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.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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 :)
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 :)
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
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
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
Thursday, October 01, 2009
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
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.
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.
Friday, September 25, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, September 11, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, August 24, 2009
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
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
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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
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
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
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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/
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/
Thursday, July 09, 2009
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.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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 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
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