Blogging Queen

Wow! Talk about going from one extreme to another!!! I can remember as clear as day when I became a member of Motown Writers Network how I would stare quite dumfoundedly as the group's founder, Sylvia Hubbard, would go on and on about the importance of aspiring authors to join the "blogging" community. At that time I was still struggling with finding substantial time to finish writing my first book, Unfinished Business, so you can imagine my frustration! "How am I suppose to find time to write my book and blog?" Not to mention, "What the heck was I going to blog about???"

Fast forward five years. Today I'm blogging more than I'm writing! Good or bad? Honestly, I can't say BUT I do enjoy it. Immensely, in fact! I manage, not one, but a total of four blogs:

http://lajefferson.blogspot.com/   All things literary
http://lifewithlajeff.blogspot.com/ Work/life balance
http://all-things-love.blogspot.com/ Relationships
http://skinnyfatisme.blogspot.com/  Obsession with weight loss

What I love about blogging is that whatever I blog about doesn't have to be an area that I specialize in--just something that I have an interest in. For example, although I'm a published author I do not feel that I'm an expert--yet--in the field of self-publishing. However, I have learned A LOT about it, specifically that it's more than a notion! With the knowledge that have acquired, I can help other aspiring authors by sharing my experiences. Also, I've been married and divorced twice, a single parent much longer than not, but it's not on my agenda to write a book about these subjects. HOWEVER, I certainly have a lot I can say on the subjects! I've LIVED those things. Blogging enables me to be able to add my two cents! So when Sylvia said, "Blog about whatever you want", I took that advice and ran!!!

Blogging provides me with a slightly different gratification than I receive when I complete a large writing project. Instant gratification! Blogging doesn't entail the long process of writing a book. There are no characters to craft, no plot to create, no climax to reach, etc. It's simply a simpler & faster way of connecting and sharing my experiences with other folks--friends, family, fans, and the unknown! Needless to say, I'll be a blogger for life!

Support National Reading Month

Did you know that March has been designated as National Reading Month?

Isn't that exciting? Of course, if you're already a book lover like myself then this month isn't going to be much different from any other month for you. But, it could be.

Sharing your love for reading with the greater community, especially children, can be extremely rewarding. And it can be relatively easy. You can easily join libraries, schools, community organizations, and individuals across the nation in this month long celebration of books geared towards igniting a love for reading in children. After all, isn't that when most usbegan our love affair with books? Below are some ways you can contribute to this worthwhile endeavor:

Donate new or used books to a local book drive.

Post on facebook/twitter what you're reading this month.

Take your child or a child in your family to the bookstore or library.

Support activities of libraries, schools, and bookstores.

Buy a new author's book.

Easy enough, right? Have fun and happy reading!

L.A. Jefferson

Avoid Resource OVERLOAD!!!

Deciding to embark on your writing career can be both exhilirating and scary as hell!  As most of us--book lovers turned aspiring writers/authors--are avid readers it's only natural for us to want to buy every writing resource we can get our hands on. After all, the experts do advise {taken from one of my resources, of course :)}, it's important to learn everything you can about the industry you plan to delve into it, right? Only thing is, when you combine ones thirst for knowledge with ones love for buying & reading books, it'll be no time before an excited, aspiring writer finds themselves at the overwhelming stage of RESOURCE OVERLOAD! Between the Writer's Digest book club offers and your own browsing of the book store's resource aisle, you can have everything from the basic poket/tabletop dictionary and thesaurus, grammar & style guides to every year's annual Writer's Market. Believe me when I tell you, the available titles are endless!

I wish someone had told me then what I'm about to tell you: "STOP! SAVE YOUR MONEY!"  For one thing, many of the resources regurgitate the same information. Secondly, none of these books will catapult your writing career. Only effective marketing & promoting will do that.

Now, on that point--marketing & promoting--besides a good dictionary & thesaurus, maybe a manuscript formatting guide, resources on the marketing & promoting is what you need to spend your money on, if not a good publicity coach. One such resource that I recently added to my library is  Red Hot Internet Publicity by Penni Sansevieri. For all other resource books, utilize your public library and the internet.

Hope you found this tidbit of information helpful.

Happy Writing & Publishing!
L.A. Jefferson

Networking Tips--Mailing List

Just arriving home after attending a Glam R Us event, I find myself still pretty excited from the networking opportunity that it turned out to be. The event was a demonstration to attendees on makeup application for everyday and evening occasions. However, the gracious host, the Glam Doctor--being the giver that she is--also allotted approximately 10 minutes for attendees with their own businesses to promote their business by turning in a business card for her to read off to the audience. In hindsight I kind of remember the event details advising business owners to bring business cards with them but that was furthest from my mind as I trudged on to the event after a very exhausting day at work. BUT, I've heard it in enough writer's meetings to know that I absolutely MUST ALWAYS HAVE ON HAND some kind of promotional material for my book and myself as an author because networking opportunities have no bounds!

So that is more like a refresher networking tip to remember--Always keep a stack of business cards/promotional flyers on your person (i.e. in your purse, coat pocket, vehicle glove compartment,etc). Here's what I didn't think about--creating a quick makeshift mailing list. Why? Even though it wasn't my event, those who expressed interest in my book may have been eager to join my list. Fact is, just because someone takes your card doesn't mean they're going to make use of it--or at least not any time soon, if they don't lose in the pile of other cards they collect. On the other hand, if they are willing to give you their email address for your mailing list, a shift of power now exists for you, the business owner--in my case, author--has the control to reach out/follow up with that potential reader. For example, one of the women who took one of my cards mentioned that she was in a book club and that she'd love to recommend my book to her club. Awesome, right? Absolutely! Good news with her is that she also gave me her card so I do, at least, have a way to follow up and I certainly will! But that wasn't the case with some of the others :(

Anyway, as you see, on this literary journey there are always things to learn, but I was very pleased with my application of everything that I've learned thus far in the game and I hope you have, too!

Til Later..L.A. Jefferson

MANIC MOMENT PAUSE

"Aggghhhhhh!!!!" That's me screaming. Forgive me for the sudden outburst but I gotta let it out one way or another to maintain a semblance of sanity. At least that's what I heard. Why am I screaming, you may want to know? Let me tell you...This balancing act of my life can sometimes drive me MAAAADDDDD!!!!

I love my life. I love my life. I love my life. You may find it helpful to repeat this several times on your journey to get to wherever you're on your way to in this life. Especially when the going gets rough. I find it helpful, at  least.

If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm diligently working on my second novel. So far the deadlines that I've set have come and gone. First goal was to have the draft complete by 12/31/2010. Nope--not even close! Most recently I set a new goal to complete a chapter a day. Yesterday, by midnight, chapter 3 was to be completed. Nope! However, I can say that I was very close BUT that's because I've been working on it for over a week! Could the goal of completing a chapter a day be too far reaching? Maybe, but I feel it necessary to apply such pressure so that it doesn't take me 10 yrs to complete this novel like it did my first. SMH.

I'm motivated like HECK to complete my follow up novel to Unfinished Business. However, I'm also equally motivated to improve my Internet marketing skills, increase sales of Unfinished Business, increase traffic to my blogs & website, get more people to know about L.A. JEFFERSON! Oh yeah, did I mention that I'm also planning to move in the next few months.

EVERYTHING on my plate today often makes me reminiscent of the days before I became a self-published author. The days when I toyed around with the idea of turning my manuscript into a published novel. The days when I wrote when I felt like it, read books without guilt that I should be writing, or enjoyed a television program without simultaneously working on something related to my writing career (website, blog, Facebook, Twitter).

Okay, back to reality. I love this pursuit of making my dreams come true. I really do! Whenever I think of entering other career options, I'm soooo not into it! I'm obsessed with writing. Writing permeates ever fiber of being. Watching my favorite television programs, watching big screen movies, browsing the shelves of any book section or stor all bring me back to my ultimate passion of creative writing! So yes, balancing a budding writing career, handling ones own marketing & promotion in conjuction with everything else going on in life is challenging BUT as ones dreams begin to manifest, surely there will be no regrets. NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

Now back to work, L.A. Jefferson

It's the New Year! Let's Get it!

It's 2011! I know, I know. You had so many hopes and plans for 2010. Some things you achieved, some you didn't, but in the coin phrase of 2010--LET'S GET IT! Meaning there's no time for mourning the goals you didn't reach for 2010. Whether it was finishing that novel you started so long ago (or not so long ago), getting your webiste up and running, creating your newsletter, or whatever...it doesn't matter.

Now is the time to re-prioritize. Create a new set of goals with the most important ones from 2010 at the top of the list. Move forward and have a positive mindset. If you haven't joined a writers group you should. They can be instrumental in helping you as a writer to stay focused. For example, my writers group, Motown Writer's Network challenged us to write for 15 minutes everyday and we're supposed to bring our work to the 1st meeting of the year. How's that for motivation?

Anyway good luck on whatever you set your mind to do in 2011. LET'S GET IT!

2010 Recap & 2011 Outlook

2010 has been the most exciting year for me as a new author. To just think there's so much that I didn't do but I'm still proud of what I did do. For starters, I dedicated significantly more time to my craft this year. I attended 2 major writer's events: Literary Meet & Greet and the Motown Poetry Jam & Literary Conference. Just recently I began setting aside time for writing AWAY from home. Having learned that under no circumstances am I going to get a lot accomplished at home because I'm surrounded by too many other obligations, I've concluded that I must get away. Borders Book Store has become my place of refuge. Being surrounded by what I love most--new books--I'm instantly inspired. And as long as I stay off the Internet everything I accomplish during those 90 minute to 2 hr sessions is significantly more than I would at home.

Although I wasn't successful, I set some pretty high goals for myself this year. One of them was entering the 30 day National Novel Writing Month contest where participants try to complete a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. As for my current writing project, the goal was to have the 1st draft completed by 12/31/2010. I haven't given up. There's still 2 1/2 wks left in the year and anythings possible, right? The ultimate goal is to be published by June 2011.

Since I've jumped into 2011, I might as well get into my 2011 outlook. Delegation, delegation, & delegation. Yep, I'm going to be delegating some of these self-publishing responsibilities beginning with my website. Admittedly, I like the layout & design of my website, but there's a lot more that I could do with the site IF I had the time to invest in it. My time needs to be spent writing & promoting my work!

As for writing goals for 2011, they are to publish my second novel, Reconciliation to Hell. Next, I plan to finish writing my first non-fiction book. Lastly, I plan to have my quarterly newlestter up & running--1st edition due 1/2011. Sounds like enough, right? And to think I didn't even mention the number of workshops, conferences, & writing classes I plan to participate in. Oh, and how could I forget book promotions!!!

I'm exhausted already! Wish me luck!

Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference

Actually sold a book during the conference! And to think that I almost didn't didn't attend. What was I thinking??? The conference was awesome! I made some great contacts and picked up a possible writing mentor. I attended a workshop entitled "Writers Tools" and learned that a massage therapist can be used as a writing tool? You know, relieve the stress of long hours spent at a computer or the frustration of writer's block. Something I needed to know. Hmm, lets see what else did I pick up during the conference:

1. Post-it notes are ideal for plot planning

2. Delegating key tasks such as website development,& editing

3. Allowing guest bloggers to help keep blog regularly updated

4. Continue professional development wby attending conferences & writing programs

5. Set daily writing goals (i.e. page count, word count)

 Pam Perry-PR Specialist

Hajj: Founder of Brand Camp University



Wow! What can I say about PR. It's where the real work begins. Yes, I thought the writing was the real work until the book was done and it was time to sell the darn thing! Did you know that effective PR for your book begins up to 2 yrs before you're even finished with it. Yes. Seriously! Below are a few of the PR tips I picked up.

1. As an author, your book is your product but YOU are the brand. Translation: Time to break out of that shell! According to Pam Perry, people buy things from people they like. Therefore, plaster that poster girl/boy grin on yourself and look the part of a professional at all times.

2. Speaking of looking the part--invest in a professional photo shoot for your website photos and especially book jacket picture and any promotional products. Yep, get your "America's Next Top Model" poses ready.

3. Always look the part. No more stepping out of the house looking all homely--even just going to the corner store. Pam Perry says you should always represent your brand even when you're not in that mode. You never know who you'll run into.

L.A. Jefferson & "Street Lit Phenomenon" Relentless Aaron

What can I say about our afternoon keynote speaker Relentless Aaron? He's got an amazing story of tenacity and well, relentlessness. He's received accolades from some big name folks like The New York Times, Publisher Weekly and ABC World News for being a "one-man marketing machine". From what I learned of him on this day he's about his business and part of that is helping aspiring authors to achieve their dreams. But he had words of caution too. "Expand your mind from just writing books." E-books are all the rave now. They're out selling print books now. Authors have to think outside of the box if your plan is to make it beyond your city and state limits. My ears were wide open to his words of wisdom and I encourage other writers to listen up as well.

No doubt I was fired up about my writing career at the close of the event. Well done Sylvia Hubbard for putting this all together! Can't wait til next year's conference.



NaNoWriMo--NOT EVEN CLOSE

"Embarrassing" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of my word count to-date on this last day of the National Novel Writing Month contest. I won't even bother trying to type the night away until the midnight deadline! It'll be a complete waste--well maybe not a complete waste. Afterall, some typing is better than no typing at all, right? Right! Considering that maybe I will write from the time I get home this evening until midnight...Do I have it in me? We'll see.

Rather than looking at myself as a complete failure for not reaching the 50,000 word count, I'll give myself a pat on the back for effort. As writers, especially writers holding down a day job to pay the bills and taking care of family (kids, spouse), it's important to acknowledge and celebrate even the small steps toward the ultimate goal. The truth of the matter is had I not participated in this contest I may not have even gotten as far as I did on this particular project--let's just say the ball is definitely rolling. Maybe next year for NaNoWriMo. Until then I'll be working on my goal of writing EVERYDAY!

L.A. Jefferson

NaNoWriMo--Day 9

Okay, folks. It's the 9th day of the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge. So far I'm still amped up for the challenge. I'm writing everyday, except this past weekend :( but I was up and at 'em first thing Monday morning! Right now I'm kind of baby steppin' my way to to the 50,000 word count being at a mere 1700 word count but I just know a huge gush of words is going to hit me when I least expect it. Let's just hope it's before the deadline of November 30th :)

Ready...Get Set...WRITE

Calling ALL budding authors. It's November 1st and the challenge has begun! What's the challenge, you want to know??? The challenge to write your novel in 30 days! Can it be done? Absolutely! Ask any of the thousands of participants each year. Have I done it? Absolutely NOT! LOL! But I am giving it my best shot this year since I finally remembered the annual challenge before Thanksgiving Day rolled around. LOL! I figure I don't have anything to lose by challenging myself to begin and complete my novel by midnight on November 30th. What's the worse that can happen? Get half way through. Get a fourth of the way through. Heaven forbid I actually finish it!!!  Sounds like a win/win to me for anyone struggling with getting those words on the page.

So I invite everyone to either join me at (http://www.nanowrimo.org/) OR follow my progress. I'll be updating my blogs, website, twitter, Facebook...all that! Wish me luck!

Do Over

Okay. Here's where I am on my current project. Let me forwarne you that it's quite a shame--at least by own standards but I'm trying not to beat myself up too much. After all, it's not how you start but how you finish, right? Anyway, I started writing a new version of Reconciliation to Hell sometime in the spring. If you've read my post you'll remember my self-imposed deadline of having the draft completed by the end of summer. CLEARLY, that didn't happen, but we move on...So, I've been trudging along a little bit (and I do mean a little bit) at a time with chapter one then finally chapter two. Over the last couple of days, for some strange reason, I wasn't feeling these pages as the start of the story. It just wasn't sitting right with me but I sooooo did not want toss the pages. What a waste that would have been? After pondering what to do with these pages that were really an introduction to new & return readers on where the main character's state of mind is coming from before I really get into the depth of this story line, I decided to make the pages I've gotten to so far the prologue. Although it makes perfect sense I still can't help but feel like I haven't accomplished anything as I'm now staring at a blank page entitled Chapter 1. Heavy sigh.

Guess I better get busy. It's hump time FOR REAL. December 31st is the new deadline for the 1st draft. I'm shooting for no less than a chapter a day!

Talk about Happy Friday

Last Friday was a good day. At my day job I had the opportunity to participate as a vendor in which the proceeds were to benefit our company's United Way Giving Campaign. It's funny that I ordered 10 copies of my book a couple of weeks ago in preparation for the event and I planned on ordering some more but time got away from me. Anyway, the morning of the event I found myself to be a nervous wreck! Why? I don't know considering it was my very coworkers who would patronizing me along with the other participating vendors. Well, before I could even set up my table good I'd made a sell of two books! Immediately, I became nervous that I didn't have enough books if that was indicative of how my sells were going to go for the day. Luckily, I had two more copies sitting in the cabinet at my desk. By the end of the day I sold all my inventory of books! I was ecstatic. My weekend was definitely off to a great start. And to top it all off, not only did I have promotional items available with all of my contact & book information,  I even remembered to have available a mailing list for passer bys and those who purchased the book so I can keep them abreast on my work. Girlfriend is stepping up her game, right???

Internet Marketing Lesson

Yesterday I was listening to the Michigan Literary Network Blogtalk radio. Admittedly, I don't do this often enough considering the show airs every Wednesday. Anyway, yesterday was a great day to tune in because the topic of discussion is my WEAKEST LINK--marketing & promotion. Penny Sansivieri was one of the guest. She's the author of Red Hot Internet Marketing which I'd never heard of but after hearing how this is a must have for EVERY writer/author I quickly ordered it off the Internet. I should have it in a couple of days and I can't wait!

As far as marketing goes I'm going in the right direction just at a snails pace. I blog, as you can see. I have a website that I hope you've visited :) I'm on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. I'm a member of a gazillion Yahoo groups. All of this stuff is what I've learned that writers need to grow their readership and keep them engaged. Well I have them but I've been kind of laxed with putting them to work so here's what I've done in the last couple of weeks:

1. Created a fanpage on Facebook for my book Unfinished Business.
2. Created an author page for Facebook.
3. Creating a reader & writer newsletter. I actually created one a few years ago but I dropped the ball with keeping it going and pushing it towards my audience.

Coming up next will be the book trailer of Unfinished Business. Stay tuned!

What's Brewing for L.A.?

All I want to know is where did summer go? Between transporting my daughter to her first summer job, spending endless evenings on my mother's porch with my kids & neices and nephews, and working my day job summer just flew by. One day the day will come when I can take a leave of absence from my day job during the summer months, if not the entire summer at least 4 wks would suffice, to spend some quality time with my family and, of course, getting some writing done. As that's not the case right now I'm sad to report that I didn't even come close to reaching my goal of completing the 1st draft of my new book, but I have been very busy with that and several other projects. In addition to Reconciliation to Hell, I'm working on a memoir so to speak about my personal battle with attaining my desired body shape, short story about a 40 yr old woman trying to live out her dream of the campus life as a college student, and I'm creating a newsletter for readers and writers.

Oh, did I forget to mention I recently joined a book club, not including the one that I'm a facilitator for. Whew! Can you say BUSY! But as long as it relates to reading & writing I LOVE IT!

Summer Update 2010

It's 2 o'clock in the morning and my sleep was rudely interrupted so I figured since I'm awake I'd post to my block since I haven't done so in about a month. If you read my previous post you know that I challenged myself to finish the first draft of my upcoming book, Reconciliation to Hell, by the end of the summer/beginning of school. Well, while I'm not even close to the end of the book I am, however, at the end of the first chapter. I know it's nothing to shout about but a girl's gotta celebrate the small milestones too, right? Since I'm in a celebratory mood, I might as well mention a couple of other milestones for a local self-published author pursuing literary stardom. After nearly 5 years of being a member of Motown Writers Network, a network of primarily metro-Detroit writers & authors, I finally attended the annual Literary Meet & Greet, an event providing local authors a forum to introduce themselves to the community of readers and writers. And get this...not only did I attend the event, I also had promotion material available! Believe me, that's a pretty big deal. As an author I'm an entreprenuer of myself, my product and I've got to treat it as such. I've got to advertise, advertise, advertise every opportunity I get...like at the African World Festival this weekend. I didn't pass out as many of my flyers as I should have but I did give a few out. Anyway, the Literary Meet & Greet proved beneficial for a number of reasons. For one, I had the opportunity to speak about myself and my book. For two, I met a book reviewer and an Internet radio host who has openings for guests. Lastly, I was inspired to keep perservearing to be my #1 promoter and keep at it. Practice makes perfect, right?

Now, before I get too sleepy I better pull out my document and see what progress I can make in the next hour that I plan to be awake

An Impossible Goal...I think NOT!

It's almost been a complete week since I've done any writing on my upcoming novel, but its okay. My confidence is not shaken that I'll complete the first draft by the end of the summer--marked officially as the day after Labor Day (I'm taking every available day). The story is pretty mapped out in my head. It's just a matter of dedicating some MAJOR time to do the writing. Tomorrow will definitely be one of those days. Besides an early morning gym session and a mid-morning writers' group meeting and church on Sunday, I have cleared my schedule for the weekend so I hope to make some SERIOUS progress. I'll post an excerpt of my progress by Monday so be sure to come back.

Til Later, L.A.

First Things First

I've got to admit, it's kind of cool being called on as a resource. Now that folks know that I'm a published author I get questions all of the time about the "process" and such. Most recently a woman who I met at a book club meeting a few months ago excitedly shared with me that she was in the process of penning her first book. From what she's told me thus far, it's going to be a good one--spiritually revealing. We exchanged numbers before the meeting ended, but we haven't had any contact with each other until she called me a couple of days ago. She shared with me that since she was still unemployed she was filling her days with writing and researching material for her book, but she wanted to get some information from me on the publishing process.

In a nut shell, I advised her of the avenue I took to publish my book, but I also stressed the importance of focusing on completing that first draft. I remember the first effort I made with writing Unfinished Business about 15 years ago. I was really enjoying putting the pieces of the story together, surprising myself with what was going to happen next. Then, years later as I began to realize that I might actually publish this creation of mine my focus took a sharp left turn. Instead of having fun putting the story together, I started getting caught up in  the "publishing" factor. Thoughts of rejection from agents, publishers, readers began to get in the way of my writing. As self-publishing began to rise in popularity, I started getting off into understanding that monster, trying to figure out what kind of budget I was working with, who'd design the cover, who'd edit, who'd print, who'd promote and market. It was quite overwhelming & distracting, hence, the length of time it took for me to finally publish my book. Therefore, I'd advise any aspiring writer to get the raw story completed first, then delve into publishing. Don't get caught up in who's going to like your work. First, you have to like it--no, actually love it. Believe me, once you get to the point of publishing, you'll be wishing for the time to do nothing but write :)

The Notebook

 

Desktop computer? Check. Laptop? Check. Netbook? Check? Flash Drive? Check.

As you can see  I have just about every writing tool available for writers. In fact, before laptops finally droppedto my price range, I remember purchasing some piece of equipment that one would create typed files that could then be plugged into the USB port of a computer, trasnferred into a Word document. When I bought that I just knew I'd found the answer to all of my writing problems. This equipment was comparable to today's Netbook today so I figured I'd become a writing machine completing projects in no time at all! Fast forward 15 years, I had the same thought when I purchased my first Flash Drive. In reality ,none of these contraptions have helped me more with making any progress with my writing than the old handydandy notebook.

Granted, I don't pen entire stories in a notebook, preferring the ease of using the editing functions available with computers, however, notebooks have a never-ending value for a writer. I use notebooks for some of everything. Taking notes at a writer's meeting, jotting down story ideas, writing out character details & descriptions, creating scenes for a story I'm working. What's funny is that I haven't always been this way. I was all about typing everything. THEN I realized that I simply would not always be able to use a computer when inspiration struck, so hence my regular use of notebooks began. Now I just can't get enough of them. I'm comforted by just knowing that I have them around :))

How Are the Book Sales Going?

Arrgh! I kinda hate when people ask me this question. I know people's hearts are in the right place, but I just wish I had a better answer for them. I mean, they don't want the truth. "They can't handle the truth!" Sound familiar??? Just kidding, but seriously, I know many of the people who have asked me this question want the best for me. They want to hear some stupendous number of books that I've sold and BELIEVE ME, I would love to disclose a stupendous number to them, but I just can't right now. As a self-published author there is a lot of work to be done to spur even a decent amount of book sales and I just haven't had that the time to dedicate to it lately. I've got a busy teenager to keep up with,  adolescent son who needs much attention. Oh yes, I have a day job that keeps the bills paid and I regularly commit time to serving my community. Not to mention, I'm really anxious to dedicate more time on my upcoming novel because I certainly don't want to take as many years to finish it as it did to finish the first one. Honestly, I don't feel bad about my slow book sales because I'm still reveling in the joy and satisfaction of having finally published the darn thing! However, I do recognize that I have to do more to get it out of my hands and into the hands of readers, so keep checking my blog for my progress. AND, by all means, if you have some suggestions, please feel free to leave your comments!

Til later...L.A.

Got Another One

Coming up with ideas for books is the best part of being a writer. At the same time, it can also be one of the most frustrating aspects, too. Why? Because the ideas practically fall from the sky. Ideas can sprout from ones own dreams & fantasies--like my story of Unfinished Business, which began from my own desire of reconnecting with an old flame. They can also come from ones real life dramas, such as my upcoming novel, Reconciliation to Hell, which deals with a couple's reconciled marriage that leads them both on a path straight to hell. Then the surrounding world is filled with ideas too! For example, I was watching a clip of Beyonce and her mother on the Today Show. As usual they were talking about their closer than closer mother/daughter relationship, right? Right. Then I began thinking, why doesn't she (Mrs. Knowles, that is) ever speak about the younger Knowles girl, Solange??? Have you ever noticed that? It's always about Beyonce and her mother. NEVER the other sister. Even when they talk about Beyonce's nephew--he's known as Beyonce's nephew NOT Solange's son. If it were me, I'd be pretty ticked about it! So my imagination gets to running...MAYBE Solange is not Mrs. Knowles daughter. Mayber she is the daughter of Matthew Knowles and some other woman. Hmmm. To my knowledge, this fact has not been brought to light, but truth or not, it sparked an idea for me to create a story about it. NOW that story could take many forms. I won't give it away now and I'm not fearful of anyone taking the idea because one story can be told from countless angles. Stay tuned...

L.A. Jefferson, April 2010

What's an Author To Do?

Okay, for a minute there my books were selling like hotcakes! At work I was selling like 2-3 books a day as the word spread about my recently published novel. It was really cool! Things have slowed down quite a bit, but that was to be expected. What I didn't expect to learn is that, rather than some people buying their own copy, they've been reading a book purchased by someone else. WTF??? One coworker was walking past me the other day, and she was like, "Girl, I didn't know you wrote a book." Then I'm thinking, cool, she wants to buy one. WRONG! Then she says, "Yeah, so and so gave me a copy and I was like, L.A. Jefferson...that woman on the back cover looks just like LaCharmine. Then OHHHH that is LaCharmine. I'm liking it so far..." While I was glad she was enjoying it, I would have much rather preferred she bought her own. But, it happens, I know. I, myself, have borrowed someone else's copy of a book. Not because I was too cheap to buy my own, but because they offered it to me. Soooo I won't cry over spilled milk. What I will do is push my book sales even harder to compensate for the those darn book sharers!

Oscars 2010

I'll be the first to admit that watching award shows is not always the most entertaining way to spend a Sunday evening. However, as an artist, I just can't help myself. When I watch shows like the the Oscars and the Grammy's my heart swells with grand admiration that, many times, has brought tears to my eyes. Now, I could be extra sentimental, but either way, after I watch these shows I'm always inspired to never stop pushing towards accomplishing my dream!

The most moving moment of this years Oscars--next to Mo'Nique's acceptance speech for her award for the Best Supporting Actress--was Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech. Towards the end of her acceptance speech for Best Leading Actress, she paid homage to her late mother who always made her practice whatever it was that she was interested in at the time--ballet, piano, acting, etc. "An artist must practice their art if they expect to be any good at it," Sandra quoted her mother.

Those words made me wish that I'd had that kind of support from my mother when I initially showed interest in the art of writing. But, the difference between my mother and Sandra Bullock's mother is that her mother was an artist and artist know what artists needs. What's good is that even though my mother didn't encourage me in my younger days, she's like my number one supporter now, passing out my business cards and telling people about my book more than I do :). And now I have a whole slew of artists--Mo'Nique, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keyes, India.Arie, the late Alliyah--who encourage and inspire me everyday. They worked hard be able to live their dreams and that's what I have to do. So as advised by Sandra Bullock's mother I have to practice my art everyday in order to perfect it, which means I have to write something everyday, whether it's daily blog entries, story ideas, character creations, etc.

To all my aspiring writing buds, happy "daily" writing!

1st Book Club Discussion of Unfinished Business

Needless to say I was pretty geeked up about the book club discussion of my book, Unfinished Business, on this past Saturday with The Sistas Book Club. In fact I was so geeked up that I couldn't even attend a coworker's birthday party on the night before the book event. I needed a full night's sleep so that I could have all of my barrings about myself. This was, after all, my first time talking to a group of readers of my book in such close proximity. Talk about getting down to the nitty gritty. As an author, the bottom line is the readers, right?

I went to bed and woke up with thoughts of how this event was going to transpire. What was I going to say? Most importantly, what were they going to say? What were they were going to ask me? Would my responses flow like water running from a faucet or be lumpy & bumpy like rocky road ice cream? Believe me, unless you rehearse talking about your book--like my mentor, Sylvia Hubbard, advised me years ago--it is possible to stumble over your responses about your own work. Not because you don't know it through and through, but because of simple nervousness. Anyway, I didn't want that to be me. Even though this would be my first group discussion of my book, I didn't want it to appear that way, you know what I mean?

At the end of the day, I came through with flying colors. I was thrilled that my story was so well-received and created so much fun conversation! An array of topics was broached, including: friends' involvement in friend's relationship decisions, the revolving door factor of relationships, how ones personal atrocities can affect ones career, and can a man be as forgiving as a woman when he's been wronged in the relationship? If I didn't say the discussion was lively, it was!

As much as the book was liked by the book club members, I'd be lying if I said there was no criticism. One woman commented that she would've liked more sex scenes--details, details, details. Honestly, I won't be feeding into that one. I'll leave that for the romance and erotica authors. The most surprising critique by two of the members was that the story started off slow. As the author, I thought I pretty much jumped right into the story. In fact, I wondered if jumping in so quickly was a mistake. But, the harshest criticism one member noted was that she could tell this was a first book, BUT she wants to read more from me. Hmmm. How would you take that? My first inclination was one of negativity, even though it is my first book. However, an author doesn't necessarily want readers to be able to tell it was a first. We want it to appear as though we've been writing for years. But I'll take it for what it's worth--there is room for improvement and I look forward to doing so with my next project.

So, as I continue on my path to literary stardom, I thought it was important to share this first major stepping stone. Hopefully, this will be the first of many book club discussions that I'll be involved in as the feature author.

In the Meantime

In The Meantime...

As ready as I am to get deep into my next novel, Reconciliation to Hell, I and the inspiration to write just can't seem to get on the same page! I can't really call it writer's block at this point in the game because I haven't really gotten started writing. Not really, at least. During the composition of Unfinished Business I started the first draft for it, but that was it. Now that I'm FINALLY ready to move forward with my next major writing project, I can't seem to get focused. One possible explanation for it is that while I'm finished writing Unfinished Business, I'm just getting started with promoting it. And there's so much to do!

But you know what, I can't harp on it. Instead, I'm spending my free time doing the next best thing to writing--reading. In addition to reading some of my backlog of novels on my bookcase, I'm taking the time to read through my numerous writing resources. I have books on grammar, style, character description, plot building, and then some. When the time is right my writing will begin.

2nd Saturday Writing Session

Seems like this 2nd Saturday of February took forever to finally get here! I've never been more excited about a Saturday writers meeting. Not my monthly Motown Writers Network meeting, but my personal scheduled writing session with a fellow writer. Like last month, we did more talking than actual writing, but there's a benefit to be found with that. For the last two weeks, I've been pondering over what my starting point is going to be for the story. Well, after today's session my starting point has become more clear. For example, I was initially going to create new characters for the story, however, an idea came to me just this past week to use the troubled married couple from Unfinished Business. This new change of direction has excited me. Luckily I'm not that far into my writing that I can't reconfigure what I have so far. At the conclusion of our session, we did agree we should work on being more productive prior to our meetings and using our sessions to review and encourage each other. I can't wait to REALLY get going on this.

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize

Everyone you know is aware that you've written a book. In fact, many of them have even encouraged you along the way. So, why is it that now you have finally published the darn thing ALL of these people have NOT purchased a copy??? You wonder, what the hell are they waiting for? A special invitation? Maybe, maybe not. Guess what--that should be the least of your concerns. If you find yourself wondering why friends and family haven't purchased a copy of your book, you need to reevaluate your purpose for having written the book. Is it your life story? Is it a family genealogy book? If not, then I suspect, the purpose of your penning that novel was to eventually introduce yourself to the world as the latest and greatest literary talent on the block!

This message is for myself just as much as it is for other aspiring writers or novice authors. Ever since word has gotten out at my job, that's where the bulk of my book sales have occurred. As much as I appreciate it, because a sell is a sell, I've got to reach more of my target audience and that's going to take a whole lot more work on my part.

I'm babystepping, but I'm on the right track. One of the young ladies that I work with told her sister about my book and now I'm going to be the featured local author for her book club. Now, from what I hear, they're big time with their book club, attending national conferences and such, so hopefully the news of my book will spread on that circuit. I'm so excited about that and will keep readers posted on that. Then, while perusing the Internet, I came across a site, Raw Sistaz, which provides free book reviews and they have low cost advertising available, too, so I'll be taking advantage of that soon.

Also, this week, I expanded the distribution option with my book printer so that major booksellers will be able to stock my book on their shelves. I haven't even touched on the conferences and vendoring opportunities that I have yet to take advantage. Whew! When they say it's hard work being a self-published author, that was sho'nuff the truth.

Stay tuned on my road to superstardom!

First Big Break

I caught quite a BIG break this past Friday. A friend of mine at work purchased a copy of my book and it turns out that her sister is a member of a national book club association that features local authors once a quarter. Soooo, as the three of us are alums of the best high school in the city, Cass Technical High School, AND we support our own, her group will be featuring my book for the next quarter. Isn't that awesome??? That tidbit of information made my day, in fact, my weekend. God is surely moving in my world of writing!

True Progression

Now that the word is out about my book, I'm selling anywhere between 1-3 books a day! That's pretty darn good if you ask me. The challenge, now, is to get the word out beyond my coworkers and friends. I need to reach the general public. So, although I'm a bit slow with my progress I feel like I'm getting a better handle on being a self-published author.

Some things on my to-do list to increase sales include:

1) Create some postcard size informational pieces about myself and my novel.

2) Advertise my new website on all of my social media outlets

3) Develop my newsletter for aspiring authors and book lovers.

4) Enlist the assistance of one of my coworkers to make me some bookmarks.

5) Have a booksigning in February.

Random Book Review

Wow, just finished reading your book Unfinished Business, and what a page turner, I enjoyed so much. What an easy read. Book cover was pretty, drew you to the the book.The print was very good. Drama and supense all in one book. Great job, will be looking to read your next project.


Carolyn Roberts

True Confession

I feel so insanely CRAZY right now! I have this awesome group of supportive coworkers who gladly purchased copies of my novel, Unfinished Business--not because I advertised the publishing of the book to everyone at one time, but because one person asked me for a copy (they saw a card I posted on our bulletin board), then they told one person and that person told another. In like, 10 minutes I sold 6 copies! I could've done that weeks ago, if I'd just opened my mouth!

The question of the morning was, "Why you didn't tell nobody?"

I didn't have a solid answer ready, at least not an answer that made any sense! In fact, I stumbled my words due to sheer embarrasment. At the end of the day, I can only admit the obvious. I totally suck at self-promotion.

It's not a fear of public speaking--I do that pretty well. I love listening to and being supportive to others as they, but when it comes to tooting my own horn, I fall short. And that is HUGE problem when you're a self-published author. Believe me, it's not that I don't believe in my work--because I do. It has more to do with the fact that when I began dreaming of the life I wanted as a novelist, I dreamed of creating fun and fascinating entertainment for readers, traveling the country making appearances at book signings, and the like--NOT having to rely on word of mouth (my own mouth, at that!) marketing myself. I guess I envisioned the marketing & public relations department of the major publishing house doing ALL of that part of it.

Well, that's neither here no there at this point. I've got to face the facts. I'm a self-published author. If I intend to be a successful one--even if it's to grab the attention of a major publishing house--I'm going to have to light a match under my feet and get this thing going!

I invite all of you--whoever's reading--to follow me on my pursuit of learning how to toot my own horn in the name of success! Wish me luck :)

New Year New Plan

Let me first begin with an exuberant Happy New Year!!!

I'm nearly finished with my holiday reading. Only a few more short chapters to go in the Mary Higgins Clark/Carol Higgins Clark holiday mystery book I started the week before Christmas--I just can't read as fast as I used to :(

Anyway, today is a day for writing. It's also the day for the monthly networking with members of my writers group, Motown Writers Network. Since joining the group five years ago, I have always made a point to make it to the first meeting of year--didn't do so good with the rest of the year, but I always started out on the right track. This year, I wanted to do something different. Rather than spending three hours away from my kids sharing with others how I planned to accomplish my writing goals for the year--discussing writing goals is always the subject of the 1st meeting of the year--I decided it was more important to actually DO something in preparation of reaching my goals.

Therefore, on this 2nd Saturday of January, I found a quiet place away from the house, away from my wonderful children, away from general distractions, or so I thought. In hindsight, maybe the mall wasn't the perfect place because as soon as I got to the spot where I planned to writer, I came across a store closing sign outside of Waldenbooks. No brainer--I had to go in. But, long story short, I didn't do too much damage to my pockets--6 books for the price of 1. And two of those books were reference books and four were for my son. Not bad, right? Anyway, after that brief distraction, I did manage to get some writing done. I made a little bit of headway with a short story I started a few weeks ago.

I also had an opportunity to bounce a few ideas off of one of my writing buddies who, later, met me at my new writing place. Another positive outcome of my writing session was the opportunity to promote my book--Unfinshed Business--to a woman who just happened to be seated next to me. She saw my notebook and the books that I had just purchased sprawled across the table and inquired if I was a student. Somehow or another she mentioned that she loved to read so, OF COURSE, I jumped at the chance to tell her about my book. Although she didn't buy a copy, she did offer to tell a PR friend of hers about me so that they could possibly assist me with promotion! Sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time.

Til Next time...L.A.

A Recent Review of My Book

Check it out guys...This is an email I recently received from someone who purchased my book!

Hi: LA Jefferson

I just finish reading your first novel and it was truly enjoyable from beginning to the end.

It was a page turner. I cannot wait for your next novel. Please write a murder mystery

romance I know it will be off the hook.

Keep up the good writing.

Sincerely


Marlene

Book Heaven

Yes, I'm temporarily back to my roots--reading. Finally, things have slowed down enough for me to spend some time doing what I love. And I didn't even have to visit a library or a book store--I had plenty to choose from in my private library. As an author (Wow, I'm so glad I can say that now!), I used to feel guilty about taking time out to read because I was feeling like I should've been spending that time writing something. But NOT this time. Everybody needs a break, even from doing what they love, and this is my break. Besides, good writers need to keep reading.

Since I have so many to choose from, I decided to do something I've never done before--read multiple books simultaneously. Sort of. LOL! I've got a Patricia Cornwell audio book playing in my car, a paperback Heather Graham novel that a lunchroom attendant at my job loaned me several months ago, and a Mary Higgins Clark holiday mystery novel that I picked up just in time for the holiday season.

Believe it or not, it's working quite well. One of my book reading partners does this all the time and I just couldn't fathom how she did this without getting the storylines jumbled in her head, but it's quite easy!

Anyway, I'm enjoying this time while I have it because come the new year, it'll be time to move full speed ahead with busy book promoting (Unfinished Business) and writing my second novel, Reconciliation to Hell.

The End Is Near

NO--not the end of the world(i.e. 2012, Don't believe the hype!) The end I'm referring to is the end of the year. And what a busy and productive year it's been!

Let's recap...I released my debut novel--Unfinished Business. I made it to more than one of my Motown Writer's Network monthly meetings--a goal I set at the beginning of the year. I was a feature author at a writer's networking event. I hosted and was interviewed on Motown Literary Network's Blogtalk Radio show. And, most importantly, I officially started work on my second novel.

As the end of the year moves forward with shopping, family gatherings, and other end of the year celebrations, I'll be getting some much needed rest and relaxation in preparation for a productive 2010!

Books, Books, & More Books

All I want to know is why are there never any books written by any of my favorite African American authors on the doggone "Bargain Books" table at any of the bookstores that I frequent! Don't get me wrong, I love Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Michael Connelly, and the like, BUT, what about Kimberla Lawson-Roby, Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant, Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson--to name the few that pop out of my head. I'd love to buy one of their books for $5 or $6 bucks! I'm just wondering who makes the call--the bookstore or the publisher--not that I have a problem supporting my favorite African American authors at full price.

Anyway, I had NO business buying books on a trip to Borders for my daughter. She's the one who needed a book for school, but who was I kidding? There was no way I was going to step one foot in the book store and NOT buy something for myself! I already knew what I wanted--Kimberla Lawson-Roby's recent novel, "The Best of Everything", but it wasn't available. During my search for that one, I came across another favorite African American author(s)--the writing duo Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant! The book--"What Doesn't Kill You"--was a MUST HAVE and worth every bit of the $24.95 that I paid for it! All of my REAL book lovers understand completely. Some books you can check out from the library, BUT some you MUST OWN!

The BIG question is how am I going to fit this book in with the other 5 or 6 books that I have waiting on me to read AND the ones I'm in the process of writing. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm going to get it done! Just stay tuned!

T.T.Y.L...L.A. Jefferson :)

Great Author in Town

It's really awesome to have good friends. One of my good friends was kind enough to inform me that a famous Michigan author, Terry McMillan will be gracing Detroit with her presence at the Detroit Public Library Author Series events at the main library. As much as I love all things literary, I don't keep up as well as I should with all of the literary events going on in the city. Anyway, Terry will be promoting her latest book, "It's Ok If You're Clueless and 23 More Tips for the College Bound". It's not what her fans fell in love with her for, but fans can still come out to support and chat with the author. You never know what you may find out. As an author, I'm encouraged by Terry's ability to expand her writing skills and abilities to other areas besides fiction, so I plan to be in attendance.

Til Later...L.A. Jefferson




Free and open to the public, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6 PM sharp, Detroit Public Library Friends Auditorium, 5201 Woodward, north of Warren in Midtown Detroit, information at 313-833-4042.


her latest book

New Excerpt from Unfinished Business

An eerie feeling suddenly came over Lydia as soon as Stanley was out of sight. One of those creepy feelings you get when you’re at home by yourself in the wee hours of the morning and you hear a scary sound that you know better than to get up and investigate. As she and Stanley had walked across the street, Lydia thought she had caught the eye of someone watching them from a light brown Ford Taurus parked at one of the meters towards the end of the block. But when she turned toward the driver, they pulled off. Now as she was securing herself in her seatbelt, from the rearview mirror, it looked like the same brown Taurus, which was parked three cars over from her. Now, she wanted to believe that the car belonged to an employee or to someone picking up an employee. But her gut was just telling her otherwise. Lydia was a smart woman. She knew not to ignore that gut, so she didn’t waste anymore time getting the hell out of that lot! Maybe it was paranoia from the long hours she’d been working. Then, maybe not. Either way, she felt a helluva lot better once she was on I-96 heading toward home. The good feeling of relief didn’t last very long, though. A few exits before the one she took to get to her house, she saw that the same Taurus was two cars behind her in the next lane. Lydia panicked and immediately reached for her cell phone, which for some God-awful reason was dead. She’d been so tired the last few nights, that she hadn’t thought to re-charge her phone. Damn!
Finally, the safety tips that often came through her email from friends paid off. Lydia knew not to go home. Instead, she took the next exit that came up and looked for the nearest gas station. Her mind was racing far too fast to remember where the nearest police station was. She saw a Mobile gas station two traffic lights after she exited the freeway. She pulled into the entrance. And that damn Taurus pulled right in behind her. These crazy people have no shame. All in one motion, Lydia was unbuckling her seatbelt and opening her door to hurry inside when a man’s all to familiar voice called out her name.
“Lydia.” It was as if time itself had stopped. She felt suspended in her steps, hardly able to turn around But she did. He called out to her again.
“Lydia. I’m sorry if I scared you.” She couldn’t believe she was looking at Thomas Cunningham, the finest, sexiest, most sexually satisfying man so far, who had captured and broke her heart. She still found him irresistible. But, still, he scared the shit out of her! Finally, her voice surfaced to her throat, and then out of her mouth. “Thomas, what the hell are you doing here?” Before he opened his mouth, they both already knew the answer to that. It was the same unspoken reason he always had for abruptly reappearing in her life whenever he felt inclined to do so. To reclaim what he had always believed to be his—Lydia.
That last time Thomas deserted her was three years ago, leaving her to look like a fool in the eyes of her loved ones, and she vowed that would be the last time. Oh, she knew he’d be back again. Like her mother always said, “A leopard never changes his spots.” After she had picked up the pieces of her shattered heart, Lydia vowed to do things differently when he came back the next time. But now that that time seemed to have arrived, as he stood before her eyes, in his flawless, beautiful dark chocolate flesh, the strength she was so confident that she’d have disappeared. Lydia felt weak, like a melting piece of hot wax, and she prayed it wasn’t written all over her face. As he stepped all-knowingly toward her, he spoke in that delicious baritone voice that made her knees buckle.
“I’m back, baby,” he began reaching his hand out to hers. “This time I’m back for good.”
“For good,” Lydia repeated, barely audible, she was so taken aback by the strength of his presence it sickened her. “And what does that have to do with me?” she asked with a mock courageousness they both knew had been rehearsed.
“How about I tell you over a drink?” Thomas asked, seductively gazing at her with those deep brown eyes she remembered getting lost in.

L.A. Jefferson @ 2009

October Happenings

Wow! Can you believe it's October already??? The time sure flies when you're having fun OR when you writing, promoting, and trying to sell your books. LOL! I just wanted to update readers on what's going on in L.A.'s world of writing.

First and foremost, I don't know what's going on with the release party for Unfinished Business. Honesty's the best policy, right? So, the truth is I just don't know :( The PLAN is for it to take place on Friday, October 16, because that would just be too cool, for me, to celebrate my b-day and the official release of my debut novel with family & friends. So, I'll keep my blog updated about that.

Next, MWN (Motown Writer's Network) October meeting will be taking place on Saturday, October 10th from 10am-12pm. As of today, I'll be there with bells on!

This is early, but pertinent for all Detroit readers and writers. The annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference is taking place the 2nd weekend of November. Click the link below for all the details:

http://essenceofmotown2009.eventbrite.com

If all goes well, I'll be there selling copies of Unfinished Business. In the meantime, check out the excerpt of my next book, Reconcilliation to Hell. It's gonna be a helluva story!!!

Til Later...

L.A.

What's Going On

Okay, so L.A. is no longer hosting the blogtalk radio show. Summer is over and school is back in session. So, what is L.A. doing now?

Here it is. L.A. is in the final stages of planning the official release party of Unfinished Business. The party is scheduled for Friday, October 16, tentatively at Hoots on the Ave on Michigan Ave in Detroit. It's going to be a combination birthday/book release party as L.A.'s birthday is October 15th, so it should be a good time.

A couple of writing projects are in the works: one short story under the premise of "Women Gone Wild". The expectation is for the book to be a compilation of 3 or more stories. I may even invite other authors to submit stories. Anyway, the first story is about Jasmine, a plus-sized woman who embarks on a weight loss plan to spark interest from her husband who she assumes has lost interest in her when she stumbles across his secret collection of porn videos. Ironically, as she begins to lose weight, her husband becomes angrier and more distant. One day at the gym, Jasmine is approached by one of the male members who tells her how sexy her thick body is. He invites her to his entertainment establishment, which she assumes is a night club, but when she and her friend visit, it's actually a strip club that specializes in the "thick" dancer. Jasmine is appalled that he invited her there and even more so when he suggests that she become one of his dancers! Stay tuned for what trouble Jasmine finds herself in by the time this story ends.

Project #2 is a fiction novel, loosely based on actual events. What happens when two people, who probably shouldn't have ever gotten married a first time, marry a second time for all of the wrong reasons? A Reconcilliation to Hell. This is the story of Paula. She secretly remarries her ex-husband, Chris, after years of his pressing her to reconcile. Paula foolishly believes, that although Chris was never the man of her dreams and she never believed they were compatible, and they had a decent history, shared three children together, and most importantly he'd always been in love with her, that this reconcilliation couldn't go wrong. She had long tired of the "single-mom" dating game and had had her last straw when the last man she dated physically attacked her while her children lay sleeping in their bedrooms. But, boy oh boy, does Chris have a shocker for her. Paula finds out soon after their second "I do" that Chris was nothing like he presented himself to her during their re-courtship. He had become a MAJOR player! You'll have to get the book to find out the hell Paula goes through dealing with the new Chris and becoming a new Paula!

Read the below excerpt of Reconcilliation to Hell.

“Pleeeaassee, don’t do this to me!” I cried out, desperately, falling to my knees, grasping at him in a fleeting attempt to keep the man I loved from walking out of the door. He’d just declared, heartlessly, “There is nothing left between us, Paula…” It wasn’t the first time he said it, but this time his eyes were blood red, his lips curled in a gruesome snarl, exposing brown and yellow stained fangs inside his mouth, like some kind of monster. He stared at her hard, like he was daring her to combat him any further.
Still, I cried a river of tears as he walked out the door, leaving me, the woman he claimed would always be the owner of his heart, on the floor. As soon as the door closed, my children came running from the shadows, tears spilling from their eyes.
“Mommy, he’s gone,” three-year old Nigel cried, climbing on top of me, wrapping his arms around my neck.
“Why don’t we just leave like he wants us to?” Alissa chimed in, bravely fighting back her tears. I sat there broken, bruised, and trying to accept the inevitable defeat that had been hovering over me for the past three years when the strong smell of gasoline entered my nostrils. Hurriedly, I ran to the window, peaking out, only to see Chris proudly standing outside of the house with a lit match just before he dropped it at the beginning of the trail of gasoline leading to the house.
I was stunned immobile. My children were pulling at me, trying to get me to make a move—for my life, for their lives. Just because Chris didn’t want us, didn’t mean I had to give up on everything else. While I was aware of this truth, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. It wasn’t supposed to end this way.
The flames engulfed the house quickly, my children and I still inside. It didn’t appear to be any way out. I held my spot on the floor—the children finally gave up their losing battle of getting me to come to my senses. Instinctively, they huddled closer to me, for protection. As it got hotter and hotter, the flames coming closer and closer to us, all I thought about was how my marriage to this man for the second time had come to such a terrifying, seemingly deadly end…
It was always at this point that I awoke from this nightmare that had been haunting me for the past three months. Ever since I called myself making the decision to leave Chris, my husband of only three years. Same as always, I had to flip my pillow on the other side as the side I was sleeping on was so wet from the tears I’d been crying during my sleep as my subconscious mind honed in on the broken woman in the dream.
That woman can’t be me, I thought, unbelievingly, to myself, hugging the pillow close to my naked caramel brown body. But it was. This nightmare wasn’t something that my subconscious was dreaming up. Instead it was a pitiful reminder of what my joke of a marriage had turned me into—a groveling wife, desperate to keep her family together for the sake of her children and secretly trying to keep from looking like a damn fool for remarrying the same man she’d divorced over five years before.
I entered this second marriage a strong, confident, secure woman. There was no doubt that Chris loved me and he would never hurt me. Ironically, the only thing I did doubt was whether or not I’d be happy with him.
So how in the hell had things turned so upside down? How was it that I was the one begging him to stay with me?
That’s where Ms. Sheridan comes into the picture. She’s the therapist, by referral through my company’s Employee Assistance Program, I’ve been seeing for the last six weeks. Today marks my third session with her.

Knowing Your Limitations

Unfortunately, I had to resign my position of blogtalk radio host of the Michigan Literary Network show on Wednesdays. Truth is, I should have never committed myself to it in the first place. First off, the time of the show, 5PM EST is the worst time ever for me. I'm either still at work or leaving work. Even though I could host the show from my car, like I did the first time I hosted. However, that's NOT the ideal scenario for me, especially since I'm a doodler. I like to write stuff down while I'm chatting. You know, questions I want to ask or answers I may want to refer back to from a question I already asked, or whatever!

The next issue is where my priority needs to really be. Right now, my writing is writing. It took me forever and 10 days to finish Unfinished Business. I can't allow that to happen again. I'm currently working on two writing projects. One is another novel, tentatively titled Reconciliation to Hell (you'll hear more about that later). The other is a short story that I plan to submit to a contest in December. On top of those things, I'm a mother of a teenager and a 5yr old, and there's always something going on. While I could've used the exposure of the radio program, I just couldn't do it to my personal satisfaction--entirely too much going on.

My goal as a writer is to produce the best quality work that I can. This first project, I self-published. I hope NOT to go that route again. I need as much of my free time available to write and send my work out for representation, to hopefully get signed by a major publishing house.

In the interim, I'll always be a supporter of the Michigan Literary Network. I'll be listening to the show, attending writer's meetings and networking events, and listening to the blogtalk radio show!

Can somebody please tell me what happend to the summer??? It's already the 2nd of September. Next week the kids will be back in school! It's funny how excited the kids are about that, too. When I was their ages, summer time was too much fun to be ready to get back to school.

Anyway, I made the most of the summer, considering I had to work all day, then entertain the children afterwards. The only downside, besides there not being enough consistent hot days this summer, was that I didn't get as much writing done as I'd hoped. But, hey, no use in crying over spilled milk.

Rather than focusing on what I didn't get done over the summer, I'm going to try something different--acknowledging the things that I accomplished. Here are the ones I'm most proud of:

1) Stepped out on faith and finally released Unfinished Business.

2) Allowed eyes other than family to read my book and provide honest critique (whew! That was hard.)

3) Set in motion planning the official release party for the book.

4) Started hosting a blogtalk radio show--Michigan Literary Network show.

Stay tuned. In my next post, I'll be letting you know of my upcoming events, as well as what I'm working on next.

Til later,

L.A. Jefferson

Good Summer Reading

This past weekend I had to take a sudden trip to Cleveland, Ohio. I was traveling by bus, so it was the perfect opportunity to get some reading done. And I couldn't have been happier. Since I'm a chronic book buyer, I had several to choose from. The winner was "Innocent as Sin", by Elizabeth Lowell. After I the necessary business wasn taken care of, I began the book on Saturday evening, and was immediatley hooked!

You see, those are the kind of stories I like. The ones that grab me from the very beginning. As such, that's my goal in my own writing. So, if you like an intriquing story, fast-paced story--one that'll make you want to keep reading 'til you're done--you'll LOVE my debut novel, Unfinished Business!

L.A. Jefferson

My First Interview!!!

L.A. Jefferson, author of Unfinished Business, was interviewed on July 29, 2009 on BlogTalkRadio.com. Check it out on http://blogtalkradio.com/MichiganLiteraryNetwork.

Let me know your thoughts!

Also, tune in for the live broadcasting of the Michigan Literary Network Blog Talk every Wednesday at 5PM EST. Listen by calling in to 646-915-9177 or check out the website listed above to listen to previously aired shows.

I host on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month.

Martini's and Manuscripts: The After Glow

Martini's and Manuscripts was a success! The Renaissance Club was the perfect spot for the event, allowing for a night filled with intimate networking opportunity. While I didn't make any sales, I learned a lot. Here's a few things that I took from the experience:

1.) Networking is not chatting with the people you already are acquainted with. It's okay to mingle with familiar faces, but the whole purpose is to meet and expose yourself to people you don't know and, most importantly, people you want to know you.

2.) Be prepared for the unexpected. The featured author at the event had two meetings prior to the event. At no time was it said that there would be opportunity to introduce ourselves and read a selected passage from our books. Perhaps I should have expected this or at least been prepared, but like I said, this was my first event as a featured author. So when the time came, I hate to say I choked. Since publishing, I haven't read any parts of my book aloud and I was nervous about fumbling and getting choked up with a coughing episode. I won't harp over spilled milk, but needless to say until my next event I'll be practicing and I'll never let that kind of opportunity pass me by again.

3) Follow up with all contacts. Luckily this is one of my strong points. One aspiring writer and I engaged in an intriguing conversation about an upcoming project of mine on marriage and divorce. He's putting together an online critique group so I signed up. Well, this morning I confirmed him as a friend on Facebook. I also invited another writer friend of mine to complete our group. I made another contact with a woman, not interested in writing, but is an avid reader. She loves reading and offered her services of critiquing my work. Not sure if she charges a fee, but that gives me a reason to get in touch with her and tell her how great it was meeting her. I'll be touching base with her this evening. It's important not to wait too long, so people don't forget about you :)

4) Always take pictures. In this social networking & visual society we're operating in, pictures speak volumes to anything you're involved in. If you want people to get to know you, posting pictures is a great way. Not to mention the memories they create. I didn't have my own camera, but I was in quite a few pictures, which I'm sure will be on Facebook soon and I'll be sure to tag myself. But at the next event, I'll be sure to have my own camera.

With all this said, I'm eagerly awaiting the next networking opportunity. Details below:

What: Motown Writers Network Annual Literary Meet & Greet
When:Saturday, August 8 11:00AM- 2:00PM
Where: Barnes & Nobles Bookstore on E. Warren, Detroit, MI

Hope to see you there.

Til Later,

L.A. Jefferson

If You Build it, They will Come

Last night I had a nightmare. The first of its kind. In the dream, a friend of mine at work was breaking the news to me that someone she had recommended my book to had read it and hated it! Said it was terrible, filled with errors. Of course, I was stunned speechless I was so devastated and embarrassed.

It's a no-brainer that I would I have this nightmare on the eve of my first public event as an author. The fear of my book not being well-received by others tormented me throughout the writing and publishing of my debut novel,Unfinished Business. In fact, that's the reason it took so dang long for me to finish the darn thing! And even longer for me to actually publish it.

What I've grown to understand with any art--whether it's a painting, a photograph, an article, a song, a poem, or a movie--everyone isn't going to like it. Think about it. Songs that hit the top of the music charts are loved by many, but hated by just as many. Some movies that are released, where one may wonder why in the world the actors accepted those scripts, some nominating committee is nominating them for an Oscar. Go figure. As the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Fear has no place in an artist's life. The reward of art is its creation, not necessarily its warm reception by the target audience. Art has to be created, first, for the artist's satisfaction. Audience appreciation will follow. As another saying goes, "If you build it, they will come."

So I encourage all artists--writers, singers, actors, painters,etc--keep on building.

Til Later,

L.A. Jefferson

Martini's and Manuscripts

Tomorrow is the BIG day! Martinis and Manuscripts at the Renaissance Center, Tower 200 in downtown Detroit. I'm pretty excited and filled with nervous anticipation, this being the first event I'm particiating in as a featured author! But being an active member of Motown Writers Network and host of the 2nd Wednesday Michigan Literary Network blogtalk radio show, I'm sure nervous anticipation will soon be a feeling of the past.

As for tomorrow, I have no clue what to expect! Will I be introduced? Will I have to introduce myself? Or will I just be standing behind my assigned table to speak with people who come up to chat? I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm fighting off the jitterbugs and working on promotional items. Yes, I should've started working on those when I got offered the author spot. But what can I say? I'm a procrastinator :( Funny thing is, if I hadn't had a scare on Monday that my books weren't going to be shipped on time, I probably wouldn't have thought about any promotional items. As they say, "everything happens for a reason." It's a good thing the purpose of this event isn't selling books (though sales will be a definite plus), but networking and offering advise & words of wisdom. However, promotional items are a plus so I won't disappoint attendees. I'll have business cards, promotional bookmarks and writing tips to share.

I'm looking forward to a fulfilling & fun time tomorrow evening. If you can come out, please do. I'd love and appreciate your support

Til later :)

L.A. Jefferson

Martini's and Manuscripts

It's official. Author L.A. Jefferson will be a feature author at the July 22nd event, Martini's and Manuscripts. As mentioned in a prior post, the purpose of this event is to bring together seasoned writers/authors with aspiring authors. Some of the authors who'll be in attendance include:

Anthony Cuffie

Ed Foxworth

Crystal Hickerson

Sylvia Hubbard

Monique Mensah

Dennis Reed

L.A. Jefferson

There will also be a local publishing house in attendance to offer assistance with getting your work published.

What to expect:

Gaining a wealth of knowledge from established authors and getting involved in a new brand of networking.

Get your tickets in advance to be entered into a drawing to win a weekend getaway. Below is the link for tickets: http://martinisandmanuscripts.eventbrite.com/

Adding Radio Host to my Resume

Yesterday I achieved a great milestone in my writing career. I stepped out on faith and opened myself up in a way I've never done before. I, L.A. Jefferson, hosted my 1st online radio show! And as scary and intimidating as it was, I'm so glad I did it. The more I talked, the more natural the role became. I felt like I had been interviewing people for years. Anyway I'll be hosting the show every 2nd Wed at http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork. So check your girl out.

Goodbye Michael

I've been rather quiet in my blogging regarding the sudden passing of King of Pop, Michael Jackson. First, I didn't quite know what to say about it. I guess I was shocked like the rest of the world. Then came all the speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death. Then came the resurfacing of the molestation accusations charges. Then came the details of his final will & testament.

It's just been a BIG mess!

But I refuse to get caught up in any of it. Not in the least bit!

Michael Jackson was the SUPERSTAR of superstars. His music, his influence on music, his creation of MUSIC VIDEOS! No words can express the infiniteness of this man's talent.

I vividly remember watching Michael's video on television. Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller, Remember the Time, I'm Bad, Black & White, Scream (Mike & Janet)... The list goes on and on. That's just what I can think of off the top of my head. His videos brought families together. They were a BIG DEAL! His performances stopped all others. Tell me how many entertainers have brought family togethers like Michael Jackson. There are NONE.

Michael Jackson deserves every bit of everything that his fans are expressing during this time. We, his fans, are honoring the man who spent his life entertaining the world. Despite the troubles in her personal life, Michael achieved what he was put on this Earth for--to bring the world together through music.

Michael, you will be missed. I'm sorry for the public humiliation you endured. But R.I.P. knowing you ARE loved forever and you live on through your music and your family and ALL those who love you.

Personally I thank you for the joy your music brought to me. I'll think of you always whenever I hear your songs.

The Heat is On!

Not literally speaking, but definitely figuratively. On this 30th day of June in Michigan, when the temps have not quite reached 65 degrees, I'm definitely feeling the heat of the match that's been lit beneath me. It's the match of marketing and promoting Unfinished Business.

It was said to me a few years ago that in due time I would find the process of writing my book to be a breeze once I moved on to promotion and marketing. Well, they weren't lying.

Right now, I'm actively putting together the official release party for the book, hopefully to commence in August. I've incorporated the help of a professional public relations person.

In the meantime, as the word has been getting out to those closest to me, I've sold a few copies. Received some positive feedback from a couple who read it :)

I'm figuring, my family and friends shouldn't hear about the publication of my book at the same time as the general public, so I've decided to do "Friends & Family" book release before the official one. That'll be pretty east to put together. Ohmigod, there's just so much to do, it's overwhelming, BUT exciting!

I'm also working on filling my calendar with as many networking opportunties as possible. The first will be at an event called "Martini's & Manuscripts" taking place on July 22 at the Renaissance in downtown Detroit. This event will feature self-published authors such as myself. The purpose of the event is for aspiring writers (where I used to be), to network and get advice from the pros from writing to publishing, to marketing. Since I just found out about the event a couple of days ago, I could only get on the waitlist, at this point, but I'll be there, nonetheless, getting my "network" on!

If interested in attending this event, you purchase tickets at the following site-- http://www.eventbrite.com/search?loc=&q=martini%27s+and+manuscripts.

I'll update this page accordingly if I become one of the featured authors.

Much love & Happy Reading!

L.A. Jefferson

It's finally here! Unfinished Business is available for purchase :) Visit my e-store at www.createspace.com/3370359 and at www.Amazon.com.

Words can't express how excited I am about the long-awaited publication of my debut novel, Unfinished Business. If you've enjoyed the excerpts, you're sure to enjoy entire story. The official book release party is scheduled for July 2009. Stay tuned for details on the event.

As always, thank you for your continued support!

Author,

L.A. Jefferson

Who are the characters of Unfinished Business...

If you're a woman, you're probably quite familiar with the main character. Either you've walked in her shoes or know someone who has. Lydia Love is a smart, confident, career focused young woman. She has a strong family bond, terrific girlfriends, and is on the road to promotion at work. And she's got more than one man after her heart. For the most part, Lydia makes good decisions, unless Thomas Cunningham, the man she got herself sprung out on during college is involved. Then she just gets kinda stuck on stupid.

Or maybe you can identify more with Lydia's bestfriend, Sandra. Like Lydia she made some right moves too, at least attending college. But she was more interested in landing a man who would provide her with the finer things of life. Now that she's got that, she's wondering if the finer things in life compensate for the lack of fidelity on the part of her husband.

Thomas Cunningham is a man many women have encountered at one time or another in their lives, unfortunately. He's a "Mr. Lover Man". He's fine, he's sexy, he's the epitome of masculinity and sensuality and he knows how to make a woman feel that "thang". No wonder poor Lydia can't resist him :) Like most men, Thomas wants his cake and wants to eat it some, then more and more. And guess what? He'll keep doing it until he finally get's BUSTED!

Roy Collins is one of the good guys in the story, which of course, means he finishes last. Right? Maybe, maybe not. He may be kind, dependable, committment-phobia free, but he's not a complete sucker. Yes, he loves Lydia. Has loved her since they met as teenagers. But he also knows his worth as a man. Knows the right woman would be lucky to have him. And he has no plans of waiting for Lydia to take her sweet time deciding what man is best for her. Or does he?

Get ready for more. The book is on the way...

Your Author,

LA Jefferson

It felt really good to have attended my monthly writers' meeting on Saturday. I was late, but I made it. As usual, the meeting was inspirational and encouraging. Just to be in the presence of people who are in the place that I'm aspiring to be as well as those who are on the same page. During my couple of minutes on the floor, in which I introduced myself, I spoke with a comfort that surprised even me. You see, although I've been a member of Motown Writer's Network for four years, I've only attended, maybe, four meetings. But I was always nervous and uncomfortable speaking about what I was working on. Not this time, though.

After the meeting, of course, I was all pumped up about writing. If it were possible, I would've spent the rest of the weekend writing. Funny, though, I wasn't really feeling any of the three or four current projects that I have in progress. So I kept the focus on Unfinished Business.

The final proof copy (hopefully) is scheduled to arrive in the next few days. I'm totally excited about that. By May, my debut project will finally be available for sale.

I appreciate all of the support and patience.

New excerpt from Unfinished Business... Anticipated release date is May 1, 2009! Thanks for your patience. It's been a long time coming.

“What’s that?” Lydia thought, slowing her steps. Behind them, she thought she heard a noise in the otherwise silent night. Footsteps, maybe. Of course, she wasn’t waiting to confirm her suspicion. Using her better judgment, she quickened her steps, pulling Alicia along side her. Hurriedly, she forced her key into the front door, unlocking it. Once she and Alicia were inside, Lydia turned to close and double lock the door. Then, as she was closing the door, she was shaken by a leather gloved hand reaching inside.
Lydia reached for the large pipe wrench she kept in the corner behind her entrance door for protection when an all-too familiar voice called out to her, “It’s me, Lydia. Thomas.”
His sudden appearance startled Lydia. Not enough, though, for her to not take notice of how exceptionally gorgeous and sexy Thomas was, coolly dressed in a dark blue pair of baggy Sean Jean jeans, an oversized button down shirt. Shamefully, a flash of her undressing him passed through her mind and she felt her body respond with the same twinge of desire as though they’d just been together yesterday. Quickly, though, she forced those thoughts out of her mind.
“Thomas, what the hell are you doing here?” She spat, angrily.
“Who’s that, Auntie Liddy?” Alicia asked, quietly, peeking her head from behind Lydia’s leg. Lydia quickly turned her attention to an inquisitive looking Alicia.
“Nobody, honey. Take these bags upstairs. Right now,” she added sternly when Alicia didn’t get moving along fast enough.
When she was sure Alicia was out of earshot, Lydia stepped outside the door. Plastering her hands on her hips, she said again, but more sternly, “What are you doing here?”
Thomas was calm, completely unmoved by her obvious anger. He moved in closer to her, making her eyes nervously avoid his. “If I’m not mistaken, you did say you needed to see how serious I was—so here I am.”
She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard—like she was supposed to be impressed or something. Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Yeah, well, I also remember telling you that I didn’t want to you see for awhile. And now, here you are, completely disregarding what I asked. Besides, you can see, I’m busy—so I need you to leave.”
“Come on,” Thomas pressed, sounding all Rico Suave cool. “I’m trying to show you how serious I am about this. You and me.”
“While I can appreciate your efforts, this is not the time. So consider yourself dismissed. Next time, call to see if you’re welcomed, so you don’t waste your time or mine,” Lydia walked away coldly, turning her back to him. After one final glare for added emphasis, Lydia resolutely closed the door in his face.
Ruthless satisfaction was surmounting within her as she peeked through the picture window of her home watching a bewildered Thomas tread slowly to his car, a sharp winter white Lincoln Navigator, her favorite luxury SUV. Though she felt a tinge of guilt coming over her, she relinquished it quickly, having no room for the old, softy, sucka’ for love Lydia to resurface.
The coldness with which Thomas had treated her in the past forced Lydia to travel a different road with him, a less foolish one. When she and Thomas were together, she’d always put herself at his beckon call. It was all about him. Making him happy was all that mattered to her.
This was a new day, she declared to herself as she finally turned away from the window. Thomas had just encountered his first dose of the new Lydia.

@ 2009 LA Jefferson