Kianna Alexander's Blog, page 8
July 25, 2014
I'm involved in a Scandal!
That's right, folks. I'm involved in a Scandal. It's of epic proportions. It's unbelievable. And I'm involved with 8 other people. Before you all start Googling me and finding out what's going on, I'll tell you. Several months ago, 8 authors and I decided to put together our own $0.99 box set. This box set would be different than any of the box sets out there because every story would contain an interracial romance.
So imagine my surprise to find out that I would be in this box set with fellow Hot M.A.M.A. Yvette Hines as well as Aliyah Burke, Sienna Mynx, Tiana Laveen, Pepper Pace, Latrivia Nelson, Erosa Knowles, and Serenity King. I know! Impressive, right?
My contribution to this collection is a contemporary interracial BDSM erotic romance called Last Call. The story is about lost love done right...and rough. Keys "Tank" Tanksley and Eminence Dutton run into each other after a bad breakup back in high school. Tank is now a BDSM Dom and trying to expand his business. Eminence is unsure about taking a crucial step at her job. When they get together, none of that matters.
What I love about the Scandalous Heroes collection is that all of the stories are different. Readers can find a story (or stories) that they love. I just hope mine is one of them.
Readers interested in getting this box set can get it from Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.
For those who have purchased the box set and posted a review, thank you so much! You all rock!
Stay sexy,
BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com
July 22, 2014
CONTROL
CONTROL
Hi Everyone, I’m using my space in today’s HOT M.A.M.A.s Blog to chime in about my progress on the upcoming Ramsey Tesano installment. As usual, the more impatient among you (love you guys) are sweetly requesting the novellas that I’ve been known for putting out prior to the release of the full novels. I wish I could meet those requests with this story, because it is shaping up to be a lengthy tale.
Unlike A Lover’s Debt which allowed for an enjoyable novella in Lover’s Christmas, such won’t be possible with A Lover’s Control. I think you guys will understand that when the book releases. The story is so involved; each scene so interwoven with the plot, that nothing can really be extracted as a stand-alone for a separate book. I think once the story is in hand, you guys will be pleased. I would be very surprised to hear from one of you speed readers telling me that you completed the book in a few hours. The story is a heavy read- understandable as it is proving to be a very heavy writing project. As always however, it is a fun experience and I am continually stunned by where these characters take me.
I have not yet announced a specific release date for the story, but I am working toward a Thanksgiving release point. My plan is to make A Lover’s Return ready for a spring of 2015 release. ‘Return’ weaves very tightly into ‘Control’ which makes it necessary to flesh out the last two books promptly without letting too much time lapse. So for those of you who just have to have that sneek peak, you can expect it following the upcoming HOT M.A.M.A.s Event on September 13, 2014. I’ll be sharing the premiere reading with the guests in attendance, so get your tickets while you can and secure your spot in the audience.
Hope To See You Soon!
July 18, 2014
Oh, How Sweet The Sound!
Voices…voices…voices…
Do you hear the voices inside your head as you read a novel, short story or a novella?Are the characters vivid in your mind…make you feel some kind of way?Do they stand out?From the way the characters are painted in situations, to the settings in the plot that may be unfolding in three ways but you didn’t see it coming?A backstory in the making with a secondary character that inadvertently blossomed due to a specific measure taken…
If you read enough stories by a particular author, their writing style and “voice” should come to life in your mind. Sometimes it takes more than two books to “hear” it, yet, the more they write, the stronger it becomes. That’s called growth and experience, Beautiful Ones. Avid readers can decipher the tone of a well-written story by their favorite authors quicker than most. If the author flexes genres (Romance, Historical, Mystery, etc.) do they hold the same standards of injecting a strong voice into their respective branches?
Start a conversation with a co-worker or friend about these "voices" and see what you learn fro one another. It could be the discovery of a great book to read. Until next time, keep reading and keep sharing! Loretta R. Wallswww.nucherte.net
Do you hear the voices inside your head as you read a novel, short story or a novella?Are the characters vivid in your mind…make you feel some kind of way?Do they stand out?From the way the characters are painted in situations, to the settings in the plot that may be unfolding in three ways but you didn’t see it coming?A backstory in the making with a secondary character that inadvertently blossomed due to a specific measure taken…
If you read enough stories by a particular author, their writing style and “voice” should come to life in your mind. Sometimes it takes more than two books to “hear” it, yet, the more they write, the stronger it becomes. That’s called growth and experience, Beautiful Ones. Avid readers can decipher the tone of a well-written story by their favorite authors quicker than most. If the author flexes genres (Romance, Historical, Mystery, etc.) do they hold the same standards of injecting a strong voice into their respective branches?Start a conversation with a co-worker or friend about these "voices" and see what you learn fro one another. It could be the discovery of a great book to read. Until next time, keep reading and keep sharing! Loretta R. Wallswww.nucherte.net
July 11, 2014
Cool off with Christmas in July- Hot MAMA Style
Hey, y'all,
I don't know what the weather is currently like in your neck of the woods, but down where the Mama's dwell, temperatures have climbed up into the stratosphere. As the mercury creeps toward 100 degrees, we all start looking for creative ways to stay cool- cranking the AC, putting up those room darkening shades to block the hot sunlight, and splashing around in the nearest pool. These are all effective methods, but they all require you to get up. :)
If you're comfy already, I'd like to submit another idea for keeping cool- enjoying a holiday themed book. Yes, I know, Christmas is still more than 4 months away. But if previous years have been any indication, it's likely to sneak up on you. You know that feling of panic that sets in during the month of December, as you rush around to get your shopping done, make meal plans, and show your family and friends a good time? It can totally put a damper on your reading enjoyment, and that's if you get a moment to read at all.
That's why I advocate that you enjoy some holiday titles now, while you have the time and presence of mind. Besides, with it being so hot outside, you'll really enjoy the images of cool crisp air, snowy evenings, and romantic interludes under the mistletoe that these books can evoke in your mind. Luckily, a few of us Mama's have written some holiday titles you might like to try out. Because I love you and want you to be happy, I've listed the titles and links below. Getchu some of this holiday goodness, y'all!
Seducing Sheri: A Climax Creek Erotic Short, by Kianna AlexanderAmazonBarnes and Noble
A Delight Before Christmas , by Angie DanielsAmazon:Barnes and Noble:
Naughty Before Christmas,by Angie DanielsAmazon:Barnes and Noble:
A Beau for Christmas , by Angie DanielsAmazonBarnes and Noble
The One That I Want , by Cheris Hodges, Donna Hill, and Zuri Day (Pre-Order, Releasing in October)AmazonBarnes and Noble
I hope you'll add these titles to your collection, and as always, we Mamas appreciate your support.Wanna spread the love? Feel free to share the graphic all over the Inter-Web- folks can't enjoy these books if they don't know about them.
Until Next Time,
Kianna
I don't know what the weather is currently like in your neck of the woods, but down where the Mama's dwell, temperatures have climbed up into the stratosphere. As the mercury creeps toward 100 degrees, we all start looking for creative ways to stay cool- cranking the AC, putting up those room darkening shades to block the hot sunlight, and splashing around in the nearest pool. These are all effective methods, but they all require you to get up. :)
If you're comfy already, I'd like to submit another idea for keeping cool- enjoying a holiday themed book. Yes, I know, Christmas is still more than 4 months away. But if previous years have been any indication, it's likely to sneak up on you. You know that feling of panic that sets in during the month of December, as you rush around to get your shopping done, make meal plans, and show your family and friends a good time? It can totally put a damper on your reading enjoyment, and that's if you get a moment to read at all.
That's why I advocate that you enjoy some holiday titles now, while you have the time and presence of mind. Besides, with it being so hot outside, you'll really enjoy the images of cool crisp air, snowy evenings, and romantic interludes under the mistletoe that these books can evoke in your mind. Luckily, a few of us Mama's have written some holiday titles you might like to try out. Because I love you and want you to be happy, I've listed the titles and links below. Getchu some of this holiday goodness, y'all!
Seducing Sheri: A Climax Creek Erotic Short, by Kianna AlexanderAmazonBarnes and Noble
A Delight Before Christmas , by Angie DanielsAmazon:Barnes and Noble:
Naughty Before Christmas,by Angie DanielsAmazon:Barnes and Noble:
A Beau for Christmas , by Angie DanielsAmazonBarnes and Noble
The One That I Want , by Cheris Hodges, Donna Hill, and Zuri Day (Pre-Order, Releasing in October)AmazonBarnes and Noble
I hope you'll add these titles to your collection, and as always, we Mamas appreciate your support.Wanna spread the love? Feel free to share the graphic all over the Inter-Web- folks can't enjoy these books if they don't know about them.
Until Next Time,
Kianna
June 30, 2014
There's nothing romantic about Robin Thicke's antics.
If Robin Thicke were a character in one of my books, he'd be the stalker!
I didn't always feel this way about Robin.
When I first heard Thicke singing When I get You Alone , I was hooked. I didn't think Robin Thicke would eat Jon B's career, but it seems as if these days you can only have one white boy with soul in R&B. But I digress.
So, Babyface couldn't duplicate the success of Jon B with Robin. I'm thinking it may have had more to do with long hair and bike riding video. Then the Neptunes took over and The Evolution of Robin Thicke was born.
My favorite song from that CD was Wanna Love You Girl. Pharrell is a damned genius. So, I was drinking the Robin Thicke Kool-Aid and pretending that he wasn't corny Alan Thicke's son. Then I saw he was married to Paula Patton.
I'm a sucker for a love story. They were high school sweethearts, she was the inspiration for his music. She was on the cover of his first album and the star of many of his videos. Aww, the romance writer in me was pleased.
Stalker much? Robin Thicke is doing the most to win Paula Patton back.
Then, Robin started tripping. It started with some off handed comments made to Essencemagazine where HE was telling BLACK men how to love BLACK women.
Hold up, partner —having a black wife doesn't make you an expert on black love.
Again, I digress.
So, Robin blew up after Blurred Lines. And like the old saying goes, success shows who you really are. Robin Thicke is obviously an asshole. He did some shit, Paula left.
He wants her back and he's going about it in the worst way ever. Publicly. Jesus H. Christ, stop it please.
He named his new album, Paula.
His song, Get Her Back, has a video that features a Paula look alike and possible text messages that the two may have exchanged. Umm, dude, some things need to stay between a husband and wife. You trying to win your wife back is one of them.
Of course, Robin isn't the first man to use his personal pain to make music. Marvin Gaye left a blue print for it with Here, My Dear. His divorce settlement to Anna Gordy. Gaye was sued to keep this album from seeing the light of day. The difference in HMD and Paula is the fact that Marvin was mad as hell. He didn't want Anna back. He admitted that he was cheating with that young girl and the music was so much better.
My favorite cut from HMD:
A Funky Space Reincarnation (Google it. Great song!)Now, legend has it the Eric Benet's Hurricane was about his ex Halle Berry. *Kanye Shrug* You could say that Pretty Baby was a veiled reference to Berry, who we all know is beautiful. And before Eric Benet remarried, folks swore UP AND DOWN that all of his songs were about Halle Berry. Shaking my head, because I didn't see it.
But, back to Robin Thicke. If he wants to win Paula back, he needs to do one thing, STOP IT. That's right, stop with the public begging, stop with the sad sap songs and shut up. He needs to privately apologize to her, because my ears are bleeding. I can't with the begging. Maybe he shouldn't have done whatever it was that he did. Maybe he should've honored his marriage vows. Maybe he is more like his daddy than we wanted to believe.
PS: Jon B is married to a black woman and he doesn't act like this!
I didn't always feel this way about Robin.
When I first heard Thicke singing When I get You Alone , I was hooked. I didn't think Robin Thicke would eat Jon B's career, but it seems as if these days you can only have one white boy with soul in R&B. But I digress.
So, Babyface couldn't duplicate the success of Jon B with Robin. I'm thinking it may have had more to do with long hair and bike riding video. Then the Neptunes took over and The Evolution of Robin Thicke was born.
My favorite song from that CD was Wanna Love You Girl. Pharrell is a damned genius. So, I was drinking the Robin Thicke Kool-Aid and pretending that he wasn't corny Alan Thicke's son. Then I saw he was married to Paula Patton.
I'm a sucker for a love story. They were high school sweethearts, she was the inspiration for his music. She was on the cover of his first album and the star of many of his videos. Aww, the romance writer in me was pleased.
Stalker much? Robin Thicke is doing the most to win Paula Patton back.Then, Robin started tripping. It started with some off handed comments made to Essencemagazine where HE was telling BLACK men how to love BLACK women.
Hold up, partner —having a black wife doesn't make you an expert on black love.
To be a part of your biggest days -- you know your child being conceived or born, or you walking down the aisle -- there’s really nothing sweeter. That’s the truth.I started giving Robin the side eye after this. Like, really partner? Just keep singing. I bought Love After War, it was a decent album. AND YES, it inspired the name of my latest novel, Love After War.
It’s actually the best thing. It’s nice if you can make someone drop it like it’s hot, or pop a bottle. But we’re always dropping it and popping it. What I realize about the difference between me and my peers -- you know, Chris Brown and Drizzy Drake and all my musical peers -- is that they haven’t been with the same woman for 18 years and I’ve been with a Black woman for 18 years. I’ve never dated a White woman. Don’t want to. I’ve never been on a date with a White woman. When you have that relationship and that means the most to you -- you know I can’t live without that woman, she is my muse, my best friend, and my creative partner. I didn’t have a great relationship with my mom and she didn’t have a great relationship with her dad and we became that for each other. She’s my mama and I’m her daddy. I even call her mama and she calls me daddy. We are that to each other
Again, I digress.
So, Robin blew up after Blurred Lines. And like the old saying goes, success shows who you really are. Robin Thicke is obviously an asshole. He did some shit, Paula left.
He wants her back and he's going about it in the worst way ever. Publicly. Jesus H. Christ, stop it please.
He named his new album, Paula.
His song, Get Her Back, has a video that features a Paula look alike and possible text messages that the two may have exchanged. Umm, dude, some things need to stay between a husband and wife. You trying to win your wife back is one of them.
Of course, Robin isn't the first man to use his personal pain to make music. Marvin Gaye left a blue print for it with Here, My Dear. His divorce settlement to Anna Gordy. Gaye was sued to keep this album from seeing the light of day. The difference in HMD and Paula is the fact that Marvin was mad as hell. He didn't want Anna back. He admitted that he was cheating with that young girl and the music was so much better.
My favorite cut from HMD:
A Funky Space Reincarnation (Google it. Great song!)Now, legend has it the Eric Benet's Hurricane was about his ex Halle Berry. *Kanye Shrug* You could say that Pretty Baby was a veiled reference to Berry, who we all know is beautiful. And before Eric Benet remarried, folks swore UP AND DOWN that all of his songs were about Halle Berry. Shaking my head, because I didn't see it.
But, back to Robin Thicke. If he wants to win Paula back, he needs to do one thing, STOP IT. That's right, stop with the public begging, stop with the sad sap songs and shut up. He needs to privately apologize to her, because my ears are bleeding. I can't with the begging. Maybe he shouldn't have done whatever it was that he did. Maybe he should've honored his marriage vows. Maybe he is more like his daddy than we wanted to believe.
PS: Jon B is married to a black woman and he doesn't act like this!
June 16, 2014
Rumor Has It: Coming May 2015
Next summer, I'm starting rumors. Yep. And if I don't get my manuscript finished by July 1, I'm going to be in so much trouble.
But here's the cover copy from my 2015 Dafina release.
She’s got something to talk about…
RUMOR HAS IT
CHERIS HODGES
Liza Palmer couldn’t be happier when her best friend and sorority sister, Chante Britt, and her closest guy friend, Robert Montgomery, hit it off. And she’s beyond thrilled when they announce their engagement. Robert is an up-and-comer running for the North Carolina senate. Chante is a partner at a prestigious law firm. They’re a power couple made in heaven—until Liza discovers Robert in a compromising position—with another woman…
Liza can’t possibly continue to support Robert’s campaign, much less let him marry Chante. But when she tries to reveal the truth, Robert pulls out every corrupt trick in the book—including turning Chante against her. Her only choice is to seek out his opponent, Jackson Franklin, and help him take Robert down. But to Liza’s great surprise, Jackson won’t play dirty—and Liza finds him irresistible. As sparks fly, personally and politically, Liza and Jackson may become a winning team in more ways than one…
Coming May, 2015.
Guess I need to get to writing.
But here's the cover copy from my 2015 Dafina release.
She’s got something to talk about…
RUMOR HAS IT
CHERIS HODGES
Liza Palmer couldn’t be happier when her best friend and sorority sister, Chante Britt, and her closest guy friend, Robert Montgomery, hit it off. And she’s beyond thrilled when they announce their engagement. Robert is an up-and-comer running for the North Carolina senate. Chante is a partner at a prestigious law firm. They’re a power couple made in heaven—until Liza discovers Robert in a compromising position—with another woman…
Liza can’t possibly continue to support Robert’s campaign, much less let him marry Chante. But when she tries to reveal the truth, Robert pulls out every corrupt trick in the book—including turning Chante against her. Her only choice is to seek out his opponent, Jackson Franklin, and help him take Robert down. But to Liza’s great surprise, Jackson won’t play dirty—and Liza finds him irresistible. As sparks fly, personally and politically, Liza and Jackson may become a winning team in more ways than one…
Coming May, 2015.
Guess I need to get to writing.
May 23, 2014
I'm so Xcited!
And I just can't hide it. Come on. Admit it. You were singing the song in your head, too, weren't you? So why did I purposely misspell "excited"? I didn't. Xcite Books is the name of the publisher that will be publishing my upcoming June 2014 release, Hot Game.
The story is about a concrete inspector, yes, I said concrete inspector, who used to date a man who manages a concrete company. The relationship doesn't work out, but she still have to do their inspections. He's a Dom who didn't see her as submissive material when they originally dated, which is why he stopped dating her. When they both end up in the same hotel for a concrete convention, the sparks fly again. This time he sees a different side of her and decides to push her limits. But will he push her too far?
The story takes place in Las Vegas so you know it's going to be hot. I can't wait for this one to be released. I really hope you all enjoy it.
While I'm waiting for that book to be released, I'm working on other stories. No rest for the weary (or is that "wicked"?). And I'll be doing more in-person appearances including at Beautiful Trouble Publishing's Greet and Eat in Hotlanta! I can't wait. I couldn't go last year, but I went the year before and had an awesome time! Then again, I always have a great time with readers.
If I want to continue having a great time, I need to get some writing done.
Stay sexy,
BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com
May 20, 2014
"Layers of the Past"
Morning All,Wasn't quite sure what to chime in about with today's blog, so I decided to just give a little up to date info on what I'm currently working on. I'm happy about the fact that I've been able to keep up with my current release list ( http://www.alsreaders.com/ ) and even been able to add some unexpected things to the list like the updated books in the Ramsey Series (Dream & Pretense: The Ramseys) and release a free Ramsey short story "Lover's Muse: An Interlude".
So the pages keep turning and I'm very excited about the next project scheduled for release "Layers of the Past". This has been on my calendar for so long. Since the release of the original novella "Layers" and it's surprise popularity among the readers, I've wanted to get out the full length novel that I had always intended to follow up with. However, life always intervenes and that kept pushing back the release date. I continue to be intrigued by how layered this story continues to become. I believe I've definitely selected the right title for it.
The new story pretty much picks up right where the novella ended. Our hero Huron Base has found something he never expected- a woman he loves and wants to be with forever. At the end of "Layers" we saw the gorgeous Mr. Base breaking ties with business associates he found...questionable. In "Layers of the Past" he will continue with that endeavor, but not everyone celebrates his decisions... We also get more background on the "information" Jessica Breck took when she left her former occupation. Then, there's our lovely heroine Kamari Grade still making moves as one of the nation's best troubleshooters but someone has their sights sets on bringing Kam down a 'grade' or two...
And those are just a few of the things cooking in this upcoming story. Don't worry, you won't have much longer to wait. Stay tuned to my blog: http://altonyasblog.wordpress.com/ for the announcement of the new trailer and story excerpt coming soon.
Toodles,
Al
http://lovealtonya.com/
May 19, 2014
Romance Slam Jam 2014 Recap
Hi, Ya'll
I've been home from Slam Jam over a week, and I'm still getting my bearings. There is so much going on in my little world, but I wanted to stop by and give you a little taste my Slam Jam experience. I'm just giving you the highlights, because there are parts I can't recall, and parts where you had to be there...you get it.
First of all, I got there via an epic road trip. By epic, I mean four women in a Kia traveled overnight from North Carolina, through the Deep South, to get there. The car was driven by none other than Hot MAMA Cheris Hodges. I won't go into the details, because that would take a very long post, but suffice it to say the journey included stops at various and sundry gas stations crawling with strange looking men, some mighty fancy driving on the part of Ms. Hodges, and there may or may not have been a sing-along of the 90's H-Town hit, "Knockin' the Boots."
We arrived around 6:30 Thursday morning, went to our rooms to shower and nap, and jumped in headfirst when the conference activities began at 9 AM that morning. As a matter of fact, I was photographed the first time before 10 AM- Keith Thomas Walker stepped off the elevator, saw me, and his wife took a picture of us together in the hotel lobby. I knew this was coming- the picture taking happens every year- so I'd already put my "face" on for the day, LOL. Part of why I go to Slam Jam is because I'm somewhat well known there- I need the ego stroke so I don't throw my manuscripts into the fireplace in frustration.
Either Thursday or Friday, I enjoyed lunch with a group of writers at the Dooky Chase Restaurant inside Louis Armstrong International Airport. I had a catfish po boy that can only be described as heavenly. There with me were some new writers I met for the first time, like Lena Hart and K.M. Jackson, as well as my good buddies Piper Huguley and Kaia Alderson-Tyson, my crit partner. During the meal a lot was said, I'm not about to repeat all of it, but I will tell you I coined the phrase "Fine Readables" to describe my books while we enjoyed our lunch. Think of the alleyway salesman in Coming to America, displaying his coat full of solid gold toiletries stolen from Prince Akeem and Semi's baggage. I imagine myself that way, with an open coat displaying my books, saying, "Psst! I got some fine readables over here! Some mighty fine readables!"
Other highlights of my trip include giving two workshops with Beverly Jenkins, spending some time with Hot MAMA's Bridget Midway, Angie Daniels, and Yvette Hines, and meeting so many awesome new readers. Friday night, we were bused down to Canal Street to explore the city- unfortunately this happened to be the night the sky opened up for a torrential downpour. Canal Street looked much like an actual canal, and there I was without my gondola. So we hid out in Harrah's Casino- Kaia, my assistant Kai, and I, hoping the rain would pass while we stuffed ourselves with seafood from the buffet. The rain continued, but we swam, I mean, ran back to the bus when it was time to go back.
The Emma awards were fabulous as ever, and I admit to shedding a few tears during the Francis Ray tribute. I also thought of Marylin Tyner, who I'm sure was on a lot of minds though she was not officially included in the ceremony. After the awards, I enjoyed the group photo that the readers requested of all the authors. I was flattered to be a part of such and illustrious group. By the time the second line started, I was tired out of my mind. I went into the courtyard for a bit of hanky waving and hip shaking, then I went upstairs to bed. Around 4 Sunday morning, we were on the road again.
It was a whirlwind trip, but I had such a fantastic time. I know what you're thinking, where are the pictures? They're on my Facebook page. If you're "link-lazy" I'm sorry, but I took photos on my phone and uploaded them directly to my page. Just click the link and you can see my shenanigans.Oh, and while you're there, give my page a like if you haven't already.
Until Next Time
Kianna
I've been home from Slam Jam over a week, and I'm still getting my bearings. There is so much going on in my little world, but I wanted to stop by and give you a little taste my Slam Jam experience. I'm just giving you the highlights, because there are parts I can't recall, and parts where you had to be there...you get it.
First of all, I got there via an epic road trip. By epic, I mean four women in a Kia traveled overnight from North Carolina, through the Deep South, to get there. The car was driven by none other than Hot MAMA Cheris Hodges. I won't go into the details, because that would take a very long post, but suffice it to say the journey included stops at various and sundry gas stations crawling with strange looking men, some mighty fancy driving on the part of Ms. Hodges, and there may or may not have been a sing-along of the 90's H-Town hit, "Knockin' the Boots."
We arrived around 6:30 Thursday morning, went to our rooms to shower and nap, and jumped in headfirst when the conference activities began at 9 AM that morning. As a matter of fact, I was photographed the first time before 10 AM- Keith Thomas Walker stepped off the elevator, saw me, and his wife took a picture of us together in the hotel lobby. I knew this was coming- the picture taking happens every year- so I'd already put my "face" on for the day, LOL. Part of why I go to Slam Jam is because I'm somewhat well known there- I need the ego stroke so I don't throw my manuscripts into the fireplace in frustration.
Either Thursday or Friday, I enjoyed lunch with a group of writers at the Dooky Chase Restaurant inside Louis Armstrong International Airport. I had a catfish po boy that can only be described as heavenly. There with me were some new writers I met for the first time, like Lena Hart and K.M. Jackson, as well as my good buddies Piper Huguley and Kaia Alderson-Tyson, my crit partner. During the meal a lot was said, I'm not about to repeat all of it, but I will tell you I coined the phrase "Fine Readables" to describe my books while we enjoyed our lunch. Think of the alleyway salesman in Coming to America, displaying his coat full of solid gold toiletries stolen from Prince Akeem and Semi's baggage. I imagine myself that way, with an open coat displaying my books, saying, "Psst! I got some fine readables over here! Some mighty fine readables!"
Other highlights of my trip include giving two workshops with Beverly Jenkins, spending some time with Hot MAMA's Bridget Midway, Angie Daniels, and Yvette Hines, and meeting so many awesome new readers. Friday night, we were bused down to Canal Street to explore the city- unfortunately this happened to be the night the sky opened up for a torrential downpour. Canal Street looked much like an actual canal, and there I was without my gondola. So we hid out in Harrah's Casino- Kaia, my assistant Kai, and I, hoping the rain would pass while we stuffed ourselves with seafood from the buffet. The rain continued, but we swam, I mean, ran back to the bus when it was time to go back.
The Emma awards were fabulous as ever, and I admit to shedding a few tears during the Francis Ray tribute. I also thought of Marylin Tyner, who I'm sure was on a lot of minds though she was not officially included in the ceremony. After the awards, I enjoyed the group photo that the readers requested of all the authors. I was flattered to be a part of such and illustrious group. By the time the second line started, I was tired out of my mind. I went into the courtyard for a bit of hanky waving and hip shaking, then I went upstairs to bed. Around 4 Sunday morning, we were on the road again.
It was a whirlwind trip, but I had such a fantastic time. I know what you're thinking, where are the pictures? They're on my Facebook page. If you're "link-lazy" I'm sorry, but I took photos on my phone and uploaded them directly to my page. Just click the link and you can see my shenanigans.Oh, and while you're there, give my page a like if you haven't already.
Until Next Time
Kianna
April 25, 2014
Can you cheer for a cheater?
We love romance novels because of the happily ever after. But we love Scandal and Being Mary Jane, too.
Let me set the scene for you, the heroines of both of these shows are in love with someone else's man. They're cheating and many of us cheer for them. But would you feel that way about romantic story? I mean, yeah, we loved The Bridges of Madison County, but would we love to read about a married man who fell in love with another woman while married to another?
Or moreover, do we hold women to a higher standard when it comes to fidelity in fiction? Some of the comments about Olivia Pope on Facebook and Twitter are down right harsh. But not many people go in on the men in that way.
So, do readers and watchers of scripted TV have more sympathy for a cheating man than a cheating woman?
It's hard for me to write about a cheater without painting him or her like a villain. My cheaters are mostly selfish bastards who end up floating in a river. Why, you ask? Because I base many of them of exes. Hey, writing keeps me out of prison.
There is one cheater that I wrote about who I kind of love. Maurice Goings, the hero of Let's Get It On.
That cheating cad kind of got what he deserved by being stood up at the altar, but he grew on me and readers seem to love him. I really take a sadistic pleasure in teasing my Facebook friends with the death of Maurice. Those posts are funny because I'm the one who ends up getting threatened. LOL. I'm going on record right now: Maurice won't die.
But I've often wondered, why are women expected to forgive the cheater but men who cheat are supposed to be forgiven?
Let me set the scene for you, the heroines of both of these shows are in love with someone else's man. They're cheating and many of us cheer for them. But would you feel that way about romantic story? I mean, yeah, we loved The Bridges of Madison County, but would we love to read about a married man who fell in love with another woman while married to another?
Or moreover, do we hold women to a higher standard when it comes to fidelity in fiction? Some of the comments about Olivia Pope on Facebook and Twitter are down right harsh. But not many people go in on the men in that way.
So, do readers and watchers of scripted TV have more sympathy for a cheating man than a cheating woman?
It's hard for me to write about a cheater without painting him or her like a villain. My cheaters are mostly selfish bastards who end up floating in a river. Why, you ask? Because I base many of them of exes. Hey, writing keeps me out of prison.
There is one cheater that I wrote about who I kind of love. Maurice Goings, the hero of Let's Get It On.
That cheating cad kind of got what he deserved by being stood up at the altar, but he grew on me and readers seem to love him. I really take a sadistic pleasure in teasing my Facebook friends with the death of Maurice. Those posts are funny because I'm the one who ends up getting threatened. LOL. I'm going on record right now: Maurice won't die.
But I've often wondered, why are women expected to forgive the cheater but men who cheat are supposed to be forgiven?
