Le Versatile Blogger… Thursday, May 31 2012

Okay *cracks knuckles*, I would’ve posted this a while ago if not for the contest I veered off and participated in. But it was all in good fun, and I learned a lot. Definitely worth it! However, never having received an award for blogging, I take this very seriously… So first and foremost, I’d like to express my sincerest appreciation to the person who nominated me, Miss Sharon Bayliss. I think I shall take a page from her book and only award 5 bloggers this prestigious recognition. And they are:

1) Ink in the book

2) Rebekah Loper, Writer

3) Writing with Hope

4) Run, Gwen, Run! Write, Gwen, Write!

5) Shari Speaks

…so check out their blogs and leave a comment!!

The 2nd part of this award involves sharing 7 things you probably don’t know about me (that’s right, 7 useless random facts about myself). So here goes:

1) I was a serial thumb-sucker! Preferring it to the binky, I successfully hid sucking my thumb from my peers and didn’t give it up until I was well into middle school. Painting my finger with iodine and threatening me never worked. It was the promise of my braces NEVER being removed which scared me straight! So I’d like to thank my orthodontist (who currently treats my 16-yr-old), Dr. Choit. You rock!

2) When I was little, I always said I wanted to have 2 boys and a girl while playing Barbies with my favorite cousin, and I did! Oddly, I’d forgotten all about it and was reminded in my adulthood that I said it.

3) After falling in love with Aliens and Star Wars, I vehemently wanted to be an astronaut and explore new worlds when I grew up. But as I got older, I realized that if I became impregnated with a hostile extraterrestrial organism with acid for blood, my government would risk killing me to obtain it and have thus set forth upon a different career path. True story.

4) After obsessing over the television series, Charmed, I declared my 2 sisters and I as the African-American version of the Power of 3 and had sterling silver triquetra pendants cast for me and my sisters. I also almost spent $200+ on an authentic Book of Shadows…almost.

5) My love of Regency Romance novels was the inspiration behind insisting on piano lessons for my children at young ages. Reading about how European nobility was culturally reared, learning multiple languages, instruments, horse back riding, etc has always intrigued me, and if I had unlimited resources, they would’ve had the same upbringing. Thank your lucky stars for “limited resources”, Morton children!

6) When I swam with the dolphins on my honeymoon, my porpoise was reluctant to let me pet him. The trainer told us that sometimes they pick up, via sonar, on internal problems with ppl (like medical etc.) which could be why they hesitate. But after getting him (and another dolphin) to come to me, I got to take a pic with 2 dolphins instead of everyone’s 1. I actually chose to see it as a blessing after I had my little girl (which I never thought I’d have with my hubby’s EXTREMELY strong male genes in his family) 11 months later. I did happen to lose my appendix 5 yrs later, so go figure

7) And talk about Life Imitating Art, many of writer friends don’t know how involved I am in my community, but among the (too) many organizations I belong to, I’m most proud of the latest MultiCultural Committee that I helped establish with my children’s school district where the theme encompasses around my town’s diversity. My book series happens to be about a multicultural romance and when it occurred to me how much of an impact the focus has made on me, I had an Oprah “Ah ha!” moment!

*sigh* Here’s hoping this wasn’t as painful for you to read as it was for me to write

Now it’s your turn. What’s one thing about yourself that no one knows?

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The Wilde’s Fire Editor-Judged Contest (and Blog Hop)!! Friday, May 25 2012

Salutations! Hope everyone enjoys their three-day Memorial Day weekend (“four for most of my kids who have an unused snow day,” she grumbles). Gas prices are (reportedly) low, which’ll be a first for the holiday weekend. In any event, I’m doing something special today. To kick off the release of Krystal Wade’s YA paranormal novel, THE WILDE’S FIRE, Curiosity Quills Press is hosting an Editor-judged contest this weekend where aspiring authors of YA will post their query letters and 1st 500 words of their stories to be critiqued over the weekend and ultimately submit to Quills’ Acquisitions Editor for a potential full request of their manuscript! Exciting, right?! So without further adieu, I present the query letter for my YA paranormal multicultural romance, ICON:

Dear Ms. Wade,

A tsunami is heading straight for Long Island, and the only thing standing between a mass of colossal waves and thousands of people is a black fifteen-year-old girl named Jessie Ford.

After inheriting a gift to move things with her mind, she must learn to wield it against the effects of global warming. But when a devastating tornado strikes on the same night of her mother’s car accident, Jessie blames herself for letting her drive away. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that avoiding ‘the talk’ about sex would end in such tragedy.

To make matters worse, white hottie-mister-popularity, Solen Winthrop bullies her in front of her classmates until she cries for the first time since the crash. Yet, having his guts hated won’t stop him from trying to make amends by a long shot. Meanwhile, Jessie discovers they have more in common than she cares to admit. And when Solen exposes his fire power in a harrowing rescue from a ferocious bear, she’ll do more than forgive him. She wants to know everything about him even though getting too close is forbidden by the ancient order that has given them their abilities.

As time runs out, Jessie must overcome the guilt about her mom and decide whether she’ll risk losing her heart or battle the elements to fulfill her destiny and become the next Icon.

ICON is a 79,000 word YA paranormal multicultural romance set in the present day best described as forbidden love meets weather of mass destruction. It is intended as the first in a three-part series but can stand alone.

I look forward to hearing from you.

1st 500wds:

Chapter I – Tragedy

Still no word on my mom.

Behind a set of automatic doors, she fought for her life. To make matters worse, I had been the one to put her there. She was the only one who knew. Hours later, I sat limp, haunted by the “maybes” and “what ifs”. So when my eyes flickered closed, I hid from more than the glow of a brightly lit waiting room.

I was trying to disappear.

“Jessica Lillian Ford.” Leanne’s voice cut into my thoughts like a dull blade. Perched on a nearby chair, my twin sister pinned me with her watery glare. “What. Really. Happened?”

An exaggerated sigh escaped my lips. “I wasn’t in the car with her, Lee.” Ugh. I did not want to rehash my final moments with Mom before her accident, even to my sister.

“But you saw her last. You said she was on her way to the store. Was she upset? Tired, maybe?” An identical array of freckles sprinkled her nose, the only thing we had in common. She had Dad’s milk-chocolate coloring and Mom’s almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones. Hanging just past her shoulders were waves of dark glossy hair. She was beautiful.

“Why? Won’t change anything,” I said, inspecting my folded hands. The delicate imprint of soft cotton from Mom’s blouse lingered on my pale skin. I got my fair complexion from her. I had Dad’s narrow face, and it was framed by a mane as walnut brown as my eyes.

Leanne’s gaze softened. “Hey. It’s not your fault.”

My jaw ticked. I knew my sister meant well, but I would not let her let me off the hook. Besides, she didn’t know everything. She didn’t know about the weird conversation I’d had with Mom before she blew out of the house like a northern wind. Or how I should’ve stopped her.

As I parted my lips to reply, Leanne faltered. “Jess. I’m scared.”

I gripped her hand, lacing our fingers. Moisture stung the back of my eyes. Though I couldn’t speak past the lump welling in my throat, fear had also settled over me.

What was taking my father so long to get here? His flight should’ve landed by now. He’d chartered a plane the minute he received the call about Mom. As a contractor, he traveled a lot. I never realized how much till now.

My gaze skirted around the hospital room at other visitors. They must have awaited updates on their loved ones too. But something was not…right. Nobody talked or even looked at each other. All eyes were fixed on an LCD television hanging in the upper corner, their mouths agape.

A steady hum pierced my ears while every color of the rainbow fanned across the display. Ambling along the bottom screen were fluorescent yellow words that read “Warning: Weather Advisory.”

I stood to get a better look. The flashing image stilled to a local news anchorman peering out from a severe curve of his eyebrows.

Best of luck to all the contestants!!

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Wishful Thinking Monday, May 14 2012

2nd Annual Event

So I’m always talking about this invaluable writing path I’m on, chock full of wonderfully creative people I’ve befriended, etc. And another one of the advantages in becoming immersed in the writing community is all of the author-related opportunities  throughout the island. Take Authors Unlimited’s second annual book event on April 28, 2012, for instance. This group of libraries organizes about thirteen or so young-adult authors to come out and discuss their books @ St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue with kids from Suffolk County high schools.

Tyson Morton volunteering…

Now, last year I went by myself out of mere curiosity and wished I dragged my kids out with me. But this year, my sixteen-year-old volunteered to help out in one of the author’s entourage (Christopher Grant, author of Teenie), and this time my two little ones came along. Well, I’m pleased to report that everyone had a pretty awesome time!

Me, goofing off with the lil ones

AU followed the same format as last year. Except, you didn’t need to pick up free tickets from your local library this go around. As a volunteer, my son got to eat breakfast with Mr. Grant, tour the college campus and obtain a free t-shirt. Never mind all of the inspiring one-on-one conversations they ended up having… I don’t think he’ll ever forget it.

Local published authors

*Me always working*     <—In addition to the amazing book, Teenie, that I had personally autographed by Christopher Grant, as a “luncheon committee” member, I’d also gotten autographed copies of Reel Life Starring Us by Lisa Greenwald and Delirium by Lauren Oliver to raffle off for the Annual Luncheon @ the lovely Fox Hollow hosted by my beloved writers group, the Long Island Romance Writers where writers, readers and over 25 agents and editors will be wined and dined while keynote speaker, Angela James, imparts her insight on the biz. In fact (insert shameless plug), it isn’t too late to register! So if you’re interested (and local), please click for the details:  LIRW Annual Luncheon

Lauren Oliver walking the red carpet

Like the year before, the whole event was an educational and entertaining experience. My daughter was so impressed with St. Joseph’s indoor pool, she’s informed me she intends on attending the college when she gets older. I’m elated we went as a family and can’t wait till next year. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be featured as one of the lucky authors by that time! Stranger things have been known to happen.

Are there any ventures that you pursued in order to get a better “visual” of where you’d like to be in the future?

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To All of My Lovely Moms… Sunday, May 13 2012

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50 Shades of Grey Casting Monday, Apr 23 2012

As I start the last book in the 50 Shades of Grey series by E L James, I’ve had a random inclination to throw my hat in the ring and play Producer, because why not? Not that I don’t already have enough on my plate, but I must follow wherever my muse takes me. And ever since the million dollar question’s been posed of exactly “who” will be cast as the leads in the film adaptation, I’ve secretly scrutinized whether certain actors can pull it off.

And what tough shoes to fill they will have. Because let’s face it, readers can be downright unforgiving if Hollywood doesn’t get it right (or @ least incredibly critical). In fact, I’m getting to a point where if I hear a book’s good, I’m considering doing either 1 of 2 things. Wait till the movie comes out and THEN read the books. Or I’ll read the books and not watch the movie(s) until I’ve forgotten what the books are about.

Crazy, right? In any event, this is what I have:  Anastasia Steele is a college-aged, brown-haired, wide-eyed petite slip of a woman who is refreshingly inexperienced until she meets Christian. I predict that Emmy Rossum will definitely fit the mold for her character.

Then we have the debonair, Christian Grey, who is striking and richer than God. As the series unravels the complexities of his mysterious past over three books, the reader remains immersed in Ana’s (and her inner goddess’) head. And I’m thinking, Ben Barnes, wouldn’t be a bad choice.

Lord knows if they have any on-screen chemistry but I’d put my money on them — with contact lenses of course. They’re both the right ages (or close enough) and not overly well-known that this couldn’t be an awesome break-out role for each of them.

Ah well, my two cents.

If you read the series, who do you think should be cast in the lead(s)? Or did you like my choices? 

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Class Act Wednesday, Apr 4 2012

Once again, I’ve gone underground to polish up my manuscript for the Long Island Romance Writers Annual Luncheon on June 8, 2012. There, I’ll have the opportunity to pitch to 26 agents/editors. It isn’t too late to register if you’re in the New York area…

I wanted to take the time to give accolades to an RWA chapter that I consider a “class act”. I didn’t final this year, but I still received invaluable feedback that was worth every penny I paid to enter. From the beginning of the process to the end, the Texas Yellow Rose Romance Writers maintained a high quality of professionalism that went beyond anything I’ve experienced in the past. I recommend any serious writer to consider entering this contest in the future!

Btw, I saw Hunger Games and loved it, naturally. Fyi- Team Peeta all the way…(or rather, Team Liam Hemsworth). I’ve been on a reading hiatus lately but plan to get back on it. I finished Matched and have Crossed all queued up! However, 50 Shades of Grey is on its way in the mail. And I do believe, I will stop everything to find out what all the rave’s about. Happy reading

P.S. Game of Thrones is back, and it’s good!

What have you read lately?

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February Recap (and a little of January)… Saturday, Feb 25 2012

I’m currently reading Matched by Ally Condie, and Chronicle was the last movie I saw. This year, the month of February has been quite the whirlwind of emotions. And although I’ve terribly neglected my blog, I chronicled what I’ve been up to on my trusty laptop. I’ll try to sum it up for you…

First of all, I’ve been waiting for the official publishing of the LIRW post I wrote for March with pics from one of our very own, the talented Michele Lang’s, book launching of the 2nd book in her series called Dark Victory in January but have felt remiss to allow any more time to pass without shouting her out. Making my first book launch ever for someone I actually knew was an awesome experience and way to start the New Year! Congratulations, Michele. All the best :)

Secondly,

Happy Black History Month!

And in the interim…

So, I read the other day in a magazine of how you either hated the Twilight saga or loved it and there was no in-between. But I beg to differ. There are actually people who are blasé about the franchise and can either take it or leave it. They DO exist. I suppose the line of dissent appears so clearly defined to the media because some “haters” can be pretty visceral about it. Let’s face it. When they devote a whole movie to spoof your idea…you’ve truly arrived.

But this blurb isn’t about the negative-Fanboys of the world. They have enough venues to express their discontent. As a self-proclaimed people-watcher, I was inspired to write about the unwavering commitment that supporters continue to show. After hearing about the latest installment’s dvd due to be released, my literary crew and I made plans to be among the first to snatch up a copy.

In the quaint little town of Bay Shore, I didn’t expect there to be many people giving up their Friday night to Target — 30 or 40 maybe. But not the 100+ fans of all nationalities, genders and creeds of all ages (including babies). While I stood toward the front line, I found myself taking it all in: the spectators watching us line up in awe as they shopped, the line wrapping around the cash registers with more outside, all to be part of the Breaking Dawn DVD release party and the first to purchase a dvd @ midnight.

My friends and I met others from all over who were serious connoisseurs of everything Twilight. In fact, having read the series years ago, I discovered there were details I’d missed or even forgotten. What took the cake was seeing someone’s one and only, tattoo of the Cullen crest on her arm. Dedication people. E-mails and Facebook information were exchanged, and a fun time was had by all.

By 12:01am, I had my own copy to add to my collection with a novelty flower petal from the set…allegedly

And to all the lovers out there, a Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!

And last but by no means, least…

There are few artists in the world whose body of work transcended cultural boundaries like Whitney Houston’s has. And for that, I think the nation indiscriminately mourned her passing in such an honorable way. From having the flag held @ half-staff in the state in which she helmed to going back to playing her timeless rendition of the national anthem @ special events, American culture has truly lost an icon.

On the social networks, I have seen (and I suspect will continue to see for a time) a medley of reactions to her death that have touched, angered and (at times) perplexed me in such a way that — in the end — none of it really matters anymore. It will never make sense.

I DO know that whenever I see that pivotal first album cover of Whitney Houston that we owned back in the 80s, a wave of nostalgia washes over me to a time where we didn’t have many material things and technology had not completely taken over. A time when I made doll houses out of shoe boxes and rode my bicycle all over creation with my baby brother till twilight stained the sky.

Thanks for the memories, Whitney. May you finally rest in heavenly peace.

Anyone else agree that this month was pretty busy?

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What Would Happen… Monday, Jan 23 2012

Mommy, what would happen if you ate dirt?

We all know kids say the darndest things. So much so that it became a popular television show once upon a time. And most of the time, it’s during the hustle and bustle of your busy day. So what do we do? Mumble, “Mm hmm. That’s nice, dear,” while your gaze

Mommy, what would happen if this (a clear glass cake stand) was filled with water?

remains riveted on whatever task you’re preoccupied with? Anything to validate them and get them to move on to the next adventure so you can finish the laundry or…writing, right?

Mommy, what would happen if you ate a fly?

Mommy, what would happen if you ate paper?

Well, my 4-yr-old’s occasionally launched a series of questions at me over the past month, all-encompassing one central theme: What would happen if…?

With bright mocha saucers for eyes, he’d look up at me — in his underdeveloped, munchkin voice —, a Cheshire cat grin on his face and ask away. And some days, they’d come right after the other. When other days, they didn’t come @ all. All the while, I’d watch him in awe, watching me entertain his query and try to give him the most creative answers I could come up with to keep those marvelous wheels of imagination turning in his head.

Mommy, what would happen if you ate a big watermelon that wasn’t cut?

I also thought if I ever changed up genres, I’d attempt a children’s book called, “Mommy, what would happen if…?” (so long as it hasn’t already been written) and chronicle the darndest things he’d say.

In the meantime, I had great fun looking up pictures that illustrated his questions and thought I’d share. Enjoy : )

Mommy, what would happen if you ate a snack in your dream? Would it be in your tummy when you woke up?

 

What’s the darndest thing you’ve heard a child say to you?     

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Guilty Pleasure Monday, Jan 16 2012

Advance Screening Tickets from 106.1 WBLI

Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.

~Michael Corleone~

So, I swear…I was done. A couple of years ago, I inhaled all 4 books of the Twilight Saga in 2 weeks, hooked up with some other Twi-hards and got free tickets to see New Moon from a radio station — which didn’t stop me from seeing it a couple of more times in the movie theater that year, of course. And after receiving several novelty gifts for my birthday and X-Mas, I was certain the craze had been purged from my system like an abominable virus that had run its course.

Post-Movie Reaction Interviews

And for what it’s worth, they were good times. Before my son evolved into his teenage “I’m too cool to do anything but brood” stage, we bonded over the books and reading in-general. In fact, he was so excited about reading; he re-read the books a few times! Even I couldn’t do that. Then, I kept encountering people at the day job and pretty much all over who’d enthusiastically engage in conversation over the series. So, being part of the “experience” has been just plain guilty-pleasure fun!

Next Generation Twi-hard

Now, we come to present day, where my ticket was pre-purchased. I planned on seeing it once on the big screen and that’d be it. I’m over it!

But then we had the Johnny-come-latelies who are JUST reading the series and becoming infected. And I found myself channeling Michael Corleone from Godfather III.

First, my nightstand vibrates as my phone goes off @ 6am, and it’s my girlfriend who’d won tickets from a local radio station to see a free early screening of Breaking Dawn and she invites me to accompany her. Next, I receive a copy of the soundtrack burned for me and before I know it, I’m getting novelty t-shirts and me and a couple of the girls are making another event out of it.

Needless to say, I had to see it a third time with my sons and hubby (so they’d feel better about seeing a girly movie with an X chromosome in tow). And each time was as fun as the last. I’d, actually, almost seen a fourth time after linking up with a new probable friend-for-life into the fold. But I promise, I didn’t. Even after all the coaxing she tried to do.

See?? Teams Jacob and Edward CAN get along

So, my next mission is to get them to read the Hunger Games series before the movie debuts in March. Wish me luck.

Care to share one of your guilty pleasures?

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Feriae felices! Sunday, Dec 25 2011

Well, the weather outside isn’t frightful. In fact, it felt like sixty degrees a couple of days ago. And although the unusually warm temperatures we’ve been experiencing in the northern hemisphere (and western if you’re looking @ the earth in a direction from the sun pointed in midsummer) should probably be cause for concern, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the warmer climate…just a little.

Snow is positively enchanting and like heaven on earth — especially when it first falls. Thanks to the internet, television and cinema, I don’t have to go far to see it either. However, in the spirit of the season we’re “supposed” to be having, the picture I chose for this post hopefully encompasses what Long Island, New York’s missing.

May you all enjoy whichever holiday you celebrate and have a blessed and safe New Year!! And speaking of New Year, what are your plans?

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