Too Many Things on My Brain. Behold! Brain Vomit!

Behold! Brain Vomit!

To Make the Sexy Times or Not to Make the Sexy Times, that is the Question

I just finished a book. It's called Broken Dreams, and it has some intense sexual moments, more than I have used before. My worry? I want my book to be plot-driven and not just sexy times.  I have asked to be sure, and my beta readers and editor think it's fine. Still, one beta reader did get me wondering. 

How much sex is too much?

I have to admit, when I read sex scenes in a book, unless that scene is filled with dialogue and significant to the story, my eyes will blur right through it. I've read so many books with so many sex scenes, and how many different ways can you say Larry fucked Ted?

So unless it's different, I'm gone. It's one of the reasons I work hard to ensure my own books are unique, that when the characters come together (no pun intended), they set those pages on fire. I also try my best to make sure the scenes are different in the book and when compared to my other books. I also do my best to make sure it's about the plot. 

A Facebook group posted a question about the hardest thing about writing. Do you know what the authors answered? The sex scenes. 

If Facebook was thinking it, I had to know who else was. So you know me, I Googled. Check out these articles:

https://careerauthors.com/how-to-write-a-good-sex-scene/

This one is written by Lia Barr and includes some pretty good pointers.

Oh, you have to read this one right here:

https://bit.ly/3eU23D7

This is for us writers on the spectrum. Love what Tara Lain has to say here. Check it out! 

Great advice. Will not disappoint!  

One of the most important things you can do as a writer is make sure what you write contributes to the plot, helping it move the story along. 

That includes the sexy times, so if it works, it works. I've been told that mine work.

I can't wait to hear if it works for you. 

What's Happening at Home

I don't know about you, but my family is anticipating a normal (or as normal can be) school year. To help, we took a vacation. As many who were also trapped at home, going anywhere is a novel idea for us, too. Do you have any idea how hard it is to separate a 13-year-old from his desktop? When he asked if we could somehow drag it with us, we told him no. He would have to leave Brawhalla behind.

 

Now, he acted like we were killing him, but he had fun. So we went to Florida, and though we didn't go to Disney World, we did go to Fun Spot and Tree Trek! 

And, of course, we had to stop by Triple D spots! 

Se7en Bites was awesome. Colorful restaurant, divine desserts, and awesome food. Loved it. 

Man! Taco Bus was the best ever! I wish we could have convinced them to move here. So good!

As soon as we got home, the 13-year-old went to his room, but it was nice for the week we had him. Occasionally he visits downstairs. The 9-year-old had a ball at the pool and hung out with us. We are enjoying her as much as we can before she disappears, too. 

Now, school. 

We don't know how it's going to go. We're wearing masks in Louisville, district-wide, and there's some question about a virtual school, but I think my babies are ready to go back. I'm a counselor, so I'm pretty excited myself. 

Writing and Promoting

I'm trying something new right now. Booksprout. Ever heard of it?

https://booksprout.co/

Reviews will make or break a writer. You will see requests for reviews in books, posts, and social media. Why? The more people who see them will read a book either to enjoy it as the reviewer did or see if it was as terrible as the reviewer said it was. You don't have to write a description. You could just leave stars, but anything helps. 

Plug for reviews complete.

So what this company will do is connect you with readers who want to review. Now, the reviews are honest, so be prepared. Still, in a world where reviews are hard to come by, options are a good thing. 

I post in Facebook groups, connect with my readers and fellow writers, share pictures I like, build relationships, and use the other social media I'm comfortable with to promote my work. I also share myself, who I am, and what I like. I have a thing for pretty pictures, so I share those, too. It's a steady stream of keeping yourself visible and being honest. Be yourself because if you're not, everyone will know. 

I added Broken Promises to Booksprout as an ARC. It was the last book published before Covid, so I'd like to get it out there again. 

Beta Kristoff Dumanovsky has loved his alpha, Jeremiah Tolliver, for years, but Jeremiah wasn’t ready to move on from the love he still had for his dead wife. When tragedy struck, Kristoff blamed his focus and left not only the Iroquois Pack but Jeremiah as well.

When Stefan Mukhankin, an enemy from Kristoff’s past threatens his safety, Jeremiah uses this as a reason to try and bring Kristoff home. It won’t be an easy battle.

Kristoff’s survived before and feels he’ll survive again. He was trained to elude the enemy even if it’s the man he loves, so Jeremiah is in for the fight of their lives.

Can an alpha help his mate believe their bond is true, or will his mate find yet another place to run?

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3kiYppE

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3kb3UHd

Publisher: https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2382-7-broken-promises/

Now, if you're interested in reviewing Broken Promises, here's the Booksprout link. 

https://booksprout.co/arc/71734/broken-promises

That's it for me. 

Have a beautiful week! 

And if I haven't already said it, it is so good to be back! 

Love, 

Deja

Here To Stay

 

Hello, World!

So I just finished my first book since Covid began. A lot happened. I lost three cousins and my father-in-law, started a new job with a serious learning curve, and we moved. Let's not forget the global pandemic that rocked our world. 

I know I'm not alone in this. Getting to a normal is hard. Right now, my family is still more comfortable eating take-out in the car. We are still unsure about wearing and not wearing the mask. The little one is always in hers, while the rest of us play this on-and-off game. We are still nervous about coughs and sneezes, still worried about the next form of the plague. Finding a place that serves our spiritual needs and answers questions is a must. 

For the first time since Covid, we're getting a visit from my parents. I'm so excited, but the intense house clean I used to do when guests came doesn't even matter to me as much as it used to. 

We're different. All of us.

I'm more interested in relationships and reflection. Connections.

That's where I am. 

And then... 

Writing. Typically when I put out a book, I'm focused on character development. You want to know what I was worried about this time? Dialogue tags and different words to use related to sex. Why? Because that hasn't been on my mind at all. 

Just in case you need some help there, check these out:

https://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/sensual-word-menu-2/

The list included here was fabulous. I kept getting stuck on moan, moaning, and after a while, it reminded me of zombies. That was not the feeling I was going for, so I had to search. 

https://writinghelpers.tumblr.com/post/618573472395821056/list-of-vocal-sounds-for-smut

The title for this one was... List of Vocal Sounds for Smut.

It was pretty good. Be sure to zoom out or in, whichever helps you to read the tiny script better. At 47, these eyeballs don't see like they used to. 

And then...

I had to contact my betas. Ya'll, it's been forever since I spoke to my people. I wasn't sure who was available, who still read, and who had time. I mean, COVID. Here I am with a book trying to gather people who have better things to do than to read my work. But guess what? They said yes. 

They're reading right now, and you know what I'm doing? Doubting. Can I still write? Am I any good? Did I lose something along the way? Is it hopeless? Should I have even sent it?  But guess what? You can't get anywhere just doubting. You have to try. 

What Did I Write? 

Broken Dreams, the fourth in the Broken series. This one is about Darren, Samuel, and Dailon. It's that trio at the top there. I wrote when I had time. At night, in the morning, and sometimes when I was waiting in line. But it's finished. If you're not familiar with this series, see the books and blurbs below. I'm going to be posting about them in social media to remind my readers because again, Covid. They had and probably still have more things to worry about. 

Dan Tolliver, the adopted son of Alpha pack leader Jeremiah Tolliver, has suffered his last moment of abuse by his lover Keith Mulligan and finds himself in the hospital. There he meets dark and sharp-tongued Dr. Aiden Kavanaugh, who believes Dan needs some of his straightforward kind of medicine. Still, there is something different about the doctor.

Aiden is a sandman, a weaver of dreams, and has been on Earth far longer than even he knows. He's at the end of his time, ready to transition, and needs a human mate to keep him connected to the world he's grown to love. Only he hasn't found a special person who makes him want to stay. He doesn't despair, because not every Sandman has the chance to choose, but he knows if he doesn't find a partner, he will soon lose his physical form and exist only in dreams.

When Aiden realizes Keith is a far greater monster than Dan has any idea, they grow and work together using the support of the pack―and Dan's inner strength―to overcome impossible odds.

A detective and the future leader of a deadly coven. What can go wrong?

Remi Devereaux is a Louisiana born detective working murder cases in Louisville, Kentucky. While shopping for game-day with the guys, he spots the most amazing person he has ever seen. Peter is a man Remi wants with his whole being, a man he just can’t let go.

Peter Romanoff is a photographer who possesses the spirit of two creatures. Two beings that are slowly tearing him apart. He needs a Supruga, a mate, to help give him balance. When he meets Remi, there is a magnetic pull he can’t deny.

The next in line to lead a powerful coven, Peter is hunted, and the people he knows and loves are being killed. It will take Remi’s love and Peter’s skills to combat the enemy after them. Can Remi be the balance Peter needs before the coven destroys them both?

Beta Kristoff Dumanovsky has loved his alpha, Jeremiah Tolliver, for years, but Jeremiah wasn’t ready to move on from the love he still had for his dead wife. When tragedy struck, Kristoff blamed his focus and left not only the Iroquois Pack but Jeremiah as well.

When Stefan Mukhankin, an enemy from Kristoff’s past threatens his safety, Jeremiah uses this as a reason to try and bring Kristoff home. It won’t be an easy battle.

Kristoff’s survived before and feels he’ll survive again. He was trained to elude the enemy even if it’s the man he loves, so Jeremiah is in for the fight of their lives.

Can an alpha help his mate believe their bond is true, or will his mate find yet another place to run?

(If you click on the book, it will take you to the publisher's website. You can also check Amazon.)

Why Am I Writing?

With everything that's happening, why the heck am I writing? Well, because people need hope. They need a distraction. They need to believe in love. That there is good in the world. At one point, I wanted to stop. I said to a friend< "Why does what I do matter?" She said, "Because you give them something else to focus on, a reason to live. You take them away from their problems." 

I honestly believe that. There are so many signs that have pointed me here doing what I do. I am compelled to tell my stories and infuse them with love. I am necessary, and in my own way, making a difference. It matters. And I hear from those who are touched by those words. 

It's why I couldn't leave. It's why I'm still doing this. Returning to the world is weird, but here I am.

I'm here to stay. 

Thank you for being here with me. 

All the love, 

Deja

A Name is a Name is a Name is a ... Baby, You Get It! Let's go!

And Now the Name....

So on the last post, I wasn't sure what my mystery guy's name is. If you didn't read that one, I've started Broken Dreams. It's after Broken Promises. Not familiar with that book? Hang on a second. 

Looking. Looking. Looking. 

Now, if you haven't read this, and that's okay because it just came out, here's the blurb:

A widowed alpha is finally ready to love again, but his rejected mate left to protect his heart.

Beta Kristoff Dumanovsky has loved his alpha, Jeremiah Tolliver, for years. However, Jeremiah wasn’t ready to move on from the love he still had for his dead wife. When tragedy struck, Kristoff blamed his focus and left not only the Iroquois Pack but Jeremiah as well.

When Stefan Mukhankin, an enemy from Kristoff’s past threatens his safety, Jeremiah uses this as a reason to try and bring Kristoff home. It won’t be an easy battle.

Kristoff’s survived before and feels he’ll survive again. He was trained to elude the enemy even if it’s the man he loves, so Jeremiah is in for the fight of their lives.

Can an alpha help his mate believe their bond is true, or will his mate find yet another place to run?

Now, why am I talking about this? Well, it's in the book near the end that Samuel is mentioned along with Darren. And those two are in the new book that I'm currently working on. Broken Dreams. 

Now, Broken Promises wasn't the first book where you meet Samuel and Darren. You would actually have met Darren in Broken Bones. It's number one of these with Dreamspinner Press. New cover (with a couple), added storyline, more content, and it was reborn as the prequel with Extasy Books. Why Extasy Books? Because they welcomed me home, and I'm here to stay.

Here's the blurb just in case. Never know if you might be new to me. 

Dan Tolliver, the adopted son of Alpha pack leader Jeremiah Tolliver, has suffered his last moment of abuse by his lover Keith Mulligan and finds himself in the hospital. There he meets dark and sharp-tongued Dr. Aiden Kavanaugh, who believes Dan needs some of his straightforward kind of medicine. Still, there is something different about the doctor.

Aiden is a sandman, a weaver of dreams, and has been on Earth far longer than even he knows. He's at the end of his time, ready to transition, and needs a human mate to keep him connected to the world he's grown to love. Only he hasn't found a special person who makes him want to stay. He doesn't despair, because not every Sandman has the chance to choose, but he knows if he doesn't find a partner, he will soon lose his physical form and exist only in dreams.

When Aiden realizes Keith is a far greater monster than Dan has any idea, they grow and work together using the support of the pack―and Dan's inner strength―to overcome impossible odds.

Back again...

Now, it's Broken Bones where you first meet Darren, poor Darren who has trust issues where Sandmen are concerned, and rightfully so. Later, Darren is no longer poor Darren but powerful, hot Darren who still has trust issues. Still, rightfully so. But, he's about to have his life take a spin that could only make Samuel a very happy guy.

And that's where the mystery man comes into play. Let me tell you. Coming up with a character's name is not easy for me. It probably should be, but I am looking up name meanings, making sure they fit the character, checking to see if it sounds okay if you scream it in passion.

Oh, _____, yeah, baby! More! 

I'm trying to make certain it's original enough but not a distraction for the reader. I don't want the reader struggling to pronounce a name then giving up when they can't. Sure they could just change whatever the name is to Paul, but why should they have to?

This time, after requesting some help on Facebook, I was given tons of names by my people that I will certainly be using in the future. The one that finally grabbed me? Walker!

Looked up Dream and found about three I liked: Lorien, Dailon, and Reve.

Fell in love with Dailon. Talked to my editor.

And now we have it.

Dailon Walker. (Dreamwalker)

And this right here will be my first triad, people. First ever!  And you know what else? There's going to be a little bit of a Daddy feel going on. No diapers. Just two guys who will have to find a way to each other in order to take care of the man they love. Samuel's not going to make it easy for them. He can't. He wouldn't be Samuel if he did. 

A Little Research 

Since finding names is a problem for me, I decided to take a look and see if anyone else has this issue. What do they do? 

Found one right here!

https://characternames.com/

10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING CHARACTER NAMES

This article by Jennifer Moss has plenty of awesome advice that I sure needed to read and will definitely use when I decide on names the next time. A couple I knew, but the others? Worth the read. 

Then there's this one! 

https://nybookeditors.com/2016/04/how-to-choose-character-names/

How to Choose Character Names

A little more technical but a great read as well. Most importantly, I don't feel like I'm alone in my quest to find the perfect name. 

So tell me, how do you find your names? 

What's Happening Now

Well, besides prepping for Broken Dreams, I'm considering writing for an Open Call by Extasy. Why do I do these things to myself? I already have enough to do, but it seems so interesting. 

Moving House and Hearts. 

I mean, I recently moved before the plague of Covid 19. Here we are. New house, new neighbors, and new plague. Yes, people. It's new. 19 is anyway. 

I am truly close to saying yes. 

What else? Trying to determine how to let my kids have a life but keep them safe. So fucking hard. We have neighbors who have kids. I have to constantly tell my kids to wash their hands when they come in. I'm trying to let them play, but then I'm scared to death. 

We are living in a time I never saw coming. Sure George Carlin did. Look it up. He totally saw this, but me? Nada.

I'm just trying to make sure my kids wash their hands, I clean the doorknobs, and make sure they stay six feet apart from their friends. I also space the time out that they play. It's tough. My husband and I readdress this every day and night as to if we're doing the right thing.

I just don't know.

Be careful out there, people.

Oh, and if you want an article about keeping your family safe during Covid 19, here goes.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how

It's Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here's How

Love,
Deja

Back in the Saddle

On to the Next One

Well, it's time for Broken Dreams now. That's the third book with Extasy Books and the fourth after the original. The men in this one? Samuel, the crazy little minx at the end of Broken Promises and mentioned in Broken Pieces. Then there's Darren. He's appeared in Broken Bones and Broken Pieces. Finally, we have the mystery guy. Why do I say mystery, you wonder. (Maybe you don't, but let's play pretend.) He's a mystery because I don't even know him yet. What I do know is he's the guy that will balance the two of them out. 

Darren needs some help with Samuel. The job's too hard to handle alone. So, where's his mystery man? Well, now. That's what I'm working on. And boy, I don't know if Darren will like the form the mystery guy's going to take. Darren's been avoiding this fate for far too long. It's going to grab him by the balls. 

And that's exactly what he needs. Our guy's a planner. Time to throw him totally off his game. 

You know me. I'm inspired by pictures, so I'm currently building the Pinterest board for this one. 

Here are a few of the pictures I've been considering. 

It's 

I'm trying out a few new things for me here. Not sure how they'll go across or even if I'll follow through. Depends on where the muse takes me. 

What Have I Learned?

Well, it's not exactly a new thought here, but more or less a reminder. I have learned that I have my own style. I know, right. That should be a given after about thirteen books, but I can't help myself sometimes. I read another author and I break one of the writer cardinal rules. You know the one.

Thou shalt not compare one's writing to another's. 

I know better, but somehow I fall in the trap of wondering if I'm a good writer because I don't write like the books I enjoy reading. But you know what? Someone enjoys mine. After questioning myself yet again, a good friend gave me a Gibbs verbal smack (Think NCIS) on the head. 

She said people read different types of books for different reasons. She reads mine for pleasure. She tells me I'm a good writer, and I believe her. My editor says so. Another good friend does, too, no matter how many times I tell myself I'm not. My reviewers do. The messages I get from readers do, too. So, maybe I'll just write the way I write and watch my writing grow. 

You do the same.

Don't believe me? Been doubting yourself as well? Check out these articles. They could help. 

https://byrslf.co/stop-comparing-yourself-to-other-writers-3f905c1fdd82

Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers

by Aaron Charles

This one is definitely worth a read. There were quite a few moments where I wanted to applaud and others that reminded me of why I started writing in the first place.


Want to improve, but you're not sure how?

https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/stop-comparing-your-writing/

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: Here’s How to Improve Your Writing Skills Without Getting Frustrated

by Henneke 

This one offers some great suggestions for how to improve your writing without destroying your creative energy or belittling yourself. 

They are both worth a read. You'll feel better for it. Promise. 

Most importantly, keep writing. The world needs your story. 

On the Homefront

Just like the rest of you, we're washing our hands at home and everywhere else, too. This is a scary time as we see more and more businesses close, school close, and tension everywhere. We're finding reasons to smile, though, and other reasons to laugh. We're also being grateful for the time we have together.

Meals are happening at home with all of us around the table, and I don't have to force the kids to take their medicine.

If this craziness has taught me anything, it's how much more I value my family, how important it is to keep lifting others up, and that if you use sanitizer, follow it with lotion. My hands. The Sahara has nothing on them.

Wash those hands.
If you're hoarding tissue, stop it.
Lastly, keep smiling.

Love,
Deja.

 

Dusting the Blog Off

Dear Reader,
This blog is under construction.

For now, here's the latest review from Bayou Book Junkie for Broken Promises:

Oh, the cover? Let me find it

Here it is! 

And the blurb? 

Here goes! 

A widowed alpha is finally ready to love again, but his rejected mate left to protect his heart.

Beta Kristoff Dumanovsky has loved his alpha, Jeremiah Tolliver, for years. However, Jeremiah wasn’t ready to move on from the love he still had for his dead wife. When tragedy struck, Kristoff blamed his focus and left not only the Iroquois Pack but Jeremiah as well.

When Stefan Mukhankin, an enemy from Kristoff’s past threatens his safety, Jeremiah uses this as a reason to try and bring Kristoff home. It won’t be an easy battle.

Kristoff’s survived before and feels he’ll survive again. He was trained to elude the enemy even if it’s the man he loves, so Jeremiah is in for the fight of their lives.

Can an alpha help his mate believe their bond is true, or will his mate find yet another place to run?

I'm Back

This book was a long time coming. I was going through some ups and downs, more downs than ups. When I finished this one, it was like a prayer answered and maybe a few realizations, too. A lot is happening in our community, struggles and loss. I was starting to feel like there was nothing I could add, nothing I could do. Why even write? But you know what? A friend reminded me that my writing serves a purpose. It gives hope. 

So. 

I write. 

There. I just needed to put that out there. 

Need a few words from some famous writers to endorse this? 

https://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2014/03/27/why-i-write-23-quotes-famous-authors/

WHY I WRITE: 23 FASCINATING QUOTES FROM FAMOUS AUTHORS

Check out this article. It's filled with reasons why to write. If you need a little encouragement to keep going, check it out. 

Oh, the review. Hang on a sec! 

https://wp.me/paxqlC-1Hc

4 Stars!

What do you do when your Alpha and Mate is still in love with his late wife? Kristoff had to leave him and his pack and be on his own. But a year later, Jeremiah shows up at his door with no intention of leaving without him.

What I loved: Now, I’m a huge fan of the whole Mate thing (it’s my favorite) but I absolutely cannot stand when one mate denies the other. It drives me bonkers, I mean, you’re mates. You are literally destined and meant to be together. You are perfect for one another. Why do you fight it? Of course having said that, I’m also a sucker for angst and what better angst than that of two people who are meant to be unable to be together?! So yeah, I was all over this book. Add in the fact that I’m a fan of Deja Black, well, let’s just say I pretty much dove head first Broken Promises.

Deja is amazing at creating a story that stands out and gives us something different. I love that, it’s not the same old same old when she writes a story. I love her voice and always find myself wanting to see what she’ll do next. This one gives us plenty of action, some good suspense and a pretty entertaining villain. Of course on top of that you get the romance and sexy times that we expect.

What I Liked: I liked Jeremiah (even if he made me mad, which is probably why I can’t put him in the love column) he was written in such a way that I could picture him vividly.

What I Didn’t Like: I honestly did not care for the emphasis on their Positions/titles of Alpha/Beta. I felt it took them off of equal footing as Mates/Lovers/Partners. I almost felt like they could’ve just replaced it with Sir and boy. As a matter of fact, I felt that dynamic throughout much of the story and had I been prepared for that element, I’d have been fine but instead it came as a surprise to me.

I also did not care for the fact that Jeremiah denied Kristoff for so long only then to change his mind (come to the realization that he could no longer deny his feelings for Kristoff) but everyone expected Kristoff to just bend over and present his a** for Jeremiah because they were mates. His former Alpha actually made it seem as if Kristoff was in the wrong for not wanting to instantly jump in Jeremiah’s arms.

Quote:

“…And I feel for you and for the nightmares you must have because of this, but it is not your right to deny your mate.”

“When he has rejected me again and again?”

“He grieved. The pain of loss makes the vision cloudy at times, Kristoff Dumanovsky…”

Ugh, this made me mad.

Luckily, things turn around and Jeremiah seems to show that he is aware of the mistake he made. I just wish it wouldn’t have made me feel bitter towards him in the beginning. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the story and I can’t lie, delving into the POV of Stefan (AKA the villain) was quite entertaining. I would wholeheartedly recommend Broken Promises.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***

Check their website for more goodies. 

And welcome back! 

Love, 

Deja