Fairy Tales for Grown Folks

Featuring Ines Johnson's Pumpkin and Curvy Ever After...

It's a month of fairy tales for grown women. Just because we've left the playroom and bedtime stories behind, doesn't mean that we still don't crave our own fairy tale. Why else do we read romances?

My friend and fellow author Ines Johnson has created a sweet and smart fairy tale that combines the real world drama of a single mother. Her characters are rich and heartwarming. Her novel, Pumpkin: A Cindermama Story is the first book in her standalone series dedicated to the single mother that still believes in fairy tales. And will even be featured on Nook's First in Series

Amazon Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Cindermama-Story-Ines-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00TKP8ZMQ/

My most recent book, Curvy Ever After has been released! This book of short stories is intended to turn up the heat on your favorite classic tales. They're for those of us who still believe in fairy tales or at least want to believe, but who've turned into complete freaks. ;) The first seeds of this idea came to me when I saw two billboards side by side at the movie theater. The movies were Cinderella and Fifty Shades of Grey. And I thought, "Huh, that's the perfect example of how our tastes change from little girl to grown woman." Not saying everyone is interested in BDSM, but the erotic aspect, many of us are now into. And so, Curvy Ever After was born!

I also put together a book trailer for Curvy Ever After. Take a look...

Amazon Purchase link:  http://www.amazon.com/Curvy-Ever-After-Forbidden-Fairy-ebook/dp/B0139X872W/

I hope you enjoy these featured Fairy Tales from Ines and myself. Maybe a little something to heat up your end of summer/Labor day weekend!

~Twyla

Literary World + Social Media = High School?!

So I hear tell that there's some drama going on in the literary world. I don't know exact specifics because I refuse to be pulled into high school bullshit. I'm too old for that crap, and it's not like I participated in it when I was in high school.

Anyway, I've heard and felt that it can be very cliquish within certain groups. I still feel like an outsider sometimes because often other authors don't make newcomers feel welcome. I've been told by readers that authors of one genre will try to sabotage authors from another, simply because the genre is becoming too popular for their tastes. Or they're trying to sabotage an author because they're getting some recognition from several readers. I've heard that they send in their cronies or loyal readers to write awful and/or unfair reviews just to lower their ratings. And I have a sneaking suspicion that it's happened to me as well, but I have no proof. Maybe this is all hearsay, but I don't think so. If not...

NEWSFLASH: If someone's work is good, no amount of sabotaging is going to work. And now you've just gone and pissed off Karma and have a shitstorm of bad luck heading your way. Way to go! How about instead of trying to ruin someone's career that they've worked just as hard as you have for yours. You could spend more time working on improving your writing and promoting so that you don't have time to worry about what other authors are doing.

I made this one up myself. ;)

There are millions of readers and they read hundreds of books. So there is definitely plenty for all of us. Sometimes the sun will rise on your time, and you have to enjoy it while it's there. Other times, the sun will set on you and rise for someone else. We can all share the sunshine.

Fast Love or Slow Burn?

It's been awhile since I've posted anything, but after seeing a particular critique that I have gotten quite a few times from readers. I felt it was time to clarify.

Often times I get reviews where readers don't like how quickly my main characters fell in love. They wished that it took longer for the couple to fall in love. Well, when you get a Twyla Turner novel, just know that more than likely, the couple will fall fast. Why?

1. It's FICTION. This is not a memoir. It's not an autobiography. It's a made up story in my mind. It's make believe. It's an interpretation of real life. Not the real thing. Though I'm really grateful that you felt so connected to the characters that they felt real.

2. More than likely I will never write an epic novel that's 1,000 pages long or even close to it. I love reading full-length novels, where you really get to know the characters. But epic, long-winded novels where you know every single thought of the character, from sunup to sundown, is not my style. I'm not a fan of reading it, so I'm not a fan of writing it. I don't want a long narrative, where my character is at war with her/his feelings for so long that my readers say, "Would they hurry up and admit they're in love, already?!" I will not write a whole lot of useless neurotic tangents to add to my word count. If the storyline that I'm writing calls for twisting and winding prose that adds up to 1,000 pages, then so be it. But in my opinion, I'd rather have readers say, "I wish the book was longer." Versus, "Wow, she just rambled on and on about nothing."


3. Great for long-running TV shows that make you tune in week after week. Not good for books. Especially when the reader is up at 2am on a weeknight, reading one more chapter because maybe it'll finally be the chapter they profess their love to each other.

So those are my thoughts on the subject. Hopefully, it cleared up any confusion.

'Til next time...

My Readers

First and foremost, I would like to say...

I'm not a #1 Bestselling Author as of yet (still holding out hope though), but I am making strides towards that goal. How, you ask? My readers. Don't get me wrong, I know that spending some time (and maybe money) on marketing and promoting are very important, but when it comes to books, there is absolutely unequivocally no promoting in the world that is better than word-of-mouth!



So in this, I have to give much love and thanks to my readers. Your praise, and the positive word-of-mouth you've spread about my novels is humbling. And I'm smart enough to know that I couldn't have gotten even this far without you.

Also, to those of you that have found me on social media, I so enjoy talking with you and hearing how much my characters have touched you. In fact, it's often the highlight of my day. Especially, if I've gotten a terrible review or suffering from writer's block. You inspire me to work hard. Of course, I want to do it for myself, but now that I have you in my life, I feel as if I have a responsibility to you as well. Seriously! If it wasn't for the fairly constant inquiries you all made about the sequel to Scarred, I wouldn't have worked so hard to finish the last two books. Which in turn, is becoming my most popular series. So I am truly blessed to have you in my life and I thank you thank you thank you!!!

'Til next time...

My First Video Book Review!

I love my readers! Thank you Sharonda!!!

To Blush or Not To Blush...That is the Question: The Struggle Describing Black Characters

So I felt the need to write this post based off of criticism myself and other authors have received. I am a black female and believe that my race of women are hands down, some of the most beautiful women in the world. But when it comes to describing characters, it is very difficult to articulate into words the nuances of our physical features without making every single heroine look exactly the same in every book.

Case in point

My character Lexi in my Damaged Souls Series, has green eyes. This is a rare occurrence, but it does happen in our race. The reason I gave her green eyes was to differentiate her from my other heroines in past and future novels. I have a relatively good grasp of what every heroine and hero is going to look like, even for my future books and I don't want them all to look alike.

Yes, I can have fun playing around with size, height, body type, skin tone and hair, but when it comes to our facial features, we've got limited descriptions. I.e. full lips, almond shaped dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, etc. Maybe next time around, I'll have to study some pictures and see if I can come up with other adjectives to describe my next characters. But aren't the eyes, the windows to the soul? Eyes are big descriptors when expressing emotions, and I don't want every single book I write to say, He looked deeply into her dark brown eyes. Her beautiful brown eyes filled with tears. Her light brown eyes widened with shock. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled with joy. So on and so forth.

Now on to the subject of black characters blushing. First, I'd like to say that, if you are human, you can blush. EVERY single person on the planet can blush unless you have some medical issue. Now whether you can see the blush or not is another story. I am a medium dark skin color and I blush ALL the time. People have even pointed it out to me that they can see my cheeks turn pink. So when I describe a dark-skinned female that blushes, I am describing bashfulness, embarrassment, etc. Just the look on someone's face can tell you that they're blushing, even if you can't see it. But to my readers, I will try my best to find other ways to describe the feelings associated with blushing, on my darker skinned characters.

I can't speak for all of my fellow authors who write black characters, but I did want to give some insight into why I describe my characters the way I do. I hope this helps.

Til next time...

Long Time No Talk

So it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've been busy writing two books back to back, but I thought I'd stop in a say a little something. Whenever I've released a new book or about to release one, I am this Tangled meme to a tee. I wonder if all artistic careers come with this type of uncertainty. Anyway, I just wanted to stop in and give you all something to chuckle at and to let you know that you are not alone in the constant cesspool of self-doubt.

Til next time...

99 Cent BookBlast!!!

This weekend April 10th-12th is a massive eBook sale. Get over 100 novels, several different genres for only $0.99!!! Get 'em while it's hot! Click here:  http://www.99centbookblast.com

Tiny Light at the End of the Tunnel

Today I finally finished the first draft of Open Wounds, which is the follow up to my dark erotic novel, Scarred. So I'm going to kick back and enjoy some Jamaican beer for the rest of the evening. And then I'll edit over the weekend. And on Monday go straight into writing the 3rd novel in the series, while my beta-readers read Open Wounds. I don't want to release the 2nd until the 3rd is done, because I'll be releasing them a week apart. I don't want my readers to have to wait another several months for the 3rd to be released. I think doing it this way, will put a fire under my butt to get the 3rd done. I'm ready for Lexi and Sloan to have some closure and for me to move on to some stories that I've been itching to get out of my head. So many stories, not enough fingers and hours in the day to type them out as fast as they come to me!

Til next time...

Drowning in a Sea of Anonymity

Has anyone else felt anonymous in their writing/other career? I know I have. When I started this journey as an Indie author, I had no idea of the scope of other Indie authors out there. Not counting the authors that are backed by traditional publishing houses. And though I agree with the common phrase that I've been seeing in the writing community, "There is plenty of room for all of us/There are plenty of readers for all of us", how do you make yourself seen or get your name out there so that said readers can find you? How do you keep from drowning?

I don't really know what the answer is to that. And I freak out weekly if not daily, trying to figure that out. What I do know is...we have to keep trying. I mean really, what's the alternative? Going back to work a job I hate? Doing a job I'm not passionate about? I don't think so. I have to make a name for myself. I don't have any other options.

So I try to integrate myself in the author community to get advice from those willing to impart their wisdom. And I join groups where I can connect with readers. Because believe it or not, the best things that I've come across for promoting myself are through the readers and fellow authors.

Through my readers I learned about FB reader/author groups. They, themselves spread the word about my books. And they got me in contact with a great lady that is the head of the convention I'll be attending in September. And fellow authors got me involved in group anthologies. Taught me about Thunderclap and HeadTalker. As well as, how to setup a book release party. And how I got the information that led to my first interview.

I guess it basically boils down to connecting with the writing/reading community. As much as you may not want to, you have to get involved. You have to break out of your shell...out of your comfort zone. Try not to be a pest of course, but get out there and ask. If you don't ask, you won't get. And remember to also try to help in return. If you have valuable input or information...share it! We're in this together. Because you never know...if you take the time to help out someone else, if they make it big, they might just remember your name. I know I'm making a list in my head of amazing helpful people that I've crossed paths with thus far.

Til next time...

Writing: A Solitary Affair

Now I see why writing is a very solitary career. Because you turn into a disgusting specimen in the process of creating. At least it's that way for me.

When I'm really going hard and the creative juices are flowing, I don't want to stop for anyone or anything. I have to force myself to take a shower, brush my teeth and get dressed. Keep in mind I eventually do it. But it's usually not until well after noon. Terrible, I know. I have no idea how married authors do it. My spouse would have to avoid me until late afternoon or evening.

Yep...I'm a filthy beast and I'm proud of it!

Til next time...

Dream Big & Be Proud of It!!!

I say we should dream big, or what is the point in even trying. Sometimes I think it's programmed in us to believe we have to fit in with masses. That we can't ask for more from life than what we're getting or what everyone else has. And for women we're expected to settle down, get married, have kids and build our lives around our family. And even if we do focus on our careers, we can't proudly discuss our accomplishments, because we're raised to be humble.

Well I call BS! If we're going to dream, why not dream big? To dream big, is to just believe in ourselves. And what's wrong with that? So that is why I created a vision board that encompasses all my dreams for my life. And as my dreams grow, so will my board.

My board before I put it together. I can't share the finished product, because it's my special something just for me.

Also, why is it so acceptable for a woman to celebrate big life events like getting engaged, married or having children, but not for us to have thriving careers. I've seen time and time again, that when my female Facebook friends have posts about traditional life events they get a crap ton of responses and love. But very often when I post about my writing or books, the response is less than lukewarm. As well as my other female friends that have great careers or doing well in school. Is a female opting out of tradition and choosing to travel down a road of her own making, less important or somehow threatening?

Anyway I was doing a little online research a couple days ago and I accidentally discovered magazine templates and an idea was born. I decided to create a fun little motivational meme for myself that I'm pretty proud of. And I wanted to share it on my social media, but was worried that it would come off too boastful. I asked my friend in a text what she thought and this was her exact response. Keep in mind she was a little tipsy when she sent this, but the sentiment is still there:

I f**king love it.. me and shana say post that s**t.. f**k the haters your social media is for you to post and express if people don't like it they can suck a d**k Do you baby.

So with her rather "passionate" encouragement, I eventually decided to share it because if I can help change the way people think. If I can help even one person/woman to dream big and shout it from the rooftops proudly, then I've done good. So without further ado, here is my meme.

I challenge anyone that reads this blog post to create your own inspirational/motivational meme and post it to your social media. You might just inspire someone, including yourself...

My First Interview!!!

So like the headline reads, I had my first interview this past Saturday. Now I wasn't asked to do an interview, where I graciously accepted. I asked to be interviewed. At this stage in the game, as Indie authors we have to grab the bull by the horns and shout our own names from the rooftops, if no one else will.

So after an author friend passed along the information about the possibility to be interviewed, I reached out to author Ivy Sinclair, who also has a podcast called The Romance Writer's Rodeo. http://www.romancewritersrodeo.com/ I gave her the links to my FB Author page, website and Amazon page. She looked up my books and bio and setup a list of questions from that. We Skyped for the interview, voice only. So you know what that means? No need to be presentable...Pajama Time!!!

She started out by telling me how the interview would go and the subjects we'd be talking about and when I was ready she pressed record. It was a lot better than I thought, because she made the interview more conversational. Afterward she edited the interview and now it's live for your listening pleasure. Here's the link for interested parties:

http://www.romancewritersrodeo.com/episode-14-twyla-turner-on-using-real-life-as-inspiration-bootstrapping-and-finding-rabid-fans/

So the moral of the story: Find out what is available to you in your genre that can help spread the word about your work and then assert yourself.

I'm still working on this, because I'm not normally the pushy type. I get really bashful about asking people to buy my books. I'm getting better, but still have a long way to go.

Til next time...

Writer Funk + Life Funk = Ugh!

Have you ever hit a wall with your writing AND your life? Well I have. And I'm currently smack dab in the middle of it right now.

I wake up early every morning to write as usual, and it's completely silent because no one has gotten up yet. I get a little spurt of brilliance. And it peters out very quickly when my parents get up and turn on the news.

I haven't really had this problem before. I could plug in my earbuds, turn on Calm Water Radio and hit it hard. But apparently, I need a change of writing scenery. I just hate trying to write somewhere else, because I am a creature of habit. And my particular habits are best kept at home. Example: smoking an E-Cig when I stop to think about how I want to word something and rubbing and smelling my "blankie" that I've had since I was a kid that has always helped me to think better. Don't judge me! It was a lifesaver during finals! Anyway, I guess I'll have to find a way.

Also, trying to find ways to boost sales on my novels that are already out, because they've been lagging for a month or two. And just exhaustion in general from racking my brain on how I can make this career my main source of income.

Then in my personal life, I'm tired of living with my parents, in a state I don't want to live in, when all I want to do is travel. I want to start dating again, but I don't at the same time. I have no time for a man or to get wrapped up in a relationship right now. My career is my #1 priority at this time in my life. But a girl needs some sweet lovin' every now and again. Ha! At the very least for inspiration for my writing.

Also, I've been working my ass off at the gym and trying to eat better, only to lose 0 pounds. Mind you I have thighs of steel and a pretty lovely squat butt, if I do say so myself. But that's it.

I guess I'm just tired of working hard with minimal results in all aspects of my life. And I know I should just get over it and move on. But I do believe that everyone is entitled to have bad days. So I'm recognizing my funk for what it is. Venting my feelings, to just get it off my chest. Thinking about solutions I can do to make it better (setting up a writing area in our backyard, connecting with other authors that have ideas on how to spread the word about our work, considering going on a casual date, just to get out and flirt and going for bike rides or hikes instead of the gym). And finally, hopefully moving on from it.

I always try to look to the positive, even in the middle of my pity parties. Like all things in life, this too shall pass. Funks come and go, but my passion for this amazing life will always remain.

Til next time...

Book Series...More Trouble Than They're Worth?

As I struggle to stay focused while writing the follow-up to another book, the answer to that question is....YES!!!

The very first book I wrote was the first of a two-part series. The second book was a little bit tougher to write than the first, but I was still very much in the zone and was a writing machine. I released the second part two months after the first.

My third novel, Scarred was also part one to what will soon be a 3-part series. But after I finished writing it, I took a bit of a break. And unfortunately when I was ready to start writing again, my brain only wanted to focus on a story I had started before I even thought of the concept for Scarred. I know my readers were wondering what the hell was going on. Why would I write a whole separate story instead of writing the sequel to Scarred?

Well, to answer that, it is because I'm a slave to my brain and my characters. I don't know how it is for other authors, but I know for me, I need to take breaks from stories. And when my brain is ready to create, if it's not for the story I should be doing or what everyone wants me to do, there is nothing I can do about it.

But many readers don't understand this. Truthfully, I used to be one of them. I used to rage at how long it would take an author to write the follow up book to a series. But now that I've become an author, I realize that stories don't magically drop out of the sky, don't grow from trees or can't be pulled out of the author's ass. The author literally has to be in the right frame of mind to create anything worth reading. If it's forced, then it will show.The readers have a choice: A follow up with substance that may take a while to be released? Or a follow up that sucks monkey nuts, but you get it right away?

I'm sure both the reader and the author would like a wonderful book that is released within weeks of the last. But I'd also like a tall, handsome and well-endowed European man to ring my doorbell right now, holding two tickets to Europe to begin a year of traveling. And though both of these scenarios could happen, it's also not very likely.

So even though I'm super stoked and thankful that there are readers that have been truly absorbed in my book and characters, I just don't know if it's worth the headache. If I do ever write another sequel in the future, I'll be sure to write the whole damn thing all at once and then release them within a few weeks or months of each other.

'Til next time...

A Place To Promote Your Book!!!

Hello there fellow Authors! I was approached by a guy that promotes Authors of Today. He wanted the info on each of the novels I've published and in return, I just needed to promote his Facebook page. Seems pretty fair to me! So for any authors out there looking for just one more way to promote their work, just give him a 'Like' and shoot him a message, and I'm sure he'll put up your novels too.

www.facebook.com/authorsoftoday

I Still Can't Believe It's True...

...even after all the evidence to prove it. What am I talking about, you ask? I'm talking about the common phrase that I had heard many different authors proclaim before I had ever put fingers to computer keys to create a novel...

"The story and/or characters write themselves."

I had heard this statement many times. And when you hear it, it's like "Yeah, right. And I'm the queen of Sheba." But once I started writing, I found that it literally is true. Now of course there are times when nothing is coming to you, but you write anyway. Then suddenly, something magical happens and you start typing as if you're a puppet. Your fingers are flying across the keys of their own volition. As if the clouds parted, the heavens started singing "Aaaaaaaaaahhh" and rays of light shone down upon you and your computer.

This phenomena surprises me every time it happens. I sit down in the morning, with my cup of coffee. I've got a pretty good idea of where I want the story/scene/dialogue to go. I start typing it out how I see it and the next thing I know my characters are like, "I don't think so, lady. You're not the boss of us. We've got this." And all of a sudden, I've written pages of story that I hadn't even planned.

Then I have to regroup and make sure it works with what I have planned for the rest of the book. But more often than not, it works better than what I was going to do in the first place. Huh, who'd a thunk?

Moral of the story: I need to stop sweating the small stuff. Whatever archangel that watches over wayward writers, will show up when we really need them. Though, I never like to take things for granted. You never know when he/she may be running late for work or misplaced their halo.

'Til next time...

SWIRLING THE BIG EASY!!!

I'm not sure why I waited this long to announce that I was invited to participate in a wonderful event taking place in New Orleans, LA this September called Swirling the Big Easy?! Maybe I just wanted to wait and make sure that I wasn't dreaming. And of course that I could swing the cost as well. But I'll be there if I have to beg, borrow or steal! Okay maybe not steal.

So any who, this event/conference/convention (not exactly sure what to call it), will host about 20 Interracial Romance Authors (including ME!). Basically, it's the Ulimate Interracial Romance Author & Fan Gathering!

It will take place over the course of three days, September 9th-11th at the beautiful Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans' famed French Quarter. There will be breakfast, meeting the authors, several different sessions to discuss our novels, a cocktail party Thursday night and a much anticipated Night Club Crawl on Bourbon Street to end the event on Friday night.

So if you're interested and you want more information on registering for the event and booking a hotel room, go to the event page and have a look! https://www.facebook.com/events/593946187378168/

This is my first major event as an author and I couldn't be more pleased or honored to be a part of it! So for anyone who is a fan of my work, I would love to meet you!!! Come and join in the festivities!

'Til next time...

It's Feels Like Losing a Loved One...

To explain my dilemma I have to go back to when I began to write my first novel. At first, I only wrote about a chapter and a half and then forgot about it. Now my main genre is Erotica. And when I started reading when I was a young girl, my first love was historical romances. Later, I started reading contemporary romances. But after reading Fifty Shades of Grey, I fell head over heels for erotica. I can't even tell you how many of them I bought on my Nook. I seriously binge read as much as I could. I've always been a sexually open person. Sharing and discussing experiences with the people I'm around. So a genre that caters to women that are or want to be open and honest about their sexuality and basking in it, was right up my alley.

So right in the middle of reading an erotic novel, my characters that I had started writing months before, literally starting shouting at me to finish their story. It got to the point that I couldn't even concentrate on what I was reading. I would read a whole page and had no idea what I'd just read. So I put down my Nook and picked up my laptop and haven't looked back since.

But there's only one problem with this path to self-discovery and finding that I love writing...I can no longer read the genre that I love! Oh the horror!!!

Either I start reading something and my own characters won't get out of my head. Or I start comparing my writing to that author's technique. Or fear of their ideas planting themselves subconsciously into my brain, scares me to death. And the last thing I want is for someone to claim that I plagiarized their work. Trust me, I've seen that kind of drama and accusations flying on social media and I want no part of it.

I mean, I can't even read the sequels to series that I started to read before I even began writing. Ugh! Maybe one day...

The only books that I've been able to read since I started this journey is the Outlander series. So it looks like if I want to absorb myself in a book, which isn't all that often anymore (sigh...), I have to go back to my first love...historical romances.

For all you authors out there that can still read and write at the same time...Kudos to you!!!

'Til next time...

Writing Schedule...Do What's Right For You.

So when I was working 40 hours a week and writing every chance I could get in between, I woke up at 6 am everyday and wrote for as long as I could before I had to start getting ready for work. By the time I got home from work, trying to write was next to impossible. My brain was fried by the end of the day. And when weekends came, I would binge write during that free time.

But now that I'm trying to work on writing as my full-time gig, it seems as if there are plenty of hours in the day, which makes procrastination a real problem. At least with working a regular job, I knew I only had so many hours to get some writing done, so it put a fire under my ass. Writing, when you have no supervisor takes a lot of discipline.

Also, at the start of the year I went back to the gym. Being an author is a very sedentary career. And I didn't want to get in the habit of sitting all day and not getting in any exercise. So I started going to the gym in the mornings with my parents, because everyone says working out in the morning is the best time. They even said on the news that working out helps blood flow to the brain, which helps brain activity. But trying to fit in my workout schedule and my writing schedule together in the mornings, turned out to be counterproductive for me.

Working out like most people do, during those early hours ruined my writing schedule. Because miraculously, my brain seems to work better coming up with ideas, first thing in the morning. But for weeks I was going to the gym during that golden time frame. And by the time I was done, I had nothing left for my story. And the evening hours have never worked for me, whether I'm free all day or not. My brain can't create a simple damn sentence in those hours, unless I'm on a roll right at the end of a novel. So for a while there, I thought it was me. I thought, "That's it. That's all I have to give. I have no more ideas left in this brain of mine."

So yesterday I decided to test the theory. Instead of doing what everyone else does, I woke up and went back to writing instead of working out and....Voila!!! Just like that, ideas, storyline and dialogue came to me! And I got a nice little chunk of writing done for the first time in over a month. And when I was ready for a writing break, I went to the gym. And I had energy for my workout, perky and happy as a bug under a rug.

So the moral of the story is, don't let anyone or societal norms dictate what works best for you and your writing schedule. Play around with your time. Test it out to see what time frame(s) you strike gold the most and then work around it. Everyone is different. Never in a million years did I think I'd be a morning person...but here I am. So just do you and you'll be happier for it!

'Til next time...