Cha feel?

I recently watched 21 Jump Street (the movie) and laughed my butt off. Normally I’m not into the crass ones, but for some reason, this movie hit all my funny spots. Anyway, there’s a scene in the movie where a high school kid explains his dating style to an undercover cop, and at the end asks, “Cha feel?” Naturally I had to look it up on Urban Dictionary because I wouldn’t believe that teens are actually saying this. Sure enough, there it was: “Cha Feel?” Translation: “You feel me?”

Wow. Just wow. If I had any doubts about shelving the high school reads for a while, that phrase annihilated them. I love my teen stories. I do. I love the teens I developed. But I can't keep up with this teen talk. So it’s time for my stories to grow up. I need adults. With adult brains. I need to place them in adult situations and force them to make adult decisions. Does this mean my days of writing teens are over? Hell no. Just temporarily suspended.

I also realized that in addition to writing about teenagers, I included some pretty heavy topics in their stories. I came to be known as the controversial writer—the author who goes for the taboo. I don’t mind the label, but I worry about the day I release my first non-taboo story, especially since it’s my next one.

I love taboo. I love stories that push the boundaries. I may even have a never-ending supply of them. The problem is that they’re a bitch to write. They’re emotionally draining. Demanding. And I can’t write stories like that all the time. My heart and mind need a break every once in a while, just as you need a break from reading those angst-filled stories from time to time. So I made a decision to take a break from teen angst. I’d already developed the storyline for my last teen book, but I discovered I was having a problem actually writing it. My mojo wasn’t there. Something felt off about it. And that’s when I finally discovered that it wasn’t the book itself; it was me. I was simply tired. Tired of being in the dark, if you will.

So I’m stepping into the light with my next book. It sounds nothing like the books I’ve previously written. It’s not taboo. It’s not controversial. It doesn’t involve teenagers. It’s, well, opposite. That’s the best way to put it: opposite. And I hope this doesn’t disappoint my hardcore fans who expect taboo from me. You see, I plan to make this one very long, very satisfying writing career, and with it will come a variety of books, genres, themes, tropes. It’s good to diversify, try new things, stretch my skills. But know that my books will always be me. That won't change. I may just have you laughing more in this next one.

Cha feel?      

Wicked Book Weekend 2014

UPDATED INFORMATION BELOW

Wicked Book Weekend will be my FIRST ever signing, and I'm a mixture of excitement and nerves. If you're looking for an author event that's much more intimate than the big convention center signings, this is it! Think hanging out, not standing in line. Here's what I know so far...

Ana's Attic Book Blog is hosting this fantastic event!

 

 

Location

Bahia Mar Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 

Time

March 7-9, 2014

 

Event Link

http://wickedbookevents.co"m/wicked-book-weekend-2014/

 

Ticket Link

http://wickedbookevents.com/wicked-book-weekend-2014-tickets/

 

Daily Events

Friday, March 7th--Looks like there's a change for Friday. Bar hopping and pajama party. Boat ride leaving at 7 P.M. is what's currently scheduled. As far as I understand, it's inland, so there will be no waves. There will be a tour of some mansions and a bar :) I'm planning on taking the tour if I get into Ft. Lauderdale at a reasonable time. I don't know what time I'll be arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday (I'm driving), so I'll probably skip the bar hopping. I will have my door open for the roving pajama party, though. Feel free to stop by and hang out. It also looks like the roving PJ party will be moved to Saturday night. Bring books if you want them signed. There will be a signing session on Saturday before, during, or after lunch (haha, not sure yet), but I'll sign books whenever. :)

Saturday, March 8th--Signing from 11:30 to 1:00. Buffet lunch will start after. You eat with the authors. If you still need a book signed, I'm more than happy to do it, but you may want to wait until after lunch so you don't have food stains on your pretty books. Buffet lunch/signing with the authors. Eat, gab, snatch some swag. The after party that evening will be super low key. Ana is setting up some fun activities including an erotic reading. Should be interesting ;) Also on schedule for the after party is light food, DJ, dancing, and cash bar. Your ticket does get you one free drink. Party from 8-12. And then I'm assuming the PJ party starts after. We're gonna be doing it up like a bunch of high school girls having a sleepover!

Sunday, March 9th--This will be a day for fans to just hang out and participate in various activities with authors. I think several authors are setting up fun stuff from glass bottom boat cruises to snorkeling to chilling by the pool with mimosas. I've got nothing planned at the moment, but poolside mimosas sound good. Events are being set up now. I should have more info for you in the next two weeks. As soon as I sign up for mine (it will most likely be drinks by the pool), I'll let you know where and when. <3

Basically, this is the ultimate girls' weekend. Awesome list of attending authors. You get one-on-one time with your faves. You don't want to miss this. Links are provided above for more information about the hotel and ticket prices. Come. It's gonna be tons of fun. xoxo