Let's talk about sex baby. Let's talk about you and me. Okay, really let's talk about the words you use when you write about it.
So I just finished my first book since Covid began. A lot happened. I lost three cousins and my father-in-law, started a new job with a serious learning curve, and we moved. Let's not forget the global pandemic that rocked our world.
I know I'm not alone in this. Getting to a normal is hard. Right now, my family is still more comfortable eating take-out in the car. We are still unsure about wearing and not wearing the mask. The little one is always in hers, while the rest of us play this on-and-off game. We are still nervous about coughs and sneezes, still worried about the following form of the plague. Finding a place that serves our spiritual needs and answers questions is essential.
For the first time since Covid, we're getting a visit from my parents. I'm so excited, but the intense house cleaning I used to do when guests came doesn't even matter to me as much as it used to.
We're different. All of us.
I'm more interested in relationships and reflection. Connections.
That's where I am.
And then...
Writing. Typically when I put out a book, I focus on character development. You want to know what I was worried about this time? Dialogue tags and different words to use related to sex. Why? Because that hasn't been on my mind at all.
Just in case you need some help there, check these out:
The list included here was fabulous. I kept getting stuck on moan, moaning, and after a while, it reminded me of zombies. That was not the feeling I was going for, so I had to search.
The title said it all.
It was pretty good. Be sure to zoom out or in, whichever helps you to read the tiny script better. At 47, these eyeballs don't see like they used to.
And then...
I had to contact my betas. Ya'll, it's been forever since I spoke to my people. I wasn't sure who was available, who still read, and who had time. I mean, COVID. Here I am with a book trying to gather people who have better things to do than to read my work. But guess what? They said yes.
They're reading right now, and you know what I'm doing? Doubting. Can I still write? Am I any good? Did I lose something along the way? Is it hopeless? Should I have even sent it? But guess what? You can't get anywhere just doubting. You have to try.
What Did I Write?
Broken Dreams, the fourth in the Broken series. This one is about Darren, Samuel, and Dailon. It's that trio at the top there. I wrote when I had time. At night, in the morning, and sometimes when I was waiting in line. But it's finished. If you're not familiar with this series, see the books and blurbs below. I'm going to be posting about them in social media to remind my readers because again, Covid. They had and probably still have more things to worry about.
Dan Tolliver, the adopted son of Alpha pack leader Jeremiah Tolliver, has suffered his last moment of abuse by his lover Keith Mulligan and finds himself in the hospital. There he meets dark and sharp-tongued Dr. Aiden Kavanaugh, who believes Dan needs some of his straightforward kind of medicine. Still, there is something different about the doctor.
Aiden is a sandman, a weaver of dreams, and has been on Earth far longer than even he knows. He's at the end of his time, ready to transition, and needs a human mate to keep him connected to the world he's grown to love. Only he hasn't found a special person who makes him want to stay. He doesn't despair, because not every Sandman has the chance to choose, but he knows if he doesn't find a partner, he will soon lose his physical form and exist only in dreams.
When Aiden realizes Keith is a far greater monster than Dan has any idea, they grow and work together using the support of the pack―and Dan's inner strength―to overcome impossible odds.
A detective and the future leader of a deadly coven. What can go wrong?
Remi Devereaux is a Louisiana born detective working murder cases in Louisville, Kentucky. While shopping for game-day with the guys, he spots the most amazing person he has ever seen. Peter is a man Remi wants with his whole being, a man he just can’t let go. Peter Romanoff is a photographer who possesses the spirit of two creatures. Two beings that are slowly tearing him apart. He needs a Supruga, a mate, to help give him balance. When he meets Remi, there is a magnetic pull he can’t deny. The next in line to lead a powerful coven, Peter is hunted, and the people he knows and loves are being killed. It will take Remi’s love and Peter’s skills to combat the enemy after them. Can Remi be the balance Peter needs before the coven destroys them both?
Beta Kristoff Dumanovsky has loved his alpha, Jeremiah Tolliver, for years, but Jeremiah wasn’t ready to move on from the love he still had for his dead wife. When tragedy struck, Kristoff blamed his focus and left not only the Iroquois Pack but Jeremiah as well.
When Stefan Mukhankin, an enemy from Kristoff’s past threatens his safety, Jeremiah uses this as a reason to try and bring Kristoff home. It won’t be an easy battle.
Kristoff’s survived before and feels he’ll survive again. He was trained to elude the enemy even if it’s the man he loves, so Jeremiah is in for the fight of their lives.
Can an alpha help his mate believe their bond is true, or will his mate find yet another place to run?
(If you click on the book, it will take you to the publisher's website. You can also check Amazon.)
Why Am I Writing?
With everything that's happening, why the heck am I writing? Well, because people need hope. They need a distraction. They need to believe in love. That there is good in the world. At one point, I wanted to stop. I said to a friend, "Why does what I do matter?" She said, "Because you give them something else to focus on, a reason to live. You take them away from their problems."
I honestly believe that. There are so many signs that have pointed me here doing what I do. I am compelled to tell my stories and infuse them with love. I am necessary, and in my own way, making a difference. It matters. And I hear from those who are touched by those words.
It's why I couldn't leave. It's why I'm still doing this. Returning to the world is weird, but here I am.
I'm here to stay.
Thank you for being here with me.
All the love,
Deja
Then and Now
Broken Dreams is published and ready for you to enjoy. I warn you now. There is sex. It's not all nice. There. If you're not afraid, here's the info.
A human, a wolf-sprite, and a Sandman. How could life for these three go wrong?
Darren Carpenter is running from his love of Samuel and his future as the Coimeádaí of a Sandman. Samuel Tolliver just wants what he wants and is willing to raise a little mischief to get it. Dailon knows he is more than human but has no clue what he is or what he needs. But the Fates have a plan for them, even if family, friends, and fairy royalty must get involved. When everything goes wrong, can they make it right again?
On the personal front, my little girl has wrapped up archery for the year. We're very proud of her growth. She really wanted to be in sports, but she is not a runner. So, she did it since her brother tried it and liked it, and she figured she wouldn't have to run. Her last shoot was at 110 points, with no misses. She held strong and didn't rush at the end, which is what she did in the beginning. Toward the end, she was confident and steady. So, yay. Now, she's looking at volleyball again. That will involve running. Let's see how it goes.
My son finished indoor track for the year and actually made number one in his category in the state, 38th nationally. Basketball is going nicely for him, too. Kids in sports cost time and money, but it's worth it when you see them grow and feel they've accomplished their goals.
Still, can't wait to sleep late in the morning and go nowhere on the weekends!
What am I Writing?
Currently, I am waiting for a story to come out of proofing. It's titled Life's Greatest Masterpiece. It's the third in the Men of Neptune series. More about it later.
I've also just finished the fourth book in that series. The title is Unbreak My Heart. I'm reading through the draft now, cleaning it up. It will go out to the betas after I use Grammarly. Then, let's cross our fingers and toes all goes well.
POV Change
One of my writing issues that my editor Debbie Nygaard helps me avoid is POV change. It's where you're writing in one character's voice and without realizing it, you head hop to another. I've been trying to do a better job at catching it myself. Imagine how happy I was to find one while reading through the draft. I fixed it and immediately messaged Debbie. She sent me a happy dance gif.
I think being able to find those myself, noticing when they're about to happen will not only help me improve my writing, it will help my editor. Anything that makes it easy for her makes it easier for me to get my work complete and out there to be enjoyed.
Problems with POV Change?
Here's an article that can help!
Jami Gold has some amazing ideas here! I'm definitely going to use the Chapter Break. Though I still have trouble with it sometimes, I'm getting better. I think it's when I prepare to end the chapter, things get wonky. Using Scrivener and doing my best to follow my outline helps, too. I also like the line break she suggests. It's physical and a reminder to the reader that something's changing.
Well, that's it for me. There are two months of school left, and we are extra tired. Hope you're okay, that you're happy.
Are you writing? Keep doing it. They need you.
Are you reading? Keep doing it. We need you.
Have a beautiful week.
Love,
Deja
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