NaNo? I Must be Trippin'.

Hey, Y'all,
Sooo, it's November. As a lot of other writers know, it's National Novel Writing Month, lovingly abbreviated as NaNo. I don't know how long it's been around, but I first heard of it maybe five or so years ago. The whole point of the month is to try and write 50,000 words in a month. Sounds like a solid, sane idea, right? Yeah, not so much. I'm pretty sure the whole idea is a little overambitious at best, and completely nuts at worst.
Add a crazy life to the mix, and it becomes even less sane.
I have no idea why I would choose 2012 to try my hand at this. Before I had kids was the ideal time, but I didn't know about it then.
This year is probably one of the worst years I could have chosen. I have two kids. Very young, needy, worrisome kids, one of which has special needs. I go to no less than four appointments every single week, during the five days a week that these places are open. My youngest is constantly climbing, or destroying, or swallowing something. I can see only a sliver of my office floor. Plastic building blocks, tiny socks, and broken crayons are everywhere. I have bills, and phone calls, and errands out the wazoo.
Today is November 20. I have logged 3,565 words. Out of 50,000.
If I make the word count in the next ten days, I'm sure someone will find the burned remains of my clothing in the chair at my desk, as I will have spontaneously combusted.
As I look from the calendar, to the clock, to the growing pile of dishes and laundry and mail, I ask myself, What the hell was I thinking?
What made me think I would actually do well with NaNo, at this time in my life?
A lot of my writing buddies are doing it, and blasting out thousands of words a day. Granted, these people are largely free from the responsibilities of young children and/or spouses. Their life stage is not better or worse than mine, just different.
I will probably write more on the WIP I started, because it's a project I've been sitting on for a while. But I'm done pressuring myself to make the NaNo goal. It's just not going to happen this year.
My life is hectic now, and there's not much I can do to change it. C'est la vie.
Ever been in over your head? Tell me about it in the comments.


Until Next Time,
Kianna/Alexandra

Halloween Blog Hop!

Hello, Gorgeous!

It's that time of year, when the leaves are falling, the pumpkins are ripe, and children's minds turn to massive amounts of candy. (Okay, adult minds might turn that way as well, let's be honest.) The air is crisp, maybe even chilly. What better time to grab a mug of cocoa and snuggle up with a great book?
When it comes to romance, what's your flavor? If you like the paranormal side, shapeshifters and sorcerers, I invite you to try my PHOENIX Files series. It's lighter, so there's no blood and gore.

You'll find both books in print on Amazon, or for your Kindle, Nook, or other reader at ARe. Click the covers to find the books in the Kindle store.

So, let's talk. What does your family do this time of year? My children are young, and seem oblivious to the whole Halloween costume thing, at least so far. Still, their always happy to get candy. Leave your Halloween or fall traditions in the comment box below, and be entered for a chance to win my prize pack: a signed copy of Embrace the Night, plus pen, bookmark, magnets and swag!

Until Next Time,
Alexandra

Journey Back in Time with Jo Lewis

Hi, Y'all,

It's that time again. In a few short days, I'm releasing my newest work under my Alexandra Kane pen name- a short story. This will be the first in a series of short stories, which are paranormal with romantic elements. Brace yourself for the (non-scary) intrigue and suspense of the Jo Lewis Chronicles.

Don't get confused. Jo is short for Josephine, and she's no boxer. But she is a girl with gift- the gift of second sight. This story takes you back to the dawn of the 1980s, to the day when Jo first learns of her special talents.(If this sounds familiar to you, that's because this story first began as Under the Winter Moon. I've revised it and expanded on the storyline to create this series.) There's no hanky panky in this first story, as it takes place when Jo was only eight years old. However, the possibility of hanky panky in the other stories in the series, when Jo will be a grown woman, is pretty high. ;)

If all goes as planned, this story will be available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and ARE October 25th, and it will only cost you a mere 99 cents. The Jo Lewis Chronicles will all be short stories, and will stay that price. After six stories, if the feedback is positive and sales are good, I will release the stories in a print anthology. As always, I'm all about my readers. You'll let me know if you're feeling Jo or not- I sincerely hope you'll like her.

A post will go up on release day with all the buy links. I thank you in advance for your support.

Until Next Time, 

Alexandra

Growth and Expansion (Get Your Mind Outta the Gutter!)

Hi, Y'all,

I told you I'd be back soon with more news, right? I'm working hard on so many projects and blogs, but I'm determined to keep up. So, here goes!
For all of you who have a reader that's not a Kindle or Nook, I've heard your voice! I'm currently working on making all my titles available on Kobo and All Romance Ebooks! That means more formats for you, the reader, to get the books you want. Also, ARE will distribute my books to the iBookstore- hey, everywhere I can get my books, I'm doing my best. That is, except for Smashwords. Other author friends report low sales there, and the whole "honor system" thing they have pertaining to piracy doesn't really do it for me. However, I do this for the readers, so if you want Smashwords versions of my books, please let me know, either in the comments, or on FB or Twitter. Trust me, I'm listening.

I'm interested in getting my books in front of as many readers as possible. To that end, I am also pursuing contracts with two well established publishing houses. I will not name names, as it is too early in the process to do so. I love the control of self-publishing, but I'm also into diversifying. I know each house has it's own, established, unique fan base, and by being published with them, I can tap into their audience, who might otherwise not even know I exist.

I'm also striving to book more signings. I usually only do two in person signings a year, one at the RSJ conference, and one with my local RWA chapter. This year, I'm on tap to do three, and I have a goal to do four to six signings and events in 2013, including the Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Luncheon. (We are still ironing out the details on that one.) I will post my 2013 schedule here in December, so you can plan to see me if you so desire.

So, now you know what I'm working on, in terms of career growth. I'd love to hear from you. What are you working on right now to change your future? It can be in any area of your life. Feel free to share in the comment section.

Until Next Time,
Kianna

When Life Happpens....

Hi, Y'all!
I'ts been a minute, I know. (Okay, more like a couple of months.) I've been busy with the start of school, several hundred doctor/therapy appointments for my son, keeping house, and writing- when I get a minute. Y'all already know my life is hectic and chaotic. With two little kids, a hubby, and all that other stuff, how could it not be? I've been thinking about this blog for weeks, and now, I'm finally getting a minute to actually write it.

So, I have some news to share with you about my latest release, and the Hot MAMA event. The Preacher's Paramour, the second book in my sweet historical romance series(The Roses of Ridgeway), is now available for Kindle and Nook readers. Also, a heads up- there won't be a print version of this book as a standalone. However, in early 2013, when the third story, Loving the Lawman comes out, there will be a print anthology of the series with all three stories in it. Will there be more than three Roses stories? I haven't decided yet. I always have ideas, but it depends on reader response. So far, the response to the series has been very positive. If it stays that way, then I will write and release more stories.

As for the Hot MAMA Event- we have had to move the date up to March 2013, but we are planning a great event for readers in the NC/VA/TN/SC area. (And if you live outside the area you are still welcome to come!) So, keep an eye out for more information, both here and over in Hot MAMA Land, about the "Fly Hat Society Luncheon."

There's lots more to tell, but that's all for now. I've gotta have some mystery about me, right? I promise to give you more news in the next couple of weeks- frankly, that's as long as I can stand to sit on it!

Until Next Time,
Kianna

Latest News: The Preachers' Paramour

Hey, y'all
Whew! I have been super busy, hence my absence from the blog. I have so many projects going on that it makes my head spin. But I had news, so I had to stop by and tell you about it.

If you look at my nifty word meter (courtesy of Sarra Cannon), you'll see I've finished The Preachers' Paramour, and did so at above my word count goal! Yay, me! This is the much anticipated sequel to Kissing the Captain. It is currently in the capable hands of my editor, Deatri King-Bey, who will whip it into submission before sending it back to me. Then, the work begins anew.

And before you ask, no, there's no nookie in this one, either. This series will be a SWEET series, meaning the hanky panky will be left out, and left to your imagination. Don't worry, not all my books will be that way. I just like to do a lil bit of everything, if you get my meaning.

The cover design is still in the works, but look for a cover reveal in the next two to three weeks. There's no date set in stone for the release just yet- it all depends on how much of a lashing the manuscript gets from Deatri ;) . But I can tell you that it will be out sometime in July. Fire up your e-readers and dig out those bookmarks- The Preachers' Paramour is on it's way!

Also, I'll be announcing a contest around the time of the release date. The winner will receive a super awesome prize pack, with all kinds of top secret goodies, so keep your eyes peeled for the details. I'll also post on Facebook and Twitter about this.

In other news, I've recently spearheaded the forming of a NC/VA black romance writers group. I discovered, while attending RSJ, that a lot of us live in the area. I'm happy to announce the "charter" members of Hot M.A.M.A (Multicultural Authors of the Mid-Atlantic).

*Iris Bolling
*Altonya Washington
*Angie Daniels
*Monique Lamont
*Denise Jeffries
*Cheris Hodges
*Loretta R. Walls
*Bridget Midway
and myself.

We may have missed some authors, so the group may be expanding in the future. We are just in the beginning stages now, and are planning an awesome event for this October. More details on that later.

So, that's what's happening in my neck of the woods. What's up with you? Leave a comment and let me know.

Until Next Time,
Kianna/Alexandra

Diamond Jubilee Hop: Parallels Between the Queen and a Southern Belle

Hi, ya'll!
I'm just coming off finishing The Preachers' Paramour, my latest historical romance. It's the sequel to Kissing the Captain, and I anticipate it being available in July. As I let the manuscript "rest" before I go back to edit it, I thought I'd participate in the Diamond Jubilee Hop. Thanks for the opportunity, Random House!

This year Great Britain and the world beyond are celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. For all the uninitiated, that means she's been reigning for 60 years! I've seen her coronation picture from 1952 next to a current photo of her, and I've got to say, she's still looking good.
In honor of the momentous occasion (not many monarchs enjoy such a lengthy reign), I thought I'd talk about how the Queen, and a southern belle like myself, might have a few things in common.

First, of course, is our sense of style. We know what looks good on us, and what doesn't. More importantly, we know the difference between something we can wear out in public, and something we would only wear around the palace for our king. ;)

Screenshot from Designing Women, Season Two Episode "Dash Goff, the Writer. "

Next is resiliency. Being Queen has its perks, that's for sure. However, the job comes with its own set of stressors. For the Queen to last as long as she has, she's got to posses a certain inner strength- something I think women in the South also have. Some of us obtained it though hardship and life experience, but dang it, we're survivors.

Lastly, the Queen does things in grand fashion, and that's a time-honored tradition down South. A lot has changed here since QE2's coronation (in most cases, for the better,) but the cotillions, balls, and afternoon teas continue.

There may be more, but those are the three things that stand out the most to me. There are some differences, as well. Somehow I doubt the Queen consumes half as much sweet tea as we do down South. Also, I can't really see the Queen showing anger or snapping on someone in public- but I can totally see myself doing that. Putting the proverbial "bee" in a belle's bonnet just isn't a good idea.

I don't mean to discount women from other regions, I'm just speaking on what I know from personal experience. If you've got something to add, or feel I left something out, I'd love to hear about it in the comment thread.

Until Next Time,
Kianna/Alexandra