WTF by Janet Eckford

I pulled this one out. Don't know if it's WTF enough but it's all I got;)

WTF!?! Story

Okay, first off I have to say that WTF moments are a common occurrence in my life. I don't seek them out but they definitely seek me. When I had to pick one WTF moment it was really difficult because how does one pick a "favorite" from the gems that have been collected over time, but I'll try.

I don't think it's shocking that most of my WTF moments occur in bars. Alcohol, relaxed inhibitions and my general amusement for those that are desperately playing out the mating game is a fertile ground for ridiculousness. This particular story takes place at one of my favorite bars, a lovely whiskey bar in downtown Los Angeles. Great booze and great people watching. I was sitting at the bar with my bestie discussing the fuggery that was our day when I felt a "tap tap" on my shoulder. Figuring it was someone trying to move in and order I shifted slightly. Continuing with my conversation I feel the "tap tap" again and turn to see two fairly attractive men. One holds up his arm, flexes and waggles his eyebrows. The other guy points at his friends bicep and said, "Amazing, uh." Me and the bestie of course laugh because it was so ridiculous and return back to our drinks and our conversation. Well, not long after I feel a "tap tap" and notice that one of the fairly attractive men has walked over hands me a cocktail napkin and says to me and bestie, "Do you find my friend attractive? Check yes or no." Now what could we do but laugh. I think I should state a caveat now, I'm married and bestie is single. I'm very comfortable with being the Wing Woman. I'm actually quite good at being the Wing Woman. Hell, I LOVE being the Wing Woman because it's the best form of people watching. I can say whatever I want and not worry about repercussions. Well as the two guys sidle up next to us I sit back and get ready to watch the fur fly. Well Mr. Flexy starts his mack while his friend tries to engage me in conversation. I drop the H word (husband) so there is no confusion and proceed to watch bestie do her thing. Caveat: Bestie is not one of those thirsty females. When we go out we actually spend our time talking to each other than her trying to find a man. Therefore her tolerance for bullshit is null. Dude is working really hard and me and his boy are sitting back enjoying the show. At some point bestie asks, "So what do you do?" Well Mr. Flexy pauses and says, "I work for the city." Caveat: Bestie is a cop magnet. It's a phenomena that can't be explained but if there is a cop in the room he will find her. Therefore, "I work for the city." without any description is code for "Cop". I can't help smirking because Mr. Flexy has lost even before he's begun. Bestie looks at me and we both say simultaneously, "Cop!" and laugh hysterically. Caveat: We don't have anything against cops. Bestie's brother is a cop. What we have a problem with are the cops that are on the prowl at bars, trying to pick up women while their wife and mother of their children are at home waiting for them. The "I work for the city." dudes usually fall into that category. Mr. Flexy immediately starts backpedaling, trying desperately to regain besties attention, his Wing Man shakes his head and whispers in my ear, "Do you need me to make him disappear?" I laugh and reply, "No, this is only going to get better." Well bestie looks at me shrugs and I smile with an evil gleam in my eye. Bestie starts asking Mr. Flexy questions, lulling him into a false sense of security. Caveat: At this point he's introduced himself as George, remember that. Well I'm having a grand time watching him lie through his teeth and not even remembering half of the lies. Even his Wing Man has given up and just shakes his head and continues to hand me quarters for the jukebox. Finally, now that the web has been set, bestie says, "Okay, give me your number." pulls out her phone and says, "What's your name again?" Well Mr. Flexy says, "David." Well bestie and I start laughing because, seriously, keep the alias straight. Bestie looks at him and goes, "Didn't they teach you how to keep your undercover identities straight at the Academy" and she and I start laughing again. NOW here is the WTF moment. Dude swells up like the incredible hulk and flips out. Starts yelling about what a Bitch bestie is and what a tease and some other sexist bullshit. She takes a sip of her whiskey drink and calmly says, "Well it's a good thing you have that wife at home so you don't have to deal with Bitches like me on the regular." Well dude stands there frozen for a second and I seriously thought he was going to have a stroke. Wing Man quickly snatches him away and we shake our heads in disdain. BUT that's not all folks. Mr. Flexy makes his way back, throws a card at bestie and shouts, "You know what I am a cop, BITCH." For the sake of wrapping the story up we discovered not only was he a cop, out with his cop friends BUT it was his bachelor party/pub crawl thingy. 

Moral of the story: Don't try and best me and the bestie. 

Spill It Wednesday...ON TIME!!!!

Look at me! Making progress! I'm actually on time today and doing what needs to be done...blah...blah...blah...and all that jazz. Great huh? Okay so allow me to introduce you folks who are new, to someone who is possibly more dangerous than I and Drea combined...(brow raise) I still think TJ--The Jeanie-- was playing around with folks DNA but that's not the point. Wait was the point again? My mild case of ADHD distracted me again. Oh yeah! We were talking about someone on my list of favorites! Nevea Lane! Or as I like to call her--Techy 1.0. Let's just say chick's a bit and byte genius. I'll not say more because I do believe the whole posse is already on the FBI watch list...How about you guys just, you know, read more about her....

Q) What made you decide to become a writer?—Question by reader Jill Bryant.

A) What made me want to become a writer?  Revenge.  Seriously, a fourth grade teacher of mine was always on my case that I didn’t read enough, I didn’t study enough, I was always something ‘not enough’ in comparison to her oh so stellar daughter in the same grade.  I made a vow to beat that chick after that point in everything, including writing. Not to mention the teacher thought I was remedial. If she only knew what was going on in my life at that age…but I digress.   What started as revenge turned into a passion and once I began reading more, I found myself wanting to change what happened in the book/movie/soap opera.  So my ego decided that in order to feed my need for a good ending up to my standards (snotty isn’t she) I must write them.  But as Toni Morrison said, “I wrote my first novel because I wanted to read it.” It went from revenge, to passion to an addiction. (Nikki edit…I think said fourth grade teacher should be very grateful that Techy either didn’t wanna do juvenile time or she had some self restraint. IJS)

Q) Besides being a bestselling author, what other goals/dreams do you have? Aka: what do you wanna be when you grow up?—Question by author Shirelle Higgins

A) I want to be a Queen of all Trades.  I’ve said many times that I know a little bit about a lot of things.  Whether it is languages, trying to master my 4^th now, or accounting, which is where I work for money, or to become one hilarious screenwriter, I’m ever learning.  I don’t’ think I will ever grow up.  I still watch the Thundercats, I still moon over 90210, I get geeked when I hear about comic book movies… I will never grow up… lol.  (Isn’t she adorable? Like ANYONE around here has grown up…We’re a bunch of teenagers in adult bodies)

A)When you write a story that does really well is there ever pressure to make the next one just as successful or do you just go with the flow and let the chips fall where they may? How do you handle the ups and downs of the business?—Question by reader A.W. Brad

Q)Pressure? There is always pressure, and I think as authors we are our own worst enemy when it comes to pressure.  We are never satisfied with what we write, which is why most won’t revisit what they write because they will try to rewrite it.   There is always going to be that pressure, whether it is in your own head, from critics, from family, there is always going to be some form of pressure.  How you deal with the pressure is another different story.   I would like to say I let the chips fall where they may, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to hip-check (hockey term I’m Minnesotan by default) the chips and try to influence their falling in my favor.  

Q)What’s the one story line you haven't tackled but you'd actually PAY to be able to write?—Question by author Dréa Riley  

A)The one story line I haven’t tackled is the dark side of love.   I try to keep my topics light, and I try to stay on the funny side of things, but there is always a dark side somewhere… Love makes you do crazy things… I would love to freak someone out of their comfy chair but bring them back down lightly.

Q)Do you research stories? If so, what's the furthest you'd ever go to get the story?—Question by author Eden Royce  

A)Yes, even the simple things I research.  When I wrote Java Rain, I researched a lot for a short read, like where is the coffee produced in New Guinea, things like that.  What is the furthest I’ve ever gone for a story… don’t drink anything right now because you will spit it out… I was a stripper, for two days, made some money, not enough to stay but good fodder for books.  (Nikki edit…I…I…nope…no comment. Love you Techy!)

Q)When you write a character how much of you or people you know are that imitated in that character?—Question by reader Cherryce Williams  

A)There is a piece of myself in every character I write, from male to female.  I try to inject realness as much as possible even though what we do is create fantasy.  If you have that certain level of realism in every character, readers don’t feel that sense of ‘oh that will never happen.

Q)What hurts worse; a bad fan review, peer review, or critic's review?—Question by reader Cece Dreams

A)Peer reviews hurt the most because as peers, do we ever get the right to rag on someone who is just starting out?  I mean we’ve all been there, at the beginning, when we were still learning and figuring out our voice.  To have a peer totally kneecap a newbie with the crowbar is just hurtful.

Q)Which comes first for you; the character(s), or the story idea?—Question by author Thomas Olbert

A)For me, it is the character.  The character usually determines what happens in the story.

Q) Is your writing life imitating art or art imitating life? –Question by author Dréa Riley

A)It is definitely art imitating life.  Although in some cases it needs to be ‘fancied’ up to make it less surreal and more believable.

Q)What’s next for you as an author?—Question by author Nikki Winter

A) There is a series I’m desperately trying to finish and I’m working on writing action/thriller within the romance.  That is my next step to taking on the world. 

And there you have it people. The inner workings of Nevea's mind. She sounds pretty sane doesn't she? Surprised? ooooh I'm telling her you said that you thought she was crazy! Nope, don't deny it now! (grin) Now who looks crazy? (eye roll) Anyways I think you all should know one of her newest additions to MMP can be found here http://mochamemoirspress.com/beauty-the-geek-aquarian-stars/ and that you should really go and buy it...no...seriously DO IT.... 

Spill It...Er...Uh...Thursday....

Alright, alright, alright! I'm sorry! I'm late...again...but really people this isn't my fault. Blame it on my passive-aggressive mother who has nothing better to do than...(clears throat) Never mind that folks the point is I'm here now and I have a treat for all of those who haven't already looked at the book cover to the left and discovered that the incomparable Bo....er I mean BILLY! I SWEAR I MEANT BILLY!--Is this week's spiller...spillee...um "she who spills stuff"? Look I dunno what the term is I just know we get to pick her brain today! On a normal day my and Billy's conversations consist of defiling athletes, actors, more athletes and other actors then we round it up with who has to get outta our zombie proof tank on Z-Day to refill it while the other keeps watch with an AK (shrug) Don't judge us because we have our shizz together people! All I know is Billy is in my top five on my list of favorites because she's awesome ass awesome and has been from our very first email where she rambled and I rambled and we discovered that our mutual wackiness would soon form an unbreakable bond. Said bond usually involves my making fun of the fact that she's a cocoa dipped Dolly Parton and her making fun of the fact that despite my gentile features I am not innocent. So without further ado...

Q: What made you decide to become a writer?—Question by reader Jill Bryant.

A: I wrote my first story when I was six, but that’s boring. This version is better. One day I was reading a Mills & Boon on my precious summer holiday. The heroine annoyed me so much I threw the book across the room. Actually threw a book. Me, who worships books as a false idol. My mum gave me a smack for being disrespectful but I told her she’d have done worse if she’d read it. From then on, with my cape of literary justice streaming behind me, I vowed to write better than the book that had flown in my home. The cape still flows today.  (Nikki edit...erm...Why do I have the strange image of Billy in a catsuit with a whip to go with that cape?)

Q: Besides being a bestselling author, what other goals/dreams do you have? Aka: what do you wanna be when you grow up?—Question by author Shirelle Higgins

A: When I grow up, I want to interview Olympic male swimmers. Pool side. Fresh from the water. Or be Joseph Gordon Levitt’s wife. That’s totally a goal. (Nikki edit...So Billy wants to be around hot half naked athletes for long periods of time...Hey Londoner, need an assistant?)

Q: When you write a story that does really well is there ever pressure to make the next one just as successful or do you just go with the flow and let the chips fall where they may? How do you handle the ups and downs of the business?—Question by reader A.W. Brad

A:There are people who’ll say I’ll never better Windows. I respectfully disagree. That novel was a transition for me. A lot of baaaaaaad things were happening when I was writing that book - which ended up in the book. In order for me to move on, I’m not going to write the same story. In fact, Hank and I have serious meetings where we discuss to never write the same story again ever. The basic plot of the story is the same boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl live happily ever after. With weird bits in between. We’ve talked about maybe a bit of acid to adjust the plot, but then Hank reminds me that I’m not entirely mentally stable as it is and narcotics aren’t going to improve my writing. Even if I do end up seeing rainbow coloured ponies. I love ponies. The ups and downs of being an author are just like the ups and downs of life. Everything is better after a martini. And sex. (Nikki edit...okay, laughing, laughing A LOT)

Q: What’s the one story line you haven't tackled but you'd actually PAY to be able to write?—Question by author Dréa Riley

A: Oooh, good question! I think I’m doing it now. This year I lost a huge influence in my life and I’ve been thinking a lot about the afterlife, peace after death and unrested spirits. So that’s what I’m up to. Hopefully, it’ll be published and people can tell me that I scared them for no good reason. Or worse, made them cry for no good reason other than for my literary therapy. Goodness, what was in that potato salad I had for lunch?!

Q: Do you research stories? If so, what's the furthest you'd ever go to get the story?—Question by author Eden Royce

A: Erm, I went to Italy for research? That counts, right? Damn good time there. But all in the name of research. I took photos and notes and drank loooooads and flirted for my readers. Yup. Selfless actions. I will read through pages and pages of documents, medical and legal if need be. For The Claim certain people were fed up of emails from me asking the same questions but in a different format. A friend of mine spent a good hour on the phone with me going over a medical procedure with me because it didn’t make sense on paper. My parents still find it funny that I keep asking them how to spell words in Fanti or whenever they say something I find wholly and wonderfully African, I announce “Going in a book!” In being factually correct, I don’t believe you can research hard enough. Google exists. There’s no excuse any more! (Nikki edit...Oh yeah she went to Italy for “research” I definitely believe that one)

Q: When you write a character how much of you or people you know are that imitated in that character?—Question by reader Cherryce Williams

A: I must plead the fifth or people will stop talking to me about anything and everything!

Q: What hurts worse; a bad fan review, peer review, or critic's review?—Question by reader Cece Dreams

A: Both tend to sting, but reading is subjective. I didn’t make it past page 8 of Cloud Atlas (I think that’s technically the first page of the book but I thought: “I’ve got other things to do with my life.”) Other people love it. It’s the basic tenement of being a writer. Understanding that not everyone is going to love what you do. So, have a bar of chocolate, call the critic a twat in the privacy of your own home, go have sex with someone who does actually like you, feel better about it and write some more. (Nikki edit...Once again I am laughing because she is in fact a nutter butter...a lovely nutter butter but one none-the-less)

Q: Which comes first for you; the character(s), or the story idea?—Question by author Thomas Olbert

A: It’s normally the idea that comes first and the character that follows. With Said the Demon I had the vision of Eva’s flat with the crack running from one end of the ceiling to the other. In Starting Over I could see Wes sitting in the coffee shop waiting for Sherial and then their backgrounds and characters (Sherial threatening to joog Wes in the throat) came along afterwards. I sound nuts, don’t I? (Nikki edit...Yes, yes you do but we still love you. “Honest Guv’nr!” Or yah know...something to that effect.)

Q: Is your writing life imitating art or art imitating life? –Question by author Dréa Riley

A: As the girl who spent last Saturday night in a hot tub, it’s a little too much of the former these days! Bad times and good times always influence what ends up in a story. Even the bad times, while I’m snivelling into a tissue I think, “this would make an awesome scene. I’ll write how I’m feeling down in a minute.” The next day. After the martinis (five? Six? Yes, six.)

Q: What’s next for you as an author?—Question by author Nikki Winter

A: Next is finishing my horror for the Mocha Memoirs Halloween special. I honestly think it’s the loopiest story I’ve written. And there’s loopy that you don’t know about. After that, it’s back to the Italian Knights. Anything else random that comes in between may be inspired by everything around me. Can’t wait!

Well there you have it people. The insane ramblings of Billy The Kid and or the Londoner! I have to say, often times I find myself concerned about the safety of those around her...but regardless of that I find myself more so fascinated with her talent and her ability to weave an amazing story...also her boobs because people when you see'em you really see'em! Don't judge me! They're HUGE...which she will deny after reading this and possibly swing at my head a few times but then she'll laugh and we'll have a jolly good day! Yes, that was my attempt at being British...If you didn't enjoy it well, (shrug) sucks for you. Now, you can find Billy's contribution to MMP mocha shots here http://mochamemoirspress.com/starting-over-31-days-of-steamy-mocha/. Do enjoy! Over and out!

Interracial Science Fiction Romances

by RaeLynn Blue

RaeLynn Blue is part of Mocha Memoirs Marketing Team, and she is an author. Her latest MMP title, Theft of Souls, combines magick, fantasy, and erotic romance, all into one. Today she discusses why she writes, interracial science fiction stories. This story is just $1.00.
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I am a geek. Yep. Nerd. I go to science fiction conventions, dress in cosplay, and read comic books. I currently own over 6,000 comics and the local comic book store owner knows my name by heart. Yes, I’m a nerd. Although I don’t live in the basement of my mother’s house, I am a Trekkie. I’ve been to the Star Trek Experience in Vegas six times, paid upward of $300 for the Admiral’s tour, which included me sitting in the captain’s chair on the Enterprise from Star Trek,The Next Generation. There are pictures of me as a Borg drone, as a first officer, and a lot more, but I digress.

Why would you care about my geekiness? Because I write Interracial Science Fiction romance, a genre that is a subgenre of a subgenre. It’s a narrow genre, but entertains the same endless impossibilities as the traditional sf genre. Attempting to answer question of what if…

The what if question is the thriving motivation for most science fiction works and that doesn’t end with I/R Science Fiction romance. I’ve been having a long standing discussion with other BadAzz members about reader interest in I/R SF romance. Some believe that the words “science fiction” frighten off readers who automatically think nerd, geek or strange beings with butts on their heads. I believe that the success of the latest Star Trek reboot movie that many of us do enjoy a good story, whether the setting is at a local church or set amongst the stars. It doesn’t matter how far technology advances, if there are human beings, there will be love.

Which brings me to the point of this blog, do you enjoy I/R SF romance? Why do you read it? I read it because I am intrigued by the approach the author brings to answering that what if question and how love grows from within that environment. For example, in my story, HALO'S HEART, Kai is presented with the problem of convincing his boss, and the woman he’s in love with to trust him enough to give them a chance together. Well, that story could’ve taken place anywhere and during any time. But because Halo runs a virtual reality café on the moon, there are other challenges and the question of what if she doesn’t give in, what if the moon wars overtake their establishment, etc. The entire Moonbeams and Stardust series is about people finding love among the harsh conditions of moon colonization and a war.

Or take my latest story, Theft of Souls. Tara is enslaved to an evil elfin tyrant on a distant world. The one person who can save her sucks out souls of others for a living. How can she deal with that? How many of us have dated or fallen in love with someone, but dislike their career choices? So real.

So, don’t let the words “science fiction” scare you from trying an I/R science fiction romance. The setting is different with sf stories, but the story is the same—a human one and with romance, one of two people finding love amongst that backdrop. Air out your inner nerd, and enjoy the ride!

Falling into Love by Janet Eckford and Reana Malori

Yup, it's Nikki Winter and I won't even keep you guys on edge with my goofy anecdotes today, I shall get right to it! Yes, this is me being gracious, accept it and love me for it. Not too long ago I found out that two of my favorite people in the whole wide world--I have a long list of favorites but they're like #3 and #4 on said list--were writing together! Now there's nothing I love more than an amazing story and I've been known to spread the word rather quickly when I KNOW something is going to be or just plainly IS awesome. I'll be honest here folks, I have yet to read Janet and Reana's new story and that's mainly because it just premiered today on the MMP website at http://mochamemoirspress.com/falling-into-love/--BOOM there's the link for you. But after years and yes I do mean YEARS, of reading and enjoying each and every one of their tales, I've found that sometimes I simply have faith in the fact a story will turn out AMAZING. Oh but Nikki how can you be so sure? (sigh) PEOPLE DO NOT DOUBT ME ON THIS!!! Alright, alright, you want examples? Like proof and stuff, right? Let me just tick off s few stories shall I? "To Balance the Gray" "Life in Two Parts" "Love Unfurled" any of those ring a bell? Or Perhaps "To Love a Marine" "Escape To Heaven" or "Weekend Fling." (raises hands) As far as I'm concerned that settles my whole argument but I'm sure a few of you want me to go further on this one. (eye roll) I will. When you have two authors such as Janet and Reana you have a team where one picks up where the other may need help or a push. If you're an avid fan of either--like myself--than you know that Janet's damn good at detailing and creating a whole new world with just a few words. Her insane ass is also good with leaving you on edge or having you check under your bed at night before going to sleep; possibly your closet too. HEY, HEY, HEY I ONLY DID IT ONCE AND IF YOU WENT TO HER BLOG http://janeteckford.blogspot.com/?zx=b2ea0fe6c1536081 YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND...(clears throat) Anyway as I was saying just as Janet's great with her mysterious yet sensual style, Reana is a romantic at heart. Now, now, don't confuse ROMANTIC with SWEET AND INNOCENT. (brow raise) Remember I spent a whole weekend with these two and NEITHER can be described in such a fashion. Love you guys! Mean it! Don't kill me kay? Jay says you can't! Reana makes you fall in love with her heroes and her heroines, leaving you with a fluttery feeling behind your belly button and grinning like a loon by the time you're done reading. (head tilt) Now I think I've pretty much made my point as to why "Falling into Love" was set to succeed from the get go but maybe you guys need to see for yourself? Maybe you need to...to...GO READ THE DAMN BOOK! Yes, my gracious nature has ended as I have no more coffee and am now craving brownies but seriously people, do yourselves a favor, if you're looking for a great tale composed from two of the best authors I know, go get the story, enjoy it, and tell them how awesome they did. Over and out.