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.
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
