K.M. Jackson's Blog, page 3

Time to List it Up with the #ListifyLife Challenge!

To know me is to love my quirks. One of the odd or not so odd things about me is that I’m a terrible procrastinator and I thrive (as I drown) under deadlines and live by checking things off my to-do lists. Without them I’m pretty sure I’d get next to nothing done. I know for sure I’d not get the books written that I have or keep any sort of track of the what’s to do in my family life.

Those that are long time followers of me over here on ye old blog know that the way I keep track of things using my tried and true Filofax planner system.

If it’s not written down it may as well have been said to the wind. I’ve also come to love Travelers Notebooks for their versatility.

I feel so fortunate to have found a group of friends who are just as quirky excited as I am when it comes to all things planning and organization.

And speaking to that I’m so thrilled about the #ListifyLife Challenge made up by the fabulous Roni Loren (and peep these gorgeous graphics made by Sierra Godfrey ).

So what is the #ListifyLife Challenge?

 

I’m so glad you asked. It’s a weekly challenge which starts on March 20th  and runs through June 19th where you write down your lists in response to the topic prompt of that week. You post a photo of your list on any social media network of your choice (Blog, Facebook, Instagram and hashtag it #ListifyLife so that we can all stay connected. Easy as pie (well easier if you ask me and low cal). Please join in if you like. I’ve got my Moleskine ready and waiting along with my new Frixion markers.

I can’t wait to list it up! Please let me know if you’ll be joining in in the comments.

All the best,

KMJ

Tempted!

Today I’m so excited to present the cover of my first ever traditionally published book that will be widely available in stores. Come this fall (September 27th to be exact) I am lucky enough to be included in a Kensington books Holiday Anthology with two amazing, best selling authors, Donna Hill and Farrah Rochon!  You can pinch me all you want, but I don’t plan on waking up.

I can’t express enough my thanks over Kensington bringing me to their readers this way.

After Holiday Temptation my first traditional full length stand alone in my Unconventional Bride series will be out in January 2017 so please hold on, there are big things happening in the KMJ world!

For Holiday Temptation my contribution is From Here To Serenity…

please enjoy the blurb and if you are so inclined you can pre-order it here.

FROM HERE TO SERENITY K.M. Jackson

Unstoppable real-estate developer Ross Montgomery is under orders to get some holiday R&R. A cruise to Miami on his yacht, “The Serenity,” is the perfect place to start—especially when he meets his new personal chef, Essie Bradford. Between her calming presence, her amazing food, and her delectable beauty, Ross just might develop a taste for the good life. And when the two discover they have a lot in common—including an irresistible attraction—the next course may be a spicy New Year…

Thank you so much!

All the best,

KMJ

Done you say?… No way! An interview with author Jacki Kelly

Today on ye old blog we have fab author, Jacki Kelly here to discuss writing and her latest contemporary romance, DONE WITH DATING from her Dating Just Got Serious series.

Hi Jacki, thanks so much for being here on ye old blog today. It’s a real treat.

First off can you tell us a bit about DONE WITH DATING?

Done with Dating is the sixth book in the Dating Just Got Serious Series. It’s Renee’s story. She lives her life by one rule.  For Richard McKinney, rules are made to be broken. He does whatever makes him happy. During the Valentine’s Day wedding of Renee’s best friend something magical happens to her and Richard. But there is one thing standing in the way. And it’s big.

What inspired you to write this story?

I wanted to write a story where the hero wasn’t perfect. I wanted to show that sometimes couples have hurdles that aren’t easy to overcome. Sometimes you have to believe in each other enough to give your love a chance.

How does it tie in with the rest of the series?

The others stores in the series are all about sisters and girlfriends navigating the single dating scene and trying to find happiness and someone special. Just like in real life none of them have an easy time on the romance treadmill.

Do you feel your works are more character or plot driven?

That’s a good question. I guess I’d have to say character driven. If I were to change any of the characters in this series, the stories would be different and take a different path.

What made you choose this genre to write in?

I actually write in two genres, romance and women’s fiction. I like them both. Romance allows me to have the happily-ever-after ending that I wish always happened in real life. Women’s fiction allows me to tell a very different kind of story with all the harsh realities of real life. But my women’s fiction books all have a satisfying ending, even though they may not be happy-ever-after.

Tell us a bit about your writing schedule. Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

I’m a plotter. And just recently I’ve stepped up my plotting game. I’ve gone beyond just outlining the story and now I also do a plotting board. I’ve found the more detail I work out in the beginning of the book, the more complex I can make the story. Watch out, I might get dangerous.

This question is a favorite of mine. Care to share the story of your “overnight” success with my readers?

I wish I had an overnight story to tell you about. But I’ve been writing for years. I’ve published short stories and personal essays as well as over ten books. My passion for writing started long before I thought about publishing books.  Now I realize even if I decided not to publish another book, I would still write stories. Writing is just a part of who I am.

What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

I would advise aspiring writers to sit down and write. A writer is a person who writes. So finish a piece of work and let others read the material. Don’t wait, do it now.

Lastly, what can readers expect next from you?

I have three books coming out later this year. They were published several years ago by a small publisher. These books will have new covers and additional content. I encourage your followers to go to my website at jackikelly.com and sign up for my newsletter. For signing up they’ll get a free book and information on upcoming releases and events.

 

Thanks so much for being here today. It’s been a real pleasure.

Folks you can keep up with Jacki and her happenings here in these places on the web:

Email: Jackikellybooks@gmail.com

http://www.jackikelly.com

Twitter – @jackikellybooks

http://facebook.com/jackikellyauthor

 

 Jacki Kelly has written dozens of short stories and several books. She lives in the North East with her husband and one loveable dog. She loves hearing from her readers so please contact her.

You can pick up DONE WITH DATING HERE.

All the best,

KMJ

Beautiful Motivation…

So anyone who follows me on twitter or is in my presence for more than 5 minutes knows, like the rest of just about everybody, I’m Hamilton obsessed. I’ve been listening to the Hamilton soundtrack pretty much Non-Stop (see what I did there?) since it come out.

That said, my friends know I’m also planner obsessed and lucky for me my writer bud, Jax Cassidy is also a super talented artist so I commissioned her to make me up these gorgeous pieces which I plan on putting on my bulletin board for inspiration and putting in my planner to keep me motivated.

 

You can check out more of Jax’s work here at her Etsy shop  www.InspirationUnbound.etsy.com  or email her at inspirationunbound@gmail.com  for a custom work of your own! Thank you so much, Jax for the inspiration, the motivation and the smiles.

 

All the best,

KMJ

2+2 = 22… Happy Birthday Dear Twins

It’s amazing how 22 years can seem like the blink of an eye to one, but to another be a lifetime. So many changes both seen and unseen. So many moments, lots of them I wish I could go back to, rewind,  look back, slow down even or at least live again, this time though really enjoying and savoring each moment. If only they had that type of machine for mothers wishing to turn back time. If only we really knew how fast it would all go. 

All that melancholy aside, I’m so happy for you and proud of you both on this day. And all I truly wish for you is not what I wish for myself, but what I’ve wished for you each year, each day, since you’ve been born which is for God to keep you safe, for you to fulfill your dreams, have all the joy your hearts can handle and shine brightly like the king and queen you were born to be.

 

I can speak for both me and your dad here when I say, we love you both with all our hearts.

Happy 22nd Birthday!

 

Love,

Mom & Dad and Jack too

Goodbye 2015… Hello 2016… my year in GIFs

So it’s New Year’s Eve and I’m in the basement on a crazy deadline, stress of my own making really, as I type this.

closeup of a yellowish paper with the text happy new year 2016 in an old blue typewriter

I’m happy to have silence in my house for a moment and realizing that I have not posted diddly on this blog in way too long. Sorry about that. I take full responsibility. For all my planning balls are dropping left and right. Speaking of, I look to my left and dust bunnies laugh in my face. Side-eye to you dust bunnies. I laugh right back. No intimidation here.

But back to reason for this post. Since it’s the year end everyone is doing recaps and best of lists and all that so I thought I’d do a recap of my own… of sorts.

Here is a recap of my 2015 in GIFS since I’m crazy behind schedule and I have no real words to spare.

Oh and one resolution… to knit more. I really failed on that one last year (that and dusting, but I’m not resolving that- no fun). So knitting at least a row a week. 1 a week that’s 52. Small but so doable. I like it.

Onto the year in review…

January – optimistic and hopeful.

February – breathing through it.

March – trying to disguise the stress.
No one can notice right?

April – Whoo Hoo! A deal!
Did this really happen?

 

May – Twin A graduated Whee!!!

June – Another Deal! Write, Woman Write!

July – RWA National in the HOUSE!!!

August –
Uh oh, How an I supposed to keep up with this life?

September – Seriously, this is getting nuts.

October –
No one will noticed as long as my makeup is fierce. Right?

November – Maybe I’ll just sleep.

December – A plan. That’s the ticket I just need a good plan.  There’s always next year.

Cheers! Let’s re-boot and give it another go!

Happy New Year!

All the best,

KMJ

 

 

GIFS from somegif.com,  realitytvgifs.tumblr.com, giphy.com

Tis the season …

Here we are in the most wonderful time of the year and for the most part I’ve been missing it by spending all my time indoors not quite working, but, chasing deadlines. Not that that chasing deadlines is the worst problem to have. Honestly, it’s only a problem when, like now, I’m blocked. Twisted and tied up in knots, the words having to push through this ridiculously convoluted maze of brain sludge before making onto the page.

But this weekend I happily and literally saw the light. I got out out the house and attended Kimberly Rocha’s Book Obsessed Chick’s annual holiday party out on Long Island. A grand time was had by all.  It was so wonderful to get out in the not so seasonal weather and see old as well as make some new friends.

Thanks Kim and all who helped make a wonderful afternoon.

 

pictured:   Kimberly Rocha, Falguni Kothari, Sara Humphreys,

Lyla Bellatas, Damon Suede, Kit Morgan, Katana Collins

 

And in keeping with the holiday spirit please head on over to the Smutketeers blog today where I’m one of the authors featured on their 12 days of Christmas Blog hop and enter their giveaway! I’ve got a gift card up for grabs!  

 

Abstract Christmas background.Holiday abstract background

All the best,

KMJ

Burning Bright with author Stacey Agdern

Tis the season and timing could not be more perfect for today’s author interview. I’m so excited to have my friend the super talented Stacey Agdern on ye old blog today to talk about her contribution to BURNING BRIGHT the new Chanukah Anthology out from Avon Impulse.

Thanks so much for being here today Stacey!

Thank you so much for having me. It means a great deal *hug*

First off can you tell us a bit about BURNING BRIGHT? How did this anthology come together?

I pitched a single title Chanukah story to an editor at a luncheon hosted by one of the two RWA chapters I belong to (waves to LIRW). Two months later, I was sitting with Tessa Woodward, hashing out how the anthology would work.  Chanukah. Jewish Characters. Jewish authors. An introduction by Sarah Wendell, and we were off to the races. I recruited Megan, Jennifer and KK , sobbing all over each of them with excitement and pride.  I couldn’t believe this was happening.  Neither could they (they also probably wanted me to stop crying;).

They came up with some really cool stuff, no? 

Blurb:

This December, take a break from dreidel spinning, gelt winning, and latke eating to experience the joy of Chanukah. When you fall in love during the Festival of Lights, the world burns a whole lot brighter.

It’s definitely not love at first sight for Amanda and her cute but mysterious new neighbor, Ben. Can a Chanukah miracle show them that getting off on the wrong foot doesn’t mean they can’t walk the same road?

Lawyers in love, Shari Cohen and Evan Sonntag are happy together. But in a moment of doubt, he pushes her away—then soon realizes he made a huge mistake. To win her back, it might take something like a Chanukah miracle.

When impulsive interior designer Molly Baker-Stein barges into Jon Adelman’s apartment and his life intent on planning the best Chanukah party their building has ever seen, neither expects that together they just might discover a Home for Chanukah.

All Tamar expected from her Israel vacation was time to hang out with one of her besties and to act like a tourist, cheesy t-shirt and all, in her two favorite cities. She definitely was not expecting to fall for Avi, a handsome soldier who’s more than she ever dreamed

 

What inspired you to write your story?

Three different elements-two happy and one sad.  An anthology that never came to pass about characters celebrating thanksgiving in a New York apartment building (thank you Tamsin!), a Chanukah party that is becoming one of my favorite annual traditions( Latkepalooza)  and the death of my great aunt Bernice.  Mix them together with a bit of amazing New York food, and you have ‘A Home for Chanukah’.

This year especially diversity his caught on as a big word in romance and you have been a champion for more diversity in the genre. Tell us why is it so important to you and what does the word mean to you?

Diversity, to me, means a romance genre that reflects the world we live in.  Books telling the stories where the characters (and authors)  are of all races, sexualities and faiths.  Where readers can see themselves in the lead roles and not just in the secondary characters we hope (and pray) will eventually get their own books.

It’s important to me for many reasons, but the most relevant for this piece is the following : I want to live in a world where a character’s Judaism doesn’t disqualify them from having a leading role in a romance novel and an on the page romance.  I want there to be the possibility that the word ‘inspirational’ doesn’t mean Christian.  I don’t want someone else writing an article about Jewish characters in leading roles in romance novels to have to struggle, like I did, to find 8.

Also, can I say how lucky the romance community is to have you, Kwana?  You lay the groundwork for a diversity conversation that is genuinely inclusive of all types of diversity, whether it is based on race, sexuality or faith.  That is a priceless gift.

You are so kind to say that. Thank you and thank you once again for it and all you do.

 

 

Tell us a bit about your writing schedule. Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

Mostly a pantser.  When I start to write I need: 1.my general direction 2.a bit of knowledge about my characters. 3. The beginnings of my playlist.  I don’t write in order either.  I’ll write a bunch of scenes, and when I get to the point where I feel I have a story, I’ll start putting everything in order and filling in the missing pieces.  I’m also not wedded to the beginning sequences; if I get to the point where one of the early scenes I’ve written is supposed to fit, but doesn’t, I’ve got no problem cutting it.

I’ll plot only when I get stuck, but only the barest minimum.  If I plot too much, I get stuck  Interesting fact : even if I write a synopsis before I write the book, I need to force myself to forget I’ve done this and proceed as usual.

 

 What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

Pay attention to the market but write your stories.  Keep your eyes open and take the opportunities that come your way.  If you have a local rwa chapter, join.  And READ. Always.

 

Do you mind sharing with our nosy readers (ok me) what you are working on next?

I’m working on a few different things, one of which is a hockey romance.  “Icing the Puck’ comes out in April (no date yet) and it’s the second anthology of stories about the New York Empires hockey team.   My story in ‘Icing the Puck’ features a hockey playing renchman, a violin playing heroine, tutoring sessions that slowly become more, interesting family secrets and 4/5 New York City boroughs during the holidays

New Author Pics and a Surprise Smiles…

Over the weekend I got new author pics taken by my friend and chapter-mate. The talented author and photographer, Katana Collins.

Now though that sentence sums up what happened it in no way sums up all the drama and angst I put into the lead up to taking the pics. The stress over how I’d look. The wishing I’d lost 40 pounds the month before I took the pics. The hunt to find just the right tops to slim me out. Wondering why after all those years of watching America’s Next Top Model I’d still hadn’t perfected the smize? I was a mess. Really and truly.

Well now after seeing the pics I know that all that worry was for nothing because Katana is so talented and such a good friend she immediately put me at ease. She told me to stop my fretting and that I was beautiful. I think these photos show how at ease I was. I can’t thank Katana enough. These photos will always be a memory of what a wonderful day we had and a reminder that I should stop stressing so much and just smile.

You can check out Katana’s books here and her photography site here. 

 

 

All the best,

KMJ

Fashionistas Need Love Too!

Yesterday I was thrilled to have the cover for my May 2016 Samhain Publishing Novella revealed over at Heroes and Heartbreakers and I’m now happy to be able to post it here today.

ROMANCING THE FASHIONISTA is the 1st in my Flirty Fashionistas series and it introduces Melinda ‘Mel’ Mitchell, a self made magazine mogul who has made it in Manhattan but has yet to find love.

Here is a bit about ROMANCING THE FASHIONISTA:

When fate offers a second chance, only a fool waits for the other shoe to drop.

Manhattan fashion maven and magazine editor Melinda Mitchell shuns the social media spotlight. That is, until a tipsy girl’s night out ends with her first Facebook account and a friend request from none other than her secret high school crush, Nolan Parker.

When Nolan lost his chance at the big leagues, he signed on with Doctors Without Borders and never looked back. Now he’s back home to help out his ailing father. Running into Mel at his fifteen-year high school reunion rekindles old feelings he thought he’d buried for good.

Intrigued by Nolan’s irresistibly sexy profile, Melinda heads to the reunion with her best friend to see if the picture matches up to the man. Their instant attraction flares brighter than the Manhattan skyline.

Although the tough fashionista and accomplished ex-jock rub each other the very right way, a few stumbling blocks will decide if the heat between them is a symptom of forever love, or a past that should be left where it belongs.

Warning: Contains a tough, no-nonsense, Big-Apple businesswoman who likes to call her own shots, and a hot doctor who can turn her on with surgical precision.

And you can check it out here on the Samhain Publishing Site

or

 here on Goodreads to add to your TBR shelf. Thanks so much for your support!

 

All the best,

KMJ