Welcome to the discussion for BOOK TWO in our Holiday Reading Challenge, Trapped in Paradise by Deatri King-Bey. For those who didn’t know, this is one of the books in the Destination Romance Series which is written by a handful of romance authors who dedicated their stories to the Romance Slam Jam (RSJ) family. RSJ will celebrate its 15th year in 2010 with a cruise and these books will be a treat for romance fans everywhere. More about the series is below.
TRAPPED IN PARADISE by Deatri King-Bey
Red Rose Publishing, November 2009
Ebook, $2.99 (all proceeds go to charity)
ISBN-13: 978-1-60435-464-5
BOOK DESCRIPTION
After escaping an abusive marriage, Saundra Write swore never to allow anyone to trap her again. Then comes along Jeremy King, the kind of man any woman would beg to be trapped in paradise with.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When Deatri was six years old, her mother was told that because of Deatri’s dyslexia, she’d probably never learn how to read. At that time it was recommended Deatri partake in a specialized reading curriculum. Unbeknownst to Deatri’s parents, this additional help their daughter would need was actually Deatri being taken out of reading class to sit in the hallway with a tape recorder for a teacher. When Deatri entered the fourth grade at a different school, her parents were terrified to learn their daughter couldn’t read. For years she’d been reciting the bedtime stories to her mother from memory instead of actually reading the written words from the pages. READ MORE via her website at http://www.deewrites.com.
ABOUT THE SERIES
While on a cruise to Jamaica, six couples discover The Love Boat is a lot more than a television series from the 1980s, and this time the destination is hot, steamy romance.  CLICK HERE to purchase the entire series.
As A Whisper by AlTonya Washington
Show Me! by Barbara Keaton
Trapped In Paradise by Deatri King-Bey
Seaside Seduction by A.C. Arthur
On My Knees by Dyanne Davis
More And More by Niobia Byant
Proceeds from the sale of Trapped in Paradise and the other ebooks of the Destination Romance Series will go to the South Side Help Center, an HIV/AIDS prevention intervention and education program for African American women in Chicago.
Okay, let’s do this! Welcome to the chat everyone!
Deatri thanks so much for participating in our Holiday Reading Challenge and joining us today. This is SO MUCH fun! I’m hoping all the romance lovers will stop through and share their thoughts on the book because it’s definitely one for romance lovers everywhere.
Deatri, please start off with telling us more about the series as a whole and then we’ll start the discussion.
-Tee
Sorry Tee I have to run out but I just wanted to say, I LOVED this story..! I was caught up in the first few lines and didnt stop reading till I got to the end. I was reluctant to read a eBook because I thought it would get on my nerves but I didnt have any problems..this time. Thanks for a great story !
No worries, Linda. We’ll be here when you get back. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. And now you know eBooks aren’t bad, right? LOL.
Hey Linda,
Thanks for giving this little eBook a try. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. I’ll be here late tonight. Hope to see you later.
Dee
I just want to jump in and say I loved the story, I particularly loved Miranda as the meddling sister, she added a nice nutty flavor to the romantic elements. Wonderful job Deatri and thanks so much for supporting charity in this way~ be BLESSED~
angelia
LOL @ Angelia! I was cracking up at her antics, especially when Saundra called her after she found Jeremy in her cabin.
Ms. Deatri, thanks for joining us today!!! I loved this story and enjoyed the characters. How did you come up with this particular storyline? I agree, Miranda was a hoot and I loved her!! Was her character influenced by someone that you happen to know?
I was wondering why I never had a sister like Miranda??
Hello Jaime, thanks for coming out.
I actually didn’t have a story idea for this novel before I started writing it. I just knew they had to be on the RSJ Cruise. Then my daughter came by for a visit with my grandson. She was complaining about something he had done and I reminded her of her antics over the years and BAM! I had Miranda. My daughter is a HOT MESS. Her making me laugh has gotten her out of many punishments. The other characters came easily after I had my first.
Peace
Dee
Angelia, I must admit that Miranda had me laughing too. LOL. I think I’ll go back and write a story for her and Marcus.
Thanks for supporting the SSHC and me.
Dee
I like that idea…a story about Miranda and Marcus! I look forward to that read!!! Please keep me posted.
I most certainly will. I suggest you sign up for my enews. I only put out an issue if I have a book coming out or an upcoming event. There’s a link to it at the bottom of my homepage at http://www.deewrites.com
Hello Everyone,
Sorry I’m late. I had a few technical difficulties, but it’s allllll good now!
First I’d like to thank everyone for supporting Destination Romance (which Trapped In Paradise is one of the stories). This series is special for two reasons.
In 1985 the Romance Slam Jam came to life and brought readers and authors together to celebrate Black romance. In 2010 is our 15 year anniversary. Originally the six authors who participated in the Destination Romance anthology joined forces to give a special gift of THANK YOU to the Romance Slam Jam family.
We always try to raise money for a cause during our event. Soooo, the authors decided to donate all proceeds from Destination Romance to the South Side Help Center. African American women are the fastest growing population being daignosed with HIV/AIDS and this center is doing its darndest to reverse that trend. The publisher, cover artist, authors, editors are all donating their portions to the South Side Help Center. So please tell everyone about the series.
Six great stories, one great cause. Thank you for helping.
Dee
What a wonderful cause!!!
Thank you Sharon. And thank you for supporting the cause by purchasing the book.
It is a wonderful cause and that everyone is giving of their talents is AMAZING. If you all have time, be sure to go over to http://romanceslamjam.blogspot.com/
Just about everyone involved is included in this months blogs. They took too pages, so be sure to click the older post at the bottom of the page.
Dee
I love it! I haven’t been to RSJ in a while, but I love the tie in to the anniversary cruise coming up, the books, and the stories. I even liked that Beverly Jenkins was “Bev”, in the book, playing herself. Now tell us…were Cilla, Toni, and the other lady real-life characters? Because I know we have Toni Bonita in RAW and she’s definitely an RSJ supporter. LOL…details, details!
I will also say…I’ve been to a LOT of literary events and the RSJ Conferences I intended were some of my favorites out of the bunch. Romance readers do NOT play! And, I really loved how the romance authors seemed to support each other and were so down to earth. I haven’t been to one in 3 years, but I sure hope to make 2011 since I’ve missed the deadline for 2010.
-Tee
Tee, I’m not telling.
Love you Toni B, Cilla, Reba, Bev and the rest of the RSJ Family crew. Love you all.
By the way the RSJ will be in Baltimore in 2011 and in Little Rock in 2012. I hope to see you all there also.
If you want to come on the cruise, there are still cabing available.
details are at
http://www.romanceslamjamconference.com
It’s not in the budget for 2010 as we have a few other trips planned, but I plan to be there in 2011.
And, boy do I love that website. ROFL. It’s one of my favorites of all those I’ve done. I’ll have to check out the blog too.
-Tee
I must say, you out did yourself on the website. You know I tell everyone who complements it who created it. Shooot, you really did your thang. LOL
Awwwwwwww, thanks! I’ll be asking for a testimony for my new site, so look for it.
Oh I forgot to tell you all about the drawiing I’ll do at today’s end.
Someone from our discussion today will win a copy of my present novel Broken Promises or my next release Jodie’s Choice. They are both ebooks. So please send your email address to deatri@deewrites.com if you are interested in the drawing.
Broken Promises–Mainstream Interracial
Jodie’s Choice –Mainstream
As you know I always write with strong romantic elements.
Goood luck.
Dee
Woo hoo! Thanks, Deatri. Please be sure to send them for review too as I already know two folks who would love to get an early peek.
-Tee
I most certainly will SMILE
Thanks
I just finished reading Trapped in Paradise and I enjoyed it.
Brenda
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Trapped In Paradise. And thanks for coming over and showing additional support.
Have a great day.
Dee
Okay, let’s share our thoughts!
-How many romance fans out there and did this one hold up to the romance meter?
-If you’re not necessary a hardcore romance lover, what did you think?
-Who was your favorite character? Why? Least favorite? Why?
-What did you think about Mr. Tall Dark and All Too Fine? ROFL. My, my!
- Miranda was a hot mess! Did you think she went too far are do you think it wasn’t a big deal since it worked out?
-Tee
I’m not a hardcore romance lover, but I think this definitely score high on the romance meter. Saundra and Jeremy were mesmerized the moment they saw each other.
I love all the characters including the 3 ladies on the cruise ship…and my fav was Miranda. She’s crazy but has a heart of gold.
What I thought of Mr. Tall Dark and All Too Fine….well I want one!!!!!!!!!!!
I won’t say Miranda went too far because her intentions were not too hurt anyone but she could have done it a different way. But I understood why she did after she explained it to Saundra.
I am not a hardcore romance reader but Iove romantic elements in any story~ sometimes there is nothing better than a romantic story to sweep you up and take you away and this one did that~
I remember when I first started reading romance, I loved them! Then I got in a serious relationship and was a little ticked that Mr. Man wasn’t Mr. Romance Hero and so, I slowly stopped reading them. I’m down to maybe 2-3 a year because they make it rough for Mr. Man (yep, the same one. I actually married him.) And I don’t really “like” knowing they’re going to eventually end up together in a romance. LOL. Yeah, yeah call me a cynic. Some of my bestest reading buddies love the part that happens before they get together, but I already know the ending, soooooooooo…it makes it harder for me.
- Mr. Tall Dark and Too Fine? Well err…ummm…errr…OH MY! Ahahha. Thankfully I have my own version.
- Favorite character was Miranda. She cracked me up. I can not imagine anyone going to the extent she did to connect the main characters, but her heart was in the right place. I still would’ve had a nice long talk with her. I mean, for real. Ole boy could’ve been a serial killer or something. I didn’t really have a least favorite character.
-Tee
You silly….LOL
I’m just sayin…
I used to be a hardcore romance reader. But somewhere along the way, I stopped believing and I just stopped reading romance book alot. Too many Mr. Rights that were not right for me I guess. There have been a few books to sort of get me to thinking about love, but this one touched me. I sympathized with Saundra in what she was going through thinking or fearing that love might hurt again. But to see her embrace new love (with her sister’s help, of course) was a good experience for me.
And yes, Miranda was a HOT MESS. She added some humor to story. She went too far, but I’m glad she knew her sister and what she needed so well, she acted on it and prayed for the best.
As for Mr. Tall Dark and All Too Fine, who doesn’t want one. My christmas tree is up and I would love to have one for Christmas.
Brenda
ROFL…I bet! Ahahha.
LOL You are too much.
Dee
Trapped in Paradise is such a cute romance short story. I normally don’t like reading short stories but this one fun and saucy. I enjoyed all the characters in the story which Miranda was my favorite.
I’m with you on the short stories! I don’t really care for them and romance is a genre I don’t read too much of anymore, but I enjoyed the story. Now, I did have a whole lotta questions and did my well-known “ooh unh unh” quite a few times, but overall I enjoyed the read and was happy for the characters.
-Tee
I must say that I was hesitant to read this ebook but I am glad I did. I am not real big on romance but I am willing to read more than I have in the past. I was also delighted by the humor of the book. Good job!
LaDena,
I’m so glad you took the romance plunge. This is the closest to Traditional Romance I have ever written and had fun writing it (I think it was Miranda. LOL. Gotta love her with her bad tail).
Me too, LaDena! Thanks for stepping out on faith and joining us.
Also, I love the new profile picture. Pretty, pretty!
-Tee
Jeremy was described with vivid detail that i understood the nickname of Mr. Tall Dark and All Too Fine!!! I was a lil envious that Sandra got see him in those jeans and that towel! His name and nickname fit him. LOL!!
Yeah me likes a firm man butt ~
Girl Saundra also said he filled out his briefs just right….YUM!!! LOL!!!
Really enjoyed chat, just downloaded Dyanne Davis…off to complete Have Mercy~toodles
Have a great evening.
Dee
Y’all keep chatting, but what I really wanna know is why folks are hesitant to read eBooks. Should probably be another discussion, but let’s talk about that too.
I know I’d much rather own the book, but over the last year, I’ve become a bit tired of the clutter of all my books, so I’ve been downsizing and letting some of them go. Also, for the review team, I’m really beginning to prefer eBooks because the turnaround time is so much faster vs having to receive the book, then ship it back out the reviewer who then has to wait on it too. Electronic versions are so much easier to deal with (and less work).
-Tee
As a reviewer…the ebook is wonderful because I don’t have to wait to receive and I can just print it out. Tee, you’re so right about the book clutter because Lord knows I don’t need to bring another book into my home office…GEEZ…the shame of it all…LOL!!!!!!!
But the drawback for me would be because I can’t hold the book in my hand. Something about the feel of the book and the smell of the pages. That’s also why I don’t listen to audiobooks.
We need to get you a Nook or Sony Reader or even the Kindle. I read ebooks via my Sony Reader and I love it! Now…how do I go about getting all our reviewers one of these? ROFL. Amazon, Sony, B & N, y’all listening?
-Tee
Now see you know I love getting gifts…LOL!!!
ROFL! We need to tell Oprah or Ellen or Tyler Perry or (any other rich person) to buy us one for Christmas.
-Tee
LOL…right!!!
I admit that I was hesitant to try an ebook when Tee first suggested it to me. I quicly got over that hesitation once I started getting them. I do agree, when reading an ebook I do miss the feel of the actual book in my hands.
I’m so glad you were willing to try them.
I’m sure getting them quick is the best part? No more stalking the mailbox. LOL.
-Tee
I smply love books, have hundreds and hundreds, not only that, reading for me is a cuddle in the corner type thing, very leisurely and I need an actual book for that, not opposed to ebooks, simply prefer books, even with ebooks, I print them out, place them in binder then read them~
Angelia, I would do this too! But, one day I dropped a stack of papers and the author hadn’t bothered to number the pages and OMG, it was awful. Thus began my annoyance with electronic copies. Then, I went to Disneyland in Spring 2007 and took a crate of manuscripts with me to work on, plus 4 books I wanted to read during the week. Yep, I hauled them down the road with family and luggage. After that, I said no more! It was crazy. So now, when I travel, I load up the Sony Reader with 10+ books and I may have one actual book, but that’s it.
-Tee
I have a Kindle, but since these days I only travel with ma man, there is lots of room for my books and mags~
You and Mr. Menchan are just soooooo cute! I feel ya though. Let me borrow that Kindle and give it a spin. I know I’ll never buy one, but if I got it to borrow or as a gift, I’d give it a try.
-Tee
I work on computers all day and didn’t want anything to do with ebooks. I was fascinated by them because I’m a techy, so I wanted to be published in ebook for, but I didn’t really want to read them on a computer. I figured I can’t cuddle up to a reader like I do my paperback.
Then my hubby bought me a netbook so I wouldn’t have to lug my huge laptop around when I travel. I use the netbook as a reader and grew to love it. Not I’m ready for an e-reader. Still trying to figure out which one.
I think folks feel they are being cheated with an ebook. Some what the look and feel of the book in their hands. Me, a book is a book, ebook or not. I like to read. And yes, I hear you about the Kindle or Nook, etc. I want one so bad. Bringing more books into the house is about to become outrageous. LOL
Brenda
When I moved from Chicago to Phoenix two years ago, I gave away over 400 books. I can’t throw them away. Since I’ve been here I’ve given away tons of books. I need an ereader (my hubby is getting me one I just need to figure out which one).
I still plan on buying certain books from my favorite authors for my collection. Otherwise, I’m switching to ebooks if they are available.
Brenda, you know, you’re probably right. I know I look at the price of some eBooks and my first thought is I’d rather buy the book. It seems crazy to have them a few dollars different in price.
-Tee
BTW, if following the threaded comments confuses you, subscribe to the chat via the box at the bottom of the page and you’ll get an email every time someone replies.
-Tee
Who believes in love at first sight? Would you have accepted Jeremy’s invite to lunch at the airport? Would you have been suspicious once you saw you had connecting rooms? And yeah, yeah…would you have peeked under that towel when you found him in you cabin? Hey, I’m just asking…
-Tee
anything is possible, however, my man claims to believe in, says he fell in love with me at first sight, I guess it’s true, I was five and gorgeous…hee hee, actually we dated in high school, broke up for years~ when he came back as a grown man, umm hmm, I fell hard~ I know TMI~
Awwwww, how sweet!
Here goes the cynic again… But, no I don’t believe in love at first sight, but lust at first sight? Yep.
-Tee
I would’ve accepted his lunch invitation and let things go from there. I would’ve tried to remain calm once I realized the rooms were connected. Yes, I would’ve tried to take a peak under that towel…after that description it would’ve been hard to resist. LOL! Just sayin’!
I believe anything is possible. I would have accepted his invite but I don’t know if I would have fell asleep in his arms and I surly would have peeked under that towel haha…curious minds want to know!!
Anything is possible and I would have accepted his invitation to lunch. But when I found out about the connectingrooms I would’ve immediately panicked.
Forgot about the towel…heck yeah I would have tried to get a peek…trip and fall under him or cause a strong wind or something to get a sneaky sneak….LOL
LOL…Sharon you are a mess. But I would tried the same thing girl.
Brenda
I don’t believe in love at first sight. I think it’s lust at first sight which grows into love.
Dee
Well, y’all either romantics at heart or flat out greedy! Ahahha… How you gonna accept lunch from a stranger away from the airport? Greedy, greedy! I would’ve been like “can’t we eat here instead of leaving out?” Yet, they didn’t even ask about where they were headed, if they were in a rush to meet someone, or get somewhere…nada. This is what was on my mind.
Then to see him at the hotel too? And connecting rooms to boot? Ummm, I would’ve been calling Miranda quick fast and in a hurry, and I certainly wouldn’t have been unlocking that connecting door. Y’all romantics can have that! He might’ve been cute & fine, but he could’ve been crazy too.
Now the towel…errr, ummm…ummmm. She did say 5 years didn’t she? Ahahha. I’m going skip that one.
-Tee
LOL. You sound like my Mom. LOL.
Seriously though, in real life I would have been like have been completely freaked out by him having the adjoining room. I think I would have figured out Miranda had something to do with it around that point. That woman was ALWAYS up to something.
Dee
Jeremy reminded me of a dream come true for Saundra. Was his character based on an actual person, too?
I tried to a hero for her who would be compatible with her and also compassionate enough to understand her issues and work with her.
Thank you for the question.
Dee
Mr. Tall Dark and All Too Fine does seem like a dream come true. I mean how often do you meet a man that is patient now to wait? Not only that but, one who thinks enough of you to want to get pass all the baggage from past bad relationships to show you how it could really be.
Brenda
oh wait…wait…the killer part was when he said he love her so much that if she wanted to leave he would let her go…..now ain’t that sayin’ somethin’? LOL Now that’s love!!!
Ooh girl, he was saying a whole lot. I was really feeling him with that statement.
Brenda
Just stopping in to show some support for Dee and all that she does in the literary community. I think this project is a “novel” idea!
Hey Lissa,
You are too kind. Thank you for your show of support. You always come through.
Peace
Dee
Thanks for stopping through! This is a quick read (less than an hour), so go on and get a copy and come back and chat it up.
-Tee
I see y’all gonna make me ask all the questions. I have more…
About the ending, did you really think Miranda was going to make it happen? Do you think someone can meet, fall in love, and get married in such a short span of time?
Deatri, do you have any questions for us?
-Tee
You know what I didn’t even think about that until they were getting off the boat looking for Miranda.
Yes…people do it all the time but I couldn’t do it
Me either, but I will say in my younger days, I had a 2-year window for dating. If he didn’t know within that two years that I was the one, it was time for me to move on. Hubby proposed a bit under the two year mark and most of my serious relationships before him were right at or under two years each.
-Tee
People do it all the time, but I am personally way too cautious for that~ Miranda was determined~
Me too Angelia…I am way too cautious. But I know it can happen for some.
Brenda
I think people can fall for each other and marry that quickly , that just isn’t my cup of tea.
Now my hubby of 22 years made me a believer something as close to love at first site as one can get. And within 3 days of knowing each other (we hadn’t had sex), he’d said we were going to get married. I thought he was being silly, but doubted because we’d just met. But we hit it off. He asked me to marry him a week or so after we met and I said yes without hesitation. Thank God it worked out. We were too young to marry.
Anywhooo, I wrote a short story for a workshop displaying showing verses tellin that also shows how I first met my hubby. It was definately lust at first sight but changed quickly.
http://www.deewrites.com/shorts/Meeting.pdf
OMG…your story is almost similar to mine. Hubby and I met on a party boat…LOL…going down the Ohio River…LOL. I found out he told his mother the next day he was going to marry me. We met in June, that November we became engaged and the following July we were married…21 years ago!
Congratulations on our special brand of Love at First Sight. LOL.
Dee
Oh wow to both of y’all! That is amazing and so cute; so based on that, I could see you loving romances or books with romantic elements.
-Tee
Deatri…what made you decide to become a romance author when fiction is your true love?
I’m in the middle world. I love romance, but I’m not a traditional romance author. I write romantic fiction.
I like to write love stories where there is more to the story than the romance. The other elements that come into play are just as exciting and fun to flush out for me.
I don’t think I could write a novel that had no romantic elements in it (though I read them). I’ve tried and given up. Now I just write the story that’s in me.
Thanks for the great question
Dee
@Deatri that is it, just write the story that is in you~
angelia
Great answer!! I have one of your books Whisper Something Sweet and unfortuantely I haven’t read it yet but I look forwarding to reading it.
Which one of your books you’ve written is your favorite?
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite of my novels. I used my husband who has Bi-polar disorder and my best friend who has a few physical issues as my inspiration. And yes, for those of you who have read the novel, Bruce models my hubby very closely with his illness. Too bad we don’t have the money from the fantasy man. LOL.
Mental disorders aren’t spoken of in our community or in romance heroes and to have a heroine who isn’t drop-dead, d*ck-hardening gorgeous is unhear of. LOL.
A lot of people wrote saying they were leery of reading that book, but were glad they did by the time they finished.
Dee
I love reading books like that because it’s everyday real life. I may not have the same issues as the characters I’m reading about but those are relatable. Adding another book to my gazillion and still counting TBR list.
@Deatri, Beauty and the Beast was a great book!
Brenda
Thanks Brenda SMILE
now I can get with a romance story that has more to the story than just romance.
I’m piggy backing here, do you have a desire to write other genres? If so which one?
I have written other genres, but they all ways end up with strong romance elements.
I have a Fantasy Romance and a Sci-Fi romance coming out in about a year.
I also have a Thriller Series that I’m working with another author on. That series has romance elements in it, but not nearly as strong. I REALLLLLY want to self publish that series. We are checking into all of the cost now. Paying for editing an all that stuff is expensive. Whew.
Please sign up for my newsletter if you haven’t. I always announce my upcoming releases an such there, otherwise it’s quiet. A link to the newsletter is on my website at http://www.deewrites.com at the bottom.
Thanks for the great questions, keep em coming
Thanks, I joined the mailing list. I have another question, once you had the story line did you find it difficult bringing Saundra and Jeremy’s story to life?
The characters come to life to me once I start writing from their Point Of View. So Miranda introduced me to her sister and Jeremy. I hope that makes sense. Once I met them, it was on and poppin’ You can say I was possessed by Miranda, then I possessed Saundra and Jeremy. LOL.
Dee
Hurry up with the Sci-Fi and Thrillers! Those are my type of books.
-Tee
The Thriller one is THE BOMB!!!!! Like I said, it’s not romance, but does have romance elements in it. We are sending it to editing in the next week or two, then we need to do rewrites and all that good stuff and keep putting our pennies away. Then we print that bad puppy out and go for it.
I can’t wait for that one to come out. I’ve always wanted to self publish and just couldn’t bring myself to giving this book to a publisher. And we did, kind of look for a publisher (not too hard SMILE).
Dee
When becoming involved with someone, it’s easy to get caught up in them and spending time together.
Have any of you ever experienced the same problem Miranda & Saundra had, when one sister felt the other was neglecting her and/or spending too much time with the significant other? How did you handle it if so? How did you avoid it, if not.
-Tee
Can’t say that I have experienced that @Tee. My sister went into the military when she was 18. She has been away all these years. Now I have friends who have felt that I put them down for my “significant other”. I tried to include her in things as a friend and introduce her to some of his friends, that didn’t work. Created tons of problems.
Yep, I could see that too. I don’t think I’ve ever really done it, but once married a lot of things changed. My time was no longer just mine and then throw in kids, too? I can’t tell you the last time I hung out with the girls.
-Tee
I’m a little late to the discussion. It’s a big adjustment when people are used to getting all of your time. This sort of happened to me. I started having a life instead of always being available for everybody else and they still haven’t adjusted to it.
Late works, too, Shelia
I’m glad you started having a life SMILE.
It is a hard adjustment for others, but they will survive.
Peace
Dee
Deatri, you covered a lot in this story in a little over 80 pages. I love me a good thick novel, but yet I didn’t feel I missed out on anything in the storyline of Trapped in Paradise. So, my question is this, is it more difficult writing a short story or full-length novel? Why? Which one do you prefer?
Brenda
Excellent Question! Y’all are on the ball today.
I don’t worry about story length. I’m anti-fluff, so my novels tend to be short, but packed with punch. Now this one was more difficult for me because I had to keep it under 20,000 words, so I couldn’t travel outside of the romance arc as I like to without it becoming a full length novel, but I was satisfied.
I seriously want to write Miranda an Marcus’s story though. That way I can fully flush out the rest of the story as I’d like.
I do have a historical that is 93,000 words that is at AVON now waiting for acceptance (SMILE). I think it ended up being so long because with historicals you have to build more of the world for your reader to visualize. Same thing happened with my Sci-Fi romance, I think it’s like 99,000 words.
Thanks for the question.
LOL! I would love to see Miranda and Marcus’ story. Something tells me that in the story Marcus would have a lot to overcome with someone with a willful nature like Miranda’s. Seems like that would be one hilarious story.
Brenda
Oh yeah, that one will be quite funny, yet still have serious issues.
But Marcus can handle her. I may have to write their story next.
Peace
Dee
Hi Dee -
Just stopped by for a brief minute to say how much I enjoyed the story.
It felt so real and the “characters” were true to form.
You know I will be looking to see if their is a mystery couple @ RSJ cruise.
I so loved the scene when the family was there on Grand Cayman for the wedding and Miranda responded when asked how did you pull it together so fast and she responded she had several months to plan.
As a newbie to reading romance novels – I could relate to how it felt to read your first one and then becoming hooked.
Look forward to reading the other stories and yes, it is a wonderful cause to support.
Take care
Thank you very much Beverly.
WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD OR ROMANCE.
Dee
Beverly, thanks so much for stopping through and participating in the discussion. I’m glad you liked Trapped in Paradise and I hope you’ll check out the other books in the series, especially Dyanne Davis’ as we’re chatting with her during the Holiday Challenge too.
-Tee
Hello Everyone, I’m having a BALLLLLL and hoping you are too.
The Destination Romance Anthology (which will include all six stories) goes on sale 17 December (just in time for christmas). All proceeds (minus printing and distribution cost) go to the charity. Please help spread the word. They make excellent Christmas gifts. There will be information on the Red Rose website in the near future and I’ll be sending out the pre-order form (if you can call it that. Sheeesh, it’s already December).
Also, if you know folks who haven’t ordered the ebooks in the series or you have additional ones you want to purchase, please buy them directly from Red Rose instead of the other estores that sale them such as Amazon and Fictionwise. Those places take their distribution fee (which can be quite sizeable), which means less for the charity. http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/index.php?cPath=76_174
Thanks a bunch for all of the support
Dee
Deatri, I will be ordering my copy for what sounds like a great story and to support a great cause.
Thanks a whole lot and a BUNCH Shelia. Every book puts us that much closer to saving someone.
Have a great weekend.
Dee
Hello Dee,
Great story and great job on promoting the charity.
Dyanne
Hey Dyanne!
Thanks for coming by and showing some support.
For those of you who may not know, Dyanne is one of the Destination Romance Authors!
Her contribution “On My Knees” will be discussed later in the month (I can’t remember the date, sorry). So be sure to pick up this fantastic read and we all meet up here again and talk some more.
Here’s the link to her story:
http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=76_174&products_id=668
Dee
Hey Dyanne! I purchased my copy of your book today and look forward to checking it out! Can’t wait to chat with you too (on Jan 7th). Thanks for stopping through.
-Tee
Hey Dyanne :0
Purchased my copy yesterday and I’m looking forward to reading it and the chat.
I loved this book; it was such a quick and easy read! I don’t have any sisters but I think I would be Miranda. I try to be “Miranda” to my brothers but it doesn’t work out. LOL
Thank you for joining us Deatri!!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for dropping by and for reading Trapped in Paradise.
Miranda was a hot mess in the best way. One of my favorite characters ever.
Have a great weekend.
Dee
Ms. Deatri,
I enjoyed the chat today and thanks for answering my questions! Have a great weekend and I’ll be in touch!
You have a great weekend also Jaime!
Go read a good book or something. I hope to see you at some of the other chats.
Peace
Dee
I know there may be some evening folks who pop on to join in the chat, but I want to send my thanks out to everyone for participating. It’s not as quite as meeting up in person, but it sure is nice. Deatri, it’s always a pleasure, sis. Thank you too!! I think I’m going to modify this post and do a Lit Spotlight featuring the series, so others can check them out!
Y’all feel free to continue the chat and if there are more questions, please post them!
(For those who participated, check this one as DONE on the Holiday Reading Challenge. Two books in and I see some of y’all are trying to show us just how avid readers you are. I’m working on some wonderful gift packs for the winners, so do stay tuned.)
-Tee
Thank you for this opportunity to talk books Tee, and I’m not just talking about mine. I write, but I’m a reader first. I love to read and talk books and you have never let me down.
I’m in editing mode, but sneaking in a few of the other books to join in on the discussion.
Welcome Evening Folks. Hope you had a great day at work. I’ll be in and out for a while. I’m giving away a copy my current ebook Broken Promises or my next ebook, Jodie’s Choice to one of the attendees. If you are interested in entering the drawing, email me at deatri@deewrites.com
Peace
Dee
Hello Everyone,
Deatri and Tee C. is thee any other way to get a copy of these stories other than e-reader?
I look forward to reading all of them. Patsy
Hi Patsy! When you go to the site, it lets you download the book in various formats. I did PDF and though I read it via my Sony Reader, you can open it on your computer. You don’t need a special device.
-Tee
I don’t have a reader and always download ebooks as PDF’s also. I read them on my computer.
The anthology will also be out in print in a few weeks (17 Dec) and will be available from http://www.redrosepublishing.com I’ll send out announcements when it’s out.
Thanks for the support.
Peace
Dee
Hello Ladies! And a special hello to our Author as well. I have to admit that some romance books get to be too much for me but if there is good story attatched to it, then I’m okay. (even if brothaman is too good to be true) . Deatri, your personal story is so inspiring. Trapped in Paradise sounds like what I need to read when I’m feeling blue so let me add it to my TBR. I’m getting an ereader after Christmas. (I saved my rewards points from my cc)
Hey Mary,
Thank you for coming by and I’m honored people find my personal story inspiring. Those rewards points on the CC are beautiful things, aren’t they. I only check them out once a year and WOW you can really get some goodies there.
Dee
This is my first time chatting in this form. I did read the book and thought it was good. I was caught off guard about the length but the ending was good. I did not want to be left hanging.
Hello SLV,
Thanks for joining us. Blogging chat is great. You can chat all day without actually sitting in front of the computer all day. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Have a great weekend.
Dee
Well Everyone, I’m out of here for tonight. Thanks Tee for inviting me to hang out.
Thank you all for supporting the South Side Help Center with your purchase of any of the Destination Romance Series. You are Fantastic.
Peace
Dee
Thank you too, Deatri! It’s been fun.
-Tee
Sorry I didn’t post yesterday. I had death in the family. I read the story Trap in Paradise. I enjoyed the story. The mention of authors were cool in the storyline. It’s good to hear the proceeds are going to charity.
Christine
My condolences to you and your family, Christine.