Simply Cheris. . .

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April 26th Spring Fling A Celebration of North Carolina Romance Authors at the East Regional Library on Sunday April 26th at 2:00 pm. Directions: Take the ramp onto I-40 E Merge onto I-440 E Take US-64/13-B New Bern Ave exit Merge onto New Bern Ave/Rt 64 Continue to follow New Bern Avenue You will pass Golden Corral on your left, DQ on your right You will pass Lonestar and Target on your left, Lowes Food Store on your right Turn left at Smithfield Rd-that intersection has a Hardees, Walgreens, CVS and Exxon at its corner You will go up a small hill (Martial Arts studio on your left) The East Regional Library is on your left across from the Lockhart Elementary School (if you see Forestville Rd you have gone about a block too far) May 2: Borders at Stonecrest Mall Lithonia, Ga 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 16: Barnes and Nobles Magnolia Mall Florence, South Carolina 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The moment I got in my car, I knew I needed to call the tribe. I could imagine what my best friend, Eva, would say about Xavier’s invitation and my acceptance of it. Still, she was the first person I called. “Eva Rice,” she said when she answered the phone. “What’s up, E?” “Pilar Brooks, what’s going on?” “Do you have plans this weekend?” “Umm, a stack of manuscripts to edit, but nothing fun and exciting, why?” Sighing, I steeled myself to hear my friend tell me how crazy I am. “I’m going to a wedding reception and I need you to go with me.” “Who’s getting married?” Eva asked. “Xavier.” “Hold on,” she said. In the background, a door slammed. This is it, she’s about to let me have it. “You mean Xavier Brooks, my goddaughter’s father and your ex husband is going to get married and you’re going to the reception? Have you fell and bumped your crazy head?” Eva snapped. “And you want me to go for what reason? Xavier and I have never gotten along.” “If you don’t go, them I’m not going to have...

My life on the mid-list Published 02.03.09 By Cheris Hodges enlarge Every year — probably every day — thousands of people chase the dream of being a published author. In 2001, I made a $99 investment in my own literary fantasies. Eight years later, with nine books in print, I'm living the dream ... sort of. Sure, I write books that get published, but I'm stuck on what's known as the "mid-list." A mid-list author, like me, is considered to be someone worth publishing because their books make money ... just not millions. As an author of romance novels, my books aren't hardcover, which makes it even harder to get on the bestsellers list. But romance-themed books are some of the top-selling titles out there, especially when the cov...

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS… High-stakes action and even hotter men are all Jade Christian wants now that her scheming boyfriend has aced her out of his bed and their successful company. But her Vegas weekend spree has turned into several nights of steamy no-strings sex with easygoing businessman James Goings—and he’s becoming the one bet she can’t resist … IS JUST THE BEGINNING… Growing up in the shadow of his famous athlete brother taught James that focusing on his career was far safer than trusting beautiful women. His sizzling encounters with Jade could almost change his mind … if he wasn’t afraid she’d use him for revenge on her ex. But the more he sees of the real, down-to-earth woman behind the seductress, the more James will risk to win her love for a lifetime…

Singer loving life Eric Benet’s brings new outlook on Love and Life to Charlotte By Cheris Hodges The last time we saw R&B singer Eric Benet, he was defending himself against his divorce from Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry. For a while, people knew Benet as Mr. Halle. “Take that as an occupational hazard,” he said of his time with Berry. “I was with somebody who was internationally famous and successful. Had I been a recording artist who made the mistakes that I did with someone who wasn’t famous it definitely wouldn’t have been quite as earth shattering to the press. But it overshadowed things for a while.” Those days are gone and with his latest CD “Love & Life,” Benet has shown that he’s moved on to better things and the focus is back where it belongs—on his music. “I’m at this really great place in my life right now where I like singing, dancing and laughing and making love and just experiencing the fruits of being a little wiser and a little older,” says Benet. ...

Acclaimed author Terry McMillan is coming to Charlotte. McMillan will take the stage with fellow New York Times Bestselling author Omar Tyree on Saturday at the McGlohon Theatre. This event is a part of the "Change is Coming to Charlotte" Event Series. Sponsored by RealEyes Bookstore and the Charlotte Literary Festival, the "Change is Coming to Charlotte" Event Series is a fundraiser for the Charlotte Literary Festival and the Kickoff to Writing Scholarship Program. But before McMillan hits the stage, she gave Creative Loafing 15 minutes to pick her brain. Creative Loafing: What do you think of the current state of the literary market? Terry McMillan: Based on what's going on with the economy, the market is tougher, especially for African American writers. And there's so much of the street fiction out there that it's starting to cancel each other out. As far as African American writers in general, there are a lot of fine young writers out here, who are n...

The economy is tight for all of us and as much as I want everybody to buy my books, I know some people might not be able to pick up one right now. That's cool, hopefully in November, you'll be able to pick up "Betting On Love." You can always check out my books on Amazon. But until then, I want to share a short story with you, titled From The Ex Files. I plan to update it for the next four weeks until the story is done. From The Ex Files By Cheris Hodges As my ex-husband sat across from me at Starbuck’s holding my hand and pleading with me to attend his wedding reception the next weekend, I realized why our marriage didn’t last. This man didn’t understand the meaning of the word no. Or as my brain was screaming, hell no. “Pilar, we’ve always been friends, I want you to be there.” “But I don’t want to be there,” I replied as I took a sip from my frothy latte. “Kendall will be there, I’m going to see to it.” Xavier Brooks smiled at me as he did when we were students a...