Today I am so pleased to welcome Annabeth Albert to Joyfully Jay. Annabeth has come to talk to us as part of the Rainbow Readers Cruise Blog Tour. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

Greetings! I’m author Annabeth Albert, and I’m honored to be one of the authors on the Rainbow Readers cruise. I’ve written over 50 MM books including several fan-favorite series. As a writer, one of my favorite things to write about is a character experiencing something new for the first time. Of course, love scenes are the obvious example here, but I’ve found great joy in describing other sorts of firsts, the moments of awe and wonder.

From the first view of Alaska (Arctic Sun) to the first bite of a beloved cookie recipe (The Geek who Saved Christmas), first times and new experiences are fun to write. First dances (Squared Away) and first brushes of hands (Conventionally Yours) and first bites of a new ice cream flavor (Bring Me Home). I love capturing the magic of doing something for the first time. It’s all a part of falling in love—the crystal-clear memories of that time and place when something wonderful transpired.

As a writer, it’s a fun challenge to try to describe such firsts using all five senses—the taste of a particular pie (Hard Job), the touch of satin and lace (Rocky Start), the sound of a love song (Up in Smoke), the taste of a new smoothie flavor (Rough Terrain), the sight of the northern lights (Arctic Heat). And as a human, over the past year or so, I’ve rediscovered the magic of doing new things for myself.

I’m six months into living in a new city in a new single life, and I take great delight in all the firsts I’ve discovered. First bite of Peruvian food. First browse through a new bookstore. First new coffee flavor in a new coffee spot. I like to think all these firsts are making me a better writer, and finding the courage to do and try new things certainly adds a great deal of joy and freshness to my life.

In August, I get to do another first: my first cruise! I’ll be joining a host of other amazing authors on the Rainbow Reader cruise, and I hope many of you are able to join us. I’ve never been at sea, never done a cruise, and I’m sure there will be a lot of firsts along the way for me. If you’re on the fence about joining, come do something new with me! I can’t wait. If you’re a seasoned traveler, I’d love your tips for a first-time cruise. And for everyone reading, tell me something new you recently tried! A commenter will be selected for a $10 gift card. Thank you so much for having me today!

The Rainbow Readers Cruise celebrates the readers and creators of LGBTQ+ fiction and romance. The cruise departs from the Port of Fort Lauderdale on August 19, 2024 and returns August 23, 2024, with stops at Key West and Coco Cay (Celebrity’s private island). Along the way, meet and mingle with some of your favorite LGBTQ+ fiction and romance authors and creators, as well as attend panels, meet and greets, small group social activities, and the Signing at Sea. Plus, the cruise itself, with fabulous destinations, food and drinks, entertainment, and more. You can find all the details about the Rainbow Readers Cruise on our website: https://rainbowreaderscruise.com.

Bio

Annabeth Albert is a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. She has many critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romances. Her work has been nominated for multiple awards and has topped the Amazon Gay Romance charts. Her books have been called “Sweet and Witty” from the New York Times among other outlets. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings. In her personal life, she wrangles two active teens, enjoys cooking, knitting, and road trips (only one bed!) and proudly waves the bisexual pride flag.

Giveaway

Annabeth has brought a $10 Amazon gift card to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Tuesday, February 27th at 11:59 pm ET.

• By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
• Winners will be selected by random number. No purchase necessary to win. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
• If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay.
• Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
• Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
• All book prizes are in electronic format unless otherwise specified.
• By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
• Readers may only enter once for each contest.  Duplicate entries for the same giveaway will be ignored. In the event of technical problems with the blog during the contest, every effort will be made to extend the contest deadline to allow for additional entries.
• Void where prohibited by law.