Love Between The Covers
I’m loving the idea of this documentary: Love Between The Covers and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Being a romance lover and novelist I’m all for women supporting women and there are now 4 days left if you’d like to get on board and support this Kickstarter project too. You can check out the details here.
Best,
KwanaNope you can’t plan it… Interview with author Synithia Williams
Don’t you just love finding new friends? I sure do and today I’m please to introduce you to a new writer friend and fellow Crimson author, Synithia William’s whose book YOU CAN’T PLAN LOVE has just come out this week.
Welcome Synithia and congratulations!
Thanks so much for having me over, Kwana! I love how the internet let’s me “meet” so many new people.
Now, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the book and loved it but can you tell the blog readers about YOU CAN’T PLAN LOVE?
Sure here’s a synopsis.
After several bad relationships, Kenyatta Copeland decides to control her love life with the same discernment she uses in her professional life.
Knowing firsthand the heartbreak that comes when desire and emotion rule a relationship, Kenyatta assumes marrying Brad Johnson will lead to a stable life. But as much as she believes she can plan her future, it’s hard to ignore the way her boss, Malcolm Patterson, ignites her passions with just one look. After Malcolm learns of her engagement, he makes a play for her heart and reminds her that passion between a man and a woman has its perks … but also its costs. When Brad suspects there’s more than work between Kenyatta and Malcolm, he works harder to keep Kenyatta by his side. Torn between her promise to marry Brad and her irrepressible longing for Malcolm, Kenyatta must decide if she can live her life in a passionless marriage of convenience or once again trust her heart. Yet Brad isn’t as perfect as he seems, and by the time Kenyatta realizes this it may be too late.
What drew you to writing romance, have you always been a fan of the genre?
I am a sucker for romance (as most of us romance writers are). I started reading romances in middle school and haven’t stopped since. Life is full of unhappy endings and negative emotions; I don’t see anything wrong with losing yourself in a romance novel and forgetting the harshness of reality.
You’re hero has a wonderful environmental connection. Is this something that’s close to your heart?
It is! In 2010 I was dubbed a “Green Queen” by our area’s largest newspaper. I spend my days working on sustainability projects (air, water, green business, etc.) when I needed a career for my main characters, it was easy to put them in the field of water quality. I felt most comfortable in my writing that way. I’ve noticed that in my other books, I throw in some type of “green” quality to the characters. I can’t help it, it’s ingrained in me.
Plus, Malcolm was a kind of fantasy for me. A tall, dark, handsome man who also loves the environment. Too often “greenies” are thought of as Birkenstock wearing, granola eating, tree huggers. I wanted to show that doesn’t have to be the case.
Now for one of my favorite questions: Please tell the story of your “overnight” writing success.
It feels like an overnight occurrence to me. I’ve written for years, off and on, without any real push to try hard. It was always a pipe dream to become a published writer. Then in 2010, a colleague packed up her stuff and moved her three kids and husband to Ohio so she could attend law school. It was a wakeup call. If she could go after her dream, then so could I. If I wanted to be a writer I would have to actively pursue it. So that’s what I did. I finished my book in 2010, revised numerous times in 2011, got so many critiques that I can’t begin to thank everyone (but I can do a quick shout out to Ester, TJ and Danita), took webinars, read everything I could, noticed the trend in e-books and started querying e-publishers in 2012. I am so blessed that my turnaround was quick, because I know other writers are at this for years.
That is wonderful! Finally, please tell us what’s next for you?
I’ve finished my second novel about Malcolm’s brother and am awaiting feedback from beta readers. In the meantime, I’m writing my third novel about Malcolm’s best friend. Ideas keep popping up, so I have about three first chapters written to other novels I hope—no will—complete one day.
Thanks so much for being here today. It was a pleasure and I wish you much success with YOU CAN’T PLAN LOVE.
Thanks so much for having me, Kwana! Good luck to you, too. In case your readers don’t know, your hero (Alejandro) is hot!
Aww now I’m blushing. Thanks so much.
YOU CAN’T PLAN LOVE can be found here at: http://tiny.cc/x9k9hw or www.crimsonromance.com
And SYNTHIA can be reached at her website here: www.synithiawilliams.com
And on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/synithiarwilliams
And on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/@synithiaw
All the best,
Kwana
Eating down the line aka what I did on my Summer vacation…
Happy Monday!
Here I am back at my old laptop after a week away on the road with the family and finding it oh so hard to get back into the swing of work again. The DH, DD, DS and I were off to Savannah to visit with the DH’s kin and I have to say I think I ate my way down I-95 and back up again. Of sweet tea how I love thee! Now get back!
You can see the evidence of my gluttony which felt at times more on the edge of debauchery here:
So now I’m feeling like some serious Fall get in line action needs to be taken but then again… the summer’s not over yet. Check back with me on that action after Labor Day. Have a good one.
Best,
Kwana
Zoltar says…
That he’s seeing all your dreams coming true, all it takes is you seeing it too.
Happy Wednesday!
Best,
Kwana
And we’re off!
Well, it’s for real now.Through The Lens, my September Crimson release is up for pre-order at Amazon and can I just say… Oh Wow! You can check it out here. Feel free to click away and be one of the first to get it while it’s hot, hot, hot and ‘like’ to tell all your friends that you did. Please don’t be shy.
Once again here is that link.
Now excuse me while I faint. Send someone on around in ten minutes to come and pick me up off the floor. Thanks!
Best,
Kwana
Shine on Through!
Happy Saturday!
Keep on Smiling. You never know who’s clicking.
Best,
Kwana
image fm here by Bert Stern
Coming Through!
Can I get a woo and hoo! Check out my be-u-te-ful cover for my September 3rd contemporary romance Through The Lens out from Crimson Romance. Isn’t it lovely? Gulp. This is feeling very real now.
Here is a little bit about Through the Lens:
Mika Walters is a normal woman working in the not so normal world of New York Fashion. As long time assistant to uber sexy photographer Alejandro Vargas she’s tired of being the girl in the background. Just once she wants Alejandro to look at her with the same smoldering look he gives to his willowy models and now she has her chance.
Stranded.
After a travel mishap where the rest of the crew and the models can’t make the remote location shoot for another three days Mika is taking her moment to catch Alejandro’s eye and put herself in front of Alejandro’s camera and if all goes to plan, his bed… at least until the real world catches up with them.
Alejandro doesn’t know what’s gotten into Mika maybe it’s the sand, maybe it’s the sun, but he doesn’t really care. All he knows is that he’s finally opened his eyes and is seeing her clearly for the first time as the smart, gorgeous and incredibly irresistible woman she is.
But why can’t she realize that what he’s feeling for her is not one of his usual one, well, three night stands. This is real. Real love, real passion. What’s it going to take for him to prove to Mika that she’s the woman he wants? Now and forever.
There you have it. Coming to a reading device near you September 3rd. Download it while it’s hot!
Best,
Kwana
Feeling Guilty?
So thanks to a post over at Dear Author my curiosity was riled up and I couldn’t stop myself from watching the POV documentary: Guilty Pleasures. I have to say though it does have its uplifting moments I think it gives a bleak view of some of the romance readers out there. I did not see any of the vibrant women of the romance world that I know there but still, it’s interesting and worth a watch and available online until Aug 12th. I say check it out and please report back if you do. I myself am not feeling guilty at all.
Best,
Kwana
Testing Time! Interview with author Nancy Loyan
So one look at the cover of author Nancy Loyan’s book Lab Test and you can’t help but be pulled in by the puppy dog eyes and then you get a look at the tag line of:
“Can the unconditional love shared by a dog and a master lead to love between a man and a woman?” and you can’t help but go, ok now I really want to know more.
Well, today I have fellow Crimson Romance author, Nancy here to answer the burning questions.
Welcome Nancy!
-Thank you, Kwana. It’s an absolute pleasure being here.
Firstly, please tell us about the cover of Lab Test. Why the sad little dog?
-First of all, I love the cover that the artists at Crimson Romance created for “Lab Test.” It captures the essence of the novel. I see the black Labrador Retriever as not being sad but a bit mystical and introspective with that “all-seeing, all-knowing” eye. That cute little face is hinting at what transpires in the book. Behind that face and those eyes is the heart and soul of the book’s heroine, the integral part of the plot. Well, if the puppy seems sad, she was found by the book’s hero wandering the streets if inner-city Detroit rather forlorn and out of her element.
Ahh now I get it. Poor Samantha. She’s like shape shifting Sam from True Blood but trapped, hence the sad eyes. It makes total sense to me now.
-Not sad but all-knowing.
That is so sweet. Tell me what was your inspiration for this story? Could it be watching True Blood?
-Honestly, I’ve never watched True Blood and rarely watch television. My inspiration came from my previous dog, Ebony. Ebony was a black Lab-Pointer mix found abandoned in the parking lot of a local amusement park. The area, I discovered, was known for being a “dog dump.”
Ebony was my first experience with the hunting dog personality. I had Collies before and they are like the fashion models of the dog world. They are beautiful, high-maintenance, loving but a bit aloof. Labs and Pointers are totally different. Labs are extremely close and personable. They read emotions and moods and act accordingly. Ebony challenged me and, because she was an “Alpha dog” kept me on my toes with her cunning mind. I liked the “give and take.” It was more of a relationship than a master-owner scene. I used to call her my “child in a dog suit.” Labs are also “Saran-wrap” dogs because they are always nearby. Yes, they sleep in the bed, too! They have a way of endearing themselves and it’s no wonder that they have been the AKC’s top dog for well over ten years.
I lost my beloved Ebony at the age of 16 and “Lab Test” is dedicated to her. I currently have a black Lab-Pointer mix, Topaz and her boisterous sister, an English Pointer, Amber. I love dogs!
I can see that and Ebony sounds so special.
Now please tell us what drew you to writing paranormal romance?
-I’ve always liked paranormal romance. When I was a child I was drawn to time travels. I absorbed Jules Verne novels. One of my all-time favorite movies is “Somewhere in Time.” I also loved the television series “Time Tunnel.” I liked “Bewitched.” Of course, I was addicted to “I Dream of Jeannie.”
Somewhere in Time was such a great movie. Can you tell us what’s next for you?
-Next? I’m sure that I will be receiving revision notes from Crimson Romance for my next novel, a contemporary romance, tentatively titled “Hearts of Steel,” that will be out in October. I have two additional novels contracted with Crimson. Yes, one is a time travel. I am also revising some old manuscripts and have begun a new novel that has been in my head for a very long time and is itching to get out.
That’s wonderful. We well stay on the lookout for the nest book. Thanks so much for being here.
Thank you for having me!
Lab Test can be found here:
And Nancy can be reach on her web site here: www.NLSScribe.com
And on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/nancy.l.schuemann
Best,
Kwana
And we’re off…
Let the countdown begin or maybe I shouldn’t do that. No, you know me. I totally am. In Just 1 month from today my debut novel THOUGH THE LENS will be flying through cyber space and launched out into the world on September 3rd available from Crimson Romance! Can I get a Woo Hoo!! And an Oh Yeah!! And a maybe a small yikes for good measure.
Thanks. Happy Friday. Enjoy the weekend.
Best,
Kwana
Image from here
