Eliza David's Blog, page 25
March 28, 2015
Finish A Draft, Start An Outline
Camp NaNoWriMo starts in 4 little days. I'll be taking the day off from work to dig into the rewrite for the draft of Cougarette Takes Manhattan (or CTM), set for release in May. Since I sat with this draft for weeks, tweaking here and there, I think this rewrite process should be pretty painless and fairly quick.
So, in order to avoid that depressing lull in between books, I'm starting the plot sequence for Book Four tonight. I'm still planning on ending the series with Four - despite the cries from the readers. It'll be time, I think. CTM was such an emotional ride to write, things can only look up in Book Four. It'll be a good place to end. Readers, I promise you resolution!
The tricky thing about Book 4 being the last in the series is that I'm introducing two new characters. Minor characters with huge impact. If you follow my Twitter (@elizadwrites), you may recall seeing the name Lionel Banks, Esq. mentioned. Yes, you will get to meet CeeCee's estranged father and he will provide some interesting insight into his daughter's many flaws. Lionel - in my mind - will be smooth, debonair and (of course) a little bit of an asshole. Gotta give him some roundness.
I won't speak at length about the second new character (mainly because that person is still a blob of PlayDoh in my head) but it will be someone who will give CeeCee a mighty strong challenge. For once, CeeCee will know what it's like to be the Felicity in a situation. Heh.
Finishing a draft and working on a plot outline simultaneously?
As usual, I'm doing WAY too much but I can't help myself. I love writing. I love putting these characters in action. I absolutely LOOOOOVE destroying them (as you'll read about in CTM in about a month). This year has shown me how vital writing is in my life. It gives me sanity. I only wish I had more time to do it - but I suppose earning a real paycheck has to come first. Hopefully, one day, I'll only write to earn my keep.
Working on two projects at once is certainly a step in the full-time author direction, don'tcha think?
So, in order to avoid that depressing lull in between books, I'm starting the plot sequence for Book Four tonight. I'm still planning on ending the series with Four - despite the cries from the readers. It'll be time, I think. CTM was such an emotional ride to write, things can only look up in Book Four. It'll be a good place to end. Readers, I promise you resolution!
The tricky thing about Book 4 being the last in the series is that I'm introducing two new characters. Minor characters with huge impact. If you follow my Twitter (@elizadwrites), you may recall seeing the name Lionel Banks, Esq. mentioned. Yes, you will get to meet CeeCee's estranged father and he will provide some interesting insight into his daughter's many flaws. Lionel - in my mind - will be smooth, debonair and (of course) a little bit of an asshole. Gotta give him some roundness.
I won't speak at length about the second new character (mainly because that person is still a blob of PlayDoh in my head) but it will be someone who will give CeeCee a mighty strong challenge. For once, CeeCee will know what it's like to be the Felicity in a situation. Heh.
Finishing a draft and working on a plot outline simultaneously?
As usual, I'm doing WAY too much but I can't help myself. I love writing. I love putting these characters in action. I absolutely LOOOOOVE destroying them (as you'll read about in CTM in about a month). This year has shown me how vital writing is in my life. It gives me sanity. I only wish I had more time to do it - but I suppose earning a real paycheck has to come first. Hopefully, one day, I'll only write to earn my keep.
Working on two projects at once is certainly a step in the full-time author direction, don'tcha think?
March 4, 2015
Hello Muddah…Hello Fadduh…
You knew this was coming: I’ve decided to shorten my hiatus.
But – BUT! – before you give me the side-eye, it’s for a very good reason. For the first time in almost 30 years, I’m going to camp!
Camp NaNoWriMo!
Since NaNo was the birthplace of The Cougarette, I thought it was only right that I start Book #3 of the series during the event. If you are an aspiring writer or are even just thinking of starting a writing project, I encourage you to join the event in April. It’s a monthlong journey toward as many words as you like - 1K, 10K, 50K. You set your goal and run your race. As you’ll recall from previous blog entries, word counts are very important (read: too important) to me so the goal totally gets my literary motor revving!
I also thought this would be a good motivator because my current vision of Book #3 is going to be very dramatic. There will be crazy highs and deep lows. I think that of the four books, this will be the most intense. It represents the arc of CeeCee and Jay’s relationship, which – once again – is going to sail some choppy seas.
The NaNo community will be very supportive, especially since each participant can belong to a ‘cabin’ – an interactive group of fellow Camp NaNo writers within similar age, similar word count or similar genre. The introverts among us can opt out of the cabins but you know me: I love people until I’m sick of them or vice versa. I’m joining a cabin of fellow women fiction writers because I will need some support while I write these dramatic ass plots that only another romance writer can provide.
Click HERE to visit my profile for updates during my stay at Camp NaNo. I’m looking forward to writing again because Book #3 needs to get out of my brain.
The NaNo road to 50K begins at midnight on April 1st…
But – BUT! – before you give me the side-eye, it’s for a very good reason. For the first time in almost 30 years, I’m going to camp!
Camp NaNoWriMo!
Since NaNo was the birthplace of The Cougarette, I thought it was only right that I start Book #3 of the series during the event. If you are an aspiring writer or are even just thinking of starting a writing project, I encourage you to join the event in April. It’s a monthlong journey toward as many words as you like - 1K, 10K, 50K. You set your goal and run your race. As you’ll recall from previous blog entries, word counts are very important (read: too important) to me so the goal totally gets my literary motor revving!
I also thought this would be a good motivator because my current vision of Book #3 is going to be very dramatic. There will be crazy highs and deep lows. I think that of the four books, this will be the most intense. It represents the arc of CeeCee and Jay’s relationship, which – once again – is going to sail some choppy seas.
The NaNo community will be very supportive, especially since each participant can belong to a ‘cabin’ – an interactive group of fellow Camp NaNo writers within similar age, similar word count or similar genre. The introverts among us can opt out of the cabins but you know me: I love people until I’m sick of them or vice versa. I’m joining a cabin of fellow women fiction writers because I will need some support while I write these dramatic ass plots that only another romance writer can provide.
Click HERE to visit my profile for updates during my stay at Camp NaNo. I’m looking forward to writing again because Book #3 needs to get out of my brain.
The NaNo road to 50K begins at midnight on April 1st…
March 1, 2015
You Hate Me! You Really, Really Hate Me!
As I've mentioned, I'm on a writing hiatus.
(I'll repeat this often, more for my own personal reminder than for your benefit. You've been warned.)
That hasn't stopped me from thinking about Cougarette #3, especially when it comes to the development of the three new characters I'll introduce in the book. One character in particular is not what I'd categorize as an antagonist...but the character is, shall we say, slightly antagonistic.
I'll be honest: creating a villainous persona is one of my biggest challenges as a writer (which is precisely why I need to do it more often). When I created Felicity Hunter in The Cougarette, for example, I struggled with the task a bit. I like bitches but she was a straight up See You Next Tuesday, for real. The night I wrote the first draft of her climactic confrontation with CeeCee in the boardroom, I felt CeeCee's tears, envy and pain. I wanted to tear Felicity's weave out. I hated her, I still hate her...but she was pivotal for the book to end the way it did. Felicity was required and I thank the skank for her contribution. *tips hat*
This time around, I am trying to build a character that my readers by and large will not like. I know this because I know (and love!) my readers. My struggle will be my innate need to infuse sympathy for this character because I really feel sorry for them. I'm trying to figure out why this is an issue for me. Am I afraid that my readers will spend at least half of the book stewing in anger while reading about this person? Is that really a bad thing? Writing should evoke emotion, right?
But how much is too much emotion when it is a negative one?
So come May 1st, when I dust off my brain and begin the obligatory shitty first draft of Cougarette #3, I am going to challenge myself. I am going to write this character organically. I am not going to infuse likeable characteristics unless they truly fit him/her. I am going to give you - the reader - a true portrait of an antagonistic character. I won't shortchange you.
Just promise me you'll keep reading when all you want to do is send me a nasty Tweet about how much you hate this person - because you are GOING to hate this person.
(I'll repeat this often, more for my own personal reminder than for your benefit. You've been warned.)
That hasn't stopped me from thinking about Cougarette #3, especially when it comes to the development of the three new characters I'll introduce in the book. One character in particular is not what I'd categorize as an antagonist...but the character is, shall we say, slightly antagonistic.
I'll be honest: creating a villainous persona is one of my biggest challenges as a writer (which is precisely why I need to do it more often). When I created Felicity Hunter in The Cougarette, for example, I struggled with the task a bit. I like bitches but she was a straight up See You Next Tuesday, for real. The night I wrote the first draft of her climactic confrontation with CeeCee in the boardroom, I felt CeeCee's tears, envy and pain. I wanted to tear Felicity's weave out. I hated her, I still hate her...but she was pivotal for the book to end the way it did. Felicity was required and I thank the skank for her contribution. *tips hat*
This time around, I am trying to build a character that my readers by and large will not like. I know this because I know (and love!) my readers. My struggle will be my innate need to infuse sympathy for this character because I really feel sorry for them. I'm trying to figure out why this is an issue for me. Am I afraid that my readers will spend at least half of the book stewing in anger while reading about this person? Is that really a bad thing? Writing should evoke emotion, right?
But how much is too much emotion when it is a negative one?
So come May 1st, when I dust off my brain and begin the obligatory shitty first draft of Cougarette #3, I am going to challenge myself. I am going to write this character organically. I am not going to infuse likeable characteristics unless they truly fit him/her. I am going to give you - the reader - a true portrait of an antagonistic character. I won't shortchange you.
Just promise me you'll keep reading when all you want to do is send me a nasty Tweet about how much you hate this person - because you are GOING to hate this person.
February 24, 2015
My Simple Inspiratons
Since I am officially on a writing hiatus from all things Cougarette-related, I'm going to take the time off from serious writing to do all of the things I neglected to do when I was engrossed in the world of Cecelia Nicole Banks: work out 3 times a week, fold laundry, read (READ!!) and nurture my blog.
But when my brain is still reeling from the release of Cougarette in the Country, it's hard to let the characters rest.
However, I have to. I must take a break from writing but still keep my creative juices flowing.
It's a necessary exercise for Untitled Book #3. Required for better character development and the plot I haven't fleshed out yet (which fills me with more dread than you can imagine).
So, to assist me on this journey, I found this list of blog topics. I'll start with #9 under Reading and Writing Blog Prompts: What (or who) inspires you to write the most?
I think the number one thing that inspires me to write is just the everyday business of being a woman. We wear many hats: daughter, sister, mother, colleague, wife, girlfriend, etc. One of the best aspects about creating CeeCee is that I get to navigate between her personal and professional worlds with an easy flair. Her two existences are separate but connected. I think that my readers can relate to that so I try to make that a focal point.
An inspiration for the sexy side of CeeCee's life is the Judy Blume classic, Wifey. I can't front and name check a typical American classic as my favorite book. The book that changed my perspectives about sex and relationships was Wifey. It is my all-time favorite novel. Much like Blume's protagonist Sandy Pressman, CeeCee began her journey in a troubled marriage and soonafter, found herself in the midst of a sexual awakening. Although Sandy and CeeCee's journeys are quite different, they are both flawed women with a habit of falling in love with flawed men.
My final - and most important - inspiration for writing in general are my children. My grade-school son is an artist and has created his own collection of comic books. I noticed that his work stepped up once I began working on The Cougarette back in November. I love that he's finding inspiration within me. So many times, I worry that my writing takes me away from my family. I think about the hours I've spent holed up in my bedroom, click-clacking away on sex scenes and witty dialogue. Were they suffering while I was creating these made-up characters? I realize that although I need to learn to find a balance from time to time, my family is benefitting. My son - the future Stan Lee - especially.
All of these inspirations keep the ideas flowing. They are the reasons I cannot go an hour without thinking about how to make CeeCee a little stronger, how to make Jay a little more mature, how to make Billy a little healthier. They are the reasons I love writing.
But when my brain is still reeling from the release of Cougarette in the Country, it's hard to let the characters rest.
However, I have to. I must take a break from writing but still keep my creative juices flowing.
It's a necessary exercise for Untitled Book #3. Required for better character development and the plot I haven't fleshed out yet (which fills me with more dread than you can imagine).
So, to assist me on this journey, I found this list of blog topics. I'll start with #9 under Reading and Writing Blog Prompts: What (or who) inspires you to write the most?
I think the number one thing that inspires me to write is just the everyday business of being a woman. We wear many hats: daughter, sister, mother, colleague, wife, girlfriend, etc. One of the best aspects about creating CeeCee is that I get to navigate between her personal and professional worlds with an easy flair. Her two existences are separate but connected. I think that my readers can relate to that so I try to make that a focal point.
An inspiration for the sexy side of CeeCee's life is the Judy Blume classic, Wifey. I can't front and name check a typical American classic as my favorite book. The book that changed my perspectives about sex and relationships was Wifey. It is my all-time favorite novel. Much like Blume's protagonist Sandy Pressman, CeeCee began her journey in a troubled marriage and soonafter, found herself in the midst of a sexual awakening. Although Sandy and CeeCee's journeys are quite different, they are both flawed women with a habit of falling in love with flawed men.
My final - and most important - inspiration for writing in general are my children. My grade-school son is an artist and has created his own collection of comic books. I noticed that his work stepped up once I began working on The Cougarette back in November. I love that he's finding inspiration within me. So many times, I worry that my writing takes me away from my family. I think about the hours I've spent holed up in my bedroom, click-clacking away on sex scenes and witty dialogue. Were they suffering while I was creating these made-up characters? I realize that although I need to learn to find a balance from time to time, my family is benefitting. My son - the future Stan Lee - especially.
All of these inspirations keep the ideas flowing. They are the reasons I cannot go an hour without thinking about how to make CeeCee a little stronger, how to make Jay a little more mature, how to make Billy a little healthier. They are the reasons I love writing.
February 22, 2015
Cougarette in the Country - OUT NOW!
Readers, I'm happy to announce that Cougarette in the Country is officially released! YAY! Click HERE to order your Kindle copy.
As I mentioned in previous blog entries, this will mark the beginning of my two-month writing hiatus. I'll still blog and jot down ideas about Book #3 as they come to me but my life will be Cougarette-free for the next 60 days minimum.
Click HERE for today's Virtual Launch Party. LOTS of party favors and free swag for my RSVPs!
A big, huge THANK YOU to all of my supporters over the past few months. I love writing about CeeCee and I absolutely LOVE that you love reading about her misadventures! I hope you'll join us this afternoon for the launch party madness. Happy reading!
As I mentioned in previous blog entries, this will mark the beginning of my two-month writing hiatus. I'll still blog and jot down ideas about Book #3 as they come to me but my life will be Cougarette-free for the next 60 days minimum.
Click HERE for today's Virtual Launch Party. LOTS of party favors and free swag for my RSVPs!
A big, huge THANK YOU to all of my supporters over the past few months. I love writing about CeeCee and I absolutely LOVE that you love reading about her misadventures! I hope you'll join us this afternoon for the launch party madness. Happy reading!
February 14, 2015
Cougarette in the Country - Cover Reveal on February 21st!
Hi Readers!
The March release date is right around the corner and the last round of edits to Cougarette in the Country are almost wrapped up. One thing that is final is the cover art for the sequel to The Cougarette!
Stop by the Facebook author page, my Twitter page or GoodReads for the official cover reveal for Cougarette in the County - Saturday, February 21st at noon CT.
See you there!
The March release date is right around the corner and the last round of edits to Cougarette in the Country are almost wrapped up. One thing that is final is the cover art for the sequel to The Cougarette!
Stop by the Facebook author page, my Twitter page or GoodReads for the official cover reveal for Cougarette in the County - Saturday, February 21st at noon CT.
See you there!
February 8, 2015
Ways To Make The Rewrite Stressful: Beta Readers
I have completed the rewrite on the first eight chapters of Cougarette in the Country and now I am beginning to think about who I'd like to read them. Time to choose a beta reader!
It's an exciting time during the editing process because your ideal beta reader is someone that fits your target demo. They aren't looking for sentence structure or the overuse of adverbs - that's my job. The beta reader is there to make sure the story flows well and let you know if the narrative isn't captivating.
For The Cougarette, I had four beta readers. I think that was probably two too many. One of them was my mother and of course, she loved it. She's my mother. I'll still send her the first eight of CitC but I won't consider her a 'beta reader'. She just gets free shit because she gave birth to me, deservedly so.
It's my unrelated beta readers that worry me. What will be interesting this time around is this being Book Two. My beta reader has to have completed the first book and will go into these first eight with their own expectations of the characters. Also - as I've mentioned in previous blog entries - Cougarette in the Country has a very different vibe. It's very layered. There are flashbacks and every snooty literary snob will tell you that flashbacks are frowned upon and should be limited to one or two.
I have six.
I've found that beta readers are quite useful. It's fun to hear and read the reactions from them and it helps me to enhance my editing process. I've extended three invitations and will await their responses. Until then...back into the editing trenches I go.
It's an exciting time during the editing process because your ideal beta reader is someone that fits your target demo. They aren't looking for sentence structure or the overuse of adverbs - that's my job. The beta reader is there to make sure the story flows well and let you know if the narrative isn't captivating.
For The Cougarette, I had four beta readers. I think that was probably two too many. One of them was my mother and of course, she loved it. She's my mother. I'll still send her the first eight of CitC but I won't consider her a 'beta reader'. She just gets free shit because she gave birth to me, deservedly so.
It's my unrelated beta readers that worry me. What will be interesting this time around is this being Book Two. My beta reader has to have completed the first book and will go into these first eight with their own expectations of the characters. Also - as I've mentioned in previous blog entries - Cougarette in the Country has a very different vibe. It's very layered. There are flashbacks and every snooty literary snob will tell you that flashbacks are frowned upon and should be limited to one or two.
I have six.
I've found that beta readers are quite useful. It's fun to hear and read the reactions from them and it helps me to enhance my editing process. I've extended three invitations and will await their responses. Until then...back into the editing trenches I go.
February 2, 2015
On A Break: The Post-First Draft Blues
Today marks my first day in over a month of not working on my first draft of Cougarette in the Country. As most writers know, finishing a first draft is a bittersweet moment.
On one hand: YAY! I finished my draft! Give me alcohol.
On the other hand: Now what the hell do I do with myself?
So here it begins for me - that lull between the completion of the first draft and the beginning of the rewrite process. My rewrite is scheduled to begin on March 1st but I already know that I'll return to my draft sooner than that. I can't help myself. I started a page in my journal to jot notes of where I want to change/add/extract text as they occur to me. It's still on my mind - CeeCee and Jay refuse to vacate my psyche.
Is this healthy? I'm not sure.
Will it change? Probably not.
I came across this blog entry by Isabel Sterling and retweeted it last night. The one piece of advice I grasped from it was simple: Keep reading and keep writing.
I dusted off my Kindle and started two new books. I'll continue blogging and fine tune another unrelated manuscript as I bide my time until I return to my draft.
At lest this is the shortest month of the year. February will go by just like that, right? *sigh*
On one hand: YAY! I finished my draft! Give me alcohol.
On the other hand: Now what the hell do I do with myself?
So here it begins for me - that lull between the completion of the first draft and the beginning of the rewrite process. My rewrite is scheduled to begin on March 1st but I already know that I'll return to my draft sooner than that. I can't help myself. I started a page in my journal to jot notes of where I want to change/add/extract text as they occur to me. It's still on my mind - CeeCee and Jay refuse to vacate my psyche.
Is this healthy? I'm not sure.
Will it change? Probably not.
I came across this blog entry by Isabel Sterling and retweeted it last night. The one piece of advice I grasped from it was simple: Keep reading and keep writing.
I dusted off my Kindle and started two new books. I'll continue blogging and fine tune another unrelated manuscript as I bide my time until I return to my draft.
At lest this is the shortest month of the year. February will go by just like that, right? *sigh*
February 1, 2015
Cougarette Sequel Online Kickoff - Hour Three
Our last kickoff announcement – boo!
But I understand that Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz are performing at some football game this afternoon so I won’t keep you.
Speaking of musical celebs, the synopsis mentioned that Cougarette in the Country will take us back in time to a teenage CeeCee. One of the best things about the summer of 1988 – the summer CeeCee Banks turned 16 – is the music. Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson – back when all you needed was a Walkman, headphones and a healthy pack of double A batteries.
I took a stab at what I imagined would be on a CeeCee Banks mixtape and created this playlist. All of the songs were released within 18 months of the summer of 1988 and are symbolic of the storyline in CeeCee’s flashbacks. This playlist provided me with hours of inspiration while I created the first draft. Enjoy and thank you again for joining me this morning!
http://open.spotify.com/user/mommydiv...
(Now go watch the Superbowl. Or back to sleep. I’m going to finish my final edits on this draft, lock it away and enjoy not writing for the entire month of February!)
But I understand that Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz are performing at some football game this afternoon so I won’t keep you.
Speaking of musical celebs, the synopsis mentioned that Cougarette in the Country will take us back in time to a teenage CeeCee. One of the best things about the summer of 1988 – the summer CeeCee Banks turned 16 – is the music. Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson – back when all you needed was a Walkman, headphones and a healthy pack of double A batteries.
I took a stab at what I imagined would be on a CeeCee Banks mixtape and created this playlist. All of the songs were released within 18 months of the summer of 1988 and are symbolic of the storyline in CeeCee’s flashbacks. This playlist provided me with hours of inspiration while I created the first draft. Enjoy and thank you again for joining me this morning!
http://open.spotify.com/user/mommydiv...
(Now go watch the Superbowl. Or back to sleep. I’m going to finish my final edits on this draft, lock it away and enjoy not writing for the entire month of February!)
Cougarette Sequel Online Kickoff - Hour Two
SPOILER ALERT – If you haven’t finished The Cougarette yet, the following excerpt may contain plot development and/or characters you haven’t read about yet. You can either proceed with reading the spoiler or come back to it after you’ve finished the first book. No worries – it’s not going anywhere. It’ll be here when you are ready!
Readers, here is your only sneak peek of #CitC until it is released on Friday, March 20th. Now, keep in mind: this is an unedited work in progress so content is subject to change (although I think this excerpt is akeeper). This also contains a little profanity so if you are under 18, this is a no-no for you. Enjoy!
*****
The clock struck 6. CeeCee shut down her computer and raced down the hall with her work tote on her shoulder. She was supposed to have met Jay at Pierre’s Bistro on Clark a half hour earlier. As she was texting him at a waiting elevator, Tad popped his head out of his office. “Cee, got a sec?”
“Not really but I guess.” CeeCee sulked into Tad’s office as she stuffed her phone back in her tote.
Tad snapped his fingers as he walked to his desk. “Pierre’s with Jay tonight, right? Ugh. Sorry, girl. I’ll make this quick. Just got a call from the ATL
office. To usher in Billy’s next single Homecoming, they want to have an exclusive performance at Philips Arena in his Atlanta stomping grounds. Club Excalibur will be the site for the afterparty. The ATL team was so impressed with how you handled his Chicago and Indianapolis post-concert events this spring that they asked you to come out for it.”
CeeCee perked up. She had only managed Billy’s Midwest events. This opportunity would open her up to a new market share and fresh connections among the artist management circles. “When does it start?” Tad sat down with a cringe on his face. “Next week, but you have to be down there in two days.” CeeCee took a deep breath. “This is really short notice, Tad.”
He folded his hands in a plea. “I know. This was a bright idea that the ATL team literally came up with yesterday. A last ditch effort to save the album from dying on the charts – and it is dying a slow, slow death, as you know. They really want you, Cee. Or shall I say, your personal Jesus really wants you.” CeeCee smiled, wide eyed. “Yvette Kingston? The VP?”
“The one and only. She asked for you by name. This is a fab opportunity to integrate yourself with Billy’s homebase team. I mean, I could ask Robin to take it…”
Robin Clark was the latest events coordinator to be hired at Platinum Chicago. 27. Single. Very ambitious. She had her eye out for any opportunity to be promoted to a Senior Management position. CeeCee couldn’t let Robin have a chance at hers. She exhaled. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
Tad smiled and clapped. “Fantastic! Tickets will go on sale at midnight tonight. We’re hoping they’ll be all sold out within hours, but who knows these days with Billy’s current sporadic trending. The ATL media team is already flooding Twitter, FB and the Gram with alerts as we speak. You’ll be based in Atlanta for approximately ten days, covering the time for setup at Club Excalibur, media events and the party. You’ll have a condo and a rental, all on Platinum’s tab, of course,” He winked at CeeCee as he typed on his computer. I’m sending an email, copying you, letting the ATL office know that you’ll do it. And girl, you are officially late. Jay’s fine ass is gonna kill you! Skedaddle.”
CeeCee got up and ran to the elevator. Tad was right but not for the reason he thought. Jay would be more pissed about her accepting this Atlanta gig than being late for dinner.
After pulling up to valet and almost throwing the keys to her SUV to the driver, CeeCee rushed into Pierre’s. She was wearing a ruffled cream blouse, a red pencil skirt and a pair of nosebleed black stilettos. She spotted her man sitting in a candlelit back booth in a three-piece black suit – and he did not look happy.
“I know. I’m late. I’m sorry. Tad held me up.” She kissed Jay’s clenched jaw. He stared straight ahead, fuming. “So, what’s wrong with your phone? You can’t text me?”
“Uh, I did.” CeeCee pulled out her phone to see the text she intended to send still sitting in her box. “But I forgot to hit Send when Tad called me into his office. Again, sorry.”
Jay sighed as he looked at her. “We talked about this, Cee. Your career is coming before us. It has to stop.”
“I know. I’m sorry, baby. I’m a work in progress. Besides,” CeeCee trailed her hand up his thigh and to his crotch as she leaned into his ear with a whisper. “I’ll make it up to you at home, sexy. Wear that little thing you like. Hmmm…”
A smile grew on Jay’s face as he put his arms around her waist. “You are so lucky you are fine. Come here.” They shared a passionate kiss as they waited for appetizers to arrive.
As they finished dinner and started dessert, they cuddled and sipped Pinot Grigio in the booth. During their meal, CeeCee had replayed in her mind how she would bring up the Atlanta trip. Jay was having a rare drink tonight so he was relaxed. She was ready.
CeeCee sat up and picked at the crème brûlée with her fork. “So, like I said, Tad held me up because he offered me a great opportunity.”
“Word? What’s up?”
She took a bite of the caramelized treat. “Well, Billy hasn’t been doing so hot on the charts lately, so an exclusive concert is coming up to promote his next single. I’ve been handpicked to work the afterparty.”
Jay nodded as he ate a forkful of crème brûlée. “Sounds good. So, where’s he playing? Chicago? Detroit?”
CeeCee gulped down a mouthful of Grigio. “Atlanta.”
Jay’s fork clanked against the fine china. “How long do you have to be there?”
CeeCee winced. “Ten days. I have to leave in two.”
Jay’s shoulders dropped. “What about Lake Geneva this weekend? We have reservations at The Cove.”
Shit! CeeCee squeezed her eyes shut. “I completely spaced, baby. I’m sorry.”
“So you already told Tad yes? Cee!”
“It is a great opportunity! The label is going to start offering me more than regional gigs. The real moneymakers, not the onesie-twosies. For once in my professional life, I’m not being mommy-tracked. This is good!”
The waitress arrived with the bill. Jay handed her his Black Card as he replied. “Once again, Platinum comes before us. I have done everything within my power to keep my career based in or around the Chi so that we can spend as much time together as possible. Why can’t you do the same?”
CeeCee rolled her eyes. That was Jay’s trump card every time they had this discussion: his willingness to stay rooted in Chicago, even though his
agent Marty pleaded with him daily to relocate to New York.
“Look, I love Chicago, too. And I appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made. But I need you to look at this from my perspective. For over twenty years, I’ve watched single women and virtually any man – regardless of marital status – get the chance to travel for work and expand their horizons. Not me. I was married with a kid, which meant I was overlooked for those opportunities. Now I love you, but it’s my turn to shine professionally now. You’ll understand one day.”
The waitress arrived back with the receipt. Jay scoffed as he signed off on it. “Oh, that’s right. I’m a kid so I wouldn’t understand. Wow,
Cee. Just…forget it. Enjoy Atlanta.”
Oh boy. The age thing - another one of his trumps. She rubbed his arm as she scooted closer to him. “We can still have a getaway, sort of. Come with me. Platinum’s hooking me up with a condo. We could make it just as romantic as Lake Geneva.”
He pulled his arm away from her touch and threw his cloth napkin on the table. “No thanks. I’m good. You ready to go?”
CeeCee shrugged as Jay walked out. She could never win with him when it came to her career. She followed behind him to the valet, handing the driver her ticket. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it in that way.”
Jay handed his ticket to another driver. “You always mean it in that way.”
CeeCee hugged him from behind, rubbing his chest. “Please don’t be mad. Let’s make up when we get home, okay?”
Jay released himself from CeeCee and turned to face her. “Stop tryin’ to fix this with sex. It’s a cycle! Just like with the marriage convo. We argue about your job, we fuck and then the matter’s closed until it comes up again. I am serious about you finding a better balance between your career and us or...”
CeeCee raised an eyebrow. “Or what?”
The driver arrived with his Jag. “Nevermind. I’m staying at my crib tonight,” Jay bent down and gave CeeCee a dry peck on the lips. “Good night, Cee.” He hopped in his ride.
CeeCee shook her head as she watch him squeal off into the night. Once again, Jay literally took his balls and went home when he didn’t get his way. She said to herself as her SUV arrived, “And he wants to get married? Pssh.”
All Rights Reserved
Readers, here is your only sneak peek of #CitC until it is released on Friday, March 20th. Now, keep in mind: this is an unedited work in progress so content is subject to change (although I think this excerpt is akeeper). This also contains a little profanity so if you are under 18, this is a no-no for you. Enjoy!
*****
The clock struck 6. CeeCee shut down her computer and raced down the hall with her work tote on her shoulder. She was supposed to have met Jay at Pierre’s Bistro on Clark a half hour earlier. As she was texting him at a waiting elevator, Tad popped his head out of his office. “Cee, got a sec?”
“Not really but I guess.” CeeCee sulked into Tad’s office as she stuffed her phone back in her tote.
Tad snapped his fingers as he walked to his desk. “Pierre’s with Jay tonight, right? Ugh. Sorry, girl. I’ll make this quick. Just got a call from the ATL
office. To usher in Billy’s next single Homecoming, they want to have an exclusive performance at Philips Arena in his Atlanta stomping grounds. Club Excalibur will be the site for the afterparty. The ATL team was so impressed with how you handled his Chicago and Indianapolis post-concert events this spring that they asked you to come out for it.”
CeeCee perked up. She had only managed Billy’s Midwest events. This opportunity would open her up to a new market share and fresh connections among the artist management circles. “When does it start?” Tad sat down with a cringe on his face. “Next week, but you have to be down there in two days.” CeeCee took a deep breath. “This is really short notice, Tad.”
He folded his hands in a plea. “I know. This was a bright idea that the ATL team literally came up with yesterday. A last ditch effort to save the album from dying on the charts – and it is dying a slow, slow death, as you know. They really want you, Cee. Or shall I say, your personal Jesus really wants you.” CeeCee smiled, wide eyed. “Yvette Kingston? The VP?”
“The one and only. She asked for you by name. This is a fab opportunity to integrate yourself with Billy’s homebase team. I mean, I could ask Robin to take it…”
Robin Clark was the latest events coordinator to be hired at Platinum Chicago. 27. Single. Very ambitious. She had her eye out for any opportunity to be promoted to a Senior Management position. CeeCee couldn’t let Robin have a chance at hers. She exhaled. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
Tad smiled and clapped. “Fantastic! Tickets will go on sale at midnight tonight. We’re hoping they’ll be all sold out within hours, but who knows these days with Billy’s current sporadic trending. The ATL media team is already flooding Twitter, FB and the Gram with alerts as we speak. You’ll be based in Atlanta for approximately ten days, covering the time for setup at Club Excalibur, media events and the party. You’ll have a condo and a rental, all on Platinum’s tab, of course,” He winked at CeeCee as he typed on his computer. I’m sending an email, copying you, letting the ATL office know that you’ll do it. And girl, you are officially late. Jay’s fine ass is gonna kill you! Skedaddle.”
CeeCee got up and ran to the elevator. Tad was right but not for the reason he thought. Jay would be more pissed about her accepting this Atlanta gig than being late for dinner.
After pulling up to valet and almost throwing the keys to her SUV to the driver, CeeCee rushed into Pierre’s. She was wearing a ruffled cream blouse, a red pencil skirt and a pair of nosebleed black stilettos. She spotted her man sitting in a candlelit back booth in a three-piece black suit – and he did not look happy.
“I know. I’m late. I’m sorry. Tad held me up.” She kissed Jay’s clenched jaw. He stared straight ahead, fuming. “So, what’s wrong with your phone? You can’t text me?”
“Uh, I did.” CeeCee pulled out her phone to see the text she intended to send still sitting in her box. “But I forgot to hit Send when Tad called me into his office. Again, sorry.”
Jay sighed as he looked at her. “We talked about this, Cee. Your career is coming before us. It has to stop.”
“I know. I’m sorry, baby. I’m a work in progress. Besides,” CeeCee trailed her hand up his thigh and to his crotch as she leaned into his ear with a whisper. “I’ll make it up to you at home, sexy. Wear that little thing you like. Hmmm…”
A smile grew on Jay’s face as he put his arms around her waist. “You are so lucky you are fine. Come here.” They shared a passionate kiss as they waited for appetizers to arrive.
As they finished dinner and started dessert, they cuddled and sipped Pinot Grigio in the booth. During their meal, CeeCee had replayed in her mind how she would bring up the Atlanta trip. Jay was having a rare drink tonight so he was relaxed. She was ready.
CeeCee sat up and picked at the crème brûlée with her fork. “So, like I said, Tad held me up because he offered me a great opportunity.”
“Word? What’s up?”
She took a bite of the caramelized treat. “Well, Billy hasn’t been doing so hot on the charts lately, so an exclusive concert is coming up to promote his next single. I’ve been handpicked to work the afterparty.”
Jay nodded as he ate a forkful of crème brûlée. “Sounds good. So, where’s he playing? Chicago? Detroit?”
CeeCee gulped down a mouthful of Grigio. “Atlanta.”
Jay’s fork clanked against the fine china. “How long do you have to be there?”
CeeCee winced. “Ten days. I have to leave in two.”
Jay’s shoulders dropped. “What about Lake Geneva this weekend? We have reservations at The Cove.”
Shit! CeeCee squeezed her eyes shut. “I completely spaced, baby. I’m sorry.”
“So you already told Tad yes? Cee!”
“It is a great opportunity! The label is going to start offering me more than regional gigs. The real moneymakers, not the onesie-twosies. For once in my professional life, I’m not being mommy-tracked. This is good!”
The waitress arrived with the bill. Jay handed her his Black Card as he replied. “Once again, Platinum comes before us. I have done everything within my power to keep my career based in or around the Chi so that we can spend as much time together as possible. Why can’t you do the same?”
CeeCee rolled her eyes. That was Jay’s trump card every time they had this discussion: his willingness to stay rooted in Chicago, even though his
agent Marty pleaded with him daily to relocate to New York.
“Look, I love Chicago, too. And I appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made. But I need you to look at this from my perspective. For over twenty years, I’ve watched single women and virtually any man – regardless of marital status – get the chance to travel for work and expand their horizons. Not me. I was married with a kid, which meant I was overlooked for those opportunities. Now I love you, but it’s my turn to shine professionally now. You’ll understand one day.”
The waitress arrived back with the receipt. Jay scoffed as he signed off on it. “Oh, that’s right. I’m a kid so I wouldn’t understand. Wow,
Cee. Just…forget it. Enjoy Atlanta.”
Oh boy. The age thing - another one of his trumps. She rubbed his arm as she scooted closer to him. “We can still have a getaway, sort of. Come with me. Platinum’s hooking me up with a condo. We could make it just as romantic as Lake Geneva.”
He pulled his arm away from her touch and threw his cloth napkin on the table. “No thanks. I’m good. You ready to go?”
CeeCee shrugged as Jay walked out. She could never win with him when it came to her career. She followed behind him to the valet, handing the driver her ticket. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it in that way.”
Jay handed his ticket to another driver. “You always mean it in that way.”
CeeCee hugged him from behind, rubbing his chest. “Please don’t be mad. Let’s make up when we get home, okay?”
Jay released himself from CeeCee and turned to face her. “Stop tryin’ to fix this with sex. It’s a cycle! Just like with the marriage convo. We argue about your job, we fuck and then the matter’s closed until it comes up again. I am serious about you finding a better balance between your career and us or...”
CeeCee raised an eyebrow. “Or what?”
The driver arrived with his Jag. “Nevermind. I’m staying at my crib tonight,” Jay bent down and gave CeeCee a dry peck on the lips. “Good night, Cee.” He hopped in his ride.
CeeCee shook her head as she watch him squeal off into the night. Once again, Jay literally took his balls and went home when he didn’t get his way. She said to herself as her SUV arrived, “And he wants to get married? Pssh.”
Unpublished Work © 2015 Kellee Forkenbrock (a/k/a Eliza David)
All Rights Reserved
