new adult romance – Page 11 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

H – Hoo-Ha

Published on April 9, 2014April 8, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments

Miranda had a lack of quality parental figures in her life and her parents are the last people she would want life and relationship advice from. When her roommates father (married for 28 years and raised 11 children, most of who turned out ok) offers her some advice, she is all over it.

“I told her as you go through life, things are going to happen to you, both good and bad. But when you sit down by yourself, get your mind quiet, and think over your life, what do you come back to? What do you reflect on? Do the memories you hold closest to your heart make you laugh or cry? If you laugh more than you cry, then your spirit is good. No matter what happened to you in the past.”

“I’m afraid to look,” I said.

“Don’t be a scared. I think you might be surprised at what you find out about yourself if you’re quiet enough to hear.”

“Mr. Albritton, I would never have guessed you to be into this introspective hoo-ha.” A word I ‘d learned from Darcy.

“It’s Mrs. Albritton, she made me this way, and you know, I don’t mind.” He laughed. “But don’t tell her I said so.”

Pretty sensitive words of wisdom from a old Arkansas rancher.

What is the best advice you’ve heard about love and life?

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G – Gals and Guys of Another New Life

Published on April 8, 2014April 8, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle10 Comments

Alaina – Miranda’s aunt. She lives in Austin, but they aren’t close. She’s a folk singing, painting, vegan.

Brooke – One of the first people Miranda meets at school. She’s a sophomore and offers Miranda some good advice about UT Austin guys.

Becca – Brooke’s best friend. Insecure, flighty and doesn’t know when to shut up.

Stacy – Jeff’s girlfriend and Rhonda’s (you remember Rhonda) best friend. At one point in the book, someone calls her a gold digging bitch.

Ryan – Troy’s best friend since the sixth grade and star running back for the Longhorns. They are like brothers and Troy spent a lot of time with his family in high school.

Todd– Offensive lineman for the Longhorns and Troy’s roommate. He tries to break up with his girlfriend of two years with a text message.

David – Wide Receiver for the Longhorns and Troy’s roommate. He’s hot, but he giggles like a little girl.

Brandon – Miranda’s therapist. He helps her navigate through all the craps she has been carrying around for eight years.

How many secondary characters are too many?

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F – Film References in Another New Life

Published on April 7, 2014April 6, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

Quick post today. I have a busy day, but had to mention another of my favorite topics. Movies. Unless this is your first visit to SydneyAaliyah.com, you know I love movies. Movies work their way into my writing organically. I can’t help it. Here a few movie references in Another New Life.

“Hello Sensa.”

“Mr. Lawrence, how are you?”

“Goodbye, Obi Wan.”

“Bye, my little Padawan.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because you’re letting me.”

Can you name these three movies?

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E – Ex-Girlfriend

Published on April 5, 2014April 4, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle15 Comments

There is nothing more tension filled then the ex-girl friend meets the new girl friend scene. When’s Troy’s ex-girl friend comes to town unannounced, Miranda is not pleased. Here’s a bit of their introduction.

“Baby, you made it.” Troy said as he guided me through the room and over the bodies spread out on the floor, into the kitchen. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Rhonda. She was gorgeous. I noticed her height. It was all leg. She carried her thin frame like a model, and she moved with grace like a dancer. She seemed so comfortable in her own skin as she got up to follow us.
She hugged me tight. Part of me thought she was trying to suffocate me.
“Oh my God, Troy, she’s adorable.” Adorable, puppies are adorable.
“I know, right?” He put his arm around my waist as Rhonda let go. “Miranda, this is Rhonda. Rhonda, this is my Miranda.”
“I have to take a photo.” She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and took it before I could figure out what was going on. The room closed in on me, too many bodies in one place. I smiled up at Rhonda and Troy held me tight as they continued their conversation.
A draft of cool air came rushing in as someone entered from the patio. I made a beeline for it. I needed some air.
I held onto Troy’s hand, so he had no choice but to follow.
“Hey, baby, you okay?” Troy asked.
I sucked in the fresh air. Thinking maybe she did try and suffocate me. She’d put some weird spell on me and slowly stole my breath so she could have her boyfriend back—my boyfriend back.
“You’re not freaked out about Rhonda?” he asked as he pulled me close. I placed my hand on his chest. The mention of her name made my heart race.
“No,” I said but didn’t sound convincing, even to myself.

She’s also referred to as a red-headed-skank later in the book, but you’re going to have to read it to hear that story.

Is there every a positive ex-girlfriend experience in a romance novels?

D – Darci Albritton

Published on April 4, 2014April 4, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle32 Comments

Darci Albritton is my main character’s roommate. She is a true southern and makes it her duty to help my main character find love and navigate dating in the south. At the same time, she proceeds to hook up with every guy who smiles at her. She is described as intrusive, but in a charming and glitter manner. She is close to her parents and 11 siblings, and everyone loves her, but don’t let her charm fool you. She has one goal, to find a husband before graduation.

Darci’s stats:

18 years old
Long, wavy blond hair
Blue eyes
From Magnolia, Arkansas
Looking for a man with money
Her perfect guy: 6’4″ (Darci is only 5’4”), dark hair, dark eyes and big hands.

**Interesting Character Name note: I had two roommates my second year at Florida State, Darci Bryan and Mindy Albritton. They were from a small county (notice I said county and not town) in central Florida. When I was thinking of names for the roommate, Darci Albritton seemed perfect. Although neither are blonde and both are smart, accomplished women.

I love Darci. Do you fall in love with your secondary characters? How do you come up with character names?

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