If you find that you have a moment, and need to put up your feet, I have a free Xmas read available at Musa Publishing – Christmas Crossroad – along with several free reads from Musa authors – so check it out for some holiday reading! click here My story features Leo and Andre from Lover’s Trill.
Have a wonderful holiday! See you next year!
We’re seeking kisses for the 2014 New Year’s Kisses Party!
Last year’s event was a massive success, so we’ve decided to go for it again. This year’s event will be hosted by Tara Lain, Angel Payne, and Kay Berrisford.
Basically, we’re collecting kiss excerpts from as many romance and erotica books as we can. All pairings/ménage and heat levels are welcome. The kisses will be published at the party pages at our blogs between 31st December and 2nd January, and there will be a quiz and prizes to encourage everyone to read YOUR kiss.
If you’d like to take part, please send us a KISS EXCERPT from one of your books – anything from a few lines in the build up to a 500-600 word excerpt, any pairing or heat level.
Please email these to kayberrisford@yahoo.co.uk, with the excerpt as a .DOC, .DOCX, .TXT, .RTF, or .ODT attachment, no later than 22nd December. (Please don’t put your excerpt in the body of the email, as the formatting is often ruined, and we won’t necessarily know how to put it back again!)
Later, we will be asking for small donations toward the prize pot (via paypal) or ebook donations for prizes. This is NOT compulsory, but it all adds to the fun.
If you’re into trippy pop culture and vampires, you really ought to check out French Director Jean Rollin’s movies.
The Nude Vampire is a great one to start with. It was in French with English dubbing.I prefer subtitles, but in this case it wouldn’t have mattered much because there are about 6 sentences of dialogue. That’s one reason why you won’t try to watch this while knitting a last minute gift or Facebooking on your phone because you’ll miss pretty much everything. Don’t watch it around kids, either, because there are a lot of naked people and strange clothes. Both of which will require so much explaining that you will miss the slowly developing plotline.
Don’t expect an upbeat ending. It is French.
Do expect a surreal experience.
Suggested accompanying drink: red wine. Of course.
The video clip of the opening scene gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re in for.
Intrigued? I had to order it from the library, but it was worth the wait.
If you have Netflix and need something both sexy and creepy right away, try Fascination. This is also by Jean Rollin. It doesn’t ave the all around swank of The Nude Vampire, but its trippy in its own way.
Like a taste before you commit?
Edits and My Self-Esteem
Written By: Lisa Fox – Dec• 16•13
I like getting edits. I really do. My work is always a million times better after it has gone through the editing process, the story is always stronger, the characters more sincere. My editors have made me better writer and I’ve learned important lessons from them all.
I know all this and yet when I receive revision suggestions, I always go through this period where I feel like I’ve failed my editor in some deep and significant way. The first time I open that Word document and see all that bold color within all I can think is: If only I was a better author, I wouldn’t need to make my poor editor work so hard! Why didn’t I see that? It’s so obvious? How could I have missed that plot hole? What was I thinking when I wrote that sentence? Terrible!
I look over all the comments once, wince and moan, and then I close the document down. For one day, maybe two if the deadline isn’t that tight, I let myself wallow in my failure. I take the time to curse the gods and bemoan my decision to ever think I could be a real and accomplished writer.
And then, the next day, I open the document again and get to work. Because I have to. Because my editor’s right. And because I love this job so, so, so, so much even editing is a treat.
Still, that first hit is KILLER.
How do you all deal with edits? Do they crush you at first or do you receive them happily?
Bull Raleigh doesn’t do twinks, so why can’t he stop thinking about Jamie even while he’s pushing him away.
Here is an excerpt from the fourth novel in the Indiscreet Series, Bull’s Whip:
So, he spent the next week working hard and trying to talk to make friends with Bull. He’d meet him in the kitchen getting coffee and he’d say, “Good morning, Master Bull,” All he’d get for his trouble was a grunt.
He went to Bull’s office and attempted conversation. “Reed and Bear want me to keep track of expenses; could you give me your expense report for the outside training? I’m going to need it for the monthly report?” Then he waited at Bull’s office door, leaning provocatively against the frame. Looking around he saw that Bull’s office was as austere as Bull himself. Nothing was out of place and it was all minimalist.
“Yeah, here.” Bull shoved the report at him and then closed his door.
He tried being helpful knocking on his door Jamie asked, “I’m going to the kitchen to get some coffee and a scone. Sir, would you like me to bring some coffee back for you?” He asked in a bright, cheery tone, smiling broadly at the thought of being able to do something for his man.
“No, if I want coffee I’ll get my own.” Bull said snappishly; then he walked out of his door and down to the kitchen pointedly ignoring Jamie.
He tried flirting. “I’m leaving to spend some time at the bar tonight. I’m looking to do a scene, are you interested; or we could have a drink and get to know each other?” He stood in front of Bull wearing little more than a loin cloth, his armband showing.
“I’m busy tonight. I have a scene set up with Masato.” Bull said. Jamie thought that Bull took great satisfaction in telling him he was busy.
“Maybe next time,” Jamie said, leaving the office.
As he walked down the hall he heard Bull say, “Not if I can help it.”
Damn, he was doing Masato. Masato was a Eurasian who was beautiful to look at. He eyes slanted slightly and his skin was golden. Masato was handsome in the masculine way Jamie knew he was not. Masato was also built. He looked like he could take anything Bull dished out, not like his own small frame which looked delicate but was wiry and very strong.
The next day in frustration, Jamie asked Bull, “Did I ever do or say something to offend you? Every time I speak to you, you barely answer me and you look at me like I’m shit on your shoe.”
Bull answered in a blunt and forceful manner, “I don’t like twinks.” He got up from behind his desk and loomed menacingly over Jamie.
Jamie answered in disgust, “I’m not a twink. If you took the time to get to know me, you’d know that the way I look has nothing to do with who I am inside.” He dared to step into Bull’s space….
Happy Holidays everyone and have a healthy and happy New Year.
Wishing everyone the best holidays ever! I hope you had a Happy Chanukah—or, as we said this year, Happy Thanksgivukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy Winter Solstice! Joyous Kwanzaa! Happy New Year! Sending you the best regards as you’re gearing up to celebrate!
During this hectic time, how do you relax from all the shopping, decorating, baking and other seasonal activities? I hope you get the chance to kick back with a good book, the hot beverage of your choice and a gingerbread goodie or three. Here’s are two suggestions for fun reads when you do get a chance to relax—a sexy trilogy and a classic Christmas story.
—————————————————————————————————–
In each of the three sensuous contemporary Teach Him Tonight romances, a determined woman provides an essential lesson in love to a deserving guy. This often includes cool, delicious chocolate and hot, sweaty sex: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOX5YEO
—————————————————————-
Photo Finish: Ambitious attorney Cassandra Harrell is primed to battle her hot, hunky opposing counsel Alex DeLuca—a.k.a. Alexander the Great—in the courtroom. Though she fantasizes about getting him into her bedroom, she’s determined to avoid this bad boy distraction and focus on her career.
Alex spots the author photo on the back cover of a steamy romance and recognizes Cassandra. Who knew the desirable but icy lawyer had such a fascinating sensuous side? When he teases her about the book at a deposition, she furiously denies any connection.
Her sister wrote the book and, for a prank, used Cassandra’s photo. Outraged at Alex for embarrassing her in front of clients, Cassandra plots a revenge lesson. This teacher comes out on top until her student raises the stakes—and the heat.
After Class: K.C. Corrigan’s book hit all the major best-seller lists. To celebrate this sweet victory, she contacts Todd Marek, the sexy teacher whose writing class she flunked. To her chagrin, he turns her down.
Todd considered K.C. a hot, talented writer—except she put too much romance in her writing. They disagreed, he failed her and she went on to huge success. Now he wants to distance himself from her. To keep his job, however, Todd has to convince K.C. to sign with the school’s agent. Todd’s not big on groveling.
Now that she’s successful, K.C. has lots of new “friends”. She doesn’t need aggro from the teacher who flunked her—and who also keeps showing up in her hottest fantasies. Much as she’d love to teach the teacher lessons in romance, Todd’s the slowest of learners—at first.
Happy Reading and Happiest of Holidays!
Overjoyed
Written By: Tracey H. Kitts – Dec• 11•13
I always knew what that word meant, in a technical sense. However, until recently, I never truly “felt” overjoyed before. I’ve experienced happiness, but this goes so far beyond that.
Lately, I have been so excited as 4 of my books climb the charts over at Amazon. I’m not posting this to brag, but to share how I’m feeling right now. It seems that a lot of other writers get angry when they see someone posting about book ratings or good reviews. I think they are missing the point. Being happy for someone else when they succeed is the very best way to assure your own success.
Most people do not share their “wins” to be jerks. They are just thrilled that something good has happened to them. As I watch those numbers climb higher and higher, I don’t want to rub it in anyone’s face. Here’s an example of what’s going through my head.
“I can pay my bills now!”
“So, THIS is what it feels like to make real money doing what you love!.”
“Oh, my GOD. People are actually reading my work and “getting” me.”
“This is amazing!”
“I feel like a real author now.”
There are not words to express how happy I am. That is what being overjoyed feels like. Not only are my book’s rankings improving, so is my author ranking. Right now I’m in the top 100 in Horror and Paranormal Romance. That is freaking amazing! As far as I know those are two of the hardest categories to break into, simply because there is so much horror and paranormal romance out there. LOL
I’m positively giddy right now. I am watching my dreams come to life one day at a time. I wish I had the words to let you know how that feels.
No rants this month LOL I’m too tired of trying to be politically correct or smooth someone’s ruffled feathers to go off about anything. I am trying to be patient, Really! I am trying HARD not to loose my temper. But for goodness sake can we all just take a freaking chill pill?! Granted, there is a lot going on in the world- Aaron Rodgers got hurt, Rick Harrison got married and Lady GaGa got naked on stage…ahem…But it’s not the end of the world!
Yes Obamacare has turned out to be a total pain in the ass. Yes the federal government closing it’s doors for several days because they couldn’t pay the light bill sucks. And yes like everyone else I am having to make money go a lot farther than it ever has before. But these are the facts. These are things we can’t change but need to work around.
Get a grip. Move on. Smile and hug your kids!
It makes no sense at all to scream and hollar about a publisher refusing to take your 200k word epic (you should have checked the specs before you submitted the thing). There is no logic in verbally assaulting the young lady at the clothing store because your coupon doesn’t work on THAT sweater (check the fine print on all coupons before you try and use one). And there is simply no excuse for treating another human being with disrespect or disdain simply because they exist and happen to be irritating you at the moment.
Ask a question – get an answer.
Give your opinion but remember the person you are talking to may not agree with you.
Take a stand but realize that your line in the sand is YOUR line not theirs.
I’ll stop short of saying something stupid like “can’t we all just get along” and instead say this: say what needs to be said then shut the hell up!
Shoot! I guess I wasn’t too tired for a rant. LOL
TTFN
Okay, so I’m dancing because I have a new release, but the new release also involves dancing.
In August 2012, Pink Petal Books (now Jupiter Gardens Ignite; same company, different name) published my M/M contemporary novella Dancing Away, about ballet dancer Merit Hartwick’s encounter with Cole Dellany, his high school crush–and bully. Cole has tracked Merit down to apologize for an incident ten years earlier, on their prom night, and to confess that he’s loved Merit since ninth grade.
Dancing Away was a sequel to an M/F contemporary novella about two West Coast Swing dance instructors, Erin and Stefan, who fall for each other as Erin is attempting to finally move on from the death of her former competition dance partner. You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This was released in early 2011.
Now I’ve continued Merit and Cole’s story in a new novella that’s a direct sequel to Dancing Away. Although the two men are in love, they’re having trouble adjusting to their new relationship, especially since Cole also has to adjust to moving from his small hometown to the city where Merit lives. Merit’s schedule with the ballet troupe in which he’s a principal dancer, along with his side job teaching dance, take more time away from Cole than Cole can handle. They have to redefine their relationship or decide whether it’s even worth the trouble.
With My Heart will release November 14 from Jupiter Gardens. (As of this writing, I don’t yet have cover art to share.)
Now that Halloween is over, it’s time for the annual holiday blitz to begin. Every store will be playing carols. The television will bombard us all with commercials for the latest “it” toy. Frantic shopping will ensue.
Can you tell I’m a complete Grinch?
As much as I love Halloween, and Thanksgiving, I’m not a fan of the Christmas hoopla. I see commercialism and frustration where others see joy and magic. I hate the pressure to find the “perfect” gift.
You would think, then, that I’d also hate holiday stories and movies, but nope. I love them! Every year, I stock up on Christmas, Hanukkah, and Solstice themed gay romances. I gleefully view the animated versions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as many times as I can. I’ve even written a couple of Christmas-themed stories. One, Lessons Learned, Wishes Earned, is available at Dreamspinner Press.
The other will be released by Loose Id early in December. It’s a re-release (formerly titled Fantasies: Christmas) called Fantasies: Strings Attached. I’m excited to be able to share the cover now. For readers like me, who love holiday stories but hate the cold, it takes place in Hawaii. 🙂