Jase, Fields, J. [story reading TXT] 📗

My facebook friends: I LOVE YOU!!! You all make me smile, laugh out loud, and do the happy dance. Yes… it really happens. When you fall in love with “our guys” and “our girls”, and get IT. I feel such an overwhelming amount of warm and fuzzies it’s CrAzY! Your messages, posts, emails, they all make me want to write more and write better.

To the bloggers who I’ve touched base with and who I will reach out to, I know the magic you work (Seriously just found out about it…yeah --I know, lol). I can’t wait to begin that part of the journey.

To my baby sister, Suzanne, I am so happy you introduced me to Classified’s Inner Ninja on our road trip. We listened to it at least a million times laughing with my girl. It was the night Men of Steel went live. Little did I know my inner ninja (that I had pushed so far back inside when I became a Momma), was about to emerge….

Funny thing about an inner ninja’s growth with age….It’s all good. I battled his little ass and put him on a leash and shoved him back inside.

That being said….(clearing throat,) I love all the people who take the time to post reviews. Seriously… I do. It’s very important. I can take criticism because I’m the one putting myself out there. I actually know how important it is. When characters take over your mind and heart, you try to make sure they come across the pages of the books you write. When I write-- I miss a lot, no doubt. They’re part of my heart during the hours I’m with them. Some three and even two star reviews are my favorites. I love to learn and grow so I thank you.

All of you who know me well, know exactly the kind of restraint I show, (Inner Ninja). Aren’t you proud of me, lol. (Yes Eye of the Tiger is now playing in my head). Proud moment over, sorry, lol.

My inner Ninja is neighbors with my inner bitch (again to those who know me yes there is a difference between inner and the outer bitch most have witnessed), and sometimes… they both escape. However I learn everyday not to judge.

Let me tell you a story…

Scene

Upstate New York

At eighteen in a tattoo parlor, boyfriend is getting his first tattoo, me NOT HAPPY about it.

Story

As boyfriend thumbs through the book asking me if I like it, my snobby ass answers “no” to each one. The tattoo artist comes over all bad-ass like, looks me up and down and says, “What are you a fucking art critic?” I scowled, told boyfriend when I would be back and left. I hopped in my used white 1989 Pontiac Trans Am, T tops off, cranked up some Pearl Jam and peeled out thinking Fuck him!

When I returned tattoo guy was just finishing up, “Get over here.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head no. Yes I was a bitch, gasp.

He repeated himself and I walked over.

Tattoo guy looked up and smiled, “Did I spell your name right?” He winked and I laughed out loud.

Boyfriend about came off the table, NOT. HAPPY. AT. ALL.

Moral to the story, learning experience for me…

Don’t be a bitch.

All people are not the same, thank God or we would not have much to write or read about. Art is something very personal, writing is an art. My Boyfriends’ tattoo was not one I would have chosen, and in the artists defense (not one I can use) he did as he was asked. He did an amazing job. If I choose to get one someday, I would definitely look him up.

That being said…

Even my worst reviews make me want to do a better job. Not just for me but for all of the people

who enjoy my books.

However, there’s a difference between a review and a slam.

What have I done since then?

I have a hard time asking for help. But when offered by a couple amazing people (more than once). Through the shit reviews-- that took hip waders to get through,( but I can honestly say I didn’t shed a tear or even consider hanging it up, I am a fighter by nature)I got a wake-up call. I took their help. And I am forever grateful for it.

I am also slowing down. Nine books in a year was a lot! Four or five, TOPS from now on.

My wish….

Is that those of you who blasted me give it a second chance. Men of Steel Novella, Wrapped in Silk, and Stained have been edited. Check them out, they are all amazing stories, (Never claimed that they are works of literary genius, but I know they are good)

FYI

My tattoo story above is a beginning to something that will come soon…

Love to All,

MJ Fields