Real Men Do Knit … Cover reveal and excerpt!
Oh yes, they do and I wrote a whole romance about it!
The cover of my May 2020 novel under the other me Kwana Jackson has finally been revealed and I could not be happier!
Isn’t it just gorgeous? There was also an exclusive excerpt, sneak peep over at Frolic Media. Click here to check it out. I think it perfectly conveys the humor and sexiness REAL MEN KNIT out May 19th 2020 from Berkley Romance.
When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.
Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans on what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep the store open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop…
Part-time shop employee, Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secret. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brothers to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the knitty-gritty of the business and together they make plans to reinvent Strong Knits for a new generation.
But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe their relationship can last longer than one can knit one, purl two. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always—after all, real men knit.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/32TLKxZ
Kindle: https://amzn.to/34791wB
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/36nBEb5
Nook: http://bit.ly/2BPW8eh
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2BLEetg
Apple Books: https://apple.co/36dVcP1
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2PAGkV5
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2onQIUH
Best,
KMJ
Hello old friend, hello… knitting it all together
So I just handed in another story to my super fab agent. Go me!
But really those in the KMJ know, know there is never any of that “Go me!” spirit when I do these kind of things. It’s more of a weak ‘yay, got that done’ and a shaky hand turnover because I’m never all that confidant in what I just put down on the page. The neurotic writer critic in my always wins out.
I will say I do adore this story and these characters and I hope when it’s time to share them come next holiday season you all will think they are just as delicious as I do. My heroine got to take the dream vacation that I have been longing for so there is that.
And with my hand-off, my super agent gave me the advice to not just dive into the next work, but take a moment for myself, which I also find hard to do. But with that permission to goof off from her I’m pulling out my long forgotten knitting to unwind with and instead of unwinding I’m having a devil of a time trying to remember this lovely stitch.
Oh well, I wonder if I can get this shawl done by the time my story comes out late next year. Ya think?
Tell me do you have an unwinding hobby that you retreat to?
All the best,
KMJ
Persistence
Yesterday I met with my buddies, The Knitsters for the 1st time in a long time. It was wonderful to step out of the Bat Cave and into the light for a few hours and it was also great to pick up the knitting needles again after being away from them for so long.
In anticipation I bought some new heather gray yarn in order to start on shawl that I had been admiring my friend knitting with a beautiful open weave stitch that was a step up from my usual knit/purl action.
I cast on the 97 stitches and got to the point where I needed some help so I got my friend to show me the steps in the stitch that I didn’t know. Here’s how it went: K1*yfwd, k3tog,yrn,P1,rep from*
No you’d think I’d be able to count, pay attention, and get that pattern but, um, no. My 1st try and I ended up off by 20 stitches. My 2nd try and I ended up off by 3, my 3rd try and I was off by 1. Yes people it took me 4 tries and this was no small scarf, I was casting on 97 stitches with each go, but after 4 times I finally got the row right and was so pleased with myself.
I think this says something to my never give it spirit (or just shows I’m loopy). Now I have to turn this attitude back toward my writing but remember to move away from the keyboard at times and bring it back to the needles.
Have a great weekend and I hope you try something new or an old fave this weekend.
All the best,
Kwana
Starting Spring…
Don’t you love it when you get a book recommendation and it lives up to what was recommended. Books are so personal that I not surprised when at times they just don’t. I mean every book is not for everybody. But that said, I was so happy when I won this copy of Starting Now by the wonderful Debbie Macomber thanks to the fab Sue Grimshaw. Sue had tweeted that she really enjoyed it and I’ve seen it on some top lists with A Grades. It took me a while to pick it up as I’ve been so busy with my own work, but I finally did and it turned out to a truly sweet and heartwarming story that had two of my favorite things, romance and knitting. What’s not to like?
So this week, I’m recommending Starting Now. A lovely way to start your spring reading. Do you have any books you’d like to recommend? If so please do in the comments.
All the best,
KMJ
Image from Pinterest
Clicking with Friends
Today I’m off to knit with some friends for the last time before Christmas. Sadly, all my lofty plans of holiday knitting did not come to fruition but it was sure fun trying each week while hanging with my good friends. Isn’t always more fun when you get to do things with people you enjoy? Have a happy day and take a little time to reach out, maybe to that friend you haven’t spoken to in a bit. It may make both your day.
All the best,
KMJ
Image fm here
Christmas in July
So it’s hot as all get out but I’m suddenly in a Christmas mood and ready to get my knit on and get started with a little holiday knitting. Don’t want to be caught behind the old 8 ball this year. I also don’t feel like starting on any involved complicated sweater pattern that I’ll just give up on half way. So I think it’s fun hats and scarves for me. Won’t the family be so happy? Not? Maybe? I hope so.
Oh well. How about you? Are you doing any holiday DIY projects?
Also anyone know of any good quick knit books? I’d love some suggestions.
Best,
Kwana
Transition Knitting
I’m in transition. That time between cool and warm and looking for a new knitting project to take me into the warmer months. So far I’m stumped. I’m sure Audrey would know what to do.
Do you have any suggestions? Good summer knitting books?
Best,
Kwana
Image from here
A Little Cozy Knitting
So I’ll be doing a little knitting today. No, nothing a elaborate as this bike cover I spotted in front of a shop in Soho this weekend. Like Wow!
I’ll be going a little easier on myself with a little cowl. Will let you know how it goes. Are you working on any special projects?
Have a great day!
Best,
Kwana
Final Knit Countdown
Yikes! Knitting today. That’s not the Yikes part of this post. The Yikes of it is the state of my DS’s hat. It’s a far cry from being done in time for Christmas. But with so much to get ready for the holiday where does one fine the time to sit and knit. Oh longing for the simpler times.
I hope you get a simple moment today.
Best,
KwanaKnitting Spirit
I love these knitted ornaments found here. They really show the spirit of the holidays. Wish I had found them earlier. Oh well maybe a project for next year. I think they would make great gifts for someone very special.
Best,
Kwana
