Vallory Vance's Blog, page 21

Cover Spotlight – The Modesty Diaries

The woman behind the Modesty Diaries

Katie Ellison is a 40-something housewife, mother, lover . . . along with her husband of 30 years she currently lives in London.

Over the past few years her personal life has exploded from a wonderfully liberated, but monogamous, marriage . . . into an amazing journey of occasional lovers and, most recently, to experiencing a full “swinging” lifestyle.

She has always enjoyed a loving, open and sexually adventurous relationship with her husband. Their love for each other was complete and never in question.

And yet, she still strayed. Un-expected, un-planned . . . something she never thought she (of all people) would, or could, ever do. And yet it happened. Lunchtime coffees with a work colleague, turned into evening meals, turned into . . .

Someone else liked her! Wanted her! Aroused her! Excited her! She couldn’t help herself . . . even the complete feelings of guilt and shame in the aftermath, couldn’t stop her. She enjoyed it, wanted it, needed it.

Her husband insists he suspected / knew right from the start . . . but for several months said nothing. Their sex (after her “meetings”) was passionate and more fulfilling than ever. And with pangs of guilt the next morning, she would tell herself she would stop the affair, she didn’t need it, it was wrong, it was immoral.

But she couldn’t stop, she couldn’t say no, she couldn’t refuse, she couldn’t deny it . . .

. . . just as she couldn’t deny it the day her husband confronted her with “the question”.

She thought it would shatter their world and be the end of their marriage, that there would be an explosive argument, floods of tears and abuse. But INSTEAD her husband told her he LOVED it . . . he LOVED the fact that she could experience the excitement and thrills of sexual adventure and pleasure with another man.

That day changed their lives . . . and, in Katie’s view, made them each better people . . . and it made their relationship EVEN stronger and more loving and more fulfilling than either could ever have imagined.

That day was over 20 years ago!!! The different months and years (and yes different lovers) for Katie, since have been a wonderful and incredible adventure . . .

“The Modesty Diaries” began as Katie’s secret release. Typing out brief accounts of her affairs . . . they grew into extended accounts for her and her husband to relive her adventures, together after the event.

Now, in 2012, Katie is turning them into published diaries of many of the most memorable of her meetings and liaisons over the past decade

These diaries are autobiographical accounts, not fictional, only the names and locations have been changed to protect the “not so innocent”

***

The Modesty Diaries Pt 2: Arrivals & Departures

Vince was the unlikeliest of all her lovers. Almost half her age, and seconded to her department on a temporary placement from the Paris office.

The CEO had asked that he be made welcome and helped to settle in to develop a higher European profile for the company.

Her initial upset at being given this unwanted responsibility, was soon swayed by the young Frenchman’s wit and charm . . . and, of course, that lovely accent!!

For Katie and her husband James, this latest affair was yet another catalyst to add further passion and sexcitement to their wonderful ‘open-marriage’.

But is the eight weeks of lust and adventure with Vince fated to end with a months separation and then just a few hours shared between Heathrow arrivals and departures? 

You can pick up your copy with free extras for only $0.99 at Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/206165) through 12/27/2012 with coupon code: AC48V

OR

At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QOZ3C2

The Modesty Diaries Pt 3: The Balcony

Vince is Katie’s most recent lover. New in the office, and 20 years her junior.

Their affair is in it’s second month and just beginning to blossom. They have already shared several evenings in his Docklands apartment, knowing that due to his imminent return to the Paris office, every indulgent moment has to be cherished and enjoyed.

His candour and youthful charm has already taken Katie into new levels of excitement and passion. But tonight’s embrace on the balcony overlooking the river, is just the start of an even wilder evening than she could have ever imagined herself embarking upon.

An evening that ends in her giving herself even more completely than ever to her young Frenchman . . . and an exciting confession to make to husband James when she returns home.

You can pick up your copy with free extras for only $0.99 at Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/205134) with coupon code: WU88U

OR

At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EDGJYG

Connect with Katie online:

Website: http://modestyablaze.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlazingModesty
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ablazingmodesty
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/modestyablaze/

Why I’m not the Next Big Thing…I Can’t Remember Anything

So here was my shot at redemption and I forgot. In case you didn’t know, I was once tagged in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop and forget to get someone to come after me. So when I was tagged again, I thought here’s my shot at redemption. And you know what? I failed. I didn’t send out enough requests and here we are in the same boat.

This is it readers…I am for certain not The Next Big Thing. However in an interest to hawk my work already out there (insert shameless plug here)…

What is the working title of your book?

I don’t have a title yet. It is called WIP – The Conclusion

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I have had the characters of Amber Grayson and Kevin Miller on my mind for more than a year now. They have two flash fiction works and a novella, but won’t leave me alone. So I’m giving them a novel and then the three of us are done.

What genre does your book fall under?

This book is a contemporary romance with an element of kink. Kevin likes to use toys. He wouldn’t necessarily define himself as living the BDSM lifestyle but he is sure glad that Amber bends over accepts her paddling when he wants her too.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?

 would play the heroine. I like the lines of her face and her complexion is perfect for Amber Grayson. The male lead was hard to choose. Kevin Miller is two years (eighteen months if you ask Amber) younger than Amber. With the 30ish actors available, I was hard pressed to find one rugged enough to play Kevin, until I came across a photo of Channing Tatum. Click here for the photo. I think it’s the buckle on his jeans!

What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?

Just as Amber, a self-assured woman, and her fun loving cowboy are about to settle into blissful harmony, LIFE interrupts with its problems that need to be solved.

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency/publisher?

This will be self-published ( and professionally edited). On my soapbox for a moment, I don’t think that the general public realizes that there are self published works that go through the same critiquing and editing processes as traditionally published works. Here’s the difference, indie authors pay for it from the proceeds of their day jobs!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

This work is in its outline form and is currently at 13,000 words which is the length of the novella.  This portion has taken two months to write.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? 

I don’t know. Email me (t.mailhes(at)yahoo(dot)com) for a copy of any of my works between now and December 31, 2012 and you tell me so I can be prepared for this question next time. I hate to think that some author was dismayed at my work being compared to his or hers. But if a reader says it, that’s a whole different animal!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

Let’s call it coercion. I couldn’t get Amber and Kevin out of my head. Maybe it’s because they were my first foray into the writing world.

What else about your book might interest the reader?

This book will act as a stand alone with enough information so that you don’t have to read the novella, In the Moment, or the flash fiction pieces, Rainy Day Surprise or A Miller Tradition. But why wouldn’t you? It’ll only cost you $.0.99 plus tax!

~Val

Thank you Kassanna for inviting me to be a part of the Next Big Thing!

Why I’m not the Next Big Thing…I Cant’ Remember Anything

So here was my shot at redemption and I forgot. In case you didn’t know, I was once tagged in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop and forget to get someone to come after me. So when I was tagged again, I thought here’s my shot at redemption. And you know what? I failed. I didn’t send out enough requests and here we are in the same boat.

This is it readers…I am for certain not The Next Big Thing. However in an interest to hawk my work already out there (insert shameless plug here)…

What is the working title of your book?

I don’t have a title yet. It is called WIP – The Conclusion

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I have had the characters of Amber Grayson and Kevin Miller on my mind for more than a year now. They have two flash fiction works and a novella, but won’t leave me alone. So I’m giving them a novel and then the three of us are done.

What genre does your book fall under?

This book is a contemporary romance with an element of kink. Kevin likes to use toys. He wouldn’t necessarily define himself as living the BDSM lifestyle but he is sure glad that Amber bends over accepts her paddling when he wants her too.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?

 would play the heroine. I like the lines of her face and her complexion is perfect for Amber Grayson. The male lead was hard to choose. Kevin Miller is two years (eighteen months if you ask Amber) younger than Amber. With the 30ish actors available, I was hard pressed to find one rugged enough to play Kevin, until I came across a photo of Channing Tatum. Click here for the photo. I think it’s the buckle on his jeans!

What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?

Just as Amber, a self-assured woman, and her fun loving cowboy are about to settle into blissful harmony, LIFE interrupts with its problems that need to be solved.

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency/publisher?

This will be self-published ( and professionally edited). On my soapbox for a moment, I don’t think that the general public realizes that there are self published works that go through the same critiquing and editing processes as traditionally published works. Here’s the difference, indie authors pay for it from the proceeds of their day jobs!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

This work is in its outline form and is currently at 13,000 words which is the length of the novella.  This portion has taken two months to write.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? 

I don’t know. Email me (t.mailhes(at)yahoo(dot)com) for a copy of any of my works between now and December 31, 2012 and you tell me so I can be prepared for this question next time. I hate to think that some author was dismayed at my work being compared to his or hers. But if a reader says it, that’s a whole different animal!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

Let’s call it coercion. I couldn’t get Amber and Kevin out of my head. Maybe it’s because they were my first foray into the writing world.

What else about your book might interest the reader?

This book will act as a stand alone with enough information so that you don’t have to read the novella, In the Moment, or the flash fiction pieces, Rainy Day Surprise or A Miller Tradition. But why wouldn’t you? It’ll only cost you $.0.99 plus tax!

~Val

Thank you Kassanna for inviting me to be a part of the Next Big Thing!

Congrats – Holiday Gifts of Love Winners!

Thanks to all who stopped by my little section of the wonderful blog hop. I hope your wishes come true this holiday season! I’ve had the opportunity to realize a dream of mine – to become a published writer this year. So I guess Santa has overfilled my stocking, making up for all those years of funny socks from my aunt!

Now on to the winners – A $5.00 Amazon electronic gift card  and electronic copy of Cheers!

Shadow
Deanna
Lynn

And the grand prize winners were:

Aimee F. – Kindle Fire

Laura T. – $200.00 Amazon Gift Card

Debbie G. – Swag Pack

Congrats and Yuletide Felicitations!

~Val

Cover Spotlight with Jodie Pierce

I’ve been hooked on vampire lore since reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the sixth grade, so I’m thrilled to have met another author to add to my reading list!

The Vampire Trilogy of Jodie Pierce

The Vampire Queen

The Vampire Chronicles

Demise of the Vampire Queen

About the Author

Jodie Pierce is thirty-seven years old and lives with her hubby, John in Cleveland, Ohio along with four beautiful step-children. She has had a fascination with vampires since they were introduced to her as a child and has had a long history with them. It wasn’t until she started reading the Anne Rice vampire books that she was truly inspired. She was an exchange student in Brasil in high school so you can find some of her experiences from there in her stories. Many of her stories have historical or researched facts as she also enjoys research and learning about new places. She has published five short novels (Eternal Press), a short story in “Midnight Thirst 2″, an anthology(Melange Books), has two self-published books and has several short stories that she still works on. She’s always busy with the next great vampire story as her mind is non-stop and even plagues her dreams.

Connect with Jodie at some of her favorite online spots:

www.thevampirequeen1.weebly.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/Sink_Your_Fangs_In
http://www.thevampirequeen1.blogspot.com
http://www.jodiepierceiauthor.blogspot.com
http://www.vampiricallyrical.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/jodie.pierce.779
http://www.facebook.com/VampiricalLyrical
www.goodreads.com/user/show/5216941-jodie-pierce
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jodie-pierce/25/357/b22
Twitter: @vampiregds
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/thevampirequeen
https://www.facebook.com/jodie.pierce.14

Music to Hop By – Holiday Gifts of Love

Long before the decorations have gone up and the wish lists have been written, I am blasting Christmas music throughout the house. I have several themed playlists – traditional hymns, gospel renditions of traditional hymns and the more contemporary holiday songs.

Then there is the sad Christmas playlist. It’s the one with songs most suited for playing just as the protagonist in the random Christmas movie truly believes that he or she will not get his or her Christmas wish.

Some of my favorites on this list are:

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Vanessa Williams):

I’ll be home for Christmas

If only in, if only in,

If only in my Dreams

 
Then there’s Wham!’s Last Christmas, one of those ‘I’m so not over you, but I pretend to my friends that I am’ songs:

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart

But the very next day you gave it away

This year, To save me from tears

I’ll give it to someone special

But my all time favorite sad Christmas song is Please Come Home for Christmas!

Bells will be ringing this sad sad New Years

Oh what a Christmas to have the blues

My baby’s gone I have no friends

To wish me greetings once again

Choirs will be singing Silent Night

Christmas carols by candlelight

Please come home for Christmas

Please come home for Christmas

If not for Christmas by New Years night

You can feel the angst without even hearing the singer’s voice!

Anyway, thanks as always for indulging me and hopping with us, writers! For my little giveaway, three commenters will receive a $5.00 electronic Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card and an electronic copy of Music for Her Soul simply for saying hi and leaving an email addy.

For the BIG prizes, keep hopping by clicking here!  

Grand Prizes include (please note the swag pack is available for US participants only):

Book Spotlight: The Golden Chalice by Sienna Mynx

I’m so excited to be hosting one of my favorite authors today, Sienna Mynx, and introduce her latest release – The Golden Chalice!

Title: The Golden Chalice
Series: Lee’s Girl’s Series Book 3
Author: Sienna Mynx
Genre: Interracial Romance,
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Ebook
Pages: 130
 Release Date:11/6/2012
 Purchase: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | Smashwords | ARe |

 Book Description:

 The Golden Chalice has been found. But at what price?

Michelle Dixon faith is shattered with the loss of her unborn child. She struggles to remember the reasons why she ever believed life as a jewel thief could ever bring her happiness. The truth is her belief was centered on her love for one man. It’s no longer enough. Though Lee Sullivan has made many mistakes, choosing love over greed isn’t one. Now with his enemies circling he battles the odds for another purpose. Winning back his woman’s heart.

After surviving the depths of Lee’s betrayal of her trust, Michelle decides to play one final hustle. The stakes? The love neither of them thought possible. There remains one problem. Lee won’t lose her. He can’t. Lee knows Michelle plots against him and he understands why. He must race against time and those determined to steal the Chalice in order to salvage what is most important to them both. And he will do it at all costs.

Win or lose, Lee’s fate is hers.

After a shocking turn of events turns their lives inside out Michelle and Lee both discover the greatest treasure to be won.

Love. For it conquers all no matter the price.

Excerpt:

“What I want is to stop your pain. If I could have my wish it would be…I’d want our child to have lived.” His expression stilled and grew serious.

“Let’s be honest, Lee. Any child you and I have we’d destroy, after we destroyed each other.” She made to move around him and he stepped with her, blocking her pass. “Lee, move.”

“Take it back!” He frowned with cold fury.

Michelle adjusted her smile. “Why?”

“Don’t you ever dismiss our child’s death. Take it back!” he said through clenched teeth.

Michelle, shaken by the threat in his tone, had to lower her gaze. “Okay.”

Lee’s voice dropped an octave when he spoke again. “We lost our baby. It’s my fault. I should have protected you, trusted my instincts.”

“Lee, please stop.”

“I’ll make them pay. I’ll kill ’em all—”

“Stop it, dammit!” Lee blinked at her, confused. “Stop, okay? No more violence. I can’t take it.”

He touched her and she shrugged off his hand. Lee persisted and she was forced into his arms. Soon hers, of their own accord, were circling his waist. He kissed the top of her head. Stroked her hair.

“My first priority is you. I had to make sure you were okay, Michelle. Now that you are we’re starting again. Nothing has changed between us.” He relaxed his hold on her and brushed her cheeks with the backs of his fingers. She tensed over how soothing his touch was. With mild force, Lee grabbed her face in both hands. He brought his forehead down to hers until their skulls met. Michelle winced over the burn it drove through her brow, and gripped his wrist, trying hard to free herself. But his lips covered hers before she could manage the break. A crushingly needy kiss followed. She softened under its weight.

“Forgive me.” He breathed into her mouth, trying to pry her lips apart for another kiss. “Damn it, Michelle, forgive me, baby. Don’t make me beg.”

Michelle lowered her hands from his wrists. The caress of his lips inspired a trickle of love, sparking forbidden desires for him in her heart. What the hell was wrong with her? How could she even stomach the thought of them, together, now? Yet she could. It would be her secret truth. She loved him so badly, the truth hurt.

About the Author:

Sienna Mynx is your naughty writer of Contemporary, and Historical Interracial Romance. Her tales are for readers that love the bad boys but desire to be the women that tame them. She currently has 22 published books, as an indie author. A current resident of southern Georgia, Sienna Mynx has emerged into the e-publishing scene deciding to take the business by the horns.

She runs her own publishing company The Divas Pen, and works with other indie-authors who want to understand how to self publish responsibly. Sienna has also released a series with Decadent Publishing, and has a paranormal story under Cobblestone Press. Her novels reflect her thirst for romance told from a dark, sensual perspective with the diversity women of all colors crave in Erotic Romance. Look for more to come.

 Website | Facebook |

***GIVEAWAY***

The author is hosting a tour wide giveaway of 1 eBook copy of

The Heist (Lee’s Girls, #1) through December 18th!

For your chance to win enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here!

Ooops! The Next Big Thing Blog Hop…

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop – you’ve probably seen this around the blogosphere. Writers discuss their upcoming work and then direct you to the next set of writers in the loop. I was asked to join and then LIFE happened and I had no one lined up to come after me.

I broke the blog hop! Read on for my remedy to keep this thing going.

First here are my answers…

What is the working title of your book?  Deja Vu (The Rose Gold Collection, #1)

Where did the idea come from for the book? This book started in late July 2012 as a short story entitled Next Weekend. I was writing it for a specific publishing line and it was rejected. I reworked the short story and the novel became a series.

What genre does your book fall under? Hmmm? This is always a tough one for me, so let’s go with contemporary romance. The sub-genre is interracial romance. The heat level is to be determined.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie? Zoe Saldana would play my biracial heroine, Darcey St. Claire. David Boreanaz would play Vincent Guidry. He’ll need to darken his hair and wear blue contacts but the facial structure is right.

What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?  Doing something the same way and hoping for different results is the definition of insanity, or is it?

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency/publisher? I’m planning on self-publishing but if you work for a publishing company and like the concept, send me an email!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? First draft? The detailed outline took two months and the first draft is in progress. I’ve given myself two months to complete the first draft (which is December 31st)!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I don’t like this question. What other books? How can I compare my book to the ones I love so much? (*I’m not worthy bow*) Why would I compare my book to those I don’t?

Who or What inspired you to write this book? This book was inspired by a short story. The characters kind of developed another life.

What else about your book might interest the reader? Darcey is a heroine who embraces her sexuality. She is fun and flirty and is enjoying her life as exactly as it is. Vincent Guidry is also well aware of his sexuality and the power he commands. These two come together and shock the hell of each other! (On a side note, I find older men sexy.)

Now to fix the blog hop – The lovely Vivi Dumas chose me! And she correctly garnered two other writers. Visit one of their sites today and let me know which one in the comments section. Leave your email and I’ll gift you a copy of Cheers, the prequel to Deja Vu in the electronic format of your choice. Comments must be posted by 8:59 pm (CST)  on December 5, 2012.

Lessons Learned For A Self-Publishing Newbie

I can’t believe that my first year of venturing into the self-publishing world is winding down to a close. It started with a short story and now I’m writing a three novel series?

How did that happen?  An overactive imagination, fueled by coffee and Dr. Pepper, was unleashed that’s how.

But I do have to calm down and stop charging ahead on my caffeine high because I’ve most likely missed a lot of things that could have helped me along the way. Somehow I did manage to learn a few things and hopefully they can help another newbie.

1. Beta Reader – I had no idea what a beta reader was and why one was important. The comments and questions I received from my beta readers on my short story, Cheers, was fantastic. I can’t believe I never asked anyone to help me before. They saw those things that take you out of the story not so much grammar and typos but those nagging little things that make you go “what?” as a reader.

2. Professional Editing – Well worth price! Someone to take a hard look at style, word choice, pacing and of course grammar and typos. Not an easy process to go through. I got the edits back and thought – Jeez, I can’t write! Then I calmed down and got to work on a cleaner piece.

3. Cover Art – I got to tell you, I like pretty covers. I glance through covers before I read the description. And I’m jumping on my soapbox for a moment – As an author of I/R romance there aren’t a lot of stock photos for us to choose from, however in the hands of the right designer magic can still happen. I tip my hat to Tatiana Vila for her cover of In the Moment Cover. I’ve seen this couple in this pose a lot, but Tatiana makes you think about it a minute before you say – I’ve seen this before. (Off the soapbox.)

4. Publishing Platforms – I recently signed up as my own publisher with All Romance. With this platform, I’ll need to convert my own work and upload. After a little searching, I found AVS4YOU. This subscription program allows you to convert word docs to epub, mobi and pdf docs. Yay! And the price isn’t bad for the year. (So I better get writing.)

5. Patience – I’m learning to be patient. I can’t finish a story, review once or twice and send it out to someone to read. (It’s the caffeine.) So I’m learning to finish and put away. Right now, I can put the story away for a week and read it again to begin what I call the beta prep process. It takes longer for me to see the work out on Smashwords or some other platform (a few days has become a few months) but it’s worth it in the end because I think I’m growing as a writer.

A few sites I’ve discovered along the way:

Romance Novel Center – premade covers and access to copyeditors
Vila Designs – graphic designs
ASV4YOU – file conversion

Happy Writing and Discovering!

Vallory Welcomes Poet – G.P.A.

All About G.P.A.

Where are you from? I am from Chicago, South side specifically.
Tell us a bit about your family.  My family is the best team I could be on, better than the best Lakers,Bulls, Patriots,etc
What is your favorite quality about yourself?  The best quality about me is that I am relentless in my efforts.
What is your least favorite quality about yourself? My tunnel vision can lend itself to neglecting other things.
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?  “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled…” Keyser Souza. I like this quote because it is ominous and from one of the greatest movies of all time.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? I am proud of being the father of a beautiful, young woman who is about to be a teacher. And I can be called “champion”, Moth Storytelling Champion.
What is your favorite color? My favorite color is blue but black on a beautiful woman.
What is your favorite food? My favorite foods are pizza,chicken wings,and French fries.
What’s your favorite place in the entire world? There is no place like home.

 Your G.P.A.’s Journey into Writing

How long have you been writing? I have been writing seriously since 2007.
What inspires you to write? Beautiful women and life experiences inspire me to write.
Do you intend to make writing a career? Writing Poetry, reciting Poetry is my life.
Have you developed a specific writing style?  My writing style is brevity but full description with the use of extended metaphors.
What is your greatest strength as a writer? My greatest strength as a writer is that what I say everyone can get.
Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it? Writer’s bock is a myth,a trick the mind plays.

 G.P.A.’s Current Work

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

been called beautiful liar

honesty says that is true

epic loneliness and longing made me write poetry perceived perverse

but believe when poet admits he thought of you in each syllable,each word,each verse

know woman that i love you more than my love for poetry

know that when a tear falls,never let it reach your cheek

apologetically apologize for harsh words or actions in your presence ever i have to speak.

want your satisfaction so surely that will not stop until nectar touches your toes

yes, and orgasmic flood

ask me if these words be spoken true,then will sign unwritten document in blood

inhale your love,exhale more love to you

your approval i so relish

instead you think i embellish

and call me

a beautiful liar

Did you learn anything from writing this piece? Women, especially Sistas, want to see action behind the words.
How can we purchase your work?   www.iblowyourmind.net

The Writer’s Life

Do you write under a pen name and why? G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive) is my pen and performing name because one needs separation from his regular life, similar to Bruce Wayne and Batman. Plus, I am the best…ever.
What books have most influenced your life? Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, The Jester by James Patterson, Sweet mangos by Kottyn Campbell, and the Norton Anthology of Literature my Dad gave me are books that influenced me.
Who is your favorite author and why? My favorite authors are Dean Koontz,James Patterson,and Carl Weber.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself performing Poetry on a TV show, in a movie, and haven written a romance novel.
What are your current writing projects now? I am finishing Revenge of the Orgasm.
Do you think the market for poets will improve or decline in the coming years? Poets, the original denotative term, must become innovative and support one another in order to facilitate survival then success. Otherwise, the genre of spoken word will run us out. I am fortunate because I write and perform well.
What are some general tips for giving a successful poetry reading?  I believe a Poetry reading should be interactive, have a host that has personality and engages the audience, not allow the participating Poets to run the open mic by disregarding the rules, and the Poetry set needs rules of etiquette.
What are some of the most common mistakes at poetry readings?  As stated above, the worst thing a lot of Poetry Readings do is that the host allows a Poet or Poets to recite several works and not having a limit of poems And what is worst is not enforcing said limit if there is one.
What are the best and worst mediums for publishing poetry? The best way to publish Poetry books is to do it yourself or find a local , small publisher. Otherwise, most of the publishers have exorbitant fees that outweigh the possible gains of having a published work.

 The Silly Question

If you could ask one question of anyone (living or dead, real or fictitious), who would you ask, what is the question and what do you believe is the answer?

If there was one question and one person I would ask it to, it would be Maya Angelou. And I would ask her,”What do you think of my work?” She would say,”My child, it is always a prudent thing to speak so everyone can understand you.”