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

Not everyone will love you. . .

Writing romance novels has helped me fulfill both my biggest dream and my biggest nightmare. The dream part is wonderful. I love writing stories. I love sharing them with readers. The nightmare part is a bit much. Being ass-out for the world to see and putting my work out there for everyone is hard. I have never felt so vulnerable. Having no control over how your work is perceived is nerve wracking. And then there is the fact that the people who love you work are never the ones who go on Amazon and write reviews. It’s always the person who hated your novel who goes on-line and writes a term paper all about how much they hated it.

My latest novel is truly one of those novels that people will either love or hate. There won’t be any neutral feelings about this one. And I’m glad about that. Part of the reasons why people will either love it or hate it have to do with the fact that it is a character driven novel and the characters don’t always follow the actions that we would like them to. The hero, Carlton Harrington III has some issues. So does the heroine. Their ride to love is a little bumpy. One thing I wanted to explore in the novel is the whole whirlwind courtship. You know, when people meet and fall in love in the space of a month. I wanted to look at what happens after the wedding and happily ever after.

When I read a review that says that If Only You Knew was not a romance novel, I don’t know what to do with that. My first response is who died and made you the queen of romance. The genre itself is wide open and has a variety of subfields in it. So it may not be the romance that you like, but it is a romance. The last time I checked the only hard and fast rule for romance was the happily ever after. Everything else is up for grabs. So we can have sweet romances, romantic suspense, and paranormal romances. We can even have romance novels where the hero or heroine may not be the most likable person in the world, as long as he or she is redeemed at the end. I think my hero does redeem himself, but I will leave it up to readers to decide. It’s just hard for me to take reviews seriously when they say things like ‘this is not romance.’

It’s also hard to take a review seriously is the reader has written all glowing reviews for one author and no other reviews until they write the one negative review for another up and coming author. That’s all I’ll say about that.

All in all, I really knew going in that not everyone is going to love everything I write. But I know that I stayed true to the story that the characters told through me. I know that the characters come off the page and they are vibrant. That’s why they get such strong reactions. I know that I still love to write even though this being vulnerable stuff is for the birds. And I want to thank all the readers who have taken the time to write me and let me know how much they loved If Only You Knew and the readers who went on Amazon.com and wrote both good and bad reviews. Because you see, every time a reader takes the time and energy to write something about my work it lets me know that I sparked something in them. So far they aren’t saying she can’t write. They are saying they hate the hero. And that’s cool. Hate it or love it, I’m published! And that has always been my dream. I guess I’ll have to take the good with the bad.

2006 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing at the RWA Conference in Atlanta

Attention romance readers in the Atlanta area! Romance Writers of America is coming to Atlanta at the end of July and some of your favorite authors will be participating in the literacy signing. Come out and meet the authors.

Romance Writers of America is proud to host the “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing at the 26th Annual RWA Conference in Atlanta, GA on July 26, 2006 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel. Over 500 romance fiction authors will be signing books donated by publishers with the proceeds of the sales going to literacy charities. RWA has raised approximately $450,000 for literacy – help us reach the $500,000 mark! Check out the list below to see if your favorite authors will be there.

Please note: Since this is a literacy fundraiser, please do not bring more than a total of five of your own books for the authors to sign. We want to raise as much money as possible to help fight illiteracy!

Here are some of the African American Romance writers who will be participating in the signing:

Renee Alexis
Janice Angelique
Gwyneth Bolton
Ann Christopher
Dyanne Davis
Dara Girard
Seressia Glass
Shirley Hailstock
Brenda Jackson
J.M. Jeffries
Wayne Jordan
Marcia King-Gamble
Sandra Kitt
Kim Louise
Renee Luke
Michelle Monkou
Kayla Perrin
Candice Poarch
Kim Shaw
Jacquelin Thomas
Phyllis Bourne Williams
Alice Wootson

Hope to see you there!

Happy reading,

Gwyneth

More Hot Summer Reads

I spent the holiday weekend hanging out with my family and reading. I picked up a copy of the latest installment in L. A. Banks's Vampire Huntress series, The Forsaken. And I also picked up a copy of Ann Christopher's Trouble. I enjoyed both books a lot.

Ann Christopher is a new author with Kensington's Dafina imprint. Her romance novel provided a wonderful and engaging read. The hero is Mike Baldwin and all I can say is wow. He is a serious "do-right" man. The heroine, Dara, didn't have a chance once he set his sights on her and seriously started pursuit. Christopher has a real knack for creating characters that just pull you right in. I was truly captivated by all the characters. The prose pulled me right along on their ride to love.

If you haven't started reading L. A. Banks's Vampire Huntress series then you are missing out on a serious good thing. The latest installement, The Forsaken, had me turning the pages so fast I might have to buy another copy of the book. I couldn't put it down. Banks went through the bible, various myths and contemporary world events to weave together a novel that blows the mind it is so good. I mean she took me there bringing Cain into the picture. Take it from me, start with Minion and read the rest so you can experience this great series.

And if you are still looking for great reads check out Deatri King-Bey's Caught Up. This novel is the perfect mix of intrigue, suspense and romance. It has something in it for everyone. When I read it I got so caught up I couldn't put the book down. Trying to figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth and who can be trusted kept my mind twirling.

So if you are looking for some more hot books to take to the beach or wherever you plan to do your summer reading, pick up one of these books today.

Happy reading,

Gwyneth

Black Romance Anthology

Two of my favorite romance authors, Niobia Bryant and Kim Louise, are putting together an anthology on Black romance. If you have a story to send be sure to send it. It looks like a wonderful project! See the call below.

Nationally bestselling and award-winning authors Niobia Bryant and Kim Louise are seeking submissions of short stories for an upcoming African-American romance anthology.

We want to showcase the very best romance authors out there, whether published or unpublished. We are looking for stories that capture the very essence of a loving relationship and will resonate and remain with the reader long after they close the book. This anthology is an attempt to honor the romance writers who blazed the way, uplift the writers of today, and open the doors for those to come. We want an anthology that will properly represent the African-American romance genre in the same tradition that contemporary African-American fiction was represented by Terry Mcmillan's Breaking Ice: An Anthology of Contemporary African-American Fiction and Clarence Major's Calling the Wind:Twentieth Century African-American Short Stories.
                             
Anthology Concept
* We prefer at  least one love scene--all levels of sensuality accepted.
(UPDATE: love scenes are not required for sweet and tender romance stories and inspirationals.  We're leaving the insertion of the love scene up to the writer for those type of stories.)

* The relationships must be heterosexual.

* Stories should be in one of the following genres: . 

Contemporary Romance - Romantic Suspense or Romantic Comedy
Futuristic Romance (science fiction)
Paranormal Romance
Fantasy Romance
Historical Romance
Chick-Lit
Inspirational
Interracial (One of the characters must be African-American)

Submission Guidelines
* All stories must be written in proper manuscript formatting--12pt. Courier New, double spaced with one-inch margins.

* Stories should be 2500 - 3500 words (10-14 pages with proper formatting)

* E-mail your story to BlackRomanceAnthologies@yahoo.com. No attachments will be accepted. Please paste your submission into the body of the e-mail. Any stories sent as an attachment will be deleted. Please put SUBMISSION in the subject line.

* Be sure to include your name, contact information, and your story's genre WITH THE STORY. The final selection process will take a while, so if your contact information changes, please keep us informed.

* Only original stories that have not been published in any format are allowed.

* Just one story per author and please submit to us exclusively.

* All stories may be edited for content and length.

* Submissions  will be accepted June 1, 2006 until September 1, 2006.


Compensation
* There will be a payment for each story accepted for the final publication. Each contributor will receive copies of the completed project and a payment of $100.00.

* Also every contributor will be able to include a bio in the Contributors Section of both the book and the offical web site.

Hot Summer Reading

There are several hot and exciting releases this summer for the African American romance reader. I have been taking a little "me time" and reading a lot lately. Here are some of the really good books I've read lately:

Heated, Niobia Bryant
Again, Sharon Cullars
Truth or Dare, Delilah Dawson
Solid Soul, Brenda Jackson
Flamingo Place, Marcia King-Gamble
Mr. Right Now, Monica Jackson
Her Secret Life, Gwynne Forster
A Moment on the Lips, Phyllis Williams
The Durango Affair, Brenda Jackson

These are just a few of the romance novels I've read lately and loved. My own If Only You Knew was a part of the Kimani Romance launch with Brenda Jackson, Marcia King Gamble and Gwynne Forster. If you have some time this summer pick up all four books and read them.

I'm heading out to the book store today to see if they have L. A Bank's latest on the shelves yet. And I also hope to pick up a copy of Ann Christopher's Trouble.

Happy reading,

Gwyneth

Some thoughts on African American romance

I have been reading romance novels from the time I was twelve. My mom used to subscribe to Harlequin Presents and then she started getting the first silhouette American when they came out in the 80s. Okay, I'm dating myself. I guess I have always had a soft spot in my heart for a great love story, even before I was really old enough to know what a "great love" was supposed to be. In the 90s when the first African American romances were published I was in my twinkling twenties and knew all about love--yeah right. Anyway, I was so happy to finally be able to read about people who looked liked me falling in love. I subscribed to Arabesque and started my African American Romance collection. Several years and book cases later, my collection is very impressive. I have so many favorite writers that I don't know what to do. And I'm a romance writer now. I have two romance novels published so far and a few more coming out this coming winter. I feel blessed to be a part of such a growing field as a reader and a writer. So, I'm devoting this blog space to something I love African American romance. I'll post my thoughts on great books I've read and keep readers posted on my own novels. I'll more than likely have posts that look at African American romance novels, love songs, cinema--you name it. It's all black love, all the time. So check in from time to time and check me out.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth