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 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 :-)

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/

Deadlines...You've Finally Arrived At The Finish Line!

We all have them...
We all dread them...

Deadlines.

Whether it's to pay a bill, finish our taxes or complete that manuscript, a deadline is sure to be in your life at some point in time.

Now, how you handle approaching such a time slot is the factor.

Did you work steadily toward the goal of completion? Or was there some life-changing event that took you off course?

Either way, if you were on point and got veered off track, one can usually adjust. Keep a calendar on your person or if you're tech-savvy, utilize your cell phone for daily updates. It's important to maintain one's focus, even in challenging times to achieve goals. If you find yourself off track, take a moment to regroup and get back in the movement!

Do not allow a deadline to determine your destiny!

After all, it's just time...make the most of it.


Speaking of such a topic, it's time that I get back to this story for the Embue line.
Chin up, pens up and fingers to the keyboard.
Rule your day and the HOT MAMA'S look forward to seeing you in June at the Fly Hat Luncheon in Morrisville, NC!

 -- Loretta R. Walls aka Embue. #nucherte

What Happens in Cabo....

   I’m always looking for somewhere new and romantic as a backdrop for my next romance novel. So imagine my excitement when I was invited to spend six days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Not only was the location beautiful but it was freaking romantic!
   There were fifteen of us girls staying at RIU Palace, an all-inclusive resort, celebrating my cousin’s 40^th birthday. We had a blast! And the entire time the wheels were turning and I could see spending a romantic week in Cabo with

someone special. I was even thinking that maybe one of the Beaumont sisters could be hanging out with friends for the week and she meets something dark, rich and chocolate who has flown to Cabo for his frat brother’s wedding. Sparks flies and then it’s on and

popping!
   Speaking of weddings, I had the opportunity to see one performed right down on the beach. Barefoot and breathtaking! And let’s not forget about all the food and of course, the activities. We did everything from The Amazing Cabo Race, which is similar to the television series. My team took almost three hours to complete our task, but a margarita was waiting for me at the finish line. There was also snorkeling (I can’t swim) and whale watching. And then it was all about the pole dancing. The girls turnt up the studio, and later that night we went bar hopping. But my favorite part was just sitting out on the beach, in my bathing suit, soaking up the sun.
   I’m already thinking about coming back either in real life or in one of my future story ideas. Hmmm… how about I do both!

Hot MAMA Holiday Hiatus

Hello There, Party People!

Where we imagine ourselves during Holiday Hiatus:)

Welcome to Hot MAMA Land, where it's always warm. It's that time of year again, when we all go into a frenzy of holiday preparations. Add on to that family obligations, household responsibilities, and writing, and well...us Hot MAMA's are downright tired!

So, as we do every year, we are going on our long awaited vacation, the Holiday Hiatus. We'll be back in January, with more awesomeness to delight your fancy. In the meantime, here are some things to remember.

All this month, we'll be featuring some holiday titles sure to put the jingle in your bells. Look out for them, as I'll be posting them here starting Friday, and going all the way up to New Year's Eve. Don't worry, I'll remind you about them via Facebook, Twitter, and those other social media places we hang out.

The date is set for the 2014 Hot MAMA Fly Hat Society Luncheon! The event takes place April 19, 2014 at the Holiday Inn RDU in Morrisville, NC (just outside of Raleigh) from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. Tickets go on sale January 1st, and will be $40.00- the event is limited to the first 40 attendees so start making plans to attend! We had an awesome time at the 2013 event, and are adding even more fun to the 2014 event- you don't want to miss it!

And, next fall, get ready for the Hot MAMA connected series- Smoldering Heights! 9 hot tales, written by MAMAs- it's going to be one hot October.

So stay tuned to the blog, and we'll keep you posted on all the excitement coming in 2014. See you in January, and from all the MAMA's, we wish you a safe, prosperous, and joyous holiday season.

Until Next Time,
Kianna

The Dirty Girl Mud Run- Say What?

So this weekend I’ll be taking part in the Dirty Girl Mud Run. Yes, yes I know I was like “What?!!!” when I heard about it. First the name caught me totally off guard, then it got me curious and then I agreed that the name was quite fitting. Anyway, this Saturday hundreds, maybe thousands of women will converge for a day of running an obstacle course that won’t test the limits of endurance so much as it will courage and determination. Basically the “Run” will actually consist of running, walking, climbing, splashing, bouncing and crawling- yes crawling. Ha! Now, of course, you may be asking what in the world am I thinking. Trust me, I've asked myself; and the girlfriends that talked me into doing this, that very question.

In the end though, the proceeds go towards supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and I am so very thrilled to be taking part in something for such a cause. Checks can always be written and will continue to be. My hope is that by putting myself through this obstacle course, the importance of the cause will be forged by a connection in my mind brought on by the exertion it will take to do more than simply write a check.

While I AM looking forward to a long shower to wash off all the grime; followed by a long soak to soothe the muscles that will soon be screaming my name, I am very much looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone and doing something I’ve never tried.

To learn more about The Dirty Girl Mud Run and to find out when it may be coming to your area, visit the website: http://godirtygirl.com/about

Wish Me Luck!!!

Al

PARENTS WITH PASSIONS...

PARENTS WITH PASSIONS...

So everyone knows I LOVE to write. The awesome ladies that you see contributing to this blog LOVE to write. We almost live, eat and breathe it daily, nightly… What you may not know is that many of us are moms. Some of us have kids that are still in the home which means they still need us very much- our time pretty much belongs to them. The rest…or a great deal of the rest belongs to our passions.

While making dinner one afternoon, I thought of devoting my blog entry this time around to discussing those passions. I was rushing around the kitchen putting everything together and it dawned on me just how much of my world centers on my writing. Moreover it dawned on me how much of my world centers on my being a mom. When I compared the two, I was very delighted to discover that the greater portion revolved around AlTonya Washington- the mom.

I think that managing that time between work and family can be a challenge for anyone. For parents with passions that extend beyond the daily grind of a 9-5 job that management skill takes on a whole other meaning. Speaking for myself, I know that I could never ‘manage’ that balance were it not for certain expectations I set in place for me and my child back when he was just starting elementary school. He walked into the room one day obviously needing to discuss something very important: His LEGO collection. Anyway, he saw me writing and for a few moments I was so involved in whatever scene I was trying to put down that I didn’t notice him there in the doorway. I caught sight of him as he was leaving and called him over. It almost broke my heart when he stood there and apologized for bothering me. BOTHERING ME?

I knew right then that it was time to put those expectations into place. I told him that ANYTIME he needed to talk or just wanted to sit with me or a hug (I put that one in place for meJ) that he was to come on in. I needed him to understand that when we’re home together nothing is more important than the time we spend together.  As parents, our responsibility is to support our children: emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Unfortunately, kids many times resent that responsibility especially when it means Mom or Dad might miss their game or time answering a homework question or just being there for those hugs. Since I also work outside of the home, I never wanted my child to resent my extra responsibilities that draw on my time inside the home.

Truth be told, I enjoy those little interruptions which provide the much needed mini-breaks (and comic relief) that all writers can benefit from every now and again. The interruptions are starting to wane as my son gets older but he does drop in every now and again to check on me, play around or discuss something important: The latest video game he downloaded. LOL!

HOT BODIES

It's been hot summer. I mean, HOT!

Allow me to share a few of my hot summer memories.

You get the idea of my definition of HOT? The best part is I never left the comfort of my home. Nope, these hot bodies were sent to me while I had my feet propped  up, a glass of Moscato in hand and a few popsicles when I had the urge to suck something cold and hard. 

Where did they come from? I'm so happy you asked. Members of my Facebook group, The Book Palace, we call them Gems & Gents, would send them by for a brief visit. The Book Palace is where we come together to discuss books, current events and support each other in anyway we can. To take a break from the trials of everyday life, we have an event on the 1st Friday of every month called PAD, Palace After Dark. 

Rules are set aside, a topic is selected and the floor is open. We have guest host to join us and they facilitate the discussion. In June we had Ms. Loretta R. Walls who facilitated  Setting The Mood discussion. We picked up on a few ideas surrounding when, where and how to get ready for that special date night. In July we had Ms. Cheris Hodges, who facilitated the discussion on Toys, Boys, and Toys. Lessons were definitely taught that night. I'm still waiting for my supply of toys to come in.

If you find yourself sitting home one Friday night, stop by The Book Palace. Be sure to bring your favorite cold beverage and a comfortable chair. Some of these conversations are go into the next day. 

Next up, at The Palace, Kianna Alexander. Her topic? Keeping Your Sexy Alive- When Life Interferes.


Come visit The Palace After Dark, where the grown and sexy meet the uninhibited.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Irisbollingbookpalace/



Until the next time,

August 20, 2013

Iris 

www.irisbolling.net
www.sirient.com

Let Me Share a Secret...

One question I hear often from aspiring authors is Ms. Angie, how long does it take you to write a book? Well, that really depends on what type of book I'm writing. Romance? Mystery? Women’s  fiction?

A romance takes sixty days.

My secret is…, I just simply do it. I handwrite an outline then I sit in front of my computer and I get started nonstop. And I do mean nonstop. No editing. No rereading. Nothing. Nada. Zip. The rule is, I’m not allowed to read what I have written until it’s over. By doing that, I free myself to focus on just one thing. Writing. And go at it HARD. Of course the book is extremely rough. Sometimes there is nothing but dialogue for pages, but at least this way I have a general idea of the scenes, how long the story is going to be, and how many love scenes are going to be required. LOL. If I have a chapter I’m not feeling, I just write a few lines then type NEED TO FINISH ANGELA! (by the way, no one calls me Angela but my mother) in big letters, then I move on to the next scene. By doing that I am able to flesh out an entire book in thirty days. Yes. 30 days. Afterwards, that’s when the rewrites begin.

Writing isn’t supposed to feel like work. It should be fun. So as an author you have to find ways to make the experience enjoyable like I do. And as a result, I have the best job in the world.

Muahhh!
Angie

Time: Where Does It All Go?

Time...time...time...

How does it get away from us so quickly? 

For most of us, our "mobile office" consists of either our cell phones or tablets to check Facebook statuses, tweets or reading the latest blog like this one on a timeline or news feed. Maintaining a structured schedule is not easy when one post turns into a thirty line thread. As an author, you cannot disregard your readers, right? They are the ones we cherish and write for. 

So, with that being said...where does our time go?

Since most of us work full-time jobs, have families to take care of and oh yeah, write stories, we have to be mindful of the time we spend on social media sites. Log off (Yes, as in not seeing it or hearing your phone buzz with a new notification) those sites! Try it for a couple of hours and see how much you can accomplish. In the time you devote to your craft, be it research, writing a steamy scene or a damaging sub-plot, those notifications will pile up and not mean a hill of beans. If you're really needed, those that know you will call or send a text. Complete your goals.

In the end, you'l have made progress and your readers will thank you for it.

Until next time...
Loretta R. Walls
Author of "The Majestic Dynasty" 

Comfort Zone

    One thing I’ve noticed in my writing is... I create characters with attributes that reflect me and what I like. (Ooh, did I just admit that?)
   I don’t smoke, so you rarely see a character who does that, this, or anything else I don’t like (for instance, eating biscuits with gravy. YUCK!) I can admit my habit because I understand the reason. It's where I feel most comfortable. I can write what it’s like to wiggle my fat butt into a pair of skinny jeans, or swaying my hips while walking in a pair of stilettos, because it’s what this diva does.
    But what I’ve learned as an author is that sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zone. Now, I don’t recommend that for new authors because I’m always quick to preach, “Write what you know.” However, as a seasoned author, we have to continue to challenge ourselves as writers. Isn’t it all about growing and developing our craft? Well, of course it is.
   One of my challenges in this coming year is to create characters who aren’t anything like me (that’s hard). And especially, to create men other than the ones I find attractive (now that's even harder). LOL. But that’s what makes writing so fun.
     As an author I can escape to a tropical island and be made love to by the finest brotha, but the challenge is to create someone different, then step into that woman’s shoes (I'll try a pair of flats) and feel what it’s like to be her. Step two. I need to have an open mind so that the next time I see a man who isn’t chocolate with a beautiful smile, dark eyes, and a goatee (I’m pausing to pant), I need to identify some other attributes that another woman might find attractive.
     Hmmm, I think that’s going to be the challenge for my next book, or better yet, a novella. Remember, baby steps. I gotta master the technique first.

 

LOL,

 

Angie Daniels

Riddle Me This: Reaching the Readers

Hi, Y'all,
I have recently been wondering a lot about how I interact with my readers. Each reader I gain is precious to me, because you all allow me to pursue my dream of writing for money. So, I want to be the absolute best I can when it comes to my interactions with you.
So far, I haven't had any complaints. I think folks find me pretty approachable, and I plan to keep it that way. Still, I'm not moving the number of books I'd like to, and I think this is mainly a problem of exposure- that is, I'm not effectively getting my books in front of the all the people who would be interested.
Here's what I do now:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blogs (2)
• Personal Appearances/Events
• Passing out bookmarks to anyone who'll take them.

Apparently, these valiant efforts are not enough. I've been thinking of using direct mail- it's about the only think I haven't tried.

And so, I embark upon yet another creative Hot MAMA venture: The Hot MAMA Street Team. I want to assemble the avid readers, the die-hard book fans, to start a kind of whisper campaign to bring new readers to this group. Why? There really isn't a more effective way of spreading the word about a good book than word of mouth. I know- I have heard people going on and on about Twilight and Fifty Shades. :)

Think you might be street team material? Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Pass out bookmarks/promo items when you are out and about.
• Talk up the group, and our blog.
• Recommend our books to other readers you think might enjoy them.
• Promote our upcoming events, like the 2014 Fly Hat Society Luncheon, in person and via social media.

What will you get for you efforts? A super awesome Hot MAMA Street Team t-shirt, a first look at new books before anyone else, special discounts to our events, and our undying gratitude. Pretty sweet, huh?

We are only accepting (10) members per state, so get on the good foot! Send an email to me at kiannaalexanderATgmailDOTcom and let me know where you live, why you want to be on the street team, and your t-shirt size. We will launch the street team with an online party this summer, so get in while the getting's good!

Until Next Time,
Kianna

Reflections on the Fly Hat Society Luncheon

So what can I say about the Fly Hat Society Luncheon? It seems that so many have already chimed in, so most of you know that it was a phenomenal event even though we were all missing our dear sister author Denise Jeffries. The luncheon was alive with fellowship, networking, great food and of course stunning hats!

There were many wonderful parts of the day, but I have to spotlight the author readings portion of the event. It was such a treat listening to the excerpts shared by my writer colleagues. So often we get caught up in our own projects that we don't have the time to indulge in the work of our peers. This weekend gave everyone the chance to delight in the..."education" we received from: Bridget's racy reads- don't think we'll ever think of the word "munch" in the same way again. There was Eboni's heavenly historical, my scandalous saga, Cheris's torrid tale, Monique's sensual shifter, Angie's delicious drama, Loretta's compelling coming of age and Iris's sexy sequel.

Unique stories by talented novelists, enjoyed by loyal and lovely readers. A splendid and fashionable time was had by all! Can't wait until next year!

People Watching 

On Saturday, March 9th we, the Hot M.A.M.A.s will emerge on the good people of Morrisville, NC. If you are the person that sit in the food court of the mall to just watch people this is the place for you. 

The Fly Hat Society Luncheon will be a room filled with women wearing what they consider be the latest, in hats and only the Lord knows what else. That in itself would be enough to give you girlfriend conversation for a while, but we’re not stopping there.

At this luncheon, while you eat, you will be entertained with stories from each of the participating members of Hot MAMA Land. To fully understand what a treat you would be in for, let’s take closer look at few authors that will be there. 

Cheris Hodges, anyone that has ever been in Cheris presence knows she does not have good sense. The woman is hilarious and I don’t think she even knows it. You would never think the sexy, sassy books come from her, but they do.

Altonya Washington, looks sweet and innocent, and she really is. However, hidden beneath is a sense of humor that will keep you in snitches. From her saucy southern accent, to the intelligence, she can keep you in conversations for hours and you will never get tired of hearing her stories. People are still clamoring for The Ramsey, and I think she is about twenty relatives in. 

Loretta R. Walls, the one with the PR person hiding inside. The woman could sell, water to a drowning man. Her mind is always filled with ideas to promote others. Oh, and if you EVER want a history on music, this is the HOT MAMA for you. Her index on the revolution of music is outstanding. She also have an erotic love story or two for you.

Yes, if you are a people watcher, Morrisville, NC is where you want to be on March 9th. I’ve only share a few of the authors that will be in attendance. You will have to come to see the rest. 

REMEMBER

What happens at the Luncheon can only be shared with those girlfriends you know can keep a secret. Who knows, next year they may be tempted to join us. 

Until the next time,

Iris Bolling

Chatting with some Hot M.A.M.As

Want to meet the rest of the Hot M.A.M.A.s? Then get your tickets!

Hot MAMA Land
Fly Hat Society Luncheon
Saturday, March 9, 2013
11AM-4PM
Holiday Inn RDU
930 Airport Blvd
Morrisville, NC
Tickets: $35.00

Strutting Like a Peacock

   Last weekend, I went to the mall, strutting like a runway model in my hat. I’m serious. I decided I might as well get my strut on before the Fly Hat Society Luncheon. Besides, Mama needed a new pair of shoes.
   I slipped on skinny jeans, a black tunic sweater, and my beautiful hat. Oh yeah. I don’t want to spoil the surprise with the color and style, but let’s just say heads were turning as I sashayed down the mall’s corridors. Hee-Hee!
   I tell you… the things this sistah will do for attention.
   I stepped into my favorite store, walked up to a sales associate, struck a pose, and said, “I need a pair of shoes to match this hat.” She was so young the first thing that came to mind was, she don’t know nothing about this. Our grandmothers have been showcasing fine hats for generations! Church services, social gatherings, picnics, and teas.
  The twenty-something chick grinned knowingly then replied, “Follow me.”

I tried on five pairs of shoes yet none of them had the look I wanted and with these size 11 feet, stock was limited.

  Disappointed, I left and went into several other stores, only to leave increasingly frustrated and wondering would I ever find the right pair. I was on my way out to the parking lot when I spotted a pair of stilettoes in the window that were so perfect, I accidently bit my tongue. I walked in, holding my mouth while pointing at the display in the window. I had to have them. You should have seen me dancing when I discovered they had my size. I was so excited, I wore those shoes home.
   If you haven’t already bought your ticket for the Fly Hat Society Luncheon then you better hurry because we’re almost sold out. I guarantee it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
   See you there, and don’t forget your hat.

A Fly Girl

Sorry for posting so late. But like they say, better late than never, right? Before I get to the good stuff, I just want to remind you all that if you haven't gotten your tickets yet for the Hot M.A.M.A. Fly Hat Society Luncheon, which will be on Saturday, March 9th in Morrisville, North Carolina, you better get going! The cutoff for the tickets is coming up and there are only a limited number of tickets. Where else are you going to meet and mingle with NINE, count 'em, NINE authors for only $35?

To get tickets, go to this blog at http://hotsouthernwriters.blogspot.com/ and you'll see the buy link on the left-hand side of the blog.

Besides meeting the authors (Denise Jeffries, Yvette Hines/Monique Lamont, Angie Daniels, AlTonya Washington, Cheris Hodges, Iris Bolling, Loretta R. Walls, Kianna Alexander, and myself), wear your flyest hat. That's right. I said come in there wearing your Sunday's best topper. The other host authors and I will be judging on the best hat. The winner will get an awesome prize! And did I mention that attendees will get all types of goodies like free books and free books and did I mention free books? Between books and prizes, that'll pay for your registration.

Have I sold you on the event yet? Oh, and there will be some author readings. I could do my "shit/fuck" scene from my contemporary interracial BDSM erotic romance novel Corporate Needs. For some reason, that scene is a crowd pleaser. *LOL*

So besides readings, free books and a great lunch, we have so much more planned for you readers.

I'm sure you're asking if us host authors will be wearing hats. Of course! After months of trying to decide what to wear, I finally figured it out. I can't tell you what the hat will look like. You'll have to come to the event to see it!

Okay, now that business is done, let me get to some other stuff. I have been writing like crazy lately. The people have spoken and true to my word, I'm back to writing interracial BDSM with my alpha heroes. Yeah, I missed them, too. Now the next hurdle: getting the stories published. Wish me luck!

Speaking of writing, I have to get back to it. Hopefully I'll see a lot of you next month at the luncheon.

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com