My Recent Comments

I've been on two deadlines and only just chimed in to this discussion.  I agree with Michelle, things have changed.  I have not seen the instances she mentioned in the Kimani Books.  But I write for more than on publishe and with the book I am not working on, the language is a lot different, more gritty.

 This is a request of my editor.  I have never used some of the language she is insisting on.

 When I read Street Lit (which I don't as a rule), this is what I see.  People don't make love, they f***.  It's how they even think of themselves together.  This is not my idea of romance.  And any man I sleep with, date, or begin a relationship with, I wouldn't want to know that this was the way he thought of me.

 If they get married, is this the way he or she will think of the intimate act they share with the other?  In my mind, this is not a romance and not romantic.

 Shirley

Hey Barri,

 Glad to see you here.  i could use a little bit of Alaska right now.  It's 96 in NJ and I've just come in from my daily 2-mile walk.

Will certainly pick up Destined to Meet and spend the night with it.

 Shirley H.

This has been the best information exchange I've seen in years.  Thank you all and I hope we can continue.  Some of the questions I'm still looking to read the answers.

 Thanks to the editors participating.

Shirley

ooooo, Cece, great question about MIRA.

 Shirley

I love continuities, love going on with the characters or minor characters who get their own stories.  The three you mentioned are great and I know of some author continuities that I'm involved in.

Also looooovvvvvveeee the idea of knowing you'll have two books a year so there is continuity in releasing and keeping the author out there.

Great work, Kelli.

 Shirley

I'd like to join the group who's like to see more types of storylines.  With romance as the core, paranormals, time travels, poltiical intrigues, psychological thrillers, would all be welcome.

As you all know African-Americans thirst for adventure in reading is limitless.  We know with Kimani we're going to get a romance, but the packaging around the romance adds to the flavor of the story.

 Kelli, I hope you're open to this.

Shirley 

Kelli,

 Thank you.  Those are the best answers I've seen from an editor in years.  Mainly we get the unique voice answer, but with yours there is "meat" in it that concret enough to use for future writing and proposals.

My next proposal is due soon.  Thanks again.

Shirley

What is your vision for the line?  Are there any new programs on the horizon that will excite the writers and the readers?

 Shirley

Hi Kelli,

As writers, we're all trying to figure out your likes and dislikes.  If you could have your way, what type of story would you like to see on your desk tomorrow morning waiting to be published  (a love story with a unique voice is not a good answer)?

 Who are your favorite authors outside of romance (if you read outside romance)?

 Shirley

How's everyone doing since the holidays are a month behind us.  Back to work, back to school, kids out of the house.

I'm working on a new Kimani.  It's a companion book to the one coming out in June.  June's books is called Right Guy, Wrong Gown and of course involves the wrong wedding gown.

The companion book doesn't have a title yet, but the character character is this book and Right Guy, Wrong Gown are sisters.

I did plan a series all surrounding weddings, but unsure if Harlequin will go for another one.  They can be so finicky sometimes.  

Shirley