Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Author Kayla Perrin talks about sex, writing, and OBSESSION

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), we end September with one final juicy taste of our SEX & WRITING discussion as best-selling author Kayla Perrin offers us a glimpse into her latest novel, OBSESSION!




When Sophie Gibson's husband confesses to an affair, she is enraged and devastated. And when her husband suggests that she settle the score by having an affair of her own, Sophie isn't interested. But soon the idea of sex as payback intrigues her, and out on the town she meets Peter. She soon begins an affair with him, but Peter's love turns obsessive. And when Sophie ends their affair, Peter won't take no for an answer. Because if he can't have her, no one can.



So, what does Kayla think about sex and writing? Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read her take, and check out the OBSESSION excerpt!

Also, make sure to check out authors Will Belegon, Rachelle Chase, Lauren Dane, and Zetta Brown on AtBaP, too, as they both offer their thoughts on sex & writing!


ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing:
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Epistolary Writing & Character Building

How can epistolary writing help build character? Check out my latest commentary, "Dear John: Revealing Character in Epistolary Writing" @ http://www.blogginginblack.com. Leave comments!

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Thursday, August 28, 2008

Subscribe to ChickLitGurrl on Writing

What are hot sites for writers? What videos are available that discuss/illustrate the writing craft? What quickie tips could you use to help your writing?

These questions and more are answered at my new mini-blog - ChickLitGurrl on Writing.

Each tip - whether it's a writing tip, a video, a link, or other - is just a short tasty morsel, so you can grab it, use it, and GO.

Check out ChickLitGurrl on Writing @ http://chicklitgurrl.tumblr.com/ and subscribe by clicking the RSS feed on the right hand side!

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Monday, August 04, 2008

CLG interviews Strebor Books Author Shelley Halima

Today, over at ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING, I'm interviewing Shelley Halima, author of BLINDING MIRROR.




Check out an excerpt of the interview!


EXCERPT




CLG: Talk to us about the writing process for BLINDING MIRROR. Was it a fast write? Was it more difficult than your previous two novels? Did the darkness of the material slow the writing process?
SH: Blinding Mirror was definitely a more difficult write than the first two novels. I'm very familiar with the cultures represented in AM and LM but with Blinding Mirror, I had the challenge to writing about some cultures and lifestyles of which I knew nothing of and to do so in a convincing fashion. The darkness of the character Olivia didn't slow the process at all. In fact it was a great spark. Just as some actors find it more appealing and more of a challenge to portray dark characters, I as a writer felt the same way about writing the dark character.


CLG: How has your work in screenwriting and movies influenced your novel writing -- or has it?
SH: Really I think my novel writing influenced the screenwriting. With some great advice from a couple of actors I learned to bring certain subtleties into play in the screenplay. I had to learn to not SAY but to SHOW through actions and imagery as I did in my novel writing.


CLG: You're going on vacation, and you're only allowed to take three books with you -- what are they, and why these three?
SH: It by Stephen King, Jubilee by Margaret Walker and Dark Rivers of the Heart by Dean R. Koontz. These are probably my top books of all time. It because it frightened me so with the improbable, Jubilee because I felt like I was transported back in time and could feel the pain and joy of those who were enslaved and then set free, and Dark Rivers because even though it was fiction it was chilling in its truth in how things are going on right now. All I can say is Patriot Act.



Want to read the rest of the interview? Then head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK)!

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Monday, July 28, 2008

ChickLitGurrl Interviews Strebor Books Author Marsha Jenkins-Sanders

Today, over at ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING, I'm interviewing Marsha Jenkins-Sanders, author of JEALOUSY.




Check out an excerpt of the interview!


EXCERPT




CLG: What themes, topics will readers find between the pages of JEALOUSY?

MJS: Jealousy is a volatile and destructive emotion, if left unchecked. It has been the driving force behind many homicides, abusive relationships, etc. The book can help shine a light on several topics: domestic abuse, child abuse, relationship issues, and insecurity.


CLG: Marsha Jenkins-Sanders: THE SOUNDTRACK! What TWO tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?

MJS: Never would have made it…Marvin Sapp, The Battle is not yours…Yolanda Adams! My life has been a roller coaster ride and my faith has been tested. God has seen me through many battles and brought me out of the “fiery furnace” unscathed. I am a better person because of these challenges, but never would have made it without HIS guidance, mercy, grace and love.


CLG: Who is ONE of your favorite writers, and how does he/she inspire you as a writer?

MJS: I really enjoy Terry McMillan. Her “voice” is so familiar and my life’s circumstances can relate.



Want to read the rest of the interview? Then head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK)!

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Thursday, July 24, 2008

ChickLitGurrl Interviews Urban Christian Author Brittney Holmes

Today, over at ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING, I'm interviewing Brittney Holmes, author of TESTING RELATIONSHIPS.

I am VERY pleased to be interviewing Brittney. In a world where there are so many youth who are not going down the right paths, Brittney Holmes is a walking testament to good parenting, good teaching, and good walk in faith.

Check out an excerpt of the interview!

EXCERPT

CLG: You wrote LIVING CONSEQUENCES at the age of 16; what propelled you at this young age to write a novel?
BH: Actually, I wrote Living Consequences when I was 14 and a freshman in high school. The book was actually published when I was 16. I was divinely inspired to write the book because before I physically sat down before my computer and began typing, I had no preconceived idea to write a book. I had planned on writing a journal for my own personal use and the story turned into something I had no intentions of creating. It was apparent that God had placed the story of Living Consequences in me so that I can share it and its message with the world.

CLG: Brittney Holmes: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?
BH: Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp would definitely make it onto the soundtrack because without God, I wouldn’t be here nor would I be able to get through any of life’s obstacles. Fantasia’s I Believe would also make the cut because it talks about reaching your highest potential and believing in what you can become. And finally, just because it’s my favorite song in the whole world, Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder would probably be on the soundtrack to illustrate my relationship with whatever man God has created for me.

CLG: Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer?
BH: Of course, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, my mother, is one of my favorite writers. She inspires me the most because she took her lifelong passion and favorite pastime and made it into a career that has been more successful than most because she decided to put her faith in God and do what He has called her to do. Victoria Christopher Murray is also a favorite of mine because she is a phenomenal writer and doesn’t mind taking risks in creating her stories and she has taught me that there’s nothing wrong with me doing the same. Jacqueline Thomas and Tia McCollors are also authors who create realistic stories that inspire me to tap deeper into my own creativity when writing.


Want to read the rest of the interview? Then head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK)!

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Monday, July 21, 2008

ChickLitGurrl Interviews Urban Christian Author Sharon Oliver

Today, over at ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING, I'm interviewing Sharon Oliver, author of KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER.




Check out an excerpt of the interview!


EXCERPT





CLG: What have you done or what do you plan to do - as author - to promote KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?

SO: I’ve scheduled book signings, advertised in magazines, mailed and passed out brochures, sent email blasts and participated in online interviews.


CLG: Why do you feel compelled to write fiction that integrates Christian values?

SO: A fellow Urban Christian author summed up Christian fiction and there is one key point I’d like to borrow from her to answer that question. That is, it is a ministry I feel God has given me a heart for. I don’t have a desire to write erotica, horror, etc. So far, I’ve not been given any ideas for writing romance either and romance novels are the norm these days. I’ve always enjoyed mystery/suspense books as well as humorous novels. With that said, I’d like to reach that like-minded audience and add Jesus to the mix. Nothing too heavy, but enlightening, creating and/or keeping a thirst for God.


CLG: Sharon Oliver: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?

SO: FENCEWALK, by a 70’s group named Mandrill just for the old school jam; Richard Smallwood’s, ANTHEM OF PRAISE for the uplifting and setting the tone and Marvin Sapp’s, NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT because…I mean, come on.



Want to read the rest of the interview? Then head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK)!

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Monday, July 14, 2008

ChickLitGurrl Interviews Urban Christian Author Shana Burton

Today over at ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING, I'm interviewing Shana Burton whose novel, SUDDENLY SINGLE, was released through Urban Christian.



Check out an excerpt of the interview!


EXCERPT




CLG: What's your favorite thing about SUDDENLY SINGLE?
SB: I love my two main female characters. Vashti (bless her heart) really makes me feel good about my failed relationships because I know that my love life will never be as tragic as hers. I love reading about characters that I don't have to be jealous of. Monique is great, too. She was really fun to create because she says whatever she feels and has some of the best lines in the book. She is definitely a scene stealer!


CLG: You're going on vacation, and you're only allowed to take three books with you -- what are they?
SB: The Bible, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Native Son


CLG: The main character of SUDDENLY SINGLE, 26-year-old Vashti Hunter is left at the altar and vows to be married within a year. Why do you think women - from young to old - still feel this incompleteness about themselves that only marriage can provide? Or do you think they do?
SB: I think a lot of them do for various reasons. When I was single, I had a son, so I didn't want to be out dating a plethora of guys. I wanted stability for myself and my son, and marriage gave me that. Being the type of person that I am, I don't think I would've felt complete without a family. By the same token, I also have friends who are looking for "financial completeness" and having two incomes provide that. Some want social status, and some are just tired of being alone. Then, of course, there are those who feel "complete" as they are and just see marriage as the icing.



Want to read the rest of the interview? Then head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK)!

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