Gwyneth's Blog

Moved to Word Press

2008-06-26T18:31:00.000-04:00

It's official. I'll no longer be posting here.

I've moved. You can now find Gwyneth's Blog on Word Press.

It's been real, Blogger!

You can find my new blog here:

http://gwynethbolton.com/blog

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Back with more reviews...

2008-06-20T13:46:00.001-04:00

I made it back from lovely Urbana, IL this afternoon. I'm so tired I need at least a three hour nap. Traveling can be so taxing... :-) Anyway, I found out about two more great reviews for Protect and Serve . APOOO gave it 4 Stars. Here's a snippet of the review:

Protect and Serve was a real life story that answered the question of whether home is really where the heart is. Bolton addressed many issues that suddenly pop up while preparing for a funeral and some issues that families simply try to hide and not discuss. The story was funny, a bit of a mystery and romantic. Once you meet the Hightower family, I am sure you will look forward to reading the other books in the series. ~ Priscilla C. Johnson, APOOO Book Club 4 Stars

And The Real Page Turners gave it 5 Stars! Here's a snippet of the review:

Bolton proves why she is an award-winning author in this captivating story. She stirs in dangers of the hood, mixes in a little dysfunctional family spice, and peppers the story with the breakdown of friendships which cooks up a sensual love story. The characters add to the recipe by using strong emotions that will unveil family secrets that will either tear them apart or bring them together. As in most African American families, Big Mama's spirit helps them - to forgive each other, overcome prideful spirits and love as families should. Protect and Serve is the first part in the Hightower Honors series and if this is any indication of future installments…they are must haves for any romance lover. ~ Deltareviewer, The Real Page Turners Reviewers, 5 Stars

Check out the wonderful review here and leave a comment if you get a chance:

The Real Page Turners Review of PROTECT AND SERVE

And the third Hightower book is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Just in case you can't stand to wait. LOL. You can pre-order your copy here:

Pre-Order The Law of Desire

Now it's time for a little nap...

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Traveling

2008-06-17T08:14:00.000-04:00

I'll be gone for a minute. I'm headed to Urbana, IL for work-related travel. I'll check in when I'm back later this weekend. Have fun while I'm gone...

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Three new reviews for PROTECT AND SERVE!

2008-06-16T01:18:00.000-04:00

Protect and Serve is a powerful story about truth and drama in the 'hood.' Ms. Bolton captures the primal essence of the hopelessness prevailing in the inner city while showing the strengths of family, spirituality and love that is essential in overcoming that hopelessness. A truly beautiful love story that will keep you captivated until the end. ~ Lani Roberts, Affaire de Coeur Magazine

A well written book with thwarted love and a little mystery thrown into the mix, Protect and Serve is a sensual romance with which to while away a pleasant afternoon. The romantic tension and sizzle when Penny and Jason are in the same room make this a book a romance that readers won’t want to miss. ~ Marilyn Heyman, Romance Reviews Today

Gwyneth Bolton masterfully handles some serious social issues in Protect and Serve without allowing them to overpower the romance.
~ Debbie R. Sims, Romantic Times Book Review

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T01:14:00.000-04:00

John Pough
August 17, 1946 - May 4, 2003
I always loved you more than you knew. Rest in peace, Daddy.

Luther Vandross, "Dance With My Father Again"

Happy Father's Day, everyone. If you are blessed enough to have your father still here, give him a hug and appreciate the time.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Throwback Thursdays

2008-06-12T00:03:00.001-04:00

Deniece Williams has one of those voices that calls to mind all that is sweet and good and pure. I swear it sounds like the clearest of chimes and bells. I've been a fan of her music ever since I was a kid. "Silly" got me through many a grammar school crush... In high school, "Free" seemed like the perfect thing to be when a relationship I thought was going to last forever came to that parting fork in the road. "Let's Hear it for the Boy"... "Black Butterfly"... "It's Gonna Take a Miracle"... I could go on and on listing songs of hers that I love. I wish I could hit those high notes like her. Here's a live performance of "Free."

Free

Do you remember Deniece Williams? What songtress from the 80s did you love? I could probably add folks like Stacy Lattisaw, Gwen Gunthrie, Shirley Murdock and many more. But Deniece Williams will always be high on my list of female vocalists with voices that just take you there. Who's on your list?

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Links: Big Girls Need Love Too

2008-06-10T15:52:00.000-04:00

Check out K. D. King's hilarious post on Big Girls in romance. I have to say I feel challenged to write more big girl heroines after reading it. It's laugh out loud funny and thought provoking to boot. Check it out and join the conversation over on her blog, No Sex in the Metro.

Big Girls Need Love Too, K. D. King

Are You Listening To...

2008-06-09T01:53:00.002-04:00

Algebra Blessett

If not... you really should be. Her voice is amazing. Her lyrics meaningful and soul-stirring... I could go on and on about how much I'm feeling her debut. I knew I would love her when I heard the single "U Do It For Me" last year. So I anxiously awaited the CD.

U Do It For Me

Then I got the CD and realized I pretty much loved every song on it. It is the kind of CD you can play track after track without skipping. And I love that! But my favorite song on the CD is "Run and Hide." Yep, I have a new favorite singer to add to my list.

Run and Hide

So what's getting heavy rotation in your CD players and IPods right now?

Throwback Thursdays

2008-06-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Things that Make You Go Hmm…

That was an old Arsenio Hall line for those of you old enough to remember the show… Anyway, ever since Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon folks have been wondering what in the heck she could have been thinking. And I have to say, at first I raised my eyebrow because he’s so much younger than her. Then I figured she got a little “Tender Roni.” Good for her! But then I started thinking and I thought Mariah might be on to something... I came up with the a little theory. So bear with me…

In 1987, Patrick Dempsey was a dorky looking guy who played in the film Can’t Buy Me Love . It was all about a, well dorky guy who paid this rich beautiful girl to pretend to date him so that he could be popular.

In 2003, Nick Cannon was a dorky looking guy who played in the black remake of Can’t Buy Me Love , Love Don’t Cost a Thing . Now before you start saying so what, Gwyneth… Let me say… Patrick Dempsey went from skinny dork to McDreamy.

And I’m not saying Nick Cannon is going to all of the sudden morph into a stud muffin in about ten years… although brother is getting cuter and buffer as the years go by…

But I’m just saying Mariah might be on to something and she might have picked her future McDreamy a little early so that she can watch him blossom… I’m just saying… What do y’all think?

I have a new website...

2008-06-02T22:43:00.001-04:00

I'm still waiting for my new blog to match my new website. She still has to upload all of my pictures and move my blog to Word Press. But the website is pretty much done. So go on over check it out and let me know what you think. I also changed my blogger blog to somewhat match the new site while I wait patiently for my new improved--with smiley faces I hope--Word Press blog. Check out my new website here:

www.gwynethbolton.com

What do you think of the new site?

Gwyneth

Enduring Romance Does PROTECT AND SERVE

2008-05-29T20:40:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

I know I've been ghost... I've had grades to do and then revisions and life in general. But I promise to get back on track soon. Meanwhile, check out Kimber An's review of my July release, Protect and Serve over on Enduring Romance. You can check the review out here:

http://enduringromance.blogspot.com

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

A Mother's Love

2008-05-10T23:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, I’ll let you all in on a little secret. Every time I hear “I’ll Always Love My Mama,” by The Intruders it brings tears to my eyes. Every single time . When I was a kid it used to make me cry because I would always feel sad for my own mother. She lost her mom when she was fourteen-years-old and her dad when she was nine-years-old. As I got older the words started to take on a more personal meaning. Growing up and watching your single mom struggle to make ends meet and knowing in your heart that you didn’t always make that easy for her gives the words of that song power, especially on Mother’s Day. I’m old enough--and somewhat wise enough--to know now that the love of a good mother is not something that is automatic or that should ever be taken for granted. My mother didn’t have to make the sacrifices she made for us. I know lots of women who have made other choices. And I’m not passing judgment. People do what they have to do. But I am saying that if you’ve had the privilege of having a mother love you, put you first and raise you with care, devotion and guidance, you should celebrate her every chance you get, not just on Mother’s Day. She deserves all that and more. So, happy Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there! I’m sending lots of cyber hugs, candy and flowers your way. Enjoy this day and everyday because mothers make the world go round. Enjoy this classic by The Intruders!

I’ll Always Love My Mama, The Intruders

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Back from Romance Slam Jam...

2008-05-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

I'm back! Well... sort of... I have a bunch of grading and other stuff to do so I'll still be visiting the blogesphere a little less frequently. But I made it back from Chicago on Sunday evening. I had a wonderful time at the Slam Jam. I met up with lots of author and reader friends that I only see once a year at the Slam. And I met lots of friends from the blogesphere for the very first time. My workshop on setting the scene went over well. My intimate session with readers was really nice. I only had one weird experience during the reader session. But it wasn't enough to put a damper on an otherwise excellent conference. The highlight for me was doing "Rapper's Delight" during Karaoke at the Ole School Jam. I'll have pictures soon. But if you can't wait for my pictures check out the following blog posts. I have also listed the Emma Award winners below. Congrats to all the winners! I'm happy to announce that the anthology I am a part of, Cuffed by Candlelight won the Emma for Favorite Anthology. Yay! :-) Okay, I need to go grade papers. See y'all soon.

Write Black

Urban Reviews Day Two

Urban Reviews Day Three

Urban Reviews Emma Awards

Favorite Anthology:
Cuffed By Candlelight by Beverly Jenkins, Gwyneth Bolton, Katherine D. Jones

Favorite Hero:
Reese Anthony Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Favorite Heroine:
Teresa July Wild Sweet Love by Beverly Jenkins

Favorite Novel
Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Favorite Novella
"Prisoner" by Beverly Jenkins

Favorite Sequel
Only You by Francis Ray

Favorite Steamy
Whisper Something Sweet by Deatri King-Bey

Favorite Suspense
Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Cover of the Year
Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Debut Author of the Year
LaConnie Taylor Jones When I’m With You

Author of the Year
Beverly Jenkins

Off to Chi-town!

2008-04-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

Well I'm on the road again. I'm heading to Chicago for the Romance Slam Jam! I love this conference and can't wait to get there and start chatting about my favorite thing in the world... Black Romance! YAY!

If you're in Chicago stop by the conference and check me out. I'll be participating in the following reader session and workshops:

May 1, 2008
Intimate Session, 1:00-1:50 pm

May 2, 2008
Workshop, "A Little More than Location, Location, Location: Setting the Scene in Your Novel," 11:00-12:00 pm

May 2, 2008
Reader Session with Gwyneth Bolton and Deatri King-Bey, 3:30-4:20 pm

May 3, 2008
Book Signing, 2:00-5:00 pm

See you when I get back!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Busy as all get out! (Updated with Pictures)

2008-04-22T08:08:00.002-04:00

Traveling at the end of the semester is always crazy hectic. And with three conferences happening so late this year I'm feeling the crunch. I have so much stuff to do in order to wrap up the semester and get ready for Slam Jam next week, I feel like I'm running to catch up with myself. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off as my mom used to say... Anyway, RT was fun. I was bad. I didn't take any pictures of my own. Sorry, guys. I was too busy being a fan girl... Hopefully my friends will share. Shameless plea for folks to send me the pictures they promised... Please... :-) Because I certainly posed for enough, grinning like a fool the entire time. I did the fan girl squee as usual, just like I always do when I see Brenda Jackson and L. A. Banks. I'm surprised I was able to form a sentence to talk to these ladies. I love their novels so much. And they are such nice down to earth sistas. I just took notes on how to treat readers when you meet them. Not that I have any readers that will fan girl squee and gush like me when I meet my favs. Anyway, I also got to hang out with some of my new favorite authors who I also consider friends. I got to hang with A. C. Arthur, Kimberly Kaye Terry, Maureen Smith and Ann Christopher. I finally met Ann Aguirre and Vivi Anna. And yes, they both rock. I got to hang out with my Central New York Romance Writers chapter members, authors Susan St. Thomas and Nancy Henderson. Susan and I were roomies and danced our behinds off. Well, maybe not our entire behinds, but you get the idea... I went to a panel with J. R. Ward on it and got to see her talk about the Black Dagger Brothers. I also met two sista-authors who I have just recently discovered but so far have enjoyed everything I've read by them, Bridget Midway and Eve Vaughn. The highlight of the conference was meeting my new Kimani editor, Kelli Martin. She was just as cool in person as she has been to work with. She rocks!

I had a blast even though I didn't dress up for the Fairy Ball or the Vampire Ball. I might dress up if I go next year, because some of those fairy wings looked so-oo cute. I have to say, I wanted me some sparkling fairy wings... Anyway, I now have to finish up the semester, make one possibly life-changing decision, and get ready for Slam Jam... Why did I say I would do a workshop on this topic? Why didn't I pick a topic that I've done lots of times before? Because I'm crazy that's why! I'll be back soon guys. And I'm working on a few changes that might give Gwyneth's Blog a little face lift.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

PICTURES ADDED

See what begging for pictures on the blog will get you? Pictures to share. ;-) The awesome Kimberly Kaye Terry sent me some pictures and I snatched a picture from the wonderful Ann Christopher's blog. She has a bunch of great picture from the conference over there so you should all go and check them out.

Here's a picture from the African American Romance Panel.

Here's the panel again, Maureen Smith, me, Brenda Jackson, Kimberly Kaye Terry, A. C. Arthur and editor Kelli Martin.

I stole this picture of me L. A. Banks and Kimberly Kaye Terry from Ann's blog. I couldn't help it. It's L. A. Banks... And Ann has lots of pictures over there. ;-)

Off to Pittsburgh

2008-04-16T00:10:00.001-04:00

I'm off to attend my first ever Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Pittsburgh. And I'm really looking forward to it. I've always looked at the pictures from the conventions in the past when they print them in the magazine with awe and wonder. They look like they really know how to have a good time. And then there's the fact that I get to spend the entire weekend talking about romance with readers and writers. Those of you who read this blog know how happy that makes me. I'm so geeked I can hardly stand it! See you all on Monday.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

About A Book Mondays: Introducing Niambi Brown Davis

2008-04-14T00:04:00.001-04:00

Debut Author Niambi Brown Davis

GB: So, Niambi, tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

NBD: My kids encouraged me to enter the “Dancing with the Moms” competition on Good Morning America! I did not, but I do plan to train with a former Latin champion to become a student instructor. At one time, I considered Pro-Am competition (an amateur paired with a professional dancer). But in order to reach that level, everything else in life would come to a very expensive and complete stop. And as much as I love dancing, I love writing even more.

GB: Tell us little about your road to publication. What was it like getting the call? Holding your novel in your hands for the first time?

NBD: The first words that come to mind are “long and winding.” What I did not know would fill an entire set of encyclopedias. After I won third place in 2003 for the Aspiring Writers Contest at Romance Slam Jam, I was certain it was only a matter of time before my book would be out there. Not! My manuscript was rejected and revised, rejected and revised again, until I came up with the version that was accepted by Parker Publishing. The call was actually an email, and talk about an out-of-body experience - I was speechless; anybody looking would swear I was having a seizure! I have not received the book yet, but when I do get it in my hands, I will be doing some of that dancing I told you about.

GB: Tell us a little bit about your novel From Dusk to Dawn . What was your inspiration for writing it?

NBD: It is the story of a man and a woman who are opposites in every way – in faith, in age, in goals for their life. In spite of all their differences, they fall deeply in love. There are obstacles, each of which they overcome, until their love is tested by the greatest challenge of their relationship. In the end, will love or fear conquer all? The inspiration for the story was an African-American woman expatriate I met many years ago in Trinidad. When I had to come up with an introductory paragraph in a writing class, she popped into my mind. Afterwards, I applied the “what-if” test, until I came up with the story of Ayo and Bilal.

GB: What’s next on the horizon for you? Do you have any other novels scheduled for publication? What’s in the works?

NBD: Next up is a historical that has been percolating for at least two years. It is the story of a young black woman in 18th century England who finds love halfway around the world. In her words, she has had a taste of love and of freedom, and she will risk everything to get it back. Then there is the story of a woman accused of burning down her home. She seeks refuge in the British Virgin Islands where she owns a boat. She becomes a luxury charter captain while trying to find out who framed her and why. A character from Dusk to Dawn plays a major role in this one.

GB: What are you reading right now? What kind of books do you like to read?

NBD: Right now, I cannot wait to get into Pearl Cleage’s new release. Of course, I am the number one fan of a great romance. I love historical fiction and books with magical, supernatural storylines, suspense and mysteries, and those with heroines over 40.

GB: Do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

NBD: Be patient, persevere and be prepared. Keep yourself open to opportunity. It can drop into your lap when you least expect it, and may be the stepping-stone that will take you to the next level.

Book Blurb:

By the time she was 22, Ayo Montgomery had been an expatriate, a wife, a mother and a widow. Twenty years later, she’s finally at a place of peace in her life. Her son is away at school in Florida. Her soap and body products business is flourishing. She doesn’t know what she’s missing until Bilal Abdul Salaam walks into her life. Bilal has been looking for a woman to love, cherish, have children and grow old with. On the hottest day of the year, he finds her, and she’s everything he didn’t expect. He’s Muslim and she most definitely is not. Ayo is 42 and has already raised a son. He’s 32 and ready to start a family of his own. But both are overwhelmed by a smoldering attraction that refuses to acknowledge their differences. As they work their way through each obstacle, they discover their love is strong enough, passionate enough and deep enough to make every sacrifice worthwhile.

Check out Niambi’s wonderful book trailer here:

Find out more about Niambi and her books here:

http://www.niambibrowndavis.com

http://www.niambibrowndavis.blogspot.com

http://www.myspace.com/niambibrowndavis

Throwback Thursdays

2008-04-10T00:14:00.000-04:00

This is how we do the old to the new…

Because there’s something about Mary…

“Real Love”

Just so you know, I will be a Mary J. Blige fan for life! She had me ever since she came out looking for a “Real Love” in 1992. Hell, I was feeling her when she was singing back up hooks for Father MC in “I’ll Do For You.” There’s just something about a Mary J. Blige fan. We will buy her CDs no matter what. Even those fans grumbling that they don’t like her music now that she’s happy and in love will fork down their cash and purchase each new release. We can’t help it. I’m so happy that her last two CDs have been ones that I can rock track after track after track without skipping. Honestly, I haven’t done that with a Mary CD since My Life . I don’t really know what it is about Mary that inspires such diehard loyalty in us fans. It could be because she’s so real. Or it might be because she makes us feel . It might be because she gave a generation of young women a voice when no one was speaking our pain. And now that some of us have grown up with her, found love, feel content and know that real love and happiness comes from within, we’re all feeling “Just Fine.” Do you think that there’s something about Mary? Has an artist ever touched you the way Mary touches her fans?

“Just Fine”

About a Book Mondays

2008-04-07T00:07:00.001-04:00

No One But You by Michelle Monkou

Michelle Monkou is starting a hot new series this month! No One But You is the first novel in the Ladies of Distinction Series. After reading the novels in her Masterson Series, I’m really excited about her new series. And after reading No One But You all I can say is run to the bookstore and pick up your copy today! I really enjoyed this novel and I know others will enjoy it as well. It takes one of my favorite romance themes, friends to lovers, and kicks it up a notch. I’m so excited to have the chance to chat with Michelle about her new book and this new series!

GB: So, Michelle, can you tell folks who haven’t read your amazing new book a little bit about your latest release?

MM: No One But You is a romantic fiction published by Harlequin Kimani that introduces the first in the Ladies of Distinction series about sorority sisters who pledged together and now face life after university. After college, Jackson Thomas chose his family business over Sarafina Lovell. Now Jackson is back, and Sara plans to give him one sultry goodbye kiss to prove she’s moved on. His sizzling kiss awakens memories of passion too hot to ignore.…I’ll let you uncover the roller coaster ride to the romantic end.

GB: Roller coaster ride is right. LOL. It was like one of those looping, twisting roller coasters, too!

Okay, you’re a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Did you base your new series on your on experiences being a member of a predominantly Black Greek organization? Do you think having that experience helped you to craft the novels in this series?

MM: I’ve been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho since 1987 with Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter in Maryland. The new series does not portray Sigma Gamma Rho’s pledge process because the organization banned pledging as a direct result of the hazing lawsuits that all fraternal organizations face. Instead, I used the positive aspects of the pledging experience that I witnessed among the original four black sororities over several years: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Theta Sigma, and Sigma Gamma Rho.

But true, deep friendships occur with schoolmates, book club members, knitting club, etc., making this bonding universal regardless of race, class, or any other differences. I don’t think you have to be a part of a sorority to write about the experience. However, since my experience was a positive one, I chose to give the African American fraternal institutions and their missions the respect and platform as the founders intended.

GB: You did a wonderful job. The closeness of the sorors in the novel made me want to run and call each of my line sisters after I read the novel. Anyway, No One But You takes on the wonderfully classic “lovers reunited” romance theme. What made you decide to use this theme in your latest release?

MM: Lovers reunited is a theme that people can relate to because many of us may have experiences from past relationships that still hold a special place in our hearts. With everything else in place, sometimes timing plays that crucial role that acts as a divider between a couple. And if we had a second chance, we vow not to make the mistake again.

In No One But You , Jackson has been helped by Sara’s sorority sisters who intervene without her knowledge to get the couple back together. They know that Sara still loves this man, and they take the chance that Jackson will step up and take on the quest to reclaim his college sweetheart. I’m a romantic at heart and could possibly see some of my old college friends reconnecting given the right time and place for the magical moment.

GB: What else do you have in store for readers with this hot new series? Can you give us some hints and sneak peeks of what we can expect in the forthcoming novels? What else will those sorors of Xi Sigma Theta be getting into? What are the up coming titles and release dates for the rest of the series?

MM: Each story will focus on the life of a particular sorority sister. There will be secrets to uncover, confessions of past sins to disclose, but also, a deeper understanding and humility that she will learn about herself as she faces life long love with her soul mate.

Gamble On Love – October 2008 – Denise Dixon is everything self-made millionaire Jaden Bond has come to hate in a woman. The “Black American Princess” is spoiled rotten and a gambler. But with the looks to rival a genuine beauty queen and a sassy attitude to back them up, Denise is a blow torch to Jaden’s cold-hearted cynicism and his legendary self-control.

Only In Paradise – April 2009 – Athena, a twin, leaves her job and home to work in a school on a small Caribbean island where she gets a daily dose of her elegantly handsome boss, Collin Wadsworth.

Title To Be Decided – October 2009 – Naomi, the ex-basketball player must re-enter life after a horrendous injury only to be challenged by a no-nonsense plastic surgeon, Sergio Lopez.

Last Title in Series – In 2010 – This will be Asia’s story, the other twin. At this moment, Asia’s story is not crafted, but she might end up in England.

GB: What the best way for readers to get in contact with you?

MM: I’m more accessible by email than snail mail. My email is michellemonkou@comcast.net. Another way to keep updated on goings on is my shared reader loop with Gwyneth Bolton, Shelia Goss and Celeste Norfleet at LiveLoveLaughandBook@yahoogroups.com. Send an email if you’d like to join this fantastic loop where we have contests, chats and lively discussions.

Off to New Orleans...

2008-04-02T00:04:00.001-04:00

I'm off to attend the Conference on College Composition and Communication Convention in New Orleans. My flight leaves bright and early in the morning. I'll be away from the blogosphere. See you all when I get back on Monday!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

April Interview with Celeste O. Norfleet

2008-04-01T00:04:00.001-04:00

GB: Hi Celeste! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and doing an interview. I’m a huge fan of your work and I appreciate you taking the time to chat! So, first I have to ask my standard time management question. How do you find the time to do it all and do it all so well?

CN: Hi Gwyneth. Thanks for inviting me to visit your blog and thanks for the great intro although I don’t know about the “do so well” part. Okay, to answer your question, I consider writing a full time job, so when it comes to time management I stay pretty close to a set work schedule. I start right after my teens leave for school and continue until they come home. That’s about seven about hours a day. When I’m unable to get seven hours in, I try to make up lost time by working in the evenings. When I’m on deadline I usually schedule myself to write between 10,000 and 15,000 words a week. Doing the math, I can usually complete a book in 2 months or less.

GB: What drew you to the romance genre? Were you a reader of romance novels before you started to write them?

CN: I’m a late bloomer when it comes to romance. I’m often amazed by the stories of authors reading romance at young ages. While they were reading romance I was drawing and painting. What drew me to romance is easy, I read one romance novel and was instantly smitten. That was in 1995. I decided to write romance a few years later.

GB: Since your first novel, Priceless Gift in 2002, you have published 14 novels and a novella. Congratulations on being so prolific and getting so many wonderful novels published. Has your writing changed over the years? How do you keep it fresh for yourself?

CN: Thanks Gwyneth. I’d like to think and hope that my writing has changed for the better over the years, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. I constantly study the mechanics of the craft. There’s always something more for me to learn. Keeping fresh for me means keeping an eye on what’s going on in the world and in the business. I read a lot, and try to stay open to new and unusual ideas. I come up with dozens of story plots for books every week. Some are good and some are absolutely horrible. I’ll get an idea and go, “what if…” My March 2007 release, Love After All , is a perfect example of that. I read a newspaper article about someone getting conned and the ball just started rolling.

GB: With so many wonderful novels under your belt, do you find that there are any common themes in your work, themes that resurface or topics that you revisit?

CN: There’s always the enduring love theme. I’m secretly a hopeless romantic, so writing the happily ever after ending is so natural for me. As for topics, I like doing research so my books have dozens of different themes and topics. I like changing up and keeping the books fresh and exciting.

GB: What has your journey to publication been like? How did you get in print and remain in print? Are there any secrets to your success that you are willing to share?

CN: Sorry, there are no secrets. Getting published was more a test of patience and perseverance then anything else. I learned very fast that getting published was a Catch 22. You needed an agent to get a publishing contract and you needed a publishing contract to get an agent. I also learned that persistence pays off. After deciding to become a writer I went to the local library and learned everything I could about the publishing business. Afterwards I wrote my first manuscript and sent it in. I immediately wrote my second manuscript and send that in as well. Midway through my third manuscript I received the “call.” In 2001 Chandra Taylor Sparks, editor at BET Books, wanted to buy both manuscripts and also wanted me to write a Christmas romance. She gave me three months to write it. It was my first deadline. I received a three book contract. I wasn’t agented at the time but I did use the legal services of Elaine English, who is currently my agent.

GB: You’re the author of a widely successful and popular series, The Matchmaker Series which features the always wonderful and sometimes meddlesome, Mamma Lou. I had the pleasure of chatting with Mamma Lou here on “Gwyneth’s Blog” a couple of weeks ago and she was just delightful! She had some really insightful things to say about the series and her mission to help folks find love. As the author of this marvelous series, can you tell us a little bit about what went into creating it? Did you know it was going to be such a long running series when you started it? Any advise to writers about developing and sustaining a successful series?

CN: The Matchmaker Series came about completely by accident as did all of my series books. Initially, when I typed the words, “the end” after I finished writing Priceless Gift , I expected that to be the end. To my total surprise, it wasn’t. I’m delighted to say that readers adored Mamma Lou and wanted more. I was asked by my editor to start and continue a series featuring her. It was easy enough because Louise Gates is such a great character. I had no idea at the time that the series would continue for eight books (and counting). I think that the key to developing and sustaining a successful series is to writing a great story and creating memorable character.

GB: I just finished your latest Matchmaker Series release, When Love Calls and loved it. Can you tell folks a little bit about it? Just enough to tease them and make them run out and buy it.

CN: When Love Calls is part of the Matchmaker Series. It features Senator Randolph Kingsley and Alyssa Wingate. Alyssa is a hopeful DC lobbyist on a mission to sneak into a private reception and get Senator Kingsley to support her cause. They end the evening in a police station with Randolph realizing that there’s something special about her. Alyssa and Randolph are attracted to each other but family secrets and political maneuvering vie to keep them apart. Unlike Mamma Lou’s other targets; Randolph actually enlists her help to win the heart of the woman he loves. But as we all know politics make strange bedfellows. In When Love Calls there are secrets, betrayals, lies, backstabbing, tender romance and hot, steamy, tantalizing sex (after all we are talking politics). Yes, there’s also a bit of humor.

GB: With all the political sex scandals going on these days, it seems like a very timely topic! You also have a Young Adult novel coming out this month that you co-authored with your daughter. Can you tell us a little bit about the novel and what it was like co-writing with your teenaged daughter? I’ll bet it was a blast!

CN: Yes, it really was a blast! Hard to believe but it’s true. My daughter, Jennifer collaborated and wrote, She Said, She Said with me. We had such a great time. The actually logistics were simple. I wrote the mother’s character and Jennifer wrote the daughter’s character. We basically took turns, exchanged copy daily and stayed on a very tight schedule and a tight chapter outline and synopsis. She Said, She Said is a Kimani TRU and is the story of a mother and daughter characters that are at odds with each other. Each character talks, but neither listens and when they do they only hear what they want to hear. After a long road trip to the mother’s home town the main characters seem to change places. The teenage daughter begins to act like a mom and the mother begins to act like a teenager. It’s a warm and funny story, a definite keeper.

GB: It sounds delightful. I could see it as a movie already and I haven’t even read it. LOL. Somebody call Disney… (smile) So, how has your life changed since becoming published? Would you change anything if you had it to do all over again? What changes, if any, do you anticipate in the future?

CN: I love being a published author but actually my life hasn’t really changed that much. I was a stay at home mom and I’m still a stay at home mom. Only know I write between dusting and laundry. I don’t know that I’d change anything. It’s been a wonderful journey. One definite future change will be writing from more lines, so stay tuned.

GB: What’s next on the horizon for you? Tell us a little bit about your upcoming projects and give us a sneak peek at some of the things you have in the works.

CN: I can’t keep a secret. My first Kimani TRU, Pushing Pause , did very well so I’ve been asked to write a sequel to the story. Fast Forward will be out the end of this year with more sequels to come. Also, there’s more in the works for the Matchmaker Series and I’ll be revisiting the characters from Only You and Love After All .

GB: All right! Congratulations, lady! You are certainly doing your thing. Keep those books coming… So, what are you reading right now?

CN: Right now, truthfully, it’s the Washington Post newspaper. I just got finished judging two different contests, so my eyes are triple crossed from reading romance. But the top three books in my “to-be-read” pile are – No One But You by Michelle Monkou, Then Comes Love by Candice Poarch, Double Platinum by Shelia Goss. Girl, I read your novella in Cuffed by Candlelight . “Handcuffs Mean Never Having to Say You’re Sorry” was too HOT!

GB: I just finished Michelle Monkou's No One But You . It was a great read. I am about to start Shelia Goss's Double Platinum . Do you have any advice for aspiring writers about the publishing business?

CN: Don’t give up on yourself or your talent.

GB: How can readers best contact you?

CN: Sure, readers can e-mail me at conorfleet@aol.com or write me snail mail at Celeste O. Norfleet, P. O. Box 7346, Woodbridge, VA 22195-7346. Don’t forget to check out my website at,
http://www.celesteonorfleet.com .

Throwback Thursdays

2008-03-27T00:50:00.000-04:00

Where are they now?

TOTAL

I liked the girl group from the 90s, Total. They were a part of Puffy's Bad Boy label when Bad Boy was hot. And speaking of Puffy, or Diddy, or Sean "Diddy" Combs, or what ever the hell name he's going by at this second... Why do they keep letting this fool make bands? Seriously, if MTV airs one more season of Puffy making one more band... But I digress...

As much as Puffy works my nerves--and trust and believe me he makes me sick to just look at him--he was the hit maker in the 90s. Bad Boy had it going on and Total was one of those rough and rugged girl groups that sisters could vibe to. Sort of like ole school What's the 411? Mary J. Blige ... Anyway, instead of Puffy making new bands, why doesn't he do something with one of the old bands that we actually liked at one point? I think I'll dedicate the next few Throwbacks to girl groups of the 90s that are no longer with us. I want Total to do a tour with SWV, Xscape and 702. That would make my nostalgic self very happy. Until then... I'll just have to check out Total's "Kissing You."

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

About a Book Mondays: Chatting with Mamma Lou

2008-03-24T00:13:00.000-04:00

About A Book Mondays: An Interview the Matchmaker Louise “Mamma Lou” Gates

Today I have the great pleasure to chat with Louise “Mamma Lou” Gates, the matchmaking dynamo from Celeste O. Norfleet’s wonderful Matchmaker Series. She has been hooking folks up since she hit the scene in Priceless Gift and she is at it again in Celeste Norfleet’s latest novel When Love Calls . I’ll tell you after following this series and enjoying reading about the passionate love that she guides folks into finding, all I want to know is where was she when I was in the dating game. LOL. I’m really happy to have the chance to talk to her today and find out what makes this wonderful woman tick. So, welcome Mrs. Gates! And I hope that I am not being to forward by acting like family and calling you Mamma Lou. After reading about so many of your matchmaking missions, I feel like know you!

So my first question is what made you decide to try and help folks find love? Is it a calling you’ve always had?

LG “Mamma Lou”: First of all thank you so much Gwyneth for giving me the opportunity to spread the word about my matchmaking. And yes, please call me Mamma Lou, everyone else does. Now, your first question was very interesting. The answer is yes indeed, matchmaking is definitely a calling, one I’ve listened to and acted on for years. Not to sound too full of myself, but I’ve always had the talent to see the spark of love. And before you ask what it is, the spark of love is the innate glow of passion between two people. When you see it, that’s when you know a match is perfect. I know some of my matchmaking schemes aren’t too popular at first, but folks eventually come around to see that I always know what’s best when it comes to matchmaking.

GB: Out of all of the couples that the talented author Celeste Norfleet has chronicled for you in her telling of your matchmaking tales, do you have any favorites? Which couple gave you the hardest time trying to resist your matchmaking efforts?

LG “Mamma Lou”: Oh heavens no, I don’t have favorites. I love all my children and all my matches. Each one is special and unique. I’ve joined so many wonderful couples over the years including Celeste and her husband, Charles. What a sweet couple they are. They just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last year. Oh, they fought me at first, most of my matches do, but in the end I knew they were the perfect match. As for the hardest and most resistant couple, I can’t think of a single one. They all come around in time.

GB: Wow! I had no idea you’d hooked up Celeste and her husband! That’s wonderful. The latest installment in the Matchmaker Series, When Love Calls sounds like another wonderful love story as well. I hear that the hero might have even sought out your help this time. Can you give us some information about this new installment in the series?

LG “Mamma Lou”: Oh yes, Senator Randolph Kingsley from California is a wonderful man. I met the honorable senator when my grandson’s brother-in-law, JT Evans, got married to the Senator’s sister, Juliet Bridges. Randolph is a brilliant intellect with astute insight. He didn’t really need me to help him. All I did was move a few old memories out of the way and gave love a bit of breathing room. It’s like my garden on Crescent Island, some memories are like tangled weeds and prickly nettles, you need to cut them away to keep the richness of life blooming. Sometimes we hold on when we should let go. A dear old friend of mine learned that just recently. I’m so delighted to say that Randolph and Alyssa are just as happy as can be.

GB: I noticed that you’ve branched out of late and have moved on from helping just family member, spreading love to friends as well. Do you think you’ll ever branch out even further? Maybe set up a Mamma Lou dating service and help people all over the world find love? Or do you prefer the personal connections that you have with friends and family?

LG “Mamma Lou”: (laughter) Oh my, wouldn’t that be the limit, me running a dating service. No baby, I think my matchmaking days will be better spent right here in my backyard. I have so many wonderful new and old friends that need my help. At over eighty years old, I don’t think I have the energy to circle the world but, wouldn’t that be a joy to see.

GB: As I think about the series and how much I have enjoyed it over the years, I can’t help but imagine it as a cool television series. Can you imagine it? A woman going around hooking up couple each week? It would be like Murder She Wrote but instead of helping to find out whodunit you’d be helping people find love. And instead of a little old white woman we’d have a sassy African American grandmother such as yourself. If you had to pick a movie star to play you in a great television show about your life as a matchmaker who would you pick and why?

LG “Mamma Lou”: (laughter) Sweet child you are too kind to an old lady. I’ve heard this mentioned before and I’ll tell you what I told them, it would be an honor to inspire such a television show. Now as to who might play me, I’d have to say my dear friend Ruby Ann Wallace. We met years ago when she attended Hunter College. She’s so talented and as an Oscar nominated actress, I can think of no one more perfect to play me. You all know her as Ruby Dee.

GB: I could totally see Ruby Dee bringing your wonderful persona to the screen! What is in the future for Mamma Lou and Celeste Norfleet’s wonderful series and how might readers find out more about the books?

LG “Mamma Lou”: Well Gwyneth, I don’t know what the good Lord has in store for me, but for right now and the foreseeable future, I’ll be matchmaking. There are still so many in need of my services. Since our first book together (Priceless Gift), Celeste and I have gone on a wonderful journey celebrating my matchmaking in eight delightful novels. I can’t imagine stopping now when there’s so much more to do. So as long as Celeste continues to write, I’ll continue to be right there with her. As a matter of fact, I just told Celeste about a good friend, Trey Evans. Heaven knows it took a while. Trying to catch up with Trey was like trying to catch the wind, impossible. But, he came around. I just wish I was the one he went to for help. He called my dear friend Colonel Wheeler. Imagine that. I believe Celeste calls that novel, And Then There Was You. It’ll be out the end of this year so watch for it. Now, since I don’t know any of that fancy computer stuff you young people talk about, I’m gonna let Celeste take it from here. If folks want to chat with me more about my matchmaking, have them contact Celeste.

Celeste O. Norfleet: Thanks Mamma Lou and thanks Gwyneth for inviting us to stop by, About a Book Mondays. I love listening to Mamma Lou chat about love and matchmaking. Her insights are truly awe-inspiring. That’s why I enjoy writing her stories. So, to chat more with Mamma Lou send an email to conorfleet@aol.com. Put “Mamma Lou” in the subject space and I’ll get it to her. Or check out my website at www.celesteonorfleet.com.

GB: Thanks for taking the time to do the interview, Mamma Lou. I appreciate it!

Holiday Greetings...

2008-03-22T09:46:00.001-04:00

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend everyone!

Throwback Thursdays

2008-03-20T00:43:00.000-04:00

Old School Movie Memories: Mahogany

Okay since I was probably all of six years old when this movie was released in 1976, I didn’t exactly catch it in the theaters. I must have seen it for the first time on television. Probably a Saturday or Sunday afternoon… You know back when they used to show those back to back Karate flicks and every now and then you’d catch a movie like Mahogany , Claudine or Let’s Do It Again …. I will say that while I liked Lady Sings the Blues I LOVE Mahogany . After Claudine , it is probably one of my all time favorite old movies. The chemistry between Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams is amazing. And it’s even worth enduring that weird relationship she develops with the character played by Anthony Perkins. Because in the end she “gets her ole man back!” I also loved that even though she becomes this big time model in the film, for a large chunk of it she’s just a regular Chi-town girl. We don’t have nearly enough black love movies. But this one is a classic and it will always be in my top ten. What older romantic movies make your top ten list? And while you ponder that question think about these… “Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know?” LOL. Have a great weekend!

New Covers and You Can Pre-Order Now...

2008-03-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't noticed the updates on the sidebar, I have the new covers for the first three Hightower books. I can't decide which cover is my favorite... I think I like the cover for Protect and Serve the best. Anyway, I just saw that Make It Hot is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. So go on over and pre-order it if you'd like... ;-) And if you haven't gotten around to pre-ordering Protect and Serve you might want to get both with you're at it... wink, wink... LOL. What do you think of the covers?

Pre-order PROTECT AND SERVE

Pre-order MAKE IT HOT

About a Book Mondays

2008-03-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Shelia Goss’s Double Platinum

Shelia Goss has a new release! And if it is anywhere as good as her previous novels, then we are in for a treat. I interviewed Shelia last year. And she has since come out with a few more titles for your reading pleasure. I read and enjoyed Shelia’s My Invisible Husband and Paige’s Web . And I can’t wait to read Double Platinum . That’s why I’m so happy we have her with us today to discuss her newest release.

GB: So Shelia can you tell us a little bit about your latest release?

SG: Double Platinum is about R & B mega star Parris Mitchell. To the world, it seems like she has it all. But with a declining career, she has nothing left but disappointed fans and growing depression. Hit Maker and Playboy Casper "CJ The Hitmaker" Johnson is looking for a new sound. He needs her voice. She needs her career back. Their drama from groupies and people from their past becomes the source of plenty of print for the paparazzi.

GB: I know you have a lot of experience with celebrity interviews. Did the inspiration for this novel come from all those in-depth celebrity interviews you’ve done?

SG: Yes, that and the fact that I love R & B music. Besides books, music is my passion.

GB: Who is your favorite character in this novel and why are they your favorite?

SG: Trick question (LOL). They all are. Since I have to pick one, it would be Parris Mitchell. Parris represents the woman scorned. She gave her heart and soul to a man, only to find herself on the losing end of a disastrous relationship. The only difference is her tragedy is displayed in front of the world. She has to fight to regain her self-respect as well as boost her failing career. I like the fact that she doesn’t give up.

GB: If you could pick a current hot R&B singer and producer or perhaps some Hollywood superstars star as the leads in a movie about Double Platinum who would you choose and why?

SB: Below are a few of the people I have in mind if I could cast them in a movie about Double Platinum :

Parris Mitchell – Vivica Fox (she can play any role…she can be meek or strong) or Singer Lina (she has the look and the sound of Parris)

Casper “CJ – The Hitmaker” Johnson – Lamman Rucker (been admiring him since I first saw him on Living Single) or Brian J White (not only is he a cutie, he’s a good actor)

Archie - Idris Elba (talented—he can play the good guy or bad guy) or Terrence Howard (see previous explanation)

Carmen – Jill Scott (she could pull off the charisma Carmen has) or Victoria Rowell (Her previous acting shows she can play a “take charge” type of role)

Sandy “The Tabloid Reporter” - Ali Landry (her previous role was on EVE) or Brittany Daniel (reminds me of how Sandy looks in the book…I’ve seen her on The Game and another series)

GB: What next on the horizon for you? And how can readers find out more about this novel and all your other wonderful work?

SB: I am currently working on several books in several different genres. To learn more about me or my books, please visit my website at www.sheliagoss.com. Be sure to click on my blog where we discuss relationships, books, and everything else: www.sheliagoss.com/blog. If you’re on myspace, I’m at www.myspace.com/sheliagoss

Check out the incredible book trailer for Double Platinum here:

Throwback Thursdays

2008-03-13T00:11:00.000-04:00

Those Magic TV Moments…

Living Single: Maxine “Max” Shaw Attorney-at-Law and Kyle Barker

Honestly, I like friends to lovers plots; they warm my heart and make me smile. But rivals to lovers plots done right... They get my blood racing and heart pounding every time. I love them! My all time favorite TV couple is Max and Kyle from Living Single . Those two were constantly at each other’s throats from the very first episode. Who knew under all that dislike was a simmering, ready-to-boil-over passion? I’ll never forget when Max lost her job and couldn’t find her best friend Khadijah to drink away her blues. She ended up drinking with Kyle and they ended up doing the horizontal hokey-pokey for the first time. The episode where they woke up and realized that they had gotten drunk and slept together was worth waiting all summer for the new season to see. They were constantly insulting one another, but there was something that just made them seem so right for one another. If they weren’t on TV, I’d say that couple is toxic and should seek help or better yet split up... They certainly took the ‘playful banter’ to the tenth degree and back again. And who can forget the “Funny Valentine” episode when Kyle made his come back after freezing while singing in front of Max. He had the sistah squirming in her seat when it was all said and done.

I think they remain my all-time favorite TV couple because Max was just my kind of girl. The sistah was driven, sassy and way too commitment phobic to give in to love without a fight. And only a guy as confidant and smooth as Kyle Barker could give as good as he got and keep coming back for more. I loved that in the end neither of them could run from love. Fate intervened and the anonymous sperm donor that Max used ended up being Kyle. I know, that kind of thing only happens on TV, the soaps, or in romance novels… But I told y’all I’m such a girl and I eat this kind of stuff up like cake. So who was your favorite TV couple?

About a Book Mondays

2008-03-10T00:00:00.001-04:00

Debut Author: Meet Victoria Wells

This week on Gwyneth’s Blog we have the wonderfully talented author Victoria Wells. I read her novel A Special Summer and found myself up until the wee hours of the morning finishing the book. It is my pleasure to welcome Victoria to my blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know a little bit more about you and your new novel.

GB: So, Victoria, tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

VW: Hi Gwyneth! It’s my pleasure. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity of being interviewed on your blog. I’ve been married to my husband for almost twenty-two years. I’m the mother of three sometimes wonderful, sometimes devilish children. I’ve been a nurse for seventeen years, seven of which I’ve practice as an adult nurse practitioner. And now I’m an author, which I still sometimes pinch myself to make sure it’s true. LOL. My adventurous side that comes out every once in awhile surprises most people. For instance while on vacation in Hilton Head, I went kayaking in the middle of nowhere and can’t tread water! I couldn’t do it if my life depended on it! Talk about God being good! Also, writing a romance novel surprised most people. Especially after reading the steamy scenes! I’m sitting here giggling to myself as I remember going into my pastor’s office confessing that I had written a romance novel. I said, “Listen pastor, I’m telling you myself before anyone tells on me!” LOL. I’m pleased to say that my pastor, his wife and other church members enjoyed the book.

GB: Tell us a little bit about your road to publication. What has it been like? You decided to take your destiny in your own hands and take the self-publishing route. Can you tell us a little about why you decided to self publish your novel?

VW: I have to tell you this question makes me a little nervous, downright scurred! LOL. When I first self-published I did a post about being a self-pub author in an online group…Lawd a mercy! I was almost tarred and feathered! However, I’m going to be honest and give you the same response I gave them. I was afraid of having my manuscript rejected. I was all but told in so many words by some members of the group (to be fair other members were supportive and even let it be known that they had also self published) that my fear of rejection and decision to self publish meant that I probably wasn’t a good writer, just because I wrote a book didn’t make me an author, and to develop thick skin to accept the rejection or stay out of the business! I was like… “Say what?!” LOL. I can laugh about it now, but I was angry and hurt at the time. For years I toyed with the idea of writing a book. When I finally decided I was going to make my idea become a reality I did research on self-publishing vs. traditional. I was absolutely terrified of the “R” word. Although I was fearful I knew I had a great story people would enjoy.” I kept asking myself over and over, “Should I allow someone else to crush my dream?” So, I decided to throw caution to the wind and self published my story, which was originally released November 2006. The response I received from readers was overwhelming. I’m not just talking about friends and family. People I didn’t even know were telling me they really enjoyed my book. I must say that this response book gave me the courage to submit to three different publishing houses. Two of three were interested in my manuscript. I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank my publisher Jessica Tilles of Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC for believing in my story and giving me a chance.

GB: Tell us a little bit about your novel. What was your inspiration for writing it?

VW: A Special Summer is truly a story of redemption and forgiveness. It’s about a young woman (Summer) who’s experiencing her first encounter of being in love with an older man (Nick). Because of demons and unresolved family issues from Nick’s past life, Summer is literally flung into a world of pandemonium when he believes she betrayed him in the worst way. When he finally sees things as they really are, Nick is in jeopardy of losing the only woman that ever truly loved him unconditionally. I would have to say reading romance novels inspired me. When I began reading AA romance novels I would always think, if this had happened, would that have happened? I was always thinking of ways to make the story continue on. So one day I said to myself, “I’m going to write me a book about black people loving each other, too!” LOL. I wanted to create my own stories of romance and stop mentally meddling with everybody else stories! LOL. Also reading the various authors backgrounds and discovering they had other careers inspired me as well. I must say I was truly inspired by Francis Ray because we’re both nurse practitioners (smile). Lastly, Tyler Perry was a great inspiration. I saw him on Oprah a few years back telling his story of how he spent all his money on his first play and it was a flop! As a result he lost everything and became homeless. Now look at Mr. Perry! So I pumped myself up and kept chanting daily, “If my book is a flop, I’ll just start all over again like Tyler did.”

GB: Your debut novel A Special Summer takes the reader through the trials and tribulations of a young couple’s journey towards love. It sways away from some traditional romance tropes and holds true to other, providing a nice remix and a fresh voice to the genre. Can we expect more of these kinds of novels from you in the future?

VW: Yes! I certainly hope so! What I tried to do with A Special Summer is write about real life situations. Stuff that people have dealt with or know someone who’s dealt with similar drama that would draw the reader in. I think I did that with Nick and his baggage. Everyone dislikes poor Nick in the beginning. LOL. I want to continue to get readers all riled up only to accept that we are all imperfect creatures and sometimes react to situations without thinking them through. And that true love as described in I Corinthians 13 will conquer any mountain we may face.

GB: Hey, imperfect people need love too. LOL. Do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

VW: Being so new to this business I feel like I don’t having any words of wisdom. But I would tell them to do their research about the business. If they’re serious about writing take some creative writing classes (which I did in college and I’m planning on taking a refresher course or two) and join some good online groups for authors/aspiring authors. I must tell you Gwyneth, as a new kid on the block, the romance authors I’ve been in brief contact with have been nothing but kind to me. So I want to say thank you to those individuals. Lastly, if you feel like you have a story to tell…tell it! Don’t let anyone crush your dreams.

View Victoria’s wonderful book trailer here:

Find out more about Victoria here:

http://www.victoria-wells.com

http://www.myspace.com/victoriaromance

http://www.victoria-wells.com

Throwback Thursdays

2008-03-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

Toys of yesterday...

These are two toys that I absolutely hated.

RUBIK'S CUBE

AND

KERBANGERS

Why did I hate these toys you ask? Because I couldn't do them of course. I could never get that stupid rubik's cube right. Unless I cheated... I remember taking all the stickers off and putting them back on so that it looked like I'd won. LOL. And those kerbangers? Forget about it... I'm lucky I didn't put my eye out trying to get those stupid balls to go fast. My sister could do the kerbangers really well. She was irritating like that when we were kids...

Yep. I hated those toys. Just thought I'd share. Any toys from your childhood that you hated?

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

March Interview with Author Dyanne Davis

2008-03-01T00:25:00.000-05:00

GB: Hi, Dyanne! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and doing an interview. I always start with the time management question, especially when I’m interviewing an author like your, one who has been so incredibly prolific! How do you find the time to write all these wonderful novels and do everything else you do?

DD: Hi Gwen, you do know you’re making me laugh and possibly even blush with such an introduction. Incredibly prolific, wonderful novels. You’re so good for the ego. Thank you. LOL. Okay, I’ll stop and answer your question. When Bill and I made an agreement ten years ago that I would quit my job with a steady paycheck to pursue a dream I decided to do two things: Give up the UPS man ( I was addicted to QVC) and to treat writing like a job. Since I take my writing seriously I don’t make time for writing, I write. My internal clock has been out of whack since I started writing and thinking of it as a job and not a hobby. I wake anywhere from 1-3 a.m. If it’s 1 a.m. I try to go back to sleep giving it ten minutes or so. If that doesn’t work I get up and start working. I check emails to see if there’s anything urgent while scolding myself. When I’m in the middle of edits or doing proofs then reading emails comes after several hours of work. It’s my reward. I’m usually on the computer on and off until about 5 p.m. I say on and off because I have a husband whom I love VERY much and I have no plans to have him feel neglected. We’re partners. We do everything together, as he calls it, we do our retired thing, going to the stores, library, post office and wherever, several times each week. LOL. Now maybe you can see why I haven’t tried to retrain my body to sleep longer. The bulk of my writing is done in the wee hours of the morning. And wouldn’t it have been nice if I’d just said that and not took so long to answer the question?

GB: It wouldn’t have been nearly as fascinating if you hadn’t taken the long way around my dear. And your hubby sounds like a keeper for sure! (smile) Okay, what drew you to the romance genre? Were you a reader of romance novels before you started to write them?

DD: I wanted to be with other writers. A patient of mine told me of a writers’ group. We initially decided to become writing partners and went to a local Romance Writers of America meeting. After a couple of months I knew I wasn’t part of a writing team. The voices in my head could only be heard by me—and now I believe by Sidney. No, I was not a romance reader. I was an avid reader but romance wasn’t my cup of tea. Susan Elizabeth Philips was and still is a member of my chapter but at the time I had no idea who she was or any of the other published authors in the chapter.

GB: What has your journey to publication been like? How did you get in print and remain in print? Are there any secrets to your success that you are willing to share?

DD: My journey has been like most others; years of rejections, writing more, sending out, more rejections, wanting to give up. Bill and I had a deal. I was to take two years off from work to write. If nothing was happening, I was going back to work. Well the two years came to an end and no book contract. I was willing to stand by our agreement. I told Bill I would go back to work. He kissed me and told me no to continue. I think it took about another year. Now you now one of the small reasons why I make sure that man is not neglected. He is so totally my ROCK . As for how I got into print it was when I was on the verge of calling it quits. I had received a contract from Genesis Press for another book, titled Forever and A Day (no not the book that came out with Parker but I used the title) Anyway, from editor notes, I thought they wanted me to write porn. I refused. We both agreed to tear up the contract. I vowed to never send them anything again, ever. Out of the blue, Niani emailed me and after a few emails asked if I was working on anything else. I told her about my vow, yada yada, she told me that she was now in charge and things were being run differently. She again asked what I had and I told her. She asked me to send it.

When the envelope came back that I knew contained my mss I knew it also contained a rejection. Why? Everyone in the chapter said that if they sent back the mss it was rejected and that you got a business size envelope when they wanted the work. Not true in my case. So I didn’t open it for a few days and was shocked when I opened it and they wanted the full.

A couple of weeks after I sent the full I got a call from GP asking if I had anything else. I took that to mean that they had not liked The Color of Trouble but wanted something else. Several calls came from them within a matter of an hour. Niani called and explained that everyone in the office loved The Color of Trouble and she wanted to know if I had anything else because she wanted to give me a two book contract.

Mind you, I need proof and remember I had a notebook filled with rejection letters. I asked her to email me so I could print it out. I wanted all the wonderful things she said in her phone call. She emailed and the message wasn’t as glowing as the phone call so I called her up and said, Sorry, but I want all the glowing praise I want to print it up. She emailed me again and I printed it out and framed it. So right here, right now, I want to thank Niani for putting up with me and understanding. I want to thank Genesis Press for giving me a chance when no one else would. That’s how I got into print. How I stayed in print was because of God’s grace and the acquisition editor, Angelique Justin, and my editor liking my voice. Sidney Rickman has always relayed to others that she thought I was talented. She doesn’t know that I know this but I was told and anytime that I’ve had doubts I’ve used it as my mantra: Sidney thinks I’m talented. The mantra worked because Sidney has told me that IN WRITING many times. I’ve kept everyone of her notes.

As for secrets, God, I wish there were some. I think it’s all a matter of timing and finding that one person with the power to buy your book that loves your voice. If I did have any I would definitely share them. I’m of a mind that this business is large enough to encompass all writers and that we all lift ourselves up when helping others to achieve their goals.

GB: The first romance novel of yours I read was The Wedding Gown . And I remember thinking that you seemed to be a bold and risk-taking romance writer that I would have to read more of for sure. Would you classify yourself as a bold, risk-taking author? What do you think is your boldest book?

DD: Hmm. A friend of mine always tells me that I liked pushing the envelope. And I know some have said that I was breaking all of the romance rules. That wasn’t necessarily intentional. Remember my upbringing and the fact that I was not a romance reader. I have always hated anyone telling me what to do so being put into this little box that you’re put in as a romance writer, well, it was just in my nature to fight against it. I’ll tell you, Gwen, if I had been allowed to keep some of my books the way that I wanted them they would have been bold. The Wedding Gown would have been an entirely different book if I had been allowed to keep it in it’s original form. The secondary characters took over the book and it became a brother sister relationship book. It was where the characters took me. But Sidney brought me back on course and said, “Dyanne, this is not a book about a brother and sister this is a romance. If Mia wants a book then you will have to write Mia a book. Give all of Mia’s scenes to Ashleigh.

LOL. Okay, maybe those weren’t the exact words but almost. For real. Two things happened: I have never liked Ashleigh because she stole a book that was supposed to be hers in the first place and my editor Sidney Rickman went to Niani and told her that she thought I should do a third book with Mia. Misty Blue . Thanks Sidney.

As to what books I think are my boldest: If I had been allowed to go with my instincts and my first fifteen pages and make Forever and A Day an interracial that would have been it. Can you imagine what that would have stirred up with what was happening in New Orleans at the time? Okay, maybe I do like stirring things up. I think Another Man’s Baby would be the boldest book. A marine saying that America is not ALL right in the war in Iraq, that the Iraqi people are suffering also, bringing to light the horrors that are done there, the things that are covered up. And then him coming home and being ordered to bring fresh bodies for this war he no longer believes in. Oh yeah, I’d have to say Another Man’s Baby is it. I also had to make sure that it was not the troops that Eric was protesting against but the war itself.

GB: Like I said, bold and risk-taking! You are the writing renaissance woman. Since the publication of your first novel, The Color of Trouble , an interracial romance, you have written African-American romances, more interracial romances, mainstream fiction and even a hot new vampire series. Can you tell us a little about some of your books? Are any common themes running through the novels? I already know which of your books is my favorite… Do you have a favorite?

DD: Gwen, I’m trying to figure out your blog space and know that I’ve taken up wayyy too much space answering the other question but there was really no way to give short answers. I promise to give short answers to this one (well shorter) Anyway since I have long admired you and thought of you as a renaissance woman your words are a real compliment to me. Thank you.

The Color of Trouble —Tons of personal reasons for writing it but I’ll boil it down to this. I wanted to show that prejudice exists in people of color.
The Wedding Gown —A romance ( I’m still traumatized over the change.) LOL.

Misty Blue —I loved my original title, Banishing The Ghosts. Sidney said it was the perfect title but not a romance title. This story was about Mia and Damien who stole The Wedding Gown and my heart. It’s the story of a young woman emotionally abused by her narcissist mother and her trying to cope with it. It’s also shows how one woman’s DOG can be another woman’s Prince charming.

GB: It sure did because Damien was sho-nuff a dog in The Wedding Gown . Ooops… I had to cut in and say that… continue…

DD: Let’s Get it on —Totally loved this story. I started to make Hamid be from Iran. I decided since I didn’t have another country to move to I’d tone it down. Moslems here were being persecuted in some places after 911. I wanted people to look at that and know it was wrong.

Forever and A Day —Story about a couple finding love in the midst of Hurricane Katrina. It showed the classism that people of color have instituted amongst themselves, the whole good hair bad hair, yellow is better complex that black people indulge in.

Two Sides to Every Story —There was and still is so much police brutality going on around the country that I decided to have a story about this. It was also the first story where I didn’t have the couple married or involved in a long-term relationship. Some one actually said I had them get together too quickly. I had to laugh. It had taken months of them irritating each other. Besides I’m usually told that I take too long to get to the love scenes and that I wasn’t writing true romance because the couples were either married, engaged or in a long term relationship. It just goes to show no matter what you do, not everyone will like it.

In The Beginning —Okay, what can I say but thank you to Mr. Adam Omega for allowing F.D. Davis to chronicle his life. He’s a vampire with bite. LOL.

GB: He sure is… Mmm mmm mmm…. Love him though… continue…

DD: Many Shades of Gray —This book tells you from the first page that the woman considers herself a “B.” Hey silly me, I thought that would be enough to let the readers know it wasn’t going to be a typical romance. There are several underlying themes in that book that may have been missed by some. There is the very real issue of trying to save the independently owned African American bookstores from extinction. That’s a very real problem. Then there is the matter of rights. Does a man have the right of a father over an unborn fetus? Is the woman the only one who can make that decision because it’s her body? Generally I don’t say too much too contradict or defend my work but this book was well written and showed a lot of growth in my writing. And yes, I touched on abortion. I guess you’re right. I do keep pushing the envelope don’t I?

GB: Mmm hmm, you do. But keep on pushing!

DD: I just don’t do boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. I like writing stories about real people who are flawed and make dumb mistakes. I don’t even like using the words hero and heroine. I guess I’m not really into the HEA. I do try for that but what I really want is for someone to read one of my books and say something like, Ohhh so and so act just like that, she should read this and know how stupid she’s behaving. Did I just call my books stupid? No. I write about people who do stupid things and won’t let me fix their problems. When someone says, that character was whatever, I wonder if they think I don’t know that. That was the point. But then again I guess I’m supposed to be writing romance. So I suppose readers have a right to expect traditional romance. But still I wonder if they’ve read my books aren’t they aware that I don’t write traditional romance. I thought about one of your earlier questions. Risk taking, I guess the answers I’m giving you instead of being politically correct is a definite risk but I’m being honest.

Another Man’s Baby —I think I talked about this one earlier.

The Critic —Okay, this book was just plain fun and probably has more of me than any other book I’ve ever written. It’s about a romance writer and a romance critic. It definitely has all of my ideas on the tight little confining box of the world of romance. I have a book trailer on my site that is so cute. Brenda Willis a member of my yahoo group made if for me. If your readers get a chance please go and take a look. And the cover is fantastic. http://www.dyannedavis.com/ click on books give it a few seconds then click on coming soon give it a few second now watch the video and enjoy. You need to have your sound on so you can hear the typewriter clicking away in the background.

GB: That book sounds like loads of fun! I can’t wait to read it!

DD: In Blood We Trust —this is the second installment of the Vampire Series. This is also the first time I’ve ever sent a book to a reader/writer to ask for a preread. This came about after I had done the edits from Sidney. Remember your asking me about that headspace? Well I don’t remember what I was writing before or after I wrote, In Blood We Trust. It must have been romance because it was beginning to read like one. I had taken Adam Omega to the dentist to have his fangs filed. So Gwyneth, Viola and Brenda I would like to thank the three of you for telling me to give Adam back his fangs. Your comments and suggestions were worth more than gold and enabled me to allow Adam to return to his true nature. Poor Sidney is going to pull her hair out when she gets back my revised version. I’ll have to do another edit when it comes back from her in about a month but I’m now in the right head thanks to my friends and colleagues.

GB: You’re so welcome! I’m just geeked I got to read it before everyone else. I feel so special… So about those common themes…

DD: The common theme that runs through my books is pointing out prejudices that exist and shining a soft light on them saying we all have it but we can conquer it. Some people totally miss what I’m trying to say. I’ve even had someone say I’m prejudiced. God!! ( Breathe Dyanne ). The other thing that is common in my books is faith in God. After about the third book I began to notice that. No one pointed it out to me and still haven’t. At first I had thought to eliminate it then I realized that my belief in God is a part of me. It’s who I am so naturally it’s going to come out in my writing. Even when writing about vampires.

GB: Has your writing changed over the years? What kinds of changes have you seen in your work?

DD: Well, I’m tackling more prominent social issues. Sidney has made a suggestion on a topic she thinks I would do a good job of. I’m not ready for it yet. It would be emotionally taxing. I just thought about this. Sidney would more than likely tell you that I take risks because she’s always telling me that she’s amazed at the things I choose to write about. I’m extremely and happy and proud to have Sidney in my corner I’ve learned a lot from her through the years. When she praises my work that’s the yardstick I measure by. Believe me when she thinks as she puts it, that I got on my horse and rode off in all directions she tells me, or if something is just plain not good she’ll say you can do better than that redo it. That’s why I love, trust and respect her and her editing and why I am always defending the Genesis press editors. One I know for a fact is top notch and professional and that’s Sidney Rickman. And yes this is a plug for Sidney. Read her interview on my site.

GB: I only worked with Sidney once. She was my editor for Sweet Sensation . She rocked! So, how has your life changed since becoming published? Would you change anything if you had it to do all over again? What changes, if any, do you anticipate in the future?

DD: Since becoming published I have found myself in the company of so many authors that it literally takes my breathe away to be considered a part of them. I think I’m much busier now than before. If I had it to do over again I would have probably armed myself with the right tools and learned the craft years before while it didn’t hurt my behind to sit for such extended periods of time. The change I anticipate for the future will be buying a laptop so some of my wok can be done from the comfort of my bed. LOL

GB: You have published mainstream women’s fiction, paranormal fiction and romance novels. Do you find that you have to be in a different mental space or frame of mind to move from genre to genre? And I know this question is one you probably can’t answer, but… Which is your favorite? If you could write only one, what would it be?

DD: Good question Gwen. You so have to be in a different headspace. I have no problems telling you which genre is my favorite. Hands down it would be paranormal. Your imagination can soar there like no other place. You create your world and you control it. If I could only write in one genre that would be it. Vampires, ghosts, witches, psychics. There are all whispering their stories to me. I’m trying to ask them to please be patient and Lord willing I will get to them.

GB: Well, I love reading paranormals and I wish we had more with multicultural casts. So, hurry up and get to writing them. What’s next on the horizon for you? Tell us a little bit about your upcoming projects and give us a sneak peek at some of the things you have in the works.

DD: The only project I haven’t mentioned is an anthology Lotus Blossom . Since I tend to write rather long this will be a good thing for me. I told Sidney a couple of books ago that I was going to start writing shorter books. She said I don’t have a short book in me. (LOL) So when I was asked to be in the Lotus Blossom anthology I jumped at the chance.

GB: What are you reading right now?

DD: Right now I’m doing required reading, Books for, RWA, The Rita. Now you have to know how hard this is at this particular time. I am the person receiving the books for Romance Slam Jam. All of these wonderful titles by so many talented writers and I don’t have time to read them before sending them out. (Dang!!) But I do read the dedications. For some weird reasons I enjoy the book more when I read the dedications. Yes, I know I’m strange.

GB: I hear you about judging! It’s that time of the year. Speaking of Romance Slam Jam… You are also keeping busy as one of the dynamic host authors for this year's Romance Slam Jam. How has it been working with the other authors and the host book club to plan the event? And can you give us a little sneak peak about what we can expect when we meet up this year in the Chi?

DD: I'm glad to have the opportunity to talk a little bit about Romance Slam Jam. The RSJ has now become an organization and will very soon be a non-profit organization. There is one person who has spearheaded this entire operation and I do not know where she has found the time to do all of it. Maybe youth plays a part in it. All I know is that Deatri King-Bey is a dynamo.

Initially when our 08 committee got started we had a couple of little brush fires. (okay, a couple of cat fights ) Nothing major then we all said, "Okay, lets get about the business and move on. That was way over a year ago. Since then we've all been in this to make this the best RSJ that we can possibly make it. Everyone has their job and there's cross over when ever any one needs help. That includes the book club not just the authors. WE are all contributing and we all want this to be a success. It also helps that we have a central person to call on and that central person is Deatri.

As for as sneak peek: Barbara Keaton is in charge of entertainment and all I can said is Lord, Lord, Lord. Bill probably won't let me enjoy it all but if I can put him to sleep I'll be there. Do you remember our D.J. from Miami? I'm actually going to miss him. We're going to have dancing and partying galore.

GB: Girl, that DJ from Miami was something else wasn’t he? LOL. I know my girl Barb is going to hook up the entertainment. What else do you all have planned?

DD: Then there are the workshops. Every possible thing you would want will be there. There’s more than enough to satisfy both the readers, writers and everyone else in between. We're going to have a spotlight on Red Sage where Theresa Stevens will tell exactly what they're looking for. It's a wide open market and we're lucky to have her. Michelle from Three Seas Literary Agency will also be doing a spotlight. Spotlight are terrific especially for the shy you get to hear what's going on without being afraid of losing the power of speech.

We also will be having both editor and agents taking pitches so I hope everyone comes with their "A " games.

Last but not least we have a de-stressing workshop for everyone. Then there's the books and goodies that will be in each goodie bag. Trust me you'll be happy. I'm going to have a hard time relinquishing them but since the guilt would eat me alive I guess I'll have to.

I almost forgot. There will be reader sessions everyday will authors that way reader can get to talk to all of the authors. And then we have the special session where some of the authors will talk with ten special readers. These authors were chosen on the basis of who signed on first.

Add that to all of us being there and just gabbing come on, why do you think it's themed Come on Home . That's what it will be, a big old homecoming. I can't wait.

GB: Me either! I love Slam Jam and I know you all are going to set it out for us romance loving sistahs! Okay, so do you have any advice for aspiring writers about the publishing business?

DD: I know this is what aspiring writers hear all the time. I heard it but it still remains true. Persevere, if you give up you will never know what was waiting for you around the corner. Don’t stop writing after you complete your first mss. Send it off and start on the second, then the third and so on. Join with other writers even if it’s just on-line. Having others who know what you’re going through cheer you on is so important. And last but not least, PLEASE develop a thick skin. If you think rejections hurt wait until you get bad reviews. It happens to everyone. I’ll bet the Bible has a ton of bad reviews. Here is one thing to remember through the bad reviews: An editor liked your work enough to pay you money for it. Make that your mantra when the time calls for it. Just don’t ever give up.

GB: How can readers best contact you?

DD: Readers can contact me via email davisdyanne@aol.com Gwen, once again I would like to thank you for interviewing me and for the time you took with Mr. Omega. He’s very impressed by your talent. I’m sure he must have asked you to give me equal time. He can be nice when he chooses but there’s always a price to pay. Who knows what he will ask of me.

GB: Dyanne this was too much fun! Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you in the Chi!

Great Post on Race and Romance by Michelle Monkou

2008-02-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

Romance author Michelle Monkou has a really nuanced and thought-provoking post on race and romance over on her new blog. I like that she comes at the issue from a variety of different angles and shows that the issue is neither cut-and-dry nor black-and-white. You can check out her post here:

Dragging Out the Soap Box: Being Black in Romance

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Throwback Thursdays

2008-02-28T00:30:00.000-05:00

This is how we do the old to the new…

Maybe it’s about a sweet melody and an inspiring message… I don’t know. But I do know that I get almost the same hyped-happy-I-can-accomplish-anything feeling when I hear Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky” that I get when I hear Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up.” I don’t know if it is the melody, or the thought of moving on up and touching the sky. But I do know that Kanye did well by the Curtis Mayfield classic. And I love the video for Kanye’s video because it takes us back to the early 70s. Nostalgia. Gotta love it! I also like the nod to Evil Kanevil. I could have done without Pamela Anderson and Tracey Ellis Ross in the video… But other than those two, it’s a pretty cool video. I can almost see why he threw a fit when he didn’t when an award for this video a few years back. I mean he did spend a million dollars for it… He should have won that world video award… LOL. Just kidding… Anyway… Enjoy!

Curtis Mayfield, “Move On Up”

Kanye West, “Touch the Sky”

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

I've been interviewed!

2008-02-27T18:55:00.000-05:00

Author Dyanne Davis was kind enough to feature me on her website. I asked Dyanne to be my author for March when she set up the interview between me and the vampire Adam Omega. She in turn asked me to be one of her feature authors and I couldn't say no. It was a fun interview so check it out. And be sure to stop back on March 1 to check out my interview of Dyanne.

You can read her interview of me here:

http://www.dyannedavis.com/AuthorSpotlight.html

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

About A Book Mondays

2008-02-25T00:21:00.000-05:00

Katherine D. Jones’s Perilous Passions

Talented author, Katherine D. Jones left us far too soon when she passed away last May. However, she left us with one final work to enjoy along with her many other novels. Her latest release Perilous Passions was just released by Parker Publishing and I can't wait to read it. I had the pleasure of interviewing her last year. You can check the interview out here:

February 2007 interview with Katherine D. Jones

Book Blurb:
Former policewoman, Karen Bryant, creates a new life for herself after a career-ending injury. Instead of finding a way to help criminally-troubled families in her Cleveland neighborhood, she finds a way to prevent criminal activity with a program aimed at the youth. Unfortunately, her one obstacle appeared to be sexy officer, Caro Spencer. Caro Spencer is a cop with a chip on his shoulder. He's been tasked to work with Karen, following his convalescent leave, and he's not happy about his reassignment. A misunderstanding separates them, but once they realize they've both been immature and stubborn, they find that anger was just a cover up for a sizzling desire for one another. Karen and Caro fight crime during the day and fight their passion for each other at night, until unstoppable desire pushes them over the edge. Karen and Caro fall headlong into each other's arms and into a Perilous Passion that will have them fighting for their lives and their love.

Romantic Times Book Review:
"This late author's talent for characterization and plotting is obvious in this steamy, suspenseful and unforgettable novel, her last -- and possibly greatest -- work.
Summary: Karen Bryant is the director of a youth center that brings in police officers to mentor students. Caro Spencer, a police detective assigned to work with Karen's center as a part of his rehabilitation, is not happy about being a "babysitter."
Karen and Caro clash at their first, second and third meetings, but one thing they're both clear on is the searing-hot chemistry that envelops them whenever they're in the same room. Can they protect each other when there's danger lurking around every corner?" ~ Eleanor S. Shields for Romantic Times Book Review

Throwback Thursdays

2008-02-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Those Magic TV Moments...

Do you remember the soap's first black super couple, Angie and Jesse from All My Children?

Well, they're back!

And all I can say is black don't crack for real! Debbie Morgan and Darnell Williams have reprised their roles on All My Children and they look like they haven't aged a bit it the twenty years that have passed. I have to admit this super couple predates my soap addiction. I vaguely remember some of their story line. But I didn’t really become hooked on soaps until college. I wasn’t so addicted that I scheduled my classes around them or anything, but…. Anyway, I have weaned myself off of the soaps too many times to count. And now they’ve taunted me by bringing the first black super couple back, complete with a “back from the dead” storyline. You know I couldn’t resist. I mean there’s no secret baby or anything… But back from the dead is just as intriguing to me. I had to see what she would do when she saw him after twenty years. I knew what I would do. I would hug him and kiss him and cry and scream and just be so happy before I hauled off and slapped him and said, “Nucca! Where the hell have you been for 20 damn years?” But this is daytime TV we’re talking about and I guess they didn’t want to go there. I know I’m probably the only one who has been sucked in by the return of Angie and Jesse. I’m the only one watching it on Soap Net when she comes home at night. But at least the return of Angie and Jesse has cured me of my Food Network addiction for now….

Check out the promo for the return here:

About A Book Mondays

2008-02-18T00:06:00.000-05:00

The Sweetest Taboo by Risque

Here’s the blurb:

The sweetest taboo–if you want it, come get it. . . .

Yuri and Drae are keeping secrets–each caught up in her own whirlwind of scandal and passion. They swore as children that they would never conceal anything from each other, but now, as adults, they realize that not everything is meant to be told. Yuri is married to Jeff, a man she never really loved yet settled for. During a trip to the Caribbean she begins a torrid affair with her longtime friend Britt, a rising reggae star she has always secretly desired. Drae, a high school guidance counselor, is married to Hassan, a sadistic porn king who makes her “audition” his actors and actresses while he gets off on the wild, and not always consensual, sex. As Yuri and Drae struggle to keep up their double lives, their clandestine cover-ups come to light–and the consequences are more than either of them bargained for.

Here’s what I thought:

Last December when I made my usual monthly… err… okay… bi-weekly… err… okay, fine… weekly trip to the book store, I saw this book by an author whom I hadn’t heard of before. I have to admit I made a couple of trips past the book before picking it up. There was something about the cover... It didn’t really speak to me. I guess I’m just not all that turned on by naked women on a cover. But something, I don’t know what, kept bringing me back to this book, beckoning me to pick it up. Maybe it was the author’s name. Bold, one word, cool: Risque . In any case, I picked up the book after about the third time walking by it and read the blub. 'Hmm, interesting blurb. Seems like it’s going to be full of drama,' I thought. So I purchased the book. I started reading it that night and stayed up all night to finish it. The book was so good I went back and re-read parts right after I finished it. I had one of those 'how in the hell did she do that' moments that we writers get when we read a really good book. The book was so amazing to me that I got up from my bed, went to the computer to try and figure out who this Risque person was. By now you can probably sense this isn’t a typical book review. That’s because I can’t really put into words all the things that I loved about this book. It was funny, full of drama, hot as all get out, took my emotions through the ringer and back again, and it even had some romantic elements. The characterization was crisp, on-point and made for a dynamic read. I had so many laugh-out loud moments as I read it. And the sex scenes had me searching for a fan… or something. It’s like Risque figured out a way to combine the best of a variety of genres and mold them all together in this one fantastic read. I think the book should be a case study for how to mix and blend elements from a variety of genres. It has become one of my favorite books. And I’ve since figured out who this author is and found some of the books she has written under her real name and she has become one of my must-read authors. If you are interested in reading a fantastic blend of erotic, urban, romantic and comedic fiction that will make you laugh, cry and get good and mad all while you turn the pages as quickly as your little fingers will allow, then you are looking for The Sweetest Taboo . If anyone else has read this book, I’d love to hear what you thought about it.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Author Spotlight on APOOO

2008-02-17T00:14:00.000-05:00

Yasmin Coleman and the ladies of APOOO will be featuring a different black author each day of black history month with wonderful and insightful articles. Today is my day! Check out my feature "Sex, Love and All of the Above: Some Thoughts on Erotica and Romance."

Check out my author spotlight and all of the other wonderful articles here:

http://apooo.org/AuthorsLounge/limelight.cfm

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T01:12:00.000-05:00

I'm sending you cyber chocolate, wine, chocolate covered strawberries and lots of good vibes. Enjoy the day!

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Links, Links and More Links...

2008-02-12T00:21:00.000-05:00

Tyhitia the “Demon Hunter” will be honoring four African American poets during Black History Month.

"In celebration of Black History Month, I have decided to feature four poets whom I admire. I'll feature a different poet each week during the month of February. I love poetry and will post my favorites by each poet. Please remember that Black History is everyone's history."

Check out her post on her blog:

http://obfuscationofreality.blogspot.com

The Black Romance Reader will be highlighting African American Romance authors on her blog this month and there is a chance to win fun prizes!

"In the silent recesses of Black History Month lie the many, many talented men and women who have picked up a pen (or turned on a computer) and set their thoughts onto paper for all to see. During certain times this was dangerous, as it was, for a moment in history, illegal to teach a slave to read and write. Later, it morphed from being accepted, but only if writers stuck to “black subjects” like slavery, racism, and "the struggle." And to an extent it still is today. But I don’t want to worry at the hardships black authors experienced; Black History Month is supposed to be a celebration. So to celebrate the achievements of black romance authors, I am hosting a scavenger hunt where many fun prizes can be won. Starting Monday, a six o’clock am, keep your Google skills handy."

Be sure to visit her blog and participate for your chance to win! Check out the contest here:

http://blackromancereader.wordpress.com

Yasmin Coleman and the ladies of APOOO will be featuring a different black author each day of black history month with wonderful insightful articles.

"During the month of February, join us as each day we will spotlight a different author and recognize their contribution to African American Literature. 29 Days of wisdom, wit and perspective."

Check out the wonderful author spotlight articles here:

http://apooo.org/AuthorsLounge/limelight.cfm

The Romance Slam Jam schedule is up. And it is jammed packed full of lots of interesting workshops and reader sessions. This is going to be one great Slam Jam! Check out the schedule here:

http://www.romanceslamjam.org/conference/rsj2008/Schedule.htm

On Valentines Day I will be giving a reading with fellow Central New York romance author Cara Summers.

"Love in the Afternoon: A Reading and Discussion about Romance Writing with Carolyn Hanlon (Cara Summers), the Writing Program, and Gwen Pough (Gwyneth Bolton), the Writing Program and Women's Studies
3:30 p.m., 500 Hall of Languages
Gwen and Carolyn will read selections from their latest romance novels and will talk about working within and against the genre of romance writing. A book signing and reception will follow."

Check out the write up about the event plus wonderful reprints of articles written in the town newspaper about Cara and myself here:

http://blog.syracuse.com/shelflife/2008/02/college_romance.html

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

About A Book Mondays

2008-02-11T00:04:00.000-05:00

Is No Not Clear Enough For You? , Angelia Vernon Menchan

Angelia Vernon Menchan’s latest release Is No Not Clear Enough For You? proves that sometimes it’s about more than a book. It’s about a mission, a calling and a passion. She pens a novel for young women advocating the power of saying no to others and yes to themselves. An in doing so she brings her passion for working with young women and her passion for creating dynamic and engaging stories together. I wanted to highlight, Angelia’s latest book because I think it’s amazing and encouraging that she has found away to bring her passions together in what she calls “ageless fiction.” I interviewed Angelia back in August, and I’m very pleased to have her back to chat about her latest book.

So Angelia, can you tell us a little bit about what sparked your desire to bring the wonderful work with young women that you’re doing in the community together with your fiction writing?

AVM: It was time and very necessary, young women are being cultured to say yes to everything. They are often not allowed voices. I see many successful adult women who feel they must do it all, because they were never taught to say no to anyone. As young adults they are taught that no matter how smart they are they must take care of everyone and everything and often to their own detriment. Looking back I think most women will find they wished they had said no more often. No doesn’t have to be a negative if it is about not being pressured, manipulated or shamed into doing something that isn’t good for you, or that leaves you unable to care for yourself.

GB: Malaaka Green is a teen facing pressures that many young women face and many succumb to. The teenage pregnancy rates and growing HIV/AIDs rates for young women of color show that many young women are having a hard time when faced with having sex before they are really mentally ready. What is your biggest dream for the impact that sharing Malaaka’s journey might have?

AVM: My biggest prayer and dream is that through Malaaka, young women will see that there are choices. My experience has taught me that mostly teenage girls are becoming sexual before they are ready, simply to please someone else, oftentimes a boyfriend. Or more frighteningly they are using their bodies to get material things. Not realizing that no amount of ‘stuff’ is worth giving away their very essence. Through Malaaka and my own experiences I want them to know they can say NO, while having fun, going to church, parties, dating and all the really cool things that are out there. Most, importantly they can get educated and have empowered lives and great family relationships. The most compelling part of Malaaka’s story is how much she learned from her elders mistakes.

GB: I think we can all relate to Malaaka’s struggles, and perhaps some of us wish we could go back in time and hold what was precious to us by saying no at that critical time in our lives. Are there any other issues that teens face that you plan to deal with in future books? What do you think is most pressing issue for us to be concerned with as far as teens today are concerned?

AVM: Actually, in the African-American community there is an issue that astounds me and that is the one about not allowing people to know you are smart. I saw a bit of that with my youngest son, he had awesome grades and won scholarships but most of his friends thought of him as this real, hip-hop kid, as though it weren’t important to be as smart as you are hip. He never disclosed his grades or how well he was doing academically. Fortunately, for him he had parents who didn’t fool around when it came to grades and responsibility, but we are going to have to kill this idea that proper speech patterns and good grades aren’t “Black” enough. So, I will definitely be writing about that!

GB: What’s next for you? Do you plan to write another Young Adult novel?

AVM: I will, but I am actually writing Schae’s Story right now. Schae is a woman at a spiritual crossroads. She has used her beauty to get what she wanted from men since a very young age. At forty-five she knows she should be on a higher spiritual path. What people, particularly the men in her life will discover is under all that makeup and behind those curves lives a spiritual, smart woman who is on the road to transformation. There are components of her young life, however, that will explain why she became who she was perceived to be which ties into my young adult messages.

GB: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about this important project, Angelia!

Thank you Gwyneth for always supporting authors and allowing us to talk about our work, bless you!

Throwback Thursdays

2008-02-07T00:15:00.000-05:00

This is how we do the old to the new…

lady in red
i waz missin something…
… i found god in myself
& loved her/ i loved her fiercely
From Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf

“I wanted Shange’s language to arm me with the awesome power of self-definition. I left realizing this was impossible. As much as I appreciated the artistic, cultural, and historical significance of this moment it wasn’t mine to claim… As a child of the post-Civil Rights, post-feminist, post-soul hip-hop generation, my struggle songs consisted of the same notes but they were infused with distinctly different rhythms. What I wanted was a for colored girls… of my own. The problem was that I was waiting around for someone else to write it… This complacency is typical of my generation…” (21-22)
From Joan Morgan’s When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks it Down

The memory of the first time I ever saw Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking choreopoem performed is burnt into my memory. I had to be about eleven or twelve when I caught it on PBS one Saturday. I remember sobbing when Beau Willie threw the children out of the window. I had no real understanding of all the things the women in the play were talking about. But I remember being captivated. A lot of what Shange wrote about in 1975 is timeless… "somebody/ anybody/ sing a black girl’s song/ bring her out/ to know herself…" It only seems fitting that girls who grew up in the 70s like hip-hop feminist Joan Morgan and Nuevo-Soul singer Erykah Badu would find ways to re-work and re-mix for colored girls who have considered suicide . Shange ends with the women finding god in themselves, learning to love themselves. Morgan’s entire book is a quest for women of the hip-hop generation to find their power. Morgan’s book is just as provocative and thought provoking as Shange's. And Erykah Badu’s classic song “Bag Lady” seems to take up Morgan’s plea for women in the hip-hop generation to acknowledge the ways they are complicit in their own oppression: “Bag lady, you gonna miss your bus. You can’t hurry up, cause you got too much stuff.” She even takes up Shange’s message of love: “I betcha love can make it better…” And the entire video is a ode to for colored girls… Have you ever seen for colored girls… performed? Do you think the Badu video carried on the tradition nicely? Enjoy…

Erykah Badu – Bag Lady

About A Book Mondays

2008-02-04T00:37:00.000-05:00

Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees edited by DuEwa M. Frazier

As a hip-hop head, I can't tell you how excited I was to see an anthology devoted to female poets and emcees. Such a work has been a long time coming and much needed. So, I'm truly excited that the visionary editor and publisher of Check The Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees , DuEwa M. Frazier, has agreed to be interviewed about her wonderful path-making and groundbreaking book. The book was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in 2007. And I'm sure there will be many more awards and accolades to come.

So, DuEwa, welcome to my blog and thanks so much for coming. My first question has to do with the title of the anthology. As a long time Tribe Called Quest fan and lover of the golden era of hip-hop, I have to say I love the title. I love it because I can just hear Q-Tip and Phife rapping "check the rhyme" and it gets me hyped. But mostly, I love it because of the "check" that is demanding attention, getting the world to look at the other half of hip-hop that has been ignored too long. What inspired your choice of title?

DMF: I chose to title my anthology, Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees because I really wanted a title which paid homage to hip hop and to poetry as a whole. Also, Tribe Called Quest's music was the soundtrack to both the latter years of my high school life and in the early years of my college life. So, I felt it was fitting to utilize those words for the title. I've received a lot of positive feedback on my choice for the title, which made me believe I made the right choice.

GB: You dedicated the anthology to "all the little girls who grew up to become women who created a new world, through the power of voice, and the defiant stroke of the pen.” Can you talk a little bit about your desire to document and validate the female hip-hop artist whether she is a poet or emcee? What made you take on the editing and publishing of this endeavor?

DMF: As a young girl growing up, writing was my escape. Writing has able been a way for me to validate myself and make sense of the world around me. When I became an English teacher, I found that our youth love writing poetry and expressing themselves through rap/spoken word. My experience as a youth who loved to write, and my experience as an educator propelled me to want to create a publication that would inspire our youth to believe that they too can pursue the art of writing, lyricism, spoken word, hip hop performance, as a viable tool for expression. So creating an educational tool was one of my reasons.

Being a performance artist and poet, I have met so many awesome female artists and heard about so many artists who I might have never had the chance to work with, had it not been for creating this project. Another reason is that I wanted to create a project which supported the notion that women represent hip hop and spoken word just as powerfully as men do. Myself and most of the writers in my anthology grew up rocking to M.C. Lyte, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, Sweet T, Salt n Pepa, Bahamdia, and many other esteemed female rap artists. We dreamed to be in these artist's shoes. I knew the rap lyrics of popular male artists back in the 80's and 90's better than alot of my male friends at the time and I was writing poetry. So hip hop and lyricism is in the heart and soul of women poets, just as tough, and I wanted to shed light on this and celebrate it.

Finally, love. I have a love for what I do. I am passionate about people expressing themselves and I'm one of those people who cannot just sit around and wait for things to happen. Check the Rhyme Anthology was a labor of love in that sense. I knew there weren't too many publications doing this and as an independent publisher, this was my chance to show and prove.

GB: Have you always been a poet? When did you write your first poem? Who are some of the poets you admire?

DMF: I probably wrote my first poem in elementary school. When I was a child, I remember reading the work of June Jordan, lindamichellebaron and Langston Hughes. Later on, in college, I read Shakespeare, Robert Blake, Alice Walker, Sonia Sanchez, Ntozake Shange, Nikki Giovanni and many others.

GB: The poets and emcees in the anthology write about and grapple with issues such as identity, love, violence against women and even Katrina and New Orleans. The poetry is beautiful and political. Can you say a little bit about the editing process and the vision you had as you compiled this multitude of poignant voices?

DMF: It took me awhile to get the rhythm and settle on the themes I wanted, but after I read through the work I received it wasn't hard to make the decision. The work I received was phenomenal on so many levels! I wanted to give a good sample of the topics many of us care about in our lives and in the world. I received over three hundred submissions from poets, so I really had to narrow it down to what I felt would really represent the themes. It is a blessing how it all came together. I continue to be appreciative of the work the poets sent.

GB: If you had to write a letter to a young black female poet or emcee, how would you start it? What would you want her to know?

DMF: Wow, that's a good question. I would tell her to:
"Take your words and make life beautiful. Create the world you want to live in through your art."

GB: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me and let us know all about this amazing book. How can readers obtain a copy of it if they are interested?

DMF: Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees is available for purchase on Amazon.com. Also visit my website at http://www.litnoirepublishing.com Thanks so much Gwyneth!

Check out the book trailer:

APOOO Author Spotlight

2008-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

The dynamic ladies of APOOO Book Club are doing big things for Black History month with an amazing celebration of Black Authors. Each day of the month they will feature words of wisdom and inspiration from some of today's hottest authors. Be sure to check them out!

http://apooo.org

Romance Slam Jam

2008-02-01T00:06:00.000-05:00

Have you registered for Romance Slam Jam yet? What are you waiting for? Check out the announcement below and then go to the website and register today. :-)

You are cordially invited to attend the Romance Slam Jam to be held in Chicago IL from April 30, 2008 - May 4, 2008. Come on and welcome new members to the family, catch up with old friends and have a great time!

Here is the tentative list of the authors schedule to attend:

AC Arthur
Alice Wootson
Altonya Washington
Ann Clay*
Barbara Keaton*
Bettye Griffin
Beverly Jenkins
Carol Ann Culbert Johnson
Celeste O. Norfleet
Cheris Hodges
Cheryl Bonner
Crystal Rhodes
Deatri King-Bey*
Deborah Mello
Deirdre Savoy
Denise Jeffries
Donna Hill
Dr. Monica Anderson
Dyanne Davis*
Elaine Overton
Earl Sewell
Evelyn Palfrey
Farrah Rochon
Francis Ray
Gloria Mallette
Gregory Morris
Gwyneth Bolton
Gwynne Forster
J. Jermayne
J. J. Michael
J. M Jeffries
Karen White-Owens
Kayla Perrin
Kimberly Kaye Terry
Kimberly White
Kim Louise
Kim Robinson
LaConnie Taylor-Jones
Linda Beed
Lisa G. Riley*
Lutishia Lovely
Marilyn Tyner
Mary B. Morrison
MBridges
Melanie Schuster
Michele Cameron
Michelle Larks
Michelle Monkou
Mr. Talley
Natalie Dunbar
Nathasha Brooks-Harris
Pamela Leigh Starr
Pam Osbey
Patricia Sargeant
Pat Simmons
Rhonda Jackson Joseph
Rochelle Alers
Roslyn Hardy Holcomb
Sean Young
Seressia Glass
Sylvia Hubbard
TaMara Dillard
Tanisha Grayson-Hooks
Tracee L. Garner
Todd Stone
T. Rhythm Knight
Wayne Jordan

For full details, visit the website at:

http://www.romanceslamjamconference.com

Mark your calendars and get ready to Come On Home!

Brought to you by Chi-Town R.A.W. SISTAZ and the *host authors

Throwback Thursdays

2008-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

So, I’m flipping through last week’s Jet Magazine and there is an article titled “Where is the Cast of Good Times ? I read it with some interest. I like those where are they now pieces. But what really piqued my interest in the article was the small side bar where they listed the lyrics to the theme song. Now, y’all know how much I love song lyrics and learning the lyrics to TV themes is one of my favorite things. I’m a dweeb. I know. But yes, I sing the theme to Friends , Veronica Mars , The Jeffersons , A Different World , Living Single and many many more… Anyway, I love to sing theme songs even when I don’t know all the lyrics. Case in point… Good Times … I don’t know about you guys, but I can sing along fine with the Good Times theme until the last part. I’ve said everything but what the lyrics really are. And I would have never guessed what the lyrics really were. I bet you all wouldn’t have either. Who would have guessed they were singing “Hangin’ in and jivin.'” I’m so happy I found these lyrics. Because from now on I won’t be saying, 'la la la la…' for that part of the song or 'hanging in the gutter…' No, I know the lyrics now and so do you. Here they are. You can even sing along by playing the You Tube clip of the opening and closing. Have fun. LOL. How many of you already knew they were saying "hangin' in and jivin'"? Do we have any more theme song singers in the house? Or am I the only dweeb...

Opening Theme Lyrics to Good Times

(Oscar-winning composer-arranger Dave Grusin wrote the music. Singers James “Jim” Gilstrap and Saundra “Blinky” Williams performed the song.)

Good times!
Any Time you meet a payment,
Good Times!
Any time you meet a friend,
Good times!
Any time you’re out from under
Not getting’ hassled.
Not getting’ hustled.

Keepin’ your head above water,
Makin’ a wave when you can.
Temporary layoffs –
Good times!
Easy credit ripoffs –
Good times!
Scratchin’ and survivin’ –
Good times!
Hangin’ in and jivin’ –
Good times!
Ain’t we lucky we got ‘em?
Good times!!

The opening and closing of Good Times

Links, Glorious Links....

2008-01-30T09:31:00.000-05:00

Ann Christopher has some wonderful things to say about the writing process. I feel her pain... LOL.

http://www.annchristopher.com/blog/category/the-writers-life-process

Lena Matthews wraps up her series on the best selling E-Book genres with a discussion of paranormal erotic romance. Be sure to check out the entire series of articles on Blogging in Black. They are very informative for folks wanting to break into the E-Book market.

http://blogginginblack.com/?p=708

There is an interesting article by Vibeke Courtney about book trailer on Romancing the Blog. I've been thinking about investing in a book trailer for the new Hightower series. Still not sure if it would be a good use of my hard earned pennies...

http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/2008/01/30/book-trailers-my-two-perspectives

Angelia Menchan brings the knowledge as usual with words of wisdom... You Better Ask!

http://acvermen.blogspot.com/2008/01/you-better-ask.html

And Protect and Serve is available for preorder on Amazon.com. There's no cover listed yet. But I'm still excited. July will be here before we know it.

PROTECT AND SERVE on Amazon.com

About a Book Mondays: An Interview with a vampire...

2008-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

In the Beginning: A Vampire Series by F. D. Davis

Those of you who read my blog know that a sista has a thing for the vamps. I love vampire series and I have been waiting for another wonderful series featuring characters of African descent. Well, author F. D. Davis has answered the call with her breathtaking new series that features a sexy and dangerous vampire by the name of Adam Omega. The first book in the series, In the Beginning: A Vampire Series is a can-not-put-it-down page-turner of a book. And I loved it! Today on Gwyneth’s Blog I have the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Omega.

Here’s the wonderful book blurb:

Adam Omega is a man on a mission. Make that a vampire. Having lived a thousand years, Adam has mastered the sun and lives his life as a mortal man. He seeks to bring his kind into the light without fear to taste the sun or the need of the tainted blood of humans to survive. To his chagrin his kind fears his life and fears Adam. Then he sees Eve and anger burns into existence when he discovers the soul of his long dead Eyanna now resides in this mortal’s body.

Eve’s quest for a more spiritual life is fueled by dreams that she can’t quite remember. She’s running from evil and runs straight into the path of a vampire that desires her. Her only hope appears in the form of Sullivan, another vampire who wants Eve to help destroy Adam. As Eve’s soul realigns with her forgotten memories, her past love for Adam is reawakened. Will her desire to remain mortal save her from the life Adam wants to force on her?

And here’s my interview with a vampire…

GB: So, my first question Mr. Omega is about you and what it is like to be the most powerful vampire walking the earth. I wouldn’t say all that power has gone to your head… because I like living… But, I will say that for someone who didn’t want to become a vampire, you seem to have taken to it rather nicely. So what’s it like having all that power?

AO: Ms. Bolton, allow me to say I’m honored to make your acquaintance. I have heard of you and your great talent through Dyanne Davis and F. D. Davis. Mortals whom I’ve learned to tolerate.

It appears that you’ve asked me two questions so I’m sure you will not mind if I elaborate. After all what can you do to me if I answer? But then of course I digress. What’s it like being the most powerful vampire walking the earth you asked me. My Dear Ms. Bolton, it’s simply glorious. That takes us into your second question. What is it like for me? Did you know that I can pluck the stars from the sky? Were you aware that with but a breath I can create havoc worldwide? I have no fear but I do have wants and needs. You’re correct when you said that I initially did not want this life. In fact I believed this life a farce of the ignorant. That opinion may be one of the only three times I’ve ever been wrong in my life. I have never been one to settle for second best. I am Adam. I could do nothing less than be the best that the Creator made me. And before you ask, the Creator did not turn me but was aware that I would be turned. I was imbued with the powers to take this new role in my life that was trust upon me and be what I’ve always been. Adam Omega. I love the power. Why lie? Power is addictive. Power corrupts. Unless of course you’re me. I control the power it doesn’t control me.

GB: Are you happy about having your life chronicled by F. D. Davis in this new series? It must be so exciting to be the center on this wonderful new series. How do you feel about the series? Are you happy with the way this very talented author brought your story to life on the page?

AO: My Dear Ms. Bolton, slow down please. You mortals are strange. It makes me wonder how I could have ever lived in a mortal body. Let me say this about F. D. Davis. She’s a moronic human that is lucky to be alive. I submitted to her request because of my addiction to Eve. She has lied about me. And in this second work of fiction she’s penned she’s lied even more. I read the dribble and demanded that she tell of my true nature. She wants to make me appear “NICE” Can you believe she refused my request and still lives? For whatever reason she has decided that I must be redeemed. I am not seeking redemption. As I told you earlier I love the power. I find no excitement in being at the center of this human’s series with the exception that it makes Eve happy for me to cooperate. How do I feel about the woman’s series you ask me? When she can make it plan to this mortal world that I am the one they dream of when they fall asleep, that I am their nightmare, that I’m real, then Ms. Bolton we will speak again and I will answer that question. As for now suffice it to say that the human yet lives because of my grace. I gather you can tell from what I’ve said that I’m not happy with her in the least. If she had truly brought my story to life you would be trembling now with fear. And I would rejoice at your fear.

GB: You know I have to ask about Eve Moses. Your obsession with her was so intense. I mean… I can understand given her likeness to your past true love Eyanna… But the way you sort of just took over ever inch of her world was… well… let’s just say that I can totally understand why Eve resisted and fought you every inch of the way. Do you think you will get her to come around eventually?

AO: Ms. Bolton, this answer will be short. I always get what I want. I am Adam Omega. I can accept nothing less.

GB: If they decide to make your wonderful story into a film--which I would love by the way--whom would you cast as the key players? Who would you cast as yourself? Eve?

AO: My life chronicled by film? None could portray Adam Omega but Adam Omega. As for Eve, do you think I would allow another to pretend to hold that honor of my wife but my own sweet Eve? You have given me food for thought and I thank you for that. I will broach Eve with the matter.

GB: Without giving too much away, what can we expect from you in the future? When will the next installments of this delightful new series be released?

AO: The timing of books is left to that mortal. I have nothing to do with that. I have been told that printing problems plague the company. I have offered my services to take care of any and all problems with the printers but once again Eve intervened and asked me to leave it be. The only thing I can tell you is that the mortal relayed to me that the date of her second book will be in September. If it’s not, you will not blame me. I am Adam Omega and I do not lie. As for the second book I will say that though the mortal still lies about my reactions to things you will see firsthand the havoc I reek on this planet when provoked. And believe me I was provoked to the point that my spirit was vexed.

You asked what you can expect from me in the future so I will tell you. Eve issued yet another challenge. She called me arrogant. That may be. I am Adam. She challenged me to give the advice I so freely give to her and that human F.D. Davis to other. So I have. I have gone high tech you might say. I am now dispensing advice in a column called, (what else) Ask Adam. If you have need of my words of wisdom, need to know if your love is a vampire, the best temperature for drinking blood, the best vein to take from, Ask Adam. I am Adam Omega Vampire. I will answer. http://www.adamomega.com and you may send your letters to me at AdamOmegaVampire@aol.com It’s very important to have caps where I have them or you will be unable to reach me.

GB: Thanks so much for taking the time to do this brief interview. I know a man as powerful as yourself is extremely busy. I loved In the Beginning: A Vampire Series and can’t wait to see what you and F. D. Davis have in store for readers in the future.

AO: Ms Bolton it was a sincere pleasure to have spent this time with you. You were respectful. You will do well with me. Take care Ms. Bolton. I will reward you soon with a visit.

GB: Oh my….

Throwback Thursdays

2008-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Those Magic TV Moments…

Martin Proposing to Gina

Thursday nights used to be TV night in the late 80s and early 90s. If it wasn’t The Cosby Show and A Different World on NBC keeping us glued to our tubes it was Martin , Living Single and New York Undercover on Fox. This strike has me nostalgic like crazy and I started to think about how funny Martin Lawrence's show used to be before he went crazy and folks quit and sued for sexual harassment… Anyway...

Remember when Martin proposed to Gina? The first proposal wasn’t romantic at all. The brother felt a little pressured and put his foot in his mouth big time. But it was the funniest proposal ever and provided the classic lines: “Okay fine! Fine, baby, Gina… Your little plan worked. You plotted and you schemed and clank-clank you finally got me, Gina. Okay... fine… Gina, I will marry you! Damn! I mean are you happy now?” Probably not the proposal every girl dreams of, huh? I guess having her man compare being married to her as being handcuffed and on lockdown didn't cut it. Because Gina left Martin and he had to work to get her back.

Sounds like a romance novel to me… Anyway…

In the second proposal the brother pulled out all the stops and even got Brian McKnight to sing to her. It was cute. But to me the first proposal will always be the true classic. It might not be romantic, but it was hella funny… “Clank-Clank…”

The First Proposal

The Second Proposal

Strive for freedom...

2008-01-21T00:06:00.000-05:00

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.
Martin Luther King, Jr., “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” 1967

Man was born into barbarism when killing his fellow man was a normal condition of existence. He became endowed with a conscience. And he has now reached the day when violence toward another human being must become as abhorrent as eating another's flesh.
Martin Luther King, Jr. “Why We Can't Wait,” 1963

The curse of poverty has no justification in our age. It is socially as cruel and blind as the practice of cannibalism at the dawn of civilization, when men ate each other because they had not yet learned to take food from the soil or to consume the abundant animal life around them. The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty.
Martin Luther King, Jr. “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” 1967

Seven Random Things About Me

2008-01-18T00:06:00.000-05:00

Because Ann Tagged Me…

1. I’m a Leo and so are three of my four sisters. Odd. Right?

2. I used to be a huge New Edition Fan and I still know all the words to the songs on their first two albums. Go ahead ask me to sing “Popcorn Love.” I dare you… Isn't Ralph cute?

3. Gwen Guthrie’s “Outside in the Rain” is one of my favorite songs ever. I puffy-heart loved this song during my junior year of high school. And I still love it. I want to write a steamy love scene where the hero and the heroine are outside making love in the rain.

4. Coming up with random things for these tags is really hard for me. I really can’t think of anything random enough that would still be worth typing out for you all to read.

5. Yes, I know number 4 was sort of cheating. But I don’t care. I’m a rebel. I buck the system every chance I get. *Insert evil laugh here*

6. I’m addicted to the Food Network and I don’t even like to cook. I like watching people cook though. And there’s something about knowing the secret life of cheese puffs that’s so oddly entertaining… I blame Rachel Ray really. My addiction started with her dang 30-Minute Meals. Now I’m watching all kinds of Iron Chefs and partying with Paula Deen… I need an intervention!

7. Living Single is my favorite television show ever. I still mourn the show. I could never really get into the show Girlfriends -- even though I watched it -- because for me they could never compete with Living Single . I even know all the words to the theme song… "Check, check, check it out… Check, check, check it out… Do what you want girlfriend. Cause it’s your world… We are living single… Ooooo… in a 90s kinda world, I’m glad I’ve got my girls… Hold your head up, what? Hold your head up, that’s right… Whenever this life get tight you gotta fight, with my home girl standing to my left and my right, true blue and tight like glue…" Oh, how I miss that show...

I'm not tagging anyone because I'm a rebel and I buck the system every chance I get. But if you're reading this and feel like sharing seven random things about yourself, have at it.

Throwback Thursdays...

2008-01-17T00:14:00.000-05:00

Those Magic TV Moments…

So, I’ve decided to rename Thursdays “Throwback Thursdays” here on my blog. That way I can feed all of my nostalgia whims in the same space depending on what I’m feeling on any given Thursday. Since I’m a pop culture junkie those whims can be old school movies, songs, books or TV shows. And today I want to talk about one of my favorite shows, the show that had a high school senior in “can’t hardly wait mode” to graduate and be able to attend college during the 1987-88 school year. Between A Different World and Spike Lee’s School Daze , I just knew I was going to have the time of my life in college! Granted, the predominately white university I attended was nothing like the show A Different World. It was a different world but that's a different post... And I didn’t meet and fall in love with my own Dwayne Wayne in college. (I had a major crush of Kadeem “Dwayne Wayne” Hardison by the way… But that’s also another post…) Anyway, Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert’s journey from friends to lovers made a believer out of me. The show where Dwayne and Whitley get married is still one of my all-time favorite TV moments. “Whitley, please, baby, please!” Wow!

And you wonder why I write romance… I’m such a girl! Enjoy…

I've been interviewed...

2008-01-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

I got the chance to chat with fellow author Samara King the other day. She has the interview posted on her new blog. Go check it out and say hello. :-)

You can find the interview here:

http://edc1creations.wordpress.com/2008/01/15/interview-with-author-gwyneth-bolton-read-between-the-sheets>

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

About a Book Mondays

2008-01-14T00:06:00.000-05:00

Debut Authors: Introducing Maryam Diaab

GB: So tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

MD: Well, I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and I am married with two children. In addition to being a new author I am also a fifth grade Reading and Language Arts teacher. I love to read and my first introduction to African-American fiction was sneaking to read Waiting to Exhale by Terri McMillan while my mother was working. I must have been about twelve at the time, and have been hooked ever since. I think that people would be surprised to know that I read the Sweet Valley High series until I was nineteen and I am completely addicted to General Hospital!

GB: Girl, don’t tell anyone, but I’m addicted to General Hospital too. I love me some Sonny and Jason and I totally think Sonny and Carly should get back together and… Opps got a little side-tracked… tell us a little bit about your road to publication. What was it like getting the call? Holding your novel in your hands for the first time?

MD: I began writing Where I Want To Be in 2005 and it took about 8 months to complete. I submitted to about 25 agents and small press publishers, and while many were interested in seeing the complete manuscript, one agent offered representation in 2006. From that point, my agent began shopping Where I Want To Be to publishing houses. In January 2007 my agent called with the news that Genesis Press wanted to extend the offer of a contract. I was literary shaking when she told me that they were interested in publishing my book! Holding the finished book in my hands was a surreal experience. It still doesn’t seem real.

GB: Tell us a little bit about your novel, Where I Want To Be. What was your inspiration for writing it?

MD: Where I Want To Be is about a woman who swears off love a little too soon. It is a book that deals with aspects of loves, lies, greed and redemption. It is filled with drama and is very hot! The inspiration to write this romance was born with the characters. One night, the characters of Alexis, Kevin, Massai and Eva just came to me and I knew I had to tell their story. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what twists and turns their lives would take, but the more I wrote, the stronger the characters became. As a result, the story really began to take on a life of its own.

GB: I love letting the characters just take over. They always surprise me and that’s what makes writing so much fun. The discovery! I hear you already have a release date for your second novel, Things Forbidden . Can you tell us a little bit about it? Is it connected to the first novel? When can we expect it?

MD: Things Forbidden will be released in July 2008, and is a project I am extremely excited about. The novel centers on a woman who is engaged, but falls in love with a man 14 years her junior six months before her wedding. While Things Forbidden is not connected with my first novel I am working on a new project that is. This novel, tentatively titled Unraveling, delves deeper into the lives of Claire and Morgan from Where I Want To Be.

GB: Okay, do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

MD: The most important piece of advice I can give aspiring writers is to write everyday. Practice makes perfect, and the more you write, the better you become. Another tip is to study your craft, if you want to write romance, read romance, if you want to write urban or chick-lit, read those genres. Also, join a critique group. When I began writing I started my own group and without them and their constructive criticism there would be no Where I Want To Be or Things Forbidden .

Check out Maryam’s wonderful book trailer here:

Find out more about Maryam and her books here:

http://www.maryamdiaab.blogpsot.com

http://www.myspace.com/maryamdiaab

Book Blurb:

When Alexis Hunter finds out her boyfriend has a wife and kids, she decides she's had enough. No more men. No more heartbreak. This promise is soon put to the test when she meets pro basketball star Massai Taylor. Although the attraction is strong, Alexis is gun-shy. To further complicate matters, Massai's gold-digging girlfriend is determined to keep them apart at any cost. Can Alexis overcome her past before she loses her chance with Massai?

Purchase Maryam’s debut novel here:

Genesis Press

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

2008-01-13T00:51:00.000-05:00

On January 13, 1913, Twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Wishing to de-emphasize the social aspect of sorority life, our beloved Founders instead demonstrated genuine concern for social welfare and cultural enrichment while promoting high academic standards. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930.

The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

(First Row): Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd;(Second Row): Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Mott Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen; (Third Row): Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Ethel Carr Watson.

A Tribute to Delta:

Happy Founders' Day to all my sorors!

Book Blurb for The Law of Desire

2008-01-11T12:49:00.000-05:00

I got the book blurb and release date for the third Hightower book The Law of Desire . The book is slated for December 2008. So that's three Hightower books in '08. Yay! The 4th book won't come out until late 2009 though. I like the blurb. What do you think?

THE LAW OF DESIRE

GUILTY PLEASURES

Decorated police detective Lawrence Hightower's instincts click into high gear when a beautiful but suspicious stranger appears in his stakeout zone. Soon he realizes Minerva Jones is in danger and needs protection. He can’t trust her. But he can’t get this tough, feisty, stubborn siren out of his head.

Desperate to keep a low profile, the last thing Minerva needs is a sexy cop getting too close for comfort. Not that she’s guilty of anything, except her own intense attraction to the too fine detective. But she’s got a few secrets, and trouble is closing in. Dare she surrender to the promise this sensual hero holds in his strong, protective embrace?

HIGHTOWER HONORS
Four brothers on a mission to protect, serve, and love…

2008 RSJ Aspiring Author Contest

2008-01-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

2008 RSJ Aspiring Author Contest

This contest is open to all aspiring authors of Black romance/women's fiction.
Contest Registration Form

Genre: Black Romance/Women's Fiction

Prizes:
1st Prize: This winner's manuscript will be reviewed by Editor Hilary Sares from Kensington Books for possible publication.

2nd Prize: This winner's manuscript will be reviewed by Agent Michelle Grajkowski from Three Seas Literary Agency for possible representation.

3rd Prize: This winner will receive the Book Cents Critique Package, which includes a critique of a Query and Partial (the same story), notes and suggestions from Literary Agent Christine Witthohn and a 5-10 minute conversation with Christine about the 2nd place winner's story.

Submission Package:
To help prepare contestants for submitting to publishing houses and agents, the entries will resemble a submission package sent to agents and publishers. Submissions are electronic (sent via email). The file should be a Microsoft Word document.

Format:
- 1 inch margins all around
- Font Times New Roman, 12pt

Include:
- 1 page query letter single spaced addressed to Ms. C. Judge
- 3 page synopsis double spaced
- 20 sample pages double spaced
- Place the author�s Contact information on the Cover page (this page does not count toward your 20 sample pages)
- In the header, place the Novel Title, Author Name and Page Number
- If you have an extra page or two to complete a scene, that's okay.
- Contest registration form

Important Dates: Submissions are open. All submissions must be received by March 14, 2008. The winners will be announced at the Emma Awards Banquet to be held at the 2008 Romance Slam Jam Conference. Attendance is not necessary.

Contest Fee: $20 by money order, cashier's check or via PayPal
Please make a $20 money order or cashiers check payable to: Romance Slam Jam

Mail payment and Contest registration form to:
Romance Slam Jam
c/o Deatri King-Bey
P.O. Box 822
Tolleson, AZ 85353

To pay by credit card please use PayPal. The fee is increased when using PayPal to $23 because of the processing fees. http://romanceslamjamconference.eventbrite.com

Once payment and the Contest Registration Form have been received, instructions will be given on where to send the submission. Please note, registration fee is non-refundable.

Refer any questions regarding the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Authors contest to deatri@romanceslamjam.org

http://www.romanceslamjam.org/conference/AAContest.htm

This Is How We Do The Old To The New... Thursdays

2008-01-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

Maybe it is all about the heartbeat…

What do you know about music in the late 70s and early 80s? I’m talking about songs at least 8 minutes long, sometimes longer. LOL. I’m talking about flashlights, neon lights, oh flashlights… roll, skate, rock, bounce…. I’m talking about a time when every soul song had a little bit of--dare I say it-- disco in it. I’m talking about the birth of hip-hop and raps over classic break beats like Chic’s “Good Times” and this classic song -- “Heartbeat.”

Now this song brings back memories... Sure, I was only 11 or 12 years old when it came out. But I remember singing along with Taana Gardner, “heartbeat, you make me feel so weak… moving all around with my head to the ground. Everything you said went right straight to my head…” I loved this song so much that I had to include it in my novel Sweet Sensation . It’s the break beat Flex plays the first time Deidre raps for him. “Heartbeat” like “Breaking Bells” and “Big Beat” has become a classic hip-hop break beat. Lots of rappers have sampled it. The Treacherous Three rapped over the instrumental back in 1981 when it came out. But during the golden era of hip hop, De La Soul (featuring Tribe Called Quest the Jungle Brothers and Monie Love) made a song called “Buddy” and flipped the “Heartbeat” into something fresh and new. I love “Buddy.” This song takes me back to my undergraduate days and many a campus party. So, you know I was feeling Musiq Soulchild when he freaked “Heartbeat” in his own version of “Buddy” last year. I have to say, every time I hear “Heartbeat” I like it. It is a classic one hit wonder song that has managed to stick around and be reinvented over and over and over again. You’ve got to love it! Enjoy…

Taana Gardner “Heartbeat”

Treacherous Three “Feel the Heartbeat”

De La Soul “Buddy”

Musiq Soulchild “Buddy”

About a Book Mondays

2008-01-07T00:18:00.000-05:00

Ann Christopher’s Sweeter Than Revenge

It’s so wonderful to be able to kick off “About a Book Mondays” with the talented Ann Christopher. I interviewed her back in March 2007. And she has quickly become one of my must-read authors. She has been nominated for two Romantic Times Awards for her novels Risk and Just About Sex . And her newest novel, Sweeter Than Revenge will no doubt garner awards and lots of praise as well.

Here’s the enticing book blurb for Sweeter Than Revenge :

COFFEE, TEA OR...THE BOSS?

Was Maria Johnson a pampered princess who relied on her good looks and daddy's money? You betcha! But when her father cut off her funds and ordered her to become an executive assistant at his firm, Maria was forced to make her new position work. Until she met her new boss -- the gorgeous man who'd broken her heart four years ago. How was she supposed to work with David Hunt?

Not with -- for, David kept reminding her. He was back in Maria's life for one reason only, R-E-V-E-N-G-E! And he knew the sweetest way to get it, too...

And here’s my conversation with Ann about her wonderful new novel:

GB: Well, first let me congratulate you on your fourth novel. You had me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the book. And I have to say I knew from the beginning that it would be an engaging book, not just because you’re such a dynamic author, but also because you’re tackling the revenge plot. What made you want to write a novel about R-E-V-E-N-G-E?

AC: Thanks for having me, Gwen! I’m really glad you liked the book. I’m not sure where the idea originally came from (sometimes it’s hard to remember once you get deep into the writing) but this isn’t really my first revenge book. Alex sets out to get revenge against Simone in Just About Sex . Or maybe it’s more that he wants to give her a comeuppance. But I’ve noticed this theme running through three of my books now (including Risk ) of righting past wrongs.

Wonder what that says about my psyche? *VBG*

GB: Hmm… no comment, soror, no comment… But remind me to stay on your good side. LOL. *G*

AC: In Sweeter Than Revenge , I was intrigued by the idea of the one true love that got away. Of a hero who had everything except the one thing he really wanted/needed. And of course it was fun to create a hero who was so out of touch with his real feelings that he thought what he wanted was revenge when what he really wanted was to get the heroine back.

GB: You know I have to ask this question because we all want to know… There are no lawyers in this book. Why?

AC: Shocking, I know. I blame Samantha Jones from Sex in the City for making being a publicist seem so exciting. Plus I had this idea: wouldn’t it be fun to saddle a publicist with a client who was her own biggest enemy and couldn’t keep her own foot out of her mouth? (Britney Spears, anyone? Michael Jackson?) Thus was born Anastasia Buckingham, the pain-in-the-rear author diva David and Maria have to rehabilitate during the course of the book.

Anyway, it turns out I can have fun writing about people other than lawyers. Who knew?

GB: I’m sure you’d have fun writing and we’d have fun reading whatever kind of people you decided to write about. And that Anastasia Buckingham was something else! Oh my goodness what a nightmare of a woman. I alternated between dropped jaw and laughing out loud with some of her antics.

Okay, you know I love your heroes. Even when I want to sock them in the nose, I love them to death. And David Hunt was no different. He was so complex and so sweet and so mean and so irritating all at the same time that I just adored him. But something different happened to me when I was reading Sweeter Than Revenge . Usually I like your heroines well enough to gently push them out of the way to get to your yummy heroes. But this time I found myself just adoring and rooting for Maria Johnson. And I just knew that a pampered princess would get on my last nerves. But I adored Maria! I wanted her to win. So tell me, what was your inspiration for creating such a complicated and delightful woman?

AC: It’s funny you should ask this question, Gwen, because when I first turned in the manuscript, a year ago this past August (eons ago, right?), my editor sent me a 3-4 page revision letter gently outlining all the ways in which Maria was not a sympathetic heroine. This wasn’t a “tighten up the dialogue on page 62” kind of letter, but the kind of letter that has you reeling for several days and then retooling a huge—and I mean HUGE--portion of the manuscript.

So, I’m not gonna lie. It was a painful process. And it was hard to think of how to rework the manuscript, but you know what? My editor was absolutely right. Maria’s characterization did need a lot of work. I needed to make her flawed but still sympathetic, not flawed and bitchy, which she was.

So I worked on her. Made her stronger and less of a whiner. Funnier and more determined, but also more vulnerable because she just absolutely loves David and always has. She has a huge growth curve, sure, and a lot of challenges to overcome, but I think she rises to the occasion. She starts out spoiled and lazy and ends up a strong career woman who gets the man of her dreams and her fortune. And you know what? She earns them.

And don’t we all love to root for an underdog? It’s the ROCKY thing, I think.

GB: Well you did an excellent job at making her not just likable but loveable. I felt like sobbing and screaming at her father and David, “LEAVE MARIA ALONE!” Like that “Leave Brittney Alone” You Tube guy. LOL. So Ann, what do you think is sweeter than revenge? Besides Ann Christopher’s latest novel that is…

AC: LOL! Don’t they say success is the sweetest revenge? Also a nice gooey chocolate brownie. And maybe key lime cheesecake. But I digress.

GB: What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

AC: I just turned in a manuscript for Harlequin, but I will say no more about it until I hear back from my new editor. *G*

Thanks again for letting me stop by, Gwen! And I’ll be looking for you to visit my neck of the woods come July when your HIGHTOWER HONORS series begins!

Purchase your copy of Sweeter Than Revenge here:

Kimani Press

Be sure to come back for "About a Book" next week when we'll meet debut author Maryam Diaab.

Insightful Posts: Check them out

2008-01-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

Bella McFarland provides a first hand account of the unrest happening in Kenya right now on her blog. She offers some important insight and observations. It's powerful writing. Check it out here:

http://bellamcfarland.blogspot.com/2008/01/im-back.html

Angelia Vernon Menchan is doing some important work with her new book Is No Not Clear Enough To You? and she breaks down the power that learning to say no can give young women on her blog. Check out her post here:

http://acvermen.blogspot.com/2008/01/girl-power.html

And finally the always brilliant Mark Anthony Neal provides some observations and contextualizes the history behind the film The Great Debaters . I recently saw the film and loved it. I highly recommend that folks go and see it. Mark makes some great points in his post and it may contain spoilers for folks who haven't seen the film. But I think the historical points are reallly important to note and keep in mind. Folks who may not know the actual history may come away from the film thinking that things happened when they actually didn't. Check out Mark's post here:

http://blogs.vibe.com/man/2008/01/debating-the-great-debaters

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2008-01-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

Maybe it is just about him begging you to stay…

Can you ever really have too much begging? I don’t think so. I know in the eighties we all had jokes about Keith Sweat and how he begged and whined too much in his songs. But I think it wasn’t the begging so much that had folks clowning Keith but the whining. Begging and R&B love songs go together like peanut butter and jelly, like hot butter and popcorn, like trash talking and bid whist, like... Well… you get the point…

Anyway one of my favorite songs from the eighties has some good begging going on. “Stay with me… Stay with me… Stay with me… Stay with Me… Ohhh you should be right here with me, babe… Won’t you come and stay with me because I love you so…” The song is “Stay With Me” by DeBarge. Can you think of the eighties without thinking of a DeBarge song? And what girl didn’t have a crush on at least on of those DeBarge brothers?

Man, I loved El DeBarge! What a voice. What a family full of voices. From Switch in the 70s to DeBarge in the 80s to the young Chico DeBarge (he was a fine one too...) in the 90s, that family has given us some great music. “Stay With Me” is one of those classic DeBarge songs. Biggie took the melody and flipped it in the remix of “One More Chance.” And he took the lyrics “Let me help you find yourself… Cause you don’t need nobody else” for the hook. I loved these words in the original DeBarge song. Something about the way El DeBarge sang them had me saying, ‘yes, El, help me, find me…’ Anyway... singer Neyo’s version “Stay” takes the DeBarge hook and flips it. I love this version because when you add the boom bap to anything I love it, and also because I love that hook. “Stay with me… stay with me…” Nostalgia... Gotta love it! I like all of the versions of this for different reasons. I like the DeBarge’s song because of the lyrics and the voice. I like Biggie’s song because that was a hot song and brings back fond memories of my graduate school party days. Like I said, nostalgia, gotta love it... And, I like Neyo’s song because he really took the old and made something new and fresh. Check them out and let me know what you think…

DeBarge “Stay With Me”

Biggie “One More Chance” (Remix)

Neyo “Stay”

January Interview with Kimberly Kaye Terry

2008-01-01T01:02:00.000-05:00

I’m so excited to have someone who’s writing I adore and who makes me laugh on a regular as my guest this month on the blog. Kimberly Kaye Terry is taking the erotic romance world by storm with her off the chart HOT novels and novellas. Everything I’ve read by her so far has had me fanning my self and breaking my neck to turn the pages. Welcome to Gwyneth’s blog, Kimberly and thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do an interview. My first question is the question I ask everyone. You’re a mom, a wife and a prolific author. How do you maintain balance and continue to be so productive?

KKT: Thank you so much, Gwyn, and thank you for inviting me to chat with you, girlfriend!! How do I maintain balance and continue to be productive? Hmmm, sometimes, I don’t even know the answer to that question. I do know that like everything in life, it’s a balancing act. I always prioritize, and for me that means Mommy duties always comes first. Sometimes my wifely duties…ahem…have to take a backseat to the writing to meet my deadlines, lol! Seriously, I have an incredibly supportive husband that I’ve been married to for thirteen years, and I’m blessed that we can afford for me to write full time. Before writing I was a full time Social Worker, than after grad school I was a mental health therapist, and I loved my career. Once we were blessed with our daughter seven years ago, I didn’t work outside the home, but to maintain my license, I did volunteer. I’m able to still juggle family, volunteer and writing, in large part due to my husband.

GB: Now, I have to say I’ve read just about all of your work. The only things I haven’t read yet are “Pull My Hair” and your novella in Wicked Delights . But I think I’ve read enough to safely say that you know how to bring the heat! You have written some pretty steamy scenes, girlfriend. Tell me, what is your inspiration? Joke. Okay, my real question is about your first novel, Love’s Redemption . This novel had it all. It had suspense, a touch of paranormal, erotica and interracial romance. What made you come up with the plotline for Love’s Redemption ? And can we expect more paranormal tales or romantic suspense from you in the future?

KKT: Thank you, Gwyn! Love’s Redemption was my baby, and it will always be special because it was the first book I ever wrote, two years ago! Actually I am writing an erotic thriller for Kensington, and my agent and I have been discussing me focusing on writing more thrillers! I love the genre, and I also love paranormal romance. I have a paranormal suspense, Knight Visions that is currently being considered. If it doesn’t sell at the house that requested it, I plan to sell it to Ellora’s Cave. I’ve already been offered a contract for it with them *smile.* The heroine of Knight Visions is an Amazon from the rainforest in Africa. My girl is also an FBI agent, so you know she kicks serious butt!!

GB: An Amazon from a rainforest in Africa! That sounds like my kind of heroine. I can’t wait for that to be picked up. Okay, you’re doing your thing writing for a wide variety of publishers. Kudos for working it and getting those contracts! How do you find writing for different publishers? Will readers get a different vibe from your books depending on the publishing house? Do you think you write differently for Spice than you would for Ellora’s Cave or Aphrodesia or Parker Publishing? Do you have a different tone depending on the press? We know the books are always going to be HOT. But do you switch anything up depending on the publisher?

KKT: My style pretty much remains the same for all of my publishers. Although, I must say, that with Ellora’s Cave, Aphrodisia and Spice, I didn’t have any restrictions on what I could or couldn’t have my characters do, uh, sexually. *grin* I will be writing some mainstream fiction, that although will have some romantic elements (including great, hot sex) will not be categorized as romance.

GB: After just finishing, Just Like Candy and loving it, I just wanna say, thank goodness for no restrictions. That book had some hot scenes! Lawd. Have. Mercy! And, can I just say, I loved Big Spankable Asses . I liked the way the three novellas connected with each of you writing a story about three friends. So how did this idea come about? And can we expect more spanking tales (wink, wink) in the future?

KKT: I’m to blame for that! I came up with the idea, and two friends, Angie Daniels and Lisa Riley asked to be a part of it! Kensington loved the naughty title, and my AWESOME editor, Hilary Sares, really liked the concept, and the rest is history as they say! As for more BSA titles…can the world really handle another big spankable ass, girl? Hmmm….one big ass JUST might be enough. Teehee…

GB: I for one believe that there can never be to many big spankable asses… LOL. I also really enjoyed your Spice Brief, “Come Back To Me.” It was a nice short read, a delightful quickie. Will we see more from Harlequin’s Spice Brief line from you?

KKT: Actually, I don’t have time in my writing schedule to write any more Spice Briefs for a while, but maybe in the future! I am focusing on my Kensington contracts, along with a special project I have been offered a contract for, with another publisher. (can’t share the project or details just yet (smile) ). My plate is truly full at this time, and I am in deadline heat writing back-to-back from now until July 1st. I’m nearing the end of my current, WIP, Nice and Wet and will do final edits after the Holidays to turn in, and from January until July 1st, I have another single title, as well as two novellas due. After that…I’m taking a LONG nap!

GB: And you will have earned that long nap! My goodness, I’m getting tired just thinking about your schedule. Congrats on all the contracts, girlfriend! So, you’ve written and published short stories, novellas, and novels. Which length is your favorite if you even have a favorite?

KKT: You know, I really don’t Gwyn. I like to write. Period. I love writing about a woman discovering who she really is as a person, taps into her power as a woman, and grows in all areas, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and of course, sexually! There are challenges in writing each length. For a full length, that probably is the least challenging, as I can fully dig into my characters. By full length, I mean 90K which is my word count for my single titles with Kensington. For a novella, which are 25-30K I can easily get into each character and give the reader a good glimpse into what makes them tick, the why’s and how’s of their behavior and show the emotional attachment between the main characters. For the really short ones, like the Spice brief, “Come Back to Me,” as well as the upcoming short story in Zane’s Purple Panties anthology, “At Last,” the challenge came in bringing both the heat and the emotion in such a short word count. But, after writing them, I absolutely LOVED the challenge!

GB: I loved Ridin’ the Rails . Girl you did your thing writing that book. I don’t even really have a question. I just wanted to say I loved the book. But I guess I should ask a question… Hmm… Okay, what made you come up with the idea of having them hook up on a cross-country train trip? And do you see yourself writing a sequel to this novel in the near future? There was a side love story in there that I’m sure some readers might like to hear a little more about…. No pressure though… Just, saying… you know…

KKT: Thank you, Gwyn!! Actually, Angelique Justin, Publisher and Executive Editor at the time at Parker Publishing, helped me with that concept! She said…”Ooooh, Kim! Can you write a romance set on a train??!!” I said, “Huh? A train? Girl, I’ve never been on a train!” Well, she sent me link upon link, and so much research information it was amazing! I even took a small train trip to get into the “flavor” of riding a train! I loved the book, and girl YES there is a sequel! The title is Ridin’ Dirty , however, it will not be coming out with Parker. It will more than likely be published with Kensington.

GB: Angelique Justine rocks! I puffy-heart-love Angelique! Okay, love fest over… You have a story coming up in Zane’s anthology of Purple Panties . Details… details… Tell us a little bit about your contribution to this anthology. Can we expect more lesbian erotica from you in the future? Will you be contributing to anymore of Zane’s anthologies?

KKT: Purple Panties …well, lol. Let’s see. I have a girlfriend who writes for Zane, the very talented and incredibly down to earth, Allison Hobbs. Ally and I were talking one night and somehow Zane’s anthology came up. In particular Purple Panties . I’ve never written a lesbian erotica/erotic romance, but I’ve always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to write a story featuring two women one day. Well, Allison and I were chatting about it, I told her I wanted to give it a whirl and she said she’d write one too, just to motivate me! I called up my writing partner, Delilah Devlin, and over the course of a weekend, we all wrote our stories It was so much fun, brainstorming and critiquing the HELL out of each other’s books, lol. I must say that I truly loved the story, it is very short, but I feel my characters came to life.

GB: I really enjoyed Just Like Candy also. What can you tell readers about Just Like Candy ? Any details you can give would be appreciated.

KKT: Sure can! Just Like Candy is my latest release from Kensington Aphrodisia. For those who’ve read my Ellora’s Cave book, “Pull My Hair” and “Design of a Lifetime” will see the return of a few characters in Just Like Candy . Hmmm. Why don’t I just write what’s on the back blurb?

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Davis Strong has no business lusting after the new director of the Youth Center his aunt has hired. But who can resist a woman named Candy? He wants to make love to her luscious lips, caress her smooth and creamy skin, and savor her mocha-colored body. Only then will he get the dessert he's been waiting for--a taste of her sweet, hot center...

SINFULLY DELICIOUS…

It isn't fair that one man should consume her thoughts the way Davis Strong does. But no man does it for her like this one. At night, alone in her bed, Candy dreams about her lover, lying beneath his rock hard body, naked and exposed, begging him to touch her, to taste her, to fill her. It's the ultimate sexual fantasy and Candy's ready for the real thing...

But what that blurb doesn’t tell you is that Just Like Candy is my HOTTEST release to date. *blush* it has humor, because I just can’t seem to get away from that! A small bit of drama, and as usual, over the top romance. Just the way I like it! Check out the excerpt by clicking here.

GB: You do a lot of panel planning and programming with Romantic Times. How did you become so involved with the conference? Is it something you’d recommend for other authors?

KKT: I became involved with the Romantic Times conference two years ago. I only had my first book out, my baby, Love’s Redemption (smile) and it was with a very small press, but I went to the convention, because I have always been a strong believer in getting out there and doing what you need to do, to be successful. I was on the African American Panel, and it was great! We only had a handful of people come, but, to me, that was irrelevant. I gave my all, spoke about my feelings as a brand new author, as a reader, as a woman of color trying to break into publishing, and it was great. Afterward, Carol Stacey, the publisher for Romantic Times, approached me and we had a wonderful conversation. Carol is an amazing woman herself, and truly I believe, RT is one of the few avenues that truly reaches out to the African American readers and authors, and work hard to try and have the conference truly diverse. She and I spoke about me having my own panel at the next convention (this previous convention in Houston, 2007) and I agreed. I emailed authors and editors and every one said they’d love to be on the panel! I had such talented authors as Leslie, aka L.A Banks, Angie Daniels, Mandy Roth, editors such as Hilary Sares and Kate Duffy, and agents such as Caren Johnson.

The room was packed full, we had editors in the audience, a regional manager from Borders, as well as other authors. One of the editors was from Harlequin Spice and she told me she enjoyed the panel, that she learned a lot, and felt it was one of the best she’d ever been to. That meant a lot to me. Many in the audience informed RT staff that they loved the panel as well. When Carol Stacey approached me about being the Genre Captain for RT, 2008, in Pittsburg, I enthusiastically agreed! She then asked me if I’d be the Genre Captain for the multicultural panel as well, and I agreed to do that as well. And BOY do we have a terrific line up! My panels run all day Thursday, from ten until three, and their chock full of bestselling and popular authors (like you, Ms. Gwyn!), top editors and agents.

Now girl…do you really need to ask me if I’d recommend it to other authors? Lol. Yeah, I know there are some that will say various romance conferences aren’t for us. Hmmm…just who is us, is always my question! As long as you bitch and moan, and complain that a certain sect of romance authors…aw hell girl, let me speak plain! As long as black authors feel they don’t want us at their conventions, and allow that to keep us in a box, we have no one to blame but ourselves. You get your butt out there, you network, you greet your readers, gain new readers, and do your thang!! Nuff said (smile)

GB: Sounds like some real and important advice. I’m looking forward to my first RT. Thanks for asking me to be on a panel. So, what’s next for Kimberly Kaye Terry?

KKT: Oh lord, girl what’s not up for Kimberly Kaye Terry, lol. I recently signed with a terrific agent, Ethan Ellenberg, and I feel blessed that I have recently signed a second two-book contract with Kensington, and was offered another contract, a few weeks later, to participate in the third installment of Satisfy Me , an anthology with Aphrodisia. My agent is currently working out the details of the novella contract. Also, I have really really COOL contracting news, that I can’t quite share yet, as it hasn’t been made public. I will say that it is an amazing project, and that I’m jumping in my chair doing the whop (yeah, I dated myself with that dance, huh Gwyn? LOL) over it! I will say that it is erotic fiction, and the project is a tad different than my normal erotic romance signature, but I think my readers, and hopefully new readers, will really enjoy the project, it’s simply awesome! *big grin*

GB: Yeah you kinda dated yourself with the whop comment, and I’m not gonna date my self by saying I know what that is… And I can’t wait to see your novella in the third Satisfy Me . I read the first two and really enjoyed them. Congrats on that! Can’t wait to here the new contract news. I might have to break out the Eric B and Rakim and do the whop with you when you break the news. That is if I was… err… old enough to know what the whop was… So, do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

KKT: I think an aspiring author should first write the story in their heart and don’t write what they think is selling, or try and write like someone else. If you do, your “voice” your style and vibe won’t come through and you’ll remain an aspiring author versus a published author! I think an aspiring author should always write something, anything , every day. I think all writers should. There are times when I just want to rest my poor brain and if I have to write one more throbbing sex scene I’ll end up bald headed, because I will snatch out every single one of my locs! But, no matter what, I write something. One sentence turns to a paragraph turns to a page, turns to a chapter, turns into a finished manuscript. One word at a time. And uh, all of this is just my own beliefs, but I will say, the internet can be a serious deterrent from writing. I have friends who blog ho every day, from blog to blog, and damn, they look up and hours have passed by. Now, don’t get me wrong, going to an occasional blog can be fun but please don’t allow it to eat up too much of your time, or the BIGGEST problem I see, is folks getting all nuts on line, cussing each other out, calling each other names…Lord have MERCY! Whew! I say, save all that drama for a book, lol!!

GB: As a recovering blog ho, I can totally agree with you on your advice. I’m struggling, but I’m resolved to do a little less blog hoing this year… But the blogs keep calling me and calling me… Okay, enough of that… How can readers best contact you?

KKT: Readers can contact me at kimberly@kimberlykayeterry.com. My website is http://www.kimberlykayeterry.com and you can catch me on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/kimberlykayeterry

GB: Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview, Kimberly! I appreciate it and I appreciate you, girlfriend! Keep on making it hot and I’ll keep on reading!

KKT: Thank you for inviting me, Gwyn, and I’ll see in Pittsburg at the Romantic Times Convention! Readers can check out and excerpt for Just Like Candy here:

Just Like Candy Excerpt

Happy Holidays to All...

2007-12-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY KWANZAA!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you all the very best during this holiday season... May you have lots of love, peace and joy as this year closes and the next one begins... I'll see you all in the new year! ~ Gwyneth

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-12-20T00:49:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's really all about a soul holiday...

Every Christmas, I take out my many Soul Christmas CD compilations and put them in heavy rotation. I have so many and there is really nothing like hearing the Temptations sing a Christmas carol, or Boys to Men or the Supremes... I love them all. Hearing little Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 sing about mommy kissing Santa Claus just warms my heart. It doesn't matter how many soul versions of the "Little Drummer Boy" I hear as CD after CD plays. There are a lot of Christmas songs, but not that many after all. And each soul artist puts his or her own spin on the song. I have to say; I don't mind a Christmas soul remake. But I do have an all time favorite Christmas song and that is Donny Hathaway's version of "This Christmas." That song just seems like the epitome of a soulful Christmas to me. It makes me think of the kind of Christmas the people in the picture above might be having. The kind of Christmas, I'm hoping for as I play my CDs and sing along with Donny... And I have to say I was happy with the movie This Christmas . The film showed a wonderful Black family Christmas. It was a nice feel good movie, perfect for the holidays. And I think Chris Brown did an excellent job putting his mark on a Christmas classic. So, enjoy both versions of this wonderful, soulful song...

Donny Hathaway “This Christmas”

Chris Brown “This Christmas”

The Winner Is...

2007-12-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

The title for the third Hightower book has been decided and.... none of the titles on the list made it. The title of

Lawrence Hightower's

and Minerva "Minnie" Jones's

romance is.....

The Law of Desire

Romance of Christmas

2007-12-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

Patricia Woodside helps us remember the romance of the season over on Romancing the Blog. Check out her wonderful post here:

The Romance of Christmas by Patricia Woodside

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

The Brotha Please Awards, 2007

2007-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone? It hardly seems like a year has gone by since we had our last Brotha Please Awards--also know as the “boo, negro, boo” awards--here on Gwyneth’s Blog. But it has been a year. And what a year it has been! With so-oo many folks acting like they have lost their damn minds, it is truly a chore trying to decide who to give the awards to. Last year, we gave out three and we could have easily given out more. In fact folks had some wonderful suggestions for people who were just as worthy of getting called out for their bad behavior. And I’m sure we’ll have more suggestions this year. So without further ado, let’s meet this year’s award winners…

Our first winner gets the year’s top award for buffoonery to the tenth degree. While everyone with one lick of sense was speaking out against Don Imus’s racist, sexist and homophobic attack on the Rutgers University female basketball team, this negro decides he’ll just take his monkey behind on Jay Leno and attack the young women further.

Forget being politically incorrect, this brotha is just dead wrong calling anybody ugly with a face like that. He probably thought he was being funny instead of just being funny looking, but we here at Gwyneth’s Blog think his brand of comedy takes us back further than step and fetch It. This year’s winner of the "Brotha Buffoon Can’t Get Out of Our Face Too Soon" Award goes to D. L. Hughley for showing us that ignorance is alive and well and coming out of his mouth.

The next recipient needs no introduction. We all know him, and many of us have debated his guilt or innocence for several years since he may or may not have gotten away with murder back in the nineties. He had gone from being the poster boy for blacks being able to cross the racial divides to a poster boy for the power of the color green when accused of a crime. One would have thought that getting away with murder would have been enough to satisfy anyone’s penchant for crime. I mean come on, what’s left after that? I know! Petty theft! Let me gather a bunch of my boys and try and rob a hotel room! OJ Simpson step right up and get your “I really want to go to jail and I won’t stop until you put me in there” Award. Since you were unable to steal your, err... property... back and get your other awards we hope our trophy makes you feel special...

The third and final award was a hard one to decide on. In fact, it’s a three-way tie that you all will have to decide on. There were so many deserving people. People like Puffy who told us that he won’t stop and damned if he wasn’t telling the truth. That brotha couldn’t stop showing his behind if you paid him. Between the baby mama drama and the You Tube hype craziness he deserves an award this year. But alas, he got an award last year and we should spread the wealth around shouldn’t we. And then there are folks like Michael Vick… people who make you want to channel Dave Chappell channeling Rick James and scream, “Shoulda neva gave y’all negros money!” He deserves to win a brotha please award for sure, don’t you agree? And then there is the third candidate in the tie... I’m giving him a pass because he recently lost his mother and because he did what I wanted him to do and beat one of last year’s recipients in a battle for record sales. But if anyone deserves a Brotha Please award this year for bad behavior it would have to be Kanye West for his meltdown back stage at the MTV video awards show.

I mean come on… if he were a two year old he would have warranted a spanking for that crap. But since there is a three-way tie for third place and he just lost his mother, I’m going to let this slide. But if he pulls this crap at the Grammy’s this coming year, then he will be number one next year no matter what.

As usual we here at Gwyneth’s Blog realize that you might take issue with our decisions for awardees. You might think we are being too harsh or not harsh enough. Or maybe you have your own award nominees. Feel free to drop a comment and let us know what you think. Until next time…

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-12-13T11:15:00.000-05:00

When remakes go horribly, horribly wrong…

Everyone who has read this blog knows I have a thing for Curtis Mayfield’s music. I think “The Makings of You” is one of the sweetest most romantic songs ever made. I love it when I hear the Curtis Mayfield version. I love it when I hear the Gladys Knight version from the film soundtrack of my favorite movie ever … Claudine . I just love the song. I love it so much that anyone even attempting to remake it, take the melody, or otherwise tamper with it had better come correct. Do you have any songs like that? Songs you wouldn’t want anyone messing with?

Anyway, before I go on, I should say that I love the singer Monica. I think the girl can sing any song she wanted to sing and sing the hell out of it. But Monica did a very bad thing when she started messing with my favorite song and created some kind of hybrid cross between Curtis Mayfield’s “The Makings of You” and R. Kelly’s “You Remind Me of Something.” How in the hell can you take the most romantic lyrics I’ve ever known and mix them with a song that’s comparing a woman to a damn car? She needs to be ashamed of herself. And in her lyrics she’s comparing her man to her tire rimes because he shines… Ummm… no words... Except, this is an example of when remakes go horribly, horribly wrong… I have included the Curtis Mayfield version. And since I can’t put Chester-the-Accused-Child-Molester on my blog again (he was in Aaliyah’s video and got on by default a couple of weeks ago) I've included a spoof of the “You Remind Me of Something” video that is a hoot. And then I give you the train wreck that is Monica’s song… “A Dozen Roses…” Enjoy….

"The Makings of You," Curtis Mayfield

"You Remind Me of Something" (R. Kelly) Spoof Video

"A Dozen Roses (The Makings of You)," Monica

Have a great weekend!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Black Butterfly Review 1st Annual Holiday Explosion

2007-12-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

You are cordially invited to our 1st Holiday Explosion. On Sunday, December 16, 2007 @ 7pm EST, join us for a lively discussion with the prolific erotica author, Kimberly Kaye Terry as we discuss her latest release, Ridin' the Rails.

Kimberly Kaye Terry

http://www.kimberlykayeterry.com

Immediately following the book discussion we will kick off the Author Explosion with a chat session featuring some of your favorite authors as they introduce their new releases and share some of their holiday traditions.

There will be door prizes, lots of book giveaways and a festive atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join the chat here:

http://www.blackbutterflyreview.com

Holiday Author Explosion

Authors Attending

We hope you can join us for the exciting event!

Sincerely,

Eleanor S. Shields
Black Butterfly Review

Have a laugh... have six...

2007-12-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share some things that have cracked me up from my blog buddies blogs the past couple of weeks. I feel like laughing today and since it's the season of giving, I thought I'd share. :-)

The above cartoon is from Chicki's blog. She has what she calls "Fun Fridays" and she always finds the most hilarious cartoons and pictures. Here are her two latest "Fun Fridays." I dare you not to laugh.

Chicki's Fun Friday One

Chicki's Fun Friday Two

Bettye shared the most hilarious fable of the bear and the atheist on her blog. This was too-too funny. Check it out!

Bettye's Atheist and the Bear Post

Seressia shared this video clip on the Wild Women Writers blog and it made me laugh and say amen at the same time. Why is it folks are always trying to get writers to do things for free? Check out this classic response to the requests for writers to volunteer their time and energy.

Harlen Ellison Clip from Seressia on Wild Women Writers

Ann has some really interesting "Author Classifications" that will crack you up, especially if you recognize a bit of yourself in them. LOL.

Ann's Author Classifications

I had to come back and edit this post to include another thing that made me crack up. This poem was posted on Don's blog Minus the Bars. Don always makes me think and often makes me laugh. The brother brings it on a regular on his blog. Check him out here:

Don's Blog Minus the Bars

And laugh at this poem I got from his blog last week. This is so-oo funny!

Have a laugh, have many...

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

The Top Ten Reasons Why I Love To Read And Write Romance

2007-12-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

10. I’m such a girlie-girl.

Seriously, I’m not even going to tell you how old I was when I finally had to give up my Barbie dolls. (Buying new outfits and accessories for that chick was so much fun!) I will say that I soon found a grown-up way to still… err… play with dolls. (Yes, we call it collecting now.) And as long as some of them are porcelain and have an official certificate of authenticity or something, you’re cool. No one will know it’s because you’re a big ole girlie girl who still likes pretty dolls… wink wink…

9. I’m a sucker for love.

Give me any chance to sigh and say awwww and I will do it every time. It’s like a reflex, an impulse. I couldn’t stop it if I wanted to. Classic lines in romantic movies had me at hello. Sappy sweet romantic lyrics in love songs make my heart beat a little faster and my breath catch every time. And if the hero in a novel says the right thing at the right time to the heroine in the right way… Let’s just say I live for those moments and that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been devouring romance novels since the age of twelve.

8. I puffy-heart-love secret babies.

Some people can’t stand this tried and true romance storyline. I can honestly say that ever since I found out there was such a thing it has remained on of my all-time favorite romance storylines. I have no idea why. I don’t think it’s because I’m mean and like to say in the tone of nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah ‘She had your baby. She didn’t tell you.’ I don’t think I’m that mean… being a sucker for love and all... But I do know that when browsing through the books store and reading back cover blurbs, if I see a secret baby book, nine times out of ten it is coming home with me.

7. I blame Disney…

Just like every other little girl in American I was indoctrinated with fairy princesses and handsome princes from an early age. All I’m saying is very few women make it through this type of outright propaganda without having a thing for romance. Sure they don’t all grow up to read and write romance. But I’m just saying…

6. Nikki Giovanni said “black love is black wealth” and I believe her.

I honestly believe that the more stories we can tell and share about black folks falling in love and making it work can’t help but be a good thing. The more people we have believing in love in these times of war, poverty and disease the better.

5. I like a well-written love scene.

Sue me! I’m not going to lie about it. I know there are some women who could care less about the love scenes in romance novels. I’m not one of them. This isn’t to say that I can’t read and enjoy sweet romances or inspirational romances. I do because at the end of the day it’s the love story and the romance that I’m really after. But what made me sneak my mother’s romance novels at the age of twelve had more to do with those love scenes than not. I wanted to read them. I still want to read really good ones. And I like writing them. When you write a really good one, it’s almost like writing a really good poem. And when I have to stop and fan myself in the middle of reading one or writing one that’s better than… cake… wink, wink… I know you didn’t think I was going to say better than sex? They’re good but they aren’t that good. But when they’re really good they can serve as inspiration and that’s all I’m saying about that…

4. Happily ever after…

Yes, I still have a need to believe it exists and need constant confirmation and affirmation. Thus my steady diet of romance novels since around 1982. Maybe it has something to do with being a child of divorce living in the hood where there weren’t a large number of folks sticking together and making it work… I’m not going to psychoanalyze myself… But I will say that romance novels offer models of positive relationships, healthy loving relationships and people making it work. I like that.

3. My name is Gwyn and I’m a bookaholic.

When you’re a book junkie such as myself who enjoys pretty covers and has to constantly purchase new books all the time, romance novels provide a somewhat inexpensive fix. You can buy a lot of them and the mass-market size and prices take a while to really make your problem become noticeable. By the time anyone really realizes that you have a book-buying problem you could have thousands stashed here and there. And now that there are e-books, you could really satisfy your book jones without anyone being the wiser. Add when you add writing your own novels and holding your own book in your hands into the equation, we’re talking about a book high that surpasses all others. Yes, I have a problem. I know my addiction is bad. But they keep calling me… and calling me…

2. I like a good cry.

I really do. In addition to being a girlie-girl, I am so-oo corny. We’re talking crying at Hallmark commercials corny. If a romance novel makes me shed a tear, then that book has earned a place on my keeper shelf. I think that might be half the excitement of picking up a new book, I might get a tear or two out of it and a sigh. I know I love it when readers tell me something I wrote made them cry. I get all smiley-faced and gleeful. And I say, “No-oo... Really? What part?”

1. I love a good story.

And no matter what anyone says, I find them more times than not in the pages of romance novels. And I get to tell them when I write romance novels. And that is the number one reason why I love to read and write romance. What about you?

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-12-06T01:16:00.000-05:00

The Sugar Hill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” was the first rap song I ever heard. I was nine-years-old at the time and that song blew my mind. I became a hip-hop head right then and there. I don’t know what clicked or why but some part of me knew I would probably love rap music and hip-hop culture for the rest of my life…

Now anyone who knows anything about hip-hop will tell you that biting someone else’s rap is a no-no. When you think about it, it’s sort of funny since a lot of early raps were done over stolen beats... Like “Rapper’s Delight” over Chic’s “Good Times”… And just imagine how much James Brown’s estate would have really been worth if he’d gotten what he was owed from all those samples. Not to mention the fact that over half of the rhymes in “Rapper’s Delight” were stolen from other rappers... Big Bank Hank stole all of his lyrics from Casanova Cas… Still, for most hip-hop heads biting is frowned on. So for me the very idea that someone would remake a rap song just seems sacrilegious. It’s just not done. And yet Snoop Dogg remade Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick’s “Ladi Dadi” and the Def Squad (Eric Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray) remade “Rapper’s Delight.” The original will still always have a special place in might heart, theft or not. It’s the longest song in the history of songs. But, I still know all the words and can do a mean karaoke performance all by myself. So, enjoy Chic's "Good Times" for the melody and beat. Check out The Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" for some nostalgia. And then take a listen to the Def Squad remake… Enjoy…

Chic "Good Times"

Sugar Hill Gang "Rapper's Delight"

Def Squad Eric Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray "Rapper's Delight"

December Interview with Adrianne Byrd

2007-12-01T00:05:00.000-05:00

This month I have the great pleasure of welcoming one of my favorite authors to my blog, national bestselling and multi-award winning author Adrianne Byrd. Anyone who has read my blog or my interviews knows that I have a tendency to gush over my sister authors. I can’t help it. I’m a fan of the written word and writers are like rock stars to me. Experienced authors, new authors, it doesn’t matter. And since I’m a huge fan of African American romance, sisters who write the African American romance novels I love are the ultimate rock stars. So if my gushing irritates you dear blog reader, I apologize ahead of time, because with Adrianne Byrd as my guest, I’m about to be a gushing fool.

GB: So, Adrianne, welcome and let me start off with the question I ask everyone, the question about time management. You have been able to be so prolific. You’ve steadily published several books a year from your first release Defenseless in 1997. What does your writing schedule look like? How do you manage your time in order to be so incredibly productive?

AB: I don’t. Family, friends, and now some times editors shake their heads at me. I absolutely can’t write a thing while the sun is out. So I tend to surf the net or read. My work day actually starts after I’ve read everything on the net and there’s nothing worth watching on TV. I usually go to bed around six a.m. and up by noon. Summertime is different. I usually sleep just two to three hours because I’m a heavy insomniac. My dogs keep the same hours. Bless their hearts. So don’t model your work habits after me.

GB: I’m a night owl too. I do most of my writing late night/early morning… hard with a day job though… So, are you a reader of romance novels? If so, have you read them for a long time? Did you read them before writing them? Do you think reading them helps you as a writer? If not, do you think that not reading the genre helps you craft better novels?

AB: Oh, yeah. I grew up on romance novels. I started with young adult novels then worked my way up. Sweet Valley High , anyone? But my first real romance novel was actually given to me by older brother. It was a historical western. The hero’s name was Lucas. I’m probably still a little bit in love with him. Reading other romance authors does help but not only in studying the craft i.e. what works, what doesn’t, but in terms of studying the market, but nowadays I read anything and everything—well, except for an instructional manual.

GB: I love your novels, in fact since I read your novel My Destiny , went back and found all of your backlist, and read every release since then, I can honestly say I haven’t read an Adrianne Byrd book I didn’t love. I have favorites among them, for sure, but that list is pretty long. So, my next question stems from the wonderful theme of enduring love I see in a lot of your work. In many of your novels you take readers through a couples’ journey to love and sometimes that journey can span several years. I love that because it shows that sometimes it takes people a minute to realize that love is right in front of them. Since I’ve seen this theme in many of my personal favorite Adrianne Byrd books, I thought I’d ask you what is it about this theme that is so appealing to you? What makes you pen those love stories that are slow building but oh so satisfying?

AB: Oh, that’s an easy one. I, uh, well, see… Hmm, maybe it’s not. Well, I think for me to convince not only the reader but myself that a couple truly has what it takes to make their love last, time has to be a factor. We’ve all heard that the first few months when you meet someone new, you’re not really meeting the real person. The person you first meet is generally putting his best foot forward, doing all the right things, but as time goes on, both parties tend to relax, let their guard down a bit. Let a few months to roll by, let that new love smell wear off a bit, and then tell me how you feel. Plus, personally, I’m so hard to impress. So brothers are going to have to work at it for a while. And when they do, that impresses me.

GB: As I read your novels, I get the sense that this woman must be a chick-flick/romantic comedy fan like me. My Destiny reminds me of a funny, sexy, black When Harry Met Sally . When Valentine’s Collide reminds me of a funny, sexy, way better, and more satisfying War of the Roses . And as I read your latest novel Feel the Fire I couldn’t help but think that you might be giving us a hip, updated, and cool interpretation of the film Sabrina in the future. So, am I right, are you also a fan of romantic comedy films? If so what are some of your favorites?

AB: Guilty. The cheesier the better. Soon as I figure out how to do a modern Grease 2 , I’m all over it. I loved some you’ve mentioned. Comfort of a Man had elements of An Affair to Remember . Unforgettable-had elements of the classic Cinderella . When You Were Mine elements of French Kiss and Measure of a Man - Three to Tango . Even my latest To Love a Stranger was inspired by the film Sommersby and the R&B song “Stranger in my house” by Tamia.

GB: And, a little bird told me that you have written screenplays and you recently took a trip to Hollywood for some talks about a television show. One of my great pet peeves about Hollywood is that I don’t get to see a lot of the romantic comedies I love with black leads. Can I hope that one day, you’ll be bringing some of the funny, sexy African American stories I’m dreaming of seeing onto the big screen or maybe the little screen? Enquiring minds want to know…

AB: That’s the dream. My first screenplay A Nation’s Defense (this title should be familiar to my fans.) had once piqued the attention of HBO, but nothing ever became of it. There was a little interest around Comfort of a Man some years ago. Angela Bassett and Queen Latifah read my book, but they passed on the project. *Sigh* But by then I seriously had the bug. The idea surrounding the television series was inspired by sister’s job in the hotel industry, so we developed it and are currently shopping it around. I’ve also formed a production company with another screenwriter and we recently completed production on our first short film. It’s now in post production. So yes, one day, I’ll branch out into films.

GB: Queen Latifah passed?! Surely Dana Owen’s production company could have backed one of your wonderful novels instead of The Cookout . A damn shame… Anyway, you had a recent blog post titled “The Good Girl vs. The Promiscuous Girl (Ho).” Funny post by the way, I loved it. I recently did a post about bad girls in romance novels and if they could really work. I’m really interested in reading more novels where the heroines aren’t perfect goody-two-shoes. That’s why I really enjoyed your two latest releases Feel the Fire and To Love A Stranger . The heroines in those novels aren’t necessarily bad girls. But they do have a past. And they may have made some less than proper decisions in the past. But their past is what makes them who they are. And to me, who they are allows for these full and vibrant women to just jump off the page. So, what made you decide to break the good girl mold in romance? And can we expect more of these far more interesting to read ladies in the future?

AB: High drama is great entertainment-and women certainly know how to bring the drama. Books or even films with strong, flawed women are always remembered. Vivian Leigh’s Scarlet O’Hara, anything with Bette Davis, Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons . Even Waiting to Exhale , though just a moderately okay film, who doesn’t remember Angela Bassett setting her husband’s clothes on fire? “It is trash.” Classic. I want characters that will stay with you a little while after you turned the last page. So, yes. You will definitely be reading more about such ladies for years to come.

GB: You also have a wonderful knack for writing funny, sexy and emotional stories. I’ll tell you, any writer that can make me laugh and say ahh, laugh and say ohhhh myyyy, laugh and maybe shed a tear or two, all in the space of one novel has a fan for life. My question is how do you do it? How do you manage to take readers through such a wonderful range of emotions? And how do you manage to write such funny novels? Comedy is hard to pull off, but you do it well.

AB: First, thank you. But I think it helps to be emotionally unstable. I don’t know. One book that was really hard was When You Were Mine only because I was writing it in Memphis and taking care of my grandmother who was dying of multiple myeloma and her blind and nearly deaf husband. Those months were pure hell, I was severely late with the book, fighting family members who were in denial of her condition and when I would finally sit down at night and try to write, I would cry because I didn’t feel like being funny. But I think it’s true what some comedians say, comedy comes from tragedy. You gotta laugh to keep from crying. Real love has the same effect. Love between family, friends and soul mates. There are days when you’re laughing together and days when you’re riding each other’s last nerve. I try to be honest with that.

GB: I heard that you are teaming up with another one of my favorite authors, Niobia Bryant to write urban fiction. The first release is due in February 2008, Desperate Hoodwives . How did this come about and what else can we expect from this writing duo?

AB: Desperate Hoodwives will actually hit the shelves in January. Niobia and I met because I loved her book Heavenly Match . I usually contact writers of books I’ve enjoyed. We bonded and would periodically gab on the phone about the biz. I’ve never met her in person. When we go on book tour next year, it will be the first time we’ll see each other face to face. Anyway, I’d gone to visit my sister in California and her husband was a big fan of Desperate Housewives (Probably because of Eva Longoria) so I sat down and watched the show with him. I just couldn’t relate to it. So when I came back to Georgia, I was talking to Niobia about the experience as well as talking to her about different things going on in the biz, I told her someone should do a story about real desperation-like what goes on the projects. We both had a little taste of what that life was like growing up. And she said yeah, they could call it Desperate Hoodwives . Almost immediately, a light bulb went off and we brainstormed the whole story right then and there. It was like a five hour phone call. Recently, we sold the third book in the series-so we’re excited.

GB: I loved Niobia’s Heavenly Match too. That was my first Niobia read and I’ve read everything since. I can’t wait to read Desperate Hoodwives and see how you two write together. Okay, so, what’s next in the works for Adrianne Byrd? Can you give us a hint about your upcoming projects?

AB: A lot. I have five new titles coming out with Harlequin in 2008 and two re-issues: Defenseless and Forget Me Not . One of those new titles will be with the young adult line-TRU. It’s called Chasing Romeo . Plus, of course the two Urban Street Lit books Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives . And believe it or not, I have other projects being shopped. God is good.

GB: Excellent! I’ll be looking for those titles. So, who are some of your favorite authors? What are you reading right now?

AB: Automatic buys are: Tananarive Due (which I discovered from your recommendation on your blog), Victoria Christopher Murray and Dennis Lehane. I’m not going to give a shout-out to the book I’m reading now because it’s not all that good and it’s hurting my head. But next up is Casanegra -I expect that one to be good.

GB: Do you have any advice for new authors like myself who aspire to have productive careers such as yours and aspiring writers dreaming of their first novel?

AB: Only stop talking and start writing. The hardest thing to do whether you’re just starting or have been doing this for a while is planting your butt in the chair, tuning out distractions and doing the work. Plus, learn the craft and the business while you’re at it. I’m amazed at what some people will sign their names to just so they can see their names on a book-or those who have great ideas for stories but can’t name one publisher who publishes a similar book. Know the difference between Mainstream/Women Fiction and Urban Fiction and Urban Street Lit. If you’re not good with grammar stick with simple sentences.

GB: What are the best ways for readers to contact you?

AB: Through my website: http://www.adriannebyrd.com

GB: Thanks so much for agreeing to this interview, Adrianne. I truly am a huge fan of your work. And I hope my gushing wasn’t too annoying. I look forward to your new releases!

New Yahoo Group: Live, Love, Laugh and Books

2007-11-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that I have been thinking about the pros and cons of starting a Yahoo Group for a minute now. And I've finally decided to dive into the land of Yahoo with three other sister authors. I think it will be a wonderful chance to connect with readers and other authors and really promote the genre of African American romance, everything I want to do on this blog, but with the help of three dynamic authors. Here's a blurb about the group:

Four romance fiction authors: Gwyneth Bolton, Shelia Goss, Michelle Monkou, and Celeste O. Norfleet have combined resources and positive energy to form a readers/fans group. Lively discussion is encouraged about the latest romance book, to current events, to anecdotal messages. Authors will also share book release news, contest information, and their point of view of a variety of topics. Jump on board.

I think it will be a really exciting venture and hope to see some of you there. We plan to kick things off in January with lots of discussions, contests and fun. If you're interested in joining check us out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LiveLoveLaughandBooks

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-11-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it really is all about a song...

There are some song lyrics that touch you no matter who is singing them (as long as the person can sing that is). And "At Your Best" is one of those songs. I love the Isley Brother's version and Aaliyah's version of this song. Enjoy...

At Your Best (You Are Loved)

Isley Brothers

Aaliyah

Need a more romantic title....

2007-11-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

My editor would like me to come up with a more romantic title for the third Hightower Honors book. Upholding the Law just isn't cutting it. Here's a list of title I came up with that hint at the storyline and hint at romance. What do you all think? Any suggestions... Which of these would you pick?

~ The Love You Save
(This one is my favorite because it makes me start singing the Jackson Five song. And y'all know I love music...)

~ Love’s a Crime

~ Captive Hearts

~ Policing Love

~ Love Lock Down

~ The Loving Arms of the Law?

~ Stolen Hearts

~ Law of Attraction

~ Crimes of the Heart

~ Laws of Love

~ Love on the Run

Any other suggestions?

Gwyneth

Meet the Women Who Stole Those Hightower Hearts...

2007-11-26T18:54:00.000-05:00

So, I decided to do a little more dream casting. If I had my wish and someone made a movie out of the Hightower Honors Series then these are the women I'd like to see bring the characters to life. And also, here's a little sneak look at the women who are bold enough to take on those Hightower men...

Protect and Serve meet Penny Keys...

The last thing Penny Keys wants to do is go back home to Paterson, New Jersey where she grew up. The thirty-three-year old former video “model/dancer” is currently a successful businesswoman living in California where she owns her own image-consulting company. The hard work she’s done to build a new life for herself is threatened by the trip home. But there is no way she can stay away once Big Mama dies. When she comes back to bury her grandmother, she has no idea that she has to finally face and bury her past once and for all. And Penny can’t seem to escape telling Jason Hightower the real truth about why she left him fifteen years ago. Protect and Serve is an emotional, gritty and gripping story of rediscovered love and trust.

Kerry Washington as Penny Keys in Protect and Serve

Make It Hot meet Samantha Dash...

Twenty-six-year old Samantha Dash is a by-the-book physical therapist and prides herself in being able to keep a strict wall of professionalism between herself and her clients. After working her way through school and graduate school to get where she is, she can’t imagine anything or anyone worth risking it all for, until she meets her new client. Nothing could have prepared Samantha for the feelings she gets whenever she has to deal with “Mr. Surly,” the nickname that she has given the crankiest patient she’s ever known, Joel Hightower. One would think that since he is such a difficult and moody guy, she would find it easy to keep her fence of professionalism safely erected. But no, three times a week helping this firefighter is the three times a week she knows for sure she will be both angered beyond belief and turned on beyond any attraction she’s ever felt. Make it Hot is a steamy romance about trust and openness to change.

Rachel True as Samantha Dash in Make It Hot

Upholding the Law meet Minerva Jones...

Minerva Jones is in danger. The twenty-four year old is on the run from the same people that murdered her brother. When she turns to her brother’s best friend, Stanley Sims for help, he gives her the money to go and hideout with two friends of his and her brother in New Jersey. Once there, she tries to lay low. But there is this pesky detective that won’t stay out of her face. Suddenly, she needs to decide if she can really trust someone she has been told her entire life never to trust, a cop. Not just a cop, a mean, older, extremely handsome cop who seems like he lives to give her a hard time. How can she keep her secrets and continue to resist the persistent Lawrence Hightower? Upholding the Law is a gritty, emotional, urban love story with passion, intrigue and suspense.

Lauren London as Minerva Jones in Upholding the Law

Sizzling Seduction meet Aisha Miller

Thirty-year-old Aisha Miller is a kindergarten teacher and a former battered woman who has finally managed to finish school, secure a teaching job and a more stable life for herself and her son, seven-year-old Cameron. She isn’t really looking for a man. Too bad the handsome and sexy fireman, Patrick Hightower, she gets to visit her kindergarten class begins to insert himself into her life. Sizzling Seduction is a slow burning love story that steadily rises to an uncontrollable passionate heat. It is a story about trust and learning to love again.

Lark Voorhees as Aisha Miller in Sizzling Seduction

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Giving Thanks

2007-11-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

Although I find the idea of a holiday commemorating the theft of land from Native peoples distasteful, I do think the idea to give thanks is important. And anytime we can get together with friends and family and give thanks, break bread, connect and reconnect it is a good thing. With so much going on in the world it’s easy to forget to give thanks. I know I’m thankful for family, friends, health, happiness, love and the joy that finds its way into my life in spite of all the craziness. I’m thankful for my blog buddies and the friends I’ve made in the blogosphere that I have yet to meet. I’m thankful that God has seen fit to grant me another day to be thankful. Have a wonderful day of thanks, everyone! Eat some mac-and-cheese for me. ;-) I’m off to Jersey. I’ll see you all when I get back.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

My Life from A to Z

2007-11-18T18:11:00.000-05:00

So, I’m doing my usual blog reads and I come across this cool post on Shelia's blog. It seemed like fun. And, since she ended her post with... if you’re reading this do your own... I thought I would. Don't ever say I never shared way too much information with you... LOL.

A - Age: 37

B - Best Friend: My sister Jennifer

C - Choice of Meat: Chicken, gotta have that yard bird…

D - Dream Date: The hubby of course, but if he’s not available I’d settle for a date with Denzel… I mean it would be a hardship… but…

E - Exciting Adventure: All the books I ever wanted to read and all the time in the world to read them, that way I can take on a whole new adventure every time I picked up a new book…

F - Favorite Food: My two favorite foods are the two things I can’t really eat anymore, homemade macaroni and cheese and pizza. Damn lactose intolerance!

G - Greatest Accomplishment: A tie between getting my doctorate and getting tenure before thirty-five

H - Happiest Day of Your Life: Every day I wake up I’m happy!

I - Interests: Reading and writing, writing and reading

J - Joke: Is that your head or is your neck blowing a bubble?

K - Kool-Aid: I don’t really like Kool-Aid. But I’d have to say that mixing cherry and lemon together is good with some sliced lemons in it. I can’t stand that kool-aid with more sugar than water, though. You know what I’m talking about that syrupy sugar water with a little color in it… yuk. LOL.

L - Love: makes the world go around… what else would you expect a romance writer to say…

M - Most Valued Possession: Hmm… I don’t really covet possessions like that… I mean, I value what I have and I feel blessed to have the things I have… But I guess I don’t have any one thing that is “most valued”

N - Name: Gwendolyn aka Kitten aka Gwyneth Bolton aka Gwenny Dee

O - Outfit You Love: Do pajamas count as an outfit? How about if I accessorized them with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book while lounging in my reading room?

P - Pizza Toppings: Pepperoni

Q - Question Asked To You the Most: When are you going to have some kids?

R - Radio Station: Any station that plays hip-hop

S - Sport: Basketball. It’s the only sport I can somewhat follow.

T - Television Show: Heroes

U - Umbrella in the rain?: I have locs so I could go without one. But I’m sugar and I’d melt, so I use one when I have it. Can’t have all this sweetness washing away…

V - Video: Claudine ; Love & Basketball ; Mahogany ; Love Jones ; Grease ; How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days ; Brown Sugar

W - Winter: Could be a really romantic time of year… Do you ever wonder why you see so many pregnant women in the spring and summer? It’s all those cups of spiked hot chocolate by the fire and romantic snowball fights that end up in passion… Or is it folks staying warm the old fashioned way?

X - X-rays recently?: No

Y - Year Born: 1970

Z - Zodiac Sign: Leo

I'm Back... With Book Blurbs!

2007-11-15T19:39:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I had to disappear for a minute. But I had to finish a manuscript. Sometimes I have to put myself on punishment to get things done... Anyway, my editor sent me the back cover copy for my 2008 Kimani Romance releases. I really like them. When I read the blurb for Make It Hot , I said, "I wanna read that book!" Then I was like, "oh, you already did." LOL. Anyway, check them out and let me know what you think. :-)

PROTECT AND SERVE
July 2008

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Police detective Jason Hightower is flooded with memories when Penny Keys comes home to New Jersey. After fifteen years, he still wants to understand why she loved, lied and left him. And he needs to know before she disappears from his life again….

Penny came home for family reasons, not to face her difficult past… or the man she still loves. But Jason is determined to have answers, answers that it breaks her heart to give. And it seems that nothing will keep Jason from the truth this time. Or, hold him back from what he wants to protect and serve the most—their chance for a future together.

HIGHTOWER HONORS
Four brothers on a mission to protect, serve, and love…

MAKE IT HOT
September 2008

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE…
After a career-threatening injury, brooding firefighter Joel Hightower’s only hope of regaining his cherished livelihood is a sassy spitfire named Samantha Dash. As the by-the-book physical therapist helps Joel get ever closer to achieving his professional goals, Samantha also ignites a sensual spark in him that he finds impossible to ignore!

THERE’S FIRE
Samantha is totally unprepared for the sizzling attraction that intensifies each time she is near “Tall, Dark and Surly” Hightower. As she helps Joel get better, their relationship goes way beyond patient and therapist. It flares into full blown passion. But when it threatens to end her career, Samantha must decide if a future as the partner of a risk-taking hero is really worth fighting for?

HIGHTOWER HONORS
Four brothers on a mission to protect, serve, and love…

THE LAW OF DESIRE
December 2008

GUILTY PLEASURES

Decorated police detective Lawrence Hightower's instincts click into high gear when a beautiful but suspicious stranger appears in his stakeout zone. Soon he realizes Minerva Jones is in danger and needs protection. He can’t trust her. But he can’t get this tough, feisty, stubborn siren out of his head.

Desperate to keep a low profile, the last thing Minerva needs is a sexy cop getting too close for comfort. Not that she’s guilty of anything, except her own intense attraction to the too fine detective. But she’s got a few secrets, and trouble is closing in. Dare she surrender to the promise this sensual hero holds in his strong, protective embrace?

HIGHTOWER HONORS
Four brothers on a mission to protect, serve, and love…

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Debut Authors Week: Meet LaConnie Taylor-Jones

2007-11-08T00:20:00.000-05:00

Last but certainly not least is an author whose novel is hot off the presses. Her novel When I’m With You will be released this month and I can’t wait to read it. The blurb promises lots of passion and emotions and just a really good read. So, it is my pleasure to welcome my soror, LaConnie Taylor-Jones to my blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know a little bit more about you and your new novel.

1. So tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

Well, if you haven’t read my biography, I’m a native Memphian and a Health Educator Consultant by trade. Also, I’ve been an avid romance reader since I was a junior in college. In fact, I flunked my mid-term Organic Chemistry exam because I stayed up all night to finish reading a romance novel. However, what most people would be surprised to know is that with a husband and four kids, I can’t cook!!

2. Get out! Can’t cook a thing? I don’t believe it... LOL. Okay, tell us a little bit about your road to publication. What was it like getting the call? Holding your novel in your hands for the first time?

The road to publication was B-U-M-P-Y!!! It was long and tedious, but I never gave up on it!! I started writing When I’m With You in August 2003 and finally completed it in May 2005. However, getting agents interested in representing me was another challenge. I submitted the manuscript to sixty-eight agents. Eleven requested a partial, but afterwards, declined further interest. In November 2005, I gathered the courage to submit the manuscript directly to six publishing houses. By the spring 2006, three had requested the complete, and finally in October 2006, I got ‘THE CALL’ from Genesis Press. Holding that book in my hands for the first time was an awesome feeling!!! It was then that I realized how much had gone into turning a dream into reality.

3. Tell us a little bit about your novel, When I’m With You . What was your inspiration for writing it?

The story received 4-STARS from Romantic Times and deals with the damage caused when someone is in an abusive relationship, and what happens when the person suffering the abuse is too scared to tell their loved ones what’s going on. It also showcases the difficulties one faces when learning to trust after having suffered the shame, embarrassment, and betrayal during the relationship, and the importance of being able to forgive and forget while moving forward with your life. I wrote this story based on my experience as a health educator. Over the past eighteen years, I’ve taught health education, primarily to African American women in a community-based setting. Oftentimes, before I can lecture on the risk factors associated with chronic diseases disproportionately impacting African Americans, I have to deal with the social and economic deterrents these women face. Unfortunately, abusive relationships top the list. Also, one of the things about this story that the cover doesn’t tell you is the important lesson of why you should know your family history.

4. You already have a release date for your second novel, When A Man Loves A Woman . Can you tell us a little bit about it? Is it connected to the first novel? When can we expect it?

When A Man Loves A Woman will be released April 2008, and yes, it’s the sequel to When I’m With You . This is Vic and A.J.’s story and it deals with the ultimate betrayal in a woman’s life and how the man who loves her helps overcome it. Also, readers who I truly believe will enjoy the saga of the Baptiste Clan should hold on to their seats, because I’m working on Ray’s story, tentatively titled, If I Were Your Woman . There are also two other works-in-progress, too. With all of this, I plan to stay pretty busy in 2008.

5. Busy, indeed! Keep them coming. Okay, do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

The first and most important tip I can give anyone is to prepare. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways: reading books from authors published in the genre you’re writing in, taking courses or workshops, entering contests, and if possible, speaking with published authors in your targeted genre. Once you have a workable draft of your manuscript, join a critique group and above all, accept constructive feedback. All of these things will help in the end so that you’re providing a quality product for agents and editors to review. A couple of books I’d highly encourage writers to purchase are: Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen and Writing Novels that Sell by Jack Bickham.

Check out LaConnie’s awesome book trailer here:

You can find out more about LaConnie here:

http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com

http://www.myspace.com/laconnietaylorjones

Thanks to everyone who supported my first "Debut Authors Week" and checked out the interviews of all these exciting new authors!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-11-08T00:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know some people mentioned getting peeved when they hear the beginning melody of a song and they think they’re about to jam to an old favorite. Then, surprise! It’s not an old favorite after all but a remake by another artist or a sample of the beat and a totally new song by a different artist. That happens to me a lot too. But how about when you hear the melody and beat and get ready to get down dancing and the sample is being used in a gospel song? That happened to me every time Mary, Mary’s “Heaven” came on the radio. I always thought that The Honey Cone’s “Want Ads” was about to come on. I would get all hyped and start moving and dancing in preparation for “Wanted, young man single and free. Experience in love preferred, but will accept a young trainee. Ohhhhh ohhhhh.” Then I’d feel bad for shaking my bootie to a church song. LOL. When this song came out in 1971, I was probably barely a year old. But luckily for me they played a lot of good old music in the house when I was growing up. I remember falling in love with this song and dancing to it when I was a kid. I don’t know why I loved this song so much when I probably had now idea at 6 or 7 years old what they were singing about. But my fast behind sure did dance and sing right along.

So, has that ever happened to you? Have you ever heard the beginning of a song already to dance and found yourself shaking your thing to a church song? Not in a “Crank That Holy Ghost” kind of way… But more like the similarities between the two songs below kind of way… Enjoy…

I'm flying to Ohio at 6:00 in the morning. If I have access to the internet, I'll check in later. If not, I check you all out when I get back on Saturday.

The Honey Cone, Want Ads

Mary, Mary, Heaven

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Debut Authors Week: Meet Pat Simmons

2007-11-07T00:21:00.000-05:00

Next up on Debut Authors Week we have the talented and gifted Pat Simmons. When I finished her novel Guilty of Love , I had a smile in my heart and felt as if my spirit had been lifted. Her novel was proof positive that authors can minister through their fiction. I enjoyed it and wanted to “get right” all at the same time. So, it is my pleasure to welcome Pat to my blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know a little bit more about you and your new novel.

1. So tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

That I'm actually shy despite my background in TV. But no one would ever suspect it when I'm doing a TV or radio interview.

2. Tell us a little bit about your road to publication.

Very difficult. I tried not to take the rejection personally, but every letter was chipping away at my wall of confidence. Now, on the other side of the tunnel, I see those rejection letters as a prelude to one of God's biggest blessings.

I know that’s right! What was it like getting the call?

Instead of a call, I got an email. Urban Christian editor Joylynn Jossel said she actually smiled through several pages of the manuscript. Of course, I had to make changes, but the result was worth it.

I’ll bet it was worth it. So what was it like holding your novel in your hands for the first time?

Holding my novel for the first time was like "an out of body experience." I couldn't believe that something with my name on it was actually in the stores.

3. I really enjoyed reading Guilty of Love . It looked at family relationships, friendships, overcoming guilt, searching for salvation, African American history and legacies. The novel is just so rich. It really warrants more than one read and is one for the keeper shelf. What was your inspiration for writing the novel? What was one of your favorite parts?

The truth is I didn't want to write about the subject matter in Guilty of Love , but God urged me. I realized that if I wrote 10 novels, none of them would be successful until I wrote the one God told me. I believe the success of Guilty of Love comes from being obedient. As for favorite parts, how much time do I have? There are so many. I love every scene with Grandma BB--I want to be like her when I grow up. I liked the scenes with the foster child, Kami, who attacks Parke's former girl friends. Imani after the ski trip is funny, on and on. Of course, everyone can't stop talking about Malcolm.

4. I adored Grandma BB too. LOL. She was something else! And I told you to do a follow-up book focusing on Malcolm... Okay, you were also a part of the anthology Love Is Blind and contributed a novella to that anthology. Can you tell us a little bit about that project and how it came about?

I was trying to get published, and I needed an established author to sponsor me. Bestselling author Parry Brown consented. So together with another new author, that anthology was created.

That’s wonderful. What is your favorite length to write the novella or the novel?

I don't know yet.

Can we expect more novellas from you in the future?

I hope so, one author from the anthology, Lisa Watson, and another unpublished author, and I are working on the beginning stages of Love at Work . It is definitely a comedy.

5. That sounds like a winner, can't wait. Do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

Yes, never take "no" for an answer, keep submitting your manuscript, knowing you're one letter away from receiving that "yes." Employ a top-notch editor--that was the best investment in my writing.

Find out more about Pat Simmons here:

http://patsimmons.net

http://blog.patsimmons.net

http://patsimmons.blog.com

Don't forget to come back on Thursday to meet contemporary romance author LaConnie Taylor-Jones.

Debut Authors Week: Meet Sapphire Blue

2007-11-06T00:04:00.000-05:00

Next up we have new erotic romance author Sapphire Blue. I read her novella in the anthology Love For All Seasons and enjoyed it immensely. Now she has a release with Loose ID titled Touch Me, Please Me about a desirable witch. And given how much I love my paranormal elements and my HEAT, I'm pretty sure Sapphire Blue is going to quickly become one of my auto-buy authors. So, it's my pleasure to welcome Sapphire to my blog. Thanks for taking a moment to let us know a little bit more about you and your work.

1. So tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

I am an event planner as well as an author. I spend most of my days, talking with various vendors and potential clients and my nights writing steaming love stories. I’ve been writing for more than fifteen years and love everything romance. I even have a few Westerns on my bookshelf.

I don’t think there’s anything surprising about me. I have a very vivid imagination although my own life may not mimic that.

2. Tell us a little bit about your road to publication. What was it like getting the call? So far you have a novella in an anthology and a new single release anthology with an e-book publisher. What was it like seeing your work in print in such different ways back to back?

The anthology was based on a recommendation so I didn’t get a call for that. Although, I loved writing “Summer Lovin’ “. The next book is an e-book so the call was in the form of an email, but that takes nothing away from the excitement. I was thrilled when Loose ID said they wanted the Desirable series.

Print and e-book publication are really different so I’ve been learning the ropes of both simultaneously. But my book on screen and on sale at the publisher’s website is just as exhilarating as holding the actual book in my hand. Each one fills me with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Tell us a little bit about your new novella, Touch Me, Please Me . What was your inspiration for writing it?

There were a few inspiring factors, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman , because she was a prostitute who could choose to live her life as promiscuously as she wanted and still need to be loved in the end. Charmed , because I am just fascinated with witches. And the movie Mystic Pizza , because I liked the small town.

The Desirable witches are promiscuous and powerful. They are assigned a Vector where they must protect all the innocents in that location from the Phantoms. Sahara Baker does her job very well. Until Cedric Compton, a fantasy novelist shows up at her door. Cedric is doing research for his latest book and is intrigued by the myth of the Desirable witches, until he falls in love with one.

It’s a pretty hot story filled with magic and of course, romance.

4. A little birdie told me that Touch Me, Please Me is the start of a new series. When can we expect more of these Desirable Witches? What else do you have in the works?

That little birdie is correct. The second Desirable story, Make Me is almost finished and will probably be out some time in early spring.

I have a shapeshifter novella being released in November from Ellora’s Cave that I’m pretty excited about. The cover is HOT!!! And I’m working on something for print next year.

5. Oh yes, that cover is HOT! Okay, do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

Keep writing and keep submitting, that’s the only way you’re dream will become a reality.

To find out more about Sapphire Blue visit:

http://www.sapphirestories.com

http://www.myspace.com/sapphirestories

http://sapphirebluenotes.blogspot.com

Don't forget to stop by on Wednesday to meet Christian fiction author Pat Simmons!

Debut Authors Week: Meet Stefanie Worth

2007-11-05T00:20:00.000-05:00

Kicking off Debut Authors Week on Gwyneth’s Blog we have the wonderfully talented author Stefanie Worth. I read her novel Where Souls Collide and just fell in love with the writing. After reading it, I knew that paranormal fiction and romance had a bold new voice. So, it is my pleasure to welcome my soror, Stefanie Worth to my blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know a little bit more about you and your new novel.

1. So tell us a little bit about yourself. In addition to the standard biography, what’s one thing about you that most people would be surprised by?

I’m a rather introspective person. I am quiet, but always thinking, watching, observing – taking notes on life. What I learn from others and from my own experiences contributes to my very strong internal drive. Like Navena, the heroine in Where Souls Collide , I come from a line of strong women. My maternal grandmother went to cosmetology school after her daughters were grown and opened her own beauty salon. My paternal grandmother was widowed with three young children and, even after re-marrying, remained the backbone of her family. My mother integrated her high school in 1956 – talk about courage under fire!

Let me say that I’m blessed with a great dad. He’s instilled in me a very strong spiritual and business sense and really helps me understand the importance of life balance. But it is so wonderful to have trail-blazing women in your family who prove that you can achieve whatever your heart desires. I can’t help but lace that line of thinking through each of my books.

2. Tell us a little bit about your road to publication. What was it like getting the call? Holding your novel in your hands for the first time?

I always wanted to be a writer, which was code for author, but I started out as a journalist in broadcast reporting. I tend to be pretty driven as a person and the fact that a book was languishing in the back of my mind instead of on a hard drive somewhere ate at me for a long time. I kept watching other people get published, wondering when it would “happen” for me. Of course, I knew there was no magic to this process and when I finally made up my mind to write a book, I also made up my mind to publish a book.

The process of writing might have been easier for me than for others because I make my living as a communicator. So writing in an active voice, editing, revisions, meeting deadlines, weren’t an issue for me. I’m actually much better at meeting external deadlines than I am at meeting my own.

If you look at my background and my goals, then, getting The Call was like checking off an item on my things-to-do list: It was thrilling, rewarding and the accomplishment met my personal expectations. But I have to admit, seeing the book on Amazon, on a bookstore shelf, getting reader email – that’s the WOW factor for me. Really, I go to Borders every now and then just to look at it among all the other books.

3. Tell us a little bit about your novel. What was your inspiration for writing it?

Where Souls Collide is a Detroit-based story with a three-pronged plot. There’s Navena’s rekindled relationship with her ex-lover – who’s now her boss. There’s her struggle to deny the psychic legacy the women in her family have passed on to her. And there’s the economic angle that’s so timely in Detroit right now: companies struggling to stay afloat in hard times. While she enduring all these personal challenges, she’s also facing the threat of losing her job.

This story went through so many incarnations that the original inspiration probably no longer applies. It was more a story about a woman on a personal journey. As I grew over the years and chipped away at the story, Navena and her relationships evolved as well.

4. Your debut novel Where Souls Collide is a perfect blend of speculative/paranormal fiction and romance. Can we expect more of these kinds of novels from you in the future? Do you think you will ever write a straight romance or straight sci-fi novel?

One of the things I’ve learned about myself through this journey is that I have to twist everything. I guess I can only write a “straight” story if it’s something for work or a blog, that kind of thing. Otherwise, every story idea I dream up has a supernatural edge. Maybe there was too much Twilight Zone in my younger years.

5. Do you have any advice for other writers dreaming of their own debut?

Be prepared to work VERY hard, make sure you set incremental goals so that you can mark off your achievements as you travel this road, learn to assess criticism, and believe in yourself.

I’d also suggest joining a professional writing organization for support – I belong to local, national and specialty chapters of Romance Writers of America in addition to other specialized writing organizations. And keep growing as a writer: take classes, attend workshops, read books on the craft, subscribe to industry magazines. This is an ever-changing endeavor. Good luck!

View Stefanie’s wonderful book trailer here:

Find out more about Stefanie here:

http://www.stefanieworth.com

http://www.myspace.com/stefanieworth

Be sure to stop by on Tuesday for author Sapphire Blue!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Debut Authors Week on Gwyneth's Blog!

2007-11-05T00:19:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

It’s been over a year since I decided to start a blog devoted to reading and writing African American romance. Since then, I’ve had interviews with one author a month in an effort to highlight the amazing writers in the genre. And I’ve also posted about the amazing stories I’ve read from my fellow authors. This month, I wanted to try something different and highlight more than one author. I thought it would be wonderful to provide a showcase spot for debut authors still basking in the glory of their first novel. So I decided that this November would be the first Debut Authors Week. Each day this week I will introduce you to a new author. The line-up is diverse. So make sure you check each day to meet a new writer and find out more about them and their work.

Here is the line-up:

Monday – Paranormal Romance Author Stefanie Worth
Tuesday – Erotic Romance Author Sapphire Blue
Wednesday – Christian Fiction Author Pat Simmons
Thursday – Contemporary Romance Author LaConnie Taylor-Jones

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

On the Radio... Ohhhhhh... On the Radio...

2007-11-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS Talk Radio with your host DuEwa M. Frazier this Sunday features Novelist, Gwyneth Bolton, author of Sweet Sensation !

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4th, 2007 @ 5pm EST

Gwyneth Bolton will discuss Sweet Sensation , the author's latest novel, as well as her forthcoming projects and events!

LISTEN LIVE! or CALL-IN at (646)716-9474!
Instant message your questions or comments for Gwyneth Bolton on Y! Messenger at dfrazier_show

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

http:www.blogtalkradio.com/duewafraziershow

Great Essay on Ending Violence Against Women from the Brilliant Kevin Powell

2007-11-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
By Kevin Powell

In my recent travels and political and community work and speeches around the country, it became so very obvious that many American males are unaware of the monumental problem of domestic violence in our nation. Since October just ended and was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this seems as good a time as any to address this urgent and overlooked issue. Why is it that so few of us actually think about violence against women and girls, or think that it’s our problem? Why do we go on believing it’s all good, even as our sisters, our mothers, and our daughters suffer and a growing number of us participate in the brutality of berating, beating, or killing our female counterparts?

All you have to do is scan the local newspapers or ask the right questions of your circle of friends, neighbors, or co-workers on a regular basis, and you’ll see and hear similar stories coming up again and again. There’s the horribly tragic case of Megan Williams, a 20-year-old West Virginia woman, who was kidnapped for several days. The woman's captors forced her to eat rat droppings, choked her with a cable cord and stabbed her in the leg while calling her, a Black female, a racial slur, according to criminal complaints. They also poured hot water over her, made her drink from a toilet, and beat and sexually assaulted her during a span of about a week, the documents say. There’s the woman I knew, in Atlanta, Georgia, whose enraged husband pummeled her at home, stalked her at work and, finally, in a fit of fury, stabbed her to death as her six-year-old son watched in horror. There’s the woman from Minnesota, who showed up at a national male conference I organized a few months back with her two sons. She had heard about the conference through the media, and was essentially using the conference as a safe space away from her husband of fifteen years who, she said, savagely assaulted her throughout the entire marriage. The beatings were so bad, she said, both in front of her two boys and when she was alone with her husband that she had come to believe it was just a matter of time before her husband would end her life. She came to the conference out of desperation, because she felt all her pleas for help had fallen on deaf ears. There’s my friend from Brooklyn, New York who knew, even as a little boy, that his father was hurting his mother, but the grim reality of the situation did not hit home for him until, while playing in a courtyard beneath his housing development, he saw his mother thrown from their apartment window by his father. There’s my other friend from Indiana who grew up watching his father viciously kick his mother with his work boots, time and again, all the while angrily proclaiming that he was the man of the house, and that she needed to obey his orders.

Read the complete essay by clicking here. "Ending Violence Against Women and Girls," by Kevin Powell

This Is How We Do The Old To The New...Thursdays

2007-11-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's always about a melody...

Last week's "Old to the New" made me remember the time I was in The Underground Atlanta and a band was playing The Isley Brother's "Between the Sheets." A young man said, "That's hot! They're playing that old school Biggie..." At the time I was too shocked that this youngster considered Biggie old school to be saddened that he didn't even realize that it was The Isley Brothers that the Bad Boy camp sampled... I mean when Puffy said "take hits from the eighties and make 'em sound so crazy..." he ain't neva lied. Anyway, I thought I'd give a little more space to The Notorious BIG and the notorious Mr. Big before he became Mr. Big, Ron Isley. That man has an amazing voice... Is he out of jail yet? Enjoy...

The Isley Brothers “Between the Sheets”

Biggie “Big Poppa”

Da Brat... make that the Dumb Ass

2007-11-01T12:01:00.000-04:00

Will someone please tell these femcees to stop doing dumb ish to go to jail and boost their careers? I mean seriously, Da Brat has taken desperation to a whole 'nother level with this ish. And I'm pissed that I have to take a moment from my writing cave to give my fifty 'leven cents on it. But this trend is just too ridiculous not to comment on. First Lil' Kim went to jail. Then Foxy started losing her mind slapping folks and throwing cell phones trying to get into enough trouble to best Lil' Kim and then Remy decides to shoot someone. And now Da Brat decides she wants to hit a young woman in the face with a bottle of rum. Dumb ass. I'm not even gonna front, next to Remy, Da Brat could probably handle herself in the big house with Big Wilma... But I'm just saying... Why go through all that. You were doing fine trying to bring attention to yourself by being on all those wack reality shows. I loved you on Celebrity Fit Club! And your performance on The Surreal Life? Superb. And I'm not even gonna touch your stellar judging on Celebrity Rap Stars... amazing! (Okay, y'all know I'm lying. I didn't watch Celebrity Fit Club or The Surreal Life... and I'm going no comment on Celebrity Rap Stars...) But that's not the point. The point is that the way to rescue your career from obscurity is not to go around hitting folks with bottles, dumb ass. And if one more female MC does something stupid just to get a rep, I am going to scream. Now I have writing to do...

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Great Posts on Race and Romance

2007-10-29T15:44:00.000-04:00

The discussion about race and romance is starting up again and there have been several great posts on the topic from my sister authors. You can check them out by visiting the links below and share your two cents. I will probably share my fifty 'leven cents when I'm done with this manuscript... But for now, I'm ghost... See you when I get back in the blogesphere.

I Really Wish I Gave A Damn, Adrianne Byrd

Readin Writin Racism Romance, Seressia Glass

A Post on Black White Race Discussions by a Professor

Ch-ch-changes, Black Romance Reader

Check them out and add your voice to the discussion.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth