C.L. Parker's Blog
January 23, 2014
Part Deux of the Million Dollar Duet Has Arrived
IT'S HERE!!!
I know it's been a while since I've done a blog post - shame on me - but surely you're following my website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts and are aware that the release of A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES is right around the corner. February 4th, to be exact. Naturally, we have to have a blowout to celebrate the conclusion to the Million Dollar Duet.
Diamonds, pearls, and Kindle Fire HDs, oh my! Just three of the very awesome gifts I will be giving away at the A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES release day party!
That Kindle Fire will be loaded down with ALL FIVE of my books and I'll even autograph the casing! And the diamond necklace and pearls will be accompanied by a FLYAS T-shirt.
Come on, you know you want them! All you have to do is be present on February 4th from 9 AM - 11 PM, EST.
PLUS . . . Many other VERY generous prizes have been donated from some amazing people, including . . .
A dozen or so of your favorite authors: Darynda Jones, Dakota Cassidy, Shay Savage, Ruth Cardello, J.m. Madden, Robyn Peterman Zahn, Donna Jane McDonald, Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie, Jeffe Kennedy, Amanda Baker Usen, Julie Anne Lindsey, Lydia Michaels Author, and Aedan Byrnes.
TWO psychic readings from very well-known experts in their field: Tina Michelle and Kimberly Rackley.
And even a sexy gift to go along with your sexy read from Pure Romance consultant, Andrea Thompson.
Ya gotta be present to win, so make sure you're tuned in all day!!! https://www.facebook.com/events/524802504293577/
October 16, 2013
Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should . . .
The above quote came to me out of the blue the other day while I was showering. Sexy visual, right? LOL! Anyway, I thought it would be nice to do a blog, exploring what it means. The quote, not the visual of me in a shower. That part just means I don’t stink.
There are those who write because they can. We all know these writers. They’re the ones who are technically flawless. The ones who spent years and thousands of dollars on earning degrees that say they can write. And they can. Nothing wrong with that. But do they believe in what they’re writing, or are they writing for the paycheck? I’ve heard it time and time again . . . a well-known author has a series that hits the bestsellers lists every time a new book comes out. The problem is that as time goes on, it becomes obvious that they’re milking the series for every last dime they can get. Am I saying it’s wrong to make money doing what you love? Nope. Not in the least . . . if you love it and it’s quality work. But know when the story has run its course and end it already. Afraid you won’t be able to come up with something else the masses will love? Fine. If you’re scared, say you’re scared, but stop taking money you haven’t earned.
There are those who write because they have to.
Picture a balloon filling with water. The more it takes in, the bigger it expands until it’s reached its limit and is in danger of bursting. Give the water an outlet, say maybe a pinhole sized relief of sorts, and it can safely continue to take on more. Now imagine the balloon is that part of a writer’s mind which houses their imagination, and the water symbolizes ideas, stories, and emotions (empathetic and sympathetic) which fill up the space. There’s only so much their mind can take before they need an outlet as well, right? Writing is that outlet. It’s a form of therapy, whether you’re telling your own story or that of imaginary characters. It doesn’t matter if the story ever sees the light of day because the author is writing from their soul, purging their innermost thoughts and feelings onto a page and bringing a bit of something magical, a part of themselves, to life. They are genuine, and so the reader feels their story in a core place.
There are those who need to write, but can’t seem to find the words.
I believe I have a muse. I also believe that when I’m a missing out on something important in my life because I’m so consumed by writing, my muse becomes a cheeky little bastard who does the disappearing act. His absence forces me to push away from my desk and live life in the real world instead of in the make-believe one in my head. As aggravating as this may be, I realize its importance. Allow me to get a little personal here in order to give you an example. I recently went through a divorce. Okay, so it seems like it was just yesterday, but that’s sort of part of the point I’m about to make. When the divorce was final, I wrote like the wind! I’m one of those writers who “have” to write. See above: writing is my therapy, yada, yada, yada. And then blamo! . . . nothing. It was then that I took a look around and realized it had been a year and a half since I’d been kissed. I write romance, and hadn’t been kissed in a year and a half? That’s just wrong on so many levels. Apparently, my muse agreed. If you’re doing the math, this means I’m now on the dating scene, which is a whole other post should I ever decide to get that personal with you, but it is DEFINITELY providing some great material for one of my next writing projects. The big point I’m trying to make is that true inspiration comes from everything in our surroundings, but we have to surround ourselves with everything in order to experience it.
A soulful reader can always tell the difference.
Let’s take a moment to talk about the reader. They also come in all shapes and sizes: those who read because it’s an assignment, those who read because it’s a fad, and those who read because they love to get lost in a world that is not their own to experience the awesome power of imagination. The last would be the soulful reader. That reader looks beyond the written word to find all the magical nuances beneath. They see bits of the author through his or her writing, and they think about the story long after the last page has turned. A soulful reader doesn’t get hung up on minute grammatical errors, and they realize that not every book written will be their cup of tea, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a bad book. There is no such thing as a fad read. They read what they like, not what they’re told they should like. I wouldn’t necessarily call them rebels, but I would definitely say they’re the equivalent to music snobs. And they can smell a superficial author from a mile away.
This is in no way a comprehensive study of the topic. Just my ramblings and observations. But I’m curious . . . Which are you?
Until next time,
October 4, 2013
Embracing Erotica Without Shame
When I first started writing the Million Dollar Duet, it was actually an outlet for all the juicy erotic goodness that the highly inappropriate part of my brain kept replaying while I was working on my first project, the Supernova Saga. It was the scene at the end of A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS’s chapter 14 and into chapter 15 that started it all. Those highly inappropriate, albeit emotionally charged, scenes simply wouldn’t fit the Saga’s storyline. Plus I could just see my mother shaking her head with that look on her face – the one that says without words how embarrassed she is that her darling baby girl (also the mother of two, not by immaculate conception) has even had sex, and how appalled she would be that I advertised my sexuality to the rest of the world under the “guise” of two fictional characters.
I am not Lanie Talbot nor have I ever had the extreme pleasure of finding myself in precarious positions with Noah Crawford, but I’m keeping hope alive.
I’d like to think there’s a little of Lanie in me, though. Particularly, that quirky inner voice that makes me giggle to myself over something silly. Like Lanie, I also tend to make the best of a serious situation through the magic of laughter. After all, it’s hard to cry when you’re laughing. Not impossible, but hard.
As for Noah, well, there’s none of Noah in me, but I wish there was. Cue wicked grin.
Writing erotica in this day and age really isn’t that big of a deal. Neither is reading it, though some still prefer to keep their interests discreet. People are more open to exploring their sexuality and are always looking for inventive ideas to put the waning spark back into their relationship. Let’s face it; sex is one of the basic needs, ranked right up there with food, water, oxygen, and basic survival. The continuation of the human race requires it even. So why should it be a taboo subject? And why should it have to be a boring one at that? It doesn’t. That’s why I wrote a smoking hot erotica in which two individuals actually have a reason to have tons of sex and just so happen to find an answer to their separate needs through a beautiful love story that blooms in spite of the chaos surrounding them with a twist of humor on the side.
I’ve been told A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS sets the tone for a modern day version of Pretty Woman, which is a huge compliment. I suppose now that we’ve let our hair down and embraced that which makes us feel good, it’s really quite easy to agree with that statement. I, for one, always wanted a front row seat to the real action inside Edward Lewis’s penthouse suite. So here’s to yet another epic love affair. May Lanie and Noah lead the way into an age of unbridled passion minus the morning after shame.
I am not Lanie Talbot nor have I ever had the extreme pleasure of finding myself in precarious positions with Noah Crawford, but I’m keeping hope alive.
I’d like to think there’s a little of Lanie in me, though. Particularly, that quirky inner voice that makes me giggle to myself over something silly. Like Lanie, I also tend to make the best of a serious situation through the magic of laughter. After all, it’s hard to cry when you’re laughing. Not impossible, but hard.
As for Noah, well, there’s none of Noah in me, but I wish there was. Cue wicked grin.
Writing erotica in this day and age really isn’t that big of a deal. Neither is reading it, though some still prefer to keep their interests discreet. People are more open to exploring their sexuality and are always looking for inventive ideas to put the waning spark back into their relationship. Let’s face it; sex is one of the basic needs, ranked right up there with food, water, oxygen, and basic survival. The continuation of the human race requires it even. So why should it be a taboo subject? And why should it have to be a boring one at that? It doesn’t. That’s why I wrote a smoking hot erotica in which two individuals actually have a reason to have tons of sex and just so happen to find an answer to their separate needs through a beautiful love story that blooms in spite of the chaos surrounding them with a twist of humor on the side.
I’ve been told A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS sets the tone for a modern day version of Pretty Woman, which is a huge compliment. I suppose now that we’ve let our hair down and embraced that which makes us feel good, it’s really quite easy to agree with that statement. I, for one, always wanted a front row seat to the real action inside Edward Lewis’s penthouse suite. So here’s to yet another epic love affair. May Lanie and Noah lead the way into an age of unbridled passion minus the morning after shame.
September 27, 2013
The Mechanics of Super Cooch
Ah, Double Agent Coochie . . . that shameless hussy. While some may find her silly, immature, and unnecessary, she does serve a purpose to the story dynamic. Multiple purposes, in fact.
First, she’s the comic relief, and without a comic relief, the story could get pretty heavy. A virgin auctions her body off to the highest bidder in an effort to save her dying mother’s life. Heavy stuff, right? Personally, I like a little hehe-haha with my lip biting and growlies and teary eyes and sniffles and “ah-come-on!”s.
Second, and probably most important, she makes what Lanie does, how easily she slips into her role, more believable. We all read stories where the formula is that of a reluctant heroin placed in a situation where she must be submissive, but finds she likes it. Right? Well, I never buy into it. Doesn’t matter how hot the sex is. I need the story to be realistic. The dilemma I was then faced with was how to make Lanie’s submission and eagerness seem realistic.
Enter the Cooch.
Cooch is sort of like an alter ego, if you will. Lanie’s scapegoat. A coping mechanism to help her mentally and emotionally deal with the situation she’s found herself in.Double Agent Coochie makes it possible for Lanie to secretly like the things Noah is doing to her body without carrying so much of the shame along with it. Because let’s face it, Lanie SHOULDN’T like what this total stranger is doing to her. She SHOULD feel shame because proper morals and values dictate as much in our society. It wasn’t enough that she was under contract to satisfy Noah’s every need. She’d voluntarily signed that contract; ergo, not a good excuse. No, she needed something involuntary to excuse her wanton reactions to Noah’s manipulations. It wasn’t Lanie; it was the Cooch. Hence, the Double Agent Coochie and Benedict Arnold references. She has a mind of her own, and Lanie can only barely keep her under control. It’s quite the chore, and thus we should admire Lanie for her persistence and at least try to empathize with her predicament. Can’t be easy to be Lanie Talbot, after all. Where’s the entertainment in that?
*sidenote* I’d like to see any one of you claim to not enjoy what Noah Crawford can do with his various body parts.
Plus, Super Cooch looks damn good in a cape and leotard. And she’s partial to those hooker heels. One more point that I find necessary to make: the love triangle with the Wonder Peen and Ridonkabutt would just seem silly without the Cooch. Pfft . . . a little bit of competition is a healthy thing.
And there you have it . . . The Cooch isn’t really all that silly, after all. She’s quite the complex character, as are most when you stop to look a little deeper. We used to do that a long time ago, we readers. We used to look for the hidden nuances in an author’s tale. That’s where the real magic was found.
Until next time . . .
First, she’s the comic relief, and without a comic relief, the story could get pretty heavy. A virgin auctions her body off to the highest bidder in an effort to save her dying mother’s life. Heavy stuff, right? Personally, I like a little hehe-haha with my lip biting and growlies and teary eyes and sniffles and “ah-come-on!”s.
Second, and probably most important, she makes what Lanie does, how easily she slips into her role, more believable. We all read stories where the formula is that of a reluctant heroin placed in a situation where she must be submissive, but finds she likes it. Right? Well, I never buy into it. Doesn’t matter how hot the sex is. I need the story to be realistic. The dilemma I was then faced with was how to make Lanie’s submission and eagerness seem realistic.
Enter the Cooch.
Cooch is sort of like an alter ego, if you will. Lanie’s scapegoat. A coping mechanism to help her mentally and emotionally deal with the situation she’s found herself in.Double Agent Coochie makes it possible for Lanie to secretly like the things Noah is doing to her body without carrying so much of the shame along with it. Because let’s face it, Lanie SHOULDN’T like what this total stranger is doing to her. She SHOULD feel shame because proper morals and values dictate as much in our society. It wasn’t enough that she was under contract to satisfy Noah’s every need. She’d voluntarily signed that contract; ergo, not a good excuse. No, she needed something involuntary to excuse her wanton reactions to Noah’s manipulations. It wasn’t Lanie; it was the Cooch. Hence, the Double Agent Coochie and Benedict Arnold references. She has a mind of her own, and Lanie can only barely keep her under control. It’s quite the chore, and thus we should admire Lanie for her persistence and at least try to empathize with her predicament. Can’t be easy to be Lanie Talbot, after all. Where’s the entertainment in that?
*sidenote* I’d like to see any one of you claim to not enjoy what Noah Crawford can do with his various body parts.
Plus, Super Cooch looks damn good in a cape and leotard. And she’s partial to those hooker heels. One more point that I find necessary to make: the love triangle with the Wonder Peen and Ridonkabutt would just seem silly without the Cooch. Pfft . . . a little bit of competition is a healthy thing.
And there you have it . . . The Cooch isn’t really all that silly, after all. She’s quite the complex character, as are most when you stop to look a little deeper. We used to do that a long time ago, we readers. We used to look for the hidden nuances in an author’s tale. That’s where the real magic was found.
Until next time . . .
September 4, 2013
DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT . . .
Whoa! So it's been a week since the release of A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS and I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world. I know that's a slight exaggeration, but if you've been following my Facebook Page, or if you've gone out to your local store to pick up a copy of the book, then you know they're FLYING off the shelves. Like this Target shelf on day #1 of availability.
^^^EMPTY SHELF THAT HAD TO BE RE-STOCKED^^^
Shut the front door! I think I'm still in shock. And then there was this . . . ALL OVER the place . . .
So I'm feeling like a rock star, right? Because, come on . . . that's pretty dope! (Do people still say dope?) Not really. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I may have shed a tear or two, but thank goodness, the admin of my street team, Parker's Pimpin' Posse, was there. Alicia Justice and her bohunk, Joshua Young, drove all the way to my humble abode to keep me in line on release day. They run Jitterbug PR, so they're pretty adept at handling this sort of thing. Bless them. They're the real rock stars.
And speaking of rocking, Avenged Sevenfold's (aka A7X, aka BEST ROCK BAND EVER) newest album, Hail to the King, dropped on the same day A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS dropped. Coincidence? Most likely, but I'd like to think the day was just a foretelling of epicness. LOL! Just go with it, please . . .
Anyway, let's look at a couple more pics (and these are but a sampling) that I've received since the book was released. And it might be under the Best Selling Fiction section, but no, it hasn't been "officially" listed as best selling. Doesn't matter. I see it on the shelves and that's good enough for me. However, I did see today that A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS has snagged the #2 spot on the iBookstore Top 50 Best Selling Erotic Romance ebooks list, to which I say . . . PLEASE DON'T LET ANYONE DEMAND A RECOUNT!!!
What a lovely collage of such beautiful people!
Oh, and I had a signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY the day before the release. My mother insists I post pictures of it because that's how mothers are . . . *I <3 MY MOM!*
Not sure what this face was about, but it gave me a chuckle, so I thought I'd share.
Okay, enough of that. Readers, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for making the release of A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS a dream come true!!! Please continue to tell all your friends about the book, and don't forget to leave those reviews! They really are that important!
^^^EMPTY SHELF THAT HAD TO BE RE-STOCKED^^^
Shut the front door! I think I'm still in shock. And then there was this . . . ALL OVER the place . . .
So I'm feeling like a rock star, right? Because, come on . . . that's pretty dope! (Do people still say dope?) Not really. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I may have shed a tear or two, but thank goodness, the admin of my street team, Parker's Pimpin' Posse, was there. Alicia Justice and her bohunk, Joshua Young, drove all the way to my humble abode to keep me in line on release day. They run Jitterbug PR, so they're pretty adept at handling this sort of thing. Bless them. They're the real rock stars.
And speaking of rocking, Avenged Sevenfold's (aka A7X, aka BEST ROCK BAND EVER) newest album, Hail to the King, dropped on the same day A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS dropped. Coincidence? Most likely, but I'd like to think the day was just a foretelling of epicness. LOL! Just go with it, please . . .
Anyway, let's look at a couple more pics (and these are but a sampling) that I've received since the book was released. And it might be under the Best Selling Fiction section, but no, it hasn't been "officially" listed as best selling. Doesn't matter. I see it on the shelves and that's good enough for me. However, I did see today that A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS has snagged the #2 spot on the iBookstore Top 50 Best Selling Erotic Romance ebooks list, to which I say . . . PLEASE DON'T LET ANYONE DEMAND A RECOUNT!!!
What a lovely collage of such beautiful people!
Oh, and I had a signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY the day before the release. My mother insists I post pictures of it because that's how mothers are . . . *I <3 MY MOM!*
Not sure what this face was about, but it gave me a chuckle, so I thought I'd share.
Okay, enough of that. Readers, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for making the release of A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS a dream come true!!! Please continue to tell all your friends about the book, and don't forget to leave those reviews! They really are that important!
August 27, 2013
Jack CL's Style Winner!!!
Guess what today is ... That's right, RELEASE DAY!!!!In honor of today, and because I'm crazy busy, I ran a contest for my street team, Parker's Pimpin' Posse, to be able to Jack CL's Style and blog. The following is the winning post from Nikki Thomson.
Pulling up on my vintage Harley, I kill the engine before approaching the podium, gently pushing CL Parker out of the way.
What is up my crazy ass, sassy beotches?!? I am here to give our divalicious CL Parker a bit of a break. What, with her working the streets so hard these days, her sweet cheeks are whipped!! No! I don’t mean that way! Sheesh! I mean working with her Street TEAM! You know, for the imminent release of her new book? And there is a porntastic amount of RELEASE to be had!!! Wait, whaddya mean who am I and what am I talking about?? Whoa..whoa…WHOA! Lemme back this bus up a few stops then.
My name is Dez and my best friend is Lanie Talbot. Well, I kinda like her and shit, so I guess that makes her my best babe.And she’s one of the most selfless people I have ever met.
And then, of course, there is Noah Crawford ...
And that’s all I’m gonna say ‘bout him for now.
And throughout it all, this is what happened to both CL and Lanie, at least as I saw it.
I mean, for reals, this guy danced them both around a bit. And so CL, who is normally like this
Was suddenly like this
But then a wicked funny thing happened…
And then this…
And this…
And thissss…….
And before you know it, my best babe was hooked, like BIG TIME.
And this was about the time I stopped watching. Ok, maybe I peeked, through my fingers, once or twice.
I mean, could you really blame me? He IS a specimen, even if I think he’s an ass.But, despite my warnings, there was a lot of that. As in, tons. Often and repeatedly. So naturally, there was a lot of this…
And if you think that is bad, you should see what CL looks like!
And then there was some of this too….
And I think even Lanie was caught!
So, there you have it. The natural progression of the creator and her creation in A Million Dirty Secrets. And oh, don’t worry. You’ll get some more of me in the next round, A Million Guilty Pleasures. Cuz I love ya and shit. J
Pulling up on my vintage Harley, I kill the engine before approaching the podium, gently pushing CL Parker out of the way.
What is up my crazy ass, sassy beotches?!? I am here to give our divalicious CL Parker a bit of a break. What, with her working the streets so hard these days, her sweet cheeks are whipped!! No! I don’t mean that way! Sheesh! I mean working with her Street TEAM! You know, for the imminent release of her new book? And there is a porntastic amount of RELEASE to be had!!! Wait, whaddya mean who am I and what am I talking about?? Whoa..whoa…WHOA! Lemme back this bus up a few stops then.
My name is Dez and my best friend is Lanie Talbot. Well, I kinda like her and shit, so I guess that makes her my best babe.And she’s one of the most selfless people I have ever met.
And then, of course, there is Noah Crawford ...
And that’s all I’m gonna say ‘bout him for now.
And throughout it all, this is what happened to both CL and Lanie, at least as I saw it.
I mean, for reals, this guy danced them both around a bit. And so CL, who is normally like this
Was suddenly like this
But then a wicked funny thing happened…
And then this…
And this…
And thissss…….
And before you know it, my best babe was hooked, like BIG TIME.
And this was about the time I stopped watching. Ok, maybe I peeked, through my fingers, once or twice.
I mean, could you really blame me? He IS a specimen, even if I think he’s an ass.But, despite my warnings, there was a lot of that. As in, tons. Often and repeatedly. So naturally, there was a lot of this…
And if you think that is bad, you should see what CL looks like!
And then there was some of this too….
And I think even Lanie was caught!
So, there you have it. The natural progression of the creator and her creation in A Million Dirty Secrets. And oh, don’t worry. You’ll get some more of me in the next round, A Million Guilty Pleasures. Cuz I love ya and shit. J
August 21, 2013
Pinch Me, I'm Dreaming
So I'm a little late on this, but I still had to share. Look at whose mainstream debut made
RT Magazine
's September 2013 issue with the TOP PICK! for Erotic Romance!!!!!
Seriously, when I first saw it via a post to my street team, Parker Pimpin' Posse, by Chelle Olson, I was like . . .
*Pay no attention to all themz chinz ;)*
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE . . .
Publisher's Weekly . . . THE Publisher's Weekly . . . had this to say about A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS:
“Smoldering sex scenes and a cliffhanger ending will have erotica fans panting for more.”—Publishers Weekly
Y'all really want to read it now, right? Please, oh please, oh please read it!!! And you can even get it a day before everyone else!!! True story.
For those of you who may not be aware, Random House (I still get a little giddy whenever I use their name because they're MY publishing house, what-what?!) is allowing Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY to do a book launch on 8/26/2013 at 7:00 PM EST, which is actually the day BEFORE the official release. I will be there to say a few words and try to make y'all want m'body . . . erm, that is to say my body of work. And I'll even sign it. P.S. I'll also be signing boobs, but cleavage only.
If you can't be there - or if you're a stalker (okay by me) - I'll also be making an appearance at Books-A-Million in Louisville, KY on 8/31/2013 at 3:00 PM EST.
And if that still isn't enough CLP for ya, you can catch me at ScareFest in Lexington, KY 9/13-15th. I'm not the only attraction there. Seriously, it's one of the nation's largest horror and paranormal conventions. I'm looking forward to the stargazing, myself.
But iffin' you can't make it to any of these places, no worries. You can pick up A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS from your neighborhood bookstore (and if they don't have it, you should totally demand they carry it), or you can order it online. In fact, you can pre-order both A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS and A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES now!!! Just go to my website and scroll to the bottom for handy-dandy links to all your favorite retailers.
Stay tuned to this bat channel for more promotional goodness, headed your way. And as always, THANK YOU for your continued support! You have no idea how very much it means.
Seriously, when I first saw it via a post to my street team, Parker Pimpin' Posse, by Chelle Olson, I was like . . .
*Pay no attention to all themz chinz ;)*BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE . . .
Publisher's Weekly . . . THE Publisher's Weekly . . . had this to say about A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS:
“Smoldering sex scenes and a cliffhanger ending will have erotica fans panting for more.”—Publishers Weekly
Y'all really want to read it now, right? Please, oh please, oh please read it!!! And you can even get it a day before everyone else!!! True story.
For those of you who may not be aware, Random House (I still get a little giddy whenever I use their name because they're MY publishing house, what-what?!) is allowing Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY to do a book launch on 8/26/2013 at 7:00 PM EST, which is actually the day BEFORE the official release. I will be there to say a few words and try to make y'all want m'body . . . erm, that is to say my body of work. And I'll even sign it. P.S. I'll also be signing boobs, but cleavage only.
If you can't be there - or if you're a stalker (okay by me) - I'll also be making an appearance at Books-A-Million in Louisville, KY on 8/31/2013 at 3:00 PM EST.
And if that still isn't enough CLP for ya, you can catch me at ScareFest in Lexington, KY 9/13-15th. I'm not the only attraction there. Seriously, it's one of the nation's largest horror and paranormal conventions. I'm looking forward to the stargazing, myself.
But iffin' you can't make it to any of these places, no worries. You can pick up A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS from your neighborhood bookstore (and if they don't have it, you should totally demand they carry it), or you can order it online. In fact, you can pre-order both A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS and A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES now!!! Just go to my website and scroll to the bottom for handy-dandy links to all your favorite retailers.
Stay tuned to this bat channel for more promotional goodness, headed your way. And as always, THANK YOU for your continued support! You have no idea how very much it means.
July 17, 2013
Your New Book Boyfriend: Noah Crawford
Do you know Noah Crawford from my newest series, Million Dollar Duet? Would you like to get to know him before anyone else? Well, you can. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Duet, let me give you an introduction.
Noah Crawford is a drop-dead gorgeous business mogul who has virtually everything he wants – everything, that is, except a woman to satisfy his most basic physical needs. But after things with his ex went south and left him with an irreparable broken heart, Noah isn’t looking to get involved in a serious relationship ever again. Which is why he jumps at the opportunity to enter into a two-year contract with Lanie Talbot, a sexy 24-year-old virgin who, in exchange for $2 million, has agreed to make herself available to him whenever and however he wants. Both may have their own reasons for signing onto the terms, but what neither of them ever expected was to fall in love. Now, they’ll have to attempt to keep the truth of their relationship from everyone else, including Lanie’s family and a business partner whose goal is to take everything Noah holds dear.
Get to know Noah before the rest of the world does when A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS releases on 8/27/2013. You can become a friend on his page at the link below, and follow his journey leading up to the first time he met Lanie Talbot. Interact with him, flirt a little, and get an insider's view.
Please remember to be respectful and play nice. For those of you who might need a reminder, Noah is not a real person, but his characterization will be properly represented.
Noah is on Instagram and Twitter!
Also, don't forget to follow my website for updates!
Noah Crawford is a drop-dead gorgeous business mogul who has virtually everything he wants – everything, that is, except a woman to satisfy his most basic physical needs. But after things with his ex went south and left him with an irreparable broken heart, Noah isn’t looking to get involved in a serious relationship ever again. Which is why he jumps at the opportunity to enter into a two-year contract with Lanie Talbot, a sexy 24-year-old virgin who, in exchange for $2 million, has agreed to make herself available to him whenever and however he wants. Both may have their own reasons for signing onto the terms, but what neither of them ever expected was to fall in love. Now, they’ll have to attempt to keep the truth of their relationship from everyone else, including Lanie’s family and a business partner whose goal is to take everything Noah holds dear.
Get to know Noah before the rest of the world does when A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS releases on 8/27/2013. You can become a friend on his page at the link below, and follow his journey leading up to the first time he met Lanie Talbot. Interact with him, flirt a little, and get an insider's view.
Please remember to be respectful and play nice. For those of you who might need a reminder, Noah is not a real person, but his characterization will be properly represented.
Noah is on Instagram and Twitter!
Also, don't forget to follow my website for updates!
June 25, 2013
Do You Have What It Takes?
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*climbs onto boulder with bullhorn at the ready, a screeching sound piercing the air when it keys up*
Attention, please? My street team, Parker’s Pimpin’ Posse (P3), is currently recruiting new members. I’d like to introduce you to P3’s admin, Alicia Justice, and co-admins, Jb Ramos and Maureen Morgan. I’ll turn it over to Alicia now.
*Ali takes bullhorn and steps up, cheer captain’s smile in place*
For those of you who might not know, a street team consists of an elite selection of diehard pimpsters who are gung-ho when it comes to spreading the word about an author and his/her work. With the upcoming release of the Million Dollar Duet, we want to be sure we have a strong team in place and raring to go well before the drop date for A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS. It’s not all work, though. We have a lot of fun in P3. To ensure we have a well-rounded experience, we’ve opted for an application process. If you’re interested, please complete the application here or below, fully. Don’t be afraid to brag on yourself a bit and really show us what you’ll bring to the table - long fur coat, cane, pimp hat, and all. This will be a selective process of a limited number, so once you’ve submitted your application, be sure to look for your invitation to become a P3 in your email inbox. Oh, and spread the word … it just might be your first chance to show us what mad skills you possess *wink*
*CL shoves Ali off the rock and pries the bullhorn from her hands* Thank you, Ali. Couldn’t have said it better myself. *smiles while chanting under breath* Please let someone fill out an application. Please let someone fill out an application. Please let someone fill out an application . . .
Um, right, so . . . this is a thing, huh? Maybe Noah Crawford, himself, will even join the group and regal us with half naked pictures. Oh, wait. That’s not true. Unlike these big advertising firms, I can’t lie. Sex sells, so um . . . pshhh . . . I don’t know . . . should I promise favors??? No, no, no . . . that’s prostitution. How about you apply and I say thank you with a not so creepy smile? And then promise you my first born, who’s actually getting ready to turn 16, so he still has a couple of good years left in him if you need someone to do chores around the house? I’ll even still pay his college tuition. Yeah, that works.
My name is CL Parker, and I approve this message.
I look forward to working with each of you! *hopeful smile with fingers crossed*
FLYAS!
~C~
*Disclaimer* CL Parker will not actually give you her first born child. This is a free advertisement, shameless and unapologetic in nature.
I WANNA BE A PIMP IN CL PARKER'S POSSE!!!
June 10, 2013
F.U.N. at R.A.G.T.
As many of you are probably aware from the many Facebook posts, I attended Lori Foster’s Reader and Author Get Together (RAGT) in Ohio over the weekend. It was my first experience at this particular convention, as well as my first experience of really being able to participate as an author. I have Darynda Jones to thank for that.
Speaking of Darynda Jones . . . She was my bunk mate. Bless her. Not entirely sure she will ever agree to do so again. I’m kidding. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m very lucky to be able to call her my friend. Just look at how she represented Team CLP!!! She made me look good, but then again, my T-shirt made her look pretty damn spectacular in this pic as well. LOL! Right behind her is the bed where we “slept” with each other. *waggles brows* If those walls could talk . . . they might have whispered words of condolence to the incomparable Mrs. Jones. *snort*
But Darynda wasn’t the only one representing Team CLP at the convention. Check out these gorgeous hotties!!! No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That's Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie (authors of the Blood Feud series) on either side of Darynda Jones, and on the end, is the admin of my Parker's Pimpin' Posse street team and owner of Jitterbug PR, Alicia Justice.
The original NOLA girls were back together again. Robyn Mackenzie, me, Gayle Donnelly, Patricia Dechant, and Britta Urquhart. We are so LOUD when we're together, mostly because of all the laughing which tends to draw even more people in.
There was debauchery to be had . . . and booze. Patrón might have been a culprit. In my defense, I don't recall purchasing very many of the margaritas and shots that found their way in front of me. Pretty sure there was a conspiracy going on, but I got wise to it after that first night. Think I'll just take this opportunity to add a bit of a disclaimer *clears throat* No NYT and USA Today bestselling authors were harmed in the making of this adventure, but we annihilated some onion rings and beer cheese sauce. Patricia Dechant, aka C. S. Maxwell, obviously had a lascivious affair going on with them, and I've got the proof. Have a look here:
Darynda and I were quite entertained.
Friday was our dear friend, Britta Urquhart's 40th birthday! That's her . . . down there . . . standing up . . . with all the, um, blue shirt between Robyn and Gayle's heads. She looks FABULOUS, doesn't she???
So fabulous in fact, that she ended up handcuffed to cover model extraordinaire,
*disclaimer* Blame Patricia Dechant for the blurry photos. My bestie cannot take a clear pic to save her life. This was a theme. I kid you not.
Obviously, I was afraid for Britta, and being the amazing friend I am, I had to help get her out of those handcuffs. Otherwise, how would I get in them? You see the type of sacrifice I'm willing to make for my friends?
I'm sworn to secrecy on the topic of Britta's expression in this pic, but LOOK at how determined I am to set her free. My devotion knows no bounds. True story.
They were plastic cuffs for chrissakes and NOTHING was working. I was understandably worried that Britta might be handcuffed to a gorgeous cover model for the rest of her life (read: I might never be handcuffed to a gorgeous cover model for the rest of my life).
And then Scott Nova showed up to save the day. Naturally, I shoved those other two out of my way, used them as stepping stones to get at Scott, and then assumed the position . . . for my photo op, of course. My hero!
*girly swoon*
Psst . . . Scott Nova is a total fangirl. Even asked me to autograph his abs so he could have it tattooed there, but I refused because tattoos are forever, but our love affair might not be - on my side, not his. True story. Ask him yourself.
However, THIS love affair will last a thousand lifetimes. Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to Robyn Peterman, author of How Hard Can It Be? and Pirate Dave's hot little mama. Go to that link and check her out. This lady is the total package, and I wanted to stick her in my pocket and steal her away. She wouldn't have complained. As you can tell by the pic below, she couldn't keep her hands off me. It was quite embarrassing how badly she wanted my body. Accosted me and all . . . (pay no attention to the Michelin man that found his way around my waist - apparently, I'm irresistible).
As is Robyn, so I gave in. And our love affair began. Don't tell Darynda or Scott or Patricia or Billy or Brandon (the bartender). It'll break their hearts.
But the absolute BEST time I had was when this gal was on the scene. Jowanna Delong Kestner, admin of Pimpin' Reads and the designer of my website. Jo couldn't say ANYTHING without causing me to double over in side-splitting laughter. I love her! I love her! I love her! And she represented, too . . .
I got to meet a few other incredible ladies as well: Amanda Usen, Macy Beckett, Julie Lindsey, Donna McDonald, and J.M. Madden. Please check out each of these amazing authors, bloggers, and models. They help make our world go 'round and have left permanent fingerprints on my heart. *sniffle*
I never wanted RAGT to come to an end, but alas, all good things must. After all, I have copy edits for book #2 in my Million Dollar Duet, A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES, waiting in my inbox with a hot deadline. Plus, being around all the word lovers, talking about plots, characters, and story arcs is THE most important part of conventions because it stokes that spark into a full-on inferno and I MUST write 'til I die, which will never happen because writing makes me feel alive. And with that, I'm out.
FLYAS!~C~
Speaking of Darynda Jones . . . She was my bunk mate. Bless her. Not entirely sure she will ever agree to do so again. I’m kidding. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m very lucky to be able to call her my friend. Just look at how she represented Team CLP!!! She made me look good, but then again, my T-shirt made her look pretty damn spectacular in this pic as well. LOL! Right behind her is the bed where we “slept” with each other. *waggles brows* If those walls could talk . . . they might have whispered words of condolence to the incomparable Mrs. Jones. *snort*
But Darynda wasn’t the only one representing Team CLP at the convention. Check out these gorgeous hotties!!! No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That's Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie (authors of the Blood Feud series) on either side of Darynda Jones, and on the end, is the admin of my Parker's Pimpin' Posse street team and owner of Jitterbug PR, Alicia Justice.
The original NOLA girls were back together again. Robyn Mackenzie, me, Gayle Donnelly, Patricia Dechant, and Britta Urquhart. We are so LOUD when we're together, mostly because of all the laughing which tends to draw even more people in.
There was debauchery to be had . . . and booze. Patrón might have been a culprit. In my defense, I don't recall purchasing very many of the margaritas and shots that found their way in front of me. Pretty sure there was a conspiracy going on, but I got wise to it after that first night. Think I'll just take this opportunity to add a bit of a disclaimer *clears throat* No NYT and USA Today bestselling authors were harmed in the making of this adventure, but we annihilated some onion rings and beer cheese sauce. Patricia Dechant, aka C. S. Maxwell, obviously had a lascivious affair going on with them, and I've got the proof. Have a look here:
Darynda and I were quite entertained.
Friday was our dear friend, Britta Urquhart's 40th birthday! That's her . . . down there . . . standing up . . . with all the, um, blue shirt between Robyn and Gayle's heads. She looks FABULOUS, doesn't she???
So fabulous in fact, that she ended up handcuffed to cover model extraordinaire,
*disclaimer* Blame Patricia Dechant for the blurry photos. My bestie cannot take a clear pic to save her life. This was a theme. I kid you not.
Obviously, I was afraid for Britta, and being the amazing friend I am, I had to help get her out of those handcuffs. Otherwise, how would I get in them? You see the type of sacrifice I'm willing to make for my friends?
I'm sworn to secrecy on the topic of Britta's expression in this pic, but LOOK at how determined I am to set her free. My devotion knows no bounds. True story.
They were plastic cuffs for chrissakes and NOTHING was working. I was understandably worried that Britta might be handcuffed to a gorgeous cover model for the rest of her life (read: I might never be handcuffed to a gorgeous cover model for the rest of my life).
And then Scott Nova showed up to save the day. Naturally, I shoved those other two out of my way, used them as stepping stones to get at Scott, and then assumed the position . . . for my photo op, of course. My hero!
*girly swoon*
Psst . . . Scott Nova is a total fangirl. Even asked me to autograph his abs so he could have it tattooed there, but I refused because tattoos are forever, but our love affair might not be - on my side, not his. True story. Ask him yourself.
However, THIS love affair will last a thousand lifetimes. Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to Robyn Peterman, author of How Hard Can It Be? and Pirate Dave's hot little mama. Go to that link and check her out. This lady is the total package, and I wanted to stick her in my pocket and steal her away. She wouldn't have complained. As you can tell by the pic below, she couldn't keep her hands off me. It was quite embarrassing how badly she wanted my body. Accosted me and all . . . (pay no attention to the Michelin man that found his way around my waist - apparently, I'm irresistible).
As is Robyn, so I gave in. And our love affair began. Don't tell Darynda or Scott or Patricia or Billy or Brandon (the bartender). It'll break their hearts.
But the absolute BEST time I had was when this gal was on the scene. Jowanna Delong Kestner, admin of Pimpin' Reads and the designer of my website. Jo couldn't say ANYTHING without causing me to double over in side-splitting laughter. I love her! I love her! I love her! And she represented, too . . .
I got to meet a few other incredible ladies as well: Amanda Usen, Macy Beckett, Julie Lindsey, Donna McDonald, and J.M. Madden. Please check out each of these amazing authors, bloggers, and models. They help make our world go 'round and have left permanent fingerprints on my heart. *sniffle*
I never wanted RAGT to come to an end, but alas, all good things must. After all, I have copy edits for book #2 in my Million Dollar Duet, A MILLION GUILTY PLEASURES, waiting in my inbox with a hot deadline. Plus, being around all the word lovers, talking about plots, characters, and story arcs is THE most important part of conventions because it stokes that spark into a full-on inferno and I MUST write 'til I die, which will never happen because writing makes me feel alive. And with that, I'm out.
FLYAS!~C~
