Where You Been... A Writer’s Journey... Part ONE

I haven’t blogged in a long, long time. From late 2006 until mid 2010, I often blogged as often as daily and had lots to say and people to converse with but first Twitter and later Facebook became my place to converse, interact, talk books and stuff... But today I felt like blogging, talking about books and stuff. I’ve been published for thirteen years now and I’m sure me and others thought I would be long gone. Early on I got local support but online was sketchy. I was in several yahoo groups that were very popular at the time and there were many authors in those groups who became very famous... as such I learned a great day from where I was perched, more by observation than interaction. In early 2007, self publishing was looked upon with disdain, even by those who had themselves started that way. The be all and end all was to get a deal... I was kind of weird in that I never sought a deal, I just wanted to write and gain readers. I was odd. Many thought my writing too literary, thus to them boring. Also, I didn’t have lots of drama between black lovers and egads, was that and is that still a thing. For more than a year I wrote and sold books as best I could by by 2008, I got offline and took it to the road, literally. I attended festivals, went to book clubs, traveled to libraries and a few bookstores. It was hard, exhausting and FULFILLING. I was gaining readers, one small group at a time and I loved it. But by 2009 I was tired and feeling almost defeated. But it never occurred to me to stop writing. By then I had five books in print and they sold in dribbles but they sold. But early in 2009 I was working on my sixth book when someone suggested I print my blog in book form... I was, like, huh? But I trusted the person and figured I had nothing to lose. I took those posts that got the most interactions and a book was born... I was astonished that people actually payed 9.95 for something they could read for free. Hundreds of people... black people, white people, people...

Of course the new input people had was, “Girl, you need to stop with the romance and sexy stuff and concentrate on non fiction, that’s your thing!” I was thinking, why can’t I have myriad things. Ramblings, restored my confidence and I picked up Mrs. Black, a manuscript I had been working on for months with renewed fire. It was book five of a series that readers loved but hadn’t really caught fire. Black’s Obssession, Cinnamon’s Universe, Brown’s Possession had all done okay, especially Cinnamon’s Universe, a book about a woman’s infidelity, but no big sales. And mind you, these were all print books. Ebooks were not a thing yet... at least for me and most writers I knew. But I was off the road and my passion was renewed, so I wrote... this book changed my writing life...

I was advertising with online book groups by this time. Ads were very inexpensive. For less than $25.00 you got a full month on many sites, an interview and even a discussion. It was wonderful and Mrs. Black was the first book that got on the amazon bestsellers lists and generated conversation beyond me promoting or every now and again... someone else. There were cool forums for AA books and I was in there. It was heady because I was starting to find my niche... I was discovering that older women, people who loved positive stories about black people would purchase and read me... whew, I could write nonfiction and fiction. And a funny thing happened, someone reached out and asked if they could publish Mrs. Black... I gave it thought but they told Me Cinnamon would have to be ten years younger, at least (she was fifty and SEXY) also, there would have to be amped up drama because after all black peoples equates drama... I said, thanks but no thanks. That wasn’t of interest to me and... I will always leave money on the table before compromising ME. That will become something I’ll discuss more in the coming days... my saying thanks but no thanks. Next post I will discuss short stories and a brief thing called amazon shorts, that again changed that game for me as an author and entrepreneur willing to take chances. #JustLOVE

Four by Nia Forrester The Commitment Series Finale

Series: Commitment 

Standalone: Yes 

Publication Date: TBA 

Publisher: Stiletto Press 

Genre: Women's Fiction, 

Contemporary Romance 

Four couples, four transitions, four seasons of marriage …   

Grace 

Most couples wouldn’t have weathered one mistake of the kind Shawn made when he and Riley first got married, let alone emerge with a commitment that’s stronger, a beautiful family and a love that’s even deeper. Is there any way their relationship can survive mistake number two? 

Balance 

Whatever Brendan wants, Brendan gets. It’s an arrangement Tracy doesn’t mind, because he provides everything she needs: love, financial security and the comfort of never having to work outside the home. But now, the most important thing she wants, he doesn’t have the time—or maybe even the will—to give. With a relationship built on giving all of herself, is it fair to now ask for a piece back?  

Growth 

Robyn’s career is in a growth-spurt just as Chris’ seems to be at its natural end. No longer empire-building, he’s struggling with his new reality, and the need for a sense of purpose separate from his work. His wife seems way too busy to notice. That is, until someone else does.    

Renewal 

Once a mistress, now just a suburban wife and working mother, Keisha doesn’t recognize herself most days. The problem is, Jayson doesn’t either. If he’s reading her right, she wants out. And unless she’s mistaken, he might not mind too much if she decided to go.   

The ‘Commitment’ series finale. 

ENTER TO WIN

ABOUT NIA FORRESTER

Nia Forrester lives and writes in Philadelphia, PA where, by day, she is an attorney working on public policy and by night, she crafts woman-centered fiction that examines the complexities of life, love and the human condition. She welcomes feedback and email from her readers at authorniaforrester@gmail.com or tweets @NiaForrester.   

AUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON

21 SECRETS UNCOVERED TOUR - Shelia Goss



“21” Secrets Uncovered by Shelia M. Goss

 

 

In honor of her 21st book being released today, Shelia decided to reveal 21 secrets or things you may not know about her.

 

1. When I was a teenager, me and one of my best friends had aspirations on being the next  rapping duo like Salt N Pepa.

2. When in high school, me and one of my best friends performed a Mary Jane Girls song in a talent show.

3. Me and my best friend once snuck into an LL Cool J after party by pretending to be the relatives of someone attending the party.

4. I've always wanted my own radio show, "Quiet Storm with Oh Shelia."

5.. I once wrote for a few confessional magazines.

6. I used to have a crush on actor Don Johnson. I've watched every Miami Vice & Nash Bridges episode.

7.  My bank account is like a roller coaster...it goes up and down and sometimes it flatlines.

 

To see Shelia’s full 21 secrets uncovered list, please visit: http://sheliagoss.com/2015/06/16/secrets-uncovered-by-shelia-m-goss-release-day-book-21/

 

ABOUT SECRETS UNCOVERED

 

A hot one-night stand could lead to a once-in-a-lifetime chance at love. 

As the producer of one of TV’s highest-rated shows, Kem Phillips has a knack for creating the perfect leading man. But love in real life? No thanks. She has no interest in repeating her mother’s mistakes.

Thank goodness the star of her newest project is discreet. No one knows about the one-night stand they indulged in at her best friend’s wedding. He’s also a gentleman who always seems to be there when she’s in a jam.

Brent McKenzie has had his share of memorable moments, but that night with Kem is as fresh and hot in his mind as if it was yesterday. He’d love to be the man who comes to her rescue in all possible ways—if she’d let him.

When an emergency call sends Kem racing home to Louisiana, she goes against her better judgment and accepts Brent’s offer to go with her. Yet as everything she thought was true about her past crumbles, is his emotional support something solid to lean on…or a crutch she dare not trust?

Secrets Uncovered is available online. Order your copy directly from the publisher https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5470/secrets-uncovered

 

or purchase from other online retailers such as: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Uncovered-Women-Hollywood-Shelia-ebook/dp/B00YE2032U/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433962151&sr=1-3&pebp=1433962155857&perid=BEB5DDBC4BEA40628E0D

 

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-uncovered-shelia-m-goss/1122017812?ean=9781619227392

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Shelia M. Goss is a screenwriter and national bestselling author of twenty-one books. Secrets Uncovered is her twenty-first book in print. She writes in multiple genres.  She's received many accolades in her career, including being nominated for a 2015 AAMBC Literary Awards in the Romance Author of the Year category.  USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…” Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow

her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter @sheliamgoss.



Maybe Baby and Maybe Tonight by Kimberly Golden

“Copenhagen Cryo.”
“What?” Long lines of sweat trailed down my face and neck.
“The clinic Uma uses for super sperm.” Eddy was still jogging in place, waiting for me to catch my breath.
“I wish you wouldn’t call it that.” I gasped and used my already damp sleeve to wipe my face.
Eddy bumped my sweaty shoulder with hers and grinned. “You have to admit—it must be pretty good sperm if she’s gone back so many times.”
“Yeah, well you’ve got a point there.”
“Proof is in the pudding.” She loosened her armband and slid her iPhone from the sleeve. She tapped the screen a few times and then handed her phone to me. “Check him out.”
The face staring back at me was ruggedly handsome, with the square jaw and cheekbones of a young Viggo Mortensen. His lips were full and generous, curled into a knowing smile. He was looking directly into the camera, and there was something almost too candid in his pale blue eyes, like he knew what you were thinking and was game for whatever you suggested.
“Wow,” was the only word I could breathe out. I swallowed hard and quickly handed Eddy’s phone back to her.
“Wow, indeed,” Eddy said and laughed lightly. “Uma says he’s worth every penny she pays. Well, you’ve seen her kids. They’re gorgeous.”
“And she found him in Copenhagen?”
Eddy nodded. “He’s one of the donors at Copenhagen Cryo.”
I shook my head in wonder. No wonder Uma kept going back for more. Sure there was nothing sexual going on between them, but there must have been some spark that made her decide he was the right donor for her.

Looking to purchase it now? Click on the purchase links to check out more!

Maybe Baby/Maybe Tonight

The Reeducation of Aria Jackson

Butterflies filled Aria's stomach as she strolled into the Chamber of Commerce meeting. She was thrilled she had been chosen to attend to represent her bank. She wanted to be known as a serious financier and being the delegate from the bank would lead in that direction, she hoped. She had dressed carefully in a fitted grey suit and shoes in a darker smoke color. 

Saul saw her when she strolled in with her head held high and her curly hair restrained in a nice chignon. He smiled at the serious look on her face as she made her way to a table near the front. 

'She needs to relax and enjoy her blessings.' He thought. 'She is wound so tight, trying to impress people who could care less.' They sat through several speakers before he was called to speak. Her head jerked at the mention of his name. She took in his black jeans and beautiful white shirt. 

"Hello members. I am thrilled to introduce someone you all have heard of and will hear more from. Ladies and gentleman, here is Saul Rathbone, the founder of Let's Own Ours." Marly Waverley, the chamber president simpered, making a point of touching his arm. She flipped her blonde tresses as she left the stage. 

"Good morning, I won't take much of your time; I simply want to thank those who invested in my dream. Due to your largesse we will be able to open a new center for after school activities near the homes I own and for that I'm grateful and more than stoked. Also, I would like to recognize Aria Jackson, Bank of Central Florida's newest branch manager. Let's support our own. Please stand Aria." She stood, doing a little wave. The audience applauded loudly as he strode from the stage. 

There were several other speakers before the session ended. Saul was waiting for her near the entrance. He was smiling and she wanted to slap the smug look from his face. 

"Big leagues baby..." He said. 

"Saul, you take too much on yourself." Mock shock covered Saul's face. 

"What did I do now Aria? I know how important being recognized is and I introduced you. I didn't say you were from the bottom or anything."

"Everything is a joke with you Saul." Moving closer to her, he lowered his voice. 

TEARDROPS KNOW MY NAME by DALIA FLOREA

Excerpt:
She regarded him silently for a moment, gazing into his dark brown eyes and watching a smile curve his lips. “I think that it would be. You don’t know me very well. I’ve had too many heartbreaks, and I’m in a vulnerable state right now where I may be incapable of making good choices. I don’t ever want to end up where I am right now—in this same place—again. For God’s sake, my last boyfriend was married, and I had absolutely no idea. How could I not have known? Other people were able to see the red flags, but I didn’t see a thing.”
“I hear what you’re saying, and I understand, but you can’t live the rest of your life that way. You can’t shield yourself from getting to know someone and never open yourself up to love again because of your past relationships.” He sipped water from the glass in front of him. His eyes were fixed on hers.
He stood and came around to her side of the booth, sat next to her, and reached for her hand, taking it into his and intertwining their fingers. He slowly lifted her hand to his mouth and gently pressed his lips to the back of it. Feeling his warm breath against the skin of her hand made her tremble. “I promise you that if you give me a chance, you won’t need to worry about anything. You will see no red flags when it comes to me. I have no secrets and no hidden agenda,” he said softly, lips brushing against her hand again. He lifted his eyes, looking her straight in the face.
Damn. He’s making this difficult. She couldn’t think clearly. Her senses had been heightened by his sensual touch, his silky smooth dark skin, and his masculine musk mixed with the spicy cologne he wore. She had to stop herself from being drawn in by this magnetic force that threatened to take her over mentally and physically.
He tipped her head up with his finger and lowered his mouth onto hers, brushing his lips against hers, teasing her, barely touching them at first. Then he whispered against her lips, “Please give me”— soft kiss—“a chance.”

Linda had to admit that she wanted Sean. There was something about him that stirred her soul. But was she willing to throw caution to the wind as she had done in the past? When she thought about it, she had always jumped from one relationship to another without giving herself a break in between. Maybe that was the problem. Was she codependent? Did she need to be in a relationship in order to feel whole? She needed some distance from Sean to find out more about who she was and what she wanted for herself in life.

It took every bit of her self-control and willpower to pull away from his kiss. She breathed in deeply. She knew she needed to say what she didn’t want to say. She mentally prepared herself to resist what she knew would be another attempt from him to pursue the idea of them being in a relationship. She slid a few inches away from him in an effort to prevent any further temptation, and she watched his shoulders droop.

Buy Link:
Available for Preorder Now! Releases March 27, 2015
http://www.amazon.com/Teardrops-Know-Name-Dalia-Florea-ebook/dp/B00TWQJGQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425425389&sr=1-1&keywords=dalia+florea

Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C.  Her debut Mirrored reached the Top 100 Bestseller’s list in Women’s Detective Fiction.  She is a voracious reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery, suspense, and romance.  When she isn’t crafting suspense romance, she enjoys reading, attending live music concerts, and visiting wineries. 

Visit her at www.daliafloreabooks.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author/411778885621667?ref=hl

Twitter @DaliaFlorea

Pinterest Dalia Florea

Love's Remnant by Regena Bryant Coming October 13th

Blurb

  

When Avery Thomas inherits D Allen Designs she must piece together the tattered shreds of her life after the death of her best friend. Now she’s mending broken family relationships, cutting through financial difficulties, and fabricating a new romantic relationship.

As the attorney for D Allen Designs, Tyler Anderson is fully aware of the challenges Avery faces and he’s in awe of her resilience. For Avery, he’s bent the law and compromised his prayers for a wife. After wanting her for so long, she’s finally his. But, he can’t continue living on this side of the seam.

Can they weave the remnants of life and love together? Or will their chance at love end up on the cutting room floor?

My Author Bio:

 Regena Bryant is the author of three contemporary women’s fiction novels: Except on Sunday, Believe In Me and Love’s Remnant.

In 2004 Regena Bryant made a pact with her nephew, “…if you give me a college degree, I’ll write a book.”
Regena lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two sons. Her nephew’s college diploma graces the mantle.
Regena’s novels explore the complex simplicity of falling in love—in these complicated times.
Regena enjoys reading, poetry, and gospel and jazz music. Regena was nominated for an Emma Award in 2011 for Debut Author of the Year. In 2012 Regena was the recipient of the SORMAG Award for Debut Author of the Year. Visit her at www.RegenaBryant.com

Contact Info:

Website: www.RegenaBryant.com

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regena-Bryant/146232338799886

Twitter:
Twitter:@Regena_Bryant

Goodreads:www.goodreads.com/RegenaBryant

Enjoy a FREE Subscription of SORMAG Digital

http://mad.ly/signups/99762/ join

On open fences and jailed dogs: The future of publishing

Near my home, there is a house that’s still under construction.  Although it has no fence yet, it does have a door at the garden’s edge, standing alone in the middle of the road, like a white version of Clarke’s monolith.  As I passed by earlier today, I chuckled at the sight of a dog standing inside the fenceless garden, right behind the closed door, waiting for someone to open it so he can go out for a walk.

At that moment, I remembered Jessica Park’s fascinating article on self-publishing, and it occurred to me that this is exactly what’s happening with the publishing industry.  Writers and authors are still courting agents and publishers, who have acted like gatekeepers for centuries.  And yet, they ignore the simple fact that the gates  are no longer surrounded by fences.

It used to be that publishers were the only way to ensure a book’s mass distribution; having their backing was the only way to reach an audience. Nowadays, however, there’s Amazon, Lulu, Createspace and so many more; the possibilities for self-published authors are endless.  So, why don’t more people self-publish?

One of the reasons is that it may seem like self-publishing is an admission of defeat.  Writers are a notoriously insecure lot, so we need someone’s stamp of approval on our work, to validate it and reassure us that our work matters.  That we matter.

I recently witnessed the following dialogue in a LinkedIn group, to my great surprise:

“…if I was unable to engage with and be published by a traditional publishing company who I also admired for their taste, skills, book jacket designs, other authors' books and so on, then I'd rather remain unpublished because for me it's only when a publisher like that thinks I'm worth investing in, that I feel I've done my real job as a writer.”

Another author then agreed:  “Having my work accepted by a traditional publisher serves as a validation of its quality and marketability.”

But the public doesn’t care about that.  It cares about our work.  And if our work is any good, if we can built a community and talk with people in an honest and personal way, we can reach them; introduce our work to them; make them care about our characters, stories and books.

So, what’s going to happen to publishers and agents?  In a way, the industry is going through the same transformation the music industry went through a few years ago.  At first, music companies fought the internet, mortified of its massive reach.  Wishing to control every aspect, from production to promotion to distribution, they almost ended up losing everything.  Artists started publishing their music online, even for free.  CD sales plummeted, downloads sky-rocketed.  It was only when the industry embraced the change instead of fighting it that things turned around.  Nowadays, the internet is a nice earner for music companies, while allowing people to legally download the music they like, unconstrained by the producers’ opinions.

This, however, has made finding good music harder.  If one hears the same 100 songs on the radio, it’s easy enough to know which ones they like; but if they have to choose between millions of them, people quickly become overwhelmed by the variety.  So, music labels increasingly act as media companies, promoting bands and artists through their networks.

I suspect the same will happen with the publishing industry in the near future.  Right now, it has fractured into many complimentary services.  My mailbox is filled with companies offering to help me distribute my work; promote it; and prepare it for distribution.  What used to be a single publisher’s job has now been torn into many competing elements.

I for one am very excited about this, because it empowers everyone involved: readers get more choice, while authors are free to experiment with different genres and break the rules.  It is only those publishers who cling to the old ways of thinking that need worry about it.  In Tolkien’s words, “the only people who inveigh against escape are jailers.”

And, it seems, baffled dogs behind non-existent fences.

Photo found on Pinterest

Pearseus, Year 18: The Schism (Book 1): www.amazon.com/dp/B00FXOJQA8/
Pearseus, Rise of the Prince (Book 2): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FYRKLPI
The Power of Six: Science Fiction Short Stories: www.amazon.com/dp/B00K57JTAA/

When Ice Melts by Altonya Washington

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSSAXMM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=08SN40CQPAMAXQEFHYXM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

Icia Graham’s love affair with Rakim Transou had the makings of a fairy tale romance with the happily ever after ending, until the night of Rakim’s college graduation party. For Icia, it was the night her life was forever changed. So desperate to escape the horrific memories she’d suddenly been saddled with, Icia left school and the man she loved.
The years passed and; in that time, both Rakim and Icia reached goals that carried them to the heights of success. For Rakim it was a powerful advertising agency that brought him a respected and revered name in the business. Icia’s accomplishment was a bit darker, but no less revered and she had no desire to revisit the past and be tortured by thoughts of love lost with the only man she’d ever wanted.
A series of events however, would bring Icia right back to where she swore she’d never return. Once more Rakim Transou was back in her life and she was simultaneously overjoyed and distraught. How could she start anew with the man who still meant everything to her, when there were so many secrets between them? When the need for vengeance on those; who were still very much a part of Rakim’s life, still raged so viciously inside her?

THE CONSTANT TOWER BY CAROLE MCDONNELL

The Constant Tower by Carole McDonnell

Genre: Fantasy

Description
Sickly fifteen year old Prince Psal, the son of the nature-blessed warrior-king Nahas, should have been named Crown Prince of all Wheel Clan lands. A priest-physician like his friend Ephan, Psal lacks a warrior’s heart, yet he desires to earn Nahas’s respect and become a clan chief. If he cannot do this, he must escape his clan altogether. But his love for Cassia, the daughter of his father’s enemy, and his own weaknesses work against him. When war comes, Psal defends Ktwala and her daughter Mahari, wronged by Nahas, and speaks out against the atrocities his clan commits, further jeopardizing his future. And now the mysterious towers that keep humans safe from the Creator’s ancient curse are rebelling. A prophecy exists—not that Psal believes such matters—of three great ones who will find the Constant Tower and break the power of the third moon. Could Psal, Ephan, and Mahari be those great ones? Psal must risk losing his father’s respect to find his destiny, and with his friends face the dangers of the unmaking night to find the Constant Tower and save all of humanity.

What others are saying
“Carole McDonnell is a first-class world-builder. A unique, powerhouse epic, The Constant Towers is a treasure trove of great characters, compelling cultural details and political machinations, all lovingly detailed in evocative prose. Yay!”—Stefan Petrucha, author Dead Mann Walking
“I think this may be an important book. This certainly a well-written book, full of detail and observation and metaphor.…I had sympathy for four or five of the characters in this long book filled with thousands of people. I had empathy for absolutely none. I hated the evil society depicted and I disliked most of the characters. Their thinking was so orthogonal to mine that it hurt to try to understand the characters.…Part of what reading novels are supposed to do for us is help us understand how others think and gain more supple minds. I flunked this lesson.…my tribe also strongly believes that there are certain things you DO NOT talk about in public. I squirmed through the sex scenes.…you may be wondering why I gave this book five stars when there was so much in it I disliked. I gave it five stars because it is a great book.…It’s possible that if I would just admit that I’m as big a sinner as the sinners in this book, that the core of the book would crack open for me and the Constant Tower would welcome me and heal me.”—Lelia Rose Foreman, Amazon review

Learn more
Excerpt at Amazon
Interview
Review

Obtain a copy
Wildside Press
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Request a copy at a bookstore near you or ask your local library to order a copy. (ISBN-13: 978-1434442062)

Other formats
Kindle
Nook

BRUCE A. BORDERS SPOTLIGHT! MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE...

RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR, Bruce A. Borders was born in 1967 in Cape Girardeau, MO. Bruce’s childhood years were spent in a number of states, including Missouri, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
During his high school years, he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams, involved in various non-athletic activities such as school yearbook production and photography, and won numerous awards for his artistic creations. Bruce graduated Valedictorian in 1984.
While in school, Bruce held three part-time jobs; a store clerk, a janitor, and a dental technician, working about 60-70 hours per week. After graduation, he became employed full time as a dental technician. Other jobs have included restaurant manager, carpenter, and grocery store cashier. For the past sixteen years, he has worked as a commercial truck driver, logging more than two million miles.
At the age of fifteen, Bruce decided to become a writer. He began by writing songs, news articles, and short stories. Eventually, books were added to the list. Over the years, he continued to write and currently has a catalog of more than 500 songs, numerous short stories and over a dozen completed books. He writes on a variety of subjects such as fictional novels of legal issues and westerns. Titles include: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, Miscarriage Of Justice, The Journey, and in The Wynn Garrett Series - Mistaken Identity, Holy Terror, Remote Control, Judicial Review, Even Odds, and Safety Hazard.

 

Excerpt from Miscarriage Of Justice

 

Pulling up to her office, parking outside on the street as lately she'd begun to do, Mariana quickly forgot her woes. Engrossed in her work, she didn't notice the phone ringing until her secretary said, “That's your line.”

Without having time to consider whether or not it would be Ethan, she answered. After a brief pause, she almost hung up. Then she heard Jessi’s familiar voice.

“What are you up to?”

“Working,” Mariana said sharply. Then realizing she’d snapped at her friend, she said in a softer tone. “Some of us have to do that you know.”

“Hey, I work,” Jessi insisted.

“Yeah, right. Does your job now consist of calling your friends?”

“Not really,” Jessi answered. “Only the ones I'm worried about, which at the moment is just you.”

“Why are you worried about me?” Mariana asked innocently.

“Because I haven't heard from you since I was down there, and as I recall, you had a certain lunatic trying to kill you.” Jessi retorted.

“I'm fine,” Mariana told her. “As you can see, or hear actually, I’m very much alive.”

“Has Ethan called anymore?” Jessi pressed. “Or come to visit?”

“Um…” Mariana hesitated, uncomfortable discussing the issue in the office setting. Glancing around nervously she said, “I’ll call you back.”

As the rest of the day dragged on, she nervously chewed her lip and found herself staring out the window, dreading the conversation she knew would be coming with Jessi. Her friend was pretty good at getting information out of people, while she herself was woefully incapable of not blabbing while being pressured by a friendly interrogator, especially Jessi.

She decided not to mention Ethan’s visit while she'd been in the shower, or his other activity, and even though it had been her friend’s idea, she wasn't about to bring up Frankie Arimante and the deal they’d struck.

Leaving work early, at two minutes past four, she dialed Jessi’s number on her way home in the car. “Don't say anything,” she reminded herself as the phone rang.

As if she’d been sitting by the phone, waiting for it to ring, Jessi answered immediately. “Start talking,” the impatient nurse demanded. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” Mariana responded evasively.

“Uh-uh. Something is going on. The way you shut right up when I mentioned Ethan today.”

“I just didn't want to talk about the subject in front of everyone at the office,” Mariana insisted.

“It's more than that. This is Jessi, remember? I know you. I can hear it in your voice that something isn’t right.”

“Honest,” Mariana continued her charade. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Has Ethan called?”

“Well, yeah, he has. But only a couple of times. That's nothing new.”

“Has he been back to your house?”

Mariana bit her lip. “No.” she said.

“You're lying,” Jessi accused. “I can tell.”

“Okay. He’s been there, but...”

“You're going to have to do something about this sooner or later,” Jessi warned. “You know that, right?”

“Hm, maybe,” Mariana avoided the question. Then projecting her usual optimism she said, “It's no big deal. I can handle it.”

“Until he kills you!”

“Look,” Mariana said. “You don't need to worry about me. In a few days it’ll all be over.” Instantly, she kicked herself. This is what she'd been afraid would happen. She hadn’t meant to say it; the words had just sort of slipped out. A subconscious effort to quell the grilling from Jessi, she supposed.

“And how do you know that?”

Sighing Mariana said, “I just know.”

“Okay. Now you’ve got me worried,” Jessi breathed. “What did you do?”

“What makes you think I did anything?” Mariana protested.

“You wouldn't be so confident this would be over in a few days unless you knew something,” Jessi pointed out.

“All you need to know,” Mariana said, “is that it’ll all be over soon.”

“Why do I have to drag every bit of information out of you?” Jessi lamented. “I am your friend, you know. And you can trust me.”

Mariana took another deep breath. This is exactly what she’d wanted to avoid. She should've known better. She did know better. Yet, for some reason she’d tried to buffalo her friend anyway. “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I'll tell you. I hired a guy to get rid of him.” The words came in a rush, like she found them distasteful and wanted to get it over with.

“Get rid of him?” Jessi sounded suspicious. “How?”

“You know, just get rid of him.”

“Permanently? As in dead?”

“Yes.”

“You hired a hit man?” Jessi was incredulous. “What were you thinking?”

“It was your idea,” Mariana reminded her.

“I was joking.” Jessi said in dismay. “I didn't expect you  to actually do it.”

“You also said I was going to have to do something sooner or later. Well, I did.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant. What happens when you get caught?”

“I don't plan on being caught,” said Mariana dryly.

 

 

Thank you Rave Reviews Book Club for voting me this week’s Spotlight Author! And, a huge thanks to all the members who agreed to host me on their site!

 

Bruce A. Borders

Miscarriage Of Justice

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/1624070639

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miscarriage-of-justice-bruce-a-borders/1111648967

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/156958

Sony http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/bruce-a-borders/miscarriage-of-justice/_/R-400000000000000717099

iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/book/id543047448?mt=11

Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Miscarriage-Of-Justice/book-KcHcGhmTgESAXmnO9tUK4Q/page1.html?s=SxowIrFdQkGHRsi0UUar0g&r=2

 

Connect with Bruce:

@BruceABorders

http://www.facebook.com/BruceABordersBooks

http://bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752197.Bruce_A_Borders

 

THE SECRETS THEY KEPT by Charmaine Galloway

Title: The Secrets They Kept

Book release date is 2/8/14 and will be available in paperback, Nook and Kindle

This is book 2 of the 2 book series the first book is called Girlfriends Secrets

 

Synopsis

It is often said that what a person doesn't know can’t hurt them, but in the case of Brittany, Tyra, and Alisha, what they didn't know not only hurt, for one of them, it killed.

From destroyed marriages and surprise identities to lethal love affairs and drug addictions, the secrets kept from, and by, these women set in motion a chain of events that ripped their worlds apart, threatened to destroy their friendships, and made it impossible for any of them to ever trust again.

Charmaine Galloway was born and currently resides in Toledo, Ohio with her two children. Writing has been her passion and a positive emotional outlet since middle school. As a teen, writing in her journal allowed her to escape from the negativity of her world. Around that time she also began writing her debut poetry book. 

Charmaine has a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree. 

Charmaine has been a guest on many Blog Talk Radio shows and a featured author in SORMAG’s Digital, Urban Image BlaqRayn, and Literary Lounge magazines. She is also the administrator of Writers with Style, a Toledo local author group on Facebook.

Titles by Charmaine includes: My World, Through My Eyes, a poetry book. Girlfriends Secrets and Golden are both Amazon Bestselling novels. Heaven’s Cry: a short story. Girl Talk: a poetry book for teen girls. I love Myself As I Am: a children’s book.

Ms. Galloway is passionate about writing reality based stories about imperfect people. “As a new author I think it is very important that my readers get to know me. I'm a writer with Christian values and I hope to inspire people with the stories that I pen. My characters are everyday people going through struggles and obstacles because life is not perfect. Every story does not have a “happily ever after” ending and neither does real life.”
Charmaine hopes to enlighten, inspire and touch the hearts of her readers. She is currently working on new projects, so keep a look out for her upcoming releases. www.charmainegalloway.com 

 

Amazon author page (purchase link for all books)http://www.amazon.com/Charmaine-Galloway/e/B00C3URE2C/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
 

THE JONESES BLOG TOUR _ Shelia M. Goss

BLURB AND EXCERPT

BLURB

 

Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.

On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control. 

 

EXCERPT

 

Avoiding Lexi hadn't been easy, and it seemed that it was all for naught. I heard her coming long before she made it to my office. I looked up toward the door awaiting her entrance.

 

Lexi stormed in my office enraged. "Royce, you can run, but you can't hide. You caused this problem and you're going to fix it. Now tell me how you plan on doing it, so I can deal with other things."

 

Lexi plopped down in front of my desk.

 

"Hello to you, too, my beautiful wife."

 

"Save the pleasantries for your customers." Lexi held her hand in the air and then looked around. "Snap! There are no customers."

 

"Calm down. If there were some, you would run them off with that mouth of yours."

 

"Calm? How can I be calm when according to you, we're going broke?"

 

Order your copy of THE JONESES from Simon & Schuster (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Joneses/Shelia-M-Goss/9781593095222) or purchase from other online retailers such as: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593095228/simonsayscom

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-joneses-sheila-m-goss/1115884720?ean=9781593095222

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781593095222

 

Available in stores everywhere on February 18, 2014.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelia M. Goss is a national bestselling author and a screenwriter. The Joneses is her seventeenth book in print. She writes in multiple genres. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.

 

 

 

THE JONESES GIVEAWAY

 

Lexi Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag.  Contest ends on February 25, 2014.

 

GRAND PRIZE:

One (1) random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and Bath & Body Works minatures (Retail value: $19.75)

 

RUNNER UP:

One (1) random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.

 

10 ENTRANTS:

Ten (10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.

 

Open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Avoid where prohibited by law.

 

To enter please use the rafflecopter form below.

 

Copy and paste code below for rafflecopter into your blog:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway