Getting to Know New-to-Me Multicultural Authors

Last month I made a dark, deep confession over on Contemporary Romance Cafe, where I also blog each month. In my post, Celebrating Diversity in Romance (or Why #WeNeedDiverseRomance), I recounted the disturbing realization I arrived at in the months leading up to the release of my debut novel, Making the First Move, released in 2013.

It suddenly hit me that I was a black author of romantic fiction, writing about black characters. Yet, I'd read ZERO black romance.

I know. BAD. Really bad.

I was a voracious reader as a kid, gobbling up the work of authors like Judy Blume and Paula Danzinger and reveling in the joys of classics like Little Women and Pride and Prejudice -- two of my favorite books still. Yet, I can't recall a single book that I read back then written by a POC author or featuring POC characters.

As an adult, when I started reading fiction again, I consumed mostly chick lit, women's fiction and the occasional literary fiction. Through recommendations or library displays I stumbled across and came to adore authors like Pearl Cleage (LOVE. HER.), Benilde Little, Bebe Moore Campbell and Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. Still, in the scheme of things, this represented a very small proportion of the books I was reading.

Once I became a reader of romance, I read mostly mainstream novels. I wasn't actively looking for books by black, Latino, Asian or Native American authors because I made the false assumption many open-minded readers make. I was simply looking for my next good book, expecting that books by POC authors would be among them.

Wrong.

After decades of that experiment, I can tell you with great certainty that relatively few multicultural books found their way to me. So it was time to change things up.

I sought out African American romance. In doing so, I discovered fabulous stories by authors like Farrah Rochon, Beverly Jenkins, A.C. Arthur, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray and Rochelle Alers. I've been kicking myself for not discovering these authors sooner.

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when author KM Jackson started the #WeNeedDiverseRomance campaign, as an extension of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign. I got how important it was to bring awareness to the imbalance in the publishing industry and on local library shelves when it comes to diversity. The movement calls for new voices of color in publishing. But it is also very much about making people aware of the wealth of fantastic authors in a rainbow of shades and ethnicities who already exist and have been doing the damn thing for years. 

The #WeNeedDiverseRomance movement isn't just about making mainstream readers aware of books by POC authors. It's also about making POC readers aware that those books exist and need to be supported with our dollars. This movement has also led me to discover fabulous authors of Indian, Asian and Latino descent. Authors I probably wouldn’t have discovered, had I not been actively seeking them.

It made me want to do my part to "bang the drum" as Kianna Alexander likes to say. So I began a series of interviews with POC authors over on my blog, Recent interviewees include Elle Wright, Erin Ashley Tanner and Tasha L. Harrison. (If you're a POC author, you can request an interview slot here.)

When did you first discover African American romance? Who are some of your favorite POC authors?

Diversify Your Shelves Campaign photo courtesy of Kelly Garbato.

Summertime Serenity...

Good day, readers of the Hot M.A.M.A world! Summer has officially arrived! The kids are out of school, ready to play and driving most of us crazy to go somewhere and have fun!

One of the most sought out places to visit is a beach of some sort.

Even with the recent shark attacks upon East Coast shores surfacing almost daily, it's not deterring visitors from enjoying their place of serenity. No one is cancelling their trips due to the nature that has found its way closer to our shores--and that's a good thing! We simply have to respect their way of life and be mindful of our surroundings.

On to the good stuff...what to bring to the beach! Sunscreen is a must in this day and age for everyone. You may think you won't burn, but the sun will prove otherwise. If you're on any type of medicine, a hat, umbrella or cabana for shade will be helpful as well. First aid kit, keep a mini one in your beach bag. Hydrate! Drink water while out and about but wait an hour before getting into water if you've eaten.

The most crucial item one must have is something to read! Yes, this is the perfect environment to take in the surf, sounds, warm sand and get completely lost in a book! Relaxation is premier when spending time at the beach. Besides, you've earned it! Here are a few suggestions to carry along in paperback and save your electronics for later.

Now, what are you doing Saturday, July, 11, 2015 from 2-6pm? Come on out and meet all of the HOT M.A.M.A.'s at the #FLYHATLUNCHEON which is free! We'll be at the Greensboro Public Library, 219 North Church Street. We're going to have an amazing time! Join us!

Time for me to run but until next time, rule your day! -- Loretta R. Walls/Embue  #nucherte

Celebrating Love and Freedom: THE BRIGHTEST DAY

Hi, all, 

In less than a week, a long-awaited project will finally hit e-readers everywhere. I'm talking, of course, about THE BRIGHTEST DAY: A JUNETEENTH HISTORICAL ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY. There are four wonderful stories in this collection, all set during different periods in American history, to give readers a picture of what African American life might have looked like during that long period between emancipation and the Civil Rights movement.

My co-authors on the project are Alyssa Cole, Lena Hart, and Piper Huguley, and I've had a fantastic time working with them. There's an amazing amount of talent in this group. We've been hard at work on this book for months, and we truly hope you'll enjoy the finished product. We are so honored that Beverly Jenkins, the queen of African American historical romance, took the time from her busy schedule to research and write a wonderful foreword for the anthology. And in classic Beverly style, her foreword includes a bibliography :)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

My contribution to the anthology is Drifting to You,  which takes place in 1875- ten years after Emancipation. That sets my story squarely in an era referred to as the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age was characterized by an industrial boom, exponential growth in the immigrant population, and the emergence of business tycoons like Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan. For African Americans, many accomplishments were made, several HBCUs were founded, and the tide of changing laws and Constitutional amendments that would guarantee us our rights as Americans was beginning to rise.

I chose to set my story in the past, but in the area I presently call home. I've discovered many interesting things about the county I live in while doing research for this project. Here's the premise of Drifting to You:

During the sultry Carolina summer of 1875, baker Rosaline Rhodes boards a Juneteenth cruise down the Cape Fear River. She's there to serve her famous cinnamon spice cake; shipbuilder Will Pruett is there for pleasure. They've denied their mutual attraction for months, but now the river won't be the only thing ebbing and flowing.

Now, I'm going to share with you a short excerpt of the story, to give you a peek at what it's all about as release day approaches.

Fair warning, you might want to grab a cool drink before you start reading ;)

~~~

Evening shadows shrouded the interior of Rosaline's cabin, so she went round the one room structure, turning up all the lamps she had scattered about. She covered a yawn with her hand, then used her handkerchief to blot her damp brow. Having both her ovens lit all day to get the cakes baked had left the interior of the cabin extremely hot. While she was up, she used two heavy stones to prop open the front and rear doors, in hope of letting some of the stifling heat escape.

She looked at the small crates sitting on her kitchen table, with the cooled, paper wrapped layers of spice cake resting in side. It had taken her all day, but she'd finally finished the mammoth confection. Now all that remained was assembling it. She and her assistant Sarah would put it together once it was safely on board the ship.

She took a quick trip to the pump to wash the flour dust from her hands and body, then returned inside to find the temperature in the cabin had cooled a bit. The rising heat of June gave way to cooler temperatures at night, and the breeze blowing through the cabin was a welcome respite from the heat generated by her ovens.

Once she'd changed into her nightgown, she fixed herself a sandwich with a few leftover slices of roast turkey from the icebox, and a cup of lemonade. Sitting down to her supper, she savored the food, as well as the joy of having finally completed her largest bakery order to date.

She'd taken her time to craft what she thought was an exquisite cake. Now she only hoped the Goodmans and their well-heeled guests would agree. As things now stood, she baked her cupcakes, cookies, and her signature sweet potato turnovers in large batches, then sold them in town. Since she'd not yet saved enough funds to purchase a storefront, she did all her baking at home and made her sales out of the back of her wagon. Marian Goodman's order of the elaborate spice cake had earned her a nice profit, and she did as she always did with the money. She'd pocketed only what she needed for supplies and basic living expenses, and deposited the rest in her account at Fayetteville Colored Bank and Trust. With few hundred more dollars, she would finally be able to afford the storefront she so desperately wanted, and take her bakery business to the next level.

She thought back on her days as a youth, when she'd spent her every waking moment catering to the needs of her mistress. Her days had been an exhausting blur of cooking, washing dishes, and serving Mrs. Rhodes and her salty old acquaintances. Late night demands for cookies and tea had roused her from sleep many a night.

The last decade of freedom had been the best time of her life. Yes, she'd worked hard, some days almost as hard as she had for the Widow Rhodes. But at least now, she benefited from her labor. No matter how tired she was at the end of the day, knowing that her life was her own made all her toil worth the effort. To her mind, Juneteenth was the most important holiday of the year, and one to be celebrated in grand fashion. After all, without one's freedom, the other holidays seemed rather silly and pointless.

Draining the last sip of lemonade, she stood and stretched, going to seek her bed. Tomorrow would be a busy day, and she needed the rest so she could have her wits about her. Securing her doors with the bolt, but leaving the windows open to allow the breeze in, she crawled in the one luxury she owned- her feather mattress topped bed.

She settled beneath the covers, her heavy eyelids dipping closed.

She pried them open to the surrounding darkness for a moment before they fell closed again.

When she opened her eyes the second time, she gasped.

The lamp on her dressing table was lit, casting a glow on the space near the foot of her bed. She felt a bit strange; out of sorts. I doused all the lamps...didn't I?

Another sight grabbed her attention, one much more attractive than the soft glow of the lamp.

There, in the flickering light, stood Will.

He was shirtless, revealing the muscled expanse of his chest and powerful arms. His dark locks hung loose, framing the handsome, angular face. His eyes were on her, and the heat in his gaze was so potent, it threatened to singe her nightgown.

Her mouth hung aloft, her throat parched and dry. She wanted to speak, wanted to ask him why he was in her private space.

But before she could speak, his large hands went to the leather belt circling the waist of his denims.

Her words were swallowed as she gulped.

He said nothing. A sensual smile lifted the corners of his mustached mouth.

She could not look away from him, not if her very life depended on it. Her full and undivided attention belonged to him.

His eyes never left hers as he loosened the belt, removed and discarded it.

Her mouth was no longer dry; now, it watered.

Glory. If ever the good Lord made a man finer than this one, she didn't want to meet him; she didn't think she could bear to look at him.

His fingers worked open the placard of his pants, then slowly began to slip the pants down over the hard lines of his hips.

Inch by inch, he revealed his bronzed skin to her.

Her eyes landed squarely at the center of him, to the place where his hard thighs met his rippled torso. She could see the bulge there, it was impossible to miss. Warmth pooled in her core, her desire for him smoldering and burning like a fire in her belly.

He worked the pants lower on his hips, then slid his hand around to his front.

His deep voice filled the room. “Is this what you want to see, Rosie?”

Entranced, she managed a single affirmative bob of her head.

He reached inside, as if to free himself from the confining fabric.

Her heart pounded in her ears, hot blood racing through her veins.

Her vision swam, and she shut her eyes against the blurry images.

Her eyes popped open again, and this time, she was met with only the darkness shrouding her cabin and the sounds of her own heavy, panting breaths.

~~~

How was that? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments. Also, I'll let you know now, while our stories are full of sexual tension like what you've just read, there are no explicit scenes in my story. I wanted the focus to be more on the time period and the history, (and I knew I would totally go over the word count if I put in the hanky-panky).

Also, you'll be happy to know that Drifting to You is the start of a new historical series for me. Cape Fear Shipworks will be the first historical series I've written that will be set in my home state of North Carolina, and I'm super excited about it. Due to the other commitments on my schedule, I expect the first full book in the series to release in late summer 2016. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.

The best way to stay in the know is to join my mailing list. You can do that on my website homepage; just fill out the form there to get on board.

Kianna's Homepage/Mailing List Signup

Comment below and let me know what you think of the excerpt. One lucky commenter will win a copy of THE BRIGHTEST DAY in PRINT (releasing in August/September) so don't be shy, say what's on your mind!

Until Next Time, 

Kianna

A Funny Things Happened on the Way to My New Series

Several months ago I was here, excitedly chatting about a new series I'd planned. A series which several of you dear readers were kind enough to help me brainstorm a name for. Only a funny thing happened on the way to writing that series, I got side tracked by three other series.

Sounds crazy, I know.

After all, I'd already plotted six novels and two novellas for that small town series. And I was in the midst of writing one book. Two others had already been started.

But then I hit a wall. I was stuck in the Book 1 story. The wall I hit felt monumental. Like the Great Wall of China. So I took a step back to clear my head and cycle through the story to figure out where I'd gone wrong. That led me to work on another book I'd shifted to that small-town series, but was originally planned as part of my Bad Boys Gone Good series.

Somethings about that book (more than 70% completed) and those characters didn't want to wait their turn. Nor did they want to play nice and be part of the small town series.

Point taken.

So instead this book will be the launch of a different series. I won't reveal the name of the series or the book, just yet. But if you'd like to be among the first to learn the new series details (and have opportunities to win goodies like gift cards, free books and much, much more, be sure to sign up for my periodic newsletter here. I'm planning fun giveaways each month until the launch of the series in September.

Now, it's back to the grind. I'm finishing up revisions of the book so it can go to my beta readers within the next week.

If you're interested in joining a group of select beta readers, complete the beta reader application here.

Happy Reading!

Detour courtesy of spiicy tuna. Stacked Up and Defying Time courtesy of Susana Fernandez.

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

Let the countdown begin. . .#SpreadRumors

I'm a few weeks away from the release of my novel Rumor Has It. And I'm nervous. Here's the back story on how I came up with this plot.
There was this writer who'd been seeing a guy who was running for a political office. At the time, he had a female campaign manager. And he brought her to my —I mean that writer's— parents' house to discuss his campaign. All the while he was there, the writer saw there was something going on between the two that had more personal than business written all over it.

See, writers are magical and while plotting, they often see the truth. As it turns out, the writer was right. So, old boy was running for office and trying to portray this wholesome image, but behind the scenes, he was anything but.

He lost the election and my story was born.

Looks like putting a little truth in my fiction paid off. Here's what Publisher's Weekly thinks about my book:

 Rumor Has It
Cheris Hodges, Author
Hodges (Love After War) infuses this contemporary with complex and vivid love, friendship, and loyalty. Public-relations professional Liza Palmer is never off duty, so she ditches a wedding planning session with her best friend, Chante, and heads to the office of Chante’s fiancé, Robert, to discuss an idea for his North Carolina senatorial campaign. When Liza interrupts Robert having sex with a woman on his desk, she is outraged by his behavior, and then hurt by Chante’s refusal to believe her. Determined to expose Robert, Liza takes the juicy gossip to his competitor, Jackson Franklin, a handsome man who leaves her tingling and weak in the knees. Jackson refuses to play dirty politics, but he does want to get inside sassy Liza’s “mind, heart, and soul.” As rumors fly, damaging Liza’s reputation, Jackson’s hot and tender lovemaking claims her heart. With Jackson and Robert neck and neck, Liza has to make some difficult choices. The nonstop intrigue, romance, and smart dialogue will keep readers enthralled. (May)

I do hope you enjoy it just as much.
Be sure you preorder today!

Hot MAMA Hot Reads: With Special Guest, Sheryl Lister

Kianna, here, with the first in our 2015 Hot MAMA Hot Reads series, where each month, we'll feature a special guest author we love! We know that our readers are voracious, some of you have told me you can finish a good book in a single day. So in order to keep up with your amazing appetite for books, we'll be introducing you to some authors you may enjoy. After all, the nine of us can only write so fast :)

This week, our special guest is Kimani Romance author, Sheryl Lister. Here's her bio, via her website:

Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. After putting writing on the back burner for several years, she became serious about her craft in 2009. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three and pediatric occupational therapist. She is a member of RWA, CIMRWA and is represented by Sarah Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

 

Thanks for coming on, Sheryl, and welcome to Hot MAMA Land.

First, I'd like to say thank you for allowing me to hang out on the Hot M.A.M.A. blog.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I've wanted to write for as long as I can remember, but never thought I could make it a career. As a teen, I would often sit outside on the porch and write short stories. However, it wasn't until five years ago and I completed a full length novel that I knew for sure that it was something I wanted to do.

 
Name your top 6 favorite authors.

This is a tough one because I have so many. Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray, Maureen Smith, Patricia Cornwell, Brenda Jackson, Leslie Esdaile. 

Describe your writing routine. Where do you write? What time of day? What are your writing tools/equipment of choice?

Because of my back, most of my writing is done on my bed using my laptop. I write in the morning and early afternoon before my daughter gets home and for two to three hours at night. Before I get started, I make sure to have my post it notepads, colored pens, R&B playlist, two bottles of water and raw almonds or plantain chips to snack on.

Tell us about your latest release, and where we can purchase it.

My latest release is All Of Me.

Declaring a “dating hiatus” was an easy decision for teacher Karen Morris. She intends to unwind and enjoy a luxurious Caribbean cruise without the presence of her cheating ex-boyfriend. But surprisingly all it takes is the deliciously sculpted form of chivalrous businessman Damian Bradshaw to turn Karen’s head and change her mind....

Damian’s friends are determined to save him from his widowerhood—and self-imposed celibacy. But no one is more shocked than Damian when Karen catches his attention and awakens his desire. Something about her ignites an insatiable need that neither of them can deny. The chemistry is inexplicable. But once back on dry land, real life awaits—along with their pasts. Will the promise of a bright future be enough to rehabilitate their reluctant hearts? 

It's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the Harlequin website.

Where can readers find you online?

I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me any time.

Website: www.sheryllister.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor

Twitter: @1slynne

Sheryl is graciously offering a $5 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter! For your chance to win, answer this question in the comments: Sheryl  mentioned that her favorite writing snacks are raw almonds and plantain chips. What are your favorite snacks when you're reading or writing?

Be sure to follow the blog, and check back often to see what we're up to. There's always something on the burner in Hot MAMA Land :)

-Kianna

And the Name That Series Winners are...

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help select a name for my new small town contemporary romance series. There were so many great suggestions!

First, the winner of my giveaway drawing is ShortySmithBigMa! Please contact me at http://www.reeseryan.com/contact/ to claim your prize of Hot Christmas Nights or a $5 gift card, your choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

Now for the title of my new series: Hot Carolina Nights. This choice is based on a mashup of suggestions by two commenters. Alicia suggested Steamy Carolina Nights and Keicia White suggested Cool Carolina Days and Hot Nights. The name feels apropos since I'm a Hot M.A.M.A. Land author, and given the book I chose to give away. ;-)

Thank you, ladies!

Both Alicia and Keicia are invited to be Beta Readers for the first book in the series, which is slated to be ready for beta readers in early February. I will also thank them both in the acknowledgements section of that book.

All winners should contact me here to claim their prizes. And if you want to be among the first to hear about my Hot Carolina Nights series, as it progresses, be sure to join my mailing list here.

Thank you, dear readers! You're absolutely amazing.

Hugs!

Kissing the Captain @ EReader News Today

Hey, Y'all,
Kianna here. Just wanted to ket you all know I'm featured at ENT tiday! Please take a look at the post, which has four other cheap and free books you might enjoy. Click THE LINK BELOW to see the post. I encourage you to like, share, all that good stuff.

http://ereadernewstoday.com/bargain-and-free-books-for-11-19-14/6750739/

Have a great day :)

-Kianna

My 9 Favorite Books of All Time

Hey, y'all, 

First off, let me wish all the veterans out there a very Happy Veteran's Day. I'm married to a veteran, and am also the daughter, granddaughter, and niece of several fine veterans, so I know firsthand the tradition of honor, valor, and service you all represent. My hat's off to you all!

Can you believe it's already halfway through November? 2014 seems to have flown by. I've done more traveling, more writing, more marketing, more studying the craft than I've ever done before- maybe that's why the year seemed to go by in a blur. Here are just a few of the places I've been this year( I've added pictures, in the case I could find any):

Richmond, VA for the premiere of Iris Bolling's The Heart TV Series

New Orleans, LA for Romance Slam Jam 

Winston-Salem, NC for the Women and Girl's Project Spring Fling

Lillington, NC @ Harnett County Library

Lake Beuna Vista, FLA for AC Authur's Season of Shifters event @ Walt Disney World

Greensboro, NC for the Book Clubs United event

And I still have at least two more events before the year is out. It's been an exciting year, and I've truly enjoyed meeting so many of my readers face to face. I'm really looking forward to meeting even more of you, and seeing some of you again, in 2015!


Now to the good stuff: my top 9 favorite books of all time. This list was hard to make, since I love reading so much, but here goes nothing. Because I love you and want you to be happy, I'm linking to these books on Amazon so you can check them out, if you so choose. (You'll have to page through the widget to see them all.) Keep in mind that I'm multifaceted: a mother and wife, a writer and a history nerd, and my list reflects the truth of who I am :)

That's all for now. It will be a minute before my turn to post comes around again, so let me go ahead and wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. Be sure to come back this Friday, November 14 when Loretta will kick of our Hot MAMA Land Hot Holiday Giveaway Days celebration- you don't want to miss it!

Christmas is Coming Around

Readers have been asking, Angie what can we expect from you this year for Christmas? As most of you know, every year I have my 12 days of Christmas countdown and each day I do a giveaway to my readers. Last year’s big  prize was a Kindle Fire. I haven’t quite decided what I plan to do to top that this year.

You’re also releasing a book, right?

Yes! It’s not Christmas without a holiday story. Book two of the Sexy Simmons series, Claiming What’s Mine, is scheduled for a Christmas Eve release. Yaaay!

I’ve been burning up the midnight oil to release this book on time, however, the problem I’ve been having is the cover. I can’t seem to decide what I want to see on the front. A Christmas scene? A sexy couple? I think my graphic designer is ready to quit because I have looked at over a dozen cover concepts and yet nothing screams Darnell Simmons to me. LOL. I want something that brings in the holidays and creates Christmas anticipation, and nothing is talking to me yet. I’m starting to think that maybe I am overthinking the whole thing and instead, I need to focus on what I enjoy most. Bringing back the families my readers have grown to love.

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Hi There, Romance Readers!

I’m the newest Hot M.A.M.A., Reese Ryan. I write steamy, romantic fiction filled with secrets and family drama. I have a thing for writing about unconventional heroines and beta heroes. I’m the babe of the group–literarily speaking. I was first published in the summer of 2013 and have two published novels, both are part of my Bad Boys Gone Good series.

And I’m thrilled to be here.

Two years ago, Kianna Alexander mentioned the Hot Multicultural Authors of the Mid Atlantic during a meeting of our local RWA chapter. First chance I got, I checked out the blog. I knew I wanted to be part of this fierce group of writers who were telling their stories about people of color, without apology. Many of them doing so independent of a traditional publisher.

The Hot M.A.M.A.s were candid and open with their readers. They talked about their writing and their experiences in the publishing industry. They gave readers a peek behind the scenes of their smart, sexy tales and connected with them at live events.

I couldn’t message Kianna on Facebook fast enough to find out how I could be a part of this fantastic group of authors.

The timing wasn’t quite right, but she promised to keep me in mind when the group was ready to welcome a new writer.

 As an author with my first publishing contract under my belt, I was eager to be part of a group of experienced writers. I started a group blog with several fellow contemporary romance authors who also write for my publisher. (My post there, also happens to be today.) Time and life moved on.  I released two books with Carina Press, joined the board for my local RWA chapter, went back to school and took on more and more freelance writing work.

Suddenly, I was drowning in responsibilities and forced to realize it was time to start saying no to some projects. Around this time, Kianna delivered unexpected news: there was room for a new writer here at Hot M.A.M.A.s, and the spot was being offered to me.

Whether or not to say yes wasn’t even a question. Of course I was going to take the spot. How could I not accept the honor? Despite being overwhelmed by my crazy schedule, I knew that I wanted to put the focus back on my writing career, finish those countless, half-finished works in progress and–most importantly–connect with readers of multicultural romance.

So here I am. Grateful for the chance to get to know you, dear reader, and to chat with you about a genre we both love–multicultural romance. I’m also grateful to be among a group of multicultural authors who understand the challenges of this business for writers of color, yet they remain focused and are making their voices heard in ways big and small. Their commitment to their craft, to the business of writing and to their readers is truly inspiring.

Feel free to connect with me on Facebook or on Twitter @ReeseRyanWrites. I’d love to meet you.

Best,

Reese Ryan

Colorful Characters. Sinfully sweet romance.