Still Alive

Holla!

So...Joy put up a very nice blog post and put up a link to this 'ol place, and I decided to swing on by and...em...clear out the cobwebs I suppose.

Still cross-eyed. Trying not to multi task so much. Probably failing.
This is the hardest part - when babies are small and completely dependent on you for their entertainment.

And feeding. And fashion choices. And survival, I suppose.

But entertaining them is the hardest part. Same thing goes for toddlers as well. The Goo's favourite question after 'Why?' is 'What should I do now?'
Every time she asks, I flashback to myself as a child asking my mother a variation of that question "I'm bored. What should I do now?
My mother's responses ranged from 'I don't know' to 'Leave me alone!' to 'There are plates to wash' to 'Here! Read this M&B'
(To a nine year old, Mother! SMH)

Anyway, we're not talking about the beginning of my romance novel addiction. No, we're talking about how to entertain small children without causing permanent damage.

I'm still trying to figure it out but this is what I do:
(oh goody, a list!)

1. Don't park the 3 year old or the 4 month old in front of the TV - I'll admit this is tempting, especially if you've paid for the full subscription on DSTV. I mean, it's not as if I can watch any of my shows when they're awake. Sigh. However, studies have shown (Google is your friend. And I'm too tired) that it's bad for their wee little brains.
2. Do encourage them to play together but supervise - At the moment, The Goo is sulking 'cos I won't let her put a piece of cloth in Baby Z's ear. I have to make sure she understands that when I say it's okay to play with him, I don't mean as a toy.
3. Boundaries are important - For the toddler. who must understand that leaving the house without telling Mummy is a non-negotiable, spanking offence. Boundaries for the baby? Please, don't make me laugh.
4.  Read to them - Yes, I know it's time you don't have and the toddler keeps interrupting to ask questions and the baby keeps drooling on the page but just keep at it, and make sure you do the voices, and soon they'll both very happily fall asleep.
5. Let the toddler entertain the baby - The Goo loves to dance. I love to play music. Baby Z loves to watch his sister. Kismet.

That's all I can give to you today. They are done playing with each other and require my input. Oh joy!

So...whatchu doing?

At this moment, I am loosening my braids; I have water on the fire for noodles, and I am all set up to give Baby Z his evening bath.

This is my life now - extreme multi-tasking. So extreme I get cross-eyed with feelings that range from self-pity to rage to 'I want my mummy' homesickness. Sad, since this is my home.

Depressing, if I think too much about it.

So I don't - I think instead of the dishes that have been in the sink for the past 3 days...at least, we have eaten.

I think of the clothes that have been in the machine since yesterday...no be my mates they use hand wash.

I think of...my daughter dancing like a white chick to Britney Spears.

I think of Papa Goo playing video games with her while Baby Z sleeps and Mummy is in a timeout. Sssh. Do not disturb,

I think of my Dad. I wish I could call him.

I can't complain.

Actually I can but I don't want to. At least, not right now. cos The Goo is dancing like a white chick. Papa Goo is bathing Baby Z, and I'm smiling cos I've been giving a reprieve from the crazybusiness of it all.

For now.

What Shall We Say Of These Things?

I'm ba-ack!

Had to take time off everything to have Baby Z.

 

He didn't give me much choice though - worst pregnancy ever!

 

Okay, that's not true but I was so tired. And large. I pretty much switched off on everything except baby stuff. But now that he's here, I can no longer claim pregnancy brain as an excuse. So back to work for me. That means lots of reading before lots of writing. Let's go there!

Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye

First off,

KA-POW!

Is that not a smoking hot cover?

Yup. Yes. Affirmative.

Well then, let me tell you, Kiru Taye did justice to this smoking hot cover, 'cos the book was also *cough cough* smoking hot.

Oh boy! She did not pull her punches, and just in case you think it's all about...hotness and hot people doing hot things to each other, it's not. It's about Ebony and Felix who have just gotten married, but not for love, nope, for business. He needs to get the board of his family's financial empire off his back, and she needs to get past the scandal and shame of a broken engagement. Unfortunately, Felix gets into a car accident ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT, after a big fight with his bride and when he wakes up from his coma, six months later, he doesn't remember her, he doesn't remember being married but he likes what he sees and wants to have a real marriage with his wife.

Ghen Ghen!

What does his wife have to say about this? Read the book and find out. For now, say hello to Kiru Taye.

Who is Kiru Taye?
Thank you for having me on your blog, Timendu. So who am I?
Well, I'm an author of multicultural romances, entrepreneur of a small run-from-home business, wife to a generous man, mother to 3 wonderful kids, sister to 4 sometimes hilarious siblings, daughter to 2 patient parents and hopefully friend to a few beautiful souls. Okay, I ran out of labels. LOL

Why do you write?I write because there are characters in my head whose stories need to be told. If I don't write their stories they'll drive me mad. It's a compulsion. LOL.
 
When did you start writing?
I have to confess I'm new to writing. I wrote my first full-length story in 2010. In contrast, I've been reading all my life, so I guess I've been preparing to be a writer all my life. J

Why romance?
The simple answer is because I love romance novels. It's a love affair that started when I was a teenager and read my first Mills and Boon. J　

Why steamy romance?
I'm an adult. I write for adults. I enjoy steamy stories. So I write steamy stories. J Sex is a part of everyday adult life. As adults, we should embrace it and not be embarrassed by it. So why not?

When you started this, did you ever think, I'm going to be The Queen of Nigerian Erotica?Hahahaha...Queen of Nigerian Erotica. I love it. But where is my crown, and when was the coronation? LOL. Seriously though, when I started writing I was just hoping Nigerian/African women would learn to embrace their sexuality and enjoy their interactions with their partners. My message was simple—sex can be pleasurable and not just functional with the right, attentive partner. If this makes me the Queen of Nigerian Erotica, then I'll gladly accept the crown. J

Was it always romance or did you start in another genre?
I love reading romance novels but I read other genres too. With writing, for now, I'm only writing romances. One day I will write other genres, perhaps an epic fantasy or thriller, under a different pen name.

Why swing between sub-genres: historical, contemporary, and paranormal?
I think by the time I'm done, I'll probably have a story under every romance sub-category there is. LOL.
I really have no control over which eras the characters belong to. They simple make an appearance in my mind and I start writing their stories. As I said earlier, my writing is a compulsion driven by the characters. The plots unravel as I write them.

So far, you've published 10 books and contributed to 2 anthologies, what's the journey been like?
So far, so good. I've been very privileged to work with some wonderful authors, editors and publishers in my journey so far. I'm grateful to God for giving me the opportunities I've had.
Did you have help along the way - writing coach, mentors?
Yes, I've had great help from members of my writing groups, The Nuthouse Scribblers and also Romance Writers of West Africa.
Also, my editors have been Godsend. They have taught me so much.

What's the best piece of advice you received as a writer?Read widely – If you want to be a great author, you have to learn to read. Personally, I can't understand how anyone can call themselves a writer if they don't read.

What advice would you give to new writers?Don't take criticism to heart. Learn from it. Revise. Revise. Revise.

If you could do it over, what would you do differently?I don't have any regrets. So I won't change anything from my past.

What's your writing ritual?I don't have a writing routine as such. But here is what I do sometimes.
In the mornings, do the school run. Settle the baby. Write for an hour or two. Do some chores. Blog/Social media. Pick kids from school. Evening chores. More social media or writing later at night.

What's your favourite thing about writing?Creating stories people love. Getting feedback from readers who love my books.

What's your least favourite thing about writing?Editing. LOL

What do you do for fun?I love travelling to new places. I also love dancing and hanging out with friends and family.

What's your favourite dish?You know, I love food. A little too much, perhaps. At the moment I have a thing for sushi. But my favourite all time food has to be Giant fresh water snails and Ugba, both Nigerian delicacies.

Image Source: Tupelo&Green

What's your favourite drink?Mojito

What's your favourite snack?Roasted cashew nuts

What's your go-to movie/book to relax?Considering I have over 1000 ebooks on my kindle app, getting time to just relax with any of them would be great. J
These days we watch movies as a family so it has to be something the kids can watch too. But the kids and I love superhero movies. Avengers Assemble is a favourite in our house. Otherwise, it's something from the Nollywood Movies channel.

What kind of music do you listen to?
Depending on my mood, I can listen to anything from classical to rock, from Afrobeats to soul. You name it and I'll probably listen to it, if I'm in the mood for it.

Which would you prefer - a quiet evening with friends or a night out on the town? Why?I could do with a night out on the town. But most of the time, it's a quiet evening with friends.

Of all your books, do you have a favourite? Why?You can't ask me that. I love all my books.
It's like asking me which of my three kids is my favourite. J

What inspired 'Keeping Secrets'?Keeping Secrets is partly inspired by the life of one of my best friends. Unfortunately, she has passed on but the story is dedicated to her.

It's the first book of The Essien Trilogy so when can we expect the other two?The schedule for The Essien Trilogy is as follows
Keeping Secrets – out May 2014
Making Scandal – out Sept 2014
Riding Rebel – out Dec 2014

I can't wait!!!



Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye
Contemporary Romance
Add to Goodreads


BOOK BLURB
Have you ever loved someone and didn’t even know it? That’s the dilemma facing Felix Essien when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and sensual woman he’s ever known. He cannot remember her or their wedding; he who had sworn never to get married or to give his heart to another. Yet, he feels an intense bond with her that he intends to explore fully. Ebony can’t believe her good fortune when her paper husband wakes not remembering the temporary marriage arrangement with no intimacies he’d proposed, and is now the adoring husband she’s always dreamt of. She plans to make the most of the passion blossoming between them. However, would he still feel that way when he regains his memory and realises she’s been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is?

 

Top Ten Facts About The Main Characters

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance | Smashwords | 

Coming to Barnes & Noble soon

A lover of books as a teenager, Kiru Taye used to read novels under the blanket with a torch at night. These days, with a young family to take care of, she's still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book.
During the day though, she transforms her wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters.
When she’s not writing or reading, she'd hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UK with husband and children.

You reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways:
http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website:
http://www.kirutaye.com

Link to her Amazon author page

To celebrate the release of Keeping Secrets, Kiru is giving away a goodie pack which includes $20 Amazon gift card, signed paperback of An Engagement Challenge, Keeping Secrets t-shirt and face cap. Leave me a comment to stand a chance of winning and complete the rafflecopter to enter the contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  

Delightfully Inconsistent

Show of hands if that describes you in any way, form or manner.

*raises hand and waves*

Yup, I thought so. I'm a card carrying member of that merry band, along with Procrastinators Anonymous. I'm also the mother of The Goo, who when she says the magic word, "@*%"x@" transforms into Super Goo, The Nocturnal Terror.

(PS. The Nocturnal Terror is only one of her many aliases)

Anyway, I'm part of this Blog Tour, invited by my good friend and fellow mummy-writer, Sifa Asani Gowon - www.sifushka.blogspot.com . The deal is she mentioned me on her blog (last Monday) and answered some questions, and then (This Monday) I mention her and three other bloggers, and answer some questions.

It's like a chain letter for blogs, men, dude!

(Does it show that I am sleep deprived?)

So first, the questions:

1. What am I working on?
I am working on (putting the finishing touches on) Anthology 2. It's a collection of stories by female Nigerian writers invited by yours truly to give us Nigerian happy endings. Why happy endings? I'm glad you asked - 'cos the world is depressing as it is. I would like to read something that gives me hope, that tells me it's okay to dream a way out of this pit we've dug ourselves into (talking to you, Nigerians!). So yeah. We're basically done, and in a couple of weeks, I'll be sending it to the publisher, and then going to pray :D

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I don't know. Happy endings, I suppose.
(That makes no sense)
I don't know - I haven't really decided on a genre of choice, so I can't say. Feel free to call me Madam Gender-Bender.
(Wait. What?)

3. Why do I write what I do?
Ah!
I like to make people feel. If I can tug at an emotion then I'm happy. Oddly enough, writing happy endings is not exactly easy. (It's not easy, Period!) But it's worth it.

4. How does my writing process work?
That's a funny question.
Hmm. Well, first my internal discipline lever is broken so yeah...but external pressure (I'm ashamed to say) like deadlines are great. That's why the anthologies plan for the year 2014 is so great for me. But my process specifically - I ignore everything else - The Goo, Papa Goo, Meals, Housework and so on - and write. If it's good, yay! If it's not delete, and try again. Later...

So that's me (gosh, I'm entertaining). Next week, you'll hear from:

Kiah, who reads and writes, and likes to eat fried plantain, every day, all day.
www.kiahsscript.com

Pamela Agboga, who writes poems, playlets, short stories and articles.  She recently published her first novel, Weekends are For Loving, and is currently working on a movie script with a friend. She loves reading novels, and watching movies as much as writing, maybe even more, and hopes to beat her writing deadlines this year...so far so good.
www.chowilson.wordpress.com

Xavier Ighorodje, who is a writer of weird fiction, and has not seen it fit to supply his photograph or a bio. So hopefully, this will do (and shame him a little. Muah ha ha!)
www.mrxavierighorodje.wordpress.com

Author Spotlight: Nana Prah

So...in lieu of my apologies for dropping off the map (again), I'll just give you my Good News (which is also your Good News :D). You remember I said I wanted to work on 4 anthologies this year. Well, anthology one has been accepted by a certain publisher (no names. let's not jinx it), so yay!

But the reason I'm out of hibernation is to shine a spotlight (that was cheesy) on Ghanian romance author, Nana Prah.

Why? You ask. Well, as you know I love a good love story and so when I got a chance to read, and review Nana Prah's Midwife to Destiny. I jumped at it (heck yeah!).

But first, let's ask her a few questions, shall we...

Who is Nana Prah?
As a child we used to sing a jump rope song that went: “She’s the best in the west, cause she rocks so fresh.” Yup that’s me.

Why write romance?
For the same reason I read it. The Happily Ever After. It’s my favorite part.

What's the most romantic thing that ever happened to you?
Receiving a delivery of flowers along with this cute karate monkey that said “Heeyaaa” when you squeezed it. That was the best Valentine's day ever.

Do you think African men can be romantic?
They can be, but they aren’t. Romance takes time and finesse. Most don’t think it’s important to invest in.

Where would you say was the most romantic place in Ghana?
Any of the beaches. Sitting with someone as you watch the awesomeness of the ocean is romantic. Even better if you add a kiss or two.

You've been writing since you were in the eighth grade (according to your blog), but when did you decide you were going to get published and why?
Right out of nursing school I decided to chronicle my experiences as a new nurse. I wanted to show the world what a fresh nurse had to deal with. It ended up being a stress reliever for me, but I never submitted it to get published.

Did you have help along the way - writing coach, mentors?
I’d consider my friend, Tanya, a coach of sorts. After all she had a degree in English. That had to count for something. Now that I am published my beta readers and author friends have taken that role.

What do you do for fun?
I love to read. Hanging out with my friends always makes me happy.

What's your go-to movie to relax?
The Lake House with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. I adore that movie. It’s a romance with a bit of time shifting in it.

Which would you prefer - a quiet evening with friends, or a night out on the town? Why?
It depends on my mood and my friends. I enjoy staying in and chatting, but I do like to get my groove on every once in a while.

What's your favourite dish?
Pizza. The cheesier the better.

What's your favourite drink?
Coke. I could drink it by the gallon, but I don’t.

What's your favourite snack?
I actually wrote chocolate as my favourite dish until I saw this question.

What's your writing ritual?
I write in the evening. I sit in front of my computer and type away. Sometime only a few words come out, others days I have to force myself to stop and go to sleep. I don’t do anything special other than let the words flow.

What inspired Midwife to Destiny?
The desire to enter the Afro Romance Competition a couple of years ago. One of the requirements was that the romance had to be set in Africa. Since I didn’t have one written I set to work.

One review likened it to 'Grey's Anatomy in Africa'? Did that ever cross your mind?
Not at all, but I thought it was brilliant when I read the review. I wrote a post comparing the two works and discovered that yes, Midwife to Destiny can be considered the Grey’s Anatomy in Africa.

Does Destiny Series imply that readers should expect more books in this line? When and will there be any similarities?
The next book, Destiny Mine, is on the editing table. It features Esi, Ora’s sassy cousin and Adam, Jason’s arrogant womanizing best friend. When you read Midwife to Destiny you’ll know why Destiny Mine had me in stitches when I wrote it. I can’t wait to share.

What's your favourite thing about writing?
Expressing my ideas in a way that makes sense and entertains.

What's your least favourite thing about writing?
Editing. I’ve learned the hard way that when you’re doing it correctly, it’s a whole lot of stress.

What's the best piece of advice you got as a writer?
Get a beta reader. I don’t know what I did without them. Oh yes, without them I got rejection letters. They make my work so much better long before submitting it to publishers.

Any words of advice for new writers?
If you’re interested in writing, then write. Nothing is stopping you except yourself and your own insecurities. Live in love not fear, and everything will turn out well.

Ain't she a doll... Check out the blurb and excerpt below, and Get Your Copy Now!

Midwife to Destiny by Nana Prah
Destiny Series, Book 1
Contemporary Romance, Multicultural

BLURB

Ghanian nurse Aurora ‘Ora’ Aikins never expected to find the love of her life while on vacation in South Africa. Engaged to another and believing that love has no place in her life, she returns to Ghana, and puts duty and honor first.
Three years later, Dr. Jason Lartey still can’t get Ora out of his mind or his heart. After learning she never married, he takes a risk and moves to Ghana hoping to rekindle what they started. His sudden appearance in Ora’s Emergency Department sends sparks flying all over again.
They're in the same country, working in the same hospital, and together but distance creeps between them. Can they make their destined love one for the ages?  

 

Buy Links

Amazon | Decadent |ARe Barnes and Noble| Smashwords 

Add to Goodreads

The pain pulsing through Aurora ‘Ora’ Aikins’ injured wrist transitioned into a delicious, unfamiliar tingle when Dr. Lartey touched it.

"It's just my luck to come on vacation and get hurt,” she huffed in frustration as she forced herself to not sigh at the pleasure his gentle probing touch evoked.

"You were very lucky. The x-ray shows your wrist isn’t broken, but you sustained a very bad sprain so you have to be careful with it,” he said, sounding all business-like.
Each time he touched her wrist, her stomach twisted and her awareness of him as a man, with the need to get to know him better, intensified. These sensations unnerved her but the gorgeous man she had the privilege of calling her doctor seemed unaffected.
His confident stride had drawn her attention when he’d entered the consulting room. His spicy, with a citrusy undertone, cologne filled the sterile hospital air, making her nostrils flare to take in more of his unique scent. Deep brown eyes had perused her chart as she’d taken in his short-cropped hair, high cheekbones, and thick lips that brought kissing into her mind. Dark smooth skin rivalled the richness of high quality chocolate.
Ora scanned the emergency room cubicle, which had become smaller with the doctor’s broad-shouldered, towering stature, for cameras. Could she be on a reality TV show? Starring in one had never been a life objective, but the crew might have caught her unaware. No visible cameras, but those producers were sneaky and could place one inside a stethoscope.


Nana Prah was born in Ghana, West Africa, raised in the US and currently resides in Ghana where she loves her job as a writer and nurse educator. She has been writing since she can remember (in her journal) and has been an avid reader of romance novels since the eighth grade. She has finally been able to utilize the years and years of inadvertent research into writing her own romance novels where love always conquers all.


Blog: www.nanaprah.blogspot.com
Twitter: @NanaPrah
Facebook:Nana Prah,

Author
a Rafflecopter giveaway







　

Farafina Trust: Call For Submissions.

Hello you lovely people!

It's that time again. Time to send in your...okay, let me just put up the official statement and...yeah...

2014 Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop Sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc
　
 Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, organized by award-winning writer and creative director of Farafina Trust, Chimamanda Adichie, from August 5 to August 15 2014. The workshop is sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Guest writers who will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie are the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, Aslak Sira Myhre and others.

The workshop will take the form of a class. Participants will be assigned a wide range of reading exercises, as well as daily writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of Nigerian writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling. Participation is limited only to those who apply and are accepted.

To apply, send an e-mail to Udonandu2014@gmail.com


Your e-mail subject should read ‘Workshop Application.’

The body of the e-mail should contain the following:

1. Your Name

2. Your address

3. A few sentences about yourself

4. A writing sample of between 200 and 800 words. The sample must be either fiction or non-fiction.

All material must be pasted or written in the body of the e-mail. Please Do NOT include any attachments in your e-mail. Applications with attachments will be automatically disqualified. Deadline for submissions is June 30 2014. Only those accepted to the workshop will be notified by July 22 2014. Accommodation in Lagos will be provided for all accepted applicants who are able to attend for the ten-day duration of the workshop. A literary evening of readings, open to the public, will be held at the end of the workshop.

　

　

Okey Adichie

For Farafina Trust