Genevive Chamblee's Blog, page 5

Writing Journey: Mashups and Percentages

Out of all the possible posts I could write, this is the one I almost didn’t. It’s hard to explain, and very emotional, but it seems scary to put into words the road it took for me to get to the completion of Demon Rodeo.

Initially, it was written as a short story to be included in an anthology, but it didn’t work out. I knew I wanted to do something with this story from the beginning. After months of pondering and being lost, it finally began coming to me. Make no mistake. It didn’t come easily. I kept getting stuck—probably at least once a week and would remain stuck for weeks. However, once I had it written, the really difficult part began. “What do I call this?” I didn’t mean a title. I meant how should I classify it? It was a mashup of my favorite genres, and I didn’t know how to express it.

Calling it a romance is accurate, but it leaves a lot out. Romance is a huge category. If I say someone has transportation, it’s assumed that person has the means to get from one area to another. But how? It could be by plane, train, boat, car, scooter, or even a ski lift. There are many modes of transportation. It’s vague and nondescriptive. The term romance is similar in that it’s so broad that it yields information. I think most readers want to know more than a broad category because there are so many options—regency romance, inspirational/Christian romance, sweet romance, dark romance, etc.

If I called it a paranormal romance, I feared some readers would argue it didn’t focus enough on paranormal elements. I toyed with the term occult, but is it really? Maybe a little but not really. Could it cross into fantasy? I don’t think so, but then again, it depends on how loose of a definition one uses. If I called it a cowboy romance, my concern was that readers would expect it to be a traditional cowboy romance style with ranching and herding. It is a sports romance, but I know many people do not think of bull riding as a sport. It’s one of those events that just sort of hangs out by itself, sort of like sledding—something most people think of as an activity unless they are watching it in the Olympics. After much thought, I came up with a description that I think gets the job done.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural all had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Mashups are hard because they do not neatly fall into pre-carved categories, and so many people want everything nice and tidy. When it’s not, people say they feel deceived, and that’s hurtful. Authors (well, most because I’m sure there are exceptions) do not intentionally mislead readers. Clickbait is at the top of my pet peeve list. I wouldn’t deliberately inflict that on anyone.

Another hurdle that I had to jump with Demon Rodeo was that it strayed from my “typical.” Readers who have followed me for a while, know that isn’t true. A lot of my early work, especially short stories, dipped into the paranormal, and Demon Rodeo did begin as a short story. However, I’ve not written a full-length paranormal novel. Plus, when I told people I was working on another book, most assumed it was another hockey romance. I love my hockey players, and I haven’t abandoned them. As I mentioned previously, Demon Rodeo had been sitting on my computer (along with a few others) for a while, and I wanted to do something with it. Thus, I had to get into my own head that I still had it in me to write paranormal and that I could do it beyond a short story. Let me tell you, imposter syndrome will yeet a writer onto the struggle bus faster than anything.

I already mentioned storyblock a little, but… Oh! My! Gracious! I learned the term storyblock several years ago. Unfortunately, I can’t remember who coined the term. Storyblock is different from writer’s block.

According to Merriam-Webster, it is a temporary psychological condition in which a writer is unable to proceed with a piece of writing. However, the broader definition is a condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing. It is the latter definition that makes writer’s block distinct from storyblock.

Storyblock, on the other hand, is an inability to write a particular story. The distinction between the two is important because, with storyblock, the author can write or work on other projects. When I would get stuck on Demon Rodeo, I would reset by writing a blog post, working on another story, or even editing a previous chapter of DR. My creativity was still there. However, there have been times when I have experienced writer’s block when I struggled to write anything. In some ways, storyblock is more frustrating because one questions if the story has any value. With writer’s block, the writer may question his/her own talent but will eventually realize the irrationality of these thoughts. But questioning the validity of a story is more complex because stories can be bad. Some stories, unfortunately, are unsalvageable.

I always revert to the movie The Big Chill. It is one of my favorite movies and a classic. It hits on every level. However, if the same movie, with no changes to script or plot but a change in date from 1983 to 2024, was produced now, it would not work. Too much would need to be updated. This was seen in the movie About Alex, a remake of The Big Chill in 2014. In 1983, the characters’ problems were relatable to audiences. In 2024, many of those problems have solutions that weren’t available 40 years ago. Thus, the new audience would not be able to relate and likely would become bored. The 2014 remake updated the problems and the characters. According to those who if are to be believed, some consider the remake a failure because in attempting to remain closely related to the source material, too much had culturally changed in society to make the story likable.

Finally, I knew that I wanted this story to push my boundaries beyond anything I’ve previously written. I’ve written about many sports, but never bull riding. Sports romance is a delicate balancing act. Not only does it require almost (almost being key) equal parts of romance and sports, but it must balance novice with advanced. What does that mean? To start, the romance must be the main focus of the story. If the romance is not the center point, it is not a romance. It is some other kind of genre with a romantic element (e.g., fantasy with a love story, mystery with a romantic subplot, science fiction with a romantic interest, etc.). While the sports aspect of the story will play an important role in the story, it will be secondary to the romance. Likewise, the story can’t be so focused on the romance that the sports is forgotten.

The second tricky part is what I refer to in Little House on the Prairie schoolhouse writing. The schoolhouse in Walnut Grove served as a school, courthouse, meeting place, and church. And the students, basically from first grade to twelfth, were all educated in one room. In short, the build had to be everything for all. Sports romance can be the same. Some readers are very prolific in sports and sports history. They do not need anything explained. Others are novices who would be lost without explanation.

For example, in Future Goals, the fifth book in my Locker Room Love hockey series, I used the term redshirt. My editor flagged it. Truth is, and I said to her, I don’t know a single person who was unfamiliar with the term redshirt. But that is because I grew up around sports and so did more than half of the people I know. When I moved beyond those inner circles, I learned differently. Some readers will be annoyed having terms like redshirt being defined. Honestly, I’ve been guilty of this. A former neighbor who assumed “girls couldn’t talk football” began explaining a safety to me. Almost immediately, I snapped, “I know what a safety is.” For readers well-versed in sports, they don’t want to feel that their intelligence is being belittled. On the contrary, some readers may know little about a sport but are interested in learning. For them, explanations and definitions may be necessary to prevent them from becoming lost in the story. Therefore, a balance is needed between the two.

However, Demon Rodeo isn’t only a sports romance. It’s a paranormal sports romance. A paranormal romance means, once again, the romance is the center focus, and the paranormal element plays a significant role. If I were to take a stab at numbers (and this is by no means official), I would guess the breakdown would be somewhere between 51% – 60% romance and 40% 49% paranormal for a paranormal romance. The same figures would apply to a sports romance (between 51% – 60% romance and 40% 49% sports). Having both sports and paranormal makes it a bit trickier. In either instance, the romance would remain the center (at least 34%). Sports and paranormal would be equally divided (at a minimal 33% each). Thus, the romance would be between 34% to 60%, and the sports and paranormal would be between 20% – 33% each.

That brings this post to a close. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Buckle up and get ready.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Shut Out Mental Noise

Hello, bonjour, et salute. I’m Genevive, an author and blogger. If this is your first time visiting Creole Bayou, welcome. If you’ve visited before, welcome back. Creole Bayou blog discusses topics about culture (all things Creole and Cajun), writing, mental health, and romance/relationships. This month, however, I’m celebrating the release of Demon Rodeo (book #1 in the Chasing the Buckle series) by posting daily about a topic that somehow relates to something that happens in or relates to the story. Today’s entry is only loosely related but still appropriate because it deals with state of mind and mental health.

Demon Rodeo is about rodeo stars. To ride a bull, one needs to be focused or it could lead to real trouble. The two main characters, Easton and Royal, are faced with many distractions. When I was pondering a topic for today’s post and was coming up blank, I made a comment to a friend that I was blocked because there were too many distractions. Now, it would have been one thing if the distractions had been the television, text messages, or social media, but this drama was playing out in my head. It was my thoughts that were distracting me—the various things that had happened throughout the day looping in my head. In other words, a bunch of useless noise.

Too much noise, regardless of whether or not it’s positive or negative, can disrupt progress and goals. How can positive noise be disruptive? It can lead to overconfidence or bias. Believe there are no issues because of the noise, a writer may overlook errors and mistakes that should be obvious. Negative noise can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy and incompetence. So, here are some ways to block out noise.

Manipulate the environment. Before beginning writing (or any task), remove as many distractions or potential distractions from the area before starting. This may mean changing physical locations (e.g., if one is distracted by family members or tempted to turn on the television that person may decide to work outside on a patio or in a finished basement that limits sound and does not have a television, etc.) Along the same lines, a person may log out of all social media accounts to receive no notifications or leave the cell phone in another room.Practice calming and/or relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation or deep breathing) before engaging in any activity requiring focusing.Identify the goal and what is wanted to be achieved and operantly define the objective in measurable units. Be specific. Anytime you find your mind straying, remind yourself of these goals. These goals should be what the individual desires and not to win the approval or attention of someone else.Create a schedule of when to work on goals. This is important for many reasons. I’m a pantser when it comes to writing, but I do have a certain degree of planning in my writing routine. For example, I self-impose deadlines for when I want to have certain tasks completed. I may give myself two weeks to complete editing. I’m not as detailed to give myself daily quotas, but I do do the math. Before beginning these daily blogs, I preplanned how many I would have to write per day to have enough time to edit, create thumbnails, post, and all the other behind-the-scenes stuff. I also know since it’s me and things rarely go as planned, I had to add breathing room for when everything slides south. Having this schedule allows me to focus on what needs to be done and block out everything else. Additionally, when the noise does creep in, I can use this schedule to pull myself back on track. When my mind is so full of noise, I’m all over the place. A schedule creates one place for me to be.Create a schedule – part B. It’s not enough to create a schedule for oneself. It’s also important to communicate this schedule to other people. Since the world broke in 2020, most people view working from home differently than they did five years ago. However, this is not the case for everyone. When I was younger and on summer break from school, my older siblings and parents took for granted that I would be a free babysitter. They assumed that I would have nothing to do and that they could impose upon me. As an adult, it’s assumed because I’m home and in front of my laptop that I’m not busy. Writing sometimes isn’t seen as a “real” profession and it’s no big deal if they interrupt me. Therefore, I must communicate that there are times when I may appear to be free to them but am unavailable.Be ready and organized. I struggle with this but over the years, have formulated a plan to deal with this. By nature, I’m a very unorganized person. My coworkers will argue that I’m OCD. That’s because they see the tremendous organization happening in my office. Everything has a specific place and is never altered. What they don’t see is the struggle it is for me to maintain that order. If I didn’t create order, I would spend more time looking for things I need instead of working. I force myself to have this order, which is the very opposite of OCD. I’m not distressed by inorganization nor do I feel compelled to organize. I just know it’s something that I need to do to maintain productivity. The noise for me in this instance is chaos spun out of being unorganized.Be ready and organized – part B. Gather all materials needed before beginning. Beginning a project and having to stop in the middle to search for something is very disruptive. Point #6 spoke about having everything where it could be found. This is ensuring one has everything he/she needs prior to beginning. For example, before making a cake, it would be wise to make sure all the ingredients necessary are on hand.Taking breaks when necessary. Fatigue is an enemy and one of the quickest ways to allow noise to enter. When a person becomes fatigued, it often limits that person’s ability to focus. Find a calming place mentally to rest and reset. Take all the time you need. There are no hard-set rules to break. For some people, a break may be a few minutes. For others, it may be a few months or even years. A break ends when a person finds himself/herself in the right headspace or mindset to continue.Believe in oneself. Self-doubt is crippling. Listen, I know this can be easier said than done because venom will seep through one’s veins silently. There’s a saying. “Those who can do. Those who can’t teach.” (No shade to teachers. The world needs good educators.) This speaks of those talentless, faceless keyboard warriors who flap their gums because they feel that they can. But the majority of the idiocy spewing from their mouths is done to make themselves feel better. They only feel good and purposeful by slandering and dumping on someone else. They don’t take into consideration the effects that their words and actions may have on others. Or maybe they do take it into account and it is their intention to cause harm, distress, and destruction. They never learned the manners of, “if you don’t have anything nice, shut the hell up.” And they definitely haven’t been taught the difference between constructive and malicious. These garbage people exist, and there’s not much that can be done about them except to understand that they hold no true power. The ability to do so comes from within a person. If a person believes in himself/herself, she can and will conquer whatever he/she sets her mind to. A person can’t control what another person says or does. However, he/she can control his/her response. Don’t listen. Do not limit oneself by definitions and restrictions others set.Grace. Not everything will be perfect. A few things are. But not everything has to be perfect. Stop beating oneself over imperfections. Learn and move on. Grow. Understand that one isn’t alone. It happens to others. The grass, as the saying goes, always looks greener on the other side. However, sometimes that green grass is poisonous weeds to lure one in. (Remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and the field of pretty poppy flowers?) The noise is a black hole and trap for people to fall into. It’s okay to trip, but it’s important to forgive oneself when he/she does.

That’s all folks. Do you agree or disagree? Was this post helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Get ready to ride. Giddy up!

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Releasing September 5, 2024

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Manage Being a Reader and a Writer

Hello, hey there, bonjour, et salute. If this is your first time visiting Creole Bayou, welcome. If you’ve visited before, welcome back. I’m happy you find these posts enjoyable. Creole Bayou blog discusses topics about culture (all things Creole and Cajun), writing, mental health, and romance/relationships. If you don’t know me, my name is Genevive. I’m a blogger and the author of the hockey romance series, Locker Room Love. This month, however, I’m celebrating the release of the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series. It is titled Demon Rodeo, and it’s… Well, it’s a lot of things—a mashup of many elements smoothly blended to create one story.

Contemporary romanceM/M romance (gay romance/LGBTQIA+ romance, queer romance)Spicy romance/steamy romance (not smut but not for the kiddies, 18+ please)Sports romance (Rodeo/ bull riding)Cowboy romance (sorry, no horses, ranches, or farms)Paranormal romance (some say occult)Multicultural romance (Cajun and Creole)Forbidden romanceSmall townFriends to loversWorkplace (or rather coworkers because not in an office)Dual point of viewSassy/snarky romance (not dark)Contains an author’s note (important information)Contains a glossary for foreign words (French)Contains a trigger warningSouthern storytelling styleSubplotsNo cliffhangersPart of a series but can be read as a standaloneNot a romcom but it brings the giggles (and the drama)

The best description of it would be if Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild. To celebrate, I’m uploading daily posts about topics and themes that in some shape, form, or fashion are related to something occurring or mentioned in the story.

Today, I can freely talk about Demon Rodeo, but for the longest time, I couldn’t. Demon Rodeo began as a short story submission for an anthology. It didn’t make the cut as an entry as everyone felt it was a much larger story. They were correct. For more than a year, it sat untouched in a file because I couldn’t figure out how to transform a short story into a full-length novel. I didn’t discuss it at that point because I was blindly feeling my way through it. Talk about falling down rabbit holes and vortexes.

In many ways, books are like babies to their authors, and their mommies and daddies want to protect them. Often, parents do not announce a pregnancy until after the first trimester. Once, I completed it and submitted it for publication, I didn’t discuss it because I didn’t want to jinx anything. Now, keep in mind that traditional publishing is slightly different than self-publishing. When Demon Rodeo was accepted for publication, I contractually couldn’t discuss certain aspects of the book until specific dates—thus, my tight lip for months. But here we are rapidly approaching release.

I learned quite a lot about writing and reading during this time. Disclaimer: These are opinions I found helpful but may not work or hold true for everyone.

There are never enough hours in the day. Time management is critical. Having a schedule is crucial. However, it needs to be flexible because things will happen.Things will happen, and the poo-poo will hit the fan. It’s not a matter of if. It is a matter of when. Sometimes, the blow is able to be softened but rarely is it ever preventable.Using a planner (physical, digital, or both) to keep track of what you need to do and what you have done is helpful. I use a physical planner simply because I enjoy decorating it. I use the time I’m decorating as a creative release and relaxation. Looking at a pretty planner makes those not-so-pleasant chores, errands, and to-dos a little more palatable.Hydration is key. I never gave a lot of thought about hydration, but it does help keep one focused.Many writers will agree that one of the first pieces of writing advice given is to read and to read often. What I have found is that I cannot read while I’m writing. It confuses the story I want to tell. Perhaps it has something to do with me being a pantser. I constantly have to keep my characters and the voice I want to tell their story in my head. Reading the work of others pulls me out of that zone.Here’s a writing no-no for many writers. I edit as I go. Oh, yes, I do. For me, editing helps me to be more creative. When I edit a scene or chapter, it helps me to envision the next chapter or scene. If I’m blocked, it helps me to become unblocked. During these edits, I’m not trying to make the manuscript perfect or getting bogged down in details. That all comes later. I’m cleaning up and changing things I’m not liking.I don’t throw away deletes. I store all deletes in a special file. I’ve learned over the years that I will want or need them. Chalk it up to being a pantser. See, I don’t always write in order. At the time, I think that I am but usually I’m not. I’ll end up with scenes or dialogue that don’t fit. Then, down the line, I realize, “Oh, it goes here.”If you’re an author and/or editor and a reader, listening to audiobooks can be beneficial. Because you won’t be looking at the written word, the tendency to read with an editing and/or critical literary eye will be removed. Then, one can simply enjoy the story.This is to my fellow writers. There is a space for everything. Let me say it again for the people in the back. There is an audience for all topics. If a writer isn’t getting their desired response to their book, it likely is because the writer hasn’t found his/her target audience. And despite what you might think, even if a writer clearly indicates to readers that he/she believes will enjoy the book the most, there will be someone who ignores all of what has been disclosed and will voice their disappointment. I dislike bananas. I don’t fancy the taste, texture, or smell. I don’t care if it’s fresh, processed, fried, baked, dipped, in desserts, in breads, in puddings, in preserves, in juice, in facial masks, etc. None of it. I don’t like bananas. Therefore, it would make no sense that I would attend a banana festival and expect to enjoy anything there. Yet, there are some people who knowingly dislike a genre or certain topics who will read a book about those very things and be extremely vocal about it. I don’t know why, but it happens. Expect it. Say nothing. Move on.Not everyone who says they are willing and trying to help is and does. Seeing how this is my last point, I’m going to take some time to discuss it a little more than the other points. Let me begin by stating gaslighting is real.

Recently, I along with a group of like-minded fellow authors began attending a series of workshops. The leaders of these groups claimed to want to share the secrets of their success. By looking at their accomplishments, it’s obvious that something they did worked. Thus, people who attend these workshops would have little doubt in their expertise.

What I (along with others) began to notice is that the information given was basic—the same generic information that commonsense and a fortune cookie would yield. It wasn’t incorrect, but it wasn’t new or uniquely helpful. Likely, everyone present at the workshop was already engaging in those things and found that they weren’t working; hence, their reason for attending the workshop in the first place—to learn more efficient techniques. When the hosts were asked intricate or in-depth questions, the answer would be either not answered, answered partially, or glossed over. The most common avoidance would go something like this. The host would repeat the question, pause, and appear to ponder the answer for a second or two. Then, he/she would begin the response, only to get a couple of words in before being interrupted by another question or something happening in the environment. The host would address the disruption and never return to the OG question.

Initially, I thought the hosts were so distracted that they forgot to answer the original question. But then, I began to notice a pattern. This happened every time. Other people began noticing, too. I started to get tent revival vibes. Did these hosts have plants in the audience who intentionally disrupted when the questions had merit? They’d answer the bubblegum questions all day, but never the ones that could allow a person to level up.

So, that’s all I got. Do you agree or disagree? Was this post helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

There’s more than bulls in the chutes.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Hot Alpha Cowboys and Crawfish

It’s Celebration Recipe Monday! No, it’s not a holiday that you’ll find listed on any website. It’s my creation to celebrate the upcoming release of my new paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, which will be available on September 5. Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. To celebrate its release, I’m uploading a blog post daily that is in some way related to the story. I’ve designated Mondays for Cajun and Creole cuisine recipes.

Crawfish Remoulade

Ingredients:

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce½ tsp cayenne1 tsp paprika1 tsp hot sauce2 tbs balsamic vinegar1 tbs horseradish2 tbs Dijon mustard¾ cup lemon juice2 tsp garlic, minced½ cup celery, diced1 cup green onion, chopped2 cups mayonnaise3 lbs crawfish tails, boiled1 16oz bag of Zatarain’s crawfish, shrimp, and crab boil

Directions

For crawfish:

Rinse crawfish thoroughly in cool water to clean and drain. Set aside.In a large pot, add enough water to cover the crawfish. (Don’t add crawfish yet.)Add the entire bag of Zatarain’s seasoning to water and stir.Bring to a boil.Add the crawfish and cover with a lid.Allow to boil for 3-5 minutes or until the shells turn bright red. (Be mindful not to overcook.)Remove from the water and allow to cool.Once cool enough to handle without burning fingers, twist the tail until it breaks. Remove the tail meat and throw away the shell.Place tails in a bowl.

For remoulade:

In a medium bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, cayenne, celery, garlic, hot sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, onions, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.Stir well.Fold in crawfish.

Enjoy! Let me know how this turns out.

And that’s all that I have. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? Does this sound like something you’re interested in eating? Or perhaps you’ve already tried it. Let me know in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Saddle up for the cowboys.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Inclusivity Requires Respect

Hello and bonjour. Welcome back to the bayou and my month-long celebration of the upcoming release of Demon Rodeo, my paranormal sports romance which releases on 09/05/24. Demon Rodeo is the first standalone book in my Chasing the Buckle series—a sports romance series revolving around the lives and loves of professional bull riders and rodeo stars. So, if Demon Rodeo is a paranormal sports romance, why am I writing a post about food? The answer is simple. As part of my cyber celebration, I am uploading on my blog daily about a topic or theme that occurs in or is related to something that happens in the story.

Maya Angelou stated, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

So, if someone tells you something is offensive, that, too, should be believed. But no. the person is often mocked, criticized, belittled, or called a snowflake. They are given the label of “woke”—a word that would be on George Carlin’s dirty words list.

I must begin this post with a disclaimer. In no way do I claim to be an expert on this, and I apologize upfront if I use any incorrect or inaccurate terms. It is not my intention to offend anyone. Additionally, this topic is far too complex and extensive for one post to be comprehensive or do it justice. Therefore, it is advised for anyone who wants more information to research for himself/herself. To be honest, I almost didn’t write this post but was requested after the topic came up for discussion in relationship to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) by the American Psychiatric Association and accurately portraying diverse characters in fiction.

The conversation began innocently enough with a debate that has been circulating in the writing world for ages. Who can write what?

Most beginning writers have heard “write what you know.” Now, that sounds fantastic and practical until one gives it a close inspection. If writers are limited to only writing what they “know,” there may be a severe shortage of what is available. What writer “knows” about zombies. Would all authors of crime novels need to have gone to law school or all writers of stories with nurses and doctors need to have graduated from medical/nursing school? Does one need to be a murderer or substance abuser to write stories about killers or drug addicts? Are authors limited to writing characters only of their race, meaning their work would lack diversity? Can male writers not write female characters and vice versa?

Now, there are people who are going to say those questions are ridiculous and extreme. But if they are, then where does one draw the line between what an author is allowed to write and what they aren’t? If a writer is willing to put in the work to research to avoid writing stereotypes, falsehoods, and misleading information with their characters and plots, why should anything be off limits?

But let me back up to how this conversation began. A colleague read a transcript of a podcast that had made the statement that any writer who writes an M/M romance isn’t writing LBGTQIA+ romance because it is not inclusive of all members of the LBGTQIA+ community. From here, the question was asked if a person who is cisgender is allowed to write a transgender character. Now, let’s not play semantics. Of course, a writer can write about whatever he/she wants. The true question was: Is it acceptable or would it be considered offensive? Well, after a few minutes of debate, we learned that we were all using different terminology and didn’t know which was appropriate. No one wanted to be disrespectful. At this point, I began researching definitions. To be honest, I’m not quite sure how I landed where I did, but I found myself in a section of the DSM-5-TR that I never use. Gender dysphoria is still a diagnosis. As I read through the criteria, I realized that I seriously needed to clarify definitions for myself. It was a “whoa!” moment. My writing colleagues requested that I share what I learned with them.

What many people may not realize is that “homosexuality” wasn’t removed as a psychiatric disorder from the DSM until 2013. If you’re thinking it was removed in 1973, you wouldn’t be completely wrong. The category was removed, but in actuality, it was renamed and the terminology changed. The “renaming” went on for a while until its final removal in 2013. But what does this have to do with transgender? Well, gender dysphoria is defined as “a marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender.” One of the criteria includes “a strong desire to be of the other gender or an insistence that he or she is the other gender or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender.” This infers that “transgender” is a mental pathology that can be treated as one would any of the other disorders (e.g., anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, autism, substance abuse, pica, bulimia, insomnia, personality disorders, kleptomania, etc.) listed in DSM. But to be certain I was reading and interpreting this correctly, I needed a reminder of the definitions of the terms “sex” and “gender” before beginning to do anything else.

In an extremely pedantic definition, sex is a combination of chromosomes, hormones, and biological and physiological characteristics (e.g., sexual anatomy/genitals, reproductive organs, hormone levels, etc.) that are used to label a person as either male or female.

Gender, on the other hand, is a category, idea, or social construct of how a person should behave, act, or express themselves and that is created and collectively agreed upon by culture or society. Gender forms an overarching understanding among members of society that yields subjective perspectives and interactions by groups of people but does not exist objectively in nature. In other words, it refers to behaviors, expectations, expressions, identities, perceptions, and roles of people. It is shaped and motivated by cultural, personal, and social experiences and norms that influence how social institutions respond.

I’m not going to lie. Identifying pronouns trips me up—not because I’m opposed to using them but because of habit. When I hear they and them, my mind defaults to more than one person or the vague referring to a group of people. Growing up, using these pronouns vaguely was practically beat out of me. For example, I’d say something like, “They said they were going.” The response would be, “Who is they?” This would be followed by some type of chastising and called out for incorrect grammar. And to be honest, sometimes I’m airheaded and don’t think to ask how a person identifies. In these instances, I’m not offended or put off if I’m correct and will correct my language. Tell me once, and I will make my best effort to get it right from that point forward. But I do slip. It’s no different for me when a friend gets married and changes her surname. Sometimes, I accidentally refer to them by their maiden name out of habit. Habits can be hard to break and take some time.

It is refreshing when writers have a diverse and inclusive cast of characters. One reason the Netflix series Bridgerton became such a hit was its inclusivity which hadn’t been seen in Regency movies. However, to be inclusive, writers must be respectful of culture and avoid writing stereotypes. This may require the writer to research about cultures or groups of people. Some authors may not feel they are incapable of accurately representing some groups and elect to avoid writing characters from these groups in an effort not to be disrespectful. This leads to the dilemma that has sparked this topic.

If an author writes a novel that does not have a multicultural cast of characters, it could be called out for being non-inclusive. But if the author gets it wrong, he/she will be called out for doing a lot worse. There also is the camp that regardless of “research” and a best effort to write truthful representation, it is unacceptable and, at worst, cultural misappropriation. I hesitate to call this gatekeeping, but it’s definitely a “stay in your lane” sentiment. Some authors may desire to increase the diversity in their characters but are intimidated to do so. Overall, I do believe more authors are attempting to be inclusive. Learning simple things, such as the difference between sex and gender, is the first step in being able to write authentic transgender characters. Baby steps.

So, that’s all I got. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Do you agree or disagree? Was this post helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be it.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Why Appropriate Use of Clinical Terms Is Important

A little over a year ago, I wrote a post titled How Using Clinical Terms in Daily Life Can Be Harmful. Well, it seems it’s time to visit the topic again. Ironically, I began that post with an example of “OCD” being thrown around generically, and it is the diagnosis that has sparked this post.

Usually, I begin posts with a brief summary of what situation or conversation sparked the current topic. I see no reason to deviate from that this time. So, see what had happened was… But seriously, a person described her child to professionals as having OCD. Here’s the issue. Obsessions are thought-based. They are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are unwanted, intrusive, and cause stress. Compulsions are behaviors—actions that can visibly be seen by others. In other words, obsessions are internal, and compulsions are external. Compusions may be the outcome of obsessions but not necessarily. Likewise, one may experience obsessions but never act upon them. When clinically diagnosing any psychiatric disorder, there is a need for “rule out.” Rule out simple refers to eliminating other possible diagnoses. Some diagnoses, according to the Diagnostic and Statical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), should not be diagnosed together. OCD has a fair share of rule outs before being diagnosed. The child in question had a diagnosis that is specifically listed as a rule out, and that other diagnosis is more appropriate.

Well, what does it matter, one might ask. Who does it hurt? My answer is simple: the person with the diagnosis. Having an incorrect or skewed diagnosis can prevent a person from receiving proper treatment. And because the clinical language has become so “loose,” some professionals (especially ones not well trained) are not adhering closely to DSM-5-TR criteria. Some “professionals” may have only had one or two introductory courses to mental health but are working with persons with severe mental illnesses. Others who may have had more training may not know how to use clinical judgment and appropriate (by appropriate I mean reliable and valid) psychometric measures. These types of professionals basically lick their thumb, stick it in the air, and guess at a diagnosis. There’s no real empirical support for it. Or they may run with one or two symptoms. Then, there are other professionals who miss diagnoses because they expect to see textbook cases. Again, this is where experience, education, and clinical judgment (and yes, all three are needed to be a competent clinician) come into play.

Now, here’s a personal opinion and not fact. What I’m about to say in no way can I prove. I believe one reason many people blow off therapy as ineffective, a waste of time, frivolous, or poppycock is due to the Cracker Jack system of not always vetting clinicians. Some people with “minimal” qualifications are allowed to diagnose. These diagnoses get transcribed into medical and other health records. They are then passed on as facts because no one takes the time to investigate the origin.

For example, a woman needs treatment for a disorder, but the medication can potentially cause birth defects. The woman is of childbearing age, has not had a hysterotomy, and has not gone through early menopause. Her physicians ask her if she’s pregnant, and she says she is not. The physician has two options: take her word for it or do a pregnancy test. If he takes her word for it and she’s pregnant, the physician may be financially liable for any birth defects the child may have. But Genevive, you just said she told the physician that she wasn’t. True. But a clever lawyer will argue that the physician is negligent for not testing. Perhaps, it was too early in the woman’s pregnancy for her to have symptoms. A blood test could detect what the woman couldn’t.

There is a tendency to treat mental illness as something of a lesser disease/disorder. Because it is cognitive or in the mind, many people will dismiss it as fake, nonexistent, or weak. They chastise persons experiencing mental illness, saying things such as the person is lazy, lacking in spirituality, weak-willed, or is a “snowflake.” And it’s my opinion—because we all have one—that it is using clinical terms incorrectly or as slang weakens people’s views about mental health. If the mental health system is to become better, more respect has to be placed on the science behind mental health. Is the science perfect? No. Is it exact? No. Does it exist? Yes. It just has to be utilized appropriately.

So, that’s all I got. Do you agree or disagree? Was this post helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

There’s more than bulls in the chutes.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Hot Alpha Cowboys and Hotels

Salute! Thank you for joining me for this post today and welcome to Creole Bayou blog. This month I’m celebrating the upcoming (September 5) release of my paranormal sports romance novel, Demon Rodeo (book #1 in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone) by uploading daily posts on my blog about topics and themes that are in some shape, form, or fashion related to something that occurs or is mentioned in the story. Today, I’m discussing places to stay in the Big Easy because many of the characters in the story either reside in or are native to Louisiana, making this topic fair game for discussion. They also travel a lot for competitions.

DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored, affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the places, businesses, franchises, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. I selected these places to discuss based on a combination of previous reviews, recommendations, and personal experience. Before booking or planning a stay at any of these places, be sure to conduct your own research.

New Orleans has been a tourist mecca for decades. Sometimes, it is difficult to know where to stay when looking for a hotel. Websites such as Yelp can be a help, but they aren’t always useful. As has been demonstrated in the past, people can and will sometimes flood Yelp with negative or derogatory reviews for reasons other than intended or what the site was designed to record.

The Best Places to Stay in NOLA

The Windsor Court – 300 Gravier Street, DowntownResidence Inn by Marriot – 360 St. Charles Ave, DowntownHyatt Regency – 600 Loyola AveThe Roosevelt NOLA, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – 130 Roosevelt WayWest New Orleans, French Quarter – 316 Chartes StreetHotel Monteleon – 214 Royal StreetBourbon Orleans Hotel – 7171 Orleans StreetRenaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District – 700 Tchoupitoulas Street

The Windsor Court tops this list because it has premium suites of 800 square feet, and it is possible to earn a complimentary free night if you book for three days. Many rooms have a spectacular view of the skyline and marble bathrooms. Plus, one of the city’s four-diamond restaurants is located inside. However, what many guests find pleasing is the complimentary parking. Because the French Quarter is small in area but heavy in foot-traffic, driving through is a nightmare. And parking is worse because there is very little (if any) free parking. Parking areas fill up fast, and some lack security. It can be a mess. One would think if you book at a hotel surely the parking would be free, but that’s not the case. Some hotels charge for the room and parking. And for what some of them charge, I’d rather pay for parking and sleep in my car and forego paying for a room. Windsor Court is approximately half a block away from Canal Street and about a five-minute drive to the French Quarter.

Aside from appealing rooms, the Residence Inn by Marriot also is at the top of my list because the streetcar stops in front of it. The Hyatt Regency is located close to Union Station, the Superdome, and Smoothie King Center. For persons who travel with their pets, the West New Orleans, Hotel Monteleone, and Bourbon Orleans welcome furbabies. And speaking of animals, if you are interested in visiting more, the Audubon Aquarium is approximately 1 mile away and the zoo is approximately 4 miles away.

That wraps up this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Have you stayed at any of these places? If so, what was your experience? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Hang onto your bootstraps.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Complex Characters and Plots in Novels

Most persons walking the earth have something they are dealing with, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. For the lucky ones, it is a singular issue. Regardless of the size, it is one problem. But for many more, life isn’t that simple and they have a multitude of situations and issues to complicate their lives.

For example, I worked with a woman whose mother had a stroke, a sister who was battling cancer, and a daughter who was in the throes of drug addiction as well as being physically abused by her then-boyfriend. While dealing with all of this, my coworker’s husband suffered an injury at work and was initially denied disability. (There was a paperwork issue.) My coworker’s salary is insufficient to cover their monthly expenses, and she experienced much financial strain. In fact, her situation is so dire that she is focused on calling in for two days because she doesn’t have enough money for gas to make it to work. This caused strife in her marriage. Additionally, she was embarrassed to share her situation with coworkers, and she ultimately bottled up so much of her emotions that she began suffering from depression. She was prescribed an antidepressant and antianxiety medication by her doctor which her drug-addicted daughter stole. The stress of it all began interfering with her job performance, and she fell behind in work duties. For months, this constant drama was her life.

In the real world, having one problem isn’t a reality for most people. Yet, authors are expected to write characters with only one focus. When authors depict a character having more than one dilemma, there’s frequently a criticism of “there’s too much going on.” To me, characters that have a lot going on are more interesting. More things could happen. Plus, I get bored with the same conversations.

Recently, I watched a reality television show. I don’t know why it’s called reality when so much of it is contrived. The wannabe actors (and yes, I’m calling them that) sat to have a “conversation” over lunch. This was obviously scripted, as they fumbled their lines, and no other customers were in the restaurant. The conversation centered on if the actor should confront her ex-love interest about not inviting his current girlfriend to a birthday party for the child they had together. She again has a similar conversation with her sister and another with her mother as well as in the fourth-wall confessional before having this conversation with her ex. It all was supposed to be “build up” for a big to-do blow-up, but after the first conversation, I was over it. I was like, “Geez, does this girl not have anything else going on in her life?”

Even when something huge is happening in a person’s life, it usually isn’t the only conversation they have with others. Going back to my coworker, some days she would arrive at work and be completely shut down. Other days, she would maybe talk about how he’d been in the emergency room all night with her daughter who’d been beaten up or overdosed. Then other days, she would talk about her mother who had been placed in a nursing home for around-the-clock care, and how the staff there treated her.

When I was in high school, the in thing was to watch soap operas. The more one watched, the cooler she was. When I enrolled in college, I scheduled classes around my favorite soaps and joined other students in the women’s lounge in the Union to watch. Eventually, I wasn’t able to do this, and for years, I was unable to watch. I suppose I could have recorded it on DVR or something, but I didn’t. After graduation, I worked during the time the soap operas aired. Years passed. Then, one day when I was visiting my mother, I learned about Soap Net—a channel that aired daytime soap operas at night. She was watching and joined her. Within minutes, I was fully caught up in the plot. Why? Because it was basically the same danggone plot with the same characters from when I was in high school. Boredom quickly set in. A few years later, I asked my how she could watch it. It was all too singularly focused. I guess I wasn’t the only one because most of those soaps have now disappeared from the airways.

Times are changing, and writers shouldn’t be afraid to tackle complex stories or characters who tackle more than one issue at a time. In the series House of Cards, one thing that kept the audience on their toes was the amount of dirt the characters always kicked up. There were multiple simultaneous scandals while the main plot always remained to be in power. The audience followed along just fine. Many successful series use the formula of having multiple engrossing subplots without distracting from the main storyline. It seems (at least in my wee little brain), it’s only a matter of time before more novels begin to do the same. The thing about change is that frequently it initially is met with opposition and skepticism.

When the internet started popping up, many businesses failed to recognize online commerce as a threat. They balked and said it would never work. They mocked the businesses at the forefront who were making the change. However, most of those retailers who were slow to add online shopping as part of their business plan have since found themselves in Chapter 11 or out of business. Making the first move isn’t always easy or smooth, but often is beneficial in the long haul.

That brings this post to a close. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Buckle up and get ready.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Hot Alpha Cowboys and Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an important part of skincare and essential for protection from sun exposure for everyone. There is often a common misconception that persons with darker complexions or with deeper skin tones do not need to use sunscreen or sunblock. However, UVA and UVB rays do not discriminate and can damage any skin tone—with the exception maybe extraterrestrials. But seriously, everyone needs to protect their skin. So here are some quick tips about sunscreens and sunblocks.

DISCLAIMER: I’m not a dermatologist or esthetician. Information in this post is not offered as professional or expert advice. Individuals interested in skincare should conduct their own research and/or contact a professional in the skincare field.

SPF stands for sun protection factor. This is a measurement of how much protection a sunscreen has against UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for “burning” while UVA rays are responsible for aging. Specifically, the SPF number refers to how long it is estimated that it will take a person to burn after sunscreen has been applied.The higher number of SPF indicates a longer duration of protection. However, a high SPF does not necessarily filter out a significantly higher percentage of UNB rays. For example, an SPF of 15 filters out 93% of UVB rays while an SPF of 30 filters out 97%. This is a difference of 4% but considering the SPF numbers, one may assume an SPF of 30 is twice as strong as an SPF of 15.Most sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours and should be applied generously. However, it is important to note that it may need to be applied more frequently if swimming or sweating. This is because sunscreens are water-resistant and not waterproof.Many cosmetics (BB creams, foundations, moistures) include sunscreen as an ingredient. Some experts caution that the amount of protection in the products considering the amount generally applied is not enough to provide sufficient protection. Therefore, it is recommended that sunscreen or sunblock is used in addition to these products.It is recommended that sun protection be applied at least fifteen minutes before going into the sun and massaged into the skin to receive maximum effects.Sunscreens and sunblocks do expire and lose their effectiveness. Thus, the expiration date should be checked before use.Sunscreens and sunblocks should be stored in a dry and cool place to increase their longevity and effectiveness.

This concludes this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Giddy up and let’s go.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Cope with Imposter Syndrome

Let’s talk about Imposter Syndrome. There’s a saying, “I was today’s years old when I first learned…” fill in the blank. That’s my relationship with Imposter Syndrome (also known as imposter phenomenon and/or impostorism). Only recently did I become familiar with this term. Oh, I’d experienced it but never knew it had a name. I also didn’t have a good definition of it. If I’d been asked to guess what it meant, I would have said something similar to someone pretending to be someone they aren’t. I would have been in the ballpark but still would have struck out.

Imposter Syndrome isn’t when a person fakes to be someone they aren’t. On the contrary, it’s the opposite. It is when a person downplays their success because they don’t believe or feel it is true. The person genuinely believes any success they have isn’t real. It commonly occurs when one compares himself/herself with another person. Heed the warning to not attempt to keep up with the Joneses. But is not comparing practical? Let me explain.

Recently, I was stressing over a matter, and an associate said to me, “Well, I just wouldn’t worry about it.” I responded by telling him his comment wasn’t helpful or productive. Sure, he meant well, but it wasn’t what I needed to hear. I continued by explaining if a person has a grease fire burning on their stove if he/she doesn’t tend to it, he/she runs the risk of his/her house burning down. Mind you, this associate can be (and usually is) dense; thus, he missed the point of my analogy. He responded that he keeps a fire extinguisher in his kitchen. Totally not the point. So, I broke it down even further by using this example.

If a person was invited to dinner at a restaurant that he’d never visited, he may inquire about the attire. If he didn’t, he may show up in jeans and a tee while everyone else is in formal wear. Many people would feel uncomfortable in this situation, but it may not bother them. However, if the restaurant has a dress code and refuses to let him in, it might. Or he may shrug it off and go home. Personally, I would be a tad perturbed, especially if I was looking forward to having dinner there and all my friends were inside. I consider most of my friends to be reasonable, and I would expect them to ask me why I hadn’t inquired about the dress code before coming. It’s not an unreasonable question and could be considered due diligence. But by asking, is that not a type of comparison?

Of course, the associate disagreed. Therefore, I continued.

If a person owned a business that wasn’t doing well, it’s logical that person would attempt to figure out the cause by scrutinizing everything being done. If he still couldn’t identify the problem, he likely would look at similar businesses and their business models. If the other businesses were successful, it would be reasonable to explore how the model differed. By identifying differences, it possibly could identify mistakes or flaws in the person’s business plan. Basically, this would be a comparison for information gathering. The associate’s response was, “Well, the business I was in had protocols we followed.”

Hopefully, what I was attempting to express to this associate is better received in this post.

When I was younger and would complain that someone was better at something or was experiencing a better situation than my own, I would be chastised for making the comparison. My father would respond that there was always someone who had it worse than I did. So, to say someone had it worse, wasn’t that in itself a comparison? If so, why was it only fair to make a comparison in one direction? I get that his intention was that I should be appreciative for what I had because others weren’t as fortunate. But what was wrong with also looking at those more fortunate and questioning how one could obtain it for oneself? It’s all about perspective. And that’s where Imposter Syndrome comes in.

As writers, it is advised to never compare one’s writings to another’s. Almost always, the results never turn out well. However, that doesn’t stop writers from doing it, especially if they aren’t seeing results. This started me thinking. Maybe it’s not that comparisons are made but what is compared. For example, a new author comparing their sales to a bestselling author’s sales likely will have skewed results. However, if the less-established author compares his writing style to the more established author’s writing style, this may yield some useful information.

For example, I was used to writing a singular point of view. I found it to be my comfort zone and maintaining consistency was easy. Feedback from readers informed me that many preferred dual point-of-view (POV), or at least, it was preferred from what I was producing. I took a different look at some of the bestselling romance authors and many of them were writing dual POV. Did making that switch change who I was as a writer? No. It challenged me to grow. I did struggle at first… a lot actually. But then, I realized that readers saw more in my ability than I had. I was able to produce deeper emotional stories.

When I began writing, I labeled what I wrote as romance. I doubted my skills because I didn’t write like the authors I was reading. And I’m just going to be honest and say it, and I know it may upset some people. But I, at the time, was heavily involved in reading groups and organizations that all they did was pump out generic information. My critics’ advice was to strip my writing down to make it fit the mold of what was popular. The issue with my writing was I had gone too far in what I was writing but not far enough in what I wanted to write. Thus, my stories suffered. What I mean is I was trying to write stereotypic alpha males as heroes, bodice-ripper style female leads, and didn’t embrace the sports elements that I was subconsciously writing into the majority of my stories. I couldn’t perfect the traditional alpha because I didn’t like them. My “Alphas” were actually Sigmas. But I’d never heard of a Sigma male, and Sigmas can look a lot like Alphas. In fact, a Sigma can easily replace an Alpha. As a result, I gave my heroes too many characteristics of a Sigma to be an Alpha but not enough to be a Sigma. The other way to look at it was I didn’t give my heroes enough alpha characteristics to be an Alpha and to be a Sigma. In other words, I stuck my heroes in the middle of nowhere land. Writing Sigmas wasn’t popular, but that’s what I wanted. Plus, it was something I did well. I just didn’t believe I could do it. However, once I understood the dynamics of my own writing, I could do it more effectively. This is what is referred to as an author finding his/her voice.

Of all the stories I’d written, I noticed that readers responded to the sports romances more than any of the others. I also realized the flow and pacing of those stories came easier for me. But when it all clicked was when I tapped into my Southern storytelling roots—something that teachers had practically beaten out of me. In school, it was constantly criticized when I wrote dialogue the way people actually speak. People don’t say, “I’m going to the grocery store.” They say, “I’m fixin’ to make groceries.” When I began writing stories that were authentic to me instead of trying to be someone else (which is what Imposter Syndrome should mean), my stories sounded authentic to readers. Readers then responded positively. The lightbulb above my head lit up. I’d found my niche. I can be comfortable in what I do and how I write. Thus, anything I achieve, I achieve it.

I went all around Robin Hood’s barn to say this. Conquering Imposter Syndrome is a journey. It is a journey for authors to discover their voice and brand. Once these things are discovered, the author can become comfortable with it, and comfort is the key to overcoming Imposter Syndrome. When an author recognizes that he has a voice and a brand that he/she writes well, the Imposter Syndrome fades to nothingness. The doubt leaves because writers understand what it is they are doing and what they want to accomplish. I could never make those traditional Alpha characters work for me, therefore, I lack confidence in my stories. I cleared out the noise and wrote the hero that was in me to write, and I believe I can do a decent job writing that character.

For writers experiencing Imposter Syndrome, ask yourself what is your voice? What story do you want to tell? How do you want to tell it? Then, write that story. Comparing yourself to others won’t matter because you aren’t them and they aren’t you. They wouldn’t write a story the same as you. Any comparison would be apples to oranges.

So, that’s all I got. Do you agree or disagree? Was this post helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

There’s more than bulls in the chutes.

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.