April 12, 2019
Have you ever had so much on your plate you thought your head would spin out of control? That is how I felt this week as I prepared for a Crawfish Bowl scheduled for tomorrow. I spent days working in the yard and getting it "Pool Fun" ready which also included pressure washing and scrubbing all of the patio furniture.
Wow! Thank heavens my sister, Caylen, came down for a couple of days to help not only on the inside getting everything clean but also on the outside. I owe her one. Just as we were about to finish up the kitchen we set the oven on fire. How, you might be asking? I stored several large pans in the bottom over. My sister didn't know it and pre-heated the oven to cook. Unfortunately, somehow there was also a plastic tray in there that once the over got hot exploded inside the oven and continued to drip creating more flames. Flames sprouted sending smoke and black ashes everywhere. It was a huge fire shooting out of my oven. It took me, my sister, and my husband to put out the fire. Praise God that my husband always maintains a fire extinguisher and our smoke alarms because both came in handy.
After we put out the fire, we had to really clean the house again, fumigate it with air purifiers to get the smoke smell out and I used a steamer to steam clean all the cabinets in the kitchen. Once the oven cooled we expected a disaster and knew we would have to purchase a new oven. But, wait. The plastic that dripped turned brittle like glass and we were able to lift it out. Of course, I had to redo Windexing everything and use furniture polish on the wood in the living area again doubling my workload.
We survived, the house is fine and tomorrow we party. I guess the moral of the story is to make sure you change your batteries in your smoke detectors, keep your fire extinguisher updated and don't store plastic items in your oven.
BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST
The deadline to enter Max Hawthorne's books is fast approaching. Enter today for a chance to win Kronos Rising. I had the opportunity to read Diablo while I was at the beach which made me not to want to get into the ocean -- think Jaws. If you want an exciting read, I recommend this saga series.
Today I am introducing SS Cohentown and her book Ride of My Life published by Sarrah Publishers. Before you read about this fabulous author, I am providing you the book trailer to view -- talk about hot, steamy and sexy, this book has it all. Classified as urban fiction, you won't be disappointed.
SS COHENTOWN
Tell your readers a little about yourself.
Where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them
get to know the personal you.
I
hail from Dallas, Texas. I write in my spare time and am working on other
stories. One is nearly completed called... Philadelphian
Love. It’s a sweet M/M/F....feel free to email me to keep me on my toes
with completing it!
Our Blog will be up soon so looking forward to
recommendations and requests if any. I do enjoy community work, reading, and
speaking engagements.
What inspired you to author this book?
I
authored this book while undergoing tremendous monetary loss -- post car
accident. Moreover, I was trying to deal with failing health issues. It was a
balm to my soul. It helped me to see the beauty in all people while being
“temporarily displaced.” Most would call it being homeless.
Where did you get the inspiration for your
book’s cover?
I
searched through countless pictures for the perfect face that would describe
the protagonist. Until... I found THE one! This is the amazing Zev Kraft! It encompasses
the exact likeness of the character!
Who has been the biggest influence on you
personally and as a writer?
Gene
Roddenberry. Tolkien...and the street guru Donald Goines. He was a raw, unadulterated,
and Urban literary genius! His stories in its simplicity kept me captivated for
hours as a youth!
What were your struggles or obstacles you
had to overcome to get this book written?
There
was a time when I didn’t know how things would work out for me….and yet I knew
they would. I always had my tablet with me! If I couldn’t do anything. I knew I
could write, and the main objective was to tell the story! Writing was my rock!
Along with spiritual grounding and prayers of course...but outside of that,
writing kept me focused.
Tell your readers about your book.
BUY NOW |
What
happens when a group of imperfect people that regularly take the local Dansbury
public transit, are confronted with forces that can make them stronger or
destroy their unblemished town?
As an up-and-coming community supporter, you've
got what you worked so long and diligently for. You are successful. Well-loved.
Maybe, have a bit of problem with the socializing scene, --but hey, at least
you are “highly functional.”
Then one "normal" day... Changes that
you didn't initiate will affect the lives of you and your friends and as well.
And, you know how much you hate that. Zev Kraft was just that man. He was ready
to "settle down" and smell his roses. A bit of a loner but that's not
a crime. His hobby turned business was what he needed at this moment in his
life. That and the love of his quirky friends. Yes, Zev Kraft, the awesome
florist that he was, had everything that he needed. Or so he thought.
Who is your target audience and why?
Urban
Fiction is my style. However, I wanted my readers to get more than crime and
street jargon. I had a challenging time writing urban vernacular... It amazed
me how my “White” colleagues had to assist me with the correct terms and
spellings. And, I am so thankful for their support. Back to my target
audience... it is for a person that can see with their soul and not their eyes.
That can see what is not obvious; like my situation. Though I was “homeless”
many didn’t know or see me that way. I speak seven languages, am educated
somewhat, and dress in a conservative approach. However, you would have never
guessed I went from living in a luxury apartment to living in a boarding house.
So, this story is for those who want to see beyond the obvious. If you are a
spiritual person or love mystical wisdom, there is something extra for you on
the supplemental pages!
If you were going to give one reason for
anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
This
book gives you... hope for something better. To be the best YOU...and to be
happy with the best version of yourself.
What do you consider your greatest success
in life?
That
I realize just how precious EVERY HUMAN LIFE is. Whether I agree with them or
not.
Everyone
has life lessons to learn, tell your readers one or two of yours and how they
make you the person you are today. I would never have thought I would write a
M/M book. I tried to make the characters one way... and the timing or scenery...
somethings write themselves. When you are flying by the seat of your pants... you
may be in for an adventure of a lifetime. Coloring within the lines may be safe,
but it can also be boring! Ask your heart, is it okay that I expand my creativity?
Can I live with the fallout if I do? Am I strong enough to know I did the right
thing?
What one unique thing sets you apart from
other writers in your genre?
My
stories are simpler...but descriptive. I want the reader to be able to see what
I envision and to follow along easily. If they can do this, then I have done my
job. This story is entertaining yes...but also, I am happy to say that this is
also for nonreaders! You should be able to finish this novel in a month reading
just a chapter a day.
Tell your readers anything else you want to
share.
The city of Dallas has asked me to convert this story into a play. Actors and
Actresses are currently being sought and conceptual design of the sets have been
sent to the Director. I am currently writing a G rated version of Ride of My Life book as a 2-Act Play.