Just one of those days!!!

Today has been a long one. As I scrolled through my phone I ran across this photo. It pretty much sums up my day perfectly. People will try your spirit, Jesus! Please take the wheel as I wu-sah.

On a brighter note, my Husband comes home tonight ;)

*happy dance*

No writing related post today. Just venting. We all need to vent every now and again! Ya'll enjoy the rest of your day.

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,
KeKe Chanel

Happy Release Day to ME!!!!

Hey, Ya'll! The wait is over. My new book Silence is now available. Yayyyy...

This book has been a long time coming due to unfortunate acts of LIFE, but I wouldn't change a thing. I believe God's timing is always the best timing. Can somebody say AMEN?! We never know why certain things happen in our lives, but they always work out for the best. Well, that's always been my experience. I can go on and on about this but it's my Release Day!! Ain't God good, though? 

Back to my book... Still can't tell I'm excited! LOL 

Author Note: 

 

Writing Silence was an emotional journey for me. I wanted each emotion I experienced working on this project to flow over to my readers. Savannah Rose whose name was April when I began this story, is a character none like any other I've developed. I wantedvher story to reflect pain, love, and second chance from a child's point of view. Imagine being stuck watching the people you love and the people who stole your life go on with their lives. Being trapped, longing to be with your parents who passed unexpectedly. How would you handle that?
 
The town of Milledgeville gave way to the voices and storyline dancing around in my head. Well, at least one of them.There are way too many... I wanted a creepy town vibe with a close-knit community. When tragedy happens no one wants to take ownership because that would mean their town isn't so perfect. It was the seamless opportunity to allow all hell to break loose. I was able to broaden my horizons and let the story go where it wanted to go. I'm very pleased.
 
Now, my favorite character in the story would have to be Miss Odessa. She reminds me of someone who I've known a long time. Her character has many layers. One minute she is sweet, the next she's sour, and in another, she can be a bit of both combined. Her sharp wit and genuineness gave me a better appreciation of her over the course of the story.  I didn't want the story to become predictable in any way.
 
I think the most mysterious character is Mr. Hanny. I think there's more to his story than what this book gave a glimpse of. Who knows, there may be more from Old Man Marshall in the future. I'm already working on something. :)
 
And what about Blue Cantrell? Gotta love Blue! He is another one of my favorite characters. People judge him by who his family is and assumes he's a certain way. We have all been guilty of this at some point in time. I wanted his character to reflect "never judge a book by its cover." There is definitely more for Blue. He may find himself back in the place he despises. There is much to learn about Milledgeville.

Synopsis:

 
Savannah Rose was abducted from the Milledgeville County Fair when she was only eight years old. After searching for several months, all hope of ever finding her alive vanished. Her body was never found. The town grieved the loss of such an amazing little girl, yet someone knows what really happened that day. When April Rose returns, she isn’t quite what the people she encounter imagines. She isn’t the sweet, cheerful, happy little girl they once knew.

Seeking revenge on the town’s residents for not protecting her and finding out the true identity of her abductor is the only way Savannah Rose gains any sense of justice and peace. Will she solve the mystery of her death so that she can finally transition or will her spirit stay trapped forever? Will the town of Milledgeville still exist once her mission is complete or perish before making good on the oath, taken centuries ago?

As Savannah Rose unleashes her wrath, secrets of Milledgeville meant to be kept hidden forever are exposed. Total damnation lives in the woods surrounding the quiet, close-knit town. It is up to the remaining founding-family members to keep the deal made by their ancestors intact before destruction wipes them off the map.

I hate there is a white border around the cover. Tried removing it several times but it won't go away. Anyway, I digress!

Here's an excerpt for your reading pleasure:
 

A soft thump caught his attention. It was darker in the backyard than Bobby remembered. The few lights surrounding him flickered, but he didn’t think much of it. Sometimes the lights did seem to have a mind of their own on their property.

The still of the night soothed Bobby, comforting his weary soul. He sipped his brown liquor allowing the robust taste to carry all of his troubles away. Bobby closed his eyes and exhaled. Suddenly, the wind began to howl, and the stars vanished. Rolling clouds of gray made the sky look as if it was about to reach down and collar him. The forecast hadn’t predicted any inclement weather. Then again, summer nights in Milledgeville were unpredictable.

“What is happening tonight?” Bobby said in a murmur. His eyes scanned the night. Dancing shadows caught his attention in the nearby woods surrounding his property. Rubbing his hand down his face, Bobby shook his head. He was tripping. Drinking alone always made his mind see things that weren’t there. Maybe it was time to join his brothers inside. Just as he was about to make his way toward the back door of the house, something stopped him dead in his tracks. Bobby wiped his eyes. Clearly, he was more than a few levels past tipsy.  

Everything around him became calm, silent. Bobby’s eyes darted back and forth. Staggering toward the house, he paused to keep his balance. He could feel a presence close in proximity. He wasn’t alone. The shadows in the woods continued to dance, mocking him. Bobby nearly stumbled and fell. Light whispers engulfed him causing his heart to nearly jump out of his chest. He was unable to move. Although he told his mind to haul ass, his body wasn’t listening.

He focused his eyes. It couldn’t be. There standing, only inches from him was the little girl he had just been thinking about.

“I really should stop drinking,” Bobby said laughing at his paranoia. His brothers were trying to scare him.

“Bart, Blue, Bill and Bull, you sons-of-bitches must want a good old fashion kick in the ass. Stop playing around! I’m in no mood for games tonight,” Bobby called out in a long frustrated slur. He waited until one of them answered or started laughing, but that never came. Instead, walking out of the darkness with eyes that emitted embers was Savannah Rose. She fixated her attention directly on him, ensnaring him in her visage.

“What are you doing here? You’re dead! We left you bleeding to death that day. You can’t be real,” Bobby yelled in a frantic tone.

Savannah Rose didn’t dignify him with a response. She lifted her arm and flung it to the left causing Bobby’s body to go flying through the air. He landed next to an old pickup truck. He howled in pain. She moved toward him using her force to break each window. Glass shattered about, some cutting Bobby on his arms, face, and legs. He used his hands to shield his head. His fingers stung from the shards of glass nicking them.

The impact of the breaking glass should have been enough to get his brothers to check on him. Where were they when he needed them? The more he called for help, the more the silence submerged him. No one could hear him. No one would hear him.

To purchase your copy of Silence click on the link below. Paperbacks will be available soon. 

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBWQLDA

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Dicey Grenor

Author Spotlight!!!

I’ve been connected with my next author spotlight via social media for a few years now.  I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any of her work yet, but I do have a few of her books on my Kindle. Yes, my Kindle is overloaded. I don’t ever have to worry about not having anything to read. But still, I go to the bookstore and buy more. What can I say? I’m an avid reader! #BOOKSRAWESOME #READINGROCKS

We’ve never met, but I can tell she has an outgoing and fun personality. The way she interacts with her fans in the pictures she posts on Instagram gives me a glimpse at her #authorlife when I scroll down my timeline. Her energy is contagious! Her passion is evident! I find myself wishing I could have been at whatever event she was participating in. These traits are a true indication of an artist who values and knows her craft well.  

Welcome to Kickin’ It With KeKe!!

Author Dicey Grenor

Dicey Grenor is a wife, mother, attorney, and fearless writer, who tackles complex, taboo subjects from the perspective of quirky, compelling characters. She frequently crosses genre boundaries with unpredictable plots, and mixes darkness with comedy for the fun of it. Her ideal reader is open-minded and loves diversity in fiction. Fans of shows like Penny Dreadful, True Blood, Preacher, and other dark, twisted works, may enjoy The Narcoleptic Vampire Series, a set of multicultural, erotic urban fantasy books. She also wrote Best Friends, Fantasy Lovers (rock-n-roll erotic romance), Shameful (taboo), and How to Have a Perfect Marriage (dark comedy).

Please visit her website at: www.diceygrenorbooks.com to learn more.

KC: So tell us, how long have you been writing?

DG: As far back as I can remember. It’s been my preferred method of self-expression. I started writing my first novel (Shameful) in 2009, self-published it in 2011.

KC: What genre do you write or prefer writing?

DG: I like to mix genres, and usually, like to keep a high level of eroticism. Urban fantasy is fun because characters can be larger than life in fantastical plots.

KC: How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer?

DG: It has always been something that came naturally to me, as if it is who I am, not just something I enjoy.

KC: What inspires you to write?

DG: I draw inspiration from everywhere. My brain is a sponge, soaking up knowledge to use within a story plot and character development. When I actually sit down and put that knowledge towards writing, however, it is usually because I have some inner issues I need to work through. It becomes my therapy. I am inspired to heal myself. I write, seeking to do that.

KC: What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

DG: There is an underlying message in every story I write about love and acceptance for all, no matter how peculiar the person or circumstances. I want readers to be entertained, but I appreciate when they also feel the message.

KC: How would you describe your writing style?

DG: Vulgar. Bare bones. Human. Soul-wrenching. Unapologetic. Not for everybody.

KC: Never heard anyone describe their writing style in that way. I love it! Be who you are. Write what you want to write.

KC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

DG: Too many to name. I read a lot, so I have a lot of favorites. I don’t want to leave out those deserving of mention, and I don’t want to keep repeating the same names readers hear over and over again when there are so many awesome writers that need to be discovered.

KC: I respect that!

KC: What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

DG: Kind of all of the above, depending on my mood. I usually crank up heavy metal music when I’m writing an urban fantasy fight scene or murder. I play R & B nice and mellow when I’m writing a love scene. Classical music helps me focus when I’m researching a topic. I prefer to begin my writing with a thorough outline. Then I let the writing rip at will.

KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why?

DG: The list is not exhaustive. The truth is that any author that writes erotic books with a dark twist AND has a large following of readers that could help me get the most exposure would be ideal for a collaborative work. Of course, none of those authors need me or my help because they are already at the top of the game. It would be in their best interest to collaborate with someone equally situated as themselves. I’ve collaborated on a few projects in the past, and probably won’t do it again.

KC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

DG: Stay off Goodreads. Post your books there for legitimate readers to find your books, but don’t stick around. That site has turned into an anti-authors’ space. Folks just drop low-star ratings just for the fun of it and haven’t even read your book. Don’t believe me? Just browse the books and notice all the fake profiles with nothing but low ratings and not one review containing info about what they loved or hated about a book.

My real, and probably more valuable advice is to write whatever’s in your heart and surround yourself with people who support your passion for writing. You’ll need them to keep you encouraged during some inevitable low points.

KC: What are you reading currently?

DG: You're Making Me Hate You: A Cantankerous Look at the Common Misconception That Humans Have Any Common Sense Left by Corey Taylor, lead vocalist for Slipknot and Stone Sour.

KC: How can readers find you?

DG: Website: www.diceygrenorbooks.com
Amazon:http://amzn.to/2aLyJv3

Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DiceyGrenor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiceyGrenor

Blog: www.diceyblog.wordpress.com

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/diceygrenor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/DiceyGrenor (HA!)

Twitter @DiceyGrenor

Instagram @DiceyGrenor

Google Plus: www.google.com/+DiceyGrenor

KC: Ha! I saw the Goodreads. I’m on there too. And I agree with what you said about trolls, as I call them. Nothing better to do with themselves so they try to deter someone else’s purpose.

KC: As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?

DG: I know it is. I’ve done it many times. My way is time-consuming, though—I actually interact one-on-one with folks in social media by liking, commenting, re-sharing, and replying to posts. All that interaction is weary, but I love getting to know people and letting them see the real me. I’ve picked up a lot of new fans by cultivating internet relationships. It’s just a slow process.

KC: Tell us about your latest work?

DG: Sleepy Willow’s Redeemed Soul is the 4^th book in The Narcoleptic Vampire Series from the main character, Sleepy Willow’s, perspective. It’ll be riggidy raw like all the other books in the series.

KC: I’ve read the reviews and look forward to getting to know your characters. Sleepy Willow looks like she doesn't play around! lol

KC: What’s next for you?

DG: Releasing my first full-length novel since 2014. Now that I’ve put it out there that Redeemed Soul will be released October 25, 2016, I’m working like a madwoman to get it done. I don’t miss deadlines.

I’m also working on a script with a group of awesome local writers. It’s not related to my books, but I can see how this process can segue into developing my own scripts and films. My films are coming one way or another, hopefully sooner than later.

KC: Awesome! Best of luck to you.

KC: Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry?

DG: Yes. I believe networking is crucial to being successful period. Thing is—you have to find the right people that have your back and you have theirs. If you just have takers around you, that isn’t networking, and those relationships will drain you instead of empowering you. I have always found mutually beneficial relationships, however, to be the most rewarding. When you look out for each other, you both climb. I usually drop folks when I find out they are selfish or only looking for what I can do for them. I just don’t have time for that.

KC: *high five* I totally agree! Been there and done that. Won’t do it again. This is why I do Author Spotlights on my blog. And I don’t expect anything in return. Just using my platform to help others. It also makes me feel good inside.

KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DG: Hopefully, healthy. Writing full time, with a bestseller or three. Traveling to book events and comic cons. Attending film festivals.

KC: Where do you want to be with your writing in five years?

DG: Making my books into films.

KC: Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?

DG: Treat people the way you want to be treated.

KC: YES!!!

KC: I like to incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to who you are as a person. Fun facts are my way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.

Fun facts:

KC: What is your favorite color?

DG: Black.

KC: What is your favorite food?

DG: Macaroni and cheese.

KC: What is your favorite pastime?

DG: If I’m reading a great book or watching a favorite show/movie, I’m in Heaven.

KC: Football or basketball?

DG: Basketball. Grew up with it on 24/7 during the season. My dad just LOVES it.

KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

DG: Michael Jordan. I’m old school.

KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?

DG: Halloween. Okay, okay. Thanksgiving. Anything but Christmas.

KC: Books or movies?

DG: Both. Books made into movies. If I had to pick one right now, it would be a movie, because I’m writing a book. I tend to stay away from reading other authors when I’m writing.

KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?

DG: Summer. I complain when it’s hot, but that’s soooo much better than cold. I like the idea of the beaches and sweat.

KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day, what would be the thing you pick?

DG: My laptop with high-speed internet.

KC: Breakfast or Lunch?

DG:  Lunch. Preferably with a friend.

KC: This has been a pleasure. I wish you all the best! Thanks for Kickin’ It With KeKe.

DG: Thanks so much, KeKe!

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & BE YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Lorna LA Lewis

Author Spotlight!!!

It’s amazing how you meet someone and feel like you know them instantly. Well, in this case, it was true. We met many years ago while I was attending college. Her sister is one of my best friends. I use to go home with her to visit her family. They eventually became my family. To this day, Ieshia and I are still close. But somehow Lorna and I forgot we met and became friends without realizing we were already connected. 

I love friendships that blossom naturally. This is what I have with my next author spotlight. Not only is she a great friend and writer, she is so much more. She is an Educator, a prayer warrior, an advocate for literacy, and the list goes on and on.

As we welcome her, please say a few prayers for her and her family as they have been affected in some way by the flooding in Baton Rouge, La. and surrounding areas. 

Our home state is grieving…people are hurting…keep us lifted. This too shall pass. We will come back better than ever. God is watching! Our prayers will be answered. 

Please, show your love for my friend, Author Lorna LA Lewis.

Author Lorna LA Lewis

KC: So tell us, how long have you been writing?

LL: I’ve been writing since elementary school. I just didn’t recognize it as a gift until 2009 when I wrote and self-published my first novel.

KC: What genre do you write or prefer writing?

LL: I write contemporary fiction novels and motivational books for adults and children. Fiction is my way of entertaining the world. Motivational is giving back to others what older, wiser people have given to me.

KC: How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer? 

LL: I started writing short stories for my students, I was a second-grade teacher, and the overwhelming desire to keep going grew stronger with each world. It was then that I decided to try and write a novel, and it took off from there. 

KC: What inspires you to write?

LL: Life inspires me to write. For me, writing is both entertaining and therapeutic. Sometimes real life gets too difficult, so writing is my escape.

KC: What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

LL: Each of my books carries a message. Usually, it’s about forgiveness, having faith, or overcoming incredible obstacles to get to where you’re destined to be.

KC: How would you describe your writing style?

LL: My writing style is simple, yet poetic. I love words and cliches and finding new ways to use them is always exciting for me.

KC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

LL: I have way too many, but I’ll name the ones that started my love for reading. E. Lynn Harris, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Victoria Christopher Murray were the authors I first started reading as a young adult. I’ve of course added to that list over the years and it keeps growing. Naleighna Kai, Joyce Brown, Leslie Wright are a few that I’ve added. 

KC: What are some of your favorite books?

LL: I love inspirational books. Instinct by T.D. Jakes, Me and My Big Mouth by Joyce Meyer are my favorites. I’ve recently started reading The Power of Personal Vision by a local pastor Rodney D. Robertson. He’s very inspiring. Some of my favorite fiction novels are The Dance, The Deal and The Devil by Victoria Christopher Murray, all of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s Curtis Black Books, and Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai. I read my first sci-fi book a few months ago. It was Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler.

KC: I love all the people you listed.

KC: What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

LL: I usually write using music. I’ve tried using an outline but it doesn’t work for me. I like to type and let the characters have their way. I feel like I’m manipulating their thoughts when I outline.

KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why?

LL: I think I’m long overdue for a collaboration with KeKe Chanel. I’d also love to collaborate with Kimberla Lawson Roby. That would be a dream for me. 

KC: Hey now! Let’s make it happen. I would love to collaborate with you too. Why haven’t we discussed this before? Lol

KC: What advice would you give aspiring authors? 

LL: Write all you can. Read as much as you can. Take every opportunity presented to learn more about your craft.

KC: Awesome advice!

KC: What are you reading currently?

LL: I’m currently reading The Power of Personal Vision by Rodney D. Robertson.

KC: I know him personally. We attended school together when we were kids. His books are extremely inspiring.  Shoutout to my, Bro. Rodney D. Robertson.

KC:How can readers find you?

LL: Readers can find me on Facebook Author LA Lewis, Twitter @AuthorLALewis, on my website www.lalewisexpressions.com. Or email me authorlalewis@gmail.com

 

KC: As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?

LL: Social Media is one of the best sources for gaining new readers. 

KC: Tell us about your latest work?

LL: My latest book, Double Down and Dirty is about Jade Bordeaux, who is now living the life she’s always dreamed of living as a supermodel and entrepreneur in New Your City. Jade’s life didn’t start our so grand. She grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where life was anything but great. Jade is the biracial daughter of Louisiana’s Governor. A title that should’ve come with many perks, but only if your identity wasn’t kept a secret and your dad acknowledged you outside of the four walls of your house. Jade was satisfied with her current life, until meeting multi-millionaire Sean Wright. He was everything Jade hated in a man. Sean was used to having his way, as everyone went above and beyond to please him, especially the women. Jade kept her distance as much as possible, but a family tragedy threw them together and caused Jade to see Sean for someone other than the self-centered jerk everyone thought him to be. Life for Jade and Sean could’ve been a fairytale if they didn’t have so many forces working against them. They’re good in business, but when it comes to life, they’re being played by the best and most unlikely suspect.

KC: What’s next for you?

LL: I’m working on more story ideas and trying my hand at a screenplay. I’m hoping to do more speaking engagements in this upcoming year. 

KC: Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry? Why?

LL: Networking is most definitely a must in this industry. Some readers are very hesitant about trying new authors, so they may not show up for an event for that author alone, but planning events with other authors is a great way to grow your fan base.

KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LL: In five years I see myself traveling around the world for book signings and speaking events. I also see myself on the set of a television production for one of my novels.

KC: Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?

LL: Something I live by daily is that time is not guaranteed to any of us No one knows the day or the hours, all we have is the now. Do all you can in the now and live life with no regrets.

KC: I like to incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to who you are as a person. Fun facts are my way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.

LETS GO… 

Fun facts:

KC: What is your favorite color?

LL: Red

KC: What is your favorite food?

LL: Fried fish

KC: What is your favorite pastime?

LL: Facebook or watching an old series on Netflix

KC: Football or basketball?

LL: Basketball

KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

LL: Lebron James

KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?

LL: Christmas

KC: Books or movies?

LL: Books all day long

KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?

LL: Winter

KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day, what would be the thing you pick?

LL: My phone

KC: Breakfast or Lunch?

LL: Breakfast

As always, it’s been a pleasure chatting it up with you. Thanks for Kickin’ It With KeKe! Peace and blessings to you my friend.

Us a few years ago at an even in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel