Just A Girl and Her Laptop

Volume 5, Issue 4

Oct 03, 2024

Hi My Loves!

I missed September by scant days, I know, but I have been busy getting ready for travel and then actually traveling. The Chicago Urban Book Expo was a beautiful experience and I’d definitely love to repeat it. To sit among so many authors I love and admire, and also to meet fans who I only knew through socials and make new friends and fans was as satisfying an experience as I’ve had this year. If you were there, it was an absolute pleasure. Shoutout to Jessica Watkins who put on a hell of an event, even while exhibiting and selling her own books and merch.

Fall is walking in slowly, and I really want to get a lot of writing done before the year is out. Her Solid Ground is off to a solid start and I am so proud of what I’ve been able to do. Comparison is the thief of joy, and I’ve been working hard to focus on my own journey, and only compare myself to the writer I used to be.

I’m still reading like crazy, and I love that books are still a comfort for me after all this time. Although I do have to make a concerted effort to get back to my physical TBR. The books are piling up around me, lol. But that’s it. I’m ducked off in my corner of the world, writing and reading books—and sometimes going outside, lol. And as always, I’m better with you guys sticking around here with me. Thanks for staying.

In Shameka The Writer News…

I had the most amazing time in Chicago. The Urban Book Expo was a lovely event, and the whole weekend was a vibe. I didn’t sell as many books as I’d hoped, but more than I thought I would considering this was my first year.

Her Solid Ground is out in the world live, and I’ve released through Ingram Spark again so the book can go wide, like The Air Between Us. This means you can find my book on places like Bookshop.org, where your purchase can support the independent bookstore of your choice. Her Solid Ground

I’ve also commissioned some great character art that I will be including only in paperbacks ordered directly through me. Look out for that announcement before the month is out.

My writing plans for 2025 are done! I have a sports romance series in the works, and a darker romance/ crime family series as well. I’m excited for it, and I’m hoping I get everything done that I want to this year so I can focus on that.

And as if I need more projects, I’m working on a top secret thing, a Christmas poly novella, called All I Want For Christmas is Two. I’m hoping you love these characters as much as I do so far.

Where You Can See Me

Another thing I’ve nailed down is where I can hug some of you, and even talk about books! I will be in attendance at the upcoming Southern Hearts and Signed Kisses Book Event (October 18-19) BUT STRICTLY AS A FAN! I’m excited to meet my baby Dandridge Monroe, as well as the other attending authors.

But in next year’s news… Shameka the Writer will be posted up and selling books at:

The Black Romance Book Fest is happening May 31- June 1, 2025 in Atlanta and promises to be one of the year’s best, with authors from all over the Black Romance galaxy, including yours truly.

The Write Women Book Fest is back next year, July 19th and 20th, 2025, and your girl will be posted up to table and kick it with you in Bowie, MD. Write Women Book Fest

The Boozy Book Tour is making its way to my neck of the woods in 2025, and I will be exhibiting there July 26th, 2025. Boozy Book Tour

I will also be an attending author at the Curvy Hearts Book Club Virtual Signing, September 12-14th. Details in their Facebook group and on their IG Curvy Hearts FB group Curvy Hearts IG

Hopefully, more events to come!

My Latest and Greatest, aka What I’m Reading, Writing, and Listening To

Books- It’s #Glocktober, y’all! I’ll be reading as much urban/ mafia/ crime fiction as I possibly can (and maybe some paranormal)

Physical

The Trouble With Love- Christina C. Jones
King of Ice- Asia Monet
Sinful Vow- Asia Monique

Ebooks

A Gangster’s BBW Obsession- Mz. Lady P
A Second Bite At Hope- Tempestt Chantel
Journey’s Love- KC Mills

Words

I am writing up a storm, working on the last Royal sister Amani (I Never Loved A Man), the last book in The Elements Series (His Fire and His Ice), and a Christmas novella (shhh. This one is a surprise).