No words...

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.

So Busy...

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

What More Proof Do You Need?

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?

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?

Now Available: Reclaiming Nicola

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.

The 100 Days Challenge . . .

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.

Busy . . . Yeah Right . . .

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 . . .

. . . 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 . . .

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

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.

Now Available: 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?

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.

Membership Drive, June 28, 2008

Join us at Siren-BookStrand, click below:


There will be prizes and scavenger hunts...

Romantic Dialogue Author Interview . . .

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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 . . . .

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 . . .

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:

1. 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.
2. I am better able to articulate myself.
3. 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?