A novel I initially began reading with flat-out fascination in an aspiring writer’s blog four years ago has just become the last work of fiction to be added to my collection of edited titles. Today I finished editing MEN AND SEX = POWER, PLEASURE, PAIN.
I met C. Mikki at my 2006 writers’ conference in Dallas when I mistook her for one of my presenters whom I hadn’t yet met and greeted her with a hug. Some time later she asked for feedback on her novel-in-progress. I invited her to share and the rest, as they say, is history. I was hooked from the first chapter, and we’ve been partners in her progress ever since.
Men And Sex = Power, Pleasure, Pain by C. Mikki
The story tells of two women raised by emotionally unavailable mothers who end up struggling to understand love on their own terms. The lead character, Jade, succumbs to her first lover Dre, a deeply sensual man who tantalizes and teases her body to respond to his every command and whose sudden disappearance with another woman sends Jade down a sexually destructive path.
The secondary lead, Lisa, tries to lend emotional support to Jade but is sidetracked, and her friendship with Jade subsequently destroyed, when she falls for the wealthy and controlling Shawn. Blinded by the material lifestyle Shawn provides, Lisa transforms from a confident and secure woman into a timid and fearful shell of her former self.
The estranged friends are reconnected by a family tragedy, and they both meet men who can show them what true love really is. Jade’s addiction to Dre, however, is a major catalyst that could very well lead to total self-destruction. The part that hooked me was the path she set out on when he leaves. Girl was off the chain! I thought Unruly was a bad one … although Unruly’s bad in a totally different way. (Ahh, I so love bad girl characters.)
As much as I’ve anticipated the end of my fiction editing career beyond C. Mikki’s novel, I feel immensely honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to contribute to and witness her growth as a writer. I’m especially looking forward to the day when she emerges as an author within the next couple of months and watching this book soar. This was definitely my favorite of all my novel projects, and C. Mikki was an absolute delight to work with.
And with the conclusion of this book, this chapter of my career ends as well. I am officially retired from fiction editing.
