Kianna Alexander's Blog, page 9

Throwback Thursday

I've been asked to take part in a Thursday Throwback chat today featuring the Ramseys. When I received the request, I was undoubtedly excited. More than that I struck by the amount of time that's passed since the release of that first title: A Lover's Dream- which was published in 2006, but actually written in 2003. Gosh! My son was a baby! I was still a relatively new author- a relatively new PUBLISHED author. I had actually been writing since 1994 and by the time I got around to ALD, I'd had about 4 published works and almost 15 unpublished works to my credit.

A connected series had eluded me however.

I guess it really hadn't eluded me, I'd actually not considered writing one- not understanding how much readers enjoyed returning to find out what their beloved (and not so beloved) characters were up to. Heck, I was one of them- from Karen Moning's Highlander Series (which actually sparked my decision to create Quest and Quaysar) to childhood faves like The Chronicles of Narnia and the Paddington Bear Series. I had a definite love for returning to the stories that followed characters I enjoyed.

At a book event at the Greensboro Public Library in North Carolina, I spent a great deal of time in conversation with the readers in attendance about our love for connected books. By the end of the event, I had the motivation I needed to get this thing started, but the actual plot path still eluded me. I did have the ingredients, though. I knew that whatever this connected story would entail would have to involve a family (because seriously, who comes with more drama than a wild family?) I knew there would have to be gorgeous men and women (this was a romance, after all-ha!) I knew there had to be secrets- tons of secrets. This ingredient was an easy one to come by since pretty much all my work deals with some hidden revelation to be uncovered as the story unfolds.

Different from my other stories, however I wanted the secrets comprising this series of stories to not only unfold more slowly but to also have been ones that were set in motion years- decades prior. I had completely enjoyed creating this series. The characters, the secrets, the passions, the settings...all of it has motivated me in the most phenomenal ways and it's rather bittersweet to envision a time when the story will come to its completion. I say bittersweet because part of me- a big part- is excited to see all the characters find the happiness they've fought for.

There are still two more stories (at least) to go. Readers are asking that I also include a Tesano Elders title, and there's a high probability that I will. But that's a ways off. There is still loads of drama to be recorded- Still more tense (and fatal) moments, more steamy encounters... Enjoy!

Better Late Than...

Okay, so I'm a bit behind on my blog posts. It's been a wild and crazy year for me so far, and it's only April(well, it's April when this blog posts).

When I thought about what to talk about, I thought about my writing career. My first release came out April 2005. It was a futuristic erotic romance with white characters, believe it or not. "Adam and E-V-E" started it all. Hard to believe that the story started off as a 850-word, innocent short story. It's also hard to believe that as an author known for writing interracial BDSM erotic romance started off writing futuristic and regular (if you can call them regular) contemporary erotic romances.

When I started writing, all I knew was that I wanted to write. It didn't matter what type of story. Well, that's not entirely true. I knew I wanted to write romances. I LOVE romances. Even when I was a kid, I loved watching those old romantic movies, even the black-and-white ones. I loved seeing a couple battle each other, eventually get together, fall in love, break apart, then get back together again. It just gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside to watch the progression.

That's what I loved about my latest release, Woman in Chains. This is a contemporary, interracial, BDSM erotic romance about a former Dom who saves abused slaves and submissives. He saves one who is owned by the Dom who took his former submissive. As you can see, they clearly have some obstacles to overcome. Once they get together, mmm, is it magic.

That's what I look for in a read. I want the couple to have a huge obstacle to overcome and then find each other in the end. It's what life is all about, right?

So if I could give advice to yet-to-be-published authors that is to enjoy writing. Once you're published, you may get the feeling you're working at writing your next book. Never see it as work. Always remember how fun it is to write and create a story. If you remember that, then you'll have a long, happy career.

Speaking of long, happy careers, I have to go. Enjoy your next read!

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com

Deadlines...You've Finally Arrived At The Finish Line!We ...

Deadlines...You've Finally Arrived At The Finish Line!

We all have them...
We all dread them...

Deadlines.

Whether it's to pay a bill, finish our taxes or complete that manuscript, a deadline is sure to be in your life at some point in time.

Now, how you handle approaching such a time slot is the factor.

Did you work steadily toward the goal of completion? Or was there some life-changing event that took you off course?

Either way, if you were on point and got veered off track, one can usually adjust. Keep a calendar on your person or if you're tech-savvy, utilize your cell phone for daily updates. It's important to maintain one's focus, even in challenging times to achieve goals. If you find yourself off track, take a moment to regroup and get back in the movement!

Do not allow a deadline to determine your destiny!

After all, it's just time...make the most of it.


Speaking of such a topic, it's time that I get back to this story for the Embue line.
Chin up, pens up and fingers to the keyboard.
Rule your day and the HOT MAMA'S look forward to seeing you in June at the Fly Hat Luncheon in Morrisville, NC!

 -- Loretta R. Walls aka Embue. #nucherte

What Happens in Cabo....

   I’m always looking for somewhere new and romantic as a backdrop for my next romance novel. So imagine my excitement when I was invited to spend six days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Not only was the location beautiful but it was freaking romantic!
   There were fifteen of us girls staying at RIU Palace, an all-inclusive resort, celebrating my cousin’s 40thbirthday. We had a blast! And the entire time the wheels were turning and I could see spending a romantic week in Cabo with
someone special. I was even thinking that maybe one of the Beaumont sisters could be hanging out with friends for the week and she meets something dark, rich and chocolate who has flown to Cabo for his frat brother’s wedding. Sparks flies and then it’s on and
popping!
   Speaking of weddings, I had the opportunity to see one performed right down on the beach. Barefoot and breathtaking! And let’s not forget about all the food and of course, the activities. We did everything from The Amazing Cabo Race, which is similar to the television series. My team took almost three hours to complete our task, but a margarita was waiting for me at the finish line. There was also snorkeling (I can’t swim) and whale watching. And then it was all about the pole dancing. The girls turnt up the studio, and later that night we went bar hopping. But my favorite part was just sitting out on the beach, in my bathing suit, soaking up the sun.
   I’m already thinking about coming back either in real life or in one of my future story ideas. Hmmm… how about I do both!

Books to FilmHave you ever had dream to become reality? W...

Books to FilmHave you ever had dream to become reality? Well, I did. Last year my publishing company, Siri Enterprises, along with a few friends, and a lot of prayer, took the pages of the first book of my Heart Series, Once You've Touched The Heart, and turned it into season 1 of The Heart TV series

Yes, it was real....LIGHTS -CAMERA-ACTION, type real. 

The Heart TV Series aired on February 15th 2014 and played 1 hour, for six weeks straight. What a BLAST it was. Just ask fellow Hot MAMA's, Angie Daniels and Loretta R. Walls, along with fellow author Nikkea Smithers. They were on set watching the magic come to life.

Imagine this....6 weekends, 6 am - whenever, food - maybe, water - from time to time. If anyone say anything about fine men and body oil, well... it was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it. It was grueling,  I tell you, grueling,  mad fun. LOL!. We had a blast filming an entire season in 18 days. The outcome was pretty damn good. 


Soon, yes, very soon, you will have the opportunity to see the entire season on DVD. Keep an eye on: www.irisbolling.net for the latest information regarding the release of DVD's and the start up of season 2 of The Heart. 

Here's what's so amazing about this. 

Independent authors came together, to accomplish this feat. It wasn't easy, and it broke my bank account, but it was certainly worth it. Here's why. Authors came together to help a fellow author see her books come to life. They asked for nothing in return. Their motivation was to hep me accomplish a dream. No one can ever tell me there is no sisterhood in this business we call publishing, for the existence of The Heart TV Series proves that to be falsehood. 

To fellow authors, Nikkea Smithers, Loretta R. Walls, Angie Daniels, Victoria Wells, Lutisha Lovely, Suzzetta Perkins and Morgan McCoy, and those who wished us well, I want to say thank you, for your support. 

Here's to each and everyone of you who dare to BELIEVE. 

In other news, prepare yourself for the release of The Book of Joshua II - BELIEVE . The date...... has not been released...yet. HOWEVER, you may want to get your pennies ready, for it could drop without notice....




Blessings, until the next time,Iris Bolling 

I went back to high school today

I spent the day in Roanoke, VA at Forest Park Academy. Sherri Saddler invited me to come and speak to a group of 12th graders about reading and writing. 

When I was in high school, I pretty much hated everything about it. If I had a teacher like the ones I met today, I probably would've been sad when I graduated because I had to leave them. Don't get me wrong, I had some great teachers. Mrs. Johnson, I'm looking at you. :) 

But the teachers at Forest Park Academy -- the principal and vice principal too -- are simply awesome. Why? Because they want the students to read. And they saw the value in romance novels and contemporary fiction. I had a discussion with some students about one of my favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey. 

You can tell when kids want to learn and when they have adults stoking that fire. I saw that today. That was an awesome sight. 

Giving back is amazing because I really think I met the next New York Times Bestselling author today. I bet she doesn't even know it yet. 

And you know what, it didn't hurt my 37-year-old ego a bit when someone mistook me for a student. LOL! 

Happy reading.

Quality: Are Readers Asking For Too Much Now?

Quality:  Are Readers Asking For Too Much Now?

After months and months of observation, I always wonder in the back of my mind as an author if I'm giving my readers enough in the stories I create.

I've come to the honest conclusion that there is no magic solution to satisfy every reader that tries your work. It's simply not a feat to be attained; we all have different tastes for that very reason.

Variety is still the spice of life. (No pun intended against my novel, "Spices of Life" I promise.)

With that being said, there are still some that are brave enough to push the literary envelope within the short story world and series realms.

Are authors short-changing readers with short stories? How many are too many in a series? What if the readers enjoy the quick, sweet reads in between waiting for a full-length novel from an author they adore? There are less reviews and more complaints about rushed story lines, lack of character development, price gauging and horrific editing (if any at all.)

To add another layer to the conversation, are the readers demanding more of the characters and what they bring to the series at hand? How do you say no and end a good thing that has gone on for a while? When is enough truly enough?







This is only scratching the surface and rest
assured, there is more to come from the world of HOT M.A.M.A.!

Until then, mark your calendar for June 7, 2014 to attend the HOTTEST LUNCHEON on the East Coast! The HOT M.A.M.A. Fly Hat Society Luncheon in Morrisville, NC. Click the link below to register. Bring your friends and be prepared to have a blast!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2014-hot-mama-land-fly-hat-society-luncheon-tickets-9612923513

Open your mind and explore everything...
Loretta R. Walls aka Embue #nucherte

Cover Reveal/ Release News: Loving the Lawman

Hey, Y'all,
March is shaping up to be an exciting month. I've been crazy busy with writing, visiting with book clubs (which I absolutely love doing), and keeping up with the rest of my crazy existence. Still, at the top of my list of important doings' is attending to my duties as Head Mama In Charge. So I'll always stop by here, to let you know what I'm up to, at least once a months or so.

***Important Note About the Fly Hat Society Luncheon*** The date of the luncheon has changed to June 7, 2014. Why, you ask? Because our original date fell on Easter weekend. Since planning began last fall, that was a little snafu I didn't see coming. Anyway, you can still grab your tickets by clicking the handy red Eventbrite button on the sidebar, over there=====>
Don't wait as we are limited to 40 total attendees.

Very soon, I'll be releasing the third book in the Roses of Ridgeway series- Loving the Lawman. This book has been a long time coming, and because of family and personal obligations I've had to push the date back...twice. Now, I'm happy to say it will hit your various eBook retailers in less than two weeks! So, without further ado, here's the cover...


Loving the Lawman Roses of Ridgeway, Book 3March 14, 2014
Ain't it purdy? LOL. This is the ebook release- the print book will be out this summer. On release day, you'll be able to download it to your Kindle, Nook, iPad, or whatever device you use.

To celebrate the release, I'm throwing a party on Facebook. There will be music, giveaways, and lots of silly acting, and the best part is, you don't even have to leave your house. I hope you'll join me on the event page.

Loving the Lawman Virtual Release Pajama Jammy-Jam Friday, March 147:30-10:30 PM ESTClick here for the event page.
In addition, at the end of this month, I'll be giving a workshop on writing, right near my neck of the woods. If you're in the Fayetteville NC area, and you're interested in writing a book, I'd love to have you stop by. The event is FREE.

Word By Word: The Basics of Writing a Book Saturday March 29, 20142-4 PM Headquarters Library 300 Maiden LaneFayetteville, NC
That's it for now. I'm posting this on the fly, as I have lots of writing to do, as well as editing and planning for this release. If you've read this far, do me a solid and share this post, so folks can get an eyeful of my cover. I'd really appreciate it.

Until Next Time,

You've lost that loving feeling

My birthday is right around the corner and I'm not excited. Thankful, yes. But I can't get excited and throw myself a party. 
It's because this is so not where I thought I'd be at 21. Ok, thirty something. Actually, damned near 40. I used to love my birthday. March meant spring time and flowers. Now, it's just another day. I like other people's birthdays. Then you can eat one piece of cake. On your birthday, you're left with a whole cake. Who needs those calories? 
Sometimes, writers get in their feelings and that's where I am today. Hello melancholy. Lately, some really good people have been mistreated and that sucks. At the same time some really good people have seen their dreams come true. I'm looking at you, Iris Bolling! The Heart TV series is awesome!
Today is a blah day for me. I can do two things about it, drink more coffee or take it out on my characters. Hmmm. I think I will do both! 
That's the fun part about being a writer. You can get out of your feelings and write something amazing. 

The Joneses Blog Tour:Featuring Shelia Goss, Plus a GIVEAWAY!

Hey, Y'all!

Not used to getting a new post on a Wednesday? I know. But today the MAMA's are happy to host multi-published author Shelia Goss, and her newest release- The Joneses.




Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.

On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control. 




EXCERPT
Avoiding Lexi hadn't been easy, and it seemed that it was all for naught. I heard her coming long before she made it to my office. I looked up toward the door awaiting her entrance.
Lexi stormed in my office enraged. "Royce, you can run, but you can't hide. You caused this problem and you're going to fix it. Now tell me how you plan on doing it, so I can deal with other things."
Lexi plopped down in front of my desk.
"Hello to you, too, my beautiful wife."
"Save the pleasantries for your customers." Lexi held her hand in the air and then looked around. "Snap! There are no customers."
"Calm down. If there were some, you would run them off with that mouth of yours."

"Calm? How can I be calm when according to you, we're going broke?"



Order your copy of THE JONESES from: Simon & Schuster Amazon Barnes and Noble Indie Bound

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelia M. Goss is a national bestselling author and a screenwriter. The Joneses is her seventeenth book in print. She writes in multiple genres. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.


THE JONESES GIVEAWAY
Lexi Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag.  Contest ends on February 25, 2014.
GRAND PRIZE:One (1) random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and Bath & Body Works miniatures (Retail value: $19.75)
RUNNER UP:One (1) random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.
10 ENTRANTS:Ten (10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.
Open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Void where prohibited by law.