Tag Archives: challenge

Lover Of The Light.

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” LOVE. Love is the ultimate answer to all questions in life. It may take time to realize this, and there may be times in life when we bury this truth so deep in the dirt. But it is always there. Once we realize that love is there—even in the dirt, even in the darkness, even in the loneliness and despair—life will be forever changed. We will be forever changed. Time, distance, and differences have no hold on love. It travels everywhere and permeates everything. All we have to do is open our hearts and minds to this beautiful truth. And we must choose, every day, every moment, to live a life of love. Even when times are dark. Especially when times are dark. Because love still lives in the dark. It lives even there, so that we may grab hold of it when everything else falls away. Love is our light post. And it will show us the way to the other side.” – Rose Alma

Today was one of those writing days where nothing you put out makes any sense. Sure, it all sounds good in your head but then you get it out on paper and as you read it back to yourself you wonder what in the world you were thinking and just where in the hell that came from. But even still, you know (or at least hope) that one day it will all make perfect sense-just not today.

I questioned what Mumford and Sons (it’s who I was listening to), the title of this post and the quote above has to do with what I’m trying to say. Then I realized that the answer was everything and nothing at all. ;)

Sunshine…on a cloudy day.

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“It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

I could write about books or book tours or book sales…or any number of things, I guess. But the only thing I’m truly inclined to write about is love. Love. Love. LOVE. :) I’m so happy these days, over the moon, really. Summer is absolutely my favorite time of year. It has always been the time when I’m most myself…if that makes any sense. Anyway, I’ll spare you (just a little) and write about kindness and acts of service instead. I posted this on my personal FB profile and thought I’d share here, too.

This year there was one safety patrol kid in particular at my sons elementary school who was my favorite. Every time my car landed in his spot and he opened or closed the car door for my son, I felt like we lucked out. Always smiling, he just had the best energy. It didn’t matter if it was the crack of dawn or afternoon, rain or shine, cold or hot…the kid was happy to see you. I embarrassed my kids by acting foolish on the days we lucked out and for always telling the boy he was my favorite safety patrol. Today, as he was leaving the school (no longer on duty, they passed the baton) he tapped on my window to tell me goodbye- he’s moving on to middle school. Long story short…sometimes it’s the small gestures that make our days special. They all add up and our lives become a sum of them. You never know how or when someone will make your days a little sweeter by their acts of service. Maybe it’s silly… but that kid was an inspiration to me daily. I hope my foolishness let him know as much.

And Then There Was A Trailer…

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“Chance favors the connected mind.” ~ Steven Johnson

If you follow me over on FB, you may have seen this post…

Have you ever worked with someone on something and found that person to be so amazing that you felt it was divine intervention (or kismet) that the two of met?!? THAT is exactly how I feel right now and I can’t wait to share what’s coming. P.S. Sorry…I myself kind of hate stay tuned type posts and I’m in no way trying to do that- I was more or less just saying how grateful I am to have found exactly the right, talented person. Kismet or divine intervention or whatever…well, it rocks. 

I was speaking of Lisa of Pixel Pixie Designs. I was introduced to Lisa via an email I received from Goodreads which featured several posts from an author chat in their forums. I had a very specific idea in mind of what I wanted in a book trailer for Bedrock…I just wasn’t sure how to implement it…so I sort of gave up on having one done. Then came Lisa. :) Immediately after writing her and receiving her response I knew I wanted to work with her. And she proved to be every bit as amazing as I thought she would be. Normally, I don’t read these emails so it’s pretty awesome that I did that day.

Anyway, check it out…

P.S. This video contains mature adult content and is NSFW or children.

A BIG Ol’ Thank You. And The Answer is YES.

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“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” — Buddha

I just want to take the time to say thank you to each of you for being so supportive. After my last post, I felt it was important to say as much; to let you know that I appreciate you and didn’t lose sight of the fact that for the few negative responses I’ve received, I’ve gotten ten times as many good ones. And it’s always been important to me to see the good, even when things aren’t necessarily peachy. Find the good. And focus on IT. Because there is so, so much good.

Everyday, I’m in awe of all of the amazingness being sent my way. I really truly appreciate each and every one of you who read here, each of you who’ve spent your hard earned money purchasing Bedrock. To those of you who’ve told your friends, entered giveaways, and especially all of you who’ve taken the time to write reviews, email me, message me, and leave notes on my FB page saying how much you enjoyed reading my work, it means the world to me. THANK YOU.

And….to answer to the one question I’m most often asked these days: YES, there will be a sequel. :) You’ll hear more from Addie and William; and see how all of the characters (and their relationships) evolve and play out.

In other book related news: all giveaway winners have just been notified via email. Thank you to all who took the time to enter. Congrats to Debbie C., Vickie M., Jane B., Kelli G., Kristen S., Wendy G. and Robin B.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Chin Up, Girl. Chin UP.

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“I have spent a good many years since–too many, I think–being ashamed about what I write. I think I was forty before I realized that almost every writer of fiction or poetry who has ever published a line has been accused by someone of wasting his or her God-given talent. If you write (or paint or dance or sculpt or sing, I suppose), someone will try to make you feel lousy about it, that’s all.” ― Stephen King, On Writing

I’ve thought a pretty good deal about whether or not to post this….because in general I don’t believe in shedding light on negativity. The last thing I want is to add fuel to the fire. That said, I also believe that it’s important to set a precedent on how you expect to be treated. In the end, I thought about my children and how I’d want them to react if someone were treating them badly. And I’d hope that they would have the courage to not only stand up for themselves… but also for what they believe in. -B

This past week the world of author land (via the web) has been a relatively negative one. Which makes me pretty sad- because as a general rule I try and stay away from negativity and drama. But there are a few things in particular that I did want to address: I received my first few pieces of hate (e)mail. I’m not going to rehash or share what was said here…because in my opinion that would lend credence to it. I will say that it’s a waste of time sending me mean emails because I really don’t pay attention to what (hateful) people think of me. If one wants to send helpful critique… then by all means. Yes, my novel is dark (and some would even say twisted) which is why I’ve added a warning label- just about everywhere possible. It isn’t required reading material and as a consumer all major retailers have fairly generous return policies. As a writer, I stand behind my story. I do not read or respond to people writing for the sake of being mean.

Which brings me to the fire storm of press that author M. Leighton has received this week for taking her novel down because a few people couldn’t handle its dark content. I’m not inclined to judge this author or her motivations for un-publishing her work. I don’t know her but I can relate (a little) to how she feels. Putting yourself out there is inviting people to judge you. And it takes a certain type of grit not to give a shit- especially when their judgement is not in your favor. The thing about email, social media, and the internet is that it gives people a certain power. You can say (write) what you think while for the most part remaining anonymous. And because of this there are a whole crop of assholes out there just looking for an opportunity to utilize their newly found power. They say things they would never say to your face as though wielding a sword, waiting to stab the first thing that moves. It’s crazy. It’s the not funny- kind of funny. It’s sad. And yet their audience thrives on it. They feed on the drama of it all. As for me, I decided not to pay attention to it. I do however pay close attention to the energy I surround myself with- and it’s my belief that once you draw a line in the sand and let people know that you won’t tolerate their bad behavior… they get bored. And they do what bullies do… they move on to their next target.

So what I would say to M. Leighton (if she were a friend) is this: taking down your work but only after telling everyone it will be gone forever within the next two days…is going to seem a little bit overly dramatic to the general public. They will see it as a publicity stunt and one way you propelled yourself into the top 100. Unfortunately, there will surely be backlash in that, too. And it’s a choice you’ll likely regret. Because in the long run you’re letting your critics win. You’ll come to find for the very reasons that people wrote to say that they hated the book, will be the exact same reasons others love it. Either way, this decision as a writer is a personal one that is yours to make. And truthfully, it really isn’t right for me or anyone else to debate it. But don’t let temporary defeat stop you from doing what you love. Get back to writing. And chin up, girl. Chin UP.

“I don’t have time, energy, or interest in hating the haters; I’m too busy loving the lovers.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

You Asked…I’m Telling.

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“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.” – Pietro Aretino

Recently, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about myself as a writer, my novel Bedrock and what it’s all about. So…I thought I’d share the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here. ;)

1. What is Bedrock about? Who should read it and who shouldn’t?

First of all, you can find the synopsis here. Ultimately, though Bedrock is a story of love, loss, hanging on, and surviving in spite of the odds. While I’d like to say that everyone should read Bedrock, that is simply not the case. For starters, this novel isn’t for those under the age of eighteen. It isn’t for those looking for a light and fluffy (beach) read. Because Bedrock deals with dark subject matter…if you tend to see life as black and white, right or wrong, then Bedrock may evoke strong emotions thus making it not the best choice.

All that said, if you appreciate a love story full of twists and (shocking?) turns and don’t mind the darker side of romance, sexuality, or profanity then you may want to take a peak. You can download the first few chapters for free on all major retailers.

2. Is Bedrock about you?

Ha! I get this one a lot. No, Bedrock is a fictional story. Although, there are a few characteristics within each character (especially Addison) that I share.

3. How long did it take you to write the novel?

About three months. There are a lot of things (so, so many) that have to happen when you publish as an indie author, so while the actual writing took about 12 weeks the entire process took about six months. Or ten years if one were to ask my husband… :)

4. Why did you write a this story?

Well…I wanted to write a story that would provide a nice escape from domestic life. ;)

I read a lot and I tend to choose books because they provide a respite from the realities of day-to-day life. They take me to another time, another place, and make me contemplate life. Most of these books, Fifty Shades of Grey being one of them tell the story of a young girl just starting out in life. With Bedrock I wanted to tell a story that featured a character whom I could relate to, one who is in a similar stage of life. In this case, the protagonist, Addison is married with young children. When she finds herself in a situation that she didn’t see coming she has to make choices. However, unlike the younger characters in my favorite books, Addison has a family (and responsibilities) so these choices affect not only her, but those she loves most in the world.

Psychology, our collective experiences, and what motivates us a human beings has always fascinated me. How we see the world and how it affects the choices we make is something I think about often. In addition, I like characters who are relatable and flawed.

5. Bedrock has been compared to Fifty Shades of Grey. How do you feel about that? And Why did you include BDSM?

Well…I mean who could possibly complain about being compared to 50 Shades?!? Just look at its success. :) BUT it does worry me some. Or a lot, actually.

Yes, Bedrock and 50 Shades are similar in that they both contain BDSM and violence. This worries me because these ingredients evoke strong feelings in readers. It REALLY worries me because while I love 50 Shades…I did not feel that it accurately portrayed BDSM. When writing Bedrock I did a lot of research into the world of BDSM. In 50 Shades, BDSM was sexualized where traditionally BDSM is not intended for sexual purposes or satisfaction. In 50 Shades it was more about a young couple experimenting and thus the comparison concerns me. For example, if a reader is picking up Bedrock expecting a light, fluffy read about a young couple experimenting with bondage and domination yet in turn reads a darker story (that is so much more than that) then they are likely to be disappointed. I guess what I am trying to say is that it may be more than the reader bargained for.

Why so dark? Hmmm. Stories of breaking one psychologically (such as what happens with POW’s) have always been interesting to me. What is even more interesting is the survival instinct that lies within us all. And the great capacity we have to love and be loved. So while I wouldn’t say that Bedrock is a happy beach read- it is in many ways a story of survival and hope.

6. Your reviews have been pretty good thus far. What’s next?

Yes, the reviews have been overwhelmingly good. But there are those who’ve read Bedrock and said it’s just not for them. I completely respect that. In addition, there have been a few book bloggers that have made the decision not to read or review the story because it contains infidelity. I can only hope that thanks to the success of the recent release of The Great Gatsby that they may eventually come around. :) Anyhow, I understand that the subject matter is not for everyone and I want to be upfront about that.

As for what’s next, I’m currently working on the sequel to Bedrock which is tentatively scheduled to release in September or October. While Bedrock was originally intended to be a stand alone…in the end I felt there was more we needed to hear from these characters, that their story was far from over. I also have a third novel in the works for early 2014.

7. Where can I buy your novel?

I get this question regularly via Facebook and it’s always a little flattering and plenty embarrassing (what kind of marketer am I anyway?:) when people ask me this. You can find Bedrock on Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords and at BookPeople.

Flash Fiction: The Stranger On The Side Of The Road.

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“Pain makes you stronger. Fear makes you braver. Heartbreak makes you wiser.” – Author Unknown

First of all, this post is not flash fiction. I sort of lied. The truth is I needed something to label “flash fiction” because that’s what I’m scheduled to post tomorrow. Instead, what I’m actually going to write has been weighing on my mind and thus I decided to share it. While it’s not “flash fiction” I can’t tell you how much I wish it was. Sometimes, I just want to be a normal girl from a normal family. But I’m not. I never have been. Maybe, just maybe “normal” is overrated, anyway.

Earlier today in another writers forum a fellow blogger posed a question about how much to share in regards to something personal she is going through. This was my response: The thing about writing is that there will always be people who love and people who hate. I think when we speak from an honest place that we naturally draw the audience that is meant for us. I, too, struggle with how much to share about my childhood and my brothers death. That said, I know there are others out there who would appreciate hearing that someone else is going through something similar. Sometimes it’s good to lend a voice to those who don’t have one. Hope that helps some. Hugs.

Last week I had a session with a creativity/life coach who is a part of my women’s network. One thing she pulled out of me, and yes I mean it when I say pulled out of me, was that one of my goals in my “career” as a writer is to be a voice for those who have none. To let others know that they are not alone. We all go through things in life that make us who we are. And we shouldn’t feel bad about that. We shouldn’t feel ashamed. The coach called this leadership. Perhaps she’s right, but I like to think of it as ownership. Yes, things have happened to me in my life that are horrible, things that I’m not proud of…and maybe the same is true for you, too. But we have a choice. We have a say in the matter. We are not the sum of our circumstances.

As far as writing books goes, I want my readers to know me. I want my platform to stand for more than just pimping out books. I want it to mean something. Which is why I promise to write honestly. I promise to write characters, like I have with Bedrock that are real. Characters who are relatable, far from perfect, deeper than surface level, and who make mistakes. Characters who face situations where the odds are stacked against them but who still manage to come out on top. Even if just barely. :)

Now for the non-fiction, flash fiction. :) Which is just a small part of my story….

The Stranger On The Side of The Road.

I drive by, slowly tapping the brake as the man catches my eye. Although he doesn’t look my way, I know he sees me. I can feel it. That’s what happens when you’re connected with someone on a cellular level, isn’t it? You sense their presence, even if you don’t see them. He’s spotted me first and so he avoids looking in my direction. His clothes are worn and hang off of him. It’s cold out and I wonder to myself if he’s taking care of himself. This man has no one. And worse, I think he prefers it that way. I ponder this thought for a moment: when you have no one, who takes care of you? I slow down just a little thinking maybe he’ll look my way so that I can pull over and offer him a ride. Sometimes he does. Sometimes, I pull over anyway. But he doesn’t this time. So I drive on by and my heart sinks a little. The man on the side of the road is my father. And he’s a stranger. I mean.. I know who he is. And he knows me. But we don’t really know each other. His mother (my Nannie) raised me and from time to time he would come and live with us. Always like a roommate. Never like a dad. In fact, I don’t even call him Dad. When my Grandma died two months ago I gave him her van. Partly because I wanted him to be taken care of… now that she’s gone. Because she’s no longer here to do it. I know that she always worried about that. But the truth of it all and an added bonus was that I no longer have to worry about seeing this particular stranger walking on the side of the road.

Tuesday Teaser And A Tour.

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“If we can just let go and trust that things will work out they way they’re supposed to, without trying to control the outcome, then we can begin to enjoy the moment more fully. The joy of the freedom it brings becomes more pleasurable than the experience itself.” ― Goldie Hawn

Hello there. It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time for a teaser. But first, I wanted to share a pretty cool review I received for Bedrock. Check this out. Also, you’ll find a few more here. 

In other book related news I’m excited to announce that I’m going on a (virtual) tour starting June 1st. Stops will be announced soon. And although tomorrow (HOLY FREAKING COW, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S TOMORROW!) is the official release date Bedrock is already available on Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords and at BookPeople.

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Now for the teaser: 

“Look, Mrs. Greyer. I’m not going to waste your time here. And I ask that you don’t waste mine. Are we clear?

Seriously. Who does this bitch think she is? “Clear about what?” Addie replied, feigning ignorance and refusing to let this woman, boss or not, get the best of her.

“I know what happened in the elevator, Addison.”

Addie’s face remained neutral, refusing to give anything up. “I’m not sure what you mean.” Ok, so maybe she knows. But make her spell it out.

Sondra shoved papers and a sealed envelope she’d been holding onto Addie’s desk. “Sign the top form.”

Addie glanced at the paperwork in front of her. “I signed a confidentiality agreement in my new-hire paperwork.”

Sondra frowned, sighing loudly. “This one is different. It’s personal. You need help. This is my offer. Just sign the goddamn paper, Addison.”

Something in Sondra’s tone, something in the way that she looked at Addie, told her what she knew she needed to do. She signed the form and pushed it towards Sondra.

“Read the proposal and see me in my office tomorrow morning, eight o’clock sharp. And remember, you signed this, Mrs. Greyer. No one’s eyes but your own are to view what’s inside that envelope, are we clear?”

“Clear as day. Oh, and, Sondra, be a dear and close the door behind you on your way out, will you?”

Sondra waltzed out, slamming the door behind her. She had to admit she really liked this girl. She could see that this was going to work out well. Very well, indeed.

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What He Said. + Time For A Teaser.

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“I think I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in so many ways. I’ve just come out of five years of very difficult times for numerous reasons and yet at the same time it’s lead to such growth. It’s very exciting that way.” - Erin Gray

It’s not everyday that the youngest of your five children turn FIVE years old on the very same day that you receive your first five star review. It’s the power of five, I guess :) That said, I am so excited to share the review with you. The fact that it is written by a man…well, is just an added bonus. ;) Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if Bedrock would appeal to men. Thanks Paul of Little Ebook Reviews for letting me know that it can!

Dear Britney,

 Thank you again for the file and for reaching out. I just posted a review on amazon.com and on my blog. I enjoyed “Bedrock”. I was surprised in a sense because it is not necessarily the type of book I go for but it was very interesting, gripping and entertaining.

Best regards and well juggled!

Paul Little

The review: “Bedrock is captivating and interesting. As a book it tells a number of stories from the lives of the characters which gives a feeling of depth. At its heart, though, this is a story about choices and the opportunities that life throws up. There is love, betrayal, intriguing personalities and lovely scene setting. This is a book with plenty of adult themes and while not graphic in detail it is not shy about its content. There is also something just beyond real about this book, somehow just too much neatness comes out of the chaos at times.Bedrock hits a fine balance and I found this book to be very entertaining and gripping and once started I found it difficult to stop reading, to read what was to happen next.This is an excellent debut and surely Britney King has a juggler’s skill.”

Also, I missed posting a “Tuesday Teaser” yesterday but that’s the story of my life…always a day late and a dollar short. :)

Any who, better late than never, so here you go….

An excerpt from Bedrock:

As the elevator started to climb, Addie turned her attention back to her phone, waiting for Jessica’s reply.

“Don’t you think it’s strange how two people can be standing inches from one another in such a confined space and yet hardly acknowledge one another?” the deep voice behind her said.

Addie looked up, her eyes meeting his in the mirror.

He didn’t wait for her reply. “I’ve always thought so anyway.”

Addie smiled nervously. For the first time, she really took notice of the man. He was tall and very handsome: dark hair, piercing blue eyes, dressed impeccably. Probably gay. Men this beautiful usually were.

He extended his hand. “I’m William Hartman. And no, I’m not gay. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What did you say your name was again?”

Holy shit. Did I say that out loud? Addie swallowed nervously, pretty sure she hadn’t. This man was clearly messing with her. She hadn’t said her name. Two can play at this game.

P.S. Over on Goodreads almost 200 of you have added Bedrock to your shelves. THANK YOU! I am so grateful. And 356 people entered my last giveaway. Wow. FYI, there is another going on now. So hop on over there and check it out.

What She Said.

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“Critics are sentinels in the grand army of letters, stationed at the corners of newspapers and reviews, to challenge every new author.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

I’ve been meaning to post these reviews of Bedrock for a while now. In the interest of full disclosure, I have been a little hesitant because they’re reviews by my beta readers and to be openly honest and transparent… my beta reviewers are all people who are close to me in some way. That said, because of this I was afraid that they would all say that they loved it –even if they didn’t. Any writer knows this is not what you want when dealing with beta readers and critique. Thankfully, a few of them loved it as it was and made minor suggestions here and there. But even better a few of them challenged me beyond what I expected. I’m going to share a few of the reviews here including one from a blogger who is not particularly close to me. Even though she ultimately decided not to review my book via her blog or give it away to her audience, I loved her email SO much it nearly brought me to tears. Because here’s the thing: God bless bloggers. God bless those willing to take the time to read and/or review my book(s).

I understand that not everyone is going to love what I write. And (for the most part, I am human after all) I’m ok with this. In this business you have to be. :) I respect that everyone has a right to their opinion and I’m just grateful that they would take the time to read my novel. As an avid reader myself, there have been books that I’ve read that didn’t particularly resonate with me at the time I read them. However, if they’d come at a different time, say six months earlier or six months later, then perhaps it would’ve been a different story. Pun intended. :) That’s just the nature of being a reader and/or a writer. It’s all subjective.

The other day as I was trying to get some writing done I decided that my house was too lonely and quiet (it’s amazing how with five children you become accustomed and even dependent on the noise) so I flipped on the TV for background noise and an old SATC episode was on. It was Carrie’s book launch party (great timing!) and the premise of the episode was Carrie being reviewed in the NYT and thus was asking “When it comes to life and love, why do we believe our worst reviews?” It must have been fate that I caught this episode (I rarely watch TV these days) because I realized that I was doing exactly that. One nasty review (by a stranger) and I’m upset for an entire day. But give me half a dozen good ones by people I love and suddenly they don’t “weigh” as much?!? Why? Because the people writing them happen to love –or at the very least like me? I called bullshit on that and quick. Which led me to finally get off my rear and share them here. :)

Check out the awesome email I received by the blogger that made my day. I redacted her name to protect her privacy/because I wasn’t given permission.

Hey there!

I just finished your book – it was a quick read! I have to be honest and say that while it was fun, it was a little “50 Shades” for me. I’m not a fan of that style and have published several rants about 50 Shades so I don’t think I’d be the right person to review or giveaway your book. 
I’m sure you’ll be hugely successful with it, and get tons of rave reviews! 

Best,

Name redacted.

SERIOUSLY, SHE COMPARED BEDROCK TO FIFTY SHADES OF GREY! THAT is a GINORMOUS compliment to me and HERE IS WHY!!

“Begged for more!! Eagerly awaited each chapter to arrive in my inbox. Such a great read… Can not wait for book #2!!” – Monica Roberts

“Very steamy! Can’t wait to get to work tomorrow so I can print chapters 10 & 11. I’m ready for the next chapter. What’s taking so long?!?” – Denise

“I was disappointed that there wasn’t a new chapter waiting for me this morning. When I’m done with this I’m probably going to have to pay you to write books just for me.” - Monica Roberts

“Ummm…I just finished reading Bedrock and I felt like the story was just starting. Are you writing book 2 yet?!?! Great book!”- Jordan Pierce

“Started reading Bedrock yesterday…I’m liking it. It’s dark…” - Polly Lockman

Anyhow, bad reviews or good, the book is coming out. It’s written. What’s done is done. It’s either hit or miss. So from here… I just have to keep my head down and do what writers do. Write and improve. Oh and by the way, I heart what Fiona says.

“But I honestly don’t read critics. My dad reads absolutely everything ever written about me. He calls me up to read ecstatic reviews, but I always insist that I can’t hear them. If you give value to the good reviews, you have to give value to the criticism.” - Fiona Apple