Jade C. Jamison's Blog, page 32

Cover reveal for LOCKED AND LOADED, the FINAL Bullet book

The moment some of you have been waiting for…the cover reveal for the final book in the Bullet series, Locked and Loaded.

Now all those people who refused to read Bullet till the series was complete (in spite of the fact that Bullet was originally written as a standalone) can get started.

Anyway, without further ado, here are the particulars:

GENRES: Contemporary Romance, Rock Star Romance, Erotic Romance

RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2016

PURCHASE/PRE-ORDER LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1lWuUIF

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QleUNe

NOTE: The book *will* be available for purchase on other sites on release day!

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27074162-locked-and-loaded

BLURB:

Is it too much to believe that someone keeps returning to your life because it’s meant to be?

Zane Carson is an idealistic young man with one big skeleton in his closet when he first meets Jennifer Manders in college. They date only to break up soon after. The sexual attraction is like an electromagnet but they fight like alley cats. The relationship just isn’t worth it.

Zane’s band Fully Automatic breaks big about the same time Jennifer finishes college. One summer afternoon, they meet for coffee and sparks fly once more. It’s off again, on again, but they just can’t make it work and break it off for good, deciding it’s not worth the effort.

But Zane is drawn to her and, during a break in the music action, he tracks her down again, willing to change himself for her and needing to give her one last try. The attraction is as strong as ever, but now Jennifer is hiding something from Zane—something big, something that threatens to extinguish the spark for good. When Zane discovers her secret, will he be able to forgive her or will that be the end?

Also, catch up with the entire Bullet gang. See what’s happened since you last saw them!

Oh, and YES…this is the FINAL book in the Bullet series.

***Not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to adult language and sexual content***

LINKS:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JadeCJamison

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JadeCJamison (@JadeCJamison)

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jadecjamison

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jadecjamison/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/TOMCH

Links to other series books:

Bullet, #1

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00BH9817C

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QmzFID

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/kkgsv2n

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1qg0lLG

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1lv3fO1

Rock Bottom, #2

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15VfzR0

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1q4Ah8a

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1yqbGzc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/WN4cFA

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1sr9hzT

Feverish, #3

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mp0KeK

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1m162dw

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1BPtWPo

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1vOBuSz

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1xnvX4I

Fully Automatic, #4

Amazon: http://amzn.to/VCoNMh

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1vc3j5D

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1rRWhQY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1vc3YUG

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1pXIWHy

Christmas Stalkings, #4.5

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1AR6nGv

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/16CTqHu

Amazon CAN: http://amzn.to/1sSzxq2

Amazon AUS: http://bit.ly/1sJF6kJ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/16CLQMM

Kobo: http://bit.ly/13mywKp

iTunes: http://bit.ly/13m07vq

Slash and Burn, #5

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ApP0hR

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1wyYfv7

B&N: http://bit.ly/1BYjmHj

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1BMT6iG

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1xKGKZf

BULLET BOX SET (Books 1-3)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MJtpEv

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/21aLoxf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1SbJW7G

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MuF8J5

The post Cover reveal for LOCKED AND LOADED, the FINAL Bullet book appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

To Be or Not to Be (AKA…do you think I’m a newsletter?)

Many of you who come to my website via a search engine might be scratching your head, wondering why the hell I would title a blog post in such a weird way…so let’s get that part over with first. I have lots of faithful readers and friends who tell me something about reading my latest newsletter, and I’m the one scratching my head, wondering what they’re talking about.

And then I realize they’re talking about this.

Yes, this. This blog. If you, like many other folks, are reading this in your email, it is because, at some point, you signed up for a feed to my blog. First of all, I would like to thank you! There aren’t hundreds of you, but you’re there, and it makes me happy that you like what I have to say enough that you don’t want to miss anything. Secondly, though, I want you to know that THIS email in your inbox is NOT my newsletter.

Nope. It’s just my website forwarding my latest blog post to you.

I’m not saying this isn’t important…but my monthly newsletter is quite a bit different. In there, I tell you about my latest projects, my future plans, and more. I also will sometimes throw in some teasers and I always do a giveaway. And I also send a newsletter when I have a new release. Other than that, I try not to. I don’t want to flood inboxes!

So some of you who have this in their inbox might be thinking, “Okay, great! Where do I sign up?” Some of you who found this via search engine might be asking the same thing…so let me give you that info now.

Oh…and one last thing. If you haven’t read much of my work (or haven’t read any), you will also get access to four of my books, absolutely free, for signing up to my newsletter. It’s not only my way of saying thanks, but it’s also my way of giving you a risk-free opportunity to decide if you like my work. After all, who wants to subscribe to a newsletter for a writer they’re not sure they even like?

Sign up here –> http://eepurl.com/TOMCH

Thanks for your continued support!

The post To Be or Not to Be (AKA…do you think I’m a newsletter?) appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

One Week of Marathon Writing

Some of you know that, a week ago, I decided to do a bit of a writing “marathon.” I often “sprint,” writing at top speed for an hour or so at any given time, but the idea of the marathon was, at first, to write a book in a few days. Well, I discovered quite a few things (for instance, I found that it is difficult for me to sustain that pace, particularly because I have a life outside writing; that said, I found that I can actually write 12,000 words in one day–and good words too!), and I didn’t reach my four-day goal–hell, I didn’t even reach that goal in seven days–but I consider this marathon a smashing success!

When I started out, I had a very loose plot for the next Nicki book (Lies)…which is all I ever have for a book.  I can’t work with detailed outlines, but loose notes are good.  In fact, by that point, I had (have, I should say) the loose plot for the remainder of the series (the next four books, including number ten).  I know where we’re going and I have a decent idea of how we’re going to get there, although we might take a detour or two along the way.  The idea starting out was that I know my characters and I know the story–so I hoped to remove any writing snags.  I still had a little research I had to do and when there were spots where I wasn’t positive about something (for instance, I couldn’t remember for certain if the woman who now owns Napoli Pizzeria is named Linda–she is, by the way!), I flagged them so I could keep writing instead of getting bogged down verifying info.  But I wrote as fast as I could.

My original plan was to write 12,000 words the first day (and I did–I stayed up later than planned so I could finish), and then 10,000 words the next three–but I couldn’t maintain that pace.  Still, during those four days, I wrote an average of 6600-plus words each day.  That’s more than I usually write.  Depending on what I’m working on, I might be lucky to write a few hundred words in a day, but most often I will write a couple thousand.  I can definitely say this was a kick in the butt for me–which was what I wanted–and I have a great start on this Nicki book.  What floors me about the weekly amount I wrote (over 35,000 words) was that, if I could do that every week, I could write a decent, full-sized novel in two or three weeks.  I’ve often written shorter novels in a month, but this.  Wow!

So this is the start for reaching my writing goals for 2016.  Here’s what I’m hoping for (although some of you know my plans change based on what my muse decides to do):

Publish Locked and Loaded (the final Bullet book), goal date February 1
Write and publish the remainder of the Nicki books (starting with Lies, which I’m hoping to publish February 29, and then publish the other three every three months thereafter)
Try out Wattpad by writing a tame romance that I will then publish the way I usually do (but with added spice!)
I have a few standalones I want to write, and I also need to write book 2 in the Wishes series and book 4 in the Tangled Web series, but we’ll see where the muse leads me!

Anyway…in case you want a taste of Lies and you missed the teaser I posted on Facebook last week, here you go!  Don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads TBR (if you haven’t already): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16102430-lies

So far in my writing spree, there have been notable appearances from Sean, Jesse, Will (Nicki’s brother), Jillian, Brandy, Neal, and—finally—Detective Wright!

Without further ado, the excerpt from Nicki Sosebee #10, Lies:

“Maybe today I should just get my nose pierced.”

What? She’d lost her mind.

No, this was good. Change was good. Especially now.

Hunter nodded. “That’s not a bad idea. You’ve got a good nose for it.” She snorted then and peals of laughter flowed from her mouth. He gave her a puzzled look.

“Sorry. I write part-time for the Tribune, and my boss has told me I have a nose for news.” She laughed again and he forced a smile. “Sorry. I really have had way too much to drink. Maybe I should leave.”

He touched her forearm. “No, you’re fine. You’re just a little giddy, and that might be due to a little adrenaline flowing through your veins.”

“Adrenaline?”

“Yeah, as you prep yourself for a little pain.”

“Oh…how bad does that hurt?”

He flipped his hand, palm up, grinning and shrugging, and then he shook his head. “I’ve never had my nose pierced, so I don’t know. Piercing itself, though? Kind of depends on where you’re getting pierced and what your pain tolerance is. I had a shitload to drink before I got pierced, and it didn’t hurt at all.”

“You have a piercing? Where?” Nicki couldn’t see any holes anywhere—not on his ears or face. Maybe his nipples?

He grinned again, standing and extending his hand to her. “A guy’s gotta have a few secrets. Come on. Let’s go get you prepped.”

~ ~ ~

Coming soon:  Cover reveal for Locked and Loaded…and the 12 Jade days of Christmas beginning December 19!  Don’t miss it!  Happy holidays, my friends!

The post One Week of Marathon Writing appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

Nicki Sosebee Marathon Day 2

Last night, close to midnight, I posted to Facebook that I’d successfully met my day one goal, and that was to write 12,000 words in the next Nicki Sosebee book, Lies.  I did it, but I was so tired that I just crawled into bed after that post.  I’m still tired today and don’t have much time to write before I have to tend to some real life obligations, but my goal today is 10,000 words, and I need to try to have them down by noon Mountain time.  It is almost 7:00 am.  Can I do it?  Only time will tell, but here are my opening stats for the day:

Today’s word count goal: 10,000

Words written today: 0

For overall word count of 22,000

Starting word count today: 12,022

Total chapters so far: 6

Total word count goal: 42,000

Oh…how about one tiny little snippet–the opening lines to Chapter One:

Thirty-one. Happy fucking birthday.

This would go on record as Nicki Sosebee’s Worst. Birthday. Ever.

I will check in tomorrow morning so you know how I fared.  Wish me luck!    I’m gonna need it!

The post Nicki Sosebee Marathon Day 2 appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

Throwback Thursday: BLIND (Nicki Sosebee 8)

Nicki Sosebee book 8, Blind, is the last Nicki book I wrote before Bullet exploded and “put me on the map,” so to speak.  Somehow during that time (when Facebook was cool), I connected with some of my favorite indie bands and actually collaborated with a local band–Fighting the Phoenix–so that they could “guest star” in the book.  That was a lot of fun!  I then bought a few copies of their new CD that I gave away as prizes on my Facebook page in celebration of the release of Bullet.

My Nicki muse sort of abandoned me for a while (but I forced out book 9, Fake, anyway, because it was long overdue).  The good news is my muse has finally blessed me with her presence in all things Nicki, and I am ready to write the next four books and finish out the series.

In the meantime, you can read this chapter from Blind.  Faithful readers enjoyed this addition to the series!

Blurb:

Nicki is angry. Now that she’s seen what the people in power will do to keep their control, she knows she has to play it safe. She’s threatened to topple their thrones and they’re feeling nervous. But she’s also feeling guilty about the murder of a prostitute whom she thinks she was responsible for, so she makes it her mission to help all the women of the night working in Winchester. And she does it the only way she knows how—by reporting what she’s learned. And with Sean behind her, she knows she can do anything she’s set her mind to.

The following excerpt is for readers 18+

Chapter Four from Blind (November 2012)

Sean managed to leave for work on time, and Nicki wasn’t surprised. Sean might have cultured his image as an irresponsible, motorcycle-riding, headbanging bad boy, but when it came to his business, he was driven, serious, and conscientious. Nicki knew a real boss never would have ridden Sean like he rode himself. He wasn’t like he used to be, working constantly, but he rarely took a weekday off, even if he didn’t feel well. Nicki also knew he would close up shop for lunch and things like that, but he’d trained his regular customers to know he sometimes did that, so even when he stayed in his shop for lunch, he hardly ever had visitors during that time. And his customers knew too that if Sean gave a time estimate or a price estimate, he wasn’t just honest—he’d honor his promise, no matter what it took. Sean’s business was important to him, and Nicki knew that’s why it had thrived over the years, in spite of the forces that had worked against him.

It had taken him a little bit to get up off the bed, though, and Nicki could tell he would’ve loved to sleep after their lovemaking session. His orgasm had wiped him out.

What Nicki couldn’t get out of her head, though, and it was why she was still lying in bed, her arms wrapped around his pillow, the side of her head buried in it, was the way he’d looked at her before he got out of bed. There was something in his eyes, something unspoken, and it took her breath away. She’d seen that look in other men’s eyes before when they’d looked at her, and she knew exactly what it meant.

She’d known it before his eyes had given it away, though, and she doubted he’d ever say the words.

Nicki knew she’d have to be first to confess her love for him, to say the l word, and why not? It wasn’t like her feelings for Sean were secret. And she thought she’d be okay if he never said it. Seeing it on his face was enough. But did she have the strength to say it without hearing it back? And would Sean feel like a total shit not being able to say it?

She didn’t know for sure. She just knew Sean well enough to know that he might not be able to do it. She knew most of it stemmed from his childhood and his lack of a real male parent combined with questionable father figures growing up. He’d never seen another man model a healthy relationship. In fact, he’d seen his mother pick some real winners when it came to men, so Nicki was almost surprised Sean had even been able to maintain the girlfriends he’d had in the past. He himself had said, though, that women didn’t stay, and maybe the fact that he couldn’t say those words had something to do with it.

Maybe…but Nicki also doubted he’d even had those feelings for most of the girls he’d been with over the past decade. Being one of Sean’s closest friends, even without his ever saying so, Nicki knew he’d come close to loving a couple of those girls, but he’d never quite made it there. They’d never stayed long enough. She wondered if maybe he’d pushed them away.

Nicki rolled over to look at the alarm clock. A few minutes after eight. She needed to get up and get moving. She had a short shift at Napoli Pizzeria later that night, but she wanted to be prompt for her scheduled meeting at ten o’clock. She was going to see a guy named T that she’d met a couple of weeks earlier while doing some of the most intense investigative reporting she’d done to date. T was a scary guy and Sean would have freaked out if he’d known Nicki was meeting him again, but she’d been relieved and even humbled when he’d honored her request to another interview, especially after the interview subject who’d put Nicki in touch with T, the prostitute who’d gone by the street name Mercedes, had wound up dead just days later.

She sat up and stretched. She decided to jump in the shower after another cup of coffee, and if Jillian still wasn’t awake by the time she was ready to leave, she’d write her friend a note. But after she threw on the tank top she’d been wearing earlier and a pair of sweats, she walked out to the kitchen. Sean had placed the newest edition of the Winchester Tribune on the table, and Nicki planned to glance through it, but not without a cup of coffee.

She located the coffee mug she had earlier and poured and doctored herself another cup, sitting down at the table and glancing through the paper. That’s when she heard her bedroom door open. She looked up and saw Jillian peeking out. “Is the coast clear?” her friend asked.

Nicki laughed. “Depends on what you mean.”

“Let’s just say I don’t want Sean to see me running around his apartment in pajamas, but I really gotta go.”

“He’s at work. You’re safe.”

Jillian nodded and ran into the bathroom. Nicki refrained from laughing at her friend’s bedhead. For the past four years, Jillian had worn her black hair super-short, but she’d been growing it out the last few months. It wasn’t so short it couldn’t get messed up anymore, but it wasn’t long enough to avoid the problem either. It was now the perfect length to look completely fucked up in the morning.

When Jillian exited the bathroom, Nicki asked if she wanted some coffee. “Yes. I’d love some. I was going to get dressed first, but I guess it’s safe enough, right?”

“Yeah, Sean’s coffee hasn’t killed anyone yet.”

Jillian smiled and rolled her eyes at her friend’s stupid joke and walked into the kitchen. “Where are the coffee mugs?”

“In the cabinet right over the coffee pot.” While Jillian opened the cabinet door, Nicki asked, “So…you’re planning to go home today, right?”

Jillian looked over at Nicki, one of her eyebrows pressing down. “Sick of me already?”

“No…no, that’s not it. I just…I’m worried about the kids.”

Jillian started laughing, pouring coffee into the black mug she’d set on the counter. “You…worried about my kids?” She laughed again. “That’s rich.”

Nicki turned her head to the side. “You know, just because I’m not a fan of children doesn’t mean I don’t care. And I know your children adore you.”

Jillian’s expression turned sour but she asked, “Where’s the sugar?” Before Nicki could reply, she said, “Oh, never mind.” Jillian pulled a small bowl away from the wall and scooped a couple of spoonfuls of sugar into her cup. Then she backed away from the counter to look for a silverware drawer. Without even asking, she opened one drawer (full of knives) and then another (pay dirt!) and pulled out a teaspoon. She started stirring her coffee. “Well, they adore Nate more. I’m always the bad guy, and daddy’s who they always want to see. So, trust me. They’ll be okay without me for a day or so.”

Oh, shit. Apparently, there was a lot more going on with her friend than Nicki had at first realized. What really sucked was Nicki had no real frame of reference. Never having been a mother or a wife and not having other friends who were parents, she couldn’t really relate to a lot of the dilemmas Jillian faced on a day-to-day basis. All she could do would be to offer support and friendship. She took a deep breath, struggling for words, as Jillian started walking toward the table and sat down. “Jilly, I’ve seen you with your kids. They love you.”

Jillian sighed, staring into her coffee cup. “Yeah, I know they do. I’m just so…pissed at Nate right now.”

Nicki remembered her conversation with Sean. “Are you sure Nate’s cheating on you?”

“Oh, no. I’m not entirely convinced. I just know he’s not happy with us right now, and maybe that’s where my feelings are coming from.”

“Is it something you can talk to him about?”

“Believe me, I’ve tried. Just the other night, I asked him what was going on, why he’d been so distant. He denied that he even was and just said he’s been really busy with work. He’s tired and under a lot of pressure. And I wanted to believe him. I really did.”

“But…?”

“But…well, like…he complains about our sex life. Not exciting enough, he says, but then when I want to have sex, he’s too tired or too busy. Have you ever known a man who’s too busy to have sex? Seriously? It’s bullshit, Nick, and yesterday I just snapped. And, honestly, I don’t have the guts to ask him about the hang-up phone calls, the ones with no caller ID. I think if the calls were for him, he might lie about it.”

Nicki remembered the idea Sean had planted in her head last night and refused to acknowledge it. “Don’t you think you’d be able to tell if he was lying, especially if you caught him off guard?”

Jillian shrugged and took a sip of her coffee. “I don’t know. I just…wish things could be like they were. You know, before little Nathan became such a little shit and dominated our every waking moment.”

Nicki smiled. Yeah, their oldest child was a little shit, but he was still a cute kid, and Nicki knew they loved him. “Have things changed that much?”

“It seems like they have…like we don’t have much time together anymore. I know part of that is just having three kids. They’re demanding. I’m sure it will help some this fall when Nathan Junior goes to school.”

“Seriously, Jilly, if it were me, I’d talk to him about it. Really talk to him. Can you see if maybe your mother-in-law could keep the kids over the weekend and the two of you go away somewhere? Maybe to a ski resort or, hell, even just to a nice hotel in Colorado Springs? Maybe if you guys could just get away from all the distractions and problems for a day or so and just focus on each other…”

Jillian was staring inside her mug at the dark liquid inside. She nodded. “Yes, I guess it’s worth a shot.” She took a drink of her coffee. “So, now that my mind is clearer, tell me again—how the hell did you and Sean happen?”

It was a long story, Nicki thought, one her friend probably wouldn’t want to hear. But Nicki could sum it up in just a sentence or two. “It just sorta happened. I think it was ‘cause we were in each other’s presence constantly, you know? It was pretty hard to resist each other anymore.”

Jillian smiled. “You mean it was hard for him to resist you anymore.”

“Well, yeah, sure.”

“And how’s it working out? I mean, sure, I’ll give you this—Sean was pretty weird last night, and by weird I mean nice. Making dinner, being real cool, but how’s he the rest of the time?”

“He’s Sean, Jilly. He’s fine.”

“You know he’s kind of a dick most of the time, don’t you?”

“He’s not, and I don’t know why you always say that.”

“He is, Nick, and you just don’t see it because you’ve carried a torch for him for so long. But that part of him has never bothered you.”

“I promise you, Jilly, if you got to know him, you’d see what I see.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“So…how long are you planning to stay? Seriously, no pressure.”

“Oh…I’ll probably shower here in a while and then head home. But I want to wait a while. I want to make sure Nate is gone. Right now, I can deal with his mom a whole lot better than I can deal with him. I’m just not in the mood, especially after how he acted all sweet on the phone last night when I called—all apologetic and saccharine. Sorry, but actions speak louder than words, right? And I don’t want sweet talk followed with distant behavior.” She took a deep breath and sipped her coffee. “We’ll see how he acts tonight after work. Until then…. Oh, and I don’t plan to wash his underwear anymore until he shapes up.”

Wow. Jillian was a lot angrier than Nicki had even suspected. She knew, though, that she’d sensed it over the last couple of months based on things Jillian had said. A few snide comments here and there and weird questions, but she’d blown it off, knowing Jillian would come to her in due time. She had, but she’d hit Nicki with something heavier than she’d expected.

They sat in silence for a few moments, Jillian apparently feeling some relief. Nicki finally said, “You okay if I get ready? I have an interview at ten.”

“Oh, yeah, sure. I didn’t mean to disrupt your whole life.”

“You didn’t.” Nicki stood up to fill her coffee cup one last time. “Besides, isn’t that what friends are for?”

Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1oooHjz

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1094TLA

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1uwl6Hs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1EagVTI

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1zoZa2X

 

The post Throwback Thursday: BLIND (Nicki Sosebee 8) appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

Nicki Sosebee is BACK!

First off, yes.  I won NaNoWriMo again this year.  It’s a great way to get me focused and writing hard.  More about that shortly…but THIS first:

I’ve already announced this on Facebook, but my blog is my headquarters…so here’s the main announcement.

I have this weird and wacky BUT COOL idea…and it has to do with Nicki Sosebee. The next Nicki book (Lies) is begging to be written (and I plan to write it as soon as I’m done with Bullet #6: Locked and Loaded…which should happen later today—the last Bullet book, by the way), but I want to make it fun and a big huge deal!

I’m going to have a writing marathon. Yeah, a MARATHON and, yes, just me. I recently read a book [How to Write a Novella in 24 Hours (and Other Questionable and Possibly Insane Advice on Creativity for Writers) by Andrew Mayne] about writing in which the author suggests challenging oneself to a writing marathon–not like NaNoWriMo, where you pick at your novel a little each day until, after a month, you have 50,000+ words (and possibly a whole story). Nope. He’s talking full-on haul ass. Nowadays, I’m constantly short on time and cannot literally write a novella in a day’s time, but my writing needs a kick in the rear, and I love this idea enough to put my own spin on it. So here’s what I’m thinking…

This coming Friday (12/4/15) through the following Monday (12/7/15), I have five to eight hours each day free (give or take, depending upon what I have going on). If I write at full-on “haul ass” speed, I could conceivably write the next Nicki novel–from start to finish–in those four days. I thought making it public could be a lot of fun…so I will post a daily update on my blog and several daily updates on my FB page and Twitter feed starting Friday…including posting teasers, Nicki trivia, and end-of-day word counts. I’ll have to do some prep (like setting “mileposts”–which is as close to plotting as I ever get–re-reading some key Nicki scenes, and doing a little research) beforehand, but I think it could be fun.

So let’s talk about what a novel is. Mayne himself points out that a novella is a short novel, but I want and need and have enough material for an entire story. That means this book will clock in at 40,000 words or more. The question is…can I do it in four days? Or at least get close? We’ll find out! Please run with me, keeping your eyes peeled for my daily recap here!

P.S. I now know for certain that the Nicki Sosebee series will have four more books for a total of thirteen…and I’m hoping to publish them all in 2016. Cross your fingers. Nicki fans are long overdue!

The post Nicki Sosebee is BACK! appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales

Just a super quick post to let you know about my Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.    If you don’t have these books–or if you know someone else who doesn’t–now’s the time to pick them up.  All these books are only 99 cents through Monday!

Bullet Box Set (a collection of Bullet, Rock Bottom, and Feverish)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MJtpEv

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/21aLoxf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1SbJW7G

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MuF8J5

ARe: http://bit.ly/1PGEoo7

Dead (Nicki Sosebee #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/MeW2QZ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1eYBdQB

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/NeOAGi

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1mDxLWo

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1vpywTy

Everything But (Tangled Web #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/Qm90yO

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1gxyZK2

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zRaukC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/XQSAmj

iTunes: http://bit.ly/YWPiOA

Also…the first books in the Tangled Web and Nicki Sosebee series are permanently 99 cents, so if you don’t have those, you can pick those up for a bargain as well!  Blurbs are below…and happy shopping!

BULLET BOX SET

The first three novels in the Bullet series, described as “gritty,” “raw,” and “real.” Find out why readers have dubbed Jade C. Jamison the “Queen of Rock Romance.”

This limited edition box set includes the first three books of the bestselling Bullet series–well over 1100 pages of angst, heartache, heartbreak, sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

BULLET (Book 1)

An Epic Rock Star Novel

What if you discover the man you want is toxic?

She tasted a little bit of heaven with him, and now they’ve gone through hell and back, but can their relationship take anymore?

Valerie Quinn is a naïve college freshman when she meets on-the-rise rock star Ethan Richards. He’s an idealistic, handsome, reckless young man, but he’s captured her heart. She doesn’t give up on him and eventually his walls crumble down. By the time Valerie has given herself to him completely, she discovers he’s damaged and may be beyond help. Can she save Ethan and their relationship before he implodes, or will he self-destruct and take her with him?

ROCK BOTTOM (Book 2)

Rock star Ethan Richards has fought depression and a host of other demons all his adult life, and it’s caused him to lose everything—his wife, his son, his friends, and he almost loses the one thing that means the most to him—his band. He hits rock bottom and believes there is no way out.

Enter Jenna McCormick, a feisty drug and alcohol counselor, a woman with her own share of troubles. She finds Ethan intriguing but keeps him at a distance while trying to help him face life without crutches. She feels a spark but denies it, knowing that a relationship with unstable Ethan could be dangerous for both of them.

Ethan knows what he wants, though, and isn’t used to being told no. Jenna isn’t willing to risk Ethan losing his tenuous grip on sobriety, however, and is prepared to deny her deeper feelings to help Ethan climb out of his hole, but he learns how to let go of his pain when he finds that someone is prepared to walk with him through the shadows. Can he convince Jenna that they should take a chance on love or will they forever deny their feelings in an effort to keep Ethan on the straight and narrow?

FEVERISH (Book 3)

…To be loved by the good guy

…To be f**ked by the bad boy

He’ll make you FEVERISH either way…

Clayton “Jet” Smith has enjoyed acting the part of rock star god / incorrigible bad boy since his breakup with rock goddess Valerie Quinn. He’s racking up quite a score playing the field, and he has no plans to settle down anytime soon. His biggest problem these days is meeting his obligations. He’s so busy having fun, he forgets the important things.

To help him out, he hires recent graduate Emily Brinkman to be his personal assistant, and he quickly finds a fire burning in his belly for her. There are two problems, however. The first is that Emily is engaged to be married, a fact that leaves Jet unfazed. The second problem isn’t so easy to surmount, though: Emily is disgusted and unimpressed by both sides of the man.

Will Clay find a way to persuade Emily to try him out, not just for one night, but for all time?

Save over 20% off the price of the individual books by picking up this limited edition box set today!

Dead

Nicki Sosebee’s adventures continue…

Nicki’s love life might suck, but her sex life is great. The only way both could be spectacular would be if her best friend Sean would look at her as more than just a friend. Nicki knows she’s stuck in the friend zone, so she focuses her energies on her job. She’s becoming a better reporter every day, so when her editor asks her to interview a local politician, Nicki is thrilled. But when the politician’s secretary ends up dead, it’s anybody’s guess as to who did it. Nicki has a few ideas, though, and finds herself in deep trouble as she pokes her nose where she thinks it belongs.

Everything But

High school English teacher Erin Lancaster is stuck with the unwelcome job of filling in for the injured cheerleading coach, but she wants to back out when she discovers she has to be auctioned as a date during the annual spring fundraiser. She’s horrified to find her rock star crush Riley Schultz, former frontman of Spawn, will be playing emcee for the event, but she’s even more shocked that he also happens to be the highest bidder for her affections, and sparks fly when she discovers that maybe their attraction is mutual.

Riley’s been in the music business long enough to know that true love is not in the cards for him, but the cute blonde he’s dropped a wad of cash on would be a welcome distraction during his vacation. He has no idea there’s more to her than meets the eye.

Will one week together be enough for them to quell the flames, to enjoy everything but?

NOTE:  This book can be read as a standalone novel…but why would you want to?

Feeling Thankful

Like most human beings, I think, I tend to want to see the glass half full but often notice the empty part quite acutely…and, even though I feel gratitude that half the contents are still in the glass, I bemoan whatever happened to the missing half!

Without going into a lot of agonizing details, let me just say that I’ve spent the past two years like this–wondering and worrying about the missing stuff, instead of celebrating what’s there.  I have spent the past two months trying to readjust my attitude, and I’ve been repeating this mantra I found online:  Expect nothing; appreciate everything.

So, I just wanted to take a moment on this very special day to say this:  There are a lot of you–you might even be reading this now!–who have discovered me and “stuck by me” through thick and thin.  You read some of my books, or an occasional one, or you devour them all.  You peek in once in a while to see what I’m working on.  You might leave the occasional review on Amazon or Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.  To you, I wish to say thank you.  Thank you for all you do for me and continue to do.  I appreciate it.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by your loved ones.

The post Feeling Thankful appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

Throwback Thursday: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

I wrote the book Be Careful What You Wish For in response to readers asking for it, based on their feelings about the short story of the same name (that story appeared in my book Quickies).  The short story–at its heart–deals with cheating and karma, but I knew I wanted to explore a bigger theme in a full-sized novel, and that was surrounding the issue of trust.  Here’s a blurb and a chapter from the book, and this book is going to be the first part of a series (I’ve planned three other books).

Blurb:

Forbidden desire is just the beginning…

Jessica, a college student struggling with day-to-day bills, is given an offer she can’t refuse. A married woman who is convinced that her husband Kage is cheating on her offers Jessica enough money to repair her dying car in exchange for Jessica’s attempt to destroy the woman’s marriage.

Jessica succeeds but discovers something else–she and Kage are soulmates, destined to find each other.

But as they attempt to carve out their places in each other’s lives, Jessica finds herself plagued with doubts, and she begins to suspect that Kage is once a cheater, always a cheater. Can their relationship survive or was it doomed from the start?

The following excerpt is for readers 18+

Chapter Four from Be Careful What You Wish For (April 2014)

Later that night, I was in a different bar (just a couple of blocks away from the one that employed me). I was wearing a black vinyl miniskirt and a snug red tank with black thigh high boots that matched the skirt. My makeup was a little heavier than usual (okay, a lot heavier), and I wore my hair down. I knew I looked good, but I hoped I didn’t look too skanky. I didn’t want to be a complete turnoff.

No…it would be good if I did. Then I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about anything.

Lindsey and Steph (our other roomie) had questioned my outfit and especially my makeup.   I stood in front of my full-length mirror before I left our apartment, and it felt a little surreal. Yeah, that was me there—dark brown hair, pale green eyes accentuated with the false eyelashes I’d donned—but I looked different. I’d never thought I was a girl who could look hot, but with Lindsey’s help, I’d accomplished the impossible.

I thought I looked irresistible, but only time would tell.

An hour later, sometime after seven, I sat at the bar scoping out the place. It wasn’t the kind of bar I would ever choose to go to on my own. There were a lot of rough-looking guys there—bikers, body builders, jocks, probable gang members. It was a bar for men. In fact, the only other woman I’d seen was Fay, and she’d gone to great lengths to make sure she wasn’t visible.

So, you’d think being the only woman in a bar, I’d be getting hitting on constantly, but that definitely wasn’t the case. I think it’s because I was an outsider. Women just didn’t come here, and the regulars figured I’d take the hint if I wasn’t encouraged. At least, that was the vibe I got.

It felt like a man cave. It wasn’t a gay bar. It was men engaged in manly banter, drinking, pool, and darts. They were doing things with their bros, and hos shouldn’t have the gall to bother them, invading their territory when they weren’t welcome.

Well, too bad. I was, no matter what that place felt like.

I again spied Fay sitting in a booth across the bar. She was wearing a black wig and sunglasses. Yes, I’m completely serious. I couldn’t believe she wanted to watch while I tried to tempt her husband. I was becoming more and more convinced that the woman was sick. From my vantage point, I could see her if I turned completely around, but the boys at the pool table I could see just by looking to my side.

And, my God, they were all hot, but Kage was smokin’. He would have been the guy I’d wanted out of the three even if I hadn’t been on a mission to destroy his marriage in exchange for car repair. And Fay’s pictures hadn’t included all the tattoos on his arms. Holy hell. The guy was gorgeous and was flipping every switch I had without even knowing it.

I sucked in another breath. No, I wasn’t trying to destroy his marriage. I couldn’t think that way. Instead, I was testing his faithfulness, and he could turn me down.

I slammed the shot in front of me, hoping it would give me more courage, and then paid the bartender to have his cocktail waitress take a drink to the man in my sights. (Aha! A cocktail waitress. A comrade in arms!) I was sending over a shot for him, one of tequila. Fay had told me it was one of his favorites, so it would be a great way to break the ice. I was biting down, my jaw clenched tight, feeling way more nervous than I should, and I considered ordering another shot of my own. But I had to watch his response. And when she took the drink to him, a short conversation between them ensued, but he looked over at me and nodded, then slammed the shot. I smiled.

But nothing happened. He smiled back and said thanks, but then went back to his pool game.

Yeah…it might have been the man cave vibe, but I got the feeling Kage’s reaction was more than that, that if this guy was cheating, he had a special someone. He should have jumped on my invitation. Maybe I wasn’t his type.

But I wasn’t ready to give up yet, and I knew Fay wouldn’t let me off the hook this early on anyway. She would demand eight hundred dollars’ worth of effort. So I asked the bartender to send Kage and his three buddies another round of the beers they were finishing up, and I paid him for that too.

I should have asked Fay to pay for all expenses as well, because the drinks were adding up quickly. Maybe I’d try to negotiate that later. But my thought with blowing more money on multiple drinks was this: If the guy whose attention I was trying to get was blowing me off, maybe I’d have to get his friends’ attention instead. This time when the waitress took the beers to them and the guys started to look over, I was already on my way to their area in the bar. No way I was going to try to put a little extra sway in my step, because I’d likely fall over in those tall boots. It would have helped the image, but falling on my ass wouldn’t. It wasn’t worth the risk.

When I arrived at my destination, I didn’t look the hot guy named Kage in the eyes…not yet. He’d had his chance, and now I had to play a little hard to get. So I looked over at the tallest guy and said, “You guys looked a little parched.”

“We were, little lady. What did we do to deserve this attention?”

I smirked, not ready to give up my secret yet. So I shrugged, trying to appear coy and teasing. “Let’s just say I hate drinking alone.” I got closer to the tall guy with long brown hair and said, “Mind if I watch you guys play? I mean…it seems like this is kind of a guys’ night, but…”

“I’m cool with it.” He spoke with authority as though he were speaking for the other guys. But the smiling guy with long blonde hair and the guy with short spiky blonde hair didn’t seem to mind, either. In fact, I caught the spiky blonde guy checking me out when I looked over. But the guy I was here for…I was pretty sure his wife had it all wrong. He was avoiding me like I had Ebola and examining the table so he could set up his next shot.

“I guess I should introduce myself. I’m Jessica.”

The spiky blonde guy came around the pool table and offered his hand. “Jason.” I took it and he seemed reluctant to let it go. Maybe my plans had worked too well. “The big tall guy there is Mark, and the dude next to him we call Diesel. Mr. Quiet’s name is Kage.” I shook Mark’s hand—nice and warm—followed by Diesel, and then turned and Kage was finally looking at me. And that did it. I felt like I was going to melt. Jesus. His eyes were warm, almost caressing, and even though he still seemed reserved, I could tell he wasn’t as big a dick as he’d first acted. In fact, when he took my hand in his, he held mine firmly but not hard. It felt almost possessive, and I could tell my smile was waning as my eyes searched his. Aha. So he was interested. I felt then like I wouldn’t be able to catch my breath.

But he was still going to play shy. Mark said, “We’re just gonna keep on playing. You can watch if you want.”

Jason grinned, continuing to stand next to me. “I just hope you bring me a little luck.” I stood back a little and watched them play a while. I’d definitely wrecked whatever flow they’d had going. I was a fifth wheel. I didn’t feel unwelcome, though; in fact, I felt a little like a princess whose attention they were trying to steal, but they were having to adjust to the feel I brought to the group. I hadn’t counted on the group testosterone factor, but when Kage had blown me off, I’d hoped to use it to my advantage. I was now hoping I hadn’t overplayed my hand.

As I stood watching them for the next few minutes, I was starting to feel like I was failing at my mission. By the same token, I didn’t want to just drape myself on hot guy Kage. I knew that if I came on too strong, I would blow it. The guy was married and was trying to stay faithful, and if he wasn’t, he’d hit on me before the night was over.

So I came up with a plan. I needed to spend most of the time flirting with someone else, and I chose Jason. Jason was a cutie with this spiky blonde hair and striking blue eyes, but he wasn’t my type, especially when there was a rocker type like Kage around. Still…I decided to flirt with him as much as he flirted with me, and later I’d make my move. I needed Kage to see me through someone else’s eyes as desirable and attractive, and Jason managed to do that. I needed to keep it friendly and light, though, because I didn’t want Jason to start hitting on me in earnest.

“How hard is it to get the ball in the pocket if you’ve been drinking a lot?”

He chuckled. “Let’s just say my playing gets worse as the night goes on.”

We kept up a light banter but I was looking for my opportunity to make a move on Kage. He hadn’t seemed interested as yet. I hoped Jason’s feelings wouldn’t be hurt, but surely all these guys knew. After all, whom had I bought the shot for first?

Well, they were no dummies. After that game, Mark jabbed Diesel in the ribs and told him to help him “fetch another round” of beers. “You in too?” he asked me and I nodded. Jason then excused himself to “take a piss,” and that left me alone all of a sudden with Kage.

He was setting up the table for the next game, and I couldn’t tell if he was trying to keep his distance from me or not. I moved close to him. I didn’t touch him, didn’t want to completely blow it, but—because I knew Fay was watching—I didn’t want to be accused of not trying hard enough. “So…do you really like pool? ‘Cause you act like you’d rather be anywhere but here.”

He looked up at me and grinned. Oh, shit. That was a panty melter. I felt my heart start beating just a little faster, as though I’d been power walking. “Let’s just say it’s been a rough week.”

I smiled back. “Well, it must be in the air, because I’ve have a shitty week too.”

“It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t Jason and me against Mark and Diesel. They’re the better players and they’ve beaten us twice now. Guess it’s a good thing I just play for fun.”

I looked down at his hands. He had tattoos past his wrists. God, was that sexy. I noticed that he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. I couldn’t tell by glancing if he ever did. I panicked momentarily, wondering if I had the right guy, but I knew I did. He was the same guy who had been in the picture. I had the right person. I was just questioning myself, and I knew that was probably normal, especially considering I was going against everything that felt right to me.

I took a deep breath, trying to push those thoughts out of my head. His hand was on the triangle, rolling the balls around. I asked, “So what else do you do for fun?”

“You mean besides playing games I’m no good at?”

I smiled at him again. His eyes were probing mine. What was he looking for? I couldn’t get my lips to move at first. “Yeah.”

His lips curled up on one side. Yes, he was definitely assessing me, and I was starting to get the vibe that maybe Fay was right. I swallowed, and I would have bet anything at that moment I looked like prey. He probably was sleeping around on her. I’d have to make sure he used a condom, because God knew what nasty things his dick had touched.

I was captivated by his charms, though, and I almost didn’t care that he was cheating on his wife, simply using me to get off, playing me for a fool. There was something magnetic about him, and I just didn’t give a shit. He swallowed and my eyes were drawn to his Adam’s apple. He was wearing a chain around his neck. Oh…I wanted to kiss him there, lick the line that chain made, but I wouldn’t want to stop and loop back up. No, I’d want to keep kissing lower and lower. But I realized I was staring and forced my eyes back to his. They were smoldering now, almost ablaze, and he said, “Well…when I’m not working, I have a little fun playing in a rock band.”

No. He was teasing now, right? “Are you kidding?”

He smiled again. “No. I was lying when I said it was just for fun. It’s not. I’d rather do that than anything else.”

I had a hard time taking in a breath. “What do you play?”

Oh, if he couldn’t tell he had me by the throat, he was an idiot. “I’m the lead singer. But I play bass too.”

Shit. I was done for. If I had any real weakness, it was for rock stars. Robb had been a drummer for his rock band. His band wasn’t the greatest, but I didn’t care, because they looked so hot onstage. And now I had this sexy semi rock god in front of me, and he was starting to feel like he was mine for the taking. And I was sure Kage’s band was better than Robb’s, even without even hearing them.

And that was all it took. We engaged in a real conversation focused on music. By the time Jason returned, he knew he didn’t stand a chance with me, because Kage and I had hit it off. As though the shot of tequila wasn’t enough for him to know my interest, I’m sure the way my eyes had glazed over were confirmation.

“So what kind of rock do you play?”

“Metalcore.”

“Oh, my God. You’re yanking my chain!”

He smiled again. “I’m not.”

“You are. You must have seen the tattoo on my forehead that branded me a sucker.”

He started laughing. “Okay, Jessica.” Oh. That sounded like a purr to my ears and I took a deep breath, hoping my eyes didn’t look ravenous. “Tell me some of your favorite bands.”

“Killswitch Engage.” He nodded. “Asking Alexandria.”

“Nice. What about The Devil Wears Prada and Blessthefall?”

“Oh, yeah. They’re both awesome.”

“They are.” He grabbed his beer mug and finished the drink I’d bought him.

“My fave, though?”

“Yeah?”

“Bullet for My Valentine.”

He nodded. “I’ve seen them in concert.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, the last time they came to Denver. They’re great live. But I’ve seen Asking Alexandria and Blessthefall in concert too. Nothing like live music.”

I nodded in agreement, and it was about that time that Jason joined us again. I smiled at him for a brief moment and saw the look on his face—he knew he’d “lost” to Kage. It wasn’t thirty seconds later that Mark and Diesel also returned, and they brought me a beer too. The guys started playing their next game and even invited me to play along, but I knew I’d just complicate matters…although I wouldn’t have minded trying to figure out how to get Kage to help me learn how to play.

We continued talking about music and the other guys joined in once in a while, but it was mostly just Kage and me, the other guys remaining in their own conversations. It was incredible, because the one constant for me in my life was always music. It was the one thing that had never let me down, had never made promises it couldn’t keep, and it had gotten me through a lot of bad times in my life. So finding that this hot guy felt strongly about music too was icing on the cake. For that brief time, I even forgot for a while that he was married. He was just a guy I was extremely interested in. The feeling was mutual too; I could tell. We got so into our conversation that once or twice one of the other guys had to remind Kage to play his turn. That was odd, because I knew guys liked and needed their bonding time. Of course, I had come along and messed that all up…and it felt like Kage and I had known each other forever.

It was around ten o’clock when Mark said, “Man, I gotta call it a night.”

Jason and Diesel agreed.

Kage said, “It’s not that late, pussies.”

Diesel said, “Yeah, well, we gotta work in the morning, unlike some guys…”

“I still work forty hours a week, man. I just do it faster than you.”

Diesel flipped him off and he grinned again. Yeah, it was a winning smile. I was captivated. After the guys left the bar, telling me it was nice to meet me and then doing guy goodbyes with each other, Kage excused himself to go to the men’s room. First, though, he asked, “You okay to drive?”

He’d only seen me drink a couple of beers, but I thought it was sweet that he’d ask. I tried to look cute and seductive, puckering out my lower lip a little. “I could drive, but I didn’t bring my car.” I felt better about not lying. I was avoiding using my car at all costs, and Steph dropped me off on her way to Walmart. I figured I could get a ride home from Fay if the plan failed.

Kage nodded. “Hmm.” And then he was off to the restroom. He’d grown more reserved since his friends had left, and I was bummed, because we’d hit it off so well.

But I knew—it was now or never. I took a deep breath and slammed what was left of my beer, then walked through the doorway that led to the hall. It wasn’t long before he came out of the men’s room and I got close to him. At least if he turned me down now, I could tell Fay without feeling like a liar that I’d given it my best shot. I’d never been so forward with a man before, but I’d promised to test his resolve. I placed my hand on his chest to stop him from moving forward. “I think we need to get out of here.”

I was so close to him that I could have felt his breath on my cheek at the right angle. And there was that magnetic pull. I wanted him so badly, even knowing the filthy distasteful facts. But he placed his hands on my shoulders. Oh. This was it. He was getting ready to reject me. Part of me felt a huge weight slide off my back. I could sleep tonight, knowing I hadn’t made him break his sacred vow. And, connection or not, I would get over him. “Look, Jessica, you seem like a nice girl, but there’s something I haven’t told you.” He took a deep breath as if to find his willpower. “I’m married…and I can’t cheat on my wife.”

I couldn’t look him in the eye anymore. While I felt glad on the one hand and disappointed on the other, I also felt something else: ashamed. I felt like a homewrecking whore, and I dropped my eyes. I couldn’t look in his anymore. His hands were a little too tight around my shoulders, though, and that kept me focused, so when I looked down, I saw that he could probably be persuaded with a little more effort. That magnetic pull I felt toward him? Well, he was feeling it for me too.

And the greedy side of me, the part that wanted this man worse than I’d ever wanted anyone else, decided to act on that. I got closer to him and got up a little on my tiptoes so I could breathe in his ear. “Your lips say you can’t…but your cock says something else entirely.” And in that second, I cupped his package in my hand. It couldn’t have been any harder. I heard and felt a hot breath of air escape his lips and then he did push me away. I was impressed that he had that kind of willpower, because mine was completely gone.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jnUP3q

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/QpFb0m

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1r3QgoP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1oUesGJ

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ozNJjn

ARe: http://bit.ly/1wXwNDI

The post Throwback Thursday: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.

About Finicky Muses and Finicky Others…

I was admonished by a reader on my Facebook page last week. She was upset that I hadn’t written the next Nicki book and told me that she hasn’t read my last few books and will not because she feels like I have abandoned the Nicki Sosebee series. I’m not sure if she said it meaning for it to come across as a punishment or a threat, but—either way—her tone came through loud and clear and I wanted to address her concerns, not just to her but, perhaps, to anyone else who has been silent but feels the same way.

First, let’s talk about ME and my writing process. I wrote the last Nicki book (Fake) because I felt like it was time and I felt the pressure from readers. The story did not feel fully developed in my head or heart, but I forced it out just the same, because I know—I get it!—that there are many of you out there eager and desperate to read Nicki’s story. I soooo get that, and I’m really sorry for the wait.

Let me assure you I have not abandoned Nicki. I love her and I love her story.

Let me tell you, though, that forcing myself to write something that’s not ready is like paddling upstream. It’s hard work, something regular writers will understand. It doesn’t flow like it should. It’s like the difference between an out-of-shape person digging a ditch and a well-rehearsed professional performing a ballroom dance. One is hot and sweaty and—even though it’ll get done—it’s been laborious and more time-consuming than it should have been, and it’s not nearly as elegant or efficient as it usually is. The other is a pleasure to watch from start to finish and feels effortless, seamless, and beautiful.

I get new ideas for books (both standalones and the series I’m already working on) all the time, and my brain churns them and percolates them until something seemingly magic happens and my subconscious announces to my conscious, “Hey! This book is ready!” Most times, I still have to wait to write it because I’m in the middle of writing something else. Also, most of the time, I know when a book is almost ready. And that would be the next Nicki book, Lies. Unfortunately for Ms. Sosebee, I am in the middle of writing three other books (Locked and Loaded, Boiling Point, and a book I’m tentatively titling Snapped), but she is next…because I think her next story will be fully percolated by the time I’m done with these three. And the best news is that this story will NOT feel forced. I actually already know the end of the series and several key scenes, but you want real stories, not just a few scenes slapped together with a little putty. You want real. You want Nicki…and you will get her, all in due time.

So…back to the Facebook post. It was pretty mean-spirited. First off, it was public. I don’t necessary have a huge issue with that, but I wasn’t sure about her motivation behind it. Secondly and more importantly, however, this is the first time I’ve heard (or remember hearing) from this reader during the interim. I haven’t seen this reader pop up from time to time, asking, “When’s the next Nicki book?” or telling me she’s desperate to read the next one. I haven’t gotten an email from her or a message begging for the next book. I have, however, had several other readers asking about different books.

If you want to know what I’m writing or want to tell me what you want to read from me next, I think the best way would be by using your manners, just like you would in any other situation. There’s nothing wrong with saying you’re disappointed in the fact that I haven’t written the next Nicki book. Hell, I’m bummed about that too. I wish I could understand the way my brain works—but I can’t, and I only know it’s best if I go with the flow. There’s also nothing wrong with telling me you really, really, REALLY want the next Nicki book, and there’s nothing bad about asking me frequently. Hell, you might even influence my weird brain, because you’ll be keeping Nicki on my radar and putting the pressure on. But trying to make me feel bad or ashamed? Well, if you know anything about the little rebel inside me, you’re actually influencing my brain to do the exact opposite of what you want it to do. So BE NICE.

Fortunately…my brain is already prepping Nicki, so no worries there, but really…what a bad fucking idea to call out an author in such a nasty way, especially this rebellious author…

That said, to all of my readers (even that one, because maybe she was just having a really bad day and took it out on me), peace and love and thanks for reading!

The post About Finicky Muses and Finicky Others… appeared first on Jade C. Jamison.