Coffee Confessions – Black Book Chat
Written by RAWSISTAZ · June 10, 2010 · 2,601 views
Welcome to our Black Book Chat and discussion of Coffee Confessions. We’ve had multiple author chats before, but none in our new BBC/blog-like format, so it’s exciting to have the authors here with us from noon (EST) until around 8PM tonight. So, definitely chime in with your questions and/or comments.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Coffee Confessions is an anthology featuring original short stories from JA Adams, LMBlakely, Darine Davis, Ja’Nese Dixon, Jean Holloway, TL James, and DeiIra Smith-Collard.
Coffee Confessions is 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.
Readers will enjoy this page-turning read of seven stories ranging from inspirational to speculative fiction and just about everything in between.
Sit back, grab a cup of your favorite joe and prepare to be entertained by the authors of SIR Authors.
| PARTICIPATING AUTHORS (In Order of Appearance in Book)
Ja’Nese Dixon Ja’Nese Dixon is an Oklahoma native living in Houston, Texas. As a child, she spent most of her days reading anything she could grab. Her love for writing gave birth to a large collection of poetry and short stories. She continued to nurture her love of reading and writing until entering graduate school. As a wife and mother of two small children, she found little time to write but her reading continued. In late 2004, she decided to quietly pursue her writing career by entering contests and ghost writing articles. After ranking in several contests, she began writing her first novel, Black Diamond, scheduled for release in June 2010. She is still an avid reader, she loves to write, run, cook, crochet, watch romantic comedy movies, attend live concerts, volunteer in several ministries in her church, and most importantly spend time with her family. She spends her days marketing small businesses and her nights writing. To learn more visit http://www.janesedixon.com.
TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, James cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, but her love for research would become an integral thread in her writing style. After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and methodology). The MPire Trilogy was born. In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry. James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans. She currently resides in Houston, Texas with her son and immediate family. To learn more visit www.authortljames.com. Jean Holloway The daughter of an entrepreneur, Jean saw the only limitations you have are the ones you put on yourself. In the early 60s, her father owned his own cab in NY, which was unusual for a Black man armed with a tenth grade education. Jean’s debut novel “Ace of Hearts” started in 1980, in answer to a bet, yet it wasn’t published until 2007. Her story’s moral: Never give up your dream. Jean now lives in Kennesaw, GA with her husband, Fred and their dog, Kayla. Their six grown children all live nearby. They have eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. To learn more about Jean Holloway visit her online at www.deckofcardz.com.
Darine Davis is the author of Bayou Drama and When A Good Man Goes Bad. Born in Shreveport, LA he moved to Texas when he was a toddler. He lived in Greenville, TX for eight years of his life where his mother’s family resides. After his mother’s divorce, they moved to Houston where he lived with his aunts and cousins. Prior to graduating from high school, he joined the Navy under a split trainer program where he did boot camp the summer after his eleventh grade year, graduated from North Shore High School and returned to the Navy. After an eight year stint in the military, he left under honorable conditions and pursued his education earning two associate degrees at Houston Community College and bachelors in Information Systems at University of Houston – Victoria. He is currently married and has two children who he cherishes dearly. He has always wanted a true family and feels he has that in his wife and children. His writing is inspired by life and intense imagination. His country humor and controversial topics invoke thought provoking topics that will engulf the reader into the world of the character and the situations posed in the stories he develop. For more information visit www.dniceone.com.
DeiIra Smith-Collard is an exciting new author from Houston, Texas. She has always had a strong passion for writing. DeiIra is a multifaceted writer exploring more than one genre. In addition to contemporary fiction and Erotica, she writes poetry and short stories. DeiIra currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children. For more information visit www.deiira.com. JA Adams J For 30 years, Adams has worked with traumatized victims of violence and crime. Adams’ experience, paired with her writings, allude to healing the spirit and soul of victims. In 1993, Adams decided to marry her cause with her passion for writing, beginning with contributions to the teacher modular curriculum, Responding to Violence in the Lives of Young Children, at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), Educare Training Institute. Adams currently resides outside of Austin, Texas. She continues to write and volunteers with numerous organization bringing awareness to teen dating violence and women issues, as well as, advocating against intimate partner and family violence. Such organizations include the Ortralla Foundation and Recovery Ministry at Gateway Church. Moreover, she regularly speaks and mentors women using her life as proof that one can love again after trauma. For more information visit www.jaadamsauthor.com.
LMBlakely is a native of Albany, Georgia – a “military brat” who has traveled and resided in the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan, New Mexico and Florida. She currently lives in Atlanta, GA and is studying for her Bachelors in Network Management. She found inspiration in writing by journaling and playing different instruments, composite ballads and had aspirations of being a songwriter blossomed until her passion changed which resulted in her earning the title of “Author.” Ms. Blakely is a thirty-something writer, on a writing marathon. |
DeIlra Smith-Collard
LMBlakely 
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group was founded in 2000 to support and promote the work of African-American authors. The groups, on and offline, represent close to 600 readers, writers, aspiring writers, and others interested in literacy and the impact on our communities.
Welcome, welcome everyone! We have quite a line-up today as we host the authors of Coffee Confessions, so let me first thank you all for coming. And, while the bios are listed above, please tell us about your journey as a writer and how you came to write your particular story.
Then the wonderful Sharon will kick off & lead the book discussion, story by story. So, authors, feel free to talk about more than yours as I’m sure you read them all. And Dana, hopefully you can help out as well as you’re the editor on the project. Definitely tell us more about that, too.
-Tee
Yes….why was Sandra chosen as a focal point for all the stories?
Great starter question Sharon. I loved it, but I’m wondering why also.
-Brenda
Great questions to start things off. I created the focal point and all the authors were required to touch the shop in some way. I selected the stories and then worked with the authors one-on-one to fine tune them around Sandra and Coffee Confessions.
She was a pleasant character…someone you would want to know personally.
Dana,
Did it take a long time to do this? They all seemed very synchronized also.
-Brenda
Brenda,
Thank you. Not really. I worked with each author and ironed everything out. Then I worked with an editor to clean it up. Then I went through them again. I knew what I wanted and each person brought their “A Game”. My greatest decision was ordering the stories. That took me a while because I didn’t want to overload the readers senses. Some of these stories a little tamer than others and I had to pay close attention to the timeline since they mention Sandra.
Dana
This whole process sounds like something I would LOVE to do! I’m glad you were able to find authors not only interested in the project, but also able to pull it off and work as a team, even while writing each piece individually.
It was like a dream come true in words.
Dana,
How did you come up with the sequence in which you placed the orders? In your mind, what was the train of thought as she placed each story in that sequence?
Cxandra
Cxandra,
I knew the lead story was meant to lay the foundation and was more contemporary according to the other stories. TL’s story came behind it because Mallory was mentioned and I couldn’t stop chuckling over God showing up in Coffee Confessions.
The others I used timing and I also wanted to balance the content. For example, having “A Double Shot of Darkness” and “Suite Mocha” would have had people going crazy and it would have turned some readers off. So placement was important especially for the racier stories.
“…God showing up in Coffee Confessions.” Now this one had me wondering what the heck was going on with and in Coffee Confessions. LOL
-Brenda
Coffee Confessions is a heavenly place to be!
lol Brenda…. U already know what was going on. I enjoyed reading to the point that I actually got lost in the stories and although Coffee Confessions was supposed to be a fictitious place, I found myself actually picturing the shop and when I am in Houston will probably look for it..lol.. okay so call me crazy..but it was that real to me.
When I first heard they idea of Coffee Confession, I was so excited I might have actually released a “that’s what’s up” as I listened to the pitch. I think using Sandra and her coffee shop helps to connect all of the short stories that are so very different. No matter how completely different our stories may be that one thing that makes them all similar or cohesive is this hip little coffee shop and as I previously stated….THAT’S WHAT’S UP! ☺
Good starter question Sharon. I enjoyed most of the stories that I read… I will say however, I was disappointed at how the first one ended. But others made up for that. I would have liked too see some expansion on Sandra and Mr. “Barry White’s” encounter.
Sorry…
(smile) I have quirky reason why I ended when I did. But I understand. Darn page count limits… LOL!
Hi everybody. Had a little compute glitch, but fixed now. Glad everyone is having a good read with the book.
Welcome! Thanks for coming through.
Thank you for joining us.
Thank you everyone for joining us today for the Coffee Confessions chat and for the free ebooks. I enjoyed all of the short stories and how they all intertwined with Sandra’s coffee shop.
I REALLY liked this about the stories, Sharon. The whole vibe of the coffee shop made me want to run out and either visit or buy one of my own.
-Tee
LOL…I got that vibe too from reading the stories. I wanted to run to my nearest Starbucks for a zebra mocha….LOL!!!!
Zebra Mocha…what’s that?
chocolate and vanilla mixed…girl it is so good and rich
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the stories and thought it would be nice to own a place like that until I remembered I can’t stand the smell of coffee.
At least I could be there in the novel.
I enjoyed the atmosphere as well. I could really get into owning a coffee shop. However, a couple of these stories had me raising an eyebrow or two at the kinds of people that might frequent a coffee shop.
-Brenda
Or working there Brenda b/c Valencia was nothing to reckon with!!
But U never knew it. I wanted you to see both sides of her. Girl has some issues! LOL
@Jean Yes she does, but you know how i love issues!!!
LOL! See…and I love coffee. And the shop is based on my dream business. You should see the floor plan that I created. One day… one day…
Dana, Tee, Sharon, et al
I really liked that Sandra personified the plight of most of today’s single black women; yet, what makes Sandra unique is that she’s looking for love, but not about to sell out to desperation for love. She’s made her own way, she knows her worth and is not about to settle for anything less than a man worthy of her.
Cxandra
That’s good to hear. I knew so many women I knew while in graduate school. They were independent and not settling. Many were prepared to do it alone versus settling for a mate that was incompatible.
I can’t wait to finish the book with her story. I loved the chemistry between Camille, Ricky and Bruce…
I would love to read more on Sandra!!
She is coming again soon. So keep your eyes open for it. You will see her and the Sisters Circle again.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I REALLY enjoyed all the stories particulary because I lived in Houston for a minute and know of some of the places in the stories..I look forward to the discussion ! Welcome to all the authors and fans !
Sharon,
I loved the fact that the stories were based around Sandra’s coffee shop as well. I especially wanted to go to one of those Midnight shows too….LOL…with a caramel mocha latte with a shot of espresso….
Unika Howell-Molden´s last blog ..The Unique Reviewer Welcomes AAMBC Summer Tours with Author ShaniQ
Girl those Midnight Confessions seem like they were H*A*W*T!!!!!!! LOL
Yep Sharon, I was trying to find out if there was a coffee shop around my area that had Midnight Confessions….LOL
Unika Howell-Molden´s last blog ..The Unique Reviewer Welcomes AAMBC Summer Tours with Author ShaniQ
What did you ladies think of Marques?
You know I’m a fan of Marques..he’s got swagger!!
Welcome to all the authors. This was an interesting project, how did the idea come about? Did you share story ideas before writing so there would be a connection beyond this being an anthology?
Welcome to all the authors. This was an interesting project, how did the idea come about? Did you share story ideas before writing so there would be a connection beyond this being an anthology?
I created the idea to have the anthology. I created a proposal and gave the authors the guidelines to submit their potential contribution. I asked each of the authors to use this as an opportunity to write around the guidelines, but to also introduce readers to their existing work.
All of the authors are members of SIR Authors (www.shhimreading.com) and we work together to promote our work. “Coffee Confessions” is a part of the group marketing initiative.
I wanted readers to each story and have a sample of each authors writing and their point of view.
That was a great idea having each author write their own story because it sparked an interest in me to read their other books.
That’s the plan. (**wink**)
It was really fun writing and waiting to see the final product. We did not have everyone’s story until the finished product. I was a contributor to the project and found I could not put the book down anticipating what was going come through the doors next at Sandi’s coffee shop.
Thank you everyone for joining us and for ebook. I’m halfway through the books and I’m enjoying it so far. I think I should sit in a coffee shop or at least sip on a nice vanilla latte to read the rest of it.
Good Morning All,
I’m so excited about this Coffee Confessions Black Book Chat today and look forward to chatting it up with all of the authors.Thank you all so much for the e-book. This was a wonderful read, with a great background and setting…
Dana, once you establish your ideas about Coffee Confessions, how did you go about choosing the authors that you wanted to help you bring it to life? Also, how much lead way of their own did you give them with each of their stories?
REPEAT FROM ABOVE:
I created a proposal and gave the authors the guidelines to submit their potential contribution. I asked each of the authors to use this as an opportunity to write around the guidelines, but to also introduce readers to their existing work.
All of the authors are members of SIR Authors (www.shhimreading.com) and we work together to promote our work. “Coffee Confessions” is a part of the group marketing initiative.
As far as lead way of their own did you give them with each of their stories…I gave very few limitations. For example, I encouraged them to write in their genre, I also wanted them to hopefully tie it into a current project. Also, I was familiar with all of their work so in our one-on-ones I was able to provide guidance that wouldn’t leave their existing readers wondering…”What the heck happened with this story?”
For the readers-
What is it about coffee and books that just seems to go together? Are these elements you found in the story?
I’m curious
Tranquility, comfort, calmness, going to another place
A good cup of coffee is like a major destressor. It puts you in the right frame of mind for a good book or in some cases, something naughty.
-Brenda
Good morning,
Thank you all for joining us. Everyone except LMBlakely is planning to stop through and I’m here all day.
Dana
Thanks for letting us know, Dana. I’m glad you were able to make it and I look forward to chatting with everyone.
Everyone is rolling in. Yeah!!!
Thanks to all of the authors for allowing us to receive a free copy of this anthology. I am still reading the stories. Love it so far : ) This is a good book to have for late night reading.
Kidada,
You’re right….it is good for late night reading!
I don’t know if I would read some of those stories at night! LOL! But, Im scary.
LOL…@TL….me either but that’s the fun in it….LOL
Since I’m still hanging on, I thought I’d start with the first story and thoughts on the book. Was there a character you didn’t initially like? IF so, how did you feel about that character at the end. And, from the beginning, what did you think about Sandra and Bruce?
-Tee
I didn’t think anything of Sandra and Bruce except for friends and him looking out for her.
At first I thought there may be something between them. Some of the greatest relationships start off just as that, friends. They had a chemistry, I believe they find each other attractive, but are truly just friends.
At the very beginning, I wanted (or expected) sandra and Bruce to make a connection but I also think that would have been too easy to see coming. I kinda liked that they didn’t become intimate.
Bruce and Sandra had a great dynamic for a platonic friendship. Many people believe that a man and a woman cannot be friends–that at some point it’s going to turn romantic. That just doesn’t have to be. Most friends won’t muddy the waters because a good friend is harder to come by and much more needed than a part-time lover or boyfriend that will never make to husband status. However, Bruce, through the focal narrator’s eyes (Sandra) was shared in a way that leaves the door open for–and the reader cheering for–Bruce’s own romance story.
Cxandra
Cxandra,
I love your comments. Many people were hoping that Bruce would be her love interest. I agree with you, but we’ll have to see because Sandra will reappear in another book. (smile)
Good afternoon, Ladies,
I Am so sorry, sometimes I lose track of time. How’s everyone doing?
Hey Jean….I’m good and you?
You wrote Latte Lady….how was Valencia’s character created?
Not bad, working on Deuces Wild.
But let’s talk about Coffee Confessions. It looks like U all enjoyed the book. I think there’s something in it for every reader!
Hey Jean!
Hey TL (slow, but steady! LOL)
Hey there, Ms Jean!! Come on and kick things off with your story.
OK, so everybody met Valencia? She’a a good girl, working hard, tho not in her field, who always felt a little out of place in her family & harbors resentment, but hides it well.
I really like what you did with her character.
OK, here’s the mutual admiration society. JA’s story hit home for me since I have a problem with forgiveness. Praying on it tho.
When I started out writing my story, that was not how it was gonna end. Actually, I really did not know where I was going with it until about page 4. Surprisingly, I did not kill off anybody. I even surprised myself with that. When I write, my characters just sorta take over and do their own thing. Diane is a character from my other books and for her to be able to forgive for all the hell she has been through is a statement in itself.
It’s hard forgiving someone for blaming you on something you never done to them but we must in order to move on. I’m working on that too Jean!
It’s hard to forgive when you can’t forget.
Ok, I’m back. Jean, you need to read Unfinished Business on this forgieness thing,
Welcome! Thank you for jumping in.
Hi Jean…#angeliawaving#
I am still reading…the chat is going well…Wonderful!
angelia
It’s nice seeing U here. Yeah, we had a good time.
Welcome All..just want to say I have only read the first story by Ja’nese and loved it..the feel of the coffee shop was so authentic I wanted a caramel macchiato…I just wonder about the Sandra/Ricardo thing…hmmm, going to read more and come back later…
angelia
angelia´s last blog ..What I REALLY Do!
Hello EVERYONE!
Hey TL Welcome!!!!!
@Sharon…
Hey!
Welcome! Thank you for coming through.
Sorry, had to reboot.. I have a niece who is a Starbucks barista, so I started there, but my story is actually the sequel to “Full House”, the 4th of the Deckofcardz series. My challenge was to write a sequel for a book I haven’t written yet!
I enjoyed it. I didn’t expect Valencia to flip the script at the end. I love when a story has an unpredictable ending.
I know…Valencia flipped and I never saw it coming.
-Brenda
I love to read thrillers and I like how you incorporated that into your story. You would have never known Valencia had a dark side…..she was always to herself. I did read your debut Ace of Hearts and liked it.
Thanks, Sharon, Lotte Lady was my 1st short story, so this was a challenge, I tend to be long-winded & took keep a story @ 5,000 words wasn’t easy. If you liked Ace, you should try Black Jack, it’s smoother & creepier
I sure will!
Thanks for coming through Sharon… Pick up Black Jack… YOU WILL LOVE IT!
DeiIra,
What was your inspiration for a Double Shot of Darkness?
It was the voices in my head!! Just Joking, maybe..lol, When Dana and I first talked I knew I wanted to write a story that would challenge my writing style. I wanted to create a story with many different layers, introduce something new all while maintaining the edge I like to bring. Writing a story like this one gave me the chance to be all of my alter ego’s!!
There is something to be said about Voices taking over a story!!!
Been there, done that. Now, I just listen!
@ TL I know you know they take over!..lol..sometimes you want them to do one thing, you plan, create an outline and then when you start typing, they take on a life of their own. From time to time Kayla and I had it out, but ultimately Kay won!
@DeiIra – they always do.
That crazy part is when they all talk at the same time.
Good afternoon, Ladies,
How’s everyone doing?
Hey LM…Welcome!!!!!!
Sorry I am late getting in here. I want to thank you for stopping by to chat with us (and for the free copy of the book). I thoroughly enjoyed the book and how it was centered around Sandra and Coffee Confessions. Like others, I wish there was somewhere nearby that had that type of vibe going on.
TL,
Now Death by Espresso really had my mind going…..LOL!!! At first I was thinking this man has a crazy family or he has split personalities. The conversation with God was a great touch along with His sense of humor.
Yeah, God singing hip-hop did it for me! LOL
i hear it too
Sorry I’m late……
Thanks for stopping through.
I love her spin on it, no one is ready for that (God and hip hop), they never see it coming and whoa..I think it blows peoples mind each and every time! Using the lyrics to deliver a totally different message ..GENIUS!
You gotta love that “hippity-hoppity music”. LOL!
Yep…Ja-Tang…Bout It…Bout It Boys…Ru Twins….I hollered….ROFL!!! God sound like me when I get these rappers names wrong and my kids have to correct me and shake their heads…LOL
ROFL! His laughter jumps off the page.
When I wrote God in… I prayed on it and I got the message that God sends love notes and words of encouragement and Power of His Love through the biggest and littlest of things. It could be a smile, a gentle breeze or Hippity-Hop music.
I listened to JA-Rule song for a long time and I always felt that his Chorus didn’t go along with his lyrics. But, when I started writing for Coffee and heard the song, it hit me and it worked.
@Sharon.
Its both… his crazy family brought about his split personality. The In Search of the Lost and Death Cometh – his family drove him to the brink of insanity. So, in Death by Espesso – he is fighting his way back… one step at a time. (Have you ever been so mad that you walked where you were going instead of driving…)
When you read Trinity (that’s coming out in Nov), you will see that he is a force to be reckoned with. He’s kicking A$$ and taking no prisoners.
Hey LM, I see U made it. Funny @ 1st I was afraid to tell folks about the voices, but now that I know I’m not alone…
No you’re definitely not alone…… Glad I don’t feel like I’m by myself anymore… LOL.. .Hello room….
I was warned about the voices…and now I understand.
LM,
Suite Mocha was off da chain….LOL!!! Mocha and Sandra were similar in the fact they were workaholics. Did you purposely make them similar in that aspect or was it just from Voices like the other authors….LOL
Sharon, I know you asked LM and I had to think about it. The stories were done separately, but I think in this fiction world it’s what made them good friends. Can you imagine if you’re girlfriend told you this story over a cup of coffee?
Jean,
Thanks so much for sharing your time with us today.
I’m curious–what was the one idea or image that led to such a creative plot?
Cxandra
Full House is the story of the Peters family, but since my novels are in the 80s, this was the 1st time I was writing in the present. I wanted to come up with a consequence for Ethan’s actions, even if it didn’t happen til 20 years later.
Usually, once a case is solved, the victims tend to be forgotten, Valencia didn’t forget…
Besides, I love a good revenge story, don’t U?
Girl was smooth…never would have thought it.
My favorite books & movies always have something U don’t see coming, so I wanted to return the favor.
I just want to say this was a GREAT project. It was great working w/everyone. B4 this, I had read everyone’s books & loved their style. And tho I was excited about it, this turned out to be more than I anticipated. SIR Authors ROCK!
No, U didn’t Leslie, we’re here til 8
Valencia was too smooth. I didn’t get a clue that she had a little more going on until Ethan was in her house thinking he was in his mother’s root cellar.
Brenda
Hey Sharon
LOL!!! Suite Mocha…… SMH, Girl….. its the voices……It’s the voices…..
Now that LM’s here, should we talk about Suite Mocha?
Sure, let’s talk about it…
. What do you want to know?
I posted a question above………….
of course!!!
Yes, Sharon it’s the voices……. It’s the voices..
She had me sweating trying to read that story. LOL! I can’t wait to read more from LM.
Is there a past connection between Vanessa and Anacia?
‘Tween us, when U meet LM, she seems like such the young innocent, then U read her work & it’s a real shock!
LOLOLOLOL!!!!! I am innocent…… It’s the voices, they take over…..and a project is created…….
dang i missed the chat : (
nope still going on!!
Oh no, jump right in.
I know we’re here to talk about Coffee Confessions….but as I posted earlier the short stories you all wrote has sparked an interest in me reading your other books. Did any of you use characters from your previous work?
Actually, my story – Death By Espresso – is a bridge between my last book, The MPire: Death Cometh and my new release due to come out in November called The MPire Trinity.
When I heard about the project for Coffee Confessions, my main character, Mallory, decided that he wanted to be in there. Knowing that he can’t have coffee, he still wrote himself in the book.
I hope Marek would have made a quick appearance, but Mallory did his thing.
Dana,
You told me to keep the story clean. LOL! Marek couldn’t have shown up. And the only reason why Mallory didn’t revert back to his old self was because of his visitor, God.
It’s just Marek is our fav. I miss him!
All the characters in Suite Mocha are new…
But this isn’t the last of Mocha Simms, she has a story to tell and oh boy, is all I can say.. Everyone needs to know Mocha and being discovered, she’s exposing herself to new adventures she will become addicted to.
Yep, you’ll get to meet the young Ethan, his 4 brothers & Mom in Full House.
This is my first published story, however, I married two stories that I have coming out…soon I hope. Sandra and her girlfriends are the main characters in one story and Marques is from another story coming next year.
Looking forward to them!
No, this was a new character created specifically for Coffee Confessions, but you haven’t seen the last of her, I’m working on a full length novel where we will get to really know Kayla, all of her…lol..and all of those deep dark secrets that’s causing so much turmoil in her life!! So I guess this was the opposite, this character captured me and made me want to write a book about her!
I feel a moment of silence is needed. LOL! That will be one heck of a ride.
Well I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s previous and future novels. I normally don’t like to read short stories b/c I feel cheated when it’s over….especially when it’s a great story.
LOL…thank you for your moment of silence Dana..now buckle up.we haven’t even reached our cruising altitude yet!! I think this character really challenged me. When I was writing it I knew there was so much more to her than I could put in those few pages. She’s demanding to tell her story so B-ready!!
All right, all right, if I must.
)
Diane is in all three of my novels (although in Purple Haze she is a minor character). In my other books you first meet all of my characters during their early young adult years. More Than Coffee takes place in present time about 20 yrs after my last novel Unfinished Business. Since my ideology centers around the 6 degress of seperation theory, I write that way too. So, all of my characters are somehow, someway connected by 6 degrees. Janda and Alison are 4 years younger than Diane. All 3 ladies as well as their spouses attended the same University, but at different times throughout a six year time span. So here’s how the six dregrees works in More Than Coffee. Diane is connected to Janda because Janda is married to her cousin. Janada has a twin brother who is married to Alison. Diane use to be married to a man who is the brother to Helen’s husband. Janda and Sandra are friends who met through a charity event they were both working on.
Helen ended up in the coffee shop because her girlfriend wanted to go. It just happened to be on the very same day Diane is in town for her Sorority Convention (Diane lives in Atlanta). Who’d a thought 20 years later the 2 would meet up at Coffee Confessions….
Don’t forget to hang around for Darine. He’s the only guy in this story. He’s coming through later.
Thank you everyone for participating.
Yeah, you know Elysse is my kind of woman! LOL
ROFL! I wonder why… (smile)
Elysse was cuckoo…but I loved her character!!! The story put me in the mind of the movie Sea of Love with Al Pacino and Ellen Larkin…I think that’s her last name.
Sharon,
Cuckoo was not the word for Elysse. LOL…
-Brenda
LOL…understatement huh?
Elysse had to be crazy… she was once engaged to Mallory Haulm (main character in – The MPire: In Search of the Lost). That alone will make you lose your mind.
I liked her too. I think she’s related to some of my characters, lol. She was a real trip!
If you all have any questions for us please fire away.
What did you all think about having a story with several genres?
That was right up my alley because I’m an eclectic reader.
I liked reading the story with different genres. It was like having everything I like to read in one place. All I had do was flip the pages. So…when can we do this again?
-Brenda
@ Sharon, me too. However, I know that some readers are strongly against certain stories. This was like feeding your kids vegetables. It’s a skill to learn how to hide them. LOL!
@ Brenda You both are making me a happy woman today! I have two proposals in the works.
I used to love erotica…but I’ve noticed as I’m getting older it doesn’t appeal to me and they way some authors write their erotica it might as well be soft porn. But Suite Mocha may have been racy but it was done in great taste!
I agree, sometimes erotica is too in-your-face (no pun intended ;o) but LM tastefully got her point across. Just shows it can be done.
Us? I’m just happy you enjoyed our effort to give you literary pleasure.
Someone did mention Coffee Confessions would make a great play, but I see it as a movie. What do you think?
I could see it as both but definitely a play. it really has the aura for a play.
I think it definitely has movie or play potential or maybe a show on HBO or Showtime..where we can see the action and lives of both Coffee Confessions..and the characters coming in and out!! I would so love to see these characters come to life..It was a lot going on in this crazy little coffee shop!
Maybe as one of those HBO series specials…late at night.
-Brenda
I like how you think, Barbara. ;o)
Sorry, Brenda, that’s what happens when I try to multi-task! LOL
LOL…not a problem. But HBO late night is the ticket. LOL!
My thoughts exactly. As I was reading, all I could think of was this would be a great HBO or Cinemax series. Hollywood???
Definitely see it as a movie… A play will only tease the audience…. All the characters need to come to life.
A play will only tease the audience…. All the characters need to come to life.
Gotta get to Dr. appmt. Will chk in went I return, TTFN
From your mouth to God’s ears!
God heard you before he took a sip of “Coffee”. LOL!
Hi Jean, Saw your posting on FB and just wanted to come by and show my support.
Hey Joy, I appreciate U stopping by. We’ve been chatting up a storm. Have U read Coffee Confessions yet?
No, I haven’t but base on the response Ive been reading in the chat it sounds like a great read. Congrat guys! Maybe I can get you all on my show soon.
Joy Farrington´s last blog ..Blair Underwood aspires to book stardom
Ready when you are, Joy. ;o)
Thanks Joy for stopping through.
Hey Everyone. Congratulations to the authors for a great compilation of stories. Now that you all have read each others stories, is it possible that we will see more collaborations from you all in future projects?
Funny, you should ask, Otis. I’m excited about 2 collaborations that are in the planning stage.
Jean… are you recruiting folks and corrupting them in the Deck of Cardz Universe? LOLOL
Yep, guess I am! Welcome to my world!
Otis, you are stepping into a trap…back away slowly. LOL!
Uh oh (backing away slowly thinking it might be a trap). LOL
I hope so…I enjoyed working with all of these authors and I’m proud of what we produced!!
@DeiIra, I know that’s right. It was a blast!
Yes it was…..!!!!!
I’m game.
Ladies…I am out!!! I’ve enjoyed chatting with all of you. Much continued success with your writing and be Blessed!! Hopefully the evening crew (LOL) will be in soon!!
Bye Sharon…
Brenda
Thanks for joining us. Bye, Sharon.
Thank you for your time….. Bye Sharon.
Thank you so much for staying with us. Take care.
I’ll send you an email Jean. Take care huys and congratulation again.
Joy Farrington´s last blog ..Blair Underwood aspires to book stardom
Please do & thanks, Joy.
DeiIra,
In A Double Shot of Darkness, just how many personalities did Kayla (or Kay Kay ) have?
-Brenda
Ohhh..that’s a great question..Well let’s see, there was Kayla who was the original personality, Kay which was the enforcer or protector, KayKay was the sexy and seductive alter, and there was Layla, who was the shy dare-devil that liked to steal. So she there was Kayla plus the three alters. This story was fun to write,..and I did my research (being that I haven’t been formally diagnosed with multiple personality disorder) I wanted to make it is real as possible. I hope I did that for you guys!
It took me a minute to realize what was going on. But when I did, I wanted all three personalities to beat up the husband. He was vicious.
-Brenda
Take it from a trained therapist. Girl, you did honor to the profession with that character.
She did do her research well. You know those folks you sometimes see talking to themselves…well this has put a new twist on how I look at them.
Brenda
That story has an interesting twist depending on whether you considered his side or hers.
@Dana are you taking his side? LOL..It was a very unique spin…and I believe that’s what makes me want to write more about them. I think the husband was so full of anger, and we only got bits and pieces of it, so now I want to show how he got to such an extreme…
and if only they all could jump on him..that would be the ultimate twist..lol..don’t give me any ideas now @ Brenda ..I’ll be trying to write a supernatural thriller next..
No, I’m not taking sides…BUT…if your wife is sneaking out at night and coming back smelling like who knows what…I think I’d snap too. Well, at least a little.
She snapped back..lol..she was a lot of fun..we had a great editor and Dana did an awesome job putting it together..and she immediately caught on to the different tone of the alters voice..Dana may have a few alters of her own talking about snapping..lol..Dana…is Ja’Nese your alter ego (is that the FACE OFF)???
It would be good to see how his anger got to elevated. Let it all flow and let them all jump on him. Hmmm…a Supernatural thriller is a good too. Oh, the possibilities.
Brenda
Ladies…I’m about to jump off but I will tune back in.
Hello Ladies, I’m back………..
Me 2, it’s awfully quiet in here. Folks getting home from work, I guess.
Im here… but it is very quiet.
I’m here too.
I’m here… Hey ladies, how are you?
I think they’re all off reading Coffee Confessions! LOL
I would be too after reading these comments. (smile)
And probably thinking to themselves, how do they come up with this stufff?
yeah…LM. I really think that are asking that question and wondering “Are they really like that?”
LOL!
ROFL…are you all really like that?
Naw, I’m the sweetest gramma! ;o)
Now, your slogan is… “Don’t Let the Grandma Fool Ya!” So Ms. Jean, I plan to take your advance. ROFL!
Puh-Lease.!!!!!! lolololololol …. hehehheheheh..Sweetest? lolololol, Have you read your books? lolololol
Just kidding, you are VERY SWEET!!!!!Awwwwwwwwwwwww
Right!!!!!!
People I went to school with are very surprised when thay read my stuff. But as writers our imaginations can run wild. But its fun, tho.
You are so right!!!! Now my family is looking at me like, WTH? Where did this come from? Did you do these things? How can you write about these things in details? lololol ROTFL I keep telling them it’s the voices…….. lololol
LOL…the voices, the voices.
Well, they do tell some very good stories.
Brenda
Hi everybody, I got back in here as quick as I could. Appmt took longer than anticipated but looks like y’all been having fun in here. And YES! I think we should do this again.
Another anthology, I mean.
That would be cool.
Brenda
Dana, are we putting ou on the spot?:)
No ma’am. (smile) Let me catch a couple of winks and I’ll be ready to roll again.
Okay I’m back @Dana ..you know u don’t get to rest..so give up on the winks..we ready to put it on paper again!! lol
LOL! I’m going to love you in spite of YOU! LOL!
I must add that in each of the stories, although short, they did convey and/or generate a lot of emotion. They each had the ability to gripe you in a special way and at the end, they made you think, “Oh darn it! This can’t be the end.”
Brenda
It does make you ansty to read other books by the writers. Some of the writers, I had never read any of their books, but they are on my to read list now.
Yes it does. When an author can do this in a few pages, just imagine about a whole book. And I am one of those who love to read the BAB’s. I’m looking forward to reading more by all of you in this anthology.
Brenda
We all thank you, Brenda. That’s a great compliment.
Awwww, I second that, that is a great compliment for a great project. I’m thankful for the opportunity.
I’m with Jean, I take that as a compliment as well. I hope it was part of the challenge. Think about it, how can each of them persuade you to read their books in a few pages if they don’t bring it. Now granted, in the end some may be too tame and others may give you a heart attack (smile), but in the end I think readers will walk away satisfied with the work we’ve presented.
Well, Ladies, I’m going to say ‘Good Night’. I had a blast, as usual.
Have a great evening.& thanks for all your comments & questions.
~Jean
Good night! Thank you!
Good night. Thank you for chatting with us.
Brenda
Yes Ladies, I am signing off as well…. It was great. ..
Thank you..it’s been fun..good night…
Good night ladies. Thank you both for coming through and participating.
Thank you all for chatting with RAWSISTAZ today. This was a blast! I so enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more works by each of you individually and as a team. Let the voices continue to talk…
-Brenda
Thank you Brenda. You’ve been a real trooper today.
Wow. What an amazing chat. I’ve been sitting here reading it for the past 30 mins. I just started the e book and I’m already hooked! I admire how so many authors have come together. It will certainly give me a chance to read authors that I’ve never read. (I was already a fan of Jean’s work) Now, I can get to know the rest of you. I’m with Tee…I want to open a coffee shop too. lol
I hope we have an open invitation to visit.
Hey Mary C,
Thanks for your support. It keeps me writing.
Thank you to Dana and all the authors for this lovely compilation. I did not get to read ALL the stories, but you can best believe I will be on the beach tomorrow lounged in my chair with my laptop reading this baby…lol.
You’re welcome! Tell us what you think when you do.
Bonjour, Polite to yoke you, I am Kiwi
I’m off to get my kiddos settled for the night. Thank you all for having us. I enjoyed it. Have a wonderful night.
Good night everyone. Thank you RAWSISTAZ for having us. I think we all had a great time. You’re all invited to http://www.niavirtualbooktours.com to enter to win a copy of “Coffee Confessions”.
Again thank you and Happy Reading!
Dana
Hey hey everyone and THANKS so much for participating with the Coffee Confessions chat yesterday! Your girl was moving off fumes and juggling other projects, so I’m just making it back. Dunno why I thought I’d pop in and catch up. ROFL. I’m going to need some coffee and about an hour to get through all this. :::giggling:::
But, this is how you do a book discussion and I wanna thank all my RAWSISTAZ for making the authors feel at home. And Dana, to you and all the authors, thanks for allowing us the sneak peek at Coffee Confessions before the general public got to read it. That is always cool. Hopefully you will have many more fans now that everyone has been talking it up in their various circles & social media outlets. Definitely keep us in mind for future books.
Oh…in case Ja’Nese didn’t let y’all know…we are doing it again for her debut novel, Black Diamonds on the 22nd of this month. So, RAW members, be sure to check your email for the details.
Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful day and weekend. I’ll be catching up to the discussion before the weekend is out, so if you can swing by and comment, wonderful. If not, I understand seeing I’m all late.
-Tee
Girl we had you.
I’m sure many of us subscribed to the comments. I will check back. Thanks again and take it easy.
Dana