2013...here we come!

The new year is right around the corner and as always, I'm excited. I love the new year for all the typical reasons. I'm not big on resolutions but I love the fresh feeling of a new year. So much happens in a year's time, we all need a fresh start, even if it is mostly symbolic. If you only change one thing in your life for the better, your life will improve.
As for me, I'm going to make less time for negativity in my life. Primarily, its a work thing. During our down time, people tend to complain A LOT. As I listen to several people complain continuously, I often wonder if I'm that bad. I think venting is normal, but I never want to be known as a Janie COMPLAINIE. So I guess the upside is that it makes me mindful of my behavior. The downside however, is that I go home completely drained. My life is relatively drama free by choice, so its not fun to carry the weight of other people's mess. So before I return to work, I'm coming up with ways to take that out of my work experience.
The other thing will be taking better care of myself. Just all around. I love my family but I love myself too. So I'm taking myself off the bottom of my priority list.
And of course I would love to meet more readers and read more awesome books!
What changes are you making in the new year?

the weekend was made for reading

Of course there are a lot of things to do on the weekend. All the chores you neglected during the week like laundry, yardwork and such. There's tv reruns to catch up on. Window shopping to do-whether you prefer to shop online or in stores. And never last on the list, spend time with loved ones. But in all honestly THE WEEKEND WAS MADE FOR READING.  And what better way to spend a December weekend curled up with your favorite blanket and a good book that makes you talk to yourself outloud?!
I know I will be reading this weekend. I have some great books and stories downloaded on my Kindle that I can't wait to dive into. I also have the Kindle App on my phone and on my computer. Yep, it's that serious. So join me this weekend, with some FREE reads by yours truly.

Friday, one-click my novel Decisions. Best friends Lena and Robyn are two women navigating their way through life and love. Join them on their journey. http://amzn.com/B005D1KZDS
You can also check out the novel's trailer http://youtu.be/bHFoUJ7Img8

Saturday, one-click I'm Innocent (Part 1 Murder was the Case). Kalena lands a job at an up and coming television station. She quickly begins to wonder if she's in over her head. http://amzn.com/B005GPRCZU

December, December.

Yep the year is coming to an end and there's more to do than ever. At least that's how it seems. I've been too busy to even think about New Years resolutions. I'm trying to get the most I can out of the month at hand. I am putting together some goodies for next year though. I would love to show my appreciation for readers by giving them goodies. So I'm working on something really good, stay tuned.

With Love

Yep, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And I'm happy to say that I'm not cooking. Well, at least not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It's me and the hubby's anniversary. So I'm making an alfredo chicken & broccoli lasagna. I know, I'm excited too. And maybe a special desert or something. I'm still thinking.
Speaking of the hubby, he's been working on the website, I can't wait until he's done. I know it's going to be awesome! So I'm forcing myself to be patient right now. While I wait, I'm working on some goodies to give away. Yay goodies! Handmade with love of course.
I wish everyone a safe Thanksgiving filled with love! Til next time...

Is it seriously November?

Time is flying by. I know I always say that, but that's because it's TRUE! Thanksgiving is around the corner and things have been pretty hectic with work, school, book stuff, family, etc. I'm finally sitting down to think about the next phase of things. There are so many things on my mind/in the works, I really need to make the best out of the next two months and get 'er done.
And before you even ask, yes I am one of those people who puts emphasis on getting things right for the New Year. I feel like it is a great time to evaluate and improve. I feel like you should work hard to make every year better than the one before. I know it doesn't always work out like that and you never know what's in store, but it's still worth the effort. Even if it's one thing. In the past couple years I have seriously been working on stress and not doing it so much. It's been a struggle but I've seen the change in myself. And people around me have seen it also.
For next year, I'm going to focus on seeing some of my ideas come to fruition. I'm going to stop putting things off or letting my tiredness keep me at a standstill. I have a job I like, but it's not the same fulfillment as I get from reading, writing and sharing the love for the written word with others. What are you working on for next year?

Have you read Easier Said Than Done? I need help!

Recently, I put my latest, Easier Said Than Done, on Amazon. I'm currently working on formatting the paperback. Initially, I never thought about writing a part 2. I mean it's never out of the question, but it wasn't in my plans. Now, however, I've been getting some encouragement to do it. So I've summoned the characters and they are ready to come back and let you know what they've been up to. But I'm not 100%. If you've read the book, drop me an email (augustnitepub@gmail.com), comment on this blog post or talk to me on facebook (facebook.com/ystclair) and tell me what you think. To sequel or not to sequel?

In other news, I finally feel like I'm getting into the groove, now that the school term is half over. But hey, better late than never, right? That means that next term I will be at full rockstar status. Okay, okay, that's enough chat. I need to get back to work. The list of things to do it ever-growing.

Later.

Weekend Plans?

When I woke up, I felt like I couldn't move. My body was so tired. It's been a long week. And being back in school, although only part time, is kicking my butt. Having class late on Thursday means I am close to no good on Friday. But I managed to muster everything I had inside (by the grace and God) and get my butt into work.
So I'm sitting here, thinking about everything I have to do this weekend, and everything I want to do. And it dawned on me: the weekend means more time for reading! So I hopped on Amazon to search for kindle books. I loaded about 5 new books on my Kindle and I'm ready to dive in. The hardest part will be figuring out what to read first. But that's a problem I don't mind tackling.
I do plan on being productive this weekend. But I also plan on enjoying some good reads. So, what will you be doing this weekend?

Double Happy...

Relaxing on this beautiful Friday evening. I'm about to check and see how many people are taking advantage of the free giveaway of The Best Friend. I can only hope that people are cuddled up this weekend reading my story! Happy Friday and Happy Reading!

Thank God It's (almost) Friday!

One year ago today I published my short story The Best Friend. In celebration of that, I'm giving it away for free this weekend. Friday and Saturday on Amazon. It's probably my favorite short story that I've written (I feel bad saying that, like I'm choosing a favorite child). But I enjoyed every minute of writing it and on occassion, I enjoy reading it.
Download a copy on your Kindle or Android phone this weekend and let me know what you think! Happy (almost) Friday!
http://amzn.com/B005MR3ORC

It's The Heat!

Have you read Easier Said Than Done (http://amzn.com/B008N699KA) yet? If so, thanks and I hope you enjoyed it. I would love to hear some feedback (review, email, etc.) If not, what the heck are you waiting for? Okay, okay, you've been busy. But there's no time like the present.

Okay, enough of the shameless plug. I've been going through spurts of productivity and doing as little as possible over the last couple of weeks. I think it's the heat. Yea, it's the heat, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm usually buzzing around like a busy little bee. But with the temperatures being over 100 degrees every day (with a good amount of humidity to match on some days), I feel like my energy has been completely zapped. And it doesn't help when sweat is just dripping down your forehead no matter what you do. I don't mind working up a sweat over a good workout. But sweating when you're absolutely still, now that's just ridiculous (guess I won't be taking any trips to the sauna anytime-ever!).
It's the middle of August, so the heat continues. Needless to say I'm looking forward to the winter (where I am those are the only two seasons, summer and winter).
Now let's see if I can be productive today since after work I did almost nothing yesterday!

Wish me luck!

Easier Said Than Done excerpt

Chapter 1

DJ woke up reaching for Emery, but felt only rumpled sheets. A smile spread across his face as he thought about last night.

           He had fallen asleep at the computer. When he woke up, Emery’s soft lips were on his forming erection and his body was tingling with pleasure. The feel of her warm tongue caused him to open his eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. He enjoyed the feel of her soft hair before he pulled it away from her face. He enjoyed the view for a moment, but he was feeling too good to keep his eyes open.
           Emery had a way with her tongue; it was methodical. Every stroke a part of her strategy. She knew DJ’s body so well that she could control his orgasm better than he could. She didn’t want him to reach his peak just yet. She wanted him rock hard and ready to go a couple of rounds with her.
            At 5‘4“ Emery was slender dark chocolate. As she moved her body on top of his, DJ admired her beauty. Her smooth skin, toned arms and legs, firm breasts and butt. The way her belly button was not quite an innie and not quite an outie. He loved watching her jet black hair sweep across her skin, grazing her nipples. He couldn’t help but reach up and grab her breasts. The contrast of her soft hair and erect nipples almost sent him over the edge…
            DJ trembled at the thought. She was probably in the kitchen cooking him breakfast. His baby was good to him like that. He stretched and headed to the bathroom to relieve himself.
            He opened the door and stood frozen.
            “I’m in here,” Emery said, but it was too late. DJ was standing there watching her hold a stick in between her legs as she sat on the toilet.
            “Is that what I think it is?”
            “Yes. Do you mind?” Emery asked while maintaining her awkward position.
            DJ closed the bathroom door and stumbled backward. His mouth was suddenly dry and he couldn’t put together a coherent thought.
            He and Emery had been a couple for two years. Although she had never pressed him to propose, he knew the desire was there. He saw it in her eyes every time she said ‘I love you’.
            The bathroom door opened and interrupted DJ’s thoughts. He turned toward Emery with raised eyebrows.
           “We have to wait.”
           “Okay, I can do that.”
           DJ began to pace back and forth inside of Emery’s small bedroom.
           “Can you stop? Unless you’re going to replace the carpet.”
           “Sorry, just a little nervous. In a few minutes we could be parents.”
            “I know, not exactly how I planned it.”
            “Me neither,” DJ said, still lost in his thoughts. His cell phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He tried to ignore it. Depending on the outcome of this pregnancy test, his life was about to change. The beautiful woman who’d been his girlfriend for the past two years could instantly become the mother of his child.
           “Can you just see who that is? It’s starting to get irritating.” Emery said, before returning to the bathroom.  
            DJ picked up his phone off the nightstand and unlocked it. He had a text message from Shanelle.
            Happy 6 Month Anniversary baby!
           Shit! Now definitely wasn’t the time.
            He quickly responded: Same to you. I’m kind of busy right now. I’ll see you tonight.
            DJ didn’t bother to wait for a reply. He sighed and turned off his phone. When he looked up, Emery was no longer in the room.
             “It’s done,” she yelled from the bathroom.
            “What does it say?”
            There was a few moments of silence, then Emery appeared in the doorway.
            “We’re pregnant.”
             “Really?” Although the nervousness DJ had been feeling didn’t completely dissolve, he felt a sense of joy he’d never felt before. The woman he loved more than anything in this world was carrying his child.
            “Yep, we’re having a baby!” Emery said, trying to get used to the words coming out of her mouth.
            He picked her up and swung around her bedroom until they were both dizzy.
            “Okay, okay!” Emery screamed in between giggles. They crashed onto the bed and let their heads stop spinning. As DJ stared into her eyes, he wondered what the hell he was going to do.

Currently available in ebook format on the Kindle http://amzn.com/B008N699KA

Back to Business

I feel like I just emerged from a cage. I've been spending my time enjoying family (my son just turned 3!) and writing my little heart out. The outcome, Easier Said Than Done, is available right now on Amazon for the Kindle. I'm so excited about it. Just looking at the cover makes me excited. I hope everyone enjoys it. I sure enjoyed writing it. http://amzn.com/B008N699KA

I'm going to post an excerpt when I'm done with this. I love feedback (the good, the bad and the ugly). I know you can't please everybody, but you can always improve when it comes to your craft. I feel like I'm always becoming a better writer and a part of that is because people are honest with me.

Right now I'm working on my first collaboration with another writer. It's still in the beginning stages so I can't say much, but I'm so amped! (do people still say that?) Anyway, I can't wait for people to get their hands on it. Until then, I'm going to keep working on it. Hopefully, this time I won't disappear into the shadows. I could seriously exist in my own world and write all day. But the world doesn't work like that. At least mine doesn't. So I'll work on maintaining the balance.

Okay, well, I gotta go. I have to go find a mountain top that I can scream from. I want everybody to read this story and connect with these characters. Good intentions are one thing. But we all know doing right is Easier Said Than Done!

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday,

I hope everybody had a great father's day. I know I did. I told my son to say Happy Father's Day to his dad. And of course that means he said it to everybody, all day. That boy is too funny.
For the next two weeks, I need to be super duper productive if I want to get the deadlines I've set for myself. That means waking up early to get things done before work and staying up late to get things done after the little one is asleep.

Coming soon...Easier Said Than Done...a story about doing the right thing when it comes to love.

Don't forget to check out the website. I would love some feedback if you have any. http://www.augustnitepublishing.com/

It's Monday and I feel great!

Usually, come Monday, I'm Janie Complainie, but today I feel good. I slept okay and have been fairly productive today. It must be all the 90s music I've been listening to. I seriously don't know what I would do without youtube...
I've been getting so much writing done, I love it. When I have other things to do, I find myself rushing through them so I can get back to the computer. Speaking of which, I gotta go, my characters are calling. Later.

It's Free Friday!

I know I'm not alone when I say that Friday is one of my favorite days of the week. Feeling the weekend approach makes me feel like the possibilities are endless. No matter how much I get done (or don't get done) during the weekend, it never changes the Friday feeling.
Today, I'm Innocent pt 2: New Beginnings is free on Amazon.
http://amzn.com/B0075X9JHU
If you've read part 1 then you have to check out part 2. I know I left you hanging, but trust me you won't be mad at me when you're done. Part 1 introduces readers to Kalena Marie Cole. Just as this young beauty is beginning to change, her world goes into a tailspin and everything within her is put to the test. In pt 2, the tests only intensify but Kalena is a survivor. She's on a mission to reclaim her life, on her terms. Will she succeed?
And if you've never read pt 1 and have no idea what I'm talking about, start from the beginning for only $.99. http://amzn.com/B005GPRCZU
I hope everybody has a great weekend. I know I will. :)

where does the time go?

So much has been going on, I've been neglecting the internet. Found a new place that was a lot more spacious and in the budget, so the hubby and I had to jump on it. From the time we saw the place for the first time, it only took two weeks before we were moved in. We are completely exhausted, but loving it. And now that things have settled a little, I'm back to poking around on the internet and seeing what everybody in cyberspace is up to.
People are doing so many awesome things, it's great to see. I use all the wonderful people I interact with as inspiration to keep working towards my goals. Some days, I'm so tired. My job is more draining to the emotional than the physical. But I will get out my laptop, open it and then just stare at it. The next thing I know, it's still sitting there and I'm watching a rerun of something I've seen a thousand times or playing dinosaurs with my son. I need to get back to being more dilligent about writing daily. I know some people are doing who work more taxing jobs than I do, so I have no excuse.
Anyway, it's Thursday. I always love to reflect before the weekend. The time away from work is the perfect time to get my butt in gear and turn my words into actions.
I hope everybody has a great weekend.

good morning!

It's Tuesday morning,

I should be getting ready for work, but instead I'm on the computer. I've been having so much fun following other people's blogs and seeing all the great things they have to share. Since I've started this journey, I've met (mostly via internet), so many great authors and other talented folks. I love to see people working hard for their passion. It only motivates me to give my dreams the proper time and attention.
I felt so good waking up today, I can feel something good in the works. I don't know what it is yet, but that's the fun part right?
God is so good and if nothing else, I will make sure I take the time to enjoy my surroundings today. Where I live now, I don't get the view of the stars I used to, but the mountains are very close by and always breathtaking.
I hope everyone has a great week and makes the most out of everyday.

free today!

Free Today. The Best Friend. So here's an excerpt in celebration of the promo. http://amzn.com/B005MR3ORC

Michaela couldn't believe her three year relationship was at a standstill. She should have been planning her wedding. Instead, she was listening to James give her the same lame excuses why he couldn't get a divorce right now. She was on the verge of tears and he was making it seem like it she was simply overreacting. Couldn’t he see that he was ruining her life?

 If he couldn't be the man she needed, then she'd rather be alone. How many times had she heard her mother say that men were pretty much worthless? She always thought her mother was just bitter, but maybe she was on to something.

             As she half-listened to James, she got a call on the other line.

             When her phone beeped, she cut James off.

 "I've got to go, I'm getting another call."

Click.

             "Hello?"

             "I'm getting married!" Kristen screamed in her ear.

              "What?" She knew they loved each other, but Kristen and Cameron's relationship had barely reached a year. She should have known. They were a Ken and Barbie dipped in chocolate if she'd ever seen one. Kristen and Cameron. Even their names sounded like the perfect couple.

Kristen was talking so fast, it was hard to keep up. Michaela tried to listen, but she was too busy imagining what the wedding would be like. Extravagance was Kristen's middle name. Nothing was done on a small scale. The girl arrived at her sixteenth birthday in a horse-drawn carriage. Being the only daughter meant Kristen always had everything she wanted. Michaela knew her best friend’s parents would spare no expense to give their daughter a proper send-off.

A single tear fell down her cheek. The best friends always talked about marrying their dream man. Judging by how things were going with James, Michaela wondered if being a bridesmaid was the closest she was going to get to a wedding. 

oh, the updates!

Here's how my day goes: I go to work and am determined to stay focused. Which is entirely difficult because teenagers have a way of demanding your attention. But all day long, I thinking about the things I want and need to do when I get home. Most of it involves the computer. Writing, editing, connecting with folks, website stuff, etc. Then I get home and I'm so tired, I feel like I'm crawling to get on the computer. After a few hours, my extra chair cushion is not so cushy and my eyes are begging me to give it a rest. But getting things done keeps me motivated, so here I am.

Looking for something great to read? (Can you feel the shameless plug coming?) I'm Innocent (part 1 and 2 together) in Paperback. Check it out! I promise you won't be disappointed.
http://amzn.com/1475166656

And I got my website done (finally). augustnitepublishing.com Check it out. I'm always open to feedback so let me know what you think.

Luckily, I can see what folks are up to on facebook on my phone. Couch, here I come!

Time to do the happy dance!

I'm Innocent is now available in paperback on Amazon. Visit my author page and check it out.

I'm so excited, I don't know what to do with myself. Time to do the happy dance!

amazon.com/author/ystclair

I've been busy, busy, busy. But only in the best of ways. Hopefully soon all of my hard work will pay off and my website will be up and the paperback version of I'm Innocent (part 1 and 2 together) will be available.
Maybe after that I will get a chance to get on FB and see what folks are up to. I hope they haven't had too much fun without me!

Searching-a short story by Yvette St Clair

Tonight was the night. Trent was determined to enjoy some grown-up time with his girl. Keisha always complained about being too tired for sex, but not tonight. He'd left work early to make sure nothing stood in the way of them being together.

He was about to knock on the door, when he realized it was open slightly. When he opened the door, he had to adjust his eyes to the darkness. The music let him know she was in there somewhere. As he stepped closer, he saw two bodies intertwined in a sixty nine position. The woman let out a very familiar moan, and Trent knew it was his girl. Keisha had claimed she didn't like sucking dick. But there she was, in action. Trent watched her take all of it like she was trying out for the BJ Olympics. She still hadn't noticed he was standing there, so Trent turned off the stereo and turned on the light.

"What the fuck Keish?"

The mystery man jumped up and reached for his clothes. Trent realized that it was Keisha's neighbor. He got his pants on quickly and mumbled a "my fault" before leaving quickly.

"Trent, what are you doing here?"

"No, Keisha, what are you doing?"

"What did it look like? I'm tired of your shit Trent. You just show up at my place unannounced?"

"Well your door was open. You should be glad I’m not a killer.”

"Well you sure did kill the mood. Look Trent, you're nice and all, but I need a ruler, not a pencil."

"Maybe if you weren't getting your shit banged out by every dick in the building, you wouldn't need a ruler."

"If you're just gonna insult me, you can leave," Keisha said putting on her robe.

"Insult you? Fuck you Keisha. I hope you fall in love with an enormous dick and he fucks his way through all your friends."

Trent slammed the door as hard as he could. He wondered how long it would take Keisha to call ole boy back over for round two.

The entire ride home Trent kept glancing at his crotch. It wasn't huge, but it wasn't a pencil. With too much on his mind to be alone, he hoped his cousin Jaime was home, at the two bedroom apartment they shared.

"Whoa, what happened to you?"

"Keisha happened to me."

Trent gave him the complete run down. By the time he was done, Jaime was almost doubled over in laughter.

"Damn T, that sounds like some tv shit. You really told her you hope some big dick dude fucks all her friends? That's hilarious."

"It's the only thing I could think to say at the time. This shit really ain't that funny. This is my life!"

"Okay, but you brought it on yourself, like always."

"What? How?"

"You pick the wrong girls, man. Keisha is fine, but she's only a couple of bad decisions from the stripper pole. You need, a more wholesome girl."

Trent sat back on the couch, to digest what his cousin was saying. Did he really go for the wrong type of girl? Even though he was 26 he couldn't think of a past relationship that lasted more than a few months. He'd always thought the women just weren't ready, but would women like Keisha ever be ready for him?

Determined to be Productive

Why does the weekend go by so fast? I swear it was just last Sunday...
Anyway, my plan for today is to be as productive as possible. That should be the plan everyday, but some days the plan is to do nothing at all. *sigh*
My son is watching SpongeBob and i think the hubby said something about making breakfast. Hmm. Happy Sunday!

...

Two more days until the weekend. I won't say I'm completely exhausted, but I am pretty tired. I feel like I need to play catch up with some family and friends. I've definitely been neglectful in that area. Even though we all know it's not on purpose, people who love you never pass up the opportunity to make you feel guilty. But that's ok. I will call/text/email and start with an apology. Then I'll be right back into their good graces. You gotta be strategic with these things.
Well, I guess I'll go. My son rolled his toy under the couch again and I have to go get it...

Perfect Sunday!

It's the perfect lazy Sunday. Rain is falling and I have no intentions of going outside.
Today is the last day of the promo. I'm Innocent Part 1 will be free until the end of the day.
Okay, I guess I'll go back to watching Soul Food the series. Even though I watched it the first time, it's still just as good.

Intact

These words will probably never reach you
But they will try
Just as I do
When I’m lying in bed at night
One side-vacant, cold, still intact
You know that’s your side
Or maybe I never told you
But how could you not know?
Because all I ever wanted was you
And my heart has shared that many times
But you have yet to become mine
And it’s because these words will probably never reach you
And soon they will stop trying
Just like me
Pulling my arms back over to my side
And placing them under my pillow
So that I might hold onto my dreams
Because I believe that is all I have left
But that’ll never be enough
To keep me satisfied in this bed-
Still vacant, cold, and painfully intact.

-Yvette St. Clair

Happy Friday!

It's Friday, the day I look forward to every week. But this Friday is special, I'm Innocent Part 1: Murder was the Case is FREE (my favorite thing) the entire weekend!
I'm so excited. I'm excited like I'm getting something for free. I love the opportunity to reach new readers and make connections with other movers and shakers.
I'm feeling so good, I think I will post a poem. I've never done that. I usually keep my poetry under lock and key. Don't ask why, I have no idea. But sharing is caring right?

I hope everyone has a wonderful, restful weekend.

Love It!

tired, but excited

I've been so tired. Between work, family time and trying to put as much time into writing as possible, I'm exhausted. I feel like I never accomplish everything I want to, but then again, I've never felt like that in my whole life. I'm sure everybody can relate. There's just not enough time in the day.
But on the upside, I feel really productive and excited about the future.
Ok, time to get back to it. Working on a story I'm dying to finish.

Check out my titles on Amazon and leave some feedback. It's always appreciated.