Happy 5th Anniversary Joe’s Place

Joe’s Place celebrating fifth anniversary with some fun changes for customers and loyal fans

GREENVILLE, S.C. – This month celebrates the fifth anniversary of the opening of Joe’s Place, a downtown bookstore and relaxing spot for wine, food and coffee.

To celebrate, owners Mary and Alix Bernard and their fantastic staff are rolling out some big changes to the way people can sit, sip, read and relax. These include a loyalty card program; an expanded deck for events and networking; games such as bocce and cornhole in the side yard and an expanded wine room that has unique and rare wines from small, family-owned vineyards.

“Anything we do, we’ve always wanted to do well,” said Mary Bernard. “These changes are aimed at bringing in new people as well as giving our long-time customers some exciting twists to enjoy.”

Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of the award-winning downtown Greenville, Joe’s Place is known for its collection of rare, used and new books. However, the two-story location has built an ambiance around the artwork adorning the walls; its baked goods and monthly events ranging from trivia nights to wine tastings to book clubs.

“We’ve learned about what makes people want to come in and enjoy Joe’s Place,” Alix Bernard said. “It’s more than books. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a good wine or taste something new.”

All of this led them to look for some new ideas to celebrate the fifth year. Here is a breakdown of the new additions:

• Loyalty Cards: These are open to any customers. For every $50, a person gets $5 off their next purchase. The cards will be stored on site, so there is no need to remember to bring it with you or fear losing it, Mary said.
• Porch Expansion: Joe’s Place’s porch is being expanded by about one-third its size. This means more people can enjoy the warm spring weather either for meeting friends or attending Joe’s Place events.
• Games: Customers will be able to enjoy some new games this spring and summer as the Bernards have added cornhole tables and will have bocce along the side yard that faces East Washington Street.
• Wine Room: Joe’s Place now has a room devoted to an array of wines. At any time, customers will find Borealis from Montinore Estates and Sailor’s Grave from Michael Pozzan Winery.

Joe’s Place is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can also host special events.

“Joe’s Place is known for its atmosphere. These changes as we head into our fifth-year underscore that,” Mary Bernard said. “We always look at what makes us a unique experience.”

About Joe’s Place:

Joe’s Place is where Greenville residents and visitors come together to Sip, Sit and Read. Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of downtown, Joe’s Place offers a wide selection of rare and modern books, local art, coffees and pastries, unique wines and beer, food and much more. Learn what that more is, at joesplacellc.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @joesplacebookstore.

Guest Blog – Childless Woman – Lisa W. Tetting

 

Get Your Mouth Off of My Uterus

By Lisa W. Tetting

Guilt…

Societal Pressure…

Pleasing other people…

None of these are good reasons to have babies, yet plenty of women fall into the trap of doing just that. I’ve been asked countless times from mothers who look like they are on their last legs ‘when are you going to have some children?’ I usually scoff and reply NEVER! To that they usually look at me as if I grew a second head right before their eyes. When I was younger, it used to enrage me to be asked this question. I wanted to scream GET YOUR MOUTH OFF OF MY UTERUS! You can’t really say this type of thing and not offend people. Now that I am a woman of a certain age, I find their inquiries quite humorous.

It is not exactly fun to have strangers all up in your personal business trying to figure out a puzzle that doesn’t exist. I DON”T WANT KIDS! That is all! There is no complex equation to figure out, no further conversation to be had. People just can’t believe their ears. Their brains are so wired to follow society’s expectations that they start making up reasons why I should reconsider.

“You’ll change your mind when you get older.” – Nope, I may not look it, but I am 49. How much older do you want me to get?

“You and your husband would make beautiful babies.” – Yes, I am in an interracial relationship, but that doesn’t guarantee a beautiful child. Even if the baby was beautiful, is that supposed to make me want it? Vanity isn’t a reason to have a baby. What’s wrong with these people?

My favorite reactions are those of shock and disgust. They really entertain me for days at a time. The ‘you’re so selfish’ looks or the ‘what’s wrong with you’ disdain that shows is hilarious. These types are so set in their way of thinking there is no need in explaining. They will never understand. If you are one of those people, I implore you to please stop asking women questions you don’t want the answer to. In fact, please read this post and those of the other ladies who were brave enough to bear their souls for this project. You might learn a lesson in how to mind your business and stop judging people for their life choices.

I have never wanted babies. Sure I played with the creepy little dolls just like all of the other little girls. However, the brainwashing never took hold. As a child I was very observant. I watched while the other girls were feeding and pampering their Baby Alive dolls and it wasn’t appealing to me. I had the same doll and I preferred to play in her hair, but then I would leave her lying in a corner forgotten when the next toy captured my attention. As I got older I found myself annoyed by other kids. I preferred the company of adults. As long as I sat quietly and observed without interjecting my opinion, my parents would allow me to be present when they were entertaining. Most of the time, they never even knew I was in the room. At an early age, I acquired the skill to be neither seen nor heard. I learned a ton of information hanging with adults that I would have missed out on if I had been playing with the other kids.

My annoyance with children continued into my teens. When faced with having to babysit my siblings’ children, I was not happy. However, as the youngest in the family, I really had no choice. Everyone would get dressed, leave their kids in my care and go out to have fun. I hated every minute of it and watched the clock like a hawk. When bed time came around, I couldn’t wait to put those kids in bed so I could be rid of them. I love my nieces and nephews, but I don’t do kids. That feeling only magnified with age. I have been asked a few times in my adult life to watch other people’s kids, and I cringe when I think about it. I try my best not to hurt people’s feelings, but you can’t really say I don’t want to be around your kid without angering people.

I get it. People are conditioned to believe that because it is their kid, people who are not into kids should make an exception and be around them anyway. Of course, their child is different. This is where I roll my eyes. Your child isn’t any more special than the next. As far as I am concerned, they are all in the same category: Speak, give them a toy or some candy to keep them quiet while I enjoy hanging out with the adults and then they go home. No matter how cute they are, I do not want a relationship where I have to be alone caring for them. I might be too honest here, but it is the truth.

It astounds me that people that I have known for years, some most of my life, will continuously try to get me to change my mind. Some try by forcing their kids on me. I had a work acquaintance once who was convinced that all I needed was to spend more time around children, and I would suddenly get baby fever. The chick had known me for a month or two, only at work mind you, and decided I was the perfect person to be her 12 year old daughter’s godmother. She must have been smoking glue or something because a preteen was the last thing I wanted or needed in my life. I tried to tell her it was a bad idea, but she was insistent and rather pushy! She pretty much forced her child on me. The poor child was told she was going to spend time with this strange woman who she had never even seen before.

Truthfully, I had no idea what to do with a twelve year old. My husband, who has no experience with kids either, was recruited to help. With the mother’s permission we decided to take the little girl to Dave and Busters for an afternoon of video game fun. We purchased a card and allowed her to play her heart out. I am not any good at games, but I like to play, so I joined in from time to time. My husband likes video games so he was able to relate more.

After we left the arcade, we decided to take the little girl out to eat. This was a treat for her because her mother was a single mom with four kids and they rarely went to restaurants to eat. Well, obviously I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. The child ate like she hadn’t eaten in days. I never should have told her to get whatever she wanted. That was my fault. It wasn’t that she was hungry, per say, she was just excited to be able to eat what she wanted. I guess she said she was going to eat until she couldn’t anymore. The child ate more than me and my husband combined. She had so much food that she ended up taking a doggy bag home.

After taking her home I looked at my husband and was once again thankful he didn’t want children. I hate to say it, but that afternoon just reinforced everything I already knew. Kids were not for me. Don’t get me wrong. The girl was a great kid, but I knew before taking her out that I didn’t want to do the godmother thing. Soon after the outing, the mother stopped working at my job and we lost touch. I felt bad that her daughter was put in that position. I know that children get attached quickly. That was another reason I didn’t want to get her hopes up. I wish her mother would have listened. Really, I think the woman just needed a babysitter.

After reading my post, I hope people will realize that not everyone is cut out to be around kids, let alone raise them. I really believe that there would be fewer abused and/or abandoned children in the world if their parent would have been strong enough to say no to the pressure of having an unwanted kid. If you are in this position, please do yourself and the possible child a favor by listening to your heart. There is nothing sadder than an unwanted child. Don’t have a baby to satisfy someone else’s dream. That is most selfless thing you could ever do.

The Opposite of Hew – New Release

Hi Lovies,

Just a quick note to let you all know about my latest project. I have written an Interracial Romance Novella entitled The Opposite of Hew! The book will be released on July 27th and is currently on pre-order on Amazon.

Here’s the Deetz:

Kay McQueen is a woman who goes against the grain. She wants no part of love or romance. When her beloved aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets Heath Novack and discovers they have more in common than either of them think. However, when she learns the truth about who he really is, can she forgive his deception or will she realize she has known the truth all along?

This is not your typical romance. Happily Ever After isn’t always what it seems.
A BWWM Romance

Pre-order your copy today by clicking here! This will be the first time I am using Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a subscription, you can read it for FREE after the release date.

 

Indie Shine – Wenda Bien- Aime

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Wenda Bien-Aime

©Wenda Bien-Aime used with permission

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I am independent author of fiction literature and interactive self-help journals. Like many authors, I can remember writing from as early as 11. I can even remember using on of those old typewriters (I’m telling my age LOL) to write a short story about best friends on a shopping adventure at the mall.

I write because it is my calling and there is no way I can escape it. My purpose on this journey is to help others heal and to enlighten through story-telling or journaling. Even when I have tried to walk away from writing, I am led right back to it.

For example, I remember working at a call center as a customer service representative. Somehow, I ended up as a recurring contributing writer for the company’s monthly newsletter.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent novel is Koko: A Novel. Koko is loosely based on a few friends of mine. The main character is twenty-seven-year-old Koreen Wilson, a reality star and video vixen who loves her fiancé but can’t stop cheating on him because she’s into spontaneity and kinky sex and he isn’t. She claims to love him but continuously cheats on him with both men and women.

The book also featured her 2 of her best friends: Ivonka Roux and Desiree Loren (No relation to L. Loren! LOL) Ivonka is a 38-year-old woman who feels as if time is running out for her to get married and have children. She continuously bypass red flags in relationships just to get to the altar.

Desiree Loren is the baby of the trio at 24-year-old. Being married to a wealthy man nearly three times her age isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as she deal with infidelity, depression, and raising six children.

Who inspires you? 

Other writers and authors inspire me. As a matter of fact, in 2011, I had a chance to sign with a publishing company and passed on it due to a very dark and challenging time in my life. I had written a short sci-fi for my English professor and she liked it so much, she encouraged me to find a publisher. I did but the timing was wrong. I was going through so much at during that time, I stopped writing.

I never thought I would write again until I joined a Facebook group for Black writers in 2016 (Shout out to W.B.A.C.). A lot of those writers in that group are undiscovered gems.They inspired me to pick up my pen and start writing again. As far as well-known writers, Eric Jerome Dickey (my mentor in my head LOL), Terri McMillan, and Daaimah S. Poole are my inspirations.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My masterpiece has yet to be written. With every book I write, I put in effort to be better than the last. I study the work of vets in the industry to try to perfect imagery and dialogue.

What is your motto in life?

Nothing happens overnight, you have to put in that work. Think of it as planting seeds. Eventually, it’ll be time to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

My wildest dream would be to collaborate with Eric Jerome Dickey or even be mentored by him 🙂

What is your favorite quote? 

“Be careful how you treat people. What you do to others has a funny way of coming back on you.” Not sure who said it first.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I would love to be remembered for creating a classic novel with a life changing message.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I am currently working on Pick Me Blues, which will be book 5 of the Koko series. That should be available, hopefully, by the end of this month. (Now Available Click Here) 

Where can fans purchase your work?

My work is available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, and on my website at www.myindiebooks.com.

Bio:

©Wenda Bien-Aime used with permission

Wenda Bien-Aime was born on September 9th, 1982 in Miami, FL to Haitian immigrants. She is the eldest of 3 girls and has one daughter. Wenda began her writing journey at the age of 11. She writes under pen name, Bien-Aime Wenda to honor her late father who had no sons to carry on his last name.Her erotic work can be found under pen name, Candy B. Vixen. Wenda enjoys dabbling in different genres including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary fiction, poetry, children’s literature, and erotica.

Social Media:

Facebook: @MyIndieBooks or @CandyBVix

Instagram: @myindiebooks

Remembering Michael!

Today marks 9 years since Michael Jackson went to take his place in the heavenly choir. He is truly missed in this world. MJ was all about love and inclusion and everybody getting along. We really need to find a way to get into that mindset. Love and Miss you Michael.

Indie Shine – Dani Pasquini

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Dani Pasquini!

©Dani Pasquini used with permission

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

In my “real” job, I am a neonatal nurse practitioner. I absolutely love to care for these incredibly ill infants, ensuring their survival through their hospital course so that they can then be able to go home to their families where they will continue to thrive. I keep in touch with many of these families and it’s really amazing to watch them flourish and to just know that in a small, but important way, our efforts helped make them a family. I could not imagine doing anything else as a career. Well, maybe a cupcake decorator. Nobody dies if you make a mistake.

My writing started when I was a child, hidden beneath my covers with a flashlight. Very dreamy, happy movie scene right? Well, that writing helped me escape the realities of my surroundings. It was a real escape for me. I would often find little snippets of a scene or a character written on non-distinct paper which was often discarded. I really wish I had kept some. I remember one piece I wrote was about children who could turn into tigers. It was actually inspired by the Phil Collins song called Brazil, ironically enough. As an adult, music continues to inspire my work.

I try to write everyday. And can often be found daydreaming about my characters. Creating plots and scenes, essentially birthing these little visuals in my head so that I can then build on them when I sit down to write. I love to create fantastic characters who have these amazing experiences. It’s really almost like an escape for me. Sitting down to write with my sound cancelling headphones so that I can listen to music as scenes pour onto the page is my absolute favorite thing to do.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

I am actually working on book 3 of the series called The Gold Feather, which is also the name of the first book. The second book begins about 2 years after the first book ends. Lily and her Dual Jonas continue to support one another, along with the other Duals and Solos that they have encountered on their journey.

Lily is still exploring her abilities and beginning to accept this new reality. Book one is really the foundation for which the next books are built upon. It is there that you are introduced to Lily and Jonas along with the characters and you begin to learn what they have gone through. Book 2 is very different, it has a very different feel in the sense that it is action packed and full of revelations, that I hope were unexpected. It was really fun to write and I am really excited to set it free.

Who inspires you? 

I don’t think there is one person who inspires me. I get most of my inspiration from women who persevere. Women who do not accept the status quo and fight for what they believe in, fight for their survival and are not afraid to sometimes piss people off.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

Hands down without a doubt in my mind, and I know it’s a cliche, but my children are. They are amazing little beings full of kindness, love, empathy, creativity and curiosity. I hope that they grow up to live their truth and are fearless when it comes to achieving their dreams.

What is your motto in life? 

This is a hard one since I have so many, I’ll start with these…

1) Don’t knock it till you try it

2) If it doesn’t effect me, I won’t judge you

3) Laugh whenever possible. Laughter is the cure for all that ails you. 

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

Wildest dream huh?…I want a live in nanny, a maid, a chef, a physical trainer and a chauffeur. I think this is a good start. Oh and I want a live in masseuse.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Leave the gun, take the cannoli” – Clemenza (The Godfather)

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want my kids to remember me for being fearless, determined and strong. For standing up for myself and protecting them from all of the things that I endured as a child.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

Book 2 will be ready soon. I am working on the cover and actually most importantly trying to finalize on the name of the book. I feel like naming a book is like naming a child. It’s one of those things you just don’t want to get wrong.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

I am on Amazon! It includes Amazon in several countries, like the UK and Canada for instance. I have learned that it’s not available in India sadly.

Bio: 

©Dani Pasquini used with permission

I was born in Brazil and spent the first 10 years of my life there. After moving to the states, it took me close to 20 years before I was able to become a US citizen. My family and I feared that immigration was always lurking behind bushes just waiting to pounce on us and send us back to Brazil. Growing up an immigrant surrounded by some of the wealthiest families in America often made me feel like an outcast and there were many obstacles that I had to overcome, most of which my American friends could not relate to. In the end, my struggles made me who I am today. They opened up a window in my mind to allow for these fantastic characters to take shape. Putting ink to paper and giving them life has been very cathartic in my healing process.

 

Social Media:

Website: DaniPasquini.com

Instagram: @Dani_Pasquini_books

Facebook: @DaniPasquiniWrites

Indie Shine – Kay Blake

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Kay Blake.

©Kay Blake used with permission

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I’m an author. Currently indie author. Right now I do it because I have creative control of my work. I hope to one day have a book that is published traditionally. I love telling stories, and writing. I always have. It is one of the things that makes me happy. I want to share my stories with the world.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent work is called Don’t Blame Me. It was inspired by the Taylor Swift song of the same title.. This is a second chance romance. It’s a interracial romance. I had fun writing this story.

Here is the blurb: Sometimes love’s a drug. The rush can be so addicting. All that matters is the high. Not the consequences. Not the damage left in its wake. Adrian Robinson was a college football star, with his future all mapped out. He didn’t expect to fall for feisty, Leah Hunter. Nor did he expect the destruction left in its wake when it all came to an end.

Now, Adrian’s a hotel magnate and one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. He has it all, except the one woman he has kept in his heart for years. And he’s willing to do anything to get her back. Leah hasn’t seen Adrian since the day she was forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. When Leah is assigned to write a piece on him for her magazine, remnants of their torrid romance still burn like yesterday. Will the high be worth it this time? Or is it destined to crash and burn?

Who inspires you? 

Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Toni Morrison and Beverly Jenkins.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

 

Catch Me If I Fall because it was one of those books that touched on many issues. Don’t Blame Me as it is a bit different than my norm, and my first full length novel.

What is your motto in life? 

To keep going. I have a chronic illness called fibromyalgia and sometimes when I’m in a lot of pain, I have to remember to keep pushing for what I want, no matter what it is.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

I would like to hit number 1 on The New York Time’s Best Sellers List and have a movie made from one of my books.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Today I shall behave as if THIS is the day I will be remembered.” – Dr. Seuss

There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection.” – Steve Maraboli

“Fix another Queen’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.” -Unknown

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” -J.K Rowling

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want to remembered for the stories I write. I want to be remembered for being kind and for always being myself.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I am working on many. Don’t Blame Me will be available August 10, 2018. A motorcycle club book called Lady Guardians: Switching Lanes which will be available in 2019. Book 3 of The Kim Brothers series also in 2019. And many other projects.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

On Amazon: Available in eBook and print.

Bio:

©Kay Blake used with permission

Kay is an award winning author who writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. Kay is a mom of 3 cubs and a wife. Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after.

Social Media:

Website: authorkayblake.wordpress.com

Facebook: @authorkayblake

Twitter: @authorkayblake

Instagram: @authorkayblake

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Kay_Blake

 Newsletter Signup

Guest Blog Submissions – Now Open!

Hi Lovies,

A couple of weeks ago I was on Instagram and a particular picture caught my attention. The site who posted it, For Harriett, sparked a discussion in the comments about women who are of a certain age who do not have children and the stigma society has attached to them. This renewed my interest in this topic. You see a few years ago I had an idea to do a blog feature about childless women, but I never moved forward with it. They say that it is all about timing and well, I have decided it’s time!

If you are a woman over 30 who does not have children I need your input. It doesn’t matter the reason you are not a mother, I want to hear your story. Here are the details:

 

If you would like to participate, please complete this form https://goo.gl/forms/VVpbuEodsDHGyV9g2  

I look forward to hearing from you. If you are not a childless woman over 30, but know of someone who would like to be involved, please share this post. Thanks.

Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting – JJ Murray

Welcome to Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting, where we delve into the world of Author Interviews. Lisa’s convos with all types of authors will feel like you’re sitting on the couch chatting along. Find out about up and coming authors, their books and the business of writing all in one place. So grab some tea and a snack & get ready for a good time. Today we welcome Best- selling, award-winning interracial romance  author JJ Murray!

Part I

©JJ Murray used with permission

LL: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. The Date is amazing! What inspired you to write it?

JJ: THE DATE is a departure for me because it’s not a typical HEA romance. I believe it is a more realistic view of what passes for romance in the new millennium.

LL: Why do you choose to write about interracial couples?

JJ: I have been writing interracial romance (BWWM) since I began courting my future wife in 1989. She inspired many of the heroines in my 38 novels.

LL: Your main character in The Date, William makes such a transition from push over to standing firm in his convictions. How did you come up with his personality and everything that came with it?

JJ: Like most of my heroes, William is not an alpha male. Though readers seem to prefer alphas in their romance novels, I believe they have a much better chance of meeting and snuggling up to a beta male in real life.

LL: How did you determine the places William would take Brittany to on their date?

JJ: I chose the “events” in their date based on what I thought would create the most fun and romance. Like all dates, some of what they do doesn’t quite work out.

Part II

LL: Who designs your book covers and how did you come up with the concept for them?

JJ: Zaji from Creative Ankh Designs; I provide the idea and the graphics, and she assembles the cover.

LL: Which social media platforms do you find most beneficial in getting the word out for your books?

JJ: Facebook and Instagram seem best for promoting my work.

LL: Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you work with music? Do you have a little drink while writing or is smoking your thing? Give us the skinny.

JJ: I keep a little spiral notebook with me at all times and write whenever and wherever I can—at work, while driving, at home. I transfer much of what I scratch down later to files in my laptop. I drink gallons of hot Irish tea and eat bags of pretzels mainly. (I don’t drink or smoke). Each of my novels has a soundtrack, and I include music (and food!) in every one.

LL: What does your writing nook look like? If you could make it into anything you wanted, what would that look like?

JJ: I write on an 1898 Campaign desk that has slots and shelves and a slide-out board for my laptop. I surround myself with pictures of my sons and have natural oils, watercolors, and lithographs on my walls. My dog, Lovie the Wonder Mutt (a 10-year-old boxer/Labrador), is usually at my feet.

LL: What was your editing process like?

JJ: When I was with Kensington Publishing, my agent, editor, and a copy editor hacked at my work. Now, only I edit my work, but I have a great deal of experience in editing after 33 years teaching college and high school English and editing 100+ novels, mostly from first-time authors.

 

LL: Please give other indie writers 3 tips/tricks that you learned and used during your writing career.

JJ: 1) Get it down on the page, and don’t expect perfection until much later. Spew. Vomit. Fill the page. Only then will you have anything to work with.

2) Make time to write and stick to a schedule.

3) Use pen and paper often. Writing is more visceral and real that way.

LL: Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your book?

JJ: I used to make ten dozen chocolate chip cookies for my signings. Folks like to eat and talk literature.

LL: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

JJ: In the old days, it was an old Roget’s thesaurus and a 1950 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Now, it’s the Internet, this generation electronic Library of Alexandria. I enjoy reading Yelp reviews!

LL: Do you use an outline when writing and do you stick to it?

JJ: I outline the entire novel first so I know how my book is going to end. It is general enough that I can deviate at will and go off on tangents.

LL: Will you be participating in any conferences this year? If so, which ones and when?

JJ: I will not be traveling any time soon. I exhausted myself last year with seven different events. 

LL: What are you currently working on?

JJ: SOMEBODY TO LOVE. (I’d give you more information, but it’s a work-in-progress)

Well, that brings us to the close of another episode of Couch Convos. Be sure to check out The Date and the rest of JJ’s catalog. For more information about JJ Murray hit him up on his social media accounts.

©JJ Murray used with permission

Amazon Author Page: JJ Murray 

Website: JohnJeffreyMurray.com

Facebook: @authorjjmurray

Instagram: @a3jmurray

Guest Blog Recruiting!

 

Hi Lovies,

I have been inspired to create a guest blog event for women who are over 30 and are childless. There were a couple of social media posts over the last few weeks that I was engaged in where women who do not have a baby and are over the age of 30 are simply tired of being harassed by society. They will not comply with what the rest of the world deems normal and are pushing back. The reluctance to talk about what is happening with their bodies is personal and private. Why do strangers need to know if they can’t have a baby or simply don’t want one?

Well, this blog feature is going to address those concerns and more. It is a way for women to express themselves without the overwhelming cloak of judgement hanging over them. If you are a “childless” woman over the age of 30 and would like to participate in this event, please contact me.

Let the people hear your point of view so they can stop asking you all of the time. Let your voices be heard!  Be sure to spread the word! Like, and share this post.