Simply Cheris. . .

There's a certain relationship that aunties and nephews have. It's special because auntie loves you and auntie will "tell it like it is." If you have younger aunts, she'll even help smooth things out with your mom or dad when you mess up. I'm lucky, I have three nephews and a niece. Since my brother is 12 years older than me and my sister is six years my senior, when they got married to their spouses and started having kids, I was a young teen, 15 to be exact. In a way, I grew up with my nephews and my niece. Sometimes with us, the line is blurred as to when I'm being auntie and when I'm playing around with them. But that line has NEVER been crossed. My niece is lucky, the only girl grandchild, the ranks close around her at the slightest problem-- especially her grandfather. But that's a whole 'nother post. My nephews, three smart, handsome and respectful young men haven't caused any real trouble. A speeding ticket is the closest interac...

It's a shame when your niece and nephews don't know how old you are. At first, I laughed when my niece told me she thought I was 27 for four years, but then it hit me. I was doing her a disservice. What was I teaching her about aging? That as a woman she had to lie to be accepted? That is the last lesson I want to teach a girl who is as smart and beautiful as my Bre. Sure, I do things that people do to stay looking young. Anti-aging cream, check. Hair dye, check. Exercise, on occasion (lol). But I have no reason to be ashamed of getting older. If I look like my mom when I get her age, I'm going to be a lucky writer. I dye my hair, not because I have gray strands, but because it's something I've been doing since sixth grade. Unfortunately, where I find gray hair is not something I want to discuss in public. Moving on. But over the last 33 years, what do I have to complain about? I made mistakes, learned lessons and am living a dream. So, this Tuesday when I blo...

This is a first look at Too Hot For TV, scheduled for release in September. It's not roses or chocolate, but I hope that everyone gets their heart's desire this Valentine's Day. Here's what the book is about: HER FANTASY AND HIS REALITY… Classically trained actress Imani Gilliam is gifted, beautiful—and broke. Facing eviction, her only hope of staying afloat is to do the reality TV show, "Let's Get Married." The show pairs up single strangers, and viewers vote for who should be united in wedded bliss. Imani is only looking to be united with a paycheck—until she locks eyes with a fellow contestant… ARE ABOUT TO CREATE A BUZZ… Dr. Raymond Thomas is determined to keep his struggling free clinic running—even if it means appearing on "Let's Get Married." He can't imagine finding love on TV—but when he spots Imani, he definitely finds lust. And their attraction isn't lost on the producers. But as the cameras start focusin...

Romance novelist to speak Tuesday at Gaston College Charlotte-based writer keeps a day job and has published 12 books. Leigh Pressley Romance novelist Cheris Hodges never writes about her own relationships, with one exception. "I don't write about boyfriends until we break up and they make me mad," said the 33-year-old writer based in Charlotte. Hodges will talk about her work - including 12 published novels and a new one coming out in September - at 11 a.m. Tuesday on the second floor of Morris Library at Gaston College in Dallas. Part of the college's Visiting Writers Series, the reading and book-signing are free. Romance novelist Cheris Hodges will read from and discuss her latest novel at 11 a.m. Tuesday on the second floor of Morris Library at Gaston College in Dallas. Admission is free. Copies of "His Sexy Bad Habit," the author's 12th book, are for sale from the Dallas campus bookstore. The book also will be available for pu...

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by a cool lady, Minolta White . Here's a sample, you can click the link above for the full interview: 8) What are some of the challenges you face as an author? How do you overcome them? Well, as book stores close, you face the challenge of not having a place to sign and the number of people who will be able to purchase your books. Everyone doesn’t have an e-reader or like to purchase books from Amazon. Another challenge is getting the word out about your book. Marketing is had. And of course, deadlines. You overcome them by doing everything you can to make what you want to happen, happen.

If you were planning to attend and purchase a book, I'd like you to log on to Kensington Books to purchase a copy with a 30 percent discount. Then e-mail me and I will send you an autograph label. Thank you for your support. Cheris Hodges

When I wrote His Sexy Bad Habit, I was a little worried about how Serena Jacobs would be accepted. In the other books she appeared in, she was kind of mean and I didn't give you many clues as to why. But you guys surprised me. Many of you said that Serena was like a friend you have or know. Some people who know me swear that I'm Serena. I am NOT. LOL! I've gotten e-mails and Facebook messages from a lot of you and it has warmed my heart. You like Serena, you really like her and His Sexy Bad Habit. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and the support of my work. You want to know if Alicia and Devon will get their stories. I say yes! I'm working on both of their stories and I hope that you will enjoy them as you've enjoyed His Sexy Bad Habit.