Anika Hamilton

Bearing Fruit

2009-06-22T10:01:00.004-04:00

Younger man, older woman, fruit basket, summer sun...Yummy!

Twenty-three year old Bruce Kerr is a college student, delivering fruit bouquets to make ends meet. Thirty-five year old Prudence Campbell is an investment banker, who is about to get the delivery of her life.

They have nothing in common except their mutual attraction. They have nothing to lose except for each other. Bruce and Prudence must ultimately figure out if one night together can yield a longer commitment or if their relationship is destined to be just sex.

Available July 13, 2009 from Total-E-Bound Publishing...

Dancing with Your Heart

2009-03-22T16:47:00.004-04:00

Fabian Baxter has loved Caden Eliot his whole life. but figured the blacksmith didn't return his feelings. Now a chance encounter with a secret admirer and the sudden courtship of Caden has Fabian confused.

Caden Eliot has loved Fabian Baxter his whole life, and now has finally decided on a course of action. To win Fabian's love, Caden will come at him from two different angles. However, his plan has the potential to backfire.

These two men must overcome their secrets in order to yield their heart's desire.

"Dancing can be a very sensual expression of one's love for another. The feel of that special someone in your arms, the syncing of your bodies when you move as one, all these things can but bring you closer together. All those things ensure that you are dancing with your heart."
~ Anika ~

Siren Erotic Romance

Available March 26, 2009 from Siren Publishing...

Two New Books...

2008-12-23T21:45:00.002-05:00

I had two manuscripts that were accepted and the books will be released sometime in 2009.

Bearing Fruit is an interracial contemporary erotic romance with an older woman, younger man.

Dancing with your Heart is a fantasy male/male erotic romance.

More info coming soon...

No words...

2008-11-12T13:27:00.004-05:00

So I'm going through my "I have submitted something to a publisher and I can't think clearly enough to write" phase. I really hate this phase because it is not so much of a 'writer's block' as it is a 'mental block'. Nerves getting the better of me. No matter what I try I can't seem to get past it. But I refuse to worry, things usually happen the way they were meant to anyway.

On a brighter note, I have been able to put in a ton of reading since the words won't come. This I have been enjoying immensely. Some good, others not so much. Either way it is good to get back to one of my favourite pasttimes.

Veteran's Day was entirely too short. I want more days off like that one.

And yes Amarinda, twice in one week. *grin* Don't have palpitations.

Trying New Things...Foods/Drinks

2008-11-10T23:45:00.005-05:00

This weekend was a lot of fun for me. I went out with one of my friends from FAU. I hadn't seen her in a long time and it was fun hanging with her again.

Also, I got to try a lot of new foods/drinks. I don't eat a lot of things, but I am willing to try almost any food once to see if I will like it. It just so happens that I got to try quite a bit of new foods/drinks and some old favourites prepared by a new source.

I had a Manicotti Formaggio which is a pasta filled with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese. Yummy. Ricotta is fast becoming my favourite kind of cheese.

I also got a Pumpkin Cheesecake from the same place. It was absolutely divine and I really enjoyed it. I had assumed originally that the flavour of the cheesecake and the pumpkin would not blend well. But was I ever wrong.

Later that day I had two drinks that I never tried before. The first was an Appletini which was delivered in a very girly cup, much to my displeasure *grin*. It was okay but not as sour as I wanted it to be (the menu said it was made with vodka and sour apples).

Anyway, the next drink I tried was a Blue Hawaiian which I didn't really care for. It is made coconut milk something and pineapple something with vodka. The flavours did not blend to my liking.

Also, the old favourite which I haven't had since I left Jamaica was the shrimp stir fry. It was absolutely good. I usually do not like shrimp unless it is fried. Seafood, unless fried, always gives me the weird feeling of still being raw *shrugs*. But they seasoned and prepared the meal really well. I even used the chopsticks which was exciting for me.

So for me the weekend was filled with friends, food, fun...Now how was your weekend?

Have a good Veteran's Day!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:40:00.002-04:00

Halloween Greetings, Witches and Jack O'Lantern

Nothing new to report...

But I wanted to wish those who are trick-or-treating a Happy Halloween!!

And for those who are not...

Just a general but no less enthusiatic HELLO!!

So Busy...

2008-09-25T12:05:00.001-04:00

I have been so busy the past few weeks. I am doing my job and that of my boss who is out on maternity leave. I have also been out on jury duty. I haven't had time to read any of my favorite blogs and as you well know post anything on my own blog.

I have been trying to at least squeeze in some writing...as little as that has been.

I hope everyone is doing okay. Until next time...

Anika

Anika's Books

2008-09-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

We Were Spared . . .

2008-09-09T11:45:00.007-04:00

However, others were not so fortunate. Hurricane Ike didn't come to South Florida as originally forecasted. On Saturday, it started moving futher and further south. Now it is ravaging the Caribbean islands. Currently, the hurricane is situated over Cuba.

Many people have lost their lives and many homes and businesses have been destroyed. It is scary, especially for Haiti who seems to be getting all the problemstorms this season. I think this is the fourth one they've gotten so far this year.

I also wanted to show what Hurricane Gustav did to Jamaica. This was two days after my family left and returned to our various homes here in the States.

Imagine our Luck...

2008-09-04T15:00:00.003-04:00

Spared by Hanna and threatened by Ike...and a Category 4 no less...

So everyone is in a panic because its a bad mamajama. In other words, he's big and mean and headed our way. The hope is that it will follow in Hanna's footsteps and miss us. Unfortunately, the hurricane is dead center of us and the thought is that it is highly unlikely we will be spared.

It is still five days away and therefore things can change (waters heating or cooling, wind change, or whatever else can divert the hurricane). So yes, we are in the 'Cone of Uncertainty' but anything is possible.

Fellow authors Sedonia Guillone and Ashley Ladd are in the same predicament. Please keep us in your thoughts.

What More Proof Do You Need?

2008-09-01T17:00:00.007-04:00

One of my publishers have directly on their website: "Due to lack of reader interest, we are NOT accepting F/F/M, one man with several women, or F/F." Sadly, I can't even say I'm surprised. I had already known this was an unpopular genre. But since it got me in the door, I can't really knock it.

Frankly, I'm glad they placed this note on their website. There can be no doubt about what they do and don't want. Also, I am noticing more and more publishers have a big no-no for F/F romance. What I didn't realize is that that genre is considered male fantasy in the writing world? Go figure.

So what does this mean for me? I have noticed the difference in the sales for my F/F romance and my M/F romance. But luckily for me, I write in other genres or I would be lost. Nevertheless, I am glad I got the contracts for both those stories because no matter what they were good enough to be accepted even though their isn't a real big market for them.

By the way, instead of writing the blurb and synopsis for the story I'm working on I'm doing this blog. I am such a procrastinator.

Happy Labor Day!!

Critique Partners/Groups?

2008-08-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

As a new author, I am learning something new all the time. In fact, in life the minute you stop learning is the minute you stop growing (my opinion). I have tried to read as much as I can about the market and when that doesn't work, I try to ask the authors who have been in the business a lot longer.

I am a very private person. And I think I have mentioned a time or two before that no one ever read any of my works until I started submitting my books to publishers. So having someone I know critique my work is very difficult for me, I haven't quite mastered that thick skin yet.

So anyway, I've been wondering: If we are our own worst critics, why bother with crit groups and/or partners? Are they truly necessary to become the best writer one can be? Is that the only way to be truly successful as an author?

Why Worry . . .

2008-08-29T10:00:00.007-04:00

Unfortunately, my family and I had to make a visit to the Halfway Tree Police Station in Kingston, Jamaica this past Monday (8/25/2008) to report an incident. Other than the actual reason for us being there, the visit was quite interesting.

First, the police officer taking our statements mentioned he had something very important he wanted to discuss with us. He then spent three-quarters of our time with him asking of the merits of moving to the United States. We were kind of shocked with the questions, although since our experience visiting this time was less than stellar, we understood. How weird! I think he had already made up his mind but we gave him our opinions anyway.

Second, this was found on one of the walls in the office of the same police station. Click the image to enlarge and read, it is very funny, well if you have my kind of humor.

I intend to have a wonderful weekend, and you should all try and do the same. :-)

None But Ourselves Can Free Our Minds . . .

2008-08-28T10:00:00.006-04:00

This sculpture can be seen in the heart of Kingston in a place called Emancipation Park. The sculpture is depicting former slaves looking to the sky for "liberation and celestial reverence in an independent Jamaica" and the words "None but ourselves can free our minds" from Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley are written along the foundation.

The sculptor (Laura Facey Cooper) is quick to inform others that she did not embellish the female and male parts of the models she used. The people are real, she says, and they were already well-endowed.

I must say I'm surprised to see it because I never thought Jamaicans would be accepting enough for that. However, since there is a lot of public outcry against the sculpture I guess I am right. Some Jamaicans say the European features of the female is inappropriate, others say these two figures are an accurate depiction of the former slaves of Jamaica.

So tell me what you think about the sculpture? Is this totally inappropriate for Public Art?

Now Available: Reclaiming Nicola

2008-08-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Nicola Bourdeaux is Victor’s ultimate woman. She’s smart, beautiful, and the sweetest person he’s ever met. But when a rival firm gets a hold of confidential information and Victor loses a major lawsuit, he accuses Nicola of betraying him. His mistake leads to a major blow-up and break-up.

Victor Weise is Nicola’s ultimate man. He’s intelligent, handsome, and the most arrogant man she’s ever met. But when Victor accuses her of betrayal, Nicola is determined to a make a fresh start. She accepts an offer for a teaching position out of state, convinced she needed to get as far away as quickly as possible.

But before she leaves, she gets a request to visit the Weise residence. Hoping to gain some closure, Nicola accepts. But Victor has some tricks up his sleeve.

Will one afternoon be enough for Victor to reclaim Nicola?

To read an excerpt and pick up your very own copy, click Reclaiming Nicola.

Returning Home . . .

2008-08-26T15:30:00.003-04:00

Hi all. I'm back from Jamaica and it's good to be home. We left Jamaica just in time to miss the new Tropical Storm. Gustav was on its way there, and it might also be headed to South Florida, no telling yet though. According to the forecasters, this storm will strengthen to a Category 3 Hurricane by the end of the week.

Everything went as best as could be expected with the funeral and all my family members have made it home in one piece. There were a few ups and downs along the way, but life isn't perfect and the unexpected always happens. It was good seeing everyone and sad that this was the occasion to bring everyone together.

Anyway, that is all for now. I'm going to go get some sleep.

The Storm has passed . . .

2008-08-19T18:00:00.001-04:00

Tropical Storm Fay came, dumped tons of water, brought some tornadoes, shut off the light for over 5,000 residents, downed some trees, shut off some traffic lights, and moved on. The county is still under a flood watch, although the tornado watch should have been lifted at 4 pm. We have been having sporadic rainfall and a lot of wind.

I haven't heard of any injuries and deaths related to the storm. So as far as I'm concerned, she really didn't cause a lot of damage to Broward County. It is still wreaking havoc in other parts of the state, however, and forecasters are saying the storm is strengthening.

All Broward County operations will resume tomorrow, Wednesday in the morning. Businesses were in operation today though as no one really toke the storm seriously.

The airports didn't close either, but certain flights were delayed. My parents landed safely in Jamaica this morning and will begin the first part of the preparations today. My brother and I will be leaving in the morning at 8 am and various other family members will be arriving in Jamaica over the next few days for the service on Saturday.

I will be returning to South Florida on August 26, the day before the release of Reclaiming Nicola.

Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-17T17:30:00.002-04:00

Broward County Libraries Division, my employer, has decided to close tomorrow (Monday, August 18, 2008) to the public because of the tropical storm threat. As an employee of the Library, I will be going to work for half the day to tie up loose ends and cover all the library equipment to protect against potential water intrusion, etc.

Earlier today, my brother and I went to Walmart to get some last minute things for our trip to Jamaica this coming Wednesday. The store was extremely packed because people were stocking up on supplies to weather the upcoming storm. It took over an hour just to check out about ten items.

I remember living in Jamaica during the threats of a storm and also experiencing the hurricane there. The interesting thing for me there was supermarket shelves being completely bare because people literally bought everything. If you were a late starter with hurricane preparedness, you wouldn't find a thing to purchase for consumption or light (candles). Luckily, there are a lot more choices and places to purchase supplies in South Florida, and the US, which eliminates that worry.

I also remember placing two strips of tape across a glass window in the shape of an X. At the time, I thought that was to protect the window and prevent any problems with the hurricane. I later realized it was to ensure that if the window gets knocked out and smashed into a million pieces they would be all together.

One more thing, I was in Jamaica during Hurricane Gilbert which was in 1988. It was terrible, our neighbours roofs blew off and some other's homes got flooded. Everyone was okay and everyone helped everyone else. But since I was a child at the time, the worst thing for me was the corned beef sandwiches we ate all the time. Since the electricity didn't work, we were unable to cook. Plus, we didn't have any perishables either. Even now I can't eat one of those sandwiches without having bad hurricane flashbacks.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll keep you all updated.

SRR reviews Good for Something

2008-08-16T16:00:00.001-04:00

Anika Hamilton’s novella Good for Something had you hanging on for the happy ending with baited breath . . . Good for Something shows the reader how love can conquer all despite the odds. Ms. Hamilton successfully weaves a story that has you wanting to know that all things turn out for the good.

~ Tami, Simply Romance Reviews

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2008-08-14T00:14:00.003-04:00

Warm Wishes for a Happy Birthday

You Are Only Young Once
Ogden Nash

Saying Goodbye . . .

2008-08-11T09:29:00.005-04:00

I wanted to let you all know that my grandfather passed away on Friday, August 8, 2008. He was 87 years old, and he lived here in Florida with my parents. His passing was a shock even with his advanced age because he was such a stubborn old man.

We are making arrangements to have the funeral service in Jamaica on the 23rd of August. I will be in Jamaica for about a week during that time. He will be buried next to my grandmother who died about three years ago.

That's all for now . . .

The 100 Days Challenge . . .

2008-08-01T19:30:00.013-04:00

One of my publishers is conducting a 500 words per day, 100 days challenge. The challenge began today and should end sometime in November. I'm going to do my best to stick to this challenge and not let writer's block or stress stop me. Especially since this is in line with the personal goal I have set for myself. You know write every day, so my goal per day is going to 500 words.

The interesting thing about this challenge is the competitive nature of the other authors. Some of them are already very proficient in writing epics, of which I'm not ready to attempt right now, probably never will be. Anyway, it will be interesting to track the progress of everyone.

So what's my point? I actually don't have one. I just find it exceedingly interesting to see people competing so viciously for some visible or invisible goal. Are you a very competitive person? Why?

Anyway, I'm going to try this thing, so wish me luck.

P.S. and one more thing: today is the implementation day for the hard work I put in for the library. Shorter hours, scared and pissed-off employees, angry customers, grandstanding commissioners, let the (not-so-fun) games begin.

Good for Something Reviewed

2008-07-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

Good For Something is a suspenseful tale about love found in the most unlikely of places. Escaping from an abusive lover was Nicolette’s primary goal when she moved from Arizona to Florida. But finding Casey helped her to realize that love comes again when you least expect it. Nicolette also learned that no matter how far you run, your past can still catch up with you, but when faced with her fears, she courageously tackles them head-on. The sensuality between Nicolette and Casey is intimately endearing and mildly erotic. With the spurned lover stalking the women, Good For Something makes for a wonderfully entertaining read.

Fallen Angel Review - Good For Something

New Cover for Reclaiming Nicola

2008-07-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

I just received the cover for Reclaiming Nicola, an interracial contemporary romance, from Siren-BookStrand. This book will be released in August.

Blurb: Victor Weise accuses Nicola Bourdeaux of leaking confidential information to a rival firm. The betrayal cost him the lawsuit. But the accusation cost him his heart. To correct his mistake, Victor enlists some help, but will one afternoon be enough time to reclaim his heart?

Excerpts coming soon . . .

Dominant Gender

2008-07-24T21:00:00.008-04:00

I was watching an episode of Sliders the other day entitled The Weaker Sex. The fascinating thing about this episode is the fact that in this alternate reality, women are the dominant gender. And although war was nonexistent because women ran the world, the men were feeling cheated.

This episode brought back memories of a book I read with the same kind of theme, women dominating the world. I remember discussing the book with my sister and she didn't like it. I thought the whole concept was fascinating, interesting, plausible and I loved the book immensely. But my sister had a different view. She didn't like the idea of women ruling the world, and she insisted the book was very bad.

Women are strong, intelligent, and powerful beings. But in certain parts of the world women are treated like less than a bug. Ugh! Women are so versatile and can achieve almost everything they put their minds to.

Right now, I don't know which gender is the dominate. And personally, I don't think there should be a dominant gender at all. No one should be made to feel like less . . .

So my question: Are people so set in their ways that thinking of women as the ultimate leaders of the world even in a work of fiction (CEOs, Judges, Superintendents of Police, Presidents) is too farfetched for us to accept?

My final point: WOMEN RULE!!!

Busy . . . Yeah Right . . .

2008-07-20T19:45:00.005-04:00

I wish I could say that I have been too busy to post because of writing. But since I always try to be honest, let's try out the truth. My mind right now is such a jumble I can't even figure out what to write on my blog.

I have tons of works in progress and I'm excited about all of them, but I just can't seem to focus on any one long enough to get it done. I wouldn't say I have writers block per se I'm just anxious. I want to get so much done so quickly that I make myself nauseous.

Additionally, I had a mini-melt-down last week, I'm over it now. So I know that a lot of people do not read F/F so I have been trying to do research on the best places to market my work. I have noticed that even when the public forums/yahoogroups that I am a member of advertise GLBT days they really only mean the G and B. Thank goodness I write other genres or I would not even get a nibble for my work.

I'm also very tired from the day job. The workload has been increasing since the success of our last major project, add to that my boss will be going away on maternity leave soon. And I'm trying to catch up on a whole missed month of work.

Lately, I've been telling a friend of mine that I want a job where I don't have to think anymore, some kind of mindless work, something automatic. She doesn't think I would last long in one of those. But really if I earn the same amount as I do now, I would satisfied at least for now.

Amarinda Jones did a blog post about being a pleb, click her name to check it out. I think I need to go lower on the totem pole, because even though I'm not a manager, too many people depend on me for too many things. Oh and since I don't consider writing work or a hardship I would love to dedicate more time to that than the day job.

Anyway, that's enough whining for one day. Until I think of something else to say . . .

Dessert Box . . .

2008-07-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

. . . released today from Siren-BookStrand. Woo Hoo.

So my second book is being presented to the world today. To read an excerpt and pick up your copy of Dessert Box, click the cover:

Also, my cyber-friend, Amarinda Jones, is having a little get-to-know Anika on her blog today. So don't miss it.

Passions and Dancing . . .

2008-07-08T13:56:00.002-04:00

I just finished up an M/M novella called Dancing with your Heart. Then I found this photo with almost the same name, how freaky is that, Dancing With His Heart. Anyway, I have submitted the story and hope it has a new home soon. I'll keep you all posted. I started this story some weeks ago while watching a reality dance TV show. There was just no way I could ignore writing it.

Anyhow, while finishing up this story I got all teary eyed, because I realized OMG I love writing. It is so hard finding what you love to do in life and even harder sometimes to do it. I am very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. I am also glad I finally found the courage to pursue it.

Life is short and sometimes our fears guide us instead of our passions. So the questions I pose to you today are: Are you pursuing your passion? Or is fear your guide?

Changing gears a little, check out fellow author Sedonia Guillone's blog. I am being featured there, how very cool. Woo Hoo. It is nice having cyber-friends who root for you.

Dessert Box

2008-07-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

BLURB

Carmella Simone and Sandra Tucker have been together for the past ten years. Every year for Valentine’s Day, one or the other is tasked with creating a memorable and passionate experience.

This is Sandra’s year and she has planned the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. She has commissioned a specially designed box, locking herself inside. Now Carmella must figure out the clues that will unlock her gifts: Sandra and chocolate.

Join them on their erotic journey of a sweet treat and body heat.

Genre: African-American Lesbian Romance, Light BDSM

"Dessert Box was created to show you that a loving relationship can have passion, and that passion can be as wicked as you want it to be. Remember, you can have boundless love and risqué loving." ~ Anika ~

EXCERPT

Sandra lay in a box that was the size of a coffin but had jail-like bars made of wood and steel. The box rested on top of the dining room table. She lay on a comforter that was neatly folded under her obviously to protect her skin. Her arms were secured above her head and a gag ball hindered conversation, the restraints adding to the erotic picture.

The opening between each bar not wide enough for Carmella to reach in to swipe up some of the chocolate, but she tried snagging some anyway to no avail. This whole scenario was designed to torture her.

Shaking her head, Carmella remembered the questions she and Sandra had gotten about why two people needed a table that seated twelve. The current situation proved that it did come in handy sometimes.

Licking her lips, Carmella stared at the feast laid out for her pleasure. And obviously her pain. Sandra had finally outdone herself this time. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. The dining room table was set and she would eat pretty tonight. Once she got through that damn box.

“Where to start?” Carmella wondered aloud, staring at the contraption on their dining room table. “How do I get to my prize?” she asked, not really expecting an answer from the woman on the table. Her companion was gagged after all, and wouldn’t be able to add anything to the conversation.

For now.

This was part of their game though, exposing their thought processes to each other. Carmella would explain her emotions as she felt them; as many and varied and in as vivid a detail as she experienced them. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—keep them to herself. Reaching over, she retrieved the note affixed to the top of the box, right next to the big red bow. It revealed the instructions necessary to enjoy her ultimate feast.

Turning her attention to the note, she read aloud:

Five questions to enjoy your feast;
Five answers to receive your treat;
Five pieces to create one tool;
Five components to achieve one goal;
Five reasons to set me free;
Five flavors of chocolate on me.

Circling the box, Carmella examined the setup of the box and inspected her girl more closely. Five flavors covering five erotic points on Sandra’s body: toes, navel, lips, breasts; and clit. This should be fun. Turning the note over, Carmella discovered her first inquiry.

Changes

2008-07-03T22:45:00.013-04:00

Yep, my blog is a different color and I removed the banner. I was kind of getting annoyed with only seeing the purples all the time and realized it was time for a change. I decided to go with something that had shades of blues. My two favorite colors are purple and blue (both in all its shades).

My website has changed as well. I searched all evening for a free website template to use and created my new website. It is less complicated and less cluttered. I kind of felt that something simple was necessary right now.

My brother taught me how to update and change my website and I have gotten really good at it. Since the inception of the site probably in February 2008, I have changed it four times. It's a lot of fun for me.

Now my brother teases me constantly because I change it so often. He would say: "That is why I taught you how to do it. I was making you self-reliant."

Change is good.

Carpe Diem by Kerama

Yahoo! Groups

2008-07-02T09:47:00.015-04:00

Since starting this process, I have been joining more and more chat groups to give myself some exposure, since I am a new author. And also to see what others are doing. Right now I am the proud member of 32 groups related to my writing and I feel alone in the crowd.

I was about to press the Join button again to participate in an organized chat, and I just couldn't do it. I am tired of going around to all these groups. How do people do this on a daily basis? Do authors really need to join all these groups?

I also find that for the most part I don't enjoy these chats. I do like doing the blogging and reading some of my favorite blogs (Amarinda Jones, Lyn Taylor, Barb ara Huffert). But trying to do the Yahoo! chats are draining. I find I forget that I'm even doing it because I'm writing or doing something else.

Yes, I know I'm antisocial. But who really cares. I have come to realize not everyone gets me, or even understands when I say things. It is much harder to express yourself in these chats, because people do not have enough time to get your quirkiness. Also, my genre is not interesting to a lot of people and I refuse to force it down anyone's throat. I also know some people might take exception to this blog entry, but as I tell my friends all the time. People will hate for the act of breathing. You really don't have to do anything to inspire hate in a person's heart. Sad but true.

Am I bashing Yahoo! Groups? Of course not. I think it can be a wonderful tool. I first became aware of it during the hurricane season some years ago. Our family from all over the world were freaked out because Florida was hit and they didn't know what was happening. Trying to call everyone was becoming too difficult so we created a group for our family. We were able to get information to everyone at the same time and that was how it was born.

So will I press the Join button? I don't really know. Only time will tell. But be aware, this button for this particular group has presented itself to me a number of times over the past couple of months and I have resisted the urge. Hopefully, I can hold out for the rest of the day. Cross your fingers, and wish me luck.

Now Available: Good For Something

2008-06-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Casey never had a really serious relationship; while Nicolette just got out of a bad one.

Nicolette Marchand relocated to South Florida to get away from an abusive lover. In her new home, she loves the sun, the beaches and the bookshop owner with the hazel eyes and beautiful smile. Spending her evenings in her home away from home, life was really good. At least, until the phone started ringing.

Casey Addison, bookshop owner, was a native of South Florida. She never really cared about anything or anyone other than her store before now. A chance encounter with a fellow book lover changed all that. She thoroughly enjoys the company of her bookshop's new fixture. Unfortunately, someone is threatening her new found happiness and Casey gets caught in the middle.

Helping each other, will these two women discover a love they never knew they needed? And can Nicolette open herself up and trust that together, they are both...

Good for Something?

Buy now: Total-E-Bound Publishing.

For an excerpt click Amarinda Jones.

Also, don't forget to celebrate with me by clicking Romantic Dialogue or calling the show the show at (310) 984-7600 and enter Show ID 245692.

Freaking out . . .

2008-06-29T23:42:00.005-04:00

Okay, my book will be released in the next few hours and my chest is tightening up on me. My eyes are welling up with tears and I can barely breath. I'm so excited I'm making myself sick. I just can't believe this is finally happening for me. This is too freaky.

OMG. How do people handle their first release? I'm not doing so well.

Deep breaths, in, out, in, out.

Parents, Adult Children, and Divorce

2008-06-29T13:01:00.011-04:00

There is something I have noticed on TV programs as well as from acquaintances that has bothered me. I can wholly understand a young child being scared of their parents getting a divorce. If they are dependent on both parents and have always had both parents living together, then that is what they have come to expect. But adult children freaking out when their parents think about divorcing. That I don't understand.

I wouldn't want my parents to stay together if they were unhappy and really don't want to be with each other anymore. The fact is that if they did have a divorce from each other, that doesn't mean a divorce from me.Life is so short, why would I want them to be unhappy for the rest of that short life?

They do no need to stay together for my peace of mind. I am responsible for ensuring my own happiness, just as they are responsible for their own. Let parents live their lives for themselves and leave off all the unnecessary pressures.

Maybe I am way off base here. Or maybe I am making this issue overly simplistic. But would those adult children want to stay in a relationship that is bad for them. I would wager no. So what makes their parents' happiness any less important?

Your thoughts please. Am I over simplifying this situation?

Membership Drive, June 28, 2008

2008-06-27T19:21:00.003-04:00

Join us at Siren-BookStrand, click below:

There will be prizes and scavenger hunts...

Romantic Dialogue Author Interview . . .

2008-06-23T18:13:00.000-04:00

My first book, Lust Bites: Good For Something, will be released from Total-E-Bound on June 30.

To celebrate the Romantic Dialogue Crew, Aleka Nakis, Catherine Chernow, Tia Fanning, and Maddie James, has invited me to participate in an author interview. This will be a fun night which begins at 9:00 p.m.

So stop by and say hi: Call the show at (310) 984-7600 and enter Show ID 245692. Or, visit the show at: http://www.nowlive.com/show/AlekaNakis.

Hope to see (talk to) you there.

Accolades at Work

2008-06-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

This past Tuesday, the project my boss and I had been working on for about a month was presented to the nine member commission. They were so impressed, commenting on the thoroughness of the information provided, the organization, the clearness and specificity. According to them, they have never received anything with this level of detail from any other section of the County.

We've had people from other departments, divisions and offices call to congratulate us on our work. The Director of our division was also very happy and is still telling us good job, even three days later. We were very pleased with ourselves, and still are. To see what we did click here, the document is 44 pages and requires Adobe.

The problem with the project is that it will be used as tool to determine who will (the library positions) that will be eliminated. How does one feel good about that? At the end of the day, we will give up over hundred vacancies, and about fifty warm bodies. The worst part about that is the lowest earning staff are the ones who will be most affected.

Ain't life grand. So have you destroyed any lives this week?

Strange Happenings at Work

2008-06-19T19:09:00.006-04:00

So today started out good and ended bad. But since the good parts made me laugh really hard, I will tell you about that.

This morning South Florida was very rainy and dreary and miserable. So my friend and I decided to go get some tea, so that we could get warmed up. We were passing the welcome desk when we noticed the person sitting there had a strange look on her face. A male customer had walked away from the desk prior to us stopping. So we thought maybe he said something offensive to her.

Little did we know.

Apparently, on the second floor of the library in the male restroom, a man stood buck naked, taking a bath in the sink. He was also using the hand dryer thingy to dry his clothes. Security was called, so we waited around to hear the outcome. I had to restrain my friend from entering the restroom, she wanted to see this so badly. After a few minutes, the security guard exited the restroom escorting a male customer.

Now the area in which the library is located has a huge homeless population, but I was sure it couldn't be one of them. Turns out it was a man in his office attire, needing to get dry. The situation was comical and kind of weird. But I laughed really hard regardless.

The library always has a lot of strange occurrences. Some funny, some gross, some downright disturbing. At least we were spared from the man stripping down inside the stands of the library (trust me it has happened before).

So that was my morning, how was yours?

2008-06-15T04:35:00.003-04:00

To all the Fathers and my daddy,

From Anika

2008-06-11T11:23:00.005-04:00

Work and griping . . .

It’s been a while hasn’t it. I have been meaning to post. I have wanted to post. But my stupid job has been running me ragged.

I’ve been so busy recently I’ve even been taking work home with me and working way into the wee hours of the morning. Not a pleasant situation, since my home is my sanctuary (corny I know but it’s the truth). I unwind without anyone breathing down my neck, I watch the programs I want, or read a book, or write uninterrupted.

Anyway back to the gripe about work. There is a big project that I have been working on that directly relates to the budget reduction situation in Broward County. I think I mentioned it in a previous blog post.

So I needed some information and my boss insisted that I contact someone specific who was supposed to have already compiled the information. I know you can see the problem developing. I have to rely on another’s work. I didn’t really want to ask anyone. But my boss wouldn’t let up. Any who, so I go in search of this information guru to acquire the data that I need to complete my project.

Lo and behold, I contacted two separate people who supposedly had the information. Unbelievably, as both persons are handing me the document they each voice a disclaimer. Use this document at your own risk because the information is not entirely accurate. How the hell can someone give me information they are in charge producing with a disclaimer?

So by this time I’m tired as shit and I start to freak out. I have been operating on not a lot of sleep. Dammit, what the hell is wrong with these people? Why couldn’t they just produce the document correctly the first time? Or barring that, the document is three years old. In all that time the document couldn’t have been updated and corrected.

The result: I had to reinvent the damn wheel . . . again.

2008-06-04T07:09:00.001-04:00

MPA Degree/Diploma

I received my degree in the mail last week. I didn't even read it beyond the fact that my name seemed to be on it. Also, I'm not even sure if the college, any other information, or even the spelling of my name is correct on the document. So what did I do with it? Stuff it in the folder provided to us at the graduation.

So the moral of the story:

Two and a half years of my life summed up in a piece of paper with my name on it; stuffed in a blue leather bound folder with FAU emblazoned on the cover; dropped off at my parents house for permanent storage.

Go Figure!

2008-06-02T16:30:00.002-04:00

What was my weekend like?

Well. On Friday, my niece graduated from kindergarten. She and her class (all 17 of them) were so cute. They wore their Sunday's best and a graduation cap. They said the pledge, sang a few songs, and collected their achievement awards.

On Saturday, I met author Sedonia Guillone for coffee. That was a lot of fun. We spoke of our upcoming projects and skimmed the topics of our current life situations. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

Sunday was a blur of writing and watching television. The writing was fun. My story is developing nicely. I am working on the second book in my Pro Union series.

Today, I received the edits for my short story Dessert Box that will be published by BookStrand, and a note that said Great Descriptive Writing! Woo Hoo. Anyway, I finally have a release date for Dessert Box of July 15.

How was your weekend?

2008-05-29T00:16:00.000-04:00

Home Troubles . . .

When I got home from work today, I thought I had an intruder. There was a jingle and a jangle going on. My damn AC was making a major racket, it was going absolutely crazy. The long and short of the situation is that the damn thing was basically dying.

I had to call the AC doctor, who promptly came to the rescue, five hours later. By this time, I'm tired and want to sleep . . . it is late at night.

Anyway, he then proceeded to prod, poke, and put-put around (all legitimate and technical terms) with the AC unit. He oohed and aahed and oh-noed. And an hour and a half later, the AC is working again, and I am poorer for it.

That job I hate sure is looking prettier tonight. So how was your night?

2008-05-27T21:44:00.000-04:00

Budget Cuts . . .

Today, Broward County BOCC had budget hearings which included the Libraries Division. Everyone is in a panic since jobs are on the line, programs will be cut, and service hours will be reduced. The extent of the cuts has not been determined as yet but everyone knows its just a matter of time. And as melodramatic as this might sound: No job is safe.

I, however, have mixed feelings about the possible loss of employment. On one hand, I think it would do me some good since I hate my job. On the other hand, I would lose my primary source of income. The classic rock and hard place theory.

But regardless of what I feel or don't feel personally, my heart goes out to the thousands of employees who are constantly worrying about their jobs. At my office, some people's lives are defined by their jobs and as sad as that might be it is all they have.

Personally, I would be devastated if I was unable to write for the rest of my life. Half of the employees would feel devastated if they lost the job they loved. The other half would be devastated by the lose of their primary source of income.

So how do people sit on their high horse and make the decision to fire one person or another? The conversation probably goes something like this:

Yes, of course, Billy. You have done a fantastic job for the County. But I had to decide between keeping you and authorizing my next bonus. It was a tough decision. But it all worked out for the best. You'll get unemployment, you'll be fine. And I'll be able to buy that new doodad that I wanted.

2008-05-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

From Anika

2008-05-25T08:00:00.005-04:00

Fridays have always been 'no cooking days' growing up . . .

But this past Friday made it perfectly clear that it is about time that the rule is amended.

We ordered some food from a popular pizza joint. My parents went to pick it up and I stayed home to watch over my grandfather. Anyway, when they finally arrived at the pizzeria, they saw a man walking out of the joint with a bag in his hand.

Unfortunately, the man wasn't going home with his order.

Oh, wouldn't it have been wonderful if that was the case. Instead the man, an employee of the pizza joint, had the bag wrapped around something that had been alive probably ten minutes prior.

You probably guessed it already, the pizza joint had a rat.

Appalled, my parents went in to talk to one of the people behind the counter. She wouldn't just leave without cancelling her order. So my mom asked after the item the male employee removed from the pizzeria and placed in the dumpster, and the young lady totally ignored her.

Instead, she took the order out of the pizza oven, and asked for payment. As if she expected my mom to take it. "I said, I am cancelling the order. I don't need it any more," my mom tried to tell the woman with the vacant look on her face. My mom walked out of the joint, leaving the the woman with the order in her hand and still demanding payment.

What a way to start off the weekend . . . How gross!

2008-05-23T07:36:00.004-04:00

I sometimes wonder if there will come a time when I run out of material to write about . . .

And then it occured to me. There is inspiration everywhere.

Good For Something, to be released by Total-E-Bound Publishing, began with the title. I was watching a movie, I forget which at the moment, when the female protagnist said "well, at least I'm good for something." The statement seemed so negative, the woman seemed so dejected, I decided to use it in a positive light. And that is how Good For Something was born.

Dessert Box came about because a publisher was doing a call for submissions. They wanted short stories that centered around chocolate and power tools. Dessert Box is going to be released by a different publisher, BookStrand, but it still came to be because of the call.

Reclaiming Nicola was born because of some questions that kept ping-ponging in my mind: What would you do if you lost the one you loved above all? What would you do if it was because of your own stupidity? How would you handle it? Now this short story is also to be released by BookStrand.

So with these examples, and the most recent story that I began writing on Monday because of a news article released on that same day, I realized I can always find a story in anything and everything.

This is an exciting time, as one of my friend tells me all the time when referring to my being published. And my response is to bounce on the balls of my feet and say, yes, it is. Woo Hoo!

2008-05-22T19:24:00.005-04:00

Surprise, Surprise . . .

Today, I received a letter in the mail from FAU with the same message as the email. At least, they seem to be taking the necessary steps to apologize for their mea culpa.

I'm still pissed though. Man, I can hold a grudge.

:-)

2008-05-21T08:24:00.004-04:00

How horrible it is that I have to resurrect the label: School.

I got home this past Sunday night, and retrieved my mail. I hadn't been home all weekend so I wasn't surprise to have a few pieces in the box. Interspersed with my usual junk mail was a letter from FAU.

I didn't think anything of it. Actually, I assumed it was another of those fundraising letters I have been inundated with since they realized I was about to leave and no longer provide them with any more tuition.

So, I left it on the table for about another hour, not wanting to deal with the begging at that moment. Eventually, I got around to opening the damn thing and the following is the letter that greeted me. It was sent by the University Registrar on official FAU letterhead.

"Dear Ms. Hamilton:

We regret to inform you that your name has been deleted from the official graduation certification list for the Spring 2008 semester. Should you have any question concerning your graduation status, please contact the college/department of you major. If we are in error, please have your college/department contact our office.

Since your application has been deleted for the Spring 2008 semester, it will be necessary for you to submit another application for degree for the semester in which you will fulfill all degree requirements."

Now, I just finished having a meltdown because of my stupid computer. I was tired and drained, and now I have to deal with this stupid letter. I was on the verge of tears. There was no way in hell I was going to give FAU anything other than a piece of my mind. No more applications and no more money.

So I contacted the college via email with:

"My name is Anika Hamilton. I graduated in May 2008.

The problem is that I received a letter in the mail from [University Registrar] stating that my name is being deleted from the official graduation certification list. Since I have completed all the requirements to graduate, paid all my fees, and otherwise have no holds I am very confused with this letter.

The letter goes on to say that someone from my college/department needs to contact the Registrars office to clear up the mistake. Please help me. Thank you."

Fine. That done, I emailed myself the contact information for the college, deciding that a quick phone call might also be necessary. On Monday, I checked my email to see if I got a response from the college but instead found this email from the University Registrar's office.

"You received a Graduation Deletion Letter from our office last week.

This was in error and you were certified by your College as completing the degree. Diplomas for the College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Engineering, College of Science and Honors College were mailed last week. We anticipate mailing all other Colleges this week. If you need further assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 561-297-2731 or send an email to mmosley@fau.edu or pbloch1@fau.edu. We regret this programming error and apologize for any worry or inconvenience this caused.

Office of the Registrar"

Now to be honest, I was relieved after seeing this email.

Two of my former classmates contacted me having received the same letter Friday night. They had gone through the entire weekend stressed and worried.

But I was also annoyed and pissed because FAU had no trouble promptly mailing that blasted letter to tell me that they were going to keep their hooks in me. But a retraction was slow in coming.

The impression that I got was that our whole college received this missive. And if so the incompetent so and so who sent out the letter didn't think it odd to be sending out so many, "sorry you shouldn't have graduated" letters.

Also, the "we regret to inform you" letter was in an official correspondence, with a wasted stamp and obvious staff time and signed by the University Registrar. But the retraction is a flimsy unsigned email that has no identifying marks and a generic department salutation.

Give me a break.

2008-05-19T10:15:00.004-04:00

Lust Bites: Good For Something

Casey never had a really serious relationship; while Nicolette just got out of a bad one.

Nicolette Marchand relocated to South Florida to get away from an abusive lover. In her new home, she loves the sun, the beaches and the bookshop owner with the hazel eyes and beautiful smile. Spending her evenings in her home away from home, life was really good. At least, until the phone started ringing.

Casey Addison, bookshop owner, was a native of South Florida. She never really cared about anything or anyone other than her store before now. A chance encounter with a fellow book lover changed all that. She thoroughly enjoys the company of her bookshop's new fixture. Unfortunately, someone is threatening her new found happiness and Casey gets caught in the middle.

Helping each other, will these two women discover a love they never knew they needed? And can Nicolette open herself up and trust that together, they are both...

Good for Something?

2008-05-17T17:55:00.000-04:00

MORE WOES . . .

So after recovering from my whining and anxiety debacle on Wednesday, I shutdown my computer and went to bed, ready to face a new day.

Thursday morning arrives and everything is going well. I pack up my laptop and get my things, heading to the daily grind. At work, I boot up my office PC and set up my laptop, booting that up as well. No new mail, well that's strange, then I realize I'm not online.

Oh well, the office WiFi must be down. So I proceed through my day, doing my work without a care in the world. At around three in the afternoon, I check again, still not connected. Hmm, something must be terribly wrong and office IT are not aware of the problem.

So helpful person that I am, I promptly contacted them to make them aware that the WiFi isn't working. Lo and behold, the WiFi is working.

This is where the meltdown begins, proceed at your own risk.

My internal wireless card isn't working. For a computer that is less than a year old.

So I try everything I know, but nothing is working. So I decided to get in touch with customer service, actually I contacted my brother, Kevin (I probably shouldn't refer to him as such :-). Try this, try that, he tells me. But it still doesn't work. Okay, call me when you get home and we will troubleshoot the problem until we fix it, he says.

Fine, I'm somewhat comfortable with the thought that this problem will be resolved by the end of the day. At home, I get Kevin on the phone again. But nothing we try works. So finally he tells me to plug the laptop directly into the adapter using the cable.

SUCCESS!

I can go online. I did all the updates, and searched for a fix for my wireless problem. Mind you, I'm standing in the kitchen where the adapter is situated to perform these tasks. After doing everything I'm supposed to do, the wireless starts working again. This is around 1:00am Friday morning.

Thank you Kevin everything works again.

So the process starts again. Go to bed. Go to work. Boot everything up. Whew! Everything still works. Until about midday Friday. The wireless can't find any networks . . . again. I feel myself beginning to well up. Frustration is setting in.

WHAT!!!

This time I text Kevin, I can't even bring myself to say the words. The damn thing stopped working again. His reply: then it must be really bad. By this time, I'm actually going into withdrawal. The shakes are starting. No Internet for about five hours.

Okay, so what are my options. Well, you can contact HP and they will want you to ship the laptop to them so they can fix the wireless card. Ha Ha Ha. That's going to work! I can't even go one day without Internet. How am going to be without my laptop for an indeterminate amount of time?

NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!

Your other option, he tells me, is to get a wireless USB adapter. It will be small, easy to carry, and get you online easily. Yes that, I want that option. Do that then. So Kevin buys me a USB adapter, and performs all the necessary steps to install it on my computer.

So now its Saturday evening, and I'm back online again. I still have most of my hair, and I'm n0t too too drunk . . .

YET . . .

CRISIS AVERTED! SANITY RESTORED!

2008-05-14T18:57:00.009-04:00

Woe is Me . . .

So I've been going through my woe is me stage lately. A highly annoying time in my life that occurs when I'm feeling particularly stressed. Boo Hoo. Nothing is going my way. Life is so hard. I hate my job. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Today, the whining got so loud and so horrendous, I just wanted to slap myself upside the head.

Instead, I visited a friend of mine and unloaded . . . everything. Or at least what I thought was everything. When I was done and I finally went back to my office, it occurred to me. The closer it gets to the release date for my book, the more anxious I get.

I have been so nervous and unable to focus lately that I haven't been able to write anything or enjoy any of my normal hobbies. It, also, doesn't help that I'm going through some serious family issues at the moment. The stress is weighing heavily on me, making me feel sad.

I never really know how I will respond to pressure at any given moment. Sometimes, I thrive whenever I am pressed, but other times I feel the strain. However, today it dawned on me, if I I figure out what my pressure is I am able to get passed it and and start thriving again.

So even though I'm not sure I'm ready to write again, I'm more clearheaded and less stressed now than I have been the passed few days. Whew!

I hope to be myself again in no time. And I promise no more whining for a very long time.

2008-05-14T18:41:00.000-04:00

Soul Tears

2008-05-11T00:02:00.004-04:00

To all the mothers out there, including my own Mom . . .

A Song For Mama

No matter what you do,
No matter what you say,
I love you more and more each and every day.

I want to kiss your furrowed brow,
And make you smile instead of frown.

I hear you laugh and it warms me immensely,
And when you cry my heart breaks deeply.

We might argue all through the night,
But in the light of day everything is all right.

We are family today and friends tomorrow,
This is why I try to take away your sorrow.

Because no matter what you do
Because no matter what you say,
I love you, Mom more and more each day.

Copyright © 2008 Anika Hamilton

Happy Mother's Day to all of you,
From Anika

2008-05-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

People behaving badly . . .

I'm either sweet with a hint of deviltry or evil with a hint of sweetness.

I hate when people are mean to others. And I relish the payback when karma takes effect and their own actions are thrown back in their face because of their selfishness, stupidity, or meanness.

So here's what happened. Someone I know recently did something mean . . . very mean. The person publicly bashed a few colleagues. This wasn't an attempt at constructive criticism, this was just plain orneriness. But the meanness backfired and the person basically got slapped Big Time. Unfortunately for them, the action was potentially detrimental to the person's career and future in the chosen profession.

The backlash came from the boss, fellow colleagues, and customers alike. Although, I don't want anyone to lose out on their chosen profession, hating on others is just not called for.

So maybe I'm being mean because I think this person got their just deserts. But there is no excuse for that kind of meanness. And you basically get what you deserve when you do things like that.

So tell me what you think. Am I sweet with deviltry or evil with sweetness? Am I behaving badly? Aah, the dichotomy of Anika.

2008-05-06T19:54:00.011-04:00

The Hard Parts of Being an Author . . . the secrets no one tells you.

First hard part: Promotions . . .

As you all are aware this is my first foray into the writing world. But oh boy, am I tired. How do authors keep up with all the chat groups and other promotional things they do on a daily basis? (There are so many different kinds I can't remember all of them.) Stupid me I thought all one needed to do was write a compelling story and that would be enough.

*Rolling my eyes at my own naivete*

I guess part of the issue is that one of the publishers that I will be published with will be opening its doors in July. So they have been doing a lot of things in anticipation of that. But even outside of that, I have been seeing a lot of different things happening around me (in my inbox) that makes my head just spin. Whew!

I would probably get a lot more writing done if I weren't worrying about all the promotions. And realistically, I am unable to do all the things I notice other authors are doing and keep my sanity. And man are they talented and creative with all the promotional stuff. So I will do as much as I can (and as much as I'm comfortable with) and see what happens.

*Shrugging shoulders*

Second hard part: Editing . . .

Okay, I knew there would be editing involved to make a story what it is. But I have a new appreciation for editors and the work they do. And I am very grateful for my editor from TEB (Chris). But by-golly, my brain was about to explode trying to incorporate all her suggestions into my story. I completely understood her points and agreed with them as well. They do make the story more interesting. It was a lot of work, and one that taught me a lot of things as well, including how to make a story more engaging.

So to wrap up . . .

This is a wild, fun and crazy ride. One that is well worth all the hard parts. And absolutely, one that I hope never to leave for a very long time.

2008-05-03T12:01:00.006-04:00

GRADUATION DAY, WOO HOO . . .

The ceremony was bee-u-tee-full. The ceremony was about three hours long, and a little over two was dedicated to honoring people who were NOT participating in the ceremony. The President of FAU talked about the university for an hour and a half, pontificating of the beauty of FAU, the honor of being an alum, and a lot of other things I have forcibly blocked out. Then he proceeded to introduce other people important to FAU, who would NOT be participating in the ceremony, glorifying their credentials, among other things. Mmm.

Then back to the graduation participants, who were later introduced. They each added their own thoughts of the responsibilities of all FAU graduates, which of course is to join the Alumni and contribute generously to the university. Aah.

Then they wouldn't allow us to leave. There were people blocking all escape routes, how horrible . . . er, ingenious. So the students behind us went to sleep. The students beside us ripped some programs apart and made paper airplanes. I texted my brother and dad, who were in the audience. Another student in the other aisle surfed the net with his laptop.

The babies were crying, the adults were restless, and everyone was slightly resentful. The police escorted an audience member out of the building, he was using a bullhorn thingy-ma-jiggy, disturbing the peace.

All in all, my academic journey has been fun, stressful, fruitful, and rewarding. As boring as the ceremony was, I'm glad I walked. The ceremony marked the end of my academic career. The end of another chapter of my life. But also opened the door for me to more actively pursue the other chapters of my life.

So WOO HOO . . .

P.S. Without school, I'll have to find something else to bitch, moan and groan about, Ah Shucks. Oh wait, there's always the daily grind (work).

;-)

2008-04-28T21:25:00.001-04:00

Please stop shouting at me. I know I haven't posted for a while but I'm trying to study here. Actually, I'm staring at the words pretending to study, but what's the difference. This stuff is sooooo boring.

DO YOU . . . Continued . . .

IT was a long and hard decision for me to use my own name when writing. I'm sure it was equally as hard for all authors making their own first foray into the writing world. I worried about the backlash from family and friends. I worried about the stigma. I worried about all the effects writing would have on my life.

But if there is one thing that I always try to do is to be true to myself. And for me that includes not only writing but also being published using my own name. I'm still nervous about the repercussions. And quite frankly, I haven't even told my family what I write. Some don't even know that I do write. But it is something I just gotta do.

But let me tell you, if being true to yourself involves the use of a pseudonym, go on guys and gals do you . . . Express yourself in any way you want. Always do what you love . . . And continue to do you in whatever manner suits you.

Oh and BTW, watch Happy Feet it's a lot of fun.

2008-04-23T12:23:00.006-04:00

Do You . . .

The one thing that I have noticed since starting this journey is that no matter what anyone says is the next big thing, you have to do you. You have to write what you feel comfortable with, and you definitely have to write in the genre, style, theme, category that you like. The only way to produce an excellent product for you is to not force a style upon yourself that doesn't fit.

The fact is not everyone is going to like what you write. And not everyone is going to like you. But so what? People will hate you for no other reason but because you are breathing (alive). It is the same with writing. There are people out there who will hate your stories. But there are others that will devour it and check everyday for the next story to be released.

But isn't that how life always is? Isn't it expected that life will be filled with people that hate you and people who love you? Otherwise, wouldn't life be just a tad too boring.

Courage . . .

It took me a long time to screw up enough courage to submit any of my work. I thought it to death. I hummed and aahed. I went back and forth. I was afraid of the disapproval of others, but I have lived for others for so long. I decided enough was enough. This is what I wanted to do with my life. And this is what I would do.

So what in the long run will make you happy and what's my advice as the novice in the room.

Always remember to DO YOU . . . .

2008-04-20T17:38:00.004-04:00

School almost at an end . . .

In less than two weeks, school will be over and then I'll be able to get back to my writing. But I have been having a bit of a problem lately. I seem to be having a writer's block in relation to my school assignments, one of which is due this Tuesday.

What a stupid problem to have at this late stage of the game. *Rolling my eyes.* And instead of trying to finish it now, I'm here trying to complete this post for Blogger. Go figure.

Graduation . . .

I'm scheduled to walk on May 2 at 9:00 am. My classmates (some of us have become very close) and I are planning an exit party that will probably span the whole darn weekend. Then sleep the whole week that follows.

We have been extremely lucky. We all went through this process together from start to finish. We have helped each other, guided each other, and encouraged each other when necessary. We each understand what the other has gone through, all the obstacles we each faced whether personal, professional, or academic. And we have all grown stronger because of them.

Support systems . . .

I'm a loner by nature and I don't like crowds. I am more comfortable in smaller (more intimate) groups. I do my own research, dig for my own answers, and only ask questions as a last resort. But I did see the value of being a part of a larger group when it came to a support system for school. This could be study groups, bouncing ideas off each other, comparing notes and answers to see where we went wrong.

And now that school is almost over, I am recognizing the beauty of another kind of support system: one that is directly related to my writing. I am joining groups and communicating with other authors and doing my best to live in this writing world that is so new and exciting for me.

So, do you use support systems (not the familial one, which I tap into regularly)? But ones that are related to your passion or work or studies, if applicable? Let me know. And until next time . . .

2008-04-16T14:57:00.010-04:00

People being rude . . .

Why do people who are supposedly in authority feel the need to talk down to people, to shout at them, to be verbally abusive?

I have worked in the Libraries Division for a little over four years now, and my coworkers constantly feel the need to be rude and condescending to me. They shout at me, call me names and I am quite frankly tired of it.

I don't get involved in the office gossip or politics. I am close to a total of three people in the whole damn division which has over 800 employees at any given time. I'm polite and don't ask anything of anyone but to do their damn jobs.

So why does everyone act like shouting at Anika is a part of their job description?

So what if I'm younger than you? I still have a brain. And even if I haven't worked there as long as you have, I can still use common sense and my reasoning ability to figure things out.

What most of these people don't understand is that their job can be taken over by any of a number of other people tomorrow and it would still get done and get done right. This work does not require genius. There is no great skill in these functions. But for them this job is their life, their very identity.

These people will never develop the cure for cancer, or compose a beautiful song, or write an engaging story.

This job, as a friend of mine loves to tell me, is only necessary to put corn flakes on the table. So get over yourselves.

2008-04-13T12:38:00.001-04:00

Abdicating Responsibility . . .

At work, at school, in life.

What do you do when the people getting paid to do their jobs do not want to do their jobs? Or worse assign someone else to do it for them. This really irks me, not so much about the pay but about the credit. I slave over an assignment and someone else takes the credit. Then they don't even have the decency to tell me 'good job'.

Argh!

Hunger . . .

I don't do well with hunger. I get miserable, pouty, downright cranky. I literally am unable to function properly or work. I'm also a very picky eater. And I firmly believe that the food pyramid should peak with the good foods instead of the the boring ones (the so-called healthy foods).

What's worse, I don't cook. Not that I can't cook, I just don't cook. But now that I'm on my own, I have to be fending for myself a little more. I just don't know how people with kids do it though. I go home and if I'm too tired to be bothered, which happens a lot, I eat chips and salsa for dinner.

How do the people who starve themselves do it? Or what about the ones who do not have a choice? Scary.

Why did I bring up this hunger thing, you might ask. Well, the fact is a few days ago my friends made me wait an extra half hour before going to lunch. And I'm still bitch, moaning and groaning about the delay. Yep, I really hate being hungry.

2008-04-11T08:09:00.006-04:00

Hi all:

The cover for my book Dessert Box is complete. :-) I love it.

Dessert Box is an African-American Lesbian Romance with Light BDSM.

Story Blurb: It’s Valentine’s Day and Sandra has set the scene. Carmella will have a delicious feast filled with everything she loves. By the end of the night, Carmella will discover which is sweeter: her woman or her chocolate.

2008-04-10T11:06:00.001-04:00

Taking simple things for granted . . .

I am sometimes naive in my thinking. Then something happens and I realize how lucky I am to be able to do simple things. I feed myself, cloth myself, support myself, drive myself wherever I want to go. These simple things I take for granted daily.

Yesterday, a wheelchair-bound person was in the ladies room when I walked in. And that's when it hit me, they don't just walk in, utilize the facilities, wash their hands and walk out. They must contend with handrails, bigger stalls, lower sinks, etc., etc., etc. It is marginally more complicated for them.

But even if my thinking is sometimes naive, I do realize that there are a lot of wheelchair-bound people out there who have experienced more, are much braver, and have accomplished more than I have so far in my life. My understanding of this fact has helped to strengthen my naivete because with all the obstacles people with disability face they strive to and have achieved their goals.

So I'll gladly hold onto my naivete. I think it would do the people with disability more of a disservice if I wised up. ;-)

2008-04-08T21:15:00.003-04:00

My MPA Capstone class visited the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center today for our final field trip of the semester. The facility is very impressive, providing a wide range of services to the homeless. Most of their staff are volunteers, except the medical staff. It is sad that homelessness exists. But it is amazing that Broward County has such a wonderful facility to help them get back on their feet.

Related but separate is my issue with PRIDE. I understand about pride and how some people have it by the bucketful. But what I don't understand is how some people allow their family or kids to suffer because of said pride. How can you say you're a good parent when you would rather have your kids live in your car than take advantage of the assistance available? And don't tell me pride is important when your kids go to school hunger, or shower in the fast food joint's restroom.

Holding on to your pride when you're responsible for only your own welfare is fine. But if you have a family that is depending on you GET HELP. It's only fair to the children you brought into this world. More than that it is your responsibility to take proper care of them.

2008-04-06T15:00:00.001-04:00

Amarinda has demanded that I answer the following questions -

1. If you were trapped on a deserted island and you had the choice of a man or unlimited chocolate which would you take?

Umm. Ma... nope. Choco... no wait. I'm thinking, I'm thinking. This is really tough for me. Jeez, give me a minute here. Okay, I got it.

The man (especially if he looks anything like Jason Momoa) . . . I'd probably get tired of the chocolate, anyway.

2. What is it about your books that make them stand out from all others?

I still believe in everything, I still think anything is possible. Therefore, my characters are more open to the possibility. They find love in any situation or in anyone . . . They're playful and moody, and not afraid to show their emotions or turn neanderthal if the situation warrants it.

They demand all from their loves and they are willing to give the same. They've been betrayed by love before, but they still find the strength to keep looking. They know life in general takes hard work and love is no different but they look forward to the challenge.

They're not supermodel wannabes and not ashamed of that. Oh and BTW, they use everyone and everything to get what they want.

3. Aliens knock on your door and want to borrow your car for sight seeing - what do you do?

Get my keys and drivers license and jump into the driver's seat. I would definitely want to go along with them for the ride. No way would I pass up that opportunity.

And hope when they're done sightseeing they'll take me with them (to their home I mean). What an adventure that would be . . . wow.

4. Who would play the hero/heroine in your book and why?

Heroine: Jada Pinkett Smith. This five foot nothing woman is small but strong. In the Matrix movie, she played Niobe and packed quite a punch. Intelligent and willing to fight for her man. It also doesn't hurt that she is quite cute.

Hero: Jason Momoa. He plays Ronan Dex in the sci-fi series Stargate Atlantis. This tough, miserable, shoot first ask questions later guy, is smoking hot. Excellent with weapons, hand to hand combat, and that mean stare that can fell any man. But when he cares about you, he will kill everyone that stands in his way to get to you.

5. What is your worst habit? And do you care enough to change it?

Overly dramatic which leads to exaggeration. I can take the simplest thing and balloon it into the worst crisis of the known universe. It's fun, I make people laugh when I do it. And although I do sometimes take it so far that people do not realize I'm only joking, I care enough not to want to change it.

6. If you were in charge of the world - what would you fix first?

My first fix would be to take (rescue) every child in a bad situation, whether through foster care or bad parents/guardian, and place them with loving families, regardless of race, religion, and nationality.

Homework completed . . .

2008-04-03T10:52:00.005-04:00

Amarinda has challenged the bloggers over by Oh Get A Grip! to talk about the 5 things that piss them off. And even though this might be presumptuous, I have a few things to gripe about. So here goes:

Signing contracts and then complaining about the terms.

No, I'm not talking about authors signing contracts. Stop jumping to conclusions and read the rest of my rant.

Anyway, I bought my condo last year and although the sales lady was none too happy with me, I sat there and read every one of those trillion and one documents they wanted me to sign.

Now a few nights ago, we had the turnover meeting. The homeowners now have to start paying their own club dues (the builder as an incentive paid for every homeowners club dues for over a year and a half).

Anyway, yes, I'm pissed at the extra money I have to scrape together to pay the fee. But this is not news. This information was a part of our purchasing documents, and I'm sure they didn't pick, choose, and refuse who would sign and who wouldn't.

So the people at the HOA meeting were acting all crazy:

"I didn't know." Yeah right, check your contract.

"Its not fair." Hell, life isn't fair.

Car Indicators

I hate when people use their indicators to go around a bend or use a turning lane. Now if the road only bends to the right, why bother indicate. You can only go right.

I promise you, other drivers do not think you will actually turn against the bend or go straight ahead. We don't think you will ram your car through the concrete median or the guard rail to drive into a canal or on-coming traffic.

I'm driving down the same road. I can see that the road can only go one way. Please stop using that indicator for stupidity.

Nonsensical repetition (I wasn't sure what to call this one but it bugged me so much I couldn't leave it out.)

It pisses me off when people use the same one experience to apply to every single topic under the sun.

There is a professor who teaches Ethics, Organizational Behaviour, and Labor Relations. But in every single class, the man only talks about globalization. Okay, maybe globalization can be applied to each subject, but damn if I got the reference. And quite frankly, I'm tired of the word.

Now that's the second word I hate hearing (Writing being referred to as a hobby is another).

Not sure what I mean, the following is an example:

Person A: I had a car accident today.
Repeater: You know, I stubbed my toe once.

Person B: I fell asleep at work today.
Repeater: You know, I stubbed my toe once.

Person C: I got a promotion today.
Repeater: You know, I stubbed my toe once.

Person D: I saw the Pope today.
Repeater: You know, I stubbed my toe once.

Wearing skimpy clothes when its cold

Okay, I live in South Florida, and it doesn't get cold that often, but when it does we Floridians can't handle it.

But like every society, there are bunch of women who inevitable do something stupid, like wear the most inappropriate clothes when its cold.

Now ladies, you know its 35 degrees outside. Your man is fully clothed. Why the hell are you wearing that short shorts or short skirt? Don't you have any common sense?

You're huddling in on yourself from the cold. And he's all warm and cozy. Stupid.

Your teeth are chattering, quite unattractively I might add. And he is warm and cozy. Stupid.

You're hopping from foot to foot in a rain dance imitation. And he's warm and cozy. Stupid.

I haven't figured out the fifth gripe yet, but will be sure to post it when I do.

Have a good day!

2008-04-01T09:25:00.003-04:00

School will be over in one month and I cannot wait. I'm actually marking off a calendar, counting down the sessions.

One question I get asked a lot, after: 'What are you going to do with your degree?' is: 'What are you going to do with all your free time?'

I smile and respond 'write, of course."

Unfortunately, some people do not understand how important writing is to me. They fondly call it my 'hobby,' never thought I'd hate that word. But there it is.

Yes, I love writing. No, its not just a hobby.

So back to the topic at hand, I hadn't realized until the school schedule had been redone and I was forced to take last semester off that I'd committed the ultimate sin as an author. I had not written a thing for over two years. No wonder school was driving me crazy...not that I wasn't already crazy to begin with.

And even though, I won't be jumping up and down, waving my degree at every employer alive, does that mean my graduate studies was a total waste? I think not, the experience has been beneficial to me personally, if not professional.

So, what have I learned from the MPA program?

In addition, to the small amount of extra knowledge about public employment, I already work in government. I have gained other skills that are more valuable to me:

I am a better public speaker. Now don't get me wrong, I still get very nervous when it is necessary to speak in front of large crowd (the patois comes out). But I have learned to relax more quickly.
I am better able to articulate myself.
I defend myself and my ideas more now. I don't just bow and say 'whatever you like" (Coming to America reference).

So, I might not have garnered any vast knowledge from my two and a half year stint in graduate school. But I did improve my interpersonal skills. And that is worth something.:-)

So, what about you? Is there an activity, process, or program you were involved in that provided you with skills beyond the intent of the program? What was it?

2008-03-27T09:47:00.003-04:00

Hi:
I'm surprised at how talkative I feel lately. I blame it on Amarinda and Kelly...Shh, don't tell them.

Anyway, today I want to gripe about being inconvenienced.

Rumor has it that, J. Aniston and O. Wilson are in town shooting a movie. Good for them, more power to them furthering their art.

But why oh why did their movie have to inconvenience me... I tried to park in the FAU designated parking lot only to find out that the 'President' of the University has given the film crew permission to park their many trailers there.

So now instead of parking right next to the entrance of the building, I have to cross a street, walk through a parking lot, go up a set of stairs, take the elevator just to get to my car.

Argh.

Don't get me wrong... I understand the importance of walking just like the next man or woman. But they could have let us know before hand that we would have to find alternate parking. We received no emails, no signs were posted, hell, not even a damn carrier pigeon provided us with this information.

Oh, and don't forget, although all other parking was unavailable, the top FAU execs still were able to park in the lot.

I'm gritting my teeth, trying to bear it, without swearing overly loud.

Griping can be so good sometimes...

2008-03-26T10:10:00.004-04:00

Hi all:

As some of you are probably already aware, I am in graduate school, working on my Masters of Public Administration. This is my final semester, and it has turned out to be the hardest and worst semester of my academic career.

Last night as part of my school assignments, my class and I along with our professor visited the Broward County Main Jail. To say the experience was interesting would not be enough of a description. That particular jail has the highest security level (tantamount to maximum security) in Broward.

We 'toured' the holding cells, the mental/medical ward, the juvenile cell, the male cells, the transgender cells, etc. The smell was bad, the walls and floors and furniture appeared in need of repair, but the aura of sadness at some places and complacency in others has drained me. I am so tired right now after seeing these men and boys in cells, shackled for transport or release, etc.

Inmates were laughing and talking on the payphones inside the cells. Visitors, there to see the kids graduate from the Bridges program, were by turns laughing and joking or quiet.

The corrections officers, some taking great pride in their work, have to deal with so much, with so few of them. The turnover rate at the jail is high, probably at most other jails too.

Anyway, it was an interesting experience. One I don't think I would want to go through again, nor would I in good conscience recommend it. But let me tell you, the images that movies provide is an understated view of what inside that jail was like. I would hate to see what the prisons really look like...

Anyway, until next time...

2008-03-20T21:34:00.006-04:00

Welcome to my blog...

My name is Anika. I'm a Jamaican, living in South Florida. And I'm an author.

Since blogging is a relatively foreign concept for me, it will take me awhile to grow comfortable enough to start talking . . . typing. But when I do finally open up, watch out.

Over the next few months, you should hopefully be seeing more from me. By then, I should have gotten over all my phobias about being open with others . . . I hope.

I'll also be finished with school by the end of April (woohoo). This will free up a lot of time for me to write again. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to dedicate to work, school, and my passion (bummer).

Anyway, shortly after school ends, my first book, a lesbian contemporary called Lust Bites: Good For Something will be published by Total-e-Bound Publishing (Yippee). The scheduled date is June 2008. Then two short stories will released by BookStrand, Inc.: Dessert Box in July 2008 and Reclaiming Nicola in August 2008 (big dreamy sigh).

I'm also currently working on a number of other books that should be ready for submission soon. But all that must wait until after school is done.

Stay tuned for more in the writing world of Anika. Until next time....Imagine