Author Selena Rivera really gives her all in Unexpected Love, available now on Amazon for $0.99, but it won't be that price for long! Pick it up now and get lost in one great book!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Shakuita Johnson Exclusive Interview
I had the pleasure of interviewing this wonderful author! I am so blessed with my new job and I absolutely love it! My questions are bolded, her responses are italicized, and anything I add in between is underlined. I hope you enjoy!
Tell a little about yourself. (short bio)
Shakuita Johnson is a 31-year-old Psychology major. When she isn't going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.
I loved Buffy and used to watch it with my Mom growing up! :) I do not think there are any of the Goosebumps books that I haven't read. I have always been an avid reader and love to read new books.
What can you tell us about your books?
They are dark, sometimes expectantly funny, and I like to push the envelope. They are my own little fantasy worlds that I enjoy getting lost in. They are very different from anything out now. Especially my Dark Indiscretions series as they are told from the POVs of the villains. There are no heroes although they have moments of good.
When I read this, I think about a Facebook meme that I shared recently. As a child, we love Batman, but as an adult, we realize the Joker makes more sense. I am going to have to check out your Dark Indiscretions series, I would love to see what the twist of hearing from a villain's side-rather than a hero is like
What genre do you write and why?
Paranormal mostly because I enjoy getting lost in a world where the rules aren't black and white. I love all things supernatural and dark.
If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?
For the most part And So She Waited had a lot of myself in it. Feelings I've felt regardless of acting on them and just a lot of the emotional tone was from my life.
What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?
Not totally knowing what the fuck I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing but I'm still pushing through. It's also a challenge because things are ever changing from one release to the next.
What are you currently working on?
Snap Shot a dark romance that is F/F with fellow author LM Adams. We both mostly write paranormal so this is a bit outside our comfort zomes but I'm not too worried. It still going to be dark and twisted the only difference is it's regular people and not supernaturals. Also work on a few short erotica pieces for fun.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? Not that I've noticed. Mostly I write either in silence or with The Hobbit on in the background. But I can't write to music at all.
I can't write to music either, although I work and do everything else with music playing. When I am writing, I need to be zoned into what I'm writing and absolutely nothing else.
Do you have a favorite author or book?
Quee of the Damned by Anne Rice...every time I read it I find something I missed. The story of the twins and how vampires came to be is my most favorite thing to read.
At first, I thought I had read this book, but now I'm wondering. Maybe I need to read it again, too!
Describe yourself in three words.
Smart, funny, emotional
Thank you so much to Shakuita Johnson for taking the time to allow me to interview you. I know that you are extremely busy and ddin't really had time for me, but I appreciate that you made it happen. Also thank you to my friend and co-worker, Lisa Klass, who lent me her questions for interviews! Stay tuned for more interviews and interesting books.
Happy reading, everyonoe!
Tell a little about yourself. (short bio)
Shakuita Johnson is a 31-year-old Psychology major. When she isn't going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.
I loved Buffy and used to watch it with my Mom growing up! :) I do not think there are any of the Goosebumps books that I haven't read. I have always been an avid reader and love to read new books.
What can you tell us about your books?
They are dark, sometimes expectantly funny, and I like to push the envelope. They are my own little fantasy worlds that I enjoy getting lost in. They are very different from anything out now. Especially my Dark Indiscretions series as they are told from the POVs of the villains. There are no heroes although they have moments of good.
When I read this, I think about a Facebook meme that I shared recently. As a child, we love Batman, but as an adult, we realize the Joker makes more sense. I am going to have to check out your Dark Indiscretions series, I would love to see what the twist of hearing from a villain's side-rather than a hero is like
What genre do you write and why?
Paranormal mostly because I enjoy getting lost in a world where the rules aren't black and white. I love all things supernatural and dark.
If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?
For the most part And So She Waited had a lot of myself in it. Feelings I've felt regardless of acting on them and just a lot of the emotional tone was from my life.
What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?
Not totally knowing what the fuck I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing but I'm still pushing through. It's also a challenge because things are ever changing from one release to the next.
What are you currently working on?
Snap Shot a dark romance that is F/F with fellow author LM Adams. We both mostly write paranormal so this is a bit outside our comfort zomes but I'm not too worried. It still going to be dark and twisted the only difference is it's regular people and not supernaturals. Also work on a few short erotica pieces for fun.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? Not that I've noticed. Mostly I write either in silence or with The Hobbit on in the background. But I can't write to music at all.
I can't write to music either, although I work and do everything else with music playing. When I am writing, I need to be zoned into what I'm writing and absolutely nothing else.
Do you have a favorite author or book?
Quee of the Damned by Anne Rice...every time I read it I find something I missed. The story of the twins and how vampires came to be is my most favorite thing to read.
At first, I thought I had read this book, but now I'm wondering. Maybe I need to read it again, too!
Describe yourself in three words.
Smart, funny, emotional
Thank you so much to Shakuita Johnson for taking the time to allow me to interview you. I know that you are extremely busy and ddin't really had time for me, but I appreciate that you made it happen. Also thank you to my friend and co-worker, Lisa Klass, who lent me her questions for interviews! Stay tuned for more interviews and interesting books.
Happy reading, everyonoe!
Shakuita Johnson's Blood of the Ancient Gods, Dark Indiscretions, & More
There really are so many great writers out there. Some you come in contact with, others you will never know. My new job puts me in a position that I am able to meet some of the best writers you could imagine, and I love it. I am so happy knowing that tomorrow I could meet someone that will literally blow my socks off with a damn good book. Over the past few weeks, I've had a chance to work with some amazing authors, like Ben Burgess Jr., Shakuita Johnson, and now Jacquie Rogers. All of these writers have an amazing talent, and you really should take the time to check out each one of them.
'Shakuita Johnson is a 31-year-old Psychology major. When she isn't going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.' As you can see on her website.
Here are a few teasers and excerpts from her books. Happy reading, everyone!
"With war on the horizon and not much time before the first battle, the Blood of the Ancient Gods must succeed in producing the ultimate supernatural killers with the ability to properly lead their races. And all before Thanatos and his daughter Psyche figure out what the other gods are planning."
"Jennifer Johnston experiences first hand why whispers are spoken in the dark about her species being evil when she was just a century old. What should have been another family dinner spent arguing over why she didn’t want to keep the bloodlines “pure” by being married off to her older brother turned into a nightmare and left her with more than tortured memories."
Buy It Now
"Taser is barely holding it together. He lost Kris once to her father and now he's losing her to the monster she is becoming. He's also barely containing his own monster since Krista decided she didn't need her mates anymore. Nathan is still near but he may not be enough."
'Shakuita Johnson is a 31-year-old Psychology major. When she isn't going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.' As you can see on her website.
Here are a few teasers and excerpts from her books. Happy reading, everyone!
Blood of the Ancient Gods
"With war on the horizon and not much time before the first battle, the Blood of the Ancient Gods must succeed in producing the ultimate supernatural killers with the ability to properly lead their races. And all before Thanatos and his daughter Psyche figure out what the other gods are planning."
Buy It Now
Dark Indiscretions
"Jennifer Johnston experiences first hand why whispers are spoken in the dark about her species being evil when she was just a century old. What should have been another family dinner spent arguing over why she didn’t want to keep the bloodlines “pure” by being married off to her older brother turned into a nightmare and left her with more than tortured memories."
Buy It Now
Monster Unleashed
"Taser is barely holding it together. He lost Kris once to her father and now he's losing her to the monster she is becoming. He's also barely containing his own monster since Krista decided she didn't need her mates anymore. Nathan is still near but he may not be enough."
And a few more teasers before I go:
Saturday, April 9, 2016
CMWAS Exclusive Interview with Jacquie Rogers
I thought it was about time for another exclusive interview. Here is an interview straight to you from Jacquie Rogers. The interview questions are bolded, her responses are italicized, and my comments will be underlined!
Tell a little about yourself. (short bio)
I like the three R’s: Reading, Rodeo, and Restaurants. You’ll find all three of those in my books. I’m from Owyhee County, Idaho and I grew up on a dairy farm wishing those danged Holsteins were longhorns. Even though I never gave a single thought to being a writer until much later, I’ve always lived in a rich made-up world. Now I live in the burbs of Seattle but we’ll probably be moving back to Owyhee County in the near future, and I’m really looking forward to the sagebrush and alkali dirt. It’s part of my DNA.
I'll have to admit, I was on the phone with a friend when I was reading these responses, and being a country girl myself, I did not know what a Holstein was and I had to ask. I know, that's bad. I'm so glad I've got a chance to read your book and I cannot wait for the time to do so. I tried moving to the city, too... needless to say, once the children came along, I found myself back here in Small Town, USA.
What can you tell us about your books?
They’re all fun—a little grit, a little heartwarming, and a lot of action. My goal is to write stories that take people away from the real world for a few hours—a little emotional vacation. Also, I’ve never quite found my way into the box that people keep talking about, so my stories have a tendency to run on the quirky side. Or so I’m told.
I have found that any good book takes you away from the real world for at least a few hours! That is something that I adorn in an author!
I have several western historical romances novels out, five books in the Hearts of Owyhee series, and a few single titles. Also, I’ve written several faery stories, a contemporary western romance, and the first two novellas of a traditional western series, The Muleskinners, all of which will be reissued later this year. As Ford Fargo (one of the many authors who write under that name), I’ve written traditional western stories for the Wolf Creek series.
But my latest release doesn’t fit any genre. Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch is the first in the Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter series. This series is Honey’s story, set in the Old West and you’ll meet up with a ghost, find a little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of action and adventure. I’m excited about the series and I adore the cover. The cover artist used my granddaughter as a model and I can’t wait to see what the artist does for the second book, Sidetracked in Silver City. That book should be released the first week of June.
Mostly, I hope readers have fun with my characters.
I definitely see myself with more than one of your books in the future. I want to read a few of them already! Why can't you
What genre do you write and why?
Honey Beaulieu is her own genre (I guess you could call the series a “wacky western”), plus I write traditional western, western historical romance, western fantasy romance, fantasy romance, and have dabbled in YA fantasy. The reason I like western and fantasy is because I grew up in Owyhee County, which is still the Old West by most people’s notions of it, so it’s not hard to get the characters to talk to me. In fact, it’s usually hard to get them to shut up and let someone else on stage. Fantasy is awesome because you can make up any durn thing you want.
Fantasy is my favorite! :)
If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?
Many of the events are based on things I saw, heard, or did in Owyhee County, Idaho, when I was growing up, and I also mine family stories for ideas. Jake, the heroine in Much Ado About Mavericks (Hearts of Owyhee #4) is the person I wanted to be but obviously never could be (because she’s a larger-than-life character), although I can shoot as well as she could—but I’m seriously pathetic at roping.
Yeah, I'm sold. I'm getting that book next!
What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?
Juggling. At any given time, I’m simultaneously plotting a new book, writing a book, editing the next release (so working on a minimum of three books at a time), while creating graphics, coding my website, and marketing. Sometimes all those balls in the air all end up on the ground and I’m chasing them every which way. But eventually I get it together and manage to make some forward progress.
I have that issue myself. I have a few books that I have started, that seem to jump in the way of one another when writing... eventually!
What are you currently working on?
I’m writing Sidetracked in Silver City (Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter #2), plotting a mail-order bride book for Prairie Rose Publications, and also plotting Honey #3—no title yet. Oh, and getting Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch (Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter #1) and Mercy: Bride of Idaho (American Mail-Order Brides #43) in print. In fact, I’ll be ordering copies later tonight.
You are very talented and have more books than anyone else I have met. I am sure I will be stuck on your books for a while. Only one other series got me like that though, I mean I love to read, but I had all of the Sweet Valley books when I was a kid!
Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
Maybe my short attention span would be considered a quirk. I seem to have about a ten-minute limit, then I’m surfing the net for some tidbit that ends up being a two-hour tumble down the rabbit hole.
I can relate to that, lol.
Do you have a favorite author or book?
That’s always such a hard question because until I started this gig and became acquainted with other writers, I never bought by author, mainly because I’ve always had an awful time remembering names. In college, I read Mary Renault’s books, so I could choose her, but of course there are several others who are just as fabulous, and some of them are my close friends.
I have a hard time choosing my favorite author and book, too. There are so many good read, especially the ones I have come by lately, that I can't choose between them.
Describe yourself in three words.
Fun-loving weird writer.
But don’t believe reports of stubbornness. I am not.
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me interview you. You're an amazing person and I cannot wait to read your books! I am sure I will have the whole collection by the time I am done!
I had such a wonderful time talking with Jacquie Rogers. She's a wonderful person and author! A special thank you to my friend, Lisa Klass, for sharing her interview questions with me! Lisa, you're an amazing person and a wonderful writer, yourself.
Interview done exclusively for use with CMWAS
Shakuita Johnson's Rumpsringa
Here's a little bit of an excerpt from Shakuita Johnson's Rumpspringa (Dark Indiscretions Series Book 3.5)What would you do for love? Would you sit by and let it pass you by, or would you grab onto it no matter the cost? Would you break the rules and leave everyone else behind so guarantee your own happiness?
Sy Cole wants what all sixteen-year-old girls in her coven want. To master one of the four elements, move out of her parents' home, and into her new one with her chosen husband. It seemed all that was within her grasp, when it was brutally snatched away.
Instead of sitting by and letting her life be dictated, she acted. When faced with having to choose family over love, she chose love. She took control of her life and went on a journey that would turn all she knew and was always told upside down.
On the run and looking over her shoulder Sy, along with her love Jamie, look for the only people she believes can help them now…her brothers.
Join Sy as she undergoes the ceremony that changes her life forever. Whether it's for good or bad is still to be determined.
You can get your copy at AMAZON now!
Friday, April 8, 2016
Jacquie Rogers' Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch
I just can't bring myself to leave you tonight without sharing with you another good book that I have run across. This book is one that you will want to add to your collection, be it a mobile collection or hard copy. You can't miss on this one. I will leave you some links to it, but first, a few visuals because WE ALL LOVE VISUALS!
To get this book, it's pretty simple...
Print coming in the next few days
Author Shakuita Johnson's Blood of the Ancient Gods: The Beginning...
Blood of the Ancient Gods: The Beginning is an amazing read that everyone needs to pick up. The teasers for this book, although they are amazing, they just don't do it justice. It's a very well written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Not convinced? I can keep on going!
This book, it really has the ability to keep you reading, not wanting to put it down for even a second! How many books have you read that left you in that position? Not too many, huh? Well, I for one, have not wanted to break away from it, not even to take the time to promote it, and I'm not just promoting this book because I have to! I LOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK!
Will I stop with this book? Oh, no! I will be continuing to read these books written by Shakuita Johnson! I am totally mesmerized by her ability to write and I can't wait to see what is coming from this great author!
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Teasers from Author Shakuita Johnson
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Once Upon A Zombietale Release Party! Sneak Peak into Love & Happiness by Ben Burgess Jr!
Whew! What a release party! Did you make it by to say hello to anyone there? Once Upon A Zombietale is now available for purchase on Amazon. You should pick up a copy soon! =) This is my first publication and I often find myself sweeping over to Amazon just to see my name listed as an author. Once Upon A Zombietale is an anthology put together by C. M. Wright's Author Services and brings you a twist to some of your favorite fairy tales. We've already had readers telling us that it is amazing, so you should grab a copy, like NOW! LOL!
That was wild party! Everyone was involved and there were many, many great authors pimping their own stuff and some even pimping Once Upon A Zombietale. For those of you have haven't had a chance, remember to grab a copy of Love & Happiness by Award Winning Author Ben Burgess Jr. He's a very talented man and has an amazing ability to write from both a man's perspective and a woman's perspective! I'll leave a little more information about him here...
That was wild party! Everyone was involved and there were many, many great authors pimping their own stuff and some even pimping Once Upon A Zombietale. For those of you have haven't had a chance, remember to grab a copy of Love & Happiness by Award Winning Author Ben Burgess Jr. He's a very talented man and has an amazing ability to write from both a man's perspective and a woman's perspective! I'll leave a little more information about him here...
You can find Ben on these popular social media sites:
You can also pick up Ben's books at these locations:
Would you like to know a little more about Ben? Here's a short bio!
Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the award-winning novels "Monster", "Wounded", the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and the new novel "Love and Happiness" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and his novel "Monster" are currently used in schools on the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management and an MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities.
And, finally, a short excerpt from his book Love & Happiness
Chris and I were driving to the Roosevelt Field mall to get outfits for my company’s Christmas party. As usual, he criticized everything I did.
“Jesus, babe. Can you speed the fuck up? You drive too damn slow.”
“I didn’t know we were in a rush to get to the mall,” I said snidely.
“We’re not, but I’d like to get there sometime today.”
“Next time, you fucking drive then. Better yet, we can take separate cars, so I don’t have to hear you complain.”
“Damn. You’re extra bitchy today. Is it that time of the month?”
“Chris…oooh, I can’t deal with you right now.”
We parked, walked through the mall and roamed around Express looking for outfits. I was really feeling the dress I tried on until Chris looked at me and scrunched up his face.
“What?” I asked, feeling self-conscious.
“You like that one, huh?”
I rolled my eyes and sighed.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s not bad, but it’s not the most flattering on you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just saying, it’s a little clingy, and it makes you look chunky.”
Tears welled up in my eyes. I was coming apart at the seams, but I’d be damned if I’d cry here and embarrass myself in public. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, went into the dressing room, took off the dress, and slammed it back on the rack.
“Are you happy now?” I asked him.
“Stop being so sensitive.”
“Stop being such an asshole, you insensitive prick. You know I’ve been dieting. I’ve actually lost fifteen pounds.”
“I know, and that’s good, but you still have a little ways to go, and that outfit wasn’t your best, that’s all I’m saying. I’m not trying to be a dick about it.”
“It’s too late for that.”
Chris threw up his hands and walked away.
We went from store to store; Chris thought he was being discreet when he checked out other women, but I noticed. It made me feel insecure when I saw him staring at women who looked like the size I used to be when I first met him.
An hour later we went home and got ready for the party. I put on a dress that I knew he liked, and then fixed my hair in the bathroom mirror. Chris sprayed on his Polo sport cologne and shook his head as he passed me.
“What is it now, Chris?”
“If you’re going to give me a fucked up attitude, don’t worry about it.”
“Say what you want to say.”
“Your hair looks better when you wear it up with that dress.”
Out of frustration, I styled my hair the way he wanted it. I felt like I was always doing things the way he wanted them. It seemed like he didn’t like me anymore and nothing I did was good enough for him.
I stood in the doorway of our bedroom while he fixed his tie in the mirror.
“You never acknowledge any of the positive things I do or qualities I have. You’re always quick to comment on my flaws. You don’t appreciate what I sacrifice to make you happy,” I said.
“Look, drop this drama queen shit. I’m not fighting with you before we go to this party. I didn’t mean anything bad by it, all right?”
I put the argument on hold for the time being. In his mind, I know that was his way of saying he was sorry, but that wasn’t an apology to me.
We drove the entire thirty-minute ride to the party in silence. The radio was off, and we were both lost in our thoughts. Once we got there, we went through the motions and acted like the perfect happy couple, but I was hurting inside.
When we got home, I decided to put all our bickering aside and make love to my husband. While Chris pleased me sexually, our busy work schedules had reduced our lovemaking to mundane quickies. I knew if I was bored, he must be too.
To spice things up, I’d read magazines, watched porn, and gathered tips from my friends. He loves lacy lingerie, so I wore my black bustier, black French cut panties, and fishnet stockings. I lit scented candles and put on soft jazz to set the ambiance in the bedroom. Chris walked in.
“Damn!” he said.
He tugged on my lingerie to take it off. I couldn’t hide my smile. His hands hungrily roamed my body.
“Easy, baby. Enjoy what you’re looking at.”
I felt self-conscious as he groped me because his earlier comment about me looking chunky, kept replaying in my mind.
We made love. I used a lot of the new ideas I learned to spice things up, but he didn’t seem to notice. Chris always has the decency to make sure I cum, but again we ended up having another quickie because he had to wake up early the next morning. He rolled over on his side and went to sleep almost immediately after. I frowned, shook my head and stared at the ceiling. Was it me? Is this how marriage was supposed to be? Had we both gotten too comfortable?
I decided I’d start going to the gym and get a personal trainer. I hoped working with a trainer would change me enough that even Chris would have to say something positive about it. I didn’t imagine how much it would change me.
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