Let The Music Play…
Thanks to all of you who stopped by Pink Fluffy Hearts yesterday. I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Today Through The Lens is over at Andi’s Book reviews. Don’t forget to stop by and comment there for your chance to win. In the meantime… let the music play!
Have a great day!
All the best,
KMJ
Happy 200th Birthday Pride and Prejudice!
I’m still deep in the writing cave and can barely come out to see the sun (if there was some sun). Though as much as I’d like to spend the day with a full on Pride and Prejudice fest and go all in with my double DVD collection to celebrate the 200th birthday today, I just can’t. So that said, I’ve made do with this fun video while I enjoyed a warm bowl of soup for lunch today. If you have 10 minutes click on and enjoy.
And really the warm soup and Firth’s long looks were just want I needed to get me through to the next page. Thank you Miss Austen.
Have a great day!
All the best,
KMJ
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The Thirty Year Old Virgin… Guest Post fm author Synithia Williams
Today on ye old blog we have something a little different, a guest post. Now normally I do an author interview but when I read (I will say with my own bit of skepticism followed by pure enjoyment) fellow Crimsonista, Synithia William’s Worth The Wait I had to ask her here to tell us about her reasoning behind writing an older virgin heroine. Take it away Synithia….
The Thirty Year Old Virgin
The thirty year old virgin. Some scoff and say that’s unrealistic. How could someone possibly hold onto their virginity throughout their twenties? Romance readers may feel it’s an antiquated idea that is overplayed in contemporary novels. Yes you may be right, but if there’s one thing I do know it’s never say never. And to say that nowhere in this world is there a woman approaching thirty who’s never had sex would be (in my opinion) a lie.
I have friends who managed to hold on to their virginity through college. And only gave it up, for lack of a better phrase, when impending engagements approached. I admire these friends for doing this. It takes a lot of confidence in oneself to ignore the peer pressure, and relationship pressure, and stay true to your beliefs. One friend in particular, I could see still holding onto her virginity if she hadn’t gotten engaged and later married her husband. She’s the same age as me.
That’s why I believe someone like the heroine in my book, Worth the Wait, can, and probably does, exist. Tasha Smith was raised by strict parents who instilled in their daughters the importance of waiting for marriage. As she got older and saw friends in high school and college hurt, pregnant, or with a sexually transmitted disease, it was easy to keep to her decision to wait for marriage. But after college things got a bit dicey. Men weren’t thrilled by the idea that the only way to have sex with her meant they had to put a ring on it. Therefore, her love life became one break up after another.
That’s where my dose of 21st century realism comes in if you still doubt the whole almost 30 virgin idea. I can’t see how dating could be easy for someone holding out sex until marriage. That’s a lot of pressure on a new relationship. So, stuck between a rock and a hard place, Tasha resolves to lose her virginity by asking playboy entrepreneur, Jared Patterson, to be her first.
And from there the excitement ensues. I love drama, and put these two through their fair share. There are consequences to rash decisions, and the consequences almost tears families apart.
I hope you can understand why I went with an almost 30 virgin for this book. Give it a try. Let me know if I made it work. But for now, tell me your thoughts. Do you think a virgin would have a hard time dating in 2013?
Worth the Wait Blurb
After Tasha Smith is dumped yet again because of her virginity, decides it’s time to stop saving herself for marriage and start dating like women in the twenty-first century. She sets out to find a man rumored to be good enough in bed to relieve her of the nuisance, but discreet enough to keep her request a secret. Jared Patterson seems like the perfect candidate. Yet after one searing kiss, she wonders if she’ll escape the night unscathed.
Jared’s job as a successful fitness instructor and entrepreneur has helped him keep a string of meaningless relationships from the east to the west coast. After learning the hard way that women can’t be trusted, he has no qualms going from one sex only relationship to the next. Although Tasha is one of the few types of women he avoids—a good girl—the man in him can’t turn down her tempting offer.
What starts out as a onetime thing quickly turns into an affair neither want to stop. But when an unexpected situation drastically alters their relationship, it leaves them both asking if it was Worth the Wait.
Buy Links:
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-worththewait-1030587-237.html
Crimson Romance: http://www.crimsonromance.com/upcoming-releases-romance-ebook/worth-the-wait/
Biography:
Synithia Williams has loved romance novels since reading her first one at the age of 13. It was only natural that she would begin penning her own romances soon after. It wasn’t until 2010 that she began to actively pursue her publishing dreams. Her first novel, You Can’t Plan Love was published in August 2012 by Crimson Romance. When she isn’t writing, this Green Queen, as dubbed by the State Newspaper, works to improve air and water quality, while balancing the needs of her husband and two sons. You can learn more about Synithia, and her novel, by visiting her website, www.synithiawilliams.com, where she blogs about writing, life and relationships.
Twitter: http://www.synithiawilliams.com/@SynithiaW
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/synithiarwilliams
Thanks so much for being here Synithia. I really enjoyed Worth The Wait and can’t wait for your next release.
All the best,
KMJ
Going Clubbing…
So what do I have in common with EL James, Meg Wolitzer & Thomas Hardy? Stop laughing, this is going somewhere people. You see as it now turns out all of our books have been read by the fantastic ladies of the Super “A” Reading and Cultural Society. Now that’s really not their name, it’s just a name I made up, I could also call them The Magnificent Literary 7 or maybe the Lit Spice Girls, I kind of like the ring of that too. Either way they are just great and they were kind enough to break into their regularly scheduled programming to read Through The Lens and invite me to speak at their monthly gathering.
I can’t tell you all how nervous I was, going in for my very first book club chat, but these kind ladies made me feel right at home. Turns out they had all read the book and from the feeling I pick up, liked it. They asked fantastic questions about the characters, motivation, the way I craft a story and touched on some inside industry things, all of which I hope I gave coherent answers too. Hey, you never know with me.
I got a wonderful insight into their reading habits and I was surprised at how many of them read on their phones, oh my poor eyes, but for sure the digital age is here to stay. We talked new and old books, favorite authors and genres and in the end I left with some gorgeous flowers and a magnificent group of 7 new friends. Oh yes, I’m a lucky girl indeed! And next they are on to a book that couldn’t be more of a shift from TTL … To Kill A Mockingbird. Really? Me, the opening act for Harper Lee who woulda thunk it?
All the best,
KMJ
Keeping up?
Do you ever feel like you just can’t keep up with it all? I know I sure do. Like the fact that Thanksgiving is in 1 week away. Who the heck went and snuck that one in, in what feel to me is week early? Is it just me feeling this way? Oh my goodness! The stores are already filled with the 12 days of Christmas and I’ve barely taken down my decorations from The Halloween that Sandy forgot. It’s all a hot mish mash of a mess around here. I’m sure my kids will be home in two days to say, what have you been up to mom? And my answer will be just living with the day to day.
All that to say, in between the living with the day to day and to bringing this thing around to being a little bookish as I’m often to do, I have a question: Do you do Goodreads?
Goodreads is a fantastic site for readers and a great place to share books recommendations. I’m on there and have been since way before Through the Lens. I find it a great tool to keep up with what I’m reading and have read since honestly, I can’t remember what I had for dinner 2 nights ago. Go and check it out. I’m hosting my first Goodreads giveaway since Through the Lens is now out in paperback so please feel free to enter if you like. Just click on the link in my sidebar to your right >>>>>> and you’re there!
It’s a fun site and a great way to keep up. Now back to this Thanksgiving deal…Are you ready?
All the best,
KMJ
P.S. Hint! Hint! Please come back on the weekend for the start of the Crimson Wonderland Blog Hop. HUGE Prizes!! Lots of great things happening starting this weekend with the Crimson Romance authors. Look to your left at the pretty blue square. <<<<<<<
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Paperback Writer…
Talk about a dream come true. In addition to the digital version I’m so happy to announce that Through The Lens is now available in a Paperback edition. To have and to hold! Oh my goodness.
You can order your POD copy on Amazon here.
Thanks so much and please tell a friend.
All the best,
KMJ
Happy Friday! What Cha Reading?
Happy Friday! Simple question this Friday, what cha reading? Look at what I got in the mail yesterday. ICED, the much anticipated new book from Karen Marie Moning. I was so excited to win this from the fantastic Bell’s blog over at Hanging with Bells. Thanks so much Bells! I can’t wait to dive in. Doing the new book happy dance!
So are you happy dancing over any great reads right now?
All the best,
Kwana
Local Author-lebrity
So it seems I’m local famous (ok maybe in my own head but let’s go with it for this here post). You see my town’s local paper did a piece on me and Through The Lens and it came out today with a photo and everything! Once I got over the shock of that and my huge head (man it’s large and in color) I conceded that it was pretty cool. I love the headline and the fact the owner of the town’s hardware store ran over to me right away when I was picking up leaf bags to give a nice congrats and say, “hey I know you!” That was really sweet. ‘D’ list here I come!
All the best,
KMJ
It’s Coming!
It’s Coming !
Did you hear me? Get to moving because it’s coming!!
So it seems everyone on the east coast, including alarmist me, are all up in arms over the impending Frankenstorm coming just in time to ruin Halloween for children everywhere. I’m preparing by taking care of the essentials like: extra batteries, extra cookies, full charge on my cell and of course a full charge on my e-reader and making sure I have enough books downloaded to get me though any weather.
If you are looking for a good read to take you away from the frightful weather might I suggest my own island getaway Through The Lens. Just look to your right and click on over on your favorite platform.
Have a great weekend and please share what you will be doing to prepare for the week ahead in the comments.
All the best,
K.M.J
images thanks to the classic Young Frankenstein
Date with a Siren… author interview with Jax Cassidy plus a Giveaway!
Hello lovelies. Today on ye old blog I’m so honored to have one of my very good friends, the multi-talented and multi-published, Jax Cassidy! Jax is here to talk about and celebrate her newest release SIREN’S SEDUCTION. Welcome Jax.
J.C. Thanks so much for letting me visit your awesome site! I’m super stoked about being here.
K.M. Can you tell us about SIREN’S SEDUCTION?
J.C. I’m a sucker for love stories and this one is a sad one. It’s about two characters that are broken, have lived through hardships, that find each other through fate. There is a sprinkling of my Eastern beliefs woven into the storyline but the essence of the story is about overcoming obstacles, valuing yourself, and allowing yourself to give and be loved. This particular story is very special to me because it’s the first print contracted story that was released through a small press publisher. Recently, I got my rights reverted to me and decided to breathe new life into it. I also felt that because it had such a small distribution, it didn’t reach a wider national and international market…so now it will.
SIREN’S SEDUCTION
Niko Chow craves solitude. Only fate won’t leave him in peace. His desire to overcome his demons leads him to a promise made to a dying friend and into the arms of a seductive chanteuse.
Donovan Matthews ignites a passion within him he has long denied. The more time he spends with her, the more Niko finds her spitfire determination and generous heart as sensuous and exotic as the lotus blossoms that bloom in his garden. Can she end his internal war and help heal his aching soul?
K.M. That sounds way sexy and Niko seems quite tortured. Tell us what are your favorite types of heroes?
J.C. Definitely the tortured hero but more on the gamma side. I love me some dark, brooding, and passionate heroes but I don’t want a wuss either. I’m also not a fan of alpha heroes simply because I like my men to have a sensitive side. I feel it gives him the advantage over an alpha hero who always sets out to prove he’s the man in any situation.
K.M. What made you take the step into self publishing?
J.C. Honestly? While I was waiting on contracts with New York publishers, I didn’t want my readers to forget me. Self publishing gives me a lot of control and since I am the publisher, I can put out the story of my heart every time without making sacrifices. I feel I have an advantage over the general writer who self publishes stories without having any prior experience or knowledge of the industry. I’ve spent almost a decade being involved and learning about publishing which allows me to make the right choices that are both professional and beneficial to me as a writer.
I’m not out there putting up stories that I haven’t spent a great deal of time and effort into. I focus on re-writing, editing, layout, distribution, and everything in between while channeling the publisher’s mindset. There is a lot of time intensive labor involved and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. There’s not a product I would put out without being proud of the final product. I’m not saying it will be perfect but it will be as perfect as I can possibly make it. However, it’s still trial and error and I’m sure I’ll get dinged along the way but I’m prepared for it. All I can do is keep learning the craft and putting my best foot forward.
A lot of my NY published author friends have done exceedingly well and they’ve even passed on NY contracts to self publish, but that’s not my goal. Self publishing allows me to have the best of both worlds and helps build my readership for when I have books back in the brick and mortar bookstores.
K.M. Now I know you are a woman of many talents. Besides being an author you are a web mistress and graphic designer. How has this helped you with stepping into the world of self publishing?
J.C. I’ve worked many years as a marketing/art director for a successful international company as well as for a publishing company that prepared me to tackle self publishing. Being an artist and designer helps with the overall branding and packaging of my products. Right now it may be a one-woman show but I’m a control freak and I like things just right. Web design and cover or product design is therapeutic. It makes me happy to create something that is eye-catching and even prouder that my clients love it. I wouldn’t hand off a project without loving it completely because I am all about creating something special that I would do for my own self. It’s got to have a lot of love in it and I hope it shows through.
K.M. For fun can you give us a song that would be on Niko and Donovan’s playlist?
J.C. THE STORY by Brandi Carlisle. It’s such a heartbreaking song but totally defines what a person will do for love. It’s one of those songs that make me a weepy and the ballad is so haunting and emotional that I can’t stop listening to it.
K.M. What can we look for next from you?
J.C. There’s several stories in the works including a Christmas story for December, and of course, the upcoming release of SAIGON SUMMER in 2013 which is part of my charity fiction reads. I decided to release a book each year (if I’m not buried under deadlines) in which all author proceeds go to charity. This particular story is dear to my heart since it goes to my home country of Vietnam. For this release, I’ve picked charities that focus on fighting human trafficking and helping the survivors integrate into society again. I have a huge marketing plan and will involve live events to help raise awareness and serious dollars for these amazing organizations.
K.M. Where can folks find you and pick up Siren’s Seduction?
J.C. Readers can purchase my book on my website and almost all major online venues. The eBook is currently available and the print book is expected to be released in December. Since I love connecting to friends and readers on my social networks, I’m usually found frequenting Facebook or Twitter. I spend a great of time on Romance Divas since I co-founded the site. I wish I had more time in the day to add more social networks to my list but I figured my time should be spent wisely on trying to send proposals to my agent as well as writing regularly.
Website: www.jaxcassidy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjaxcassidy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaxcassidy
For writers & readers: www.romancedivas.comK.M. Thanks so much for being here Jax! It’s been a real pleasure.
J.C. Thanks, Kwana! I’ve had such a fabulous time and I hope that folks will give me and my stories a chance! For those totally new to me, I have a few free short HOT reads available on my website, Smashwords, Kobo, B&N and more…
K.M. Please leave a comment or question for Jax and 2 lucky folks will win a copy of Siren’s Seduction from Jax. Thanks Jax!
JAX CASSIDY followed her dreams to Paris, then Hollywood to pursue a film career but managed to fall in love with penning sexy romances and happy endings—finding Mr. Right was just an added bonus. She writes contemporary & paranormal romances and is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning writer’s website and discussion forum. Jax is also known as one-half of the retired writing team of Cassidy Kent. She is represented by Roberta Brown of the Brown Literary Agency.
