Kianna Alexander's Blog, page 3
July 10, 2015
Preparing for Tomorrow's #FlyHatEvent
Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for. The Hot M.A.M.A.s will be taking Greensboro by storm during our Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet.I'm super-excited about the event. As one of the two newest M.A.M.A.s, this will be my first in-person event with the group. So not only am I looking forward to meeting you, dear reader, I'm also looking forward to meeting most of the other M.A.M.A.s for the first time.
It'll be easy to spot me. I'll be the one fan-girling over my fellow authors who looks totally out of place in a big ol', Sunday-morning-first-row-of-church hat. In fact, you should have seen the look on my adult son's face yesterday when I tried on hats for the event. One eyebrow cranked to the ceiling, jaw down to the floor.
Priceless.
At least I got a good laugh out of it. In the end, I picked two hats and I'll make my final decision tonight. Still, it'll be fun to step outside of my regular, low-key, ain't-nothing-to-see-here approach and take on the big hat persona. ('Cause a big hat definitely deserves its own persona.)
For the past two days I've been ticking items off my to-do list in preparation for tomorrow's Meet & Greet.
Dress? Check.Shoes? Check.
Book cover graphics? Check.
Awesome giveaways? Check.
Fly hat? Double check.
Looks like I'm ready to go. Hope you are, too. :-)
Tomorrow will be a fun-filled, free event for lovers of multicultural romance. Great readers and authors. Yummy food. And, of course, lots of fun and plenty of laughter. I can't wait to connect with you tomorrow in Greensboro at the Greensboro Central Library on North Church Street from 2-6 PM.
Still on the fence about coming? Above is a sneak peek at some of the goodies you could win tomorrow, either in the fly hat contest, or by signing up for my Reese Ryan VIP Mailing List.
See you there!
July 6, 2015
(Re)Introducing - ADRIENNE KAMA!
Hi Kittens,
I'm branching out this month. For my July blog entry, I'm posting an interview with interracial erotic romance author Adrienne Kama so you all can get to know her. She's the author who will be co-hosting the "Kickin' It with Adrienne Kama and Bridget Midway" event in Williamsburg on November 7th, 2015.
How long have you been writing as Adrienne Kama?
I published my first book back in 2004 and wrote steadily until 2007, publishing eight stories. My marriage fell apart in 2006 and I ended up taking a very long hiatus from writing. I started publishing as Adrienne Kama again
What was your first work out as Adrienne Kama, and is it still available?
The Nephilim War, a story about sexy fallen angels. No. It’s no longer available.
Where can readers find you? (URLs, FB - both accounts, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.).
My website: www.heatherelizabethking.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adriennekama
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009725581892
Why do you write interracial romance?
I’ve always been an equal opportunist when it comes to dating so the stories I write reflect this. I’ve written stories with men of a few different ethnicities. Let’s see. I’ve covered, black, white, Indian, and Puerto Rican. Keeping it diverse makes it interesting for me, and hopefully, my readers.
Why do you write BDSM?
I wish I could say I had a grand plan, but honestly, it just sort of happened. I read BDSM stories; Anne Rice’s Sleepy Beauty series is one of my all-time favorites. Also, around the time that I wrote the Stella Rice series, my now ex-husband and I discovered the fetish scenes of Baltimore and DC. After reading Anne Rice’s series, I was curious, plus, they always played the best music! They had live BDSM shows at many of the clubs. We never took part. LOL But I was amazed that so many people were as interested in BDSM as I was. So writing a BDSM story seemed the next natural thing for me to do. At the same time, my author friend, Marianne LaCroix started a publishing house and asked me to submit. I’m paraphrasing, but she basically told me to go for it, as far as content. I hadn’t told her I was writing a BDSM story, but the timing was perfect. I could write the kind of BDSM story I enjoyed reading.
Why interracial BDSM romance?
No grand reason here, either. I’m kind of ridiculous that way. I’d gone for a run around the lake at my hometown and saw this very tall, gorgeous man running that day. He was fit and looked incredibly focused on what he was doing. My imagination took it from there.
Are you in the BDSM lifestyle in your real life? If not, how do you do your research?
I’m single now, plus I live in a small town, so there’s not much going on for me in the way of BDSM at the moment. Back when I lived in Maryland, with Baltimore and DC so close, everything was at my fingertips. Book research was easy.
I didn’t realize when I first became interested in BDSM the varying levels of interest that exist. For instance, just because someone is into BDSM doesn’t mean they like sado-masochism. They may prefer domination. Or if they do like bondage, they may enjoy being handcuffed to a bed, whereas someone else may be down with elaborate rope bondage. Once, when my ex-husband and I were in Georgetown, we went to this high end fetish boutique. Yes, they have those. And they had this elaborate leather arm bar contraption that the sub would slip her arms into. It covers both of her arms from hands to shoulders and laces up the middle. If I remember correctly, it was made for the sub’s arms to be behind the back, but could probably be worn either way. Five hundred bucks for this bad boy and it was a good seller. But something like that would make me feel claustrophobic! So there are so many levels of interest in BDSM. That’s one of the things that makes it so interesting to write about.
Any backlash from anything you’ve written? If so, for what work and what were the comments?
Writing in the BDSM genre is a bit different from other genres. A bad review on Amazon with a reader complaining the author went too far, generally sells more books. Overall, I find that as long as the reader knows the heroine is having a good time, they feel comfortable enough to suspend reality and go on the journey with the author. If the reader feels the heroine is being raped or forced in any way, they won’t enjoy the story.
Do you have any current books out as Adrienne Kama? If so, post the titles and blurbs for each.
Sure. Most of my backlist is no longer available, but I’m re-publishing most of the stories.
The Chronicles of Stella Rice: Book One:
After one too many bad dates, Stella Rice gives up on men. Happily-ever-after doesn’t seem to figure anywhere in her future, unless it means being single in Baltimore where her closest companions are her three best girlfriends. But a trip to the gym and an unexpected encounter with her domineering kickboxing instructor, Jake Santos, leads Stella to wonder if she should give the man/woman thing another go. With a successful business, an exclusive home on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and stunning good looks, Jake seems like the perfect man to pull Stella out of her dating rut.
Half Puerto Rican and half Native American, with a mane of long sable hair, Jake Santos has the kind of dark good looks that make him impossible to ignore. What Stella doesn't know is Jake has secrets that will make every other man from her past look like a saint.
Now available on Amazon.
Again:
Can wishes come true? A simple wish to erase a particularly annoying man from her past brings Peyton Pendagrass face to face with the very man she was hoping to expunge. Peyton finds out just how confusing life can get when lust, time travel and a little white magic get entangled. For Christopher Grant, learning his one-time lover Peyton is engaged to marry someone else shatters his world. Six months ago his longing for Peyton left him too terrified to face the fact that he was falling in love with her, so he fled. But fear isn't an issue anymore. Alone with Peyton for the weekend, Chris is prepared to use everything in his arsenal to win her back. Even if he has to hold her captive, tie her down and use all of his sexual prowess to do it.
Now available on Amazon.
How did you and Bridget Midway come up with your “Kickin’ It with Adrienne Kama and Bridget Midway” event coming November 7th?
This is an event Bridget has done before. I think if it has to do with selling books, Bridget has done it! For this one, she was kind enough to ask me if I wanted to take part. I jumped at it!
Will you have a new release for that event? If so, what is it (title and blurb)?
I will. The Chronicles of Stella Rice: Book Three. I don’t have the blurb yet, since I’m still making changes to the story, but the book promises to be as fun as Book One and Book Two! Book Two, by the way, is coming out on June 26th!
Now available on Amazon!
Bridget Midway has been very open in saying that you inspired her to write interracial BDSM erotic romance. Do you have any inspirations - BDSM or otherwise?
There are two authors who write fantastic BDSM. Anne Rice, who everyone knows. And Morgan Hawke. If you’ve never read a Morgan Hawke erotic romance, you need to. Today. Right now. She’s incredible.
What inspires you to write BDSM?
It’s fun, exciting, and pretty much no holds barred. I have two additional BDSM books I’m considering writing. One is a fantasy, the other, a contemporary.
What inspires you to write?
I’ve always told stories. I’m only fully happy when I’m writing.
Where do you see Adrienne Kama in the next five years?
Honestly, I don’t know. I had retired ‘her,’ but there was so much reader demand for me to finish out the Stella Rice trilogy that I brought her back just to do that. But the response has been so positive, it’s hard to pack her away again. And like I said, I have so many other BDSM tales I’d like to tell.
BDSM is hot right now. Where do you see that genre going in the next five years?
I paranormal stories under my real name, Heather Elizabeth King. One series could have been classified as an urban fantasy, but the urban fantasy genre doesn’t sell as well as it used to. I don’t see the same thing happening with BDSM. It’s such a specialized area of fiction. The readers will always read BDSM. I’m an old heavy metal girl. One thing I love about metal is that the fans are devoted. Same goes for BDSM.
Besides BDSM, is there anything else Adrienne Kama writes?
I write paranormal romance and paranormal mysteries under my name, Heather Elizabeth King.
What is your writing process?
I work outside the home full-time as a business analyst in corporate America, so I don’t have as much time as I’d like. Typically, I get home from work and sort of meditate for about 30 minutes. It’s like I’m letting the business analyst go and becoming the author. Don’t laugh! It works for me. Then I make dinner, eat, watch a little TV, then I slide behind the laptop and write. My goal is 2,000 words a day. I don’t always get there. As long as I get over 1,000, I feel productive.
Any rituals you perform before you sit down to write?
Not really, other than my 30 minute quiet period. I look out the window, lay with the cats, and try not to think.
Pants-er or Plotter?
Total planner. But my outlines are what I call, living documents. I always feel free to make whatever changes the characters want me to make.
What was the best advice given to you before you got published, as a published author, and/or now?
Write. All the promo in the world doesn’t help if you don’t have anything to promote.
What advice would you give to a yet-to-be-published author?
Allow yourself a first draft that nobody will see except you. It doesn’t have to be pretty, you just have to get the story out. Making it pretty is what the 2nd and 3rd drafts are for. I typically do about 4 drafts of a book before I send it to my beta readers.
Chocolate or vanilla?
Both!
Any guilty pleasures?
As Tom Hiddleston once said, “The thing is, I never feel guilty about pleasures.”
Last book you read?
Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Fall. It’s the sequel to The Strain. Yep, I’m getting ready for season two of the TV show.
Last movie you watched?
"Out of the Dark", starring Julia Stiles and Scott Speedman. I’m a horror movie junkie!
One surprising fact that readers would be shocked to know?
I used to play lead guitar in a funk/rock group.
Dogs or cats?
Both are irresistible!
Boxers or briefs?
Boxers for sure.
Stay sexy,
BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com
I'm branching out this month. For my July blog entry, I'm posting an interview with interracial erotic romance author Adrienne Kama so you all can get to know her. She's the author who will be co-hosting the "Kickin' It with Adrienne Kama and Bridget Midway" event in Williamsburg on November 7th, 2015.
How long have you been writing as Adrienne Kama?
I published my first book back in 2004 and wrote steadily until 2007, publishing eight stories. My marriage fell apart in 2006 and I ended up taking a very long hiatus from writing. I started publishing as Adrienne Kama again
What was your first work out as Adrienne Kama, and is it still available?
The Nephilim War, a story about sexy fallen angels. No. It’s no longer available.
Where can readers find you? (URLs, FB - both accounts, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.).
My website: www.heatherelizabethking.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adriennekama
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009725581892
Why do you write interracial romance?
I’ve always been an equal opportunist when it comes to dating so the stories I write reflect this. I’ve written stories with men of a few different ethnicities. Let’s see. I’ve covered, black, white, Indian, and Puerto Rican. Keeping it diverse makes it interesting for me, and hopefully, my readers.
Why do you write BDSM?
I wish I could say I had a grand plan, but honestly, it just sort of happened. I read BDSM stories; Anne Rice’s Sleepy Beauty series is one of my all-time favorites. Also, around the time that I wrote the Stella Rice series, my now ex-husband and I discovered the fetish scenes of Baltimore and DC. After reading Anne Rice’s series, I was curious, plus, they always played the best music! They had live BDSM shows at many of the clubs. We never took part. LOL But I was amazed that so many people were as interested in BDSM as I was. So writing a BDSM story seemed the next natural thing for me to do. At the same time, my author friend, Marianne LaCroix started a publishing house and asked me to submit. I’m paraphrasing, but she basically told me to go for it, as far as content. I hadn’t told her I was writing a BDSM story, but the timing was perfect. I could write the kind of BDSM story I enjoyed reading.
Why interracial BDSM romance?
No grand reason here, either. I’m kind of ridiculous that way. I’d gone for a run around the lake at my hometown and saw this very tall, gorgeous man running that day. He was fit and looked incredibly focused on what he was doing. My imagination took it from there.
Are you in the BDSM lifestyle in your real life? If not, how do you do your research?
I’m single now, plus I live in a small town, so there’s not much going on for me in the way of BDSM at the moment. Back when I lived in Maryland, with Baltimore and DC so close, everything was at my fingertips. Book research was easy.
I didn’t realize when I first became interested in BDSM the varying levels of interest that exist. For instance, just because someone is into BDSM doesn’t mean they like sado-masochism. They may prefer domination. Or if they do like bondage, they may enjoy being handcuffed to a bed, whereas someone else may be down with elaborate rope bondage. Once, when my ex-husband and I were in Georgetown, we went to this high end fetish boutique. Yes, they have those. And they had this elaborate leather arm bar contraption that the sub would slip her arms into. It covers both of her arms from hands to shoulders and laces up the middle. If I remember correctly, it was made for the sub’s arms to be behind the back, but could probably be worn either way. Five hundred bucks for this bad boy and it was a good seller. But something like that would make me feel claustrophobic! So there are so many levels of interest in BDSM. That’s one of the things that makes it so interesting to write about.
Any backlash from anything you’ve written? If so, for what work and what were the comments?
Writing in the BDSM genre is a bit different from other genres. A bad review on Amazon with a reader complaining the author went too far, generally sells more books. Overall, I find that as long as the reader knows the heroine is having a good time, they feel comfortable enough to suspend reality and go on the journey with the author. If the reader feels the heroine is being raped or forced in any way, they won’t enjoy the story.
Do you have any current books out as Adrienne Kama? If so, post the titles and blurbs for each.
Sure. Most of my backlist is no longer available, but I’m re-publishing most of the stories.
The Chronicles of Stella Rice: Book One:
After one too many bad dates, Stella Rice gives up on men. Happily-ever-after doesn’t seem to figure anywhere in her future, unless it means being single in Baltimore where her closest companions are her three best girlfriends. But a trip to the gym and an unexpected encounter with her domineering kickboxing instructor, Jake Santos, leads Stella to wonder if she should give the man/woman thing another go. With a successful business, an exclusive home on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and stunning good looks, Jake seems like the perfect man to pull Stella out of her dating rut.
Half Puerto Rican and half Native American, with a mane of long sable hair, Jake Santos has the kind of dark good looks that make him impossible to ignore. What Stella doesn't know is Jake has secrets that will make every other man from her past look like a saint.
Now available on Amazon.
Again:
Can wishes come true? A simple wish to erase a particularly annoying man from her past brings Peyton Pendagrass face to face with the very man she was hoping to expunge. Peyton finds out just how confusing life can get when lust, time travel and a little white magic get entangled. For Christopher Grant, learning his one-time lover Peyton is engaged to marry someone else shatters his world. Six months ago his longing for Peyton left him too terrified to face the fact that he was falling in love with her, so he fled. But fear isn't an issue anymore. Alone with Peyton for the weekend, Chris is prepared to use everything in his arsenal to win her back. Even if he has to hold her captive, tie her down and use all of his sexual prowess to do it.
Now available on Amazon.
How did you and Bridget Midway come up with your “Kickin’ It with Adrienne Kama and Bridget Midway” event coming November 7th?
This is an event Bridget has done before. I think if it has to do with selling books, Bridget has done it! For this one, she was kind enough to ask me if I wanted to take part. I jumped at it!
Will you have a new release for that event? If so, what is it (title and blurb)?
I will. The Chronicles of Stella Rice: Book Three. I don’t have the blurb yet, since I’m still making changes to the story, but the book promises to be as fun as Book One and Book Two! Book Two, by the way, is coming out on June 26th!
Now available on Amazon!
Bridget Midway has been very open in saying that you inspired her to write interracial BDSM erotic romance. Do you have any inspirations - BDSM or otherwise?
There are two authors who write fantastic BDSM. Anne Rice, who everyone knows. And Morgan Hawke. If you’ve never read a Morgan Hawke erotic romance, you need to. Today. Right now. She’s incredible.
What inspires you to write BDSM?
It’s fun, exciting, and pretty much no holds barred. I have two additional BDSM books I’m considering writing. One is a fantasy, the other, a contemporary.
What inspires you to write?
I’ve always told stories. I’m only fully happy when I’m writing.
Where do you see Adrienne Kama in the next five years?
Honestly, I don’t know. I had retired ‘her,’ but there was so much reader demand for me to finish out the Stella Rice trilogy that I brought her back just to do that. But the response has been so positive, it’s hard to pack her away again. And like I said, I have so many other BDSM tales I’d like to tell.
BDSM is hot right now. Where do you see that genre going in the next five years?
I paranormal stories under my real name, Heather Elizabeth King. One series could have been classified as an urban fantasy, but the urban fantasy genre doesn’t sell as well as it used to. I don’t see the same thing happening with BDSM. It’s such a specialized area of fiction. The readers will always read BDSM. I’m an old heavy metal girl. One thing I love about metal is that the fans are devoted. Same goes for BDSM.
Besides BDSM, is there anything else Adrienne Kama writes?
I write paranormal romance and paranormal mysteries under my name, Heather Elizabeth King.
What is your writing process?
I work outside the home full-time as a business analyst in corporate America, so I don’t have as much time as I’d like. Typically, I get home from work and sort of meditate for about 30 minutes. It’s like I’m letting the business analyst go and becoming the author. Don’t laugh! It works for me. Then I make dinner, eat, watch a little TV, then I slide behind the laptop and write. My goal is 2,000 words a day. I don’t always get there. As long as I get over 1,000, I feel productive.
Any rituals you perform before you sit down to write?
Not really, other than my 30 minute quiet period. I look out the window, lay with the cats, and try not to think.
Pants-er or Plotter?
Total planner. But my outlines are what I call, living documents. I always feel free to make whatever changes the characters want me to make.
What was the best advice given to you before you got published, as a published author, and/or now?
Write. All the promo in the world doesn’t help if you don’t have anything to promote.
What advice would you give to a yet-to-be-published author?
Allow yourself a first draft that nobody will see except you. It doesn’t have to be pretty, you just have to get the story out. Making it pretty is what the 2nd and 3rd drafts are for. I typically do about 4 drafts of a book before I send it to my beta readers.
Chocolate or vanilla?
Both!
Any guilty pleasures?
As Tom Hiddleston once said, “The thing is, I never feel guilty about pleasures.”
Last book you read?
Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Fall. It’s the sequel to The Strain. Yep, I’m getting ready for season two of the TV show.
Last movie you watched?
"Out of the Dark", starring Julia Stiles and Scott Speedman. I’m a horror movie junkie!
One surprising fact that readers would be shocked to know?
I used to play lead guitar in a funk/rock group.
Dogs or cats?
Both are irresistible!
Boxers or briefs?
Boxers for sure.
Stay sexy,
BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com
July 3, 2015
Less than two weeks away! Fly Hat Luncheon with the MAMAs!
You don't want to miss this event!
Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet on July 11th from 2-6PM in Greensboro. Reserve your space:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-hot-mama-fly-hat-society-… #FlyHatEvent
July 2, 2015
Summertime Serenity...Good day, readers of the Hot M.A.M....
Summertime Serenity...
Good day, readers of the Hot M.A.M.A world! Summer has officially arrived! The kids are out of school, ready to play and driving most of us crazy to go somewhere and have fun!
One of the most sought out places to visit is a beach of some sort.
Even with the recent shark attacks upon East Coast shores surfacing almost daily, it's not deterring visitors from enjoying their place of serenity. No one is cancelling their trips due to the nature that has found its way closer to our shores--and that's a good thing! We simply have to respect their way of life and be mindful of our surroundings.
On to the good stuff...what to bring to the beach! Sunscreen is a must in this day and age for everyone. You may think you won't burn, but the sun will prove otherwise. If you're on any type of medicine, a hat, umbrella or cabana for shade will be helpful as well. First aid kit, keep a mini one in your beach bag. Hydrate! Drink water while out and about but wait an hour before getting into water if you've eaten.
The most crucial item one must have is something to read! Yes, this is the perfect environment to take in the surf, sounds, warm sand and get completely lost in a book! Relaxation is premier when spending time at the beach. Besides, you've earned it! Here are a few suggestions to carry along in paperback and save your electronics for later.
Now, what are you doing Saturday, July, 11, 2015 from 2-6pm? Come on out and meet all of the HOT M.A.M.A.'s at the #FLYHATLUNCHEON which is free! We'll be at the Greensboro Public Library, 219 North Church Street. We're going to have an amazing time! Join us!
Time for me to run but until next time, rule your day! -- Loretta R. Walls/Embue #nucherte
Good day, readers of the Hot M.A.M.A world! Summer has officially arrived! The kids are out of school, ready to play and driving most of us crazy to go somewhere and have fun!
One of the most sought out places to visit is a beach of some sort.
Even with the recent shark attacks upon East Coast shores surfacing almost daily, it's not deterring visitors from enjoying their place of serenity. No one is cancelling their trips due to the nature that has found its way closer to our shores--and that's a good thing! We simply have to respect their way of life and be mindful of our surroundings.On to the good stuff...what to bring to the beach! Sunscreen is a must in this day and age for everyone. You may think you won't burn, but the sun will prove otherwise. If you're on any type of medicine, a hat, umbrella or cabana for shade will be helpful as well. First aid kit, keep a mini one in your beach bag. Hydrate! Drink water while out and about but wait an hour before getting into water if you've eaten.
The most crucial item one must have is something to read! Yes, this is the perfect environment to take in the surf, sounds, warm sand and get completely lost in a book! Relaxation is premier when spending time at the beach. Besides, you've earned it! Here are a few suggestions to carry along in paperback and save your electronics for later. 
Now, what are you doing Saturday, July, 11, 2015 from 2-6pm? Come on out and meet all of the HOT M.A.M.A.'s at the #FLYHATLUNCHEON which is free! We'll be at the Greensboro Public Library, 219 North Church Street. We're going to have an amazing time! Join us!
Time for me to run but until next time, rule your day! -- Loretta R. Walls/Embue #nucherte
July 1, 2015
You never forget your first time: Blissful Summer
Today is the ebook release of my first Kimani romance.
In my story, Make You Mine Again, Bradley Stephens has to win the love of his life back. He pushed her away during an emotional time in his life. Now, they are thrust together during his sister's wedding.
Here's a sneak peek:
You are cordially invited to celebrate the union of Miss Shelby Eaine Stephens and Mr. Jacques Luc Renard Saturday, the 25th of April, at half past three in the afternoon at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris Jansen Douglas smiled at the invitation that arrived to her photo shoot in Harlem, but her smile quickly turned to a frown when she realized that attending Shelby's wedding would more than likely mean seeing her ex-lover, Bradley. Talk about a blast from the past, a painful memory that the years and her success as a model hadn't erased. But, whatever. She wasn't going to miss Shelby's wedding! She simply had to meet the man who'd been able to tame the young Miss Stephens.
Shelby had a reputation that spanned the East and West coasts as a love-them-and-leave-them type of chick. Of course, some of the stories had been wildly exaggerated. Like the one about her and an A-list superstar and the fact that she had been the reason for movie star Ian Kelly's trip to rehab.
Shelby and Ian had starred in a movie together that bombed at the box office, but their exchanges on social media made it seem as if they had something else going on.
After the movie failed to launch Shelby's career, she decided to move from being an actress to living off the trust fund that she had received from her family. Some people called her a professional party girl. She, however, was simply a woman of leisure.
This didn't make Bradley happy at all, since he thought Shelby should've been working with the family business.
Unlike Bradley and Ian, she and Shelby had remained close over the years. The one rule to their friendship: never mention Bradley. But she knew that he was going to be front and center at this wedding.
So, she thought as she filled out her RSVP card and added a plus one. She'd planned to be in Paris this spring. She'd had five years of being "the Face," an international top model. But over the past three months, her bookings had declined and she noticed a decrease in the fees she commanded. Granted, she was still making a hefty salary, coming in at number two on a recent Forbes list of top-paid models, but her accountant did tell her that her income had dropped ten percent.
It was a good thing that she didn't spend as extravagantly as many of her colleagues in the industry.
"Jansen," the photographer called out. "We're ready."
Smiling, she glanced down at her rainbow silk dress from the new collection of Branford Diaz, and then headed to the studio and took her mark. Photographers loved Jansen because she didn't do the diva thing, even though she was well within her rights to do so. Instead, she took direction, criticism and ended up with fabulous pictures. She'd been the favorite model of some of the top photographers, according to industry rumor.
"I'm ready," Jansen said with her trademark smile.
Bradley Stephens, CEO of the Stephens Family Resource Center, was two seconds from screaming. Shelby, his younger sister, was getting on his nerves with this wedding that she was supposed to be paying for, though he'd just received a stack of bills from France.
"Yancy," he said, calling for his assistant. The comely blonde walked into his office and offered him a cautious smile.
"Yes, sir?"
"Please do me a favor, remind me that when my sister gets married, she will no longer be my problem," he said then shook his head in anguish.
"I'm sorry," she said with a shoulder shrug.
"Yancy, have you gotten the contract from the catering company about the banquet for the girls?"
"Yes, they just arrived. Let me get them," she said.
"And then you can take the rest of the day off," Bradley said. "I appreciate all the work you've done for this banquet."
"I just wanted it to be a success as much as the last one was," she said as she walked out of his office.
Bradley paused. The banquet had been the brainchild of Jansen Douglas. She had been the one who'd suggested that the foundation have a celebration to thank the donors a few years ago. They'd been wrapped in each other's arms in bed that night.
Her skin had been as smooth as silk as he'd stroked her arms while she laid out the plans for the event.
Memories of Jansen Douglas always made him shiver with regret.
Bradley quickly busied himself with a report of the financial reports for the foundation's first quarter. Private donations were down fifteen percent and that gave him pause. He wondered if he needed to funnel more money into marketing the foundation or if he should follow the Kickstarter trend to get the new shelter in Atlanta funded.
One thing he knew for sure, this wedding wasn't going to be the multimillion-dollar event that his sister had dreamed up in her head. Shelby was quite frivolous and he needed to rein in her spending. And he knew it wasn't going to be long before he had to deal with his bean-counting brother, Kenyon, who would be griping about Shelby's wedding. Though Bradley had been surprised that it had even gotten past the invitation stage. His little sister was a bit of a commitmentphobe. He couldn't blame her. Love was about sacrifice. Something he could write a book on. But, at the end of the day, if Shelby was going to settle down, it would be worth not reading about her exploits in the gossip rags. Glancing at a picture of his parents, Bradley smiled. They were either laughing or shaking their heads in heaven at their three children.
The car accident that took Joan and Winston Stephens haunted him, shaped him, made him afraid to give his all to anyone because he couldn't handle losing her. The way he'd lost Jansen. Slamming his hand on the desk, he didn't have the time or energy to get lost in emotions or the past. He had to call his sister and tell her that her fairy-tale wedding was about to be too much for him to pay for. It wasn't that he didn't have the money; she just needed to realize that there were more important things to do with three million dollars.
Jansen washed the makeup from her face and sighed. Photo shoots were starting to get tiring, but the runway was still her first love. "Jansen," her assistant, Dove Lace, said as she walked into the washroom. "Donovan Strange just called. He wants you to meet him for drinks tonight."
"Finally," she exclaimed with a smile. She'd been trying to meet with him for three weeks.
"Said he'll meet you at the Flatiron Lounge around eight."
Jansen glanced down at her Burberry watch. "That's less than two hours from now." She frowned, then nodded. "If you don't mind, call him back and tell him I'll be there."
"I already told him that you're available. He's so handsome."
Jansen rolled her eyes. Handsome men were a dime a dozen and she wasn't looking for love—not ever again. Not that selfish kind of love that meant she had to turn her dreams off to make a man happy. Closing her eyes, she chided herself silently for allowing Bradley to slip back into her mind. She was supposed to be so over that man, but every now and then he'd rear his handsome face in the rearview mirror of her mind. Men from all over the world had romanced her. But in her heart of hearts, she knew no one could take Bradley's place. And she hated that she compared everyone to him. An egomaniac, lovable and deliciously sexy man who made her hot just thinking about him—after all this time.
Yes, Donovan Strange was handsome. He was also one of the most powerful names in the fashion world. He'd designed some of the hottest gowns and red-carpet looks. Stars like Beyonce, first lady Michelle Obama and other A-listers sought him out when they needed a one-of-a-kind look. His work had been highlighted at Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, New York and Los Angeles.
He was known just as much for his business acumen as he was for his designs. Jansen wanted him to help her transition from model to model agency owner. There were things that Jansen wished she'd known about the fashion industry before that day in Lenox Mall.
With Donovan's help, she hoped to open a full-service agency for models to groom them for life in front of and behind the camera. She hated that the stereotype of models was beauty and no brains. Jansen had fought it her whole career. There had been plenty of people who'd underestimated the fact that she had a master's degree in public policy and had experience with a world-renowned nonprofit agency that helped women and families. Sometimes she missed that work. Missed doing more than just lending her face and donating money to groups that did what the SFRC did. And even though her relationship with Bradley had ended badly, she still supported the center and its mission. There he was again, in her head. She needed to get her game face on because she had business to attend to. She picked up her bag and headed out the door. When Jansen saw a car waiting for her, she wanted to kiss her assistant for saving her the hassle of hailing a cab in the sweltering spring heat of New York. Hopping into the airconditioned car, she smiled in relief. As she was about to lean back and close her eyes, her cell phone rang.
"Yes?" she said when she answered.
"Ooh, someone is in diva mode."
"Shelby! You have a nerve. Besides, I'm channeling my inner Shelby. Girl, I'm just hot and tired."
"Yeah. I heard it's steamy in New York, but here in Paris, it's a cool sixty degrees."
Jansen sucked her teeth. "Just rub it in, heffa. So, tell me about this man who actually got you to say yes."
"We can talk about that this weekend. I'm flying in to New York to get some ideas for my wedding dress."
"Baby, you're in the fashion capital of the world, why are you coming to New York?"
"Great, then you'll come to Paris." Shelby sounded like a kid asking to get picked up from camp early.
"Negative. I have another photo shoot in a few days, and then I have… Wait, why do you want me to come to Paris?"
"To talk me out of this wedding." She said it breathlessly, as if she'd been holding it in for weeks.
"Shelby, why do you need anyone to talk you out of getting married? Your lovely invitations have already been sent out."
She sighed and Jansen couldn't help but wonder if her friend was getting married to satisfy her family—more specifically, Bradley. She groaned inwardly, there she was thinking about that man again.
"What if I love him more than he loves me?"
"Why do you feel that way?"
"Because of you and Bradley."
"Ugh! I'm going to hang up on you."
"I know we're not supposed to talk about that, but you gave him everything and what did you end up with?"
"Think about your parents," Jansen said. "They loved each other unconditionally."
Shelby groaned this time. "You know our generation doesn't roll like that. I'm not trying to get married and then find out that the man I love is screwing around on me or."
"That never happened with me and Bradley. I'm just saying."
"Jacques is amazing and beautiful. But the French are different."
"Honey, you're different. You're the kind of woman who a man can't get over. You're overthinking it."
"Or maybe I didn't think enough. I'm always jumping into something headfirst. That's it, I'm calling the wedding off."
"Girl, that's crazy and impulsive. Why did you agree to marry him if you had such doubts?"
"Because I love him. I'm just being crazy and your favorite Stephens is driving me nuts. He had the nerve to tell me that I need to tone my wedding down. Hello, it's Paris. Over-the-top is expected."
Jansen marveled at how Shelby went from canceling her wedding back to planning it in a single bound. "You're my favorite Stephens."
"Sure, if you say so. You know, he's going to walk me down the aisle."
"That's great," Jansen said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
"Anyway, maybe."
"Let me stop you right there. I don't care what your next statement was going to be, I don't want to hear another word about your brother."
"Well, your serial dating only proves that you're not over him."
"I don't serial date."
"Jake Bensimon doesn't think so. I took him off the guest list."
"Whew, thank you so much."
Shelby laughed. "I thought he was going to be the one for about fifteen minutes. He's the reason Jacques and I met."
"And you're not inviting him to the wedding?" Jansen asked, furrowing her brows. "That just seems rude."
"Honey, it wasn't as if it was a good thing. Jake was drunk on the French Rivera and was lamenting about you. He was getting loud and embarrassing, so I kept trying to get away and he kept pulling on my arm. Jacques came rushing over and knocked him out. I love a Frenchman's passion."
"I bet," she replied. "And you want to give that up?"
"Oh, hush. I'm just suffering from cold feet. And. Let me call you back."
"All right, and I can't wait to see you in that great wedding dress." After hanging up with Shelby, Jansen closed her eyes and sank into the leather seats, wanting nothing more than ten minutes of sleep. But all she could think about was how she was going to ignore Bradley when she ran into him in Paris. Then another thought popped into her mind. What if Bradley arrived at the wedding with his new woman?
So what. It's time for us to move on anyway. I'm sure Bradley Stephens isn't thinking about me at all, Jansen thought as she opened her eyes and blankly watched the passing cars.
In my story, Make You Mine Again, Bradley Stephens has to win the love of his life back. He pushed her away during an emotional time in his life. Now, they are thrust together during his sister's wedding.
Here's a sneak peek:
You are cordially invited to celebrate the union of Miss Shelby Eaine Stephens and Mr. Jacques Luc Renard Saturday, the 25th of April, at half past three in the afternoon at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris Jansen Douglas smiled at the invitation that arrived to her photo shoot in Harlem, but her smile quickly turned to a frown when she realized that attending Shelby's wedding would more than likely mean seeing her ex-lover, Bradley. Talk about a blast from the past, a painful memory that the years and her success as a model hadn't erased. But, whatever. She wasn't going to miss Shelby's wedding! She simply had to meet the man who'd been able to tame the young Miss Stephens.
Shelby had a reputation that spanned the East and West coasts as a love-them-and-leave-them type of chick. Of course, some of the stories had been wildly exaggerated. Like the one about her and an A-list superstar and the fact that she had been the reason for movie star Ian Kelly's trip to rehab.
Shelby and Ian had starred in a movie together that bombed at the box office, but their exchanges on social media made it seem as if they had something else going on.
After the movie failed to launch Shelby's career, she decided to move from being an actress to living off the trust fund that she had received from her family. Some people called her a professional party girl. She, however, was simply a woman of leisure.
This didn't make Bradley happy at all, since he thought Shelby should've been working with the family business.
Unlike Bradley and Ian, she and Shelby had remained close over the years. The one rule to their friendship: never mention Bradley. But she knew that he was going to be front and center at this wedding.
So, she thought as she filled out her RSVP card and added a plus one. She'd planned to be in Paris this spring. She'd had five years of being "the Face," an international top model. But over the past three months, her bookings had declined and she noticed a decrease in the fees she commanded. Granted, she was still making a hefty salary, coming in at number two on a recent Forbes list of top-paid models, but her accountant did tell her that her income had dropped ten percent.
It was a good thing that she didn't spend as extravagantly as many of her colleagues in the industry.
"Jansen," the photographer called out. "We're ready."
Smiling, she glanced down at her rainbow silk dress from the new collection of Branford Diaz, and then headed to the studio and took her mark. Photographers loved Jansen because she didn't do the diva thing, even though she was well within her rights to do so. Instead, she took direction, criticism and ended up with fabulous pictures. She'd been the favorite model of some of the top photographers, according to industry rumor.
"I'm ready," Jansen said with her trademark smile.
Bradley Stephens, CEO of the Stephens Family Resource Center, was two seconds from screaming. Shelby, his younger sister, was getting on his nerves with this wedding that she was supposed to be paying for, though he'd just received a stack of bills from France.
"Yancy," he said, calling for his assistant. The comely blonde walked into his office and offered him a cautious smile.
"Yes, sir?"
"Please do me a favor, remind me that when my sister gets married, she will no longer be my problem," he said then shook his head in anguish.
"I'm sorry," she said with a shoulder shrug.
"Yancy, have you gotten the contract from the catering company about the banquet for the girls?"
"Yes, they just arrived. Let me get them," she said.
"And then you can take the rest of the day off," Bradley said. "I appreciate all the work you've done for this banquet."
"I just wanted it to be a success as much as the last one was," she said as she walked out of his office.
Bradley paused. The banquet had been the brainchild of Jansen Douglas. She had been the one who'd suggested that the foundation have a celebration to thank the donors a few years ago. They'd been wrapped in each other's arms in bed that night.
Her skin had been as smooth as silk as he'd stroked her arms while she laid out the plans for the event.
Memories of Jansen Douglas always made him shiver with regret.
Bradley quickly busied himself with a report of the financial reports for the foundation's first quarter. Private donations were down fifteen percent and that gave him pause. He wondered if he needed to funnel more money into marketing the foundation or if he should follow the Kickstarter trend to get the new shelter in Atlanta funded.
One thing he knew for sure, this wedding wasn't going to be the multimillion-dollar event that his sister had dreamed up in her head. Shelby was quite frivolous and he needed to rein in her spending. And he knew it wasn't going to be long before he had to deal with his bean-counting brother, Kenyon, who would be griping about Shelby's wedding. Though Bradley had been surprised that it had even gotten past the invitation stage. His little sister was a bit of a commitmentphobe. He couldn't blame her. Love was about sacrifice. Something he could write a book on. But, at the end of the day, if Shelby was going to settle down, it would be worth not reading about her exploits in the gossip rags. Glancing at a picture of his parents, Bradley smiled. They were either laughing or shaking their heads in heaven at their three children.
The car accident that took Joan and Winston Stephens haunted him, shaped him, made him afraid to give his all to anyone because he couldn't handle losing her. The way he'd lost Jansen. Slamming his hand on the desk, he didn't have the time or energy to get lost in emotions or the past. He had to call his sister and tell her that her fairy-tale wedding was about to be too much for him to pay for. It wasn't that he didn't have the money; she just needed to realize that there were more important things to do with three million dollars.
Jansen washed the makeup from her face and sighed. Photo shoots were starting to get tiring, but the runway was still her first love. "Jansen," her assistant, Dove Lace, said as she walked into the washroom. "Donovan Strange just called. He wants you to meet him for drinks tonight."
"Finally," she exclaimed with a smile. She'd been trying to meet with him for three weeks.
"Said he'll meet you at the Flatiron Lounge around eight."
Jansen glanced down at her Burberry watch. "That's less than two hours from now." She frowned, then nodded. "If you don't mind, call him back and tell him I'll be there."
"I already told him that you're available. He's so handsome."
Jansen rolled her eyes. Handsome men were a dime a dozen and she wasn't looking for love—not ever again. Not that selfish kind of love that meant she had to turn her dreams off to make a man happy. Closing her eyes, she chided herself silently for allowing Bradley to slip back into her mind. She was supposed to be so over that man, but every now and then he'd rear his handsome face in the rearview mirror of her mind. Men from all over the world had romanced her. But in her heart of hearts, she knew no one could take Bradley's place. And she hated that she compared everyone to him. An egomaniac, lovable and deliciously sexy man who made her hot just thinking about him—after all this time.
Yes, Donovan Strange was handsome. He was also one of the most powerful names in the fashion world. He'd designed some of the hottest gowns and red-carpet looks. Stars like Beyonce, first lady Michelle Obama and other A-listers sought him out when they needed a one-of-a-kind look. His work had been highlighted at Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, New York and Los Angeles.
He was known just as much for his business acumen as he was for his designs. Jansen wanted him to help her transition from model to model agency owner. There were things that Jansen wished she'd known about the fashion industry before that day in Lenox Mall.
With Donovan's help, she hoped to open a full-service agency for models to groom them for life in front of and behind the camera. She hated that the stereotype of models was beauty and no brains. Jansen had fought it her whole career. There had been plenty of people who'd underestimated the fact that she had a master's degree in public policy and had experience with a world-renowned nonprofit agency that helped women and families. Sometimes she missed that work. Missed doing more than just lending her face and donating money to groups that did what the SFRC did. And even though her relationship with Bradley had ended badly, she still supported the center and its mission. There he was again, in her head. She needed to get her game face on because she had business to attend to. She picked up her bag and headed out the door. When Jansen saw a car waiting for her, she wanted to kiss her assistant for saving her the hassle of hailing a cab in the sweltering spring heat of New York. Hopping into the airconditioned car, she smiled in relief. As she was about to lean back and close her eyes, her cell phone rang.
"Yes?" she said when she answered.
"Ooh, someone is in diva mode."
"Shelby! You have a nerve. Besides, I'm channeling my inner Shelby. Girl, I'm just hot and tired."
"Yeah. I heard it's steamy in New York, but here in Paris, it's a cool sixty degrees."
Jansen sucked her teeth. "Just rub it in, heffa. So, tell me about this man who actually got you to say yes."
"We can talk about that this weekend. I'm flying in to New York to get some ideas for my wedding dress."
"Baby, you're in the fashion capital of the world, why are you coming to New York?"
"Great, then you'll come to Paris." Shelby sounded like a kid asking to get picked up from camp early.
"Negative. I have another photo shoot in a few days, and then I have… Wait, why do you want me to come to Paris?"
"To talk me out of this wedding." She said it breathlessly, as if she'd been holding it in for weeks.
"Shelby, why do you need anyone to talk you out of getting married? Your lovely invitations have already been sent out."
She sighed and Jansen couldn't help but wonder if her friend was getting married to satisfy her family—more specifically, Bradley. She groaned inwardly, there she was thinking about that man again.
"What if I love him more than he loves me?"
"Why do you feel that way?"
"Because of you and Bradley."
"Ugh! I'm going to hang up on you."
"I know we're not supposed to talk about that, but you gave him everything and what did you end up with?"
"Think about your parents," Jansen said. "They loved each other unconditionally."
Shelby groaned this time. "You know our generation doesn't roll like that. I'm not trying to get married and then find out that the man I love is screwing around on me or."
"That never happened with me and Bradley. I'm just saying."
"Jacques is amazing and beautiful. But the French are different."
"Honey, you're different. You're the kind of woman who a man can't get over. You're overthinking it."
"Or maybe I didn't think enough. I'm always jumping into something headfirst. That's it, I'm calling the wedding off."
"Girl, that's crazy and impulsive. Why did you agree to marry him if you had such doubts?"
"Because I love him. I'm just being crazy and your favorite Stephens is driving me nuts. He had the nerve to tell me that I need to tone my wedding down. Hello, it's Paris. Over-the-top is expected."
Jansen marveled at how Shelby went from canceling her wedding back to planning it in a single bound. "You're my favorite Stephens."
"Sure, if you say so. You know, he's going to walk me down the aisle."
"That's great," Jansen said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
"Anyway, maybe."
"Let me stop you right there. I don't care what your next statement was going to be, I don't want to hear another word about your brother."
"Well, your serial dating only proves that you're not over him."
"I don't serial date."
"Jake Bensimon doesn't think so. I took him off the guest list."
"Whew, thank you so much."
Shelby laughed. "I thought he was going to be the one for about fifteen minutes. He's the reason Jacques and I met."
"And you're not inviting him to the wedding?" Jansen asked, furrowing her brows. "That just seems rude."
"Honey, it wasn't as if it was a good thing. Jake was drunk on the French Rivera and was lamenting about you. He was getting loud and embarrassing, so I kept trying to get away and he kept pulling on my arm. Jacques came rushing over and knocked him out. I love a Frenchman's passion."
"I bet," she replied. "And you want to give that up?"
"Oh, hush. I'm just suffering from cold feet. And. Let me call you back."
"All right, and I can't wait to see you in that great wedding dress." After hanging up with Shelby, Jansen closed her eyes and sank into the leather seats, wanting nothing more than ten minutes of sleep. But all she could think about was how she was going to ignore Bradley when she ran into him in Paris. Then another thought popped into her mind. What if Bradley arrived at the wedding with his new woman?
So what. It's time for us to move on anyway. I'm sure Bradley Stephens isn't thinking about me at all, Jansen thought as she opened her eyes and blankly watched the passing cars.
June 30, 2015
#BlackWomenWriters in Romance: A Portrait of Who We Are
Hey, y'all!
In my travels to book related events all over the country, I've had the privilege of meeting so many of my author colleagues. Every time I meet another Black woman writing romance, I want to learn more about her. And in my informal polling and research, I've found that African American women writing romance are among the most educated, successful, and accomplished people I know.
There are folks out there who'd love to categorize us.We can't be packaged into a neat, stereotypical box, and I think that's what bothers some folks about what we do and who we are. They'll just have to get over it, because I for one fully intend to go on doing what I love. If it upsets you that you can't lump all #BlackWomenWriters of romance into some tired old stereotype...
Think of Gwyneth Bolton, who in her "real life" is a doctorate and professor. Or Piper Huguley, who teaches at Spelman and is insightful enough to include Beverly Jenkins' classic novel Indigo in her curriculum. There are many more Black women who are steeped in academia by day and turn out great romance novels by night.
Consider also our own Hot MAMAs. Altonya is a university librarian. Bridget holds a vital position at an electric company. And Iris, before retiring just a few months ago, was an indispensable asset to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As for me, I do some freelance writing of the non-fiction variety; very dry stuff, usually. I'm also a busy wife and mother. The point I'm making here is that we, as #BlackWomenWriters of romance, are a diverse group. We lead lives filled with responsibility, hard work, and full calendars, yet we still manage to write. We multitask like masters. How do we do all of this, you ask?
Our stories are vital and important to the cultural fabric of this country. It's true, we are not writing "serious non-fiction" or "self-help" books. Some may want to to dismiss what we're doing as pointless fluff. That simply isn't true- there is something transformative and meaningful about creating stories that celebrate the love of people of color (and yes, people of color DO fall in love and live happily ever after.)
I'm proud of my books, and every time a reader tells me they enjoy my work, I cherish it. Not only that, but I celebrate the accomplishments of my esteemed colleagues. The writing game is rough, especially for Black women, whose stories are constantly misjudged, marginalized, or outright ignored in favor of other books deemed to be more "mainstream." That's why I fully support my friend K.M. Jackson in her quest to reshape the industry with her #WeNeedDiverseRomance hashtag. (Follow that hashtag and getchu some fine readables, y'all!) I also encourage you to follow the @WOCinRomance account on Twitter, run by Rebekah Weatherspoon, for another dose of diversity.
We are here, we are not going anywhere, and we are going to keep telling our stories as we see fit. And as for all those who who would dismiss black women are worthless, "Welfare queens," illiterate, or otherwise unworthy of all we've accomplished...
In my travels to book related events all over the country, I've had the privilege of meeting so many of my author colleagues. Every time I meet another Black woman writing romance, I want to learn more about her. And in my informal polling and research, I've found that African American women writing romance are among the most educated, successful, and accomplished people I know.
There are folks out there who'd love to categorize us.We can't be packaged into a neat, stereotypical box, and I think that's what bothers some folks about what we do and who we are. They'll just have to get over it, because I for one fully intend to go on doing what I love. If it upsets you that you can't lump all #BlackWomenWriters of romance into some tired old stereotype...
Think of Gwyneth Bolton, who in her "real life" is a doctorate and professor. Or Piper Huguley, who teaches at Spelman and is insightful enough to include Beverly Jenkins' classic novel Indigo in her curriculum. There are many more Black women who are steeped in academia by day and turn out great romance novels by night.
Consider also our own Hot MAMAs. Altonya is a university librarian. Bridget holds a vital position at an electric company. And Iris, before retiring just a few months ago, was an indispensable asset to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As for me, I do some freelance writing of the non-fiction variety; very dry stuff, usually. I'm also a busy wife and mother. The point I'm making here is that we, as #BlackWomenWriters of romance, are a diverse group. We lead lives filled with responsibility, hard work, and full calendars, yet we still manage to write. We multitask like masters. How do we do all of this, you ask?
Our stories are vital and important to the cultural fabric of this country. It's true, we are not writing "serious non-fiction" or "self-help" books. Some may want to to dismiss what we're doing as pointless fluff. That simply isn't true- there is something transformative and meaningful about creating stories that celebrate the love of people of color (and yes, people of color DO fall in love and live happily ever after.)
I'm proud of my books, and every time a reader tells me they enjoy my work, I cherish it. Not only that, but I celebrate the accomplishments of my esteemed colleagues. The writing game is rough, especially for Black women, whose stories are constantly misjudged, marginalized, or outright ignored in favor of other books deemed to be more "mainstream." That's why I fully support my friend K.M. Jackson in her quest to reshape the industry with her #WeNeedDiverseRomance hashtag. (Follow that hashtag and getchu some fine readables, y'all!) I also encourage you to follow the @WOCinRomance account on Twitter, run by Rebekah Weatherspoon, for another dose of diversity.
We are here, we are not going anywhere, and we are going to keep telling our stories as we see fit. And as for all those who who would dismiss black women are worthless, "Welfare queens," illiterate, or otherwise unworthy of all we've accomplished...
June 14, 2015
When the story makes you uncomfortable, you're doing something right
I've been working on a story for two years.
Since I've started this book —Fighting Back—I've written other books. But this story makes me feel sticky, hurt and excited.
Cynthia Rose is a victim and a hero. She falls in love with the very cop who arrested her after she killed the men who violated her.
Of course, her parents aren't happy about this relationship. And then there are people in Union County who want Cynthia behind bars.
Dealing with race, love and murder is hard. Writing this story, I have to stay away from stereotypes and tell a compelling story. I've started and stopped. Drank and written some utter bullshit, deleted and wrote some more.
But Cynthia Rose is going to fight back and I'm going to finish this story.
See, I've stepped out of my comfort zone and when writers do that the results are often awesome.
Cynthia has been haunting my dreams, it's time to get busy!
Since I've started this book —Fighting Back—I've written other books. But this story makes me feel sticky, hurt and excited.
Cynthia Rose is a victim and a hero. She falls in love with the very cop who arrested her after she killed the men who violated her.
Of course, her parents aren't happy about this relationship. And then there are people in Union County who want Cynthia behind bars.
Dealing with race, love and murder is hard. Writing this story, I have to stay away from stereotypes and tell a compelling story. I've started and stopped. Drank and written some utter bullshit, deleted and wrote some more.
But Cynthia Rose is going to fight back and I'm going to finish this story.
See, I've stepped out of my comfort zone and when writers do that the results are often awesome.
Cynthia has been haunting my dreams, it's time to get busy!
June 10, 2015
This is one busy M.A.M.A.Hey Y’all,I know everyone is doi...
This is one busy M.A.M.A.
Hey Y’all,
I know everyone is doing great because you are reading this. Not just because you want to see what little, ole, me has to say but that you are awake. I know it sounds simple but we woke up today so whatever the Lord has planned for us He knows we can handle it.
As I type this it’s a reminder to me, because so often we get caught up in the situations that are occurring around us. We are quick to say “there is not enough time in the day” to do all we want to accomplish. Well if you had more time would you really be able to complete that list or would you simply add more to it?
I know that’s a hard pill to swallow but it’s true. Take the 24 hours we are blessed with and do the following:
v Take a moment to be thankful for another 24.
v Spend some time on yourself with yourself (No TV no phone no computer).
v Do something us-expecting for someone else. It does not have to be anything big or costly, a simple “I’m just checking in on you” text will do.
v Don’t worry about that list you have all the time you need.
I hope to see y’all at the Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Meet and Greet that will be held Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Greensboro, NC.
Giving you Gems of Romance
Di
June 9, 2015
The End
The end. Two of the most prolific, amazing, thrilling, satisfying words an author can hear and write when working on a project. We take on the pain staking task to put out a good... no great book, all the while wondering if we've done enough, is it good enough, will the readers love it. Why do we do it. Its ingrained in our blood, seared to our bones.
It goes beyond understanding to just have the desire to write. We want to write well. We want to write a lot. Life is always present in our minds. Will the laundry get done today. Will the house get cleaned. Who's feeding the children? Are our spouses and partners satisfied. Some of us work other jobs outside of the writing career as well.
And all the while we write. We find nooks and crannies, any place where we can hide to get the job done. We also come together in groups at conferences and work shops and even a retreat or two. We punish ourselves with late nights, lack of sleep and poor nutrition just to get it done. We try to slide a little relaxation and a healthy snack in the mix,
but for the most of us, chocolate is a main stay and reward.
Between the lines, we ask ourselves is it enough and will the reader love it. We edit all the way to the printer and sometimes when we can't stand the smell of our own bodies we come out of the writing hole and slap some soap on our body, grab more coffee and then crawl back into our works in progress. But why do we do it?
Because we wouldn't have it any other way. Or dreams become reality in the writing grid.
People read our books and they say thank you, well done. I couldn't have it any other way.
Continue reading for a taste of my latest release. Saint's Bayou is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Create Space. Blurb: Tyson St. Jerreau didn't believe in fate, luck or love at first sight. He believes in getting the job done. It's about the missing women and children. The girls and the boys. It’s about the case. The one thing he certainly didn't have time for was history repeating itself. Raine Jacobs doesn't believe in fate or love either or anything else that instills beliefs that life is fair and what it's supposed to be. After all, she shouldn't even be here. She's supposed to be dead. As anger builds and sparks fly, when their paths cross... again, will they be able to put the past where it belongs... in the past and allow what's building between them to blossom or will the lies separate them forever. Excerpt:Shaking his head to rid the thoughts of what his life missed, knowing sometimes you had to accept what you were going to achieve and what wasn’t in the books for your life, his gaze circled the crowded room where Nolan and some of his other friends sat around a table. The beer flowed like water as much as the laughter and good times. He’s met a few of them before but their names escaped him. What caught his attention was the sultry woman who gyrated her hips on the dance floor with three other women. They were all great looking however, the one who captured and held his eye was the tall one with the hair that flowed below her shoulders. It moved with each sway of her body like a whisper of a breeze through the trees. Her eyes were dark, her lips full and her body was wrapped in lush curves. She wore a dark blue halter dress that dipped into her cleavage leaving nothing to the imagination as his eyes fixed on the swell of her breast. Any man would love to press his face between those two pillows of heavenly goodness. The dress looked as if it was as soft as a cloud and it moved around her body like the wind, caressing her skin and tantalizing his mind. His mouth went dry. Damn, was hard. He wondered if she had any idea what she did to a man when she moved like that. “Yo, Ty!” He was quickly back from his perusal of the woman to his friend. He laughed at himself and turned his attention back toward the table. “Why don’t you go on over there and get you some of that,” one of the other men jested. “Oh, yeah. I shouldn’t be the only one getting hitched.” Tyson shook his head. No way. Marrage, commitment and white picket fences were not in the cards for him. He was already shocked at the sudden announcement from Nolan when he got the call about his upcoming nuptials. However, he understood the hurry. Nolan and his fiancé has been together for several years. They met in collage and fell head over heels for each other and they claimed love at first site. Tyson didn’t believe in love at first site, sure there was lust at first site but never love. He was pretty sure what he felt stirring low in his belly was lust when he stole another glance toward the beauty on the dance floor. Now there was a little Nolan on the way and his friend wanted to make sure his woman and child are well cared for if for any reason he didn’t make it back home. Reasons, Tyson didn’t want to even think about. Nolan had better make damn sure he made it back to raise his own child. Tyson planned to be the best God Father a child could have but he didn’t want the job by default. He wanted to be there alongside Nolan. “You back in the game now.” Nolan slapped a beer into his hand. “Now if you want, I’ll get you one of those Chicas to give you a nice lap dance.” “The fact that you’re even talking about a lap dance is going to get you in trouble,” Tyson said while shaking his head. He wouldn’t mind a lap dance but it would have to come from the one woman who captured his eye. And, he definitely wouldn’t be in this club. His bronze beauty was still moving her body to the beat of the music even though she and her friends had moved from the dance floor and now stood next to the bar. Beauty didn’t describe her, Tyson thought as his gaze trailed a line the length of her body. Beauty was too simple a word, to corny. He wasn’t sure what word to use to describe her however that wasn’t it. “This is your party, man. If anyone’s getting a lap dance it’s you,” one of the other men said. Tyson grunted, knowing he’d give anything to have her in his lap, her body gyrating against his. He also knew if he didn’t reel it in he was going to come in his pants. The table erupted in laughter, hoots and hollers. One of the men held up a twenty dollar bill, as did another. “I don’t think this is that kind of establishment.” Nolan interjected. “Maybe not, but I bet we can at least get them to join our table,” another said. Tyson hunched a shoulder. Indifference clouded him. While he loved the company of a good woman, the last thing he wanted was for this woman to get any closer to him. If she did, the hard on he’d been fighting would most likely make the zipper castrate him. He groaned when the man walked over to them and they smiled. Seconds later the women moved toward their table. Damn all of them. Six men, four woman. Maybe if he’s lucky she’d stand away from him, next to one of the other men. His jaw clenched when anger he didn’t expect shot through his body. What was he angry about? Certainly, he wasn’t getting mad when she did just that. She pulled a chair up to the table and sat it between two of the other men. Two men who knew nothing about how to treat a lady. If they did, they wouldn’t have let her get her own chair. When the introductions went around her name cemented into his brain, Carla Tisdale. Their gazes locked and he almost moaned and fell off his chair when her tongue snaked out and licked her bottom lip. Fuck! He shifted his position to get some relief from his rock hard shaft. His gaze shot to the man Nolan introduced as Nick when he heard him say, “Let’s dance.” Tyson’s head moved from side to side, silently telling her to say no. She tilted her head to the side, laughed and said, “Sure, why not”. Damn it. What the hell? What was wrong with him? He didn’t know this woman. Hadn’t even been properly introduced, yet here he was attempting to tell her what to do. Apparently it didn’t matter, since she was now moving toward the crowded dance floor with what’s his name. If this wasn’t Noland’s party he’d kick Nick’s ass. Her gaze stayed on Tyson’s as she moved around Nick, her body swaying and sashaying to the tune of KEM. If he wasn’t mistaken her eyes were saying ‘come and get me,’ but he knew his mind was exaggerating. He didn’t know her, knew nothing about her and she sure as hell didn’t know him. What he did know was his mind and body was playing a dangerous game. A game he hadn’t played in years. “Stop lying to yourself and go over there and get her.” Tyson didn’t have to look to know it was Nolan talking to him. Sometimes Nolan knew him better than he knew himself. The last thing he wanted in his life right now was a relationship. Sure he loved woman, he loved the softness of their body against the hardness of his. He loved how they smelled and tasted. He definitely loved how their bodies molded into his no matter what they were doing. His heart had been broken one time too many in the recent past and he’d vowed to love his playboy life style for as long as he could. A wife, two point five kids, a dog and a cat was not for him. No, he’d leave that to Nolan. Nonetheless, he couldn’t stop his body from pushing away from the table and strolling over to the dance floor. The only thing that saved Nick from his fist was the music hadn’t changed from the fast upbeat rhythm. If it had been a slow sexy pulse and Nick’s hands were roaming her body where Tyson’s should be, he wasn’t sure how he would have reacted. It was almost comical how his body betrayed him. He knew from the second he set his eyes on her he was a goner. He wanted her and would have her. For how long he didn’t know. He lived in Baltimore and he had no idea whether she lived here in Norfolk or some other city. She was so exotic looking with her bronze skin and seductress eyes and mouth she could very well be from another country. The particulars he’d have to figure out later, but for now… what? Just as he stepped onto the dance floor the music changed to something slow and hot. His body was already pulsing with the heat from her gaze that was still locked on him, but also from the anger when Nick’s hand slid around her waist and pulled her flush to his body. Oh hell no. Not tonight. He grabbed Nick’s wrist and unwrapped his arms from around her. “Beat it, Nick. What you’re thinking isn’t gonna happen.” Nick’s hands came up in surrender and he backed away. “You don’t have to tell me twice. Have at it.” “Wow. Well that’s a lot of nerve. First, I’m not an object and I’m certainly not an it.” She turned to leave the floor and Tyson grabbed her arm, turned her to face him and brought her body up to his so that you couldn’t get a penny between them. “Not, tonight.” His voice lowered as his gaze scanned her face, pausing on her mouth for a few seconds and then settling on her eyes. “He’s not the one.” “And you are?” She raised an eyebrow and his dick hardened even more. Damn she was hot, and feisty and… and… Damn she was everything. “Yes.” Was all he could say around his desert dry throat. His tongue was too dry and his chest too tight against a heart that was beating too fast against his rib cage. If he moved the wrong way, he was sure his zipper was going to saw right through his dick. “Then what took you so long.” She gyrated her body against him, her hips pressing against his rock hard shaft. Her mouth opened into a perfect ‘O’ and he knew she felt it. “Wasn’t too sure you wanted the same,” he said after swallowing down the lump. Her arms moved around his waist and pressed against the small of his back while her hips moved against his front. She didn’t speak. Didn’t have to. Damn. He didn’t come all the way to Norfolk, Virginia for a one night stand. Regardless of why he was there, he was a goner. He couldn’t form a coherent thought when the heat from her body wrapped around his. Sweat dripped between his shoulder blades and his palms itched with the need to touch her without the barrier of clothing. He glanced over her head toward the table and Nolan smiled, tilted his head toward the door and then nodded his approval of the thoughts he’d been afraid to speak. He lowered his mouth to her neck and pressed his lips to the curve of her shoulder. She shivered under his touch and tightened her grip on his shirt. Her body swayed even more and her hips ground into his front in a fashion that anyone watching would have thought it was the most erotic thing a woman could do to a man. If she didn’t stop, he was going to come in his pants and that is not where he wanted to be when he came. “What’s your name?” her voice wrapped around his head. It was as sultry and piercing as her gaze was hot. “Tyson, Tyson St. Jerreau.” He swung her around, bending her back across his arms and then drew her to him, their faces only inches apart. “Well, Tyson, Tyson St. Jerreau, what on earth are you going to do with me.” He groaned, swallowed, groaned again. Damn, she’s a fiery hell cat. “Not as much as I’d like to.”
It goes beyond understanding to just have the desire to write. We want to write well. We want to write a lot. Life is always present in our minds. Will the laundry get done today. Will the house get cleaned. Who's feeding the children? Are our spouses and partners satisfied. Some of us work other jobs outside of the writing career as well.
And all the while we write. We find nooks and crannies, any place where we can hide to get the job done. We also come together in groups at conferences and work shops and even a retreat or two. We punish ourselves with late nights, lack of sleep and poor nutrition just to get it done. We try to slide a little relaxation and a healthy snack in the mix,
but for the most of us, chocolate is a main stay and reward.
Between the lines, we ask ourselves is it enough and will the reader love it. We edit all the way to the printer and sometimes when we can't stand the smell of our own bodies we come out of the writing hole and slap some soap on our body, grab more coffee and then crawl back into our works in progress. But why do we do it?
Because we wouldn't have it any other way. Or dreams become reality in the writing grid.
People read our books and they say thank you, well done. I couldn't have it any other way.
Continue reading for a taste of my latest release. Saint's Bayou is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Create Space. Blurb: Tyson St. Jerreau didn't believe in fate, luck or love at first sight. He believes in getting the job done. It's about the missing women and children. The girls and the boys. It’s about the case. The one thing he certainly didn't have time for was history repeating itself. Raine Jacobs doesn't believe in fate or love either or anything else that instills beliefs that life is fair and what it's supposed to be. After all, she shouldn't even be here. She's supposed to be dead. As anger builds and sparks fly, when their paths cross... again, will they be able to put the past where it belongs... in the past and allow what's building between them to blossom or will the lies separate them forever. Excerpt:Shaking his head to rid the thoughts of what his life missed, knowing sometimes you had to accept what you were going to achieve and what wasn’t in the books for your life, his gaze circled the crowded room where Nolan and some of his other friends sat around a table. The beer flowed like water as much as the laughter and good times. He’s met a few of them before but their names escaped him. What caught his attention was the sultry woman who gyrated her hips on the dance floor with three other women. They were all great looking however, the one who captured and held his eye was the tall one with the hair that flowed below her shoulders. It moved with each sway of her body like a whisper of a breeze through the trees. Her eyes were dark, her lips full and her body was wrapped in lush curves. She wore a dark blue halter dress that dipped into her cleavage leaving nothing to the imagination as his eyes fixed on the swell of her breast. Any man would love to press his face between those two pillows of heavenly goodness. The dress looked as if it was as soft as a cloud and it moved around her body like the wind, caressing her skin and tantalizing his mind. His mouth went dry. Damn, was hard. He wondered if she had any idea what she did to a man when she moved like that. “Yo, Ty!” He was quickly back from his perusal of the woman to his friend. He laughed at himself and turned his attention back toward the table. “Why don’t you go on over there and get you some of that,” one of the other men jested. “Oh, yeah. I shouldn’t be the only one getting hitched.” Tyson shook his head. No way. Marrage, commitment and white picket fences were not in the cards for him. He was already shocked at the sudden announcement from Nolan when he got the call about his upcoming nuptials. However, he understood the hurry. Nolan and his fiancé has been together for several years. They met in collage and fell head over heels for each other and they claimed love at first site. Tyson didn’t believe in love at first site, sure there was lust at first site but never love. He was pretty sure what he felt stirring low in his belly was lust when he stole another glance toward the beauty on the dance floor. Now there was a little Nolan on the way and his friend wanted to make sure his woman and child are well cared for if for any reason he didn’t make it back home. Reasons, Tyson didn’t want to even think about. Nolan had better make damn sure he made it back to raise his own child. Tyson planned to be the best God Father a child could have but he didn’t want the job by default. He wanted to be there alongside Nolan. “You back in the game now.” Nolan slapped a beer into his hand. “Now if you want, I’ll get you one of those Chicas to give you a nice lap dance.” “The fact that you’re even talking about a lap dance is going to get you in trouble,” Tyson said while shaking his head. He wouldn’t mind a lap dance but it would have to come from the one woman who captured his eye. And, he definitely wouldn’t be in this club. His bronze beauty was still moving her body to the beat of the music even though she and her friends had moved from the dance floor and now stood next to the bar. Beauty didn’t describe her, Tyson thought as his gaze trailed a line the length of her body. Beauty was too simple a word, to corny. He wasn’t sure what word to use to describe her however that wasn’t it. “This is your party, man. If anyone’s getting a lap dance it’s you,” one of the other men said. Tyson grunted, knowing he’d give anything to have her in his lap, her body gyrating against his. He also knew if he didn’t reel it in he was going to come in his pants. The table erupted in laughter, hoots and hollers. One of the men held up a twenty dollar bill, as did another. “I don’t think this is that kind of establishment.” Nolan interjected. “Maybe not, but I bet we can at least get them to join our table,” another said. Tyson hunched a shoulder. Indifference clouded him. While he loved the company of a good woman, the last thing he wanted was for this woman to get any closer to him. If she did, the hard on he’d been fighting would most likely make the zipper castrate him. He groaned when the man walked over to them and they smiled. Seconds later the women moved toward their table. Damn all of them. Six men, four woman. Maybe if he’s lucky she’d stand away from him, next to one of the other men. His jaw clenched when anger he didn’t expect shot through his body. What was he angry about? Certainly, he wasn’t getting mad when she did just that. She pulled a chair up to the table and sat it between two of the other men. Two men who knew nothing about how to treat a lady. If they did, they wouldn’t have let her get her own chair. When the introductions went around her name cemented into his brain, Carla Tisdale. Their gazes locked and he almost moaned and fell off his chair when her tongue snaked out and licked her bottom lip. Fuck! He shifted his position to get some relief from his rock hard shaft. His gaze shot to the man Nolan introduced as Nick when he heard him say, “Let’s dance.” Tyson’s head moved from side to side, silently telling her to say no. She tilted her head to the side, laughed and said, “Sure, why not”. Damn it. What the hell? What was wrong with him? He didn’t know this woman. Hadn’t even been properly introduced, yet here he was attempting to tell her what to do. Apparently it didn’t matter, since she was now moving toward the crowded dance floor with what’s his name. If this wasn’t Noland’s party he’d kick Nick’s ass. Her gaze stayed on Tyson’s as she moved around Nick, her body swaying and sashaying to the tune of KEM. If he wasn’t mistaken her eyes were saying ‘come and get me,’ but he knew his mind was exaggerating. He didn’t know her, knew nothing about her and she sure as hell didn’t know him. What he did know was his mind and body was playing a dangerous game. A game he hadn’t played in years. “Stop lying to yourself and go over there and get her.” Tyson didn’t have to look to know it was Nolan talking to him. Sometimes Nolan knew him better than he knew himself. The last thing he wanted in his life right now was a relationship. Sure he loved woman, he loved the softness of their body against the hardness of his. He loved how they smelled and tasted. He definitely loved how their bodies molded into his no matter what they were doing. His heart had been broken one time too many in the recent past and he’d vowed to love his playboy life style for as long as he could. A wife, two point five kids, a dog and a cat was not for him. No, he’d leave that to Nolan. Nonetheless, he couldn’t stop his body from pushing away from the table and strolling over to the dance floor. The only thing that saved Nick from his fist was the music hadn’t changed from the fast upbeat rhythm. If it had been a slow sexy pulse and Nick’s hands were roaming her body where Tyson’s should be, he wasn’t sure how he would have reacted. It was almost comical how his body betrayed him. He knew from the second he set his eyes on her he was a goner. He wanted her and would have her. For how long he didn’t know. He lived in Baltimore and he had no idea whether she lived here in Norfolk or some other city. She was so exotic looking with her bronze skin and seductress eyes and mouth she could very well be from another country. The particulars he’d have to figure out later, but for now… what? Just as he stepped onto the dance floor the music changed to something slow and hot. His body was already pulsing with the heat from her gaze that was still locked on him, but also from the anger when Nick’s hand slid around her waist and pulled her flush to his body. Oh hell no. Not tonight. He grabbed Nick’s wrist and unwrapped his arms from around her. “Beat it, Nick. What you’re thinking isn’t gonna happen.” Nick’s hands came up in surrender and he backed away. “You don’t have to tell me twice. Have at it.” “Wow. Well that’s a lot of nerve. First, I’m not an object and I’m certainly not an it.” She turned to leave the floor and Tyson grabbed her arm, turned her to face him and brought her body up to his so that you couldn’t get a penny between them. “Not, tonight.” His voice lowered as his gaze scanned her face, pausing on her mouth for a few seconds and then settling on her eyes. “He’s not the one.” “And you are?” She raised an eyebrow and his dick hardened even more. Damn she was hot, and feisty and… and… Damn she was everything. “Yes.” Was all he could say around his desert dry throat. His tongue was too dry and his chest too tight against a heart that was beating too fast against his rib cage. If he moved the wrong way, he was sure his zipper was going to saw right through his dick. “Then what took you so long.” She gyrated her body against him, her hips pressing against his rock hard shaft. Her mouth opened into a perfect ‘O’ and he knew she felt it. “Wasn’t too sure you wanted the same,” he said after swallowing down the lump. Her arms moved around his waist and pressed against the small of his back while her hips moved against his front. She didn’t speak. Didn’t have to. Damn. He didn’t come all the way to Norfolk, Virginia for a one night stand. Regardless of why he was there, he was a goner. He couldn’t form a coherent thought when the heat from her body wrapped around his. Sweat dripped between his shoulder blades and his palms itched with the need to touch her without the barrier of clothing. He glanced over her head toward the table and Nolan smiled, tilted his head toward the door and then nodded his approval of the thoughts he’d been afraid to speak. He lowered his mouth to her neck and pressed his lips to the curve of her shoulder. She shivered under his touch and tightened her grip on his shirt. Her body swayed even more and her hips ground into his front in a fashion that anyone watching would have thought it was the most erotic thing a woman could do to a man. If she didn’t stop, he was going to come in his pants and that is not where he wanted to be when he came. “What’s your name?” her voice wrapped around his head. It was as sultry and piercing as her gaze was hot. “Tyson, Tyson St. Jerreau.” He swung her around, bending her back across his arms and then drew her to him, their faces only inches apart. “Well, Tyson, Tyson St. Jerreau, what on earth are you going to do with me.” He groaned, swallowed, groaned again. Damn, she’s a fiery hell cat. “Not as much as I’d like to.”
June 2, 2015
Writing a Book in a Month JuNoWriMo Style
In the past I've participated in book in a month challenges like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The goal is to write at least 50,000 words during a single calendar month. I've often wondered why November was chosen. With Thanksgiving coming at the end of November, it's easy for a writer to get sidetracked, especially toward the end of the month.
Fortunately, November is no longer the only month this kind of challenge runs. There are similar challenges in April and July (Camp NaNoWriMo), June (JuNoWriMo) and July (JulNoWriMo). There is also a challenge in March to help you edit the book you've just finished--NaNoEdMo.
I opted not to participate in these events the last couple of years. A bad move, since this also marked a period during which I only finished one novel. With my new goal of being a prolific indie author, now seems like a good time to jump back on board.This is my first time participating in JuNoWriMo . However, the group is extremely enthusiastic. Managed by great leadership, the JuNoWriMo Facebook group has been very active in the weeks leading up to JuNoWriMo, as participants plotted their stories and tackled other pre-writing duties like character sketches or cooking large batches of meals and freezing them.
You can't be part of the JuNoWriMo Facebook group and not be inspired.
After completing the first book in my new series and sending it off to my beta readers, I am now focused on writing the second book, set in the same North Carolina beach community. My target word count for the book is a bit higher than the 50,000-word goal for the month. But completing this challenge will put me well on my way to finishing Book Two.
The goal of writing 50,000 words in a month may feel intimidating, I know. But the important thing isn't whether or not we reach the goal. It's that we are actively working on completing a story. I haven't "won" every challenge I participated in. Still, I ended the month with far more words to my story than I had in the beginning. And several of those "failures" went on to be completed manuscripts. Both of my published novels began life as NaNo projects. One in a month I won. One in a month I didn't.
Have you ever participated in a reading or writing challenge? What did you gain from the experience? What were some of the drawbacks? Would you recommend the experience?
