Pilar is back, and this time it's all about revenge.
Tall, dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended. Little does he know it’s only beginning.
When Xavier met Pilar, he got much more than he bargained for. What started out as an erotic one-night stand quickly turned into a dangerous game of obsession and pain, with both parties playing to win. Then she simply disappeared.
Stunning Pilar hasn't gone away, though. In fact, she has been very near, watching his every move and patiently waiting for him to realize they were meant to be together forever. She still believes they’re soul mates, and the only option for her is “Until death do us part.” If she can't have Xavier, then no one can. Now no one is safe—not his friends, and definitely not him. Revenge can be a real killer...
The Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Prologue
It was getting easier and easier now.
She moved quickly and efficiently throughout the spacious three-car garage. She wanted to remove any traces of evidence that she had ever been there. She had always been good at simply disappearing and being invisible. That was easy.
She was definitely more confident, and it showed in her cool, calm, and collected demeanor. She was no longer afraid of being caught, because the urge to punish those who had hurt her was stronger, much more overwhelming, and urgent. She probably couldn’t stop herself even if she wanted to---she was operating on pure animal instinct. The need to survive and protect herself by any means necessary overrode anything else. Fight or flight. And she had long been tired of running.
There had been others over the years, more than she could count on one hand. They were mere vague gray memories that occasionally crossed her mind, like one might think of a stray pet one owned as a child, but she dismissed the images just as quickly. She never held on to them for more than a few fleeting moments in time. Denial was her refuge.
Only one had successfully escaped her sharp talons and womanly wiles. Or had he? Maybe she let him get away, just that one time. She hadn’t determined which. Sometimes she thought of him, when her mind wasn’t a jumble of darkness, discontent, and madness. There were moments. . . .
She missed him, yearned for his special touch, the touch that only he could deliver with precision and skill. His touch brought heat and desire. His lies brought pain and sorrow. She hated that he escaped her grasp, or that possibly she let him walk away, unscathed. She still considered him her soul mate, the one who made her complete and safe and sound. She yearned to feel complete, because most days she realized she was broken and damaged beyond repair. However, she couldn’t think of that one just yet. Not now. That would come later. The strenuous act of positioning this one just right was over. Now she had serious, delicate cleanup work to complete. Within seconds, that one, the one who got away, was pushed to the dark, cold recesses of her mind. Forgotten . . . for now.
It was painstakingly slow work because everything had to be absolutely perfect. She had observed and respected what a perfectionist he was. He thrived on it. She softly snickered to herself and had to catch herself before it became an all-out rambunctious laugh. He didn’t look too perfect right now, slumped behind the steering wheel of his black BMW like a deflated, tossed-aside bag of rags and bones. Another snicker escaped. She tightly clamped her gloved hand down over her mouth to stop it, to keep it from spilling forth.
When he was discovered—hopefully, within a day or two—she wanted him to appear perfect in death. That was the least she could do, because she honestly felt she owed him that much. With a gloved hand, she carefully took the typewritten note out of his jacket pocket, typed from the personal computer in his home office, and gently placed it next to him on the soft leather passenger seat of his car. Laughter escaped freely and drifted into the still air.
She took one last hopeful look at him and placed a single kiss on his left cheek. She wanted to remember him at peace. Happy. So handsome. She sighed before she carefully closed the driver’s side car door. Then she continued to wipe down any surface she might have touched that bore her prints. She was patient as perspiration dotted her forehead. From her experiences, she knew that patience was a virtue.
She dreamily thought, We could have been so deliriously happy together. They always fucked things up. Always. She hadn’t met a man yet who didn’t. It was never a matter of if, but when. If only he hadn’t started to question or doubt her because of that damn movie, Diary of a Stalker, which had been released a month earlier and was a blockbuster success. Everyone was talking about it; already there was talk of Oscar nominations for best actress and best actor. She couldn’t escape it, no matter where she turned or what it signified for her.
No, you didn’t reject me and attempt to walk away, without a backward glance, she thought. How dare he? She didn’t do well with rejection. Never had. Never would. She chuckled to herself, thinking the joke was definitely on him. If he were alive, he would probably appreciate the joke as well. She had decided years ago that no one, especially not a man, would ever hurt her again. Never again. So far, she hadn’t broken her promise to herself, nor did she have any intentions to going forward.
She exited the beautiful, spacious home that screamed quiet elegance, luxury, and money. She let herself out and quietly disappeared into the night, under the cover of darkness. She craved the darkness for its mystery and power. She whistled a happy tune to herself as she walked away. No worries. No rush. She was lost in her own demented world. Enter at your own risk.
She reminisced about a man—a beautiful, tall, dark, and very sexy man with deep dimples and gorgeous teeth, a man she couldn’t wait to be reunited with. Her body craved him, and she could hardly contain her excitement and joy at just the mere thought of being in his presence again. It had been too long. As for the one in the garage, with the car engine running and the towel stuffed in the exhaust system, he had already slipped her mind, before his body was even cold and stiff. Her last thoughts of him were that when they found him, she hoped he would look perfect. She knew he would want it that way. After all, that was the least she could do. She hummed a lively tune and strolled off into the darkness.
(Continues...)
Copyright © 2011 by Electa Rome Parks. Excerpted by permission of the author. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher, Urban Books.
Excerpts are provided solely for the personal use of visitors to this website.
The Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Coming January 31, 2012Purchase from Amazon Online
ISBN-10: 1601623348
ISBN-13: 978-1601623348
Meet the Author
Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since then Electa has become an award-winning, national bestselling author of eight books. Electa was highlighted in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature and has written articles for several on-line magazines such as Black Pearls Magazine. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few publications.
With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her true passion and working on her next novel, The Stalker Chronicles (coming Feb. 2012), and first non-fiction book. Electa is also currently touring with Atlanta's GA Peach Authors tour.Connect with Electa
Website: http://www.electaromeparks.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/electaromeparks
ERP Blog: http://www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com/
Intimate Conversation with Electa Rome Parks
Join us in welcoming bestselling author Electa Rome Parks. Meet the author: With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, author Electa Rome Parks has successfully published 8 books. She is following her true passion and working on her next novel and first non-fiction book. Electa is also currently touring with Atlanta's GA Peach Authors tour.
Electa was highlighted in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature and has written articles for several on-line magazines such as Black Pearls Magazine. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by several national publications such as AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
Wow! Where do I begin? I always jokingly state that I have a passionate love affair going on with reading and writing. Our torrid affair has consumed my very being for much of my life; it's true, it's pure, it's divine. My passion runs deep. Writing is in my blood and I cannot imagine life without it. My very spirit would probably shrivel up and die if I could not write. Writing is my therapy. My voice. My sincere expression of the world as seen through my eyes.
Wow! Where do I begin? I always jokingly state that I have a passionate love affair going on with reading and writing. Our torrid affair has consumed my very being for much of my life; it's true, it's pure, it's divine. My passion runs deep. Writing is in my blood and I cannot imagine life without it. My very spirit would probably shrivel up and die if I could not write. Writing is my therapy. My voice. My sincere expression of the world as seen through my eyes.
When I write, I am transported to another dimension. My soul feels free and light and at peace. Writing brings me serenity and fulfillment like no other. Like a lover, I love it and it loves me back. Writing caresses my spirit and I simply soar like an eagle. When I write I feel powerful---after all, I am creating life with the stroke of my pen or computer keys. My characters come alive on the pages of my books. That's magic. And when my readers digest my stories, they get to meet these incredible characters, with their faults, imperfections and all. I do not write as a hustle. I write because I am passionate about the power and beauty of words. As my children say, “That’s real talk.”
What drives me? Life, the precious beauty of existing, the experience of learning something new each and every day. Joys, pains. Failures. Accomplishments. Life lessons. My children, my spouse. Love. Observing people in all their beauty and splendor and seeing the not so pretty side. Writing is my essence, my link with the world.
As far as an impact is concerned, I simply want my readers to be entertained and pulled into a world completely different, or maybe not, from their own. When reading my books, my wish for my readers is to feel like they are taking a mini vacation, an escape from day-to-day living. If a life lesson is learned during the process that makes the experience all the sweeter.
Ella: Besides the actual writing process, what is the most gratifying aspect of being a writer?
Hands down, the most gratifying part of being an author has been meeting and greeting new and interesting readers who are embracing my stories and e-mailing me and writing me and meeting me at signings and telling me how much they've enjoyed my books! We talk about my characters like they are old friends. No matter how many times I've experienced this, it always makes my day. Puts a big Kool-Aide smile on my face (LOL).
Their (the readers) feedback and reactions totally validates that my craft is a gift from God! If I can touch a number of people with my stories or even if I only entertain them and they don't walk away with a life lesson, then I've still done my job.
As you know, my stories are typically relationship based, very drama filled with an ounce of spice thrown in, well maybe a pound of spice thrown in, and they usually cover a topical issue that is prevalent in today's society. Believe me, I have so many characters screaming inside my head, waiting to tell their story, that I feel like the lady from the movie Sybil (LOL). So, bottom line, I pray and claim that my readership base will continue to grow and I'll have wonderful opportunities to meet many more fans.
Ella: Introduce us to your book, The Stalker Chronicles.
Diary of a Stalker: a best-selling male author gets more than he bargained for when he meets a fanatical female fan. What starts out as a one-night stand quickly spirals out of control and into a dangerous game of obsession and pain.
The Stalker Chronicles is the sequel to Diary of a Stalker. Pilar is back, and this time it's all about revenge.
Tall, dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended. Little does he know it’s only beginning.
When Xavier met Pilar, he got much more than he bargained for. What started out as an erotic one-night stand quickly turned into a dangerous game of obsession and pain, with both parties playing to win. Then she simply disappeared.
Stunning Pilar hasn't gone away, though. In fact, she has been very near, watching his every move and patiently waiting for him to realize they were meant to be together forever. She still believes they’re soul mates, and the only option for her is “Until death do us part.” If she can't have Xavier, then no one can. Now no one is safe—not his friends, and definitely not him. Revenge can be a real killer...
As always, I offer readers an entertaining, steamy story that is fast paced, thought provoking, relationship based with an added twist. Readers will be fascinated and appalled at what drives some people to get what they want at whatever cost. I think I have birthed characters that my readers will develop a love/hate relationship and hopefully will be talking back to the book as they experience the various emotions that my characters pull out of them. Diary of a Stalker and The Stalker Chronicles will make for heated book club discussions across the country and readers will definitely be talking about Pilar and Xavier the next day.
Ella: Besides the actual writing process, what is the most gratifying aspect of being a writer?
Hands down, the most gratifying part of being an author has been meeting and greeting new and interesting readers who are embracing my stories and e-mailing me and writing me and meeting me at signings and telling me how much they've enjoyed my books! We talk about my characters like they are old friends. No matter how many times I've experienced this, it always makes my day. Puts a big Kool-Aide smile on my face (LOL).
Their (the readers) feedback and reactions totally validates that my craft is a gift from God! If I can touch a number of people with my stories or even if I only entertain them and they don't walk away with a life lesson, then I've still done my job.
As you know, my stories are typically relationship based, very drama filled with an ounce of spice thrown in, well maybe a pound of spice thrown in, and they usually cover a topical issue that is prevalent in today's society. Believe me, I have so many characters screaming inside my head, waiting to tell their story, that I feel like the lady from the movie Sybil (LOL). So, bottom line, I pray and claim that my readership base will continue to grow and I'll have wonderful opportunities to meet many more fans.
Ella: Introduce us to your book, The Stalker Chronicles. Diary of a Stalker: a best-selling male author gets more than he bargained for when he meets a fanatical female fan. What starts out as a one-night stand quickly spirals out of control and into a dangerous game of obsession and pain.
The Stalker Chronicles is the sequel to Diary of a Stalker. Pilar is back, and this time it's all about revenge.
Tall, dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended. Little does he know it’s only beginning.
When Xavier met Pilar, he got much more than he bargained for. What started out as an erotic one-night stand quickly turned into a dangerous game of obsession and pain, with both parties playing to win. Then she simply disappeared.
Stunning Pilar hasn't gone away, though. In fact, she has been very near, watching his every move and patiently waiting for him to realize they were meant to be together forever. She still believes they’re soul mates, and the only option for her is “Until death do us part.” If she can't have Xavier, then no one can. Now no one is safe—not his friends, and definitely not him. Revenge can be a real killer...
As always, I offer readers an entertaining, steamy story that is fast paced, thought provoking, relationship based with an added twist. Readers will be fascinated and appalled at what drives some people to get what they want at whatever cost. I think I have birthed characters that my readers will develop a love/hate relationship and hopefully will be talking back to the book as they experience the various emotions that my characters pull out of them. Diary of a Stalker and The Stalker Chronicles will make for heated book club discussions across the country and readers will definitely be talking about Pilar and Xavier the next day.
Ella: What inspired you to write this series?
Since it has been a couple of years since my last novel, Ladies’ Night Out, dropped, I wanted this new release to be something a little different from my previous novels. Yet, I wanted to maintain the core elements that my books are known for. The drama, the fast-paced nature, and the steamy relationship-based elements are still alive and well.
Since it has been a couple of years since my last novel, Ladies’ Night Out, dropped, I wanted this new release to be something a little different from my previous novels. Yet, I wanted to maintain the core elements that my books are known for. The drama, the fast-paced nature, and the steamy relationship-based elements are still alive and well.
I have attended a lot of literary events such as conferences, signings, workshops, etc. After awhile I started to notice a pattern no matter what city or state I was in. Even though the avid readers, mostly female, poured much love my way (I love you back), I noticed the male authors received an extra dose (smile). Maybe because there aren’t as many male authors? I noticed if I attended a large event, I would see some of the same female readers hanging out with the same male authors. Hmmm. So then, I started thinking about how groupies follow rock bands, rappers, professional athletics, actors and entertainers. Why wouldn’t this exist in the literary arena as well? Throw a few over the top “what if questions” into the mix and Diary of a Stalker was born first, then The Stalker Chronicles.
Ella: How difficult was it to complete the novels?Completing Diary of a Stalker was not difficult at all. I find that once I have defined my characters and have a general storyline, my stories typically flow with little effort. I have been very fortunate in that I have never experienced writer’s block. Once my characters become one with me, and I am living and breathing them, dreaming about them, feeling as if they are actual people, talking back at them, then it is simply a matter of writing the story down as they dictate it to me. The readers helped me write The Stalker Chronicles. The readers offered alot of feedback and constantly requested more!
Ella: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
A few years ago I strolled into the industry with rose-colored glasses. Most of my illusions have been lifted at this point in the game and I no longer own those glasses. There are many lessons to learn about the publishing industry. However, my most valuable lesson about the publishing industry is that it is a business first and foremost. The bottom line, the dollar bill, still takes credence over talent and creativity. Even though I was a business major in college and realized this at some level, I naively thought considerations would be adhered to based on a level of talent, mentorship and development of an author.
Ella: Why do you think your writing is so well received?I'm an avid reader myself and I know what is entertaining for me to read. I feel that if readers crave elements of high drama, exciting relationships, smothering spiciness, more drama, compelling characters, and added twists and turns, then they'll embrace my books, which they have.
Also, with these correct blending of elements, I feel my books come across as real, i.e., my characters are ordinary people who are going through realistic "episodes" in their every day life that readers can relate to in one way or the other.A few years ago I strolled into the industry with rose-colored glasses. Most of my illusions have been lifted at this point in the game and I no longer own those glasses. There are many lessons to learn about the publishing industry. However, my most valuable lesson about the publishing industry is that it is a business first and foremost. The bottom line, the dollar bill, still takes credence over talent and creativity. Even though I was a business major in college and realized this at some level, I naively thought considerations would be adhered to based on a level of talent, mentorship and development of an author.
Ella: Why do you think your writing is so well received?I'm an avid reader myself and I know what is entertaining for me to read. I feel that if readers crave elements of high drama, exciting relationships, smothering spiciness, more drama, compelling characters, and added twists and turns, then they'll embrace my books, which they have.
Ella: How do you define success?
Good question. Personally, I define success as being able to do something you truly love on a day to day basis, getting paid for it in the process, giving back to the community (to whom much is given, much is expected) and being the best person you can be which enables you to sleep peacefully at night. To me, those combined elements make you a successful person. And. . . if you place God and your family first, the sky's the limit!
Ella: To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at http://www.electaromeparks.com/, www.myspace.com/author_chick or www.facebook.com/electaromeparks. To share your thoughts with Electa regarding her work or to schedule an event, please e-mail her at novelideal@aol.com.
The Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Coming January 31, 2012
ISBN-10: 1601623348
ISBN-13: 978-1601623348Purchase from Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stalker-chronicles-electa-rome-parks/1102406502Purchase from Amazon Online http://www.amazon.com/Stalker-Chronicles-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/tags-on-product/1601623348
To learn more the author visit http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/electarparks.htm
Good question. Personally, I define success as being able to do something you truly love on a day to day basis, getting paid for it in the process, giving back to the community (to whom much is given, much is expected) and being the best person you can be which enables you to sleep peacefully at night. To me, those combined elements make you a successful person. And. . . if you place God and your family first, the sky's the limit!
Ella: To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at http://www.electaromeparks.com/, www.myspace.com/author_chick or www.facebook.com/electaromeparks. To share your thoughts with Electa regarding her work or to schedule an event, please e-mail her at novelideal@aol.com.
The Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Coming January 31, 2012
ISBN-10: 1601623348
ISBN-13: 978-1601623348Purchase from Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stalker-chronicles-electa-rome-parks/1102406502Purchase from Amazon Online http://www.amazon.com/Stalker-Chronicles-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/tags-on-product/1601623348
To learn more the author visit http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/electarparks.htm
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