Sara Celi's Blog: A Writing State of Mind, page 3

HUGE News for Natural Love

My coming release, NATURAL LOVE, is a part of something pretty cool!

On October 5th, you can read an exclusive excerpt from the book in the back of NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Mia Sheridan‘s newest book, FINDING EDEN!

That’s a companion novel to BECOMING CALDER, which also releases on that day! How fun is that? And in the meantime, of course, you can pre-order NATURAL LOVE at any time on Amazon!

The Day I Met O.J. Simpson

The nondescript church sat on a side road in a small town just outside Shreveport, LA. Eight years later, I can’t remember the name of the church, or the name of the small town.

What I remember is the man. “The Juice.” O.J. Simpson.

Back in 2006, I worked weekends at KSLA as a reporter, but I wore more hats that just that. Saturdays and Sundays meant endless running around in my car by myself from 8AM until 2PM gathering video of 5ks, house fires, school festivals, car wrecks, burglaries, and whatever other spot news occurred. I played producer, assignment editor, photographer, and reporter all by myself until the other three people who worked the weekends showed up at 2PM. Yes, we ran that newsroom on the horsepower of four people. Most days I worked 8AM to 10PM both days, not leaving until I filed stories both for the 6PM and the 10Pm shows. If something happened, I was the only reporter they could send to  the story, and often the only photographer. I felt like I could never leave the TV station to go home because  I didn’t want to miss anything. I hated it when KTBS or KTAL beat us on a story and held myself personally responsible. Once I started anchoring the AM show on the weekends, the day got longer. I often got to the newsroom at 6AM and didn’t leave until 10PM.

I was young. Hungry. Determined.  I’d never worked that hard in my life. And I loved it.

When I got the assignment that morning, I had to read the print out from the day file twice because I couldn’t believe what it said.  Basically, O.J. Simpson had arrived in town the night before for a reunion of his mother’s side of the family.  The staff at KSLA didn’t find out until he arrived at Shreveport Regional Airport, so of course no one waited at the airport to get video of him or ask him any questions.

In the world of smaller market TV, that was kind of a big miss.

Now, though, I had a chance to make it up. I just needed to drive out to the church, walk up to him, get video of him with his family, and ask him a couple of questions about what he thought about Shreveport. By myself.

And,  of course, I also needed to ask him the question he’d been asked one million times since his acquittal in 1995 of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman: “Are you still looking for the killer?”

O.J.’s extended family was already at the church when I arrived. Some of them wore family reunion shirts and wide brimmed baseball caps. A few stared at me, and others ignored me because the local TV news reporter wasn’t as interesting as the large red fire truck the family rented to ride through town during the reunion as they celebrated.

O.J., though, walked right up to me within two minutes of my arrival. There, in the blazing Louisiana heat, I met the man at the center of the murder case that made me want to be a journalist.

Like everyone else back in 1994 and 1995, I watched more of O.J.’s slow speed chase through Los Angeles and subsequent murder trail than I’d like to admit. Everything about it fascinated me. O.J .had been so respected and beloved. Ron Goldman had nothing to do with anything and wound up dead. Nicole Brown Simpson had been a beautiful mother who’s life ended too soon. Then there was the chase, the spectacle,  and the attorneys who seemed like they came straight out of Hollywood. I couldn’t look away, and I didn’t want to.

Even more than that, the media circus seemed so exciting. Watching the reporters inside and outside the courtroom had a huge impact on me. That’s when I decided I wanted to be one of them and vowed I’d make it happen.  I wanted that job.  I wanted to witness history. I wanted a piece of the action.

I just didn’t think my piece of the O.J. story would come in a small town church parking lot.

At first, O.J. and I made small talk as I set up the camera and turned it on. We started the interview.  He told me how his relatives enjoyed NW Louisiana, and how he was glad for a chance to visit because a visit meant excellent food, like mudbugs and fried okra (nobody cooks like Louisiana, I promise you).  He laughed a few times and made more than one joke. He really was “The Juice”–the charismatic man who could win a room in seconds. He was just like the guy in the Hertz commercials, only older and fatter.

Then I asked the question— THE QUESTION—the one I knew I couldn’t leave the parking lot without asking.

“It’s been just over ten years since the end of the trial,” I said. “Are you still looking for the killer? Do you still think about the case?”

“Has it been ten years?” he said.

“Yes,” I said, thinking there was no way he didn’t know that information. No way. He knew. It had defined his life every day since then.

Hadn’t it?

“Ten years,” he said. “Huh. Well, it it what it is. I don’t really think about it.”

Then, he laughed.

Honestly I didn’t know what to do. My stomach twisted and I wanted to throw up. I’ll never forget how scary and creepy he looked at that moment–dead behind the eyes and stone cold. The man had just laughed about a horrific double murder case, and he’d been the prime suspect. As I stood there, still recording, he switched the conversation to the red fire truck and told me a story about filming The Towering Inferno with Steve McQueen in the 1970s. Once again, he slipped into that famous persona of “The Juice”.

I just wanted to get out of there.

Right then, as I looked into his eyes, I had confirmation of what I always had suspected. This man had something to do with that murder. I don’t know if he had help, and I don’t know if he was alone.  O.J. could have planned it, or maybe it happened in a fit of rage.  I’ll probably never know.

But I do know one thing for sure. O.J. Simpson was on Bundy Drive that night. He has some sort of responsibility. An innocent person doesn’t laugh about a murder while doing an on camera interview with a TV reporter. An innocent person doesn’t switch subjects that easily.

And an innocent person doesn’t make jokes about a case that everyone called “The Trial of the Century.”

On this, the 20th anniversary of Nicole and Ron’s murder, my heart goes out to those families. That case played out in such a public way, but two decades later,  no one sits in jail for the crime. Yes, O.J. is in jail on other charges. A civil court held him responsible. The LAPD considers the case closed. But it’s still sort of a hollow thing.

For me, it’s a case I’ll always have a small tie to. The day I met O.J. Simpson still ranks at the top of my list as one of the strangest things I have ever encountered in my years as a TV reporter and anchor. It’s one of those moments I couldn’t forget, even if I tried.

 

Author Interview: JD Rivera

Today author J.D. Rivera is stopping by the blog to chat a bit about her new books, and give us a chance to get to know her better. She lives in Oklahoma with her family, and is the author of two books and a novella: Trying to Get Over You, Defensive, and Guarded. 

All of her books can be found here on Amazon.

1.Tell me about your latest book, Defensive.

Defensive is a follow-up to the novella Guarded. It’s about a professional basketball player and a teacher that have fallen in love. My main focus while writing Defensive was to portray a real life relationship about how life and relationships aren’t always perfect and will have bumps and turns along the way.

 2. What do you use as inspiration for your books?



 I can’t really say. With each book it’s different. With my first book, Trying to Get Over You , my inspiration was a dream. With Guarded , it came to me while watching the NBA finals.

3. Why did you start writing?

I started writing because I’m always making up stories in my head and I needed a way to get it all out. I can’t keep all of these stories in my head or I’d go crazy!

4. What are you favorite books? Who are your favorite authors?

 I have so many favorite books it’s crazy. It changes weekly! I love Colleen Hoover, Molly McAdams, Rebecca Donovan, and Sylvain Reynard to name a few of my favorite authors.

5. What’s something readers should know about you?

 I don’t really know. Probably that I’m really random and will try just about anything at least once.

6. Paper or plastic? Wine or beer? Chocolate or vanilla? Red or pink?

Paper, Wine, Vanilla, and Pink.

Find out more about JD Rivera and her latest works on Facebook

My Top Three Oscar Gowns

Now that the winners are announced and the awards have been given, my favorite part of the Academy Awards comes a day later… when talk turns to all the fashions and the glitz on the red carpet.

It’s always one of the best fashion nights of the year. And 2014 did not disappoint.Without further ado here are my top three gowns.

3. Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta

Photo via RCFA

2. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

Photo via RCFA

1. Emma Watson in Vera Wang

Photo via RCFA

Who do you think had the best red carpet fashions?

Start off 2014 in Poughkeepsie

One of my favorite author friends, Debra Anastasia, just released a new book, Return to Poughkeepsie. 

And you don’t want to miss this followup to her acclaimed novel, Poughkeepsie!

Here are the details:

Summary:

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Click on this link for a Rafflecopter giveaway!

Bio:

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Start of 2014 in Poughkeepsie

One of my favorite author friends, Debra Anastasia, just released a new book, Return to Poughkeepsie. 

And you don’t want to miss this followup to her acclaimed novel, Poughkeepsie!

Here are the details:

Summary:

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Click on this link for a Rafflecopter giveaway!

Bio:

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Cover Reveal: Tainted by K.A. Robinson

Check out this awesome cover for Tainted by K.A. Robinson!

I love this series, and this is the final book! And isn’t this cover amazing? The book comes out at the end of January.

Book Description:

Part One: Facing My Demons

Drake lost everything the day Chloe walked away from him. Feeling angry and hurt by her abandonment, he dives deeper into his cocaine use. Each day becomes a struggle for him. After his band is picked up by a recording studio in Los Angeles, things go from bad to worse. What happens to a man who has lost everything he ever truly cared about?

Part Two: Learning to Love Again

When Drake showed up on Chloe’s doorstep, begging for forgiveness, she couldn’t turn him away. To Chloe, loving Drake is like breathing and she couldn’t bring herself to let him go again.

But what happens next? Follow Chloe and Drake as they learn to forgive and heal together.

Will Drake’s fame get in the way of their happily ever after? Or is love enough to keep them together?

The epic conclusion to Drake and Chloe’s story.

Check out more of K.A. Robinson’s books right here on Amazon

Add Tainted to Goodreads by clicking on this link

Celi Cooks: Easy Chocolate Covered Bacon

The final product!

‘Tis the season for a little chocolate. And a little bacon.

Who am I kidding? Every season is the season for chocolate and bacon. So why not chocolate covered bacon?

I first tried some at the Oklahoma State Fair three years ago, and since then I’ve been in love with this sweet and salty treat. There’s just something so wonderful about it. If you haven’t tried some, I urge you to do so.

Which is why I’ve cooked up a simple Chocolate Covered Bacon recipe. It’s so easy, I’m sure you can use it for an upcoming holiday party or office potluck.

Ingredients:

5-10 strips of bacon

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Method:

Bake bacon on cookie sheet for 20 minutes in the oven on 400 degrees or until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon and place it on wax paper. Microwave semi-sweet morsels until melted (about 1 minute and 30 seconds). Drizzle chocolate on the bacon and spread with a fork until the bacon is covered in chocolate. Transfer wax paper to freezer. Allow bacon to remain in freezer until hardened. Break into pieces. Serve in a festive dish!

Finger lickin’ good! Enjoy!

Prince Charming Teaser Catch-up

The teasers are on!

As many of you know, PRINCE CHARMING is in final edits. I working on the structural comments right now, and soon will be sending it off for final copy edits.

I grow more excited about this projected by the day. That’s why I decided to catch you fine folks on the blog up on the[photo teasers from the book that I am now posting weekly on my Facebook page.

They aren’t long teases, but they’re little snippets I hope give you a glimpse into Geoff’s life at Heritage High School and his love for Laine Phillips. I’ll post a new teaser every Monday until release day in January. 

And if you like what you read, make sure to mark PRINCE CHARMING as “To-Read” on Goodreads! 

Some Thoughts on the Craft–and a Few Updates

Hey, there!

No, I haven’t blogged in a while–but I’m still here!

These last few weeks have been so busy. First, I needed to get Prince Charming ready for the first round of professional edits. That included getting feedback from beta readers, going through my own edits, and making sure the final product met the editor’s specifications!

By the way, if you are just getting up to speed on this project, here is more about Prince Charming on Goodreads. Comes out in January!

I also took a freelance reporter/anchor position at FOX19, my old stomping ground here in Cincinnati. I’m happy to be back, and doing news in my hometown, even as a part timer! I couldn’t stay away from newsrooms long, it turns out.

In addition, I’ve started writing a new work, Social Rehab. It’s a secretive work. I’ve had it in my head for almost a year. No, I’m not ready to tell you any more about it.

But I do promise this–I’ll update the blog more!