Angie "The Shoe Diva" Daniels

From the moment I met Ms. Angie Daniels I knew she was a DIVA. What impressed me was she made no apologies for it. When she steps into a room it is with the grace of Grace Kelly, and the confidence of Patti LaBelle. There is no pretenses with Ms. Angie. She is who she is and I love her for it. Ms. Angie is the true definition of a HOT MAMA! 

Since she has a book coming out on August 25th, this is a good time to give her some shine. 

Ms. Angie, take center stage and shine! 

What do people think when they first meet you?

I don’t know. I guess I need to ask them. LOL. I hope they think I’m very approachable, beautiful, and crazy as hell.

Three words that best describe you.

Confident, sexy, and beautiful (what else would a diva say?)

Books that influenced you the most.

I get ask that question a lot and it’s hard to say. I think any book I have read has influenced me in some shape or fashion. I love to read and reading is what inspires me. As I writer I find myself dissecting stories, looking at the way the author created the characters, the way the visual picture is painted. There is much more to books than just mere words.

How do you unwind?

An apple martini and HGTV. LOL (I’m cracking myself up). Usually a few rounds of kickboxing does the trick.

What does nobody know about Angie Daniels?

What nobody knows is Angie Daniels can’t keep a man! LOL I’m a whole lotta woman to deal with. Few people know I am currently serving active duty with the Virginia Air National Guard. I work long ten-hour days and then run home, slip off the boots and slide my feet into a pair of stilettos in order to get those creative juices flowing for an hour or two before bedtime.

What do you prefer, traditional or self-publishing?

I prefer self-publishing, however, I think every author should try to go the traditional route. It’s a great way to get marketing and to build a fan base. Once you do, you will truly appreciate being self-published because you’ll have complete control of every aspect when it comes to your work. The experience has been liberating.

Share your insights on becoming a USA Today Bestselling Author.

I was at work when I received the call from Yvette Hines and I was floored. I didn’t think it was going to happen. Multicultural box sets don’t make the list, but we did it! I was in a daze for the rest of the day. I’ve been doing this for fifteen years so it’s a wonderful feeling. It’s a wonderful reward. (The new title looks amazing on my book cover). LOL Hitting the USAT list was a collaborated effort that took strategic marketing and the support of our fans to make it happen.

What motivates you to write?

I’m going to have to say my fans because there are many days I rather just take a month off, but then I’ll receive an email from a reader and it just gives me the energy to keep going.

Good People are hard to find. So when you come across one you do all you can to share their shine with others. Angie "The Shoe Diva" Daniels is such a person. 

Was there ever a time you wanted to step away from the literary game?

Yes, absolutely. When you’re writing for a major publishing house and they’re ripping you off that’s enough reason for you to say to hell with writing. It just isn’t worth it. It was the readers that convinced me to stay. They enjoyed my work regardless if it’s traditional publishing or self-publishing, just as long as I keep writing. That’s the pay off.

Tell us about Put Your Name on It    10&keywords=Angie+DanielsThis is a story that I spent almost a year trying to figure out how to make it work. Claudia Winters is in love with Maximillian James unfortunately he’s possibly the father of a baby by another woman and despite how Claudia feels she doesn’t do baby mama drama She tries to resist temptation only Max plans to prove to her that regardless of the circumstance her heart belongs to him. He has turned out to be one of my favorite characters to create. The book drops 25 August 2015.

Is this book a part of a series?

Put Your Name on It starts where Say My Name left off and is part of my Decadent Delight series. It goes way back to A Delight Before Christmas with Reggie and Berlin. The books center around five gorgeous milk-chocolate general contractors in the heart of St. Louis. I’ve always had a love for men who used their hands.

What motivated you to write this story?

The readers. They have been asking for Max’s story so I had to find a way to make it happen. I hope they like what I came up with. This is the largest book I have written in years. 95,000 words to be exact.

Who is up next in the series?

Trey and Mia will be the next story to unfold. Not sure when that’s going to happen. I have a few other stories to release before them.

Overall, how many books have you written?

I don’t know. Really I don’t. I lost count. Between Angie Daniels and my pseudonym Sasha Campbell I know it’s more than 30. I feel blessed to still be writing after fifteen years.

You spread your wings a little in 2014 to add acting to your resume. How was that experience? Unbelievable! I’ve been acting up all my life, but working on The Heart series was truly an unforgettable experience. I didn’t know how much hard work was involved, and I was nervous as hell but as the actors grew close and became more like a close knit family, it became so much easier to relax. I’m ready to get started for season two.

If you could turn one of your novels into a motion picture which would you choose and why?

Probably In The Company of My Sistahs. That is one book that is still dear to my heart. I love crazy chick flicks when women can let their hair down and act a fool. That book gives readers a taste of just about everything.

I hope you enjoyed a moment with the one and only Angie. 

Ms. Angie, thank you for taking the time to share a little of you with the readers. May you continue to shine with each step you take.  

Until the next time,

Iris B 

Preparing for Tomorrow's #FlyHatEvent

Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for. The Hot M.A.M.A.s will be taking Greensboro by storm during our Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet.

I'm super-excited about the event. As one of the two newest M.A.M.A.s, this will be my first in-person event with the group. So not only am I looking forward to meeting you, dear reader, I'm also looking forward to meeting most of the other M.A.M.A.s for the first time.

It'll be easy to spot me. I'll be the one fan-girling over my fellow authors who looks totally out of place in a big ol', Sunday-morning-first-row-of-church hat. In fact, you should have seen the look on my adult son's face yesterday when I tried on hats for the event. One eyebrow cranked to the ceiling, jaw down to the floor.

Priceless.

At least I got a good laugh out of it. In the end, I picked two hats and I'll make my final decision tonight. Still, it'll be fun to step outside of my regular, low-key, ain't-nothing-to-see-here approach and take on the big hat persona. ('Cause a big hat definitely deserves its own persona.)

For the past two days I've been ticking items off my to-do list in preparation for tomorrow's Meet & Greet.

Dress? Check.

Shoes? Check.

Book cover graphics? Check.

Awesome giveaways? Check.

Fly hat? Double check.

Looks like I'm ready to go. Hope you are, too. :-)

Tomorrow will be a fun-filled, free event for lovers of multicultural romance. Great readers and authors. Yummy food. And, of course, lots of fun and plenty of laughter. I can't wait to connect with you tomorrow in Greensboro at the Greensboro Central Library on North Church Street from 2-6 PM.

Still on the fence about coming? Above is a sneak peek at some of the goodies you could win tomorrow, either in the fly hat contest, or by signing up for my Reese Ryan VIP Mailing List.

See you there!

Get Ready for A Hot Summer!

Hi, y'all!

Spring is upon us, and around my way, that means a green cloud of pine pollen is hanging over everythang. Lawd, my watery eyes.

This time of year is when I start looking forward to summer. I mean, I'm glad winter's over and all, but this pollen is for the birds. Or the bees. Either way it ain't for me!

Fortunately, there's a long, hot summer of events to look forward to, where you can see all your favorite Hot MAMAs. Through June and July, it's a trifecta of fun events and chances to see us. Start making your arrangements now for what will surely be an unforgettable summer!

Iris Bolling's Believe Team Presents: A Royal Affair

You don't want to miss this. I'm told Richmond will never be the same, and I believe it. With a masquerade ball, and a male auction featuring ten "Absolute Delights," it's bound to be a grown and sexy event. Mr. Alexander and I will be present, as will Queen Iris herself, Deborah Fletcher Mello, and more! Click the image to grab your tickets- you must get them by May 12!

The Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Meet and Greet

It's our second semi-annual event, and we'd love to see you there! This is the only event of the three where ALL TEN MAMAs WILL BE PRESENT (including our newest MAMA who is being revealed 4/24/15)! Best of all this event is FREE and open to the public, so if money's tight this is your shot at hanging with us. Swing by the Facebook Event Page and let us know you're coming!

A.C. Arthur's Beach Bash

This fun event will take place at Myrtle Beach. I attended last year as a featured author when it was at Walt Disney World, and I had a blast. Since Myrtle Beach is only a couple of hours down the road from me, I'll be attending again and I suggest you do the same if you are able. Hot MAMAs will be well represented at the event, with Bridget Midway, Yvette Hines, Mama Emeritus Angie Daniels, and Denise Jeffries. Click the logo to go to the registration page.

There you have it: a recipe for the most fun you've had in one summer since you were a kid. I hope to see you at as many of these events as you can attend :)

-All the Best, 

Kianna

Romance Slam Jam 2015!!!

Where to I begin and how do I do justice in writing about the exquisite time I had this past week at the 20th Anniversary Romance Slam Jam Conference??!!

I remember posting about this being a trip of firsts- this was before I even got to Dallas, Texas where this year’s conference was held. It was my first trip to Dallas. I took my son with me and that was another first. Additionally, it was his first plane trip…just firsts all over the place! The trip was a special one before we ever arrived. When we did arrive, oh boy! The hotel Embassy Suites DFW- Amazing! I started the night off with a fabulous dinner courtesy of my dazzling street team. Thanks to Deborah and LaSonde for putting together such a wonderful event. I met readers who became more than readers-they became friends.

That’s the thing about Slam Jam- no one feels like a stranger and they become something more special by the time the event is done. So many awesome experiences.  I returned from my dinner that first evening and ran into more reader friends. The BRAB gang was in the house and we took a few moments to chat- they even let me read the prologue from a new novel. It’s those little impromptu moments like that: new friends chatting over a meal or quick drink, authors getting to mingle with the readers they’ve only conversed with online…that was another amazing experience as well- finally putting names to faces, I’ll never get tired of that.

The conference began with an abundance of enlightening reader’s sessions and informative author panels. I think many would agree that this year’s Town Hall meeting proved to be a very engaging event. Attendees had the chance to voice their opinions on everything from cover woes to the state of the African American alpha male in romance novels. The audience also shared ideas and strategies for making the future of Slam Jam an even brighter one.

The organizers of the event were a creative group if ever there was one. The opening night Pajama Party featured an unforgettable volley ball game combined with a game of Have You Ever? That proved quite revealing bit of fun. HOW revealing, you ask? Well…let’s just say I’m glad my son wasn’t in the room for that! Anyway- what happens at Slam Jam stays at Slam Jam…to an extent. RSJ Luncheon Keynote Speaker Gwendolyn Osborne delivered a rousing speech that informed and elevated. I was proud to have a ringside seat at Deborah Fletcher Mello's lovely table for the event. I also have to speak on the Pep Rally that presented a delicious buffet with a Southwestern flair-no one was counting calories that night you can bet on that! The Pep Rally was combined with a series of fun games-everything from the 3-legged author race to an interesting game played by balancing an egg on a spoon. Hilarious!

Following the book signing on Saturday; which is always a most exciting event, there were the Emma Awards that night. Everyone came decked out and ready for a night of dinner and reflection. Deatri King Bey relinquished her title as top organizer (not sure if that’s her title or not, but she’s the lady who keeps everyone on task!) Those responsibilities will now fall to Ms. Toni Bonita. Deatri put together a wonderful video presentation that was poignant, memorable and funny. Such great memories were shared as many chimed in about memories of their first African American romance novel, there were photos of past RSJ events and a beautiful tribute to the graceful and gifted Gwynne Forster.

The EMMA Winners From The 2015 Romance Slam Jam Conference Are As Follows:

Cover of the year: The Preacher's Promise by Piper G Huguley.
Inspirational Romance of the year :Unbreakable My Heart by Rhonda McKnight
Interracial Romance of the year : All You'll Ever Need by Sharon C. Cooper 

Sequel of the Year: Shifter' s Claim by A.C. Arthur 
Suspense of the year: Truth or Consequences by Sharon C. Cooper.
Steamy Romance: Indulge Me Tonight by AlTonya Washington 
Hero of The Year: Brock Brick Avery; from Brick House by Keith Thomas Walker 
Heroine of the year: Rochelle Delaney "Roc" from The Book of Joshua II by 

Iris Bolling.
Book of The Year: Hero by Deatri King-Bey  
Debut Author of the Year: Piper Huguley.
Spirit Award : Toni Bonita Robinson 
Book Club of the year: Cillia Book Maniacs Priscilla C. Johnson  
Special Award, present to Deatri King-Bey 
Author of the Year : Farrah Rochon 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!! 

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN THE BIG 'D'!

DETROIT, MICHIGAN!!!

Another First- My First EMMA Award!!

A Superbowl Stunner!!!

Well the Superbowl is over- thank goodness! If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I really got involved in this game. What you may not know is that I don’t follow football on the regular. Not via the NFL anyway. My son has been a student of the game since he was 6 so I follow the sport in that capacity for much of the year. I used to be a more avid viewer- the San Francisco 49ers continue to be my favorite team. Of course since I discovered a family that goes by the name of Ramsey I’ve been a big fan of the Seattle Seahawks as Seattle is where the Ramseys hail from.

I was asked to do a commentary on the game and must admit I am woefully unqualified for this job. My author buddy Cheris Hodges would probably be a much better commentator, but I’ll do my best to provide a little recap. I observe the game as a parent but otherwise infrequent spectator. However, I know enough about the sport to question the strange call made by the Coach during the final seconds of the game. Long story short, the Quarterback threw a pass when he probably should have run the ball into the end zone, my Seattle folks lost the biggest game of the year and I just about lost my voice yelling some pretty unsavory comments at the TV. And let's not forget the ugly brawl that took place moments after the Seahawks

realized all was lost- yeah...it was quite a night!

Overall, this year’s biggest game was one of the best I’d seen in years. Full of highs and lows, lots of occasions to cheer and a surprisingly good Halftime show. Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott came out to lend their talents to Katy Perry’s performance- it was very enjoyable not to mention all the delicious snacks I made sure were on hand to enhance the night.

Hopefully my 49ers will be next on the big stage to duke it out. ‘Til next year folks!

A Review...Of Book Reviews

October has been a month of spectacular events. This month I attended a wonderful weekend conference hosted by the BRAB Online Book club. BRAB- Building Relationships Around Books organized the Southern Readers Retreat-A Literary Affair in Roswell, GA just outside Atlanta.

     There were lots of exciting sessions put in place over the weekend. One of my favorites was the Author Panel on Saturday morning. I love taking part in Q&A sessions and this one ranked right up there with the best. Panel authors fielded loads of questions from a fun and highly engaged audience. Readers queried the authors on everything from what they read when they aren't writing to how they select names for their unforgettable characters.

     One of the more interesting questions for me focused in on book reviews. Attendees wanted to know what authors think of them. I decided to pass the mic on that particular question. Over the years, I've been rather vocal about my indifference to reviews-as an author. As a reader however, my opinion is quite different and therein lays the purpose of this blog.

     As a reader, I find reviews to be a great help. I don't really rely on them to help me make the decision to purchase a certain book though. Instead, I refer to them when I'm already in the process of reading a story and wondering what's wrong with me because I'm not in agreement that it's a 5-star piece of work. Reading reviews with lower ratings, let's me know I'm not alone in my opinion and therefore not off my rocker- not completely anyway :-)

     The most exciting part of the answers given for this question however, involved the power of the reviews. I learned that the 'power' of a review wasn't so much in the number of stars associated with it, but in the number of reviews a book has overall. More reviews increases a book's discoverability- this term gets tossed around a lot in my line of work. Basically, it means just what is says. A review increases a books potential to be found by a reader. As a librarian I gotta appreciate that! As a writer, I love it all the more. Do you have any idea how many great books there are that no one knows about simply because it hasn't generated a enough reviews? So sad! :-(     

      I can honestly say that I took in as much information as I gave during this year's BRAB Conference. It makes me eager to attend next year's event- Vegas, Baby! 

     Looks like those reviews (good or bad) that I'm so indifferent to, are really a huge help.

     This author still prefers the good ones, though :-)

Supporting the Dream.

Believe me, this is not the topic I intended to blog about. I have a very uplifting, inspiration blog title "Reaching Your Full Potential" with video and everything. See I'm into reinventing myself mode and wanted to begin with overcoming my "shyness with the public." So I am doing a series of self-help video's and thought I would share them with you. HOWEVER.......events of the last few days hit my spirit and I had to speak out. If the ladies of HOT MAMA's do not put me out the group after this blog, I'll post it next time. 

In 2011 I wrote a blog titled African-Americas supporting African-American authors. I feel the need to bring this topic to the forefront again.This touch my heart in many ways for I believe we have the power to do anything we want to do. Even prove to the powers to be, who finance and produce our entertainment, to take our community seriously. We have authors, with a HUGE RANGE  of material, from romance, Sci-fy, paranormal, erotic, suspense, mysteries, thrillers and all points in between. Yet, whenever we see a book turned into a film, such as 50 Shades of Grey and The Help, we as African-Americans gripe, because it's not one of our books. We use a lot of energy asking, why? Why? Why? The answer is simple. The books in question have the numbers. It's about the PRESIDENTS, guys. If they see the number of book sales for our books as they do for the books mentioned above they would finance movie deals for us too. I just looked at Kickstarter, a program to assist with funding of movies or television shows. A movie titled Reap What You Sow, is listed. A little over $200 has been pledged towards the  goal of $3,000. Now, I can tell you from experience, that the amount they are seeking is nothing compared to what it takes to complete a production. However, there are less than 10 contributors. What was written a few years ago still holds true. We have the power to support each other and make a difference, but for some reason, unknown to me, we don't. I don't understand. I really do not understand. 

Written in 2011 still true in 2014

Today I want to talk about African-Americans supporting African-American authors. The movie The Help will be released soon. A lot of us got a little up in arms because this book by a Caucasian author about African-Americans was picked up for a movie. The book sold millions because it was supported, not just by Caucasian readers, but by a lot of us too. Here’s the thing, African-American authors produce wonderful stories that we know should be told on the big screen. But putting a book to film cost $. The film industry is no different from any other business. The bottom line is ‘the bottom line’. If you can’t show numbers in the book stores (online included) then how do you expect to show numbers in the movie theater? Its simple economics—demand and supply. James Patterson or Nora Roberts will have a book release and thousands will purchase that book. There is a demand; therefore, the supply is met.

If we want to see more our favorite African-American author placed on a demand list we truly need to step up our game. Many of us will go into a book store to purchase that James Patterson or Nora Roberts novel, but will borrow the African-American author from a friend. If you enjoyed that novel, why not purchased the next release by that author? Let’s face it, we don’t’ support each other the way other communities do. Yet, we complain when we see others succeed at what we fail to do. If you want to see your favorite African American author’s story about African Americans on the big screen, support them in the bookstores. Let the money people in HOLLYWOOD or wherever know what your demand is…Let’s stop complaining about who got what. Turn that negative energy into a win-win for you and the authors you love. SUPPY AND DEMAND people! I’m just saying.

To Keep Eboni from shooting me, here's a sneak peek into the HOT MAMA Luncheon in Raleigh/Durham, NC on Saturday September 13, 2014 

Until the next time,
Iris 

CONTROL

CONTROL

Hi Everyone, I’m using my space in today’s HOT M.A.M.A.s Blog to chime in about my progress on the upcoming Ramsey Tesano installment. As usual, the more impatient among you (love you guys) are sweetly requesting the novellas that I’ve been known for putting out prior to the release of the full novels. I wish I could meet those requests with this story, because it is shaping up to be a lengthy tale.

Unlike A Lover’s Debt which allowed for an enjoyable novella in Lover’s Christmas, such won’t be possible with A Lover’s Control. I think you guys will understand that when the book releases. The story is so involved; each scene so interwoven with the plot, that nothing can really be extracted as a stand-alone for a separate book. I think once the story is in hand, you guys will be pleased. I would be very surprised to hear from one of you speed readers telling me that you completed the book in a few hours. The story is a heavy read- understandable as it is proving to be a very heavy writing project. As always however, it is a fun experience and I am continually stunned by where these characters take me.

I have not yet announced a specific release date for the story, but I am working toward a Thanksgiving release point. My plan is to make A Lover’s Return ready for a spring of 2015 release. ‘Return’ weaves very tightly into ‘Control’ which makes it necessary to flesh out the last two books promptly without letting too much time lapse. So for those of you who just have to have that sneek peak, you can expect it following the upcoming HOT M.A.M.A.s Event on September 13, 2014. I’ll be sharing the premiere reading with the guests in attendance, so get your tickets while you can and secure your spot in the audience.

Hope To See You Soon!

"Layers of the Past"

Morning All,

Wasn't quite sure what to chime in about with today's blog, so I decided to just give a little up to date info on what I'm currently working on. I'm happy about the fact that I've been able to keep up with my current release list ( http://www.alsreaders.com/ ) and even been able to add some unexpected things to the list like the updated books in the Ramsey Series (Dream & Pretense: The Ramseys) and release a free Ramsey short story "Lover's Muse: An Interlude".

So the pages keep turning and I'm very excited about the next project scheduled for release "Layers of the Past". This has been on my calendar for so long. Since the release of the original novella "Layers" and it's surprise popularity among the readers, I've wanted to get out the full length novel that I had always intended to follow up with. However, life always intervenes and that kept pushing back the release date. I continue to be intrigued by how layered this story continues to become. I believe I've definitely selected the right title for it.

The new story pretty much picks up right where the novella ended. Our hero Huron Base has found something he never expected- a woman he loves and wants to be with forever. At the end of "Layers" we saw the gorgeous Mr. Base breaking ties with business associates he found...questionable. In "Layers of the Past" he will continue with that endeavor, but not everyone celebrates his decisions... We also get more background on the "information" Jessica Breck took when she left her former occupation. Then, there's our lovely heroine Kamari Grade still making moves as one of the nation's best troubleshooters but someone has their sights sets on bringing Kam down a 'grade' or two...

And those are just a few of the things cooking in this upcoming story. Don't worry, you won't have much longer to wait. Stay tuned to my blog: http://altonyasblog.wordpress.com/ for the announcement of the new trailer and story excerpt coming soon.

Toodles,
Al
http://lovealtonya.com/

Throwback Thursday

I've been asked to take part in a Thursday Throwback chat today featuring the Ramseys. When I received the request, I was undoubtedly excited. More than that I struck by the amount of time that's passed since the release of that first title: A Lover's Dream- which was published in 2006, but actually written in 2003. Gosh! My son was a baby! I was still a relatively new author- a relatively new PUBLISHED author. I had actually been writing since 1994 and by the time I got around to ALD, I'd had about 4 published works and almost 15 unpublished works to my credit.

A connected series had eluded me however.

I guess it really hadn't eluded me, I'd actually not considered writing one- not understanding how much readers enjoyed returning to find out what their beloved (and not so beloved) characters were up to. Heck, I was one of them- from Karen Moning's Highlander Series (which actually sparked my decision to create Quest and Quaysar) to childhood faves like The Chronicles of Narnia and the Paddington Bear Series. I had a definite love for returning to the stories that followed characters I enjoyed.

At a book event at the Greensboro Public Library in North Carolina, I spent a great deal of time in conversation with the readers in attendance about our love for connected books. By the end of the event, I had the motivation I needed to get this thing started, but the actual plot path still eluded me. I did have the ingredients, though. I knew that whatever this connected story would entail would have to involve a family (because seriously, who comes with more drama than a wild family?) I knew there would have to be gorgeous men and women (this was a romance, after all-ha!) I knew there had to be secrets- tons of secrets. This ingredient was an easy one to come by since pretty much all my work deals with some hidden revelation to be uncovered as the story unfolds.

Different from my other stories, however I wanted the secrets comprising this series of stories to not only unfold more slowly but to also have been ones that were set in motion years- decades prior. I had completely enjoyed creating this series. The characters, the secrets, the passions, the settings...all of it has motivated me in the most phenomenal ways and it's rather bittersweet to envision a time when the story will come to its completion. I say bittersweet because part of me- a big part- is excited to see all the characters find the happiness they've fought for.

There are still two more stories (at least) to go. Readers are asking that I also include a Tesano Elders title, and there's a high probability that I will. But that's a ways off. There is still loads of drama to be recorded- Still more tense (and fatal) moments, more steamy encounters... Enjoy!

Books to Film

Have you ever had dream to become reality? Well, I did. Last year my publishing company, Siri Enterprises, along with a few friends, and a lot of prayer, took the pages of the first book of my Heart Series, Once You've Touched The Heart, and turned it into season 1 of The Heart TV series

Yes, it was real....LIGHTS -CAMERA-ACTION, type real. 

The Heart TV Series aired on February 15th 2014 and played 1 hour, for six weeks straight. What a BLAST it was. Just ask fellow Hot MAMA's, Angie Daniels and Loretta R. Walls, along with fellow author Nikkea Smithers. They were on set watching the magic come to life.

Imagine this....6 weekends, 6 am - whenever, food - maybe, water - from time to time. If anyone say anything about fine men and body oil, well... it was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it. It was grueling,  I tell you, grueling,  mad fun. LOL!. We had a blast filming an entire season in 18 days. The outcome was pretty damn good. 


Soon, yes, very soon, you will have the opportunity to see the entire season on DVD. Keep an eye on: www.irisbolling.net for the latest information regarding the release of DVD's and the start up of season 2 of The Heart. 

Here's what's so amazing about this. 

Independent authors came together, to accomplish this feat. It wasn't easy, and it broke my bank account, but it was certainly worth it. Here's why. Authors came together to help a fellow author see her books come to life. They asked for nothing in return. Their motivation was to hep me accomplish a dream. No one can ever tell me there is no sisterhood in this business we call publishing, for the existence of The Heart TV Series proves that to be falsehood. 

To fellow authors, Nikkea Smithers, Loretta R. Walls, Angie Daniels, Victoria Wells, Lutisha Lovely, Suzzetta Perkins and Morgan McCoy, and those who wished us well, I want to say thank you, for your support. 

Here's to each and everyone of you who dare to BELIEVE. 

In other news, prepare yourself for the release of The Book of Joshua II - BELIEVE. The date...... has not been released...yet. HOWEVER, you may want to get your pennies ready, for it could drop without notice....

Blessings, until the next time,

Iris Bolling 

Quality: Are Readers Asking For Too Much Now?

Quality:  Are Readers Asking For Too Much Now?

After months and months of observation, I always wonder in the back of my mind as an author if I'm giving my readers enough in the stories I create.

I've come to the honest conclusion that there is no magic solution to satisfy every reader that tries your work. It's simply not a feat to be attained; we all have different tastes for that very reason.

Variety is still the spice of life. (No pun intended against my novel, "Spices of Life" I promise.)

With that being said, there are still some that are brave enough to push the literary envelope within the short story world and series realms.

Are authors short-changing readers with short stories? How many are too many in a series? What if the readers enjoy the quick, sweet reads in between waiting for a full-length novel from an author they adore? There are less reviews and more complaints about rushed story lines, lack of character development, price gauging and horrific editing (if any at all.)

To add another layer to the conversation, are the readers demanding more of the characters and what they bring to the series at hand? How do you say no and end a good thing that has gone on for a while? When is enough truly enough?

This is only scratching the surface and rest
assured, there is more to come from the world of HOT M.A.M.A.!

Until then, mark your calendar for June 7, 2014 to attend the HOTTEST LUNCHEON on the East Coast! The HOT M.A.M.A. Fly Hat Society Luncheon in Morrisville, NC. Click the link below to register. Bring your friends and be prepared to have a blast!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2014-hot-mama-land-fly-hat-society-luncheon-tickets-9612923513

Open your mind and explore everything...
Loretta R. Walls aka Embue #nucherte

Love...Exciting and New!

Hello my sexy babies,

Valentine's Day. How did I get lucky enough to be able to post today? I don't know how, but I love it! Although I know it's a trap to get people to spend money on greeting cards and gifts, but I love a day dedicated to love and romance. I don't think it's wrong to have a day to remind ourselves to love and appreciate the one (or ones) we're with. Although my honey can frustrate me at times with doing little petty things like not hanging up his coat when he comes home, he is so good to me, and I realize that every day. So what is it that makes you thankful to have your man, woman...or both?

I love the idea of love and romance so much that I write about it. Ever since I was a pre-teen, I've been drawn to a good romance, the spicier the better. I love reading about a couple overcoming some sort of odds to find each other and get together. Same goes for a good romantic comedy. Give me a good Sandra Bullock rom-com and you can stick a fork in me. I'm done.

For that reason, I'm always working on a story. Nothing makes me feel better than to fire up my laptop and revisit my "friends." That's what I've grown to think about my characters. I'm writing about these imaginary people's romantic lives. I'm detailing what would propel each of them to an orgasm. There's nothing more intimate than that.

I also love other people who love romances. Romance readers are the absolute best! So I'm thrilled when I'm able to do in-person book signing events like the one coming up tomorrow in North Carolina. Join me, Kianna Alexander, Cheris Hodges, Yvette Hines, and more for the Red Hot Reception and Book Signing Event at the Montgomery County Library located at 215 West Main Street in Troy, North Carolina. Of course I'll have my old favorites like my Corporate series and Love My Way. But I'll also have my newest Licorice Whips!

If you're in the area, I do hope you come out to join us.

Okay, time for me to go and revisit my "friends." I want you all to be able to "meet" them soon.

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com

2014 Events: What Are You Doing? Where Are You Going?

2014 Events:  What are you doing? Where are you going?

 

January is about to be history and February is on the bubble. With snow abound in many corridors, readers tend to love this time of year. They actually love any time of year, so long as they get to read. I can’t blame them in any fashion.

The holidays are behind us and expenses getting paid off, yet and still, there are literary functions you wish to attend.

 

 

What are you doing? Where are you going?

For the first question, have you made plans to attend an annual event and started paying for it? Perhaps an author cruise featuring some of your favorite authors and some you’ve never heard of?

The second question really tells all:  Where is the venue located? Do you have to fly to attend? Hotel reservations come into play if it’s out of town. What all will take place during the event? Readers want an experience when attending events, not just a crowded book signing.

We as authors have to offer a level of entertainment when putting on an event. Readers not only want to enjoy themselves, it’s a getaway for them as well. Meeting their favorite authors, hearing them speak and converse about a character is part of their privilege in turn for their loyalty. Ensure you’re giving them the best moments of their life.

 

One event taking place on February 8, 2014 is the premiere party for The Heart TV Series, created by Iris Bolling. She utilized the platform from her award-winning Heart Series novels and transformed the first book, “Once You’ve Touched The Heart” into a television show. The event will lead into debuting on Saturday, February 15, 2014 on the CW Richmond. Readers and guests will get to experience the cast in full character mode and enjoy what the exclusive screening will unveil.

Readers, be sure to check your local libraries, author’s websites and the like for forthcoming events. Many book clubs put on venues as well throughout the year.

That’s it for now, since I have to get back to sprucing up a few of my own works. Until later…

Loretta R. Walls aka Embue #thehearttvseries #IPE #global #nucherte