[Note From Frolic: We have a thing for novellas. A BIG thing. In the next installment of an ongoing series, we bring you a post from author Rachel Van Dyken, whose novella ‘Abandon‘ with our friends at 1001 Dark Nights  is out now!]
Happy Summer! Okay so I’m one of those people that has a wild imagination (shocker, I know, you’re sitting there in total disbelief, an AUTHOR? With a wild imagination? Gasp), but really I think it’s more than just a wild imagination, it’s the fact that when I write a book it’s as if I’m watching a movie, pressing play and pause when I need to.Â
So when I write rockstar romance it should come as no surprise to anyone that I can smell the sweat from the stage, I can see the screaming fans, hear the ringing in my ears from the feedback. I feel it all. And I want my readers to feel that exact same thing!Â
While writing Abandon, my latest rockstar romance, I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like touring, fans throwing themselves at you day in and day out–only to one day realize that everyone around you has settled down, started a family, and now you’re the odd duck on the outside looking in. This is exactly what happens to our main character, Ty Cuban.Â
How does a rockstar party like one in a small town? One where most people around him are on a strict budget when it comes to all things high end?Â
Well, folks, thanks to my research, I have an answer for you! Keep reading to find out seven ways to party like a rockstar on a strict book budget (because we ALL know books come first!).Â
1. Makeup and hair:
Want a rockstar look on a budget? Easiest way to accomplish this is to stop by any beauty school! Those lovely men and women need hours, which means you get a professional job from nails to hair–and it’s very inexpensive.Â
Pro tip: No time or worse yet, no school close by? Just head over to your nearest drug store and grab some wash-out hair dye or chalk, like the one here.
2. Killer threads:
We all love the feeling of a new outfit, but what about taking something you’re tired of and making it into something new? We all know most rockstars have holes in their shirts. So grab a simple white tee and have at it with your scissors. Save a few scraps of material to tie around your wrists to bring the look together, pair with a leather jacket and an old pair of jeans and you just made your own killer rockstar outfit.Â
3. Tattoos:
Okay, so not only are tattoos permanent but they are extremely painful, am I right? Thankfully, fake tattoos are all the rage. Even better? Places like Fred Meyer actually carry tattoo pens so you can buy a stencil and draw to your heart’s content (my toddler is obsessed with these pens). They come in different colors and are totally budget friendly! Also a great way to complete the look especially if you’re taking your rockstar look into October for Halloween!Â
Check out the pens here.
4. Drinks:
All right, so we all know rockstars like to party hard; however, not only is alcohol super expensive but not everyone drinks. A night out on the town can cost a fortune, not to mention you’ll be paying for it later, am I right? Why not host your own beach bonfire? or BBQ! Have everyone bring their drink of choice and because you are SUCH a good host, have some of your rockstar fuel ready for everyone just in case! Grab ten oranges and squeeze into a large bucket, add in half a bag of ice, three bottles of cheap champagne, two scoops of lemonade powder, and Sprite to taste! Not only is it refreshing but the alcohol content will be lower than your typical can of beer 😉 (Please drink responsibly and make sure to hand in your keys at the door! Like any good rockstar would.)Â
5. Food:
All right, you can never go wrong with a BBQ, but when you’re playing rockstar host, who knows how many people are headed to your house? Not to mention food allergies! Have your friends pitch in: one main dish, one appetizer, and you, dear rockstar, get to make the dessert. Because what party is complete without a chocolate sundae? Head over to a store that lets you get candy in bulk, grab your toppings, vanilla ice cream and don’t forget the whipped cream! Best sundae gets a prize! A song dedicated to them!Â
6. Concert time!
Who doesn’t love a good karaoke? Hook up that guitar and strum along, entertaining your guests but also showing some love to that new single you just dropped. Invite others to jam out with you and don’t forget to go live on social media! That’s free publicity for you and free entertainment for everyone else!Â
7. Last but not least:
when you head to bed, pat yourself on the head for saving enough money to buy at least three more rockstar books so you can live vicariously through them–because dang, that’s a busy life!Â
Hope these tips and tricks helped you live your best rockstar life! As always, it was a pleasure….until next time, HUGS, RVDÂ
About the Author:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.Â
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and, adorable son. She loves to hear from readers!
Find her here: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
Abandon by Rachel Van Dyken, out now!
It’s not every day you’re slapped on stage by two different women you’ve been dating for the last year.
I know what you’re thinking. What sort of ballsy woman gets on stage and slaps a rockstar? Does nobody have self-control anymore? It may have been the talk of the Grammy’s.
Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that. I, Ty Cuban, was taken down by two psychotic women in front of the entire world. Lucky for us the audience thought it was part of the breakup song my band and I had just finished performing. I was thirty-three, hardly ready to settle down.
Except now it’s getting forced on me. Seaside, Oregon. My band mates were more than happy to settle down, dig their roots into the sand, and start popping out kids. Meanwhile I was still enjoying life.
Until now. Until my forced hiatus teaching freaking guitar lessons at the local studio for the next two months. Part of my punishment, do something for the community while I think deep thoughts about all my life choices.
Sixty days of hell.
It doesn’t help that the other volunteer is a past flame that literally looks at me as if I’ve sold my soul to the devil. She has the voice of an angel and looks to kill—I would know, because she looks ready to kill me every second of every day. I broke her heart when we were on tour together a decade ago.
I’m ready to put the past behind us. She’s ready to run me over with her car then stand on top of it and strum her guitar with glee.
Sixty days. I can do anything for sixty days. Including making the sexy Von Abigail fall for me all over again. This time for good.
Damn, maybe there’s something in the water.
