Weekend Writing Warriors – Pokes and Promises

Posted on October 27, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. They’ve shared a few heated moments. LAST WEEK: Lydia reeled from her bold move. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped a little bit again. Lydia teased Jake and poked him in the chest with her finger.

Her smile disappeared when he took hold of her finger. It must have been contagious, because his face lit up. She tried to yank her finger from his grasp, but it seemed to only encourage him to increase his hold.

“Hey, you let go.” She laughed and continued struggling to regain control over her finger. His amused expression made her giggle, but in the next second it was gone and his stern business face returned.

“Okay, sorry, but don’t poke me. Next time, I might not be willing to let go.”

<~ You can <tweet that> last line if you want. I really hope he keeps that promise. Come back next week and find out more OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks | Kobo | iTunes

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Group, and Saturday Spankings too.

ROW80 Check-in #77 An Anniversary, Contract, and More

Posted on October 27, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

This week I’ve experienced the polar opposites in emotion. It was a struggle, but I found a takeaway.

Two years ago, I started this blog and started taking my publishing dream seriously. For me, that included trying to find consistency in my writing time, studying my craft, meeting like minded folks like all of you, and hitting send.

I’ve stumbled with each of these steps. It’s hard being out here with no one pushing you, but your own dreams. Thank goodness my muse doesn’t take no for an answer, lol. There is something that bothers me though. Why did I wait so long to take my dream seriously? If you have a dream that you’re not actively pursuing, I beg of you to wait no longer and take a firm step forward today.

Evernight Publishing published my debut in August. They took a chance on me and they’ve agreed to publish me again. Queue the silly happy dance. I’m thanking myself again and again for taking a leap two years ago, starting this blog. You can find more information on my Coming Soon page here.

Two years in and I have two contracts. I’m very curious where I’ll be two years from now.

The week wasn’t all sunshine however.

I lost my kitty to kidney failure this week. He was only 14. The loss keeps knocking me down too, like the first morning when I had no furry friend to feed or say goodbye to when I left the house, or that first night when no one curled into my lap. Yoda was a sweetie and he often sat between me and my keyboard. I called him my writing partner and I miss him terribly.

If you’ve been meaning to start something. If you have a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. If you have a dream you’ve been neglecting. Stop wasting time. Do something today. Don’t wait for the right day to arrive. Do something now.

Since music has a magical power, similar to reading a book, that helps me through life events, I thought I’d share a group my hubs recently brought to my attention. They’re called Lucius and they’re a Brooklyn-based quintet. I hope they take you to a happy place.

The Goals – week-3 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- half done. Several days got swallowed up when I lost Yoda, but I’m working my way back. This week was also hard on progress because I’m attempting to weave things into the story I missed the first time around. I spent a lot of time rereading sections and checking and rechecking for story and flow.
Take care of and be kind to myself- I might have made some unhealthy choices this week, but I allowed myself to feel. I’m trying to get back to a place that doesn’t sideswipe me so easily. Here’s to a fresh new week of good choices and moving forward.

What you might have missed here this week:

Don’t Miss The Writers Helping Writers AMAZING RACE!

Review: Everlasting by Tmonique Stephens

Inside Look with Erin Leaf author of Mr. Rockstar

Weekend Writing Warriors – Familiar Ugliness

Posted on October 20, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. They’ve shared a few heated moments. LAST WEEK: Lydia reeled from her bold move. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped just a little bit. Jake has gotten back to work. Let’s see how Lydia’s doing.

The moment dissipated like it had never been. His hand no longer reached for her. His look no longer promised unmentionable things. He ducked his chin to concentrate on something on the table. Then he was back into work like nothing happened. Disappointment dug in and left her feeling unwanted. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders and attempted to shake the familiar ugliness.

She followed his example, though, and dragged her attention back to simpler things, like lunch.

The moment dissipated, but it’s definitely not forgotten <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. So, do you think they’re back to all work and no more heat? Come back next week and find out OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks | Kobo | iTunes

ROW80 Check-in #76 The Future Looks Bright

Posted on October 20, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

The future looks bright. No, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m choosing to believe my hard work will pay off. It’s my choice and that’s the beauty of it all.

I may have a little bit of good news that I cannot yet share, but my hard work and persistence definitely have a hand in my progress.

This positive thinking also comes from some strategic planning I’ve been doing. From now on, I won’t just be working hard, I’ll be working towards daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals. Oh boy. It took a little bit of time to lay it all out, but now I can see the big picture. I can see why my daily efforts make a difference in the bigger picture.

The plan has me excited. I know things will change along the way. That’s fine. I will adjust. Bumps in the road won’t deter me.

The future looks bright. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 🙂

The Goals – week-2 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- half done. My week started out heavy on the evil day job. I also wasted some time worrying about things. Silly me. By midweek, I got back on track with a plan. I edited three chapters on the current WIP and added 500 words. Progress, I’ll take it.
Take care of and be kind to myself- I’ve been off the healthy journey as of late and I hate it. I don’t like feeling unhealthy. My current goal is to track and increase my water intake. I used to be so good at this. Ugh. Anyways, it’s time to get back on track and make me and not my worries a priority. The strategic planning has definitely helped me gain perspective.

What you might have missed here this week:

Inside Look with Donina Lynn author of Arms of Serenity

Inside Look with Jamallah Bergman author of Renzo

Flash Fiction #50 Dear Dan

Posted on October 18, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Another sappy love song blared through Rachel’s studio speakers and she still had no idea what to write. For weeks, she’d tried to make a move, to let Dan know she was interested. Her forever friend, the one that was always there, was the one that made her heart pitter-pat, not the jerks she’d been dating.

It was Dan, the gentleman. He’d never hit on her, not unless she made the first move.

With her blood pounding in frustration, she kicked her lighting boom and inspiration struck.

After several clicks, she held her breath, hit send, and began her wait.

~~~

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Michelle Howard: www.michellehowardwrites.com
AuroraRose Andromeda@yahoo.com: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com
Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/
Sherri Hayes: http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com

Weekend Writing Warriors – Endless Possibilities

Posted on October 13, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. Jake’s already had to take a cold shower break. LAST WEEK: Jake’s finger removed a smudge of barbecue sauce from Lydia’s mouth and Lydia shocked them both by licking his finger clean. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped nothing.

“I’m sorry, I just…” She stopped talking and turned her gaze to the table. “Thank you,” she said without looking at him. “I hate it when someone sees a way to help and they ignore it instead.”

Her mind reeled at the possible implications of his touch or her bold reaction. Maybe smudges of food bothered him. Maybe he was being considerate. The possibilities sounded right, but his eyes didn’t have the look of a gentleman.

<~ You can <tweet that> last line if you want. There are endless possibilities, but reality is staring her right in the face. Jake wants her. I know she can see it now, but does she believe it? Come back next week and find out what she does next OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

ROW80 Round 4 2013 Goals

Posted on October 13, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

This will be my eighth round of 80 days. You’d think I’d have a workable plan by now, but nope, I don’t. Each round has been different from the last. Life just keeps changing. That is the constant.

A Round of Words In 80 Days or ROW80 is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. Join in at any time. State your goals and check-in on Wednesdays and or Sundays.

Last round was different from any other because I worked with an editor for the first time, my debut released, and I was promoting my book. While all that was going on, I was also trying to finish/polish a novelette. I did hit send a few weeks ago and while I wait I’ll be working on another novella. I don’t know if I’ll get published again, but I’m going to work my ass off and give it all I’ve got.

It’s really easy to let your writing time get swallowed up by life in general, social media, and all the promotion opportunities. I see now more than ever how important it is to get your name out there, BUT I’m here because I love to write and that needs to remain my biggest focus.

My goals below are in addition to my evil day job, volunteer duties, and my family. I’m keeping the list short and sweet this round. My goal is focus.

The Goals – Round 4 2013

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting
Take care of and be kind to myself

Here’s to a fabulous round of 80-days.

Flash Fiction #49 A Clean Start

Posted on October 11, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Four days in the car and Kelly wondered if they’d ever stop running. When the rain started pounding the car, she also wondered if she’d ever shower again, but most of all she wanted Dean to kiss her.

“Can we stop? The rain is pouring off the roofs here and it might be our only way to get clean.”

“You want to shower from the side of a building?”

“No, behind the building is fine.”

Dean laughed, but turned left and drove behind the next building.

Within minutes the rain poured down her back and Deans arms came around her.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Michelle Howard: http://www.michellehowardwrites.com
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com
Raven McAllan: http://ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
J.P. Stevens: http://jp-stevens.blogspot.co.uk/

Weekend Writing Warriors – Wicked Temptation

Posted on October 6, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together and both have been fighting their desire. LAST WEEK: Jake returned to the conference room after taking a cold shower to find Lydia licking her fingers. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped a few paragraphs of conversation. Jake’s been distracted by a smudge of barbecue sauce on the corner of Lydia’s mouth.

Before he could stop himself, he sat beside her, and his inquisitive finger reached out and rubbed the corner of her mouth. His finger hovered between them, an inch from her mouth. She licked her lips, and seconds ticked by. Nothing in the room captured his attention but her devilish mouth. Her tongue reached out and licked his finger. It took forever for his hand to return to his side. The air between them had become thick with heat. He couldn’t tear his sight from her beautiful eyes.

Wow, Lydia’s taking it up a notch with her wicked tongue. <~ You can <tweet that> Quiet Lydia seems to be coming out of her shell. I sure hope she doesn’t regret that decision. Will Jake encourage her or will these two get back to work?

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Flash Fiction #48 Sunday in the Park

Posted on October 4, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Carla’s life was about to change. She could feel it as certain as the sun was bright.

With her legs turning to mush she slumped to the nearest bench and pressed her hand to her chest.

“He could be the one.”

She looked up to find Sam walking towards her. Not stopping, he picked her up and cuddled her in his arms.

“What’s wrong, baby?” He was pinching his eyebrows with such force that wrinkles zigzagged all the way up his forehead.

She looked into his sweet brown eyes, and with one more of his seductive kisses, she stopped resisting.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Sherri Hayes: http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
J.P. stevens: http://jp-stevens.blogspot.co.uk/