Zoey Derrick's Blog, page 15

So This Is What Cloud 9 Feels Like...

Words fail me tonight....
If you've been following along on Twitter and Facebook today, you've seen the wonderful posts about Finding Love's Wings Cover Reveal. The wonderfully talented Ms. Crystal Rants over at Crystal's Random Thoughts Book Blog was gracious enough to run a post containing the cover of my upcoming novel release, May 15th, 2013. She also included an Excerpt, The Synopsis, and my Bio. So if you haven't seen it.. Hop on over to www.crystalsrandomthoughts.com and check it out. If you're not following her blog, you should. She has some amazing reviews and is always busy posting something awesome!


Also, you watched me post about the AMAZING Review I received from Aussie Girl (find it here.) of Aussie Girl Book Lover Blog. If I had known that my writing would cause this kind of a reaction, I would have started sooner. Angie (Aussie Girl) has granted Finding Love's Wings a 4 Star Read and I cannot thank her enough. Thank you Ange! I HEART YOU SO MUCH!



I was also granted Author status on Goodreads today and Finding Love's Wings is now available to be added to your To Be Read list of books. Find it here. Aussie Girl was kind enough to leave here review on Goodreads as well, so Thank You again Angie!


Now for even more exciting news. I will be attending RomCon June 21st through 23rd in Colorado Springs, CO. I am so excited about attending RomCon for a multitude of reasons, but mainly because I will get a chance to mingle with fellow Authors such as Sylvia Day, Jamie McGuire and Jennifer Probst and even more exciting, you guys! So if you're in the Colorado Springs Area, come see me at RomCon2013.
To see a complete list of Attending Authors, and for full convention details, visit www.romcon.com.
More on the RomCon news, NeeMa's Critters, a small family business that I'm involved in, is also going to be a vendor. I'm excited to see them in Colorado with all of their wonderful treasures, including Tote Bags, iPad/E-Reader Covers, clutches, travel baskets, and so much more. For a sneak peek of their wonderful treasures, visit them at www.neemascritters.com.

*Wipes Brow* Wow! So much happened today that I hope I didn't miss anything. I HEART YOU ALL So Very Much! I hope you enjoy the Excerpts on Crystal and Angie's Blogs, and I hope to see you all at RomCon2013!

If you're interested in a review copy of Finding Love's Wings, contact me at zoeyderrick [at] gmail [dot] com for all the details. *HugS*
Zoey

CRYSTAL'S RANDOM THOUGHTS: Cover Reveal: Finding Loves Wings

CRYSTAL'S RANDOM THOUGHTS: Cover Reveal: Finding Loves Wings

Thank you so much Crystal for sharing my cover with your fabulous followers and readers! :-) You are such a beautiful person, I'm so excited to have had you share this for me!

I can't wait til May 15th, to share this wonderful story with EVERYONE!

*HugS*
Zoey

I would also like to add that Finding Love's Wings is now available on Goodreads.

As The Editing Continues....

Hi Everyone!
I know it's been a little while since I released Chapter One for your eyes, so I thought it was about time to update everyone on some wonderful book progress.

I've received some feedback from three of my beta readers, well 2 of which provided partial feedback as their working on finishing, but one was amazing and it's driving my excitement higher and higher to get this book out to all of you.

Speaking of Finding Love's Wings. The Beautiful, Gorgeous, Crystal over at Crystal's Random Thoughts Book Blog will be hosting FLW's cover reveal this Tuesday April 23rd. I'm so excited to have Crystal taking care of this fabulous news for me. I met her through the wonderfully talented Tamara Rose Blodgett, a.k.a. Marata Eros last year, and she is a jewel among bloggers.

Also, my beautiful AussieGirl- Angie is cooking up a review and as soon as she posts it, I will let everyone know. I'm very excited to see what she has to say about my dear Tristan and Cami.

Some of you may have noticed, on Twitter, that I will be attending RomCon2013 in June. This is so exciting for me because it will be my first opportunity to not only mingle with some Awesome Authors, but more importantly, ALL of YOU! If you're traveling to Colorado Springs for RomCon or you live in the area, I truly hope to see you there. With any luck*fingers crossed*I will have paperback editions available at that time.

Okay, I think that's all for now. I will be back again soon with news, and don't forget to follow Crystal's Random Thoughts and I hope you like the surprises she has in store.

Many *HUGS*
XOXO
Zoey

I'm to Excited...

To hold this all in!

The wonderful and amazing Sione Aeschliman (Sione Aeschliman LLC) has struck her magic once again.
Today she treated me to a one hour sample copy edit on Finding Love's Wings in preparation for our next and hopefully final editing adventure. She was able to complete chapter one and I can't hold it in anymore, I have to share the first Chapter with all of you! :-D

So without further adieu, here is Chapter One of Finding Love's Wings!


© 2012 Zoey DerrickThe following is Chapter One of Finding Love's Wings and is protected under copyright © 2012 by Zoey Derrick, all rights reserved. Any use of this document without the express written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. 
CHAPTER ONE

I have this distinct feeling that something is off, but I can't put my finger on what it is. As I pull into the parking spot near Reed's condo, the dreaded "something is not right" feeling courses stronger through my body. His car is here, right next to me, so I know he's here. And I can hear music coming from the window, which is wide open despite the ninety-five degree temperature. Typical weather for June in Phoenix, but most people would have the house closed up and the A/C blasting.
Reed is about five feet six inches tall. Not very tall, but about two inches taller than I am. He is very broad shouldered and muscular, with that perfect V at his hips. He just has an air of sexiness about him.
I met Reed at a bar about six months ago, and we hit it off pretty well. Really well, in fact. We ended up in bed together that same night. We've been seeing each other casually since then, but it's strange: we very rarely ever go out; it's usually just he and I in bed together. I'm not sure that we can be considered a couple, but we've been exclusive to one another since we met.
As I step out of the car, I take a deep breath. Pulling myself together, I head for the door. It's unlocked, which isn't unusual when he's expecting me, even though I have a key to his place. But when I enter the house, I hear a strange noise. I listen carefully, and over the beat of the music there it is again: a weird mewling noise that I can't immediately place.
"Killer Queen" by Queen is crooning through the bedroom stereo system. Reed loves his rock music, and Queen is a bit mellow for him. "Reed?" I call out. The music drones on, so I start singing quietly to myself as I make my way towards his bedroom. As I climb the stairs the music changes, though the song isn't over yet. It switches over to Adele's "Rumor Has It," but not before I catch the sounds again.
Are you fucking kidding me? I think. This rat bastard is sleeping with someone else. The woman moaning is a dead give away. I should turn around and walk out the door.
Instead I make my way further up the stairs, but I stop when I see that his bedroom door is wide open and catch an eye-full of the woman with him. She is mounted on top of him, riding him. Moaning like a cat in heat while she rubs at his chest. He has his hands on her breasts and is rolling her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. She throws her head back and moans again.
I would stomp up the stairs and barge in except I feel that familiar warming between my legs as I watch this display. I feel frozen in place. After a couple of minutes I realize I'm in danger of being caught, and I decide that discretion is going to be the better form of valor, so I turn around and get the hell out of the house.
As soon as I shut myself back in my car I start cursing and screaming at the top of my lungs. "That asshole. Why am I not surprised? He has no regard for anyone or anything. What the hell? Well I guess this explains the funny feelings. UGH!!!!! I'm so mad I could spit nails. What in the hell was he thinking? What in the bloody hell was I thinking? Oh, fuck this shit!"Driving myself the ten minutes back to my apartment is uneventful as I contemplate what to do next. 
After about an hour of pacing, ranting, and trying to decide what to do, I grab my little carry-on suitcase and throw in a few changes of clothing. I need to get out of this town. Somewhere tropical. With beaches. Damn it, I need a vacation.
On my way to the airport, driving down forty-fourth street, I come across a billboard for the upcoming Love Is Burning movie. Up there, in all his 20-foot tall glory, is the beautiful face of Tristan Michaels.
Looking up at his beautiful face is slowly washing away all the angst of the last couple of hours. For the last three years, I've been staring at his face in the magazines that grace the grocery store aisles. Looking at him gives me the strangest sense of security, protection, and need, but what that need is, I've never been able to figure out.
"I bet you'd never cheat on woman with another woman while the first one is on her way over, would you?" I ask his image. Those eyes seem to see right into my soul.
The car behind me honks. The light has changed.

At the airport I email Mick and Beau from my phone, letting them know that I’m headed to L.A. I know they will worry when they don't hear from me tonight. Beau is my best friend and a personal assistant to me. Mick is my financial genius, and the closest thing I have to a dad.
I received a text from Reed while I was en route to the airport, asking where I was. I decide that I should reply to him. My text is dripping with an anger that I'm pretty sure I no longer feel.
I turn off my phone as soon as I know my text has been sent to Reed. I know that leaving it on will mean I will start getting calls or emails from Reed, Beau and Mick. I need to make my escape without anyone convincing me otherwise.
I know that before I even land at my final destination –wherever that is – Mick or Beau will have tracked the ticket. It's fine if they know the where, but I don't want them to know why. Not right now at least. Because if I'm completely honest with myself, I'm not even sure I know why I'm running.
I make my way to the US Airways counter. After 20 minutes of shuffling through the options, I have a first class ticket on a flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles with the intention of spending the night. I'm really looking forward to going on vacation, but I have business in L.A. that needs to be dealt with first.
From L.A. I'll be heading to Honolulu, where I will connect with a flight to Tahiti. I've been in Tahiti before — it was the summer after my mom passed away and I loved it – so when I found out the option was available I took it. However, I have no intention of staying in Tahiti, either.
While I was there the last time, some of the locals told me about the island of Tarah, located about a four hour boat ride or a thirty minute helicopter hop from the Tahiti airport. Tarah is a very small, and very private, island. The island is frequently visited by celebrities and many others seeking anonymity. Someplace, I'm sure, I have no right to hide, but I'm going anyway. The island is tropical year round and mostly inhabited by English-speaking French Polynesians and Australians, which is a huge bonus in my book.
Walking past all the magazine shops, bakeries and coffee shops on the way to my gate, I notice one thing in common all along the way: Tristan Michaels is everywhere I turn. Whether his image is splashed all over promotional magazines for his upcoming movies or on the raunchy tabloids citing the unnecessary and nasty rumors that make their way through the world of entertainment, he is beautiful as ever and I cannot pull my eyes away from him.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Tristan, you have to help me." I roll my eyes towards the vast, wide open space of Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Layla, my girlfriend – well a loose interpretation of the word girlfriend – is arguing with me off in the corner of the reception area. Having just come off of the red carpet, I'm extremely irritable, and she decides that now is the perfect time for an argument.
Thank God that everyone is converging at the bars on the other side of the room. I can see Travis, surrounded by women and fans. Thanking my lucky stars that where Layla and I are standing is devoid of any other people. Though it's a bit conspicuous.
Layla is angry. Downright pissed, if you want the truth of it. She is angry and her face is starting to turn red.
"I need to do no such thing, Layla. This is your damn mess, you fix it." My voice is a harsh growl. We are in the lobby of a theater, at Travis's premier for God's sake. Of all the places in the world that she can bring up this mess, she decides to do it here, tonight.
"Tristan, I can't. They've tried and the magazine wants nothing to do with what I have to say." She is breathing heavy, her temper starting to flare. Her pupils are dilated and I have no doubt that she's high on something. This seems to be the new normal for her.
"Well, I'm not the one in the pictures, so why should I stop this story?"
"Because you love me? Because it affects you? Because you care about me? I don't care, pick a reason. Why would you want to see me destroyed?"
Words fail me. As little as a year ago, I would have done anything for Layla. I would have bent over, broken, and picked up the phone right this second to have Trinity working at getting this story stopped. But no, not this time. I'm not going to defend her anymore. I can't. "There is no logical reason for me to fix your mistakes. You made it, you lay in it." I turn to walk away and she grabs my arm. I turn back to her. "Let go of me." My anger is becoming palpable. Her grip sends a shiver of disgust through my body.
"Tristan, please." Her voice is low, pleading.
She looks so pathetic, broken, and for a minute I start to feel sorry for her. But it takes only a moment for her own history to go flying through my mind. She's the product of being coddled by her parents. She was handed everything in life that she ever wanted. They're extremely wealthy, and she lacks for nothing. She has never had to fight for the things she wants; she has been handed them. She doesn't know what it is like to be alone in the big bad world, and because her parents fix everything for her, she doesn't have Clue One about how to fix her own mistakes. "Why don't you go running to Daddy? I'm sure he can find a way to fix this for you."
Her face falls immediately, and she knows exactly what I'm referring to. She knows what my life was like, and she knows that I got to this position via a single, hardworking mom. I would have graduated college with a mountain of debt had it not been for getting my role in Love is Burning.
"Tristan, that's not fair."
"Not fair! Not fair!" My temper flares up. "Don't you dare talk to me about fair. You have evidence of your having a good time, surrounded by I don't know how many men, one of which is the producer of your last movie. Do not ever talk to me about fair, ever again." I slowly unclench my fists and start to turn. I take a long look at her ruddy face. The woman I once thought of as drop-dead gorgeous now has my stomach acid rising, making me want to vomit. I rub my hand on my chest in an effort to soothe the ache caused by this woman. I could claw my heart out of my chest and it wouldn’t feel any better. "I've had enough of this shit," I growl at her. "If you want this story stopped, you will find a way and it will not be by my hand or my people." I turn on my heel and take two steps away from her.
"Tristan, I'm pregnant."
In an instant my heart swells and I start to turn towards her, wanting to embrace her. Then it hits me like a lightning bolt. Oh for fuck's sake, is she serious? The acid grows higher. "If you think that is going to bring my arms around you in a comforting, everything-will-be-all-right embrace, forget it. I'm not stupid, Layla." I lean into her ear and nearly growl at her. "For the love of all that is holy, Layla, get your shit straightened out. That goddamn article is the least of your problems."
I back away from her. Tears are streaming down her face. A look of defeat. I turn and walk away as quickly as I can manage. I pass Tyson on my way to the door. I hold my hand up. "Don't." I walk out the door and turn to the left. I put my head down and walk as quickly as I can manage towards the back entrance of the J.W. Marriott. I'm walking at such a pace that by the time it registers on people's minds exactly who I am, I'm lost in the next crowd. I hear several girls calling my name, but I don't so much as flinch.
Fucking Layla. She has a damn orgy with God only knows how many men, gets pregnant, and she expects me to fall to bended knee and rectify her problems. Well, Layla, have Daddy or Mommy fix your latest problem, because I could care less.
I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. No doubt it's probably her. Or Travis wondering where I've gone. I take a brief look and see that it's Tyson. I hit send and put the phone to my ear. "Meet me at J.W."
"Trist—" He starts to say, and I hit end. I refuse to have this conversation while walking down through the L.A. Live area of downtown.
I need to call Trinity to give her a heads up about this story. I'm not sure what the implications will be for me, and I'm not sure that I really care. Over the last five years it has become painfully obvious that an actor's career in Hollywood can be marred by his associations as well as the stories that are written about him. Frankly, I'm to a point that all this Hollywood nonsense is old, and I'm a bit tired of it.
My thoughts are random and scattered. I can't stay focused on one subject or another. Layla has me scrambling into hiding because I can't or won't deal with this. Why should I?
God, she's pregnant. And for a second I was ready and willing to embrace her. To show her that it would be okay, that I would make it okay. Then, for another half a second after the lightning bolt struck, her drug use was flashing through my mind. She was high, even tonight. The premiere is the reason why. We had talked about it a couple of days ago, and I was adamant that we were going separate. She and I hadn't been seen arriving together in over six months. In fact, I cannot remember the last time we went anywhere together.
Once I found out about her drug use, I slowly pulled back from my association with her. Some of the tabloids had even started questioning whether or not we were together. Layla's people denied any such allegations, and then they'd leak some random story about Tristan and Layla being seen somewhere together. They were so determined to keep us together, and it is finally time to break free. The pictures she showed me on her phone are their concrete proof, and there is nothing out there that can deny the newest accusations. For this, I'm grateful.
I make it to the hotel about five minutes later. I walk in and the concierge recognizes me, and I'm immediately ushered straight to the penthouse. It’s my usual room, but tonight I would have taken anything. On the way up he asks, "How many nights, Mr. Michaels?"
"One, I think. Tyson will be along shortly. Send him up, will you, please?"
"Absolutely. Will you be needing anything right away?"
"No, the bar will suffice. Thanks."
I turn to my BlackBerry and text Tyson that I need my stuff from Layla's – all of it – and that I’m in my usual room. Yes, I've stayed here a few too many nights.
Layla has a house over in Beverly Hills. It was originally suppose to be 'our' house when she bought it about a year ago, but I didn't like the house, and Layla insisted it was what she wanted. I let her buy it herself. I guess this was the start of my knowing full well that our relationship was going nowhere.
I enter the suite and make my way straight to the bar. I grab the bottle of Laphraig and pour about two fingers’ worth into the crystal glass. Once I pour, I stare at it like it's going to bite me.
"No more," I grumble out loud, and down the scotch. Immediately I pour another glass and make my way to the terrace. The hotel room has a retro feel to it. With a lot of orange, red, brown, and yellow, of all things. All put together, it really works. The streets of downtown L.A. are bustling with people going this way and that. The searchlights are still going in front of Nokia Theater and people are still milling about. No doubt waiting for all those who entered to leave again. The premiere isn't even for one of my movies. I felt no obligation to stay, and I refused to stay with Layla milling about. I turn my phone back on and text Travis to let him know that I've left. I had agreed to attend Travis's Rebound premiere more than a month ago. He never actually asks me to attend such events; it's kind of implied, when it comes to him. We met about four years ago at a charity event and we have been nearly inseparable ever since. He's been my rock since all of this Layla crap happened, including my escape and a place to crash.
His response to my text has me laughing. I stare at the "Fuck Layla!" reply and shake my head. If he only knew.
I sit down and rub my chest. While I wait for Tyson, I look to the stars and whisper. "Please, Mama. Send me a sign – something, anything – that this is all going to be right."
*********I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Cami and Tristan. Please feel free to leave comments, share on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or any other social media outlet. I look forward to your feedback and I hope you enjoy Chapter One of Finding Love's Wings! 
*HugS*Zoey DUntil we meet again! XOXO

To My Editor...

My beautiful editor, Sione, and I have finished a round of line editing on my upcoming novel, Finding Love’s Wings – due out in May 2013 and I’m happy to report that the progress on FLW’s is AMAZING.

Sione’s hard work and dedication to my project has kept me on track, excited and focused on completing my story. She has never given up on me, though I’m sure there were a few cuss words involved when it came to editing FLW.

She always managed to lift me up when I was feeling really down about seeing my work torn apart. As a first time author, I questioned whether or not I should be doing this. I debated on whether or not all this frustration was really worth it. I was open and honest with Sione and she showed me that she wasn’t butchering my work. She was enhancing the foundation that was already laid out for her.

While I still question whether or not I should be a writer, I’ve decided that I will only be able to know if my writing abilities are what I imagine them to be, is to get my story out there.

The story must go on.. Oh wait, that should say. The show must go on..well, mine is a story.

I choose to work with Sione because, while I adore my friends to death, they too have lives. The advice that I was looking for from my friends either never came, or came in a very slow fashion, plus it was a little bias. Most of all, I needed an unbiased opinion about my work, and Sione was the perfect match to provide me with that amazing feedback.

Her open and unbiased opinion has turned into a 3 month long relationship of love and hate. Of course the end result is nothing but love.

While I’ve been feeling down, for the last few weeks, about my work, I will not give up. I will keep editing and editing and editing away until I’m able to deliver a very well written book and hope you all love the story as much as I do.

Lastly.. My dearest Sione;

Without you, Finding Love’s Wings wouldn’t have a name. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to share my SQWEE’s of excitement over the little things, like book covers and blog headers, and most of all, out of all of this, I consider you to be a good, dear friend. I’m so excited to share this story with the world and I’m even more excited that you’re along for the journey.

So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do until Finding Love’s Wings is on e-readers everywhere.

 XOXO

* HugS *

Zoey

Jeez, Life has turned to MaDnEsS!!!

So, I decided that, on top of editing and finalizing Finding Love's Wings for a May release date, I was going to help some of my fellow authors out. I decided that I was going to take on this crazy project, and UGH! it's making me CrAzY! (okay, crazier than I already was.)
So I took on a project of creating a website that contains a forum where we can all get together and discuss, talk about our work, get help and ideas, or just flat out carry on longer conversations that the 140 characters that Twitter allows. Well, I get neurotic about things and this website is making me lose my brain.
Oh did I mention that I am not a web designer, that I haven't the first clue how in the world to create a website that I can't just point and click and add images too? Yeah, so here I am, trying desperately to get this whole mess worked out, and I'm failing miserably and it is MAKING ME CRAZY!

But, I will not give up, unless I find someone willing to work with all the tools I have available for them, and create the site for me...Does anyone know anyone willing to do some freelance work, for free?
Let me know... zoeyderrick [at] gmail [dot] com

Okay, off I go, time for some Editing...Writing...and moving on from my neurotic obsession with creating this website.

XOXOXO!!!
Until we meet again,

Zoey D

*Taps Microphone* He..Hello....

Is this thing on? Can anyone hear me? Oh cool, now that I have your attention, I have a very special announcement to make.But first, today was a highly productive day. I got Day One of line editing sent off to my wonderful Editor Sione Aeschliman (find her here.) I spent the rest of my day working on my new organization and some edits, and even managed another 1K words. So all in all, VERY productive. 
So, now I bet you're most anxious for that sUpEr SPECIAL Announcement...right? If not, then just say you are so that I can get on with it. :-P! Oh and there is a nice lengthy snippet at the end of this special announcement so stay tuned...
First of ALL, my Manuscript finally has an OFFICIAL Title...ARE you READY?
Finding Love's Wings By Zoey Derrick
Now that you have the official title..What about a release date?
Oh, I think we can handle that one.. How about May 2013? That's right May 2013 you will see Finding Love's Wings on e-readers EVERYWHERE!
So Stay Tuned....There is more news to come. 
 Snippet from Finding Love's Wings!
Please note..the following snippet is subject to change at any time.


Eventually I managed to fall asleep and woke-up around six, showered and dressed in a tank top, button-up dress shirt, jeans and sneakers. I went downstairs and grabbed a cab and made my way to the cemetery.After asking the cab driver to wait for me, I made my way to Bobbie and Evelyn’s grave. As I approach their headstone my anger grows to uncontrollable proportions. So much so that I walk up and kick Bobbie's name. “Owe! Owe! Damn it.” I fall to the ground, sobbing. “I hate you, you son of bitch! Why did you do this to me? I don’t understand. If you never wanted kids, why the fuck did you have them? Because, believe me, right now, I’m sure I would be better off.” The tears were so overwhelming and I couldn’t speak anymore.I have never understood why my parents saw fit to let us be raised the way that we were. Why we never had parents, but house staff and student guardians at school to take care of us. “Because of you, I’m dead on the inside. I can’t love or be loved. You’ve taken away anyone I’ve ever loved or felt loved by.”  I continued to sob. My anger quickly turned to loneliness and isolation. I sat out here in the warmth of the California sun for what felt like forever. I’m sitting with my knees pulled up to my chest and my arms wrapped tightly around my legs, starring at the grave of my father. It was only a year ago that we buried him here. That fateful Sunday at the end of May, last year, I received a phone call from the only person with which I had any real connection to Bobbie, telling me that my father had passed away of a heart attack. It was not until then that I started to realize the weight of the anger I felt towards him. It was not until today, sitting near his headstone, that I realized, despite all his God-awful flaws, that I really do miss him. We were never father and daughter, it was more like ward and warden, because he was always cold and unyielding when it came to expressions of love.As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that maybe it wasn’t all Bobbie’s doing. At least telling myself that I was partly to blame helped ease the guilt that had built up in the months following his death. A guilt that eludes me in this moment. I’m so angry at the fact that I feel so lost and I have no one to turn to. After a few more minutes the cab driver approached me. “Ma’am, we need to go if you want to make your meeting.”I wipe the tears from my eyes and turn to him. “I’ll be right there.” I stood, starring at the headstone.
Robert A. And Evelyn C. EndersDevoted Husband and WifeFeb. 18th, 1956 - May 29th, 2011 & Apr. 8th, 1960 - Apr. 28th, 2002
I slowly backed away from the grave, refusing to pull my eyes away. As much as I wanted to hate him and be angry with him, which is easy to do, it’s no use as I’m yelling at a bronze colored headstone.
*HugS*Until we meet again, Zoey! 

A Very Special...

Hi Everyone,
I know it is has been a hot minute since I have posted anything new and for that, I apologize. I'm Sorry and I will try my hardest to do better. :-)

I have been deep into the editing process of my upcoming MS and I have been working hand in hand with my wonderfully talented editor Sione Aeschliman (Twitter / Blog) on Draft Two, which I am happy to report is DONE. Sione and I spent nearly 2 hours on Skype today, deep in discussion regarding some much needed changes. She also spent a good deal of time making my head swell in delight at many of the things she had to say. So, with this being said, tomorrow I dive into Draft #3 with gusto and a stern determination at having it completed by Feb. 11th, 2013.
Once Sione and I have finalized a title, I will get the release date information out to everyone. It's soon, I promise.

Also, for those of you visiting my site that have been here before, my blog has undergone some major renovations. These changes are thanks to the wonderful, awesome and talented Bobby Salomons of The Severed Limb Movement and @D2DBooks. Bobby is the mastermind behind the wonderful blog header, as well as my Twitter page. So this blog post is a Very Special Thank You to Bobby. My gratitude knows no bounds and every time I see my Twitter page or my blog, it brings a great smile to my face. So THANK YOU BOBBY!

If you are not already following Bobby on Twitter, or even his blog, I highly recommend doing so. He is a great person, and a wonderful friend. *Big HUGE Fat HUGS*


Stay tuned for more fun and exciting adventures.

As February and the big V-Day approach, my wonderful Friends over at Deadly Ever After will be featuring some hot and steamy romance short stories. I know of a few of the authors that will be participating, myself included. Make sure you stick around because I am submitting another fun installment to "Devilish Desires" (Originally featured here.) I have been told by the Fabulous Mari Wells (Twitter / Blog) that Ice is a requirement when reading my stories.

So, with that being said, I am going to bid you all a fabulous Good Night!

Until we meet again,

*HugS*KisseS*

Zoey

Starting off 2013 Right!!

I can hardly contain my excitement at announcing the Winners of Reading in 2013's $100.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble giveaway.I am hoping that now that the contest is over, you all still around because coming soon will be a week of giveaways for the week of my books release. 
So without further adieu I give you your winners.......Okay maybe not just yet......Don't you just hate unwarranted anticipation........With lots of dots to keep you scrolling........Okay, Okay, have I tortured you enough? The Winners areJulie RElizabeth EandMari W
Congrats Ladies on winning a $100.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. :-D! *Does Happy Dance*
All that is left is for you lovely ladies is to send me an email that contains the following. 1. Your Store Choice2. Whether you want an E-Certificate or a Physical Gift Card mailed to you. 3. Your email address if E-Cert or your physical address if you would like a Gift Card.
Email Me zoeyderrick [at] gmail [dot] com
Now for a HUGE! Thank you! Thank you to Everyone who participated and who joined along in all my new authorly madness that will be coming in the the coming weeks and months. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and SUPPORT! Because without all of you, I would have given up ages ago! 
Much Love! Happy New Year! Happy 2013! Now get to reading!!! 
Kisses*HugsZoey Derrick

Happy 2013 Everyone!

As I reflect back on 2012, I remember all the things that have happened. The good, the bad and the ugly. This year was by far better than 2011 and for that I am very thankful.

I spent this year with my nose in books and my fingers clicking away on a keyboard typing a book. I have spent this year growing as a person and even turned 30 in there somewhere. If you would have asked me a year ago where I saw myself on New Year's Eve 2012-2013 I would have said sitting around watching T.V. or playing World of Warcraft, which by all accounts is VERY UNEXCITING!

In May I embarked on a book that would lead me to be introduced to the wonderful world of the Indie and Self-Published Authors and their wonderful stories. If you have paid any attention to my blog, you know that I have made a habit out of reading and sharing my favorites with you all. Lately the list has grown stale as I embark on my own writing adventure.

Tonight I will keep my New Year's Wishes short as I am on a self-imposed deadline to have draft two off to my fabulous editor Sione Aeschliman. (On a side note, as a new author, who is unrepresented, I have found great comfort in having Sione at my side. She is there to read my emails when I am babbling like an idiot, or stuck on an idea or even to provide unbiased feedback on my MS. Without her, I probably would have given up on the whole institution of writing.) If you are an Author, just getting started on your own dream of writing, then I recommend seeking out an editor. I personally recommend Sione because her and I work very well together but editors are there to support you and to help guide you, not redirect your entire dream, so if you are seeking an editor, shop around and take advantage of their free services, such as a sample edit. Getting that Sample Edit means you can see what this person is thinking and or feels and see if your two visions come together. If they do and you feel comfortable with that person, discuss what options you may have available because you never know, it could make that project that much better.

Okay, so with that being said, I am off to Write and to Edit.

I hope 2013 brings you all your dreams, fantasies and even realities that you are seeking and that you have a Wonderful and Safe New Year!

Many Hugs, Kisses, and Wishes.

*Zoey*

Want a New Year's Eve Treat? A sexy excerpt perhaps?

*Please note, this excerpt is subject to change and contains language and sexual content not suitable for anyone under the age of 18*


Her breathing spiked. I could feel her heart pounding waiting against my hands, wanting me to continue. I continued the path my hands were making. Slowly I made my way up to her shoulders, her neck, her cheeks. Cupping her face. I bent down and brought my lips to hers. Pulling her against me. I wanted her close to my body, as close as was humanly possible. She kissed me back, urgent and excited. I could hardly breathe. She was literally taking my breath away. Just then, I felt her hands on my hips. Searching for,.. ah she found it, the hem of my shirt. She started to lift it up as I continued kissing her, but stepped back. I was nearly a full foot taller than she was, so I was trying to help her remove my shirt. She continued to pull upward until she met the resistance of my arms. I smiled against her lips. “Did you want to take off my shirt?”  She giggled, but her giggle was hot and heavy, panting. “Yes” she breathed. I pulled back, raised up my arms and off went my shirt. She immediately dropped it to the floor and took a half step back to take in the full view of the dragon on my chest. Then she realized that my nipples were actually pierced with studs that were hard to see last night. Her hands met my shoulders, bringing them down my pecks, she found my nipples with her thumbs and rubbed lightly. Ah, my God, that...Jesus. “Ah!” I grabbed at her hips. Pulled her close. Her nipples pressed against my stomach, hard as a diamonds. My cock twitched, involuntary. God I want her. I want her so bad. But I need to stop this. I can’t....