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]

LLP Blog Tour Presents Nathasha Brooks-Harris

The Author

Nathasha Brooks-Harris is the author of several published books. Her debut novel, Panache, earned her the prestigious Emma Award, and she was named Best New Author in 2002. Her second novel, an anthology called Can I Get An Amen Again, was published last year by Kimani Books (now Harlequin). It is the follow-up to Can I Get An Amen--which earned a place on four bestseller lists before it even hit the shelves! A third book in the Amen series is in negotiation. Her second full-length novel, Sins of The Past, is scheduled for publication in March 2009. She is the former editor of three national women’s confession/romance magazines: True Confessions, Black Romance, and Bronze Thrills magazines. She was a Contributing Editor to Today’s Black Woman magazine. She is a member of Romance Writers of America National, the local New York City RWA chapter, Author’s Guild, and the New York City chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. In addition, she teaches writing at the Frederick Douglas Creative Arts Center, and travels across the country teaching writing seminars and workshops. She can be reached at nabrooks@aol.com or writernbh@yahoo.com. Brooks-Harris may be found on MySpace and her website.

The Book


Sabrina Jackson, a housekeeper and single mom works for the uppity Mrs. Boardraye, the wife of the city’s most successful canning company owner. Barely scraping by on the paltry salary Sabrina’s paid, she lives in the projects raising her young daughter, Kayla. One day, the finest tall and handsome man Sabrina ever seen catches her eye when he comes to the Boardraye home to present his new spring line. Where Sabrina sees poor, Quentin sees incredibly sexy, sassy, and vibrant. Despite her reservations about their different backgrounds and Mrs. Boardraye's forbidding her to fraternize with Quentin, the starry-eyed couple begins to date. Will their love win out over their station in life? Will they give in to what’s in their heart and love each other despite all of their differences?


Opposites Attract …So Good, So Right is available at Lady Leo Publishing.

EXCERPT of Opposites Attract …So Good, So Right


“Wow, what an incredible story. Now, I see why my being a housekeeper doesn't bother you."

It was getting late and neither of us wanted to go, but we needed to get some rest for work the next day, so Quentin took me home and came around to open the car door. Putting his arm around me, he walked me to my apartment. I had such a lovely time that I don't want you to go. We're from two different worlds, but I sure wish we could try, I thought.

Within minutes, Quentin claimed my lips, crushing me to him. I felt my knees weaken as his lips descended upon mine. His tongue traced the fullness of my lips, then explored the inner recesses of my mouth. His lips demanded answers that I wasn't sure I could give. But I did because Quentin's lips demanded a response. I returned his kiss with the same intensity of heat that joins metal. Spirals of ecstasy rippled through my body setting it aflame. Quentin Maxwell had rendered me senseless.

"Would you…like to…come in for…a cup of coffee?" I asked, unable to speak a sensible sentence.

"I had a wonderful tine with you, tonight, Sabrina, and I would welcome the chance to spend more time with you," he said, planting sweet kisses on my neck.

"Yes, I'd love a cup of coffee, thanks."

We drank the java and was working on the second cup, but we never finished it. Quentin drew my lips to his in a renewed embrace, kissing me with a hunger that belied his outward calm. I was shocked at my wanton response to the touch of his lips. At that juncture, no words needed to be said and none were. . .

Order your copy of Opposites Attract …So Good, So Right today!

Get into CELEBRITY SKIN with Author Liane Bonin

The Author
Liane Bonin is a nationally recognized journalist, author, radio producer, and produced screenwriter. She has written thousands of articles which have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Mademoiselle, Budget Living, Writer's Digest, Daily Variety, People, Teen People, The Hollywood Reporter, Detour, Teen, Flaunt, the Writers Guild of America West's Written By, Maxim and other publications. As a producer for public radio, her work has aired on the "Weekend America," KCRW, BBC Radio, Seattle's KUOW, and transom.org. She lives with her husband and three dogs in the Los Angeles area.

You can learn more about Liane and her writing at her website and her MySpace.



The Book


Nowadays, Taylor Christensen is gorgeous, rich, and one of the biggest stars around, but the day Erin Kim met her, Taylor was on the middle school D-list, with the headgear to prove it. Erin, under her own stress from her traditional Koreanborn parents who don't want her to change, was there for Taylor when she needed a friend way back when, and she was there for her when the braces came off and the whole world noticed.

Sure, Taylor had the "it" Hollywood was looking for, but someone had to help her deal with the ups and downs of superstardom. Erin didn't mind-especially since it helped her get her mind off some tough problems at home. Through it all, Erin was Taylor's one true friend. But as Erin watches her best friend self-destruct, she knows that telling Taylor the truth about what she's become could end their friendship once and for all.


Click cover above to order CELEBRITY SKIN: FAME UNLIMITED!


The Interview
AT THE MOVIES: We walk into the theatre and see the poster for CELEBRITY SKIN: THE MOVIE. What's the movie's logline?
It’s Not Easy To Be BFFs With An A-List Diva


Why the title CELEBRITY SKIN?
It’s the name of a song by one of my favorite 90s grunge bands, Hole. It’s all about how Hollywood can chew you up and spit you out. Taylor achieves enviable success, but she’s quickly transformed from a regular girl into a teenager who’s seen too much and barely lived to tell the tale.


Fill in the blank: "After reading CELEBRITY SKIN, you’ll rethink what you think you know about celebrities."


What was the initial spark that created CELEBRITY SKIN?
I’ve been an entertain ment journalist for ages, and if you can think of a celebrity I’ve probably interviewed them. Of course, along the way I found out a lot of things I wouldn’t want to print or literally couldn’t print, either because I’d get sued or because personally, I have never wanted to write gossip column material. The only way I could really write about the truly scandalous things that happen in Hollywood every day was to write fiction.


Since the release of CELEBRITY SKIN, have you had any celebrities wonder if you're writing about them within the pages of your fiction?
No one’s asked me directly , but when I do interview celebrities, I don’t mention the book, and they don’t, either. I think we’re all operating on a don’t ask-don’t tell policy! I think it could be pretty awkward for all involved.


What is one of the overall goals you have in developing this series?
Everyone who reads Us Weekly or TMZ.com thinks they know all the dirt on Hollywood, but that’s really just the surface. I wanted to show people why celebrities go spinning out of control, and shine a spotlight on not just the glam our, but the challenges, too.


You have written thousands of articles for publications such as People, Teen, Mademoiselle, and Entertainment Weekly. Talk to us about what led you to move into a writing career, particularly a career that focused on entertainment and celebrities.
I came out to Los Angeles to study film, and I got involved with journalism while I was in college. It was a natural combination!


What are THREE adjectives that best describe CELEBRITY SKIN?
Glamorous, revealing and real.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Funny, dedicated and loyal.


Liane Bonin: The Soundtrack: What tracks might we see on the soundtrack of your life? Why?
Strange Angels by Laurie Anderson. It’s just a beautiful, ethereal song and I think in our lives we do stumble across “strange angels,” people we don’t expect to influence or help us, but who do.


What are some things you're doing to promote CELEBRITY SKIN?
I’ve had book signings, a very cool book party at Leap Shoe Lounge (a store where celebrities like Kim Kardashian and the cast of Desperate Housewives shop) in Calabasas, Calif., attended book fairs and have done interviews like this one.


Many people believe that good writers are also voracious readers. What are three of your favorite books, and why do they make the list?
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon and Ghost World by Daniel Clowes. They’re all completely different books, but what they share in common is a strong sense of story, compelling characters and vividly portrayed worlds.


Looking back on your writing journey, what authors or books have influenced and/or inspired you as a writer? Why?
Friends like Nina Malkin (6x: The Uncensored Confessions) and C. Leigh Purtill (Love, Meg) have been an inspiration because there’s nothing better than having good friends who know exactly what you’re going through.


CELEBRITY SKIN: The Movie. Who would play Taylor Christensen and Erin Kim?
Taylor Christensen would be played by Miley Cyrus, whike20Erin’s a little tougher – I’d always envisioned Keiko Agena (Gilmore Girls) in the role, but she’s probably too grown up now.


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
I’m working on a new novel that’s completely unrelated to celebrity stuff. It’s in more of a supernatural vein. That’s all I’ll say, but it’s a lot of fun!

LLP Blog Tour Presents Letitia Blount

The Author


Letitia Blount was the Founder of Champagne on the Hill and Champagne on the Hill Online Showcase where she featured authors and poets on a monthly basis. She has self-published 3 poetry collections: Infidelite', Sanctuary, A Woman, A Pen and Paper, and she published a poetry collection titled Conditions of the Heart- A poetry collection of self-love with PublishAmerica. Letitia is an author with Lady Leo Publishing.

You can learn more about Letitia by checking out her website and her blog!

The Book


Consequences of a Temptress is a confessional short story all about what Zoë wants Zoë gets. All Zoë's life she's been told how beautiful and banging her body is and she used it to her advantage. She loves the challenge of a man playing hard to get. It encourages her to pursue him aggressively. After she conquers her victim she loses interest until she meets Ahmad, she finds her biggest challenge that involves emotions, religion and life altering situations.


Consequences of a Temptress is available at Lady Leo Publishing.

EXCERPT of CONSEQUENCES OF A TEMPTRESS

Ahmad Woods, my ex-husband and father of my son is one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met in my life. He’s a brotha I feel every woman wants to have in her life. He’s strong, intelligent, loving, caring and a true friend. He’s family-oriented and listens when a woman has something to say.

Sometimes he would go so deep in conversation that I used to get caught up in his thoughts and views of the world. I wished I could just have an ounce of his wisdom, and share it willingly as he does. I know you must be thinking if he’s so good why is he my ex? Well what happened was…

It was a hot summer day in August and the temperature was rising by the seconds. I dotted beads of sweat with tissue and the residue stuck to my face. I had to squeeze through the crowds of wanna be gangstas who should have had their butts in school instead of making comments about my backside and legs. I ignored their remarks and continued on my way when I walked up on Ahmad. He was passing out religious pamphlets in front of a department store in the middle of downtown Boston.

Usually I wouldn’t take any handouts from anyone trying to give me anything on the street. All I wanted was some food on my lunch hour, but this brotha was FINE, dark chocolate, with hazel eyes and a smile that instantly melted me. I mean, this brotha made my mouth water its own sugar.

Of course I had no interest in what he had to say. To be honest I had no idea what he said. In seconds, inside my mind, I had foreseen him as my man, dating, sexing him up and down, and walking down the aisle, and yes, next came the baby carriage. I wanted to get to know him better and nothing would stand in my way. So I set out to conquer this beautiful black man.

Order your copy of Consequences of a Temptress today!

Author Rachelle Chase holds CLASS on how to make writing SEXY!

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Rachelle Chase, author of SIN CLUB, holds class as she talks about sex and writing...and offers a little contest to those who can pen some sexy stuff, too!






For the month of September, AtBaP authors are talking about SEX; here's the question that was posed: Is sex an important component to develop in your writing? How are you able to weave it into a work AND also have a strong plot development?

Rachelle begins her discussion by stating, "I write erotic romance, so sex is VERY important. The way I weave it into the story and have strong plot development is by making sex a part of the story.

When my characters are doing nonsexual things or are talking about nonsexual things, there are sexual undertones. When my characters are having sex, the sex is moving the story forward – meaning, the hero and heroine are bringing their baggage, fears, dreams, etc. into the bedroom – and after sex, both are changed in some way. This change sends them down a new path, until their new beliefs about themselves are challenged up to and during the next sex scene, which then starts another change-and-down-a-new page chain of events, and so on. Until all the necessary change has occurred and my characters have become “new” people at the end."

What ELSE does Rachelle have to say about sex, writing, and her novel? Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read the rest of her response...and see how YOU can win a copy of SIN CLUB...and another gift, :-)

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

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

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!

Spotlight on Debbie Reed Fischer, author of Swimming with the Sharks

The Author
Author Debbie Reed Fischer worked for many years as a model booker in Miami, where the daily dramas of the weird and the beautiful inspired her to write Braless in Wonderland. Other job adventures from her past include hosting a cable TV show for teens, picking melons on a kibbutz, teaching middle and high school English, and singing in a USO troupe. She grew up in a sleepy Florida town and has also lived in England, Greece, and Israel. A graduate of the University of Miami's screenwriting program, Debbie currently lives in Boynton Beach, Florida, with her husband and two kids, where she feeds them a steady diet of take-out. Her second teen novel, Swimming with the Sharks, will be released in September. Visit her at her website, blog, and MySpace page.


The Books

Released September 2008

"Blubber for the 21st century. Debbie Reed Fischer's sizzling take on girl hazing and cheer pressure mixes the perfect ratio of humor to anger for a compelling, un-put-downable read." - Alex Flinn, award winning author of Beastly

Meet Peyton Grady: self-declared president of The Neverhadaboyfriend Club, six feet tall, “freckled and flat as a skateboard,” on financial aid, with only her best friend Maya to rely on. Until now, she hasn’t exactly been the poster child for popularity at her posh private high school, Beachwood Prep. But everything is about to change, because this year, Peyton has a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. Now she’ll finally have a shot at the life she’s always wanted, complete with membership in the Alpha Clique, the boyfriend of her dreams, and “no more standing on the social sidelines.”

But treasured goals never come easy. When the principal, Dr. Johnson, appoints new student Ellika Grosset, a “squatty stump of a girl” with zero athletic ability as the squad’s newest member, things get complicated. Peyton and the rest of the squad are outraged that this girl has been forced upon them, simply because her parents donated millions for a new athletic facility.

None are more furious than the queen fly girl herself, charismatic and powerful squad captain, Lexie Court. Ordering Peyton and her team mates to “take initiation rituals to the next level,” Lexie hatches Operation Smellika, a bullying campaign to drive Ellika out. “Do whatever it takes,” she tells them. “It’s for the good of the squad.”

Peyton knows it’s wrong. Horrible, even. She feels sorry for Ellika. But in the end, Peyton participates along with the others. Torn by her conscience, yet seduced by the chance to have everything she wants, she gets further and further involved in Lexie’s sick hazing plan.

Until it goes too far.

Peyton knows she has to stop Lexie.

But how?



Released April 2008

Allee Rosen is a lot of things: high school senior, overachiever, brain. The one thing Allee is not is supermodel material—at least that’s what she thinks until modeling scouts spot her and she moves to Miami to work with an elite modeling agency. Suddenly Allee is swept up?p in a whirlwind of designer labels, photo shoots, go-sees and some seriously backstabbing models. Will this fabulous new life go to her head? New author Debbie Reed Fischer offers readers a fresh, fun, and honest peek into the crazy and glamorous world of professional modeling.


Click covers above to order both SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS and BRALESS IN WONDERLAND!


The Interview


Fill in the blank: "I wrote SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS BECAUSE a few years ago, I was watching this news story about a powder puff football incident in a wealthy suburb of Chicago. Privileged girls ganged up on each other in a brutal melee, while 200 high school spectators cheered them on. They strangled each other with pig intestines, threw buckets of animal waste on each other and wound up in the hospital with broken bones. I thought to myself, ‘Why are these young women so angry that they have to inflict that kind of humiliation and brutality on each other? These are wealthy kids from beautiful homes; what is bubbling under the surface?” The next thought that occurred to me after watching the footage was, “Which one is the ring leader? And why did the others go along with it? There must have been kids that knew it was wrong but went along with it anyway.” And that’s how my character Peyton was born. I started researching other hazing incidents and I was shocked by how widespread it is, and how private schools often manage to keep it under wraps. The whole idea of someone being a hateful bully has always baffled me. Mob mentality has always baffled me."


Peyton Grady, the main character of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS, is a girl we all know and sympathize and empathize. Shoot, some of us can admit to even BEING a Peyton in the past. How invested did you find yourself in developing Peyton and telling her story?
Very invested. Her guilt became my guilt. Writing is a lot like acting. You really go into character sometimes.


What themes, topics will readers find within the pages of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
Appearance versus reality. No one is ever really what they seem. People always surprise me. The idea of keeping secrets is a theme as well; the fact that there really aren’t any secrets; they’re like money, for trading. Self-acceptance is something I hope readers will think about after they read the book too. I love that Christina Aguilera song, Beautiful, with the lyric, “I am beautiful in every, single way.” We’re all imperfect, and imperfection is what makes us beautiful. Love yourself. Love your friends. And my favorite theme is inner-strength. It takes courage to stand up to bullies. Sometimes there is a price to pay, and it’s not easy. Those are all themes I thought about while writing SHARKS.


There are a lot of YA novels that have the same basic premise: unpopular and/or unattractive girl gets an in to the "in" crowd and then must decide if it's worth being in the "in" crowd. How do you combat the basic premise in SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS and make it unique?
Well, for one thing, my book has a lot of humor, so hopefully, just when you’re wincing in horror as the hazing unfolds, you’ll laugh too. I’ve been told by some readers that what surprised them the most was that it’s as funny as it is dark. The book also focuses on cyber hazing as well as traditional hazing, not to mention the allowances schools make for their athletes. I’d say SHARKS is pretty timely, because there have been quite a few reported incidents involving cyber hazing, brutal beatings and cheerleaders in the media lately. What is going on with girls’ athletics? With teen angst and anger? With cyber abuse? I hope SHARKS gets people to think about it, talk about it, take a look at what’s going on.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
One review recently called it “scintillating.” I’d add powerful, fast-paced and funny.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Silly, serious, grateful


INSIDE YOUR MP3: What THREE TRACKS are you loving right now and why?
”Touched” by Vast, “The World Spins Madly On” by The Weepies and that Britney song “Piece of Me.” Except I keep thinking she’s singing, “You want a piece of meat?” And then I get hungry and go make a sandwich. Check out my playlists on my website at www.debbiereedfischer.com.


We all know that writing for an author is only part of the journey - publicity soon follows. What are some things you're doing to promote SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
Interviews for awesome blogs like this one. I also have a blog, a MySpace page, and a Facebook page where I love to exchange messages from readers. I also run contests and will be running a contest soon, so please stop by my blog or myspace. The best thing I’ve done publicity-wise is join the author class of 2k8. Come stop by our site at www.classof2k8.com. I’m also setting up signings locally that will involve cheerleaders performing an anti-bullying cheer and door prizes. Plus I’m ordering cool promotional stuff to give away.


Many people believe that good writers are also voracious readers. What are three of your favorite books, and why do they make the list?
Jane Eyre – I love her self-confidence. No matter what life throws at her, she believes in herself and demands respect from others.

Anything by Judy Blume. She’s the original chick lit girl for teens.

The Adrian Mole Diaries. British humor and teen angst combined. It doesn’t get any better than that.


Looking back on your writing journey, who has been one person that has inspired you the most in your literary aspirations? How has he/she inspired you?
My husband. He believed in me from day one and gave the most inspirational pep talks to help me stay focused on my goal of getting published. Meeting other authors at conferences and online was really inspiring too. I thought, ‘If they could do it, I can too.’


SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS: The Movie. Who would play Peyton Grady and Lexie Court?
Dakota Fanning would play Lexie and Ashley Tisdale would play Peyton. And I would have to have a cameo as the gym teacher or the vice principal or something.


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
I’m promoting my other book that came out in April, BRALESS IN WONDERLAND, gearing up for the launch of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS, and working on book number 3, currently titled BORN FUNNY. Oh, and answering letters from readers! Write to me at www.debbiereedfischer.com! I promise I’ll write you back!

Sex & Writing with Author Lauren Dane

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Lauren Dane, author of FATED, talks about sex and writing!







For the month of September, AtBaP authors are talking about SEX; here's the question that was posed: Is sex an important component to develop in your writing? How are you able to weave it into a work AND also have a strong plot development?

Among other things - all of them juicy and frank, Lauren replied: "In truth, sex is wonderful material for a story. It’s rife with possibilities. Not just love and joy but anger, loss, connection, guilt, grief – it’s not only a great vehicle for emotion but physical action as well. An author can really show you things about her characters through a really well done, well placed sex scene."

What ELSE does Lauren have to say about sex, writing, and her novel? Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read the rest of her response...and also be sure to see what author Zetta Brown (Messalina - Devourer of Men) has to say about sex & writing, too!

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

LLP Blog Tour Presents Rae Winters

The Author



Rae Winters is a native New Yorker and her love of romance books started at the age of ten. Many days she was locked up in the bathroom reading a book, instead of doing her chores. Rae Winters, pseudonym for D. F. Mitchell has published book reviews, short stories, and sensual poems for Dorchester Media. Her work has appeared in True Confessions, Jive, Black Confession, Black Romance, and Bronze Thrill magazines.

She studied the craft of writing at the Frederick Douglas Creative Arts Center. She also studied Fiction and Mystery writing through an on-line distance learning program. She continues to study her craft at every available opportunity. She’s currently working on several short stories including her first romance novel, and she can be reached at DFMitchell138@aol.com.

The Book



The first in Winters' Girlfriend’s Series, Unfinished Business is the story of Sydney Harris who is ten days from walking down the aisle when her fiancé, Lance Edwards, develops cold feet. He skips town taking a transfer to the Washington, D.C. office. She's devastated, but sometimes trouble is a blessing in disguise.

Two years ago, Sydney dropped handsome Phoenix Sanders, a construction worker. She believed she'd been wasting her time with him, and he wasn't serious about marriage. But when she proposes a marriage of convenience she will find out just how wrong she'd been.




Unfinished Business as well as Undeniable are available at Lady Leo Publishing.

EXCERPT of UNFINISHED BUSINESS


Nix came to the door, towel draped against his sculptured body, moisture from his recent shower dripping down his chest. He looked good enough to eat. My fantasy from yesterday’s business meeting came back in real time, as I stood there mesmerized by his body.

“Sydney, what are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you, Nix.”

“Make this quick, I’ve got an early call tomorrow morning,” he said, opening the door wide enough for me to pass through.

My nose honed in on his after-shower-scent and I found myself wishing to join him in the shower as we had done many times before: showering, making love, and then showering again.

“This is a beautiful house, Nix. You just moved in?” I asked. We were surrounded by unopened boxes.

“Yeah, I moved in on Saturday.”

“May I see the house, Nix?”

He didn’t answer me, but he did shake his head which I took as a “yes.” I went exploring. The basement level was unfinished, and the main floor had a spacious kitchen, formal dining room, and a huge living room. Eagerly, I climbed the stairs to the second level, and found three bedrooms. Two of them were big enough for a nursery and a combination library-study.

I walked into his master bedroom—which was the largest of the three bedrooms. It was elegantly furnished, and the walls had crown molding.

“Is this your work? I like what you’re doing to it, celery green wall paint, and my favorite is the French doors. Where does that door lead to?”

“Sydney, did you come here to talk, or to see my new home?”

I could hear the annoyance in Nix’s voice.

“I’m sorry. You know my passion for decorating a room. I think if you put the sleigh bed against the right wall, and not the left, it will give you even more space.”

“I’m a foreman now, and I have to be in Staten Island at five A. M., so say whatever you have to say, now!”

Nix was now standing in front of me; his sherry-chocolate eyes smothered me, and stopped me in my track. I slowly backed away from him, feeling sexually threatened. He smelled so good, his chest glistened, and I wanted—no needed to touch him. I fought my inward desires, because I was wet with need, and I needed to talk to him…

Order your copy of Unfinished Business today!

YA Author Jennifer Banash Talks to CLG!

The Author
Jennifer Banash attended high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and currently divides her time between Paris and the Midwest—where she lives with her Beagle, Sigmund, and her vast designer shoe collection. She is the co-founder and co-publisher of Impetus Press, an independent publishing house that champions serious literary fiction with a pop edge.

Learn more about Jennifer @ her website and on MySpace.

Follow the characters of THE ELITE on Twitter!


The Books

Enter the world of "The Elite"

It’s the most exclusive luxury apartment building on New York’s Upper East Side. If you don’t live there—you don’t know how to live…

When Casey McCloy steps into The Bramford, she’s overwhelmed by the sophistication and elegance of it all. Fresh from the Midwest, she’s moved to NYC to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The designer to know is Zac Posen. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinum-blond. She’s not just Casey’s new classmate and neighbor; she’s an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one well-timed whisper. Better to be on her good side.

But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people—including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone…



It’s the most exclusive luxury apartment building on New York’s Upper East Side. And if you don’t belong there—you just don’t belong.

The Bramford's newest resident and small-town transplant Casey McCloy is adapting to life in the Big Apple and loving it. She's finally got the look, the attitude, and a delish new boyfriend, Drew Van Allen. But even with everything she has going for her now, she's starting to have second thoughts as to whether the "New York" Casey is the real Casey. And she's not so sure she likes herself much anymore.

She’s not the only one…

Madison Macallister has always had her Manolo Blahniks firmly planted on the top rung of the social ladder—until that corn-fed cow Casey stole Drew away from her and made her look the fool. So what if Madison wasn’t exactly dating Drew at the time? She wanted him. And everyone knows that Madison gets what she wants, like Drew—and a little revenge…

Available January 2009.


The Interview
Fill in the blank: “Reading THE ELITE will suck you into a glamorous world you’ll never want to leave.”


THE ELITE: The movie. We come into the theatre and see the movie poster for THE ELITE. What’s the logline on the poster?
If you had everything, what would you do to keep it that way?


What themes, topics will readers find between the pages of THE ELITE?
Heartbreak, love, family drama of all kinds including infidelity, drug abuse, etc, and cheery topics like self-mutilation. Oh, and also an obsessive love of fashion!!!


What was the spark that generated THE ELITE and the series?
I attended high school on the Upper East Side, and although it was certainly glamorous, my friends and I all had real problems that weren’t apparent to the casual observer. When I began THE ELITE, I really wanted to create a series that reflected those problems and issues--but that still had an escapist quality it.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe THE ELITE?
Snarky. Intense. Fashion-obsessed.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Self-deprecating. Blunt. Fashion-obsessed.


Jennifer Banash: THE SOUNDTRACK! What TWO tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?
That’s a tough one, simply because my brain doesn’t work like that--I have really eclectic taste in music, and my all-time favs change on a daily, sometimes hourly basis! Right now I am listening to a lot of this French band, M83. Their new CD Saturdays=Youth is like a present day soundtrack to the 80’s movie Pretty in Pink. In short, it’s perfect to write to! One of their songs, Kim and Jesse, is on my MySpace profile if you want to check it out.


What are TWO things you have done - as author - to promote THE ELITE?
I networked ferociously on MySpace both before and after the book was released, talking to readers, holding contests. I also have given a tremendous amount of interviews to teen mags and teen bloggers. I sent the YA blogs ARC’s of THE ELITE so they could check it out months before the book was in stores, and those early reviews were unbelievably helpful. Last but not least, I created Twitter accounts for three of the characters in THE ELITE, Madison, Drew, and Casey, so you can now follow them on their day-to-day adventures while you pine for the next book in the series to be released! THE ELITE was also mentioned early in its release on Seventeen.com as a buzzworthy book, and that was extremely helpful in raising my profile as an author.


You’re going on vacation, and you’re only allowed to take ONE book with you -- what is it, and why that book?
Jeez, one book! You are kinda tough . . . :D OK, if I had to pick one book it would be Virginia Woolf’s THE WAVES. Every time I read it I notice something new, different, and surprising within its pages. It’s a gorgeous book on every level, and one I highly recommend.


Who is ONE of your favorite writers, and how does he/she inspire you as a writer?
One of my favorite YA writers is Melissa Walker. I love her prose style, and the VIOLET books really knocked me out as both a writer and reader. I just did an interview with her on my MySpace blog that you should check out. I’m also a big fan of Alexa Young, Jay Asher, and Barry Lyga.


Dream-on: You’ve just been told that someone wants to turn THE ELITE into a movie. Who would play Casey McCloy, Madison Macallister, and Drew?
I just entertained this VERY question on my blog! I really have no idea since the actors would have to be pretty young (15 and 16). But go over to my blog and cast your vote for the perfect cast to win a free copy of THE ELITE! I kind of had Scarlett Johannson in mind when I was writing Madison, but she’s far too old to play the character convincingly. And Casey is kind of Drew Barrymore-ish in personality . . .


What’s currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
I’m currently working on a few different projects-- my next YA series is entitled BITTEN, and it’s about two identical twin sisters whose parents buy Dracula’s castle at a Sotheby’s auction, and then promptly pack up their Manhattan penthouse and ship the whole family off to Romania! I’m also working on an adult novel that takes place at the court of Versaille under the reign of Louis XIV.

LLP Blog Tour Presents Empress LaBlaque

The Author



Empress’ writing career started as the results of domestic violence. In order to escape the harsh reality of abuse she would read, True Confessions, Bronze Thrills, Jive and the entire line of Romance Stories produced by Sterling McFadden. As she read, she realized her life was similar to the heroines in the stories. One day, she decided to write her own romance stories. She wrote about men who were tender, affectionate and romantic. Soon she owned several stories of her own. Empress has published on many levels. She is very proud of her accomplishments as a speaker for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.

The Book



Porter Stewart teaches Greek Mythology at the university. Jorey Jeffers is the busy owner of a successful café. When Porter visits Jorey’s café she doesn’t acknowledge his existence. Porter longs for her affections. His feelings are so intense he has realistic dreams about her. During these dreams, Porter leaves his body and steals Jorey’s soul. Suddenly, Jorey is plagued with vivid nightmares of passionate encounters. Meanwhile, Porter continues to call and his calls go unanswered. Jorey insists he has the wrong number.



Sorry, Wrong Number - as well as What Color is Love and My Brother’s Keeper - are all available at Lady Leo Publishing.

EXCERPT of SORRY, WRONG NUMBER

The phone continued to ring and there was no doubt--I was totally pissed. As I tossed debris I gritted my teeth and searched for the source of the dreadful ringing phone. Couldn’t he at least give me one night off? This idiot had called for a solid week, and this time, Jorey was not going to be so polite.

Finally, I located the phone beneath the bed. I snatched up the phone and plopped down on the comforter. Without giving the guy a chance to speak I spoke first. “Look, Mister. You have called me every damn night this week. You are disturbing my rest! I told you--you had the wrong number.”

From the phone, a calm male’s voice said, “Believe me, I am sorry, but I simply must talk with you. Your name is Jorey, right? Jorey Jeffers.”

I gnashed my teeth. “Yes! My name is Jorey, Jeffers. I don’t know who you are and at this hour, I don’t care to know!”

“Ah, what a shame. I’m sorry to hear that.” The voice remained calm. “You do own the little café down on Compton and Third, right?”

Seething, I held the phone to my ear, stood up and impatiently paced beside the bed. “Of course I do.” As if poking the man in the chest, I pointed my finger and stabbed at the air. “I know your kind. You came in, saw me on the menu and now you’re stalking me, right?”

Although, I was angry enough to chew nails, I did notice that the voice seemed refined and well bred. His foreign accent was amazingly sexy. “Well, not really,” he haggled. “However, you can relax. I’m not a stalker. . . ”

I was not going to be swayed by a sensual male voice. After all, I was supposed to be pissed, right? “Look. I’m a very busy woman.” As if the guy was standing in my bedroom, I pulled my robe together. “I don’t even know you and you’ve gotten off to a bad start, got that.”

The voice chuckled. “I’m sorry. I guess my methods for meeting you were a bit childish.” He paused briefly. “May I start all over and introduce myself properly?”

My hair was sopping wet; droplets of water ran down the side of my face and moistened the phone. I blotted my ear with the damp towel. “Mister. You could try, but I’m a little annoyed with you right about now.”

“I didn’t mean to make you angry,” he admitted sorrowfully.

I threw my hand into the air. “Well, you did.” Water started to stream down my neck and chest. “I was just about to lather my hair when you interrupted my personal ritual.”

The voice was crisp, rich and refreshing. “I’m sorry, Jorey. God forbid I interfere with the maintenance of that gorgeous red hair. Would you at least talk with me over the phone? That’s pretty safe, don’t you think?”

“That depends.” I walked toward the window, pulled the curtains apart and peered out the blinds. For all I knew this guy could be on a cell phone directly beneath my window. “I don’t know what you could possibly want. This is not 1 800-PhoneSex.” I tried to calm my nerves and rationalize with the man. “Look, this is none of your business, but I’m coming out of a really nasty relationship. I’m trying to mend—I need my space. You do understand, right?”
After I didn’t see a car parked near the curb, I closed the curtains and sat down on the side of the bed.

The voice took on an enduring tone. “You’re coming out of a dreadful relationship? I can’t say I’m sorry to hear that. I’m too selfish.”

Although the voice was deep, sensual, and intelligent, I stood my ground. “Oh. So you have no regard for my feelings.”

The voice paused then sighed. “You’re kinda hard to please. I meant that as a compliment.”

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was getting late and I needed to shut this conversation down. “Look. I’m not in the mood for idle conversation. Plus, weirdoes call me all the time.”

The mellow voice became seductive. Almost in a whisper he uttered, “I can’t say I blame them.”

I shrugged hesitantly; his voice was pleasant—very pleasant. But, I wasn’t going to let a passionate voice influence my coveted PMS attitude. “Wel1 anyway, good night--what ever your name is?”

Being surprised, the voice droned, “Please excuse my behavior, Jorey. My name is Porter—Porter Stewart.”

Although, I was still slightly annoyed, the sensual vibrations of the voice melted over me. “If you were a gentleman you would have introduced yourself at first. Good night, Porter Stewart.”

Order your copy of Sorry, Wrong Number today!

Wanna Promote Your Blog? Try Blog Collage!

If you don't know about Twitter, then you need to check it out. I've met some great people there like Tim McTee, co-founder of the new site Blog Collage.

How Long Has Blog Collage Been In Existence?
Blog Collage is brand new. We launched BlogCollage.com on Friday August 22, 2008.


What Was The Spark That Led You To Create Blog Collage?
Well, the blog collage is a partnering venture between me and my brother Zack. We live on opposite sides of the country and our only way for communication is iChat. Zack is very savvy with computers, blogging and all things Web 2.0 and has been blogging since I can remember. A couple of years ago, after lots of "haha"s and "wtf"s, he convinced me I needed to start expressing my humor and strong opinions in a blog.

Soon after that, I wanted to know who was reading my blog, how to get more people to read it, and where I could find some other interesting blogs for my personal enjoyment and sourcing. He explained to me some different options, most of which seemed either too time consuming, or costly. It was long that we came up with the idea for the Blog Collage.


How Can Blog Collage Help Generate Traffic To A Person's Blog?
There are many ways in which the collage can generate traffic to a someone's blog. For starters, we have RSS feeds for people to add to their reader of choice; this makes it possible for people who don't have time to visit our site everyday to gain access through their rss reader to the most recently added blogs, the most active blogs, and our latest blog articles.

We are also in the process of developing widgets, web applications, and a blogcollage iphone application; all of which will be distributed through popular social media networks.

In addition to the above, anybody who adds their blog to the collage will be piggy-backing on our adwords campaign and widespread social networking efforts including our Twitter feed where every time a blog is added, we will post a tweet to our network....oh, and let's not forget the people who will be visiting the site on a daily basis to click on random, interesting images to be introduced to new blogs that they would have otherwise never found.


Has Blog Collage been a successful endeavor thus far?
Although it's been less than a month, we are having some incredible feedback so far. We look forward to continued, widespread compliments from both blog writers and readers.


What Is Your Ultimate Goal For Blog Collage?
The ultimate goal for Blog Collage is to create a place that will benefit bloggers and readers alike. At the same time, we want our site to be conveniently accessible; we understand that there are endless options on the internet and want our visitors to have options as to how they access our content.

One person may have the time to visit our site everyday; whereas, another person is busy and will want to have something he/she can add to his/her igoogle, rss reader, or social network of choice.

For the price of a pretty good meal at one of the restaurant chains - $25 - Blog Collage subscribers can buy a six-month residency on the grid. With so many blogs and so many books to compete with, writers should utilize all effective ways to promote their works to generate SALES.

Check out Blog Collage today and reserve your spot in what's sure to be one of the hottest locations for a blog to dwell.

Writer Amanda Mahan on Twitter & Comedic Murder Mystery - UNCLAD

I first learned about you and UNCLAD on Twitter, and I was fascinated by how you used this Microblogging tool to disseminate your work. Tell us a bit about why you decided to offer your book to the public - 140 characters or less at a time.
I got the idea to release my book on Twitter from Charles Dickens, actually. He used to serialize his novels, releasing chapters at a time in the local newspapers. He even responded to his reader's feedback - if people didn't like what a character was doing he would change things along the way. Twitter is just a modern day version of that - although my book is complete so I probably won't make any major changes!


Let's step back for a moment. In 140 characters or less, pitch us your comedic murder mystery, UNCLAD.
Tricky! Here goes: When a former PI starts over as a masseuse in a fancy spa, she learns that sometimes the dirtiest things happen in the cleanest places.


What was the spark to which UNCLAD came to be.
There were two parts to the spark. First, when I lived in Los Angeles, I had a very close friend who was a masseuse and used to tell me the craziest stories about what went on in the VERY exclusive and expensive spa where she worked. I thought, someone should write about this. And then I thought, wait a minute, that someone is me.

Secondly, I have a close friend who is a private investigator. I am obsessed with hearing about his cases, and also fascinated by how he reconciles helping defend some pretty vile people - and the damage it must do to his psyche on a deep level.

And then maybe a third part to the spark is that I have often wondered what it would be like to ditch everything in your past and start over - can you ever really do that or does everything just come with you?


Have you submitted UNCLAD to publishers and/or agents? If so, what has been the response?
I have just started the process and have had a few bites. Hopefully I'll have something good to report back soon!


Have you received any attention from agents or houses directly related to your online initiatives?
The response I've gotten from agents has been through my queries and not from my online initiates - yet! I think it's less that someone would discover me through my website or Twitter and more that someone I approach might be pleased that I've already starting thinking of ways to promote myself on the web. Though lots of publishing people are on Twitter apparently, so you never know!


Is UNCLAD your first completed novel? If not, talk to us about some of your previous work and their current progress.
Unclad is my first novel. Because of my job (copywriter and creative director) I strive to be as succinct as possible in my work writing. This bled into my personal writing, which led to lots of short stories. But I always wondered if I would have enough to say to fill a book. I was shocked to find that when I let myself keep going, I did.


At the end of the day, what's the goal behind having UNCLAD on Twitter, behind sharing your novel with the public?
When I first started tweeting, I didn't think anyone would actually read it. I was just hoping to create some buzz and maybe find an agent or publisher. But I've been amazed at the number of people who've written me to say they're following along or went to my website to watch the book trailer and download chapter 1. So I guess my goal was to just put the work out there - which is always scary - and see what happens. So far, it's been great.


What are some of your most positive responses from the public?
Here's what people are saying about chapter 1:

"This is great! It's fast paced and intriguing. Fun. Is there more?"

"I just read the first chapter of your book and I'm in love! It's great! I can't wait for it to come out! I'm a forensic science and anthropology major in college so I read A LOT of crime novels and this one by far has gotten my attention! It's so entertaining! I wanted to keep reading! Excellent chapter! I can't wait for the rest!"

"It was awesome and I can't wait to read the rest."

"You have a talent for comedic writing. I want to go on to chapter 2."

""Ass" in the first sentence = love it!"

"My husband doesn't read but I gave him the last two pages – he was hooked and went back and read it from the beginning."

"I read the first chapter of your book and LOVED it! Very well written and funny. Thanks for the good read!"

"SOOOO good. When can I get more, dammit?"


How are you able to be so diligent in your postings on Twitter?
I manage to post once an hour. Even if I took a leave of absence from my job and became addicted to meth and Red Bull so I could stay up 24 hours a day frenetically Tweeting, I still couldn't take a leave from my 11-month old daughter, my husband, or the laundry. Believe me, I've tried.

Enter Dmitri. A highly sought-after Drupal expert and developer who gives lectures at places like Google. Oh, did I mention he's 12? And my boss's son? Yes, I hired the child prodigy to make me a posting mechanism. To create in his free time between Bar Mitzvah lessons, piano practice and homework. Of course, on my first day the thing went haywire, posting random sentences from the middle of the book. Nothing made sense; people started wondering whether I'd had a stroke. Meanwhile I couldn't talk to Dmitri until he got out of homeroom.

Eventually he fixed it – the kid is a crackerjack! – and I haven't had a problem since. Which is good because I think Dmitri got grounded and his computer was taken away.


Learn more about Amanda & UNCLAD @ Twitter and @ her website!

Author Zetta Brown Talks about SEX & WRITING Today!

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Zetta Brown, author of Messalina - Devourer of Men, talks about sex and writing!

Messalina - Devourer of Men received a GREAT Book Bytes review from ChickLitGurrl: I absolutely loved this book! Didn't want to put it down. It's unique, it has hot sex (with a purpose), and the characters are like some I've never seen in books before. The first chapter alone will get you in the mood...in more ways than one. Messalina: Devourer of Men has much HEAT and much HEART. It's worth the buy! I'm looking forward to seeing what Zetta Brown puts out next.

For the month of September, AtBaP authors are talking about SEX; here's the question that was posed: Is sex an important component to develop in your writing? How are you able to weave it into a work AND also have a strong plot development?

What does Zetta have to say about sex, writing, and her novel? Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read her response!

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

Tale It Like It Is: Interviews with a TWIST!

Click the image above to head to Blog Talk Radio and subscribe to the show!

Got Flow? Then Sound~N~Off is the Place for You!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE SHOWCASED ON SOUNDNOFF,

EMAIL SAMARA KING AT:

MS_SAMARA_KING@YAHOO.COM

Click image to go to Blog Talk Radio and Subscribe!

The Nubian Chronicles Magazine Seeks Submissions

**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE THIS TO ANY GROUPS YOU MAY BELONG TO**



The Nubian Chronicles Magazine (http://www.tnc-magazine.net) is currently seeking submissions for its FALL 2008 issue, slated to be released on Monday, October 20, 2008. The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 6, 2008.


DO YOU HAVE gripping stories, thought-provoking essays, engaging articles and commentaries you want the public to read? If so, then you definitely want to consider submitting to TNC's column: NUBIAN belles-lettres.

N b-l is our column dedicated to short fiction, essays, articles, and commentaries written by African American writers.

ALSO - if you have a book that's due out and you'd like to get a little promo for it, you may submit excerpts to your book along with other information for TNC to publish!

If you are submitting short fiction, essays, articles, and/or commentaries, please submit the following:
1) work to be published, no longer than 2,500 words (within the e-mail)
2) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
3) picture of you (if you would like)
4) short bio
5) one- to two-sentence teaser of your work

If you are submitting an excerpt of a published work, please submit the following:
1) excerpt of your work, no longer than 2,500 words (within e-mail or as a WORD attachment)
2) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
3) picture of you (if you would like)
4) short bio
5) book cover image (in .jpg or .gif file)
6) purchase link


@ TNC, we know that writers have their own individual literary flows, and for that reason, we do not limit writers as to types of work they can submit to us; however, we do not do PORN- or HATE-related material. If you wish to submit erotica, that is fine.

Showcasing your work @ TNC is a great way to promote your writing to the literary community!


=====
Again, the deadline for TNC's FALL 2008 issue is slated to be released on Monday, October 4, 2008.


E-mail ALL WORK to either submit@tnc-magazine.net or sdb6812@hotmail.com, and in the subject line write NBL Submissions.



THANKS!


Da Management
http://www.tnc-magazine.net