Posted in Contemporary Romance, Romance, Single Dad Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

On It’s Way To Being Done

I have been typing away on my second book, the single dad romance. Right now I’m at 54k words. I feel like it’ll end up being around 65k.

I feel this weird pressure to make my 2nd book as long as the first. My first book ended up being over 96k words and I can’t help but feel like this one is coming up… short or something. But I also know this book doesn’t need to be that long to finish the story.

I’ve gotten so much better at typing, it’s ridiculous. I usually do about 4k words a day, when my kids and time allow.

Anyway back to work. I’m watching tiny house hunters and currently writing chapter 25.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari.

Posted in New Adult Romance, Romance, Uncategorized, Update

Self Editing Is A Beast

I’m finally done self- editing. Now my story is 96,109 words. I already want to go back in and edit again, just to make sure it’s perfect, but I’ll hand it over to the professionals now. Looking forward to sending it over to the editor sometime next week.

I have a cover all picked out and am trying to figure out who I want to give some arcs to.

I’ve also been looking through amazon self publishing options to see how all that works. Seems pretty simple, but we’ll see.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari

Posted in New Adult Romance, Playlist, Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

DONEEEEEE!!!!!

I am done typing. DONE!

96,034 words.

354 pages.

My hands were shaking and I almost cried as I typed the last word. I’m so excited, I can’t even explain.

The playlist is also done, which I absolutely love for this book.

Now I’m halfway through self- editing and then I’ll be sending it off for professional editing. I am aiming, AIMING, for a march publication date.

Besides that, I am again tirelessly looking for a book cover and seeing none that fit.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari

Posted in New Adult Romance, Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

Almost There

I am just under 80,000 words. I have six chapters left to type. I can see the finish line in the distance. I’m almost there.

I’ve been trying to stick to typing at least 20 hand written pages a day. When I can’t type (when my wrists and back are hurting too bad), I’m reading what I’ve already written to re-edit that.

I’m about to email an editor and for some reason, that makes me soooo excited. Then comes the cover. Ekk.

My goal is to have the rest of my book typed in a week’s time. We’ll see how that goes.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari

Posted in New Adult Romance, Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

So Many Words

Just an update on the editing/ typing process. So far, I’ve typed 24,000 words, which translates to 88 pages. I’m getting started on chapter 15 today.

My wrists and neck are absolutely killing me, but seeing the pages adding up is so gratifying. When my wrist gets tired, I go back and edit what I’ve already written a second time, just to be safe. I am definitely a person who misses words when I type, and I’m finding a few words I almost always type words…usually ‘F’ words for whatever reason.

Still looking at covers, but already convinced I’ll have to get a custom cover made.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari

Posted in New Adult Romance, Playlist, Romance, Uncategorized, Update

Guess What?

I’ve got something to tell you. Lean a little closer…. a little closer…… I’M DONE. FINISHED. MY BOOK IS COMPLETED!!!!!! My new adult book is DONE.

I am so damn proud of myself, I cannot even explain. At times it felt as if this book would never get finished. Like I had done so much, but had way too far to go. I set a deadline for myself of December 17th and finished before that.

Writing the last words were so bittersweet. I was so happy to set that pen down and know that I had given everything I had to that book, but I was sad to know it was over. The work isn’t over though, of course. I handwrote everything so now I’ve begun typing all those words, and self-editing at the same time. I plan to get professional editing done, but I’m already finding things to fix or even elaborate on now that I’m back at the beginning. Even leaving some things out that don’t quite fit in now that the ending is written.

So far, I’ve typed 12,000 words. My wrists is KILLING me, but it’s so gratifying to see that word count go up. Noticing a big difference in the page count now that the words are typed and not in my sloppy, huge cursive handwriting.

As I’m typing all this, I’m putting together the playlist from the book. Did I ever mention that music plays a HUGE role in the book? If not, then now you know. Both of the main characters will have a playlist on youtube.

Just wanted to share that amazing, exciting news with you guys. I’m trying to keep myself on a schedule of typing 4,ooo words a day, but we’ll see how that goes. I think some days will definitely call for a break.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari.

Posted in New Adult Romance, Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

Long Time, No Write

I know it’s been a long time since my last post. Sorry about that, but I have been using the time wisely. I’m about 85% done with my new adult romance. I feel like I can see the finish line and I’m so excited about it. The deadline I set for myself is Dec. 21, when my goal gift I got myself arrives, and it looks like I  just might be able to reach that.

I’ve recently connected my present writing with a chapter I wrote ahead weeks ago, and that felt like such a momentous occasion for me.

Now, I’m looking at covers, which as it turns out, isn’t as much fun as it sounds. Most covers seem like they’re for a certain genre or look too over the top. Plus the fact that my characters are both POC, and that narrows it down A LOT. I’m probably just going to get a custom made cover and hope it doesn’t break my wallet. Then I’ll have to pay for editing. Oh what fun.

Bye. Write soon.

Ari

 

Posted in Contemporary Romance, Romance, Single Dad Romance, Teasers, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

Chapter 2

This is the second chapter of my single dad romance. Hope you enjoy.

 

Chapter Two

After leaving the gym, I went grocery shopping, and now I was home, stepping out of the shower when my phone started ringing. Hoping it was Lucas, I’m just as excited to see it’s my best friend, Monique.

I’d met her four years ago when my town decided to show all of Game Of Thrones season 3 at the local theater. When you sit next to a girl for 10 hours, you kind of have to become best friends right?

I swipe to pick up the call, answering with, “I met a guy.”

“Tell me everything.”, is her only reply.

“I was at the gym and got caught staring at this guy doing pull-ups. So, of course, I took my smooth self over there and got his number.”

She snorts, “Right. Smooth meaning you made some corny jokes and he somehow still asked you out?”

“You know me too well.”

“So when are you going out? Wait, what’s his name?”

“His name is Lucas. Is that sexy or what? We both said we’d text each other tonight to figure out the details. Of course, I’m itching to text him, but I’m trying to wait him out. But there’s one little thing I did not expect…”

“Oh God, what?”

“I think he has a daughter.”

Okay, and?”

“And? What if he has baby mama drama? What if the little girl hates me?”

“Are you trying to screw the guy or marry him?”

“Hold up. Nobody is screwing anyone just yet.”

“I give it three dates.”

“You’d give it one if you saw his body and eyes.”, I give a dramatic sigh.

Monique chuckles. “Don’t worry about his kid unless things get serious. I’m sure he doesn’t go around introducing his daughter to every girl he dates.”

“Yeah, that’s true. Should I mention that I know he has a daughter?”

“Are you even sure the girl was his?”

“Oh, well no, not 100%, but they looked like father and daughter. I don’t know.”

“Just go out and have a good time and…”

I don’t hear the rest of what she says because my phone alerts me to a text and I take my phone away from my face to see who it was.

I look and scream, “THE SWEATER!”

“Uh, who?”

“It’s Lucas. Hold on.”

I tap open the text.

Sweater: I held out as long as I could. Please don’t change my name to Desperate.

I burst out laughing. “I’ve got to go.” I hang up hearing Monique say something about wanting all the juicy details.

Me: Don’t worry. Only my best friend calling stopped me from texting you first.

Sweater: Did you tell her all about how good looking I am?

Me: Yup. We were debating…

I delete that and start a new message.

Me: Yup. I told her all about your gorgeous body and beautiful eyes.

Sweater: You were typing something and then stopped. What did you delete?

I’m shocked by his question. I decide to just be honest.

Me: I was saying my best friend and I were debating how many dates it would be before you and me did the dirty, you know, based off said body and eyes.

I hit send with a flushed face. He’s taking a while to reply, so I take that time to change his name to Lucas. As soon as I save it, another message pops up.

Lucas: Well I’ve got to get in on this debate. How many did you both say?

Me: I won’t say who said what, but one of us said one and one of us said three.

Lucas: Hmm, I’ll take the middle ground and say two.

Me: LOL. There’s that confidence again.

Lucas: Hey, you’re the one who said one date.

Me: Why do you assume I was the one who said that?

Lucas: From the way you were watching me do pull-ups today.

Me: Whatever, We’re supposed to be planning a date, not talking about what WON’T be happening after it.

Lucas: I’ll give you three options for a date and you pick one. Cool?

Me: I like options. Make em good.

Lucas: 1) Dinner and I beat you in bowling

2) Dinner and a movie (your choice)

3) Dinner and go-kart racing (where, again, I beat you)

I take a minute to consider my options. I know I’ll be driving slower than my granny at go-karts, so that’s a no. I check the current movies out and there’s nothing I would bother seeing. So that leaves bowling.

Me: Dinner and bowling it is, but you pick the restaurant and bowling alley.

Lucas: I think I can handle that. How’s tomorrow night at 7 sound?

Me: Anxious to see me again huh?

Lucas: You have no idea.

Me: Ok, tomorrow then.

Lucas: Are you going to mention you saw me picking up my daughter?

I don’t really know how to respond. Do I say I was going to mention it, but figured it wasn’t my place or that I didn’t really think it was relevant right now, seeing as we’re not serious?

Me: I was going to wait for you to bring it up during our date. I figured if you wanted me to know, you’d tell me. But now that you brought it up… She’s beautiful.

Lucas: I would’ve told you during dinner, but I saw you leaving the gym when I picked up Bella, so I assumed you’d seen us. And thank you. She takes after me.

Me: Hehe. How old is she?

Lucas: Four, but she likes to make sure people know she’s four and a half.

Me: Too cute. Are you the dad dressing up for his daughter’s tea parties?

Lucas: Hell yes, Gotta impress Mrs. Fuzzy and Elmo.

Me: Well Elmo doesn’t wear clothes, so I’m sure you look better than him,

Lucas: Well when you see me without clothes, you can compare Elmo and me and tell me who looks better.

Me: You can take pictures in your birthday suits and I can judge now.

Me: Oh my God, that sounded so bad. Forget I texted that. Please.

I don’t get a reply for at least five minutes. I spend all of those minutes pacing the floor. I realize I never got dressed after the shower, so I reluctantly put the phone down and tug on some panties and an old gray shirt. I pick up my phone and head to the kitchen. Still no reply.

I get out the pasta, sauce, and ground beef to make some spaghetti. I’m putting the seasoning on the ground beef when my phone pings. It’s shameful how quickly I drop the seasoning to pick up my phone. But when I open the message, my eyes almost pop out of my head.

It’s picture after picture of side by sides of Lucas and an Elmo doll. My first instinct is to laugh, but it’s quickly swallowed as I scroll through the pictures. The first is a full body shot with Lucas and Elmo standing against the wall. Lucas has a barely there towel wrapped around his waist, covering the part of him I’d like to see most. Elmo has a wash cloth pinned around his waist. The little bit I saw of Lucas at the gym is nothing compared to this picture. Heat coils in my lower belly and shoots straight to my pussy. That man is sexy. No offense Elmo.

The next picture is a close up of a smiling Lucas’ face and Elmo’s black mouth and orange nose, and weirdly huge eyes. But it’s Lucas’ eyes that have me looking at this picture for longer than I should. The next picture is of their chests and abdomens. I immediately look past the half of the picture full of red fur and look at Lucas’ chest and shoulders. They’re both broad and toned. This close I can make out some of his tattoos. The ‘Bella’ written in beautiful cursive across his heart. The tree that’s growing out of his towel and spreads across his stomach, with what looks like crows perched on it’s branches. God, how I wish I could see the rest of that tattoo.

The final photo is of the bulge under the towel, or lack thereof in Elmo’s case. And what an impressive bulge it is. If only I could reach through this phone and snatch that towel away. I go through the pictures a few more times before finally replying.

Me: Elmo gave you a real run for your money, but in the end, I gave my vote to you.

Lucas: You took so long to reply, I thought your hands must’ve been busy.

I see Lucas has no shame. I like it.

Me: I’ll save that for later.

Lucas: Then my night is complete.

Me: Don’t worry, my hands will have recovered enough by tomorrow night to whip your ass in bowling.

Lucas: HA! We shall see. So do you want me to pick you up or would you rather meet me at the restaurant?

Me: I’ll meet you there.

Lucas: Ok. When I decide where we’re going, I’ll text you the name. I can’t wait to see you again.

Me: Sounds like a plan. See you at 7.

Lucas: Goodnight Cassidy.

Me: Goodnight Lucas.

Posted in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romance, Single Dad Romance, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

More Work Done

Haven’t written in a while, but I have been writing. I wrote a chapter towards the end of my new adult romance, where a lot of the drama comes in. I was worried about writing out of order, but the chapter seriously had me up at 3am screaming to be written, so I did it, to keep my sanity. But after writing such an emotional chapter (a sad chapter), it was hard to go back to the previous chapter and get back into the happy period the main character was in, so I switched to my single dad (contemporary) romance for a while. Got another chapter done for that, and then went back to my new adult book.

I took 2 days off writing over the weekend because, honestly I just didn’t feel like writing. My hand hurt and I just needed a break and I had to keep reminding myself that was ok.

But now I’m back at it and finishing another chapter for my new adult romance. I’m going to a book conference at the end of the month, so I don’t know quite how that’s going to work. I’m terrified of bringing my journal and having it get lost at the airport or something. And I don’t know how much time I’d actually have to write anyway.

Write soon. Bye.

Ari

Posted in New Adult Romance, Teasers, Uncategorized, Update, Writing In Progress

New Adult First Chapter

chapThis is the prologue and first chapter of my new adult romance. If you read the first chapter I posted of my contemporary romance, you will find this post darker than that one, but I hope you’ll like it all the same. As I’ve said before, I’m not quite sure yet if I’m going to keep the genre new adult, but you’ll know when I figure that out. But for now, that’s what I’m labeling it is. Enjoy.

 

Prologue

I sat on the couch trying to figure out what to do. What to say. How to say it. I had to summon up every ounce of strength to mumble, “Mom?”.

She turned around and barked, “What?”

I flinched at the tone in her voice, but continued on. “You remember when I used to spend the night at someone’s house and when I came home, you would ask if anything happened?”

“Yes.”, she said hesistantly, as a look of worry came over her face.

I looked down. I couldn’t look her in the eyes as I said it.

“Can you ask me that now?”, I pleaded.

It was a few seconds before she asked, “Did anything happen?”

“Yes.” I said, my heart breaking a little more.

Chapter One

Six Years Later

I feel empty. Hollowed out. The only emotions that course through me now are shame, anger, guilt, and sadness. Sadness seems too small a word though. There is a deep, aching pain that fills me with darkness and gnaws away at any moment that might give me a taste of happiness. But apparently my smile seems real enough. My laugh must ring authentic because no one sees through my façade. So here I stand, in the school hallway, laughing at all the right times, while inside I feel like a rotten, festering, corpse.

“You ready to go to science, Ebony?”, Ashley asks me.

“Yeah, sure.”, I say, shifting my backpack higher on my shoulder.

She talks about her latest date from the weekend the whole way there. I nod, wishing I could even think about going on a date. But that won’t happen. The thought alone fills me with anxiety and apprehension. Science class and the rest of the day passes in a blur. I put my earbuds in on the school bus so no one will try to talk to me. Alternating between Numb by Linkin Park and I’m So Sick by Flyleaf, it’s what I need to prepare for being home. I get fifteen minutes of silence before my mom and siblings come home and, as is usual for her, my mom asks, “That’s what you wore today?”

No outfit is girly enough for her, Years ago, when I let her pick my clothes, they couldn’t be too tight. Now apparently, they shouldn’t be so loose. I’m wearing a plain gray fitted t-shirt, but it’s really my black sweatpants that bother her. Or rather, it bothers her when people ask why I’m always wearing them. Half my closet if full of dresses and tight jeans she buys in the hope that one day I’ll wear them.

“Yes. This is what I wore, just like I wear sweatpants every other day.”

“No boy will ever notice you in those loose pants,”, she scolds.

“Good.” I snap. Little does she know, that’s exactly why I wear them. I never want to be noticed again.

“Don’t get smart with me.” She barks.

“I’m going to do my homework.”, I say, walking away from her and this conversation.

I go to my bedroom where a dark blue blanket hangs over my window to block out any light. Just like most days, I do my homework by the light of the tv and as soon as I’m done, I climb under my covers and go to sleep. It’s the only way to escape the pain.

I feel someone tugging me awake. My mom is telling me to come and eat. It takes way too much effort to get out of bed. At the table, I sit with my little brothers and sister, but I feel so apart from them, from everything. They talk about their friends and favorite shows, but I have nothing to add. Their normalcy only goes to prove to me, day after day, how different we are. All the while, I feel my mother’s eyes on me and this just annoys me more. When I needed her to see me, truly see me, she had no sight. So why look at me now? It’s too late.

When I get up to leave the table, my sister, Mia, comes around the table to hug me.

“Are you going to sleep again?”, she asks.

When she pulls back and looks at me, I nod. Her eyes grow sad and I hate that I make her so unhappy, especially when she is the single ray of light in my world.

“Goodnight.”, she says softly.

I kiss her forehead. “Goodnight.”

I enter my pitch black room and I go to close my door when I hear Mia ask, “Aren’t you afraid of how dark it is in there?”

I turn around and offer her a small smile. “It’s not the dark you need to be afraid of. Goodnight Mia.”

She’s too innocent to know monsters don’t wait until it’s dark to hurt you. I set Breathe Me by Sia to repeat on my laptop and climb back into bed. I just wish I’d never wake up.