Mindful Banter

Tangling with Timelines

September 9, 2016 by ReeseRyan

During my recent Labor Day Weekend #readergiveaway I asked readers to share how they spent their summer and invited them to pose questions about my new Pleasure Cove series. I enjoyed connecting with my VIP Readers and hearing about their road trips, reading challenges and time spent with children or grandchildren.

Readers posed lots of fun questions, which I’ll be answering during brief vlogs here on Mindful Banter. VIP Reader Mary Goodman asked: What is the best part about writing a series? I’m working on the proposal for Book #3 of my Pleasure Cove series, so today seemed like an appropriate time to answer that question. Under two deadlines and looking more than a little scrappy today, I’ll skip the video (for your sake and mine) and answer the question in today’s blog post.

The best part about writing a series is that the world I’ve built is familiar to me and so are many of the characters. Most of the action in the Pleasure Cove series takes place…you guessed it…in my fictional beach town Pleasure Cove, North Carolina. I know the landscape of the town: the best seafood restaurant, the dive jazz club, the coffee shop and the newly refurbished concert hall. The series revolves around a few key families. Those characters are as familiar as old friends and gotta-love-em relatives. I know a lot about these characters before I begin drafting their stories. Sometimes, even before I realize that they’ll ever have a story of their own.

What drives me crazy when writing a series can be summed up in one word: timeline.

Keeping the timeline straight over the course of several books in a series (and related series) can be challenging–particularly if you don’t establish the timeline right from the start. I’m one of those dreaded procrastinators who drags my feet when it comes to doing things I don’t particularly enjoy. I often find myself revisiting the timeline when I’m forced to–like today. So, as I fiddle with another timeline app, I’ve come to the conclusion that I should probably purchase one.

So my questions to you are: As a reader, what timeline issues drive you crazy in a story? To writers, what method do you use to keep track of the timeline of your story or series?

Happy reading!

Timeline: Minutes courtesy of Bertalan Szuros. Some rights reserved.
Timeline photo courtesy of Luigi Mengato. Some rights reserved.

And the winner of my Labor Day Weekend #ReaderGiveaway is…

September 7, 2016 by ReeseRyan

Hi All,

For those of you in the United States, hope you had a fabulous Labor Day weekend!

The past few months have been pretty crazy for me with lots of writing, revisions and travel. It was nice to have a weekend where I got some relaxation in and time with my family. However, I managed to sneak some work in, too.

One of the things I enjoyed doing this weekend was picking out the journal and colorful pen set, pictured above, that will go to the contest winner of my Labor Day weekend giveaway along with a $25 gift certificate. Since I’m a journal and pen junkie, I couldn’t resist getting a set of each for myself. 🙂

Now, with no further ado, I give you the winner of the Reese Ryan 2016 Labor Day weekend #ReaderGiveaway: Sherri Hollister.

Congratulations to Sherri, who is also a writer. This journal is chock-full with creative inspiration and encouraging sayings. I know you’re going to love it, Sherri!

If you didn’t win this time, no worries. These journals were so awesome, I bought out the entire stock and I’ll be giving them out quarterly to my awesome, patient VIP readers whom I adore. So look for another opportunity to win during the fourth quarter giveaway in late October or early November.

I’ll be answering some of the excellent reader questions I received during the contest via video right here on the blog. So, be sure to subscribe to my blog (6th block down in right sidebar) to stay tuned to the latest shenanigans and/or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.

Now, this girl has a proposal to write for Book #3 in my Pleasure Cove series and an indie project to edit. Stay tuned for more info on the series and my coming indie release.

Namaste,

Final Day of Labor Day Weekend Giveaway Contest

September 5, 2016 by ReeseRyan

Today is the last day to enter my Labor Day Weekend giveaway exclusively for my VIP Readers. I’m giving away a lovely journal, a set of colorful pens and a $25 gift card from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes or Starbucks–winner’s choice. If you’re not a VIP Reader already, entry is easy peasy.

Step one: Join my VIP Reader mailing list. (See the box on the top of the right sidebar.)
Step two, email me and tell me how you spent your summer.
For a bonus entry, ask me a question about my new Pleasure Cove series or March 2017 release PLAYING WITH DESIRE.

Please note: This contest is open internationally. However, only the digital gift card will be sent to winners outside of the United States. The physical items will only be shipped within the United States or Canada.

It’s been great connecting with all of you and hearing about how you spent your summer. Readers have posed some excellent questions which I can’t wait to answer in future vlogs, right here on this blog, so stay tuned.

Good luck on your entry and Happy Labor Day!

Her Kind of Man by Elle Wright — Launch Day

April 27, 2016 by ReeseRyan

Happy Launch Day to fellow author Elle Wright! Check out Book #3 in Elle’s Edge of Scandal series…Her Kind of Man. Get the skinny on Elle’s latest book, find out where to grab a copy, check out an excerpt and enter her contest for your chance to win the entire series. The contest widget is below.

ABOUT HER KIND OF MAN

When Mr. Right is oh so wrong

I’ll never let you go . . . Allina had always dreamed of hearing those words. But when her fiancé, Isaac, utters them, it isn’t a promise-it’s a threat. Scared and confused, with only moments before the wedding, Allina knows what she must do. Forget walking down the aisle; it’s time to run. Back to Michigan. Back to Kent.

Kent has loved Allina for longer than he can remember. Out of respect for their friendship, he’s never crossed the line, but when she turns up on his doorstep wearing her torn, tearstained wedding gown, the fire inside him ignites. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Allina feel safe-like the beautiful, desirable woman she is. But as Kent and Allina grow closer, and their passion pushes deeper, it’s clear that something bigger than a botched wedding still lingers between them . . .

Amazon: http://amzn.to/26jAjfW

B&N: http://bit.ly/1WhdTHF

iBooks: http://apple.co/23NY7Kh

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1r4fZz5

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1WhecSK

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1SAyxCY

ABOUT ELLE WRIGHT

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Website: http://bit.ly/1WhehWo

Facebook: http://bit.ly/23NYAvS

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1XMDHtU

ABOUT FOREVER

Website: http://bit.ly/247MdaF

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ROTBj0

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Vdc9Pk

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1U8DN0M

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/25IQt20

HER KIND OF MAN by Elle Wright

Forever / On Sale: April 26, 2016

HER KIND OF MAN Excerpt

Allina got up and carried her dishes over to the sink. She turned on the faucet and filled up the basin with water. “I’m going to clean up and get ready to go to the store.”

He finished up his plate and joined her at the sink. Not thinking, he dropped his mug into the dishwater, splashing the soapy water on Allina. She screeched and stumbled back. He reached for her, sensing she was getting ready to fall. Instead of preventing her fall, she ended up pulling him with her and they both landed on the floor, her on her back and him on his side.

“Ouch,” she groaned from her where she lay on the tile. “That hurt.” She wiped her face and pushed her hair back, leaving a few suds on her face.

He chuckled. “That was . . . clumsy.”

She laughed then. “It was crazy. How did I fall? There was no water on the floor.” She pointed at him. “It was your fault.”

He grabbed her finger. “It was not my fault you can’t stay on your feet.”

She flicked some remaining soap on him. It was a running joke with their crew. Syd was dramatic, Cali had no filter, and Allina was clumsy as hell. It didn’t matter where they were or what they were doing, Allina always seemed to get hurt.

Before he knew it, they were both laughing in earnest. She turned to him. “I needed this.”

He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Glad I could help. I’ve never met anyone who is more accident-prone than you.”

She grinned, her eyes gleaming. “Hey. Don’t say that.”

He stood up and held out a hand to her. When she placed her tiny palm in his, he pulled her to her feet.

Brushing off her clothes, she murmured, “My body is al- ready sore from that run. Now my back is throbbing.”

“Maybe you should go lie down for a little bit before we go to the store,” he suggested. “I have a heating pad some- where if you need it.”

She waved him off. “I’m good.” Peering up at him, she smiled again. A wide grin. “I need to keep moving.”

Kent observed her. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes dancing and he found himself inching closer to her. A piece of her hair was stuck to her forehead and he pushed it to the back.

“I must look crazy,” she said, smoothing a hand over her hair.

One of the things Kent found so attractive about Allina was her sultry, deep voice. She talked like she was singing a lullaby. It was low, even, and sexy as hell. And what made it even better was she had no idea it could have an effect on a man.

As if he had no power or control to stop himself, he leaned closer. She peered up at him and froze. Instead of retreating, she stayed where she was, her eyes on his.

The air changed in that instant. He brushed her cheek with his thumb and she gasped. Their noses were almost touching. He knew he should step back, walk away, but he couldn’t. His body had a mind of its own.

His nose bumped into hers. Her breath still smelled like the honey from her tea. It was warm against his skin. He wanted to kiss her, more in that moment than ever before. Then her lips brushed against his. It wasn’t a full-on kiss, but enough to make him want more. He framed her face with his hands and kissed the corner of her mouth, enjoying her sharp intake of breath. She squeezed his biceps, her nails digging into the sensitive skin.

“Kent,” she whispered. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Do you want me to?” he asked, unable to keep his eyes off her mouth. It was amazing how one simple touch had opened up the box that labeled them “very close friends.” He imagined how it would feel to really taste her, to feel her tongue against his, to touch her the way he wanted.

But then where would that leave them? Confused and awkward around each other? Allina wasn’t just any woman. He couldn’t do her first and ask the hard questions later, be- cause she deserved better than that. They had never really talked about sex with each other before, but knowing her the way he did, he figured she was careful about who and what she did. Being with her, or even kissing her, was a game changer. But, damn-it, I want to.

Sighing, he stepped back. He scratched his head. “I’m sorry. This isn’t right. We better get going.”

Then he left her standing there in the kitchen.

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Breaking News from Reese Ryan: A New Publishing Deal

March 11, 2016 by ReeseRyan

The Playing with Bad Boys series has a new name and a new publisher.

A new publishing deal requires a celebratory mug of tea. — **Celebratory mug of tea, anyone?**

First, let me apologize for being missing in action the past few months. This year has been full of health challenges and there are plans for surgery ahead, but there was some really exciting news, too.

Along the way to indie publish my planned Playing with Bad Boys series, I got an offer for a traditional publishing deal I just couldn’t refuse. So the series is getting a new name which I shared exclusively with my VIP Readers earlier today.

Hop on over to Hot M.A.M.A. Land to get details on why I’ve been Secret Squirrel the past few months , how this unexpected publishing deal came to be and when you can expect to see the first book in the series at your local bookstore.

But before you go, I’m inviting you to a fun reader event I’ll be participating in this fall.

Kianna Alexander’s Fall into Romance Reader Event at Disney World

Don’t miss an exciting reader event hosted by a fellow Hot M.A.M.A. and Kimani Romance author. Kianna Alexander’s Fall Into Romance reader event is going to be a ton of fun. Join me, Kianna, Cheris Hodges, Piper Huguley, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Farrah Rochon, K.M. Jackson, Te’ Russ, Synithia Williams, Lena Hart, Kaia Danielle and Siera London for fun in sunny Florida as we celebrate romance written by and about women of color.

Join us October 20-24th at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Orlando in Lake Buena Vista for a great reader event celebrating diversity in romance. Plus, there will be plenty of time to get your Disney on. Learn more about this event by visiting the Kianna Alexander Fall into Romance Facebook page. Reserve your spot at the event here.

We’re going to Disney World, y’all! Woo hoo!

Secret Squirrel Over and Out

Get to Know author @RoslynHolcomb

December 1, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Today Atlanta author Roslyn Hardy Holcomb stops by for a chat. She’s sharing the inspiration behind her small town series (yes, it’s based on a real town) and her series featuring a group of female assassins working in exotic locales and stories prompted by international headlines.

You’re a small town girl now living in Atlanta. How does your small town upbringing impact the characters and settings in your stories?

Being a from a somewhat provincial area has had tremendous impact on my stories. My first book was set in a place called Maple Fork, which is a HIGHLY fictionalized version of my own hometown of Gadsden, Alabama. Like Maple Fork, Gadsden is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and is bisected by the Coosa River. Dark Star, which is a Rock Star sequel, has a climactic scene at a major landmark, Noccalula Falls. I did a question and answer session at the local library when it was first released and the readers had a lot of fun telling me about the sites they recognized, and speculating on who some of the characters “actually” were. (All the characters are fictional, BTW, but it made for an interesting afternoon!)

I deliberately chose to set many of my books in small towns because I love the dynamic it brings. Busybody neighbors, being related to everybody for miles around. It’s fun, and can be silly at times, but character development is one of my favorite things about writing, so I love it.

I laughed when I read your bio about loving rock music and how that made you an “oddity” growing up, because I was also an “oddball” due to my eclectic musical palate. Tell us how it inspired your first book, Rock Star.

When you grow up black in blue collar town and all the other girls worship the Jackson 5 and you’ve got posters of Robert Plant, yeah, you tend to stand out a bit. Over the years, I’ve met lots of other black “rocker chicks,” and wanted to write a book for us. I wanted the rock star to write a song for his love, because most of us black rocker chicks have never had the thrill of imagining ourselves as Lady D’Arbanville or Layla. (Please don’t mention Brown Sugar, yuk).

You recently released another book in your Pussycat Death Squad. Give us a brief overview of the series and what inspired it.

The Pussycat Death Squad is a series about a squad of women who’ve trained all their lives to be bodyguards for a North African strongman. Now they’ve escaped and provide their lethal services around the world. I was inspired by a picture I saw years ago of the late Libyan leader, Colonel Qadaffi, and his all-female Amazonian Guard. Allegedly, they took a vow of chastity and had to be beautiful. With a set-up like that the first book practically wrote itself. Drop in a hot alpha Marine and stir. In something of an homage to the old Harlequin romances I read as a kid, I try to set the stories in exotic locales. Those books introduced me to a world far from my hometown. Back in the day it was called “armchair traveling,” and it’s still fun.

The Lion in Russia’s oligarch hero has wound up on the wrong side of the Russian president who sounds suspiciously like Vladimir Putin. So yes, these stories are definitely “ripped from headlines.” The most recent story, Pussycat in Peril is a return to Laritrea which has fallen into a highly-factionalized civil war, much like Libya, the country it’s based on. The next one, Diamonds on the River, will take place in Ghana mainly because I love the way NPR correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton says “Accra.” Listen to her sometimes, her voice is AMAZING.

What can we expect from you in coming months?

My current work in progress is a Christmas series with my writing partner, Lisa G. Riley, called Christmas at House and Home. The leads grew up in foster care together, working in the family restaurant, House and Home. Though it’s set in Atlanta, there’s a definite small-town vibe in that these kids grew up in a multicultural suburban enclave so tightly enmeshed they developed their own language. The series was inspired by my experiences as a social worker, and also my joy in discovering the dining experience that is Buford Highway in Chamblee Georgia. The whole street is lined with international cuisine and one evening my husband and I were scarfing down Korean barbecue and listening to the owner of the place talking to his employees in a Spanish/Korean mash-up we quickly dubbed Sporean. Though I often complain about the Babylonian Exile that is my life in Atlanta, I do love the level of diversity to be found here.

*****

Thank you for visiting with us Roslyn! I have friends who live in Atlanta. Next time I visit I want some of that Korean barbecue. 🙂 Visit Roslyn online and check out her latest releases here.

Serial Novella Launch: Playing by the Rules

November 6, 2015 by ReeseRyan

I’m excited that today is finally the launch of my VIP Reader Lounge where I’ll share free reads and other reader goodies. To kick off the opening of the lounge, today also marks the release of the first installment of Hunter and Merrie’s love story. Playing by the Rules is the prequel to my Playing with Bad Boys series that will launch in early 2016.

Playing by the Rules will be released as a free read to my VIP Readers over the next 12 weeks. The cover is above and the summary is below.

Not on the list? Join my VIP Reader mailing list using the form at the bottom of the post and find out how you can get up to 12 entries in my $25 Gift Card giveaway.

Happy reading!

Summary

After five years and zero commitment, Meredith “Merrie” Jane walked away from her long-term relationship. She wants to be with someone she can start planning her future with. A man who will love her madly and deeply. When she crosses paths with her ex’s brother at a party six months later, the last thing she expects is to discover that he’s been harboring feelings for her and that she has feelings for him, too.

Hunter DeSeau adored Merrie long before his competitive younger brother asked her out. Unable to dismiss his feelings for her, he spent the past year distancing himself from them both. But now that their relationship is over and done, he’s faced with the hardest decision of his life. Break the rules and pursue the woman he wants more than anything in the world or keep putting everyone else’s happiness ahead of his own.

Merrie has spent her entire life playing by other people’s rules. As she examines her feelings for Hunter, she realizes a startling truth. She’s been with the wrong brother all along. But choosing Hunter means exposing herself to gossip, rumors and hard feelings. In a society where perception is everything, is their love worth the risk?

Get to Know @Ursula_Renee author of A Bookie’s Odds

October 20, 2015 by ReeseRyan

I was excited when Ursula Renee accepted my open offer to stop by the blog and chat. I read her story Sweet Jazz while doing some research for a historical series I was in the midst of writing nearly a year ago. Sweet Jazz is about an interracial couple working in a jazz club with a “Coloreds Only” policy during the Harlem Renaissance. I became an instant fan of her delicious writing voice and juicy characters. Now, let’s talk to Ursula and find out more about latest release, A Bookie’s Odds.

Welcome, Ursula. Please tell readers three things we should know about you.

Thank you for having me here today.

For starters, I love to cook and I transfer that love to my novels. In Sweet Jazz, Cass proves she can cook as well as she sings, while the men in A Bookie’s Odds prove they know their way around a stove.

Another thing readers should know is that I enjoy music. My favorite is Alternative, yet, on a particularly stressful day, I find Goth soothing. When I write, I play music based on the time period the story is set and my characters’ preference.

Finally, I believe everyone should follow her dreams. Do not sit back and wish you did something…go out there and do it.

First, I have to tell you that I loved Sweet Jazz. It’s an engaging story with two strong characters, both of whom I loved. Tell us a little about that story and what prompted you to write it.

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Sweet Jazz, which is set in 1938, explores the difficulties Randy Jones faces when he not only breaks the color barrier at The Big House, but falls for Cass, who is reluctant to open her heart after a past hurt.

After remembering several incidents that occurred when I was in an interracial relationship, I decided to explore the challenges Randy would have if he decided to break the color barrier.

Your recent release is A Bookie’s Odds. Give us a quick rundown of the story.

Because she looked beyond the surface and befriended a girl, Georgia Mae Collins grew up under the protection of the Santiano family. But, after a series of tragedies, Nicholas has to protect her from herself as well as his growing feelings for her.

What makes your hero and heroine, Nicholas Santiano and Georgia Mae Collins right for each other?

Nicholas understands Georgia’s desire to follow her dreams and is willing to help her achieve her goals. And, though they do not always see eye to eye on the best way to deal with a problem, Georgia will always be there to comfort Nicholas.

What should we expect from Ursula Renee in the near future?

I am currently working on a historical romance set in 1856 that will explore two families’ fight to maintain their homes that are being threatened by eminent domain.

Sounds intriguing! To connect with Ursula Renee, follow her on social media at the sites listed below:
Website: UrsulaRenee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ursularenee.author
Twitter: @Ursula_Renee

Get your copy of A Bookie’s Odds at one of the links below:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | The Wild Rose Press

Weekly Wrap Up: The Sun Returns and a Cover Reveal

October 9, 2015 by ReeseRyan

This has been a busy week. I’ve been working on my novella and it was my turn on both of my group blogs. Earlier this week on the Contemporary Romance Cafe I celebrated the return of the sun to my neck of the woods and shared a little diddy adapted from Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop’s “The Song That Never Ends.” It got stuck in the head of one of my fellow Cafe authors. (Sorry Samantha!)

Over on Hot M.A.M.A. Land today, I’m giving Hot M.A.M.A. readers an early peek at the cover for the free serial novella that will be released to my VIP Readers beginning on Friday, November 6th. (VIP Readers got first reveal last week.) Here’s a portion of the cover.

For the full cover and a summary of the story, pop over to Hot M.A.M.A. Land.

And don’t forget, the serial is only free to my VIP Readers. So if you’re not already on the list, get your pass here.

Shine on!

Get to Know Tia Kelly, author of Baby Love

October 6, 2015 by ReeseRyan

This week we get to know Tia Kelly, author of Baby Love.

Welcome, Tia! Thank you for chatting with us today. Please tell readers three things we should know about Tia Kelly.

Wow, that’s a tough one. I have three loves (in addition to writing and reading): faith, family and food! I think everything I do, write or read somehow ties into those three things.

The cover of your latest release, Baby Love, is gorgeous. Tell us about the premise of your story.

Thank you! Baby Love is about a guy that truly enjoys his bachelor status until a woman shows up on his doorstep claiming he is the father of her child. She disappears and in the process of tracking the mother down so he can return the baby, he meets Brandi.

Here’s the blurb:

The son of an NBA legend, Trent Scott was born a catch and groomed since birth to know it. Little fazes him, including the mystery woman that appears on his doorstep with a baby in tow… even when she claims Trent is the father before disappearing. Until he can prove otherwise and find the delusional woman, he’s stuck caring for a kid he knows can’t be his… or is it?

Brandi Avery is ready to start the next chapter of her life. After coming to the rescue of a frazzled (and extremely attractive) stranger with an adorable (yet obviously upset) baby, she can’t help but fall for Trent Scott… which wouldn’t be so bad if she could convince him to feel the same way about her.

How would you describe Trent Scott, the hero of Baby Love?

Trent first appeared (very briefly) in my novel, Playing for Love and later in Taste for Love. He is the Paige Scott’s half-brother and the two of them didn’t have the best relationship thanks to their father. Their father was an NBA legend that probably made more history creating children through extra marital affairs than during his career playing basketball. The story opens up with Trent dealing with the fallout of his father’s infidelities and he goes through a process where he realizes he doesn’t want to continue down the same path.

Tell us about Brandi Avery, the heroine of Baby Love. What makes her right for Trent and willing to take a chance on him, despite his complicated situation?

I think the cool thing about Brandi and Trent’s relationship is that it just feels right. There’s nothing other than good old-fashioned friendship and chemistry building up between them. Her patience and immediate bond with London also helped them along. Brandi’s also successful and she’s learning from her professional role. In order to reach that place, she doesn’t have time or energy for drama – something she has come to realize when she meets Trent – therefore she wouldn’t entertain that even if it comes in the form of a tall handsome stranger with an adorable baby. Knowing Trent is also trying to eliminate stress from his life as well, they complement each other that way. Also, if she sensed that from him, Brandi wouldn’t have given him a second glance. These are simply two people that want better and encourage each other to be better.

What can we expect from Tia Kelly in the near future?

I have a few projects in the works. One upcoming project is called Chasing Moments and I’m very excited about it. That one is about a young woman named Chase Ryan. She is a confirmed party girl that has it all… and she wants the world to know it. After making her way through all the hotspots and parties across town, Chase is used to waking up the morning after with no recollection of the night before. Until she wakes up one day with a thin memory about her entire life and all she can do is chase the moments she left behind hoping to figure out her own story.

Thank you for having me!

Connect with Tia online or on social media and grab your own copy of Baby Love by using the links below:

Website: www.tiawithapen.com

Social Media:

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/authortiakelly

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/tiawithapen

INSTAGRAM – https://instagram.com/tiawithapen/

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/tiakelly

PINTEREST – https://www.pinterest.com/tiawithapen/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eBcAB6

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1H71f3x