Y. Correa's Blog, page 4
January 8, 2021
Blog Tour Day 7
I know that may be a difficult concept to grasp, considering everything that is occurring in the world today. For the majority, the word “sucks” can apply to the year 2020. Like, seriously, can we get a redo?
But … there are some things I’d like to stay intact.
I had the opportunity to work with Adonis Mann once again, and just like that, Simmer: Sensual & Spicy was created.
It was all very impromptu, and yes, I am to blame for that one. But one has to strike while the iron’s hot. Otherwise, poof, the idea will be gone.
I am still high off the excitement of that release, which was back in December.
Another caveat that I’d like to keep intact was the opportunity to work with such fantastic minds for the final book in “Concordant Vibrancy”. I was unsure exactly where I was going to start or how I was going to go about it, but I did know that I had to show up and type as if my fingers were on fire.
But before I plunge into why I selected Optimism as the answer to the Extancy question, let me tackle the previous two.
What prompted me to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy collection?
I liked the incorporation of elements and the theme questions. Plus, erotica writers were not excluded from participating. Although I could have submitted all stories with an erotic flair, I really pushed the envelope, even unintentionally wandered into a new genre. It just goes to show that no one knows what to expect from me at any given moment. I like delivering that element of surprise.
Which Concordant Vibrancy books am I part of?
I couldn’t resist being a part of them all. My stories are as follows:
“Lester’s Release” - part of Unity“Return to Hues” - part of Vitality“The Satiationship” - part of Lustrate“Antipode” - part of Inferno and last, but not least“Rome’s Debris” - part of Extancy
Now, back to Extancy and why Optimism?
When a person is going through a situation that causes pain, there are so many steps to get to a place of healing. A motivating factor must exist for someone to want to heal; otherwise, why do it? If an individual possesses optimism, the neverending light at the end of the tunnel, then it is the rebellion against the darkness. It is the encouragement that although it looks bleak, in time, all will be okay.
As you may know, rebellion and pressing on are two elements that are in my biology, much like my love for nail polish and fashion.
January 7, 2021
Blog Tour Day 6
The Concordant Vibrancy Collection holds an exceptionally important space in my heart.
Through this channel, Adonis Mann, the author was born. I will be eternally grateful for the doors it’s opened up for me.
My story of joining the Concordant Vibrancy project is an interesting one.
In 2014 I just recently signed my contract to become an All Authors Publishing House author. I was, as yet, inexperienced in the field and knew very little about anything other than I was now being represented by All Authors and I would have to complete the book I was working on very soon.
One day I received an email asking if I would be interested in participating in the anthology project. I was delighted but there was one big issue … I wasn’t published yet.
Being that I had yet to have a book on the market, how would this impact my participation in the anthology?
I reached out to my publisher and asked, for I was uncertain if I’d been invited erroneously.
Following was our conversation, paraphrased of course.
“Dear Jazz and Monica,” I said, “are you certain that I can be a part of the anthology? I’m not yet published.”
“Yes,” responded Monica, “you’re part of the house.”
“But I am not yet published ….”
“Then you’ll be published for the first time in the anthology,” responded Jazz.
Oh, how the pressure mounted at that very moment. It was overwhelming and surreal. I could scarcely believe that my very first publication would be through these means. But there it was … about to come to pass.
And in short order, it did.
My very first participation with anything All Authors at all was “... and we” the short story which was included in “Concordant Vibrancy 1: Unity”. After that, I was included in all of the installments with stories entitled, “Barbershop”, “Luster Lingers”, “Express-Oh” and now “Axis … Redefined”.
It’s been a great pleasure having been part of the fray and my heart breaks as witnessing the end of the road. However, I do know that it was a stupendous ride while it lasted.
Now, please enjoy a short excerpt of “Axis … Redefined”.
January 6, 2021
Blog Tour Day 5
What’s happening everyone? The Slightly Antisocial Socialite, also known as Da’Kharta Rising, here to talk about all things associated with Concordant Vibrancy.
What prompted you to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy concept?
No lie. At first, it was all about the exposure.
When I made my writing debut, I didn’t have too much under my belt, apart from a couple of free independent short stories: “Vocal Remedy” and “Simi’s Komma” (which later became extended into S.K.A.R.). Also, I was one-third of “The Collective”, so there were those three stories.
As time went on, I became more invested in the theme questions and really traveled the extra mile to put my “best pen forward”, especially in “Inferno” and the newest one “Extancy”.
Other than that, nada.
Which Concordant Vibrancy books are you featured in?
Originally, I was only featured in Books 1, 3, 4, and this latest one. Yet, when All Authors reemerged with guns blazing, one of the projects they wanted to update was the previous releases of Concordant Vibrancy. At that point, I became part of Book 2’s relaunch, delving into new territory, writing an essay.
Why did you choose a certain attribute as your answer to CV5's theme question?
I know … I know! It seems strange that someone whose main genres have to deal with drama and horror would land on “Felicity” as the answer to CV5’s theme question.
This time around, I wanted to show the readers a different side of me. One who has a sense of humor, albeit dark and sarcastic.
In “The Unmasking”, one may pick up parallels as it relates to the pandemic, but I put on my love for movie butter popcorn that all is fictional. Also, “The Unmasking” was written many months before any scientific advancements were reached.
I could have gone with a few excerpts which I found funny, but some of those would not be PG Book Tour friendly. Therefore, my publisher has selected one a bit more fitting with the cadence of the tour.
Okay … I think I’ve said all that has been required.
Now, for the supplemental aka “Braggadocios Bits”:
About the AuthorAlthough Da'Kharta Rising prides herself as the Slightly Anti-Social Socialite, or SASS, there is nothing non-engaging about the biology of what she writes. Her philosophy is somewhat of a throwback: systematically creating an air of mystery, intrigue and drama designed to keep the reader not only hooked but using one's imagination to follow a rich plot from beginning to end.
In short, Da'Kharta Rising embodies the Incandescence of a Cryptic Enigma.
Her body of work is composed of independently released works Vocal Remedy, S.K.A.R., Boundless Limits (Transcendent Choice, Book 1), and Apocawhat?.
Her stories “Unrest” "Omitted", and "The Kutters" appear in the Continuous Drips anthology. In addition, she has stories featured in the Divergent Ink collection: "Inside Me" and "Masato's Zion", respectively.
Future projects include participation in the next Divergent Ink books (“Cynosure” and “Synergism”) as well as the When Karma Speaks series.
For more information about Da’Kharta Rising, check out her website, Amazon Author Page, or Twitter @dakhartarising.
January 5, 2021
Blog Tour Day 4
(1) What prompted you to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy concept?
The thing that prompted me to participate in the Concordant Vibrancy concept was an invitation to do so. That’s the sort of proposal one just doesn’t turn down. To be asked to contribute to such a wonderful project is a high honor. Having my name and my work published alongside this group of skilled writers is an incredibly humbling experience. There’s also a challenge involved: Here’s a theme, now write a short story that encompasses this theme and brings it to life. Challenge accepted!
(2) Which Concordant Vibrancy books are you featured in?
I have been blessed to be part of four of the five anthologies. These include CV 2: Vitality, CV 3: Lustrate, CV 4: Inferno, and this latest edition, CV 5: Extancy. Each volume poses a theme and a question for the author to ponder while crafting a story around that theme.
(3) Why did you choose a certain attribute as your answer to CV5's theme question?
I chose the attribute of adaptation to answer the theme question—What intangible elixir is paramount to one’s survival?—because those who learn to adapt will be those who survive. And survival doesn’t always equal success or a happy ending. Life isn’t outlined for us. It doesn’t fit into the pages of a well-crafted novel. Humans are often presented with unforeseen events that change our world, ruin our plans, and re-write the roadmap we’ve plotted for ourselves. These various themes postured in each of the Concordant Vibrancy editions speak to the human soul and to the human struggle for life. To adapt is to survive.
About the Author
Beem Weeks is an author, editor, blogger, podcast host, and audio/video producer. He has written many short stories, essays, poems, and the historical fiction/coming of age novel entitled Jazz Baby. Beem has also released Slivers of Life: A Collection of Short Stories and Strange Hwy: Short Stories, as well as the novella The Thing About Kevin. He is a lifelong native of Michigan, USA. Beem is currently working on two novels and several short stories.
Social Media
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January 4, 2021
Blog Tour Day 3
(1) What prompted you to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy concept?
(2) Which Concordant Vibrancy books are you featured in?
(3) Why did you choose a certain attribute as your answer to CV5's theme question?
1. This is the third time I’ve participated in the Concordant Vibrancy series. I’ve known Y. Correa, Queen of Spades, and the All Authors family for a while.When they invited me to be part of volume 3 of the anthology, I jumped at the chance. I loved the first two volumes, and to me the concept of Concordant Vibrancy was unique.
Participating in the anthology challenged my mind. I delved into my philosophical side as I contemplated the theme’s question. Then I had to create a story centered around my answer. It was a fun experience, and Concordant Vibrancy helped break me out of my writing comfort zone. I was able to see what else I could create instead of my usual genre.
2. I’ve been featured in Lustrate, Inferno, and now the last volume Extancy.It’s been a pleasure to work alongside this wonderful group of authors who I admire. I’m sad to see the Concordant Vibrancy series come to an end, but I hope I’ll be able to continue working with All Authors in the future. 3. I choose strength as my answer to the theme’s question, and when I say strength I mean emotional strength.My CV5 story is inspired by my own life. Alzheimer’s runs in my family. My paternal grandmother had it, and my aunt was her caretaker. It was heartbreaking watching my grandmother’s mind slipping, and although my aunt never showed it, I knew it was tough on her.Now, several years later, I’m in the same situation.My mother was diagnosed with dementia about two years ago. At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but after confirmation from the doctor, I had to face the sad truth. I also stepped up and became my mother’s caretaker.Being a caretaker isn’t easy. Aside from the physical stress, it can also exhaust you mentally. Seeing the person you love have their memories and their personality taken away is difficult. I’ve had moments where I broke down, wondering why my mother has to go through this, and worrying about the future.As I explain to everyone, there are good days and bad days. Although there are challenging times, I manage to pull myself together to be the best daughter and caretaker I can be.
Author Links BlogTwitter Amazon
January 3, 2021
January 2, 2021
Blog Tour Day 1
The birth of Concordant Vibrancy took place many years ago.
During that time, All Authors was focused on the advocacy of all authors with the purpose of reaching all readers. We had expanded into many subsidiaries, two of which were All Authors Magazine and All Authors Publishing House. We had a handful of writers under our belt. Also, there were people who took part in the magazine, providing information, entertainment, and support.
Yes, the aspirations of All Authors were expansive and innovative. However, the funding we possessed was minimal.
With that said, we wanted to find a way to reward the participants of the Magazine and the Publishing House in lieu of monetary compensation.
After much thought, it was decided that those individuals would have the opportunity to be featured in a yearly publication, hosted by All Authors.
The 1st book of the Concordant Vibrancy collection Unity was released in January 2015. The 2nd and 3rd books, Vitality and Lustrate, were released in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
In late 2017, All Authors opted to go on hiatus for the purpose of relaxation, rejuvenation, and re-imagination.
What resulted from these three “R” was the redefinition of our organization’s existentialism, the luminosity of our expansiveness, and the degrees of transcendence that no longer was in alignment with the original credo of everyday inclusiveness.
Although smaller in design, yet more proficient, All Authors still believed that Concordant Vibrancy was adaptable to both our origins and our rebirth. It was only fitting that the 4th book Inferno hit shelves in January 2020.
It is with joy and a heavy heart that Concordant Vibrancy has reached completion with this upcoming release. However, please check out our brand new website with all the details of this fantastic work.
December 10, 2020
SIMMERING DUO; Book Release
Firstly, the Wordsmith of Whimsical Oases, also known as Adonis Mann, has joined his ink with the liberated pen of Synful Desire to form the simmering duo called …
Speaking of “simmering”, that brings us to the second reason for our enthusiasm.
Today is the fifth anniversary of when these two authors first combined their talents in Simmer: Smoothe and Sweet. To up the ante for this special event, All Authors Publishing House is proud to present a newly remastered edition, not just the interior but the exterior as well.
Blurb:
When love simmers sweet and passion simmers smooth, rhapsody is efficacious rapture.
Tommy and Spencer were meant for each other, that is, until a serendipitous encounter proves to be an enormous revelation. Will Luke, Tommy's childhood friend, serve to change the tide?
Kesha has finally told Teresa about her feelings. The only drawback is Teresa's engagement to Chris. Will Kesha bask in the bliss that only Teresa can bring, or will Chris get in the way?
Come feel the ardent emotions which steam under a silky surface with Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.
Pick up the Kindle Edition of Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet at Amazon.com!
Now, for the final and most important reason for exuberance … the unexpected follow-up to Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.
Whimsical Liberation, in conjunction with All Authors Publishing House, proudly present …
Blurb:
Adonis Mann and Synful Desire, the erotic duo now known as Whimsical Liberation, have returned with a steamy follow-up to Simmer: Smooth & Sweet.
Enter Simmer: Sensual & Spicy .
When seduction simmers Sensual and allure simmers Spicy, love is a Sinuous escape.
Adonis Mann (representing Whimsical):The return of an unexpected lover marks the test to Tommy and Luke’s union. When Tommy is forced to face his greatest fear, Luke is left to hope for the best outcome. Will the overture of serendipity lead to sensuous gratification or love amiss? Find out in "Smoothe and Sensual".
Synful Desire (representing Liberation):The fulfillment of simmering desire marked the foundation of Kesha and Teresa’s relationship. When Kesha becomes suspicious of Teresa’s attempts to spice up their sexual trysts, it triggers a hamster wheel of drama. Will Kesha and Teresa’s union stay the course or will the heat incinerate what they’ve built? Find out in "The Simmer of Spicy".
December 9, 2020
Simmer Sweet and The Simmer of Spicy
With that, I'm out.
Syn, take it away!
The concept of Simmer Sweet developed a few years before putting it into print. The story encompasses three traits: discovery, desire (no pun intended), and declaration.
Have you ever discovered a truth about yourself that may be uncomfortable to those closest to you?
Have you ever had desire for someone but debated whether to express it?
If you choose to express this desire, do you worry about the other person’s reaction, whether the response is acceptance or rejection?
All of these “D” elements simmer when the reader meets Kesha and Teresa.
Kesha and Teresa have a history of platonic friendship, but over the years, Kesha develops an attraction to Teresa. At the start of Simmer Sweet, Kesha has just confessed her sexual attraction to Teresa, and Teresa is sifting through how this revelation makes her feel.
While Teresa is working through her feelings, an unexpected phone call changes something that could have been dismissed by Kesha as wishful thinking into a tangible possibility.
I will not be a spoiler, for those who have not read Simmer Sweet. However, I will provide an excerpt to whet your appetite.
Confession: Originally, I had not planned on doing a continuation of Simmer Sweet. From an author’s perspective, the tale of Kesha and Teresa was one and done.
However, as preparations were being made for a revamped Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet cover and interior, it gave me an opportunity to re-read Simmer Sweet.
While going through the story, the questions which ran through my mind resonated as situations the readers would wonder about. There were enough inquiries raised to toy with the idea of another story that would answer all of those questions. Yet, I didn’t want to do it without my Hunk of Hot Literature Adonis Mann.
Luckily, not much was needed to convince him to come aboard.
The extensive architecture produced the twists and turns involved in The Simmer of Spicy. Unlike diving right in the deep end, as I did with Simmer Sweet, I spent more time developing the character and mannerisms of Kesha and Teresa. This involved slowing the pace for the readers, so that they could become fully invested, not only in the two central characters but some new people along the way.
Here’s a small excerpt from The Simmer of Spicy to prepare you for an inkling of the drama to expect.
Okay Awesome Visitors, that about does it! I am stoked about not only the release of Simmer: Sensual & Spicy but also a special treat as it pertains to the 1st book Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.
Until next time,
December 8, 2020
All Things Smoothe and Sensual by Adonis Mann
Adonis Mann, here.
To be quite candid, at first I had no idea what to write for this post. Then, Synful Desire said, “Well Donny, start at the beginning.”
So, starting from the beginning ….
It all started with Synful Desire and her desire to produce something desirable.
Whether it was the understanding of each other’s art, or the kinship of writing, or even the genuineness of friendship, I could not tell. But, one day Ms. Desire asked me to co-author an erotic compilation.
Five years hence, here we are today. Two installments in and one saga complete.
Through bifurcate approaches, Desire and I traverse down an avenue of relationships and eroticism. Two tales that delineate the ups, downs and all arounds of same-sex relationships … or any relationship for that matter.
But I am getting ahead of myself. Today, I’ve come to speak on the birth and growth of my story, “Smoothe & Sensual”.
Five years ago I wrote the first installment of this story which I titled, “Smoothe & Sweet” and had much to do with the bittersweetness of breakups and the tenderness of a reconnection with someone unexpected.
Before I get any further, allow me to explain that the word “Smoothe” is not spelled incorrectly. In my stories, Smoothe is a surname, thus, much like “Greene” or “Browne”, it is supposed to have an E at the end.
Now, returning to where I left off ….
The story that I bring you today is the saga that picks up where the last left off, but fast-forwarding five years. Here we see that Tommy and Luke have become a very serious item and are even planning on getting married.
Is it fortuitous that the story seems to start in a very similar manner in which the first installment was started?
No, it is not.
You see, Tommy and Luke have been through a great deal together. They’ve fought hard for the life they now share. And, as is Tommy’s makeup, he is a person of peace and reflection, albeit at times a person of spontaneous mischief.
However, hard times tend to bring out the creatures that lurk in the dark. Thus our story goes. During a time when mankind is licking its wounds and reflecting on its mistakes, Spencer Smoothe reappears. This is when the story takes a wild, and frankly, unexpected turn. But to the detriment of what? To the detriment of the peace that Tommy lived and thrives on.
So begins the whirlwind of mal-decisions and misdeeds that cause Tommy, Luke, Spencer and everyone else included to trip upon their own feet.
With all of that being said, I truly hope that you enjoy and come to love “Simmer: Sensual & Spicy”.
Adonis Mann, Author
