INTRODUCTION
Black Diamond Prequel: Characters Revealed is a collection of character pieces not available to the public until May 2010. This ebook will introduce you to a few key characters in Black Diamond, coming June 2010.
Black Diamond is a romantic suspense story following Camille Blackwell, an undercover FBI agent, as she investigates an international diamond trading company in hopes of identifying the domestic players in a vicious rebel group suspected of trafficking conflict diamonds. Camille finds her case jeopardized by the death of a coworker, leaving her with no choice but to trust the infamous Marc Fulton, a CIA agent. In a borderless game of cat and mouse, will Camille’s chance at happily ever after be thwarted by the deadly scheme of the faceless leader of the Imperial Dynasty?
My motto is “Transform Your World One Book at a Time.†Black Diamond is filled with real issues, drama, and displays characters risking everything at all costs.
Enjoy this exclusive reveal for RAWSISTAZ readers. Feel free to email me your comments, questions, and feedback at info[at]janesedixon[dot]com.
Sincerely,
Ja’Nese Dixon
Author of Black Diamond
Website: www.janesedixon.com
Transform Your World One Book at a Time
Hey hey and welcome to the discussion for Black Diamond: Characters Revealed. A special thanks to Ja’Nese for joining us today. Ja’Nese, please start us off with an introduction so our members and site guests can learn a bit more about you.
And a special thanks for sharing this sneak peek at the characters with RAWSISTAZ. We appreciate the early read and previewing the Black Diamond family.
-Tee
Tee,
Thanks for having me. I’m excited…nervous…doing the happy dance. (smile) I’m excited about my debut novel and to give your readers a peak into the lives of the characters in Black Diamond.
JD
It is/was a pleasure. I’m looking forward to the release of Black Diamond and our Black Book Chat to discuss the book with you later in the year.
Hi JaNese and thank you for chatting with us today!! Ok…those 19 pages were a tease…I need more! Both Black Diamond and Coffee Confessions look interested. I added them to my TBR list.
look interesting…LOL
What she said !! WOW..what a great teaser..LOL Im ready for the rest !
ROFL!! See, I wasn’t going to say anything, but y’all know I don’t really like excerpts, so this one was hard for me to open. LOL! I don’t like the whole “wait and finish later” vibe of an excerpt. I’m impatient. Plus, if it’s good? Ummmmmmm, again I don’t want to wait.
-Tee
I don’t like them either. I ALWAYS pass those up if they’re in the back of a book I’m reading.
I usually don’t like them either…I handled this one in stride. LOL!!!
Sharon,
You’ve made my day. And actually Tee and Jaime the short pieces are not found in the book. You have an opportunity to learn about the characters and some of the underlying tension that fuels their actions in the book.
You should read it. I’ve found people love my villain and when they read the opening prologue they immediately are doused in cold water because he is not who they think he is.
JD
And I have to wait for it, such a tease!!!! LOL!!!
ROFL!
LOL…yeah, yeah. I may have said “excerpt” but it applies in this case too. You gave little pieces, to which we’re all now waiting for June to roll out and to get the final book.
I AGREE, this was a GREAT teaser.
-Brenda
Okay…about these characters…
From the sketches of them, which one stood out the most for you? Why? Was there anything that made you go ‘hmmmmm” as you were reading?
Who do you think you’ll dislike the most and why?
Other than the “free” aspect, what made you want to read BLACK DIAMOND?
They all stood out. The characterization is very detailed and vivid.
Just from the short chapter about Ashanta Kenani, Talib Kamwi would probably be the character I dislike b/c he has an evil side to him. But Howard Underwood is a sneaky one too. He doesn’t see himself dating a Black woman but he’s becoming fascinate with Ashanta. Is she good enough to be seen in public with him?
Again it was the characterization. The characters are vividly described.
Great questions Tee. I can’t wait to read your answers.
Thanks! Every time I try to stop through and comment in detail, the phone rings or Jax starts calling…lol.
I’m all tardy for the party, but wanted to share my thoughts nonetheless. Today was extremely busy and every time I tried to get on to comment, something happened, but here I am. To answer the questions:
I liked the collection as a whole and individually, but Ashanta intrigued me the most, simply by how she described Talib. I wanted to know more…what he did to her and since his piece gave a hint to what his problem might be, I still want to know. I loved the last sentence in her sketch too…lol.
Camille, I also instantly liked. I’m all for the go-getter kick-butt sista and she’s an FBI agent too? I can’t wait to read more about her and how everything ties in together.
I think I’ll probably end up disliking Harold the most. I’m with Sharon…he seems a little sneaky for my liking.
And, I wanted to read Black Diamond because of the premise of the book, and mainly because Camille was an FBI agent. I love suspense and thrillers, so though this is romantic suspense, I wanted to check it out and support Ja’Nese.
Talib stood out to me because of his own excerpt and the one by the young lady that followed. It paints him in two different lights and I want to find out who he really is.
I don’t think I will dislike anyone but I think Camille will probably be another stand out character to me.
Normally, I wouldn’t read the prequel unless I know the book is shortly behind it. This story sounds interesting though. I like the description of the characters already and I can tell there will be some drama, suspense, and action throughout the novel.
Talib stands out to me as well. I agree about the two different personalities. I really want to know more about him and read his story. Camille was my next stand out.
-Brenda
I agree!!! I want to know what really happened to make Anshanta despise him so much.
Jaime,
I believe everyone will be surprised at the genius behind Talib’s business dealings. And Ashtanta unknowingly is caught up.
JD
Ja’Nese,
What made you decide to put out a prequeal with character information? Do you think this will help the reader relate to your characters more?
Criss,
I wrote them for myself. I had to understand why a character would behave a certain way and it began with Talib. I could see him vividly in my mind but I couldn’t get pass the tense relationship he has with the other characters. I wanted to explore it and then his brief piece can to me one night while sleeping.
I shared them with a few people supporting me while writing. I wasn’t comfortable with sharing the actual book but I would share my character profiles. They loved them. They wanted to know more.
That made me decide to use them in marketing my book. I can pull you into the story via the characters without giving away the storyline. I can share without over sharing…if that makes sense.
In the end, I believe it will help readers relate in a emotional way to the characters. You may not be able to relate to Talib growing up in South Africa but you can relate to running from that aching feeling of hurt due to losing someone you love. We all react to life’s obstacles in different ways and the characters in Black Diamond are no exception.
I am banking on your wanting to know how he will deal with his hurt. On how Camille will learn to be Camille and a career woman (which many of us can relate to). How Ashanta will find a way to dig herself out of mess that is more about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
JD
Wow, thanks for the detailed response. It is good to see that you are focused on developing your craft and your characters. Thanks for sharing the profiles with us readers. I did enjoy them and it is a great marketing tool because now I want the book.
Bingo! (ROFL) That’s what I want to hear (or read…). You’re welcome. I’m a reading and characters are just as important as the story. It makes me feel like I can be nosy without being judged. LOL!
I agree!! I’m really into characterization. Great characterization brings emotions…getting in tune with the characters’ thoughts and actions. You can have a good plot but if the characterization is weak…it totally takes away from the story.
Sharon,
I agree. I’m a reader first. I had to write about characters that kept me up at night wondering how things would end. Because I believe it gives insight into who we are.
Hi, Ja’Nese. You definitely roped me in with your description of these characters. I think giving readers more insight into these characters is a brilliant move on your part. Now, I can’t wait to see how their stories unfold in your books.
Thanks Hope. I’m like all of you. I learned so much about each of them through this process. I have to give a huge thanks to one of my mentors. She introduced me to the process and now I can’t image starting a book without it.
Character really do have a mind of their own and if you sit still long enough they will tell you their story. I’m just glad I had the chance to capture this tale in writing.
Thanks again.
JD
Hey Everyone,
Sorry I’m late (smile). I had my first Skype interview today.
Hi JaNese,
I love short stories, writing them and reading them and I enjoyed these…my fave was Camille Blackwell sketch, strong sister, wanting to have it all, but questioning herself…gotta love it~
angelia
I too love short stories with Camille I think I hit on the dilemma plaguing most women. We are told as little girls we can have it all. We can do it all…have the career, husband, kids, house, you know…the works. But in reality can we and at what cost. And it only complicates her life to learn that people are not quite what she expect.
What a great tease! It’s like a sneak peek into their psyche with the details to help you understand who the characters really are. Can’t wait for Black Diamond.
Thank you! True be told I’m just trying to run in your shadow. You keep me grounded and I don’t believe boring is in your vocabulary.
Ja’Nese,
As I read these character introductions, I was curious as to why I didn’t see one for Marc Fulton. Will there be one for him? Or will that occur in the book?
Jaime,
I have one but…Marc was kind of tight lipped. LOL! He’s a weird character to explain. He’s more about action than baring his soul. Thus, the sketch was slim. Since posting I’m flushed it out a bit and I’ve decided to use it in the coming month.
So I’m sorry but you will all have to wait.
JD
You really need to renamed, A Big Tease!!!! LOL!!!! You would do this to me when I’m trying to go to book rehab, LOL!!!! So far…it’s a no go…LOL!!!!
Book rehab? LOL! Let me know how that goes. And if it works please don’t tell my hubby.
Girl, you know a book rehab is just a wild figment of your imagination…..LOL!!! You will have withdrawals in 5 days….a week max….LOL
I’m already having withdrawals, LOL!!!! Thank gudness I don’t have a husband or man to worry me about my addiction at the moment. LOL!!! Sharon, you know what he would get and where he’ll get it…LOL!!!!
ROFL!!!
ROFL!!
I wondered about Marc too since he was mentioned in the introduction. So, I think Miss Ja’Nese should stop with the teasing and just share it with us, right here, right now. We don’t care how short it is, we wanna know.
I love this just proves how much conversation a short can stimulate :}
angelia
Ja”neses…share with us a little about Coffee Confessions and how did you come up with the title? Sounds like something to read while sipping on a Starbucks Zebra Mocha!!!
I would love to.
“Coffee Confessions” is an anthology produced by Nia Promotions. It’s featuring the authors of SIR Authors a book promotion group. It includes seven original short stories that range from inspirational fiction to something sexy for the grown folks.
All of the stories are centered on Coffee Confessions, a small fictitious coffee shop in Houston, TX. Owner Sandra James serves up coffee, books, music and good ole’ fashion customer service that keeps her shop full of eclectic patrons.
My story, “Caramel Surprise”, dives into Sandra’s life as she tries to find balance between her career and life. She’s your everyday woman but she’s a throw back to a time when people cared about people and she treats her customers like family. She has her girls and her business and up until recently that had been enough but she wondering if she can have it “all”.
The release date is in May 2010.
The other authors include: JA Adams, LMBlakely, Darine Davis, Jean Holloway, TL James, and DeiIra Smith-Collard.
Looking forward to reading it!!!
Me either, thanks for the info!!!!
I am so excited and can’t hardly wait for Black Diamonds. I am so ready to see how things unfold with these characters!
Thank you Danyelle!
I was privileged to read Talib’s story back in the day before Ja’Nese became famous
I loved his story back then, and it still stands out to me. I’m interested to see how all of these characters are going to relate to each other and to the story. But where’s Marc’s story?? I want to read about him!
.-= — Visit Jenny´s site & last blog post at: Teaser Tuesdays: The Kitchen House =-.
Jenny, you’re a great critique buddy that challenged me. You and the wonderful ladies of Creative Fusion. You will have Marc’s story in your hands soon enough. (smile)
Hey Ja’Nese… you know I couldn’t read the prequel at the present moment
, but I have read the comments to find a question to ask you.
I see everyone is talking about Marc Fulton. Because you describe him as a man of action, would revealing his story tell too much about Black Diamond before it’s release?
Otis,
Great question. No, there really was no huge thought behind excluding from the RAWSISTAZ feature. My editor and I thought his entry was too thin and I felt like I was trying to force feed a baby when attempting to lengthen his initial entry.
JD
Wow. I haven’t read it yet but you best believe I will tonight. Sounds like the characters are sure to provoke alot of conversation. Plus I love the book cover.
.-= — Visit Deltareviewer´s site & last blog post at: I WON!!! =-.
Just finished reading & I don’t think I can wait. I want to know what happened with Camille.
.-= — Visit Deltareviewer´s site & last blog post at: I WON!!! =-.
Thank you for reading. And you’ll learn in June that it will get worse before things turn around for Camille but I’m please with the outcome.
JD
Ja’Nese – what a tease! LOL! I can’t wait to read the book! Proud of you girlie!
Thank you! I consider that a great compliment coming from a wonderful writer such as yourself.
JD
I’m about to read this right now. I know I am super late, but better late than never, right? I just walked in the door to my house. Crazy night and crazy weather up here. I didn’t have the excerpt with me all day, so I couldn’t get into it until now…
I understand. I’ve bounced in and out and now the kids are in bed. I look forward to your comments.
JD
Thank you everyone for stopping through and leaving your comments. I appreciate the opportunity to share my work and I can’t wait to read your comments about “Black Diamond”.
Please take a few minutes to visit my website and subscribe to my mailing list. Have a wonderful night.
Ja’Nese Dixon
Ja’Nese, thank YOU for sharing this exclusive reveal of your characters. This was a first for us and we really enjoyed it. I really love how you’ve taken the time to get to know your characters and I look forward to reading Black Diamond. I really think we shouldn’t have to wait to June, but get to pre-order the book now and have it next week. LOL. Please keep us posted on the book and Coffee Confessions and definitely submit both for review. I think I see two reviewers who would be ready to go with both reads.
To all those who participated, thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed yourselves and definitely appreciate you stopping through and sharing your thoughts and time with Ja’Nese. I hope to see you all next time as we continue with our e-book reading challenge.
I am looking forward to reading this. A prequeal introducing characters is a great idea. I like your innovative thinking.