Write Outside The Box Write Outside The Box

Eden's Garden

2012-02-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

My latest MMF, Eden's Garden is up for pre-order at Siren Publishing. It releases on Feb 9th! Check out the excerpts below! Enjoy!

Story Excerpt:

She would never have guessed that the Kevin that her mom had so often talked about was the Kevin whom she had dated for a short period during her senior year. He hadn’t changed much, and sitting and talking with him, she was glad to reconnect with him. Cliff, on the other hand, for some reason sparked her interest in another way, and she felt there was a story behind him. After all, didn’t everyone come with a story?

“No, I moved to the area not long before I came to work here,” replied Cliff. “I’ve always had an interest in nature, so it’s been awesome to incorporate that into an actual job.”

“It’s always a good thing to be happy with your work.” She reflected on her own job and wished she felt like Cliff. It wasn’t that she hated her job, but the long hours along with often-difficult clients made it hard to maintain her enthusiasm when it repeated itself day after day. She was in need of a change, but even thinking about making any sort of a move scared the hell out of her. It was sad to admit, but she liked having a set routine in her life.

“We should get back to work. It’s been great seeing you again,” said Kevin, excusing himself. “We should all hang out some night to catch up.”

“With you two?” asked Eden. She could think of worse things to do in town rather than spend an evening with two handsome men.

“Yeah, Cliff lives with me. We could get together. I grill like an SOB.”

The offer appealed to her. “Sure, that sounds good.”

“How about tomorrow evening?” asked Kevin. “Seven?”

“I’ll check with Mom, but I can’t see it being a problem.” She had her cell, and she’d make sure to have it turned on at all times in case she was needed.

“I live out by Route Nine. It’s number twenty-eight Old South Bend Road. You’ll see the mailbox before you see the trailer.” She watched as Kevin went to fetch a piece of paper and pen from the shop’s counter. He scribbled down directions and handed them to her. “I jotted down my cell number in case you need it.”

“It’s been great to finally meet you,” said Cliff. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He then walked off, leaving Kevin with her.

“Nice guy,” she said, watching him leave, paying special attention to his cute butt bouncing underneath his well-worked jeans.

“He’s quiet, but one heck of a worker and a great roommate. He doesn’t talk much about himself and I’m not one to pry. I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie.”

“I’m sure he’ll open up in time. Maybe he has trust issues? We all have issues.” She smirked. “Some more than others.” She thought about her dismal dating record. “Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow evening.” She heard her mom come back into the room, and after Kevin had left, Eden went to see what the other two ladies were up to at the counter.

Adult Excerpt:

“Lay back on the bed,” he ordered. “Cliff, help her out of her panties.”

Eden shifted back on the bed and blushed just a little as Cliff hooked his thumbs into the waist of her panties, and in one hard yank, he had them around her ankles, exposing her to him totally. Kevin caressed her cheek as he knelt next to her on the bed, his cock just inches from her mouth. He ran one finger across her lips and then slipped it inside.

“That’s it, suck on my finger.”

She toyed with him, teasing him to the best of her ability, and when she felt Cliff pushing her legs apart, she groaned as he spread her pussy lips open and ran his tongue over her engorged clit.

“She likes that,” said Kevin. “Keep doing that and watch her squirm. Get her nice and wet for us.”

* * * *

Kevin smiled as he rubbed his cockhead against Eden’s full lips. “Suck my cock,” he said, watching her, their eyes meeting as she opened her mouth and took him inside. He leaned toward her slightly and pressed forward. “That’s real good.” He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, he looked to Cliff and grinned. “Eat her cunt. I wanna see her come.”

Cliff pulled his head away from Eden’s pussy, his lips slick with her juices. “You should have a go at her. She’s so hot and tight.”

Eden moaned when he said this, and after he inserted a second finger inside her cunt, he tried a third and started fucking her hard.

Kevin watched the hot scene play before him, and he knew he had to fuck Eden. He had to feel her clenched around his cock, her pussy massaging him. “I am so going to fuck you hard,” he explained. “And Cliff, too!”

She nodded in agreement and took him deeper down her throat.

* * * *

Cliff was engrossed with the sight of his fingers sliding in and out of Eden’s pussy. He tongued her clit and, with his free hand, reached down to jack his cock, which now jutted from the fly of his jeans.

“Oh God,” he heard Eden say. He looked up and watched her jack Kevin’s cock, her eyes closed and her mouth open. “Fuck me,” she begged. “I need one of you to fuck me hard!”

“Your wish is our command.” Kevin moved down to join him, but before he did, he reached into the nightstand for condoms and lube. He winked as he tossed one to Cliff. “I have an idea. Lie on your back and let her ride you.”

Cliff did as he was told and in the process slid the condom over his cock and applied a little lube. He bit down on his bottom lip when Eden straddled him. The feeling was incredible. She was hotness, and the friction of his cock sliding in and out of her cunt was out of this world.

“Lean back a little,” he heard Kevin say to Eden. “If it’s too much for you, just tell me and we’ll stop.”

“I’ve never had two men at once,” she professed. “This is a first for me and I’m not sure if it’s going to work.”

“I want us to both fuck you for the first time.” Kevin’s voice was softer now and more soothing as he explained this to her. “I want you to enjoy this just as much as we do.”

Cliff didn’t move as he felt Kevin pushing into Eden’s pussy to join him, and as she grunted and moved slightly to adjust to their girths, he held on to her hips to keep her in place.

“Oh my!” she exclaimed. “That’s just—” Cliff heard her suck in a deep breath.

“Are we hurting you?” asked Kevin, his voice full of concern.

“No. Please go slow, but don’t stop.”

Interviewing Georgia Fox

2012-02-03T02:31:00.000-08:00

Georgia Fox is the awesome author of many erotic titles. Her talent for writing historical romance is vast and it shows in every work. She agreed to me a small glimpse into her writing career and shared with us her most recent release.

X- Tell us what started you on the writing path.

G- I've always had stories in my head. I can remember writing my first book at the age of ten. It must have been around that time I realized people could actually make money as a writer - that it could be a career. But I never seriously thought of showing anyone my work and trying to get published until much later. Once I'd plucked up the courage to share my work with a few friends and they encouraged me to try getting it published, that was how the ball got rolling.

Purchase

X- What's your latest release?

G- THE WAGERED WENCH is book 5 in The Conquerors series (and the penultimate book in the series). It's the story of a woman struggling to find her place in a male dominated world (11th century England) and the reluctant man who comes to marry her, having won her from her drunken father in a game of dice. It takes place over the space of a year and is divided into four parts, represented by water, air, fire and earth - each one being significant in the development of their steamy romance. It also introduces the hero of the final book - Stryker Bloodaxe - who gets in on some menage action with the hero and heroine.

X- Do you do much research when writing your books?

G- I do. I have tons of history books for every time period LOL. But I don't over-burden the story with too much historical detail. I like the story to be about the characters and their chemistry, rather than a broader history lesson on the political climate. If the reader picks up some interesting facts about living in the era along the way, that's great - I think it sets the scene and puts the reader into the time period much more effectively to have a few nuggets of historical treasure spread about for them to find. The important thing is that they enjoy the story and it transports them to another place for a while. I don't want to teach anyone anything, just entertain.

X- What's something most people don't know about you?

G- Hmmm. That would be telling!

X- What's the book you like the most that you've wrote?

G- Argh! I love them all for different reasons. I think possiblyThe Wagered Wench. It's actually a story I started writing a long time ago and set aside, because I wasn't getting that flow. Then I got it out again one day and suddenly it just took flight. The character of Dominic Coeur-du-loup touches a chord in me, I guess. He's very strong, quiet and much more honorable than he thinks he is. His kindness and intrinsic goodness is just a part of who he is and since its always been there he doesn't think about it, doesn't know to value it. He has a facial scar and assumes that no woman will love him because of it.

X- What can we expect from you within the next year?

G- Book six in The Conquerors series - the final one. And it has some surprises in store for those who've read the other books. I'm going out with a bang! Then I have plans for a new series, which I don't want to say too much about. I also have more books planned for Lumina (the wanton hussy, whose first story came out last year) First, however, I've got a naughty fairy tale almost completed and I'm very excited about it. This one involves a very naughty pussy, a cursed milkmaid, a wicked nobleman, some high-heeled boots and some whips and chains.

Thanks for hosting me, Xon!

X- And thank-you for being here.

Georgia can be found online at: Foxy Tales

Onward

2011-12-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

So much has happened over the past year and when I sit and reflect on everything, I can honestly say that I am pleased for the most part with my life.

I got married to the one love of my life and that was definitely the biggest moment for me of 2011. I love you with all my heart, Adam. And I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. You are my constant support, my rock in life, and I love you for everything you are.

Christmas was great! It was quiet and I had many days off from work which was a surprise.

I've been thinking about the coming year and how I want to change some things in my life. My goals are as follows:

-To become more healthy. I want to start back at the gym and I need to eat right again.
-To not take life so seriously. I often stress about so many things. I need to realize that nothing's perfect in life and that's okay.
-I plan on taking my writing in another direction. My focus will no longer be on erotica. I want to break into the mainstream romance and literary world. I do have a sub with Harlequin and I plan on sending them something else. I also have another big publisher in mind to sub.

I will still write erotica. I won't be giving it up completely, but it won't be my primary focus.

I have a literary novel started and I plan on finishing that and subbing it to an agent. It's a risk I feel I need and want to take.

So, that's my plans for the near future in a nutshell. How about you?

Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop: Day 7

2011-12-05T01:29:00.000-08:00

Another Stocking has been removed and it's my turn to tell you about my story in this great holiday anthology!

My story is Promises!

Blurb: 'Leda James is a woman on the verge of losing it due to her distaste of the upcoming holiday season. Sadly, being a professional baker, avoiding Christmas alltogether is totally out of the question.

When her hot and hunky Italian assistant, Joey offers her a chance to spend Christmas Eve with him and his family, she is fast to turn him down even though she secretly lusts after him.

In a matter of hours they find themselves stranded due to a fast approaching winter storm. Joey is forced to spend the night at her upstairs apartment. Sparks fly, clothing comes off, and in the end she's left to question everything she'd thought was perfect about her life.

There's a storm raging not only outside, but also within her. And when the morning comes, she's not sure if she'll be able to ride either of them out.'

Excerpt: Joey shifted the van into low gear and crossed his fingers that he’d make it back alright. And when he spotted the bakery in the near distance through the fast falling snow, he heaved a huge sigh of relief.

“Have you seen what it’s like out there?” he asked, walking into the bakery. “And it’s only going to get worse overnight, so says the radio.”

“I sent Kendra home early so she could avoid it. It looks like I did the right thing. You can go too.”

“In this? I barely made it back here. I’m not going anywhere yet.” He pulled off his jacket and went to the supply room to hang it up. When he came back, Leda was leaning on the countertop staring off into space. He didn’t think she even noticed he was there. “So, what else needs to be done?”

“Just the clean-up. I doubt we’ll be seeing any more customers in here tonight.”

“Not if they’re smart.” He looked to the kitchen. “I’ll get to work.”

“I’ll be in a moment.”

* * * *

There wasn’t much to clean. As usual Kendra has taken care of most of it as she worked. And after the bulk had been cleaned up, Joey washed down the surfaces while Leda took care of the front end of the store, removing day old baked good from the display counters.

“What a waste,” she said, carrying a load back into the kitchen. “It’s a shame to dump it. Take some of it home with you.”

“Home? You’re kidding. Visibility is near zero out there. This is going to last all night and into tomorrow morning.”

“You can’t sleep here,” she said. She had a small apartment located up over the shop. She could invite him to stay the night with her. Her pulse quickened thinking about taking Joey into her personal space. “You can stay upstairs with me. That’s the only sensible solution to this. The couch is reasonably comfy.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that, Leda.” He did sound appreciative, and the way he looked at her as he spoke her name, well, she had to force her mind to other things then ravishing him right then and there.

“It’s not a problem. I’d do it for just about anyone.”

He smirked. “Well thank you for making me feel special. And to think, I thought I was the only one.”

“Funny guy.” Leda smirked “Let’s finish up down here and get the heck out of dodge.”

This was a fun story to write and I hope you enjoy reading it! Happy Holidays!

Next up in the blog hop: Kelly Yeakle

Win Free Stuff From Ashlynn Monroe

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

From Ashlynn:

I'm thankful to so many people this year. It's been a great year for me as an author. I've been very lucky to learn from wonderful editors who've improved my knowledge of the craft I adore. Writing is in my blood. I've had so many wonderful readers reach out to me. It's wonderful when someone tells you that your work has touched them. In thanks, I want to give away goodies during the holiday season. I'm going to be giving away audio books, tote bags, t-shirts, and eBooks. Like me on facebook, Ashlynn Monroe Author, to keep up with the giveaways.

I have three new releases in December. A Healer’s Touch from Wild Horse Press, Salvation book three in my Vengeance series from Decadent Publishing, and A Daddy for Christmas from Silver publishing will all be available throughout December. I’m looking forward to readers enjoying these books.

A Daddy for Christmas:

When Charlie St. Claire became the caseworker for three, terrified little boys, she didn’t mean to let herself love them. But she did. The boys had unique issues, but with her typical, positive attitude, she wanted to give them a better life.

Richmond Wolfe hadn’t seen his sons in years. He couldn’t help what he’d become, but he’d tried to protect his children by leaving. Now some city girl do-gooder wanted his kids. He wouldn't give them up, not to her or anyone. He loved them that much.

Charlie soon discovers Richmond’s terrible secret and it puts her and the boys in danger. Her burgeoning feelings for the hunky outdoorsman fill her with confusion… and something more. Maybe her boys could use a daddy for Christmas.

A Healer’s Touch:

As if being a young single mother wasn't challenging enough, Phoebe is also the last adult descendant of the witch that cursed Willow Lake in response to her betrayal and murder. Phoebe inherited the family curse, but with love and compassion, she uses her magic for healing.

Fabian Sterling likes money, he likes power, and he likes Phoebe. He's also the ancestor of the man who burned Phoebe's witch ancestor at the stake. Can passion overcome a grudge that's lasted for centuries? When he looks at Phoebe, he doesn’t see a witch, only an angel. How can anyone so beautiful be reviled by an entire town? Fabian vows to protect her, whatever the cost.

Salvation:

Audra Jacobs finds herself alone and uncertain. Her overwhelming power is keeping her from her family, and her lover. The mysterious Phoenix has told her things that she can’t believe are true about her new power. She was brought back from the dead for a reason; she just doesn’t fully know what it is yet. How can she be a hero when her life is falling apart? Could she even accept being normal again if she’s given the chance?

Cain Maddox loves Audra; the demon living inside of him loves her too. The Phoenix living inside of her wants to keep them apart, but he’s determined to save her—again. When a higher power gives him an ultimatum, he has to choose between Audra and his freedom. Their enemy is closing in, and hurting the innocent people who love her. Whom can a hero call when he needs a hero? How can Cain keep her safe when he can’t even touch her?

Buy book one Vengeance: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=66&products_id=239&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Buy book two Retribution: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=66&products_id=250&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

I hope you’ll check out these books, and take part in the giveaways. Comment here to win a 2012 calendar, emery boards, magnets and other fun swag today! I’ll contact the winner and request the physical address to send the goodies. I hope you have safe and happy holiday.

Website: http://www.ashlynnmonroe.com/

New Cover Art: The Men of Buckshot Ranch- Mark

2011-11-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

I love this cover. It's for the second book in my MM series with Total-E-Bound due out this February. Many thanks to artist, Emmy Ellis for the wonderful visual!

Eden's Garden

2011-11-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Eden's Garden(MMF) has sold to Siren Publishing as of today. It will release in February 2012!

The Money Side of One Author's Journey

2011-10-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Many authors are hesitant to discuss the financial side of the writing business, myself included. I thought about writing this post for a bit and decided to go ahead, and give a glimpse into how much I've made throughout the last year since I started writing seriously.

The first six months saw very little. My first few statements were mainly from publisher's sites and I learned that it takes a good amount of time before the third party sites pay up which is where most of the sales come from. I didn't know this previously and for anyone who thinks the money is instant, it isn't!

Some of my publishers sell better than others. I've had one novella tank(Sweet Romance) and while it's a fav of mine it just didn't sell. I've had two others that have done okay and the rest have done quite well to date. My self-published stuff has also sold well and I hope to continue with that as a side venture too.

I won't get into specific amounts earned, but I am making a decent second income from writing. Could I live alone from what I'm making at this time? Certainly not. At this time I still have to work my day job. Maybe in a year that might change.

I'd also like to note that I do a heck of a lot of promotion on my own. I have no doubt that this has helped my sales. It's not easy work. It takes a lot of time and effort. In the e book romance and erotica business you have to do your best to get noticed. In a market that's flooded it isn't an easy task!

Writing Updates:

-Awaiting on one sub MMF
-Awaiting edits on book two in The Men of Buckshot Ranch series from Total-E-Bound
-Awaiting edits on my Christmas antho story from Evernight Publishing
-Completing a couple of shorts for Iron Rose Press

It's been busy here in the writing cave, but I'd have it no other way :)

My Gay Zombie

2011-10-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

All Romance Bookstrand

Coming soon to Amazon Kindle!

Blurb:

Jeremy has a major problem. He’s dead!

After a night of partying, Jeremy is awakened from his eternal slumber only to discover that he’s dead, or at least deadish. After meeting good guy, Randell on a dark and deserted road, the two guys quickly fall in lust with each other.

Jeremy is quickly discovering new things about himself such as his love of human brains. His urges cannot be controlled and when he realizes that Randell is endangered by being in his company, a decision must be made to protect him.

Excerpt:

Randell’s heart thumped hard inside his chest. That face and that body. Instantly, he became erect just as Jeremy walked into the living area. And now, thoughts of doing extremely naughty things with him coursed throughout his mind causing him to blush.

Fumbling through his closet, he grabbed a pair of sleep pants along with a sweatshirt. It would do.

“I’m chilled.”

Randell jumped and turned to see Jeremy standing behind him.

“I appear to have startled you this time. It’s becoming a habit…with us.” Jeremy sat on the edge of his bed.

God, he was super sexy! “This should fit you and it’s warm.” His mind skittered once again to the naughties. “If you’re hungry, I can make something.”

Jeremy nodded. “I am hungry, but it isn’t for food.”

Silence.

“Coffee? I know it always brings me around when I’m feeling slightly off, or a beer?”

“Not what I have in mind.” Jeremy pulled the towel from around his waist.

This had to be a dream, a delicious dream. And if it was? He sure as shit didn’t want to wake up.

****

Whatever had come over him, Jeremy didn’t know. Much like the hunger, right now all he wanted to do was fuck. Lust flowed throughout his body and with only one thing on his mind, he closed in on Randell.

“Um, what are you doing?”

“I saw the way you looked at me when I came from the shower. You had that look in your eyes, a look that told me so much with just one passing glance,” he replied, taking Jeremy’s hand and placing it on his chest against his ashen, cool flesh.

The guy flushed crimson. “It’s just that--”

“No need to explain.” He pressed one finger against Jeremy’s lips. “You saw something you liked and I have too. There’s no shame in that, contrary to what some others may say or think.”

“It’s just that I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“With another guy?” he asked, the thought of seducing a virgin, brought his excitement and horniness to a whole new level.

“With anyone. I’m a virgin.”

“But you like guys?”

Randell nodded, taking in a deep breath. “Very much so.”

Jeremy dropped to his knees, his cock rock hard, pointing upward. He unzipped Randell’s fly and reached in until he found what he desired, eight inches of thick, throbbing cock. Uncut. Bonus!

“Sweet Jesus,” said Randell.

“He has nothing to do with it,” replied Jeremy, looking up. He then opened his mouth and didn’t stop until he felt pubic hair rubbing against his nose.

Like an animal driven by some unknown need to quench a lustful thirst, he sucked up and down, his goal to not only pleasure this guy, but also fulfill the urge within himself.

My First Year

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's been one year since I subbed my first story. Over the past year I have learned so much about many things both writing related and non. It's truly been a journey of sorts and I think I am better off for having the experiences that I have had thus far.

Being published had had it's ups and downs. Some of my works have sold much better than others. I have learned that in the e romance and erotica market some things sell better than others. I have also learned to be wary of certain publishers. It's been like a maze to navigate through all this information since it's tossed at you from every which way possible. Many of you know this and I'm sure have had your own experiences.

I am pleased with the ways things have gone in one year for me. I feel my name is out there and while I'm not one of the biggies selling tons of books, I am doing reasonably well. I hope to continue the way I'm going, but am expanding to write in other genres which are not romance or erotica oriented.

Where do I see myself in another year? I often ask myself this question. Ideally my dream is to write fulltime and be moderately successful. I will continue to work hard at it and see what comes of it. Afterall, I didn't think I'd be this far along one year ago.

Cheers

Iron Rose Press on Bookstrand

2011-10-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

All of my Iron Rose Press titles are now available on Bookstrand!

Busy Bee

2011-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

I don't post much about my personal life on this blog as I like to keep that seperate, and for the most part offline. Anyhoo, I thought it'd be nice to share a little of what's going on with me along with an update of what's out and upcoming for me in regards to my writing. Bear with me, I'm exhausted sitting here with a cup of coffee after finishing two nightshifts.

I started back to work last month after taking a years leave to write and sort some personal crap out. It's been hard moving back to the city and adjusting to the shift work again. My writing routine has gone to hell and I'm finding it hard to fit it in even on my days off since all I want to do when I'm off is veg, and sleep. I'm managing to write at least 1k on most of my days off, but it's not easy when the words won't come.

Current Works:

-New sub for Siren(MMF)
-Edits for My Gay Zombie.
-Multiple shorts(MM)

Upcoming Releases:

-Forever Night(MF) Coming in December from Secret Cravings Publishing
-Stockings and Suspenders(Christmas Antho) Coming in December from Evernight Publishing
-The Men of Buckshot Ranch: Mark(MMM) Coming in February from Total-E-Bound
-My Gay Zombie(MM) Coming in October from Iron Rose Press
-The Best Gift(MM) Coming in Decemeber from Iron Rose Press

Recent Releases:

-Our Dirty Little Secret(MMF) Siren Publishing
-The Men of Buckshot Ranch: Jay(MM) Total-E-Bound
-Star Treatment(MM) Total-E-Bound

Recent News:

Menage on the Prairie(MMF) and Our Dirty Little Secret(MMF) will be released together in a print combo from Siren Publishing coming soon! I was thrilled with this news. Most of my sales come from e books, but it will be great to have print copies available.

Life's been hectic, but it's good keeping busy. My ultimate plan is to eventually write fulltime and give up the day job. Is it possible? Who knows. I'd be interested to hear from others who have done it.

That's my life in a nutshell at this time. What projects are you working on?

The Men of Buckshot Ranch: Jay

2011-09-12T03:34:00.000-07:00

The first book in my new M/M series with Total-E-Bound is out today!

If you love hot cowboys combined with an old west setting, check it out: Jay.

Book one in The Men of Buckshot Ranch Series

Jay Harnett’s predictable world is knocked upside down when he encounters the new school teacher, Will, in town. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, it turns to lust, love, and a whole lot more, surprising them both.

But when Will’s old flame suddenly leaps into the picture a decision must be made that will change all those involved.

Reader Advisory: This book can be read alone or in sequence as part of a series.

Our Dirty Little Secret(MMF) Is Out Today!

2011-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Our Dirty Little Secret is out today. If you like hot MMF action then check it out!

Siren

You can also check out my first Siren release(MMF)!

Siren

I'd also like to take this time to thank my husband and readers. Without you all, this wouldn't be possible!

Pre-order Our Dirty Little Secret

2011-08-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

My latest release is up for pre-order at Siren Publishing! If you're a fan of hot MMF then check this one out!

A 10% discount onsite is available for a limited time.

Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M, sex toys]

Ann Hunter is a woman on the edge. She's just turned forty, and while her marriage to her handsome and attentive husband, Jeff, is stellar, she can't help but daydream about the new hunky next-door neighbor, Mike Monroe. Little does she know her husband is experiencing similar feelings but can't bring himself to let them be known, until a secret kiss forces him to face something he has hidden deep inside for years.

Mike never expected this turn of events when he moved into the neighborhood, yet all he can think about is Jeff, the man of his dreams. There is only one problem—Jeff is married.

When an opportunity comes up for an unplanned holiday weekend at the lake, all three are eager to partake. Things happen, secrets are revealed, and boundaries are broken as all three venture into unexplored, forbidden territory.

Note: This book contains double vaginal penetration.

A Siren Erotic Romance

Author Interview with Scarlett Sanderson

2011-08-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

X- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

Buy

S- Hotel Decadence is a short erotic tale about a Dominant and submissive. Gillian receives a glossy black card from her lover. Written on the card is one short sentence: “Hotel Decadence. 2pm. Pack an overnight bag. Don't be late." The story is about what happens when Gillian obeys her Dominant’s command.

I’ve always been fascinated by BDSM and the power play involved in a D/s relationship. Hotel Decadence stems from that fascination.

X- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

S- As clichéd as it sounds, I’ve always been a writer. I’ve been writing professionally for six years. I can’t believe it’s been that long! My road to publication was fairly simple. I had it easier than a lot of authors. I saw The Wild Rose Press had just opened their doors and were looking for submissions. I’d recently finished writing a Christmas story and sent it in for consideration. Within a few weeks, I had my first contract. Over the next few years I wrote three more books for Wild Rose and one for Phaze. Then for a few years, writing took a back seat. I acquired my rights back from The Wild Rose Press and have recently been contracted with Ellora’s Cave.

Although the road to publication was easy for me, the journey since has been a rollercoaster.

To all new writers I would say learn your craft and write what you love, but more importantly learn the business. If you want to write professionally you need to treat it as a business venture. I didn’t understand that until a few years ago and it’s started to make things a lot easier. Being published doesn’t make things easier, you still have to work your butt off.

Buy

X- What other things interest you besides writing?

S- History. Besides writing (and reading!), history is my biggest passion. Oh, and Man vs Food. I adore that tv show.

X- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

S- I’m currently reading two things. Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill - I love her Chicagoland Vampire series. Not too serious and perfect for a bit of escapism. I’m also reading The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter.

My TBR pile is HUGE. I can’t stress how large it is! I’ll try and name a few books: Patience by Lisa Valdez, Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich, A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin, and The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly.

X- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

S- Any moment in the Tudor period of history. I’m a bit of a Tudor addict and would love to have lived during that period.

X- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

S- Hmmm, difficult one. I would have to say my iPhone. I swore I would never get one and if I did I would NOT be one of those people who is constantly flicking through various apps or web pages.

It’s sad to say I am now one of those people.

X- What’s your favourite flower?

S- I adore lilies.

X- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

S- Champagne. I’m a sucker for the bubbly stuff.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S- Hotel Decadence is available to purchase now from Amazon US and UK.
I have a BDSM novella that has just been contracted with Ellora’s Cave called Beg Me. Unfortunately there is no release date as of yet. But keep checking my blog for updates.

Right now I’m working on a vampire cowboy space opera, and a D/s lite novel involving cupcakes and an ex-marine who bakes.

Blogspot: http://scarlettsanderson.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Author_Scarlett

Email: scarlettsanderson at yahoo dot com

X- Thank you for allowing me to interview you. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career.

Just Married

2011-08-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yup, I did it. Today I went ahead and tied the knot. It was a simple ceremony attended only by close friends and afterwards we drank wine, took pics, and ate cake.

Just a few years ago I thought I'd never meet the right man. This goes to show how your life can change and you never have your life completely figured out.

Cheers~

New Release: Kissing Michael

2011-08-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

My newest short Kissing Michael is out and on sale at All Romance. Check out the excerpt below, but be warned, it's a little naughty!

Description: At eighteen, Brett has experienced very little in life. He’s gay, closeted, and desperate for change. When a chance meeting with the new guy in town at a party presents itself, he’s more than ready to open up and make a new friend.

Michael has more than friendship on his mind when he spots the hot jock leaving the party for the night. This is his moment and he quickly follows hoping for a chance alone with him. That chance turns into a whole lot more when Brett invites him back to his house leading to a night of intense, undiscovered passion.

[M/M, anal sex]

Short story

Excerpt: At that moment I wanted him to kiss me desperately and from the stirring inside my jeans, my cock wanted it too. “I don’t mind,” I managed to say, my heart beating hard and fast inside my chest. I swallowed and looked to the ground. I was going out on a limb here and this could all easily backfire in my face. Then I would be outed as the fag that I was. The thought of that happening terrified me.

“That’s good. So,” he hesitated. “You wouldn’t mind if I kissed you? If you do, just tell me to fuck off, man. I’ll understand. But I noticed you back at the party and well…I felt a little something between us.”

Hell yes I wanted him to kiss me. This was like a fucking dream come true. I was a complete virgin; I hadn’t even been touched up to this point in my young gay life.

I leaned in to Michael and he did the same. I wasn’t sure what to do next so I let him take the lead hoping that he’d had some experience.

Author Interview with Mary Ellen Quigley

2011-08-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

'Ordinary girl…

For Alena Johnson, life is simple, predictable, and downright boring. The only source of excitement is her veterinary practice. When she wakes one morning to find herself in an unknown place, no one is more surprised than Alena. Why would anyone want to abduct her?

Powerful man…

As Alpha of the Southern California Feline Pride, Leander Williams has one duty - to protect his kind. When miscarriages and medical scares began to plague the community, Leander has to make the tough decision of bringing a human doctor into the mix. Alena Johnson, with her expertise in both human and veterinary medicine, seems to be the perfect choice.

Opposites attract…

Sparks quickly begin to fly between Alena and Leander, and the two find themselves fighting an attraction hard to explain. As danger threatens the future of the pride, Leander is forced to not only defend his people against new enemies, but to protect his role as leader. Will the pride survive? Can a human and feline shifter ever be mates?'

X- Welcome Mary Ellen to Write Outside the Box. Let's dig right in.

Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

M- My current release came out a month ago and is called The Wild Side.

My inspiration came from a picture on a website. There is a wonderful artist named, Carol Cavalaris, who has a work titled Lion Man. It’s an amazingly beautiful picture and is where I came up with the idea of a man who can turn into a lion. You can find the picture on Carol’s website: Romance Works.

X- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

M- I have always written. Since a very young age, I would be locked in a room writing stories in my notebook. I began freelance writing in college, but never took it seriously. My current release is self-published, but the whole story of publication is a bit complicated. About a year ago, I entered a contest in my local paper. The contest was to pitch a story to the editor. Whoever had the best story pitch would be chosen to work with the editor in creating a short story. The catch was that you won the editor. It had nothing to do with publishing. Since it was a short story, I decided to self-publish. Not because I didn’t think it was good enough, but because I knew that I wanted to spend more time shopping around my other works.

My best advice for new writers is to keep writing. The more you write, the better writer you become. Also, do not be afraid of criticism. I actually enjoy getting a bad review because it gives me advice on what to improve.

X- What other things interest you besides writing?

M- Besides writing, I enjoy doing arts and crafts. I especially love the old lady crafts like cross stitching and needle pointing. My Mom’s side of the family is big on needle pointing. The craft was passed down to me.

X- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

M- I am currently reading Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is fantastic thus far. My to-be read pile is very small. I have a few Harlequin books I picked up from the grocery store and Vampire in Atlantis by Alyssa Day.

X- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

M- I would go back to the summer when I was ten. My sister and I went on a boat trip with my grandparents. The entire family went along, but my cousins were much older than me. I spent the time with my grandma. We talked about a lot of things and went sight seeing together. That is my happiest memory. Now that she has passed, I would give anything to go back and spend that time with her again.

X- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

M- This is a hard one for me. I’m not really attached to anything material. It’s kind of cliché to say my family. Material wise, I would have to go with my laptop. I take it with me everywhere.

X- What’s your favourite flower?

M- My favorite flower is a purple hyacinth. Technically, this flower stands for sorrow, but I love the color purple. Also, they smell amazing. A small bouquet can make several rooms smell good. The only bad part is that they die quickly.

X- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

M- My ultimate indulgence would have to be ice cream, especially chocolate chip cookie dough flavored.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the future?

M- I am currently working on my next novel tentatively titled, Nocturne. It’s another paranormal romance. This time it's my take on vampires. This story is my baby, so I am taking time to make sure it is perfect before I start shopping it around to publishing companies. I also have a short story that I plan to self-publish towards the end of the year. It is titled The Cinderella Dream and is a contemporary romance about a woman who reunites with a childhood friend and realizes she is in love with him. There are two problems that hinder this: 1) They reunite at his engagement party and 2) He is a prince. You can imagine the drama that ensues!

X- Thanks for allowing me to interview you and best of luck with your writing career. Mary Ellen can be found at the follow places on the web.

Website
Facebook

Interview with Ellora's Cave Editor Carrie Jackson

2011-08-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted to write for Ellora's Cave? If so, then check out what editor Carrie Jackson has to say about what she's looking for.

X- Tell us a little about yourself, and what led you to become an editor.

C- I’ve always been a book junkie. Even in elementary school, I knew I wanted to work with stories one day! I studied English lit and linguistics in college and was lucky to get hired by Samhain, where I fell in love with editing. When the fabulous Kelli Collins—editor-in-chief at Ellora’s Cave—mentioned on Twitter that EC needed editors, I jumped on it as fast as I could.

X- What catches your eye as editor, and what are your pet peeves?

C- I look for three things: voice, concept and emotion. A book can be incredibly raw, but if the voice grabs me, I’m more than willing to work with the author to get it into shape.

For concept, I look for something that “pops”—a plot that seems fun and original, a hook that makes me sit up and take notice.

Finally, I look for emotion. I want to really FEEL the connection between the characters.

That ties into my pet peeve—sometimes erotic romance authors concentrate on making sure sex scenes are different and inventive, and they wind up forgetting to include the emotion. If a sex scene could be between any characters in any book, it doesn’t work. It should be filled with emotion and specific to the characters involved.

X- What exactly takes place during the editorial process?

C- The editorial process can be intense at EC. I typically start by sending an email that outlines general story issues. I also like to comment—a lot—in the manuscript itself. Once all the macro issues are out of the way (a process that can take several rounds of revision), I look at the manuscript on a line-by-line basis, searching for ways to tighten and polish. When the author and I are satisfied the book is as good as we can make it, we pass it to another editor who checks for typos, continuity problems, etc.

X- What would you like to see in your inbox?

C- I’m open to any type of romance, but specifically futuristic, steampunk, horror and suspense. Paranormal and contemporary (especially with BDSM elements) are always welcome. I’d love to find some good f/f romances—if anyone out there has a f/f steampunk romance, send it in! Above all, I want intense emotion and a fresh voice.

I’m actively acquiring, so now is a good time to submit. You can send your first three chapters, last chapter and a brief synopsis to submissions@ellorascave.com and address it to Carrie Jackson. My current response time is about four weeks.

X- What’s your favorite scent?

C-The smell of cookies baking. Mmm. Now I’m hungry. :)

X- What’s your favorite life memory?

C- Good question! I followed Tori Amos on tour when I was younger. The feeling of freedom—being in a new city every day, meeting people all over the country—was amazing. I also got to meet Tori, and she was every bit as warm and caring as you’d imagine.

X- Cats or dogs?

C- You know how every neighborhood seems to have at least one crazy cat lady? *Raises hand* Sadly, in my neighborhood, that’s me. I have six cats of my own and take care of a feral cat colony.

X- What one thing can’t you live without?

C- Caffeine. I’m a Red Bull addict!

X- Who are your auto buys author wise?

C- Lisa Marie Rice/Elizabeth Jennings, Marjorie M. Liu, Joey W. Hill, Emma Holly, Brenda Novak, Jennifer Crusie, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Neil Gaiman, Pamela Clare…and probably a ton more I can’t think of at the moment.

X-Thanks so much for having me on your blog. :) For more insight on my tastes, check out some of the authors I work with: Sierra & VJ Summers, Zenobia Renquist, Eliza Knight, Scarlett Sanderson, Blair Valentine, Annabelle Weston, Sarah Richmond and Fiona Jayde.

I’m also on Twitter as Carriejeditor, where I tweet about editing and other misadventures.

X- Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It's interesting to get a sneak peak into the life of an editor.

More Goodies in my Box

2011-08-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

This lovely cover by Jinger Heaston was in my inbox this evening after I woke from my nap.

I'm thrilled with everything about it. It captures the story perfectly.

Look for it on September 7th.

Author Interview with Nya Rayne

2011-08-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

X- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

N- Before I got the “contract offer” I went through over fifty rejection letters from publishers and agents. This is over a six month period, so they were coming fast and hitting hard. But truthfully, I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I learned a lot during that time.

I get my inspiration to write and keep writing from life—its cliché—but it’s true. It comes to me while I’m standing in line at the grocery store, library, or sitting at home. I’m never without things that inspire me.

X- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Purchase

N- My current novel is a futuristic romance called He Belongs to Me. It’s about a world dominated by women where men are not only an endangered species, but a priceless commodity. He Belongs to Me is the first of a three book series, the second of which should be complete by the end of the year and out in the spring of 2012. I’m also working on a new paranormal romance series loosely based on ancient Egypt, but that’s an interview for another time.

X- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

N- First, getting published will not happen overnight, so if that’s what you’re expecting you’re in for a very rude awakening. Second, regardless of how many times you get rejected, stay the course. You’re just that much closer to getting published. And third, write, write, and write some more, don’t ever go a day without writing about something.

X- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

N- In all honesty, I don’t really have a view when it comes to self-publishing. The fact is some people do it and succeed, while others do it and sell maybe 10 books. I can’t say it’s something I’d never do, because I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know it’s something that at this point in my writing career I don’t need to do.

X- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

N- You would probably find several Lora Leigh books, a few Angela Knight novels and most definitely some of Lee Child’s and John Sanford novels.

X- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

N- Definitely my iPod. I carry it everywhere with me, even when I know I’m not going to be able to listen to it.

X- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

N- If I could have one wish I would wish for unlimited wishes. Why, well, because then I could have everything I’ve ever wanted and correct the tens of thousands of mistakes I’d probably make along the way.

X- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

N- At the top of the NY Times Bestsellers list several times over!! Where else?

X- Thank you for allowing me to do this interview with you.

N- Thanks for your time and please pick up a copy of He Belongs to Me, which is available now from Aspen Mountain Press, Amazon, Fictionwise, and All Romance. Also, sign up for my blog for a chance to when a $50 AMEX gift card and an autographed copy of He Belongs to Me. Oh, and Facebook me at www.facebook.com/nyarayne. Thanks again for your time, it has been a true pleasure!!

New Cover Art

2011-08-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

This was in my inbox last night. It's the cover for my upcoming paranormal erotic romance coming in December from Secret Cravings Publishing!

Star Treatment is Out Today!

2011-08-08T01:52:00.000-07:00

My m/m erotic romance is finally out today from Total-E-Bound!

Check out the blurb and excerpt.

Blurb: Superstar, Mark Hunter never expected his life to change within a matter of days when compromising pictures surface of him on a celebrity gossip blog in the arms of another man.

Mark Hunter, action movie star and closeted gay man is thrown into a tailspin after a night of casual sex with a cute guy named Frankie turns into something much more. Especially when photos appear on the internet, showing Mark kissing another man. Will he come out the other end with his career intact, and will Frankie reveal his secret before Mark has to find out the hard way?

Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex, strong language and mild BDSM.

Excerpt: Mark Hunter sat in Rav Stanton’s office and listened. For once in his life, he was scared—scared of what could happen, scared of the possible realities he might face.

Rav sat beside him. Together they watched as the computer screen came alive with the graphics from that chubby celebrity gossip’s page.

“Just look at that,” spat Rav. “How could anyone look at that without being sick? Rav pointed to a horrid unflattering picture of the gossip himself. “You’d think with his money he’d be able to look after himself at least.”

Mark agreed, but he wasn’t in his agent’s office to criticise the looks and grooming habits of some hack journalist turned gossip-queen.

Rav summoned him just an hour ago, citing they needed an urgent meeting and that it was better to talk in person than over the phone. The agent’s tone of voice told Mark to do as he was told. So here he was and he was not one bit prepared for what he was about to face.

“And here it is,” said Rav, clicking a link. He sat back in his chair, turning the screen towards Mark. “Feast your eyes on that.”

MARK HUNTER IN THE ARMS OF ANOTHER MAN: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

Following the headline, Mark read how he was spotted in one of Los Angeles most popular gay bars in the arms of a random guy who wasn’t named. Three blurry photos showed him hugging Jason, a guy he had met, danced with and, of course, flirted with. But it was just a fun night out. Perhaps he was naïve, stupid or a mixture of both. He hadn’t seen the harm in it. Hell, he could count more than one male celebrity who played it straight to the media, but screwed around in private with guys. Most of them made him look like an absolute saint.

A lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed hard. “Fuck,” he muttered. He was blown right out of the water with this one. “Rav, I honestly don’t know what to say… I’m sorry?”

“Listen, Mark, you don’t have to be sorry for who you are. I did not call you here to rag on you about being…gay.”

Mark choked hearing the word. He never got used to hearing it when it was referenced to himself. Of course he liked guys, there was never any doubt in his mind about that—not since he turned twelve and the hormones kicked in. But back then he hadn’t even known what gay was. All he knew was that he was different, and that it was best to keep it a secret. It was ironic that, for the most part, at twenty-six he was still playing that game.

Rav closed the site’s window. “Say nothing. You may get a few phone calls requesting interviews. Redirect them to me. I just wanted you to be aware of things and how it is.”

Mark nodded. “I didn’t think that anyone would take much notice of me. I’d just finished filming at the studio and I needed to let off some stream. If I had known, I never would have gone there.”

“Listen, don’t beat yourself up over it.” Rav motioned to the computer. “That prick’s not worth it. And I’m not asking you not to have fun, if you know what I mean. Just be more discreet. There are services you can call who will provide you with top-notch companionship and they are very discreet. Heck, I can hook you up with one, if you like? I know a woman who runs one which has both male and female escorts. She can be trusted.”

Mark pondered the offer. “Naw, that’s not for me. I’ll lay low and deny everything if asked. That’s the best thing to do.”

Rav opened a drawer in his desk and extracted a small white business card. “All the same, call her if you need to. Just tell her that Rav sent you. She will take care of the rest.”

Mark glanced at the card. “Thanks.”

“I just don’t want to see you go down in flames, buddy.” Rav placed one hand on his shoulder. “You worked hard to get where you are, and with two hit films back to back and another about ready to clue-up, you’re a hot commodity in this town.”

“I suppose,” replied Mark, standing up. But at what cost? Was all this worth living a lie? Was it worth the hiding and looking over his shoulder? He liked Rav, he trusted the man. Heck, Rav was more of a father to him than his own had ever been.

“Call me if you need me, Mark. We’ll get together soon. I may have something else lined up for you.”

Cutter

2011-08-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

My new m/m erotic short is out on All Romance, and will be coming to Amazon soon! You can also check out the excerpt there.

All Romance

Blurb: Jesse Kline is out to explore the most infamous murder sites in his home state for an upcoming photography book. But when he ends up at Cutter Farm, the site of a quintuple murder, he encounters Cutter, the farm’s caretaker.

After a hot interlude with the mysterious, sexy stranger, he makes a revelation that will forever change his outlook on life and what’s real and what isn’t.

[M/M, anal sex, mild BDSM, spanking]

Short story

Author Interview with Carlene Rae Dater

2011-07-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

X- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

C- I went back to college while my husband and I were living in Central Massachusetts. I’d always wanted to write so took a journalism class and consequently started working for several small newspapers in the area. I published hard news, features, humorous essays and then branched out and started writing and submitting short stories. I’ve published in the mystery, horror, religious, romance and confession markets. Yes, I published several stories for the Trues, True Love, True Romance, etc. When we moved to San Diego to start a business, I had to give up writing for ten years. It was tough but when I was finally able to work part-time in our business, I decided I wanted to try and write a novel. Like so many other writers, that first manuscript is still under the bed! I went on to publish nine novels a non-fiction book, two erotic novellas with the third one coming out soon.

X- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Purchase

C- My current release is titled Blood Lust and it’s an erotic novella coming out from Phaze Publishing on Monday, July 25, 2011. Here’s the blurb:

Noah Bandish, an Emergency Medical Technician for the city of New York, has a secret. He’s a vampire. Boredom is an ongoing problem for the undead and with his job Noah has found a way to both keep active and feed. No one seems to question why so many of his patients die before they get to the hospital. Then he meets Dr. Rachael Morehouse, a woman who’d make his heart beat faster – if his heart was still beating. Now he must decide if he wants to use the woman for his own wanton purposes or turn her and keep her at his side for eternity. Rogue vampires come into Manhattan and create chaos, and Noah knows he he’ll have to help clean up their mess all the while fulfilling his Blood Lust.

Right now I’m almost finished with the first draft of a mystery novel that takes place in a small town on the southern Oregon coast. We moved to Oregon last year so I’m taking advantage of the local color! I also teach Beginning the Novel classes at SWOCC (South Western Oregon Community College) and will be teaching an Autobiography writing class starting in the spring of 2012.

X- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

C- I was very lucky in that my first creative writing teacher was Gary Provost. Gary always told us, if you can write, you can write anything. I believe that too and I’ve published in just about every field but poetry and memoir. The second thing is to never give up, NEVER. If your dream is to be a published writer, then keep writing, keep submitting and never quit. One of my favorite saying is: The difference between an amateur and a professional is persistence.

X- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your view?

C- I see nothing wrong with self-publishing. My husband and I self-published my book, An Extra Pair of Eyes, about my volunteer work at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. We did it mainly because we owned and operated a small commercial printing business at the time, and several customers had asked us to help them publish books, so we did mine to see what the process entailed. I do think too many writers give up on commercial publication too soon and do it themselves. Unfortunately often the books aren’t ready for publication. I’ve worked with a lot of writers too many of them are impatient. They write a book and want it published, NOW! I tell writers to put their work away for as long as possible, three to six months. Start something new. Then go back to your manuscript, read it with fresh eyes and rewriting. It may take a few drafts, but…you want the best possible book out there and that can’t be rushed.

Purchase

X- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

C- The Ridge by Michael Koryta, Tabloid City by Pete Hamill, and Edge by Jeffrey Deaver

I love a good mystery!

X- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

C- My computer of course.

X- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

C- To publish a book with one of the big NY publishers. I’ve published e-books and POD and do believe that e-books are the wave of the future but…I still have people ask me when I’m going to publish a 'real' book! *Sigh*

Purchase

X- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

C- Still writing and teaching. I find the older I get, the less ambitious. I used to write two books a year but…lately I’m struggling to finish one! There are just so many fun things to do.

X- Thank you so much for allowing me to conduct this interview and best of luck in the future with your writing career.

Carlene Rae Dater can be reached on the web at the following places:

Websites: carlenedater.com, and The Mystery Starts Here

Facebook

Manic Readers

Message from Carlene Rae to her readers: I appreciate all the wonderful comments I’ve gotten from those who’ve read my books. A friend emailed me just yesterday and told me she could not put my romance, Call Sign: Love down – so her husband had to make dinner! Besides romance, I’ve published humorous mystery, mystery, romantic-suspense, paranormal romantic suspense and erotica.

Iron Rose Press

2011-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you might have been wondering about my latest venture Iron Rose Press, so I feel the need to explain what it actually is and why I created it.

For some time I have been considering self-publishing. It isn't because I have been unsatisified with my current publishers, if anything overall, I consider myself very fortunate for the ones I have dealt with so far in my writing career.

The first thing that got me thinking about self-publishing was that I have some works that don't fit with any of the small e pubs that I currently work with. For example: I write sweet romance and well, at this time it's been my experience that the market for this is very small. I am judging this by my own sales figures and trends in the e pub market. Also, I write some other stuff that is way outside the box and rather niche. Last but not least, I enjoy writing shorts. By self publishing this stuff, I am not restricted in what I want out there with my name and brand.

Iron Rose Press will focus on erotica, but will also delve into some other genres such as horrormance(As I like to call it). This is primarily a self-publishing entity, and at this time I have no plans to take on anyone else.

I have acess to great cover artists, an editor, and formatting. I figure it's worth a try. I know many are down on self-publishing, but I feel this is a good move for me. I will still submit to my current publishers. Iron Rose Press is just another venture to put my writing out there.

Iron Rose Press on the Internet:

Facebook

Website

Twitter

Just Upstairs Excerpt

2011-07-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

My short story Just Upstairs is up on Kindle, and is coming to All Romance soon. Check out he blurb and an adult excerpt. Enjoy!

Blurb: Gay erotica writer, Simon Coldwell, gets more than he could have ever bargained for when his hot hunky upstairs neighbour shows up at his apartment door looking to borrow a cup of sugar, and a whole lot more.

[M/M, anal sex, BDSM, spanking]

Excerpt: Jeff glanced at his surroundings. The apartment was an exact duplicate of his upstairs.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Simon. The guy just didn’t know it. When he moved in a little over a week ago, he’d spotted Simon outside tossing trash into the nearby dumpster beside the parking area. Just the sight of that hot little ass wiggling under a pair of shorts had been enough to cause him to sport a hard on in less than a minute. He had a soft spot for guys like Simon; guys who were blond, slim and slightly nerdy. And while he didn’t do the bar scene, or even play the field that often, there was something about his downstairs neighbour that stirred not only his interest but his balls.

Simon had to be gay. He carried that vibe with him. Finally being in his presence and chatting with him, it was confirmed in Jeff’s mind. Asking to borrow sugar had been nothing more than a ruse to meet the cute little fucker face to face.

He took a couple steps further into the apartment and spotted a bookshelf jammed with books. He knelt down to examine their titles, his eyes tracing over each. Jesse’s Seduction, Explored by the Master, Andy Loves Anal, those were just a few of many that caught his attention, all written by S. A. Coldwell. Bingo!

“What are you doing?”

Jeff stood and turned to face Simon with one book in his hand. He raised one brow and opened it, but not before he held up the cover which showed two men kissing passionately. “I was checking out your books. I assume they’re written by you?”

Simon turned crimson. With one hand, he reached out to grab the book but Jeff held it out of reach.

“Look, I know you’re disgusted. So take your sugar and go.” He thrust the cup of sugar at Jeff.

“Who said I was disgusted? I didn’t.”

“Huh?” Simon looked confused, his cheeks still reddened. “I said it.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re right.” He scanned the open pages. Kissing, cocksucking, and jacking. “This is pretty hot stuff. You wrote this?”

“Yes.”

****

Simon thought he’d drop dead right there on the carpet when he returned from the kitchen to find Jeff holding one of his books.

“I like it,” said Jeff. “From the little I’ve managed to read, it’s interesting.” He knelt down and returned the book to its place. “Do you write from experience?” he asked, his eyes locked on Simon.

How was he to answer that? “Ah, no,” he replied. “It’s just stuff I think about.” He hadn’t had sex in months.

“So, if I was to tell you to drop to your knees right here and order you to suck my cock you’d do it? You’d consider it research?”

Was he for real? He licked his lips thinking about it as Jeff moved in closer. Now just inches apart, he had to fight to stop from hyperventilating, and the lump that formed in his throat didn’t help, nor did the throbbing coming from inside his boxers which had tented.

Jeff touched Simon’s side, the man’s hand moved up until it settled against his left cheek. “You’re so fucking soft,” he said. “And cute. I like guys like you. Do you like me, Simon?”

“I do.” It was quick to make that call, it was all happening so fast, but he did like him, a lot.

“I noticed the way you looked at me when I came inside. I noticed straight off when I walked through that door.” Jeff’s voice was softer, soothing.

Simon’s heart pounded inside his chest, and when he looked up at Jeff who towered over him by at least two inches, he felt small and somewhat helpless. He liked that feeling. “I think you’re sexy.” His heart was about to burst. He swallowed hard.

“Sexy?” Jeff laughed, his hands gripping the hem of Simon’s t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head. “I want to see all of you.”

Bare-chested, he felt insecure standing before Jeff. He wasn’t a gym bunny and compared to most men, he didn’t feel adequate in the muscle department. “I’m not built like you are,” he said.

Jeff’s hands roamed over his chest, and as he touched him, Simon’s nipples became erect. He felt more at ease being explored.

“You’re perfect as you are, Simon. Not everyone out there is into the buffed guys. My cock’s hard for you. You turn me on.” Jeff grabbed Simon’s hand and placed it on his bulge. “Feel that. You made it that way, naughty boy.”

Naughty boy. His cock jumped hearing those words coming from Jeff. “What are you going to do with me?” He asked, his submissive side taking hold.

“On your knees. Take my cock out and suck it. Make me feel good,” ordered Jeff.

Down he went, and when he unzipped Jeff’s jeans, he gasped at what was confined within. It was the thickest piece of man-meat he’d ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Author Interview with S.A. Meade

2011-07-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

X- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

S.A.- My upcoming release, Stolen Summer came about as a challenge on Absolute Write, a brilliant forum for writers. The challenge was to write an erotic scene in a completely different point of view from your normal one. I wrote a scene told from a man’s perspective, in first person. I had great fun writing it and afterwards the characters wouldn’t let me go. I had to tell their whole story. The first draft was churned out in a month but it took a long time to get it right. All in all, 14 months from writing those first words to getting an offer.

The main character, Evan, is a British journalist. When he comes back from covering the war in Afghanistan, his best friend Colin confesses he’s in love with him. After he gets over the shock, Evan decides that he quite likes being with Colin. It’s a learning experience for him, but it’s also a happy and passionate one. They do quite a lot of shagging, bless ‘em.

Unfortunately, Evan has one last overseas assignment in Pakistan. He’s kidnapped and held hostage by insurgents. He’s freed after 4 months but he and Colin soon learn that being free doesn’t mean the ordeal is over. I put them through a lot, I’m afraid.

Total-E-Bound

X- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like?

Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

S.A.- I’m one of those writers who started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. I had several tries, over the years, at actually finishing a novel. My first serious attempt at trying to get published was two years ago. I didn’t get very far and the poor thing was consigned to the trunk. I kept writing and will keep writing until my fingers drop off.

My advice to new writers is to read, read and read. Don’t expect things to happen overnight, learn patience and grow a thick skin. Find beta readers you respect and trust and cherish them. I would never be at this stage if it wasn’t for the terrific fellow writers who told me what worked and what stunk.

X- What other things interest you besides writing?

S.A.- There’s other things?

I love horses and horse racing (if it’s British). Cooking – we’ve been living on a tight budget ever since we returned to England and I love turning out great food for next to nothing. It goes without saying that I’m also very interested in eating.

X- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

S.A.- I recently finished reading Promises by Marie Sexton. It’s wonderful and so effortlessly written. At present I’m tracking down material on flying Spitfires and P-51s, because I’m revising a historical novel set in England during WW2. Some of the new bits will be told from a fighter pilot’s point of view, so I need to know how to fly these things.

X- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

S.A.- Eeeeee…tough one. Probably the moment I accepted the job in Arizona. If I could go back, I’d turn it down and held out for a job somewhere more … green and less dusty. It wasn’t all bad. My parents lived close by so we did see them a lot more than we did before.

X- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

S.A.- My lap top – it’s my link to the outside world and the repository of all my writing! *hugs shiny black lap top*

X- What’s your favourite flower?

S.A.- A variety of old-fashioned rose, the Rosa Mundi. It’s a beautiful old rose, it smells gorgeous and looks beautiful.

X- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

S.A.- It’s a toss-up between Godiva chocolates or a pepperoni and sausage pizza from Vincent’s Pizza in Pittsburgh. Sadly, I have access to neither at the moment.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S.A.- I have a m/m novella that needs a bit of polishing. When it’s all tidied up and making sense, I’m sending it to my editor at Total-E-Bound. I’m also hoping that the WW2 novel may be the one that attracts an agent.

X- Sounds good! Thanks you for being on Write Outside the Box, and best of luck with your writing career.
S.A.- Thanks for letting me spout drivel all over your blog, which is an excellent one btw.

I have a blog here, and email.

X- Thanks!

S.A. Meade's Stolen Summer will release from Total-E-Bound on August 29th, 2011.

Pirates of the Thieving Kind

2011-07-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

First off, I don't mean the swashbucklers who ride the high seas in search of adventure, and treasure. This post is about the thieves that steal works by authors to put up on pirate sites for others to download illegally.

Since most of the larger sites are stationed overseas, often there is little you can do about it. You can message the sites asking for your work to be taken down. Some will comply with your wishes while others will ignore it, and keep doing what they're doing. And often, even if your work is removed, it's up again within a matter of minutes or hours.

Over the past few years I have heard arguments that actually are in favor of these sites:

The thieves are helping the author develop a wider readership. Bullshit! If that's the kind of fan that I am going to get from that, I don't want them. If you are downloading my books illegally, you're not fan of mine and I'm sure as hell no fan of yours!
The people downloading your books illegally wouldn't buy them anyway. This may be true, but it doesn't make it any better. I will argue this point because there are specific requests being put out there for certain authors including myself.
It's just sharing like you would do with a print book that you bought or borrow from the library. Well no, it isn't. This is illegal. You are NOT borrowing a copy, you're stealing it!
I can't afford to buy the book. Tough titty! This is the lamest argument of all. I'd love a big screen TV, but you don't see me walking into a store to steal one.

These are just a few of the so called arguments that I have read online.

Now for the ones that are against it:

You're stealing from me, and my publishing company. Yes that's right. This is illegal and if you are caught, you will be fined, and possibly jailed(I'd LOVE to see more of this).
Supporting authors is a good thing. Without the support of our dedicated readers many of us would stop putting our work out there.
These downloads often come with virus'. Good on ya I says!
The people doing this are thieving bastards with no respect for any artist. True!

I could go on and on here, but you get my point. I'd love to know what others in the community think along with dedicated readers.

I know some authors will not speak out about this because they are afraid it will just draw attention to themselves and their books will end up all over the sites. Yet, if we don't speak out more. many will think it's okay to be at this crap. The sad reality is that many 'fans' do think it's fine.

For the people doing this, you need to realize that you are cutting into my income as a writer. I don't sit and write each day, and go through the submission process just for the hell of it. This is my career. It may be part time for now, but in the future I'd like for that to change. And remember, sales count for most of us to view it as a business. This is our livelihood in many cases. If you can't understand that then there is something terribly wrong.

Rant over!

Adelaide's War Giveaway!

2011-07-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

I'm giving way an e book copy of my last sweet historical romance novel set during the Civil War. If you would like to be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment.

A winner will be picked a week from now.

'Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt: Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I’m a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

“What brings you out this way?” she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

“I was passing through, and I thought I’d stop in,” he said, with an added grin.

“How’s the farm?”

“It’s been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn’t our busiest time of year. And yourself?”

“I’m pretty good,” she replied. “Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She’s around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it’s quiet as expected. Just the way I like it.”

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. “There’s coffee and fresh buns, if you’re interested. It beats standing out here in the cold.”

“Sound good,” he replied. “Lead on.”

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

“I couldn’t help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?”

“Josiah,” she started. “I don’t kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it’s home. Where else would I go? Town isn’t an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to.”

“I know about James,” he said. “And the talk. Don’t let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’m concerned.”

“You’re bold. What they say about James isn’t true. I know it and I shouldn’t have to defend him to anyone.”

“You don’t have to. Not to me, Adelaide.”

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“I’m fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I’ve done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn’t fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I’m meant to be.”

“In time, they would accept you.”

“They wouldn’t. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don’t want any part of that, ever.” She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

“Adelaide?”

She didn’t dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

“You know about James.”

“Yes,” he said, with a nod.

“If it had been true, surely I wouldn’t have received the letter I did after his death from the army.”

“Would you allow me to see this letter?”

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. “It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn’t true?”

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. “Don’t believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It’s gold and the truth. Understand?”

She did. “I never doubted it for one minute.”

“Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty.”

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn’t proper conduct for a widow. “This isn’t right,” she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

“I keep thinking about you,” he muttered. “Straight from the moment when I left, and I don’t know why. You‘re always in my thoughts.”

“Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It’s expected, but let’s not confuse our feelings. You’re fine now. We’re friends and nothing more.” She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

“Friends,” he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. “What if I’m feeling something different, something more?”

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. “I’m not ready for anything more. I may never be ready.”

“Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different.”

“I do. It’s friendship.” She bit her tongue on that falsehood. “Friendship is all I can offer you at this time.”

“I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention.” Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

Buy Link

Amazon Kindle

Hot Cowboy Cover Art

2011-07-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is the first cover in my upcoming m/m series with Total-E-Bound. Mucho thanks to the artist, Emmy Ellis for creating such a lovely image. I adore it!

This book will release in October. The second is currently with my editor, and I am working on the third.

Author Interview with Liz Strange

2011-07-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

X- Thanks, Liz for allowing me to interview you on my blog.

Can you tell us about your journey to publication, and where you draw your inspiration from?

L- I actually didn’t even attempt to get published until I was in my thirties. I’d always been a writer, but only for myself. Some changes in life circumstances gave me a push to start doing the things I really wanted to do. So I cleaned up a novel I’d had hanging around for a number of years and sent it off. Luckily it got picked up right away!

X- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

L- Don’t give up. There are always going to be rejections, even for authors who have sold multiple times. It’s a tough business. You have to keep positive, and believe in yourself.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

L- The Embrace of Life and Death is an erotic fantasy, following the forbidden relationship between and angel and a vampire.

Blurb:

Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.

The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.

Purchase

X- What’s your favourite dessert?

L- Lemon Meringue pie.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

L- Not sure. We all have ups and downs in life, but that’s what makes us who we are.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

L- I’d love to be able to go back in time and witness some of the amazing events that have happened, like the building of the pyramids.

X- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?

L- I am very shy.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

L- I hope to be a full-time writer.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

L- I am working on the edits for a mystery at the moment , which should be out in the next few months. I am also working on a young adult fantasy novel.

X- Liz can be reached on the net at the following places.
Website
Twitter

Press Release: Haunted Heart by Carolyn Rosewood

2011-06-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest from fellow author, Carolyn Rosewood.

Etopia Press

HAUNTED HEART

SEXY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

CAROLYN ROSEWOOD

Etopia Press

Rowena Sommers thought moving back home to restore her beloved Aunt’s home was the key to starting over. Van Whitney thought taking the job would keep his business afloat. When a ghost hunter tries to convince Rowena the home is haunted, can these two escape the past and find a future together?

EXCERPT:

She didn’t need Hollywood, or Brett Fontaine.

Rowena Sommers stuffed the latest issue of Celebrity back in the magazine rack, glancing around the Pilot gas station to see if anyone was watching. She sipped her coffee, fuming over the slant of the article.

Contrary to what the reporter said, her relationship with bad-boy leading man Brett Fontaine was in trouble long before she filed a libel suit against him for leaking her personal e-mails to the tabloids. The dumb-ass reporter should have checked the back issues, like the ones with candid photos of Brett and his female costars, taken every time he went on location. They ran right next to the stories with headlines like: Who’s Keeping Rowena Company While Brett Romps in Australia?

A woman in denim cutoffs and an Ohio State T-shirt plucked a copy of the magazine from the rack and glanced sideways, her eyes wide. “This is you. On the cover.”

Rowena studied the picture, taken on the steps of the Van Nuys courthouse three weeks ago. The day she won her lawsuit against Brett. The same day she found out her great-aunt Lunette had died. She’d trade twice the settlement amount to hear Aunt Loony’s voice again. “Yes. That’s me.”

Rowena took another sip of coffee as she tried to formulate an answer that didn’t involve telling this woman where she could stuff that magazine. Her cell chirped. Saved by the ring tone.

“I have to take this. Excuse me.” She headed for the counter as she opened the phone with her free hand. “Tricia, impeccable timing, as always. You just saved me from an inquisitive fan.”

“And judging by the sarcasm in your voice, I’m guessing you’ve seen this week’s Celebrity?”

She glanced back toward the magazine rack, where the woman and a teen dressed like Lady Gaga were reading the article out loud. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. And as if this day could get any worse, I’m forced to drink gas station coffee.”

Tricia laughed. “No Starbucks in Creek Ridge, Ohio?”

Her best friend’s voice reached across the miles, tugging at her heart. Had it been a huge mistake leaving LA? “God, I hope there’s still a Starbucks here.” She took another sip. “This is actually better than the brown goo they tried to serve me at the Holiday Inn Express this morning.”

“Have you been to Aunt Loony’s house yet?” asked Tricia.

Rowena swiped her credit card through the machine. “On my way now. I’ll call and let you know what the contractor said.”

Ohio State and Lady Gaga moved behind her in line, still talking about the article. Rowena’s fingers trembled as she put the card back in her wallet. She pushed past them without a glance. As she opened the door to the parking lot she heard one of them mutter something, but only caught the words “Hollywood” and “bitch.”

Wonderful. Back in town less than twenty-four hours and already someone thought she had an attitude. So much for believing the gossip wouldn’t follow her home.

She waited until she pulled out of the parking lot in her brand-spanking-new Infinity SUV before screaming. Dialing her iPod menu to Led Zeppelin, she turned up the volume, loud. Angry, frustrated, rebellious. Perfect.

The readers of Celebrity weren’t interested in the story behind the lawsuit. They didn’t care about the string of bullshit promises Brett had made. Or the callous way in which he’d trashed her costume design career and her industry contacts with a few keystrokes, all because she’d dared to issue him an ultimatum.

They only cared about two things: reading her personal e-mails, and how much money the Superior Court of Los Angeles had ordered him to pay her because of what he’d done.

They didn’t care why she was in Ohio, or that Aunt Loony was dead. Brett’s money wouldn’t bring her back. Fun and zany, she’d been dubbed Aunt Loony by Rowena’s father when he was a teen, and she’d loved Rowena and her five siblings as if they were her own.

Fresh grief mixed with anticipation. Willow Lane was less than two miles away. Would she be able to handle walking through Aunt Loony’s house, knowing she’d never see her warm smile again?

Spotting a cop parked in front of a strip mall, she braked. Just for good measure, she turned down the volume on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. She could see the headlines now: Rowena Sommers Arrested for Speeding in Hometown!

The memories overwhelmed her when she turned onto Willow Lane. She’d spent almost as much time on this street as her own, two blocks over. It hadn’t changed in ten years. The oak tree in front of Traci Westphall’s house, where she used to hide from her older sister Emma, still had dead branches along one side. Two doors down, she half expected Bud Williams to materialize in his driveway, sweeping up leaves and twigs while he muttered about the damn, dirty trees.

The scent of roses, lavender, and freshly cut grass filled the air. May sunshine shimmered on the pavement. The smells evoked memories of the end of each school year, when the magic of summer stretched out endlessly. Summer vacation meant going barefoot, walking down by the railroad tracks, and staying outside after dark to catch lightning bugs.

She was home, ready to be part of this town again. To be with people who made her feel safe, wanted, and who didn’t measure their lives by the latest Nielson ratings or market shares.

But would they welcome her? Or had they read the tabloids while laughing at the girl voted Most Likely to Trip Over Her Own Shoelaces? She’d tripped all right, landing smack in the belly of the gossip machine.

The imposing Queen Anne at the end of the street, just before the entrance to Oak Park, rose into view. Despite the faded siding and missing shutters, the grandeur of the home still took her breath away. As her eyes settled on the four-story tower, she remembered summer nights in the second-floor bedroom, wishing she could live with Aunt Loony. Her own room, with no Emma harassing her or parents screaming at one of her brothers.

She slowed the car, turning off her iPod. Letting her gaze travel up to the top floor of the tower—the lookout point—she recalled her big brother Jake and his friends pretending they were pirates. Part of the game included the ability to see all the way to Cleveland, where ships from exotic places like Spain or China would pull into port, stuffed with treasure beyond imagination. She was usually stuck playing the kidnapped damsel in distress or a cabin boy. They’d ignored Emma when she repeatedly pointed out Lake Erie had never been plagued by pirates, nor had treasure ships sailed on the Great Lakes.

The trim lawn and pristine flower beds brought a smile to her face. Her little brother had actually kept a promise. If a contractor showed up, he’d have kept two. For Mike, that would be a record.

She raised her eyes to heaven. “Thank you for the house, Aunt Loony. I promise to take good care of it.” She could almost hear Aunt Loony’s hearty laugh and see the twinkle in her green eyes.

Her smile faded at the sight of a silver Mercedes parked in the driveway. If that belonged to the contractor, she was about to get ripped off.

She parked the SUV in front, then caught the hem of her favorite summer skirt in the door as she tried to make a graceful exit. She glanced toward the Mercedes. Too late. The driver’s side door was already open. Classy way to make a first impression, Rowena.

In the towering maple on the front lawn, a pair of robins started to chirp, probably about her clumsiness. She released her skirt then took a deep breath, turning to look at the man leaning against the Mercedes. Her mouth fell open as she scanned his face. It couldn’t be…

Vance Whitney—everyone calls me Van—belonged to the perfect, popular crowd of cheerleaders and jocks that had made her existence at Creek Ridge High a lesson in insignificance.

He crossed muscled arms over a forest green polo shirt that set off his luminous blue eyes, even at this distance. Broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist, and the khakis he wore accentuated his long legs. The same confident grin she remembered spread across his tanned face.

This is the contractor Mike called? No way. Not happening.

No matter how hot he still looked.

Sales Update And A Thanks

2011-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am please to announce that I have sold my second erotic romance to Siren Publishing. A Dirty Little Secret will be out this coming September. I am extremely pleased to work with Siren again.

I have also sold a short story to Secret Cravings Publishing. Forever Night will be out this December. This publisher is new for me, but I have heard nice things about them.

I'd also like to take the time to thank my readers. Thank you so much for buying my books, and giving a relatively new author a chance. It means much more than you could ever know.

Author Interview with Karenna Colcroft

2011-06-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

X- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?

K- My journey to publication was a long one. I’ve been writing since I was five years old, and even back then I knew I wanted to be published someday. When I was in college, and again shortly after I graduated, I submitted a YA novel, but got rejected. For several years, I gave up trying to be published and even gave up writing for a little while.

In 2004, I started writing again, and ended up with some YA novels that I thought were publishable, and were much better than what I’d written when I was younger. Then, in 2006, a friend challenged me to use my writing therapeutically to show myself that sex could be something positive and beautiful. The first scene I wrote came out better than I’d thought I could do, and I kept going with it. For a while, I posted my stories on a free story site, but then someone from that site started an erotica/erotic romance e-publisher, and I got a contract from them. My first e-book came out in March, 2009. And the first scene I wrote, back in 2006, is now part of my novel Eternal Love.

I don’t know where I draw my inspiration from, to be honest. Sometimes I use my husband to inspire me, but mostly the ideas just show up on their own.

X- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

K- Don’t give up. Some authors receive enough rejections to wallpaper their office! Just keep trying, polish your work, and learn from any rejections you receive, especially if they come with personal comments. Also, find a beta reader or critique partner to help make sure your work is really ready for publication.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

K- My recent release is Reflected Love, part of the Spellbound Treasure line of novellas from Pink Petal Books. Spellbound Treasure is about Etienne, a mysterious woman who runs a shop (sometimes a peddler’s tent, sometimes a website, sometimes an actual store) that sells magical items that bring together soul mates. In my novella, Ralie, a human woman, and Listrial, a Fae soldier, are brought together by a magical mirror each has purchased from Etienne. It’s available at Pink Petal Books. I have a few other releases coming out this summer, so stay tuned!

X- What’s your favourite dessert?

K- Ice cream with hot fudge sauce.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

K- My wedding to my current husband. I was so nervous and excited that the ceremony passed in a blur, and the only things I can remember of it now are the look in his eyes when he saw me in my wedding gown, and my then-14-year-old daughter bursting into tears and being comforted by her 11-year-old sister.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

K- Owning a house, rather than renting, with a separate office for me and lots and lots of storage space. And a yard for my younger daughter, who loves to be outside.

X- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?

K- Five years ago, I could barely even say the word “sex,” let alone some of the other terms that go along with it.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

K- I hope to have at least one book with a big-name publisher, as well as continuing to write for the publishers I work with now. I hope to own the aforementioned house, and in ten years I might have at least one grandchild to visit me there.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

K- Salad on the Side, an M/M shifter novel from MLR Press. Kyle Slidell, a vegan and recent transplant to Boston, has a crush on his neighbor Tobias Rogan. When Kyle is attacked one night, the truth is revealed: all of his neighbors are werewolves, and Tobias is the pack Alpha. That will be out in June, most likely.

I also have an MFM contemporary romance coming from Passion in Print Press. The title is Shiny Objects. Elena is happy living with her boyfriend Corin, until her former lover Niko returns to her life. She loves both men, but can she have them both? The release is scheduled tentatively for August.

Finally, with a currently undetermined release date, I have an erotic contemporary novella titled Forever with Benefits, which will be coming from Ellora’s Cave. Haylie Betancourt couldn’t wait to leave her hometown after high school. Ten years later, she’s returned due to circumstances beyond her control. When she runs into her high school crush Will Shaw, she sees an opportunity for some fun. But will friends-with-benefits really be enough for them?

I keep my website up to date with current and upcoming releases, works in progress, and current reviews and appearances (though I admit I’m a little behind on that last one…). I also have a blog on that site, which has a new post each day. You can also find me on my website, and Facebook.

Adam Slade Talks About A Grim Pact

2011-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

X- Tell us about A Grim Pact and the idea behind it.

A – A Grim Pact is a story about a Grim Reaper, Mal, who takes it upon himself to stop a serial killer from killing demons, while trying not to be killed himself. At the same time, his boss, Death, has woke from his slumber, throwing Mal’s workplace into a frenzy of interviews and forms. Mal can’t decide which is worse; the killings, or paperwork.

Purchase

X- This is the second book in a series, but can be read alone. What will we find in the second book that we didn’t in the first? How has Mal evolved?

A – The events in this book begin the morning after the events of the first book. As such, Mal hasn’t had time to do much evolving. He has a girlfriend now, though, in the form of one of his ex ‘bosses’, Xyla. He hasn’t dated in quite some time, so it takes some getting used to.

X- Xyla is an interesting character. Can you tell us more about her and where she came from?

A – Xyla is a succubus, a demon borne of hellfire and lust. She’s ages old (I’m keeping her exact age a secret for now), and like all of her race, she was born in Hell. That doesn’t make her a bad person though! She served as one of Mal’s bosses for several years, and was fired when she broke a few rules to help Mal out of a dire situation.

Xyla is one of my favourite characters. She’s very laid back for the most part, but is quite the adversary when pissed off. She’s also telepathic, which makes for some fun conversations about Mal’s improper thoughts.

X- You decided to self-publish this one. That must have been a lot of hard work. What led you to make this decision?

A – Curiosity and impatience, mostly. The first book had already been out for a year by the time I’d edited the second, and I knew that it would take another year before it was released if I went through a publisher. So I started looking into self-publishing instead.

It wasn’t an easy decision, and it wasn’t easy work some of the time, but I’m glad I did it, if only for the experience.

X- What will we see from Adam Slade next?

A – There will be a third book in this series, but it won’t be any time soon. I’m also working on a new urban fantasy project that I hope will have potential for a series. I also write romance under a pen name, and have a few irons in the fire there, too. :)

Adam's Blog

X- Thanks, Adam.

If you like well written UF, this is a great read and at 99 cents, a steal!

Release day for Menage on the Prairie

2011-06-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.bookstrand.com/menage-on-the-prairie Menage on the Prairie(MMF) is out today from Siren Publishing! I'm excited about this one!

For excepts check out the link. You can also buy it onsite for a discount! It releases to third party sites in about a month.

Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Western Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M]

Socialite Kate Summers is eager to rid herself of the past, but when she replies to Joe Ryder's ad for a mail-order bride, she gets much more than she could have ever bargained for.

Joe Ryder is a man to be reckoned with. When scandal threatens to ruin the quiet life he has shared with his friend and lover, Ryan Starke, he devises a plan to make the townsfolk stop their idle tongues.

A mail-order bride is sought and soon found in Kate.

Unfortunately, Ryan isn't too accepting of Kate. Her very presence threatens the only life he has ever known, along with his love for Joe. After Kate finds out the real reason she was asked to come to marry Joe, she feels betrayed.

Can the three come to an agreement that will benefit all?

A Siren Erotic Romance

The Short Story Dilemma

2011-06-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Dilemma is the key word in this blog post.

So far in my writing career I have written mostly short stories and novellas. Is this by choice? Yes.

I like the length and while I do write full length novels, I like the fact that I don't restrict myself.

I have been given bad reviews based on length. This is something that I totally don't get. If you have something against short works, then don't buy them. Obviously you can only do so much with a limited amount of words, yet I do try to get the whole story in there the best I can.

How do you do this, some may ask? I start at the meat of the story. I like lots of conflict, that's what interests a reader. And there is nothing worst than reading something where nothing happens.

This is a partial rant because some tend to think a writer is lazy for writing shorter works. But I will tell you straight up that I put my best into ANYTHING that I write, short or long.

In the end it comes down to me and my readers. But to the people who have a gripe with length, don't buy it. It's simple. It's the same as the people who have issue with sexual content. It really is that simple.

Rant over,

Xondra

A Grim Pact by Adam Slade

2011-06-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Shameless plug:

My fiance just released his latest urban fantasy novel, A Grim Pact. It's up on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents!

If you like humour mixed with great characters and story lines. Grab this one. Thanks :)

Buy Link

Some Grim Reapers just can't get a break.

'As well as nursing a broken leg from the last person who tried to kill him, Mal is trying to track down the serial killer who's offing demons on his patch. And it seems like one of his friends knows more than he's letting on.

On top of that, Death, Mal's boss, is awake after decades of slumber. Which means yet another challenge to face.

Paperwork.'

Author Interview with Shyla Colt

2011-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

S- Don’t Fear the Reaper is a romance novella about love and redemption mixed with a bit of humor and a ton of adventure. When my lead female Brea is killed her guardian angel Nox is unable to leave her to face an eternity in hell. So he strikes a deal with Azrael the angel of death for the future of her soul. Offered a job as reaper Brea is given the opportunity to redeem herself. But Nox proves to be a temptation she is unable to resist.

This book concept started with me thinking about faith and redemption. I wanted to do a romance story that was centered on both. I had Brea’s character sketched out, and knew I wanted her to be offered the job of Reaper. But it was when I saw a picture of Zachary Quinto that all the pieces fell into place. There’s something about him that strikes me as regal, and angelic, yet slightly mischievous.

Coming Soon!

V- When did you start writing, and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

S- I always loved to read, but I would say I really got into writing when I was thirteen. I discovered L.J. Smith’s world of paranormal romance for teens and my imagination took over. I had always been a fan of horror movies, but the concept of the 'Monster' being a love interest, and more human than we imagined had never occurred to me. I spent years sketching out plots and characters, honing my writing skills, and gaining the confidence to actually submit. When I turned 30 this year, I knew it was time to put my work out there and see what response I received. Amazingly, Evernight took a chance on me right out the gate. So in that aspect I was very blessed.

My advice to new writers would be write what you love, read as much as possible, and put your work out there. At first with a trusted friend who will tell you what areas you need to work on, and then to the professionals. Because you never know until you try.

V- What other things interest you besides writing?

S- I like to read, travel, listen to music, and be crafty.

V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

S- Right now I’m reading Designed For love By Yvette Hines with Fragile by Shara Azod, and the Taste of Blood on my wish list for later.

V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

S- Oh wow, that’s a tough one. I would say any time during my senior year of college. It was an amazing time in my life I often recall fondly.

V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

S- My Android phone, it pretty much does it all and keeps me connected to everyone

V- What’s your favourite flower?

S- Peony

V- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

S- Travel. With my hubby being a member of the marine core seeing friends and family is few and far inbetween . So any time I get to travel is amazing.

V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?

S- Well right now my first published work Don’t Fear The Reaper is due out at Evernight Publising in August.

V- Thank you, Shyla. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and I look forward to your release in August.

Author Interview with Elizabeth Raines

2011-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Elizabeth, and welcome to Write Outside the Box.

V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

E- I actually have two releases in June. The first volume of The Sextet Anthologies is called Sharing and releases on June 3rd. The second is the fourth books in my Wicked Missions series, and the title is Sold. It premieres on June 20th. I think Sold is my personal favorite of the whole series.

The Sextet is a group of my friends who are all fantastic writers. We went out to eat in Orlando at last year’s RWA National Conference, and over a pitcher of sangria, we started talking about fun projects we’d do if we ever had the time. I mentioned that I wanted to write an anthology of erotic stories based on themes if I ever had the spare time. I jokingly suggested that since spare time is a valuable and very limited commodity in my life, perhaps they would like to contribute stories and we could release anthologies together. Everything kind of snowballed from there. By the time we left Orlando, we’d planned out three volumes. My Siren editor was thrilled with the ideas, and she’s willing to look at any anthology we send her now. Currently, we have eight planned, and they’ll release one a month from Siren, starting with Sharing in June.

Purchase

The Wicked Missions series was simply for fun. I’ve written paranormal romance under my other pen name, but I’d never written science fiction. I wrote Locked In: Wicked Missions 1 as a lark, hoping my critique partner, Cheryl Brooks, could give me an idea of whether it was any good and if I should keep developing the series. She’s well known for her Cat Star Chronicles erotic sci-fi series, so I knew she would let me know if my sci-fi worked. When she gave me the thumbs up, I sent it to Siren. My publisher loved the book. Since then, she’s contracted seven Wicked Missions books!

Purchase

Coming Soon!

V- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

E- I started writing six years ago for fun, never really intending to publish. I got fantastic feedback from the friends who read my stories, so I started sending them out to agents and editors. I was thrilled to sell my first book three years ago, and since then, I’ve published six mainstream romances. I’ve also signed with an agent for my mainstream stories. My erotica career has happened so quickly, my head is still spinning. I wrote Locked In in November, and now I’m churning out Wicked Missions stories as well as Sextet stories and trying to keep up with deadlines.

The best advice I can give to writers is to constantly strive to improve. I might be published, but I still take classes in the craft, and I still get as much feedback on my work as I can from critique partners and beta readers to make my writing better. You have to give a quality product to your readers, and you can only do that by being a lifelong learner.

V- What other things interest you besides writing?

E- I love reading, and it doesn’t matter which genre. I’ll dig through anything from Stephen King to Julie Garwood.

My husband and I also like to watch horseracing. We go to off-track-betting sometimes, take twenty bucks each, and see who comes out ahead at the end of the night.

V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

E- I just bought Paula Quinn’s Tamed by the Highlander. I love everything she writes! In my TBR pile right now are Hannah Howell’s If He’s Dangerous and Highland Protector, Jackie Kessler’s Hunger, and Sofia Hunt’s The First Bride.

V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

E- What an amazing question! I’ve had so many wonderful moments in my life, but to go back to my wedding again would be heavenly. I was such a bundle of nerves that day, and so very young! I’d like to see it through my eyes now after nearly thirty years of marriage.

V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

E- My laptop! I’d die if I had to write everything longhand. I have arthritis in both hands, and the notion of not being able to write because I couldn’t handle the pain of holding a pen that long makes me incredibly sad.

V- What’s your favourite flower?

E- I love lilacs. I have a beautiful Hungarian lilac bush outside my kitchen window. In the spring, the scent drifts through the window, and it always makes me happy.

V- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

E- Giving up time with people so that I can write. I always feel a bit selfish, but I’ve learned that I have to write, even if it means not spending as much time as I should with the people I love.

V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?

E- In July, I’ll be releasing two more Wicked Mission stories—Wanted and Captivated—and another of The Sextet Anthologies—Dirty Dancing. You can always keep up with me on my websites

I’m also planning a new paranormal series for Siren, hopefully being able to release the first five books sometime this autumn.

V- Once again, thanks for taking the time to be interviewed here. I look forward to your new releases.

Elizabeth can be reached on the web at the following places: Website Sextet Website and Siren-Bookstrand.

E- Thanks so much for having me!

V- If you would like to reach Elizabeth, to send her fan mail, you can do so at the following: Email

Menage on the Prairie Pre-ordering

2011-06-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

You can now pre-order Menage on the Prairie on Siren-Bookstrand. Yay! For a limited time, it's being offered at a 10% discount.

Pre-order

Out Today

2011-06-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Adelaide's War is out today. If you like sweet romance, this one is for you. It's available on Evernight's site for a discount in all formats, Amazon Kindle, All Romance, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Bookstrand.

Evernight Amazon

Product Description:

Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt:

Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I’m a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

“What brings you out this way?” she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

“I was passing through, and I thought I’d stop in,” he said, with an added grin.

“How’s the farm?”

“It’s been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn’t our busiest time of year. And yourself?”

“I’m pretty good,” she replied. “Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She’s around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it’s quiet as expected. Just the way I like it.”

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. “There’s coffee and fresh buns, if you’re interested. It beats standing out here in the cold.”

“Sound good,” he replied. “Lead on.”

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

“I couldn’t help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?”

“Josiah,” she started. “I don’t kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it’s home. Where else would I go? Town isn’t an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to.”

“I know about James,” he said. “And the talk. Don’t let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’m concerned.”

“You’re bold. What they say about James isn’t true. I know it and I shouldn’t have to defend him to anyone.”

“You don’t have to. Not to me, Adelaide.”

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“I’m fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I’ve done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn’t fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I’m meant to be.”

“In time, they would accept you.”

“They wouldn’t. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don’t want any part of that, ever.” She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

“Adelaide?”

She didn’t dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

“You know about James.”

“Yes,” he said, with a nod.

“If it had been true, surely I wouldn’t have received the letter I did after his death from the army.”

“Would you allow me to see this letter?”

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. “It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn’t true?”

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. “Don’t believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It’s gold and the truth. Understand?”

She did. “I never doubted it for one minute.”

“Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty.”

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn’t proper conduct for a widow. “This isn’t right,” she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

“I keep thinking about you,” he muttered. “Straight from the moment when I left, and I don’t know why. You‘re always in my thoughts.”

“Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It’s expected, but let’s not confuse our feelings. You’re fine now. We’re friends and nothing more.” She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

“Friends,” he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. “What if I’m feeling something different, something more?”

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. “I’m not ready for anything more. I may never be ready.”

“Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different.”

“I do. It’s friendship.” She bit her tongue on that falsehood. “Friendship is all I can offer you at this time.”

“I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention.” Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

Author Interview with Karyn Gerrard

2011-06-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

K- It was a quick journey, maybe too quick! Timeless Heart was the first novella I ever submitted to e-book publishers and Evernight offered me a contract almost immediately. A lot of luck there, as luck plays a big part in getting published.

Considering I am a voracious reader, I only started reading romance in a big way about 4 years ago, My first effort and only other submission, a historical romance, was rejected by a print publisher 3 years ago, but I kept writing! Glad I did.

I am inspired everyday by every romance writer I come in contact with, what a generous, support group. Romance readers are the best as well, inspires me to keep writing.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Buy Link

K- My current release is my only release at the moment, TIMELESS HEART ♥. I am working on a couple of erotica/paranormal novellas which I just finished yesterday! Now comes the editing. Crossing fingers I am not just a one-pubbed wonder.

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

K- What I said above, keep writing. And submit your work, you never know when a story may just be that story an editor is looking for at that particular moment. Hence the luck I mentioned. Writing can be very solitary, I encourage finding like minded people and connect, whether on Facebook, Twitter, writing forums, blogs or where ever you feel comfortable at. I met some wonderful people who stepped up to the plate to help promote my debut effort, and in other ways to numerous to mention. Get your name out there before you even submit, believe me, it will pay off.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

K- Since I am basically a lazy cow, I can't see me ever self-pubbing. Too much work. That may change down the road, but for now? No. I have tons of admiration for anyone going this route, it is a lot of work, and it is really the only reason I am not interested. Yep, lazy.

The view on self-pubbing has changed, it used to be called vanity publishing when you spent big dollars of your own to have a book printed, but thanks to digital, that has all changed. It is certainly made the field more competitive, and that is a good thing. If it gets people reading AND buying more books, either print or digital, it is all to the good.

V- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

K- I am reading a few ARCS for reviews. I love historical romance. I'm reading Jennifer Haymore's Confessions of an Improper Bride. So far, loving it! Also love paranormals, have Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire Mine next in the TBR pile.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

K- My satellite dish, so I can see every Red Sox game! Also my Ipod touch, you would have to pry that out of my cold dead hand!

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

K- Wow, I could give the standard 'world peace' answer, but I will be more selfish. Good health and long life for me, and all my loved ones.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

K- Still writing, still watching the Red Sox, and hopefully still content with my life.

Thanks everyone who has been so supportive for my debut effort! It is really, really appreciated
V- Sounds great! And thank you, Karyn, for allowing me to interview and learn more about your writing career.

Karyn can be found online at the following links:

Website
Review Site

A Winner!

2011-05-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

The winner of the copy of The Blood Between is, Anna Keraleigh!

Author Interview with JC Holly

2011-05-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

First off, JC, thanks for allowing me to interview you.

V- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?

JC – My journey was a short one. I wanted to try my hand at erotic romance (I write other genres under another name), and sat down in front of my computer with that goal in mind. After a few panic attacks and some feverish editing, I sent the result to Total E-bound, and it was accepted! I couldn’t believe it!

I draw inspiration from many places. Books, television, even from the people I meet while out shopping. It all smooshes together in my head, and somehow ideas come out. :o)

V- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

JC – Practise, learn to take criticism, and don’t give up. It can be a hard road, but it’s well worth travelling.

V- Tell us about your newest release.

Buy

JC – One Wild Weekend (out May 30th), is an erotic short, published with Total E-bound. It’s about a couple who decide to try and liven up their relationship with a weekend of sex. It turns out they both have quite the kinky streak...

V- What’s your favourite dessert?

JC – I have to pick ONE?! :o)
(Probably chocolate fudge cake, but I may change my mind in an hour.)

V- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

JC – I’d rather like to have the moment I got my first acceptance on ‘speed dial’, so I could visit it whenever I was feeling a bit down.

V- If you had one wish, what would it be?

JC – To be successful enough in writing to make it a full-time career.

V- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?

JC – I’m a closet videogamer, though I’m rubbish at most of them.

V- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

JC – In the same place as I am now, but with a heck of a lot of books under my belt. :o)

V- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

JC – I have a M/M short that I’m polishing, as well as a longer M/F piece. I’m also looking into expanding into some of the ‘kinkier’ subgenres of erotic romance. Fun!

You can find me on Facebook. I'm in the process of setting up a blog.

V- Sounds good. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and again, thanks for allowing this interview.

Author Interview with Julia Knight

2011-05-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks Julia for allowing me to interview you.

V- What was you journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

J- A learning curve! I was only really playing around, with my friends reading my MS. One of them kept pushing for me to take it seriously, so I thought I’d give it a shot. I was very lucky – I sold that book 8 months later.

Inspiration comes from everywhere – other books, films, people I know. Even dreams on occasion. It all sort of melts together in my head and comes out twisted.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

J- Ten Ruby Trick is my latest release: It’s a fantasy pirate caper with a splosh of romance. Pirates of the Caribbean with added creepy wizards. Here’s the blurb:

'Privateer Van Gast thrills in capturing treasure; delights in pulling off elaborate scams; and has an outrageous reputation with the ladies. But there is only one woman for him: fellow privateer Josie—seductive, brave and unpredictable. He's hoping to make their relationship permanent, until he raids the wrong ship. Now slavers are stalking him, his crew is verging on mutiny and Josie has disappeared.

When she reappears with a new mark wanting Van Gast's help running the ten ruby trick con, he senses trouble. It seems like Josie has joined up with mage-bound slavers to turn him over to their Master. Van Gast is about to take the biggest risk of all—and find out the true meaning of trust and betrayal.'

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As for what’s coming up, I haven’t signed the contract yet so I can’t say specifics. Let’s just say I see Vikings in my near future :D

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

J- Perseverance. Keep going, keep trying new things, always reach for more.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

J- I think if you go into it right, with the right reasons and you’re prepared to work REALLY hard at promo etc, pay to get editing and a decent cover, sure, why not. I doubt I’ll go that route, but it’s been successful for some, and that’s great. Whatever gets people reading is great.

V- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

J- Currently reading The White Raven by Robert Low (historical Vikings, third in the series. I love the marriage of realism, evocation of the time and the lyrical prose. Note it is definitely not for the squeamish!). I tend to flit between historical, SF, fantasy and literary. Next up is Diane Dooley’s Blue Galaxy.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

J- My laptop. My handwriting is so hideous, I have to type my stories!

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

J- I wish I started writing earlier – I didn’t even begin to dabble till I was well into my thirties.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

J- Hunched over my PC writing.

V- Again, thanks for doing this interview.

Julia can be reached on the Internet at the following places:

Website

Twitter: @Knight_Julia

More Cover Love!

2011-05-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this cover! The artist did a wonderful job. She totally got what I wanted for the cover and this is a perfect picture of how I visualized the character. Thank you, Dara England!

This title will release in July from Evernight Publishing.

It's Time for Another Giveaway!

2011-05-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

To help promote my last release, The Blood Between with Evernight Publishing, I'm giving away a copy! If would would like enter, leave a comment. If you would rather purchase it, you can find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BookStrand, Smashwords All Romance, and of course the Evernight Publishing site.

Description: New to the big city, Kyle is having a hard time fitting in. He has a job, and a roof over his head, but something is missing. One night, after an experience he'd rather leave forgotten, he meets a mysterious man named Luca. Kyle doesn't know it, but they've met before. Soon after, Kyle is thrown headlong into a world of darkness, death, and a secret Luca is struggling to keep.

Will Luca reveal what draws him to Kyle, and more importantly, will Kyle believe him?

I will pick a winner at random next Sunday which is June 29, 2011.

More Cover Love

2011-05-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

I received this beauty in my email today for my upcoming summer release, Star Treatment. The artist is the talented, Emmy Ellis. The publisher is Total-E-Bound.

I'm also delighted to share with you all the blurb and this lovely postcard by the same artist.

Author Interview with Emma Shortt

2011-05-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome Emma, to Write Outside the Box, and thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

V- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?

E- I wrote my first book when I was about fifteen. It was called Crimson Wars and was this awful vampire epic, Anne Rice inspired! All done by paper and pen as there were no computers in those days, at least not for me. I’ve still got the scribes bump from all those hours hunched over the paper. I wish I still had the manuscript, I imagine it was truly awful.
After that I kinda let it slide until I hit my mid twenties and was seized by the desire to write again. I gave up my hugely pressured job, took, what I thought at the time was, an easier one, and starting writing. Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials was a huge inspiration, as was Nicola Cornick’s amazing regency romances. From that day, when I would have been about twenty four, it took be five years to get published, and six for my first book to come out. I certainly didn’t spend all those years writing non-stop. The ‘easy’ job became just as pressured as the first, and it’s only the last year that I’ve managed to trick by body into accepting five hours a night sleep! Before that it was work, look after children, fit an hour in and so on. They were a hard few years as well, I won’t lie. The rejections, the constant re-drafts. There’s nothing quite as depressing as coming home to find a rejection envelope on the doormat!

V- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

E- To read as much as you can in the genre you hope to write in. Generally I find the genre that you like the most is the one you’re suited to write in. So read, read, read and read some more, and then start writing! It’s a good idea to read up on your craft as well and/or join a critique group such as Litopia. Then steel yourself for the fact that your first novel will, usually, be rubbish. It takes most authors a good three of four goes before they write anything of publishable quality.

V- Tell us about your newest release.

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E- The Kiss came about after a visit to the Louvre. I fell completely in love with Antonio Canova’s statue of Cupid reviving Psyche with a kiss. Everything about the piece is just unbelievably beautiful. I spent hours just staring at it—much to the annoyance of various tourists I’m sure! But it just pulled something inside of me, and I spent some time plotting how best to steal it. I left Paris minus the piece, the Louvre’s security is really good, and started thinking instead about how I could capture the essence of this amazing image Canova created. Soon after a story came to me, the idea of love locked in stone, and throughout the whole process of writing The Kiss I was working towards the ending with Canova’s image in mind.
When Evernight sent me my cover I swear I nearly had an orgasm. I’d fantasized about a cover with the statue on and Dara England did it for me! I’m totally and utterly in love with it.

V- You also work as an editor. What’s your biggest pet peeves as an editor?

E-Telling me not showing me. There’s nothing worse than page after page of back story or description. Honestly most of it isn’t necessary and is usually the mark of a newbie. Take that ‘tell’ and convert it to some ‘show’, don’t tell me she went to the shop, show me she did it.
Oh, and really, really long, ponderous works that cause me extreme pain to read. I once got sent a manuscript that was like about six hundred pages long and it took the author five chapters to explain the family tree to me. I was like, noooooo.

V- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

E- When my children, Vix and Bear, were born. I was so wrapped up in the moment when giving birth, you know with the pain, and the goo, and the pain… that I don’t think I took the time to just pause and think, Oh my God, look what I just made.
I’d love to go back and look into their little eyes and think, wow, wait till you see the stuff we’re gonna get up to!

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V- If you had one wish, what would it be?

E-To make my living from writing. If I could wake up each morning and know that my day was going to be about the stories I would be one happy woman.

V- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?

E- What a question! You want me to spill my secrets huh? Okay, let’s see…I am a total geek. No, hold on, everyone knows that. But it is true that I am full on geek. At the moment I spend my days crunching math, I have a total geek laugh and forget when I’ve got pens in my hair. I’ve been in the supermarket more than once, after forgetting what I came in for because I’ve been busy creating an equation to explain the total amounts of fruit on sale, and reached up to scratch my head, pulling out several pens in the process.

V- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

E- A best-selling author with piles of money and an endless supply of cake? Oh, alright, I’ll take being able to write for a living and enough cash in the bank to pay the bills.

V- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

E-I have a duo of books, Paying her Debt and Getting her Greek which I hope will be out this summer. They’re contemporary romances with two rather hot Greek men (my fiancé is Greek, I’m totally biased). I’m also hoping to get the next, and final two books in my Fae series, Catching Fae and Fallen Fae, finished and out there. And then I plan to spend the last few months of the year finishing off my dystopian YA novel, Immune, and sending it out on the submission circuit.

V- Sounds great! Emma, once again thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.
You can fine Emma on the net at the following places:

Website
Blog

You can view her latest book trailer for The Kiss here: The Kiss Trailer

Author Talk: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

2011-05-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Lee Ann for taking the time to chat with us about her book, Love Tattoo.

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V- First off, I liked Love Tattoo, and I found the interaction between the characters quite interesting. Where did you get the inspiration to write this story? And please, tell us about each of the main characters.

L- I like paranormal things and I’ve always thought vampires were, well, sexy. So I was thinking about writing a novel with a vampire hero anyway and was driving down a dark, two lane highway one night. I noticed that almost all of the other traffic was big trucks and I thought, well, hey, a vampire could be a truck driver. The rest just kind of fell into place after that, especially after Cara’s voice showed up in my head as a sassy Texas gal to tell the story.

V- The story is mainly set in Memphis and you appear to know the setting quite well. Are you native to that area?

L- I wish! Memphis is one of my favorite cities on earth. I first visited as a kid and I keep going back because I love the entire atmosphere. It’s a very cool place with a distinct personality. I do have a few relatives who call - or did – that area home, though.

V- I found your writing style almost lyrical. How would you describe your writing style and voice?

L- I think I have a lot of influences and they all come together into one style. I grew up listening to my Granny tell stories. She had the cadences of an Irish accent without really having one, the lilt and the unconscious alliteration but her dad was English, born in Derbyshire, so she had that too. I’m sure that influenced my style and writing voice to some extent. I had another writer once tell me that he liked my style and he called it “blue jeans prose”. I don’t know if it really describes my work but I like it.

V- I know you have the next book in this series coming out. Was it planned when you were writing the first one, or did the idea for it come later?

L- Actually, no, I thought when I finished Love Tattoo that was it for Will and Cara but my editor at Evernight liked Cara’s voice. She suggested that there might be more and at first I didn’t think so. Then I let my mind play with the idea and I started writing Love Scars very soon.

Coming soon

V- We’d love it if you provided us with a brief excerpt from Love Tattoo.

L- Sure!

'Darkness softens all the rough edges, erases any ugliness, and creates

a mood that evokes imagination. Nighttime Memphis delivers magic

and so when we boarded that vintage trolley car, I didn’t mind so

much that we were elbow to elbow with John Q. Public and his brood

because I sensed that our ride would be spectacular. With the moon

swollen to almost full, silver light bathed the city with an enchanted

charm. I loved it all but most of all, I adored the views of Old Man

River. The Mississippi impresses at any time with such wide water

and so much power. That river pulses with energy but except for a

few stray glances from one of the bridges in passing, I never saw it

under moonlight until that night.

With the Memphis Bridge lit up like Christmas time, that lunar

light cloaked the water with luminous radiance. A few clouds

scudded across the face of the moon and the stars sparkled looking

like gemstones flung out by a careless child, spilled like toys. The

bright lights of the city detracted a little from the overall effect but it

remained magnificent. I peered out from the trolley window, my

fingers laced through Will’s, with wonder and awe.

He caught my admiration and it pleased him.

“You find it beautiful, don’t you, Cara?” he asked in a voice

as silken and soft as the night that surrounded us beyond the windows

of the trolley car.

“I do.”

Then he quoted Byron, moving me to the very bottom layer of

my soul. Although I chose song over literature, once the classic

poets rivaled pop stars for my attention. As a teenager, I mooned over

Shakespeare, Byron, Marlowe, Milton, Tennyson, and John Donne so

his quotation impressed me even as it pleased me.

“Most glorious night!” Will intoned. “Thou wert not sent for

slumber.”

“Lord Byron.” I returned and he nodded, his lips curling

upward in approval. “Aren’t the stars lovely?” '

V- What’s up next for you?

L- Love Scars, sequel or next in the series after Love Tattoo should be out sometime in June. I have a contemporary romance, Love Never Fails that was due out from Rebel Ink Press in September but the publisher would like to release it sooner so we’re debating between early June and August. Then I have a romantic suspense due out from Champagne Books in July.

There is a third book, Love Knots that will continue Will and Cara’s story that I haven’t submitted yet and then I have a new WIP too.

V- Sounds good. Again, thanks for taking the time to do this chat.

Cover Art for Menage on the Prairie

2011-05-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

I'm always thrilled to share new cover art. I got it this evening in my email for my upcoming June release with Siren-Bookstrand. I'm so pleased with it! The artist(Jinger Heaston) nailed the characters.

Coming June 2011

Author Interview with Fionn Jameson

2011-05-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Fionn, and thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

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V- Tell us about your most recent release.

F- My current release which just came out is called Blood Wish. I love shifter stories, but what with the glut of werewolves and even Werebears (HAH!), I kind of wanted to offer something a little different. I'm half Korean, and I used to watch a lot of Korean TV shows and a pretty prevalent character was the Kumiho, or as the Japanese also call it, Kyuubi, aka Nine Tales. I'm not entirely sure where I got the idea for one tale equaling one wish, but I had a great deal of fun just putting a creative twist to the typical Kumiho lore.

V- Tell us about your journey to become published, and what advice would you give to writers starting out?

F- I started writing professionally when I graduated from high school. I don't think there was ever a time when I did NOT want to be a writer. I joined a few very helpful online communities, such as Romance Divas and Water Cooler, and from them, I found this small publisher called Freya's Bower. They were looking for chapter stories, and I happened to be working on a serial called Blood Martyr. It was awesome to be working with them, but I went through a period where I went through 3 editors on a single project, which made things very difficult for both myself and the publisher.

Then I had a few years when I didn't get anything published at all. I did get a fair bit written, dabbled in probably every genre known to humankind. And then I saw this intriguing small publisher making itself known on Facebook...*smile*

I've been written professional with the intent of getting published for almost ten years and my best advice is this:

DON'T. EVER. STOP. WRITING.

V- What other interests do you have?

F- I love to play online games. Ever since I missed my junior year finals playing Diablo 2 three days straight and losing my 3.8GPA, I've been completely hooked. Of course, this does tend to conflict with my writing schedule, so I like to make compromises. 1 hour of WoW and 1k of writing. I think it's working out. So far.

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be?

F- My one wish? A low-calorie margarita. Seriously.

V- What's the one thing you can't love without?

F- I cannot live without my iPhone. I know it's trite and superficial, but that thing is an omni...everything. I can do everything/anything with it. I luff it so.

V- Cats or dogs?

F- No! Don't make me choose! I love animals, regardless of what they are. Just don't ask me to pet a taruntula.

V- What are you currently reading?

F- I am currently reading Cell by Stephan King. I JUST got finished reading Nicholas by Elizabeth Amber, although I probably will never bring that book up ever again. Thankfully, I also read Patricia Gaffney's Wild at Heart which more than made up for the strangeness that is otherwise known as Nicholas. I've got Beastly by Alex Finn on my Kobo and I'm looking forward to reading Delilah Hunt's Riding the Storm.

V- In ten years, where do you expect to be?

F- Lying in bed, bag of chips next to me, watching Supernatural from the very beginning. More Dean Winchester, please!

V- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

F- Well, I still haven't done any promoting for Blood Wish, so I'd kind of like to think it's upcoming, lol. Right now, I'm in the final stages of editing another UF called Wake the Demon which is the story of a woman with an extraordinary ability and how she copes with the everyday dangers. So, please, keep your eyes peeled out for that one!

Thank you so much for having me here, Vivian. :)

I don't rant often, but...

2011-05-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just like the title to this blog says, I don't rant often, but... Anyway, I feel I need to on a specifc topic which is netiquette within the author community, specifically the e author romance/erotica community.

Rules:

-Don't be an ass. Nobody likes an ass. Trust me when I say this. That cute little snarky comment you made on FB or some other social network just makes you look like a bitch. And while you think being a bitch is the 'in' thing to be, it really isn't.
-Liars. When found out, admit that you did it, admit that you were wrong. Don't add fuel to the flames by telling more to try and get yourself out of a sticky situation(it never works).
-Trolling. Chances are if a whole bunch of people are saying you are, well, you are. Get over it and stop. If not, by all means flounce. We all love a good laugh.
-The know-it-all. You may be an expert in everything, but don't feel the need to tell us that with every post.
-The promotion king/queen. Nobody knows the importance of promotion like I do. I understand it, I really do. But bombarding people with it all day long really makes me and others not want to buy your book.

This rant has been brought to you today by one snarky author. Now, forgive me I have to go spend time with my cat.

Win a copy of Beyond Friends on Happily Ever After Reviews

2011-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

If you would like to win a copy of Beyond Friends, just follow the link and leave a comment on the Happily Ever After Review blog.

http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-spotlight-beyond-friends-by.html

Thanks.

The Information Age

2011-05-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, there seems to be an increase in authors behaving badly online. I'm sure I'm not the only person noticing this, but often I cannot help but shake my head and ask what the heck the author in question was thinking at the time when they went down that road.

While the Internet is a vast world upon its own, the e book romance community isn't. And if you mention an author's name with a few books out, chances are they will ring a bell with me. I'm good with names and dates.

Recently, an author posted on a writers forum about how irked they were with their publisher who they named.

I didn't think much of it, this happens quite often with the poster using an anon online name. Again, this is nothing out of place. However, in that post they did provide a little information, not their pen name or anything obvious, but it was enough to make me go searching online to see if I could discover who they were(yes, I'm curious like that). In less than seven minutes I knew who they were without a doubt.

Now, you may wonder why I care and why I bothered to blog about this. Well, I can't help but wonder if the author knew how easy it would be for someone to find out this information. Obviously the publisher involved with whom she is still under contract with isn't going to like her less than kind words about them, right?
Also, the e book romance community is a very small one and it's easy( or I assume it is) to get a bad rep. Publishers and editors talk, right?

What are your thoughts?

New Sale

2011-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

As of this morning, I sold my M/M historical cowboy series to, Total-E-Bound. The series will start with three books with an option to expand to more. I am thrilled.

Interview on Emma Shortt Books

2011-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Check me out on Emma Shortt Books!

http://emmashortt.blogspot.com/2011/05/beneath-romance-alternative.html

The Blood Between Is Out

2011-04-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, The Blood Between was released through Evernight Publishing! I am thrilled with this one and I hope my readers love it as much as I did writing it.

'New to the big city, Kyle is having a hard time fitting in. He has a job, and a roof over his head, but something is missing. One night, after an experience he'd rather leave forgotten, he meets a mysterious man named Luca. Kyle doesn't know it, but they've met before. Soon after, Kyle is thrown headlong into a world of darkness, death, and a secret Luca is struggling to keep.

Will Luca reveal what draws him to Kyle, and more importantly, will Kyle believe him?'

Be Warned: m/m sex

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing

Amazon Kindle

Bookstrand

All Romance

More on the Ms. Mays Mess

2011-04-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

As we all know(or most of us), there has been a FB support group set up to support Ms. Mays. I'm all for that, and have in my own way supported her by buying her books.

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that this group has now set up a online store selling items with Ms. Mays name on them which they are peddling.

They have been asked where this money is going, if a share of it is being given to Ms. Mays. Multiple times they have not addressed any of the questions asked by multiple supporters on the site. This strikes me as being very odd. I don't like the idea of someone making money from anothers distress.

What are your thoughts?

Be a teacher or be an author

2011-04-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I was shocked when I first read the article about a school teacher being raked over the coals for what she wrote in her off time, Link .

'A series of racy romance novels by an author named Judy Mays are a little too racy for some parents in our area, especially now that they have discovered the woman known as Judy Mays is teaching their children.'

So, apparently these parents haven't had sex. They must have suddenly had children appear out of thin air. Of course I'm being sarcastic, but really, what century are they living in, and who are they trying to fool?

This is just on reason why many of us are driven to write under pen names. It's sad that many people cannot separate the author from the work.

I wonder if the parents involved in this would feel the same if Ms. Mays wrote horror or fantasy? I think not.

I just hope that Ms. Mays gets the support she deserves. And to the parents: People who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones. Think about that before you start judging others.

Author Interview With Carolyn Rosewood

2011-04-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks you Carolyn for taking the time to allow me to interview you. It's much appreciated.

V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

C- Some days I feel like I backed into publication accidentally. My paranormal novella, The Last Soul, will soon be published by Evernight Publishing. This story grew out of an informal challenge thread on Litopia.com. Emma Shortt, my editor at Evernight, is also a moderator at Litopia. We started emailing about a story I posted in her challenge thread, and The Last Soul was born. This was actually the second contract I was offered, two weeks after the one for my contemporary romance, Haunted Heart, scheduled for release July of 2011 from Etopia Press.

I’ve always wanted to write. But I didn’t get serious about it until approximately ten years ago, and I had no idea what I was doing. I wrote three novels and each one was full of newbie mistakes. My entire approach to publication was full of newbie mistakes. Two years ago, after a devastating tornado in the town where I live, something inside me snapped. Your entire life can change in a matter of seconds. I realized if I didn’t get serious about this dream of mine it would never happen. I joined Romance Writers of America and Litopia, and began to learn my craft and learn about the publishing industry. I went to the RWA National conference in Orlando, Florida – my first one – and it changed my life. It also started a fire burning that hasn’t quit since. I joined our local RWA chapter and kept writing and learning.

Haunted Heart was inspired by my love of old houses, and by the scars from high school we each carry around. The Last Soul grew out of my fascination with angels and demons. My inspiration comes from everywhere. There are so many things in our everyday lives that can provide the backdrop to a story.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

C- The Last Soul, a paranormal novella, will be released soon from Evernight. Haunted Heart, a full-length contemporary romance novel, is due in July from Etopia Press.

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In The Last Soul, Faina is one of the demons whose job is to seduce mortal males and lead them to ruin. Once they sign away their souls, their troubles disappear. Faina is tricked into leading one last soul to ruin - Jace Blackmon. If she succeeds, she’s told she will be human again. As she falls in love with Jace, she also realizes she’s being tricked by a demon who wants her for one of his own sex slaves, and has no intention of making her human again. Faina finds the piece of Jace’s past that could ruin him, but she can’t bring herself to use it. While she’s hiding from the demon pursuing her, someone leaks this info about Jace to the media, and Faina realizes she must sacrifice herself to save Jace’s soul.

In Haunted Heart, Rowena moves back home after ten years of living in Hollywood to restore the century home left to her by her beloved great-aunt. The man she hires to restore it is the same one who hurt her in high school. As Van and Rowena work through the rift that tore them apart as teens, they also contend with the paranormal investigator who is trying to make Rowena believe the house is haunted. When Van discovers one of his own crew might be involved, he also realizes Rowena is in danger.

Very soon, I hope to sell Hunted, the sequel to The Last Soul, to Evernight. I also hope to sell my full-length fantasy romance, Crossing the Dark Moon, to Evernight. After that, I plan to write more paranormal stories for Evernight. I’m drawn to these stories, and I have so much fun writing them I can’t imagine stopping right now. Lack of story ideas isn’t an issue.

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

C- Write. Just write. Join a group that will help you reach your goals. Connect on Facebook and Twitter with other writers and industry professionals. Keep writing. Every single day. And don’t be so in love with your own words that you aren’t willing to change them in order to make your story better. It’s not about beautiful words. It’s about telling a story that keeps readers turning the page. It’s about writing characters your readers love so much they don’t want the book to end. That’s why we read fiction. To escape into another world.

Be discerning where critique groups are concerned. Find writers whose work you admire and connect with them. They are the best ones to mentor you and help you fine-tune your work. Join a professional organization like RWA. These organizations exist to promote the genre, and are an invaluable resource for connecting with other writers, agents and editors. Take online classes from writers and industry professionals. Attend conferences to meet writers and industry professionals. Yes, writing is a solitary activity, but learning your craft and learning about the industry are activities that get you away from the keyboard and in front of other writers and industry professionals. This is just as important as writing a great story.

And above all, be patient and persistent. This doesn’t happen overnight. I joke about backing into publication with two contracts in two weeks, but the reality is I went through more than a decade of self-doubt and serious soul searching to get to the point where I am now. And I’m still learning. The journey doesn’t end when you sign a contract. It only begins.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

C- I think we’ll see more and more of this because it’s now so easy to do. It’s wide open right now. Anything from newbie authors who haven’t had their books professionally edited and have made their own cover art, to well-known authors putting their backlist directly on Kindle.

V- I'm going to take things down a notch and ask a few less informal questions.
If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

C- Anything by Annie Solomon, Jody Wallace, Beth Pattillo, Kristan Higgans and Robin Kaye. I recently downloaded to Kindle all of O Henry’s short stories, after finding the collection in an antique store, and wishing I had the $150 to spare to buy it. Just holding those books, published nearly 100 years ago, was enough to make me cry with joy. I’m also reading Tina Fey’s book, Bossypants.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

C- My Macbook! I carry it with me all the time.

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

C- I’d like to find that time machine I know exists and go back to right a few wrongs. Why? Because I’m riddled with guilt over them.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

C- Writing. Still writing. And selling the stories, of course.

Thank you so much for having me here today, Vivian! I hope everyone will check out The Last Soul when it’s published soon. Please visit my website, where you’ll find links to The Otherworld Diner, a great blog I contribute to, and my Facebook page. Follow me on Twitter: @carolynrosewood

V- Once again, thank you for joining us here at Write Outside The Box.

Author Interview With Stacey Espino

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'd like to welcome Stacey Espino to Write Outside The Box. And thank you, Stacey for allowing me to interview you.

V- What was you journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

S- My first published book was Fearless Desires (Immortal Love, #1). I read paranormal romance like a nut, so it seemed the best choice when I decided to write professionally. Siren-Bookstrand gave me my first contract, so I'll be forever thankful to them for that.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

S- Most current release--well I have two being released this week. Taming Jenna (Sequel to Saving Grace) will be out April 14th at Siren-Bookstrand, and Claiming Their Mate (Pack Seduction, #1) will be out on April 15th at Evernight Publishing.

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Bella's Wolves (Love Bites, #2) will be out next month at Siren-Bookstrand, followed by Cowboy Drifter (Coming Out, #2) by my penname Winona Wilder.

I have several WIPS on the go for both my publishers!

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

S- Learn the industry. Edit your work to death. READ. Be patient! You'll wait to hear back from submissions, wait for cover art, wait for edits, wait for a release date, and most importantly--success doesn't happen over night. Keep writing and build your backlist. Never sacrifice quality.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

S- Personally, I wouldn't self-publish. It's not true for everyone, but I feel it leaves a black mark on an author, and some publishers won't even consider working with them if they've self-published.

V- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

S- Right now I'm reading Outlander. I have JR Ward and Kresley Cole on my nightside table, too.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?
S- Hair products! I have wild, curly hair and must have my leave-in conditioner.

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

S- Hmmm. I guess I'll go with the common answer. I'd love to win the lottery. Without financial burdens, life would be so much simpler.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

S- Living on a simplistic little farm writing my next novel.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog!

V- And thank you for being here.

You can visit Stacey at her website , and check out her blog for all her latest news and updates!

Author Interview With Kelly Yeakle

2011-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to take a moment to thank Kelly for joining me and allowing me to interview her.

V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

K- My inspiration stems from all sorts of things. I can see something in nature that triggers an idea and that small little spark turns into a campfire before I know it. My kids inspire me a lot. I like to listen to them when they’re playing and they think I’m not listening. Their creativity rubs off on me. My first published novel The Legacy Keeper’s Treasure was picked up right away by Decadent Publishing, and was actually my first attempt at getting published. So my journey was fairly simple, write, submit, accepted.

Buy Link

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

K- My most current release is Timeless through Evernight Publishing. I’m wrapping up a f/f romance right now that I hope will be picked up and available by the end of summer. It’s my first attempt at a non-heterosexual story, and I hope that I don’t let readers in that genre down. It has been a challenge writing it, and that makes it all the more special to me.

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

K- Honestly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Not everyone is going to like what you write, and you may face a few rejections before you get an acceptance. Don’t give up. Keep reaching for your dreams.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

K- I was actually approached a while back by a self-publishing company and the deal they offered was really reasonable. I was quite tempted, but I like the fit and feel of an actual publisher because you have a support system that way. Being as new to the writing world as I am, I prefer having that support versus trying to do everything on my own.

Buy Link

V- And now for some less formal questions.

If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

K- Right now, The Valentine Fae by Emma Shortt is top on my reading list. Most Eligible by Lisa Marie Ordone and Share Your Soul by Rachel Carrington are also on my TBR list. I’m looking forward to the newest Nora Roberts which I believe releases this month sometime as well.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

K- I cannot survive without my cell phone. I’m a text addict from the time I get up in the morning until I lay my head down at night. I would also die *insert dramatic sigh here* without my computer!

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

K- If I could have one wish it would be that there would be a cure for cancer. I have lost people to the ugly disease and know others who have, too. It’s a life taker and I wish they could find a way to cure it.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

K- Ten years from now I hope to have many more books in circulation for my readers. I would hope that my name will be a little more well known, and that I can consider myself just a wee bit famous.

V- Once again Kelly, thanks for doing this interview. It's been a pleasure.

K- A huge thanks for letting me stop by today! I hope you’ve learned a little more about me.. Feel free to friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (KYeakle27). You can check out my website and my blog .

You can find Timeless at Evernight Publishing and be on the look out for the print version which should be releasing by the end of April or early May.

You can find The Legacy Keeper’s Treasure at Decadent Publishing .

Blog Interview

2011-04-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Stacey Espino's blog <----Check out my interview there.

Music which inspires my current M/M wip

2011-04-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

I can picture this playing when Mark and Alan first meet .

The WIP is set in rural England during the 1930s. It's been great to write and I am looking forward to finishing it.

Winners of M/M Giveaway(Beyond Friends)

2011-04-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

The winners are Marguerite Butler and Anna Keraleigh. Please forward your emails to me at xondraday(at)yahoo(dot)ca along with your choice of formats which are, PDF or Kindle. In the end I decided to give away two copies.

Thanks :)

Cover Art for The Blood Between

2011-04-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled with my new cover art for The Blood Between. It's a m/m paranormal romance and one that I am quite proud of. It will release in May 2011, from Evernight Publishing .

May thanks to the artist, Jinger Heaston. She did a wonderful job, and managed to capture the dark theme.

Congrats to Adam Slade on the release of his newest, Strand. You can purchase this great action-packed read at Lyrical Press , soon to be up on all the third-party e book sites, including Amazon Kindle.

Need I Say More?

2011-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

The ultimate snack cake!

Charlie likes to read. Don't mess with his book time!

Blog Overhaul

2011-03-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

My long needed blog overhaul is complete, for now.

You will find pages added which help to explain each of my pen names, plus the books I have published so far, and the ones that are coming out this year.

I am also looking to interview more authors, especially those that are writing m/m romance/erotica. If you are interested, please contact me. It's a great opportunity to self-promote, this blog is getting hits on average of almost 1000 per month(is that good? I think so?).

A M/M Giveaway!

2011-03-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the release of my first m/m romance Beyond Friends , I am giving away a PDF copy or a Amazon Kindle copy (your choice).

All you have to do is leave a reply that you want to be included in this contest. I will draw a winner two weeks from today.

Blurb: Long time friends and one time lovers, Jack and Rain, are now at a crisis in their relationship. Polar opposites, each harbour romantic feelings for the other, but are afraid to own up to them.

When a tragic event happens in Rain's life, he looks to Jack to help him pick up the pieces, realizing there has only ever been one man in his life that he has truly loved-Jack. But will Jack return his love? Can they ever be more than just friends?

Sweet Romance and E Presses

2011-03-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

This week after finishing a m/m novella, I decided to switch gears and return back to a WIP that I had started last year. It's a sweet romance. This made me wonder about the market for this type of story in the e publishing world.

Heat sells. I think most of us would agree with that without a doubt. I have started to look around at submission guidelines for various e presses. Most do lean towards the erotic or the more steamier side of things.

Is there much of a e market for sweet romance? What are your thoughts and opinions?

When Promotion Kills

2011-03-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

More often than not these days, I have been frequently annoyed by posters on FB who constantly try to push their books.

In my opinion there is a fine line to letting people know what you have out there versus looking pathetic, begging people to buy your book.

Now I'm not talking about those who on release day, mention they have a new book out, or those who post on the writing process or even links to blogs etc...

Anyway, for me it kills me wanting to even look at your book.

So, what do you think? Is there a fine line between promoting on social networks?

Rant over.

Author Interview with Anna Keraleigh

2011-03-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Anna. I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you to, Write Outside the Box. It's a pleasure having you here.

V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

A- Hi there, I first wanted to thank you for having me! Fairy Flavor is my current release. It’s the first in a series about an erotic fairy kingdom. Inspiration for me is everywhere and in this case, Irish related. I’ve been obsessed about Ireland and their folklore since I was a child. The moment this seed of an idea came into my head I fell in love with the fairy kingdom.

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V- I have to admit, I do love the cover. When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

A- I was always a reader. My nose constantly in a book, I’m surprised it’s not flat, lol. When I decided to tinkle with words it was simple for my pleasure. Last years I shared it with a few close friends and they enjoyed it. So, I began with research and ended up with a book I’m very proud of as well as a publisher I find a wonderful treat in such a hectic world. Advice to writers would always be one word – research. Research agents/publishers until your head feels like exploding. The only thing worse than a rejection is an acceptance from a bad place. Try Preditors and Editors, that's where I head to first.

V- What other things interest you besides writing?

A- I love boots, boots and more boots. Can you tell I have a boot buying problem? I also have some fish and a cat they keep me on my toes as odd as that sounds. Meow (Cat) likes to wait till I’m out of the room and try to make friends with my poor guppie fish.

V- What are you currently reading, and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

A- At this particular moment I just finished First Drop of Crimson by Jeanine Frost. I am in love with her characters, particularly Ian. Yum. I’ll read anything in the Breed Series by Lora Leigh or the Merry Gentry Series by Laurell K. Hamilton. I read just about everything. If it's in front of me, I'll give it a try.

Now, let's mix it up a bit with some less formal questions:

V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

A- You know I can’t think of a single moment where I wanted to stop time and burn the image into my mind. I think I’ll wait for the perfect kiss and use that as the moment to relive. So, where’s Eric Northman? :-)

V- Name one item you cannot do without in life, and why?

A- As odd as this is going to sound, my dvds. True Blood, Firefly, Cleopatra 2525, these are just a few of my favorites, and when I can’t read I drown myself in these fantastic worlds.

V- What’s your favorite flower?

A- Sunflowers, they’re not loved by many, odd and somewhat awkward compared to other flowers. They're shunned and I love them for their unique qualites. Flaws are never are bad thing. They also play a wicked part in the Fairy Series. Would you like more of a hint? Giant sunflowers are scattered in the fairy kingdom, big enough to hold two people and it’s more than the sun that’s scorching up there.

V- Very interesting. What’s your ultimate indulgence?

A- Porn, ha! I don’t know, I try to indulge in everything at least once. Life is too short not to.

V- True enough! What can we expect to see from you in the future?

A- I’m currently writing the second Fairy novel, The Ravaged Fairy. This will be Thame’s story and for more info as well as sneak peeks, you can check my website. I love hearing from readers so please make yourself at home on my corner of the web.

Thanks again Anna for allowing me to conduct this interview with you.

Anna can be reached through her website at the following link: Anna Keraleigh

Guest Post - Adam Slade - Crossing Genres

2011-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!

So, firstly a quick introduction for those who don't follow my blog. My name is Adam Slade, and I'm an author of fantasy and humour novels. My first book, A Reaper's Tale, came out last year, and my new one, Strand, is out in early April. There, you know as much as the woman who delivers my mail. Actually, less, as she also knows my address and where my dogs are walked. On to the post...

My second book, Strand, is what sparked the idea for this post. It's a science fiction. I don't write science fiction. Well alright, I wrote one, but you know what I mean. Stop being pernickety.

I started writing Strand as an experiment to see if I was capable of writing science fiction, and I'm glad I did. At the time I was working on two or three fantasy works, and while I wouldn't say I was tiring of the genre, I was getting into a somewhat rigid mindset with regards to what I could and couldn't do within said genre. It also helps me with certain aspects of storytelling. For instance, science fiction work requires a better sense of 'place' than some other genres (in my opinion at least), so writing it helped me bring that over to my other works.

Writing in a genre different to my normal one really helped me come up with less clichéd and more interesting ideas for my work, too. Granted, my writing style remained the same, as did the level of sarcasm, but there are some things you can't change. Thankfully.

I have recently expanded again into another genre, though I'm keeping it hush-hush for now as I'm unsure as to how it will work out. Again though, it's helped to expand the way I think about my stories.

If you're like me, and tend to write solely in one genre, give it a go. Even if you aren't happy trying to get the end result published, it could help with your main genre.

(Strand will be released on April 4th, and currently has no excerpts posted anywhere. Kinda stupid, really. Better put one here, I s'pose.)

TTFN,

Adam

______________________________________________________

Strand set the ship down a quarter mile away from the location on the map and stood to leave via the airlock, then paused to look for something to use as a weapon. He clenched and released his hand and took a deep breath. It had taken a long time to get used to not carrying a gun, and barring a few sticky situations, he’d got along fine without one. The betraying voice in the back of his head once again chimed in to remind him that on those other occasions he hadn’t been breaking into a crime syndicate rife with armed guards.

“If the worst comes to the worst…” He closed his steel fist, releasing all four data spikes.

The secret entrance to the compound was disguised as an old grated sewer tunnel. Strand ran his fingers over the rusted metal of the hinges, causing flakes of brown metal to break off. On first inspection, he couldn’t find the terminal that the map had mentioned. He tried wrenching the gate but it didn’t budge. He stepped back a few paces to take in the surrounding area, and a glimmer of polished metal off to the right caught his eye. He walked over and brushed the cascade of ivy aside to find the terminal. He punched in the code marked on the map and winced as the grate swung open with a loud squeal. After taking one last glance around the area, he stepped into the darkness of the tunnel.

Ten paces in, the outer gate slammed shut again, casting a cross-hatch of moonlight across the floor. Silence settled again and Strand continued onward, his feet splashing in what he hoped was rainwater. Spotting a faint glow in the distance, he made his way toward it only to find a keypad mounted next to an apparent dead end. He used the light from it to check the map, but it wasn’t mentioned anywhere. If this is a trap, I'm done for. Just on the off chance, he punched in the code from the first panel, but nothing happened. He tried Terrick’s birthday and this time he got a message telling him that he had one try remaining.

“Shit.”

Finding no access ports on the sleek metal box, he carefully eased the front panel off and glanced at the circuitry inside. A variety of multicolored cables and boards stared back at him.

“Nothing too advanced, then,” he murmured as he retrieved a stubby screwdriver from a pocket.

With painstaking care, he unscrewed what he took to be the main circuit board and moved it to one side, revealing another tangle of wires underneath. He found the two he was looking for and short circuited them. A spark lit up the area for a second, then the whir of machinery echoed along the tunnel. He turned to watch a door swing open in what he had thought was a solid wall, flooding light into the area. Shielding his eyes, he stepped through and found himself stood inside Terrick’s old office. Guess this is Phillips’s now. He noticed a familiar item on top of the desk; Terrick’s walking stick. As he tucked it into his jacket, he spotted something even more useful. A security terminal. Strand grinned and flicked a data spike out.

Author Interview with Melissa Hosack

2011-03-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Melissa, and thank-you for taking the time to be interviews on, Write Outside the Box.

V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

M- My most current release is a short story titled, Do It Fur Love. It was included in the anthology, Indecent Encounters, which was published by Evernight Publishing on February 9th, 2011.

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V- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

M- I have been writing since the second grade. It has always been a passion of mine. In Jr. High, I won a writing contest in my class to have a study session with Colleen O'Shaughnessy Mckenna, which only made me want to be an author even more. I took a position with the Department of Homeland Security under the Transportation Security Administration as the Model Workplace Coordinator Assistant. My main job is to create their newsletter for Western Pennsylvania. I have been writing a short story column for them as well since 2007. In September of 2008, I had my first short story published, More Bark Than Bite, and haven’t look back since.

My advice to writers is to be patient. Good things come with time, and rejection letters are a necessary evil in this business.

V- What other things interest you besides writing?

M- I enjoy watching and playing sports. I love showing my support to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers! I also enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. This summer my husband and I are taking our 16 month old son Marshall Frost on his first vacation. We’re renting a beach house for a week in June. We’re very excited.

V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

M- I am always in the middle of a few books. Right now I am reading, Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton, Angel by James Patterson, and an anthology called, Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas.

Unfinished by Mary Janice Davidson and a few Kim Harrison novels. Those are all at the top of In my to-be-read pile are usually the newest novels by my favorite authors. I have a few Katie MacAlister books waiting for me. I have Janet Evanovich’s Wicked Appetite. I have Undead and my list.

Now for some less formal, fun questions!

V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

M- My husband, our families, and I went on a Disney cruise through the Bahamas a few years ago. That was a total blast. I think I would have to relive that. In a few years, we plan to take my son on the same trip. Instead of reliving, we’ll do it better. :)

V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

M- Sadly, that might have to be my cell phone. It is an easy way for me to keep in touch with my husband while he’s at work. I can send him off goofy pictures of our son or just tell him how my day is going. When I’m at work, it’s nice knowing I can send the babysitter a quick text message to see how my son is behaving. Also, I can’t imagine my car breaking down and not having a phone to call for help. I leave for work very early in the morning. I don’t want to be walking the highway at 4 am.

V- What’s your favourite flower?

M- Carnations. They are so cute with their little ruffles. At my wedding, there were red carnations that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses, and I thought they were absolutely beautiful.

V- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

M- My favorite indulgence would be taking a long, hot bubble bath while reading a good book. It’s some nice, quiet me time. Everyone needs that every once in a while. Throw in a back massage from my husband afterward and an Oreo Blizzard, and I am in heaven.

V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?

M- In May of 2011, I have another short story being published by Evernight Publishing. It will be in an anthology book that includes some other very talented ladies. I’m excited for this release. I really enjoyed these characters.

Once again, thank-you, Melissa.

Melissa can be reached on the web through her website at the following link: Melissa Hosack

Inspiration

2011-03-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Ideas for stories usually come to me at the strangest times. I could be in the shower, washing my hair when a name comes to me, and then the premise of what could be a story involving the person in my mind. Usually I end up scrambling to get the idea down so I won't forget it since I am working on other stuff. Other times, I'm in bed when the inspiration strikes me for another story. I'm very random that way.

I'm curious to know how you get inspiration? Where do your writing ideas come from?

Shameless Charlie-Cat Post

2011-03-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Just as you may have guessed, it's a shameless post about my cat, Charlie and how much I love him.

Myself, like many, love the company of pets. I cannot imagine life without one. And now for the pics LOL