I’m Still Around…

October 1, 2015 /

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a post that’s not quite about writing. So I thought, let me return to my roots for a moment. When I first started blogging, I had zero published books. So I mainly used to write about my hectic and confused life. Well… Many years later and that has changed–a lot!

I have returned to my roots–the desert. I’ve been living here since the end of May.  Once a California desert rat, always a California desert rat. But I drive up to LA every now and then for…. this or that.  I’ve been writing like CRAZY. But that’s my fault. I got caught in the world of endless story. I’ve learned the power of writing a short series, no more than three books, and  (swipes hands) move on to the next. So now I’m under pressure to wrap up the stories of Daisy & Belmont, Maggie & Vince, that one for Charlie & Angel and Robert & Carter. That’s 4 more books I have to write for the initial stories of the LOVE in the USA series. Afterwards, I’m writing the stories differently. You’ll see! 🙂

But enough about work.

In real life, I’ve discovered that romance heroes only exist in prose… LOL! Like, I get it. I’m trying to understand why that is. I mean, is it simply that we are only human. I remember reading a saying that goes something like this, “unfortunately there is no cure for being human.” Our condition runs deep and a series of bad experiences during childhood can send us spiraling out of control and into the depths of a condition that takes tons of counseling and doing the hard work to recover from. And so, I think that’s the closest we get to a romance hero or heroine–a person who constantly works on their “shit.”  I do that. And I think that’s why I fell for the man that I’m dating in the first place. The night we met, we talked for hours. It was refreshing to meet someone who lived beyond the clouds. That was nine months ago, and we’re still making a go at it. It’s tough–TOUGH.  Dealing with your issues  is not easy. But as long as I understand, and he does too, that we’re both dealing with human beings, who bring their history into a relationship, then we should be okay, or at least HAPPILY remain lovers or friends, or friends and lovers for a long, long, long time.

Anyway….

We shall see…

So back to work… LOL!

I’m struggling to get through Forget Me Never (Pt. II). I’m writing another book with a writing partner. We had to reconstruct the entire middle because it fell flat story-wise. And since paranormal romance about ADULT characters, high fantasy elements and a lot of sex doesn’t do too well in the current market, Parched doesn’t make me much money. So in essence, I’m writing the series for those who are into it. I know of a few successful indies who abandoned their paranormal series after it stopped paying and now they’re making tons of cash writing contemporary/erotic romance, starring twenty-two year old girls, who men fall in love with because they’re beautiful and the men, usually twenty-eight but with maturity well above his years is some kind of karma sutra of sex–only, the way he’s doing it, gives none of the reactions the 21 year old heroine is displaying. And if one has had a lot sex during your twenties and way better sex in y our 30’s with skilled lovers, she, the reader, would know this.   Well, I didn’t do that. So please… bare with me because after all, I have to make a living at this. But I will NEVER write 21-23 year old heroines who fall for a guy because he’s hot and dominating, and he wants her because she beautiful, and needs a daddy–and they live happily ever after on that.

Anyway…

So I’m going to drop the price of Forget Me Never Pt. 2  to 99¢ and the book will be between 100-130 pages. It will be jam-packed with action and emotional tie-ups. It’ll be short but GOOD. 😉

And so, I must get to work.  Maybe I’ll start doing more “brain fart” blogging in the ensuing days. My days are generally filled with writing and letting my BF (kind of BF–I’m not secure in the relationship enough to believe in it–my issues. His issues… Hard work.) rip me away from the computer so that I can enjoy life some… I love that about him.

Love, Peace and above all Happiness…

Z

16 Comments

  • Julia Blake

    October 2, 2015 at 11:07 am

    It’s so great to see you blogging again about writing and life — and the writing life… I remember reading a reference to your dating someone in one of your posts, and I’m so glad to hear that it’s still going. Relationships get tricky and real after those initial weeks or months of getting to know each other and all of that excitement of new sex, new stories, and just something NEW in general.

    I love your writing no matter what the genre, and I’ll always sit down to the table for a good paranormal with a more realistic love story. I’ll be there for whatever you have coming next.

    Thanks,
    Julia

    • zuleikaarkadie

      October 2, 2015 at 11:16 am

      OMG, Julia! Things get so real after the newness wears off. Thank God he has a ton of INTERESTING underneath the surface. Thank you so much for stopping by again! It’s alway a joy hearing from you 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! All best, Z

  • Debera

    October 2, 2015 at 8:04 am

    I am so glad about finally getting PT 2 of what I perceive as the final Parched book. I have been a fan since bk1. I also love your Love in the USA books.
    But what puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart is that you have someone special in your life!!!
    I hope the relationship will continue to grow.
    But please keep writing.
    Deb

    • zuleikaarkadie

      October 2, 2015 at 10:16 am

      Hi Deb! Forget Me Never Pt. 2 will definitely not be the final book in the Parched series. I have this whole concept in mind that will tie their lives and missions up beautifully. I just have to figure out how I want to write the books. So… I’m thinking, planning,etc. 🙂 Thanks for always stopping by, and reading my work! I truly appreciate you! All best, Z

    • debera

      October 3, 2015 at 11:26 am

      I am so glad that there will be more to the Parched series. I am definitely going to keep reading and recommending all of your books. You are one of a handful of authors who I will always stop and read no matter what is going on. I have been known to stop in the middle of a book to read a new book by you.
      Always a Fan,
      Deb

  • Margo

    October 1, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I love the Psrched series can not wait for more I’m glad you wrote for adult readers this series is awesome. I keep recommeinb this series and writing reviews I’m a fan I have each book in the series. I hope part 2 our soon. Thanks keeping your fan informed, be blessed.

    • zuleikaarkadie

      October 2, 2015 at 11:02 am

      Ah… 🙂 Thanks so much, Margo! I will continue to keep you informed. Thanks so much for passing the blessing. I’m going to catch it, reel it in and be blessed 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! All best, Z

  • Michelle Munday

    October 1, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Hi Zuleika,
    I had noticed there were no recent posts from you. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at all of us but its good to hear that you have found someone who enjoys your company. I hope it all works out well for you.
    I look forward to reading more of your novels, no matter which way you go with your writing. You have a way of telling a story that always draws me into its centre and keeps me hanging for more. And I for one LOVE that your characters are older/more mature than the average writers. I truly find it hard to believe that most 20 year olds have even gone through half of what writers these days depict. And I don’t subscribe to happily ever after – although some stories call for a nice ending, its easier to relate to a character whose life parallels that of which we all can relate to.
    Keep up the good work, and thank you for the wonderful job you have done so far.

    • zuleikaarkadie

      October 2, 2015 at 10:48 am

      Hi Michelle! Long time indeed! I hope you are well 🙂 We’re writing younger heroines in the Sexy Series but making them true to life. 🙂 But thanks so much for sticking with my stories, I truly appreciate it. Until next time! All best, Z

    • Frances Carroll

      October 2, 2015 at 11:00 am

      Oh I cant wait I have enjoyed the series so much and always look forward to the next book I never really read until I started reading until I was told to read yours now im addicted I even get told of at work for reading cant wait for next xxx

    • zuleikaarkadie

      October 2, 2015 at 11:10 am

      🙂 Thanks so much, Frances! I’m excited to know what readers who are fans of the LOVE in the USA and Parched Series think about the Sexy Series. I will be posting an excerpt soon! Would love to know what you think! All best, Z

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