Ironically, that is one of my favorite phrases from the Bible. The Book also features one of my favorite characters in the Bible—John the Baptist. John is weird. Additionally, John is unapologetic. Regardless of how challenging it may be to understand and/or accept the context in which they lived during the time the book was supposedly written, it is not difficult to understand what it is to be labeled (especially when it is “other”). Nor is it difficult to understand what it means to believe in something so whole-heartedly that one will risk being labeled, risk being ostracized, risk being alone.
I am not insinuating that either The Jeanie or I have lives anything like the biblical John. I am saying however that if I’d been the one who baptized Jesus there would be some t-shirts and such proclaiming that. But I digress.
When we first went solo (as authors) it was due to our experiences with a particular publisher. While we are quite different in temperament, neither of us likes it when we are not treated decently. We might’ve both been born at night, but it wasn’t last night. We might both rock spectacles, but we can both spot shenanigans. Instead of raising a ruckus, we raised possibilities with each other. “What if we just left? And then a moment later, we decided, “Let’s just go.” We didn't have a particular destination in mind, but we left the plantation regardless.
Our readers on the Jeanie and Jayha boards were fab. They scoured the internet for options for two authors who wrote in niche markets, who raised too many “whys”, voiced too many “why nots” and not only didn't sit at the cool table, but didn't care that we didn't sit at the cool table. One day, Alcira (one of our readers) found Lulu for us and we were off and running. Okay, maybe not running per se, but walking real swift like.
Authors who enjoyed the art of writing, we had plenty of tales but no editor. All we had was spell check and friends who loved us enough to pour over our manuscripts looking for errors. While all of us are talented in various areas, none of us are editors. We had hot stories but no cover art. Those days we used the default cover (plain brown wrapper) at Lulu. We lamented having no covers but we hoped our followers would be swayed by our prose rather than dismayed at the lack of a cover. Ah, but while we knew all the things we didn’t have, we forgot about everything that we did have: friends.
Author Shara Azod took her OWN money and precious time and not only made us covers, but took the time to ask us what we WANTED on a cover instead of simply giving us a cover that she had. If you have ever bought stock photos, you know that photos don’t come cheap. When our pride caused us to protest, she cussed us out. Author Camille Anthony offered to proof our books for free so we wouldn't go out there all exposed. As she put it, ‘putting a book out without editing is akin to wearing a dress outside without drawers...you know it's just a matter of time before a big gust of wind comes along and blows up your dress and exposes you.' Our friends bought our books and forgave us our bad editing and non-existent proofing. Our readers took their time and talked us up to any and every one who would listen. “Hey, have you read that new J and J joint?” was the saying on our boards. Some unknown reader told Rhonda Scales (badazz librarian extraordinaire) about us and she invited us to come speak at the Malloy Jordan East Winston Heritage Center.
When we got this crazy dream about starting our own publishing company, all of those same people supported us. It wasn't the editing or the proofing or the cover art...it was the passion in our stories that they held onto even with the mistakes.
While we enjoyed writing, and wanted to be publishers, first there must be books. When we confided in our friends, they circled the wagons. Our Posse took a chance and wrote for us (Shara Azod, Dréa Riley, Laura Guevara, RaeLynn Blue, and them) when all we had was a freaking dream. We didn’t even have our own website, we simply had a storefront on the Lulu website. These authors had EVERYTHING to lose. They'd already written books. They already had reader bases. They didn't need Beautiful Trouble Publishing but Beautiful Trouble Publishing sure enough needed them.
The former owner of Wicked Women Press offered us her contracts (which are copyrighted as attorneys generally write them meaning you also have to pay your attorney) so we wouldn’t have to start from scratch. Author Savannah J. Frierson edited for us and gave us a STEEP discount. Jim and Zetta spent A LOT of their limited time answering our MANY questions and worked with us to come up with a package that would work for both of us.
Jeanie and I wrote for two years to save for our own website. The web guys at Ed Kemp and Associates launched our website (on Mardi Gras of all days) even though we hadn't finished paying them. "We know you're good for it they told us." And we were because we had so many readers out there buying our books.
While we hoped to be the best publisher ever, we had so much to learn (and still do). We learned that even the best editor needed a proofreader. We learned that there was nothing stagnant about the publishing business. We learned that even a good contract could be made better. We learned that we would take a good story riddled with errors (as long as the author was willing to work) over a beautifully-edited story that had no passion. We also learned that people take sides.
I have been closed mouth about many things, not because I don't care but because saying something would make me seem like a complainer. It seemed that we had (and still have) an awful lot of haters. Authors stopped speaking to us. Certain individuals in the publishing industry blackballed us. Other publishing houses have written us emails explaining how things we do look bad and thus serve to make the entire epublishing industry look bad. For real? You say that to us and yet you KNOW of publishers out there who don’t pay their authors and staff but you’re all in our face. We’ve even had publishers email us to point out a typo. Again, there are publishers with posted excerpts riddled with errors but no one says anything because no one wants to get into it with that particular publisher. We’ve even had a porn star tell us off via email and end with a P.S. letting us know her breasts were real.
Each day, it seems that the definition of what constitutes a publisher changes. One of the newer tweaks in the definition involved the percentage of books written by the owners. We were told in so many words that we were simply a thinly-veiled vanity press because such a large percentage of the books on the website were books that we authored. There was a reason for that: authors are reluctant to test the waters of a new and unproven publisher.
Each day, we invited authors to write for us and received a bunch of 'thank you but no thanks.’ While we expected that from veteran authors, many of the authors we asked were out there writing for free. They were interested in finding a publisher; however, they let it be known that they did not consider us a real publisher. It was in their rights to decline our invitation. However, I personally wondered how it was they thought so highly of publishers who by numerous accounts do not pay their authors, editors, cover artists, etc.
Sometimes, we did not ask authors to write for us; we simply asked them to do an interview for our newsletter. We interview authors from various houses because in addition to being publishers and authors, we are first and foremost readers. Both Jeanie and I enjoy a finely-woven tale.
Many of invitations were met with queries along the lines of ‘show me what you have.’ When we asked individuals to do an interview for our newsletter, many held back until after they saw our newsletter. When they saw our newsletter it was as if they were surprised we had a “real” newsletter.
Individuals let us know in myriad ways that just because we had a website and a few books didn’t make us a publisher. Even as our catalog grew, doubts were raised. People questioned our authors even as they tried to woo them. Variations of “Why would you waste your time with Beautiful Trouble Publishing?” echoed all over the place. Even reviewers write reviews stating that the author probably needs another publisher.
Some authors have complained about us. We are too demanding. Yes, we are but it says that on our website. We want things our way. Um yeah, because it is OUR spot. I don’t understand why it is so wrong for us to want things our way, when other publishers also want things their way. It must be because we’re new. How dare we have expectations? We have had authors straight out tell us what they weren’t going to do in editing (and we let them go). We have had authors fight us every step of the way in the drafting, editing and proofing process. We will not apologize for rejecting SOPPING WET F*CKHOLE as a descriptor for a vagina. We will not apologize for rejecting manuscripts that don’t meet our expectations. We will not apologize for demanding the best an author has. But therein lies the issue: we won’t apologize, we won’t approach this business with a ‘hat in hand’ mentality, we won’t simply accept everything just to say we have books.
And people hate us for that. Fine. Hate us. Send your homies to amazon and other third party websites to write bad reviews for the books we publish. But can you at least tell them to read the book BEFORE they post such classic reviews as “yuck.” Oh, we’ve noticed that books at our house frequently receive ridiculous reviews. We’ve noticed the disproportionate number of our titles posted on pirate websites. We’ve noticed the silences. We’ve noticed the subtle digs. We’ve noticed the bald-faced cut-downs. We’ve also noticed many other things. While haters are out there hating, consider why it is that you have so much free time to bash us online, bash us to other publishers, and to other authors. Why not let your author friends decide on their own if they want to come to a company that will pay them what they’re owed in a timely fashion.
We might be little but we would put our authors against authors anywhere…and that’s not dissing the other authors, that’s just telling the truth. Hollywood and the small screen should come knocking on the doors of our authors. Why? Because their stories are just that good. Our authors write with just as much passion as any bestselling author; they simply haven’t sold as many books—yet.
They don’t simply repackage the same old story with a new title and new names. Their stories make readers want to fist pump, shout Hallelujah, roar WTF and in the end, they leave you wanting more. They “put their foot in it” every time because they are passionate about their stories and respectful of the readers who give their stories a chance.
While our authors are passionate about their stories, we are passionate about our authors. How could we not be? They have shown such patience and integrity and perseverance.
We are a family at Beautiful Trouble Publishing…and while small, we’re okay with that. And so far, so are our authors. Our authors know that we’re not here to kiss author a*s and feed author ego and yet they still step up and take the challenge. In the end, we’re all better for it.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Author Greet & Eat
BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE PUBLISHING AND FRIENDS
AUTHOR GREET & EAT
We apologize in advance...for everything
Welcome to our inaugural Author Greet & Eat where authors from various publishing houses and readers from all over can meet, eat, and participate in some good old fashioned face-to-face mayhem. This is a chance for readers to meet some of their favorite authors, for authors to meet their readers, and for everyone to have the kind of good time that is spoken about decades later with reverence (because stuff might still be pending). Word on the street is there might be a dance off.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Venue
HILTON GARDEN INN WINSTON-SALEM/HANES MALL 1325 CREEKSHIRE WAY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27103
PHONE: 1-336-765-1298 FAX: 1-336-765-1299
TO GET IN ON THE SPECIAL RATE, REQUEST THE “AUTHOR MEET & GREET” RATE WHEN RESERVING ROOMS. SPECIAL RATE ENDS DECEMBER 25, 2011
For information on the rooms, visit:
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/I/INTWSGI-AMGR-20120225/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
The Cost of Admission
Cost per ticket: $35.00* (INCLUDES LUNCH, LIGHT SNACKS)
*ALL PROCEEDS GO TO MALLOY-JORDAN EAST WINSTON HERITAGE CENTER LIBRARY
AVAILABLE OCTOBER 20, 2011 - JANUARY 15, 2012
LAST DAY TO REQUEST A REFUND IS JANUARY 31, 2012
Schedule of Events:
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
TOUR OF MALLOY-JORDAN LIBRARY AND TALK WITH LIBRARIANS (FOR AUTHORS)
1110 East Seventh St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2950
10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
CHECK IN- (FOR READERS) *
Lobby at Hilton Garden Inn Winston-Salem/Hanes Mall
1325 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
*Please bring your identification as you must be at least 18 to attend
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
KICKING OFF OUR SHINDIG
THE HEY Y’ALL
JEANIE JOHNSON WELCOMES ALL
INCLUSIVE PRAYER OF BEGINNING/WELL WISHES FOR A SAFE AND FUN EVENT
MARIA JONES
KICK OFF
JEANIE JOHNSON RECOGNIZES AUTHORS, BOOK CLUBS, LIBRARIANS AND PUBLISHERS IN ATTENDANCE
PANELS
“IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG, I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT” (THE RISE OF THE ANTI-HERO/BAD BOY)
QUESTION: WHEN DID THE BAD BOY BECOME SO GOOD?
• FEATURING LATRIVIA S. NELSON (MEDLOV CRIME SERIES) AND BILLY LONDON (ITALIAN KNIGHTS)
MODERATED BY RHONDA B. SCALES
LGBT PORTRAYALS IN MEDIA AND ROMANCE
QUESTION: DOES THE MONEY GRAB FOR THE LGBT AUDIENCE LEAD TO COMPROMISES ON THE AUTHORS’ END AND DOES THE NEW EXPOSURE HONOR THE LGBT LIFESTYLE OR COMPROMISE ADVANCES?
• FEATURING: REV. TEMEICKA MEEKS, MARIA JONES, AND PASTOR ROGER HAYES
MODERATED BY ZURI DAVENPORT
1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
BREAK
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
MEETING & EATING
ONE CHOICE OF:
• MEAT AND THREE-CHEESE LASAGNA
• VEGETABLE LASAGNA
• GRILLED CHICKEN FETTUCCINI TOSSED IN ALFREDO SAUCE
EACH MEAL COMES WITH A HOUSE SALAD (CHOICE OF RANCH, THOUSAND ISLAND, VINAIGRETTE, OR ITALIAN DRESSING), AND A “CHEF'S CHOICE” DESSERT.
BEVERAGE: COFFEE, DECAF COFFEE, WATER, SWEETENED ICED TEA OR UNSWEETENED ICED TEA
3:00-3:30
BREAK
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
PANELS
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
QUESTION: WHEN DID “OTHER” BECOME SO SEXY?
• FEATURING DAHLIA ROSE (ARMY BEASTS) AND OTHERS
MODERATED BY ELLE D. HAYES
AUTHORS DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES (GOING SOLO):
• FEATURING EROSA KNOWLES,
MODERATED BY: GWENDOLYN RICKS
5:30 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.
EAR-GASM
READING OF “COMING HOME” BY GABRIEL ESSEX
6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
PANELS
THE NEW HEROINE—PART I: (OF COLOR, PLUS-SIZED, INTELLIGENT AND PROUD OF IT):
QUESTION: IS THE ARCHETYPE HEROINE DEAD?
• FEATURING JEANIE JOHNSON, JANET ECKFORD, REANA MALORI
MODERATED BY RAELYNN BLUE
THE NEW HEROINE—PART II: (EXPERIENCED, BOLD, AND UNASHAMED):
CHALLENGE: CONSTRUCTING THE NEW HEROINE:
• FEATURING: SHARA AZOD, MARTEEKA KARLAND, BRIDGET MIDWAY
MODERATED BY ?
THE NEW READER: WHO IS S/HE?
• FEATURING: YOU THE READER (GRAB THE MIC AND TELL US WHO YOU ARE)
MODERATED BY: CAROLYN WOODS
7:50 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
AND ONE MORE THING
PIRACY: IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SCURVY AND PARROTS
QUESTION: IS IT OKAY TO KARATE CHOP THIEVES IN THEIR WINDPIPES?
• FEATURING: AUTHORS
MODERATED BY DREA RILEY
8:30 p.m.
INCLUSIVE PRAYER OF CLOSING/WELL WISHES FOR A SAFE RETURN HOME
8:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
MIXER
MINGLE WITH THE AUTHORS, BOOK CLUBS, LIBRARIANS, PUBLISHERS, & READERS
*INDEX CARDS WILL BE PROVIDED SO READERS CAN WRITE QUESTIONS FOR THE MODERATORS TO ADDRESS TO THE AUTHORS.
Authors Attending
• Billy London
• Bridget Midway
• Dahlia Rose
• Dréa Riley
• Elle D. Hayes
• Erosa Knowles
• Gabriel Essex
• Janet Eckford
• Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh
• Latrivia Nelson
• Marteeka Karland
• Nikki Winter
• RaeLynn Blue
• Reana Malori
• Shara Azod
• Yvette Hines
• More authors to be added as they confirm
Book Clubs Attending
• Red Stiletto Book Club, of Winston-Salem, NC
• More book clubs to be added as they confirm
Publishers Attending
• Beautiful Trouble Publishing
• Shara Azod LLC
• Mochas Memoirs Press
• Riverhouse Publishing
• More publishers to be added as they confirm
AUTHOR GREET & EAT
We apologize in advance...for everything
Welcome to our inaugural Author Greet & Eat where authors from various publishing houses and readers from all over can meet, eat, and participate in some good old fashioned face-to-face mayhem. This is a chance for readers to meet some of their favorite authors, for authors to meet their readers, and for everyone to have the kind of good time that is spoken about decades later with reverence (because stuff might still be pending). Word on the street is there might be a dance off.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Venue
HILTON GARDEN INN WINSTON-SALEM/HANES MALL 1325 CREEKSHIRE WAY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27103
PHONE: 1-336-765-1298 FAX: 1-336-765-1299
TO GET IN ON THE SPECIAL RATE, REQUEST THE “AUTHOR MEET & GREET” RATE WHEN RESERVING ROOMS. SPECIAL RATE ENDS DECEMBER 25, 2011
For information on the rooms, visit:
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/I/INTWSGI-AMGR-20120225/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
The Cost of Admission
Cost per ticket: $35.00* (INCLUDES LUNCH, LIGHT SNACKS)
*ALL PROCEEDS GO TO MALLOY-JORDAN EAST WINSTON HERITAGE CENTER LIBRARY
AVAILABLE OCTOBER 20, 2011 - JANUARY 15, 2012
LAST DAY TO REQUEST A REFUND IS JANUARY 31, 2012
Schedule of Events:
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
TOUR OF MALLOY-JORDAN LIBRARY AND TALK WITH LIBRARIANS (FOR AUTHORS)
1110 East Seventh St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2950
10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
CHECK IN- (FOR READERS) *
Lobby at Hilton Garden Inn Winston-Salem/Hanes Mall
1325 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
*Please bring your identification as you must be at least 18 to attend
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
KICKING OFF OUR SHINDIG
THE HEY Y’ALL
JEANIE JOHNSON WELCOMES ALL
INCLUSIVE PRAYER OF BEGINNING/WELL WISHES FOR A SAFE AND FUN EVENT
MARIA JONES
KICK OFF
JEANIE JOHNSON RECOGNIZES AUTHORS, BOOK CLUBS, LIBRARIANS AND PUBLISHERS IN ATTENDANCE
PANELS
“IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG, I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT” (THE RISE OF THE ANTI-HERO/BAD BOY)
QUESTION: WHEN DID THE BAD BOY BECOME SO GOOD?
• FEATURING LATRIVIA S. NELSON (MEDLOV CRIME SERIES) AND BILLY LONDON (ITALIAN KNIGHTS)
MODERATED BY RHONDA B. SCALES
LGBT PORTRAYALS IN MEDIA AND ROMANCE
QUESTION: DOES THE MONEY GRAB FOR THE LGBT AUDIENCE LEAD TO COMPROMISES ON THE AUTHORS’ END AND DOES THE NEW EXPOSURE HONOR THE LGBT LIFESTYLE OR COMPROMISE ADVANCES?
• FEATURING: REV. TEMEICKA MEEKS, MARIA JONES, AND PASTOR ROGER HAYES
MODERATED BY ZURI DAVENPORT
1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
BREAK
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
MEETING & EATING
ONE CHOICE OF:
• MEAT AND THREE-CHEESE LASAGNA
• VEGETABLE LASAGNA
• GRILLED CHICKEN FETTUCCINI TOSSED IN ALFREDO SAUCE
EACH MEAL COMES WITH A HOUSE SALAD (CHOICE OF RANCH, THOUSAND ISLAND, VINAIGRETTE, OR ITALIAN DRESSING), AND A “CHEF'S CHOICE” DESSERT.
BEVERAGE: COFFEE, DECAF COFFEE, WATER, SWEETENED ICED TEA OR UNSWEETENED ICED TEA
3:00-3:30
BREAK
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
PANELS
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
QUESTION: WHEN DID “OTHER” BECOME SO SEXY?
• FEATURING DAHLIA ROSE (ARMY BEASTS) AND OTHERS
MODERATED BY ELLE D. HAYES
AUTHORS DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES (GOING SOLO):
• FEATURING EROSA KNOWLES,
MODERATED BY: GWENDOLYN RICKS
5:30 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.
EAR-GASM
READING OF “COMING HOME” BY GABRIEL ESSEX
6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
PANELS
THE NEW HEROINE—PART I: (OF COLOR, PLUS-SIZED, INTELLIGENT AND PROUD OF IT):
QUESTION: IS THE ARCHETYPE HEROINE DEAD?
• FEATURING JEANIE JOHNSON, JANET ECKFORD, REANA MALORI
MODERATED BY RAELYNN BLUE
THE NEW HEROINE—PART II: (EXPERIENCED, BOLD, AND UNASHAMED):
CHALLENGE: CONSTRUCTING THE NEW HEROINE:
• FEATURING: SHARA AZOD, MARTEEKA KARLAND, BRIDGET MIDWAY
MODERATED BY ?
THE NEW READER: WHO IS S/HE?
• FEATURING: YOU THE READER (GRAB THE MIC AND TELL US WHO YOU ARE)
MODERATED BY: CAROLYN WOODS
7:50 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
AND ONE MORE THING
PIRACY: IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SCURVY AND PARROTS
QUESTION: IS IT OKAY TO KARATE CHOP THIEVES IN THEIR WINDPIPES?
• FEATURING: AUTHORS
MODERATED BY DREA RILEY
8:30 p.m.
INCLUSIVE PRAYER OF CLOSING/WELL WISHES FOR A SAFE RETURN HOME
8:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
MIXER
MINGLE WITH THE AUTHORS, BOOK CLUBS, LIBRARIANS, PUBLISHERS, & READERS
*INDEX CARDS WILL BE PROVIDED SO READERS CAN WRITE QUESTIONS FOR THE MODERATORS TO ADDRESS TO THE AUTHORS.
Authors Attending
• Billy London
• Bridget Midway
• Dahlia Rose
• Dréa Riley
• Elle D. Hayes
• Erosa Knowles
• Gabriel Essex
• Janet Eckford
• Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh
• Latrivia Nelson
• Marteeka Karland
• Nikki Winter
• RaeLynn Blue
• Reana Malori
• Shara Azod
• Yvette Hines
• More authors to be added as they confirm
Book Clubs Attending
• Red Stiletto Book Club, of Winston-Salem, NC
• More book clubs to be added as they confirm
Publishers Attending
• Beautiful Trouble Publishing
• Shara Azod LLC
• Mochas Memoirs Press
• Riverhouse Publishing
• More publishers to be added as they confirm
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Introducing Author Nikki Winter
Not Your Average Publishing Company by Nikki Winter
Let me start of by saying that I was volunteered for this lovely guest blog by none other than El Tyrant De Iron Fist a.k.a. Jayha Leigh and or the Fearless Leader. How does one get volunteered, you ask? Oh well it starts as an instant message where your tyrant asks you if you’ll do something for her then she answers it with ‘yes’ without your consent. Outraged? Yeah, me too dude but hey what am I supposed to do? On another note allow me to introduce myself…Er did I just hear the beat from Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” come on? I probably did which means Jayha’s messing with instrumentals again to fit in her “I told you so” remix. Cut it out! I’m trying to tell a story here!
Okay back to you people. I’m Nikki Winter otherwise known as the Padawan and or the baby. My lovely big sister Dréa Riley also calls me her mini-me and ‘boo-boo’ but she’s the only one with that privilege and I’ll slice the back of anybody else’s ankles who tries. I joined BTP in May after being roped like a felled baby calf by Jayha in the yahoo group. How is one roped you ask? Oh well she lures you into a false sense of security then BAM! You’re in and doing her bidding. Am I complaining? NO! This has got to be the most awesome-kick ass-crazy-Alpha loving-Posse riding-action craving-arms bearing-war cry having group of women that I’ve ever met in my life and I love each and every one.
I had it in my mind that my reception would be a chilly one since I was the newbie but boy was I wrong. Joining BTP is like joining a sorority. Yes, there’s hazing that comes in the form of disturbing stories and facts that are liable to make you lose you intestines but I digress. These women are intelligent, hilarious, sweet, goofy, and just an all-around joy to interact with. I can remember sending out an SOS for my first MS because I was having a hard time with what Jayha calls the ‘Bow chica now now’ in my storyline and I had everyone from Marteeka Karland to Destiny Wallace answering back and trying to help. They probably don’t even remember this but I do and it’ll always be one of the best memories I’ve got.
This experience has been in a word, AMAZING. To have people who’ll take time out of whatever they’re doing, stop and send you a little support means a lot. Jayha knows this because I say it all the time but I’m no longer the socially awkward dork with a vocabulary fetish who knows way too many facts about the wild kingdom. Mainly because now I’m a part of a group of socially awkward dorks who know way too many facts about everything. Calm down, that was a compliment…or at least it was supposed to be. I belong here. For once I’m not strange and my need for matches and a harpoon is understood despite the fact that nobody will get me one! Yeah, I’m still salty about that dammit!
I’ve talked about everyone else but now it’s time to get to one of the heads of this whole crazy operation—Jayha Leigh whom I have deemed the Guru and El Tyrant De Iron Fist. Don’t worry she likes both names. This chick is freaking awesome. Yes, I admitted that out loud with many public witnesses who will read this. Am I worried about feeding her megalomania? Of course I am! Will I concern myself with the repercussions of swelling her ego later? Yes because I’m trying to make a point here. Jayha’s the epitome of a teacher. I can work a nerve but chick seems to have many of them for me.
If I have a question she does her best to answer. If I need help I can always ask her and if I need somebody who’ll make me feel ten feet tall she’s good for that too. Jayha rules with an iron fist alongside none other than the kick ass chick that is THE Jeanie but she has a heart of gold. And no matter how many times she has tricked and trapped me into something I will forever be grateful to know her. Learning under her as a new writer…there is no description for it. Any and all success I’ve experienced can’t be totally accredited to me being awesome (although I am) because she’s been there to hold my hand every step of the way then she tells me she’s proud of me after every accomplishment. That is what makes me feel ten feet tall. The fact that I can do something that makes her stop and say, “I’m proud of you chica” makes my face do this leaking thing. I don’t really know what it is but it happens anytime she says those words. It’s starting to freak me out.
Despite the fact that she can turn me into a big blubbering baby with only one sentence I don’t hold it against her. Having the opportunity to be her most beloved of protégés (yeah, I said it) has been FREAKING AWESOME all in all. Yeah, I use those words a lot when dealing with BTP.
When you join BTP folks you join a sisterhood, a place to be yourself no matter how insane you are. You make life-long connections that you’ll always enjoy (even if you end up in a foreign prison if the authorities manage to catch you). I’ve got an extended family of Aunties, big sisters and adopted Mommies that I never knew I’d get to have and I thank God for that every day. BTP is definitely not the average publishing company but I can say that even with my limited experience it has to be one of the best.
Alright Jayha you can take the spiked boot off my back now. I said everything you told me to. Ah I’m just kidding…sorta. Now folks it’s time for me to go back to my corner before I get into trouble and the next word I hear is “Restriction!” I hate that word; makes me sad. In the infamous and gut busting words of THE Jeanie “Crotch grab” and the Padawan is out!
-Nikki Winter
Let me start of by saying that I was volunteered for this lovely guest blog by none other than El Tyrant De Iron Fist a.k.a. Jayha Leigh and or the Fearless Leader. How does one get volunteered, you ask? Oh well it starts as an instant message where your tyrant asks you if you’ll do something for her then she answers it with ‘yes’ without your consent. Outraged? Yeah, me too dude but hey what am I supposed to do? On another note allow me to introduce myself…Er did I just hear the beat from Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” come on? I probably did which means Jayha’s messing with instrumentals again to fit in her “I told you so” remix. Cut it out! I’m trying to tell a story here!
Okay back to you people. I’m Nikki Winter otherwise known as the Padawan and or the baby. My lovely big sister Dréa Riley also calls me her mini-me and ‘boo-boo’ but she’s the only one with that privilege and I’ll slice the back of anybody else’s ankles who tries. I joined BTP in May after being roped like a felled baby calf by Jayha in the yahoo group. How is one roped you ask? Oh well she lures you into a false sense of security then BAM! You’re in and doing her bidding. Am I complaining? NO! This has got to be the most awesome-kick ass-crazy-Alpha loving-Posse riding-action craving-arms bearing-war cry having group of women that I’ve ever met in my life and I love each and every one.
I had it in my mind that my reception would be a chilly one since I was the newbie but boy was I wrong. Joining BTP is like joining a sorority. Yes, there’s hazing that comes in the form of disturbing stories and facts that are liable to make you lose you intestines but I digress. These women are intelligent, hilarious, sweet, goofy, and just an all-around joy to interact with. I can remember sending out an SOS for my first MS because I was having a hard time with what Jayha calls the ‘Bow chica now now’ in my storyline and I had everyone from Marteeka Karland to Destiny Wallace answering back and trying to help. They probably don’t even remember this but I do and it’ll always be one of the best memories I’ve got.
This experience has been in a word, AMAZING. To have people who’ll take time out of whatever they’re doing, stop and send you a little support means a lot. Jayha knows this because I say it all the time but I’m no longer the socially awkward dork with a vocabulary fetish who knows way too many facts about the wild kingdom. Mainly because now I’m a part of a group of socially awkward dorks who know way too many facts about everything. Calm down, that was a compliment…or at least it was supposed to be. I belong here. For once I’m not strange and my need for matches and a harpoon is understood despite the fact that nobody will get me one! Yeah, I’m still salty about that dammit!
I’ve talked about everyone else but now it’s time to get to one of the heads of this whole crazy operation—Jayha Leigh whom I have deemed the Guru and El Tyrant De Iron Fist. Don’t worry she likes both names. This chick is freaking awesome. Yes, I admitted that out loud with many public witnesses who will read this. Am I worried about feeding her megalomania? Of course I am! Will I concern myself with the repercussions of swelling her ego later? Yes because I’m trying to make a point here. Jayha’s the epitome of a teacher. I can work a nerve but chick seems to have many of them for me.
If I have a question she does her best to answer. If I need help I can always ask her and if I need somebody who’ll make me feel ten feet tall she’s good for that too. Jayha rules with an iron fist alongside none other than the kick ass chick that is THE Jeanie but she has a heart of gold. And no matter how many times she has tricked and trapped me into something I will forever be grateful to know her. Learning under her as a new writer…there is no description for it. Any and all success I’ve experienced can’t be totally accredited to me being awesome (although I am) because she’s been there to hold my hand every step of the way then she tells me she’s proud of me after every accomplishment. That is what makes me feel ten feet tall. The fact that I can do something that makes her stop and say, “I’m proud of you chica” makes my face do this leaking thing. I don’t really know what it is but it happens anytime she says those words. It’s starting to freak me out.
Despite the fact that she can turn me into a big blubbering baby with only one sentence I don’t hold it against her. Having the opportunity to be her most beloved of protégés (yeah, I said it) has been FREAKING AWESOME all in all. Yeah, I use those words a lot when dealing with BTP.
When you join BTP folks you join a sisterhood, a place to be yourself no matter how insane you are. You make life-long connections that you’ll always enjoy (even if you end up in a foreign prison if the authorities manage to catch you). I’ve got an extended family of Aunties, big sisters and adopted Mommies that I never knew I’d get to have and I thank God for that every day. BTP is definitely not the average publishing company but I can say that even with my limited experience it has to be one of the best.
Alright Jayha you can take the spiked boot off my back now. I said everything you told me to. Ah I’m just kidding…sorta. Now folks it’s time for me to go back to my corner before I get into trouble and the next word I hear is “Restriction!” I hate that word; makes me sad. In the infamous and gut busting words of THE Jeanie “Crotch grab” and the Padawan is out!
-Nikki Winter
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Guest Blogger: Nevea Lane
The Golden Sentence
I was lounging in my chair, drinking apple cider, with my mp3 player plugged into my ears. I am jamming to Miles Davis and reading, when I read it: it made me pull the headphones out of ear and read it again. “Her scent was an aphrodisiac and mixed perfectly with the aroma from the ocean that breezed in through the opened sliding glass doors” Education of Simon Lane – Pat Cromwell. That is the sentence that made me stop.
There are certain sentences that will make a reader pause and re-read those lines over and over again. We see it in movies all the time, “You had me at ‘hello’” (Jerry Maguire) “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” (Dead Poets Society)
Perhaps I’m a nerdy narcissist, but I believe that in every single work by an author you read should have that one sentence that makes you pause. I call it “the golden sentence.” These are the hooks, the lines, and the ‘one thing’ that’s kept you going or coming back for more—those sentences, to me you, aregolden. Some might not find “He could see himself coming home to her every day,” in Escape to Heaven by Reana Malori to be all that bold of a statement, but I love it because it breaks down the male psyche of ‘commitment’ and tells us that our hero is falling for the heroine. It lets us know he wants her. I bet you just thought that sentence was just filler huh?
Being an author, sometimes I find it tempting to lead the reader to find the same sentence I consider ‘golden’, but where is the fun in that. People are individuals and I wouldn’t want someone telling me that “You’ve never been just my friend.” in Windows by Billy London isn’t a golden sentence.
Crafting these sentences however can make you want to cry, yell, maim someone or burn a house down. It takes dedication and commitment to not water down your words, to make that sentence stand up to the editing process. When you finally craft that sentence that cannot be butchered and stripped down, you look at it and smile. You look at it and smile because the pain of birthing that sentence is worth it.
When I write, I start with that sentence. I’m a pantser to a fault, not to mention I have a technical writing background which likes the passive sentence so much, my first drafts usually read like a manual to build your own dirigible. So I start with that sentence, that one golden piece of prose that can set the whole story in motion and expand. Do you have any golden sentences? Go back and read them. Relive the memories with those words and realize that words are truly priceless.
**Nevea**
I was lounging in my chair, drinking apple cider, with my mp3 player plugged into my ears. I am jamming to Miles Davis and reading, when I read it: it made me pull the headphones out of ear and read it again. “Her scent was an aphrodisiac and mixed perfectly with the aroma from the ocean that breezed in through the opened sliding glass doors” Education of Simon Lane – Pat Cromwell. That is the sentence that made me stop.
There are certain sentences that will make a reader pause and re-read those lines over and over again. We see it in movies all the time, “You had me at ‘hello’” (Jerry Maguire) “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” (Dead Poets Society)
Perhaps I’m a nerdy narcissist, but I believe that in every single work by an author you read should have that one sentence that makes you pause. I call it “the golden sentence.” These are the hooks, the lines, and the ‘one thing’ that’s kept you going or coming back for more—those sentences, to me you, aregolden. Some might not find “He could see himself coming home to her every day,” in Escape to Heaven by Reana Malori to be all that bold of a statement, but I love it because it breaks down the male psyche of ‘commitment’ and tells us that our hero is falling for the heroine. It lets us know he wants her. I bet you just thought that sentence was just filler huh?
Being an author, sometimes I find it tempting to lead the reader to find the same sentence I consider ‘golden’, but where is the fun in that. People are individuals and I wouldn’t want someone telling me that “You’ve never been just my friend.” in Windows by Billy London isn’t a golden sentence.
Crafting these sentences however can make you want to cry, yell, maim someone or burn a house down. It takes dedication and commitment to not water down your words, to make that sentence stand up to the editing process. When you finally craft that sentence that cannot be butchered and stripped down, you look at it and smile. You look at it and smile because the pain of birthing that sentence is worth it.
When I write, I start with that sentence. I’m a pantser to a fault, not to mention I have a technical writing background which likes the passive sentence so much, my first drafts usually read like a manual to build your own dirigible. So I start with that sentence, that one golden piece of prose that can set the whole story in motion and expand. Do you have any golden sentences? Go back and read them. Relive the memories with those words and realize that words are truly priceless.
**Nevea**
Monday, August 1, 2011
Guest Blogger: Latrivia S. Nelson
Writing The Grunt: Why This Volume of The Lonely Heart Series Hit Home
By: Latrivia S. Nelson
Submitted Exclusively to Beautiful Trouble Publishing
The Lonely Heart Series is supposed to be comprised of novelettes only, but The Grunt was 309 pages long. Why? It hit home. Being married to a Marine and having lived at Camp Lejeune for nearly four years, I took in a lot of experiences. So, when I sat down to write The Grunt, I found that what I wanted to say would not fit into my normal formula for a short book.
Just to give you a little background, here is the synopsis of The Grunt:
Staff Sergeant Brett Black has a bad feeling that something is going to go terribly wrong. And as a Recon Marine, he pays attention to his gut. Only nothing can prepare him for what he encounters when he arrives at home from the base. His wife is leaving him, and there is nothing he can do about it.
Abandoned with a kid, the super alpha-male has to become domesticated quickly or find a willing substitute to help him with his son. Only the substitute he finds is no substitution.
Courtney Lawless is a true wild card. The budding librarian loves the classics and carries herself like a lady by day. But she also is full of life and surfs the waves of the Atlantic Ocean by night. Since her parents won’t pay for college because of bad decisions in her past, the reformed bad-girl takes a job as Brett’s live-in nanny to finish paying for school.
Brett has never seen a woman of such complex duality. Used to a wife who won’t clean, cook or even talk to him, when he starts to live with Courtney, he realizes what he’s been missing his entire life. Educated, amazing and refreshingly honest, the only thing that that this transparent beauty hides from her new boss is that she’s also the Lieutenant Colonel’s daughter.
Faced with another deployment to Afghanistan soon, the brooding Marine is forced to come out his shell to fight for what he loves, only this time, the war is at home.
Back to the Conversation:
Adam and I started out our marriage as an active duty family in the Marine Corps. During that time, I witnessed a lot of different types of relationships. Some were the most beautiful that I’d ever seen and some were the most deceitful. Interracial couplings were normal too. It was one of the few places that no one ever stared at you because you were with someone different. And the children were so beautiful. Mine fit right in. It was great. Plus, the coast of North Carolina is beautiful. The sunsets will take your breath away and the beaches are some of the most peaceful that I’ve ever walked on.
I was always writing notes in my little book while I was there. And I promised one day to write a story about love in the Corps.
This surely won’t be my only one but it is my first. I’m happy about it. It was a joy to sit down and write about a sexy alpha male who was also a killing machine, but we all know how much I love that concept. I’ve been beating that dead horse for three years now and counting.
The Grunt hits home because love while serving the military is never easy. No matter what you do, your relationship will always be second to their responsibilities to our country. Now, they don’t want it that way. The men and women who sacrifice and serve the country are always torn. They feel horrible about being away from their loved ones, but they have a responsibility that is sworn by an oath. And we need them to fulfill that promise. It’s the only way that we stay safe (not to say that in a way that takes away from God’s unyielding protection that protects us all).
Anyway, in the story Brett took that oath and is now bound to it. So, when he is widowed, he has the option of getting out of the Corps and watching his career flush its way down the toilet, or he can recruit someone to help him keep his family and his position in Recon, one of the hardest special operations units to get into.
Intro to Courtney: I loved writing her character. If you notice, she’s a normal person. True, she has her issues, one of them being the inability to follow through. How many of us can raise our hands on that one? But her endearing qualities far outweigh her issues and her capacity to love shines as bright as the sun.
The combination of the characters is supposed to give you hope. You see two people who need each other, who meet a need in each other’s life and ultimately find love because they are able to just be.
Speaking of people that fit that storyline…
I remember when Adam was hurt during the last tour to Iraq while he was in Light Armor Recon. I was nine months pregnant and had gone back to Memphis to give birth to our daughter when a phone call came telling me that Adam had been blown up. It was like the life had been sucked out of me. I remember the way the room seemed to spin around me, getting smaller and smaller with every evolution. I went into labor right then in a frantic hysteria that lasted a few days.
Ultimately, God blessed us. Adam survived, but men with him did not, some were so badly injured until all the surgeries in the world couldn’t make them whole again. Their sacrifice was and is huge. They do it every day, quietly, unnoticed and selflessly. It’s funny how you can walk around and see heroes every day and not know it.
I have a special place in my heart for anyone who has ever served and for every spouse, child and parent of a service member. We all play our role.
You can see the inner-workings of the family in The Grunt. Even if you’ve never known a military person before reading this story, I think that you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the Corps and for love at first sight.
What about you? What makes you tick when you write or read a story? Everyone has a thing. I’m always looking for new ideas.
Drop me a line and tell me what you think of The Grunt or send me a picture of your Grunt. I’m working on a book trailer right now for the book and we’ll release the paperback on August 30th, but I’d also like to put together a Grunt book trailer comprised strictly of military personnel from my readers.
Hope you enjoy and it’s always great to be on this blog. I love you guys and the way that you connect people together.
XoXo and all that jazz,
Latrivia S. Nelson
By: Latrivia S. Nelson
Submitted Exclusively to Beautiful Trouble Publishing
The Lonely Heart Series is supposed to be comprised of novelettes only, but The Grunt was 309 pages long. Why? It hit home. Being married to a Marine and having lived at Camp Lejeune for nearly four years, I took in a lot of experiences. So, when I sat down to write The Grunt, I found that what I wanted to say would not fit into my normal formula for a short book.
Just to give you a little background, here is the synopsis of The Grunt:
Staff Sergeant Brett Black has a bad feeling that something is going to go terribly wrong. And as a Recon Marine, he pays attention to his gut. Only nothing can prepare him for what he encounters when he arrives at home from the base. His wife is leaving him, and there is nothing he can do about it.
Abandoned with a kid, the super alpha-male has to become domesticated quickly or find a willing substitute to help him with his son. Only the substitute he finds is no substitution.
Courtney Lawless is a true wild card. The budding librarian loves the classics and carries herself like a lady by day. But she also is full of life and surfs the waves of the Atlantic Ocean by night. Since her parents won’t pay for college because of bad decisions in her past, the reformed bad-girl takes a job as Brett’s live-in nanny to finish paying for school.
Brett has never seen a woman of such complex duality. Used to a wife who won’t clean, cook or even talk to him, when he starts to live with Courtney, he realizes what he’s been missing his entire life. Educated, amazing and refreshingly honest, the only thing that that this transparent beauty hides from her new boss is that she’s also the Lieutenant Colonel’s daughter.
Faced with another deployment to Afghanistan soon, the brooding Marine is forced to come out his shell to fight for what he loves, only this time, the war is at home.
Back to the Conversation:
Adam and I started out our marriage as an active duty family in the Marine Corps. During that time, I witnessed a lot of different types of relationships. Some were the most beautiful that I’d ever seen and some were the most deceitful. Interracial couplings were normal too. It was one of the few places that no one ever stared at you because you were with someone different. And the children were so beautiful. Mine fit right in. It was great. Plus, the coast of North Carolina is beautiful. The sunsets will take your breath away and the beaches are some of the most peaceful that I’ve ever walked on.
I was always writing notes in my little book while I was there. And I promised one day to write a story about love in the Corps.
This surely won’t be my only one but it is my first. I’m happy about it. It was a joy to sit down and write about a sexy alpha male who was also a killing machine, but we all know how much I love that concept. I’ve been beating that dead horse for three years now and counting.
The Grunt hits home because love while serving the military is never easy. No matter what you do, your relationship will always be second to their responsibilities to our country. Now, they don’t want it that way. The men and women who sacrifice and serve the country are always torn. They feel horrible about being away from their loved ones, but they have a responsibility that is sworn by an oath. And we need them to fulfill that promise. It’s the only way that we stay safe (not to say that in a way that takes away from God’s unyielding protection that protects us all).
Anyway, in the story Brett took that oath and is now bound to it. So, when he is widowed, he has the option of getting out of the Corps and watching his career flush its way down the toilet, or he can recruit someone to help him keep his family and his position in Recon, one of the hardest special operations units to get into.
Intro to Courtney: I loved writing her character. If you notice, she’s a normal person. True, she has her issues, one of them being the inability to follow through. How many of us can raise our hands on that one? But her endearing qualities far outweigh her issues and her capacity to love shines as bright as the sun.
The combination of the characters is supposed to give you hope. You see two people who need each other, who meet a need in each other’s life and ultimately find love because they are able to just be.
Speaking of people that fit that storyline…
I remember when Adam was hurt during the last tour to Iraq while he was in Light Armor Recon. I was nine months pregnant and had gone back to Memphis to give birth to our daughter when a phone call came telling me that Adam had been blown up. It was like the life had been sucked out of me. I remember the way the room seemed to spin around me, getting smaller and smaller with every evolution. I went into labor right then in a frantic hysteria that lasted a few days.
Ultimately, God blessed us. Adam survived, but men with him did not, some were so badly injured until all the surgeries in the world couldn’t make them whole again. Their sacrifice was and is huge. They do it every day, quietly, unnoticed and selflessly. It’s funny how you can walk around and see heroes every day and not know it.
I have a special place in my heart for anyone who has ever served and for every spouse, child and parent of a service member. We all play our role.
You can see the inner-workings of the family in The Grunt. Even if you’ve never known a military person before reading this story, I think that you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the Corps and for love at first sight.
What about you? What makes you tick when you write or read a story? Everyone has a thing. I’m always looking for new ideas.
Drop me a line and tell me what you think of The Grunt or send me a picture of your Grunt. I’m working on a book trailer right now for the book and we’ll release the paperback on August 30th, but I’d also like to put together a Grunt book trailer comprised strictly of military personnel from my readers.
Hope you enjoy and it’s always great to be on this blog. I love you guys and the way that you connect people together.
XoXo and all that jazz,
Latrivia S. Nelson
Monday, July 11, 2011
"If a butterfly flapped its wings..." by Shirelle Higgins
Have you heard of the butterfly effect? If a butterfly flaps its wings over here, will it cause some weather catastrophe or prevent one somewhere else? Can something so insignificant really have such a profound effect? I think so. At least in my life it’s happened. A little “butterfly” is why I chose to try my hand at writing novels.
I never used to read romance books. GASP! I know, right? But it’s true, I didn’t. My mother read them, and so, by default, they just weren’t cool. (Sorry mom!)
I used to read dark thrillers, or horror. Dean Koontz was my favorite author and I’ve read every vampire book Anne Rice ever wrote. Those were the kind of books I liked. Romance was just pretty, and flowery, and frivolous.
Then one day, my little butterfly said to me: “You like vampires, right?” Duh. Who doesn’t like a good vampire story?
Anyway, she loaned me the first book in The Circle Trilogy, by Nora Roberts. She did NOT tell me it was a romance book, and I did NOT know who Nora Roberts was. (Yes. Apparently I DO live under a rock!) I was halfway through the book before I realized what my sneaky friend had given me, and I was hooked!
After I read those, I read more. I read at least half of that author’s books before I started reading others. Now I can’t live without romance. Who knew my mother was right?
But inevitably it happened. I read two separate books, by two different authors, that disappointed me. OBVIOUSLY the heroine in these novels had chosen the wrong man! The stories may have had a happy ending but I was not happy! If I had written those books, I would have ended them properly. Can you see where I’m going with this?
It took me some time to work up the courage, and even longer to finally finish my little project, but eventually I wrote the story I wanted to read.
My dear friend with the butterfly wings passed away a few years ago. She is sorely missed and this story is for her. I think she would like it.
**Shirelle**
I never used to read romance books. GASP! I know, right? But it’s true, I didn’t. My mother read them, and so, by default, they just weren’t cool. (Sorry mom!)
I used to read dark thrillers, or horror. Dean Koontz was my favorite author and I’ve read every vampire book Anne Rice ever wrote. Those were the kind of books I liked. Romance was just pretty, and flowery, and frivolous.
Then one day, my little butterfly said to me: “You like vampires, right?” Duh. Who doesn’t like a good vampire story?
Anyway, she loaned me the first book in The Circle Trilogy, by Nora Roberts. She did NOT tell me it was a romance book, and I did NOT know who Nora Roberts was. (Yes. Apparently I DO live under a rock!) I was halfway through the book before I realized what my sneaky friend had given me, and I was hooked!
After I read those, I read more. I read at least half of that author’s books before I started reading others. Now I can’t live without romance. Who knew my mother was right?
But inevitably it happened. I read two separate books, by two different authors, that disappointed me. OBVIOUSLY the heroine in these novels had chosen the wrong man! The stories may have had a happy ending but I was not happy! If I had written those books, I would have ended them properly. Can you see where I’m going with this?
It took me some time to work up the courage, and even longer to finally finish my little project, but eventually I wrote the story I wanted to read.
My dear friend with the butterfly wings passed away a few years ago. She is sorely missed and this story is for her. I think she would like it.
**Shirelle**
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
We're Growing
We're getting new authors and our veteran authors are becoming even more badazzed, thus we needed new categories. If you haven't stopped by the BTP website lately, swing by and check out our new categories...and authors.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Introducing Author Dréa Riley
Why I Am NOT Allowed WeaponsThe short answer?
Jayha says I can't.
However, if you ask her, she will say "Unless you: have disposable amounts of cash are willing to provide unlimited valid alibis; can bring Cochran back from the dead on retainer and are willing to sit for numerous sermons and ass-chewings, I suggest you refrain from giving the Texan any weapons. Should you meet those qualifications and I at anytime have to break my sister out of any sort of prison, especially a foreign one, and she then has to begin living a life on the run, I will break my entire foot and the foots of several ninjas off in your entire ass. What’s that, you don't understand? Well, let me ask you this, can you whip my ass? If not I suggest you kiss my ass and don't give her anything that can be a weapon. IF you can whip my ass can you out run a bullet? I didn't think so, the answer is no."
Now y'all may be looking at that li'l speech with your mouths open.
"Drea why you exaggerating?" I am not exaggerating I’ve heard her give that speech. That chic means that more than Obama meant "yes, we can"
The Jeanie says I am allowed. Obviously, she too is biased in her love for me. I am after all The Baby Gurl. But, The Jeanie also unabashedly displays her blood lust.
"If they believe so fiercely, then what have you done to deserve such a vehement response?"
Nothing. It wasn’t me, AND IF BY CHANCE, HYPOTHETICLY SPEAKING IT WAS ME, you can't prove it. I am always where I was supposed to be doing things that are perfectly innocent and legal. *smirking*
I have been accused of allegedly being a menace to society,(Shara says I goaded pharaoh into the starting the plague and teased Attila into become the Hun, Tempted Napoleon into the Russian Winter) being unruly and wild. I don't know where people get these idea (it's not my fault they left me to my own devices in Mexico). I mean like most native born southerners and surely in the same spirit as my entire home state, I just don’t' take shit. I learned to shoot and ride before I could really form complete sentences. I learned the value of a well timed bird flip right about the same time. My first word was four letters and my first full sentence roughly translated from Choctaw was I wish you would.
My first sentence in English was so filled with explicatives that an entire mission group fainted right there in the 'amen' pew.
I firmly believe that if I had hypothetically committed any of the alleged acts then there was a very good reason for my doing so.
People tend to let my jovial zest for life fool them into a false sense of security. I am what they think I am. It's a glamour, a facade, a mask. They rarely see the stealth, intelligence, anger, vulnerability. If they do they convince themselves otherwise. *shrugs*
Make no difference to me.
Two of my favorite quotes are "the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making the world believe he didn't exist" and "I’ve never done/said anything that didn't need doing or saying"
I am all that you see and hear if that makes you comfortable.
I am also everything that you hope you didn't really glimpse. I am all that scares you. Makes you look over your shoulder and wonder.
And that's why I'm not allowed to have weapons. Because allegedly, I might just be dangerous enough already.
--
I think that a lot of our worldly problems come from trying to classify folks as one thing or another instead of just recognizing them as folks to begin with. —Drea Riley
Dréa’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Drea-Riley/
Dréa’s Author Bio:
Dréa Riley can always be found one of two favorite places; the kitchen or the computer. A relaxing time for her would be concocting a delicious dish while connecting with her coterie online. Whenever something off the wall happens, Dréa will most likely be found in the middle of it, trying to look innocent and usually failing. With a heart bigger than the Grand Canyon and a mouth more lethal than an injection, this diva might save the world and cuss it out at the same time. This steak-loving sister always finds a way to juggle work, reading, and sleep. She channels the support from her family, friends, and fans into her sitcom lifestyle and stories.
dreariley@gmail.com
Jayha says I can't.
However, if you ask her, she will say "Unless you: have disposable amounts of cash are willing to provide unlimited valid alibis; can bring Cochran back from the dead on retainer and are willing to sit for numerous sermons and ass-chewings, I suggest you refrain from giving the Texan any weapons. Should you meet those qualifications and I at anytime have to break my sister out of any sort of prison, especially a foreign one, and she then has to begin living a life on the run, I will break my entire foot and the foots of several ninjas off in your entire ass. What’s that, you don't understand? Well, let me ask you this, can you whip my ass? If not I suggest you kiss my ass and don't give her anything that can be a weapon. IF you can whip my ass can you out run a bullet? I didn't think so, the answer is no."
Now y'all may be looking at that li'l speech with your mouths open.
"Drea why you exaggerating?" I am not exaggerating I’ve heard her give that speech. That chic means that more than Obama meant "yes, we can"
The Jeanie says I am allowed. Obviously, she too is biased in her love for me. I am after all The Baby Gurl. But, The Jeanie also unabashedly displays her blood lust.
"If they believe so fiercely, then what have you done to deserve such a vehement response?"
Nothing. It wasn’t me, AND IF BY CHANCE, HYPOTHETICLY SPEAKING IT WAS ME, you can't prove it. I am always where I was supposed to be doing things that are perfectly innocent and legal. *smirking*
I have been accused of allegedly being a menace to society,(Shara says I goaded pharaoh into the starting the plague and teased Attila into become the Hun, Tempted Napoleon into the Russian Winter) being unruly and wild. I don't know where people get these idea (it's not my fault they left me to my own devices in Mexico). I mean like most native born southerners and surely in the same spirit as my entire home state, I just don’t' take shit. I learned to shoot and ride before I could really form complete sentences. I learned the value of a well timed bird flip right about the same time. My first word was four letters and my first full sentence roughly translated from Choctaw was I wish you would.
My first sentence in English was so filled with explicatives that an entire mission group fainted right there in the 'amen' pew.
I firmly believe that if I had hypothetically committed any of the alleged acts then there was a very good reason for my doing so.
People tend to let my jovial zest for life fool them into a false sense of security. I am what they think I am. It's a glamour, a facade, a mask. They rarely see the stealth, intelligence, anger, vulnerability. If they do they convince themselves otherwise. *shrugs*
Make no difference to me.
Two of my favorite quotes are "the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making the world believe he didn't exist" and "I’ve never done/said anything that didn't need doing or saying"
I am all that you see and hear if that makes you comfortable.
I am also everything that you hope you didn't really glimpse. I am all that scares you. Makes you look over your shoulder and wonder.
And that's why I'm not allowed to have weapons. Because allegedly, I might just be dangerous enough already.
--
I think that a lot of our worldly problems come from trying to classify folks as one thing or another instead of just recognizing them as folks to begin with. —Drea Riley
Dréa’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Drea-Riley/
Dréa’s Author Bio:
Dréa Riley can always be found one of two favorite places; the kitchen or the computer. A relaxing time for her would be concocting a delicious dish while connecting with her coterie online. Whenever something off the wall happens, Dréa will most likely be found in the middle of it, trying to look innocent and usually failing. With a heart bigger than the Grand Canyon and a mouth more lethal than an injection, this diva might save the world and cuss it out at the same time. This steak-loving sister always finds a way to juggle work, reading, and sleep. She channels the support from her family, friends, and fans into her sitcom lifestyle and stories.
dreariley@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Introducing Author Billy London
Between a Spank and a Hard Place
When I say there's a skill to a good spank, I'm not just writing to amuse Nevea Lane. There be method to my madness. One of my favourite things about men is their hands. Hands are always a good indication for what you'll find in the trouser department; moreover, I want to see if it's a broad, slap my bottom silly type palm. Hard, calloused, raw, rough and capable of turning brown skin red. It's doable, believe me!
I did wander in the wilderness for a while, bereft of a good smack. I was sad. I was blue. I suffered with men who would hesitantly state ‘well not too hard, she's only five foot three and a bit’ and the even worse ‘I'm not comfortable with this really but as she pulled on my balls until I agreed, I'll doing it.’
I wanted to throw them out of the nearest window into the street where the next available truck would run them over for being so lame. What's so wrong about it? Make that jelly shake! I mean, dude, you know that thing I do when I have an orgasm, and you think you're going to lose your member because I'm squeezing so hard? Yeah, give me a good meaningful spank on either butt cheek with your palm and you'll get a preview, if not a whole damn encore when you're finished.
I'm not going to go all Freud and explain why I like it. That's not important. What is, is finding a man worthy of alternating styles of spanking. The swipe smack with the stinging tips of the fingers, or the clapping kneading-dough-with-your-globes smack or the best open handed-what-I'd-do-if-I-was-in-a-soap-opera with both hands slap! That's why God gave man two hands! —to spank his woman good and proper. A brilliant spanker will be intuitive as to how hard to do it–he'll read the resulting yelps from 'not bad' to 'getting there' to 'praise be!' to 'where's my gun?' Oh lord yes! That rush of sensation combined with the depth of rhythm you only get with length and girth guarantees that I start speaking in tongues... I freaking live for moments like that.
Don't worry, no one's hurt me. I haven't recalled any bad memories from some horrible school with the cane and I haven't reported anyone for assault. If I'm asking, begging, pleading, waving my bottom in a man's face he needs to take up that invitation pretty damn quick or jog on. I want it! So do it! For the love of mercy, spank that ass!
I'm going to get myself a glass of water and calm down. Next time, paddles!
Billy’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Billy-London/
Billy’s Author Bio:
Ah, poor Billy. The only girl between two boys who each have nearly a foot on her. Didn't stop her from starting physical fights with them. She still thinks she can take them. So while she used to hide away in her wardrobe to read a book or four, she started to question why the heroines in those books would just lie there and take it. No, not just sex, but downright James-Bond-backhand-slapping, do-as-you're-told-woman, inappropriate lie there and take it.
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
When I say there's a skill to a good spank, I'm not just writing to amuse Nevea Lane. There be method to my madness. One of my favourite things about men is their hands. Hands are always a good indication for what you'll find in the trouser department; moreover, I want to see if it's a broad, slap my bottom silly type palm. Hard, calloused, raw, rough and capable of turning brown skin red. It's doable, believe me!
I did wander in the wilderness for a while, bereft of a good smack. I was sad. I was blue. I suffered with men who would hesitantly state ‘well not too hard, she's only five foot three and a bit’ and the even worse ‘I'm not comfortable with this really but as she pulled on my balls until I agreed, I'll doing it.’
I wanted to throw them out of the nearest window into the street where the next available truck would run them over for being so lame. What's so wrong about it? Make that jelly shake! I mean, dude, you know that thing I do when I have an orgasm, and you think you're going to lose your member because I'm squeezing so hard? Yeah, give me a good meaningful spank on either butt cheek with your palm and you'll get a preview, if not a whole damn encore when you're finished.
I'm not going to go all Freud and explain why I like it. That's not important. What is, is finding a man worthy of alternating styles of spanking. The swipe smack with the stinging tips of the fingers, or the clapping kneading-dough-with-your-globes smack or the best open handed-what-I'd-do-if-I-was-in-a-soap-opera with both hands slap! That's why God gave man two hands! —to spank his woman good and proper. A brilliant spanker will be intuitive as to how hard to do it–he'll read the resulting yelps from 'not bad' to 'getting there' to 'praise be!' to 'where's my gun?' Oh lord yes! That rush of sensation combined with the depth of rhythm you only get with length and girth guarantees that I start speaking in tongues... I freaking live for moments like that.
Don't worry, no one's hurt me. I haven't recalled any bad memories from some horrible school with the cane and I haven't reported anyone for assault. If I'm asking, begging, pleading, waving my bottom in a man's face he needs to take up that invitation pretty damn quick or jog on. I want it! So do it! For the love of mercy, spank that ass!
I'm going to get myself a glass of water and calm down. Next time, paddles!
Billy’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Billy-London/
Billy’s Author Bio:
Ah, poor Billy. The only girl between two boys who each have nearly a foot on her. Didn't stop her from starting physical fights with them. She still thinks she can take them. So while she used to hide away in her wardrobe to read a book or four, she started to question why the heroines in those books would just lie there and take it. No, not just sex, but downright James-Bond-backhand-slapping, do-as-you're-told-woman, inappropriate lie there and take it.
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Introducing Author Shara Azod
Driving is Dangerous
Save a Life- seriously. Follow these simple tips and pass them on and YOU could be saving a life.
Do not cut me off, get in front of me, and then slow down, because if you do I will follow you home and burn every car in a five mile radius just in case one of your neighbors even think of letting you drive their car because yours is a smoldering torch
Do not ride up on my bumper—go around, because I will slow down, then when you do move over I will get in front of you and slow down.
If you are driving under the speed limit, get the fruck out of the fast lane; I am serious because I will take you out slowly and without mercy.
Take the keys away from grandma and grandpa. I mean for real. If they are 157, they don’t need to be on the road, you should be running their errands or taking them where they want to go. If you don’t I am coming after you, not the grands.
Truckers are assholes. I don’t care if they are your spouse, brother, sister, daddy, cousin on your mother’s uncle’s sister’s step-brother’s side, they are assholes and it won’t be bananas I stick in their tail pipe.
Dear Mr./Ms. FBI, NSA, Secret Service or other law enforcement person, these are not real threats, it is irony. I am being sarcastic to work out my frustrations. I have no intention of purposefully doing anyone any serious bodily harm. I am merciful after all. And nice.
One more thing: If you have to put nuts
http://www.thatsnutz.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65
on your truck, this signifies you have none, which makes me more man than you'll ever be and more woman than you'll ever have. Go home, hide your face, or I will dominate you. I just might anyway.
Jeanie and Jayha comment 1: Dear Mr./Ms. Law Enforcement Agent/Entity. What she said…except, neither of us would go so far as to say she is “nice.” That part of her post is what we in the south call a ‘Damn Lie.’
Jeanie and Jayha comment 2: Dear Truckers. We’re not involved in her comments. We love the “Smoky and the Bandit” movies. Thank you.
Shara’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Shara-Azod/
Shara Azod Bio:
Shara is the first one to admit she is a little off. Her favorite movies are Steel Magnolias and Apocalypse Now, with a little Godfather and Animal House thrown in for fun. When not planning to take over the world, or re-fighting the world’s greatest battles in her mind, she can usually be found having deep and meaningful conversations with her kids (11 & 8) about the meaning of life or trying to talk her husband into buying her weapons—just in case of Armageddon.
www.sharaazod.com
Save a Life- seriously. Follow these simple tips and pass them on and YOU could be saving a life.
Do not cut me off, get in front of me, and then slow down, because if you do I will follow you home and burn every car in a five mile radius just in case one of your neighbors even think of letting you drive their car because yours is a smoldering torch
Do not ride up on my bumper—go around, because I will slow down, then when you do move over I will get in front of you and slow down.
If you are driving under the speed limit, get the fruck out of the fast lane; I am serious because I will take you out slowly and without mercy.
Take the keys away from grandma and grandpa. I mean for real. If they are 157, they don’t need to be on the road, you should be running their errands or taking them where they want to go. If you don’t I am coming after you, not the grands.
Truckers are assholes. I don’t care if they are your spouse, brother, sister, daddy, cousin on your mother’s uncle’s sister’s step-brother’s side, they are assholes and it won’t be bananas I stick in their tail pipe.
Dear Mr./Ms. FBI, NSA, Secret Service or other law enforcement person, these are not real threats, it is irony. I am being sarcastic to work out my frustrations. I have no intention of purposefully doing anyone any serious bodily harm. I am merciful after all. And nice.
One more thing: If you have to put nuts
http://www.thatsnutz.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65
on your truck, this signifies you have none, which makes me more man than you'll ever be and more woman than you'll ever have. Go home, hide your face, or I will dominate you. I just might anyway.
Jeanie and Jayha comment 1: Dear Mr./Ms. Law Enforcement Agent/Entity. What she said…except, neither of us would go so far as to say she is “nice.” That part of her post is what we in the south call a ‘Damn Lie.’
Jeanie and Jayha comment 2: Dear Truckers. We’re not involved in her comments. We love the “Smoky and the Bandit” movies. Thank you.
Shara’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Shara-Azod/
Shara Azod Bio:
Shara is the first one to admit she is a little off. Her favorite movies are Steel Magnolias and Apocalypse Now, with a little Godfather and Animal House thrown in for fun. When not planning to take over the world, or re-fighting the world’s greatest battles in her mind, she can usually be found having deep and meaningful conversations with her kids (11 & 8) about the meaning of life or trying to talk her husband into buying her weapons—just in case of Armageddon.
www.sharaazod.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Introducing Author Janet Eckford
The Look
I periodically peruse poetry to lure my muse out of hiding. There is something so simple and yet deliciously erotic about a well written poem. I love the rhythm and cadence of the words that when spoken aloud causes the tongue to move in a slow languid pace that makes me think of all the other fun things the tongue can be used for.
I also love a poem that captures those sexy secret moments that people can have with each other. The soft caress of your lover’s hand on yours in a crowded room or when you press your lips together in greeting but hello is more than what you’re saying. But if I’m a sucker for anything, it’s the look one shares with another, that speaks volumes more than any words could express.
I found such a poem the other day by Sara Teasdale called “The Look”. I was initially beguiled by the peppy little flutter of the words strung together, until the end when smack, I was hit with imagery that suggested a look can often be more powerful than any kiss you can have. I shivered at the thought of the looks I’ve given and received over the years and my muse immediately clamored for attention.
“We need to write something like that,” she whispered.
I’m going to get right too it but first I’d be interested in knowing what your “look” dear reader has been and if the memory of it stays with you far longer than the implication of the act that may have followed.
Here is the poem. Copyright © 1997 - 2011 by Academy of American Poets
Strephon kissed me in the spring,
Robin in the fall,
But Colin only looked at me
And never kissed at all.
Strephon's kiss was lost in jest,
Robin's lost in play,
But the kiss in Colin's eyes
Haunts me night and day.
Janet’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Janet-Eckford/
Janet Eckford Bio:
Like most great superheroes (or super-villains, depending on who’s telling the story) Janet Eckford lives a double life. By day Janet is a mild-mannered crusader for justice (or nefarious deeds, depending on who’s telling the story) and by night an indestructible creator of prose (or pathological liar, depending on who’s telling the story) while munching on her favorite cookies—oatmeal raisin. A native West Coaster who hails from the sunny state of California Janet, has loved the romance genre ever since she convinced her dad it was required reading when she was eleven. Janet believes love shouldn’t have a color code and strives to create stories that represent that belief.
Send her your praise and adoration and she will return it in kind.
janeteckford@yahoo.com
I periodically peruse poetry to lure my muse out of hiding. There is something so simple and yet deliciously erotic about a well written poem. I love the rhythm and cadence of the words that when spoken aloud causes the tongue to move in a slow languid pace that makes me think of all the other fun things the tongue can be used for.
I also love a poem that captures those sexy secret moments that people can have with each other. The soft caress of your lover’s hand on yours in a crowded room or when you press your lips together in greeting but hello is more than what you’re saying. But if I’m a sucker for anything, it’s the look one shares with another, that speaks volumes more than any words could express.
I found such a poem the other day by Sara Teasdale called “The Look”. I was initially beguiled by the peppy little flutter of the words strung together, until the end when smack, I was hit with imagery that suggested a look can often be more powerful than any kiss you can have. I shivered at the thought of the looks I’ve given and received over the years and my muse immediately clamored for attention.
“We need to write something like that,” she whispered.
I’m going to get right too it but first I’d be interested in knowing what your “look” dear reader has been and if the memory of it stays with you far longer than the implication of the act that may have followed.
Here is the poem. Copyright © 1997 - 2011 by Academy of American Poets
Strephon kissed me in the spring,
Robin in the fall,
But Colin only looked at me
And never kissed at all.
Strephon's kiss was lost in jest,
Robin's lost in play,
But the kiss in Colin's eyes
Haunts me night and day.
Janet’s listings at Beautiful Trouble Publishing:
https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Janet-Eckford/
Janet Eckford Bio:
Like most great superheroes (or super-villains, depending on who’s telling the story) Janet Eckford lives a double life. By day Janet is a mild-mannered crusader for justice (or nefarious deeds, depending on who’s telling the story) and by night an indestructible creator of prose (or pathological liar, depending on who’s telling the story) while munching on her favorite cookies—oatmeal raisin. A native West Coaster who hails from the sunny state of California Janet, has loved the romance genre ever since she convinced her dad it was required reading when she was eleven. Janet believes love shouldn’t have a color code and strives to create stories that represent that belief.
Send her your praise and adoration and she will return it in kind.
janeteckford@yahoo.com
Friday, February 25, 2011
Introducing the authors at BTP
Because we'd actually have to write a blog to work our way up to being "lazy" bloggers, we decided to pass the buck. Using some of our unbridled power we "suggested" that the authors at Beautiful Trouble Publishing pen a blog about whatever was on their minds in an effort to shirk our duties...we mean, in an effort to introduce you the reader to them.
We hope you enjoy this...we certainly are.
We hope you enjoy this...we certainly are.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Woo Hoo!
Beautiful Trouble Publishing is almost two years old...we're getting new hotness, new authors, and have new swag and a new logo. Maybe this year, we'll stop treating our blog like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. But probably not. Jeanie and Jayha
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