Forward Planning – June-December

It occurs to me that it's coming close to the time when I need to take a look at my writing schedule for the rest of the year. There is a deadline I won't make that's bugging me, but there's not too much I can do about it. Romantic Suspense novels are complex undertakings that cannot be rushed. I find these books the most enjoyable to write as they engage my brain in a way regular romances and YA novels don't. I'm not even going to try and put a deadline on this one, but I'd love to have it squared away by August, so I can move on to the next book in that series.

The novella I'm writing for a Christmas box set is on the front burner and the plotting and writing for that are going well. I've never done a 40,000 word book, other than a middle grade effort, so this will be a new challenge. If I get the hang of it then of course, I can do at least two additional stories, since I have a couple of potential covers I like that can work well with 2016 holiday themes.

With two books released in my New Adult series, my brain is nagging at me to complete the third book in that series. A good time is now, since the characters are fresh in my mind, but again, time might be a scarce ingredient. Still, I have to get some work done on this book.

As some of you know, I got back the rights on a couple of books in 2013 and there's a Women's Fiction novel I'd like to put back on the market. That story is dear to my heart and I want to run ahead and get it back out ASAP, but with things this important, it's important to be patient and get the job done right.

Fixation was released on Friday and the reception was good. I chose a winner on the Rafflecopter, so congratulations to Sheryl Lister.

It's a lot of work to write and promote, as we all know. I took a decision on Saturday that I hope will free up more time to get more writing done.

Other than pencilling out what I hope to achieve in the next seven months, there's the publication project I've undertaken and the other miscellaneous editing and proofing jobs that help pay the bills. Plus, I still need to make the rounds on the A-Z Reflections Posts.

Have you worked out your plans for the latter half of the year? What things have you busy. Do you see a way to carve out more time to write?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get Your Fix for $0.99

Perfection, is a new adult romance that touches on many of our day-to-day experiences—choices, deception, disappointment, family, love, parenting and relationships.

The New Adult category addresses the issues of girls/guys between the ages of 18 and 25 and I’m sure we can all relate to the turmoil of those years. Karim and Natasha are no different, with a toddler thrown in the middle of their budding connection.

In honour of the release of the second, stand-alone book (Fixation) in the Sisters-In-Love Series, Perfection is on sale for $0.99 this week. Grab your copy and read about young love in a tropical setting—Jamaica!

Hop over to Amazon now!  

Five Things You Didn't Know About Perfection

Today, I’ve visiting E. J. Wesley at his blog, so if you have a minute, do stop in as I’m sharing Five Things You Didn’t Know About Perfection.

There’s also a giveaway, so feel free to head over there. 

In honour of Fixation’s release in another week, I’ve reduced the price on Perfection to $0.99, so if you’re a fan of New Adult reading and you like something set in a tropical location, hop over to Amazon to get your copy.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend!

IWSG & Whirlwind of Perfection

My, does the time fly or what? Today is our Insecure Writer's Support Group post day when we give support and encouragement to writers across the blogging world. Led by the Ninja Captain Alex and his helpers, we'll be making stops with those who need a bit of a lift of perhaps have exciting news or a supportive word to share.

Right now, I'm too busy to be insecure, so I'll simply express appreciation for the writers who have helped me on this journey. The ones who've helped me improve my craft, picked me up when I didn't feel like writing and those who are rays of sunshine and always put a positive spin on dark days. The writing world would be a drab place without author buddies to liven things up each day.

Next Friday, I'll be releasing another New Adult novel, so this week, I'm on a bit of a whirlwind tour with book 1, Perfection. If you have a minute, do stop in with a talented writer, Christina C. Jones, who is hosting me today. I'll be talking a bit about my characters' experiences with love, deception and relationships. Plus there's a double giveaway, so do drop in with Christina and me.

I'll leave you with a quote that I hope will sharpen your focus and brighten your day.

Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor. Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force. Clutter is a wonderfully fertile ground--you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip.

                                                ~ Anne Lamott, Bird By Bird

You will be published if you possess three qualities: talent, passion and discipline. You will probably be published if you possess two of the three qualities in either combination--either talent and discipline or, passion and discipline. You will likely be published if you possess neither talent nor passion but still have discipline. But, if all you possess is talent or passion, if all you possess is talent and passion, you will not be published."
                                                   

                                             ~ Elizabeth George, Write Away

Perfection Whirlwind Tour

On May 15, my next New Adult novel, Fixation is scheduled to hit the virtual shelves across the internet, but this week, I’m taking Perfection for a spin. 

Each day this week, you’ll find my characters and me at the following blogs.

Monday, May 4           Queendsheena

Tuesday, May 5          Michele Kimbrough

Wednesday, May 6     Christina C. Jones

Thursday, May 7         E.J. Wesley

Stay tuned for something special on Friday! If you want a chance to win copies of Perfection and Fixation, go on and enter on the Rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

When A Paternity Test Reveals The Awful Truth ...

My control went AWOL and I shoved away from the table and stomped around to where she sat. I stuffed my hands into my jeans pockets, because if I didn't I'd wrap them around Sonya's neck and squeeze until her eyes exploded and then I'd end up in jail.

I stopped next to her. "Not this kind, Sonya. There were three samples. Yours, mine and Zoey's. There is no way the test is wrong."

I glanced at my mother. "My parents had enough faith in me to do this so I could put my mind at rest. This cost them a lot of money and will eventually cost me, so do me a favor and come up with something that makes sense."

Moving closer, I stabbed the test results again. "This proves you are Zoey's mother and that I am not her father. I'll do what I have to, for now, but you need to find out who she belongs to—that's if you don't know already."

Sonya got up and folded her arms, throwing her head back. "Say whatever you want, but I'll take you to court if you stop supporting Zoey."

I breathed in and my lungs were blazing hot, as if my insides were burning up. My fury and shock must have 

been written on my face because Mom put up both hands. "Karim, don't say another word."

The fire in my blood turned to ice and I folded my arms, imitating Sonya's pose. "Mom, can you leave for a minute? There's something I need to say to Sonya in private."

Mom's mouth opened and I cut her off before she got a word out. "Don't worry. I have this."

She walked to the door and pulled the handle, reluctant to close it between us.

"Trust me," I said. "It'll be all right."

The door clicked shut, and I moved closer to Sonya. "I know you feel you're going to lose face or something, but you're not the first girl this has happened to and you won't be the last."

Her shoulders lifted, but I wasn't taking any shit from her, so I kept on talking. "I've been looking at Zoey since Mom laid this on me."

I smiled, although I had no reason to do so and didn’t feel like it, except for acknowledging myself as the biggest jackass in town. "I don't know why it wasn't obvious to me before, but if I know who the father of your little girl is, how can you tell me you don't know?"

Her head dipped lower and she moved so one of her hips jutted sideways, which hinted she still had some resistance going on.

I tipped her chin up with one finger. "You and I know I'm not Zoey's father."

Her shoulders drooped as if all the air had gone out of her and she sucked her lip into her mouth.

"Look, I'm sorry this happened to you, but you need to sort out your business, because I'm not going to keep shelling out for a child that isn't mine, especially since we're not seeing each other."

She didn't move, but a tear rolled down her cheek. I watched it, fascinated, as it dripped on her chest and was sucked up by her tank top. She didn't make any attempt to wipe her face, and I sure as hell didn't want to touch her and give her any ideas. After staring at her like an idiot, I patted her shoulder and walked past her.

"You should get Zoey and go home."

I left her standing there and went to my room, closing the door behind me.

Frowning at the floor, I sat on the side of my bed. I'd thought about what it would mean if it turned out Zoey wasn't mine, and how my life would change. I expected to be relieved, happy—joyous even.

Instead, I was empty.

This #NewAdult novel is set in Jamaica and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and other platforms.