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Motivation, one minute it’s here…then the next minute, it’s gone.  I’ve been working on book three for a while now; I should almost be done with it but I’m not.  I am actually so far behind (in my mind) that it teeters on pathetic.  It pains me to know that there are no limits to my procrastination.  I gag that I set goals for myself, obtainable goals and I drag them out for no good reason.  I think my main issue is that I get motivated in the wee hours of the night, like now, I should be in bed but I’m not.  Or, it could be that I’ve just discovered Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix and it’s taking over my life.  Nah, that can’t be it.  Right now, I’m diverting my attentions away from my novel to write a blog that no one reads.  I guess I’ll get back too it.  I’ll complete my chapter, then it’s off to bed.  Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll spend the day light hours working on my story.  SMH at myself.

I submitted book one in a contest; I didn’t win but here is the review:

Entry Title: Beneath the Surface The Elesin Vollan Story
Author: Latonya Holloway (R.S. Kee)
Judge Number: 43
Entry Category: Mainstream/Literary Fiction

Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. This scale is strictly to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not reflect ranking.

In some cases, you may see special or out of place characters/symbols in your commentary. For example, you may see that a character/symbol replaces an apostrophe, copyright, and other “symbols”. These substitutions occur for various reasons – and are unavoidable. They are often [programming] misinterpretations due to encoding, installed fonts, web based content/sources etc. Since the “content”[data] of the commentary is comprised of data sent from several different computers (programs, fonts etc.,) and from the internet (online entry system), you may at times see an interpretation of what had been an apostrophe, dash, quotation mark etc.

Structure and Organization: 3

Grammar: 5

Production Quality and Cover Design: 5

Plot (if applicable): 4

Character Development (if applicable): 3

Judges Commentary*:

This is a book that deals with sensitive and intense topics—fame, celebrity culture, sexuality, child abuse, and trauma. Anyone who has ever had a secret can relate to Elesin’s shock at the beginning of the story as painful and disturbing secrets from his past are released to the media. By beginning the story with the shock instead of giving the reader a portrait of Elesin as a person, however, the author misses an opportunity to develop sympathy for his protagonist. The reader is told rather than shown his understandable fear and anger over the course of the book, which prevents the reader from truly rooting for him as he tries to put his life back together and move on from the revelations of his painful past. Not that Elesin is unsympathetic rather, by unfolding his story in exposition, the reader is told what to feel about him rather than coming to the conclusion themselves. The pacing of the book is good although slightly rushed- I think the author has more room to expand the story and give his characters time to develop. The book is well-designed and the cover art is eye-catching and compelling, and accurately conveys the tone and feel of the book.

Well, it’s been awhile since my last post due to lack of motivation.  Now I am on a roll and attempting to complete book three in the Elesin Vollan Story.  I have about 154 pages written, no necessarily in order but chapters 1-5 are complete.  I am on chapter 6 and have a dilemma…the sex scene.  Book two has an almost two page sex scene, should I do the same for book three?  Or, should I give a little teaser and lead up to a major love making scene.  Decisions, decisions.  Oh well, maybe I’ll do it in two parts.  After all, there are only so many things you can do in an old style steel tub made for two.

I just returned home from drinking with my friend and we discussed the religious fanatics and government officials out there who are against gay marriage. These people created these random rules and regulations to hold people back.  I mean just thinking back on history, it wasn’t too long ago that my people weren’t considered whole people.  It wasn’t until 1964 that we as a people got full rights.  Women were not allowed to vote until 1920.  So just based on history alone, we can see that these old racist and sexist laws were created for “white” men to maintain their power over “people.”  It was never about enforcing the bible teachings or the Christian ways of life, it is all about power.  I know I am just one person and my opinions won’t make any changes but to keep people from marrying just because it does fit the “social” norms is ridiculous to me.  We need to support our American people to make our nation stronger from those who want to do us harm.  Keeping same sexed couples from marrying is the least of our problems when foreigners are threatening the downfall of our nation.  So lets focus on real issues like unemployment, poverty, crime, terroristic threats, etc. get rid of prehistoric prejudices laws and let people legally marry who they want.

I had to refresh my memory with details of book two for book three.  In doing so, I realized that neither the editor I hired nor I caught major editing errors.  She is so fired, even though she can’t totally be the blame for these short coming since I was trying to be cheap.  Lesson learned,  I should have stuck with the editor from book one.  Joan, I’m coming back for you.  You rocked, kept me focused and grounded.  

I have not written in two or three days.  I have just been so lazy but at least I’ve mentally figure out some transitions from one section to the next.  Guess I have to jot them down before the ideas get lost in the murky abyss inside my mind.  Wish me luck.

I am still working on my fake Oprah interview for the characters of my book.  I’ve gotten so many questions and answers jotted down that I am now thinking about making it a whole chapter.  I think this could allow readers to get closer to my characters by answering questions that I’m sure they had.  It could also open the door to present surprise insight to get the reader thinking in another direction.  

It’s still a work in progress, many more questions to write, so many ways to respond and not make my character too pathetic.  PS, it’s a joint interview with his lover.  It should be really interesting since I am not sure where these questions will lead too.  LOL! 

I find Twitter to be useless, unless you are a high school student, actor, singer, performer of some sort.  However, I do have an account and it still amazes me when I get a random new follower even though I just post links to my book…and getglue info.  To the two followers of my blogs, hit me up on Twitter @Voenetta77 or @RsKee.  

I have my page up to do some writing and what am I doing?  I’m sitting here watching The Hunger Games for the umpteenth time.  Focus!  I need to focus.  Wish me luck. 

Breaking Point – RS Kee : Xlibris.