C.L. Parker's Blog, page 4

Launch of Gabbin' with Gabe

So, I did it. Gabe now has his own blogspot for his advice column. Be forewarned: Gabe pulls no punches, which you should know by now. You can find his page at http://www.gabbinwithgabe.com. I know he'd love to hear from you! So, if you have a question you'd like him to answer, you can email him at diva@gabbinwithgabe.com.

FLYAS!
~clp~

Gabbin' with Gabe

So ... I'm considering a new blog: Gabbin' with Gabe



Essentially, Gabe will do a Dear Abby type of deal where he will give advice on personal issues, sex, relationships and such. No, he will not give menial household chore advice because Gabe is a diva through and through and does not clean, cook, do artsy-fartsy stuff, change diapers or anything else that might smudge his manicure.


You know his advice will be straight up because he has no filter, but maybe we could all use a little of that in our lives. Wishes of anonymity would be honored, of course.


Are we up for the challenge that is Gabe? If nothing else, it should be a rip-roaring good time. And although we'll be laughing our asses off and broadening our Gabetionary with new and completely made-up terms, we might even find his advice useful. What do you think?


FLYAS!
~clp~

Nexus Trailer Reveal

Introducing . . . the trailer for Nexus, the much anticipated finale to the Supernova Saga

Thank you, Bleriana Aviero, for your masterful vidding skills! Once you guys have read Nexus, you'll see just how amazing it is that she is able to capture an entire book in such a short video. BTW, the music is from Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare album, which was on a constant loop in the background as I wrote this book. This particular song is titled Fiction.
FLYAS!~clp~

God is an Author

God is obviously an author with some kickass world-building skills. There, I said it.
Whether God is male or female, it doesn’t matter. Do you care if the author of the book you’re curled up with is a he or a she or even a he/she? No. You’re so invested in the world you’re reading that the author could be an alien from the planet Mars as long as the storyline is engrossing, the characters are well developed, and the world is stupendous.
God wrote the Bible, right? Or, He hand-selected other authors to do it for Him. Whatever. Maybe His hands were just too massive to hold whatever writing utensil they used a gazillion years ago, and writing on what would be akin to a sheet of toilet paper with all the power He has would equate to creating a pile of confetti to be thrown at Jesus’ birthday party. Either way, the King James version of the Bible is made up of 66 books! That’s right, 66. And as they are all tied together, that makes for one hell of a series. Dontcha’ think?
By the way, who was this King James? I’ve never known the answer to that, but I digress.
Now, consider this . . . As authors, the worlds we build are very real to us. Maybe God was just so exceptional at it that His literally came to life. Wow. Let’s allow that thought to marinate for a bit, shall we? What if? What if we were so adept at world building that ourworlds literally came to life? What if somewhere far, far, far, far, faarrrr away . . . our characters really doexist? I’m feeling a little all-powerful right now, are you? I. Am. A. GODDESS. Yes, I said that out loud – in the bathroom where there’s really good acoustics – and it sounded freakin’ awesome!
Another thing I enjoy about God’s writing is that it makes you think. There are so many interpretations of the Bible’s meaning that it’s impossible to put a number on it. And perception is reality, right? Yet another thing that lends to our author God’s ability to make His words come to life. This makes sense to me, and I’ll remind you that several times in the past I’ve been very forthright with telling you that I believe there’s a fine line between brilliance and insanity and that authors walk it on a daily basis, so you can think I’m crazy if you want – maybe I have teetered over the edge. But MY perception is MY reality, and I perceive that God wants ME to draw my own conclusions as to the meaning of the Bible, the meaning of life, and what it means for my eternal soul. I condemn no one for their beliefs, and I expect no condemnation in return. I say this because in my own writing, I question some theories – hidden or not – and I invite you to think about those theories as I have done. Am I saying I’m right in my theories? No, I’ve certainly taken some creative liberties with them. But, if I made you think and kept you entertained for those however many pages, then I’ve done my job.
In closing, when the day comes that I go to meet my Maker, the author God, you can be sure of two things. First, while I’m standing at those gates of pearl, I’ll be holding tightly to my Bible, and the first thing I’m going to ask God when I meet Him is if He will autograph it. Second, I’m going to be bold enough to ask if He’s a plotter or a pantser. After all, it’s one of the first things authors ask each other when we meet.
FLYAS!~clp~
*Disclaimer: C.L. Parker does not really believe she’s in the same league as God, although the goddess thing really did have an outstanding ring to it, and she certainly does not intend any form of blasphemy by this post. It is purely for entertainment . . . and to make you think. She likes to do that.*

A little somin'-somin' my trailer creater, Bleriana Aveir...

A little somin'-somin' my trailer creater, Bleriana Aveiro, made as a teaser pic for Nexus. This was her favorite line from Nexus. I believe she even called it ... magical.

Nexus Cover Reveal

Yes, that's Scott Nova ;)
Kerrigan Cruz and Dominic Grayson have fulfilled their destiny, clearing the way for a new Guardian of the Light to emerge. The product of her parents’ mixed bloodlines, Victoria Milena Cruz-Grayson must defend the world as the only Guardian of Mankind in existence.
With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Tori must find a way to keep it from falling before the gravity of her existence sends her crashing to her knees and mankind along with her. The real war is inside her psyche; good versus evil in a battle between Light and Dark. But she is not alone in her quest.
The Guardian of the Guardian, Dante is destined to fight by her side. With an arsenal of wicked charm, seduction, and the ability to ignite a raging inferno, his allure is powerful. Will it be enough to convince Tori to choose him?
Coming between them is a man whose existence is confined to her dreams. The only friend Tori has ever known, a man she has grown to love over her short eighteen years. She doesn’t know his name, or why he’s there, but she can’t deny the feelings she has for him. There’s only one problem; when he leaves, her dreams become nightmares plagued by demonic beings hellbent on viciously murdering her loved ones. Over and over again.
Two men, both pledging their undying love and unyielding loyalty, but one is not at all what he seems.
Torn between her lifelong friend and the man destined to stand by her side, the Guardian of Mankind must choose her path. The fate of the world depends on her getting it right. But how can she choose when she doesn’t really know who she is to begin with?
Nexus: There is one truth . . . Everything happens for a reason.

A Day In The Life Of An Author

The thought occurred to me that readers might want to know what goes on behind the scenes in my daily life to really appreciate the amount of work that goes into writing a book.
The first thing you should know is that I’m not in this for the money. I’m an entertainer by nature with a vivid imagination. Okay, so maybe I’m a little on the insane side. After all, non-existent people talk to me from a non-existent world, and then all these moving pictures flash through my mind. The ability to paint those pictures through words for others to see is apparently a big neon sign screaming for me to call myself an author. That’s what I’ve been told, anyway, so that’s what I do. Hey, I’m just relieved that I’m not actually schizophrenic. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I work what “they” call a “real” job to bring home the bacon, and I’m now a single mother carrying the load of all the daily functionality of my family, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for writing. What it does do, however, is really pile on the stress. Because guess what? I have a contract and deadlines associated with that contract.
*gasp*
It’s cool, though; the tick I’ve developed is only a teeny tiny one, but I’m working on making it a full-blown spasm because my motto is the bigger, the better. Yeah, baby. *waggles brows* Just check out the descriptions of the men in my stories. But I digress.
To give you a better understanding of my life, let me bore you with the details of how my day goes. I wake up at five in the morning from Monday through Friday, get myself ready for work, and then wake my boys up to get them ready for school. Then I make lunches for everyone, sign off on daily charts, feed them breakfast, and then get them off to school. Sounds just like any other mother’s morning, right? (Oh, wait . . . I forgot to mention that I shower and brush my teeth. That’s an important detail. Wouldn’t want you to think I’m a skeez.)
Then, I take myself to work, where I am a retirement counselor (by phone) for eight hours a day. 
Yes, ma’am . . . May I have another, please? 
After that, I pick up the kids and head home – do not pass go; do not collect $200. This is the part where I should prepare dinner, go over homework assignments, straighten the house, do the laundry, pay bills, etc., right? Wrong. What happens at my house is that I go straight home, ask my boys how their day was, cut them off mid-sentence, and hurriedly whip up whatever they want for dinner. Surprisingly, these are fairly healthy choices. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are healthy, right? Then, I plant myself behind yet another desk and yet another computer. You should know that I’m OCD like a mofo over my desk. Okay, so maybe not this week because it’s been a madhouse around here, but any other time it’s “a place for everything, and everything in its place.”
Once situated at my desk with a glass of iced tea (to chase the shots of Patron) and a pack of cigarettes (for those really hot scenes I lurv to write) – yes, I smoke; don’t judge me; I swear I’m going to quit someday – the real work can begin. Emails have to be checked and answered because I’m in demand like that and the whole world is going to come to an end if I don’t resolve whatever crisis developed since I checked my account from my phone just ten minutes before. Besides, maybe . . . just maybe, Jensen Ackles decided to send me nudie pictures of himself per my request. No, I’m not a stalker. 

Okay, maybe just a little.
Social networks have to be checked and responded to because my readers are the bomb-diggity and they deserve my undivided attention. I am being completely serious here. I adore my readers, and I dare anyone to ever say otherwise, ‘cause them’s fighting words and I can get downright scrappy if I have to.
Once that’s done, then I get to write. Whew! Long-winded, aren’t I?


I usually write about eight thousand words a week, while trying my best to get the news out about my published work, attending scheduled signings and interviews, and trying like hell to still meet my deadline. Oh, and those “Mommy, I need . . .” moments are a’plenty as well, which is just perfect for those times when I’m in the writing groove. I’m absolutely being facetious here. There’s just nothing like writing, “He unbuttoned his pants and pulled out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” to really throw you out of the mood. Can I just say that I hate that song, It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time? Because I really, REALLY do. Great, now it’s stuck in my head again.


*head-desk*

As for a social life? Hah! I have none. My family and friends have all but given up on me. They understand my hectic schedule though, and most times, they even call to remind me to eat. Yes, I forget to eat, which doesn’t quite explain why I have more curves than that road in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Ah, yes, I remember . . . I’m sitting on my bodacious booty for about twelve hours out of the day. Yep. That’ll do it. Well, at least it’s properly cushioned, and you know what they say, “More cushion for the pushin’.” *snort* Right, like that ever happens.
I know how this sounds, but trust me, I am NOT complaining. I love my life as an author. I’m just getting nekked and sharing my life with you, beautiful people. Ha! Now you’re not only humming It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time, but you’re also imagining me naked, aren’t you? You’re welcome.
But one might ask, “Shazbot, C.L.! Is it really worth it?” The answer to that is, yes! I really do believe it’s worth it. Why? Because I believe in my characters. Because I believe in the story they have to tell. Because I believe in the message behind that story. Because I love what I’m doing, and I don’t know how I would ever survive without doing it. For those few hours of writing time, I can forget all about the hustle and bustle of life, the mounting responsibilities, the heartache of the losses I’ve endured, and just live vicariously through a make-believe character’s eyes in a make-believe world.
Besides, if I don’t purge them from my system, they’re just going to sit there and fester until I’m strapped up and rocking back and forth in a padded cell. Now, we wouldn’t want that, would we?
Until next time . . . Have you hugged your author today?
FLYAS!~CLP~

Introducing Scott Nova as Dante!!!

Strap on your bibs and grab your shamwows. You're gonna need 'em ;-)
Okay, ladies and slightly effeminate gents ... here he is: Dante, the new power male for the third and final installment of the Supernova Saga, Nexus.

I know, right? You're welcome!

This is a real manly man: schmexy to the core (I've got a core for him), intentionally and unintentionally suggestive in everything he does (mama likey), aaaaannnnd he doesn't care to play fair when it comes to getting what he wants (naughty, naughty). I should mention he has a bloody fecking hell of a British accent that's tah die for!

Not Scott. Dante.

Scott doesn't have a British accent (I don't think), but he is of Irish descent. No worries, ladies. I'm taking one for the team and doing my damndest to pump him for information on where he's hiding his lucky charms. Either my pumping isn't the shit (as I've always believed it to be), or I'm pumping too well (that's more like it) so he just doesn't want to give up the goods. 'Cause he keeps spouting shit about having to find the end of the rainbow first. So of course I remind him that the pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow, not the lucky charms. It just isn't the same thing, silly.

Mr. Gorgeous and those luscious lips retort with, "Depends on who's asking. A little bit of luck and a whole lot of reward go hand in hand. Keep doing that for long and both of yours will be full in no time."

Cue the suggestive waggle of his brows as he looks down at his lap. Yes, I'm still pumping him for information *side mumble* and he ain't complaining. @.@

"Ow! Not so rough!"

"Oh, shut up and take it like a man, rainbow boy!"

And then Gabe comes in with an, "Are y'all eatin' Skittles in here?" He stops abruptly when he enters my office, his eyes going straight to the only male crotch in the room, and says, "Mmm ... I'd like to taste that rainbow." He's licking on his own finger. "Gawd ... damn, man!" - exaggerated shiver, and then his hand slowly runs down his chest so his wet finger can now circle his nipple through his overpriced shirt.

Are you rolling your eyes, too??

This would be where Scott winks at Gabe … throwing him a bone, only not literally. Shame on Scott for teasing Gabe like that. Meh, the bitch deserves it.

So you see, this is the issue with having a live cover model portray a favored character. Wait … you're right. I don't see an issue AT ALL. We get something pretty-pretty to ogle, and the model gets a good chuckle from watching us all go ga-ga over the goods. Win-Win. I really should've done this sooner.

Hold on … this blog post wasn't supposed to be about what it's like to have a live cover model on the team. We were talking about Dante, right? Well, obviously my distraction is proof of the ga-ga. So, I'll just let you ooooh and ahhhh over the pics for now. I promise the description will come later, after edits ;-)

Want to hear something funny? When I purchased these photos, my PR said, "Congratulations! You just bought a man!!"

Ahem ... I hope the po-po aren't reading this post, 'cuz I'm way too voluptuous and would defs end up being someone's bitch in the clank. JS. Really, I'm not a john, more like a pimp. Ergo - My fellow authors, if you want to own a little piece of Scott Nova, you can pump him for a bit of information, too, at www.scottnova.com. This website isn't up yet, but it's cumming soon. *snerk*

FYI, the lucky charms are MINE, so back off beeyotches!

*Disclaimer: No cover models were seriously injured whilst I got my pump on, but Scott may be walking a little funny for a couple of days.*

Holla' atcha girl and tell me what you think!

FLYAS!

~clp~

Okay, so yesterday I was rendered speechless for the firs...

Okay, so yesterday I was rendered speechless for the first time in a verrah long time. Shocked? Yeah, me too.
One of my pre-readers came over to read Nexus, the third and final installment in the Supernova Saga - in case you haven't been following along - and I heard her yelling indiscernible things from the other end of the house. So, I rush in and ask what's the matter.
She's crying. Full on sobbing, wiping her eyes with her shirt, putting up a hand and asking for a moment, crying. O.0
"This is the best f*cking book I've ever read!" she says. "And I've read a LOT of books! Just hug me..."
Again with the O.0
After I nearly smother to death from her death grip of a hug - the kind your aunt with the bright pink lipstick lays on you - I finally get the feeling back in my arms, and she MAKES me call two other pre-readers because she simply must discuss it with them right away.
Now, let me tell you that I've been damn nervous about this book because I took it "there." What is "there," you ask? Um, I'm not sure how to describe it without giving the book away, but let's say I question things we've been taught. *stuttered breath*
BTW, she was stuttering breaths as well. <--- I shit you not.
Several long sighs later to expel the abundance of emotions I (through the story) had slammed into her chest, she was finally semi-coherent. I, on the other hand, was not. I sat stoic, just listening as if it was an out of body experience or something. Really, I was shocked and didn't know what to say, but I gathered this was a good thing.
I keep telling my pre-readers that they're biased because they're so close to the story, but they insist they are not to the point that they're insulted I won't take their word for it that it's good (I think they used a different word here, but I don't want to sound like I'm bragging). After all, isn't that why I have them as pre-readers to begin with? They have a point, but I'm still one who doubts herself. *another shock for you, I'm sure* I'm pretty sure this is a pre-requisite for all "artists", no? <--- Lookie, I called myself an artist. That shows some improvement, does it not?
Anywho ... I'm feeling better about Nexus. Especially since it only took me something like three re-writes, a severe bout with writer's block, and a slight emotional breakdown to get it where it is. Now, it will be up to the editing team at the PH to decide if it was all for naught.
My goal with this book? To yank those emotions outside of your heart and then slam them back in with a fierce "how you like me now?", followed up by the tightest hug you've ever been given, virtual or in person. Because I'm feelin' it, too - I need that hug just as much. Admittedly, it drained me to the point that I haven't gone back to read back over it as of yet, and I'm dreading it because I know...
These characters laid it all out on the line, bare-assed nekked, and I'm so very grateful they chose me, even if it has affected my life and how I view it so profoundly. Perhaps I should take a trip to some Tibetan Monastery to reflect on things for a bit? Perhaps...but not until the edits are done and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Dominic, Kerrigan, Gabe, Colton, Drew, Sinclair, Tori, and especially Dante ... Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart.
FLYAS!~clp~

Authors After Dark Summer Camp 2012

Yeppers! I'll be there, too!
This will be my first time at AAD, and I'm so excited it will be in New Orleans because I've always wanted to go to the Big Easy, and not because I am easy; however, I do foresee myself earning lots of bead necklaces. What? That's only during Mardi Gras?? Oh the crime of it all. *shrugs* Okay, so I'll be showing my boobs for free then.

AAD will be August 8-12 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. There are lots of great authors booked, but I'm most looking forward to hooking up with some of my readers. Having said that, who's going, and can you bring some man candy along for me to ogle . . . and maybe grope a little?

FLYAS!
~clp~