Chilling with Sista Chat Book Club

Last night I had the most wonderful time discussing my two novels, I'm Gonna Make You Love Me and If Only You Knew, with the Sista Chat Book Club of Buffalo. These women showed me so much sisterhood. And I felt so at home that I almost forgot we were talking about my books! I got so caught up in the discussion that all my nervous feelings about having my "babies" discussed by others went away. You know sisters will tell it like it is. So, I had been nervous all day thinking that they may hate the books and wonder why they invited me in the first place. But we all had a good time talking about the books. Some of the members loved Alicia and she got on some of their nerves. Most of the members loved them some Darren. Some members liked Carlton and others threatened to "cut him" if they had been Latonya. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I can't wait to get the pictures developed so I can post them on my website. I think that Black women's book clubs are the corner stone of the new black literature renaissance we are currently experiencing. And I'm so glad that Sista Chat was my first book club experience. So Sista Chat, thanks so much for showing a sista some love! You women are awesome!

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Feature Hero-Logy on Strictly Seductive

This week the hero from my latest novel, If Only You Knew, will be the featured hero on Anisa Damien's blog, Strictly Seductive. Stop by and check out Carlton Harrington III.

http://www.strictlyseductive.blogspot.com/

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

The Unrequited Love Mix Tape, Volume I

Okay, we have all heard them throughout the years, those songs that wax lyrically about the one that you love who doesn’t have the good sense God gave him to love you back. As much as I love me some romance, even I know that the road to love isn’t always paved with gold. So I started thinking about what songs I would put on a mix tape to help tender hearts deal with the perils of unrequited love. Here it is, a mix tape from me to you that is a mix of old school and new.

1. “Just My Imagination,” a classic from the tasty Temptations. Because we all know that when you’re knee deep in unrequited love you can’t stop imagining what it would be like if…
2. “Ex-Factor,” new school for sure but also a classic from Lauryn Hill. This song is a classic because there is nothing worse that unrequited love when you are in a relationship. All give, no get, not cool…
3. “If Only You Knew,” a classic from Patti LaBelle. “I must have rehearsed my lines a thousand times…” Because we all know that you have all the things you would say to that special someone if you ever got up the nerve to approach them…
4. “In My Mind,” new school from Heather Headley. Now the sister is just a little close to the crazy edge here and in serious fantasyland. Because the brother has moved on to another. But we all know that sometimes it’s hard to tell the heart that it is really over and you can still have love for someone even if it is over…
5. “Love Song,” new school from Jean Grae. This song is all about a young girl trying to come to grips with the disappointments of love and relationships but still remaining in the game. With lines like “Sees things through her pink-tinted glasses,” and “send Prince Charming please,” I had to include it on my mix tape.
6. “If You Still Love Her,” another classic from Miki Howard. Because we all know that if his heart is with another, he can’t love you the way you need to loved…
7. ‘So Gone,” is a new school joint from Monica. She may be caught up in the love thang, but sista girl is too through and ready to go! Unrequited love is for the birds and Monica is about to bring wreck!
8. “This Love,” is new school from Maroon 5. I had to throw a little blue-eyed soul in there. Really the entire Songs about Jane album is an ode to unrequited love if I ever heard one.
9. “I Wish I Wasn’t,” another one from Heather Headley make this a double play on the mix tape. Sista girl knows he doesn’t love her the way that he should so she’s wishing her own love away…
10. “Get It Together,” is a new school joint by 702. With lyrics like, “I don’t really wanna go. I don’t really wanna stay,” this song shows what too much time in “Unrequited Love Ville” will do to ya! It’ll make you so confused you won’t know if you’re coming or going…
11. "Silly," old school from Denise Williams. "Silly of me to think that I could ever have you for my guy. How I love you..." That classic song has to cap off the mix tape.

And that’s it for my mix tape devoted to all the lovers who have yet to find their perfect someone, the one who will love them back. Pop it in. Press play. But don’t give up hope. Love is just a touch away!

And if you think I’ve missed an important track, let me know. There’s always Volume II.


Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Interview with Author Anisa Damien

Hi all,

With so many wonderful and talented writers publishing today, I thought it would be cool to interview some of them and share their stories here. I plan to interview at least one author a month on my blog. First up is multicultural erotic romance writer, Anisa Damien. So, check out what she has to say about her publications and the e-publishing industry.

GB: Hi, Anisa! I’m so glad you decided to drop by my blog for a chat.

AD: Thanks for having me Gwyneth!

GB: My first question is a simple one. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

AD: Well, writing came to me as a surprise in grade school, since I swore I didn’t like spending time reading, but when I actually read so many wonderful works of fiction I became intrigued with creating my own characters and have been writing every sense.

GB: Tell us a little bit about your published work so far.

AD: I have just published a short story for Changeling Press, my first paranormal, titled Baby, It’s Witchcraft.

(Blurb)
Lawyer and witch Alexis Scott doesn't need to cast a spell to know that the world is askew -- she has the law!

But when a mysterious blue-eyed stranger show up in her bed giving her mind-blowing orgasms, Alexis starts to wonder if a little magic is all that bad! That is, until she discovers her new lover is the King of the Underworld.

Also, I just had my first release out by Cobblestone Press, Midnight Whispers.

(Blurb)
Joie couldn't be more surprised to find out that she is the “Lion's” prime candidate for his little game of seduction. Soon his sensual instructions are her undoing and Joie backs away from what could be the start of a sexual addiction.

Leo Tobias was back home - Houston and to Joie, leaving his life behind as an undercover Narcotics detective behind. The one thing he's held on to is his sexy memories of having Joie in his life and in his bed. And now, he's decided that their friends-with-benefits relationship was never enough.

GB: How many e-books have you published and where are they published?

AD: I have 6 books published currently. Readers may find my books at:

http://www.:LiquidSilverBooks.com
http://www.VenusPress.com
http://www.ChangelingPress.com
http://www.Loose-Id.com
http://www.Cobblestone-Press.com


GB: Are there any common themes?

AD: I think all my work has a sense of “love conquers all” to them.

GB: Are they mostly multicultural and interracial?

AD: Yep, my books are a mixture of multicultural and interracial. Love comes in all flavors.

GB: Do you have some that have both an African American hero and heroine?

AD: I currently have two projects that feature an African American hero and heroine. I love showing the power of love between African-Americans as well as different races. r

GB: What made you decide to go with an e-publisher for your work?

AD: After reading some of them and seeing the variety offered, I decided I had to give it a try. My first book published with an e-publisher was Wild Impulses released by Liquid Silver Books.

GB: Do you find the e-book audience to be a little more open to diversity?

AD: Definitely. With ebooks, I feel I have a lot more freedom to write what I want without all the guidelines.

GB: You write hot, steamy, erotic romances. What made you decide to go this route?

AD: LOL. I love erotic romance. I started writing straight contemporary romance and something always felt like it was missing.

GB: Did you always know that you wanted to make it hot in your writing?

AD: I think there was always a part of me that wanted to, but you know how it is when you start something new, you doubt it first. But I love it. Writing about the sensual side of characters is fun and displays a lot about your character. However, it is the romance – that happy ending that keeps me coming back every time.

GB: I see that your writing has branched off to include some mystery/suspense and some paranormal elements. Do you think this is a direction we can expect more of from you in the future?

AD: Oh yes, definitely. I have a thing for demons and vampires and have a lot more stories featuring, specifically vampires in the works, such as, my upcoming release, Flirting With Danger, to be released by Loose-Id.

(Blurb)
Arieona “Aries Roman has been left at the altar twice by two vampires no less! When a million dollars of diamonds are stolen; Aries puts her jilted heart aside and travels to the Caribbean to seek out a thief and never expected to come face to face with ex-lover, Quentin De Leon. Despite, her no-strings, just sex approach, Aries soon finds herself consumed by lust for a man who walked out of her life, but not her heart.

Quentin De Leon has always known that his life as a Guardian would force him to battle with the on thing he’s desired most: Aries. His job is to stop her from going against an immortal enemy that could destroy them both, but will his desire to possess her body and soul blind him as evil strikes and possibly cause him to loose the woman he loves more than his own immortality?

There is something very seductive about vampires to me.

My upcoming series, Brown Suga Inc. to be released Venus Press will have a lot of family secrets intertwined, a murder and a lot of lies and romance!

GB: How has your life changed since becoming published?

AD: Boy, there was never enough time in the day before and there isn’t enough now. Being published is a continuous journey that has its ebbs and flows. And I’m finding if you never stop learning – you’ll never be behind!

GB: What changes do you anticipate in the future?

AD: None that I can see. I hope to be blessed to write many more novellas and stories.

GB: You have done a lot to try and build community with other writers via the web. How is that working for you?

AD: I love talking to my readers and other authors. You learn so much. It keeps you fresh to what readers really want and like. And the girl talk is out of this world!

GB: Do you find the writing community open to this kind of outreach on your part?

AD: Oh yes. There are a lot of fellow authors subscribed to my yahoo group Stricly Seductive. Also, I utilize my blog at: http://strictlyseductive.blogspot.com to showcase author’s heroes in what I call “Hero-logy” or sketches of their heroes from their published works. I also do interviews on a show I host on Blasé Skip radio, Mahogany Lounge.

GB: You have a wonderful web and blog presence. Can you talk a little about what went into the creation of your various sites?

AD: Thank you! When my blog and website were designed, I wanted something that really showed my personal style, about my writing and I believe both do so wonderfully. I wanted to showcase African-American, Multicultural and Interracial erotic romance. My blog, I wanted to be a mixture of my endeavors as well as other authors. It’s the best promotion there is.

GB: What do you like to read in your spare time?
AD: Historicals, Erotic romance, paranormals, you name it!

GB: What are you reading right now?

AD: Studmuffin Wanted by Author Lena Matthews.

GB: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

AD: When you are starting out – it is so natural to be excited about your dreams and goals and equally natural for others, even those closest to you to not be as supportive as you’d like – Don’t give up. Keep forging on. Your voice deserves to be heard.

GB: Do you think that there is a future for African American writers of romance and erotic romance in e-publishing?

AD: I definitely think so. I believe it’s my style, my plots, my characters, my voice that will dictate that – more so, than the industry I publish in.

GB: What are you working on now?

AD: Right now, I am working on a two book vampire series, The Scarlet Ties. Book one is Taste: Heroine and Reporter, Ashlyn Michaels always gets what she wants! Her target was to interview the elusive Rayven brother; Cyrus and get the goods on the notoriously erotically themed hotel that only a chosen view were able to visit. But is Ashlyn ready for what Cyrus requests of her in return?

Cyrus Rayven has his choice of lovers but wants Ashlyn. Her shapely curves and wicked tongue make everything within his cold Vampire heart run scalding hot. He'll give her the interview she seeks, but not before she spends a week in his bed.

GB: Tell us a little something about your future works.

AD: The second book in The Scarlet Ties series is: Tempted in which Cyrus’ twin brother, Coye Rayven meets his match with Southern belle, Noely Lamont. I also have an upcoming release with Cobblestone Press, Pulse in which a secret agent is handing over his bullets for his ex-wife.

GB: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me, Anisa. Your work is wonderful and HOT and we look forward to all of the wonderful projects that you have in store.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday and another year has passed. I feel wonderful because I am living my dreams. I got to hold my first two romance novels in my hands this year. I've heard from readers all over the country who loved the stories I told in those novels. And my first paranormal erotic romance will be released at the end of the year. That makes three books in my debut year as a romance writer. I'm feeling pretty good about that.

So, go Gwenny! It's your birthday! Shake your booty! Get Busy! It's your birthday!

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Books In Black

Monica Jackson has created a new blog devoted to black books and readers. The space promises to be an invigorating one. There are featured authors, featured books, book reviews, and articles about the industry and craft. For readers and writers interested in joining the conversation about black books, Ms. Jackson has created another wonderful spot for us to frequent. So far she has featured Sharon Cullars, Brandon Massey, Dakota Knight and myself. I’m sure she has lots of great things in store. Check it out today!

http://monicajackson.com/bib/

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

On the radio

Last night I had the honor and the privilege to hear my word brought to life by Sonita Surratt’s Radio Drama Troupe. These women performed two scenes from my novel, I’m Gonna Make You Love Me, on air and it was fantastic! It was almost surreal hearing words that I wrote spoken and performed. The actresses breathed life into my characters and made me long to see hear more. The performance made me fall in love with my book again. Thanks so much, Sonita for the interview and the dramatic reading. I will never forget it! Just wanted to share.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Top Five African American Romantic Movies of All Time

Okay as you all know by now, I am a sucker for Black Love. I'm also a sucker for a good romantic-themed movie, any kind, from romantic comedies to the tear-jerkers. So for this post, I decided to list my top five favorite African American romantic movies. If you feel I left something off or that my list is just plain wrong, leave a post and give your own picks!

1. Claudine
I loved this movie. It used to come on at stray times during the year on a Saturday and I'd watch it every time. There is so much love going on in the film. The romance is central but you got love and family at play as well. I still want a copy of the soundtrack. "Gettin' wit the huggin'. Gettin' wit the kissin'. Gettin' wit the lovin'. On and on..." Woo!

2. Mahogany
"I just want my old man back!" Enough said. Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams made fire on the screen.

3. Love Jones
I don't care what anyone says, this movie renewed the love for poetry and spoken word in the black community! After it came out every body and their mother started reciting poems in dark clubs and giving soul snaps of appreciation for a verse well-said. The soundtrack was fire too. Lauryn Hill's "The Sweetest Thing" is worth the price of the CD alone.

4. Love and Basketball
Okay, who didn't cry in that final basketball match between Sanaa and Omar? Their chemistry was awesome in that film.

5. Deliver Us from Eva
This is the one that I'm sure people will argue with me about. But there was the love between the sisters, the romance and umm... well... there was LL! Holla!

That's my list! What's yours?

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth