that, I was dealing with some other important health things that held my attention. 
Because I didn’t see the email, the new publisher blocked one of my books. Then... after a few more days, ALL my books were blocked.
I didn't know I had an issue until a reader contacted me about it. 
At this time it was the middle of March. 
After talking to both publishing platforms separately over the phone on Thursday, both agreed that I wasn't at fault but need confirmation from the other platform. My new platform refused to contact them (this is non-negotiable for them) and the old platform told me to come back to them and they'll publish me. (Which I Don't Want To Do.) Grr. 
Yes, some links are still up, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re taken down.
​
So, what does this mean for me and publishing?
I don’t know. 
I'm hoping to call back on Monday and see what I CAN do. 
Let me reassure all of you, what I am being "punished" for is not responding to an email in a timely manner.
So, mistakes were made and until I can figure out what I can do, I've decided to take this time to update all my books and hope I can stay sane. 

For those of you worried about writing being my sole income, please don't worry. We are seriously fine. 
Plus, being stuck at home because of social distancing has taught me that I really DO know how to cook and drive-thru's can live without me for awhile. Lol 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. I will update as soon as I have any information. 
Stay safe out there and happy reading!

~ Nikki Bolvair

PS: I'm not mentioning any publisher names because, if you're an author, you probably know which ones I'm talking about. (Rolls Eyes) And who knows what kind of hate I'd get for name dropping, right? 
Pray for me. ♥   

Today I went to Costco and... I felt like it was Black Friday, but worse. 
I kid you not, my hubby and I arrived an hour and a half early, because we both knew it would be crazy with lines, but didn't expect how insane the line would already be at that time. 
It was already wrapped around the corner of the building and carts had been lined up along the side to deter anyone from cutting the line. 
Now, we as family already store some food, (can goods, frozen meals, apple juice, toiletries ect.), and this Costco trip was our weekly routine. We did not expect how panicked people were, and how they were stocking up. I mean, it's a good thing to do, but it seemed like some were a little excessive. 
Like, the toilet paper hoarders.  
I'm not going into details, because I clearly don't know their family needs- but -it's kind of hard to believe that so many people were THAT low. Like, what were you doing? Waiting until the last strip on the roll was glaring at you?
Okay, that wasn't fair of me to ask, but that's where my mind wandered. 
I'm a writer and questions and scenarios always filter in and cause crazy ideas. 
It's the best of me and the worst, because I can get sarcastic. And sometimes that doesn't come through on a blog. 
If I offend, I'm sorry. 
I'm not taking the Corona Virus lightly, but I am curbing my fear with humor. 
My kids school, like a lot of you, has been shut down. Now my kids get to endure home with mom for a few more weeks. That's going to affect my writing time. 
My church has been temporarily postponed. I'm sure a lot of places of worship have done the same, trying to keep those who are more susceptible (Babies, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly) safe from this virus.
Everyone is dealing with this in one way or another. 
Stay safe, wash those hands, limit going anywhere if you don't have to, and don't panic. 
Panicking hasn't done anyone good, ever. (Maybe in a book...) 
When this is over, you might end up having a garage sale with all the toilet paper you thought you'd need. If, that is a big if, my family ends up running out and can't find any in the stores, I will exchange e-books for toilet paper currency. (Wink) 
​ 
Need books to read? I put a few up for free starting tomorrow. I know a few other authors have done this as well. Check out the RH groups and you'll find them.

Now, I have to go. My little one is begging me to play card games. 

A small update on the Keep Me Series: Book 3.
It's coming slowly. 
I'm at the point where Tucker and Van are going to a drag race to find out some information.
Francis is with Marissa at his apartment. And... there's a few unexpected things coming up.  
Oh! I also have Van's book cover, but I'm not showing yet because of spoilers. (Evil Laugh) 

With that, good night and stay healthy! 

 -Nikki Bolvair           

It's the day of love, relationships, and... LOTS OF HOT BOOKS.
Happy Valentines Day! 
My day has been crazy, but good. Writing has been slow, but little by little I'm getting Van's Persistence (Book 3 in the Keep Me Series) back on track!
Like I said in a few blog posts ago, I'm going to be focused on finishing up all my current series that I have open. 
Wondering what ones they are? Let me tell ya! 
Despite the completed bundle of the Faith Series, the series is still on going. The bundle was supposed to be books 1-4, but then I added book five (thinking the story was done), then book six came along. And now... I have a few more books planned...

♥ Faith Series ♥
As of right now, The Faith Series Bundle Collection will stay the same, but when all books are completed, there will be a new Faith Series Collection. I have 2 more books planned!

♥ Lydent Curse Series ♥
So... I am all over the place on this one. Lol. The next book in this series will be Hopper! 
After Hopper, I'm going back to the beginning.
Hidden Light will get a few short stories to tie loose ends. I'm planning on at least two more short books. 
The Bridge Over Snake Creek, will have the same. 
Tetchy Sleuth, same. 
As well as Hopper.
Small, 25-30k updates on where they are at.
After those ones are done, I will continue on with the main story line. 
I hope that all makes sense!!!

♥ Keep Me Series ♥
Oh boy! So I have 2 more books planned after Van's Persistence... or possibly (and this is a very slim chance) one more after that. It all depends on if I can wrap things up before the end of book 5.  

♥ Lovely Dearest ♥
At this time, I will not be continuing this series. Maybe I'll pick it back up after I'm not so bogged down with the others, but it isn't on my list to finish. So sorry! 

♥ Unraveling Sanctuary/ Outcast ♥
The next book will be coming out this year! And there will be two more books after it!   

2020 Book Rundown:
Van's Persistence (Book 3, Keep Me Series)
Runaways (Book 2, Unraveling Sanctuary/Outcast)
Hopper (Book 4, Lydents' Curse)
 

Have any questions, feel free to email me. ♥

Now, do you want a Teaser from Van's Persistence? Of course you do! 

Hey Peeps!

I've had some questions from peeps on how my experience was/is co-writing with the amazing Kali Zunn.
Or... just co-writing in general. 

1st off, co-writing is addicting! You have your own little cheer partner and the word count seems to build faster with two writers, bring the overall positive energy and excitement into the whole experience.
There are a few ways to know if you'd be good at co-writing/authoring. These are just my thoughts and suggestions. Some may not agree with what I have to say, while others will be nodding their heads. 
In a Manto single-raised eyebrow fashion: Truth. 

1. It should NOT be your first published work. Why? A few reasons.
     A:  Because you need the experience of writing on your own- first.
   B. This is your dream (I'm just assuming, but on some level it must be) and you want the pride of knowing your first work was all you. (Wink)
      C. As I said above, co-writing and authoring is addictive! If you start off writing with two instead of just the amazing you, when you go to try and write on your own, it's gonna suck with how sloooow it will go. Lol

2. Prepare for the fact that your co-author might make changes or suggestions on what you wrote, or trail off at, clothes flying off horny bodies and sexy time engaged, leaving you a note just before the good stuff starts with a: TAG, YOU'RE IT! below.
Not. Cool.

3. So, you've written your rough draft and the second draft. Now comes the self-edits!
     A: Decided on who will take the lead with self edits. It should only be one of you! Why? If you're both doing it at the same time (That sounds so dirty) you don't know where your co-author has changed areas and some areas might have been gone over while others haven't.
If you both insist on going over it at the same time, I suggest both of you picking a color to write your self edits in, so you can see the changes as both of you go through the document. 
     B: You're ready for edits! There are edit phases, as I like to call them, and each phase costs $$$.
* Note: all cost should be split down the middle. This goes with covers and all edits. 

First Phase: Developmental edits
This is where your editor will go through your document and find plot holes, look at pacing and flow, add suggestions on where you could add more to the story, changes, and over all tone.
At this point in time, you can talk with your editor about his/her suggestions and choose to take them or not.
I always take in account that I might be reading over my wonderful work with perfect writers syndrome or (Beer Goggles for the Writing Muse) on and try to take in account that my editor is looking at my perfect work of art with fresh, new, and SOBER editing eyes.  ♥ 

Second Phase: Copy and Line edits
In this phase, your editor will go through your document and look at tenses, sentence structure, and the dreaded commas. 
*Note: I am a comma happy freak, that leaves them all over the place! YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  
At this point in time, you get your edited document back and look over it.
Remember, only one of you should be doing the edits. 
IF, if you find that no direct changes has been made to your overall plot story, with the line and copy edits- Peeps, do yourself a favor and click "ACCEPT ALL CHANGES" and go back to look at the comments your editor made. I swear to you, they are trying to make you look as AMAZING as possible. If that Their, There, and They're and Lie, Lye, and Lay, don't sound right, move on. You probably still have the goggles on. 
*Also, just for reference, I work in google docs. It's better for co-author writing, but when editing, Word Doc is the way to go. They have a program to track editing changes (this goes back to my select all changes suggestion) and is an overall better program to use in your final stages of perfecting your manuscript. 
Again, others might have different opinions, but this has been my experience.

Third Phase: Proof Editor
This should be someone new. A fresh new pair of eyes on the manuscript to catch all the small little things your other editor might have missed. We're all human, and it happens. This is why a Proof editor could save your bacon! 

4. Publishing! Find out which co-author will be the publisher and that person will be the one dividing out the royalties and will have to create a 1099 tax form for you at the end of the year. There is another way... If you are doing a series,  you can trade off on books with who will be the publisher and get the royalties.  

 Finally, don't panic! And congratulations! You've made it through my whole post!
Give it a thumbs up that you were here and made it to the finish line! 

More advice... Never look at your book reviews, it's hazardous to your muse. Happy muse, Happy writing!


This is all for tonight. I'm tired and have to pretend tomorrow that I'm a mom who knows what the hell she is doing. Think of me. 

Nikki Bolvair  

Hey Peeps!
It's been awhile since I posted a blog post. I will try to be better about doing them. 
This summer has been a crazy! All writing things had been put on hold, due to kiddos being out of school, but now that the demons (I say that will love! *Muttering* Heaven help the teachers) will be going back, I will be sprinting words regularly!
Long story short, more books! Yay!
After finishing my latest book, I have struggled with what to do next. 
This is the decision I've come to... 
I will be focusing on finishing the series that aren't completed. 
Here is my rundown.
Any where you see a WIP (Work in Progress) that's what I'm working on.  

**My Book Rundown**

~The Faith Series (RH)~
Book 1: Love Is Not Lost (Published)
Book 2: Brokenly Found (Published)
Book 3: Gaining Ground (Published)
Book 4: Silent Secrets (Published)
Book 5: Just Married (Published)
Book 6: Honeymoon Blues: A short story (published)
Book 7: Faith Vs The Farmhouse- A short story 
Book 8: 
Book 9: 

~Keep Me Series (RH)~
(A break off from The Faith Series)
Book 1: Convincing Tucker (Published)
Book 2:  Surviving Francis (Preorder)
Book 3:  (WIP) 
Book 4: 
Book 5:

~The Lovely Dearest Series~
Book 1: Delicate Beauty Menage (Published)
Book 2: Sweet Firecracker Menage (Published)
Book 3: Honey Babe  RH (Published)
Book 4: Lovely Dearest RH (Published)
​Book 5: Sugar Darling 
Book 6: 

~The Lydents' Curse (All RH)~

♥ Carly ♥
Book 1: Hidden Light (Published)    
Book 2: Hidden Light: Wedding (WIP)  
Book 3:  
Book 4: 

♥ Hannah ♥
Book 1: Bridge Over Snake Creek (Published)
Book 2:
Book 3:

♥ Tracy ♥
Book 1: Tetchy Sleuth (Published)           
Book 2:
Book 3: 

♥  No Name Yet  ♥
Book 1: Hopper        
Book 2:  
Book 3: 

-Once Upon A Harem Series (All RH)-
Crimson Hood (Published)

-Unraveling Sanctuary (RH)-
*Previously known as Outcast*
Book 1: Outcast (Published) 
Book 1.5 Embraced (Published)
Book 2: Runaways (WIP)
Book 3:
Book 4: 


If there are any requests on what books you want finished, feel free to make them! 
It won't change my current works but might change where I go after. 

♥♥♥
Thanks for sticking with me!

~ Nikki Bolvair 

Hi Peeps!
The new book I'm working on is Convincing Tucker. Marissa is Faith's cousin from the Faith series. She's getting her own series!
In her series, you'll get to see a little more inside the Manto family and of course the photographer Francis... who no one knows about- yet.  
Each guy has their own alpha macho, I can do it better, winning her, attitude. Frances is the only one remotely being agreeable, but he's stuck for a while since... well, (whispers) the deporting.
He has to play nice. And he's genuinely a go-with-it kind of guy. His family, well, they're another story. 
This is what I have so far.... 31,575k work count. Not much, but slowly working on it. 
Outcast edits just came in yesterday. Kali and I have to look them over, but it's coming! 

                                                                  ***

So I wrote this 'update' a week or two ago. It's March 6, 2019 today. Yeah, I'm a little behind. 
Convincing "Marissa" became Convincing Tucker, due to Tuckers stubbornness on the whole sharing thing. (You'd think his world was ending) is up for preorder on Amazon! It will be put up other places after I do the final read through and will be sent to my ARC readers after. 

Now, Outcast 2, or it's true name- Embraced, is with ARC readers at the moment.
After this book, the story still continues, but Kali is braving the world of authors and taking the next part of the story on by herself.
So, if you're going to want updates with what's going on with Outcast 3, join her Facebook group: Reading Under The Zunn    (Catchy, isn't it?) Link button will be at the bottom. 
Well, that's all I have for today. 

Happy reading!

Nikki

​

Hi Peeps! 
​
Once again, it's late.
I often wonder if these blog posts count as word counts! But no, they don't. 
Why is it so much easier to write unstructurally (is that even a word?) than it would to write a book? 
I know, I know. You're thinking... Isn't a book kinda of a random write anyways? 
Kind of...
But I'm a talker. Okay, maybe not, but I do have things to say.
In writing, I find it most difficult in the areas of the "in between."
Like, what do these characters do all day? Wake up, eat, go to school, have a little action, some romance, maybe angst. Then you have to decided, are they huggers? Where in the world do they go on a date?
Did they complete a dare? Socks or Clothes? Backpack? Do I talk about those?
How about WHERE the loving making happens? In a boring bed? Shower? How about driving around for a million minutes with a hard on looking for a place the cops won't come snooping? 
Like, this is LEGIT worries I have with writing! 
I just want them to get to point A - to point B with out the heartache of second guessing. 
That scene in Just Married with the cake in the fridge? THAT WAS A LEGIT THREE DAY OBSESSION.
I kid you not. 
Now I'm having flash backs.
I need those heart candies.
You know, the ones with the powder coating and you read the messages? Yeah, guess what? Some random FB post told me they are no longer making those. (And we believe everything on FB, right?) The bastards. That's how I learned how to read! Heart candies, my love for you is strong.
I could only eat a heart candy if I read the freakin' word.
Now, I write. I could eat as many as I wanted. 
But nooo, their makers have killed them. 
Okay, I'm done with my rant. Not sure what it was about, but it happened.
If you need therapy, I'm sorry.
Next time, I'll invent a time machine. 

Good bye Peeps! 
It's too late at night...
Nikki.