Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Covers, Titles, and Release Dates - Oh, My!


*steps up to podium and taps mic*

Citizens of CL Parker’s page . . . I have a very exciting announcement to make. I can finally introduce you to my new erotic romance, book #1 of the Million Dollar Duet, A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS.

Delaine Talbot has a secret. When a matter of life and death threatens to tear apart her family, Delaine makes the ultimate sacrifice. She auctions herself off at Chicago’s most exclusive erotic club. Now she belongs to Noah Crawford, a wealthy mogul who introduces her to a seductive feast of the senses, awakening desires she only dreamed about.  

Noah doesn’t know why Delaine sold her body for a cool two mil. But it’s the perfect business arrangement. The inexperienced beauty will learn to satisfy his every sensual need, yet never touch his heart. Almost immediately their relationship generates heat—in more ways than one. When they fight, they take no prisoners. When they love, they show no mercy. When they’re together, they never want to leave each other’s arms. But soon, their intense, physical bond will take an unexpected turn—evolving into something neither has bargained for: the promise of a lasting love.

A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS is available for pre-order NOW, and will be released August 27, 2013!!!! You can pick up your paperback or ebook copy from these major retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, iBookstore, Kindle, Nook, and Books-A-Million (to name only a few) ... OR ... you can order direct from Random House.

Check out this cover! I’m so in LURVE with it!!



FLYAS!

~CLP~



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

What Madness Is This?



It would take a very brave soul to put me on a LIVE blog talk radio show, huh? Madness, you say??? Well, hold on to your bloomers, kids! CL Parker is going to be live on the Malliard Report March 26th at 9 PM EST**

This will be my third appearance on the show. Why do I keep going back? Because I keep getting invited. I think I keep getting invited because the host, Jim "Duckboy" Malliard (yes, I gave him that name - Duckboy, not Jim), secretly likes it when I make him blush. I agree to the repeat visits because I like to see if I can outdo myself. You know, raise the bar a little higher until Duckboy just can't take it anymore. Takes him months to recuperate. Bless him . . . 

Besides, he wouldn't dare muzzle me for fear I'd bite his freaking hand off and he'd get a raging case of rabies. See what I did there? Muzzle + bite + raging + rabies? Because animals who get rabies bite and are supposed to be all mean and stuff?

.......... cricket, cricket, cricket ..........

Hello? *taps microphone* Is this thing on? I just called myself a female dog and no one got that? Shut it, Duckboy!

So, um anyway . . . I suppose we should do this thing:

**Warning/Disclaimer: CL Parker is likely to say anything and no question is off limits. She has no shame. You should know this by now. Ergo, sensitive ears might want to skip this one. She's naughty, this one.

There you have it! I'd LOVE to fill up the chat room on this one. Won't you help me overwhelm the Duckboy?

FLYAS!
~clp~







Saturday, February 2, 2013

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

I’ve just sat here for quite a while, trying to come up with a title and opening to this blog that’s adequate enough to capture the epicness of the announcement I’m about to make. And then I finally realized none of the above exists, so I’m just going to say it.

The following was announced in The Publisher's Marketplace on Thursday:

C.L. Parker's fan fiction success THE MILLION DOLLAR DUET, pitched as a modern-day erotic PRETTY WOMAN, to Shauna Summers at Ballantine, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, by Alexandra Machinist at Janklow & Nesbit (NA).

Most of you know that I started writing Twilight fan fiction as a way to hone my writing skills before I eventually published the Supernova Saga. Well, while writing the first book, Supernova, I needed a smut outlet. Million Dollar Baby was that. (the published title is still to be determined)

Originally, I’d had no intention of publishing M$B, but lately, I’ve hit a bit of writer’s block on my new series. Real life issues made my mojo go a bit limp (personal problem, I know). Publishing M$B was supposed to be my Viagra of sorts. I figured the time was right, and loads of readers had been flooding my inbox, asking me to publish it in light of all the other fanfics that have been hitting the shelves.

Why not? So, I set about the process of self-publishing.

It was during a chat with my gal pal, Darynda Jones (New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Charley Davidson series) that something much bigger came about. I’d told her about my new adventure and she’d stopped me dead in my tracks, asking me to hold off on self-publishing. Darynda can be quite convincing when she wants, the vixen.

Next thing I knew, THE Alexandra Machinist (VP literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates) was ringing my phone and overnighting me a contract. Less than two weeks later, a super sweet deal was on the table for THE MILLION DOLLAR DUET, the above announcement was made, and THE Shauna Summers (senior editor at Ballantine, Random House Publishing Group) was chatting me up.


MY DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE!!!!

Y’all, I have the same editor as Suzanne Brockmann, Lara Adrian, and Karen Marie Moning!!!! Aaaannnnd, I have the same agent as Darynda Jones!!!! 


I knoooooowwwwww!!!! It's got me doing this . . . 


Won't you join me?


FLYAS!
~clp~


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Street Teams; Not to be Confused With Street Walkers


‘Ello, lovelies! Okay, not sure why I suddenly went British like that. Perhaps it’s because of a few of my British friends who have been rubbing off on me as of late. Not rubbing off rubbing off, pervs, though that might be nice, but I digress.

Today, I want to talk about street teams. As the title suggests, this is different from street walkers.

Street teams (primarily organized through Facebook) have become an invaluable tool for authors and are gaining in popularity among readers who want to do all they can to help support their favorites. For some readers who refuse to choose, this means they’re involved in nearly a hundred street teams. Wow! That’s quite a feat. I think I speak for all authors when I say, it really is okay for you to like one more than the others, bless your hearts.

I’ve been asked a lot what a street team is, so I thought I’d do a post explaining that to the best of my ability.

First of all, a street teams is a group of individuals who volunteer to take on daily, weekly, and even personal tasks to get the word out about an author and his/her work. They share posts, make some of their own, tweet, blog, youtube, and even solicit book stores and libraries for interest in the author’s books.

A street team is only as good as its administrators, though, as they keep things running smoothly so the author can do the thing that drew your interest to him/her in the first place: WRITE. In exchange for their dedication, authors usually give some special, and sometimes exclusive, perks to the street team. This may be in the form of private contests, sneak peeks, promotional gear, first looks at covers and trailers, and the list goes on and on . . .

My street team is called Parker’s Pimpin’ Posse. Apropos, no? See, in this equation, my street team members are the pimps, and I’d be the chick they’re turning out. Okay, so maybe that makes me the street. Meh, I’m okay with that.

Check out this gorgeous banner made by our very own Shanalda Burden.


We’re currently recruiting new members. So if you’re interested, here’s the deal . . .

It takes dedication on your part. While I will ALWAYS stand by the fact that your personal life comes first, you should be able to make time for assignments. Most of the time, all that the daily assignment requires is a click of the “share” button. If you can’t do that, we’d appreciate your participation in the weekly assignments.

Also, if you’ve been following me for any length of time, then you’ve figured out by now that I’m all about having fun, even though it may border on inappropriate fun. And that’s in public. Ergo, you can probably guess what a closed, private group might look like. Though we walk a fine line at times, we do promise a raucously good time.

Still want to join? Here are the deets: You’ll need to message Alicia Justice on Facebook. Alicia runs Jitterbug Pr, and she’s the admin of Parker’s Pimpin’ Posse. Our co-admins are Jb Ramos and Maureen Morgan. Let Alicia know you’re interested and if you run a blog or have any “special” skills that might help the team expand its reach or pimpage ideas. I’m really looking forward to working with you all. 

I want to take another moment to thank you for your continued support, whether you decide to join the Posse or not. You guys never cease to amaze me.

P.S. Very big things are currently in the works, so now would be a fabulous time to join Parker’s Pimpin’ Posse *wink, wink*

FLYAS!
~clp~

Friday, January 4, 2013

Holy Shit on a Cracker!


Lookie! I’m being a good little lass and doing another blog post. I’m told I’m to be rewarded, though I haven’t been told what that reward will be as of yet. Keeping my fingers crossed for something thick and juicy. Erm, I’m talking about a steak, pervs!

By the way, I should tell you my blog title has nothing at all to do with the actual post. Though I did find crackers doing this . . .



That’s just disturbing. And that thing’s nose, or snout, or trunk, or whatever it is looks like it should be between its legs. I’m not saying, I’m just saying.

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m told people want more of me and that I need to remind everyone where they can find me.

*cricket, cricket, cricket*

Right. So, just in case . . . you can find me on Instagram @ theclparker and Twitter @theclparker. You can also find me on Facebook @ CL Parker. Please be forewarned that I do not silence anyone on my page, and I will not unless they attack someone directly or get all morally distorted and shit. Also, know that I post things that can be edgy. Yes, let’s call it edgy. Which may or may not (read: usually does) include half naked men, and sometimes women.

Oh, and if you want to know what I’m listening to, you can follow me on Spotify – which I’m in LURVE with, by the way. I post my current project playlist there.

So, there you have it. If you want me, you know where to find me. And don’t be afraid to say, “I’m your biggest stalker.” Say it loud and be proud!

FLYAS!
~clp~

Saturday, November 3, 2012

What's Up With Me?


Yeah, so it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Shame on me. Feel free to punish me if you’d like.

Super duper news: I get to change my author bio!!! Why? Um, because I quit smoking and I kicked ass doing it. Yayee, me!! Surprisingly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. The worst side effect: I’m tense like a mofo, yo. Seriously, I don’t even realize it when I’m gritting my teeth and I have to consciously lower my shoulders because they’re drawn up so tight. I think I need a large, strapping man (about 6’3, hazel eyes, brown hair, biceps as big as my head, and a killer smile – I’m not very specific, am I?) to rub me down, and then give me a very happy ending. Hey, I’ve earned it.

It’s been a month since I’ve written anything on my next series. No shit. I’m super pissed about it, too, which I think only makes it worse because I start to obsess over it. My spiritual mentor tells me that when I have writer’s block it’s because my muse thinks there’s something I need to experience that can’t be experienced while being completely immersed in my fantasy world. Life. Hmm . . . but writing IS my life. I think that was exactly her point. Not sure what I needed to experience as of late (read: I know exactly/sort of what that was, but I’m not gonna tell ya), but I really believe today’s going to be the day the dam finally breaks and the words flood forth. If not, then I’m setting myself up for heartbreak and I’ll be drowning my sorrows in some lip-smacking Grenades tonight. Again.



The Nexus release went over extremely well! I couldn’t have been more shocked by the overwhelming response. And then there was ScareFest . . . Ohmigod! You should’ve been there. Well, you already know how I am, right? So, if I were to tell you that there was a booth of blown model/actor types there, you’d be able to put two and two together. LMAO! The guys at Muscle Wolf Productions were a blast! We played off each other so well. And *cough* there might have been a production crew there to film a pilot for a VH1 reality show. *head/desk* Good, God . . . if that segment actually sees the light of day, I may be shamed for an eternity. The good news is that I still won’t care; it was a LOT of fun.



Scott Nova was there in all his half-nekked yumminess, and as a bonus, I got the adorably sexy admin of my Parker’s Pimpin’ Posse street team, Karen Debusk – along with street team members, Liesa Stafford Manis, Onna Adrian, and (Supernova Saga Super Giveaway winner) LizaJo Adrian Meyer!!! I was in heaven! Momma Onna kept sneaking me beer, and Karen and I were totes dipping into the bottle of Patron I got her for a gift under the table. I’m a baaaad author . . . with lots of very wicked influences.



I think that about catches you up on what’s been going on with me. I’ll try to do better with my posts, but I’m so easily distracted I can make no promises. Until next time . . .

FLYAS!
~clp~

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Supernova Super Giveaway Winner Announcement

And the winner is ... LizaJo Adrian Meyer!!!! 

*throws confetti, balloons drift down from above, and LizaJo weeps*

And this is why ... When asked why she wanted to win the saga, LizaJo posted this very well thought out pic, which took a shitton of imagination and made me laugh until my sides hurt. Below the pic, you'll see what she had to say in addition to the pic.



I have posted the contest photo on the Facebook Supernova Saga Super Giveaway Event Page.

I have been following this author through some amazing fan fictions. I enjoy Parkers writing so much I literally dream about it, how the story's might progress, what might happen next and because of how a novel can consume my every thought (and dream) I wait until an entire series is released to begin reading. It has been killing me to wait on this last book, I am dying to read the series. I know this series will be nothing short of amazing and fantastic! I did my best to incorporate a little play on how Novels infest my dreams in my photo and I hope that everyone finds it both creative and comical. Best of luck to everyone who enters the contest.

Parker,

I can't wait to meet you at ScareFest, thank you for all your hard work on your novels and for sharing your creative, luscious mind with all of us. :) Luvs ya babes

A consolation prize of all three books in ebook format will be awarded to the runner up!

Because of this wee bit of a disclaimer: *There must be at least 20 entries for the paperback prize to be given, or the winnings will be in ebook format only. Ergo, badger all your reading buddies until they get in on the fun! Contest will start on August 27th and the winner will be chosen on September 26th, announcement made on September 27th in honor of the release of Nexus. You must visit this blog by October 1st to see if you won, and then contact me with your email address to claim your prize.* the books will be awarded in ebook format, with lots of Supernova Saga loot to boot :)

And then there's the consolation prize ... Madalina G has also won all three ebook copies!!!!!!

This was her winning entry ...


Well hello, C.L.! What can I say, you had me hooked ever since I read your fanfiction :) From there I added you on Facebook & honestly, your updates make my day- you're just so funny, and intelligent, with just the right amount of naughty =)) haha I know...flattery will get me nowhere, but I gotta at least get brownie points for trying. ;) Seriously speaking, when I heard of your new saga, I was hooked ever since I read the synopsis for the first novel. I kept up with all the postings via Facebook & added them to my reading list but considering I have over say...3000 books on the list, I'm a tad behind haha! I would be so happy to get the chance to read your books because from what I can tell, they're exactly up my alley! :D They're witty, funny, a tad kinky from what I hear (that just makes the read more enjoyable) ;) and a whole lot of brilliant- so I'm hoping I get lucky :) Anyways, congrats on the saga and the last book :) I'm proud of you! :D

ps. I didn't post a picture but I'm hoping the text made up for it :D 
-Your slightly stalkering, grateful and dedicated fan :D (Madalina G.)


A huge thank you to everyone who entered! I have very much enjoyed reading your posts, and I adore you for them!! 

Winners, please be sure to email me at clpsuperstar@gmail.com with your preferred ebook format: epub, PDF, or mobi - by October 1st to claim your prize!

FLYAS!
~clp~