Author Dana Littlejohn

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Welcome to the Loving Day Hop!


Hello Followers!
For those who don’t know, I am Dana Littlejohn, author of sensual romance. Many have asked me why I write interracial romance. My answer is always the same. I write what I know. I grew up in New York City. Not too much is taboo there. It was no big deal that a couple was interracial. It wasn’t until I left NYC that I even noticed other people had issue with interracial couples.

I always thought anyone of age was up for grabs. I never limited my choice of man to my own race. Why would I want to short change myself like that? There are wonderful and fine looking men in all races. When one is looking for someone to spend the rest of their life with, I believe they should explore all their options.  

In my books, the main female character is always African American, but the male lead’s race has been African American, Asian, Puerto Rican and Caucasian. Like me, my character are not limited to a particular race when it comes to love. She is open to dating men of any race. It isn’t his race that she is drawn to nor does it keep her with him.

The traits that I looked for and that my characters seek in their men—smart, kind, handsome, funny, caring, romantic—can be found in men of all races. Thus, why not search for that special man in all the races available to you when the opportunity arises?

When I was a kid I wasn’t exactly what you would call the girly type. I had my own way of dressing and doing things. My parents didn’t judge, correct or condemn. As long as my room was clean and my homework was done they let me do me. My cousins, older and very girly, told me boys wouldn’t like me because I was too weird. I, of course, didn’t think I was weird I was just me. My father told me there was someone for everyone. When I got older there would be a man that would think that my particular type of weird would be my best feature. And he was right! 

My husband and I have been together for 18 years. I am still my weird self, doing things and dressing outside of what most may consider “normal” and he has indeed said that is my best quality. He did not choose me for my race, but because something about me was different from everyone else.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one who grew up like that. So I decided to make a character that had a similar problem. Though it is hard to say I have a favorite book that I have written, this one that is close to my heart. I would like to share with you. There really is someone for everyone and it is not based on race.

 

Taniea is dumped by her boyfriend for being too bold, too aggressive, and too mouthy. Throwing herself into her new job, she traveled to China and met Michael Shen. She convinces him that a fling while she is in his country will be time well spent for them both. 
Will two weeks of Taniea be too much for Michael to handle, or will he leave everything he knows to have a thousand more with her?
  

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Welcome Mythology Lovers!


For the visitors that don't know, I am Dana Littlejohn, author of sensual romance. I have books that touch lots of genres including mythology. In fact I have 2 series based on myth. I love myths and wanted to write stories on goddesses that weren't really talked about. I chose the African sun and moon goddesses for one series and the children of Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. As a child I read many folklore and fairy tales of many different gods and goddesses and found them fascinating and perfect. As an adult I wondered if they had adult issues with life or choosing partner. In my mind I figured, why not! 
In my Erotes series, a 4 book series about the winged gods of love and their sister, Aphrodite wants wants to take a vacation, but she can't unless her sons prove them selves able to take care of her job while she is gone. That is the premise of books 1 and 2, Eros' First Fix and Himeros' Princess. Books 3 and 4, Charles' Goddess and Alan's Arrival are about Aphrodite's wayward children and how she has to intervene to get them back on track.
For the the Daughters of Mother Earth, the Goddess of the Sun starts her day filled with bitterness because she is tired of being alone, in Conquering the Sun. Unable to control her despair, she destroys many of her people. The elders rally together to ask her mother for help in finding her a companion.
In book 2, A Warrior for the Moon, the God of War is instantly smitten by the beauty and wisdom of the Goddess of the Moon but he has no way to meet her and make her his. 
All the gods and goddesses have real life issues but as gods and goddesses they handle them differently. 

Here is a quick peek into A Warrior for the Moon to see what Rubani, God of War has in mind to get hs girl.



When a warrior has his heart set on having the lady in the moon for his bride, but doesn’t know how to make his wish a reality, what does he do? He asks his big brother to seduce her mama to get him in, of course!
Rubani, the God of War, was asked to lead the people of Buganda in an assault against the Zincka to protect their land. During the campaign, he receives valuable advice from the goddess of the moon that led to his victory. Rubani was enchanted by her beauty and intellect. Could Rubani find a way to convince the goddess to be his even though they had only spoken once?

EXCERPT:
 A servant approached and kneeled before them. Extending her silver tray, she offered the deities her gift, two large golden goblets; one decorated in sparkling white stones, the other with bright red jewels. Jasiri nodded his thanks then handed Rubani the chalice with the blood gems and took the other for himself. Rubani clanked his cup to Jasiri’s and they took a long drink in unison. 
Rubani’s gaze remained on his brother. Jasiri had a lovely petite human in his lap. He caressed her feminine curves openly while speaking softly near her ear. 
The excitement and joy at his attentions were evident in her smile. Rubani opened his mouth to ask Jasiri a question, but, deciding against it, swallowed his query with a gulp of his drink. Rubani had found pleasure in the arms of humans many times, but he wanted more. Something they couldn’t give him. 
He stared deep in thought into his cup for a moment then continued to eye the others, rolling the goblet between his hands. 
“Rubani, what’s wrong?” 
Rubani chuckled to himself. Even with a maiden in his lap laboring to command his full attention, Jasiri noticed his brother’s distant behavior. Nothing gets by the Supreme God of Buganda! Jasiri sent the woman away and had their goblets refilled. 
“This is your celebration and you’re the only one not celebrating. Tell me what bothers you.” 
Rubani straightened himself and turned to his brother. “Jasiri, the party is wonderful and I thank you for it.” 
“You are most welcome, but that is not your problem. Speak from your heart, Rubani. We are brothers.”
Rubani swirled the liquid in his cup. “Well, you said upon my return you would reward me.” 

“Ahh, yes, your prize for a job well done. I have not forgotten, my brother.” 
“It’s just, what I really want you may not—” 
“Nonsense, Rubani. Ask for what you want and it is yours,” he said excitedly. 
“Well—I want the Goddess of the Moon for my wife,” Rubani blurted out. 
Jasiri’s smile disappeared. “What?” 
“The Goddess of the Moon is beautiful and wise.” 
“Ahh! Yes, the lovely and intelligent Luneria, Goddess of the Moon. She is enchanting like her mother in many ways.” “That’s what I want. I have spent my lifetime without a permanent companion. Although I’ve had my share of great passion with several humans while answering my body’s need for physical love, I don’t like to dally with them as much as you or the other gods and goddesses do.” 
A deep airy sigh escaped him, unintentional, yet uncontrollable. He dropped his attention to the inside of his cup. 
“I find myself contemplating the idea of children as well. I want a mate who is my equal, someone who will compliment me to pursue such an option,” he added. 
“I see.” 
“My army couldn’t stand against the Zincka. They fought with much courage and honor, but were no match for the skill and strength of their enemy. Her wise words helped turn the tides on the battle ground toward our victory. She watched over me each night. I could almost feel her gentle touch in the moonbeam she sent to shine over me,” he added touching his face dreamily. “I want her to be mine.” 
Jasiri sighed holding his cup in his lap. “I cannot give you a goddess, Rubani. I can offer you a human, any human who catches your eye. If you want I can—” 
“No, Jasiri. I don’t want a human.” His voice elevated with his frustration. “I apologize, my lord. Please forgive me.”
Jasiri offered him a sad smile and touched Rubani’s hand. “No apology necessary, brother.” 

“I just don’t… Humans are sufficient for dalliance from time to time, Jasiri, but not to keep. Not for me. I want someone who can be with me for eternity. Her beauty will not fade in my sight. My lust for her would never diminish. I want the Goddess of the Moon to be mine,” he repeated with finality. Jasiri sighed even deeper and put his goblet down. 
“My apologies, Rubani, but I cannot grant that wish.” 
“Surely there is something you can do to help. You are familiar with Dunia."
Jasiri nodded. "Indeed I am."
"Can’t you appeal to the Goddess of the Cosmos, on my behalf? You are the Supreme God of Buganda, Jasiri...and my brother. Your history with the goddess should grant you some leeway to ask a favor.” 
Jasiri gave him a reassuring smile. “Very well, Rubani. I will speak with Dunia and ask her to speak with her daughter. Remember, our kind are not subject to my command as the humans are. I cannot guarantee anything. The mother of Earth has her own mind, believe me,” he said and his smile widened. 
“I have no doubt,” Rubani agreed with a chuckle. “Thank you, Jasiri.”
To find out of Rubani gets his girl read A Warrior for the Moon, available now at Muse it Hot
More books by Dana Littlejohn at her website
To read about other great mythology books click the banner!