A Contemporary Romance: Reminiscing, by Tierra Cox

Tierra Cox is a poet and a writer who has been writing for public audiences for the past three years on her blog on Tumblr. She crafts tales with elements of fantasy and the paranormal and mixes in multicultural love. Tierra is fueled by the idea of blending the two, specifically for black women and POCs. With an educational background in creative writing, she will be graduating this fall with a Bachelors in English Literature. When she isn't writing, and that isn't often, she can be found in her Texas home catching up on new Sci-fi movies.

In this raw, emotional, and beautiful debut, Tierra Cox brings readers a quaint bwam, contemporary romance about love and fame, and how at the base of it all, we're simply humans looking for a special connection with another soul.

KyuBeom Yoon is known as the ice prince of the renowned K-pop group, C4. All he wanted was to get away from it all—the lights, the cameras, and the fame that comes with being an idol. And all he wants is Maya Campoy. With Maya, he gets the chance to feel normal, to be loved, to be happy... 

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Years later, he finds himself on a radio show reliving a tale of love and heartbreak, wondering if, at the end of it all, she’ll give him another chance.



Read the Excerpt Now:

KyuBeom listened to the host talk nonchalantly after that. The show was winding up for the night, and he let the thoughts of her drift in and out of his head as he listened to callers and took questions. He’d known this would pop up, some women telling him of their love and asking if he could fall in love again. Others complained he had gone to America and found love. “What was wrong with Korea?”

At the end, he stood up and thanked the MC for his time. 

The older man smiled at him. “I’m really interested in hearing this. My whole show is based around lost love, love newly found, and missed connections. Your story sounds like all three! Same time tomorrow? Should I call your manager?”

KyuBeom shook his head. “I mostly do my own thing now. I’ll be here.” 

He exited the building, pulling his coat once more around his neck. The car was here this time, and he walked the short distance to the door as ice crystals stung his cheeks. She would have loved this. She liked snow. 

He placed his hand on the door handle and heard her soft laugh in his ear.


Get to Know the Author:

When did you start writing? 
I wrote my first story when I was eleven years old. It was about a girl who was sent to her people’s goddess in an attempt to save their village. The story ends with the goddess becoming her mother and the destruction of her town. I was quite proud of it and have since revamped it from my eleven-year-old storytelling self. 

What inspires you to write?
A need to tell a story I have not heard before. There’s nothing more difficult. I read and watch a lot of fantasy and paranormal fiction, and there’s a plethora of characters and themes to work with. I want to tell a great story that immerses someone in a different world. I would say that and because my grandfather told me writing was my gift. “Not everyone can weave a great tale,” he would say to me.

What inspired you to write, Reminiscing?
You always hear stories about a man falling in love with a woman, and it's his family who never accepts her because she’s poor or uneducated. Sometimes, it’s simply because she’s black!  I thought, “Okay, but what if she’s black and it’s her family who doesn’t want him around?” Now let’s make this interesting and add a K-pop twist!

Who are your favorite writers/poets?
Authors: Anne Rice, Barbara Kingsolver, Beatrix Potter, Octavia Butler, and Toni Morrison. My favorite poets are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Robert Frost.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My grandfather and my sisters. My Pop-pop died about five years ago, but his influence is still heavily around me. I write because he believed in me. He sealed my love of literature, and I know that from where he is, he’s very proud of me. 
My sisters are my best friends—I have three younger sisters who are a constant source of inspiration. I can have an idea, pitch it to them, and they’ll hype me up, give me advice and keep me on it until it’s done. My sister, TaBryn, was heavily involved with Reminiscing. 

Why do you write, or prefer to write, paranormal/fantasy literature?
I hardly ever see black women as protagonists and love interests in this genre. They have been sidekicks and antagonists, but hardly ever the one running the show. On a personal level, I love everything that has to do with the metaphysical. I’m heavily involved in that arena. There are so many things to talk about—energy levels, moon phases, candle magick. Many of these aspects are actually integral parts of African-American culture. If you look back at our history, no matter where you stand with religion, you know someone who is a root worker, who does a little hoodoo. I think the fun aspect is combining all these truths with just a little, What if?

Where do you see yourself going with your writing? What upcoming works should we be looking forward to?
A Netflix special (lol). Really, that’s all I want. I don’t care if I never get a huge following and my name isn’t known in households. I would be just as happy to have a small, cult following. I can be a Donnie Darko type of writer instead of Twilight massive. As long as there are people who are excited to have my latest thing, I’ll be happy to pump out my many, many ideas. What I’m most excited about is this Faustian pact, Christian mythology novel I’m working with. It’s called He Calls Himself Veles and sometimes it gives me Anne Rice vibes, so I hope it’s as good as I think it is.

Find the Book and the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tierrawritesromance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/XenomorphKhan
Website: www.tierrawritesromance.com
Email: tierra.d.cox@gmail.com
Buy Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07XN8X9W3/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

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MS. BARBARA KNOWS BEST!

Barbara Joe Williams is an Amazon bestselling author, indie publisher, and a motivational speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A & M University. She is the owner of Amani Publishing, LLC, and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network (TAN).

She has published a variety of books for other authors and the following titles for herself: A Cup of Barbara Joe, Holiday Hotel: A sexy short story, Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) featured in USA Today, First Class Love, You Don't Even Know My Name (novella), A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing (Volume 2), Double Proposal, Losing My Soul, A Man of My Own, The 21 Lives of Lisette Donavan (Anthology), Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology), Courtney's Collage, Falling for Lies, Dancing with Temptation, and Forgive Us This Day.

Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) is a rewritten version of the original title released in November 2004. She has added more background on the main character and more drama for your reading pleasure. 

Imani: Pink Noire is please to welcome bestselling author, Barbara Joe Williams to The Lounge. First off, I'm honored you've taken the time to join me. So, Ms. Barbara, I've read somewhere you began your writing career in your forties. What made you decide to finally pursue this dream?

Barbara: At the age of 42, I experienced a mid-life crisis which caused me to re-examine my life. Basically, I had accomplished all my adult goals except for writing a book. Notice that I said write, not publish. Anyway, I prayed about it that night and the next morning when I woke up, I started typing out all the ideas I had for this story centered around a married couple. Two months later, I had over 200 pages which I shared with only ten close friends. To my amazement, they all read the manuscript in less than two weeks and wanted to buy it...

Prior to your writing career, you've achieved a lot of life experiences through the military and a teaching career, and family. Have that part of your journey inspired you to create story ideas?

Yes, everything that I have experienced in life, military, teaching, and family has prepared me for my writing career. I have used all the things I've learned to bring a heavy dose of reality to my fictional characters. I even set my novel, First Class Love, in the eighties during the time that I was enlisted in the U. S. Navy to keep it authentic. 

Are you more character or plot-driven, and why?

I think my romances are more plot driven because as much as I profile the characters, it's the plot that keeps me writing. The characters can be fully developed, but there has to be an interesting plot to keep the story moving.

What's your writing process? Do you outline by chapter, or go with the flow?

When I wrote my first two novels, I went by a strict outline. But now, I usually come up with a story idea and just start writing. At some point, I might stop and jot down some details or key elements, but it's not the same as outlining. 

You have two new releases, one is titled "A Cup of Barbara Joe", and the second one is a great resource for entrepreneurs titled, "A-Z Marketing Tips: A Motivational Guide to Selling Your Products". Tell us more about these books.

A Cup of Barbara Joe is a collection of things I've learned about life, marriage, motherhood, and people from over fifty years of living. It's basically my take on quotes I've heard in the past and some I've created on my own. The A-Z Marketing Tips was written as a guide to help motivate entrepreneurs to implement a marketing plan. I think a lot of business people have great marketing ideas, but they lack the motivation it takes to get them done. So this book looks at the psychology behind selling your products, it gets you motivated to get up and do something.

Were there any challenges writing both books?

My biggest challenge with writing a book is always time. With my busy family life, I'm constantly on the run. And with my extensive literary catalog, I'm constantly in marketing mode which makes it a challenge to find time to write new material.

We all have started as a novice, feeling that anticipation of our work being seen by the world but to discover the other responsibilities that comes with it. Why wearing an "author hat" isn't enough to be successful in this business?

This is my philosophy: Writing is a hobby, but publishing is a business. Once you're published, you're a literary entrepreneur, and you need to learn the business side to be successful. That means you have to do some research. Whether you read my publishing guidebook or not, you need to research what's happening in the publishing industry.

I've noticed for quite sometime your interaction with readers are amazing. I can tell this is your favorite part being an author. Do you agree?

Yes, it is. Writing is a solitary sport. Publishing is a solitary event. But marketing is a public celebration of your accomplishments! 

What words of advice do you have for up and coming authors?

I would advise new authors to keep promoting their work. A good book today will be a good book ten years from today, but it has to be promoted properly to stay alive.

Finally, I love asking this question to my guests because it conveys a story within a story. So who's your inspiration that help shaped your craft, and if they were here right now, what would you say them?

I love Maya Angelou and applaud all the books that she has published. But Terry McMillan is really the one who inspired me to become a fiction writer. Waiting to Exhale is the first novel that I can remember reading by an African-American female. Terry showed me that we could be authors and make money from our stories. If she was here right now, I would say, "Thank you for paving the way for so many AA authors."

Thank you, Ms. Barbara! This has been an awesome interview. If anyone would like to purchase your work or to find you online, where should they go?

On Sale Now

Email:

amanipublishing@aol.com

 Website:

www.barbarajoe.webs.com

 Amazon page:

http://goo.gl/hCOkBb

 Barnes & Noble page:

http://goo.gl/iyto8l

 Facebook page:

http://ow.ly/I7AAj

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BarbaraJoe22

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THE BLACKER THE BETTER, THE SWEETER...YES, DEFINITELY!

PHASE FIVE: MOCHA BREEZE

       By Imani Wisdom

Rain droplets dance against the window as he wraps my eyes with a pink blindfold. Engross with darkness, he’s taken me by the hand to a mysterious subtle breeze.  I can feel him guiding me carefully among the outdoor shower.  Tepid water dances on my naked body.  Then the touch of his lips rejuvenates my inner slumber.  I’m caressing his dampen stubble, following by a deep and rich kiss.  He’s lifting me against his destiny, thrusting his ego inside my Venetian dream.  I’m proudly in his arms with his hips moving like a ferocious earthquake. Swaying like a wondrous dream, my blindfold slips off and notices curious eyes on me.  She’s peering through her curtains with her gray tresses.  I close my eyes not because our escapade is now a prying exhibition. It’s just his ego is getting me high. The motion of his physique pounds my heart. There are no words at the moment, only a harmony of breathless passion.  My peripheral catches her again while I’m sinking my nails into his skin.  He bows to nourish my mammary pillows, tasting the Alpha of life.  Panting breathlessly, I’m looking her way again and she’s clinching firm to the corner of her curtain.  Maybe she wishes he can turn her back in time.  But for now my Mocha Breeze is MINE!  As his hips propels deeper into my walls, he grabs my jaws to give me a quick glance and smiles.  I reciprocate the feeling by biting his lips.  Then Mount Breezy erupts as the rain showers on our naked bodies.  Erotic sounds echoes beyond the heavenly thunder.  And now I’m complete,mutual satisfaction.  I glance at the woman and place a single finger to my lips and mouth carefully, “Don’t tell my husband this!”

THE END

©2011, Imani Wisdom

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SWEET INHIBITIONS

       By Imani Wisdom

PHASE ONE: INHIBITIONS

Entangle me with your inhibition. Kissing me softly in places only reserve for you. With the warmness of your breath as it touches my skin, I shiver with enticement and move my hands slowly down to my body to where you lay. An uncontrollable passion yearns deeply in the forefront of desires, it’s where life begins and womanhood emerges from the shadows. It’s where the nectarous river stream is a rich white satin, gently cascading on the tip of his tongue. I dig deeper within the threads of the sheet, grasping it with fanatical fury. Cries of my pleasure climb to an octave, and I grab around the lining of his fade. It didn’t matter if a bead of sweat is falling like tears. I’m living in an infinite possibility where fantasy meets reality. Then his eyes rise above the bed of my lips to connect with mine. Mutual satisfaction quietly roars. This is only the first phase.

PHASE TWO: NECTAROUS RIVER

I’m in an orgasmic escapade of his sensual essence. Enamoring by his silky cocoa skin, it’s soft and luscious like a tantalizing dessert. I’m nibbling slowly around the most delicate of delicates, kissing him on the strongest of his regions until I fade away like a sunset. Minutes have become a lifetime as he squirms from instant gratification. There are no words uttering from his sweet lips, only replying with a slow and endearing sigh. The sound of his excitement is causing me to delve further into my indulgence. He loves it and I’m untamed for it! By the tickling of his veins warmly kissing me inside the beast of my cocoon, I’m devouring into his masculinity. Aggressively grasping to his gateway of life and gently shuddering while his falsetto rises to beautiful music. Nectarous rivers flows once again to a satisfaction galore. And once more….my job is done. It’s time for phase three.

To be continued...

©2010, Imani Wisdom

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Spa Me Out

By TyLeishia L. Douglass

It’s been a long day at work so I ready myself by laying out the towels on the table in my spa room. I light the candles, choose the fragrance of body oils, and fill the basket with fresh fruit. I sit the champagne on ice, dim the lights and turn on some soft Brazilian lounge music. Its five o’clock, time to shower, brush my hair back, put on my sexy royal blue silky sleek night top, clear four inch Armani high heel shoes, shimmer Mac make up, place a dab of night musk oil behind each ear and wallah, I am ready!

On time as usual. You can almost set your watch by him. Eight o’clock on the dot Armando pulls his Bentley into the garage. He is always amazed at the indigo pool and the beach house I live in because it sits parallel to the waters and the rocks surrounding it; giving it an elegant touch. I wonder what he thinks about when he walks out to the rocks and the sands of the beach. He puts both hands in his pockets and lets the wind blow through his cold black hair as he stares out into the deep blue waters.

I stand on the upper level terrace; staring out at him while the seagulls call out communication in unison. I cannot wait for him to walk towards the two dolphin decorated glass doors and come in to relax me. Three minutes pass and he finally makes it up to the house and rings the bell. I walk down the iron-cased stairs made from marble and pearl.

I approach the door with a glass of champagne in my hand and just before I open it, he stares into my eyes and I into his. I slowly push the command button to release the lock and he smiles as the doors slide open. I take a step back and hand him the glass of champagne. He takes the drink from my hand and smiles at me softly saying, “Hello La’Vienia, are you ready to relax?” I answered with my eyes never leaving his, “Yes, I’m ready.

From the excerpt

TyLeishia L. Douglass is a native of Baltimore Maryland and a voice of hope for this generation. Douglass is an author, online radio talk host, promoter, public speaker and published author. TyLeishia is on a mission to encourage and empower others. Her imprint is embedded in the hearts of her short story readers. One of her personal favorite mottos is, "Helping to make a difference one page at a time." TyLeishia earned publishing credits from "Student Life Magazine", was featured on LA Talk Live “Perspective’s Corner” with Rhona “Rho” Bennett and credits from the soul diva songstress and life coach and member of the group EnVogue (The Real Funky Diva’s). TyLeishia's poetry and comments are also featured on askrho.com. The Baltimore Times featured Douglass online as Indie Soul Entrepreneur of the Week which speaks of her writings and blogs as self-help tools which she shares worldwide. TyLeishia is poised to offer solace and confidence to motivate others in their personal struggles through the poignant story of the main character of her novel, "Jewels Declaring New Miracles." New books are underway and additional short stories by TyLeishia are available on Amazon.com, Kobo, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble’s. Douglass continue her education and aims to achieve and earn her AA Degree in Mass Production and Communications in hopes that her online blog radio talk show, “JOTU & GEMS” will take flight in a future worldwide televised broadcast which serves as a platform that supports all arts in and around communities.

http://www.jdnmbooks.com/  (website)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jotugems  (JOTU & GEMS) Blog Talk Radio 

http://tyleishia1blog.wordpress.com/  (Wordpress Blog)

http://www.amazon.com/TyLeishia-Douglass/e/B0092I66VI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1415482587&sr=8-1   (Amazon)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/466864883439413/  (JOTU & GEMS Grp) FB Page

https://twitter.com/1LadyLoveBug  (twitter @1LadyLoveBug)

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jdnm (Smashwords)

http://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=TyLeishia+Douglass  (Kobo)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/TyLeishia-Douglass?keyword=TyLeishia+Douglass&store=book  (B&N)

https://www.facebook.com/tylaviese.douglass  (Personal FB Page)

https://www.facebook.com/jotusaotm?ref=hl  (Fan Page JOTU)

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WHAT NON-POETS DO WHEN WE'RE BLISSFULLY CONTENT

My beacon that shines above

that illuminates a weary soul.

You’re a blessing with no disguise;

a right thief that comes gently

into the night.

How long has it been?

Days turned to weeks;

then weeks turned to months

Now years?

And yet, you’re still here;

patiently waiting for that day

when you and I are more than you and I

When two souls emerge into an infinite one.

You’ve shown me patience

You’ve shown me kindness

You’ve never, ever, boast

You’re never, ever, been the type to self-seek

You’re just a man, a unique man

Who flaws I adore more

than the rest of your perfections.

I care for more of who you are

than what you are.

I heed to your grace;

the darkness of your skin

Your exquisite smile

Your God-fearing ways

And yet I’m waiting for that day;

when saying those words,

those ever precious,

sacred words

rolling from my lips

onto yours

with a thunderous, yet sweet kiss.

To be bound by your soul

To be enamored by your wit

To be enthralled by compassion

I hunger for your desire

I yearn for your strength

You’re my midnight

as I’m your stars,

painting through the sky.

With a stroke of destiny’s brush;

allowing the wind to create something

special

perhaps, a prelude to such

Still, you’re a man who’s never been proud

Not easily-angered

or point out wrongs

You’re just man, a unique man

who rides on hope when it’s rare to hope

who’s faithful when faithless is the trend.

A man who I respect,

my lover, my best friend.

I’m not a poet by heart

Hopeless romantic on occasions,

but a woman with this expression

that run deep,

deep beyond any emotion.

Feelings are so overwhelming

they’re like a riveting potion

So, yes, I feel the same way

And still hoping to the day;

when you and I becomes an infinite one.

Blissfully content.

Blissfully done.

To be continue…

©2013, Imani Wisdom

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READ BETWEEN THE LINES...

If you read between these lines, I hope my words can express the burning anticipation that’s been withheld for so long.  The anxiety of my declaration churns from the pit of my stomach wanting to tell you in the simplest of words. Yet this utterance is more than a confession, but an unyielding deep attraction. I cannot say there’s anything more since the closure of your heart exists. Fear has become your bondage, and trust is a reciprocal feeling. It's mutuality beyond any magnetism.

If you read between these lines, you need to understand where my heart is coming from. It’s been shredded into million of pieces, and tossed like yesterday’s garbage. Fear for me is draped with a cover. It cloaks to keep this emerging feeling in darkness. Although I want to shout among highest mountains and to the lowest valleys, I need to say simply its time to unlock our hearts. Let it all go.

If you read between these lines, my words aren’t faux to your imagination. There are real as the air you breathe, or the softness of your skin, or when you smile it lights up a room. Your soul is an angelic creature. It’s as if as your wings flew into my life, dashing me to places I’ve never been before. The unrealism has now become an unbelievable reality.

If you’re still reading between the lines, these words are all have. I’m pouring every syllable and vowel through this text. I’m risking more than the comforts of a locked heart, but mortification. But before you go, I want you to close your eyes and imagine me leaning against your ear to gently whisper some sweet indulgence. What I say is between us. You know there’s no need to express them here. These lines, well, I’m sure you already know…

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IMANI'S BALLAD

you're my harmony
to a beautiful note

a tune that hums

softly into my soul
a crescendo escalate

into my heart
rising the scales of passion

harmonizing subtly
sweetly completely
into me
a ballad of desire

streaming closely
tightly against 
my body making love like a slow

song
picking up intensely
that last so long
making up musical 
notes
as you go along
"ooooooh"
"eeeeeee"
the notes i'm feeling
are good to me
my love is on key
i wanna love 
you down kissing you fiercely

conveying my feelings
sensually
passionately sexy
to you

symphonize affection

hypnotize my direction
to my freedom
of being of woman
love me strong
hold me all night
long
connect with me until
sun rise
shimmering rays
kisses our naked
bodiesas we are one
loving all night and 
waking up to the sun
composing our love

like a fine 
musicianlyrically speaking

simply
truthfully
honestly
i love you
until music won't ever exist

i love you 
more than an ordinary kiss

i love you
endlessly
until the end 
of time
i love you
all morning
all night

i love you

i love you

i love you

i love you

this is my chorus
before i close these words

                before i wrap 

these lyrics

         before i close

my eyes
let me reiterate
i will love you
until the end of time.

© 2007, Imani Wisdom

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IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL

When I wake up every morning and see you by my side, I realize….with a tear in my eye….that I’m blessed. Not blessed because God created a unique being just for me, but blessed that you’ve given me a reason to wake to a new morning with a simple smile; nothing less.

Simplicity is what I like. You don’t have to try hard to prove anything to me. Your touches gently sway in me your arms, feeling the warmth of your skin and the beating of your heart is enough for me to exhale gratitude of pleasure.

I feel as though I’m in the arms of an Angel. Your love takes me beyond places only I can dream. Flying high among a cloudless fantasy; soothingly kissing me as if you were afraid to break me. But that’s okay. Your ways is another reason why I fell in love with you each and every God-given day.

My love for you isn’t anything I have felt before. Its goes well above an overwhelming feeling in the midst of my soul. Or those imaginary butterflies that swims inside and curl my toes. It’s when you’re not around, I feel my breath wants to cease because I can’t get you out of my mind. Your image, your sweetness, your aura…..Baby, you’re everything rolled into a pristine one. I’m your vividly blue sky and you’re my radiant sun.

I’m not material nor will I ever be such a strong woman that showing a little vulnerability will be going out of my norm. I want to share a softer side of “me”, but loving you dearly in my arms. I’m tired of being just a strong black woman; I want to be “a” woman who will always walk by her man’s side. Never walk ahead or lag behind.

These words are more than poetry; they’re my beautiful suffering I feel inside. Writing this….my emotions are suddenly painted before my eyes. You’re my Picasso painting; an artistic expression with glee. I mean what I say that I am truly blessed to wake beside, a beautiful Angel, next to me.

I hopelessly, deeply, love you, baby!

© Tamara “Imani” Wisdom

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