Kianna Alexander's Blog, page 10

Love...Exciting and New!

Hello my sexy babies,

Valentine's Day. How did I get lucky enough to be able to post today? I don't know how, but I love it! Although I know it's a trap to get people to spend money on greeting cards and gifts, but I love a day dedicated to love and romance. I don't think it's wrong to have a day to remind ourselves to love and appreciate the one (or ones) we're with. Although my honey can frustrate me at times with doing little petty things like not hanging up his coat when he comes home, he is so good to me, and I realize that every day. So what is it that makes you thankful to have your man, woman...or both?

I love the idea of love and romance so much that I write about it. Ever since I was a pre-teen, I've been drawn to a good romance, the spicier the better. I love reading about a couple overcoming some sort of odds to find each other and get together. Same goes for a good romantic comedy. Give me a good Sandra Bullock rom-com and you can stick a fork in me. I'm done.

For that reason, I'm always working on a story. Nothing makes me feel better than to fire up my laptop and revisit my "friends." That's what I've grown to think about my characters. I'm writing about these imaginary people's romantic lives. I'm detailing what would propel each of them to an orgasm. There's nothing more intimate than that.

I also love other people who love romances. Romance readers are the absolute best! So I'm thrilled when I'm able to do in-person book signing events like the one coming up tomorrow in North Carolina. Join me, Kianna Alexander, Cheris Hodges, Yvette Hines, and more for the Red Hot Reception and Book Signing Event at the Montgomery County Library located at 215 West Main Street in Troy, North Carolina. Of course I'll have my old favorites like my Corporate series and Love My Way. But I'll also have my newest Licorice Whips!

If you're in the area, I do hope you come out to join us.

Okay, time for me to go and revisit my "friends." I want you all to be able to "meet" them soon.

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com

The Wait is Over!

  The wait is finally over and it's time for the premiere of the Heart TV Series…    The day started off with a private screening of Episode 1 at the beautiful Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. The theatre quickly filled to capacity and became standing room only. Fans didn’t seem to mind as they waited anxiously to be the first to see the series. I was one of those people, who had yet to view the finished product.

   Then the lights dimmed and it was show time.

   First off, the acting, film editing, music scoring was amazing and I was so caught up in the story an hour wasn’t near long enough. I spent weeks working with these actors and watching the director, producers, and the film and camera crew who committed hours to making this all possible. For me, I had the opportunity to work as a production assistant on Fridays so I was there when several of the scenes were being filmed but seeing the final product was not at all what I had expected. It was better. In fact, I had tears in my eyes. I was happy for everyone, especially Iris Bolling. These books are her babies and as a writer I truly understand what it feels like to hold the final product in your hand. I can only imagine what she was feeling seeing it transpire on the screen right before her eyes.
  The women in the audience were whistling and catcalling as one gorgeous man after another stepped onto the screen. The fans of the series were cheering and excited to see some of their favorite scenes being played out before them. I wasn’t at all surprised while the credits were running, the audience started chanting for more!
   Afterwards it was time for cast and crew photographs and interviews before getting dress for the red carpet after party. The event that was held at the Holiday Inn was lights, camera, Action! Another packed house and plenty of buzz. It was mind-boggling the number of dedicated readers who had traveled from Texas, Minnesota, Chicago, Georgia, the list goes on to be a part of this historic moment. We mingled, laughed, took pictures, ate, drank, and kicked up our heels on the dance floor. And at the end of the night the cast and crew hugged and bid good-bye to each other, The Heart family. It was truly an honor and a blessing to have met and worked with such a talented group of people!  
   I crawled into bed and then spent Sunday grinning at all of the photographs posted on Facebook, and people buzzing about the event. The premiere was truly a success. And I look forward to Season Two.

Angie

God and my predecessors

This month’s posting is another brief one, but the subject matter is rather heavy and very dear to me. Thanks for reading…
As authors we love all the accolades we receive from our readers. We love it when they marvel over the way our mind works, how many books we give them to enjoy throughout the year and all those fantastic characters that we bring to life with the flow of our sentences- the brilliance of our word usage. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the accolades I receive from my readers and I’ve been worrying that in my responses I haven’t appropriately given credit where credit is due. Although my work is basically classified as romance (and some pretty steamy romance at that) I know that any…abilities that result in the works that have garnered such approval are a direct result of the blessings I receive from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
When responding to reader emails, I don’t include that part. Whether I should or shouldn’t really isn’t the purpose of this blog post. Rather, I’m using this blog post as an opportunity to give all the honor and glory for any ‘gift’ that I may have, to Him. Quite simply, I could do NONE of this without Him.
I would be remiss in my efforts if I did not round out this posting by thanking God for those who came before me. The greats in literature- African American literature- who paved the way for so many of us. Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Phillis Wheatley and so many, many others. These giants, these bold brave souls, crafted such masterful works and saw them published in times when books by African Americans were in short supply.
So to my beloved readers, thanks so much for your emails and applause. They make this author feel so loved and oh so very motivated. Please know; that although I don’t always relay in my replies that I give all the Glory to God, I do. I wholeheartedly do. I thank him for all that He does and continues to do. I thank Him for my predecessors who He sent to help clear my path.

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” 
― Martin Luther

2014 Events: What Are You Doing? Where Are You Going?

2014 Events:  What are you doing? Where are you going?
 January is about to be history and February is on the bubble. With snow abound in many corridors, readers tend to love this time of year. They actually love any time of year, so long as they get to read. I can’t blame them in any fashion.
The holidays are behind us and expenses getting paid off, yet and still, there are literary functions you wish to attend.
  What are you doing? Where are you going?
For the first question, have you made plans to attend an annual event and started paying for it? Perhaps an author cruise featuring some of your favorite authors and some you’ve never heard of?
The second question really tells all:  Where is the venue located? Do you have to fly to attend? Hotel reservations come into play if it’s out of town. What all will take place during the event? Readers want an experience when attending events, not just a crowded book signing.
We as authors have to offer a level of entertainment when putting on an event. Readers not only want to enjoy themselves, it’s a getaway for them as well. Meeting their favorite authors, hearing them speak and converse about a character is part of their privilege in turn for their loyalty. Ensure you’re giving them the best moments of their life.
 One event taking place on February 8, 2014 is the premiere party for The Heart TV Series, created by Iris Bolling. She utilized the platform from her award-winning Heart Series novels and transformed the first book, “Once You’ve Touched The Heart” into a television show. The event will lead into debuting on Saturday, February 15, 2014 on the CW Richmond. Readers and guests will get to experience the cast in full character mode and enjoy what the exclusive screening will unveil.
Readers, be sure to check your local libraries, author’s websites and the like for forthcoming events. Many book clubs put on venues as well throughout the year.
That’s it for now, since I have to get back to sprucing up a few of my own works. Until later…
Loretta R. Walls aka Embue #thehearttvseries #IPE #global #nucherte

Cold Weather, You're Drunk. Go Home.

Bonus points for you if you get the Mortal Kombat reference:)
Hi, All, 
I have been super busy with the planning of the Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Luncheon, writing, and traveling to visit with book clubs and readers, and the year is just kicking off. I hope things are going well in your neck of the woods.

We're buckling down for some crazy weather. Don't worry, I'm a writer, so I tend to hermit anyhow. This weather pattern has very little effect on me. 

Today's weather in North Carolina , at least in my area, calls for six inches of snow. This means two things:
A). There isn't a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk to be had at any price.
B). EVERYTHING is shut down.

My son is out of school today and tomorrow, and possibly the next day. The whole thing kind of tickles me. Yesterday it was 65 degrees, and today it's going to snow. Gotta love that NC weather- one day chicken, next day feathers. 

We spent two winters in Alaska, so this "winter storm" seems more like a dusting by comparison. Still, I know my Southern neighbors aren't accustomed to snow, so it's probably safer if we stay home with our milk and bread, huddled around the television for breaking weather reports. By the way, I still don't know what the milk and bread thing is all about. My husbands' theory: emergency french toast. Hmmm. He may be on to something.

So, as the cold air and flurries set in, I am hunkered down with the family. I plan to spend the time editing and writing, to catch up on things, since I have a massive list of releases this year. What's the weather like where you are, and how will you be passing the time? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Have you grabbed your tickets to the luncheon? If not, what in the heck are you waiting for? Click on the link in the sidebar and it'll take you right to the page. Easy peesy.

Also, be sure to check out my latest release, Write the Damn Book! if you're interested in writing a book. I'm giving you the straight dirt. No fluff, no sugar coating, and just the basics. It even has some nifty exercises to get you started. You can pick up your PDF copy by clicking on the cover image.


Until Next Time, Kianna

The Heart Journey Begins!

What’s up for 2014? THE HEART TV SERIES!That’s right. We have taken the story from the pages of a book to live characters appearing on your television screen February 2014. Am I excited????? You have no idea how exciting this entire journey has been. We have the opportunity to see literature come to life, have positive characters portrayed and if that wasn't enough, we've added some serious eye candy for you. Here’s a few reason why you should be excited. 




Here are more reasons:

Aaron Wiggins as JD Harrison

Richard Jackson as Brian Thompson
Mark Vincent as James Brooks 
Tremayne Norris as David Holt 
 Morgan Avery McCoy as Tracy Washington 

Troy Micel as Ashley Harrison


 Is that our own Hot Mama Angie Daniels? Yes, Angie Daniels as Lena Washington 



 Join us beginning February 15, 2014 on the CW-Richmond as this talent cast bring the lives of JD Harrison and Tracy Washington to life.

Want to be a part of the journey from the beginning, join us at the premier...check it out.

Until the next time,

Iris

Nothing worth having comes easy

I read an author post about failure this week. And it got me thinking about my career, my dreaded day job at Wonderland and why I stay up way past my bed time to tell a story.

Because I love it. Do I wish I was writing full time? Yes!
There is nothing worse than going to a job where people don't read,  don't have common sense and don't have a clue why I need to get the hell away from them for an hour at lunch.

Writing is a solitary job and I love it more than having to deal with idiots. I feel like Scar from the Lion King on a daily basis.

So, I write. I pray. I drink lots of wine and coffee. And I write someone more. I write at work, after work, during morning meetings.

Thinking back to my first novel, the one I self published without knowing the first thing about the industry, I thought I'd have a movie deal and millions by now.

Then, I started rewriting said book and realized how blessed I am. Blessed that people gave me a second chance. Whew! That book sucked. It has potential, but there were gaping holes in the story and the editing -- nonexistent.
One thing that made me laugh in the rewriting of this project was the fact that I had a character wearing boots in May --- in Atlanta! What in the blue hell was I thinking?

The best lessons are the ones that knock you flat on your ass. A day is going to come when I step out on faith and kiss Wonderland goodbye or they fire me because I'm going high five one of my coworkers in the face, and I'm going to have the real career that I want.
 If you're in the area, come through and check out some amazing authors:
Meet the African American Authors! at Southeast Regional Library
January 19, 2014
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/Pages/default.aspx
Come out to the library and meet local African American authors Sharon Ewell Foster, Cheris Hodges, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Jason Mott and Leceila Turnage. They will discuss the different types of African American fiction, their characters, writing styles, and more. Q & A to follow, registration requested.

What's your resolution?

Happy New Year, all!

I know I'm about two weeks late, but hey, as long as I still have neighbors with their Christmas decorations up (Yes, I really still do have some neighbors with wreaths on their doors and lights up) then I can still wish you all a Happy New Year!

With the New Year comes the inevitable question, "What's your New Year's Resolution?" What is it that you resolve to do differently or better or not as often in the new year? It's as thought January 1st holds this magical power to erase past wrongs and allow you to start fresh, start anew. For us dieters, it's the ultimate Sunday. Anyone else like me who is constantly promising myself to exercise more and eat right on Sunday whenever we fall off the wagon during the week knows what I'm talking about.

I don't know about any other author, for me as a writer, I take the New Year as a challenge. I want to be a better writer. So my resolution is to read more. I have always said that to be a great writer you have to be a voracious reader. It can't all be fiction books either. I'm reading how-to books, as in how to create great character emotions, how to improve my writing, how to write winning heroes and heroines. If I continue writing the same type of stories, I'll get bored as a writer. I always want to challenge myself.

So what does that all mean? Kittens, you may see some different type of fiction from me, some stuff that you may say, "Did Bridget Midway write that?" Or I could come out with another pen name to release some different stuff. Still mulling it around in my head. Just know that my hibernation is over. I'm back out to play, and I'm not going back in when the streetlights come on either.

So what's your New Year's resolution? If you don't have one, why don't you have one? Authors, what are your plans for the new year?

True to my word, I need to cut this short so that I can get some writing done.

Stay sexy,

BrideT
www.BridgetMidway.com

Happy New Year!!Wow- I'm incredibly late with my post for...

Happy New Year!!

Wow- I'm incredibly late with my post for this week. I believe it was due on Monday, so apologies to my fellow Hot MAMAs. In my defense, the time off for the holidays was extremely beneficial, but I definitely got a little lazy. I got tons of work done, but I'm most amazed and happy over the amount of time I took AWAY from work. I've been looking forward to the time off for most of the year- sad, huh? That I have to wait until year's end for a break, but it is what it is...of course I most often look forward to the time off because it's a chance to do more of what I love which is writing. This year however, I really wanted to take time just to be lazy and enjoy the hard work I do for most of the year.

Never taking time out to enjoy the fruits of your labor, will quickly drain you. If anyone is looking for advice in the New Year, I'd have to say that's it. Take time out for yourself-essential stuff.

Happy New Year Everyone- Hope Your 2014 Is A Great One!

Love,
Al

Holiday Treats: Books by Deatri King-Bey, Zaria Garrison, and Lisa Y Watson

Hey, Y'all, Here are our first three holiday treats, brought to you by some talented authors. Go ahead, get your holiday read on!


The madness must end. All Abigail wants for Christmas is to be left alone. She has grown tired of her family’s horrible matchmaking schemes and her daughters’ deceptive plans to get her to take her ex-husband back. It’s not that she doesn’t want a relationship. She’s more than ready for Mr. Right to sweep her off her feet. She’s just come to the realization that there may not be a Mr. Right out there for her—and that’s okay. Now if she could only convince her family of that.Jeff is all work and no play, which is why he found himself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a blizzard quickly approaching. Desperate for cover, he spots a house in the distance. Upon meeting the kindhearted, gorgeous owner of the home, he deems Abigail his Christmas Angel, and thanks Santa for the early gift. But is she too good to be true?Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Second-Chances-Deatri-King-Bey-ebook/dp/B00GBJCAACBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-angel-deatri-king-bey/1117268242?ean=2940148713821Visit Deatri online: http://DeatriKingBey.com



Inspired by her own battle with breast cancer, Zaria Garrison presents The Power of Pink: A Christmas Story.
Caron Taylor, Teresa Sanders, and Pamela Jefferson are three women looking forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday season with their family and friends.  
After becoming engaged to the love of her life, Caron finds out she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The first person she confides in is her fiancée’, Michael. He is stunned by the news and suddenly drops out of sight. 
Teresa is a pediatric nurse who considers all of the children in her ward as her very own. She is also a twenty year cancer survivor who has never shared her diagnosis with anyone. After her marriage fell apart she chose to have the surgery alone and never speak about it with another living soul until fate and circumstance force her to open up her secret box. 
Pamela Jefferson has just completed radiation and chemotherapy following her diagnosis. Although she lost both breasts to the disease she is not letting a little thing like a double mastectomy slow her down or steal her joy. 
These three women, like so many, are fighting breast cancer and its lasting effects bring them all together this holiday season to celebrate.
Purchase Links:CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4507826
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-Pink-Christmas-Story/dp/1493652206/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1385595324&sr=8-1
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Pink-Zaria-Garrison-ebook/dp/B00GQJ69OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385595324&sr=8-1&keywords=zaria+garrison
My Web Store: http://webstartsshoppingcart.com/shopping-cart/store/catalog.php?userid=200958&pid=1&op=display
Website: www.zariagarrison.webstarts.com




Sometimes a glimpse of the past can hold the key to your future.The Love at Christmastime series is two sweet holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas, and Two Hearts for Christmas to warm your heart and soul any time of the year.
In A Heart for Christmas, Yvette Stilwell, a young widow, has overcome a terrible loss. Her eight year old daughter, Lacey, is her primary focus and romance is a thing of the past...until now.When Christopher Darcy realizes that the woman sitting next to him in the airport is the “one that got away” so long ago, he is amazed at his good fortune.  But Yvette is not exactly ready to rush into anything, even after she discovers just how attractive a holiday romance may seem...
Will the magic of the season and some well-placed mistletoe bring them together?
In Two Hearts for Christmas, the Darcy’s have a two-year old 
son, a pre-teen daughter, and work keeping their family on the go. 
When Christopher begins spending long hours running his parent's 
Christmas tree farm, it causes stress at home. 
Will a hidden secret and unexpected news threaten their bond, or 
will they find a way bring their family joy at the holidays?

Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=lisa%20watson%20love%20at%20christmastime
Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-at-christmastime-lisa-y-watson/1117314781?ean=9781493516216
Connect with Lisa - http://www.lisawatson.com


I hope you enjoyed our first edition of Holiday Treats! I'll be back with another batch next Tuesday :)
Until Next Time, Kianna