L.V. Lewis's Blog, page 32
March 2, 2013
Want To Read “Exit Strategy” Chapter One In Its Entirety?
Sometimes my mind goes on a tangent and I actually visualize my characters doing the mundane things that real people do on weekends. For instance, I can see Keisha sometimes with startling clarity, hanging out at Tristan’s condo on one of their role-play weekends. One of my readers submitted the photo above in my characters’ hangout page on Facebook: ”Keisha and Jada From The Block.” If you haven’t joined this page, you really should, because we’re going to have some fun in that little hangout (join here). Chapter One of “Exit Strategy” is posted there in its entirety for your reading pleasure 
Right now I’m not doing much except posting excerpts there, but eventually I want to have discussions about the books there, role-play fantasies for readers, and every manner of fun we can conjure up to keep you engaged as I finish this series.
Just as I have envisioned Keisha hanging out at the condo, I’ve seen Tristan, too. Mind you, the visions I get of him are always more risque. I guess it has something to do with the fact that I created him, so I get to see him in any stage of dress or undress I’d like! LOL
So, go read Chapter One of ”Exit Strategy,” and tell me what you think. READ
February 26, 2013
Stripped of My Desire to Create
Reblogged from michelle stodden:
I've been out of commission for a while. Not as in a my-organs-were-removed/repaired-and-I'm-recuperating sort of way, but in an I've-lost-all-drive-to-write sort of way. Personally, the former would be easier for me to deal with. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and not all organs are necessary for survival. Just ask Slim Goodbody.
I attempted to pinpoint when the creative breakdown was conceived, but I failed to locate that nefarious moment.
OMG! A kindred spirit who knows my struggles!
February 23, 2013
Let There Never Be A Last Picture Show
Reblogged from susanna jackson:
I am tired of the multiplex. The chairs may be comfortable but the experience as a whole is not. There is no warmth. No friendliness. On a Friday evening, ticket lines loop around the lobby, no seat is left empty and still the experience is lonely, solitary business. We avoid each others' elbows on armrests, we are irritated by someone's 'excuse mes' on the way to the bathroom, and we shoot furious glares at those responsible for the accidental kicking of one's seat.
A cool take on the future of movie theaters.
February 21, 2013
Cliché Touché
Reblogged from This Is My Corn:
We are all familiar with those well-known, over-used turn-of-phrases that add conversational color. So, let's beat a dead horse and see how many clichés we get crammed in like sardines.
Now that I've got you by the short and curlies, I'll tell you a story. Let me bend your ear as far as the eye can see, but don't try following in my footsteps, for it is a tangled web I weave.
Read this story crafted entirely from clever turns of phrase! ~ LV
February 17, 2013
Book Lover's Paradise
"If you want one thing too much it’s likely to be a disappointment. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like soft beds and buttermilk—and feisty gentlemen.” -Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove
In Archer City, Texas, there's a dusty wonder with a stupid name not too far from the Dairy Queen where you can get a chicken finger basket and Blizzard in February if you want.
I could live among all those books!
The Marvelization of Star Wars
Reblogged from The L. Palmer Chronicles:
Just as the Greeks were folded into the growing Roman Empire, Lucasfilm has recently been folded into Disney's empire. As this new owner of an entire galactic universe, Disney has announced that they are Marvelizing Star Wars. In other words, they are using the uber-lucrative and successful business model set up for the Marvel universe: a few Character films that stand alone and work as feature-film-length trailers for the Event film.
Omg, they're Marvelizing Star Wars!
February 16, 2013
New Blog Theme and Uses For Vinegar
I have proof that when under a deadline, the mind can play tricks on you and make you feel like you’re being productive when you’re really not.
Tonight after doing all the things I had to do today, I sat down to finish writing Book 2 of my Ghetto Girl Romance Quadrilogy, “Exit Strategy.” It was going swimmingly well, until I found this fantastic article on the internet about Forty-five Uses For Vinegar. Curious person that I am, you know I absolutely had to read this article, because there can never be too many eco-friendly ways to do things, right? So, I took several minutes to read this positively riveting article.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE 45 USES OF VINEGAR!
Then as I decided I definitely had to re-blog this information to my reader and writer friends, I took a look at my blog and decided it was about time for an upgrade to my theme. An hour later, I had a new theme which took some tweaking to get it just so, and an audit to make sure everything I had on the previous blog came through okay.
Now I have forty-five things I can do with vinegar and a smashing new blog to show for my efforts tonight!
In a little over a half hour, I want to go join my friends at Building Relationships Around Books (BRAB), which is one of my favorite places to hang out on Saturday nights. Of course, now I’m feeling guilty that I haven’t accomplished as much writing as I’d like tonight, so I’m going to probably just participate minimally in REAL TALK, so I can get some real writing done. Distractions, distractions!
Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a serious author who wants to seriously get her second book out as close to the deadline as possible so her fans won’t hate her!
When you begin to call me names for not meeting the end of the month deadline on this book, please remember that I actually have a really good reason for being behind. I did hurt myself end of January, and I’m still procrastinating recuperating.
Ooh, that Beyonce’ documentary is coming on tonight, too!
Fear not, oh gentle reader. Writing Truly is my priority.
February 15, 2013
Kahlen Aymes: Most Kissable Character Contest Winner!
Congratulations to Kahlen Aymes, author, and Ryan Matthews, character, for winning the Author-to-Author “Most Kissable Character Contest!” Kahlen is a wonderful author and her books are absolute treasures, so this win couldn’t have happened for a better writer. It has been fun working with her and all the other author-to-author writers, and I look forward to more projects with all of them in the future!
No sour grapes from my guy, Tristan White. He’s rather secure in his own talents in that way.
Below is a picture of Kissable Winner, Ryan Matthews, (an actor I’m sure we all know and love) and a sneak peek at the upcoming third installment in Kahlen’s Remembrance Trilogy!
Ryan Matthews
Here is an excerpt of Kahlen Aymes’ “A Love Like This”
Julia~
I pushed one on speed dial before I could change my mind. My heart was beating so fast, I felt it would burst out of my chest. Instantly, Ryan picked up.
“Julia?” I could hear the panic in his voice and it hurt. “Where are you?” he demanded. “Jesus, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I lied. I wasn’t fine. I hadn’t been fine for weeks. “I texted hours ago. Didn’t you get it?”
“Anyone could have sent a text from your phone. How was I to know someone hadn’t hurt you and had your phone? I needed to hear your voice!”
My heart squeezed inside my chest and plummeted to the pit of my stomach. I’d never thought of that. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d believe something bad happened to me.”
“No shit, you didn’t think!” he spat angrily and I winced.
“Look, I don’t want to talk if you’re just going to yell at me.” I was exhausted. Emotionally drained and just done.
“What did you expect me to do?” he yelled again. “Agghhhh! Tell me where you are and I’ll come and get you right now.” His voice was thick, throbbing with anger and something indefinable.
“You can’t come. Just… I need some time. Ryan, please. Just give me some time,” I said again, praying he would accept my plea and not press me. It was too much to hope for.
“Why are you doing this to us?” I could hear the anguish and fear in his voice. More than anger, he was hurt.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” The words ripped from me. Physically, my throat was aching and emotionally, I knew I’d had it.
He huffed into the phone. “Yeah, right! That’s why you run off without a fucking word… Don’t ask me to believe you give a flying fuck what you’d put me through!”
Tears squeezed from my closed eyes as I struggled not to let out the sobs building up inside. “I didn’t think. I just had to get away. I can’t be in New York right now. I’m sorry you’re hurting, but no more than me!”
“You left town? Are you in Boston? How in the hell am I supposed to keep my head in the job like this?” Ryan demanded. I pictured him pacing angrily around the apartment, just back from the hospital, still in his scrubs. It was certain he was exhausted.
My throat thickened and I felt sick. “Your job. Your life. Your friend. Your everything, right? I’m just an observer. Stuck on the outside looking in.” I hated the crack in my voice, the weakness and helplessness that held me prisoner.
“What exactly are you saying, Julia? Tell me where the hell you are! Right now!” His breathing was hard; I could hear the refrigerator door open and then slam over the phone.
I sucked in my breath and let my fury fly. It wasn’t as if he didn’t already know why I left. “I’m saying that while that woman is invading your every waking moment! As long as you let her, I’m not coming home, Ryan, okay?!” I yelled into the phone, panting, my face crumpling in pain. “I can’t take it anymore!” My chest was
heaving and I was shaking so much I almost dropped the phone.
He sighed heavily. “We talked about this! You know that I’m just trying to be a good friend!”
I rolled over again; a new wave of pain threatening to drown me like the deepest ocean, that name was like nails on a chalk board. I was so fucking sick of hearing it. Jane this, Jane that, poor Jane…bla bla bla! Maybe I was being a bitch, but at that point, the pain over took caring.
“So what? We talked and nothing has changed! When you’re done letting your friend take over and can remember you’re married, give me a call.”
“It isn’t like that! I owe her! Don’t we both owe her?”
I was so friggin’ tired of hearing my husband taking her side over mine, yet upset that his words made me feel guilty about my own pain and resentment. “I won’t let you turn me into the bad guy, Ryan! I will not stay and watch while you let her drive a wedge between us. We never see each other, so I’m surprised you even notice I’m gone! Did you let Jane know you were calling me?” I asked bitterly. “I mean, could she spare you for a moment?” I sniffed. I knew I sounded like a petulant child and truly didn’t care. “How generous. Remind me to send her a thank you note,” I said sarcastically.
Ryan sucked in his breath harshly and paused. “This isn’t you, Julia. Where is the generous woman I know?” he asked quietly. “You’re not being fair.”
The air left my lungs in a whoosh as the pain replaced the anger instantly. My voice was quiet and I felt numb. “I can’t believe you just said that to me.” He was doing it again; taking her side over mine. Maybe that wasn’t even what was happening, but resentment welled up inside me like a damn ready to burst. She was taking him away from me and he was letting her, he was helping her. “I’m not being fair?”
“You know she sacrificed a lot for me.”
So did I, Ryan! I suffered your absence for years while we built this life!
“Yeah, I know the feeling. I guess she wins though, since she bled real blood,” I said miserably. I flushed at the jab, but I was hurting so God damned bad, I couldn’t help but lash out.
I could hear his breathing get heavier. He knew how much his words stung. “You know what we have is sacred. Please, just stop this.” His voice was low and urgent.
“Then why have I felt so alone? It feels like you’ve completely abandoned me.”
“You know how much I love you and I’m sorry, I just …”
“No,” I begged. “Please don’t say anymore. Every word… hurts. I can’t take it. Just give me some time. Don’t call me. Let me…figure things out.” I felt like I was drowning, clawing for the surface and Ryan could save me, but he didn’t.
“Julia….please…” I could hear his voice shaking, cracking. He was crying. “Don’t do this. We figure shit out together, so tell me where you are so I can come to you. I’m going crazy.”
I closed my eyes and my heart began to ache again when my Ryan finally showed up. That was the voice of the man who loved me and I wanted nothing more than to be in his arms.
“I’m safe, and I’ll call. I promise,” my voice broke again.
“Are you… are you leaving me?” Each word was dripping in emotion, anguish
and panic.
Why didn’t he know nothing would make me leave him?
“It just hurts too much. She has a part of you that used to be mine and I can’t stand by and watch.”
“For Christ’s sake! How can you even say that? No one has the part of me that belongs to you!”
All of you used to belong to me. My heart was pounding. I wanted to claw it from my body so the pain would stop.
I know. I tried to force the words out, but they stuck in my throat, because they felt like a lie. But, I didn’t know. Not anymore…. and, it was killing me.
The seconds ticked by while we both cried, both of us waiting for the other to say something and neither willing to end the call. I knew he could hear the tears and the sniffles, even though I kept the sobs confined to the silent shaking of my shoulders as I pressed the heel of my hand to my mouth. Somehow, I had to keep him from hearing how broken I really was.
“Just tell me that you still love me,” he begged raggedly. “God, Julia, please.”
That was the end of me and the sobs finally erupted into the silent room. “You know…” I gasped. “You know how much I love you. Nothing can ever change that.”
This was the second time he’d questioned me about loving him. The first time being when Meredith offered me the first promotion, on his visit to New York for Valentine’s Day when he proposed. I tried to swallow the pain so I could speak, but it still crept into my shaky voice. “Just a little time, okay? Try to understand how it’s been for me. ” I love you, but it hurts too much to be with you right now. “I just really need your understanding. Please, Ryan. Just for a little while.”
He sighed heavily. His voice was low and thick, laced with his own tears. “Okay. God, I’ll try. When we got married you said you sometimes you wondered if a love like this even exists. It exists or it wouldn’t hurt so fucking bad. But, only for us, Julia.” Ryan’s voice was deep, but thick with tears. “Believe that and…don’t forget to remember me.”
As Ryan said the words that connected us for the past five years, my heart broke inside my chest, shattering instantly into a million pieces that ripped me to shreds. He knew those words would yank my heart from my chest. And they did. It was pure manipulation, pure guilt, pure heaven and pure hell.
As if I could ever forget him. My eyes squeezed shut and pushed more tears down my cheeks.
***
Click here to learn more about Kahlen!
Purchase Kahlen Aymes Remembrance Trilogy books
February 13, 2013
“LOVE IS IN THE AIR” VALENTINE’S DAY BOOK DISCOUNT
Readers,
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and the imminent release of book 2 of The Ghetto Girl Romance Quadrilogy, I have discounted “Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever” to .99 for Valentine’s Day Only!
Now’s the time to buy for those who’ve missed the KDP FREE Day promotions and would still like to get it for a song.
So, mosey on over to SmashWords and grab it in just about any platform you need here:
The coupon code you have to enter to get the discount is: SV23C
I changed price on Amazon, too, but not sure if it will take by the Holiday.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 10, 2013
Enter The Author to Author – Most Kissable Character Contest!
Welcome to the Author to Author Most Kissable Character Valentine Contest!
The Author to Author group has a wonderful contest in celebration of the most romantic day of the year: Valentine’s Day.
From now until February 13th at midnight, you can vote for the Most Kissable Character (characters listed below). The winning character’s author will post a snippet/outtake/sneak peek from their book for you to enjoy!
So sit back, scroll down, and meet some of the hottest characters in fiction. Don’t forget to click the SurveyMonkey link at the end (and leave the Author to Author group a little love via a comment).
Have an idea for a contest you’d love to see? Let us know! We’re always looking for some great ideas to connect with readers!
Book title: The End of All Things
Name: Justin Thatcher
Eye Color: Dark brown
Hair Color: Dark brown
Profession: Ex Special Forces soldier
Special Abilities/Talents: The man you’d want
around in case of an apocalypse, Justin is skilled in combat and survival
techniques.
Why he’s the most kissable: Beneath that
tough, ruthless exterior, Justin’s got a heart as sweet and soft as melted
chocolate.
Purchase The End of All Things by Lissa Bryan at The Writer’s Coffee Shop Website
Book title: MOREName: Caleb Foster Eye Color: Blue (kinda)
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Profession: Protector of the Race/Student/Physics Tutor
Special Abilities/Talents: Superior strength and speed, heightened senses, compelling people and
blurring memories, an ability to shift from place to place with only a
thought.
Why he’s is the most kissable character: At first, Caleb comes off as a bit of a nerd – I mean seriously, he is a
physics tutor after all, and look at that hair – and those glasses! But peel
below the layers (and the hoodies) and va-va-voom! There’s more to him than
meets the eye, and we’re not talking Transformers here. One top of that, he’s
got a heart of gold. Sure, he’s dedicated to his job as a Protector of the
Race, but when it comes to doing his duty or doing what’s right (like
protecting Ava) – he’s going to make the right decision.
Purchase MORE by T.M. Franklin at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Writer’s Coffee Shop Website, iBooks, Kobo
Book title: Fifty Shades of Jungle FeverName: Tristan WhiteEye Color: BlueHair Color: BlondProfession: Venture CapitalistSpecial Abilities/Talents:
Dominant
who knows the canon of the Kama Sutra from front to back. He dispenses orgasms
as if they are party favors at your own private party. Why he’s the most kissable character:
Well,
Keisha says Tristan’s tongue should be registered as a lethal weapon due to his
ability to exact pleasure with it!
Purchase Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by LV Lewis at Amazon
Book Titles: Redemption and Revisited
Name: Ryan EdwardsEye Color: Dark BrownHair Color: Jet-blackProfession: Angel of deathSpecial abilities: Can
transport anything or anyone to any spot in the universe.
Why he is most kissable: He spent the remaining years of his human life searching the globe for
his wife. Even in the afterlife, he never gave up his search. Now that they
have been reunited, a love that has spanned a century can be fulfilled. Who
wouldn’t want to kiss someone that dedicated to the love of his eternity?
Purchase Redemption and Revisited by Lindsey Gray at Amazon and The Writer’s Coffee Shop
Book titles: Riverbend and Rapid Water
Name: Will SundbackEye Color: BrownHair Color: Dark BrownProfession: Runs the family’s remodeling and construction business.Special Abilities/Talents: Very
athletic and proficient in most sports, basketball being his favorite.
Dependable and kind.Why he is the most kissable:
Will is
caring and kind while always remaining brutally honest. He has a lovable,
confident, and sometimes cocky personality.
Purchase Riverbend and Rapid Water by Andrea Goodson at Amazon
Book title: Wraith
Name: Connor
Jacobs
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Dark
brown
Profession: Student
Special
Abilities/Talent: Can
see ghosts
Why he’s the most
kissable: When
the supernatural Big Bads to big bad, you want him on your side, that is, if he
can stay out of trouble long enough to be there.
Purchase Wraith by Angel Lawson at Amazon
Book: Are You Mine?
Name: Fox
HarringtonEye Color:BrownHair Color:Light BrownProfession:Warehouse
workerSpecial Abilities/Talents:Graffiti
artist, portrait artist, manga artist.Why he is the most kissable:
Fox is a
hopeless romantic, and no matter how difficult life maybe, he always focuses on
the positives. Plus, look at those lips!
Purchase Are You Mine? by N.K.Smith in March/April of 2013. Keep an eye out at N.K.Smith Writes (blog)
picture: © Vishstudio | Stock
Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
Book Title: Legacy of a Dreamer
Name: Mathias
Eye Color: Blue
Hair: Dark Blonde
Profession: Warrior of the Contrite Lineage
Special Abilities/Talents: Protector
& Guardian of the Oracles, assigned to keep Chantal safe. He has inhuman
strength and power, and has the ability to move through the Shade where evil
lurks to harm mankind. He has an incredible heart and falls for Chantal
quickly. It doesn’t hurt that he has an insane body, too.
Why he’s the most kissable: He’s handsome, fearless, and always puts his woman first. Always 
Purchase Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean at The Writer’s Coffee Shop Website
Book title: The Future of Our Past &
Don’t Forget to Remember Me, Books One and Two, The Remembrance Trilogy
Name: Ryan Matthews
Eye Color: Dark blue
Hair Color: Golden Brown
Profession: Medical Student/Doctor
Special
Talents/Abilities: “Hi! Kahlen, (the chick that
writes my story), said I have to tell you about my special abilities and
talents, but no dude likes to talk about himself; for sure not me! I will say
I’m passionate about two things, my woman and my career. I’ve always wanted to
be a doctor, but nothing is more important to me than Julia. I’d sacrifice
everything just to see her smile.”
Why he’s the
most Kissable: “I had to ask Jules why I
was the most kissable because I’m like, ‘seriously?’ She said that I’m every
woman’s dream; being handsome, tall, and built, doesn’t hurt, but mostly it’s
how much I love her and always put her first that seals the deal. She also said
I’m not just kissable, but lickable. I’m rolling my eyes at it all because I’m
a modest guy, but I have to admit that last part got me grinning like the cat
that ate the canary! As long as my girl’s the canary… I’m golden!”
(*winks!*)
Purchase The Future of Our Past & Don’t Forget to Remember Me, Books One and Two, The Remembrance Trilogy by Kahlen Aymes at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble
Book Title: TalentedName:Erik KelleyEye Color: TurquoiseHair Color: BrownProfession: Hunter-
a special forces operative for the governmentSpecial
Abilities/Talents: Able to mimic the talents of others
Why he is the Most Kissable Character: It may be cliché, but having him throw his life on the line for the girl
he loves just makes us want to bite that sexy bottom lip
Purchase Talented by Sophie Davis at Amazon
Ready to vote?
CLICK HERE to vote for who YOU think is the Most Kissable Character!
Check back on February 14th to see who won and for an excerpt or a sneak peek from the winning author!
authors (in order of character appearance in this blog): Lissa Bryan, T.M. Franklin, LV Lewis, Lindsey Gray, Andrea Goodson, Angel Lawson, N.K.Smith, Allie Jean, Kahlen Aymes, Sophie Davis
