Writing (And Other) Tea
It’s beginning to look a lot like Aries season…
They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. That statement couldn't be truer. Well, at least the lion part has been true thus far.
February seemed to be an absolute blur. Between the book launch at Eagle Eye and Love Ya’ll Fest the following weekend, I was on the go from the jump. I had virtual events afterwards and before, and I barely had a chance to breathe.
Thanks to Jaleesa Reads, Preeti of Eagle Eye Books and everyone who came out to the book launch. I had so much fun. So glad to see my family, friends, sorors and fellow bookish babes in the house.. Thank you all for everything.
BTW: Eagle Eye has a TON of my books left that they need to move off the shelves. Please visit them or order some via their website! You’ll get the NSFW art as well!
I am also thankful to have taken part in Love Ya’ll Fest again. It was a blast. I was on two panels and met so many readers. It really affirmed that I am doing what I need to do.
The following weekend, I was at the one year anniversary for SteamyLit which was so dope. I got to hang with my girl, THEE Natasha Bishop, and met Ambar Cardova, Kristina Forrest, and reunited with my Love Ya’ll signing buddy Ava Rani. We had so much fun celebrating Melissa and all that she does for the romance community.
In April, I will be in NYC at the P&T Knitwear Bookstore with The Astigmatism Comedy Show Podcast. It’s a mix of comedy show, book club, and podcast which is really dope. I am the April book of the month and I am so amped to be in the house to talk Gideon, Tanika and those magical glasses. Visit their Eventbrite for ticket information (tickets are required as space is limited) and more about the show.
And of course, the Black Romance Book Fest is May 30-June 1. My schedule is out! I’ve already sent my assistants (my cousin and my little sis) their “official” email and welcome info. They were so excited! I feel so grown up! LOL.
Check below for where I will be, what panels I am on, and what time my signings are.
Make sure you are in the house (tickets are sold out, sorry) because there will be exclusive swag at my table just for BRBF attendants.
For the Black Romance Book Fest, I am partnering with Wanderlust Reads to sell my full catalog for the fest. The Preorders page is up and running. Note: The Opportunity will be available for pre-order as well. Just check back real soon! I’ll let you all know via socials for sure.
Click the link HERE to Pre-Order for Black Romance Book Fest.
I will also be at Steamy Lit Con in October. I am so excited to go to Cali for the first time ever! More details to come, so just save the date! I do know they will have both The Offer and The Oath special editions for sale there!
Other events are TBD and on the horizon, but I will certainly keep you all posted. Keep following my Instagram and Threads for more info.
In other writing news…
The Opportunity pre-order links are live. Check them out here on AMAZON. Note: You won’t be able to order the paperback until April 14th. Ingram will be live in the next week. Remember, it will also be in KU on debut a day as well.
BTW… *Surprise Surprise*….some of you may or may not have received a little “special email” from me. Check your BookFunnel and SPAM just in case. I am just saying…. ;)
Book 2 in the “Boss Chick Village” is almost done. I am stressed to the max but I am going to do my best to get it done by my deadline. I am sure my editors are annoyed with me but life has been life-ing in the absolute worst way. (more on that later in this newsletter)
After book 2 is done, I have that romantasy to finish. Honestly, that is more intimidating than anything. I’ll give you all more info on that in about in a future newsletter.
Then I am taking a much needed break before I tackle anything else…. some stuff may be pushed to 2026.
Podcast/Social Media Tea
Romance in Colour kicked off the last half of our season with poet Dre Hill.
We had a great time talking about love, romance and the art of poetry. Listen to his podcast HERE.
The next podcast guests will be Reese Ryan (3/21), followed by Vanessa Riley (4/4). I am trying my best not to fangirl out!
In the meantime, stay tuned for the rest of the season’s podcast. We will go until mid-June 2025. Every other Friday!
Random Tea
Besides being a writer, I have a 9-5. I’ve been primarily remote since the pandemic, which has been an absolute blessing. But now, with Satan’s taint being in office, there is a push for folks to go back in office at least 3 days or more a week. That is frustrating.
For the first time in my twenty years at my job, I felt good. Balanced. My life was at peace being remote and I am trying to really understand how I am going to adjust to being in office again. How do I balance working out? My current parenting style/responsibilities? Being a spouse? Most of all, my writing schedule will be affected. Working from home, I could end my day and then jump right into writing. Now, we got to factor in a commute that can run anywhere from 45 min-1.5 hrs./ twice a day. Then all the responsibilities that come with being a spouse and mother. I can’t be Superwoman, but life seems to demand it. Personal peace and health be damned, I guess.
Life (and capitalism) sucks donkey ass.
On another note, my 46th birthday is this month. Being closer to 50 is a sobering fact, but I am going to embrace this age with grace and resilience. I certainly don’t feel my age. And as my aunt Kerri always says, thank God I don’t look like what I’ve been through.
I have no plans other than to wear red lipstick and wear a red dress. I always do that on every birthday. I am taking off that day, something I rarely do. With all the stuff going on in my life, I am going to use my damn vacation days. Fuck what you heard. Maybe I’ll spend the day at the spa, which would be ideal.
Sigh. Maybe I’ll hit the lotto soon. One could only hope.
Author Spotlight
For the next couple of months, I’ll be highlighting some fellow romance authors who are doing some amazing things and writing swoon-worthy books.
This month’s author is Tanvier Peart
Tanvier Peart is a future bestselling romance author with a healthy obsession for snacks and happily ever afters. She is a good girl with kinks who spends her days working on public policy in New York and enjoys the wild life of being a wife and PTA mom. By night, she writes and reads romance books with steamy scenes. When she's not lost in the land of smut, Tanvier enjoys long walks in Target and the chorus of grunts at the gym.
Her latest books, Miles Apart, is a frenemies-to-lovers story about two people who swear off relationships and get caught up in a thing called love. This spicy book is perfect for romance readers who enjoy tension, banter, and love finding a way.
Test-driving the best friend of my best friend's husband between the sheets is off-limits.
I know it, and so does Miles.
We're not friends and only tolerate each other in small doses whenever our paths cross. Miles Walker is a pain in my side who challenges me to no end. But he's also my mirror who sees all of me, even the parts I try to hide.
Fate seems hell-bent on bringing Miles and me together. No matter the distance we put between us, we keep finding our way back to each other.
We both despise relationships and prioritize pleasure in the moment over happily ever afters. The problem with a desire that won't go away is the urge to scratch the itch.
I can't escape him, the lingering glances or heat tracing up my thighs whenever he's around.
We tempt fate when we give in after years of denial. The more time we spend together, the more Miles chips away at the wall fortifying my heart.
I played with fire, and now, Miles is changing the rules like they're meant for him to break.
Find out more about Tanvier and her work by signing up for her newsletter
Until next time,
