What's Up With Deatri

Protect and Serve

2008-07-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I read an AWSOME romance novel titled Protect and Serve by Gwyneth Bolton. I loved, loved, loved this book. Yeah, yeah, I know. You are probably saying, it’s just another romance. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl kiss and make up then live happily ever after. Yep, it was all in there, but though I do love the formula of romance, the formula isn’t what did it for me this time.

Nope, this time it was the secondary characters who were, to say the least, not quite the type of characters you see in your typical romance novel. I mean, at least with not as large of roles. You’ll have to purchase the book to see exactly what I’m talking about.

Anywhoooo, I want the secondary characters to have their own book. The book wouldn’t be a romance, at least not a traditional romance, but who cares! I want that story. Now all I have to do is figure out how to convince Gwen to squeeze time out of the time she doesn’t have to write that book. LOL.

Oh well, I have writing to do myself. I’ll catch ya next month.

Peace
Deatri

The Baby Boomer and the Millenial

2008-05-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Drugs, sex, music, war—Many see the Baby Boomers as the first generation to allow outside forces to come before raising their children. Drugs, sex, music, war, reality television—Many see today’s young mothers—Generation Y: the Millennials—as a lost generation and their children are left to their own devices.

I can’t tell you about groups of people, but I can tell you about two phenomenal women. One a Baby Boomer, the other a Millenial.

Like many of you, my family had little money while I was growing up. Truth be told, we still don’t have much, but that’s a different discussion. Mary C. Hodges, Baby Boomer extraordinaire and my mother, had her first child a few months after she turned sixteen. A year or so later, her husband, my father, was shipped to Vietnam. Needless to say, those first few years of marriage and motherhood were difficult for her.

Fast forward to five years after I was born (thirty-five not too long years ago) when the doctors informed my mother I had Dyslexia. There was no Internet back then. Even now, many of the people in the small town I grew up in aren’t privy to the information highway. Teachers and other “professionals” told my parents I would never learn to read. But my mother wasn’t hearing it. Drugs, sex, music, war, ignorance…nothing came before her children. My mother volunteered in the school mornings, then went to her fulltime job (1-10 pm). I remember how bone tired she was. I’d want her to take a nap on the weekend, but instead she’d take us to the library and/or the park.

Since the school didn’t have the aptitude, or maybe the inclination to teach me, she taught me the best she could and found others who weren’t ready to throw away yet another Black child. To make a long story short—I can read, y’all, and some say I can write J. But more importantly, I have learned to appreciate all my mother went through and did for me. Trust me, I’m only giving you a glimpse and, unfortunately, I know many who were not as blessed as me to have such a phenomenal mom.

Next I’d like to introduce you to Daetriel King-Bey, a Millenial extraordinaire and my daughter. Daetriel had my grandson a few months before she turned nineteen. Unfortunately, the vast majority of my daughter’s friends also have children, but they are not caring for them. Daetriel puts me in mind of my mother in that she is tireless when it comes to caring for her child. She drops Joshua (19 Months) at daycare at 6 a.m., hops the bus for a full day of beauty school, then works until 9 p.m.

Since she also works 8-10 hours over the weekend, she is exhausted, yet she always makes time to be with the baby. They live in my house, and I hear her up at O’dark-thirty playing with him before he has to go to daycare. On her one day off a week, she spends the entire day with him. Not having the television watch him while she talks on the phone, surfs the Internet or sleeps, but spends quality time with him.

Drugs, sex, music, war, reality television… I salute and thank all of you mothers out there who tune out the noise of the outside world and are doing your do!

Happy Belated Mother’s Day
Deatri King-Bey

Don't Blink

2007-05-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

I know life gets away from all of us every once in a while, but man, mine has lost all control. I'm not complaining. Life is good, just crazy. But I blinked and half the year is almost gone.

In January I quit my job at Parker Publishing as Editing and Marketing Manager(FYI:the three women who built Parker Publishing's impressive author list are no longer there). That was just a start.

I have a writing partner. I've never written with a partner before, but we seemed like a great match and we both wanted to try. Wellllll, we ended up writing a fantastic novel in 2 months. Yep. 60 days, 300+ pages and have a rough sketch of the 3 next novels in the series (no it didn't start out a series) We are now outlining the second novel while the first is being edited.

I'm helping organize the Romance Slam Jam Conference to be held in May 2008 in Chicago. It's measuring up to be a SPECTACULAR event. I remember the first time I attended the Romance Slam Jam. I was in awe of the authors there and the family environment was addictive. I can hardly waith for the Slam Jam. Now I would be remiss if I didn't ask you to come on to the slam jam. We are all going to have a good time, and I truly want to see you there. Grab your friends and let's do this.

For my 20th wedding anniversary, my hubby took me on a cruise and I loved it. And boy did I eat toooo much.

Check this out. In March my husband came home from work and said, "Hey Dee, how do you feel about moving to Arizona." Now this was a trick question because he knows I have ALWAYS wanted to live in Arizona. Anywhooo, here it is two months later, and I'm finishing up packing! Yep, we are moving to Phoenix Arizona from Chicago IL. I've been packing, preparing the house for sell... Sunday I'm driving my husband's car down to him. Then I'm coming back home for my children and grandson.

Early April I was asked to be a columnist at Blogging In Black. Each month I get to talk about anything I want. Well almost anything. It should be related to books. I've already posted two articles.

Oh and let's not forget the books. Ebony Angel came out in February and has been TEARING UP THE CHARTS and Beauty and the Beast (my December title) has also been doing quite well. People either love or hate both books. LOL. I'm cool with that. I write characters that do that to you. LOL.

I just received my author copies of the first erotic romance! Whisper Something Sweet was fun to write. I loved the characters and I put two full romances in there.

Did I tell you I have an E-Book coming out. I think in September or August. Sheeesh, I can't remember. Anywhooo, I had this 50,000 word manuscript sitting around collecting cyber dust. Sooooo, my friend Missy Brown (the agent) sold it to Midnight Showcase. E-books are getting pretty big. I thought I'd try it out. This book is like none other I've written for several reasons besides being shorter. Mainly, there isn't any killing. Yep. Y'all know me. I kill folks in my romances. This is my attempt at a traditional romance in a Fantasy setting (now you know I had to do something different). It will also be available in print, but they will sell the electronic version first.

On a sad note, a good friend of mine passed on 17 May. Katherine D. Jones
The wake was 23 May (my birthday) and the funeral was 24 May. Seeing the outpouring of love from the romance community was truly beautiful.

A lot more has and still is going on, but I'm ending now. Tell everyone about the Romance Slam Jam.

Much Joy Peace and Love and Don't Blink

Let's Talk

2007-02-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday Ebony Angel made it to number 3 on Amazon for Mulitcultural Romances. YEAH!!!! That was cool. Thanks for the support everyone. The highest Beauty and the Beast made it was number 8 which I'm also very proud of. Again THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT EVERYONE.

At the back of my books, I try to include discussion questions for bookclubs. Wellllll a few people have emailed me wanting to discuss the questions with me. I think this is great, and of course, we discuss the questions. But wouldn't it be more fun if we acutally discussed them as a group like in a chat session?

I've been dinged many times for my romances being mainstream-ish because of the strong non-romance elements I incorporate in my novels. In Beauty and the Beast the hero has Bi-polar disorder and the heroine is severly scarred--including her face. In the Black community, talking about mental illness is a taboo, and in a romance to challenge the reader and industry on what true beauty is--Unheard of.

Let's move on to Ebony Angel. We have a serious drug problem in our community. Many of us know people who use and/or sell illegal drugs. They are our brothers, sons, fathers, sisters, aunts... Do we just disown these people? In Ebony Angel, the heroine maintains contact with the father of her child who is a drug dealer--again, unheard of in romance. Also the hero, Richard, has race issues within his family that aren't ususally tackled in romances (I can't say, don't want to give away the secret).

We can even go back as far as Caught Up. Whew! There are tons of issues in that novel to discuss. I don't have discussion questions at the end of the novel, but I do have them. Email me if you'd like a copy deatri@deewrites.com.

Anywhoooooo, I say all of this because I'm ready to talk. Let's dicuss these books. Shoot me an email and let me know if you are interested, and I'll set up a chat session. Make sure to let me know which book.

Much Joy Peace and Love
Deatri

Ebony Angel and Stuff

2007-02-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

My first interracial romance, Ebony Angel, is available in bookstores nationwide and also through online stores such as Amazon.com

Last weekend I had my first signing for Ebony Angel and the turn out was really nice. Thanks to everyone who came by, and also thanks to everyone who helped make Ebony Angel #4 on Amazon for Multicultural Romances. That was really cool.

Those of you who know my writing style, know this romance will not be your typical romance. After you finish reading, hit me up on email and let me know what you think. Man, I'm still hearing it about certain characters in Caught Up (my first novel). I'm not complaining, I love that you all fell in love with the characters.

Back to multicultural romances on Amazon. Why are there so many non-romance books under that section? Never mind, I know. LOL. Just feeling a little devilish on this Valentines Day.

I've made a major change in my life. I'm no longer Marketing and Editing Manager at Parker Publishing, but am back to doing freelance editing. I'm aslo entering school in the fall to earn my MBA with an emphasis in Marketing. I can hardly wait!!!

Okay, that's it for now. I just wanted to check in and let you know what's up.

Much Joy Peace and Love
Deatri

I'm BACK

2007-01-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I stopped blogging for the past year. After my grandmother passed, I just didn't have it in me. I switched over to amazon connect and posted a few times, but again, just haven't had the umph.

Well, it's 2007. I still miss my grandma, but I'm doing a lot better. I've even gotten new energy in my writing!!!! I'm presently working with a partner to write a THRILLER!!! Yep.

Anywhoooo, let me catch you up on what's happened since I last posted.

Caught Up did fantastic!!! There are still people emailing me about the characters they loved most. I guess characterization is my favorite part of writing. Creating characters the readers love, hate, sympathize, cry, laugh with...

My second novel Beauty and the Beast hit the bookshelves at the end of December. It's my contemporary romance version of the fairytale. The hero and heroine are definately like nothing you've ever seen in a romance. Check it out.

Next month my first interracial romance comes out. You'll see in all of my romance, I do not write traditional characters or plots. I don't break the rules of romance but I do expand the box (SMILE).

I'll be running a contest next month to go along with the release of Ebony Angel, so stay tuned.

Oh, I ran one for Beauty and the Beast. I'll copy and paste the results.

Until next time, read a great book or two, support your local library, and be good to each other.

Much joy peace and love
Deatri

BEAUTY AND THE BEAT CONTEST WINNERS

I pray the New Year has been kind to everyone!The competition was close, but the judges have FINALLY chosen the winners of the What’s Your Favorite Fairy Tale contest.

CONGRATULATIONS Rhonda Jackson Joseph and Maria Velazquez

Let’s see what the winners had to say.

My favorite fairy tale is Cinderella. I love how Cinderella is able to just be herself and good things still come to her. When her fairy godmother helps her out, she is only bringing out the beauty, charm, and grace that Cinderella has inside her. Without riches or family support she is able to win the prince for a lifetime of love--you can't beat that. I also like how her stepsisters have the money and their mother backing them all the way, but because they are "ugly inside," they don't prosper. —Rhonda Jackson Joseph

My favorite fairy tale is the one about Rapunzel. I always felt bad for the witch; she makes me think of those crazy older people who have nothing in their lives but their memories and their anger, and who never learned how to love others without hurting them. —Maria Velazquez

Both ladies will receive a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com, Barns and Noble or Borders.

I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the contest. This was really fun. If you’d like, send me an email (deatri@deewrites.com), and I’ll post your answer on my website. There were a lot of great replies. No wonder it took the judges so long to decide.

For those of you who have purchased my contemporary romance version of Beauty and the Beast—thank you, and thank you for the emails with your comments. I’m truly touched that so many have been able to relate with Nefertiti and Bruce and love their story.

Stay in touch. My next novel, Ebony Angel, hit's the shelves in a few weeks and I'm thinking of a contest to run.

Much Joy Peace and Love

Deatri King-Bey

Caught Up Release Party

2006-01-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Okay folks, I’ve been writing for years and was finally pressured into submitting something for publication. So I went though the process with a lack luster attitude, more excited about seeing books I’ve edited than thinking about my own book coming out.

Well, February 2006 is quickly approaching, and it has finally hit me. MY FIRST BOOK IS COMING OUT!!! Man is this cool. LOL. Dang, I should have done this years ago.

I wasn’t going to have a release party, but my friends have convinced me that I must. My buddies at Third World Press graciously offered to host the event. Third World Press is one of the, if not the, oldest black owned independent publishing company. Anywhooo, I said all of that to say that you are invited to my release party.

Date: 25 February 2006
Time: 1-3p.m
Location: Third World Press (7822 S. Dobson Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60619)
Parking: Available in front of TWP and in the school parking lot directly behind TWP. Please do not park across the street from TWP. The press is in a residential area.

Here are a few of the things to look forward to:
Lots of door prizes
*A tour of Third World Press
A reading and Q and A session
Finger foods and a little something, something to wash it down.

Besides my book Caught Up being available at a discounted price, I have made arrangements for Third World Press books to be 20% off cover price. Yep, that includes the new Gloria Naylor book 1996.

The hitch, I need for you to RSVP. Unfortunately, space is limited, so I'm doing this on a first come first serve basis. Once we hit the magic number, well... you see where I'm headed. Sorry. I wish everyone could fit. To reserve your spot, email me at caughtup@deewrites.com. Make sure you name others who will be attending with you if you are not attending alone (Sorry, but that dang blasted space thing).

Thanks a whole lot and a bunch. I hope to see you there!!!!!
Much Joy Peace and Love
Deatri

*The publishing house is in a former rectory of church. The architecture is that “good ol’ stuff.” You know, hard wood flooring, intricate molding, lots of nooks and character… simply beautiful. And the publisher—Haki Madhabuti—has turned the press into a art museum of African-American and Afrocentric art. This tour is a treat!!!! We’ll be hanging out in the library mostly, and this isn’t just any ol’ library. Man the history… Whew, I can go on and on and on…

How Do You Cope?

2005-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here I am thirty-seven years old, and silly me thought I could cope with anything that came my way. I listened to the lessons I was taught growing up, and I even learned from others’ mistakes. Yep, in my arrogance I thought I was ready.

Then my mother calls and tells me Grandma isn’t doing so well. Logically, I understand about death. I know she can’t live forever. But logic doesn’t comfort me and the family. It doesn’t relieve her pain. It doesn’t absorb my mother’s tears.

The family has gathered to be with Grandma. I thank God our family is so tight. We are not mourning her. She is still with us and will always be, in a way. But it is still hard. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to not be able to pick up the phone and tell Grandma my great and not so great moments.

Every Mother’s Day my sister and I redo her flower garden. We spend hours shopping, buying way to many flowers to fit, and planting them ourselves. Grandma brags to everyone in city about what her grandbabies do for her like we put professionals to shame.

Who will make the homemade applie pie. I'm talking the best crust ever made. Grandma tried to teach me, but my attempts turned out harder than bullet proof vest.

I try to take my mind off the inevitable by working, emailing, anything but facing reality, but it isn’t working. Simply put, I want my grandma to live forever. But then I see the pain she is in, and I pray God ends her suffering—whether that end means a miracle that eliminates the cancer or him calling her home.

I know the author of When Death Comes A Knockin’, Vanessa Johnson (http://www.lulu.com/vanessaajohnson). Fabulous book I recommend to everyone. In it she explains about people who were close to her that have passed, how these deaths affected her, and how she eventually coped. I’m not trying to be funny, but I need a prequel. What do you do when you know your loved one will die? How do you cope, but still be there for your family and the one who is ill?

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

Are You Ready?

2005-08-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Every place has some type of natural disaster. Where I’m from, the disaster is tornados. When I lived in Texas, flash floods and tornados were common in the area I lived in.

Now I know folks like to think “this will never happen to me,” but how did so many people end up stranded in New Orleans?

This is not a Louisiana phenomena. The majority of my life, I have lived in areas where it snows toooooo dang much, and at times you are unable to leave the house for shopping or whatever. So please tell me why neighbors come to my door asking to borrow food, toilet paper, a flashlight…

Are you ready?

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

The Kids Are Back In School—LET’S PARTY!!!!

2005-08-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I don’t know about you, but over the summer children ranging in ages from 11 though 17 invade my home. I work from home, thus my nieces and nephews along with my children take up every free inch of my home. Folks literally think I run a teen center or something. Well, actually they think that anyway because during the school year the children in the neighborhood hand out at my place until their parents get home. Anyway, by the time they return to school, I was ready for school to start back up a month ago.

Whew, I love my family, but I need a vacation. Boy am I glad school has started.

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

Peer Pressure

2005-08-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

This week’s topic, peer pressure, is one that has either touched your life or currently is. Yesterday the children’s choir sang at my church. The children range from age 3 to 18 with the smallest children sitting in front to the tallest in back (so it’s also loosely organized by age).

Anyway, I noticed the little kids were having a ball, singing, clapping, in their own world. But something happened around the seven and eight year olds. They were still clapping and having a good time, but it wasn’t as enthusiastic as the younger children. As you looked further into the rows, the children became more subdued. By the time you hit the back row many of the kids were looking at each other and barely opening their mouths as if they were afraid someone would see them sing.

Being the type of person I am, after church I approached one of the older children who I know well and asked her about a song they sang that I know she loves. “That’s my jam!” she said. So I asked her why she barely opened her mouth during it, but when we are in my car, she just about blows our eardrums out. She was like, “I love that song, but I don’t want to be the only one singing.”

Next, I asked her why she is in the choir if she is afraid to sing, and she says because she loves to sing. I gave up after that.

So folks, what can we do to help our children not bow down to peer pressure? What are your comments about peer pressure?

Much joy, peace, and love
Deatri

Must You Love Your Relatives?

2005-08-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

This week’s topic is one that I’ve gotten in trouble with by my family quite often. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told that I have to love and/or like someone because they are a family member.

Now I’ll admit, I do love all of my family members, but I don’t like quite a few. Why should I like a drug addict that robs my home, why should I like a child abuser, why should I like someone so miserable they try to bring everyone else down with them? I’m sorry, but I’m not the one.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want any harm to come to anyone. As a matter of fact, I pray they straighten out their lives and have even tried to lend a helping hand. But I’m only human. I can’t make myself like people who aren’t too likeable in my opinion.

What’s your take?

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

Kids Say The Darndest Things

2005-08-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

My youngest child took a plane across the country by herself last week. They are growing up so fast. I can still hear their little voices saying the most outlandish things. This weeks topic is more fun. Write/list things you’ve heard children say that blew your mind, had you laughing, or even made you cry.

Here are a few of the gems my daughters have said over the years.

One morning when I was dropping off my daughter at pre-school, she stopped me at the coat cubby and pulled me down to her ear level, saying, “Mommy, don’t go all the way in with me. I’m a big girl now.”

When my daughter was six we were heading to Decatur from Chicago to visit my parents. My daughter asked if she could take her radio, and I told her that they have radios in Decatur. She then says, “But, Mama, I need to take a Chicago radio so I can hear Cordell read his Christmas poem on the radio.”

One fall we were driving down the road and my then seven-year-old daughter pointed at the telephone wires, which had lots of birds sitting on them, and said, “Mama, it sure was nice of them to build those airports for birds.”

For you writers out there. Pay attention to how children speak and incorporate it into your writing. For example, if you have a five year old character, listen to five year olds, watch how they act and react.

Okay, your turn. And I'd rather not have entries that have the kids cussin' and fussin'. Thanks.

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

Make Me Taste It

2005-07-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Yesterday I was eating a nectarine, my all time favorite food, and got to thinking—which is always dangerous. I’d love to be able to write a passage where I described a nectarine so well that the readers could see it, feel it, smell it, taste it, hear themselves bite into it…

So are you up to the challenge? Can you write a passage about your favorite food in a way that readers could swear they had just tasted a delicious bite?

I’m not promising, but I’ll try.

Feel free to talk about your favorite food, why it’s your favorite and all.

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

That’s Not How I Saw Them

2005-07-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This week's topic is one many authors will be able to identify with. Imagine you’ve just received your content edit from your editor or notes from your agent and she/he has told you that your protagonist must be taller, darker, have different eye color… Okay you could handle that. How about a name change? Okay, you can handle that. How about if he/she says your African-American protagonist needs to be white? How about if he/she says to change the culture of the protagonist?

Yep, it happens. How would you handle it? I’m an author and an editor, thus have been on both sides of this issue. I’m interested to hear your thoughts.

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

First Memory

2005-07-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

What is your first memory? Mine is from when I was three. The memory I’m about to write was verified. Well most of it was anyway. I had to fill in a few blanks.

My dad loves to fish. I remember him casting his line in the lake, then sitting beside me on a large slab of cement, which I later learned had been placed there for fishermen. I had my own line to watch, but took in the tree lined scenery. To the right of the slab was grass. And in the grass was this oval, greenish-brown rock with the neatest square design on it. Only three years old at the time, I can’t remember if I recognized the rock as an oval and the design as squares, but that’s what I see in my minds eyes.

Daddy said something to me that I don’t remember. What I do remember is the rock moved! I tugged Daddy’s arm and pointed at the rock, which was headed toward the water. Not getting the response I wanted, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I hopped up and ran for the rock. Daddy called me back, but do you think I listened? Heck no! I was three and had never seen a walking rock before. The rock was almost in my grasp when it tipped into the water, and I suddenly I hovered over the ground. Next thing you know, the rock got away.

Floating in the air, I couldn’t control what direction I went in. Though my head remained pointed at the lake, watching my rock sink, my body turned away from the lake. Upset my find had gotten away, I looked to see what was making me float. I’d never been able to float before. Maybe losing the rock wasn’t so bad, seeing on how I could now float, maybe even fly like a bird.

Accepting I wouldn’t have a walking rock but could float, I faced the same direction as my body. Daddy had a frown on his face and me by the back of my overalls. Even at three, I knew the look on his face was not happy. To help fix his face, I quickly told him about the walking rock. The way I saw it, he had super long arms, and if I said the magic word—please—he would reach to the bottom of the lake and get the rock for me.

Well, he didn’t reach to the bottom of the lake. Instead, he laughed, hugged me and then tied the strap of my overalls to one of the belt hoops of his pants so we could continue fishing.

That’s it. By the way, the rock was a turtle.

Have a happy trip down memory lane.

Much Joy, Peace, and Love
Deatri

YIKES!!! I can't believe I'm a BLOGGER!!!

2005-07-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Yeah I did it. I’ve turned into one of the sheep that are aimlessly following the crowd of bloggers. SMILE. Just kidding.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Deatri King-Bey a mother of teens, wife of 18 years to a great man—yes they do exists, content editor and author. Thus there’s no telling what types of entries you’ll find in my blogspot. This should be fun.

My debut novel, Caught Up, is due for release in February 2006. Presently I’m in the editing process and watching as my cover is created. Boy do I have some stories to share. Check out my website at http://www.deewrites.com/. Don’t forget to sign the guest book.

My eldest child is starting her senior year in high school, and my baby is starting her freshman year. All I can say is this will be one year filled with DRAMA. Hmmm, this spot may become therapy (wink).

Okay, I just wanted to say hi.

Much Joy Peace and Love

Deatri