The Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series by Ava Louise Blog Tour and Giveaway

The Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series begins with Maggie’s Story, Ava Louise’s debut novel. In the series, you’ll meet characters that play a role in all of the books of the series, but this cozy Sci-Fi with romance is easily read as a series, or each book as a standalone. The characters are full-fledged and lovable!

Maggie’s Story
Women Wanted: Must have a sense of adventure and be open to new experiences. Must also be willing to relocate. Please contact...Intergalactic Matchmaking Services.

Maggie Cline decides to investigate her romantic possibilities after she becomes a target when she identifies the shooter in a local murder.

Can she find a soul mate away from everything she knows and has worked hard for here on Earth? What about her loyal companion? Will she have to give up her cat, Mamzell, for a chance at love?

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (January 27, 2014)
ASIN: B00I44AGA8

Shirley’s Story
Just as Shirley decides to try opening herself up to a chance at love, a stalker from her past returns. How does she move forward when her past comes knocking? What's going on with her young student, Hannah? Will her dog, Oreo, be okay with Shirley looking for love?

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (March 4, 2014)
ASIN: B00ISU9RE4

Penny’s Story
Penny was supposed to be dead. At least that is what Claire has believed for ten years. Find out what happens when Claire's sister comes out of the Witness Protection Program. Penny is fighting a losing battle with cancer and needs Claire to raise Sunny, Penny's newborn daughter, once the cancer takes its final toll. Why is Penny's ex-boyfriend, Jason, telling his cronies that Penny has money and information about their illegal dealings? How does the cartel find out she has even left the Witness Protection Program?

Will Marko have to watch as another woman he cares for dies a horrible death? Will he lose his job as Medical Officer on the starship for bending the rules?

Can Pacer finally have the peaceful retirement he desires? How will Claire deal with her quiet life being turned upside down?

Catch up with Maggie and Daxon, along with Shirley and Mathenzo.

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (November 30, 2014)
ASIN: B00OV8QBXC

All of the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services books are available as an e-book on Amazon.

Book Giveaway Contest:
To win a copy of this three book set from the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. The giveaway contest closes this Friday, May 8th at 12:00 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

About the Author:

Ava Louise was born a U.S. Army brat overseas, in France. She is the proud mom of two wonderful young men. It's taken her a while to figure out what she wanted to be "when she grows up," but Ava has finally found her niche in the writing world. Since writing came to her later in life, she likes to think she is living proof that it's never too late to reach for a dream or to achieve it. Before writing her own stories, she usually reads from a wide array of genres. She loves Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Mysteries, Thrillers, and Young Adult.

Ava Louise can be found online at:

Email: avalouise[at]avalouise[dot]net

Website & Blog: http://avalouise.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ava.louise.35

Twitter: @avalouiseauthor

-----Interview by Crystal J. Otto

WOW: Ava Louise, Thank you so much for choosing WOW! Women on Writing for your book blog tour; you’ve been such a joy to work with and you are a strong and inspirational woman!

You’re an inspiration to others, but let’s talk about who or what inspired you to write?

Ava Louise: I didn't start writing until a couple of years ago. My friend Shirley basically challenged me to write the story that was bouncing around in my head. She has been a one-woman cheerleading team from the start. She saw an ability in me that I was too fearful to even acknowledge (I suffer from a severe Fear of Failure complex). In return, I've encouraged her to write her own stories.

WOW: Others can be such a key in our success. I’ve found writers groups to be a great way to meet others. What is your take on book clubs and writers groups?

Ava Louise: I think they are great! When I lived in MN, I started a writing group at the local library. I really enjoyed that group and miss it so much. With my recent life-upheaval, I had to move from MN. Eventually, I will look around this area for something similar. The encouragement and support were phenomenal.

"Learn what the 'rules/guidelines' are for the writing craft, but don't be afraid to forge a path that works for YOU."

WOW: I nearly forgot you lived in Minnesota – these cold Northern winters can be my downfall (I lose all motivation). How do you manage your time and make sure your writing doesn't get neglected? What advice to you have for other writers who struggle with time management and their craft?

Ava Louise: Hmmm...I'm not sure I DO manage my time.... I have to be in the "mood" to write, otherwise I just sit staring at a blank screen. Since I'm new to writing (I still feel "new") I am still tweaking what I do with what I learn. I take one or two workshops almost every month. There are so many great subjects to help writers improve their skills. My editor has commented that each book is better than the one(s) before it, so I believe I owe it to the fans of my Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series to keep learning and growing. For other writers, I would say keep learning, keep experimenting, make connections where you can, and push through ANY road block in your path. I would also say to other writers, learn what the "rules/guidelines" are for the writing craft, but don't be afraid to forge a path that works for YOU.

WOW: You’ve certainly managed your time well during the tour; you’ve done a great job with all the interviews, guest posts, and deadlines!

Who is your favorite author and why?

Ava Louise: No way can I list just one! I loved Terry Pratchett and his Discworld series. I would have loved to be able to meet him in person. Charlaine Harris is a favorite, too. Her Sookie Stackhouse series was wonderful. Then there is J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) who has the In Death series. Seriously, I could list many more, but I'll stop at those three. 

"One summer I complained one-time-too-many to my mother that I was bored. She picked up a book and threw it at me! I was never bored again."

WOW: Speaking of favorite authors (and now we know you have many), what is the first book you remember reading?

Ava Louise: I don't remember the name, but it was a historical romance. One summer I complained one-time-too-many to my mother that I was bored. She picked up a book and threw it at me! I was never bored again. I read that book and then started reading the rest of her books. We used to go to the used book stores in the area.

WOW: You say used book stores and I can already smell them…but that’s an entirely different topic. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Ava Louise: I think the longing was always there. But a lack of self-esteem kept me from even shining a light on that. The Fear of Failure monster has kept me company for most of my life. Without Shirley's encouragement, I never would have tried. Typical for the way I do new things, though, once the idea was born I just jumped in with both feet. It wasn't until AFTER I self-published my first book that I learned there were certain "rules" in the writing world. I've been playing catch-up while writing ever since!

WOW: Self-esteem can be such a stumbling block; it helps to have someone supporting you who can see how amazing you are! 

It’s interesting you mention fear of failure. Failure and rejection are so closely tied together in the writing world. How do you cope with rejection and what advice can you give to others?

Ava Louise: Before I started writing, I wore my feelings on my sleeves, allowing them to get bruised and hurt at every encounter. Now, having to learn to deal with harsh reviews has helped me grow a thicker skin. That doesn't mean I enjoy them; it just means that I am better able to accept the bad with the good. And that life lesson helped me tremendously when I went through my recent divorce.

I've read articles that encourage writers to not comment on their reviews, or to even read their reviews including the good. However, I chose to follow my own path (as I usually do in everyday life, too). I don't respond to negative reviews, and thankfully those aren't overly common for me (whew!), but I DO respond to the positive reviews. Each one gets a thank you. If a reader is going to take the time out of their schedule to write a good review, the least I can do is thank them for their time. It was through reading the reviews that I learned fans loved the idea of a cat in space. And they were happy to learn from my answers that Mamzell is real. Yep! The little diva does exist...she is my self-appointed Production Manager!

Also from reading the reviews, I discovered that many of my fans are perfectly happy not having to read through graphic sex scenes. Some think they should be there, because most other Sci-Fi/Romance have them, but I made the choice to NOT write graphic sex scenes. It's not in my comfort zone, so I am happy to see reviews where readers say they don't miss them either.

Back to your original question (sorry for the detour!), I handle rejection better now than I did before I started writing. It still hurts, but I am better able to pull a lesson from it. Learn from it and then move on. Rejection doesn't mean WE don't measure up. It just means we didn't fit with that other person/situation/job, etc.

"Rejection doesn't mean WE don't measure up. It just means we didn't fit with that other person/situation/job, etc."

WOW: Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about you and your books Ava! This is just the beginning of what is sure to be an enlightening tour, and hopefully just the beginning of a long standing relationship between yourself and the team here at WOW! Women on Writing.

----------Blog Tour Dates

Monday, May 4 (today) @ The Muffin
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Tuesday, May 5 @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Join author Ava Louise as she stops by Choices with fellow author Madeline Sharples. Today's topic is "Reading as the Road to Writing" and Ava Louise will share some insight and ideas as well as telling readers more about her Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series. And (drum roll please) one lucky reader will win a set of their own so they can explore the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series - don't miss this giveaway!
http://madelinesharples.com/

Wednesday, May 6 @ Katherine Hajer
Kather Hajer reviews one of the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series books by Ava Louise and offers her thoughts about this sci-fi romance.
http://www.katherine-hajer.com/

Thursday, May 7 @ Katherine Hajer
Kather Hajer hosts a guest post titled “It’s Never Too Late to Dream” by Ava Louise, author of the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series. Don’t miss this exciting post and your chance to learn more about Ava and her writing.
http://www.katherine-hajer.com/

Thursday, May 7 @ Hott Books
Gina Hott at Hott Books reviews one of the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series by fellow author Ava Louise and shares her thoughts with readers. Don't miss this insightful blog stop!
http://www.hottbooks.com/

Friday, May 8 @ Cathy Stucker's Selling Books
Ava Louise shares her thoughts on the topic of: “Short Stories and Their Role in the Big Picture” while visiting Cathy Stucker's blog talking about the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series.
http://www.sellingbooks.com/

Monday, May 11 @ Lauren Scharhag
Join Lauren Scharhag as she hosts a guest post by author Ava Louise who writes on the topic of "The Review is Critical". Stop today and find out more about Ava Louise, her topic, and her series: The Intergalactic Matchmaking Services.
http://laurenscharhag.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, May 12 @ All Things Audry
Author Ava Louise and her series The Intergalactic Matchmaking Services visits All Things Audry. Ava shares her thoughts on the topic of: Why hiring an editor is important in a post titled “Even an Editor Needs an Editor.” Don't miss this great blog stop and giveaway!
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 13 @ M.C. Simon Writes
M.C. Simon reviews the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services Series by Ava Louise. You'll enjoy learning more about this talented author and her romantic sci-fi series.
http://www.mcsimonwrites.com/

Thursday, May 14 @ Bring on Lemons
Cathy Kirby Contino reviews the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services Series by Ava Louise and one lucky reader of today's blog post will win their own copy of this ebook series through a Rafflecopter giveaway. You won't want to miss this stop!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Monday, May 18 @ Create Write Now
Join Ava Louise as she blogs at Create Write Now with Mari McCarthy. Today's topic is: “Therapeutic Writing”, and how Ava’s writing career has changed her life. Learn more about Ava Louise and her Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series.
http://www.createwritenow.com/

Tuesday, May 19 @ I’d So Rather Be Reading
Ava Louise joins Kelli Nash at I'd So Rather Be Reading. Ava Louise shares her thoughts about "Why I Put My Cat in Space?". Don't miss this informative post as well as an opportunity to win your own copy of Ava Louise's Intergalactic Matchmaking Series.
http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/

Thursday, May 21 @ Slay the Writer
Fellow author Trisha Slay reviews book 1 in the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services Series by Ava Louise.
http://trishaslay.com/

Friday, May 22 @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Ava Louise makes a stop at Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews and shares her thoughts on "Lifelong Learning" and talks about her Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series. Don't miss this insightful and educational blog stop!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win all three books in The Intergalactic Matchmaking Series by Ava Louise: Maggie's Story, Shirley's Story, and Penny's Story! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. We will announce a winner in the Rafflecopter widget this Friday, May 8th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway