Deadlines and day jobs. . .It's a hard knock life

Some times, things get in the way of life. And by things I mean books that are due, promotions at a day job that you may or may not like. And a horrible cold.

Ah, the life of a writer. Cue Annie and the orphans.


But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love it. Especially when I see all the amazing things my author friends are doing and when I'm on the cusp of releasing what has to be one of my favorite books:

 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)

Check out my radio interview about this book, here.

And the winner is...

Hello, kittens!

In case you haven't heard, my contemporary interracial BDSM erotic romance novel, Licorice Whips, through Phaze Books is up for the Romance Slam Jam Emma Awards for Steamy Novel of the Year!

I'm up against the heaviest of heavy hitters in the game: Deatri King-Bey, Zuri Day and my fellow Hot M.A.M.A., AlTonya Washington. I hate to sound cheesy like movie stars who say, "It's an honor to be nominated." However, I have to say to be spoken in the same group as these ladies, it truly is an honor just to be nominated. This will be my second Emma nomination.

It may sound strange, especially since 2015 marks my 10th year of being a published author, but if I don't win, I'm absolutely fine with that. I don't think I have enough published works to warrant an award like that. Not just yet. If for the next fifteen years I get nominated and never win like Susan Lucci, I would still hold my head up high. To be nominated means that someone recognized that my work was good enough to say, "Hey, you all should consider this a winning novel." That's a reward in itself. But also I feel like if I win, I have nothing else to strive for, no goal to hit. I want to always be hungry.

That said, if by some miracle the judges find my kinky tale about a candy maker who is a Dom on the side and can play with a woman with candy and make her quiver worthy enough for a win, here's the speech I would give:

Oh, wow! I didn't see this coming. I really didn't. I'm up against some real titans in this industry, so I was thrilled to be nominated with them. The people I want to thank for the book I have thanked in the book. They know who they are, and they are very important to me. I would like to publicly thank people I don't get to thank for getting me to this spot. Thank you to my mother, who was an avid reader and got us books, everything from fairy tale books to Dr. Seuss to Disney. She also got me my first typewriter when I was eleven. I haven't stopped pecking away on the keys since that day. Thank you to every English, Literature, and creative writing teacher and professor I've had from elementary school to grad school. You all gave me the foundation to build my stories. As long as I know the rules, I'll know how to break them. Thank you to authors like A.C. Arthur and Gwyneth Bolton, who read my work when I didn't think anyone else besides my family and close friends knew who I was, and gave me great reviews on my work. I'd like to thank every writer group I was a part of that helped me gain confidence to present my work to agents and editors, and submit my work to publishers. I would have never gotten that push without them. And finally, I'd like to thank every author whose books I have read over the years, and every soon-to-be published author in the room, who I will read in the future. To be a great author, you need to be a great reader. I sincerely believe that. I learn so much from reading that has helped enhance my own work. This award is coming home with me, but I wouldn't have it without a whole lot of help. Thank you.

That all sounds really nice, but what I'll end up saying is probably, "Wow! Thanks!" and run off the stage like an idiot. But hey, it's the thought that counts.

You can wish me luck if you want. I appreciate it. But if I don't win, I know I'll be okay. More than okay.

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com

Winter Reading: What's Hot!

The snow has been making it impossible for many to get around in the Northeast corridor. As for those of us in the Mid-Atlantic and lower Southern regions, we're now just experiencing the first real bite of winter and all it contains.

Snow, school closings, shoveling and getting that manual exercise we all despise.
Well, most of us...some have those high powered snow blowers and just get the job done.

Now, as for the books being released during this cold snap, that's something to talk about!

One of the hottest authors penning serial stories is Angelia Vernon Menchan. Known for writing stories based around grown folks love, issues, drama and lessons, Menchan delivers it with her voice in style all her own. If you haven't picked up a book by her, you're truly missing out on a good thing!

Another author making noise is the talented Nia Forrester. To know a series is to embrace the characters within; Forrester has her hand on the pulse of this forte.

To round up the spotlight on talent is Nikki Walker. Outside of her wonderful promotional support group on Facebook, Walker pens series that have readers wanting more! Do check her out.

In closing, yours truly has been hard at work as Embue to ready the world for its first full-length, stand alone novel. As much as my loyal readers loved the "No Other Love" series, I wanted to venture out to other places and tap into different things. I'm confident the bike world will do that in my forthcoming offering, "4.0 Club." Book cover credit goes to the ever-talented, Tanisha Y. Pettiford, also known in the book world as Kreative Solutions by Mahogani. I cannot wait to hold the final product in my hands soon!

Here's the synopsis for your enjoyment:

Jean Lee.   Kelsey Hewlett.    Bridget Fortune.

Three talented ladies in their own right, they’re done raising children. Empty nest syndrome has set in and it’s high time they start living for themselves.

An invitation to a party hosted by a mutual friend lures them into a world none of them ever fathomed:  the motorcycle life.

Curious, yet cautious, the ladies take a chance to see what life is like on the wild side…

Everything isn’t all that it seems in the bike world – from mottos, money and men, limits are never an option.

Can Jean, Kelsey and Bridget navigate their way around in this new world, or will they break all the rules instead?


Until next time, Beautiful Ones...RULE YOUR DAY!

Loretta R. Walls

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

Road Trip to DC

Kianna Alexander and I hit the road yesterday and headed to Washington D.C.
We're in town for the What Is Love conference at the Library of Congress. Tuesday night started with a screening of the documentary, Love Between The Covers. And there I met Brenda Jackson for the first time in person.

What an icon and what a sweet lady.

The event is hosted by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, is the lead sponsor. Additional support is provided by the Popular Romance Project; the Nora Roberts Foundation; the Romance Writers of America; and Berkley/NAL, imprints of Penguin Random House.

Romance fiction is the second-best-selling genre in the publishing industry, generating more than $1 billion in publisher revenues in 2013, according to Bookstats. Romance accounts for 21 percent of the adult fiction market.

What this conference has done is reinforced the notion that romance matters. I love how the various authors featured in the film, including that amazing Beverly Jenkins, talked about the importance of happily ever other and why readers are so drawn to genre.

We all want to be satisfied when we read. Romance is the only genre where the good guys actually win. And can we talk about romance readers?
You. Guys. Are. Awesome!
After the premiere it was dark and cold, Kianna and I had parked at Union Station and it was about a mile away from the Library of Congress. But a gracious reader offered us a ride back to the car because she didn't want us wandering around the streets of DC in the dark. That was so awesome.

And there's nothing like meeting the people who keep you writing, keep you on your toes and make you put butt in seat and hands on keys. Yep, I'm looking at you Johnathan Royal.

And I met Brenda Jackson! 
Check me out on Facebook for more pictures!
https://www.facebook.com/cheris.hodges
And don't forget to follow me on Twitter @cherishodges

Don't forget, #SpreadRumors!
Rumor Has It comes in April!

Liza Palmer couldn't be happier when her best friend and sorority sister, Chante Britt, and her closest guy friend, Robert Montgomery, hit it off. And she's beyond thrilled when they announce their engagement. Robert is an up-and-comer running for the North Carolina senate. Chante is a partner at a prestigious law firm. They're a power couple made in heaven--until Liza discovers Robert in a compromising position--with another woman. . .
Liza can't possibly continue to support Robert's campaign, much less let him marry Chante. But when she tries to reveal the truth, Robert pulls out every corrupt trick in the book--including turning Chante against her. Her only choice is to seek out his opponent, Jackson Franklin, and help him take Robert down. But to Liza's great surprise, Jackson won't play dirty--and Liza finds him irresistible. As sparks fly, personally and politically, Liza and Jackson may become a winning team in more ways than one. . .

If it's good enough for Harper Lee...

Hey kittens,

First of all, Happy New Year! Since this is the first post on the Hot M.A.M.A.s blog, I wanted to share my well wishes for a wonderful and prosperous New Year! Now, let's get down to some business!

So who's Harper Lee and what does that person have to do with me? For those who don't know, Harper Lee is the author who wrote To Kill A Mockingbird. A wonderful book and awesome movie. When that's your first published work and you knock it out of the park with it, where else can you go? I'm sure that's what Harper Lee must have thought. Or maybe she just wanted her privacy. If that's the case, she's ruined it for herself. She announced that she plans on writing a sequel to her book. Amazing, right? Yeah, it's a sequel 55 years later!

I know I'm a slow writer. But 55 years? And here I was feeling bad for planning to release the sequel to Love My Way, my contemporary BDSM Interracial erotic romance through Phaze Books, years after it was released.

Slave to Love is the long-awaited sequel. After I had released Love My Way, readers sent me messages asking me to do a sequel. I toyed around with the idea for years. I even started and finished a story several times. Readers wanted me to explore the story of one of the contestants, which sounds great. The bad part about that idea is that none of the contestants were "speaking" to me. I didn't feel the need to explore their story. What I really wanted to do was to delve into Eagan Morton's brother's story. I mentioned his brother, Christian (yes, I understand that his name matches the name of a hero from that other book), and talked about the tense relationship between Eagan and Christian, who now goes by his middle name, Jace.

As far as the heroine, I wanted her to be someone unafraid of the BDSM scene. She's a newbie but not a novice, if that makes sense. The story will center on another reality TV show. This time, a submissive is searching for her Dom...or Domme. You all know me. I like to push boundaries.

Here's the cover. Awesome, right?

So when will the sequel be released? If you're going to A.C. Arthur's Beach Bash in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in July, you can buy the book then. If not, the book will be out the week after the event, so the first week in August. And if you're registered for the event, you can sit with any author during breakfast. If you want to pick my brain about the book, pick me to sit with.

Okay, I need to get writing! Time is ticking!

Stay sexy,

BridgeT
www.BridgetMidway.com

A Superbowl Stunner!!!

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

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

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

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

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