Lisa Watson Dodson's Blog

Every Summer Has A Love Story...and ours arrives May 20th!
Six Summer Tales of Sweet Romance that bring you the very best in Historical, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance. Sarah Daley, Carol Malone, Kathy Bosman, Debby Lee, Robyn Echols, and I weave stories of long days, sultry nights, sun-kissed beaches and sweet romance!
Our new compilation is coming soon...as is our big cover reveal on Facebook May 12th!


Synopsis: 

Kathy Bosman - Shark Boss: 
When Tara takes up a job at the local aquarium, her colleagues warn her about their harsh boss, Mr. Carter Jones. She soon discovers how impatient he can be, but she also can’t deny her fascination and attraction to him. Carter can’t stop watching Tara as she works but holds back from her because of his secrets. If she knew what he was, she would never want him. Could the reason for Carter’s moods be related to something more troubling than what’s on the surface? Tara soon discovers Carter’s secret, and it only bonds them closer. But the curse starts to take over Carter’s life, and he won’t give his heart to a beautiful woman when he can only cause her pain. 
Sarah Daley - Drowning Sandy: 
The water is calling... and Sandy can no longer resist the urge to unleash her mermaid form. But a simple swim in Lake Ontario ends when she discovers the truth of her own banishment. When long time crush, Alardo, seems to shift in a direction she never dreamed possible, Sandy must make a choice — mermaid or human? Once she chooses, she can never go back. 
Robyn Echols - The Best Place to Meet a Man: 
Jeff heads to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith is intent on going to the beach so she can bury her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, Meredith’s two young nephews have other plans.
Debby Lee - Dreaming in California: 
In the summer of 1967, Hollywood actress, Lucinda Baker, appears to have it all-- fame, money, and an all too doting fiancé. Dark traits begin to emerge from the man she's pledged to marry, and he threatens her. Lucinda must now lean on her best friend, celebrity photographer, George Creston to escape the clutches of the dangerous relationship. Together they are forced to summon courage, and trust each other in desperate circumstances. Will they find love in the process or lose everything they hold dear, including their lives. 
Carol Malone - Summer Holiday: 
In the summer of 1905, Lizzy Gordon’s father dismisses her desires to be a doctor, demanding she become a teacher—a profession which does not allow women to marry. Teacher Brent Pierce is dedicated to expanding young minds, but circumstances are forcing him to take over the family farm. Before the summer is over Lizzy and Brent will be forced to make hard decisions. Can they find the courage to each stand up for themselves and still be together? 
Lisa Watson - A Summer of Stars: 
McKinley Graham has escaped to her summer getaway to regain her perspective and her health.  Zane Davidson has taken refuge in the lovely seaside community, welcoming the healing balm of the salty sea air and his childhood home to mend his wounds.  They aren’t looking for love, but their attraction is too explosive to ignore.  Against the backdrop of starry nights and sultry kisses, they come to realize that even love may not be enough to save them from the angry storm of his past that threatens to destroy their dreams!
Our Blog Tour will be June 6-12th!  Click here for more info and to see where we'll be stopping in!
BLOGGERS: If you'd like to participate in the tour, please click here to sign up!

Kiss and Tell Blog Tour: Love By Design

Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm very excited to be a part of the Kiss and Tell Blog Tour! We've got some amazing authors, and stories that are universal in there appeal. I mean, who doesn't love a great romance!?  To Win a $5 Gift Card from Amazon.com, or an Autographed Paperback Copy of Love By Design...simply leave a Comment below and answer this question: If you were Dakota...would YOU take Logan up on his proposition?**I'll pick a Random Winner, so keep checking back to see if you've won!! 
Buy Now: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes
He lost her once. Is this their second chance? 
Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson's image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota's overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much. 
Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family's international resort chain, he won't risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt's blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?

Love By Design: An Excerpt
Chapter 2“You sound like a hot mess,” Susan said.“Thanks,” Dakota replied. “I didn’t sleep very well. What’s up?”“Mrs. Anderson called—again,” her best friend and office manager, Susan Summers, replied. “She wants you to call back ASAP.”“It’s eight in the morning.”“She said it was important.”“I’ll bet she did,” Dakota groused. “I’ll call her shortly.”“Okay, but she said she had some information for you that was pretty important.”“I’m not really in the mood to speak with anyone right now.”“Why?”She sighed. “It’s a long, bizarre story about designer sheets, soup and toupees. I’ll fill you in on the way to work.”“I can’t wait to hear the details.”Dakota hung up and went back to her laptop. She checked her schedule. There was only one meeting for the day. That’s hardly going to get you into the black ink.Her business had been open less than six months. She had several clients, but her customers did not need her on a regular basis. One Eighty Renovationsspecialized in taking businesses that suffered from outdated decor, branding and staffing woes and turning them back into a hot commodity. Dakota took a holistic approach to re-energize her client’s consumer appeal, from the CEO’s attire, to the office chairs and the plates on the table at a luncheon meeting. When it came to improving the corporate image, nothing was off limits.Right now you need to improve yourimage…your financial image.Since college, Dakota realized the value of self-reliance. She did not need anyone guiding her path. Not relying on others meant never being disappointed. Failure would be at her own hands, and that was not an option. A wave of melancholia swept over her. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to get swept back to a time when life was simple…easier. Her mother’s warm smile, the sage advice of her father and the one man she thought she would have in her life forever. Logan. With a heavy heart, Dakota forced herself back to the present.She shut her laptop. Why was his aunt trying to reach her, and what was so dire? Probably another sermon on how I need to settle down and find Mr. Right.“Well, that’s never gonna happen because there’s no such thing as Mr. Right.” If anything, it was more like Mr. Right Now.*Two hours later, she stepped into the elevator at work. The small office space she rented on South LaSalle Street in Chicago’s Loop district was the perfect place to grow a business, and near all the major transit lines. It had an art-deco feel with tall, white semi-gloss walls and tray ceilings. The bright decor contrasted nicely with the rich, cherry wood trim and the dark gray and burgundy textured carpet. There was a conference room, two large offices, a kitchen and reception area. The bathroom was just outside her suite. She loved the compact space. It was elegant, and the accessories and artwork she had chosen complemented the leather furniture. When she opened the glass door to her suite and walked in, a sense of pride practically overwhelmed her. One Eighty Renovations was her life’s blood she had built from whole cloth. She vowed it would flourish.Susan was in the process of taking a bite out of her bagel when Dakota walked in.“Well, if it isn’t the sex toy.”Dakota snorted. “Don’t even get me started. Thanks to the Casanova of Home Goods, I need another path to Amadeus Rothschild—and fast.”“Let me get this straight—you get propositioned by one of your suppliers, and all you’re worried about are the designer linens?”“Yes. I’ve got a problem to solve, and I’m going to solve it. Dig up whatever you can on Mr. Rothschild and his company, Sheet Music. Someone we know besides Roger has to have his phone number. Call in some favors, make some promises…do whatever it takes to find him.”“Sure thing. What about Mr. Thompson?”“Forget him. I’m not some conquest, or here to appease his ego. I’ve dealt with the situation. Time to focus on landing a new client.”“Sounds great. Got any ideas?”“A few. Follow me.”Susan got up and headed into Dakota’s office. She took a seat in the chair across from Dakota’s desk with her computer tablet in hand. “I’m all ears. Impress me.”“She’s been doing that to me for years.” A man’s voice sounded behind them.Both women looked up in unison. Dakota’s eyes flew to the doorway. The color drained off her face. She stood up shakily and braced her desk.“Dakota, are you okay?” Susan whispered.“Logan.”“Hello, Koty.”“Koty?” Susan’s eyebrow rose. “I thought you hated that nickname?”Dakota glanced at Logan. Despite the shock at seeing him, she schooled her features. When she spoke, her voice was firm. “No, just the person who used to use it.”Logan crossed the room at an unhurried pace. “Is that how you greet a long-lost friend?”“You were hardly lost,” she clarified. “You left, if I recall.”“Well, that part may be true.”“May be?” Dakota retorted. “You destroyed our friendship, Logan. You left abruptly—and you didn’t look back.” She left out the part about when she needed him most.Susan glanced between the two of them. “Uh, I think I’ll let you two catch up.”She stood up and bolted from the room.The lofty reply got under Dakota’s skin in record time and spurred her to action. She was across the room in seconds.“What are you doing here?”Logan sat down on the couch. “Are you going to stand here hissing at me like an angry kitten, or are you going to welcome a good friend home?”“There’s that word again,” she replied. “I haven’t seen you in how many years, Logan? I’d hardly call us friends—good or otherwise.”“We were inseparable once.”“Yes, we were…and then you ruined it.”He nodded. “Fair enough, but it’s not like I’ve changed much, Koty.”“Nope, still the selfish jackass you’ve always been,” she quipped. “And it’s Dakota. Nobody calls me Koty…not anymore.”“How about we call a cease-fire, and you ask me why I’m here?”“How about you explain why you stayed away in the first place? Better yet, why you didn’t level with me if your feelings had changed, and why you’re sitting here like I’m supposed to run into your arms and give you a big welcome-home hug. I can tell you right now, that ain’t happening.”“Can you please sit down and let me explain?”With an exasperated sigh, Dakota took a seat across from him. “I’m sitting. Now why are you here? I thought Chicago was the last place you wanted to be?”He winced at the not-so-subtle reminder of words spoken long ago that she had overheard. “For a long time it was…but things change.”Her expression was guarded. “I know that better than anyone.”He sighed. “I did come back, often, if I recall.”“Yes, you did, but nothing was ever the same. Tell me I’m wrong. Each time I saw you things were…awkward between us.”“I don’t expect you to understand, but I stayed away to make a name for myself.”“Last time I checked, you were a Montague. How many names do you need?”“You know what I mean. I left at my father’s insistence to learn the family business, but I also went in search of life on my own terms…without all the baggage—and the money. It was important to me.”“Obviously more important than our friendship.”His expression turned remorseful. “You know that wasn’t the case.”“Do I?” She stared at him. “What was I supposed to think, Logan? You spouted some gibberish about going off to work at Montague…something you said you’d never do.”“It was at my parents’ insistence, Dakota. I didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter. I never wanted to leave Chicago—or you.”“But you kissed me…we kissed, Logan. You literally ask me to wait for you, and then you leave and go to New York, but that’s not the best part. Then you go to California to attend Stanford instead of Georgetown University like we planned. You didn’t tell me about your decision until it was too late to stop you. Which I’m sure you bargained for.”Logan glanced up. “Dakota, nothing during those years turned out the way I’d hoped. It was wrong of me to ask you to put your life on hold for me, but…I thought we had something developing between us that we should explore.”“So did I, but then things changed.”“I know. I’m sorry, Dakota.”When she remained quiet, he continued. “So you did end up going to Georgetown?”“That was the plan,” she said pointedly. “I kept my end of our promise. And to add insult to injury, you didn’t keep in contact.”The bitter censure in her words was not lost on Logan.“So what about you?”She looked confused. “What about me?”“You didn’t bother to visit. You knew where I was, and you didn’t come. Not once.”“Are you kidding, I—”Dakota clamped her mouth shut. She was about to confess that she had come to visit, but stopped before she could humiliate herself by telling him the truth. She would never admit that she did go to see him, but that when she reached his dorm room and a friend let her in, she discovered Logan in bed with another woman. That’s when her heart had shattered into a heap at her feet, and she realized that she had loved Logan—and lost him. She swore he would never know the extent of her pain, or heartbreak. That one kiss they shared before he left was their first…and last.“You what?”“Nothing,” she said quickly. “You’re right. I’m the bad guy here.”“I never said that.”“I didn’t come see you when I could have. Truth is, I found myself very unmotivated to travel across the country to see a man who didn’t want to be in the same city with me.”It bothered her, being so affected by their busted-up friendship. It should have been water under the bridge—too many things had occurred since he left. He was absent when she needed him most. To see him now after so many years of silence was like a well-placed chisel chipping away at a wall of ice.“It wasn’t that, Dakota. I…wanted to see you. I never stopped wanting to see you.”“Yeah? Well, your actions spoke way louder than words, Logan.”He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs. “Koty, I know that I hurt you…terribly, and that I can never fix what I…threw away. And I get that you don’t want to see me, but I’m here to make things right between us.”“How do you propose to do that, Logan?” she scoffed. “A time machine?”“I’d use it if I had one. Since I don’t, I need you to hear me out. I’ve got an idea that could be advantageous—to both of us.”Dakota crossed her arms in front of her. If she was going to be fed a line, she wanted to be good and comfortable. “Fine, Logan, let’s hear it.”“I want to hire you to renovate my resorts.”“Your resorts? I thought your parents were still at the helm.”He shook his head. “They stepped down a few months ago and put me in charge. Dad still runs Montague, but I’m the new CEO of Belle Resorts.”“Great for you, but why do you want me?”“You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted.”Her eyebrow arched upward. “You could’ve fooled me.”“For this job,” he explained. “Your caliber of expertise is just what Belle Cove needs to introduce her to a whole new demographic. She has to change with the times, Dakota. Right now we’re viewed as too elitist, and unapproachable. If we’re to prosper, we need more overall appeal. While still remaining luxurious, of course.”She shook her head. “I can’t believe you want me to work for you.”“I do, but more important, given our history…can you work for me?”Dakota pondered all the ramifications to herself and her business. It was a no-brainer. Business trumped heart, every time. Dakota’s gaze connected with his. “Yes.”Relief suffused his face. Logan stood up. “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you’d throw me out on my ear.”“I considered it.”Logan headed to the door, and Dakota followed.“I just want you to know that I believe that eventually, we can get past our differences.” Dakota looked skeptical. “Only time will tell.”
Thank you for reading! Be Blessed, and Be Inspired...

If there's one thing I've learned lately, is to own up to the fact that I need to make time for myself. I'm a wife, a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, in-law, employee, an author...this list is endless it seems, as is the pull on my time.  So the big quest is how to juggle EVERYTHING we have on our plates.  There's plenty of experts out there with very sound advice on lists, schedules, prioritizing techniques, visualization, etc...and as a very indecisive person (and Gemini), it is very (and I do mean very) easy for me to get off-target, off-topic, and off my rocker!  But lately, I've found it's better to just Keep it Simple.

So in the true vein of less is more, I've started dedicating a few moments for myself daily to recharge, regroup, and realign with my purpose...what I was born to do–my spiritual gift.  For me, it makes a world of difference, and it's something I highly recommend.  Even if your beliefs steer you in another direction, I'm pretty sure that "me" time is universal, so try it for yourself. Even a few minutes a day where you're not answering a call, checking e-mail, running behind your kids, pets, or working.  Shut down for that small space of time. Meditate, Pray, Zone out.  Whatever you like to call it...JUST DO IT!  It's great for your health, your mind, and the other people in your life, so why not give the gift of a calmer, more focused you?

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." 

~Etty Hillesum


Here's a great, fast, and healthy dinner recipe to give you a few extra minutes of "me" time:

Lisa's Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

(1) bag of the frozen shrimp with the tails off, 0r you can buy the fresh shrimp and take the tails off yourselfFresh onions, green, red, and yellow peppers, or save time and get a bag of the chopped peppers and onionsFresh Cilantro(1) LimeYour favorite Salsa (optional)Fajita-size soft tortillasSour cream (optional)Shredded Cheese (optional)Olive Oil, or your favorite cooking oilMinced garlicDirections:
I marinate my shrimp in a gallon-size storage back with Olive Oil, minced garlic, sea salt, pepper, and the cilantro 15-30 minutes prior to cooking. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw first, and then marinate.Dump the contents of the bag into a hot non-stick pan and saute shrimp mixture until they shrimp are done (if you're using uncooked shrimp, cook until they're no longer blue), and then set aside.Add more olive oil to your pan, and then saute all the veggies together until they're tender.Fold your shrimp in and mix with the cooked veggiesSqueeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, remove pan from heat and let sit for a few minutes while you're getting your tortillas, salsa, and other fixings ready.Enjoy!

Lisa

Indulge yourself this holiday season with a great book by one of your favorite authors!  What better way to relax after hours and hours of Christmas shopping, card writing and gift wrapping, than with a new book?  Buy a novel or two today for yourself, or someone else.  Give the gift of new friends, good laughs and lots of romance!    Deatri King Bey - Christmas Angel    The madness must end. All Abigail wants for Christmas is to be left alone. She has grown tired of her family’s horrible matchmaking schemes and her daughters’ deceptive plans to get her to take her ex-husband back. It’s not that she doesn’t want a relationship. She’s more than ready for Mr. Right to sweep her off her feet. She’s just come to the realization that there may not be a Mr. Right out there for her—and that’s okay. Now if she could only convince her family of that. Jeff is all work and no play, which is why he found himself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a blizzard quickly approaching. Desperate for cover, he spots a house in the distance. Upon meeting the kindhearted, gorgeous owner of the home, he deems Abigail his Christmas Angel, and thanks Santa for the early gift. But is she too good to be true? Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Second-Chances-Deatri-King-Bey-ebook/dp/B00GBJCAAC Barnes& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-angel-deatri-king-bey/1117268242?ean=2940148713821 Visit Deatri online: http://deatrikingbey.com/   Norma L. Jarrett - Christmas Beau (Book 1 – The Haven and Harper Series) Haven Powell issues Santa and God a challenge… “They must be giving away engagement rings like government cheese!" Haven Powell thought after hearing even her seventy-something co-worker even had a man. A bit dismayed at her career options and dismal holiday plans, Haven issues Santa and God a challenge...to deliver her "+ one" by 11:59 p.m. December 31st. When her sister Harper officially launches "Project + One" the holiday fun begins! After a series of hapless hook ups and lackluster love connects she discovers the ultimate lesson in faith, patience and Gods’ timing!" Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Beau-Harper-Haven-Series-ebook/dp/B00AL0BPD0 Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-beau-norma-jarrett/1113969108 Author Website: http://www.normajarrett.net Unoma Nwankwor - The Christmas Ultimatum This was the most wonderful time of the year, or was it? Freelance journalist, Olanma Obinze, just landed the interview of a lifetime. She didn’t like the commercialism of Christmas, so the trip to Dubai was the perfect destination and it was happening at the perfect time. She’d get to escape the Christmas hoopla; and the big paycheck once the article was sold would ensure she didn't have to go crawling back to her father for money. Abayomi Rice was in charge of scheduling interviews for his grandfather, but would only grant Olanma's request if she accepted his ultimatum—a trip half way across the world to Cape Town, South Africa. After all they did have unfinished business. Olanma wasn’t falling for the charm of a recovering playboy and a rich one at that. But with her plans going up in smoke before her eyes, Olanma must decide whether to give in to the ultimatum or leave empty handed. Who said it was the season to be merry? Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Ultimatum-Unoma-Nwankwor-ebook/dp/B00GVLVFUQ/ Barnes & Nobles http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-ultimatum-unoma-nwankwor/1117509576?ean=2940149003921 Author Website www.unomanwankwor.com   JL Campbell - Anya's Wish Even with love in the air, Anya has some Scrooge-like moments that put a damper on the holidays... One man. One woman. One wish. After five years in a dead-end relationship, the last thing Anya needs is a man to upset her ordered existence. A quiet, Christmas season with family is all that’s on her agenda, until her job puts her in contact with Christophe Mondesir, who refuses to play by her rules. Caught between an interfering ex, a secret that gives her anxious moments, and a man with the power to make her forget promises to herself, Anya faces more complications than she can handle. If her ex would stay gone, she might take a chance on romance with the man determined to spin her world off its axis. But the obstacles in her way leave Anya stuck in a groove with work as the main diversion from her problems. Only Christophe’s resolve to win Anya’s love makes the difference between staying in a rut and pursuing her dreams. Anya’s Wish is the prequel to Chasing Anya. Amazon link - http://www.amazon.com/Anyas-Wish-Island-Adventure-Series-ebook/dp/B00H6TXVMM/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_d_1 Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/386086 Website - http://www.joylcampbell.com/p/books.html Connect with J.L. Campbell on Twitter - @JL_Campbell   Shelia M Goss also writing as SPARKLE - The Joneseswww.sheliagoss.com Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed... Pre-order - Amazon.com
Rhonda McKnight – Give a Little Love Brooke Jordan thought her Christmas was going to be boring, particularly since she’s stuck working in Montego Bay, Jamaica, instead of home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family. Paradise isn’t paradise when you’re not where you want to be, but this Christmas is anything but uneventful. Three airplanes land on the island and Brooke finds herself in exchanges that cause love, temptation, and HATE to surface. Marcus Thompson has pain in his past, but he’s decided it’s time to try love again. A widowed orphan from a wealthy family, he’s alienated from his grandfather and wants a family of his own. His feelings for Brooke can’t be denied, but she won’t give him a chance to prove he’s not the playboy she thinks he is. Though she finds Marcus tempting, Brooke is determined to get off the island without falling for his charms. The two people she trusted the most betrayed her in the worse way, and she isn’t prepared to risk love again. But when her worst enemy stands on her doorstep needing the generosity that has always been a part of Brooke’s character, she begins to question who she is and what she’s allowed heartbreak to do to her. Will she let   anger and hate take over and turn her into someone else? Or will she find that even in her pain, she has the capacity to give?   Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda Twitter:  www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight Website: www.rhondamcknight.net Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/rhondamcknight1/give-a-little-love/  Purchase links: Amazon - http://alturl.com/m6abx Barnes - http://alturl.com/tmp8g Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/386554                 
 

Words...Words...Candy...and More Words
Okay, I'm sure I was the only one that went way, way overboard in indulging my Trick or Treat candy weakness, right?  I had a whole bowl of yummy chocolate goodness, and a whopping two kiddies showed up at my door.  Jeez!  You can see my dilemma and why I felt inclined to help myself to the mini Twix, Snickers, Kit Kats...etc...  Either way, it's back to the Gym to work off the Sweet tooth before it becomes more like Sweet Love Handles!  I've been hard at work on editing and writing for the last few weeks, and I tell you, the old adage, "Be careful what you ask for..." is chiming in my word overloaded brain.  Still, I wouldn't have it any other way, and I'm blessed with the ability to do what brings me the greatest joy!  The edits for book two in The Match Broker series are done (at least the latest go round is), and my release date is May 14, 2014.  Now it's on to finish up book three in the series.  I've just completed and released my latest holiday novellas on Kindle, A Heart for Christmas, and Two Hearts for Christmas, and combined in print in Love at Christmastime.  I've been receiving great feedback from these Sweet romances.  I wanted these books to have mass appeal.  It was important to me to create a family that everyone could identify with, root for and laugh and cry with.  I believe the Darcys are one of my favorite group of characters to date, and I can't wait to see what they'll prompt me to write next Christmas.  ;)


Autumn has brought lots of excitement in the Watson household.  My son just turned 16 last week!  He's a great young man, so I wanted to indulge him in his one request (Besides the X-Box One he wasn't getting, or the Limited Edition Retro Air Jordan's for $170), to have a sleep over with a few of his buddies.  My daughter cut a deal with me.  If I brought home an Arizona Iced Tea, and Jalepeno Cheetos, she'd be on her good behavior and leave Brandon and friends alone.  A small price to pay for not hearing..."Mom, tell Alyssa to quit bugging us before I kill her!!"

Thanks to Aleve, flannel pajamas, and a few chick flicks from the Watson Vault, I was set for the night, and didn't really mind that my entire house shook from the boys playing X-Box on surround sound.  The boys were in the house, and not Lord knows where, doing who knows what.  Which reminds me a lot of my teenage years.  My friends and I were lucky in that our parents didn't mind us hanging out over each other's houses having get togethers.  I guess their line of thinking was that it was better to know where we all were, as opposed to worrying about our being out running the street doing things we weren't supposed to be doing.  ;)
I guess I really don't mind living out in the country with the cows and being over five miles from the nearest store, and having more strict teenage driving laws.  If Brandon wants to even think about sneaking out of the house to get into mischief, he'll have to do it on horseback!

Be Inspired...

Those are thought evoking words spoken by Confucius, and I thought it a fitting topic for my blog today.  Change is one of the hardest things that people do in life, and yet one of the most essential.  The older I get, the more I see the need to change, to not stay within the confines of where I am in this moment.  This is most evident as I grow and develop as a writer.  With each book, I try to stretch the confines of my mind by stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring something new.  As I do research (and anyone who knows me knows that this is NOT one of my favorite things to do), I try and find places, foods, information that I can inject into my stories that I didn't know before. 

With my latest novel, Love Contract, my main character is half Mexican.  It was exciting, and yet daunting to come up with a realistic and believable woman that was three dimensional.  It was important to me to weave a few sentences into the story that would allow me to accomplish this task without making the book too top heavy with Español, and yet still have that authenticity.  I turned to a friend of mine that is bilingual because let's face it, my two years of high school Spanish just wasn't going to cut it!  I also wanted to ensure that if someone was speaking in Spanish, the person answering would do so in English so that the reader would still be able to follow the context of the story. 

I grew up reading Historical romances that were set in England, Scotland and Ireland.  Every so often I would come across the characters speaking in Gaelic, Scottish or French.  I wouldn't have a clue what was being said, and Google Translator wasn't around back then, but I bet it was good!

As I'm working on deadline for my next book in The Match Maker series, I have immersed myself in a new topic to add to the storyline.  Senior Citizen defense classes and Cane-Fu!  It's been fun working on Tiffany Gentry and the formidable Lt. Col. Ivan Mangum's story.  Readers will be happy to know that Norma Jean is back, and all to ready to find that perfect match for still-single Tiffany.  Will Tiffany find love on her own terms, or will Cupid get help from a Pro!?

Stay tuned...

Be Inspired!

Lisa

I had a great time conversing with Ella Curry on 4/24/13 to promote Love Contract!  Join in as I discuss my book, writing, and what's next for me on Black Author Network!

Evening with Ella Curry

Listen to Beyond the Book Spotlight's RT Booklovers Convention Special from last Friday, April 19th.  Sasha and Sara interviewed romance author, and Graphic novelist, Anne Elizabeth, and E-Book Expo organizer, Cindy Walker to learn more about the upcoming E-Book, Indie Publisher and Graphic Novel Expo at the convention on Thursday, May 2nd from 4:00 - 6:00pm.  They had a great discussion on the ins-and-outs of the convention, the best way to navigate through and find your favorite authors and of course the parties!

BTBS - RT 2013 Special - E-Book, Indie, and Graphic Novel Expo at the RT Booklovers Convention - Kansas City!
 

Today, dynamic author, Mingmei Yip, International Bestselling author, Ethan Cross, Award-Winning author, and RT Booklovers Convention Publicist, Pat Simmons and I had a chance to chat with the Literary Lady herself, Yolanda Johnson-Bryant.  Mingmei and Ethan had a chance to discuss their current and upcoming books, their writing and experiences with the RT Booklovers Convention. 

Mingmei has been to RT before, but this will be Ethan Cross' first time attending.  Pat and I shared our stories about how amazing the convention really is, and how much readers, authors, aspiring authors and industry professionals really get out of it attending each year.  As one of the publicists for the RT Booklovers Convention, it's my job to help promote the event and to spread the word via media outlets.  I set aside my "Author" hat during leading up to the event, and the week of  in order to concentrate on my job: publicizing the convention.  I must admit, it's hard not to get star struck with so many amazing people in one place, at one time.  Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting many of the bestselling authors that I grew up reading.  And to a book worm like me, that's a dream come true!

This year, the convention will be in Kansas City.  I look forward to not only promoting the authors attending, communing with readers, networking, meeting my editor, vendors and old friends, but to finally see what all the talk is about Kansas City BBQ!!  Stay tuned for more interesting tidbits and interviews as we get closer to the convention.

Be Inspired...

Lisa

RT Booklovers Convention Interview on The Author's Hideaway

As I was writing Love Contract, I pondered all sorts of dating scenarios that I could put one of my main characters, Adrian Anderson in.  In the story, his mother, Norma Jean “Jeannie” Anderson, doesn’t think, she knows, that she is a bonifide matchmaker.  After all, she has been blessed to have found her soul mate, so why shouldn’t she try and grace her son (and everyone else) with that kind of happiness?  Adrian’s friends call Norma Jean “The Love Broker.” Because if you’re single, and breathing, at some point and time she is going to try and fix you up.  What Jeannie is oblivious to is that fact that most of her “dream” dates that she sets people up on end in some type of disaster or mishap.  Over the years, Adrian has taken a lot of ribbing from his buddies over his mother’s machinations so I wanted to make sure that I brought in some of that frustration he was feeling as he tries time and time again to get his mother to stay out of his love life.  When I had to come up with some of Adrian’s blind-dates-gone-bad, it got me thinking about a few of my own.  Granted, I’d never had anything happen to me on the scale that Adrian has had to deal with, but still it got me thinking about a few dates that I would be more than happy to forget ever occurred. In a 2000 edition of Ebony Magazine, Kelly Starling said that, “Everybody knows the pressure of a first date: Searching for that perfect outfit. Hunting for ways to be engaging. Dissecting each detail when it's over to check for mistakes. Dating can make even the most confident person lose his cool.”  When I was in my late twenties, I vividly recall taking a dip in the Blind Date pool.  It was actually on a few not-so-subtle suggestions from my friends, and as Kelly stated, I had the signature “uniform” for that first blind date.  If it was a casual affair, I had a cool floral dress (floral was popular in the late 1990’s) that stopped just above my ankle.  I’m six-feet tall, so I get excited when anything gets even remotely close to my ankle!  For the more dressy date, I had a black, knit dress with a scoop neck, and long sleeves.  It was very flattering, never wrinkled, and was also long.  It was my favorite dress, and I didn’t have to ask, I KNEW I looked good in it.  A friend set me up on a blind date, and after much pondering I decided what the heck, I’ll go.  I like to call myself an introvert, with extrovert-like qualities.  Basically, I’m a home body and the thought of going out mingling with people that I don’t know is not high up on my To-Do list, but when I need to pull it out I can.  The man in question calls me, and for the life of me I can’t recall his name now so for the sake of this blog…his name is James.  James calls me, we chat that lovely polite, perky chat most people do when they don’t know each other and they’re about to meet, and we make arrangements to go out to “dinner.”  I follow the blind date guidelines, describe myself, what I’ll be wearing, and drive myself to the designated rendezvous with pepper spray (you could carry it back then) and enough cash to cover my dinner…just in case.“Dinner” turns out to be James’ company Christmas party.  You heard me; my blind date decides to take me to his company Christmas party!  Complete with a boss…coworkers…their spouses.  You get the picture.  I decide to make the best of the situation and plop myself down at a table with James, and about four other couples and try to make it appear as though James and I didn’t just meet seven minutes ago.  To quote Jerry Seinfeld, “Dating is pressure and tension. What is a date, really, but a job interview that lasts all night?”  The funny thing is my ‘interview’ wasn’t with James, who was very busy laughing and chatting with the guests at the table (all of which he knew), my Q&A session for the evening was with the woman sitting next to me.  It seems she too was at the dinner as a date (a blind one) with another employee.  Once we figured out we had that in common, we chatted over the obligatory chicken, green beans, and roasted potatoes while comparing date notes.  On occasion, James would lean over to inquire how I was doing, and if I was having a good time.  Was he kidding!?  An hour and a half later, the party was winding down and people were starting to leave.  I said goodnight to my blind-date-solidarity-sister, and wished her a Merry Christmas and Happy New Date.  After they left, James asked me if I was ready to leave.  Uh…yep! 

We get outside, and he walks me to my car.  We trade more pleasantries, and by that time I’m very much aware that there is no chemistry between us, no spark, not even dessert.  And I love dessert!  As I wave goodbye and drive away, my first reaction is to be annoyed at the whole situation, but I can’t.  Despite the less than ideal circumstances surrounding my blind date, I did have something to do on a Friday night, I did meet new people, and I did make the best of a less than ideal situation by keeping my sense of humor.  It was Christmastime, too and we all know how that time of the year tends to put a person in a great mood.  As does stopping and getting a slice of Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog!