Escape Into The Fantasy...

It's DELPHINE DRYDEN's Turn

2011-04-01T15:46:00.004-06:00

We're celebrating with darling Del Dryden today - and no, this is no April Fool's joke - on the release of her contribution to the 1-800-DOM-help series.

Del presents Roses and Chains...

Check out the awesome cover

Read the BLURB:

Take one adorable suburban couple just starting to realize their D/s relationship isn't quite enough to satisfy. Add one cute and quirky sub who can't seem to find a Dom to suit her tastes. Place them in a room full of sex toys and candlight, roses and chains...

After a few more smoking hot nights of pleasure and exploration, all three just might find what they're looking for.

EXCERPT (OVER 18 ONLY)

It hurt to come, and Mara screamed again as the flogger continued to drum against her. She craved the feel of fingers or a cock or something inside her, and the climax ramped higher and higher and felt almost spiteful because it wouldn’t let her go and it didn’t satisfy.

Then there was a second sharp peak, and after it ebbed she finally achieved a resolution of sorts, a release that wasn’t quite the relief she had sought. But Amie pulled her down from the cross and into her arms, letting Mara weep into her honeysuckle-scented curls.

And she didn’t say “I told you so”.

A few minutes later, Mara was seated on the floor next to Amie’s chair. As she dutifully finished off a bottle of water and plucked idly at one of Amie’s bootlaces, the Domme leaned down and pressed an unexpected kiss to the top of her former sub’s head. Then she handed her a business card. Mara took the card and stared at it for a moment before looking up at Amie.

“Mistress?"

“Somebody gave it to me. But I think you need it more than I do, sweetie. You’re just barely holding it together, aren’t you?”

Mara wanted to crumple the little white oblong into a ball and throw it back at Amie, but she knew her frustration wasn’t the Domme’s fault. It was her own. She looked at the card for another long moment before answering carefully.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t please you tonight, Mistress. It was very kind of you to—”

“Don’t. Don’t bullshit me. We were never like that.” Amie gave a sharp little sigh and pulled her ankle from Mara’s reach, then stood up and tucked a finger under Mara’s chin to force her eyes upward. Mara was too well-trained to jerk away, no matter how much she wanted to.

“Honey, we had a good time here in the club. It never worked outside, and we both knew that. But we gave it a good try, and I can respect that. What I cannot respect,” she said with a soft little faux slap against Mara’s cheek, “is a sub who plays passive-aggressive bullshit games, and won’t let herself get what she needs from the arrangement.”

Mara knew better than to apologize. She bit down on the automatic “I’m sorry” and nodded her head.

“I’m not sure what you need, Mara. And I don’t think you’re sure either. But there’s no reason to feel bad about that. It’s brave just to be out there trying. You don’t need to beat yourself up for not figuring it out faster.”

“I know. I know.”

“Especially not when there are so many people who would be thrilled to do that beating for you.”

She couldn’t help but smile, and Amie grinned back, the million-megawatt, slightly evil smile that attracted subs from miles away. The prom queen has decided she wants to whip your ass…you’ll take it and like it, so bend over. Mara had been one of the first in line, and would never regret the experience.

But Amie really had been a popular former prom queen, and Mara really had been a disaffected, Indie-rock-listening, former Goth girl. And though they’d tried to find some common ground outside their scenes, it had simply never gelled.

“Mistress, may I worship your boot?” A groveling young man in a studded black leather thong had knelt down near Mara at Amie’s feet. It happened all the time, and Mara knew to just wait. She didn’t blame him. She felt much the same about Amie, even though they were no longer together and she wasn’t a boot fetishist.

This one made the mistake, though, of making a move before he had received permission. He was already leaning in, mouth open, when Amie spoke.

"Move that tongue any closer to my boot, little worm, and you’ll be thrown out of this club for a month.”

Then she turned back to Mara, ignoring the man, who was smart enough to squirm away without another word. He did whimper, however. He had almost certainly enjoyed the rebuke on some level.

“Pushy asshole. Look, just call the number. I trust the person who gave it to me. And I wouldn’t give it to you if I didn’t think it would help. It’s worth a shot, anyway. So be brave, okay? And I’ll call you tomorrow to check up on you.”

With another little pat to Mara’s cheek, Amie was gone, strolling away across the main floor of the club like the Queen of the Dommes, off to review her subjects.

Leaving Mara alone to consider the merits of calling the number on the little white card.

She looked at it again and frowned.

“1-800-DOM-help? What the fuck?”

Visit Delphine's website: http://www.delphinedryden.com/ to find out more about her books and visit her blog: http://www.delphinedryden.com/blog/

RELEASE DAY FOR KATHY KULIG!

2011-03-23T07:00:00.003-06:00

And we've got another release in the 1-800-DOM-help series. This one is from the multi-talented Kathy Kulig.

And check out this smokin' hot cover!

BLURB: When Dana, a harpist, gets a summer job in a medieval dinner show, she discovers a world of BDSM in the dungeon of the ancient Irish castle. Jack is a sexy Dominant who recognizes the submissive smoldering beneath the demure exterior. His skillful commands take Dana beyond her darkest erotic fantasies. Secrets and strange events around the castle strain their relationship, and the appearance of a mysterious business card 1-800-DOM-help offers to guide them. Only with complete trust and surrender is ultimate pleasure and true love possible.

EXCERPT: Over 18 only

“Look at you. You can't sleep on that. I’ll sleep there. You sleep in the bed,” Dana said.

“No. I’ll take the floor.”

“And freeze your ass off.” She took a breath and lowered her voice. “Jack, we’re not a couple of teenagers. I thought we were friends. We don’t have to have sex just because we’re in the same bed.”

He craved to hold her through the night, nuzzle his cheek against her breasts, curve his body against her round bottom, listen to her breathing while she slept. But to do so would be torture. To feel her close throughout the night without fucking her would drive him mad. If he had a D/s scene with her, he might be able to relax and get some sleep. He doubted he’d be getting much sleep.

He’d turned his back toward the bed, so he couldn’t watch her but she hadn’t crawled into bed yet. She walked across the room and at first he thought she was stirring the fire. Instead she came out of the closet with the flogger, straps and a rope.

She laid them out across the bed then walked over to him and knelt in front of the loveseat and bowed her head. “Please, Master. Show me. I want to learn. I want to understand why I was scared by watching Shannon and Damon and at the same time so turned on. I can’t bear the thought of leaving Ireland at the end of summer without understanding these feelings. Every time I think of them, I get horny.”

A knot formed in his chest. Oh, hell. She was a sub and didn’t even know yet. He’d have to take extra care with this one. It scared the hell out of him. She might realize this wasn’t for her and panic in the middle of a session. He didn’t want to do anything to hurt her. He’d never been with a sub who was so green.

She let out a huff, spun on her heels and marched over to the bed. She picked up the leather cuffs and started strapping them around her wrists. “Dana, don’t.”

She gave him a pained looked. After unhooking the cuffs, she yanked her sweatshirt over her head. The firelight made her smooth skin glow and he noticed her nipples were hard. Her breasts were beautiful. Not huge, but perfectly shaped. Struggling with the wrist restraints, she managed to secure them to her wrists with the short length of chain dangling between the cuffs. Picking up the flogger, she walked over to Jack and knelt before him again, head bowed and raised the flogger to him. “Please, Sir, I need to know.”

His breath caught as he gazed at her naked from the waist up, wearing his baggy sweatpants that barely hung on her hips. Far from the exotic fetish wear he would see women in at the club Unfettered, but so sexy. He stood and took the flogger from her. “You need to know what, slave?” It took a conscious effort to keep his voice firm and in control.

She let out a long breath. “I need to know if pain gives me pleasure.”

He closed his eyes and took a breath. Oh, hell. She’s definitely a sub. His cock twitched in response and rose to attention. Willing himself to remain in control, he pointed to the chair. “Get into your original position.”

“Yes, Master.”

BIO: Kathy Kulig is the multi-published author of sexy romances. Her recent works include Damned and Desired, a 2011 EPIC Award finalist, Secret Soiree and Dragon Witch. Her stories enter both paranormal and contemporary worlds. Critics have described her writing as “very raw and hot", "wonderfully unique” and “entertaining and captivating”. Kathy has taught workshops or participated on panels at Romantic Times Convention, NJ Romance Writers Conference, Romanticon and for other writers groups. Visit her online at www.kathykulig.com

Mistress Mine is out! 1-800-DOM-help Series

2011-02-16T09:42:00.002-07:00

So happy to share the latest release in the new 1-800-DOM-help series from Ellora's Cave. Take one mysterious business card, add an Operator and let the mayhem ensue. The magic is that the 1-800-DOM-help line, when called, will hook up a BDMSer with their other half. Of course, they don't know that when they call.

A Brigadoon-like club called Unfettered shows up but that's the end of the similarities in the stories. From M/M to menage, this series is turning out some hot, naughty erotica.

Next in the series is MISTRESS MINE by Samantha Cayto. These books are stand-alones so you don't need to read one to read the other. Of course, we hope that you will read them all.

Blurb:

FBI agent and ex-military man Trey Boudreau likes to be in control and issue orders. But the bedroom is not a battlefield. His secret desire is to submit his body to a strong, older woman. He discovers a card that promises him the right one to bring him to his knees.

Juliette Coyne is a Domme determined to overcome a past experience that left her questioning her ability in the lifestyle. She is challenged by Trey, a strong, younger man in need of a good lesson or two. Old habits die hard, however, and the past continues to haunt them. Trey and Juliette grapple with each other and themselves for control, trust and a future together.

Do yourself a favor and read the hot excerpt. Then get the book. It's out today 2/16/2011.

Visit Samantha Cayto's site to learn more about her and her other books.

1-800-DOM-help offers MORE!!!

2011-01-25T17:28:00.008-07:00

It's truly an amazing week for the authors of the 1-800-DOM-help series...not just ONE release this week but THREE awesome stories coming out from three awesome authors.

Check 'em out...

Desiree Holt delivers DELIGHT ME on January 26

Francesca Hawley comes out with CONTROLLING INTEREST on January 28

Michelle Polaris fills out the trio with FETTERED LOVE also releasing on January 28

Want more?

How's this:

Dani suspects her growing dissatisfaction with the lifestyle suggests she might be in need of a role reversal. When she finds a mysterious business card, she calls the number, 1-800-DOM-help, and is paired with Ethan, a sexy-as-sin sub. Dani learns the erotic effects of weislding the whip and the intense arousal that stimulating her sub with toys can bring.

As their sessions progress, Dani and Ethan explore every aspect of D/s play - from restraints to punishment to exercising control to achieve mind-blowing orgasms - and Dani comes to understand the value of receiving trust, as well as giving it. But her newfound, strong emotional feelings for Ethan scare her to death. Their current course could change her life forever - if she's brave enough to accept what's being offered

Mozelle "Mouse" Vincent inherits money, a club, and her boss' son as a business partner when society leader Regine Stuart dies. Torin Stuart knows what his late mother's wishes were for his exclusive BDSM club, Erotically Bound, but he's pissed that he's forced to trust Mouse - especially when her inherently submissive nature arouses the sexual Dominant in him.

After baring all in a heated intense scene, Mouse realizes they still have to work together, but now Tor challenges any business suggestion she makes. When she wants to offer educaiton classes, Tor dares her to organize the class and participate - as a submissive. To his chagrin, Mouse agrees, but he can't stand the thought of any other Dom touching her. Suddenly there's far more at stake than the controlling interest in their club...because love is the ultimate prize in their power exchange.

Kirk, Master to his long-time lover Evan, decides it's time to place his permanent collar around Evan's sexy cock. But when he proposes, he faces a surprise. Evan wants a child. So where will they find a kinky woman to help?

A mysterious card with the 1-800-DOM-help number advertises assistance for unusual proglems in the BDSM community. When Evan calls, he recognizes the voice of Sarah - Kirk's best friend from childhood, Evan's Mistress of several years in college. They both loved her and suffered betrayal when she walked out of their lives.

Now she proposes to be the mother of their child. No strings, just a chance to have the men she respects and loves back in her life. Evan embraces the idea whil Kirk rages with mistrust.

At Evan's request, they share one night of passion, Kirk and Sarah working together to dominate Evan in the scene of his erotic fantasies, hoping it wll be enough to rekindle trust and make all their dreams come true.

DON'T MISS THESE STORIES - and don't forget to get your copy of the first two stories in this multi-author series:

Christine D'Abo's COMMANDING ACQUISITIONS and my NEEDING HARTE!

AND - check out our group blog HERE!

1-800-DOM-help Trailer

2010-12-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this fabulous video designed by Del Dryden...

The Best One Night Stand Ever

2010-11-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Magic

The magic begins with the appearance of the business card. Sleek black print on a pristine white background—unassuming in its appearance. Those brave enough to call the number will begin a journey that will explore their greatest desires.

Once the call is made, the Operator goes to work. Somehow he knows just what every caller needs, always able to find the answer the caller seeks.

Callers may be directed to Unfettered, a new club in town, one nobody has heard of. It provides a safe haven for all who enter. Members are free to explore their every desire...even those they weren't aware of. Little do they know Unfettered will disappear once those yearnings have eased.

Submissives who don't know how to handle their Dominants. Masters looking for the perfect sub. People who need just a little push to admit vanilla isn't their favorite flavor. The card finds them all.

And once you dial 1-800-DOM-help anything can happen.

~~~

Today, we want to celebrate with Christine d'Abo. Her Commanding Acquistions is the second in this new series from Ellora's Cave.

Simon is a Dom who has become jaded, tired of the local scene. With his bookstore failing and personal life nonexistent, he’s looking for something different. The arrival of the mysterious 1-800-DOM-help business card gives Simon a chance for a change. The Operator directs him to Unfettered, a hot new BDSM club where Simon hopes to find a distraction for the evening. What he gets is a sexy sub offering himself up for a night of no-holds-barred sex, who then disappears with the dawn.

When the business consultant Simon hires turns out to be his mysterious sub, he knows he’s found a chance at happiness. But happiness comes at a price.

Check out this excerpt.

Buy the book today.

Lots to share!

2010-10-25T20:15:00.005-06:00

First, Needing Harte, the first book in the multi-author 1-800-DOM-help series has received its first review! Carole at Rainbow Reviews had this to say: "Read it for the rich characterization, and look for more from this author."

Check out the whole review here!

Next, we've received the cover for All Tied Up, our contribution to the Merry Kinkmas collection to be released December 13th!

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is the cover designed by the fabulous Darrell King...

Did I mention that this particular story is about an adventurous young couple and an evening spent with a Kinbaku master? No? Well, here's the blurb:

Wendy Banning has a kinky fantasy...she wants to be tied up. Not just spread-eagle in bed, but with rope all over and around her body. She shares that with her lover Peter Barrett who arranges a sesion with local Kinbaku Master, James Darling.

The learn that having sex at someone else's direction while All Tied Up is more than hot. Can they repeat their experience? Do they want to without Master Darling? James would like to show them so much more. However when the couple makes a mistake while playing on their own, can Master Darling forgive them?

Last, but CERTAINLY not least, we've chosen the winner of our Tote Bag FULL (and I do mean FULL) of RomantiCon goodies (and a couple of Marilu Mann's books! LOL): SHEILA - send us an email - marilu2mann@gmail.com with your mailing address and I'll get that in the mail to you ASAP!

We're looking forward to more reviews on Needing Harte, the release of All Tied Up, and whatever else comes our way...

RomantiCon Day 4

2010-10-10T21:28:00.004-06:00

Sunday brought the final day of workshops and fun, not to mention the Book Fair that was open to the public...

The Cougar Challenge authors sponsored a Courgarlicious workshp while Ashlyn Chase & Raelene Gorlinsky challenged authors to come up with original and fitting (while still pronouncable) names. Then it was Fiction Feud and Sex Toys for the Budget-minded Vixen...You MIGHT be totally surprised by what your local discount department store or dollar store can provide...

The final event for the conference was the Crazy Hat/Pizza/Bingo party. Jason, Angelo & Rodney were the BINGO callers and passed out the great prizes including author baskets.

Rodney in his crazy hat...

The 1-800-DOM-help authors (missing a few who weren't at RomantiCon)

These are the last photos from this year's RomantiCon - if you're at all interested, I'm SURE they'll be doing it again! Keep checking the EC website for information and consider joining the fun next year!

RomantiCon Day 3

2010-10-10T21:07:00.005-06:00

Saturday brought about Author Mania - a chance to sit and talk to the EC Authors, ask about their current releases, find out about new ones, etc.,

Cai & Dottie - a loyal EC reader who was also at last year's conference.

It was also the opening of the SWAG zone where folks could get "goodies" to take home - Marilu Mann's giveaway was a tiny bottle of Tabasco (TM) with some author info on it - the good folks at Tabasco were a true joy to work with! We also had some postcards with info about new and current releases for folks to take home.

Marilu's SWAG (flash kind of distorted the picture)

Before, during and after that there were workshops aplenty! The popular "Act it out (take two)" where Publisher Raelene Gorlinsky talked about some impossible/improbable love scenes authors have submitted and they're (sort of) acted out by those in attendance (PS - watch out for J. Hali Steele, she's got a WICKED left!), then Reader Focus Groups on Cover Appeal, Title Talk, Edge of Erotica (Kink & Fetish), Recipes for Success, more workshops on Memorable Sex Scenes, Black to Basics: Blurbs/Building Sexual Tension (Yes, that's Black, not Back since Jaid Black taught that workshop!), Body Speak, Ask the Editors/The Newest News and Screenwriting Tools for Building a Novel.

Saturday night brought the 10th Anniversary Celebration for Ellora's Cave. There was a great routine by the Cavemen (let's talk about those gorgeous guys in black leather pants and platform boots!!), moving talks by Patty Marks and Jaid Black, and awards followed by dinner and dancing and even MORE fun!

Yes, there are pictures, and Yes, Marilu Mann won an award! One of the 2010 Superstar Awards - the certificate says "Witches, Demons, Shifters and Doms, Oh My! for most versatile use of types of heros".

Cai with the trophy & certificate

The Cavemen doing their routine Saturday night

Let the dancing begin...Rodney insisted on a "Soul Train" line - it was hysterical
Cai & Ann Hinnenkamp

RomantiCon Day 2

2010-10-08T22:05:00.007-06:00

Morning started out great! Workshops on Promo, GMC, Worldbuilding, Characterization, CSI for writers, Protecting your Assets, Top 10 Things Hollywood gets wrong, Research, Cover Art and Collaborating & Co-authoring.

Then it was time for the Roaring 20's Party - Flappers, Gangsters, Molls and more...The joint was definitely jumping - and that was before the Cavemen took the stage to entertain the crowd! Some of the tables had a "reserved for a special guest" note on them, and you guessed it, those were for the Cavemen. :) We had the pleasure of sitting with Lorenzo tonight - he's fabulous!

After dinner it was time to put on our dancing shoes and hit the slot machines with the "play" money provided by EC - everyone got raffle tickets and if you hit it big on the slots, you got even more raffle tickets...what could you win? Well...how about a Sony e-reader, a B&N e-reader, a digital camera, a video camera, a Kindle and a Netbook! Yes, those were the prizes handed out tonight by EC - emceed by none other than Jaid Black, the woman who started it all.

Now, what you really want to see...some photos from today!

Some folks dressed for the party...

Cai & Lynn LaFleur

Caitlin Miller

Cai & Christine D'Abo

And WHY were we all standing in line?

That's easy...waiting to have our pictures made with the Cavemen!

Party Time!!

The Charleston Dance Contest...with a little incentive from the Cavemen...(Lena Matthews is in red here - she wound up being the winner...Awesome moves! :) )

Lorenzo

Keaneau

RomantiCon Day 1

2010-10-07T20:54:00.006-06:00

Though I know some people had problems getting here, my trip went very smoothly! Met up with the lovely Regina Carlysle at the airport and we chatted before our flight out of DFW to Cleveland.

The trip to the hotel also went very smoothly, and again the staff at EC and here at the hotel have done an AMAZING job of preparing everything for our arrival! We got an awesome conference bag, a great badge holder, TWO calendars, another nifty conference booklet with all the handouts in it along with a place for collecting signatures.

The Meet-&-Greet was tonight - and of course, what would this party be without the EC Cavemen?

Some photos here - will try to update tomorrow with more...

Thanks & Enjoy...

Lorenzo & Cai - Lorenzo was on the cover of Sapphire Tease

Joysann from Publisher's Weekly winning a prize -

yes, win a prize, get a hug/kiss from a Caveman! :)

VJ Devereaux, Lorenzo & Cai

VJ & the Cavemen - sounds like a rock band doesn it?

(Kevin, Jason & Christian with VJ)

Jason, Christian & Angelo

VJ Devereaux

Cai & Brooks

Brooks & VJ Devereaux

MORE PICS TO FOLLOW TOMORROW, I Promise!!

RELEASE DATE!!

2010-08-24T17:51:00.004-06:00

We have a release date for our next project!

Needing Harte is a contemporary M/M BDSM story and is part of the multi-author1-800-DOM-help series.

Though we don't have a cover to share here yet, the notice is up on the Coming Soon page at Ellora's Cave! As soon as we have the cover, we'll post it here.

In the meantime, here's the blurb to whet your appetite:

When a murder leads to wanting a sexy stripper bound and naked in front of him, Harte Donovan has a problem. He can’t let his secret desires ruin his career as a detective. When he’s given a mysterious business card, Harte discovers a side of himself he intends to fully embrace.

Ramey Nichols strips for a living and he's not willing to pretend to be something he’s not. When this sexy submissive meets the closeted cop and unwitting Dom, something has got to give. That something might just be Ramey. Ramey knows what he wants, and more than that, finds himself Needing Harte.

Highway to Hell...or Cai & Arwen's Very Unexcellent Adventure

2010-08-10T15:55:00.000-06:00

Ain't nothing I would rather do
Going down, party time
My friends are gonna be there too
I'm on the Highway to Hell...
Lyrics by ACDC

The hero of my latest story is a big fan of ACDC, so I felt it appropriate to start my blog off with those lyrics. In Sex and Trouble, Rosier escapes his boredom with captivity by blasting heavy metal. I knew when I set off to Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention 2010 in Columbus, Ohio, that I wouldn't be playing a lot of heavy metal, though. You see, I am two people - Cai Smith and Arwen Lynch. One of us, Cai, loves the headbangin' stuff while the other, Arwen, is more of a folkie. We compromise on music and both adore audio books.

When we left Fort Worth, Texas at 5:30 AM Monday morning, we fully expected to arrive at the convention hotel by midnight at the latest since both the GPS and Google Maps told us it was a 15.5 hour drive. Little did we know that the Universe had other things in mind for our journey...

We cruised up the highway to Arkansas--pleased with the time we were making and the journey itself--then on through Tennessee and into Kentucky. And that's where the wheels started to fall off. We stopped regularly for gas, potty breaks and to walk around a bit, stretching those traveling kinks out. On one of those stops at some very nice but nameless roadside rest stop, Cai decided to take her contacts out. Her eyes were tired so it was time for glasses.

Unfortunately, one contact decided not to cooperate. Cai scratched her cornea trying to get the darned thing out. Arwen took over the wheel, but drove only until we reached Elizabethtown, KY. We hit the local ER so Cai's eye could be checked out. Sure enough, she'd injured her eye badly enough to need an antibiotic cream. Two and a half hours later, we were back on the road with Cai behind the wheel once again.

We have a great friendship that goes back many years. One of the things we knwow is that Cai is the driver and Arwen is the passenger. Some day we'll tell you the story of how Arwen nearly drove into a mountain when she saw some unusual animals on the side of the road. "Look! Buffalo," is how that story starts. Cai prefers to arrive alive so she drives the bulk when we go on long trips.

If we ever go on a long trip after this highway to hell excursion, that is! So, there we are in the car, plotting our next book and laughing about the ER being the worst part of the trip. OOPS! Never say that where "They" can hear you. In the darkest part of the night, on one of Kentucky's (and possibly the USA's) most dangerous stretches of highway, we hit a pothole the size of a Newfoundland...I kid you not.

BOOM!

The car shakes and shudders like a bronco on speed as Cai curses and guides the car to the narrowest piece of shoulder we've ever seen. She's so close to the guardrail that Arwen can barely squeeze out of the passenger-side door. Eighteen-wheelers are zooming past so fast and so close that the car vibrates violently. We have blown a tire on a hill about 31 miles south of Cincinnati. This is on Highway 41N and we're also on a bridge. Can you say, "perfect horror movie setup?"

We could.

Once Cai managed to stop shaking, we called AAA. This is when we received the worst customer service EVER! The operator manages to make us feel like the worst idiots in the world because we're on a stretch of highway neither of us has ever traveled before and we don't know what exit we passed last or what the next exit coming up might be. I know it's hard to believe that we didn't mark each exit on the highway that neither of us has ever been on before as we passed it, right? This woman expressed nothing but contempt and irritation while by-passing even the smallest bit of sympathy for our nightmarish situation. The fact that we were calling her with this "emergency roadside issue" at nearly 2AM seemed to have escaped her notice entirely.

She even told us she could not send someone out if she didn't know where we were. Luckily, Arwen and Cai both have GPS phones. We were able to give her the nearest coordinates. AAA will be receiving a very irate letter about that woman's lack of empathy! But she did manage to send us our knight in a shiny roll-back wrecker, Gene! He was our senior by many years.

Gene towed us down the mountain scolding us about our tires and where we were on the road. You felt like your granddad has just told you off! He was a real sweetheart and our hero. After he put the spare (one of those blasted doughnut tires!) on, he assured us we could make it to Columbus if we only went 60MPH. So we did...

When we reached the convention hotel in Columbus, it was 6:30AM EST Tuesday. We collapsed in our hotel room thanking our personal Higher Powers for seeing us safely there - albeit with a tad more excitement than we might have liked.

Have you ever had a "Highway to Hell" road trip? We'd love to hear YOUR adventures!

And, if you like steamy paranormal romantica, check out our hero Rosier in Sex and Trouble, available digitally from Jasmine Jade Publishing--http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-8274-444-sex-and-trouble.aspx His adventure involves being released from captivity by a very nice, albeit newbie, witch!

Where Will You Be In October?

2010-06-12T09:21:00.005-06:00

At least one half of Marilu Mann will be at Romanticon in October. It's in Richfield, OH. Will you be there? Convention registration is still open!

Let us know if you will be there. We'd love to meet you and get a picture for the blog!

Sex And Trouble: Video Ad

2010-06-01T11:19:00.001-06:00

Lie back and enjoy it!

And then buy the book!

Reviews Are In For Sex And Trouble by Marilu Mann

2010-05-26T12:16:00.005-06:00

Reviews are starting to come in for Sex And Trouble. From a Dark Diva Recommended Read to 4.5 tombstones at Bitten By Books, reviewers are liking our new world.

Check out what they are saying

"Sex galore" Read the full 4 star review at NightOwl Reviews.
"HOT delicious treat with a touch of magic" "A treat to savor slowly" Read the full 5 Diva & Recommended Read review at Dark Diva Reviews.
"Will keep you engaged until the very end" Read the full 4.5 Tombstone review at Bitten By Books.
"Everything I love to read" Read the full 17.5 review at Seriously Reviewed.

Sex And Trouble

Marielle has just learned she's a hereditary witch whose inheritance comes with a creepy house and a hot butler who is really a trapped sex demon. Mari doesn't believe in magick or demons. But once she sees her butler's-ahem-horns, she has to face the facts. And, he can only be released through mutual sexual pleasure.

Although Mari's sexier than anyone he's ever known, Rosier wants to go home. If that means making Mari scream in ecstasy, he'll just have to deal. It's simple. They have to unlock her powers, defeat her father's enemy and have mind-blowing sex...in the next two weeks or he's trapped forever. What's a girl to do when her inheritance leads to Sex and Trouble? Enjoy it!

Read an excerpt from Sex And Trouble.

Buy the book.

2010-04-18T09:47:00.001-06:00

This is a test. Setting up to blog on the go from Romantic Times 2010. Will you be there?

New Logo

2010-04-02T19:29:00.005-06:00

Sharing this here - would love to know what you think.
Designed by the amazing Lisa Hunt with text by the equally amazing Kort Kramer!

Sex. Trouble and Tarot

2010-04-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

To celebrate the release of book number seven, Arwen of Tarot By Arwen did a reading for the hero of Sex and Trouble by Marilu Mann. What's a demon gotta to do to get a little love?

Go comment here. You'll be in the running to win a $50 gift certificate or a signed copy of Marilu's first two books. NOTE: The contest starts at noon Central.

By the way, for those that don't know, Arwen is half of Marilu Mann.

Sex And Trouble by Marilu Mann:

“Marielle has just learned she’s a hereditary witch whose inheritance comes with a creepy house and a hot butler who is really a trapped sex demon. Mari doesn’t believe in magick or demons. But once she sees her butler’s—ahem—horns, she has to face the facts. And, he can only be released through mutual sexual pleasure.

Although Mari’s sexier than anyone he’s ever known, Rosier wants to go home. If that means making Mari scream in ecstasy, he’ll just have to deal. It’s simple. They have to unlock her powers, defeat her father’s enemy and have mind-blowing sex…in the next two weeks or he’s trapped forever. What’s a girl to do when her inheritance leads to Sex and Trouble? Enjoy it!”

Buy your copy here!

Join the party tomorrow - April 2!

2010-04-01T11:07:00.003-06:00

Marilu Mann is guest blogging at Bitten by Books tomorrow to celebrate the release of Sex and Trouble!

The party starts at Noon (Central time) and runs through Saturday. There are prizes to be won and a really fun character tarot reading for Ros, the Demonae hero of Sex and Trouble.

Here's a link to the invite: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=21888

Hope to see you there...

Back Cover Magic

2010-03-30T08:28:00.003-06:00

Ever wonder about the process to get the back cover blurb for your favorite novels? I share mine on the FFandP blog. Stop by and leave a comment.

Sex and Trouble

2010-03-14T12:00:00.001-06:00

Sex and Trouble has a RELEASE DATE!
Get your copy on APRIL 2 from Ellora's Cave!

Here's the blurb:

Marielle has just learned she's a hereditary witch whose inheritance comes with a creepy house and a hot butler who is really a trapped sex demon. Mari doesn't believe in magick or demons. But once she sees her butler's-ahem-horns, she has to fact the facts. And he can only be released through mutual sexual pleasure.

Although Mari's sexier than anyone he's ever known, Rosier wants to go home. If that means making Marie scream in ectasy, he'll just have to deal. It's simple...they have to unlock her powers, defeat her father's enemy and have mind-blowing sex...in the next two weeks or he's trapped forever. What's a girl to do when her inheritance leads to Sex and Trouble? Enjoy it!

And here's the AWESOME cover:

Review & Interview

2010-03-13T12:04:00.002-07:00

We got a great review for Changing Focus from Martha Warner. She also contacted us to do an interview. Really like her blog for the combination of personal and professional posts that she shares. Come see what this busy mom of two wanted to know about Marilu Mann! Thanks for leaving a comment as well. Click here to go to Martha's site.

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-02-26T08:54:00.006-07:00

Romantic Times BookLovers Convention
Marilu Mann will be there!

Come meet your favorite authors. See some really hot cover models from Ellora's Cave and the Mr. Romance 2010 Competitors. Get lots of free books. Go to the Faery Ball and the Vampire Ball and...

DO NOT MISS the Ellora's Cave 10th Anniversary celebration - help us "PAINT THE TOWN RED!"
Learn more here.

It's all about the BLING, Baby!

2010-02-10T08:47:00.006-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day (a little early)! Several EC/CP authors are sendnig out special Valentine's Day greetings with a special "Jewels of Erotica" blog that's cross-posted on several blogs. Visit Michelle Polaris' blog to see all the entries and enter to win a gift certificate to Good Vibrations. Leave a comment here to get some swag from Marilu Mann!

A man's braided silver chain bracelet...an innocent gift one might give to a lover, right? Well, in Sex and Trouble, Marilu Mann's next release, a silver chain bracelet means much more than just a nice piece of jewelry. It's actually a symbol of captivity, and we're not talking a D/s relationship here, people, we're talking binding a demon!

Rosier is a Hedonae, a sex demon. He's been bound to a house and to the earthly plane by a powerful witch, and only another powerful witch can release him. Marielle Greenlea learns, to her dismay, that she's that witch! Why is she unhappy with having a sex demon at her beck and call? Well, wouldn't you be if your last lover said that having sex with you was like having sex with a Popsicle?

Mari must come into her power, accept who she is, and fight to give Ros what he seeks...release--sexual release--and his freedom. Her fight is on more than one level because she has to fight her attraction to Ros and deal with her father's former student-turned-enemy.

Visit Michells Polaris' blog to see ALL the Jewels of Erotica entries and leave a comment there for a chance to win a Good Vibrations Gift Certificate. Leave a comment here for a chance at some swag! And...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

SEX AND TROUBLE

2010-01-26T18:44:00.012-07:00

Now that I have your attention! How's this for some interesting fun?

Sex and Trouble

(cover by the fabulous Syneca)

You know it’s going to be a bad day when:
1. Your father dies leaving you a creepy old Victorian home.
2. Your butler isn’t really a butler, but he comes with the house.
3. Your father’s enemies are after everything in the house—including you and the butler!

Meet Marielle Greenlea. She’s just learned that her inheritance involves not just an old house but also a butler who’s says he's a demon. And not just any demon. He’s a Hedonae—or sex demon—who has been bound to the house by her estranged father. Now, not only does Marielle have to deal with her inheritance which includes learning that she's a hereditary witch, but she also has to figure out how to set Rosier free. Because no way is she keeping a slave—no matter how sexy he is!

Rosier can't believe he's still captive to the Greenlea family. Now he has to deal with a woman who's sexy as sin but unaware of her own appeal. A fledgling witch who doesn't really believe he's a demon. But once she sees his-ahem-horns, she has to face facts. One of those facts is that the only way he can be released is through sex. But he wants to go home and if that means making her scream with his name over and over, well, he’ll just have to grin and bear it.

Mari wants to help him but as the reigning Popsicle Queen according to her exes, she knows she can’t. Three simultaneous orgasms when she’s never had even one? Now she has to find the keys to her power, defeat her father’s enemy AND have mind-blowing sex? What's a girl to do when an inheritance leads her to Sex and Trouble? Lie back and enjoy, of course!

We'll let you know when it's released!!

Great start to 2010!

2010-01-01T13:38:00.002-07:00

A new book contract!!

Yes, Marilu Mann will have a new release out very soon - not a shifter in sight, but there is a very sexy demon and a witch who doesn't know her own power!

We have a title and will share the cover with you as soon as we get that - look for more info on SEX AND TROUBLE coming soon!!

WORDLES!

2009-11-27T18:12:00.004-07:00

I couldn't resist playing with this after a friend (thanks, Helen!) sent it to a loop we're both on. Wordle, from their website, is "a toy to create "word clouds" from text you provide."

Basically, you cut and paste your own words into the box and then hit "Go"

Here are a few I played with today - would love to see what you create if you'd care to share...

Nolan and Shilah are featured in Changing Perspectives,

our Naughty Nooner free read released on 11/23.

Had to "play" with our titles and name, of course!

Micah and Olivia are featured in Changing Focus -

the third title in our Lusting Wild Series

Joie and Malcolm are from Changing Hearts

- the second book in our Lusting Wild Series

Carly and Tony started it all in Changing Times

- the first book in the Lusting Wild Series

I did one for each of our novellas as well - you show me yours and I'll show the rest of ours - LOL.

Have fun... Here's the link: www.wordle.net

Changing Perspectives - Available November 23!

2009-11-18T17:11:00.003-07:00

Changing Perspectives - the latest entry in the Lusting Wild series will be available as a FREE READ on November 23rd. Yes, our first Naughty Nooner and our first M/M!

We hope you enjoy Nolan's story. Yes, Nolan gets a "happier" ending than he got in Changing Times! (And there is a VERY brief cameo by Tony Pantera.)

Here's a quick blurb about this Naughty Nooner:

Nolan Bourdet wants nothing to do with Shilah Nyol. No matter how hot the other man makes him, Shilah runs with shifters responsible for the death of Nolan's lover.

Shilah drifts through life and has drifted to New Orleans. He doesn't do commitment, but he'd definitely like to do his new boss. After their first bout of scorching sex, Shilah's thinking of sticking around, but he'll have to change both his perseptive and Nolan's.

Enjoy!

More on RomantiCon 2009

2009-10-28T18:39:00.005-06:00

Finally got all my pictures uploaded to the computer from RomantiCon 2009 - I urge you to go next year - it promises to be bigger and better!! Next year I hope to have a better camera! :)

Angelo at the booksigning

Stephanie Julian at the booksigning

Ann Hinnenkamp at the booksigning

Natasha Moore at the booksigning

Marilu Mann's spot at the table - Do you see Beauregard the Alligator? He made his first appearance at RT2009 and came with me to RomantiCon 2009 as well! Yes, you DO see the same book cover here as you saw in Natasha Moore's picture - there's a good reason for that - Marissa Alwin, Rena Marks, Amarinda Jones, Natasha Moore and Marilu Mann all have stories in that Sapphire Sizzle book! Marissa, Rena, Natasha & MM were all in attendance!

Speaking of Marissa Alwin, here she is with a friend who stopped by to say hello.

Cai (1/2 of Marilu Mann) and Marissa at the Booksigning - ready to meet & greet!

Francesca Hawley and a few of the Men of EC -
doesn't it look like she's telling them a good story??

Of course, I couldn't resist getting MY picture made with all these good-looking guys, either!

ROMANTICON 2009

2009-10-10T15:31:00.011-06:00

Need a reason to come to RomantiCon in 2010? How about this "one":
(This is Angelo, one of the new Cavemen - look for him on book covers in the very near future.)

Or maybe this one of these?

Yes, the Men of Ellora's Cave - shown here in all their party finery...well, sort of.

In any event, aside from the FABULOUS workshops, meeting readers and writers, FREE EC books given away at the workshops and the Author Appreciation Dinner, the Author Mania where you can sit and chat with your favorite authors, the Voyeur's Lounge where you can sit and watch videos, the fabulous parties and massive amounts of fun, you also get hugs...

Cai getting hugged after winning a prize. (left)

Reader Tasha getting hugged "just because!"
(right)

Candace Sams getting hugged by Angelo. (left)

Another reader(Found out - this is FAYE! -we sat together at Bingo!) getting a hug from Angelo

So, there are a few good reasons to come to RomantiCon! More pics later!

RT Review for Changing Hearts (Book 2)

2009-09-26T08:05:00.007-06:00

WOW! RT Book Reviews (formerly Romantic Times) just gave Changing Hearts a four (out of five) star review! Here's a snippet of what reviewer Gail Pruszkowski said.

Changing Hearts by Marilu Mann
RT Rating:
Category: EROTICA
Publisher: ELLORASCAVE.COM
Published: November 2009
Type: Erotic Romance (Paranormal, E-book)

The hunter becomes the hunted in a story about a loup-garou on the run. Book two in the Lusting Wild series will tug at your heartstrings. Mann puts a lot of life into her characters, and the steamy sex scenes heat up the bayou.

You can read the rest of Gail's review in the November issue of RT Book Reviews.

Changing Hearts by Marilu Mann, from Ellora's Cave--now in print. Also available in digital format.

See all available books here.

Changing Focus by Marilu Mann

2009-09-20T10:04:00.002-06:00

Changing Focus got a FIVE tombstone review from Bitten By Books. Here's a snippet of the comments.

"I had been steering away from shifter novels lately because they just did not appeal to me, but this series just drew me back into the shapeshifter world. There is something about the wolves of the Lusting Wild series that appeals to me."

Please read the rest of it here --> Changing Focus by Marilu Mann

Leave a comment on that review and vote!

WHAT A WEEK!!

2009-09-12T07:27:00.007-06:00

Changing Hearts released in print on 09/09 - go HERE for more info!

Changing Focus released in ebook on 09/11 - go HERE for more info!

Sapphire Sizzle - the print anthology featuring our very own Sapphire Tease released in print on 09/11 - go HERE for more info!

YOWZA! Not that we're complaining, you understand, it's really just that we're a bit overwhelmed!

Psssst....Wanna Know A Secret?

2009-09-01T09:28:00.001-06:00

Visit Lady Jaided's blog tomorrow (9/1) for a secret about Marilu Mann.

A different Ellora's Cave/Cerridwen Press/The Lotus Circle author is being featured each day along with their most current release (Sweet Buns, for MM, already profiled here).

All of this is in anticipation of RomantiCon in October. Some very interesting secrets have already been shared! Check it out, I think you'll agree.

Click here!

Changing Focus - RELEASE DATE!

2009-08-25T18:24:00.006-06:00

Changing Focus is on the COMING SOON page at Ellora's Cave!

Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/lzbqr4

Just to refresh your memory, this is Micah's story and THIS is the lovely cover!

Read more about Micah and Olivia on my website: http://www.greatmta.com/

Don't miss this next installment in the Lusting Wild series!

September 11, 2009 in e-book format from Jasmine Jade Publishing (Ellora's Cave) - http://tinyurl.com/nokm6c

Escape Into August With Me

2009-08-16T08:27:00.002-06:00

August brings videos, wolves and sexy men. Stop by and take a peek at my August 2009 newsletter.

Did you know there is a Wolf Bus? For real?

Subscribe to the newsletter.

Regards,
Marilu
Escape Into The Fantasy
Changing Focus: Lusting Wild 3 (Micah's Story) Coming Soon
Sweet Buns out now

New Book Trailers

2009-08-09T20:32:00.003-06:00

Hey! Check these out! They'll be running during RomantiCon 2009 at the booksigning along with trailers from other EC/CP/TLC authors.

YOU can get a "sneak peek" right now - and do let us know what you think, won't you?

Here are the urls for your convenience:

CHANGING TIMES by Marilu Mann
Link to video on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/lmsxj3

CHANGING HEARTS by Marilu Mann
Link to video on YouTube http://tinyurl.com/lzhphr

ENJOY!! :)

Changing Focus - Lusting Wild Book 3

2009-07-29T15:52:00.003-06:00

Can you say YUMM? Check out this cover by the FABULOUS Les B at EC!

Les has done all three of the covers for the Lusting Wild books and we couldn't be more pleased with them!

What do YOU think?

Another Release for the Lara Punches Fundraiser

2009-07-04T07:15:00.004-06:00

July 3 marked the release of Katherine Kingston's Phantom Affair. Read more about it on her website and enjoy this lovely cover!

This a another story in the Lara Punches Fundraiser. The other titles currently released in this fundraiser are: Best Friends Forever by Kate Douglas; Honey by Ari Thatcher; Sweet Buns by Marilu Mann; and Phantom Affair by Katherine Kingston.

Look for Stray Lovers by Dalton Diaz releasing on July 31!

Also included in the fundraiser - with release dates coming soon - A Little White Lie by Mackenzie McKade; Brown Paper Packages by Christine McKay; Giggles by Gabby by Ashlyn Chase; Just Being Neighborly by Kaenar Langford; Marry Me Marietta by Cindy Spencer Pape; Nightwalker's Pet by Cricket Starr; and Tuesday Afternoons by Brynn Paulin.

Don't miss any of these great books!

First Review for Sweet Buns...

2009-07-02T17:35:00.007-06:00

Find it here: Sweet Buns by Marilu Mann

Here's just a "taste" to whet your appetite:

There’s something decidedly sexy about mixing food and sex and Marilu Mann’s SWEET BUN captures the appeal of such erotic play perfectly. Gary and Felicity definitely spark off each other and there is certainly plenty of emotional appeal to their budding relationship. Gary’s indecision about whether to stick with his career or follow his dream gives him an appeal I hadn’t expected and Felicity’s encouragement really shows just how perfect she is for him.

Reviewed by Chrissy Dionne - Thanks, Chrissy!!

As a reminder, this is part of the Lara Punches fundraiser - a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book will be donated to the Punches family. Lara, a lovely young lady who lost her life tragically and much too soon.

SWEET BUNS IS OUT

2009-06-26T07:06:00.003-06:00

Yes, Sweet Buns is available now! Go HERE to purchase your copy and support this fundraiser for the Punches family.

There's a little taste on our website to whet your appetite for Sweet Buns.

Enjoy!!

More Details on the fundraiser for Lara Punches

2009-06-25T14:45:00.003-06:00

Go here: http://sextalkforwickedwomen.blogspot.com/2009/06/honoring-lara.html for more info on the fundraiser for the Punches family and for updates on the releases by EC (and at least one CP author[grin]).

Don't forget - Sweet Buns releases tomorrow, June 26!

PS - Here's the cover for Sweet Buns, as promised.

RELEASE DATE FOR HONEY

2009-06-19T22:26:00.003-06:00

One of our fellow EC Authors has a new release available today - her name is Ari Thatcher, and the novella is called Honey. Why am I telling you this? Well, because Honey is part of the fundraiser for the family of Lara Punches. Lara's life ended suddenly and tragically and several EC authors have donated a portion of the proceeds of their stories to Lara's family.

Here's a link to Ari's website with the cover for Honey - http://arithatcher.com/honey.html There's an excerpt and a buy link on there as well.

Look for our contribution to this cause coming next week - June 26 - a lovely little story called Sweet Buns. :) We'll share that cover as soon as we have it.

Thanks!

More RT Photos

2009-05-11T19:44:00.003-06:00

Here are a few more shots from RT...

Starting with...

THE EC CAVEMEN!!

Stephanie Julian - EC Author

We sat across from her at the e-book fair and made faces at one another. :)

Here we are at the Rumble in the Jungle party sponsored by Ellora's Cave. Like the outfits? With a little help from my family, I made mine and also made Arwen's Jacket. (grin)

Cai & Cerridwen Press Author & fellow FTHRW member, Mona Risk.

Romantic Times Booklovers Convention 2009!

2009-05-11T19:16:00.008-06:00

We'd love to share some pictures from RT2009 with you! The Marilu Mann writing team was able to attend both the e-book and the print book signings, we met some truly awesome people (including the Mr. Romance 2009 Cover Model contestants & the EC Cavemen(!!)) and just truly enjoyed ourselves.

Here are a few photos from the convention...Enjoy!! ;)

Here's the view right outside our hotel room - the Wyndham Resort in Orlando was lovely and HUGE!

Here is Arwen with one of her idols - The incomparable Piers Anthony! Anyone who's ever read the Chronicles of Xanth or the Incarnations of Immortality will know this was truly an awesome event for a fan. I promised to restrain her if she started babbling like a real fangirl. :)

Here we are with Lorenzo, one of the EC Cavemen. Lorenzo appears on the cover of Sapphire Tease and is a real sweetheart!

The next two photos are of Arwen & Franco D'Angelo and me with Franco. Franco was one of the Mr. Romance 2009 Contestants and as soon as I saw him, the hero of our second book, Slade, came to mind. Franco was a truly gracious, fun and as you can see for yourself, gorgeous individual. He won the Contestant's Choice award in the Mr. Romance 2009 contest on Saturday night (and inspired a new character for us during one of the parties - you'll just have to wait for that particular story to come out).

Amazon Rank

2009-04-12T13:53:00.003-06:00

What is Amazon Rank? What does it mean? If you read anything Amazon deems as "adult", it means you won't find your favorite books in the "top lists".

Here's what Amazon's Customer Service told author Mark Probst who writes YA gay fiction not erotic and not adult.

In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude “adult” material from appearing in some searches and best seller lists. Since these lists are generated using sales ranks, adult materials must also be excluded from that feature.

Check out what SmartBitches has to say about this so-called Amazon Rank and check out #amazonfail on Twitter.

Guest Blogging With The Plot Monkeys

2008-11-03T07:49:00.004-07:00

The http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifPlot Monkeys are Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly, Janelle Dennison and Carly Philips. They kindly invited us to blog this week as part of our promo for "Changing Hearts" which comes out this Friday.

I hope you will take a minute to stop by and say hello. Tante Kay is speaking her mind today! She's our Cajun traiteusse's godmother and mentor.

We are also blogging about "Changing Hearts" at Romerotica Writers.

AND we are participating in a huge bloggy carnival over at Bitten By Books! So come find us and say hello.

It's Time For The Raven Happy Hour Scavenger Hunt

2008-10-01T09:19:00.005-06:00

Win one of 52 prizes! Click on the graphic to go to the contest homepage and good luck! You can win a tarot reading from Marilu Mann!

Sapphire Tease Gets First Review

2008-09-18T20:23:00.003-06:00

I personally think that this is the best romantica I have read this year. Read and recommend to your friends". WOW! The first review for Sapphire Tease is a great one. I am dancing on air! I hope you'll read the full thing. :)

Sapphire Tease Is Almost Here!

2008-09-08T10:20:00.004-06:00

SAPPHIRE TEASE by Marilu Mann

Coming next Wednesday, September 10 2008 from Ellora's Cave.

Ever have your clothes removed by a sexy man as punishment?

What if you were trying to steal from him and he is determined to teach you a heated intimate lesson you will never forget?

Cath Monroe learns just how much she can take from the man she mistakenly marks as an easy target. Kentaro Ramon introduces the lovely thief to more than his mastery of weapons in this arousing tale of a very erotic game of cat-and-mouse.

SAPPHIRE TEASE by Marilu Mann (excerpt rate R)

Ramón knelt in front of her, between her legs. He touched the plastic restraints holding her wrists to the arms of the chair. His hands were warm and slightly calloused. Not what she'd expected from an obscenely wealthy playboy. He slid his fingers over the restraints and over the skin of her wrist.

"Since you won't confirm that Brown sent you, maybe you'll tell me who you are?"

Cath shook her head again, more slowly this time. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

"What is your name?" As she shook her head, he slid his hands up to her elbows, kneading the skin there. His gaze went from her face to her breasts and back again. Her nipples were so hard they were almost painful. If her hands were free, she'd be pinching them, cupping her breasts and offering them up to his hot mouth and begging him to take them between his teeth.

"I didn't see any pockets in your shirt. I'm assuming you don't have any identification on you, just in case you get caught. From the way you came in here, I'm sure this isn't the first time you've attempted robbery." His hands were at her shoulders now. He kneaded the skin there too, leaning forward slightly so that his ribs were between her knees. "You're slender and muscular. You're nimble and you felt
confident enough to try to fight me. For a thief, you have remarkably soft skin."

"Look, you've still got your sword, why don't you just let me go? And it's not robbery. It's re-appropriation." She hated the breathlessness in her voice. She also didn't care for the fact that she wanted his hands on her. Now she wanted him to cup her breasts and squeeze, she wanted him to pinch her nipples, suck on them, and bite them. She wanted him to mark her, claim her.

"Not yet." As though he'd heard her, he slid his hands down until he covered her breasts. He squeezed slightly, his eyes on her face. Cath couldn't stop her quick inhalation of breath. He wasn't using enough force. She shuddered in sheer pleasure when he squeezed again, harder this time.

She almost protested when he moved his hands down to her waist, pulling the front of her shirt completely away from her body. "You're the most beautiful thief Brown has ever sent against me. What hold does he have on you to make you do this?"

"Let me go."

"Not just yet." He unbuttoned her pants and Cath started to struggle, raising her hips and twisting her body in the chair. Unfortunately, her struggling gave him the leverage he needed to yank her pants down off her hips. Only her widespread legs kept him from removing them. The fabric bit into her thighs as he leaned back to stare at her underwear and a wide smile split his face at the sight of the black lace thong.

I'm Too Busy!

2008-09-01T13:35:00.003-06:00

I've got another release coming out September 10, y'all! I'm recycling a blog from Romerotica Writers. :) Enjoy! And don't forget to keep an eye out for Sapphire Tease next week. I'll share an excerpt in a few days.

I’m too busy…

All of us have said that at one time or another, right? I’m too busy to take on another project. I’m too busy doing this or that with the family to do something for myself. I’m too busy being everything to everyone. I’m too busy to write. Or am I?

If I’m totally honest, sometimes I use the excuse of “I’m too busy" to write. I say yes to those projects I know I shouldn’t out of guilt. I let other stuff get in my way. I need to do the laundry THEN I’ll write. I need to walk the dog THEN I’ll write (ok so that one’s important). I need to read this book THEN I’ll write. What do you let get in the way of the thing you love to do?

How do you balance your own need with your career? For writers, how do we find time to write among all the other things we have to do – the day job (for those of us still working at something other than our writing), the family, the pets, the bazillion responsibilities that come with being a member of the human race. Sometimes it’s a matter of saying no to others and sometimes it’s a matter of saying no to ourselves.

Once we identify what matters, then we can proceed. We can’t do only the thing we love. It really is a matter of balance, isn’t it? We prioritize, we MAKE time for things that are important to us. We make time for our friends, our family events, our writing and occasionally for some fun stuff. And if we are very lucky, sometimes the fun stuff intersects with those other things.

Even our characters have to prioritize, don’t they? In the case of Changing Times, the heroine is a doctor. To be more specific, she’s a physician in a busy ER. Carly doesn’t have time or the patience for foolishness. She’s a busy woman with a very level head. When confronted with a gorgeous injured man named Tony who tells her something unbelievable, Carly still has to prioritize. Does she have time to deal with this man who just might be insane? Can she possibly deny the attraction between them? What about when her life is put in danger by her association with him? What will her priority be then?

Well we certainly don’t have to prioritize our lives based on men who think they turn into large animals. We don’t have to worry about our partners friends kidnapping us and trying to kill us. Still prioritizing is mandatory for all of us. How do you decide what is a “Must Do Now" and a “Want To Do Now"? Where do you draw the line on choosing which takes importance over the other? It’s all a matter of juggling, right?

Juggling our time is something we all have to do. In order to make things easier, we often look for shortcuts – here’s one the heroine of Changing Times, Dr. Carly Chambers, has taken in the kitchen– I hope you enjoy it.

And let me know how you prioritize. I am always up for learning new ways to get my crazy life in hand.

How To Survive The Literacy Signing At Conference

2008-07-24T19:42:00.004-06:00

1. Madelynne Ellis
2. Mardi Ballou
3. Kayla Perrin
4. Toni Blake
5. Christine Merrill
6. Jennifer Greene
7. Denny S. Bryce
8. Carolyn Jewel
9. Rochelle Alers
10. Shari Anton
11. Liz Carlyle
12. Gail Dayton
13. Sharon Sala
14. Melissa Schroeder
15. Cindy Dees
16. Jane Graves
17. Karen White
18. Donna MacMeans
19. Karen Hawkins
20. Kathleen O'Reilly

The above represents a random (thanks to The Randomizer) sampling of the over 500 authors who will be signing at the RWA 2008 Conference July 30th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. It's at the San Francisco Marriot located at 55 Fourth Street. It's THE place to be for book lovers. And it's for a good cause! The publishers donate the books, the authors donate their time, and RWA gives all the proceeds to ProLiteracy Worldwide.

To see the whole list, go here.

So that's a whole lotta books and even more people, chere! Whatcha gonna do? Are you going to be waiting in line with a plan or are you gonna be overwhelmed and miss out on your favorite writers?

Say it with me now. Ya gotta have a plan. And if you have a friend along, do it as a team!

Print the list of authors.
- Or, if you are green-conscious, drop the list into Excel and start sorting...
Circle who you want to see.
- Or highlight. If you are really Virgo coughanalcough about it, you can color-coordinate your authors and make all the erotica in pink and the paranormal in orange etc
Make a short list.
- You know how to make a short list, don't ya? You just put your lips together and ... well you know.
Prioritize
- (hugely popular like Nora and Suzanne and Teresa equal lines out the door)
Divide and Conquer!
- Split the list and split up if you have a partner in crime...you can each buy what the other wants
Kiss your feet goodbye.
- No really. Do not wear the cute-but-painful shoes to this. Go for comfort!
See above regarding your wallet
- Sorry! I have no helpful hints about this one. But hey! It is for charity, right?
Try at least three authors
- You don't know because they may be next year's darlings!
Say hello to the person in front of you or behind you in line as you wait to check out with your treasures
- You're going to be standing with them for quite some time (no matter how fast the VOLUNTEERS on those 10-keys are, it still takes a little time!).
Take your camera
- You never know what interesting things you'll see at the booksigning - remember Sherry Kenyon's "black swan hat?"

So who's on your "gotta see" list for this year's Literacy signing? And remember, this is open to the public, so let folks know!

145 Restaurants Near RWA Conference 2008 Hotel

2008-07-23T17:49:00.004-06:00

Mel's Drive-In
801 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415-227-4477(0.06 miles away)
Denny's
816 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415-243-8800 (0.06 miles away)
Jack In the Box
808 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415-543-3081(0.06 miles away)
Burger King
35 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-6340 (0.15 miles away)
Jamba Juice
865 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415- 357-3640(0.15 miles away)
Quiznos
28 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415-348-8845 (0.18 miles away)
SUBWAY
125 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-398
SUBWAY
11 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415-348-1713(0.19 miles away)
Carl's Jr
1 Hallidie Plz, San Francisco, CA
415-391-5799 (0.2 miles away)
SUBWAY
795 Folsom St # 795A, San Francisco, CA
415- 777-3657(0.3 miles away)
Jack In the Box
400 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-673-0868(0.3 miles away)
Firewood At Metreon
101 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415-369-6199(0.06 miles away)
Sanraku
101 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415-369-6166(0.06 miles away)
Buckhorn Grill
101 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415-369-6150 (0.06 miles away)
Jillian's
101 4th St # 170, San Francisco, CA
415-369-6100(0.06 miles away)
Luna Azul
101 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415-369-6067 (0.06 miles away)
Long Life Noodle Co
101 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415- 369-6185 (0.06 miles away)
Lj's Martini Club & Grille
101 4th St # 2nd, San Francisco, CA
Asia Chinese Food
825 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415-495-4237 (0.07 miles away)
Ice Bee
829 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415- 882-7800 (0.07 miles away)
Citizen Cupcake Cafe
2 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
415-399-1565 (0.09 miles away)
Four Seasons-San Francisco
757 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415- 633
Les Joulins Jazz Bistro
44 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-5397 (0.11 miles away)
Cafe Madeleine
43 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-362-1713 (0.12 miles away)
Armani Cafe
1 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA
415-677-9010(0.12 miles away)
Lark Creek Steak
845 Market St, San Francisco
Straits Cafe Singapore Restaurant
845 Market St # 4, San Francisco, CA
415-538-8490 (0.13 miles away)
Mr Hana Fresh Japanese
845 Market St # A, San Francisco, CA
415-538-7894 (0.13 miles away)
Bistro Burger
845 Market St # Fe10, San Francisco, CA
415-495-2266(0.13 miles away)
Beard Papa Sweets Cafe SF Ctr
845 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415-978-9975 (0.13 miles away)
Buck Horn Grill
845 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415-978-9770 (0.13 miles away)
Sorabol
845 Market St # Fe3, San Francisco, CA
Zazil
845 Market St # 400, San Francisco, CA
415-495-6379 (0.13 miles away)
Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe
845 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415- 896-6358 (0.13 miles away)
Pasta Moto
845 Market St # Fe6, San Francisco, CA
415- 546-6686 (0.13 miles away)
Andale Mexican Restaurant
845 Market St # Fe7, San Francisco, CA
Asqew Grill
845 Market St # Fe12, San Francisco, CA
415- 227-0306 (0.13 miles away)
San Francisco Soup Co
845 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-0472 (0.13 miles away)
John's Grill
63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-986-0069(0.13 miles away)
Blondies Pizza
63 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-982-6168
Wetzel's Pretzels
865 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415-977-0200(0.15 miles away)
Villa Pizza
865 Market St # C08, San Francisco, CA
415-974-5499(0.15 miles away)
Portico Restaurant
865 Market St # C34, San Francisco, CA
415-777-9922 (0.15 miles away)
Steak Escape
865 Market St # C12, San Francisco, CA
415-344-0018 (0.15 miles away)
Panda Express
865 Market St # C24, San Francisco, CA
415- 243-9775(0.15 miles away)
Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill
865 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415-957-1389(0.16 miles away)
Bangkok Noodles
110 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-2199 (0.16 miles away)
Cheesecake Factory
170 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 391-4444(0.17 miles away)
Wolfgang Puck Express
170 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 296-4858(0.17 miles away)
Boudin Bakery & Cafe
170 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 296-4191 (0.17 miles away)
Lori's Diner
149 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-677-9999(0.17 miles away)
Silky Bar & Restaurant
55 5th St, San Francisco, CA
415-974-6285 (0.17 miles away)
Cafe Venue
67 5th St, San Francisco
415- 546-1144 (0.17 miles away)
Del Taco
711 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415- 975-0855(0.17 miles away)
Sherbercs Mexican Restaurant
161 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 362-8001 (0.17 miles away)
Little Joe's
85 5th St, San Francisco, CA
415- 896-1317 (0.18 miles away)
Jester's Restaurant & Lounge
50 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415-974-8800(0.18 miles away)
Ducca Restaurant & Lounge
50 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 977-0271 (0.18 miles away)
California Pizza Kitchen
53 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 278-0443(0.18 miles away)
Double K Cafe
23 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 282-9999 (0.18 miles away)
Jollibee
200 4th St, San Francisco, CA
415- 904-8615 (0.18 miles away)
King of Thai Noodle On Union
184 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 677-9991 (0.18 miles away)
Puccini & Pinetti
129 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-392-5500(0.18 miles away)
Center For the Future of China
140 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415- 398-8816(0.18 miles away)
Cafe 36
410 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA
415-495-3363 (0.19 miles away)
Veranda Restaurant
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
415-392-8000 (0.19 miles away)
Siam Thai Restaurant
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
415-362-7456 (0.19 miles away)
Vitrine At St Regis
125 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 284-4049 (0.19 miles away)
Chez Papa Resto
414 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA
415-546-4134 (0.2 miles away)
Kuleto's Restaurant
221 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-7720(0.2 miles away)
Cafe Kuleto
225 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-3621 (0.2 miles away)
AME Restaurant
689 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
415- 284-4040 (0.2 miles away)
First Crush Restaurant & Bar
101 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
415-982-7874(0.2 miles away)
Buca Di Beppo
855 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415- 543-7673(0.2 miles away)
Daniels Cafe
154 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-956-1760 (0.2 miles away)
Hana Zen
115 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
415- 421-2101(0.2 miles away)
Pizza Prada Inc
239 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-982-0166 (0.21 miles away)
Dojima
219 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-956-0838 (0.21 miles away)
Jade Cafe
18 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-981-6138 (0.21 miles away)
New Delhi Restaurant
160 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-397-8470(0.21 miles away)
Samovar Tea Lounge
730 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415- 227-9400(0.21 miles away)
Mocca On Maiden Lane
175 Maiden Ln, San Francisco, CA
415-956-1188 (0.22 miles away)
Caffe Museo
151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 357-4500(0.22 miles away)
Bistro 69 Inc
69 Maiden Ln, San Francisco, CA
415-398-3557 (0.22 miles away)
B Restaurant & Bar
720 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415-495-9800 (0.22 miles away)
Restaurant Santorini
242 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-402-0060(0.23 miles away)
Little Delhi
83 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
415-398-3173 (0.23 miles away)
Luce
888 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415- 616-6566 (0.23 miles away)
XYZ At West San Francisco
181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 817-7836(0.24 miles away)
Punjab Kabab House
101 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
415-447-7499 (0.24 miles away)
Farmerbrown Restaurant
25 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415-409-3276 (0.25 miles away)
Anzu Restaurant
222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415-394-1100(0.25 miles away)
Chevys Fresh Mex
201 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 543-8060(0.25 miles away)
Taquerria Castillo V2
10 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415- 986-0426
Oak Room
335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 774-0264(0.25 miles away)
Michael Mina Restaurant
335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 397-9222(0.25 miles away)
Lefty O'Doul's
333 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-982-8900 (0.26 miles away)
Sunflower Cafe
284 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-986-6016 (0.26 miles away)
Emporio Rulli Union Square
333 Post St, San Francisco
415- 433-1122(0.26 miles away)
New York Pizza Kitchen
127 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
415-409-1212 (0.26 miles away)
Daily Grill
347 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-616-5000(0.26 miles away)
Tempest Bar & Restaurant
431 Natoma St, San Francisco, CA
415-495-1863 (0.27 miles away)
Cafe Mason
320 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415-544-0320 (0.27 miles away)
Kusina Ni Tess
237 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
415-351-1169 (0.28 miles away)
Anjou Restaurant
44 Campton Pl, San Francisco, CA
415-392-5373 (0.28 miles away)
Windsor Tea Room
334 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415-283-4832 (0.28 miles away)
Lori's Diner
336 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
415-392-8646(0.28 miles away)
Sushi Club
251 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-8138 (0.29 miles away)
Morton's The Steakhouse
400 Post St, San Francisco, CA
415-986-5830(0.29 miles away)
Campton Place Restaurant
340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
415- 955-5555(0.29 miles away)
Kiku of Tokyo
333 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-441-5458 (0.29 miles away)
Cityscape Bar & Restaurant
333 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 923-5002 (0.29 miles away)
Sushi Boat Restaurant
389 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-781-5111 (0.29 miles away)
Zaza Cafe & Restaurant
12 Tillman Pl, San Francisco, CA
415-677-9292 (0.29 miles away)
Soup Freaks
90 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415- 369-9600 (0.29 miles away)
Naan-Ncurry
336 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415-346-1443 (0.3 miles away)
New Asia Asian Cuisine
50 Post St, San Francisco, CA
415- 956-3392 (0.3 miles away)
Fountain Cafe
50 Post St, San Francisco, CA
415- 981-3005 (0.3 miles away)
63 Pizzelle
50 Post St # 308, San Francisco, CA
415- 362-2228 (0.3 miles away)
Chili-Up
50 Post St # 303, San Francisco, CA
415- 693-0467 (0.3 miles away)
Leila Mediterranean Restaurant
50 Post St, San Francisco, CA
415- 217-0099 (0.3 miles away)
360 Degrees Gourmet Burritos
50 Post St # 3, San Francisco, CA
415- 398-4800 (0.3 miles away)
San Francisco Soup Co
50 Post St # 3, San Francisco, CA
415- 397-7687(0.3 miles away)
Niji Japanese Grille
50 Post St, San Francisco, CA
415- 391-5588 (0.3 miles away)
Sorrento Catering
50 Post St # 63, San Francisco, CA
415- 377-8048(0.3 miles away)
Thirsty Bear Brewing Co
661 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415-974-0905(0.3 miles away)
Fang Fouson
660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
415-618-0554 (0.3 miles away)
Lulu
816 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
415- 495-5775(0.3 miles away)
Sultan Restaurant
340 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 775-1709 (0.3 miles away)
Max's On the Square
398 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415-646-8600 (0.3 miles away)
Azie
826 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
415- 538-0918(0.3 miles away)
Pine Crest Diner
401 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
415- 885-6407 (0.3 miles away)
Ayola Restaurant
118 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415-348-0808 (0.3 miles away)
Garden Court Restaurant
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-1111(0.3 miles away)
Kyo-Ya Restaurant
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-1111(0.3 miles away)
Maxfield's Restaurant
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-1111(0.3 miles away)
Mo's Restaurant
772 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
415- 344-0536 (0.3 miles away)
Working Girls' Cafe
122 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415-537-1170 (0.3 miles away)
Chipotle Mexican Grill
126 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415- 512-8113(0.31 miles away)
Scala's Bistro
432 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-395-8555(0.31 miles away)
Luques Restaurant & Bar
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 248-2475(0.31 miles away)
Chancellor Cafe
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415- 248-2475 (0.31 miles away)
Zesty Restaurant
850 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
415- 777-3228 (0.31 miles away)
Cafe Madeleine
149 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
415-227-4077 (0.31 miles away)
Sears Fine Food
439 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
415-986-1160(0.31 miles away)

ROUND 9: I Wanna Be A Diva!

2008-07-21T11:26:00.002-06:00

I Am In The Top 6!

Please help me advance to the next round! Check out the six contests and then vote for the one you like best. I hope you will choose mine!

A Louisiana Ghost Story

2008-07-19T13:21:00.003-06:00

Deep in the bayou, late at night, if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, you might see a light moving just over there. Now, some folks’ll tell you they ain’t nothing but swamp gas. You can believe that if you like, but let me tell you about le feu follet ‘fore you go traipsing through the swamp in the dark. It’s not just the gators you have to watch out for.

Le feu follet…the old Cajuns say they are those souls escaped from Purgatory or maybe they’re the souls of babies who were never blessed in the Church. Perhaps you believe them to be Fae or elves holding dances over those marshy places set to trap unwary wanderers in the swamps and bayous. Whatever you believe them to be, le feu follet hold a grand place in Louisiana folklore.

If you wander into the bayou, down where the darkness holds sway, where the ‘gator and the water moccasins hold court, you might see those dancing lights. If you’re coming home after dark, poling your pirogue along in the black water, don’t be surprised if those lights are following you along the shore – they can’t cross the water to get you. So don’t be afraid, but do be wary when you step back on land. The other way to stop those restless spirits from following you is cold iron – take that pocket knife and thrust it into the ground behind you – that’ll hold ‘em for a bit. An elderly Cajun woman told me she didn’t trust a knife. She preferred needles saying that the feu follet just couldn’t resist trying to fit through the eye of the slim bit of steel.

There have always been tales of mysterious lights luring travelers to their doom. The Scots have the will o’ the wisp and the Slavic people tell tales of ghost lights. The Danes and others chase those lights knowing there is a treasure buried beneath it. But in Louisiana to this day, you can buy a beer in a bar and listen to someone who escaped a feu follet just last week.

Go down to Gonzales, Louisiana just outside of Baton Rouge. Get directions for Bayou Narcisse Rd and Cante Rd. Expect to hear dire warnings about what will happen to those foolish enough to follow the lights though. Some will tell you the Gonzales feu follet is harmless—others will tell a more compelling story of terror.

I’ve seen the feu follet dancing across the bayou late at night. Once, gazing out my bedroom window while dreaming about a boy I hoped would call me, a flicker of something caught my eye. I remember straining my neck forward trying to make it come into focus, but it just danced at the edge of the water seeming to mock me. Some Fey part of me cried when I realized I shouldn’t follow the flickering wisp of brightness. When I went to tell my mama, she told me not to mess with the Devil and go to bed. She called me a foolish child, but I heard her stick that steak knife in the front porch.

There are no feu follets to scare you in Changing Times. Just a werepanther trying not to fall in love with a human doctor even as his enemies threaten her life. I hope you will enjoy Tony and Carly’s journey.

Read an excerpt from Changing Times. Then come back and share your own ghost stories with me.

Changing Hearts

2008-07-16T10:18:00.004-06:00

Changing Hearts will release at Ellora's Cave on November 7!

Just to whet your appetite, here's the cover and blurb...for an excerpt, visit my website: http://www.greatmta.com/

BLURB: It just got hotter on the bayou. Louisiana has never been this steamy. When injured shapeshifter Malcolm Slade, an alpha running for his life, meets Cajun faith-healer Joie Landry, hearts are going to be changed. Human to his wolf, she prefers dealing with the animal because animals love you unconditionally. Malcolm believes love is for weaklings and he can't afford to be weak. Hunted by his own Pack, having to face his own demons, he doesn't have time to cater to the sensitive feelings of a human female. Still...there's something about this female that turns him inside out. Can Joie tame this predator in bed and out?

Review: Sensual E-Cataromance

2008-07-11T18:54:00.001-06:00

Tony and Carly could not help themselves. The sexual tension between them grew until they came together beautifully. An excellent tale of good vs. evil where power corrupted the evil Turn Skins combines with an undeniable love to produce Changing Times, an excellent start of a new series for Marilu Mann.

Read the full review.

Deadly Vixens & Ghosts Oh My!

2008-07-10T14:07:00.001-06:00

Let's talk about real life ghostly experiences. Come visit with me as I share a "shattering" experience in a haunted Victorian home in Arkansas. Deadly Vixens & Ghosts! Oh My!

Crisis Scheduling

2008-07-07T22:07:00.006-06:00

"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full."

~ Henry Kissinger 1923-

Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could schedule our crises?

“I’m so sorry, Brenda, I can’t. I have a crisis scheduled for 10am Tuesday. Can we reschedule for later that afternoon?”

Each week we would know exactly what was going to fall apart and when. We’d have advance notice so we could allot the appropriate amount of time to deal with that particular problem.

And we could compare calendars!

“I’m free Wednesday after 3 and before 8 or Friday’s completely open.”

Never again would we have to drop everything to respond to a friend whose partner just walked out (or in) on them. No more “But mom! It’s my turn to bring 50 cupcakes for snacks today.” Everyone would be in perfect synch and we could get on with doing those other things that get pushed asked during panic moments.

Of course, this isn’t possible and I’m sure Mr. Kissinger knows that. So we learn to cope no matter what. Somehow we figure out that if we keep writing with this hand, we can still pick up the crying baby or answer the phone with the other. We can still get to ballet/soccer/softball/chess practice. There is an unspoken belief that we will get things done regardless.

I can remember a time when my life seemed to be nothing but one major crisis after another. I survived those times by leaning on friends and talking myself through things. I learned a lot about the power of positive speaking in my own life. I learned that there are things I can control and things I cannot. I’m trying, even now, not to stress over things I cannot control.

What about you? How do you deal with the inevitable “THE SKY IS FALLING RIGHT NOW” moments of life? Can you take life’s lemons and make lemonade while on a dead run for your next appointment praying the car doesn’t die? Do you hide under the covers and pretend the alarm never went off or do you charge forward, ready to tackle whatever is presented to you, no matter what? Do you blow up before you have a chance to take a breath and see if this crisis really will end the world as you know it? I’d love to know how you deal with those “WAH” moments…

Interview: Carly Chambers

2008-07-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

I caught up with Dr. Carly Chambers in the cafeteria of the hospital where she works. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised that she'd returned my call and agreed to meet with me. We sat at a small table in the corner of the cafeteria and even though it was nearly midnight, the place buzzed with activity. Dr. Chambers, Carly, as she insisted I call her, is about my height, but that's where the similarities end. She's blonde with blue eyes and seems to be in constant motion, even when she's sitting still.

I noticed that her gaze moved from my face to the entrance of the cafeteria several times and wondered if she was expecting someone else to join us. I sipped at some really bad coffee then cleared my throat and picked up my microrecorder.

MM: Dr. Chambers, thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I promise not to take too much of your time. I know you're originally from California, how did you wind up in New Orleans?

CC: (laughs) I actually graduated from Tulane Medical School. I did my internship here and wound up falling in love with the city. It was kind of a case of wanting to get away from the family for a bit and then just deciding to stay here.

MM: Wow, I didn't realize you'd gone to medical school here. For some reason, I thought you'd come after Katrina.

CC: No. (hesitates) I was here before Katrina, but I worked in a different hospital. Some co-workers convinced me to leave. I wish I hadn't, because I know how much doctors were needed here. (hesitates again) But I'm back now, and I'm not leaving again. This is my home now.

MM: Speaking of home, you live close to the French Quarter, don't you?

CC: Yes, I have a great apartment, more of a condo, really. It's two stories with a great balcony in the bedroom. I love sitting out there when I get off work. I usually take a cup of tea or hot cocoa and watch the sun come up and then go to bed. It's interesting working the night shift, you know? You meet a whole different kind of people.

MM: Really? That sounds interesting, tell me more.

CC: Well. (She took a deep breath) Just last night I met someone who really intrigued me. He’s very good looking. He has this incredibly long black hair with golden skin and beautiful green eyes. His name is Tony. I wouldn’t mind getting to know him better, it’s just that he has all these secrets and he thinks he’s a ….well, I just can’t say it out loud. It’s too crazy!

MM: Carly, you can tell me. What kind of secrets? Is he a Mafia hit man? A politician?

CC: (laughs) Not exactly. When his friends kidnapped me...

MM: Wait a second! Kidnapped you? You were kidnapped? When? How? Who? Did the cops catch them? Oh my god! Are you ok?

CC: Wow Marilu, slow down a bit. They didn't really kidnap me so much as escort me abruptly to take care of Tony. See, he'd been shot and poisoned. His friends took great care of me and I didn't report it once I realized they had to do it that way.

MM: Can you tell us more about this mysterious Tony? You said he had secrets? Or did you say you thought he was crazy?

CC: Well, how do I put this? He thinks he can change shape…into an animal.

MM: An animal? What…does he think he’s a werewolf?

CC: Not exactly. See he’s not a werewolf, he’s a were…Oh hell! (Carly jumped and reached for her pager. I saw people rushing from the cafeteria and heard some garbled announcement on the paging system.) I have to go. It’s an emergency! Sorry!

Unfortunately, Dr. Chambers had to rush off to the ER. I guess I’ll have to catch up with her another time to find out about this mysterious Tony. I was left with half a cup of really bad coffee and more questions. Never a good thing for a writer!

I think maybe I will see if I can't get an interview with the owner of that hot spot "Animalia". Apparently you have to know someone who is already known there. I heard the good doctor was seen there.

Where Do You Start The Story?

2008-07-02T23:37:00.001-06:00

Start the story where the story starts. This is SO hard to learn. I naturally want to set people up. Make them comfortable in my world. Show them how my hero got to the point where he is standing in Times Square wearing only a towel and one red high heel. And his real concern is why he only has one shoe? Come join me and talk about where you like your stories to start.
Romerotica Writers

TwoLips Review For Changing Times

2008-07-02T14:21:00.007-06:00

"Delightful story" "Fast-paced" "Hot read"

Read The Whole Review

Put Some Sizzle In Your Summer!

2008-07-01T10:43:00.005-06:00

This month I'm joining some of the steamiest writers in romance and erotic romance for a massive contest! Click on the contest Icon below to go to the Contest Main page.

I'm really tickled to be a part of this Hussy contest because they are a fun bunch of wicked, wanton women! Who could ask for more?

Well except for some steamy, sensual studs...but I digress.

PSA

2008-07-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

There's a website I've frequented since first becoming serious about writing. It's given me invaluable, impartial advice. I just found out that two lawsuits have been filed against the site.

You can learn more about it at the Preditors and editors site or AbsoluteWrite.

It is interesting that P&E got targeted when this is not the only site with warnings in place.

RRTErotic Reviews

2008-06-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

"Changing Times" just got reviewed at RRTErotic. We are tickled!

"The characters are engaging and the relationship between Tony and Carly sizzles. Their reactions to one another and the various situations are realistic. The secondary characters
are well rounded and beg for their stories to be written."

Read the whole review!

The Romance Studio Diva Contest!

2008-06-24T20:36:00.002-06:00

TRS Diva Contest!!!

Vote now for your favorite author! Hint hint! I hope it's me! LOL

Just Another Paranormal Monday

2008-06-24T20:21:00.002-06:00

Ok ok, so it's Tuesday! Sue me!

I've joined in on the Just Another Paranormal Monday blog. It's various members of the new email group Just Another Paranormal Monday. This is a brilliant group idea because it is only open on Mondays! So you only have to worry about being slammed with emails one day of the week. And you will read tons of excerpts and even get some sneak peaks at what's coming up for some of your favorite authors.

If you'd like to join, just click here to send an email.

I hope you will join us and tell others as well. It really is a lot of fun!

EC Convention

2008-06-18T16:51:00.002-06:00

More news from our publisher - if you're at ALL interested in an Ellora's Cave/Cerridwen Press/The Lotus Circle Convention, please read and respond to this message from Jeania with Ellora's Cave. Thanks!

Hello Everyone,

We've decided to hold the first EC Convention (2009)in Akron, Ohio.

I spoke with the convention center this week and should have bids from several area hotels by July 1st. I will meet with them again on July 2nd to schedule some appointments with the hotels we are interested in. If all goes well, we should have details for you by the end of July.

We are looking at the following dates (all Friday-Sunday):
Sept., 18th - 20th,
Sept., 25th-27th
Oct., 2nd – 4th

Please put a post out on your sites to see if your readers are interested in attending. This will help a great deal to estimate the number of rooms we will need. Ask them to respond with name, address and Ph# (optional) via email to conventions@ ellorascave. com (notice that "conventions" is plural).

Mention the above dates and the following "tentative" outline.
Friday Night –
EC/CP/TLC Celebration Party

Saturday Morning –
Continental Breakfast
Day – Workshops
Night – Awards Banquet

**The city is working on something fun for you to do (if interested and thirsty) after the Awards Banquet.**

Sunday Morning –
Continental Breakfast
Afternoon – Book Fair
Evening – An author sponsored event. RT has a movie and popcorn night at their farewell gathering.

If you want to participate or have a suggestion please let me know. Once I have an idea of the number of interested people (authors, readers, book stores, models), and we decide on the hotel, food, etc., we'll be able to determine the cost.

Thank you in advance and I'll keep you updated.

I will be setting up an EC Con yahoo chat loop soon.

Jeania

Publicity Excitement

2008-06-18T07:37:00.002-06:00

Beyond Her Book!!!

Ok, I'm excited beyond belief! _Changing Times_ got "blurbed" on Barbara Vey's Beyond Her Book blog today! Check it out! And please? Leave us a comment. We'd love to know you stopped by.

This is kind of huge, y'all. So it would be really fabulous if you would really leave a comment in the notes that you came by because Marilu asked you too. :)

Ides of June--Reject Me Baby!

2008-06-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Ides of the Month with Marilu Mann.

We all hear about those First Call/First Sale stories and rejoice along with those celebrating. What about the stumbling blocks on their road to success? What rejections did they face? More importantly--how did they face that rejection? Why did they keep going?

Here's two stories.

The first is from Sandy. She got a long, detailed letter from an editor. The response she got included a few books for her to read so she could get a better feel for that line.

That editor's rejection letter made me feel good. All of the rejection letters I received from SAVING FACE were good, but eventually, I knew I had to set it aside, so I could grow. After several more books, I found the rejections were getting tougher, and the contests I entered, the judges wanted to rewrite my work rather than make suggestions. It really was all wrong. Even though I was improving, I was losing my voice because I did everything anyone told me. I was desperate to get published. It didn't help because the next person would disagree with the first person. At times, I would feel so bad over a form rejection, or a contest score that I couldn't write for weeks and months. One thing that helped me was to go back and read every single good rejection I received, and then I could keep going. The better my writing became the tougher it became to receive a scribbled note on a query letter saying good luck, but it's not for me.

Sandy
S Kay Marshall
MySpace
THE CATALYST and ADDICTION coming soon from Forbidden Publications

Then I learned that sometimes wine and chips are the cure from Cara Marsi.

Red wine and potato chips. That's my comfort food of choice when I wallow in self-pity after yet another rejection.

When I open that rejection letter, or more commonly, that rejection email, I shed a few tears, vow never to write again, pour several glasses of red wine and open a bag of potato chips.

After several days of wallowing in self-pity, I pick myself up, brush myself off, go back on my diet, and start writing again. Hope springs eternal!

I'm still waiting to hear from a major publisher about a manuscript I submitted in 1998. One of my fantasies is that I've finaled in the RITA (we all share this fantasy), and an editor who rejected the book approaches me at the conference and asks me to send her something. Then I say to her, "I sent you this RITA book, but you rejected it." I recognize that on so many levels this would never happen, but it feels so good to imagine it.

Cara Marsi
Logan's Redemption
Available in ebook, print and Kindle
Cara Marsi

What about you? If you are a published author, send Marilu a note detailing how you dealt with that rejection letter. What kept you going? Let me hear about it and feel free to promo your latest book at the same time.

Guest Blogger - Kacey Smith

2008-06-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

First I’d like to say thanks to Marilu for inviting me to be a guest blogger.

So, my first release comes out soon with Amber Quill Press. Obviously, I want you to buy the book, but why would you want to? Well, if you like stories of magic, stories that revolve around the paranormal, heroes and heroines that have a little snark in their attitudes and aren’t afraid to show it, then I think you’ll like my story.

It’s a short story and yet it took me a long time to write. I didn’t know if I could even finish the story, to be honest. I didn’t know for sure where I was going to take it and even if I really COULD take it the direction it seemed to be going.

What I’m ‘tap-dancing’ around here is that I’ve written something I didn’t think I’d ever really write – a true ménage à trois. And yet, that’s exactly where this story started going.

I wrote two strong appealing heroes and then couldn’t choose between them for the heroine. I figured if I couldn’t choose, then neither could she, so why force it? Why not let her have them both?

Well, for one thing, that’s not something I have personal experience with – at all! All of the relationships I’ve had in my life have involved me and one other person, not multiple people. I started to wonder if I really could write this story with both heroes “winning” the heroine.

I finally just took a deep breath, and let the story flow. It turned out to be a good thing. (Grin)

When I’d finished the story, I sent it to a couple of trusted friends to see what they thought – they both gave me different ideas on how to make it better. I took what worked for me and left the rest alone.

Then, I bit the bullet and sent the story in to a publisher that I’ve been reading for some time. Once a year they sponsor a contest to find new authors – the rest of the year they’re closed to outside submissions. I honestly didn’t believe I would be one of the winners, but I thought I’d at least get some good ideas in the rejection (a whole ‘nother topic, right Marilu? (Grin) )

So, I read the guidelines, followed them and sent my entry in to Amber Quill Press. Then I waited, fretted, worried and wondered. When the day finally arrived for the winners to be announced, I HAUNTED my inbox and the website waiting for the announcement of the winners to appear.

Around 6PM that night, I sent an email to my “bestest bud” saying, “Well, I don’t think I won because I haven’t heard from them.” Then I went BACK to my email and THERE IT WAS! The subject simply said, “Amber Heat Wave Contest.” I had to force myself to open it – just positive I’d see bad news (hey, I’m SUCH a pessimist!) The first few words of that email said, “It is my pleasure…” and I knew at that point I was one of the winners!

There were over 200 entries and they picked MINE (and seven others)! Wow. Euphoria! Joy! All those amazing emotions zooming around my brain…

That started my journey to publication with Amber Quill Press – and that journey comes to fruition on June 15 with the release of Tales from the Graveyard Shift: Ghouls.

I hope you enjoy it.

Hugs,

Kacey

PS – I was recently reviewed by Bitten by Books – here’s a link to that review: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=220 and if you’d like to see the cover and read an excerpt, please visit my website at www.kaceysmith.com

Inside the Twisted Mind of a Copy Editor

2008-06-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

By: Marie Force, Guest Blogger

Remember the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!"? For copy editors, our mantra is “Oh, the Stuff You Have to Know." I tease my husband for being like Cliff Clavin, the mail-carrying know-it-all on Cheers. Like Cliff, my husband knows a little bit about a lot of things—most of it what I categorize as “worthless knowledge." If only you could get paid for knowing a little bit about everything... But wait... You can!

Copy editors are the last line of defense on all things written. We proof newspapers, magazines, and books for accuracy, consistency, grammar, and sentence structure. It’s our job to know, for example, which four states are commonwealths (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia—and we like to show off what we know). We’ve got the inside track on redundant phrases such as “general public" and know that something doesn’t become “annual" until it’s been held or done twice. Being a generous species, we’re always pleased to bring these interesting factoids to cocktail parties and social gatherings.

And where do we get all these rules? In the style manual, of course. I remember my first copy editing class in college when the professor said we were going to talk style. Oh cool, I thought, imagining I was in for a discussion about Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren. I soon found out he meant publication style. In the journalism profession, the Bible is the AP Stylebook, published by the Associated Press. The publishing world’s Bible is The Chicago Manual of Style.

Within these style manuals are answers to just about every question a writer or editor could have. Are there periods in a.m. and p.m.? How do I write a date? Do I spell out numbers or use the numeral? Sounds trivial, right? Well, it sort of is, but think about it—if you have twenty different writers on your staff and each of them are doing these things in a different way, your publication descends into chaos. It’s the job of the copy editor to keep that from happening.

In my day job, I’m the editor-in-chief of a national trade publication that focuses on government financial management. When I started 13 years ago, I knew nothing about accounting, auditing, or financial management . No problem, my boss at the time said, and he was right. Words are words. I may not always understand them—although after all these years, I understand them better than I ever thought I would—but I can tell if they are presented incorrectly. It’s my job to make sure the words are accurate and consistent from one issue of the magazine to the next.

One of the first things I did when I got the job was draft a style manual for our publications that we follow to this day. Do I refer to it often? Nope. Why? I know it by heart after all these years. I like knowing it’s there if I need it, but because I eat, sleep, and breathe the rules it contains, I don’t need to check it all that often. So why have it? Because three other people work with me in my department, and I don’t expect them to be as anal retentive as I am. They use the actual document much more than I do.

Copy editors are compulsive by nature. I find at least one error in almost everything I read. Even dinner at a fancy restaurant can turn into a menu proofreading session. I edit street signs, maps, and, well, everything I see along the way. I can’t help it. According to my husband Cliff Clavin, I’m an irritating companion on road trips because I can’t shut off my need to edit. I could argue that at least I’m not spewing factoids about the largest ball of twine in the world...

I offered up two MS copy edits to Brenda Novak’s auction, thinking they’d generate a couple hundred dollars for diabetes. Well, they raised a couple thousand dollars. I was astounded that they went for more than some of the agent and editor offerings. I had no idea there was such a demand among authors for copy editors! This led me to hang out my copy editing shingle for romance writers only, combining my love of all things romance with my compulsive need to edit. I’ve included a link to my website below where you can find more information.

As a writer, this compulsive need to get it right makes for some interesting challenges. I learned early on that I need another set of eyes on my work. My friend Paula, former employee of a publishing company, copy edits all my MSs for me, and I’m always amazed by what she finds. Mistakes that are obvious to me in other peoples’ work are invisible in my own. However, Paula tells me my unedited manuscripts are cleaner than some of the stuff she reviews at galley stage, proof that my compulsion is paying off while driving me slowly insane. This is the so-called “blessing" of being a trained copy editor.

Speaking of galleys... The proofs for my debut novel, “Line of Scrimmage," are sitting here waiting for my attention. I realized last night that I’ve been riddled with anxiety since they arrived. What if I miss something? How will I stand to see a real, live error in my book? This is the curse.

Here’s the shameless plug for “Line of Scrimmage," out on September 1 from Sourcebooks Casablanca: In the Hail Mary play of a lifetime, a sexy NFL quarterback has just ten days to convince his wife to give him a second chance before their divorce is final—and he has to act fast because she’s already engaged to her high school boyfriend. Read an excerpt on my website at www.mariesullivanforce.com.

Thank you to Marilu for inviting me to blog, and I’ll happily answer any questions your readers have about grammar, style, or editing. If I don’t know the answer, I guarantee my husband Cliff Clavin will.

Marie Force is an editor by day and a romance writer by night. She lives with her husband and two children in Rhode Island. Her debut novel, “Line of Scrimmage," will be out on September 1, 2008. Find out more about her copy editing services for romance writers at www.mariesullivanforce.com/MSFManuscript.php.
You can also find Marie at:

Her website

Her blog

Casablanca Authors Blog

Beware The Ides Of The Month

2008-06-05T13:08:00.009-06:00

PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED (and thanks!)

------------

REJECT ME BABY!

An invitation to blog with Marilu Mann

The Ides! The Ides! The Ides are upon us! Beware the Ides of each month with Marilu Mann.

Join Marilu Mann right here on Escape Into The Fantasy on the 15th of every month (Ides, anyone?) to see who's discusing rejection.

You've seen "The Call" blogs and articles and websites. We all know how to celebrate that first and subsequent success. What about the stumbles, falls and outright personal hurts all writers know as REJECTION?

This is a call for all published authors who would like to share how they dealt with their first or fiftieth rejection. Did you stomp your foot? Did you speak unkindly of the writing profession in general? Did you vow to send them your award-winning first novel when you finally found the right home for it? Did you eat ice cream or chocolate until you popped? Or did you find solace in a glass (or six) of wine?

Send Marilu your tales of woe and coping. 200-500 words is plenty. We'll post entries from different authors every month.

Remember to stay professional. No names, cat fights etc!

Note: The ides really just refers to the middle of the month. Hey! We're a writing team so of course we jazzed it up a bit.
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Paying For Professional Critiques

2008-06-03T00:01:00.002-06:00

The following was in response to someone asking about whether or not I felt it was worthwhile to pay for a professional critique of their work. My response…

On a personal note, I'd have a real problem paying someone to critique/edit my work.

Quite frankly, critiquing (just like judging) is a very subjective business. You'll get differing opinions on the same work from so many different people. There's the "newbie" who has just learned something – like POV shifts and why they're not good if done every paragraph – who will focus on that aspect and only that aspect of your work. That particular person will note EVERY SINGLE POV SHIFT whether it's appropriate to the work or not. Or you will get the one who simply must follow each and every rule. Any use of the word “was” will have you smacked for passive voice.

You'll get critiques from people who flat out state, "I don't read this genre." Then WHY would you volunteer to JUDGE IT? If it's not something you enjoy reading, why offer your opinion on whether or not it's good? For that very reason, I never volunteer to critique or judge Inspirational books. Not that I have anything against them, I just don't read them so I can't be objective about what makes a good one!

Of course, you're going to find editors who also "don't get" your work/your character/your GENIUS, but that's okay, because there will be someone else who DOES "get it."

I am a "first reader" for a publisher. The editor gets manuscripts, sends them to me and several other "first readers," asking for comments, concerns, questions, etc.,

I do three things with that manuscript:

• First, I read it. Not for critiquing purposes, not for editing purposes, I simply read it to see if I enjoy the overall story.

• Second, I look for GLARING errors. Misspelled words, obvious punctuation issues, standard grammatical errors - and I point those out.

• Third, I add comments to the manuscript - 'LOVE this!' 'Why did your hero do this?' 'Why is your heroine stalking the hero's sister?'

Ok, so those are complete fabrications, but you get the drift. Then and only then will I send it back to the editor with either a "Yes, I'd pay money to read this author's work and probably buy their books again," "Yes, I'd pay money to read this but might not be so quick to buy this author again," or "No, I wouldn't pay money to read this book."

Obviously, I'm not the final decision maker on whether or not that author gets offered a contract for publication - and I don't want to be. I'm just an avid reader who also happens to know something about the mechanics of putting together a manuscript and getting it sold. Have I argued with my editor over revisions? Not yet, but then again, her suggestions for revision have all been things that make my book STRONGER.

Learning to polish a manuscript is all part of the writing process, but at some point, you have to stop. You can polish all the joy right out of a story if you're not careful. Edit the (pardon the expression) snot out of it then put it aside for a few weeks (or even longer). When you come back to it, you'll be coming back with "fresh eyes," and may see things that can be improved. Rely on your critique partners & your first readers, but don't take their word as the gospel truth. It's YOUR story, you are the final decision maker.

Ask yourself this question. “Can I make the suggested changes and still love my story?” If you can, then by all means save the original copy and create one to try out the changes.

Recently I sent the first thirty pages of a WIP to a critique group. The one thing that came back? “Start the story where the story starts.” Though I didn’t really want to, I took the advice and the story is stronger for it. But I also trusted and valued the person that advice came from.

Long answer, but I guess what I'm really saying is rely on your own judgment when it comes to your story. You read, you write, you KNOW when something isn't working - you may not know WHY right off the bat, but with help from a critique partner or first reader, you CAN figure it out - without having to pay for it.

Running with…

2008-05-31T16:24:00.001-06:00

Admit it! You thought I was going to say scissors, didn’t you?

THEMES – let’s talk about them for a moment. What “theme" runs throughout your work. People would ask me that question and I’d give them the old wide-eyed blank stare. You mean on top of Goals, Motivation and Conflict, I have to have a THEME? Criminy, can’t I just write a good story? Ok ok, I need a theme. Someone just shoot me. Maybe I should go back to just reading books and THINKING I could write a great story.

Overreaction? Probably. But there are so many things to think about when it comes to the craft of writing a good book. So what is a theme? On my computer I can pick a theme for my desktop display that will give me matching icons and sounds and even a desktop wallpaper. I can tie everything together with the click of a button. But what is a theme when it comes to fiction? I decided to turn to my old friend, Google, and ask him to help me.

He gave me a link –surprise surprise! The Glossary of Literary Terms offered this definition of theme:

theme (theem): a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work. A theme is a thought or idea the author presents to the reader that may be deep, difficult to understand, or even moralistic. Generally, a theme has to be extracted as the reader explores the passages of a work. The author utilizes the characters, plot, and other literary devices to assist the reader in this endeavor. One theme that may be extracted by the reader of Mark Musa’s interpretation of Dante’s The Divine Comedy Volume I: Inferno is the need to take account of one’s own behavior now, for it affects one's condition in the afterlife.

So it’s a deep, difficult to understand, common thread? Heck that ought to be easy to write. Right? Right. So think about it for a moment in a different way. A theme is what holds your story together. The Goals & Motivation of your characters should relate directly back to the theme of your work. Once I discovered this idea, my books came together more easily. I was able to identify the theme then tie it back to the GMC or vice versa. It really was an eye-opener for me.

In the second of my shifter novels, Changing Hearts, one of the key themes is “healing." The main characters (H/H) are both seeking healing though they themselves aren’t fully aware of it. If you weave your character’s motivation into every scene – the driving force that makes that character what he/she is deep inside, you’ll begin to see what the central theme is behind that work. Then you can concentrate your efforts on making sure you’re hitting that theme in every scene. For me I need to hammer that theme without being blatant and that can be difficult. No one wants to read a story that is a modern version of A Pilgrim’s Progress when they think they are reading a paranormal romance.

I had to figure out how to weave in "healing" along with a great story about two people who have given up on love. Of course in a good story, your character’s goals and motivations will change from the beginning of the story to the end, but the theme will follow them throughout. The conflict will arise from their changing goals and changing motivation, and the theme will reflect that conflict as well.
A few common themes in literature are:

The Individual in Nature

The Individual in Society

An individual's Relation to the gods.

Human Relations

Growth and Initiation

Time

Death

Alienation

I would have to say that Changing Hearts is a mix of Human Relations (it is a love story after all) and Alienation (both characters are trying to find out where they fit in this world.) The prequel to this is Changing Times which has a theme of The Individual In Society as the hero and heroine have to learn to love each other and protect their world from a group that would like to rip it apart.

What are some themes in the books you read? What makes you pick a book up? What makes you put it down? Can you identify themes that speak to you as well as ones that repel you? I'd love to hear your opinions.

Guest Blog: Karen McCullough On Handling Rejection

2008-05-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

On a chapter loop, Karen McCullough, multi-published author, answered a fellow chapter mate's request for ways to deal with rejection. Any writer will tell you that rejection simply is. It's a part of the game of being published. Karen wrote such a great post that I asked her if I could share it here on my blog. I think it needs to be seen by more than just our chapter!

I've had more than twenty years of rejections, which means I could probably paper the walls of a couple of rooms with them, and the collection is still growing. I've had a few successes in there, too, but I'm far, far from where I'd like to be in the publishing world. At several points I've been seriously tempted to give it up and do something else. But I can't. I just can't. So I'm still working on getting to that next level, which means coping with a lot of rejections. Over the years, I've developed a kind of plan for dealing with them.

It's a multi-part program and requires some work. It won't remove all the pain of rejection, but it does help. Here's the results of my twenty + years of learning to cope with rejection:

First: Adjust your Attitude: This isn't easy, but there are some things that help and I'll get to those.

The attitude is accepting that if you're going to seriously try for publication, rejection is part of the process. It's part of the learning curve and it's part of the business. Repeat: Rejection is part of the business of being a writer. You Have To Make Peace With It. I hope this isn't disillusioning, but it's the truth. Even multi-published authors face rejection. Think I'm kidding? Just ask on this list how many published authors have never been rejected. This is key: learning to cope with rejection is as much a part of the apprenticeship to becoming a published author as learning to write great stories.

Yes, there are a few lucky people who sell their first novels, who sell everything they write thereafter, who become such big names that the publishers will take anything and everything they write. They're not the norm. In fact, they're the writing world's equivalent of the people who win the lottery. This isn't to say they haven't worked hard to get where they are. You don't get to their level without a lot of hard work. It's just that for every Stephen King or Janet Evanovich, there are hundreds of mid-list and unpublished authors working just as hard as they are and getting lots of rejections. And by the way, Stephen King almost gave up writing due to rejections... If you haven't read his book On Writing, you should do it ASAP.

Second: The Action Plan

Part One: Rejection stings, so do something to compensate. Give yourself a treat for Every Rejection. Surely there's some guilty pleasure that you only indulge on occasion... Mocha Lattes from Starbucks? Milky Way bars? Mine is peppermint bark. You can only buy it at Christmas time, so I lay in a good supply, then put it away, and I only allow myself to have a piece when I get a rejection. If Starbucks is yours, buy yourself a gift card and then only use it after a rejection. Find something that you can use to reward yourself for the rejection.

Part Two: Set a goal. At the beginning of this year, I set a goal to reach one hundred rejections this year. AS of now I've only got twenty, which means I'm behind, but I'm going to start sending out queries for a new novel soon, so I figure I'll make it up. Here's the logic behind the goal: In this business, once you reach a certain level of competence in your writing, getting published involves a lot of luck. You have to hit the right agent/editor with the right project at the right time. There's only one way to maximize your chances of doing that, and that's to keep sending out lots of queries.

The more queries you have out, the better your odds of hitting the right person at the right time with the right thing. While you're querying set a weekly or monthly goal to get so many new ones out in that time.

Part Three: When you get a rejection, give yourself a few hours to be mad, to be hurt, to be depressed. I find some vigorous activity helps me get over it. My floors tend to get mopped after a rejection, or if the weather's good, I'll weed the garden. Then get to work on the next story/novel. The next one is going to be the one that blows everyone away. You should still have other queries out there anyway and you don't want to be drumming your fingers waiting for those to come back.

You want to be ready to be sending out queries on the new project before the final ones have come back on the old one.

Part Four: Analyze the rejections you're getting. Can you find any kind of pattern? If so, how can you address the pattern? The genre isn't one that is selling well right now. (You have to make your book so fabulous and outstanding, someone will have to buy it anyway.) You cross genres in ways that editors won't buy. (Can you rewrite it to make it lean more toward one genre?)

Or you can have my most recent experience. The book I've been sending around most recently is a cozy mystery with a background romantic element. It's gotten about fifty rejections all totalled now, and I now know that if it ever sells it will likely be to a small press or e-publisher. I got a lot of rejections of the "nice but I don't think I can sell it" variety from agents. Not too helpful. But then in one day (Whoohoo! Double helping of peppermint bark!) I got two rejections from agents that said the same thing and spelled it out. Both said, essentially, "nice writing, good story, but you need a strong marketing hook to sell a traditional mystery in today's market." I looked around, and sure enough, the mystery shelves were full of books with specialized appeal. Stories that centered on cooking, on gardening, on the art world, on various hobbies...knitting, quilting, etc. Light bulbs lit up in my brain. My book had no built-in audience the way those did.

By the way, if you get nothing but form rejections, that is a pattern, too. That tells you that some part of your writing is weak, so that it's not tweaking the agents'/editors' interest. Address that! Take some writing classes. Find a critique partner you can trust or join a critique group. Enter contests. All of those can help you spot what your weaknesses are so you can work on them. (Not finaling in a contest counts as a rejection, too, so you it works toward your goal and you get to treat yourself!)

Part Five: Examine yourself and your motivations. Will the rejections stop you from writing? If so, give it up right now and find a more rewarding hobby. There are plenty of possibilities. But if you know that in your heart you can't stop writing, then the next thing you need to do is decide is what you consider success. There's nothing wrong with wanting to write only to please yourself. There are people who do and enjoy it. Maybe you want to write stuff that isn't going to be commercially successful and a small press or e-publisher would be a better choice for you. All those are realistic options. Only you can decide what the ultimate goal is.

But if you want to go for traditional publishing, then be realistic about what it takes and what it means. And remember that the only thing you can control in the business is what you write and what you send out. And every rejection you receive is proof that you're making a serious effort toward your goal. As odd as it sounds, the more of them you have, the better! Every rejection is a step into the professional part of being a writer.

And now, I'll shut up. I only hope some of this is helpful.

By Karen McCullough
Now available from Cerridwen Press: Beneath a Christmas Moon
Shadow of a Doubt, Cerridwen Press
Wizard's Bridge, ImaJinn Books
http://www.kmccullough.com

Those Raven Nights

2008-05-25T00:29:00.002-06:00

Those Raven Nights!

Raven Radio, as mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine, is moving to nights! Tune in every Wed at 11-12 PM EST and join Authors Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth as they talk about everything, nothing and the paranormal. Guests include NY Times and USA Today Bestselling authors as well as those wonderfully talented authors soon to be there, editors, paranormal tour guides, psychics, ghost hunters, specialists and more!

www.ravenhappyhour.com or http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio

Listeners are welcome to join the live chat or call in to the show to talk to us and our guests. The show will move to its new evening schedule, May 28th where listeners can catch us every Wednesday at 11PM to 12AM EST. We have a lot of authors on the upcoming line up and you can see a full schedule of guests here: http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcast_schedule_of_guests.htm

WANT TO JOIN THE VIRAL CONTEST AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT RAVEN NIGHTS? Go to Raven’s blog to learn how you could win free advertising packages! Contest open to authors, readers and other groups! http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=463

Dinner Disasters

2008-05-24T23:34:00.001-06:00

“Marilu, we’ve decided to have our family dinner at your house. We will be there at 6 on Sunday.”

Nothing can strike fear into my heart faster than that ominous phone call from a family member. It is worse than finding Freddie, Jason and Michael in my closet when the electricity is out and I’m home alone. In fact, I’d rather face those three than my family at the dinner table.

Not only do I have to clean my house so that my "Junior League" family members won't feel the need to pitch in and help me ‘pick up,’ but I also have to ensure that no "dinner disasters" take place.

You know what those are, surely... I mean, haven't some of you left the paper in the pie plate or left that icky giblet packet in the turkey by mistake?

Or served brandied fruit to the tee-totaler in the family? Or used a bad pint of oysters for the oyster dressing? Yes, there is nothing quite as bonding as a family trip to the emergency room.

Of course, if I don’t poison them on purpose and Uncle Bud doesn’t remind Aunt Sissy about that unfortunate marriage of hers, it will be a good dinner.
True stories from my family files include the Thanksgiving dinner when Mama proudly presented her very first pecan pie to a table that included her mother and her mother-in-law. I can’t remember which one took the first bite, but the reaction was not what my mama was hoping for. She’d left the piece of paper that separates the two pie shells IN. So along with a delicious piece of pecan pie, everyone got a nice hunk of roughage.

Then there was the time Mama was entertaining her boss and his wife. She’d made her special pork chops along with her good brown gravy. Her decision to offer the gravy in the china gravy boat was one any Southern Belle might have made. If only she’d wiped that one small drip of brown liquid from the handle. It might not have slipped—dumping a good cup of hot brown gravy in her boss’s wife’s lap.

So when I heard that I was going to be hosting Sunday dinner, I had to quickly figure out the menu least likely to become a Family Story. What are your family stories about food fiascos? I’d love to hear what you did that lives on in the memories of your kin.

Share your best (or worst) dinner disasters with me in the comments (or via email to marilu2mann@gmail.com ) and I’ll send you a link to my Red Beans and Rice. One lucky winner will get a complete set of my recipe cards featuring recipes my characters love to eat!

Originally posted on MOMdotCOM.blogspot.com

Review and Feature

2008-05-15T20:48:00.002-06:00

It's been a big day for Marilu Mann today!

We are featured on Suspense By Tina a blog where the owner, Tina LaVon, gathers up MySpace links and shares them. She is up to 975 links! Can you imagine it?

CHANGING TIMES by Marilu Mann got a 4 out of 5 at TRRC.

"Changing Times is a sensual and excellent adventure of the paranormal. The story is the perfect length for an afternoon get away into the world of shape shifters."

Read the rest of the review.

HOW TO ADD LAYERS TO YOUR CHARACTERS

2008-05-14T08:41:00.004-06:00

Many of us use different character charts or GMC charts, but what about once those are done? Do you really have a three-dimensional character that will leap off the pages to involve your reader? How can you throw in some texture, some color, some unique design to make him or her real? One way might be by choosing a name then going to various sources to see what is said. For instance, here is what Source #1 says about Chase as a feminine name:

Your name of Chase makes you very idealistic and generous, with the strong desire to uplift humanity leading you into situations where you can express your desire to serve others. You want to assume responsibilities and to look after people; however, you can become too involved in other people's problems and tend to worry. Your name gives you a natural desire to express along artistic and musical lines. You desire a settled home and family life, and are expressive and attentive to your loved ones.

This immediately gives me ideas about her as well as some insight into possible GMC. Of course, you are the author and the creator of your characters. They live in your mind and through your actions.

Something we do is to cast astrological charts. See Source #2 for where we normally start. Most of us have a basic knowledge of the Zodiac - Virgos are neat, Leos are proud, etc. So if you have decided where your character was born and how old she is, then you can guess at their sun sign and play with variations of charts. We learned that one of our heroes had been abandoned as a child and raised in an unhappy home when we cast his chart. Slade is the villain of Changing Times Lusting Wild 1 available here but is redeemed in Changing Hearts Lusting Wild 2 coming soon from Ellora's Cave.

Tarot cards can also play a part in your characterizations. You can use the Major Arcana alone or with the Minor Arcana included to gain insight into your character. Try a three-card spread where the middle card represents the character and the card to the left stands for Internal Motivation and the card to the right External Motivation. Source #3 offers a variety of spreads for writers.

Finally, let your characters have wiggle room. Don't box them in at first. If you are a plotter, then plot, but let them step outside of the plot lines every now and again to see if any other layers show up. Your perfectionist nurse might be hiding a leather mini skirt in the back of her closet.

Kabalarians

Astro.com

Tarot By Arwen

This was previously an article in From The Heart Romance Writers (RWA #177) newsletter in 2003. It's been altered a bit and pictures added for flair!

Leave us a comment and tell us how you make your characters pop! Or if you don't write, tell us what makes a character memorable for you!

Le Feu Follet

2008-05-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

Deep in the bayou, late at night, if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, you might see a light moving just over there. Now, some folks’ll tell you they ain’t nothing but swamp gas. You can believe that if you like, but let me tell you about le feu follet ‘fore you go traipsing through the swamp in the dark. It’s not just the gators you have to watch out for.

Le feu follet…the old Cajuns say they are those souls escaped from Purgatory or maybe they’re the souls of babies who were never blessed in the Church. Perhaps you believe them to be Fae or elves holding dances over those marshy places set to trap unwary wanderers in the swamps and bayous. Whatever you believe them to be, le feu follet hold a grand place in Louisiana folklore.

If you wander into the bayou, down where the darkness holds sway, where the ‘gator and the water moccasins hold court, you might see those dancing lights. If you’re coming home after dark, poling your pirogue along in the black water, don’t be surprised if those lights are following you along the shore – they can’t cross the water to get you. So don’t be afraid, but do be wary when you step back on land. The other way to stop those restless spirits from following you is cold iron – take that pocket knife and thrust it into the ground behind you – that’ll hold ‘em for a bit. An elderly Cajun woman told me she didn’t trust a knife. She preferred needles saying that the feu follet just couldn’t resist trying to fit through the eye of the slim bit of steel.

There have always been tales of mysterious lights luring travelers to their doom. The Scots have the will o’ the wisp and the Slavic people tell tales of ghost lights. The Danes and others chase those lights knowing there is a treasure buried beneath it. But in Louisiana to this day, you can buy a beer in a bar and listen to someone who escaped a feu follet just last week.

Go down to Gonzales, Louisiana just outside of Baton Rouge. Get directions for Bayou Narcisse Rd and Cante Rd. Expect to hear dire warnings about what will happen to those foolish enough to follow the lights though. Some will tell you the Gonzales feu follet is harmless—others will tell a more compelling story of terror.

I’ve seen the feu follet dancing across the bayou late at night. Once, gazing out my bedroom window while dreaming about a boy I hoped would call me, a flicker of something caught my eye. I remember straining my neck forward trying to make it come into focus, but it just danced at the edge of the water seeming to mock me. Some Fey part of me cried when I realized I shouldn’t follow the flickering wisp of brightness. When I went to tell my mama, she told me not to mess with the Devil and go to bed. She called me a foolish child, but I heard her stick that steak knife in the front porch.

There are no feu follets to scare you in Changing Times. Just a werepanther trying not to fall in love with a human doctor even as his enemies threaten her life. I hope you will enjoy Tony and Carly’s journey.

Read an excerpt from Changing Times here.

This tale was previously a guest blog on fellow EC author, Shelley Munro's blog.

Check Out Sensual!

2008-05-08T22:10:00.004-06:00

Check out Sensual!
I’m helping to spread the word about the newly redesigned website Sensual. If you like your romance novels on the steamy side, you’ll love this site. It’s full of reviews, interviews, excerpts, information on the newest print and ebooks and lots more. You can even win books and other goodies. So check it out. http://sensual.ecataromance.com
Authors, you can spread the word too! If you’d like a chance to win one of 20 Cover Ads and get a shot at a fabulous grand prize (a 3 Pack of their huge billboard ads - a $100 value!) just repost this blurb on your blog or website. Then stop by Sensual and leave a link to your post. All authors are eligible to enter and win so why in the world wouldn’t you? See their site for more information and official rules: sensual.ecataromance.com/?p=688

I’ll see you at Sensual!

2008-05-05T15:32:00.005-06:00

If you want to make sure you don't miss any more notices on the other two books that are coming out this year or any other sales, please send an email to Marilu Mann Fans.

We are REALLY excited about the release of Changing Times on May 7th. To celebrate we are giving away a Louisiana themed basket (the first two books in the Lusting Wild Series take place in Louisiana).
Visit our website - Great MTA for more info. While you are there, sign up for our newsletter (which automatically puts you in the running for that basket). As long as you are a member by Tuesday May 6th you will be in the running!

And if you would like a promo item or two (Recipe cards/Pens), send your name and address to Marilu with a subject line of "GIMME SOMETHING, MARILU!" In the spirit of Mardi Gras, we'll throw you something.

Our whirlwind-never-leave-your-chair book tour has started!

Where can you find Marilu?

Well, we were one of the featured new authors in this month's edition of Lady Jaided's Newsletter. You can check that interview out at Ellora's Cave newsletter. We had some great questions with this interview. Do you know what part of the body Marilu finds the sexiest?
We were also one of the featured authors in the Passionate Ink newsletter for the month of May.
Saturday we blogged about waiting over at Romerotica Writers. This is a group blog and you just never know who is gonna say what.
Sunday came and we're the featured author on MySpace Authors this week!! R.M. offers this service to other authors as well.
And our first interview is up at Interviews With Authors. Crystal was such a responsive interviewer.
Tonight you can join us at the Love Romances Cafe Yahoogroup (Subscribe if you want to join us) from 7-10pm EST.
Wednesday is release day and that's the day we're hosting a chat May 7 on the Ellora's Cave reader loop (Subscribe if you want to join us) from 1pm-7pm EST.
Wednesday we will also be blogging at MomDOTCom about dinner disasters. Barb runs a fabulous website for moms.
Thursday May 8 you will be able to find us blogging at Shelley Munro's about some Louisiana ghost tales.
There will be a chat with Ellora's Cave authors Friday May 9 at Coffetimes Romance
Then Saturday May 10 we will be the featured author at The Romance Studio including a free book giveaway!

It's a big week for the writing team of Marilu Mann. Cai and I invite you to come along for the ride. We'd love it if you took the time to leave a comment on every blog just because we like the attention. Ha!

Changing Times, by Marilu Mann will be available for purchase from Ellora's Cave on Wednesday. Use this link on Wednesday to buy your electronic copy! Just download it and read it on your own computer or ebook reader. NOTE: This link will just take you to a blank page until Wednesday.
Escape Into The Fantasy...

Come Join The Bloggy Carnival!

2008-04-22T21:53:00.004-06:00

I actually blog very little here! You can find me on MySpace as well as a monthly blog on the 3rd of every month at Romerotica Writers blogspot.

So, I'm playing along with something I heard about from Rachel Smith. I'm linked to her on Facebook (where I am having FAR too much fun.)

My first book comes out May 7, 2008. You can learn more about Changing Times by heading to my website. I'll warn you! It's a hot paranormal romance. This is the first in a new series from Ellora's Cave Publishing. The second book is in edits now.

I'm working on promoing this book by networking on Facebook, MySpace and anywhere else I can find. My thought is the more folks that see my name the more they will recognize my books. Right? Bueller? Bueller?

Well, pretend with me anyway, ok? (grin)

So back to the Blogger Carnival! Every site is offering a free gift and this one is no different! When I last checked there were 687 sites so far with most of them offering really cool stuff. It's very family oriented too!

I am offering a free Tarot reading! The winner will receive one free Celtic Cross phone reading from Tarot By Arwen.

To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite hero or heroine from a book or a movie. Bonus for telling me why you picked that character! I will pick a winner and announce it here and on the Bloggy Carnival announcement site as well.

And to be notified of when Changing Times releases as well as other contests and release notices, join my fanlist at Marilu Mann Fans. I'm giving away a Louisiana-themed basket on release date to one lucky winner on my list!

Hang on...

2007-11-26T13:50:00.001-07:00

It only gets better from here...

We sold our second manuscript to Ellora's Cave!

Yes, the second shapeshifter novel will also be published by Ellora's Cave. We're awaiting approval on the title and in the meantime, we're in the pre-edit phase on the first manuscript. To say excitement abounds is not an understatement! (insert mile-wide grin here)

And now, the reality sets in...

2007-11-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Email yesterday - delivery of TONS of information, all of which must be looked at, poured over, decided upon and returned as quickly as possible so that we can get down to the real "nitty-gritty" - REVISIONS!

Still, this is a ride I wouldn't change for anything in the world.

2007-11-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Marilu Mann Signs A Contract With Ellora's Cave!

Cai and I got to meet in Austin this past weekend. I was down for an early Thanksgiving with friends and she drove over. Her mama sent appropriate romance writer wear for the signing and we gladly donned them.

Yes, we signed the contracts wearing large feathered hats and a feathered boa. And had a great time doing it. Conner W was the photographer for this momentuous occasion. He managed not to laugh himself silly while doing so!

Houston (and all other geographical areas), We Have A Title!

2007-11-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, our title has been approved by our publisher, so our very first published work will be...

CHANGING TIMES

More info will (magically) appear here with release dates, cover art, etc., as it becomes available!

Change of Name...

2007-11-01T20:18:00.000-06:00

We've changed the name of our blog address to correspond with our new pen name. Marilu Mann is the name we'll be writing under, Marilu in honor of Stephanie's mom & Mann in honor of mine! ;)

We'll post more info here regarding our first release date and any subsequent sales/news, so stay tuned...

SOLD!

2007-10-31T07:26:00.000-06:00

Stephanie & I are EXTREMELY EXCITED and proud to announce our FIRST SALE!

Ellora's Cave has extended an offer of publication to us for our manuscript - Changing Times.

We're thrilled, excited, bouncing off the ceiling and back again, and sooo looking forward to this whole scary ride. No idea on publication date as yet, but rest assured the information will appear here as soon as we know it.

For more info, visit our website where you can read all about our Changing series... www.greatmta.com

2007-08-26T19:33:00.000-06:00

The Secret Passion Of Simon Blackwell
Samantha James
Avon
ISBN: 0060896450

Stephanie said: Samantha James kept me up last night. I started this book because I couldn't find the one I was currently reading. I adore James' other books so I knew I could expect a pleasant read. What I didn't expect were the gothic undertones. I kept hearing Heathcliff pacing about the moors of Yorkshire as Simon revealed his tortured soul. I can't remember the last time a hero has been so brutally challenged by life as Simon Blackwell. James truly roasts this man on a hot fire. He is Heathcliff only with extra broodiness and angst.

Cai said: I agree 100%. It’s been a while since a hero has had the horrors to face that Simon does. He really takes the cake on the “Dark and brooding” hero. I also adore Samantha James (I thought her “Perfect” series really was…) I also love the way each chapter starts with an entry from Simon’s journal. Not only is he a tortured hero, he’s a very eloquent writer .

Stephanie said: And our feisty heroine Annabelle whom everyone calls Anne or Annie is more than spunky. She's a terror on two legs when she decides that enough is enough and her marriage is no longer convenient. When she sets out to tear down Simon's walls, all bets are off. She isn’t experienced, but she observes her erstwhile husband. These observations lead our very astute heroine down a path of seduction that crumbles him.

Cai said: Oh my…when Anne sets out to “get her man,” she truly does. I love the way she gets to Simon, the power she wields, even when she doesn’t realize what she’s doing!

Stephanie said: I cried while reading this one. I became utterly involved with Simon and Annie as they traversed the rocky road of love. This is not your typical romance. It starts out by actually obeying the rules of society and forcing two people together simply because they were caught kissing. Thank you Samantha James. You are now on my "automatic buy this author" list.

Cai said: Even though it doesn’t have the “typical” beginning, it truly has that satisfying HEA ending. And Samantha James has always been on my “auto-buy” list, this just solidifies her spot!! A ROUSING STAND-UP & CHEER from me on this one!

REVIEWBALL: Dragon Heat (The Dragon Series, Book 1)

2007-08-15T13:22:00.000-06:00

Dragon Heat (Dragon Series, Book 1)
Allyson James
Berkley
ISBN-13: 978-0425215890
293 pages

Cai said: At first, I wasn’t so sure about this book. I love paranormal, I write paranormal, but it took quite a bit for me to suspend my disbelief long enough to accept that a ripple in space would allow a 50-foot dragon to live in someone’s spare bedroom. Then again, that’s successful world-building for you. Yes, Lisa Singleton has a most unusual roommate. Caleb is a dragon. Specifically, Caleb is a golden dragon, a warrior, and good luck. Lisa’s grandmother Li Na somehow managed to open this rift in time and space and Caleb lives in her spare room. He’s addicted to late-night television and popcorn, and loves to listen to Lisa talk about her day.

Stephanie said: I loved loved loved this book. Utterly no suspension of belief for me as this played in to some childhood fantasies of mine where you would open a door and find a whole new world. Thanks, CS Lewis! This book opens slowly with Lisa reminiscing a bit about her grandmother and her new hair look. Seems when grandma died, Lisa got a streak of grey in her locks. Then we meet Caleb and all bets are off. He is a cantankerous fella who doesn’t like that he can’t protect Lisa fully. Nothing like having an over-zealous dragon as a chaperone!

Cai said: Though the story took some time to take off, once it did, I was hooked. You see, there are witches, a black dragon, and lots of magic contained in this story. One of the witches is out for vengeance and is not above using others, including demons, to get what she wants. The black dragon, Malcolm, is a strong and interesting character, and at first I had a hard time with him. He also is not above using others to get what he wants, but his goal is not what you’re led to believe it is at first. The twists and turns in the story will keep you guessing as to who is on which side and who will ultimately triumph (okay, it’s a romance, we KNOW who’s going to triumph, but still…the question is raised as to whether or not a gold dragon and a woman with her own special powers can actually make a match).

Stephanie said: I liked Malcolm as well. His character nearly overpowered the book though because I kept wanting to get back to him. As a villain, he was nicely shaded with definite grey areas. Then James throws in a powerful plot twist that thrilled me. I loved the idea that I didn’t really know who the bad guy was at first.

Cai said: Lisa must come into the realization of her own power before she and the dragons can face off against the witch out for revenge. She must also discover the power of love, sacrifice and family.

Stephanie said: Caleb has to deal with the idea that he’s now in human form and has to deal with some very human emotions that dragons do not have. We learn about the various kinds of dragons as well. I found Allyson James to be very adept at world building. And her secondary characters stood out as well.

Cai said: I’m very glad to see that the next book in this series is Malcolm’s story. He deserves his own tale, especially with those he left behind and the unresolved story with Saba (another of the witches). Allyson James also writes as Jennifer Ashley, a fact I found very interesting as Jennifer Ashley also writes paranormal. Her books in the Immortal Series are fabulous as well. I look forward to reading the next in the Dragon Series.

Stephanie said: I didn’t realize James was Ashley, but I loved her Immortal book. Like Cai, I am delighted to see that the next book in this series coming out in October. You can bet that I will be at the bookstore on release day with my copy in hand. I highly recommend this book. It had many of my personal favorites such as dragons and Asian themes as well as highly redeemable bad boys.

REVIEWBALL: Mine Till Midnight

2007-08-15T09:13:00.000-06:00

Mine Til Midnight
Lisa Kleypas
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
0-312-94980-4
382 pages

Stephanie said: Finally we are given Cam Rohan’s story. For those of us who devoured the four stories of The Wallflowers (Devil In Winter, Scandal in Spring, It Happened one Autumn, and Secrets of a Summer Night) this is the story we’ve been waiting for since meeting Cam Rohan, the darkly mysterious and sensual half-gypsy. Most of us expected he would be Daisy’s match, but Daisy had plans of her own. I will admit to bitter disappointment when I picked up Daisy’s book and found that she would not be falling in love with Cam as expected. But Kleypas worked her magic and gave me a satisfying love story for Daisy and promised that Cam’s story was coming.

Cai said: And yet, I wasn’t disappointed that Daisy and Cam weren’t a match. I knew after reading Daisy’s story that she and Cam would have been a terrible pair. I wasn’t at all disappointed that they weren’t together, but I was disappointed that we’d have to wait for Cam’s story.

Stephanie said: So who would love Cam? Well, it turns out that a very determined Amelia Hathaway would be bowling him over. Her family has inherited, but her brother’s reaction to the money is to turn to gambling, drink and drugs. He truly is a wastrel of the first degree. She also has sisters, three of them, to watch over. She is a very sensible, responsible girl – a veritable Meg of “Little Women” fame.

Cai said: You have to admire Amelia from the very first. She’s determined that her sisters and brother will succeed, even if it means she’ll be the “maiden aunt” to the bunch.

Stephanie said: When Cam and Amelia first meet, there is an immediate spark that lets the reader know this will be no easy match. Kleypas likes to torture her characters and this is no exception. Amelia knows her duty is to her family and that marriage has passed her by. She has accepted this and is calm in the role life seems to have cast for her. Cam has decided to finally take up the life he knows he was meant to live – that of a Rom living out of doors like a free man and traveling with the Gypsies. When he meets Amelia, he denies the attraction even though they share a scorching kiss that leaves them both questioning what just happened.

Cai said: Cam’s reaction to Amelia is priceless. Though he truly wants to rid himself of his “curse,” he can’t deny his attraction to Amelia nor can he deny his desire to show her that she is not “on the shelf” as she appears to believe.

Stephanie said: Amelia and her family travel to their new estate that turns out to be in worse condition than her own brother who has been found in the hells of London and dragged out to detox in the fresh country air. From rockets to bees to near death, the country does not prove to be the idyllic setting Amelia had hoped for. Throw in a devious nobleman with plans of his own for the Hathaways and a past history with Amelia and you have a very typical Lisa Kleypas book.

Cai said: I love the scene with the rockets, and I’m sure you will, too. Having Westcliff, St. Vincent, Evie and Lillian return is just a bonus in this book. Ms. Kleypas brings us up to date on these characters in a most satisfying way.

Stephanie said: I found the story of Amelia and Cam to be more tense than some of Kleypas’ other books. I loved the tension between she and Cam and the introduction of the Hathaways seemed, to me, to be setting up another series with an intriguing family. There was a sub-story that never quite got finished between the ill Hathaway girl and their Gypsy family friend and servant. I wonder if we will be able to look forward to the story of Merripen and Win. And who will the mischievous Beatrix torment with loose lizards and kleptomania?

Cai said: The tension is palpable in this story, and I love Cam’s indecision. Will he go forward with his quest for freedom, or will he tie himself even more firmly to the gadjo world? What about his “curse,” will it break with his association with the Hathaway family? What will happen to Merripen, the mysterious half-gypsy who figures so prominently in the Hathaway family dynamic? As for the other Hathaway sisters, will Amelia find them “appropriate” husbands? They will need to be extraordinary men, and I’m sure Ms. Kleypas will tell their stories with the same enthusiasm she saved for Cam and Amelia.

Coming Soon...

2007-08-01T13:13:00.000-06:00

Reviewball returns...

While at RWA's (Romance Writers of America)National Conference in Dallas I was able to obtain an ARC (advance reader's copy) of Lisa Kleypas' book - Mine Till Midnight. The long awaited story of Cam Rohan, first introduced in Devil in Winter, coincidentally the FIRST Reviewball we ever did. After I DEVOURED the book, I gave it to Stephanie. She read it, and we'll be reviewing it here very soon!

We each scored a ton of books at the conference, so we may be doing a LOT of reviewing here .

Editing and Writing

2007-07-24T12:10:00.000-06:00

I find that when I begin to edit a story, I have difficulty continuing to write on other stories. I want to completely edit one story - get it all the way through the editing process, and then I want to set it aside and begin something new.

Eventually, I will go back to the one I was editing and read it again - for content, for entertainment, to make sure it does what I want it to do and that the story arc is complete. But I have to have some distance from it for a short time.

I wonder if all writers do that?

Keeping the Momentum Going

2007-04-26T17:27:00.000-06:00

I may have blogged in the past about "sagging middles," but that's honestly where I feel my main problem lies. When I, as a writer, get to the middle of the story and I know how I want it to end, I sometimes find myself losing interest in the story. Not that I won't finish it, I will, but I can't seem to drum up the same enthusiasm that I had for that story and those characters in the beginning of the book. That's when I want to do something drastic in the story. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't.

In any event, I'm working hard to get over that problem of losing momentum. I try various writing exercises like writing that scene from another character's point of view or writing it in first person or yanking the entire scene out to see what happens to the story without it. Sometimes they work, sometimes they frustrate me no end, hence the million and one "beginnings that have no middle and no end."

Eventually I will overcome that issue and begin writing again. I'll get involved with the characters and the plot and I'll finish the damn book. After the editing comes the part that makes me want to hide under the bed...submitting it to a critique group. Usually the feedback is good, and if it's not good, it's extremely helpful...but it's still hard to sit there and just listen without "defending" your work.

In any event, the time has come to get back to writing so I can get out of the middle of the book and get to the end...and then begin again.

Why read romance?

2007-04-17T09:45:00.000-06:00

There's a good question.

Speaking for myself, I read for escape, for entertainment, and for that HEA. Yes, I will freely admit that I enjoy a happy ending. So often in life we deal with heartache, loss and pain. It helps to escape into a good story from time to time. It takes your mind off your current woes and takes you into someone else's problem, then offers you a happy resolution to those woes.

Romance novels, among all other fiction, will always have a happy ending. If they didn't, they wouldn't be romance. They might be romantic stories, but unless that HEA is there, they are not romance novels.

I also enjoy mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and suspense novels outside the romance genre. Do I expect them to have a HEA? Not necessarily. Do I mind if they do have one? Not in the least. It won't stop me from reading certain authors or series novels, but I have certain expectations from certain authors or types of books, and I do want those expectations met.

That's why I enjoy reading romance novels, because I know what to expect. I know they will end well for both the hero and the heroine. I know that they will ovecome the issues in their lives and have that happy ending.

ARRGH...HERE THERE BE PIRATES

2007-02-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

No, I’m not talking about Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, or Jack Davenport. I’m talking about PIRATES.

Scourge of the earth…or in this case, scourge to published authors everywhere.

It has come to my attention that there are websites out there where people have downloaded entire books and they’re actually linking other people to these books.

UMMM…HELLO…THAT IS FREAKING ILLEGAL. YOU ARE THEIVES, YOU ARE STEALING, YOU SHOULD BE SUED, ARRESTED, AND PROSCUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

You are violating copyright laws – not just within the US, but Internationally.

STOP IT. STOP IT NOW.

If you have ever gone to one of these websites and downloaded one of these books, YOU ARE ALSO BREAKING THE LAW.

Even if you buy an e-book and forward that to someone else, YOU ARE BREAKING COPYRIGHT LAW.

Be aware people, you are stealing from the authors, the publishers, the editors, and everyone else associated with the publishing industry.

STOP IT, STOP IT NOW.

Do not visit these sites, do not partake in their thievery, and when you come across these people, TELL THEM THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW.

Sex, Love & Other Oddities...

2007-02-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

There’s an uproar about romantica / erotica and “real” romance in the publishing industry. The question seems to be what, exactly, is romance? What is romantic? What is erotic? When does romance turn into erotica and when does romantica / erotica become pornography?

Here’s my take…

There are many facets to romance. What you find romantic depends on how you were raised, your belief systems, the person you’re with, and what you want out of a relationship.

If you’re a health fanatic, you’re not going to find a candlelit dinner of steak and lobster drenched in butter with ooey-gooey chocolate cake for dessert romantic –no matter how much time and effort your partner put into that event.

If you’re truly into the environment and saving it, you’re not going to be thrilled with someone who brings you a bouquet of wildflowers – even if they picked them themselves – actually, ESPECIALLY if they picked them.

If you’re focused on family and on a specific set of family values, you’re not going to be excited about a romantic get-away to a hedonistic setting to indulge in sexual fantasies.

BUT…

If you’re reading about a health fanatic, you WANT him/her to be ‘tempted’ by that chocolate cake and the butter-drenched lobster…you WANT him/her to have chocolate dribbled on some part of their body for their lover to lick off. That’s erotic. If the licking turns to lovemaking, that’s romantica. If the two of them decide they can work past the indulgence of one and the sparseness of the other and have a lasting relationship in spite of their differences, that’s romance.