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

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!

Forget Grammar and Just Do Me

Once upon a time, writers HAD to be grammatically correct. An editor would rework every single sentence until it was according to American English standard even though nothing was left of an author’s voice. During the beginning of my career, I noticed I could get away with an occasional “ain’t” but only in dialogue, and even then it was still irritating to read the way my sentences had been restructured to a point that it was killing my characters’ swag and personality. But over the last few years, I noticed how things have changed. All that woulda, coulda, shoulda is now possible. I can now write like “real” people talk. There will always be those who prefer not to read “slang” but now that I am an author who is in control of what she writes, I’m gonna tell it like it is. All of my books center around dialogue because that’s where my scenes begin. With my upcoming release, Do Me Baby, Rance Beaumont is a NBA player and a cocky one at that. Once you get the pleasure to read my newest edition to the Beaumont Series, remember it was dialogue driven. And when Rance speaks, it’s going to be “What’s up wit ya,” not “what is up with you” cause that just how I do. LOL

 

Angie

Closer to My Dream...

Hey, Y'all,
So, since I last blogged, a lot of things have happened in my little corner of the world. Some have been on the mundane and annoying side- like the long days I've been spending trying to juggle my books with my freelance writing, keeping the house, and keeping my kids alive. Argh.
But, some of it has been pretty awesome. From July 17-21, I was in Atlanta for the RWA national conference. I've been very active in my local chapter for the past 5 or six years (barring my time in Alaska, during which I was active in their chapter), but this was my first national conference. I gotta say,  I had a great time. I think it was because of several factors:

1. The attitude about self-publishing among RWA members has improved greatly over the last few years. Very little snark, and a whole lot of excitement about it.

2. I got to spend a lot of face time with authors I admire, but don't see very often. Had coffee with Wayne Jordan, ate lunch with Farrah Rochon, Seressia Glass and Vanessa Miller, and also chatted with Valerie Wilson Wesley, who is a mystery author now dabbling in romance. It's the first time I've met her and she's a real sweetheart. :)

3. Saw some friends of mine who I also don't see often, like Kaia Alderson-Tyson, my crazy ass crit partner who lives in the ATL area, and Claritta Stinson, my awesome buddy from Little Rock.

4. Great workshops. I came home with a legal pad full of notes.

5. Great networking. I also came home with about 40 business cards. ( I marked on the back when and where I met the person, so my post- conference brain could get it together later. Some cards had a photo on them, which I find very convenient.)

But probably the best part of RWA for me was getting time with my idol, Beverly Jenkins, and the equally illustrious Brenda Jackson. OMG- I can't even describe how much I admire these ladies. I got to sign books with them and eat dinner with them, and partake of their wisdom in a workshop, all on the same day. My po' heart was just pounding, I'm sure my pressure was up. But to have people you look up to take you under their wing is a very awesome feeling. I suppose you could say I felt special, even validated as a writer.

After I got home from the conference, it took more than a week before I fully recovered from the excitement. And about time I started to feel normal- ish again, around came release day for Freedom's Embrace. Let me tell you, the pressure went up again!

Then, last Sunday, I discovered via a tweet from Kaia that my little novella had a mention in USA Today. Yes, the national newspaper.

Know what I did? Cried like a big 'ol baby. I was just overjoyed that the writer (Joyce Lamb) at USA Today thought enough of my book to mention it. I don't know what it will mean for sales, but I'm certainly honored- I was in impressive company in that article! You can see it here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2013/07/30/historical-romance-new-releases-august-2013/2597295/

So, now I'm just starting to come down from that- I wonder what's around the next bend? I have been working so hard at this writing thing for so long, and I'm finally starting to see some of my efforts be validated in a big way.

Hopefully this is a continuing trend of bigger and better things for me. And just in case the excitement gets to be too much, I'll have my inhaler nearby. :)

Until Next Time,
Kianna

Feels like the first time. . .Release day of Forces of Nature

 Ten years ago, I was waiting like a kid at Christmas for the release of my first romance novel, Revelations. Finally, my book was going to be on the shelves of bookstores and people would get to read a story that kept me awake at night, that kept me from hanging out with my friends and family while I wrote it.

Back then, there were a lot of book stores around. Borders on every corner, Books A Million was the new hot spot and Waldenbooks was my favorite place to go in the mall.

 Fast forward 10 years and I have that same feeling today as Forces of Nature hits the shelves today. I still get in the car and drive around my city to look for my book on shelves. Seeing my book beside some of my favorite authors, like Brenda Jackson, Victoria Christopher Murray and Donna Hill sends a wave of excitement through my body. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Then I pull out my handy dandy Sharpie --pink of course -- and sign the books. Today, I'm carrying autographed copy stickers in my oversized purse. And yes, I'm sticking them on every book I sign. :)

So, now the real fun begins-- getting to hear what the readers think of my baby. Forces of Nature was a true labor of love. I started writing this book about four years ago. Douglas and Crystal hold a really special place in my heart. Truly fire and ice. Here's hoping that you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed telling it.



And join me and my sisters from HOT MAMA Land on May 18 as we celebrate the release of Forces of Nature.

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

The Love Scene vs. The Sex Scene

Sometimes, you want your lover to make love to you. You want to be caressed, you want to be kissed softly and sweetly and you want your hair to be stroked gently.

Then. . .sometimes, you just want to have sex! Or that other f-word. You want it against the wall, skirt hiked up, panties pulled to the side.

When I write, sometimes my hero and heroine want to have sex and sometimes they want to make love.
Take Freddie and Cleveland --the couple from More Than He Can Handle --they had sex more than they made love because Freddie Barker wasn't feeling Cleveland, a sexy firefighter who could have and had any woman he wanted.
Freddie didn't want to be like those other women, fawning over him, but she wanted him.
So, the first time they hit the bed: they were ***king. (LOL)

 All she knew was she had to have Cleveland inside her and fast.

            She took the condom from his hands. “Allow me,” she said as she pushed him on his back, then straddled his hard body. Freddie stroked his thick erection back and forth.

            “Miss Barker, you can do whatever you want to do,” he said with a sly smile.

            Freddie rolled the sheath into place then she guided him to where she needed him most. At first, it was a tight fit because it had been so long since she had been with a man and Cleveland was all man, thick and long. For a moment, it felt as if it was going to be too much for her to handle, but Cleveland shifted his hips and it was a perfect fit.

            He groaned as Freddie rode him slowly. Her intensity was building as they ground against each other and then it was as if she was possessed. She bucked like a stallion, grasping his shoulders as he pressed deeper and deeper into her wetness.

            “Oh, Freddie,” he exclaimed. “Damn.”

            She felt as if she was about to climax, but Cleveland wasn’t finished with her. He flipped her over on to her back, taking control of their rendezvous. Freddie arched her back, pressing her hips into his and matching him thrust for thrust until they were both spent from the experience. Collapsing in each other’s arms, they both exhaled. Freddie glanced at Cleveland, his eyes were half closed and he had a satisfied smile on his lips.

Now, of course, my characters make love. They revel in tender touches, feather light kisses and declarations of love and devotion (who doesn't!).

One of my favorite love scenes comes from Too Hot For TV.

Imani nodded, slowly feeling the tension easing from her shoulder. Raymond pushed the straps of her dress down her shoulders, kissing the skin he exposed. Imani shivered with desire as his tongue eased down the back of her neck. With his free hand, he unzipped her dress and it fell off her body, pooling at her feet. Raymond spun her around and drank in her image. She was clad in a pink lace strapless bra that held her breasts the way he wanted to and a pair of matching lace panties that clung to her hips and behind. Raymond ran his hand down the center of her chest, stopping at the waistband of her panties.

“May I?” he asked.

She nodded nervously. He pulled her panties around her ankles, then slipped his hand between her thighs. Imani was wet, hot and waiting. “I want to taste you,” he said, salivating at the thought of wrapping his lips around her bud. Raymond scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He could feel Imani’s heart beating in overdrive. “Are you all right?” he asked again.

“I can’t lie, I’m a little nervous,” she said as he laid her in the center of his king sized bed.

“We can stop.”

“We haven’t even started,” she said.

“If you’re ready, I know how I want to start,” he said as he slowly spread her thighs apart. With the palm of his hand, he stroked her wetness back and forth. Imani squirmed under his touch. Her body seemed to take on a life of its on, responding to Raymond’s touch in ways she never imagined that she could do. Easing between her thighs, he parted her wet lips with his fingertips, then gently licked the folds of flesh until Imani’s moans turned into screams of passion. “Raymond, Raymond,” she cried as he sucked her throbbing bud of desire. She was so sweet, so delicious. Better than he’d dreamed she would be. He licked and sucked until she trembled and exploded in his mouth. Propping up on his elbows, he looked into Imani’s sated face. “How do you feel?” he asked.

So which do you prefer (in books, that is): lovemaking or sexing? 

Yeah, so, you just made the next book . . .

There's a reason why you should never make a romance writer mad.
All of our books need a bad guy or girl.

I've found inspiration in being pissed off. It was either write about it or go to jail. Since I decided that I'm way too cute for prison, I put my anger on paper. :)

Here are my top five "inspired by real life" novels and the events that shaped them. (The names have been changed to protect the guilty, I mean the innocent.)

• A condom brings Jade and James together. In real life, my best friend and I took a weekend trip to Las Vegas and we spent more money and time at the prime outlets. Sadly, the airline was only allowing two carry on bags. Damn! I asked her if I could stuff one of my bags in her shopping bag. She agreed. Then, when I put my unzipped overnight bag in hers, it toppled over and a condom slid across the floor. It landed at the foot of a really cute guy who happened to be on our flight. 

• People always tell the reporters the best things off the record. While I was a police reporter with a North Carolina daily, I interviewed a school resource officers who was being promoted in the department and leaving the high school where he worked. I spent the day with him watching what he did. During one of those "off the record" conversations, he told me about meeting his new wife at the school. He also told me that he was a single father. When he and his first wife divorced, he fought for custody of his son. Officer Calvin Jackson was born.

• Somebody broke me heart a long time ago. Well, in 2003. When you find out that the love of your life is a lying cheating dog, you can go all Carrie Underwood and risk jail or kill him between the pages of your next book. Caprice Johnson, the heroine of Cautious Heart didn't kill her cheating ex fiance but she wasn't sad to see him die. Too bad that made her a suspect in his murder. Fortunately for me, my cheating and lying ex is still alive. 

•  Have you ever watched a man with his son and just fell in love with both of them? That's what happened to me while I was trying to figure out how to tell Serena Jacobs's story. I was visiting a guy I was crushing on and his little boy woke up from a nightmare. He scooped him up in his arms, whispered some words of comfort to the little boy and took him back to bed. My heart melted and I knew I had to write about him. :) 

• When you have established characters, you think you know how you're going to tell their story. Initially, my hero, Devon Harris, was going to fall for his friend Alicia Michaels. Alicia, just happens to be best friends with his ex girlfriend. My crew--Alica, Jade, Serena and Kandace -- got to talking to me and they said this story is not happening. I was going to ignore them, until I got a text message from a (now former) friend about her desire to date my ex. Yes, the same ex I killed in Cautious Heart and the same ex  I cried on her shoulder about. That didn't feel good at all. Story aborted! But I still wanted to write about Devon. Then good inspiration stepped in. While working on a story about a shelter for homeless women in Charlotte, Devon told me he'd so volunteer in a place like this to help these women.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with a writer, be careful what you say or do because this book could be about you.