Author: Layla Abdullah-Poulos

Layla Abdullah-Poulos is an alumna of SUNY Empire State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies and Literature and is presently a student in the School for Graduate Studies. She expects to complete her studies and receive a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies and Advance Certificates in Women and Gender Studies and American Studies by 2016. An aspiring academic, Abdullah-Poulos uses her knowledge not only to develop her own scholarship but also that of other SUNY Empire State College students. A proponent for the enrichment of higher education through diversity, she plans to continue her work as an educator who conveys to students an ethnically diverse historical awareness and furnish them with the skills necessary to acquire political proficiency and constructively affect societal change.

The First Person to Believe in Me as a Writer? That Was Me

#openbook

Who was the first person who ever believed in you?

We all have stories of people who’ve inspired, motivated, and given us that little push when needed. But today, I want to share a slightly different story with you. A story of self-belief, resilience, and a sprinkle of stubbornness. This is the story of the first person who believed in me as a writer.

Spoiler alert: it was me!

Now, don’t get me wrong, external validation is great. A pat on the back, a compliment, or even a simple “I loved what you wrote” can work wonders. But before any of those words of affirmation came my way, I had to face the blank page with just one person cheering me on – and yep, you guessed it, that person was yours truly.

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Building Confidence in Writing: My Dance with Imposter Syndrome

Every writer, whether a newbie just starting their journey or a seasoned author with several titles under their belt, has faced that daunting shadow: self-doubt. Today, I want to share a more personal facet of my writing journey – my tussle with imposter syndrome and how I’ve been learning to build confidence in my craft.

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Self-Love Tips Tuesday” + Our First Dive into Character Visualization!

Today, I’m thrilled to unveil a brand-new series on the blog: Self-Love Tips Tuesday!

As an author who dives deep into the whirlwinds of romance and the characters’ complexities, I’ve realized just how transformative the journey of self-love can be. Each Tuesday, I’ll share self-love prompts inspired by the world of literature, aiming to intertwine the magic of our favorite romance narratives with the essential practice of cherishing oneself.

To kick things off, our inaugural topic is close to my heart and deeply rooted in the literary world: Character Visualization.

Continue reading “Self-Love Tips Tuesday” + Our First Dive into Character Visualization!” →
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Overcoming Writer’s Block: Healing Through the Power of Words

#openbook

What’s the biggest problem you have in your writing right now?

As I sit down to write this blog post, I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions. The journey I’ve been on, grappling with a problem that seemed insurmountable, has been both challenging and enlightening. You see, the biggest problem in my writing right now is actually writing itself. It’s not a lack of ideas, nor a shortage of creativity – it’s something much deeper that I’ve had to confront head-on: writer’s block born from years of toxicity and emotional abuse.

Continue reading “Overcoming Writer’s Block: Healing Through the Power of Words” →
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Breaking the Ice of Love: My Favorite Way to Connect in New Romances

#openbook #bloghop #breakingtheice #romance #romancebooks

What is your favorite icebreaker (meetings, parties, dates, socials)?

Meeting someone new in a romantic context can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The first moments of interaction often set the tone for the entire relationship. I want to share my favorite icebreaker when meeting a potential love interest. Whether at meetings, parties, dates, or social gatherings, this approach has consistently helped me connect on a deeper level and create memorable experiences. Did it help me find my Mr. Forever? No, but it did help me find my Mr. 31-Year Marriage. So, let’s check it out.

Before delving into the specific icebreaker, it’s crucial to understand the underlying philosophy: authenticity. Being genuine and authentic to yourself is the key to forming a meaningful connection. People can sense when someone is sincere, creating a foundation of trust and comfort right from the start.

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The Power of a Works In Progress (WIP) Notebook: A Writer’s Best Friend

As a writer, I often juggle multiple ideas, projects, and characters in my mind. It can be challenging to keep track of everything, leading to frustration and even abandoning potentially great works. This is where a Works In Progress (WIP) notebook comes in handy.

A WIP notebook can be a great way to keep track of all your creative ideas and projects. Allowing you to dump your thoughts onto paper (or digital page) without worrying about perfect grammar or structure. You get the jumble of ideas out of your head and onto paper so they can be fleshed out later.

There are numerous benefits to maintaining a WIP notebook. Let’s explore some of them and give practical advice on effectively using a WIP notebook.

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From Dreams to Pages: My Journey as an Author

#openbook #bloghop #contemporaryromance #bestfriendsister #lawyerromance #interracial #ambw #bwam #writing #writerslife

What is your author origin story? (Or make one up.)

Every writer has a unique origin story, a tale of how they discovered their passion for penning stories and the winding path that led them to become an author. Today, I am thrilled to share my author’s origin story—a journey filled with inspiration, challenges, and unwavering determination.

As far back as I can remember, I was captivated by stories. Bedtime tales, fables, and books opened doors to enchanting worlds, stirring my imagination and filling my young mind with endless possibilities. The magic of words weaved by authors had me daydreaming about becoming one myself, with aspirations of conjuring my own realms of wonder and intrigue.

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Handling Texting in Books and Short Stories: Navigating the Uncharted Waters

#tipstuesday

In today’s digital age, texting has become an integral part of communication for many people, including characters in books and short stories. However, representing texting in written narratives presents a unique challenge for writers, as there are no standardized rules or guidelines for this relatively new form of communication. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various methods and considerations for indicating texting in your writing, allowing you to make informed decisions that best suit your narrative style.

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Lose Yourself in Love – Free Romance Reads

Hey, romance addicts! This week, I’ve got a special treat for you. Get your free copy of the Savage Bosses’ book prequel – Dark Cravings and get ready for the phenomenal collection’s release. And while you’re at it, why not fall in love with Desi gangster Baz by reading an excerpt from the AMBW novel Trapped in Sin? Don’t miss out – get your free reads now!

FREE READ!

By trying to protect him, she created a monster.

Read more: Lose Yourself in Love – Free Romance Reads Continue reading “Lose Yourself in Love – Free Romance Reads” →
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Exploring Nature’s Wonders

#openbook #bloghop #contemporaryromance #bestfriendsister #lawyerromance #interracial #ambw #bwam 

A field full of sunflowers on a bright morning? Or rolling hills on a clear full moon night?

No matter the scene we choose, one thing is for sure – life can be beautiful. Even amid struggle and pain, moments of joy can still be found if you take the time to appreciate them.

The impact of nature on a person’s mood, health, and overall well-being is profound and well-documented. Spending time in natural environments, whether lush forests, tranquil beaches, or serene parks, offers many benefits that nurture both the body and mind.

I just wrote an article in Haute Hijab about the benefits of nature for my healing journey.

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Navigating the Challenges of Writing on a Shared Computer: A Writer’s Guide to Finding Solace

As writers, our creative process thrives on solitude and uninterrupted moments of inspiration. However, the reality can be far from ideal, especially when attempting to write a book on a shared computer while kids eagerly wait to use it. The constant interruptions and pressure to finish quickly can hinder our creative flow and frustrate us.

Let’s explore the challenges of writing on a shared computer with kids vying for screen time and discover effective strategies to find solace amid chaos.

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When Characters Come Alive: The Magic of Letting Your Characters Speak to You as a Writer

As a writer, an extraordinary experience occurs when the characters in your story start to come alive. They whisper in your mind, reveal their desires and fears, and guide you through the intricate paths of their fictional lives. This phenomenon, often called letting characters talk to you, is a magical and transformative aspect of the creative process. Let’s explore the power of allowing your characters to speak to you as a writer and how it can enhance your storytelling.

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5 Reusable Writing Systems for Authors: Sustainable Tools for Creative Expression

In an era where sustainability and eco-consciousness are gaining importance, authors need to consider the environmental impact of their writing tools. Reusable writing systems provide a sustainable alternative to disposable pens and paper, allowing authors to express their creativity while minimizing waste.

Let’s explore ten reusable writing systems that offer durability, versatility, and a greener approach to the writing process.

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Show & Tell: My Favorite Book Covers

#openbook

Few things are more thrilling than seeing your creative endeavors come to life in the pages of a book. However, before readers delve into the captivating worlds we’ve crafted, the first thing that captures their attention is the book cover. A beautifully designed cover can enthrall and invite readers into our stories.

Selecting the perfect cover to highlight a book is an essential endeavor for an author.

There are a few elements to consider when choosing the ideal cover. Firstly, the title should be easily read across platforms. This includes consideration of font size, typeface selection, and color palette — all factors that will capture attention while remaining legible in different sizes and resolutions.

An eye-catching image is also integral to drawing readers’ focus. Whether an illustration or photograph depicting something from within your story or totally unrelated yet captivating imagery, your cover must stand out among other books on shelves or websites.

I’m excited to showcase five of my favorite book covers that hold a special place in my heart:

Continue reading “Show & Tell: My Favorite Book Covers” →
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#newrelease – Under A Wicked Moon

#newrelease #paranormal #shifterromance #shifters #wolfshifters #wolfshifterromance

Under a Wicked Moon

The Crown’s Wolves Book 2

by Zoe Forward

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Read more: #newrelease – Under A Wicked Moon

They are the ultimate weapon. The ultimate secret. They are the Crown’s wolves.

Lycan Ky Lanzo is bound by the Crown’s command. His latest mission directive was deceptively simple. Get yourself caught. Now, Ky’s been bound, drugged, and collared by an unknown enemy in a facility that knows enough about him to neutralize his lycan strength and his telekinetic magic. But he’s not alone in his cell. Because there’s someone else with him. Someone exquisite. Someone altogether forbidden…


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For Vivi Kinley, another month gone by means another full moon trapped in a cell with a moon-crazed lycan. There once was a time I’d never kill a living creature. Only, Ky is different. He’s powerful, latently sexy…and wanting him is dangerous trouble. Because sexual attraction is exactly what their captors want—and it’ll be an icy day in hell before she’ll allow it.

Now, Vivi and Ky have one chance at escape and to discover what twisted organization did this to them—and make them pay. The good news is that Ky might have found his near-impossible lycan mate. The bad news is that she might be programmed to kill them all…

The The Crown’s Wolves series is best enjoyed in order.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Entangled Publishing * Bookbub * Goodreads

Don’t miss book 1- Bad Moon Rising!

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Entangled Publishing

USA Today bestselling author, parent, wife, veterinarian, chocolate lover. Author of spicy paranormal and contemporary romances. Zoe Forward brings readers the perfect combination of action adventure, romance, humor and a bit of magic.

Her novels have won numerous awards including the Prism, Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award.

You can find her residing in the South with a menagerie of four-legged beasts and two wild kids.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

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