The Many Shades of Life and Love

Goodbye, Goodluck, Update

2010-06-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am sad to see this blog coming to an end. I have enjoyed my bi-monthly posts here as well as reading the posts of the other wonderful authors. New is good, and so is change so I don't see why this can't be a good thing for everyone.

I want to say thank you to CR Moss for creating this blog and inviting us all to be a part of it. And thank you to all the other authors who have made it such a joy to read.

Good luck to all of you, I know you'll put your creative juices to good use outside of this blog.

My last post here was about my construction zone of a kitchen, and so I wanted to update you all on that. It is nearly complete and so awesome! My husband is so very handy and has created a beautiful kitchen for me, just needs the back splash, which he is going to do in black mirror and trim. I think that's it. For the first time in seven years I have a dishwasher, its amazing!

Thank you hubby!

Fatal Mistakes

2010-06-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

My cherished and adored friend C.R. Moss has decided to close down this blog due to her many other commitments. I am sad on a personal note because I've enjoyed this place to write and exchange ideas with my fellow authors and readers. I came to know C.R. when she came on board eXtasy Books as a new author and sent me some news clippings she'd seen on Hawaii.
She thought they might be useful for my books.
I will never forget that sweet, generous gesture.
So, since I hate goodbyes I feel I should leave this blog with a hello.
Hello to all the new budding authors out there - and the ones who are working up the courage to submit books to publishers.
In the last few weeks I've had a ton of authors ask me to read their work. I do what I can. Many times, they listen to me and get published (ask Marianne Guenon) other times I think they use my photo for dart-board practice.
Mostly, their reactions are somewhere in the middle.
I am often stumped by the presentations I receive - so here is my list of do's and dont's to get all of you published.

1. This should go without saying but even if you are asking for an opinion, send your best sample. Check your spelling, check your storyline and send your BEST work.

TIP: I cannot stress this strongly enough. Dialogue is your friend. Read it out loud How does it sound? Quite often you'll see it's stiff and awkward. Reading aloud is a wonderful tool screenwriters are taught - make it work for you. It easily reshapes a clunky sentence to smooth.

2. Don't use colorful fonts or adorn your submission with twinkling images etc. Making your submission look "pretty" will kill your chances since the reader has to remove this stuff. The prettiest thing you can send an agent/editor/publisher is a decent book.
Most epublishers prefer Book Antiqua in 12" font, in RTF format with no spaces. I read an article two days ago where writers are submitting resumes and cover letters in white font. I mean...really?

3. Read submission guidelines carefully. AND FOLLOW THEM.

4. Don't send out weird gimmicks via snail mail. One author I know sent a single shoe to potential agents and publishers saying she would "go the distance to succeed." What can anyone do with a single shoe but toss it?

5. Don't send bribe gifts, even candy. Editors, agents and publishers are strangers and won't eat the candy. They will toss them out.

6. Don't badger the editor/publisher once you've submitted. They are busy and get slammed. Be patient and start work on the next thing!

7. Think long-term. If you are going to write romance, your story must have a HEA (Happy ever after) or HFN (Happy for Now) and leave room for a sequel. I had no idea my first book Phantom Lover would take off but with 14 books published in the series and a Christmas title in the works, I am glad I observed the forumula.

8. Read. I mean it. Read good authors. It's important to read the best and that doesn't mean you have to read in the genre you choose.

9. If you get a rejection and the editor/publisher takes the time to point out problems and invites you to resub - do it!
This is probably the most difficult decision you will have to make as an author. I always think the writer should be true to the characters. If the suggestions feel really wrong and you feel strongly about NOT reworking the piece, submit it elsewhere.
You night find the next publishing house loves the piece. Great! However, if several companies point out the same problem, it's time to revise.

10. Have fun! Get published and above all WRITE SOMETHING EVERY DAY. Writing is an instrument, like playing violin or the piano. Keep your instrument sharp.

Good luck and good loving everyone - you have any tips you want to share??

Aloha oe,

A.J.

His First Week of Freedom

2010-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I told you all that my youngest graduated from high school. I had thought that he would at least wake up a little to realize boyhood is almost over and he has to start looking at the real world with different eyes. Boy was I ever wrong as it looks as if the kid is barricading himself in for the long haul. That's him playing soccer this past year. Not a bad looking kid if I do say so myself.

Me...I had wanted to get out of my parents house the moment I could. Our oldest wanted to do that as well but he understood it would take him a while. Unfortunately, it took him eight years and I’m not sure we taught him much after eighteen by not making him pay rent. Not that he expected a thing. He didn’t as the oldest always paid his own bills and did his own thing.

Now this youngest one is a lot different. He’s decided that this is his last summer and he’s telling everyone he does not want to grow up. Nope, doesn’t want it in the least. He wants to be able to sleep in, watch TV and play basketball all his life. He is in for such a rude awakening. Sigh.

Just wait until August when I am planning to go to Vienna with his dad. He’ll have to drive, get his own meds as he's type 1 diabetic, get his own food and heaven knows what else. Then again, maybe he’ll just call his older brother who has an incredible soft spot for the boy. We’ll see.

Here’s this week’s writing quote:

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

And isn’t this the true for us writers? There are times when I have so many stories running around in my head, my DH asks me about the voices or which world I’m in. Many times, I just look at him with a funny expression because I don’t even realize I’m doing it at all. LOL!

The funniest time was when I was talking to myself in the car. I forgot the youngest was with me until he started to laugh. I gave him a startled look the moment I realized he was still there. Thank goodness, I wasn’t doing a sex scene. I don’t know who would have been more embarrassed at that point.

See you all next week! Have a great one!

Lynn

Wishing The Many Shades all the best, but I'm moving on

2010-06-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, Erin Sinclair here. I just wanted to let you know that this post is my last contribution to The Many Shades. Come summer, I will be in school and heading towards my much cherished degree. Between day job, school, writing and so forth, I'll be curtailing many of my online commitments due to personal life scheduling.

I have had so much fun participating in my friend, CR Moss' blog. Thank you so much for reading my thoughts and ramblings! Don't worry I'll still be around. Stay tuned for more of me! LOL

I wish the best to everyone!

Sincerely,

Erin Sinclair
"For love that's out of this world!"
http://www.erinsinclairauthor.com/

The VENDETTA

2010-06-03T10:04:00.001-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

It's been said elsewhere that truth is stranger than fiction, but sometimes you can't help appropriating a juicy bit of truth and turning it into fiction and it still seems unbelievable.
Last year, whilst vacationing in Honolulu, a very good friend called me and asked if I would check on her holiday house she was trying to rent out. She was back here on the mainland working but she'd put it on Craigslist hoping to rent it. She was really in bad financial shape.
She had started to receive weird emails from people who'd seen the listing on a military site.
"I'm a bit worried," she said. "I have no idea what this site is. Do you mind stopping by and checking on it for me?"
What happened next is almost unbelievable.
My dad and I had planned to spend the day together so I drove us past the house and we were astonished to see a moving van in the driveway. We jumped out, confronting the people moving in. They insisted they'd just rented the place from a guy in Nigeria.
Nigeria!
This is just the latest online scam and one that ended badly for the poor family who'd sent money to the fictional homeowner via Western Union. My friend meanwhile was forced to leave her job in LA, return to Hawaii and keep vigil on her home. Turned out the Nigerian conman had rented out the house to multiple, unsuspecting renters until the FBI put a stop to it.
I was astonished to learn how common it has become.
Scammers scan house rental listings, list them on obscure sites for a much lower rate, and scoop in the money.
They get around the issue of no house key for the new renters by telling them to hire a locksmith and the cost of a new key will be deducted from their next month's rent.
Except that there is no legally binding rental agreement. Just a lot of bad blood.
I've heard of a couple of friends whose exes put their addresses on Craigslist and told people to come and take whatever they want. This too is not uncommon.
When I agreed to pen a book for eXtasy's tarot series and was assigned the Judgement card, I thought this was a good premise for a novel.
I had fun writing The Vendetta, much of which is based on fact. Even the subplot of memorabilia verification.
As far as I can tell, scams exist everywhere these days. It's hard to separate truth from fact.
I think setting up a former lover for theft is heinous. Targeting complete strangers is also rotten. But how audacious to heist a house...and in my story, a Vendetta, which happens to be a valuable guitar.
As I wrote this story, I began to worry about the things that are valuable to me. They happen to be - in order - my animals and my laptop.
All my animals are micro chipped and as of last week, so is my lappy. It now has Lojack. so baby, you can drive my car. You can steal it (but why would you want to??) just don't upload it to the Internet or else...you'll just give me fodder for the sequel.
Aloha oe,

A.J.
The Vendetta is available NOW at www.eXtasybooks.com
Purchase Link: http://tinyurl.com/26r2ax9

Life’s Moving Forward

2010-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great week. I know I did as I got a lot of writing done and actually finished some projects. Not as much as I had hoped to mind you as this week my youngest graduated from high school. This means more time for travel and writing and me. Yippee!

This week’s quote is:

There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

I love this quote and I heard it a lot in my early writing years. Maybe because I read all those books on writing. Yet, after all these years, it is still a true phrase. You need to emotionally draw others into your world or they will never get the story you are trying to tell them.

I still read the writing books but with such a different eye. Today, I want help with marketing, saggy middles and how to fix all the little uglies which creep into a manuscript. The good thing is I have the hard part down as I do write every day. In the beginning even that was a challenge.

I can remember the first book I ever finished. I was on such an adrenaline high for weeks. I still get the high but it’s from a different perspective. I think every writer has a love/hate/love relationship with writing. The best thing to do is to overcome everything and just be the best writer you can be.

Here’s a little more for the writer in you. I came across these websites during the week and thought I would pass them on. You make get something from them which will make you a better writer.

http://suspense.net/whitefish/cliche.htm

http://www.inkygirl.com/

http://www.quotegarden.com/writing.html

Hope you all have a great writing week!

Lynn

Monday Message for May 31

2010-05-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Here's the message for this week: “What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”

I found that quote on my friend's site. Not sure who the source is, so if you know, please let me know.

The Art of Collaboration

2010-05-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

My fourth book to be released with Amber Quill Press is The House of Driscoll (Book 1), coming out on June 6. It's a spanky-new collaboration with the uber-talented (and mega-sexy too!) D.J. Manly.
My work with D.J. has been the highlight of my writing career.
People often ask how D.J. and I write together when he lives in Canada and I live in Los Angeles.
It's easy thanks to the Internet, phone calls and that hard-to-find symbiosis that is any artist's dream.
Ever since he first approached me with his idea of a collaboration on a contemporary M/M book Black Point, which became the first in a series of best-selling books, this has been a magical experience.
I mean this in many ways. After writing a few books together, D.J, asked me how I felt about a vampire book and I was excited to collaborate on yet another series.
Blood Eclipse surprised us both, I think. We began to realize more and more how much we like working together. From the start, D.J. and I have found we have our differences as well as our complementary styles and the lines have started to blur--deliciously so--to the extent that our readers often can't tell who wrote what.
There was even a funny incident where D.J. and I got confused over who wrote a certain sex scene (he did) but still, it meant the world to me that our styles mesh so well that even we get lost.
It was a thrill to me when I was invited to submit to AQP and after my first release with Deeper Blue, asked D.J. to co-write Fawnskin with me. I hoped he would not find the book too dark since it revolves around a man hired to sit with the dead in a funeral home. I was ecstatic when he loved it. I like to think we are both versatile.
I do know we are both extremely dirty-minded. I think our readers love that about us.
D.J. was the one who came up with the entire concept for The House of Driscoll, our latest creation and I felt a good vibe...the same one I always feel when we start to work.
Whoever starts the work usually writes a few chapters and emails the other. The other one reads it and starts to work. As our series have progressed, we have stopped writing only from one character's POV. We overlap, interject, add, subtract, you name it.
I think the key is absolute trust and a total lack of ego. I think we share the same viewpoint. The story and characters must feel true, regardless of genre. I would say this is essential in any collaboration and I've learned over 17 books (and counting) that D.J. and I just 'click' creatively.
I don't think I am telling tales out of school by saying this but I never like the names D.J. picks for my characters.
Marcus became Matt in the Black Point series and I think our readers love him. And his husband Thomas.
In The House of Driscoll, the lead character Max Driscoll is a vampire who has been on this earth since the time of the French Revolution and has been summoned to modern day New York City to destroy his former lover turned nemesis, the vampire Galien.
D.J.'s original name for this character was Graham, of course, I hated it. With a bit of research, I discovered the name Galien, which was fitting for a man during the French Revolution.
Together, we've cooked up what I think is a damned fine story.
And it is only the beginning since it's the first in our new series.
I think D.J. and I are both visual writers. We love the power of story and we both love to write.
The symbiosis I was talking about was there from the moment he pitched the idea to me.
I love Max, Blue, Galien...all the characters who define The House of Driscoll. We hope our readers do, too.
To check out more about The House of Driscoll, please visit the Amber Allure site:
http://www.amberquill.com/amberallure/AA_upcoming.html

Aloha oe,

A.J.

A Quote from Churchill

2010-05-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, everyone, I have some deadlines, which are looming and I need to get writing. But I don’t want to forget any of you either. So, I’ll be putting up a writing quote every week with a little discussion. I will also let you all know if I have any interviews or the like for that week as well.

Today’s quote is:

Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe. -- Winston Churchill

I personally love this quote and I tell my crit group this all the time. You have to live life in order to write about it. You must have a belief in yourself that no one can shake – no matter what. This is the crux of being a writer, as you have to feel to be able to effectively put it all down on paper. Think about Churchill’s world – there were daily happenings, which made one cringe, but he kept a positive attitude and became one of the best-loved and well-known statesmen of his time.

I’m just pushing for being a good author with a decent fan base. LOL!

So far this month, I was at Gracen Miller’s blog. Here’s the link:

http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/2010/05/tantalizing-tuesday_18.html

See you all next week and have a great one!

Lynn

Agent Soundtrack

2010-05-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

My friend and I have been on the quest to find agents--she more than I right now as I sucked up the courage and sent my contemporary to Harlequin. But she is looking for her perfect agent, that agent who will know her inside and out, who takes care of her and her writing. And I think that's fantastic. She knows what she wants and won't settle. I wish I was that decided in what I want in an agent. I've asked myself, "self, what are you looking for?" And self answers, "I want someone who will sell my book to the publishers, who will make me millions of dollars, and will wash my car. Cause let's face it, the car is filthy."

Just kidding. But I do want to find an agent who will accept that I can a bit needy/neurotic, and someone who will not take over my writing life, but who will encourage me to be a better writer. And it really wouldn't hurt to have someone more than willing to beat me over the head when I get too anxious and need to submit SOMETHING even if it isn't finished. I think my crit partners are tired of telling me to step away from the email.

So, my friend came up with her soundtrack to her agent search. I thought this was a great idea. Some of her songs are: Michael Buble's "All I Do Is Dream of You" and "Haven't Met You Yet." I thought of two more for her: Steven Curtis Chapman's "Wait" and from the Momma Mia soundtrack "I Have A Dream."

What would your agent soundtrack include?

Monday Message for May 24th

2010-05-24T03:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I did a simple tarot reading for myself, to give me confirmation in regard to my intuition concerning the directions my life and career are taking. While doing a bit of additional research on the cards that came up, I found the following quote by Henry Ward Beecher, a clergyman, abolitionist and women's suffrage advocate of the 19th century & I felt the need to share it for this Monday’s Message.
"Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength; and strength is not used rightly when it only serves to carry a man above his fellows for his own solitary glory. He is greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own."
And, for any of you who are curious, it was the Eight of Pentacles that came up in the ‘outcome’ position and the website where I obtained the quote is: http://www.tarotteachings.com/eight-of-pentacles.html

Happy Reading!
C.R. Moss

My construction zone

2010-05-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am currently living in a construction zone. Not that this is anything new. Since we bought this house seven years ago we have done something to every single part of it. Some things were small like new stick tile and paint in the laundry room when we were moving in. Some were huge like creating a gorgeous bathroom and office downstairs out of unfinished basement. All done by me and mostly my wonderful husband. With the occasional help of friends and family.

Right now we are in the middle of tackling the kitchen which has been a terrible eyesore for the last seven years, even though its been repainted twice. It had no dishwasher! UGH! And the counter tops were pulling away from the wall. It has been saved so long to be done since it worked and it was going to be a rather pain in the ass of a project and more expensive as others as well. But we are finally doing it and its coming along very nicely.

After only a week we have everything stripped out, the walls sheet rocked, mudded, primered and painted, the floor tore out and nearly done being tiled with a beautiful terra-cotta colored tile. Hubby plans to have it all done tiled and grouted today! YAY! I plan to take our girls shopping so we can stay out of his way...seems fair to me...

Tomorrow we should be able to start putting in the cabinets and very soon we won't have to live with out kitchen shoved into out dinning room and living room and live without a stove. Barbecue and microwave meals just are not enjoyable after a week of them. And since I hate fast food...take out is not always and option either.

So my construction zone is almost done, until the next project starts, which will be much smaller I am sure! I hope!

Bling Me

2010-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

Any author will tell you that we love what we do. Some lucky ones get to completely support themselves on their earnings, the rest of us either have full-time jobs on top of writing or, we take part-time work to supplement our incomes.
To be honest, I enjoy working. Being in the grip of the Protestant work ethic was ingrained in me from the time I had my first paper route at the age of nine in Bondi Beach, Sydney.
I don't mind juggling. I really don't. The busier I am, the more I like it. I get a huge satisfaction out of paying bills out of money earned from writing, but I also get a lot of fodder from my day jobs.
A few months ago, a friend of mine got me in with a celebrity assistant's club. I've picked up work here and there and have had the terrible misfortune of working a few times with an actress whose career is on the slide. I say on the slide because she recently lost her home to foreclosure due to her shopping addiction and...diminished income.
I accompanied her to bankruptcy court and small claims courts - all of these incidents will no doubt show up in my books some time soon - and I was even there when she went to a salon to get her asshole bleached.I swear.
This last one I did already use in The Book and the Rose.
Anyway, the Actress was pissed about moving from her oceanside digs in Malibu to -shudder- The Valley. Now, I happen to live in the valley and bitterly resent the constant jibes people from the other side of the hill make about my home town.
I've worked for Z-list Actress now for a few months and off and it has never been pleasant.
A couple od days ago, I helped take her dogs to the vet.We have a saying in my birth country of Australia. When someone is taken advantage of, we say, they saw her coming.Well this vet saw The Actress coming.
A routine office check-up for three small dogs turned into a $2,000 vet bill. It would have been more if I hadn't argued the point about unnecessary tests and phantom illnesses.Yesterday, her credit card must have been burning a hole in her pocket. We dropped the dogs home and traipsed along Ventura Boulevard where she shopped her heart out.
She dropped another $2,000 on an electric blanket, bought a new lap top at the Apple Store, some bling for her iPhone. Then she remembered she'd lost her iPhone and we bought a replacement.We stopped by my goddaughter's house where I deputized her to bling the new iPhone. I'm all thumbs when it comes to crafty crap.
My goddaughter however, was born to bling.The Actress and I drove off. I kept wondering how somebody who'd just been through bankruptcy and foreclosure was still able to spend this way.
She bought French underwear - a snip at $500 for two panties and a push-up bra - blinged dog collars for the pooches, new shoes - for her, not them. They all got tutus [I swear] - and then she insisted on having lunch.
I didn't want to have lunch. I had fresh bread and peanut butter at home. I was happy to go home and have that.
But oh no. She wanted a lavish lunch. Unfortunately, I know her well and have had terrible experiences with her before.In spite of her lavish public declarations that she would buy me lunch, I knew she would make my life miserable if I picked anything she deemed expensive. I ordered a cup of soup and an iced tea. I knew I could afford these should she gripe. And I just knew she would.
She berated the poor waiter and I begged her not to. I am always nice to people who handle my food. They could spit in it. Or worse.The Actress hauled out her laptop in the middle of this swanky restaurant as she tore through spinach salad, char-broiled salmon, apple pie and several cappuccinos. She shopped for more crap online - a lanyard holder for her new iPhone and new sunglasses.
She argued with her mother on the phone and didn't seem to notice how aggravated our nearest neighbors and the entire restaurant staff were.After being sniped at for four and a half hours, something came over me when she griped about the $7.00 for my soup and tea (tax and tip included).
I told her I couldn't take it anymore. I think I actually said I hate you. She looked shocked. I don't think she hears those words too often, except from her ex husbands.
She owed me $67.50 for the time I'd been her whipping post and dangled this over my head.I said I didn't care.
"You don't care?"
"No, I don't," I said.
I got up and walked out.
"Can't you take her with you?" the waiter begged.
My dear friend Kelly has quoted me from Benjamin Franklin who once said never to keep friends who are not like yourself. Somebody else once said - maybe it was Heidi Fleiss - we are guilty by association.
I didn't want to associate with an asshole boss. I don't care that money is involved. It's too painful dealing with such insanity. I drove home feeling both bad and good. It's hard to walk away from an income.
She apparently collected her cell phone from my goddaughter and was very sweet with her, paying her $20.
Then she drove to my place and somehow got into my building and showed up at my front door. She put on a marvelous performance.
Oscar-worthy.
I accepted her check for $67.50 and then said goodbye.
She hasn't stopped calling since. This morning, I found a pink diamante in my socks. My little ode to bling. And to her.
I dropped the bling off my balcony and deleted all her messages.
Maybe I am being foolish, but I think not. What about you? Would you put up with Miss Bling? I'd really like to know.
Aloha oe,

A.J.

When Life Intervenes

2010-05-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've had some things happen which has made me question my life as a writer and I've run the gamut of emotions from weepy to out and out mad. These times also skew my world view and make me wonder about the big picture. During these times, I look at what I've done to get my motivation back. I look at old blogs, various other notes I've written to myself and other methods to get my groove back.

I was happy to run across this blog which I had written for someone else as it helped me a lot. Hopefully, it will say something to you as well.

Writing Blues

What’s a writer to do when they can’t write?

I have experienced this many times and most of them have been around the time when I have just finished a deadline of some sort. However, recently I have found I’m not up to my usual 5K per day and I’ve had to go back to some interesting stratedies I’ve developed years ago to get me back on track.

More importantly, I’ve been recently asked that question by many writers and I’ll tell you exactly what I tell them: It depends what you’re writing and what the problem is. And this is very true. You must be able to figure out just why you aren’t writing. It can be a variety of things which keep you from your goals.

First, if you’re ill, you just do the best you can. Since I have allergy days quite frequently in both the spring and the fall, I make sure my daily word count is exceeded on some days so that I can make up for those days of the pounding head. Illnesses of any kind aren’t good and you must heal yourself before you can heal your writing.

Now, if it’s because I can’t get my Muse going, that in itself is a completely different thing. There are a few techniques I use to try and get things flowing again. Here’s my list:

1. Listen to music – when nothing comes, I will sit down and listen to music as I attempt to write. Again, the type of music depends upon what I’m writing. Something classical just won’t do if I’m writing a battle scene so I make the music appropriate to what I’m doing.

2. Write anything – the day doesn’t always start good and I don’t always start on my story right away. Sometimes, the best I can do has nothing to do with what I’m writing. So I just write. Usually by the end of the second hour, I’m back on track for the story.

3. Plot a new story – I have a lot of series going and sometimes the best thing for me is to move away from the story I’m working on and start plotting the next one. For many of my stories, I am a pantser which means I just work it out in my head and sit down to write. However, when I’m working on a series I have to make sure that I don’t violate something I’ve previously done in the series. This also allows me to plan new and different things for the books. And it also just gets me back into writing.

4. Read – I can’t say this enough, read the genre that you write. If you’re doing urban fantasy, read urban fantasy, if you’re doing futuristic, read futuristic. You must know your market and you will never gain that knowledge unless you read the genre.

5. Take care of yourself – What I mean by this is get a massage, take a walk, talk to your kids, make love with your husband or significant other. It can’t all be about the writing because without you there would be no writing.

If none of these techniques work, then try to remember why you became a writer. Grasp that same joy and use it to elevate yourself to feel the creativeness rise in you. Embrace it when it arrives and make sure you nurture your muse as much as you can.

Being creative can be a finicky business and as a writer, you may need to do a variety of things before you can again create the stories you love. Just never give up on your dream to bring those stories to life because if you don’t, they will never get written!

Good luck in all your writing endeavors!

Have a great week everyone...and I should have some wonderful news next week!

Lynn

Me, a cougar?

2010-05-18T08:55:00.001-07:00

I always pictured cougars as being single women in their 40s, preying on young men in their 20s. Well just recently I told a friend about someone I met who is a young'in (20). I, a married woman of 33, saw myself as just being nice. I can't help it I have a flirty personality. It's just how I releate to people. So now several people are telling me I'm preying on this innocent guy.

I'm not whining, I actually kinda think being called a cougar is funny. I'm of the mind set that I want to play with them not raise them. So for now I guess I should be honored that someone thinks I am capable of corrupting an innocent boy.

Something new

2010-05-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce the release of the next book in my Dirty Little series -- Dirty Little Girl! This story follows Mary Jane's daughter Jamie Sue as she escapes life in the country and ends up in a big city, Las Vegas to be exact.
One bite and life will never be the same...
Tired of living with her crazy mother, Jamie Sue embarks on an adventure of her own seeking life in a big city. A strange urge prompts her to stop and stay in Las Vegas so she gets off the bus and settles in. When she meets her golden angel, Michael, she believes she’s found the love of her life, but things aren’t always what they seem. Will the bite of his love change her forever?
&
This story is a lead in to my June 15 release, Dirty Little Demons. I love the cover for it, too:

You can see the trailer for it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKS7sNsJCzw
Dirty Little Girl is available at www.extasybooks.com now!

Happy reading!
C.R. Moss

Shameless Self Promotion

2010-05-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Time for a little shameless self promotion.

Wait! Didn't I talk about POS (Promotion Overload Syndrome) last time? Yes! I did, but the truth is, I'm not as popular as some of the greats yet, so I gotta do what a writer does...promote.

Sessions was released this month and this story is especially important to me. No, it's not like that. Get your mind out the gutter! It's because this is the story that originally got me a contract. I know, pretty cool huh? And now my baby is out there for all the world to see. I'm so proud.

As the title implies, it is about therapy, but wait, don't knock it yet! I can just hear it now..."I all ready know the ending." Are you sure? This isn't your typical, girl has problems, girl goes to therapy and therapist fixes it with sex. Well, okay, part of it is any ways, but the story isn't at all what you think and that's what I love about it. I even mixed some B&D in it to help the characters along. Wasn't I sneaky?

If I did a good job with the story, you'll find yourself rooting one of the characters along, and hating the other only to find out that maybe you were wrong all along. Or maybe not, I don't want to give too much away.

Now, as some of you know, I am a lesbian erotica writer because...well, I'm a lesbian. Shhh...did I really just out myself? Krud! I gave it away, didn't I? Here's the thing, you're going to find f/f sex in every chapter, oops, session in the ebook. And its explicit. Oh, one more thing, you can read an explicit excerpt on my website: http://www.anniealvarez.net/ (For mature audiences only, please.)

Now the other side of me is the Paranormal books I've been working on. The Hightower Series.

Book 4, Lustful Torment is actually from Mistress Tamara's POV (Point Of View) and believe me, my vampires don't sparkle!

Oh, where do I begin? How about at the beginning? Book 1, For The Love Of Blood, introduces you to Tamara and Izzy. Again, I say, I am a lesbian erotica writer so you'll find a lot of f/f interactions in this series, too.

I would say that it's a must read series, but that would be tooting my own horn, and I won't do that. Instead, I'll quote my cousin David. "Damn girl, even my wife thinks your girls are hot!

In honor of non-sparkly vampires, we're having a Naughty Little Vamp June Extravaganza, and I invite you all to participate in the festivites! Starting on the 1st of June, stop by and leave a comment and you could win a prize! http://naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com/

See you next month!

Paco

2010-05-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

Meet Paco. He was a lost, homeless dog scavenging for food on a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when a kind hearted American couple rescued him. Josiah Allen and Erin docking fell in love with this funny-looking, adorable little guy and decided to give him a home. They went through all the procedures of traveling with a dog, took him to the vet, got him treated for ticks, an eye infection and got him all his shots.

They bought a special, airline-approved crate and trusted Delta Airlines to safely load the dog on board for the trip to his new home in Detroit, Michigan.

When the couple arrived, they were shocked to find Paco had not made the flight. Delta staff said they 'forgot' to board the dog but he would be cared for until he was put on the next available flight.

When they called the next day to check on his arrival, nobody knew anything and the story changed.

Delta said the dog somehow escaped his crate.

How?

Where is Paco?

This is a devastating story when it is obvious Paco went through so much before this ordeal.

Now it appears that Delta's changing stories is especially worrisome. To top it off, the airline says they have stopped searching for Paco.

Is he dead or alive?

I've lost luggage thanks to airlines. A friend of mine lost his championship surfboard.

Nothing however compares to the loss of life, especially one that is entrusted to us. I am haunted by Paco's story because I am an animal lover and because I plan to move to Hawaii soon. I will be transporting three animals.

Should anything happen to my dog or my cats, believe me, the airline responsible for screwing up so royally will have more than a petition to deal with.

In the meantime, please consider signing the petition started by the wonderful Care 2 group which is putting pressure on Delta to keep searching for Paco - and to admit the truth about what happened to him. Paco's humans need 10,000 signatures to persuade Delta keep searching for the little guy.

http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/petition-delta-airlines-to-please-find-paco/

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Writing, Reading and Writing Some More

2010-05-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Life has been very interesting this week as my computer decided it was going to have a meltdown on Thursday. Trouble was, it took me two more days to really realize the whole darn thing. Sigh. And it was only in the middle of a chat I realized just how bad it was.

I tried desperately to fix it myself for an extra two more days and finally gave up this morning to call in a PC doctor. And man, did I get my money’s worth. After only two hours, the problem was fixed and I was back to receiving and sending email. Too bad, I have to rebuild some things because I reinstalled some software in hopes of fixing it all. That’s what I get for being impatient. LOL!

But I did an interesting thing on my forced exile from the internet and all my email. I wrote more and read more. Imagine that! LOL! And boy was it fun. I read everything I could get my hands on: books in my to be read pile, magazine that had stacked up and writing manuals I had purchased but never cracked open.

While everything was informative, there were a few standouts I’d like to tell you about. The first is a fiction book called Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch. This book has had me in stitches from cover to cover. I was lucky enough to met Gini at the Desert Dreams conference and she’s an absolute doll. Pick up this book and you’ll see what I mean.

The second was an article in Prevention magazine of all things. I have always read the last page as it by Ardath Rodale, one of the founders of Rodale books and a long time contributor to the magazine. Her column was always inspirational and I always took something away from the words.

So this month, they have a new person, Jane Smiley, doing the column and while her words were quite interesting, they more fit writers than the general populace. The column was titled It’s Nothing Personal and there was a section I found particularly interesting. ““There’s nothing personal going on here – but what is going on is worth contemplating.” Certainly this is a novelist’s mantra. We invent characters whose feelings and actions form into a plot – a plot whose beauties and terrors create a response in a reader’s mind. But it is also a wiser way of understanding the people around you. And how they have their own passions, motivations, and histories sometimes (always) that grip them in ways even they do not grasp – ways you don’t have to respond to automatically.” This woman’s husband had left her and she went back to the one thing she knew intimately...but I’m not sure if what she said is what she meant...and here’s where I’m coming from.

It is my contention as an author every character I create is personal and more likely than not, each of them male or female have something of me in them. It's true, writing can make you better understand your fellow human beings. Now in the big worldview of things, like during a critique session or even a review, it really isn’t you they are looking at but your stories...so in those cases, you do have to remember it really isn’t personal. But it’s my thought until you know a character as well as you know the mole on your own backside, it is personal because you are molding and shaping them into something everyone will love. Until the process is done, it is personal because that part taps into your psyche as well as your character’s. Until they are fully formed and hatched, they are still cooking. And in my mind, they are cooking until everyone, you, your beta readers and crit partners alike, are satisfied with the outcome.

True, you have the final say but if you go into a crit meeting and everyone hates that character, you as a writer either have to change their minds or rewrite the character. Now there are times when you might need to dump the crit group but if your writing is getting better with each meeting, I would sit back and see what happens.

Now the last thing I did more of was editing on my Where’s My Underwear story. And I’m doing a lot of reworking as I discovered some of my characters were not as cooked as I needed. I’ve had to dig deeper into them and since the hero and heroine have a complicated relationship, I had to make it sound possible.

In the not too distant past, a bestselling local author had told me she once had to dump around fifty percent of a book in a rewrite. I was appalled but can now see the truth in the matter. I mean, if the editor or I don’t like it, why would a reader? So in dumping a thousand words here and there, I’ve had to bring in the big guns and make each new section count even more by making it stronger and even more plausible.

What are your opinions on characters and how they come together? Do you all like strong well-developed characters? Or do you like the ones who have a little more fluff and are therefore lighter reading?

I’m interested in knowing what you all think. Until next time...

Lynn

I'm Late, I'm Late...

2010-05-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well, two weeks ago I told you I was headed to a writing retreat and I had planned to write 3/4s of my book. I didn't get that much written but I was able to plot out the majority of the book. That's a great accomplishment because I am so not a plotter. I plot and I kill the writing mojo. It's like my muse believes if I plotted the entire story it's already written so why should I fill in the blanks?

Anyhoo... not only did I plot out that story I got story ideas for three other stories. Now if I can find time to work on every single one.

If you are looking for a fun weekend or a family vacation I highly recommend checking out www.silverspur-ranch.com. These guys are super friendly and it was a great time away. With limited cell service (I had to contortion myself to get my signal) you didn't have to worry about phones ringing off the hook. So no work questions during my writing getaway.

Now it's back to reality and the day job. Oh, how I yearn for hayrides, smore's and nights by the campfire...

Monday Message for May 10

2010-05-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

The Person who is a master in the art of living makes little distinction between their work and play, their labor and their leisure, their mind and their body, their education and their recreation, their love and their religion. They Hardly Know which is which. They simply pursue their vision of excellence and grace in whatever they do, leaving others to decide whether they are working or playing. To them they are always doing both – zen text

=)
C.R. Moss

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I love being a mother. To me being a mother is the single most important thing I have done, or will likely ever do.

Being a mother gives me a sense of accomplishment on a daily basis. Just to look at them, healthy, happy, smart and beautiful. I feel like I have done something great in being a big part of all that.

Not that I am taking ALL the credit, but since its Mother's Day I suppose I can...just for a day or two anyway.

I don't think I could have become such an appreciative mother if it weren't for my own loving mother. She taught me how to be what I am to my girls. She is my role model for so much of my life and I hope I will grow old with my girls loving me as much as I love her.

I hope all you mothers out there have an extra special day tomorrow and get the chance to bask in all the glory that being a mother deserves. I certainly plan to milk it for all its worth. Make the family cook breakfast and do yard work and all that while I direct and relax. It should be a great day.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Home Stretch

2010-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

This week has flown by and I am still very, very busy. I am putting the final touch on my submission to NYC of Where’s My Underwear and hope to have news within the next few weeks.

I have edited and re-edited the piece until it shines like a new copper penny.

But like every writer, I have doubts. Why is it when we actually do something very good, something so different that we question ourselves? Writers always want to tweak things to make it better but sometimes it is already very good.

That’s where Underwear is at this moment.

And still the story has a life of its own. LOL! Just this week, I entered another contest with the first line. I barely made it under the wire and the entry is #43. Go check it out at http://www.mysteriesandmargaritasblogspot.com/

That’s about all I have for now but I’ll keep everyone posted.

Hope you have a great week...see ya next!

Lynn

Monday Message for May 3

2010-05-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden always advised his players, “Never try to be better than someone else; but never cease trying to be the best you can be. That is under your control. The other isn’t.”

"Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!" Thomas Edison

=)
C.R. Moss

Playing on the Heart

2010-04-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

In this tough economy, one of the most surprising and durable ways to make money remains the Internet scam. The most effective ones are those that play on the recipients' hearts.
These are cruel scams because they rely on the recipient's basic good nature to help out a friend. It also requires that the recipient has some funds as well...but here's how it works.
I know, because I have received one of these scam emails. I didn't fall for it, but I ALMOST did.
In my case, a boxer I used to be very close friends with emailed me.
In big letters starting with HELP, he told me he was in Las Vegas and had fought in a match. After he was paid and returned to his hotel, he was beaten up and robbed. He was now in serious trouble because he couldn't pay his hotel bill and jail was being threatened.
He needed $3,000 to get home. If I could wire him any part of that money, he would pay me back within a week of returning home.
I was initially furious since it's been two years since I heard from him and my last couple of emails went unanswered.
Retiring is tough for some fighters, especially when it's an enforced retirement [usually for medical reasons such as brain damage, serious injuries resulting in coma and/or brain surgery]by the state Athletic Commission with which they are registered.
After getting past feeling pissed, I was slightly concerned but very suspicious.
It was a detailed and in some ways credible email, but I checked boxrec.com, which lists each and every fight all over the world.
My friend was still listed as inactive and retired.
I then checked Fightnews.com which slavishly covers every fight, even backyard brawls. Again nothing.
I was suspicious for other reasons, too. The email clearly stated he couldn't pay his hotel bill. Fighters don't pay for their rooms. Promoters do.
I was concerned enough to want to contact the fighter's parents. However, I first wrote back to the fighter at the email addy from which he contacted me, plus another one I had for him.
I said, "If this is really you, call me."
I received an email a few days later. It wasn't a particularly nice one. In fact he was quite nasty. He wrote from the alternate email addy I had for him and he said, "I hope you know this wasn't me."
We wrote back and forth and apparently the email hacker had swindled quite a bit of money out of people who still loved and cared for the fighter, including one of his aunts who sent him the entire sum. It was money she couldn't afford to send him, but she did it out of love.
The FBI is now involved and the fighter is deeply anguished at the wide net the hacker has thrown. All over the world.
He feels responsible. But he is not. I tried to cheer him up by saying he's obviously still loved and respected and he gets this. But somebody is making a lot of money off this poor guy by hacking his address book.
I hope this crook is caught. I think this is a particularly nasty crime because it relies on trust and love and that underneath it all, the hacker believes that there are still some good people out there.
There are.
Crimes like this however, chip further away at our already damaged humanity. We are a sick race badly in need of a moral overhaul.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Realizing The Dream

2010-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know I haven’t posted for a while I know…but there really is a great reason for this…and I hope you’re all as happy as I am about this.

I posted this message on my critique group loop on Friday, April 16, 2010 while still at the Desert Dreams conference in Scottdale, Arizona. Since that time, I have been working on what I’ve always called my breakout novel. You know it, I’ve been putting the first few chapters up here as my blog the past few times to keep it alive for me. Read this and you’ll see jus how alive it is!

Okay...I've got to tell you a story...and how it made me speechless. I know, I know...next to impossible...LOL!

Part of this trip has been for me and a friend to get away. My friend, Brenda, loves books and has gone to an RT conference with me before. She's also an aspiring writer that I'm trying to get interested in RWA. She's also had a horrible time this year with her husband losing her job and 3 kids under 18. So this was my Christmas and birthday present to her. So today we did some girl things and didn't get back to register for the con until about 4 this afternoon.

I get my registration packet and start looking at everything as we'd found a quiet, out-of-the-way place to discuss where, what and when. I found my Realizing the Dream score sheets and pulled them out. I thought the score terrible, 48 out of 50, and knew I blew it. I put it back in the envelope and found my appointments with an editor and an agent. This is really why I came here and entered the contest. For the contest, you had to be an attendee and not published by a NYC house or represented by a NYC agent.

At the time I entered, I talked extensively with the contest chair as I had so many books epublished and I didn't want to take advantage of the contest. She assured me that the contest was for someone just like me. They wanted entrees from every genre and at every level. I sent off my entry and forgot about it until this week. And when I saw my score, I felt I had blown it because I know people do get perfect scores.

So, we're at the genre dinner tonight and they make some announcements, they do the raffle and then they turn it over to the contest chair. I don't pay attention because I've blown it in my mind. The first finalist was a gal sitting at my table and she jumps right up plus her enthusiasm is contagious. The next name they call is...mine...and I'm blown away. My friend Brenda pushes me out of my chair toward the stage and the gal at my table walks up with me. The third gal is from the middle of the room and we're all on stage.

The contest chair states how close the scores were and still I'm thinking, 'No friggin' way' and 'what am I doing up here?' And she announces the winner...and it was me...and I was speechless. I can barely say thank you to everyone because I am shaking so hard. The whole time back to my seat I'm thinking/saying 'OMG, I can't believe it.' And it took me twenty minutes of people talking to me to get me grounded.

I have an appointment with two editors tomorrow, Laurie Rauch of Samhain and Kate Sevier of Berkley Sensation, and one agent, Miriam Kriss. All these people were on the seven or eight (I'm not sure) judging committee who voted my proposal the best.

And can you all guess which one it was? Sigh. "Where's My Underwear?" garnered the top spot in the Realizing the Dream contest. Another thing, I would not be here if it weren't for each and every one of you. All of you had input to this story and have helped me every step of the way. I owe you all dinner and plan to take you all out when we can do it.

One more thing, I can guarantee they want changes...LOL! I hope you all are up for a final round of Underwear. I'd start now but I don't have everything here.

Thanks for all your support...let's see if I can bring it home!

This was one of the best things to happen in a very, very long time. I’ve been on Cloud 9 since it happened. I’ve also been working my butt off as every editor/agent I saw or described this story to all want a peak. So I’m polishing up the proposal and re-editing the rest of the story.

So see…I haven’t forgotten you…I’ve just been really, really busy. I’ll be back next week with an update on my progress. See you all then!

Lynn

Road Trip!

2010-04-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am super stoked because tomorrow morning I leave for a writer's retreat in San Antonio. Four days of writing and workshop and horse back riding. Oh, did I mention the cowboys? Our group is going to the gun range and the rodeo, and I can only imagine how much trouble I could get in to...even if I'm not trying.

The car trip could be as long as twenty (20) hours long which means I'll have many hours to write during the ride. My goal is to have my current manuscript well over 75% complete by the time I get back to town. If my husband were going with me, I would have almost the full 20 hours to write as he hates to be a passenger. Oh well, I'll take what time I can get.

I hope you all have a great week and weekend. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to share when I get back.

Monday Message for April 26

2010-04-26T03:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some movie quotes...

"Don't think you are, know you are" - Laurence Fishburne, The Matrix
"Nothing is real unless you believe in who you are" - Sylvester Stallone, Rocky III
"It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you" - Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby

How do these quotes strike you?

C.R. Moss

Chat at Ethan Day's

2010-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

**********************************************************************************************************

Sunday, April 25th is Gay Day at my Yahoo Group. Gay Day is the one day a month when the best authors in GLBT Romance stop by to post excerpts of their new and upcoming releases.

The following authors will be generously offering giveaways you can enter to win:

AKM Miles – Love, Grant – Available April 26th

Andrew Gray – An Unexpected Vintage

Clare London – Winners Choice from Her Backlist

Trina Lane – The Perfect Union

TC Blue – A Game of Chances

Leiland Dale – A Prophecy of Destiny

Jambrea Jo Jones - Retribution – Available May 3^rd

Kimberly Gardner – Bound to Please

Stephani Hecht – Man Down

P.A. Brown – L.A. Heat

Z.A. Maxfield – Fugitive Color – Available April 27th

The amazing Authors below will be popping in and out to chat & post excerpts from their latest books:

Lynn Lorenz – Pinky Swear

Amanda Young – Pool Boy Seduction

A.J. Llewellyn – The Book and the Rose – Available April 25th

Jamie Samms – Spinning & Life After

Kimberly Gardner – Blush from Red (An MLR Antho edited by Kris Jacen)

P.A. Brown - L.A. Bytes

Lex Valentine – Where There’s Smoke

Clare London - Heart & Home

The day will begin from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST in the Ethan Day Yahoo Group where we’ll be posting excerpts, running contests for free books, and chatting about all the new and upcoming releases from your favorite authors.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. CST we’ll be hosting another LIVE Chat which is pretty much a free for all, anything-goes-chat that’ll inevitably have you uttering the phrase, “What the f**k?” : )

***You will need to have Downloaded Skype in order to take part in the Live Chat.***

Once you’ve downloaded the FREE software, simply add me as a contact: ethandayonline -- and I'll be able to add you to the chat room!

I hope everyone will stop by to catch up with your favorite authors and join in all the fun!

Keeping Blood

2010-04-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

The second in The Immortal Council Series is now out at Extasy Books. This book is the story of Alexia, daughter of Zyra and Tarquin, hero and heroine of Blood Visions.

Keeping Blood: When your a dangerous hybrid, every immortal is your enemy.

Born into a world of immortal creatures Alexia is a one of a kind hybrid between her vampire mother and werewolf father. Shunned by both species she is alone in her world, wishing only to be human and for once, truly accepted. Ian, a werewolf from another pack, shows up and claims she is his fated mate, much to his own displeasure. When Alexia's parents disappear, she is forced to ask Ian and a very unpleasant vampire, Paxton, for help in finding them. Thrown together in their mission to save her parents will they also find that they share a fate to be mated. Will Alexia finally find acceptance with Ian, or will their differences keep them apart.

Ian was around the table in an instant, his hands grabbing her arms in a brutal grip, his glowing eyes bored into her with barely restrained violence.

Alexia felt her blood start to pound through her veins, she knew if she hadn't drank blood earlier today she would have merged and ripped out his throat to protect herself from him. She had finally pushed him too far, he was going to treat her like she expected, and then she could hurt him back and be satisfied that she was right. There was no chance for a true mating with him or any other were.

"No one deserves the kind of treatment you have been dealt. I am your mate and as is my right I will protect you." He bent his head close to hers and his hot breath fanned her cheek, his mouth whispered so near her ear she could feel his lips brush against her sensitive skin. "I want you, Alexia, because you are strong and you are beautiful. I will have you because you are my mate."

As his words sank into her bruised soul he anger turned to something else, something hotter and so much more unsettling.

Alexia could hear his blood pulsing at his throat, so near her mouth. Her fangs extended and her mouth watered for a taste of him. Desire swirled fast and hot, low in her belly, she couldn't hold back the hungry groan.

Welcome Guest David Pereda!

2010-04-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we’re taking a look at David Pereda who writes for Eternal Press. I asked him some quirky questions and received plenty of interesting answers!
Welcome David! Now for the fun Q & A!

Q: What’s your favorite color?
A: Blue

Q: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Chocolate ice cream mixed with strawberry sherbet on a sugar cone
~ That sounds yummy. I’ll have to try that.

Q: Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
A: Both

Q: Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
A: I might, but I haven’t. I once fell in love with a lion cub, but I didn’t have a place to put him.

Q: Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
A: It depends. On a day-to-day basis, I prefer sunny and warm. But sometimes I like walking out in the rain when the weather is warm; or stay inside when it’s not, reading a good book by the fireplace or making love in a large bed. As for cold, I love nippy mornings in the fall and cold days with plenty of snow when I go skiing. Does that answer your question?
~ Sure does. :)

Q: Are you a morning person or night owl?
A: I’m both. To write, I’m a morning person. My creative juices and writing prowess are better in the morning and tend to fade in the afternoon. To have fun, well, that’s a different story. Can I be an all-day person? Is there such a thing?
~ Why not? Live life to the fullest!

Q: Are they sneakers or tennies?
A: Tennis shoes

Q: Is it soda or pop?
A: Hmmmm. I don’t touch the stuff. I guess I’d call it soda.

Q: What’s your favorite day of the week?
A: It’s a toss up between Friday and Saturday

Q: What’s your favorite number?
A: 19

Q: If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
A: It would be where I live right now. Why? I like Asheville and the people who live here. I have family and friends here. My love is here. If I could magically move everyone with me to any place in the world, I’d consider spending winters in Florida, spring and summer in Asheville, and the fall in Europe – with short trips to Central and South America scattered here and there.

Q: Tell us about one of your books and any interesting details that might concern this story, like you found interesting info when you did research, you wrote it in one night, it was done for a contest, etc.
A: I’d like to tell you a little bit about my latest thriller -- Havana: Killing Castro, winner of four awards including a 2009 Readers Favorite Award.
~ Congrats on the award!
Here’s a brief blurb: When an old fisherman is gunned down on a Mexican beach, prominent Miami surgeon Raymond Peters becomes the prime suspect. The dead fisherman is believed to be Fidel Castro whom Dr. Peters had helped disguise through clandestine plastic surgery on a trip to Cuba two years earlier. But is the body really that of the Cuban leader? In order to save his own life, the beleaguered physician must solve the murder, find the killers and retrieve a mysterious journal. And this has to be done while outwitting a sensual but ruthless assassin named Marcela, sent by Castro’s brother, Raul.
*** And here’s what some reviewers had to say about the book:
"The work is indeed a masterpiece of entertainment…” Gary Sorkin, Pacific Book Review
"The suspense grabs the reader from the beginning and holds it to the end…If you like a good mystery filled with espionage, you will enjoy this book." Readers Favorite
“David Pereda has done it again. In Havana: Killing Castro, he continues intriguing readers with the story begun in Havana: Top Secret.” The Laurel of Asheville ***

The idea for this book came to me one day as I watched my wife – a successful plastic surgeon in her own right who often allowed me to observe her surgeries -- undermining someone’s skin. “What if,” I asked myself, “that person in the operating bed was Fidel Castro being transformed by plastic surgery?” And the Havana Series of thrillers was born.
~ That's an interesting concept and way to receive an idea!

Q: Where can readers learn more about you?
A: They can visit my website – www.davidpereda.com or Google my name on the Internet.
Havana: Killing Castro is available through Eternal Press, www.eternalpress.com, www.amazon.com , www.fictionwise.com , and in selected Asheville bookstores.

~ Thank you for visiting us today, David. It was a pleasure having you as our guest.

Here is an intriguing look into Havana: Killing Castro…

“So what did you want to talk to me about, Raymond?” Pepe stretched on his chair to clink glasses and then took a long pull of his mojito, drinking with his pinkie finger straight up. Raymond shook his head in disbelief as he sipped from his own glass. He put his glass on the table as Pepe gazed at him. “You said it was important.”
“It is.”
“You know who killed Fidel?”
“You mean the fisherman shot dead in Mexico?”
“Yes.” Pepe drained the rest of his drink in one mighty gulp and stared at his empty glass. “Ready for another, Raymond?”
“Not yet.”
“Mind if I have another?”
“Go right ahead.”
“Keep talking.” Pepe leaned forward to refill his glass from the pitcher on the table, settled back in his chair, and took another pull of his drink. “I can drink and listen at the same time. You know who killed the fisherman?”
“I think so.”
“And that’s the reason you’re here?”
“Not really, Pepe. I came to confirm information—and to talk to you in person. As you always say, you never know who’s listening on the phone. By the way, where is Raul?”
“He’s going to join us for dinner tonight. Drink up, Raymond. I’m already finishing my second, and you haven’t really started on your first.”
Raymond sipped his drink thoughtfully. “Remember what you said to me a couple of years ago in Miami?”
“I said many things to you in Miami, Raymond.”
Pepe drained his glass and served himself another. This time he didn’t ask for permission.
“True. I mean, do you remember how you convinced me to come to Cuba with you? You told me that story about us as kids and how you had saved my life?”
“Of course I remember.” Pepe gulped greedily from his third drink.
“Do you? Tell it to me again.”
Raymond laughed amiably. “The same old Pepe, testing me out.”
Pepe laughed too.
“Okay, I’ll tell you—so you’ll know I still remember that story. We were in the park, and I got in a fight with Marcelino. He pulled a knife on me and tripped me. He was about to plunge the knife into me when you knocked him out with a punch. I’d never seen someone hit with such force. Marcelino’s head hit the grass so hard he was out cold several minutes. We were so scared you had killed him, remember?”
“Of course I remember,” Pepe said.
Raymond rose slowly, glowering at Pepe.
“That’s not the story. In the real story, you saved me from drowning in the Almendares River—remember? You’re not Pepe Orozco. And you sure as hell are not Fidel Castro either.” He leaned forward and said in a sharp voice, watching the man’s face blanch, “Who are you?”

Monday Message

2010-04-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I know I'm a bit late getting this up and that I've been lax about posting. The past several months I've been dealing with some personal issues and writing and all that. Time slips away and before I know it another day/week/month has passed. Speaking of time, I just had another birthday fly by me. Had a memorable day ~ met up with a couple of great friends and hubby, had dinner then went to a writer's meeting. Hubby gave me some bling for my 40th ~ a beautiful Wittnauer Krystal Ladies watch and on the face it shows the phases of the moon. It's the kind of watch I can wear for special occasions. It's sparkly silver with hand-set European crystal accents around the face and along the band. Some women have an obsession with shoes, for me it's watches. & once I have disposable income, flip-flops... look out DSW!
Which leads me into my Monday Message, another thing I like to collect are quotes. Back in highschool I'd have quotes written all over my brown-bag covers. Now when I see a quote I like, it goes into a file on my computer. So what I'll be doing over the next few weeks is sharing some of the quotes I've collected and looking forward to you sharing any you may have. And if any of the quotes strike a chord with you, feel free to share your thoughts about it.
So to start off, here's one that I thought would be good for us writers to keep in mind when the not so stellar review comes in...

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." THEODORE ROOSEVELT (Paris Sorbonne,1910)

C.R. Moss ~ Worlds of Possibilities ~
www.crmoss.net

Spring is here!

2010-04-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking. It's that dreaded time to open the windows, air out the house, chase down those insidious dust bunnies that hide in the most awful to reach places, clean every inch of your home while running out the stale winter energy and replacing it with new beginnings. Yes. That also includes packing up the winter clothes and pulling out last year's favorite shirt that wouldn't have done more than sat in the closet, looking pretty, while the cold weather encapsulated us. I know the drill, believe me.

As if I don't all ready have enough to do, this year, I've added something else to my list. I am systematically going through all the emails accounts, all the groups, all the contacts, all the everything that has been bogging down my computer and deleting them. Yeah! you heard me right, deleting them!

No. I'm not looking forward to it. However, I realized that as a writer, spring cleaning involves my time as well. Considering that statistics said my genre was not a favorable one, my books have done well and for that I am grateful. There is no greater joy for me to know that my f/f stories have not only entertained, but developed a fan base. A small fan base, but nonetheless, a fan base.

So, instead of spreading myself thin, keeping notebooks of passwords for all the Ning accounts and trying desperately to remember what my username and password are for a specific account, I'm sticking with the ones proven to be successful.

Yeah, this spring cleaning is going to be exhausting and take time, but I'm excited to clear out some of the old baggage and start fresh. What a great way to start the new season.

Speaking of fresh starts, if you get a minute, check out my upcoming release, Session from eXtasy Books. You can read an excerpt and watch the book trailer on my website.

Happy Spring everyone!

Annie :0)

http://www.anniealvarez.net/

Needed

2010-04-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

One of my closest friends Alex got the chance of a lifetime very early last year. One of his business clients and golfing buddies offered Alex his home on the Caribbean island of Anguilla for five days as a thank you for a huge deal.

I was so mad I couldn't go. Alex, bless him, took full advantage of the offer and took his dad and his closest male friends for a few days of drinking, rest, drinking, rest, drinking...well, you get the idea. It's not that I didn't want a knees-up, I just couldn't manage the trip at the time. I was so upset I couldn't even stand calling Alex to ask how it went.
I saw him recently and finally manned-up and asked how it went.

I hadn't seen him for a while and I was surprised by the sour expression on his face. Anguilla is a place I am pining to visit...but I digress.
His lip curled.

"You are so lucky you missed it," he whined.

He told me the wildest and funniest story of being caught in a hurricane in St. Martin. They hid in a hotel bathroom there for days as a storm ripped the islands apart. It's not that the storm and damage were funny.

I loved the idea of all these macho guys huddled in a bathtub!
He gave me a lot of detail and gave me his blessings to use it. And I did!
This gave me the basis of my book Needed, which published at http://www.extasybooks.com/ at midnight.

Purchase Link: http://tinyurl.com/y6rllpa
It's the sequel to Wanted, my best-selling book about Honolulu forensic accountant Mingo McCloud. I am thrilled Wanted sold so well and I had a blast writing Needed. As an extra thank you to people who buy my book, I am giving away a free copy of Hula, a short store I penned for the Emerald Envisage anthology in which Mingo first appeared.
I am loving this new M/M erotic mystery series.
In this story, Mingo must rescue his missing lover, Francois...and has some fun and pretty hot sex into the bargain. Using a real life adventure in this story gave it added texture I think. But my point is this. Do we writers all use real stuff in our stories? I'm betting more of us do than we care to admit.
Of course, my pal Alex didn't have sex with the men in his tub...that stuff only happens in my books.

I think...

Aloha oe,

A.J.

A WIP Revisited – Part 3

2010-04-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

We’re back again...and even though the allergies are still kicking my butt...at least I’m not late this time. LOL!

All the parts we’re looking at in these articles is basically the first chapter and how I’m setting the stage for the whole book. Now this book is special to me. Maybe because I love Scotland so much. I know the places these characters are going to...I’ve stood on the banks of the lochs...and wished with all my heart I had a place to go to every summer. That’s my dream...to escape the heat of the southwest...and head for the lush cool climate of the Scottish Highlands. There’s nothing like it in the world.

But I’ve also done something very different. Something I have to get my husband to help me with...and that’s the guy’s POV...and is that a hard one. Now this is rated R and not for the faint of heart as it's sexy...reall sexy...LOL! So here is the third article in this series. I hope you enjoy!

My Creative Process: Your Glimpse Into a WIP – Part 3

Here we are in month three of my creative process. When I started this story I wanted to produce something smart and humorous. But alas, all is not well in the kingdom. And that doesn’t mean something bad has happened, no in my opinion it is something that is quite good and different. So good in fact I wrote over three thousand words on this section alone.

Needless to say I have a completed first chapter which puts me one step closer to my goal of submitting three chapters and a synopsis to an agent. Let me just mention one thing here…even though I am developing this book section by section…it is better when you read the complete product to get the full impact of what I have done. That way you can see how it flows and moves, almost as if it’s liquid. A typical question regarding this would be, how do you know you’ve done that successfully and I will try to answer you.

For me, I have to read the story out loud with a red pen in hand. Sometimes I read it to myself while I’m alone in the office. Sometimes, like with this one, I have my DH read it and then I read it out loud to one of my best friends, Brenda. Only when I read something out loud do I get the sense of flow and it doesn’t matter if that read is only to myself or not. Each author has their own special technique but for me, it is the only thing that works because I need to feel the rhythm of the story. I can only do this when I read out loud.

But let’s look at our progress so far. Last month we talked about how I went from what I thought was a pretty good beginning to the next step where I begin to develop the characters and the plot. I’ve given you the basics of Aeryn and Logan’s past relationship but not much of the ‘what really happened’ stuff. Up to this point, you haven’t really seen Logan, you’ve just heard about the stud.

So, in this next section of the story I’ve got to establish a few things. One is that I have to give you a real sense of the hero. I have to make you think he’s as sexy as Aeryn does. And frankly that’s a tall order since I am looking at him through her eyes. The reason I say this is because what’s sexy to me may not be sexy to all of you or even Aeryn. This is where an author shows his or her skill and since I’m trying something new, I’ll be pulling out all the stops. Most authors are a little bit in love with their hero and I am no exception as well as the fact that most heroines have a little bit of the author in them.

Another thing that is important in my mind, is that I’ve got to give you a glimpse into their past relationship. I don’t want to reveal everything at once but do it slowly one layer at a time just like an onion. I always thought that was one of the great things in the movie Shrek when they talked about the layers of an onion because that’s exactly what I try to do. Otherwise, you’ll get something that I call information dump.

That’s when an author dumps all the information on you at once, leaving nothing to really reveal in later sections of the book. For me, that is a definite no-no as I have no need to read the book further if I know everything.

I have uncompleted books that I have stopped writing because of the information dump syndrome. Suddenly, I know everything about the book because I’ve dumped all the information at one time. At that point, for some reason, I don’t have a burning need to complete it because I already know everything there is to know. And this is one of the reasons that I don’t usually complete a synopsis before the third chapter.

Sure, I want to know where my book is going and how it’s going to get there. BUT I don’t want to know all the minute details because that’s the fun part of the journey, creating those details. Now, I don’t write all books this way. When I’m working on an epic fantasy romance or a sci-fi romance for instance, I need to know those little details so they don’t get lost in the telling. With my contemporaries and my paranormals, as long as they aren’t fantasy based or sci-fi based, I want to find out the details as I’m writing and not before.

So let’s see if all my attention to flow, rhythm and detail has worked. Without further ado, here’s the next section of ‘Where’s My Underwear Anyway?’ and I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

Monica glared at his back and turned a concerned face toward me. “Don’t worry, not much really happened.”

“Define not much.”

She closed her eyes and grimaced. “You were alone with him for ten minutes at the most. Swear.”

I stared at her.

Oh my god, it had included a table and ten minutes alone with Logan? I closed my eyes and wondered what the hell I had done that put me on a table and at the same time made me lose my underwear. I swallowed hard. I hadn’t been that drunk since I was that graduate student exploring the world. True, my life had been boring as hell recently as no man had been able to really hold my attention. I had actually received the nickname of ‘the love ‘em and leave ‘em lawyer’ of the firm.

Hell…I was more worried about the alone time with Logan…I knew what I would have done drunk or sober with that man. But while my body might had been touched in ways it craved, it certainly hadn’t been fucked.

I sighed. Monica had been bugging me for months as to why I couldn’t form a relationship with any local yokel. I realized now it probably was because I didn’t want to form any kind of relationship with anyone but the stud. But he had to be out of my reach as I was sure he was married and had that wonderful life he had always wanted. Without me.

****

Rubbing my chin, I looked at the underwear which now took center stage on my desk. I hadn’t shaved since yesterday nor had I been to my apartment. I still couldn’t believe my luck. Or maybe I should call it my bad luck. Walking through the old digs, I just happened to look in a window to see her dancing on a table in her usual spendor. I had to shake my head to clear it as I wasn’t sure at first it was her. But it was her. Tall, leggy and the all American blonde. Who could forget that body or that woman?

Aeryn Delancie. The woman who had filled my nights as a young man. The one who had filled my thoughts ever since. No one had been able to eradicate her out of my mind or my heart to this very day. Sure, I had had plenty of relationships and those relationships had all fizzled out because nothing compared to Aeryn. Or rather nothing compared to what Aeryn did to me and with me.

I had always figured that she had left me because she didn’t really like me. But since Monica and I had kept in touch through Christmas and birthday cards, I some how knew that wasn’t the case. Something had been done or said to make her change her mind and I never knew what it was for sure even though I had an idea. It was one mistake I would always regret.

I was surprised to find them both in Edinburgh since I had thought Monica would have called. Once the incident was over, she then explained that they had just finished their conference and she planned to track me down this very week. So it was just a fluke that I hadn’t known they were there. Still, last night’s scenario ran through my mind as I sat there fingering her underwear.

I had stood next to the table, watching her twirl her underwear on her finger as she did a suggestive little dance on the table at the corner pub. The men were flocked there as they could see the promise of her body under the short dress. Looking up at her, my blood started to boil.

“What do you think you are doing?” I questioned more harshly than I intended.

Turning droopy blue eyes my way, she smiled brightly as if she had just seen a new toy. “Entertaining everyone. Don’t you want to be entertained, Logan?”

I let out an angry sigh. Entertaining wasn’t quite what I had in mind for this evening originally. I supposed I could say I was on the prowl. Now that plan lay in shabbles around me as I knew nothing but Aeryn would give my body satisfaction. “Not like this, Aeryn.” I growled at all the cheering men and reached up for her.

She pulled back. “Not so fast big boy. What do I get in return?” she slurred, still looking incredibly sexy but I realized she was incredibly drunk. And I also knew that this was totally unlike her. I had followed her career in secret and was amazed at just how much control the woman exerted over herself and her courtroom battles. I wondered if the woman who had given her all to me, both physically and mentally, still existed within that hard exterior shell she worked to keep in place. Monica said…well…Monica had said a lot of things over the years.

Ignoring her, I pulled her down to the boos and hisses of the crowd. I just hoped I wasn’t going to have to fight all these men for her. Glaring most of them down, I reached for her arm praying that the big bloke next to me would give way once I had her on the ground.

“Hey,” she said and smacked me lightly. “Gentle, I’m sure I can be broke.”

At that moment all I could think of was one of the wild fillies on my farm in the highlands. I highly doubted any one would break this woman but I was sure she could break me. “This is totally inappropriate behaviour even for you,” I sneered.

Smiling, she leaned into me. “Do you know how much that accent turns me on? I mean it really turns me on, Logan. It’s more refined now but I still love it.” Licking her lips, she pulled me closer, licked my ear and continued to whisper. “Tell me what you want big boy, I already know how to give it to you.”

I glanced around again, pulled her underwear out of her hands, put it in my pocket and shoved her toward the back hall not caring what anyone thought. Thank god, I had known Clancey for years and he wouldn’t mind if I used the office. Slamming open the door, I pushed her inside and shut it against the outside world.

“Hey.” She glared at me. “You don’t have to get pushy.”

I stood before her seething, my body rock hard. There was only one way that this would end. I just had to decide if now was the time and place. I had taken Aeryn drunk before but we had both wanted it then. It was as if we couldn’t get enough of each other. To be honest, we screwed like rabbits. But this time, I didn’t know what she really wanted. “Just what in the bloody hell did you expect to accomplish with that little display?” I took a step forward as she took a step back.

I could tell she was nervous as she chewed on her lip a little. “I was looking for something I hadn’t had in a very, very long time.” She inched ever closer to the desk.

I knew it would take very little to bend her forward or backwards over that massive piece of furniture as she wanted taking as much as I wanted to take her. I took another step forward and she squeeled, turning quickly and landed on that afore mentioned desk, her sexy ass up in the air.

And as much as I wanted to, I knew I couldn’t resist it one little bit. Sliding in close, my large hand caressed that supple piece of flesh. Yes, I had taken her there and still wanted to do so, but for now caressing would have to do. I ran my fingers up her slit from front to back, rubbing the inner folds firmly. She moaned her response and pushed into my hand.

Leaning over her, I continued to fondle her and lay my body over hers. If she hadn’t seen my bludge out there, she certainly felt it now. Nibbling on her ear, I knew that this could end wonderfully or I would be in pain for quite a while. Kissing her neck, I gently humped her ass, the only thing separating my cock from her cunt was my clothes.

“Logan,” she whispered with a passion filled voice. “Where the hell have you been?”

Reaching her hand up behind her, she grabbed my hair and pulled hard. In the past, sometimes it was rough and tumble, others is was slow and sensual. This time I just wanted to stick my dick in her because I needed some satisfaction and I needed it now. Still, I didn’t know if getting what I wanted would give her what she wanted.

“Aeryn,” I whispered back and continued to kiss and caress her body. “What exactly do you want?”

“The missing pieces,” she answered softly and pressed against my fingers. Moving slightly away from her, I let my fingers slide into her folds once again, finding that hard little nub that she tried hard to forget. Pinching gently, I realized what I really wanted to do was lick and kiss that area until her flesh throbbed like mine did.

Moaning, she pushed her body against my hand as I firmly swirled her clit, leaving no spot untouched. I knew it would only take me seconds to get her off if I really tried and decided it would be better if I did her first before allowing my body to completely make me an insane man. Her body dripped for me as I leisurely pulled and plucked her from every available angle.

“Logan,” she stated breathlessly. “No one has ever touched me like you do.” She pushed and ground her body against my hand. “And no one ever will.”

Pushing against me, her hips danced with my fingers until more than not, I caressed her clit. I just had to have a taste. Getting on my knees, I pulled her back until she was totally bare to me. Leaning in, I let my tongue roam her inner recesses, savory the musky yet sweet flavor of her body. It was like a fine whiskey, smokey yet biting. Realizing that I would never be able to manipulate her from her backside like I wanted, I stood and flipped her over not caring where I scattered the contents that had been lying on the desk.

Her eyes had turned an almost midnight blue as I looked at her. She had this sexy little summer number that matched the underwear in my pocket exactly. Running my hand over her clothed breast, first one then the other, I rubbed them gently into frenzied peaks. She grunted and reached for me, pulling me down to her lips and biting my lower one ever so gently. Running her tongue over it, she seared my mouth with hers leaving tingles in her wake.

“I can taste me on you.” Her eyes searched my face and I wish I knew what she looked for because I would do anything in my power to provide it.

“You know it only gets better.” Kneeling in front of her I drug her ass to the edge of the desk, looking up at her lust filled eyes as I pushed her upper body down to the large surface. “There’s nothing I like better than going down on you.”

“You’re just amazing,” she said and arched into my body.

Licking her from stem to stern, I concentrated on her clit, making her wiggle and squirm. However, I couldn’t resist her empty orifaces and plunged my fingers in her vagina making her arch off the desk in pleasure.

“Oh, my god!” she cried. “I never thought I would feel this way again.”

I couldn’t help but smile. There was still hope. Working her clit with my mouth, and working the rest of her with my hand, I swelled even more knowing I was about to make her come like never before. They say that a woman’s orgasms get even more intense as they get older…something I had not thought about until this moment…and I was about to find out if what they said was true. By this time, her legs were over my shoulders and her hands gripped my head as every stroke brought her closer and closer to fulfillment. Her breathes were getting short and panty now, I knew it would be any second.

“Logan, harder now,” she cried and shoved her crotch even more into my mouth. Gently, I bit down on her clit and she went tumbling over the edge. As usual, she bit her finger to keep from screaming.

“You didn’t have to be quiet, you know. No one can hear us.” I rested my chin on her lower abdomen as she gently swirled my hair.

“Old habits,” she whispered and yawned. “Thank you…very…”

Her voice trailed off and I knew that my chances had been reduced to zero for the night. I watched the even rise and fall of her chest, one hand poised on her breast, the other in my hair. Rising, I stood and watched her for a moment before picking her up and retreating the the nearest chaise in the room. Sitting down I pulled her close and leaned in to take in the scent of her hair. Closing my eyes, I did something that I swore I would never do for this woman again.

I cried.

I was thankful that Monica took another five more minutes to show up. And show up she did. Knowing that moisture hung on my heavy eyelashes, I warned. “Not one damn word.”

Throwing her hands up in defense. “Have I said anything in the fifteen years since we’ve been back in the States?”

“No.”

“Logan, you’ve got to tell her,” she pleaded.

“No.” I stared at her as I cuddled Aeryn. In retrospect, maybe it should have been Monica I’d fallen in love with but it wasn’t. And I wasn’t about to beg for this one to come back to me.

Monica sighed. “You two are the most pigheaded people I know. You know you belong together.”

“She’s got to want to come back to me and then explain to me why she left in the first place.”

“That’s hardly fair, Logan. You know why we both left. I wish to God I had never allowed that one little deception. It was wrong and you know it. If you wanted her that badly, you knew where to find us.”

I kissed Aeryn’s forehead and pulled her even closer. “She wanted to be free, Monica, free to persue her destiny she said. I had to give her a reason.”

“That’s bull and you know it.” Monica peered at us and her eyes went wide. “Did anything happen? I mean…geez…she’s in your arms practically nude.”

“Aeryn got what she wanted before she passed out…why do you think she still has her dress on?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Nothing a cold shower won’t cure. Or maybe a warm one and a hand.”

Her cheeks flashed pink. “Too much information, thank you.”

I laughed. “I want to know how a woman of forty still blushes?”

Frowning at me, she stuck out her tongue and it was as if we were twenty-five again. “Look, we’ve got to figure out what to do.”

“I have some questions first.”

She swallowed hard. “Okay, ask them.”

“What are you doing here?”

“We’re here for a conference in International Law.” She looked away.

“You weren’t going to contact me, were you?” I watched Aeryn’s best friend squirm.

She turned back to me and licked her lips. “Actually, I was. I just hadn’t figured out what I was going to tell her.” She motioned her head to the sleeping woman in my arms.

“What do you mean?”

“Logan, I’ve never got her to talk about you in fifteen years. The only thing she’ll ever even refer to you as is ‘the stud’ and it’s hard pressed to get that much out of her. She is very tightlipped where you’re concerned.”

“Surely, she dates.”

Monica let out a very unladylike snort. “Occassionally, and more often than not it doesn’t go past the first one.”

“Sex?”

“I personally think she loves her vibrator more.” Her eyes practically bore a hole in mine.

I know that surprise was etched upon my face. “So that’s what she meant,” I murmured.

A gentle knock could be heard and Clancey walked in. “I’m lockin’ up for the night. I’ll wait till you’re finished.” He retreated just as silently as he arrived but not before I saw a look exchanged between him and Monica.

“Are you and he…?” I left the question unfinished when I saw her nod her head. “I see.”

“I don’t think you do.”

Caressing Areyn’s back gently, I looked at her. “Explain it to me then.”

“Aeryn really never left Scotland, she really never left you.”

“How can you even say that?”

“Logan, can’t you see? She never allowed anyone closer than you were. When we left, it was as if a part of her was left behind. She cried for weeks.”

I listened to the soft lilt in her voice because I didn’t want to hear what she really said. “You’re starting to sound like one of us again.”

“I could only be so lucky.”

I could see that there was something truly bothering her. “Monica, just what is it?”

“I don’t want to be alone any more, Logan. But I’ve got to see Aeryn settled too. I just can’t leave her alone. Why do you think I faenagled her to come to this conference?” She leaned against the desk, crossing her arms over her chest. She looked a little said and forlorn as if she were in the midst of a great dilemma.

And it became crystal clear. “You wanted to set us up.”

“No…I wanted you both to go back where you belong…together.”

I looked down at the woman sleeping in my arms again and caressed her beautiful face. It was obvious that the sex would be just as good if not better. But how would I ever get her to love me again?

Monica was biting her lip. She was a good friend. I only hoped that Aeryn understood just how good. Standing, I began to walk to the door. “Open it for me, I might have something that might work.”

Carrying my precious cargo, I put her down in a chair with arms and placed her head and hands on the table. I made her as comfortable as I could and turned to both of them. “She’s going to have a hell of a headache when she wakes up in the morning.”

Monica nodded in agreement. “And she’s gonna be pissed that she can’t find her underwear.”

I smiled slyly. “I know. You can tell her ‘the stud’ has them.”

Monica started to chuckle. “You are devious.”

“Well, it might get us something we both want. You want me to see her again and I want to prove to her that we can make it.”

She smiled broadly. “That sounds wonderful. What are you doing now days? We never got around to really talking about anything in our Christmas cards.”

Now it was my turn to look surprised. “I own Braxton Enterprises.”

Her mouth hung open. “As in multi-million dollar Braxton? The music biz, the airline, the soccer team?”

“That’s me.”

“Oh, bloody hell,” she whispered.

“It’s okay, really.”

“Maybe. But I think that her next lawsuit is going to be against you.”

That gave me an unexpected jolt. “We’ll just have to work it out. Right now, I’m taking her underwear and I’m going to frame them to put over my desk. I think you know what to do.” I turned and looked at Clancey. “Clancey, you remember where my apartment is, don’t you?”

“Aye…I do…the fancy one on Royal Mile?”

“That would be it. Do you have something I can write on? I don’t want her to know I’m the head Braxton yet.” He handed me a napkin and a pen.

“Sorry, chum, it’s all I ‘ave for paper.”

“It’ll do.” I wrote down my address and phone, realizing there would be some adjustments I’d have to make there to hide who I was just a little bit more. “Call me when she’s on her way.”

With that I had walked out and wandered back to my office about five blocks away. Sunrise had seen me still at my desk with her underwear. That warm shower looked better and better.

Okay, now my secret is out. I plan to do a book in first person but from both the heroine and hero’s POV. I hear it’s been done before but I personally haven’t read anything like this as I haven’t gotten much reading time recently. See, I have this compelling need to write and I’m going to ride that wave until I get tired. LOL!

In this section, and probably all the sections which have Logan’s POV, I’ll have my husband read them since I’m not a man and don’t really know what’s going on in their heads at all. I can’t presume to because I’m a woman. But I can write about it as long as I can consult the DH. And thank goodness he’s around. He’s already had me tweak a few things because he’s flat out told me that a man wouldn’t think like I had written Logan at all for the first round. That’s the joy of having the DH and of research.

Next time we’ll talk about how I’m going to get Logan and Aeryn finally together. Will their first real meeting in fifteen years be hot and explosive, or cold and angry? At this point I’m leaning a little toward both. I’ve already clued you into the fact that Logan does not want to reveal all he is and we all know that will lead to problems. Ah, let the angst begin!

And forty year old angst is just as hard on you as when one is younger except in my experience, it can hit you a little harder. I know that Aeryn is up to it. But this is where the saggy middle can start but it’s my job to prevent it before it can happen.

I hope you are enjoying this look into my creative process. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this and it’s fun! Have a great month!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions! The reason I’m posting this is to help other writers and in no way am I saying this is perfect at all. But I write first then correct later. It’s easier that way for me. I have to get things down on paper then worry about the details later. I appalaud writers who can edit as they go because it is a gift. My gift is an abundance of ideas and getting them down on paper. Then I make the manuscript as clean as possible and pass it through a critique group. I send the complete project out to a few select beta readers and another crit group for deep edits. Once that process is done, I start sending it out to publishers.

I hope that this helps you all...and see you next week!

Lynn

What Doesn't Kill Us...

2010-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I will be the first to say that reviews terrify the hell out of me. It's hard enough for me to send my stories out as submissions to agents. But then once the story gets published and it goes out to the review sites, the nerves hit again. I find myself holding my breath with each new email. So far I feel I've been lucky with reviews--they've all been decent and the worst thing said was one reviewer wanted a story to be longer.

Recently I received an email from a reader (this is a first for me). Unfortunately she didn't like the story she'd read. I won't go into details about her review other than to say she REALLY didn't like the story. I was just flabbergasted by her comments--not by the fact she didn't like the story because I know not everyone has the same taste. No, I was flabbergasted by the tone of the email and the insult to my publisher. It was just not nice.

However, the email was an eyeopener for me. Not everyone is going to love what I write. Not everyone is going to agree with my point of view on how my characters should act. I do know that the most important thing is, I have to write what I love. If I don't love the story how can I expect anyone else to love it? I feel blessed to have six stories released with the seventh on the way. I am blessed to have found a publisher who allows me to be me in my stories, who allows my heroines to be wacky. And I am blessed to have my loyal reader base who support me and my writing career.

As long as there is someone out there to reach I will continue writing. I can't let every negative review kill my creative flow but I can take that negative comment and use it for fuel to work harder. Remember, those negative reviews may hurt but they will only make you stronger.

By the way, I have to say thank you to my friends who rallied around me today. I love you girls dearly!

Wordscraper

2010-04-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

I've fallen in love. Thanks to my awesome pal Jackie Kallen, the First Lady of Boxing, I've discovered the awesome joys of Wordscraper, a Scrabble-style game played on Facebook. I had no idea the game existed but it's one of the many applications available on the social networking site and it has saved my life.

I used to be one of those socially-awkward people who punished friends and family members for a game of ScrabbIe. Yes, my nieces and nephews run when they see me searching for them with my board in hand. I have a Travel Scrabble and have hit up strangers on planes who feign sleep after several rounds.

Pikers!

I lived in eternal frustration because I love word games and I love Wordscraper. You can play with one person or more and I currently have several games going.

Jackie and our mutual friend, author Norma Zager play, Scrabble and eat cheap Chinese food at Fu's Palace...not as often as we'd like, but the beauty of Wordscraper is that you play if and when you feel like it. I happen to think Chinese food goes great with the game, but that's just me.

You can eat, drink, do anything you want when you play Wordscraper. You can play naked!

Just click the application link and check if it's your turn. You make your move and leave it to your opponent to make their move.

Jackie and I are on our second game and unlike Scrabble, which requires your immediate attention, the beauty of this game is that you make your move and go about your day...and still get to keep what Hercule Poirot called "the little grey cells" active.

Studies show that playing word games keeps your mind young and things like Alzheimer's far away. I currently have seven games going, including one with author Serena Yates and others with my pals Caroline, Sandra, Cynthia and Silver.

Oops. Maybe I shouldn't have outed them all like this?

Anyway, I have no idea who created this game or how long it's been on Facebook but it's one of my healthiest obsessions (my other most lethal one being cupcakes).

So if you find yourself at a loose end and wanting to join the e revolution of mind and word games, check out Wordscraper. Hit me up, I challenge you and welcome you to the fun side of social networking. Your secret fetish will be safe with me.

It's your move,

A.J.

A WIP Revisited - Part Deux

2010-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

First, let me apologize for this being a day late. It’s allergy season here in Southern Nevada and I’m in hell...figuratively at least...LOL! Things are blooming and my eyes are swelling and the nose is dripping. It’s hit me hard especially this year as we’ve had more rain than usual. More rain means more blooms and while I don’t know what’s getting me, I do know it will be over by June...I hope...:-).

Still, life must go on and I need to make sure I do my weekly blog as it gives me direction. Again, here is my creative process on a book I will be finishing early next week. Enoy!

My Creative Process: Your Glimpse Into a WIP – Part 2

Well, here we are in month two of our work in progress. And I’ll be honest, the whole time between last column and this one, I’ve been thinking about what really does come next.

This is where I should come up with something brilliant and insightful but to be honest, I had to think about it once again. Even pantsers do some thinking about their stories. First, let’s recap what I went over last month.

Last month, we talked about how to get ideas and how to formulate that ever important first line. You all learned that I’m a pantser when it comes to writing certain things while there are others I have to meticulously plan. You learned that I continuously play head games with myself while I’m at the computer and that sometimes because of those head games, I have brilliant insight to how a story should go.

In this case, the inspiration for my work-in-progress came in the form of an intriguing picture. Add to that a really cute title and an interesting heroine who realizes her underwear is missing and suddenly you have the premise for a really good story.

Still there are some things that need to be done in the development of this story. When we last left our characters, Aeryn and her best friend, Monica, are sitting in a local pub discussing the previous eventful evening.

Let’s look at what we know about them. We know that Aeryn and Monica are lawyers who are in Scotland because of a conference on international law. We know that one of them drinks tequila like there’s no tomorrow and that one of them likes tea. We know that both of them know someone they call ‘the stud’ and said stud has Aeryn’s underwear. We also know that Aeryn is considered an all-American-blonde who has been hit upon by everyone at the conference. We also know that they have toured the continent before right after they became lawyers. Other than that, we don’t know much more at all.

So just where do we go from here?

At this point I usually ask myself some questions. What did they do when they had visited the continent? Who really is ‘the stud’? Does ‘the stud’ and Aeryn have a history? Is that why she’s so worried? Just what was that history if they had one? Will we stay in the city of Edinburgh or will travel to the Scottish countryside? Do I know enough about Scotland to write something like this? What’s the basic plotline going to be?

Okay, let’s look at these questions in order. First up, what did they do when they had visited the continent? Okay, what does one do when they get out of grad school? For this I either can look at myself and my friends or talk to others. I know that we weren’t the ‘Girls Gone Wild’ bunch in the least but we did party hardy when we realized that school was going to be in the past. By that time, each of us had significant others and did a variety of things. I went to Tahoe, a friend of mine went to the U.S. Virgin Islands, three others went to the continent for the trip of a lifetime. And believe me, I have talked to them extensively and there were at least one or two studs along the way. None of them spent the time in Scotland that I’ll have these two spending there but my friends gave me enough ideas to fill at least five books.

Second up is, who really is ‘the stud? And it goes right along with the third and fourth questions, does ‘the stud’ and Aeryn have a history and is that why she’s do worried? My obvious answer here is that ‘the stud’ is someone the girls met during their first trip to Scotland. The second answer is a little more rocky. Yes, Aeryn and ‘the stud’ have a history. What’s up in the air at this point is what kind of history. If I make them lovers, the obvious thing would be that the relationship had no resolution and this story will give them one. But what if they had had a resolution but it was one that neither one of them could accept. It would have to be something along the lines of ‘I love you but I have my whole life ahead of me. I have a wonderful job waiting and I don’t know you enough to throw it all away on good sex’ type of thing. But then again, there are a couple of other scenarios that could have happened. They had great sex and she disappeared in the morning. Or maybe they made a heart-felt promise that if neither had married before a certain age, they’d try to get back together. The answer to the fourth question is easy – no matter how you slice it, she has reason to be worried. The worry can be a total angst thing on her part or it can be because the relationship was great or the relationship was bad. Every one of those scenarios would work wonderful and I’m going to have to pick one. Actually, I’m going to have to let the characters pick one. They always tell me what they are going to do anyway.

The fifth question, just what was that history if they had one, will be answered like I said by the characters themselves. Since I write character driven stories, I need to try and figure out what is in their heads not mine. Sure I can shape the way things are going to go but in reality I’ve got to become that character briefly so I know what they would say, do, think and so on.

Next question, will we stay in Edinburgh or travel to the Scottish countryside? I’m all for traveling to the Scottish countryside. I’ve been to Scotland for a total of about nine weeks and am planning another visit at the end of this summer to start in August and end sometime in September as I’m going to a Tolkien Moot that’s being held in a highland castle. My hope is that this stud character will be a man of some means and live some place really cool in the countryside of the country I’d love to make my second home, Scotland. It really is a beautiful place but I’ve only been there in the summer. Now there’s a thought, some where in this story, they could get snowbound in a highland cottage. How cool would that be? LOL!

So I’ve answered the next question too, do I know enough about Scotland to write something like this? What I don’t know I can get from friends I’ve made over there and by reading more books on the subject. Since I do have a point of reference, I can extrapolate from there. On my first trip to Scotland, I spent a week in England and then the rest of the time on a farm near Stirling. The second time, I again spent a week in England, ten days at the farm and the rest touring the Scottish country side to places we hadn’t made it the first time. This next trip, I will be mainly by myself or with a friend and her family. Every time I go, I pick up more books on Scottish history and see more of those little obscure places that most people never get to see.

So, what’s the basic plotline going to be? Okay, so now that I’ve gone through and answered some of the questions to move forward, here’s the direction I plan to take right now. Remember, I let the characters talk through me and this is what they are saying right now.

Aeryn and the stud, who I’ve name Logan MacKenzie, do have a history, a hot and heavy one at that. Logan is the only man in Aeryn’s life who ever made her think her life choices weren’t the right ones for her. He made her live life instead of just being a participant. But Logan, at the time that Aeryn knew him, was too much of a free spirit for her and she bolted in a big way.

Now Monica was witness to all this but she’s hiding a secret, a big secret. Logan had gone to her early on in his and Aeryn’s relationship and got her to agree to a minor deception. The deception being that Aeryn thought the man was playing the field with her best friend also. But it was all a lie to make Aeryn think that Logan wasn’t as in love with her as she wanted to believe. The point of the matter is, Logan has never gotten over her. Period. That doesn’t mean he has had relationships since. Quite the contrary BUT none of them have even held a candle to the relationship he and Aeryn had.

So now, imagine what he is thinking when he finds both Monica and Aeryn at Clancy’s Pub in Edinburgh where he too has come for business. I know that I’m writing in first person POV and that it would be very hard to show you what Logan’s POV would be. But I have a very special surprise in mind for him that can’t be revealed until next time. Now on with the story. Here’s the next excerpt in my exciting new tale and we’re starting from the exact place we left off.

“What? No pithy comeback…nothing…you’re just going to lay your head there and say nothing?” She snorted like she always does at that point. “I thought you’d have at least something to say.”

The table felt cool to my cheek and I tried to concentrate on it while I plotted my response. Maybe saying nothing would be better in this case but I doubted it. “Let’s make sure we’re talking about ‘the stud,’ if you know what I mean.”

“What other stud is there, Aeryn?” She scowled at me over the edge of her teacup as I rested my chin on the table.

“Well…it could be someone that you met here…it doesn’t have to be our stud.”

Monica laughed. “For a lawyer, you can be really dense sometimes.” Sipping her tea, she just stared at me and I really hated when she did that. “You know you wanted to see him.”

I grimaced. Was I that transparent? “What if I did?”

“Pluazzzeee. Just who do you think you are talking to here? Your Grandma?”

“You just keep my Grandmother out of this,” I retorted back and frowned.

“Sweetie, your Grandmother would be hot and bothered if she knew the stud.” She just sat there giving me that all knowing look of hers. Sometimes I really hated her.

We had called him ‘the stud’ from the moment we met him. Logan MacKenzie. His very name still made shivers of delight run down my spine. But we didn’t end well, any of us. He liked both Monica and I way to much and I wasn’t into sharing any more now than I was then. But Monica could never know as my loyalties are with her and always were. I could still picture him in my mind with his wild warrior look comprised of his dark curly locks framing his almost romanesque face and his brilliant green eyes. His hair had a touch of red which matched his touch of temper. And he had been tall, much taller than my five foot ten frame. He was a man I could actually look up to as he dwarfed in comparison.

And he was the only man for which I had fallen completely head over heels. Not a day had gone by since I left him where I didn’t wonder if I had made a mistake all those years ago. Sighing heavily, I licked my dry lips. This damn hangover wasn’t making my life any easier.

“How did he know we were here?” I mumured still holding my aching noggin in my hands.

“He didn’t.”

I glanced up at her and realized that she told the truth. He hadn’t know where we were. It was a chance hapenstance that got me into this mess. My frown deepened. Logan had hated the city and swore he would never be caught in one. This lead me to my next logical leap…why on earth had he been here?

“Is the little lady any better?”

I wearily watched the barkeep, Clancy MacDougal, bring Monica another hot pot and while his brogue definitely turned my head, it would never turn me on. The thing that gave me pause was when the handsome redhead leaned down and gently kissed my best friend. “What’s this?”

Monica leisurely finished her lengthy lip-lock with her usual attention to detail and turned my way. “While you’ve been four sheets to the wind most nights, I’ve been doing some searching of my own.”

“Oh.” I couldn’t say a thing. I knew that she had been in the market for a long time for a good man. Still there were questions to be answered. “I thought that Clancy was an old man.”

He turned a brilliant smile on me and I could glimpse what had stolen Monica’s heart. “I’m the younger,” he stated, his brogue light and airy.

Again I had little comment. “Oh.”

“Is that all you can say is ‘oh’?” She continued to sip her tea.

“Well…” I began, “…I’m not sure what to say.”

“You could say you were happy for me,” she growled at me.

I knew that this was a serious thing to her as she never growled at me. “Umm…sure…I’m happy for you.” I must have looked like a wide eyed puppy or something because then she did a very rare thing. She took pity on me.

“Look. You really should be happy to know that all any one got was your underwear.”

I sat up straight. “What are you talking about?”

“You haven’t told her about the table yet?”

My eyes switched rapidly from Monica to Clancy. “Table?” I saw her jab an elbow into his side.

“Ouch. Whad’ya do that for?” They exchanged a look which I could read. “Oh,” he said and turned away. “I’ll leave ya to explain that one.”

Next time we’ll talk about Logan’s appearance and how I intend to clue you in on his point of view. Oh, yes…and then there’s how he actually got the underwear left to be told. Again, I promise not to leave you hanging too long! Later…and have a great month.

I hope you enjoyed this look into my novel. Let me know what you like, what you don’t like and we’ll go from there. Have a great week everyone and I’ll see you next!

Lynn

What was I thinking?

2010-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

I seem to be asking myself this question quite frequently. Normally I ask this when I take on too many projects and responsibilities. But this time I'm asking what could I have possibly been thinking to take a day (one measly) day off work. Yes, I know I shouldn't whine about having a 3-day weekend. And I should be greatful to have a job to take time off from. And I am.

But I know I'm not alone in thinking it is hard enough to go back to work on Monday. To go back to the normal daily work routine after being off for three days is killer. That extra day throws off the entire schedule. Please assume you should know exactly what went down in the office when you weren't there. Like I know who parked in what parking spot yesterday, I didn't see them. What do you mean, "who signed that invoice from that vendor we used for that thing?" What invoice are you talking about?

And of course I get the question, so why'd you take an extra day off? What did you do in your personal time? It's called personal time because it's personal. No, I don't have to share my non-work hour activities with the office. If I wanted to tell you I would. Oh, please, stop pouting. It won't kill you to not know everything.

LOL oh, yeah, I take all the gripes and grumbles, put them into my stories and kill them off one by one. Mwahahahahahahaaa...

I actually went golfing with my hubby on Saturday. First time since August, when he bought me my own set of clubs. Apparently the goal is to shoot the LOWEST score, and for a typical course par would be around 72. I'm so dang good I shot a 72 in the first 9 holes. So that means I'm done with the game right? I got to the score first? Yeah, he didn't think it was funny either. Turns out that 72 was ADDED to the 50 on the back 9. In one afternoon I scored enough to have played two rounds of golf. See, this is why I stick to writing.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Looking forward to a bright week ahead.

a recent release

2010-04-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

The first book in my new series came out on the first. Yay! Look What the Cat Dragged In for Evelyn
Available at www.devinedestinies.com
ISBN: 978-1-55487-527-6
Pages: 136
Release Date: 04/01/2010
Cover Artist: Angela Waters
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Ghostly Encounter, (non-erotic)
Blurb: Myrddin, Cassandra's frisky feline familiar, has his work cut out to get two lovers together. Evelyn is in love with Raritan Manor's resident ghost, Quinn, but can only experience his embrace in her dreams. Quinn, who doesn't realize he's a ghost, loves Eve and wishes she'd stop saying they can't be together. While at the manor, her friend, Julie, is prompted by Cassandra and Myrddin to invite their cousin, Alex, for a visit. When Alex arrives, Evelyn's hopes rise. Perhaps she will be able to have a real relationship after all. Alex, though, has no interest in Evelyn. Yet, every time Myrddin comes around, Alex feels like a man possessed and wants Eve with a passion, but the moment the cat leaves, he's back to his old self again.
Caught between loving a ghost and putting up with a man who can't make up his mind, Evelyn is at a loss of what to do and feels as if she's losing her mind. Can Myrddin get the right people together without causing too much heartache in the process?
~ Excerpt ~
She picked up a picture of Quinn and touched the front of it.
"I'm sure you noticed my guests in the house." She glanced around the attic. "Julie, my grandniece, brought her friend from Texas. Such a nice girl." Mae put the picture away, went to another chest and opened it. "Julie mentioned Evelyn has a dream man. I do hope she doesn't have her eyes closed too tight dreaming when a real man comes along. It'd be a shame to pass up love." She opened a cardboard box as she talked.
"Oh, here they are!" Mae picked up a bundle of linens. "Now we can have a nice sit down dinner. Of course if you want to join us you can, but don't make your presence known. You just about frightened Evelyn back to Texas."
"Auntie?" Julie's voice called from the stairs.
Mae whirled around as her niece entered the attic. "Hello, dear."
"Were you talking to your ghost again?"
She tittered. "I suppose so." Pointing to a second bundle of linens, she asked, "Could you help me bring these down?"
"Sure, in a moment. I need to talk to you first. Ask you a favor."
"What's on your mind?"
"I'd like to invite Cousin Alex up here for a few weeks if you don't mind."
Auntie Mae sighed. "You know he's a busy man. Plus, he doesn't like being here for very long. But it's not a problem with me having more company."
"Good. I'm gonna call him tonight then."
"Why the rush, dear?"
Julie smiled. "Cassandra said Myrddin said he's needed here. He's supposed to help Evelyn have a change of heart."

Metrosexing

2010-04-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

My friend Nadia opened her own day spa salon in Studio City a couple of years ago and told me when I rant into her in the street the other day that she was hurt that I hadn't made an appointment for a facial. Number one, I suppose some guys go in for this sort of thing but not me. Number two, I can't afford her rates. Number three, I sort of felt ambushed because I was walking my dog.
She didn't care. She dragged me and my dog up to her salon on Saturday afternoon. My dog cooled her heels chewing on some chicken under Nadia's desk as Nadia took me into one of her rooms and slathered some products on my face.
"Oh, my," she said, peering at my skin under a harsh light. "Tsk tsk tsk."
I started to panic. what did she mean tsk?
"Unless you do do something soon, your age will start to show." Say, what? The spooked expression on her face was the kind you usually see on people watching horror movies. My age? How bad do I look?
"You have to look after your skin. You're not gay," she said.
"Yes, I am."
"No, no. I mean looking after your skin means you're a Metrosexual."
"I hate that word. I'm gay."
She looked pained. "My straight clients use these products and they aren't gay."
She gave me a ton of samples to take home to try and urged me to use the mask. "When you're ready to buy, come see me and I'll give you a good price."
I staggered out of there with a bag full of swag, my dog dangling at the end of the leash. My skin felt good, so yesterday, I took out the swag and there was the mask. I followed the directions. I put the gray chalky stuff all over my face. It felt thick and creamy. Quite comforting in the heat of the unseasonably warm day.
I was supposed to wash it off after 10 minutes but it still felt wet to the touch so I left it on. I took a shower a little while later, dried off and washed my teeth, raced the dog out for a walk and then drove to a work meeting.
Everybody at the office stared at me. I thought my skin must have looked extra good. Maybe they thought I'd had a face lift. Every place I went, I got stares and whispers. I beamed at everyone. I felt pretty damned sexy.
Last night I went to chant at my Buddhist group. One of the guys drew me aside.
"Andy, are you aware you have a face mask on?"
"What?"
I rushed to the bathroom. Holy fuckity fuck fuck fuck. He wasn't kidding! It was still there! In spite of a vigorous wash in the shower and a full day out and about, the mask was still on my face.
Holy crap!
No wonder people stared at me. I walked through the entire Universal Studios lot. I went to lunch at The Counter. I went to the post office, bank, the library...oh. My. God.
I scrubbed my face pretty hard probably undoing any good that damned mask might have done. This morning I see hints of it on my skin. Maybe the pasty look is in.
I do know I won't be purchasing any Metrosexual rubbish. I will just start to look my gay old age.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

A WIP Revisited

2010-03-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I started a column I called ‘My Creative Process’ about how I write. I am happy to convey the story I talked about is almost complete and I’d like to start the column again with my original post from 2008.

Yeah, yeah...I know...a couple of years to finish a book. BUT the reality of the situation is this book always got put to the side because of other projects. Last year, I started with a new critique group that was relentless in making sure I got this one finished. This week I will be putting the last words on paper and will be doing the happy dance as this is what I’m calling my breakout book.

It’s hot and fun and oh so good. And while this first scene may have changed a little bit, not much else has. Except I’ve gotten better at what I do and that’s always a blessing.

I hope you like this glimpse into my past. I won’t keep you waiting so long this time!

My Creative Process: Your Glimpse Into a WIP

By Lynn Crain

2008

Okay, I’ll admit when I decided to let you all in on my creative process, my first thought was “What creative process?” See, I considered myself a pantser. You know some one who is always writing by the seat of their pants. Amazing isn’t it, since most of my stuff appears seamless?

See, years ago, I planned everything to the nth detail. And with good reason too. When you do sci-fi or fantasy, those things need to be planned out. It’s one of the reasons that the Crusin’ project is going so slow. When I write those type of stories, I usually write a section and then make sure what I did was correct for the world I had built. And that takes time. There are some stories that I’ve let languish for months just working out the right scenario in my head. If it doesn’t work for me, it certainly won’t work for you.

Now the real reason I can be a pantser today is because I have internalized most of what I used to write down. And somehow, I manage to keep all the facts straight. So basically, I play these little head games with myself whenever I’m at the computer. Sometimes I do write the answers down on a page which I then save to my idea folder or particular story folder. A lot of the times if the story is contemporary I don’t need to do that at all any more.

So just what fuels my creative process you might ask. It can be a lot of things. Some times it people, some times it’s a picture and some times it’s a title. So let’s start at the beginning with a picture this time and I’ll take you through the whole process. And yes, you are seeing the beginnings of what is known as a work-in-progress or a WIP. I always have about ten projects going at any one time because I tend to get bored easily. With all those projects I am never bored.

First, let’s look at this picture. Intriguing, isn’t it? Wait a minute…we can’t put pictures here…LOL! So I’ll have to describe it to you. The picture is of a woman standing there with her underwear around her knees. Send me an email and I’ll send you a copy of the mock cover I’ve made. But onward – I love the colors and I just love her stance. And the first time I saw it, I laughed my ass off. Once the humor aspect was done, I started to look at it carefully. Okay…I had this wonderful picture…which brought some very naughty thoughts to mind. Now, just how was I going to use those thoughts?

I stared at it for a few minutes and came up with the title and or tag line “Where’s My Underwear Anyway?” And then I came up with another one “My Underwear is Missing – Do You Have It?” And finally, “Explain to Me Again Why You Have My Underwear?”

I really like, “Where’s My Underwear Anyway?” and decide that’s what I’m going to keep as the title of this work-in-progress. You might ask me how I determine the length of this new venture and I will honestly have to tell you that I won’t know until it’s done. That’s another joy about being a pantser. The stories call me and I answer their call. They tell me how long they are going to be and who the characters are. I follow that train of thinking and work accordingly. Most of the time I have a general word count in mind but it is no way carved in stone.

So, now I have a title and a cover picture. Thank goodness I always put together what I call concept art that goes in with a manuscript. Basically, I put something together and then let my publisher know I want either that cover or something very much like it. Yeah, my creative juices don’t just flow in the writing arena. You’ll see my concept of the cover at the end of this column.

Okay, the next thing I think about is the first line. The first line in any story is the hook. One of the best writing talks I ever went to was called ‘Hook, Line and Sinker’ and it was about the importance of having a great first line. I have given many a talk on the importance of this myself. Once I had the concept down myself, I quickly won a few first line contests put on by the various publishing houses in the late ‘90s. Unfortunately, a great first line can’t be the only thing your story has going for it.

So what am I thinking now in regards to the first line? First, I have to set the scene. We have this woman, who doesn’t know where her underwear is obviously…so who would she be talking to about this? Her girl friends more than likely, right? You betcha! I can see them sitting around a table in a quiet section of the local bar/pub discussing the turn of events. Here’s what I see for that first line and the beginning of this quirky story.

“So…you really don’t know where your underwear might be?”

I stared at my best friend across the table. It sounded so much better when I really wasn’t thinking about it. “Do you have to be so loud?” I put my head in my hands and peered through my fingers at Monica, who’s been my best friend since grade school.

“It’s not my fault that you have the mother of all hangovers. Again. How many times have I told you to stay away from the tequila?” She sighed and sipped on her hot tea. “We’re in Scotland. You’re supposed to be drinking whiskey.”

“I know, I know. It’s to-kill-ya. But please, I gotta figure out where my underwear is.” I sent her my best ‘you have to help me’ look.

“I’ll try but this is just way too funny.” She looked around the almost empty pub. “Just think…this place was the scene of an…underwear napping.” She laughed then winked at me.

“This really isn’t funny, you know.” I lay my head down on my hands. Just thinking about it was making me queasy.

“You’re on vacation, why are you so worried?” She shrugged her shoulders in that typical Monica way.

I looked up at her and groaned. “It’s a working vacation. I’m a lawyer for heaven sakes. I’m supposed to be a model citizen.” I really wished I could do more than just look at her with distain. What I really wanted to do was wring her neck and get that smug expression off her face. “And I’m here with bunch of damn lawyers!” My voice rose and my head immediately began throbbing like a percussion band. I really needed to watch that, I thought as rubbed my forehead.

Monica sat back in her chair and sipped her tea daintily once again. “You really need to get into this Scottish tea. It’ll do wonders for that aching head.”

I grimaced and wished she hadn’t reminded me. My law firm was an international company and when we found out an important conference on international law was being held in Edinburgh, Scotland, we jumped on the chance. Monica and I had toured the continent right out of law school but of all the places we went to, Scotland was our favorite. We had accrued plenty of vacation time and it only took a little time to convince our employers that it would be in their best interest to let us go to this particular conference.

“Would you just quit it?” I mumbled into the table.

“What was that? You don’t remember any of it?”

I looked up with what I hoped was the most ill and forlorn look I could give her. “I wish you’d just stop it.”

She pursed her lips before sitting her tea back on the table. “You know you really shouldn’t be so worried.”

“Why not? Half the lawyers here have already tried to jump my bones and the other half wished they had tried. How do you get away with them not slobbering all over you? And you know how I get when I ‘m drinking tequila.”

She let out a long, low whistle. “Hon, I’m not the all American blonde woman here. And you betcha, I totally understand better than anyone just how you are when you drink that poison. But really, you don’t need to worry as I know who has them.”

This was a shining spot in an otherwise dim day. “You do? Who?”

She smiled at me then with that all knowing bitch smile she uses when she knows she has the superior position. “Yeah, I do.” Monica paused for a minute for effect. If nothing else the woman was dramatic and very effective in the courtroom.. “The stud has them.”

I let my head thump back down on the table. This was worse than I thought.

Not bad for a first try. And yeah, I put this together just for this column. I might tweak it a little but it’s pretty good right out of the chute. I read it to my husband who was standing over me, even he got a kick out of it and that’s pretty hard to do. I’ve decided to do something so totally different with this story that might warrant me passing it off to an agent. We’ll see.

Next time we’ll talk about what I do next in the process. I promise not to leave you hanging too long! Later…and have a great week.

The sentiment is the same after two years...you all have a great week...and I’ll have another installment for you!

Lynn

Time Management

2010-03-30T07:20:00.001-07:00

The key to juggling a life and a writing career is time management... or so I've heard. I am still struggling to find that balance between writing, two full-time jobs and a full-time class schedule. Yes, I know. I'm insane for taking so much on. But then is it really so much when you think about people who have children and are still writing multiple 100k novels a years, working a full-time day job and still spending quality time with their children?

I can't whine about being stressed and pressed for time. Why not you ask? Well, because I did it to myself. I keep saying yes, when I really should say "I'm sorry I don't have time for that" or "No, I'm not going to take that class this semester because that means I will be running around from 5:30am to 11:00pm four days a week."

So when do I get anytime to squeeze in writing? Well, my car ride to work most days is 40 minutes one way. So I've learned to write at stop lights when there are any, and to use the voice notes function on my phone. I swear I'm going to get adventurous and start using the voice recognition software on my laptop to type my story as I drive. But good grief, I can only imagine what ELSE will get added to the story as I rant about crazy drivers and the jerk who just cut me off. :)

What are your tips for time management and juggling crazy schedules? I'd love to hear them.

Welcome Guest ~ Tina Gayle

2010-03-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

An "egg-cerpt blog exchange" ~ Presenting Tina Gayle's story
Mating Rituals
~ Blurb ~
With rock-hard fortitude, Marohka Taunton battles to maintain her position as top mineralogist and refuses to see why she should marry even if the law requires she take a mate. Fighting her attraction for Stihl Fermesium, she struggles to save her father’s company.
Stihl, determined to win her as his mate, is faced with the commission deal of a lifetime and needs the money to save his family land. He wrestles with her emotional resistance and discovers someone other than Marohka is unhappy about their union. In fact, they want to separate them in the most basic of ways, death.
~ Excerpt ~
Staring straight ahead, Marohka Taunton avoided eye contact with every man she passed. Moving along the edge of the dance floor, she wove her way back and forth across the assigned path. Her steps, jerky and clumsy, she hid her natural smooth gait. No man, in his right mind, craved an ungraceful wife. At least, she hoped not.
With the stairs a few steps ahead, she tasted victory and allowed herself a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
A masculine voice in front of her chuckled. "It’s not over yet, princess."
Marohka paused to inspect the stranger. The laughter reflected in his warm brown eyes—surprised, the intelligent focus—intrigued, and the dark spark of interest—captivated. A foreign response slithered through her chest. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Her heartbeat rang in her ears. Her hands turned clammy. Awareness of the man claimed her senses.
His face, framed by dark brown hair, showed rough lines of strength and fortitude. A crooked nose, a square jaw, and a chiseled chin marked his unique personality. Added together, the sum indicated the man rarely backed down from a fight. He’d stand up for his beliefs and defeat his opponents. His lopsided grin with a dimple at the corner of his mouth teased her.
A silly feature on such a stern face. The little mark claimed her heart and spoke of a rare sense of humor, a trait absent in most men.
A tingle ran down her spine. Her toes curled. Either as an appealing partner or a worthy adversary, the man presented a dangerous combination. Right then, without question, Marohka decided never to cross paths with him again.
"It is for me," she responded to his comment. She lifted her chin a little higher and repaired the chip in her armor with a sassy comeback. "But you’re welcome to any of the girls behind me. I’m sure they’ll enjoy your charm."
Marohka lifted her skirt and swept up the stairs. The sound of his laughter spoiled her intended snub.

ISBN: 978-1-935348-58-0
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Book Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Find at www.amirapress.com

The Book and the Rose

2010-03-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

The Book and the Rose, my next release with Amber Allure, the GLBT imprint of Amber Quill Press comes out on April 25, exactly a month from now. I am already jumping up and down with excitement.
I love the cover (I think Trace Edward Zaber is not only an awesome publisher but an incredible artist who puts his heart into our covers) but I am ecstatic because I asked especially for this release date - and I got it!
The Book and the Rose comes out on a day that may not be especially significant in the US but in Europe is celebrated as St. George's Day.
In Barcelona (where the book is set), it is an especially significant day. It is Diada de la Sant Jordi - a festival dubbed the Book and the Rose.
Last Thanksgiving, I met and befriended a wonderful couple, Marisa and Jason. When they found out what I do, they told me how they met in Barcelona 54 years ago.
I was agog when they told me about the wonderful tradition of the Book and the Rose. It is a bigger holiday in Spain than Valentine's Day and culturally, it is wonderful.
All the book stores open for a week, non-stop. It is tradition for women all over Barcelona to shop aggressively for the most wonderful, perfect book to give their men. The men meanwhile, shop equally aggressively for the perfect rose to give their women.
In a society where we are actively closing down our beloved brick and mortar bookstores, I am over the moon about anything that celebrates books.
Created over a hundred years ago by an innovative bookseller, this festival draws thousands of tourists to Barcelona every year.
I love that romance, the spirit of St. George, slayer of dragons and that books, beautiful books are celebrated. I also love that it is not commercialized, like Valentine's Day.
I learned so much from Marisa and Jason who encouraged me to 'borrow' their love story. Since mine involves too hot guys, a whole different world emerges.
Stay tuned next month for an excerpt of The Book and the Rose, but in the meantime, I will say this.
The Book and the Rose is about Evans McCoy, a Hollywood TV producer who meets a mysterious, hot Barcelona businessman, Mio Alejo-Cortez. Invited to spend Diada de la Sant Jordi with Mio, Evans soon learns that Mio isn't your garden-variety successful businessman. He's a recently retired gay porn star working has a high-priced rent boy.
Can their love survive The Book and the Rose?

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Interesting Things From The Web

2010-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

As a writer, things frequently come across from my desk from which I get a hearty laugh or I learn something important for my writer’s journey. Some are downright comical while some have a great message for each of us no matter where we are in our career. Here’s my most recent list of items from the web...I hope you enjoy!

attitude.adforum.com/top5/2010/01/27/aides-graffiti-tbwaparis/

This is an absolutely fun Aids awareness ad from France.

blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/03/how-to-format-query-letter.html

An absolute must see if you are doing an e-query!

thebookboost.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-callpart-1.html

Writer friend Kerri Nelson’s blog and how she just got ‘The Call’ which is interesting and very informative.

www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com/

For those looking for some fantastic free blogging templates. These are some of the best I’ve seen!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeTTCvXz-Zk

This is what NOT to do during your pitch session. Watch and learn how to turn everyone against your book! LOL!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YhRDqubEB0&feature=related

Great video about getting an agent. This one is a little slow loading, so give it some time.

romanceuniversity.org/2010/03/12/working-with-your-agent-and-editor/

A very good in-depth blog about working with agents and editors.

www.passionatepen.com/romancepubs.htm

A list of romance publishers with workable links. This list is by no means complete but it is a great place to start.

www.elementsofrwa.com/workshops.html

This RWA chapter offers some great online workshops at very reasonable prices. It’s worth checking out as the classes are fairly quick and the ones listed would help any author.

www.writersonlineclasses.com/

This is another site for online classes. They look to have some heavy hitters here and post things in blocks of six months. All classes appear to be of good quality and importance to beginning or seasoned writers.

Well...there you have it...ten websites to make you laugh...and help you learn. Hope this gives you all some inspiration! See you all next week with more tales from the writing world!

Lynn

The Future of Publishing

2010-03-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this video over at Obsidian Bookshelf and Lily at I Love Books. It was prepared by the UK branch of Dorling Kindersley Books and produced by Khaki Films. I really won't say much about it, because the video more than speaks for itself. I do think it will touch readers and writers, alike.

-Stephani Hecht

Titanium Ovaries

2010-03-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

As of Wednesday, I really didn't have anything to write about, but we all know that the Goddess has a sense of humor, and she bitch slapped us on Tuesday. For those of you who know us, you'll get a kick out of this...

We have a neighbor, and I'm not saying who it is, that constantly complains about cats pooping in her yard. I know. I know. She's obviously not paying attention to what's going on around her, or she's so bored with her life that she has time to worry about a cat pooping. Sad, but true.

Anyway, on Tuesday afternoon, my partner and I found a Notice of Violation from the City of Fort Worth tagged to our door. Yes, really. I couldn't make this up. Us. The people who pick up strays and have them fixed because it's the responsible thing to do. The same people who take injured cats to the vets, nurse them back to health and find them homes. Yes, us.

The "Notice of Violation" states that we failed in:
1- Restraint of Animal(s)
My animals do not ever leave the house without me.
2- Failure to provide/display current rabies vaccination.
Don't you have to be asked for it to consider it a failure to show proof?
-And-
3- Unaltered animal(s)/no intact permit
All of our animals sing soprano, why would I need an intact permit?

Additional Comments from the code officer states,
"getting complaints that you allow your cat to leave your property."
Okay. Okay, I give...only when he asks nicely for the car keys.

Really? This has to be some kind of a joke...
I called the "officer" and asked which one of our animals were seen leaving our property.
His response was "read the pamphlet."
Did that answer my question? NO. So, I asked again, and again he came back with one of two standard answers, either "he's your cat" or "read the pamphlet."
He said and I quote, "a cat was seen leaving your property."
In my infinite wisdom, I asked, "If birds fly over my house, are they considered mine too?"
His response was...you guessed it! "Read the pamphlet."

This continued for twenty minutes.
I asked for a supervisors name and after another twenty minutes of the officer yelling and threatening me that his supervisor would side with him, he finally released the "secret" name. I called and left a message. Can you believe I still haven't heard back from him?

Here's what has me chapped.
1- My animals don't ever leave my property without me. Period end of discussion.
2- This Code Compliance Officer is accusing me of violating city code when he can't even give me a description of the cat that allegedly pooped in my neighbor's yard. As if it's my problem and
3- The alleged cat was considered mine because he was seen leaving my property. Really?

Is this truly about the cat? No, but it's going to cost me time, energy and money to prove the cat isn't mine, so I don't get fined.
It's about this ill-mannered officer trying to force us into taking responsibility for the cat because he failed to do his job and that's not my problem.
My animals may be fixed, but my titanium ovaries are intact, baby. Bring it on!

Shame on you Fort Worth and Mayor Moncrief for allowing city employees to treat the city's residents so poorly.

Should Writers Sue Reviewers?

2010-03-18T09:33:00.001-07:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

Current Mood: Bouncy

It doesn't matter how great YOU think your book is. It matters not one whit that you're selling huge numbers of copies, or that you've gotten awesome reviews.
It takes one clown to post a negative review and you feel like total crap.
Then you start to think, "Will this affect my sales?"
Should this lead to a writer suing a reviewer for a bad review?
I ask this question in light of director Joshua Newton suing the showbiz bible Variety over its very bad review of his movie Iron Cross. Until this lawsuit was filed, I hadn't read the review. Since then, Variety yanked the review from its online archives (it's now back again) and sacked most of its long term review staff. You can bet freelancer Robert Koehler who penned the review won't be getting any work out of the trade paper again).
Here is yesterday's article detailing the lawsuit.
http://tinyurl.com/y9mgpao
I've since located a copy of the review and yeah, it's a bad one.
Koehler dismisses Iron Cross saying, "It will be remembered as [the late actor] Roy Scheider's Swan Song and little else."
Ouch.
Personally, I hate bad reviews. I hate the ones that seem to derive pleasure out of being hateful. I hate the ones that have the characters' names wrong and a storyline that doesn't resemble what I wrote.
But should writers and directors sue?
I don't think so.
I understand Newton's point, though. According to him (and others I have spoken to) Variety's reviews are positioned to not only critique a movie's content but its marketability. Have you seen Iron Cross at a movie theater near you?
No, you haven't and according to Newton, he couldn't get distribution once the review came out. How likely is this? I wonder.
To be honest kids, I've had books that had rave reviews and didn't sell so well.
I've had books that have been rated poorly and I've even had my covers attacked.
My book A Vampire Christmas had the dubious distinction of being awarded the Worst Cover (thanks Jessewave!) yet remains one of my best-selling and, most pirated books.
So, go figure.
I say ignore the bad reviews, preen over the good ones if you're having a sucky day, but mostly, don't place too much value on their financial influence.
Reviews can help you sell. Sometimes not. It's a crap shoot. It really is.
Having said that, I think reviewers need to be mindful that while it's fun to dish out sarcastic and negative comments, remember that there is an author and a publisher behind the book.
Should this temper a reviewer's comments? No.
Depending on the reviewer, I find the negative and positive comments helpful. However, I find very inexperienced reviewers are the ones who are most often quite...vile in their critique and not especially insightful in their comments.
A few years ago, I took on a gig as a sub editor on a daily paper in Los Angeles. There was a college student who came in that summer as an intern. She was excited to be reviewing rock concerts. She was even more excited once she landed the plum assignment of reviewing her favorite band.
I happened to pass her in the hall the morning after the concert and asked her what she thought of the show.
She raved about it. Her eyes shone and she bubbled with joy.
Then I got her review. It was horrible. I couldn't believe it.
I could have edited it and sent it to bed (as we say in newspapers) but I called her to my desk and asked her to take a seat. I was gentle with her, but I needed to know.
Why had she raved about the show to me, yet panned it in print?
She blushed. She confessed it was harder for her to put into words what she appreciated and loved about the show. She was worried about what people would think.
"It's so much easier to write a negative review than a positive one," she said.
I disagreed and sent her back to rewrite it. She didn't. The review went to another sub editor and I've often wondered if that writer ever thought twice about her actions.
She, to me, was a sloppy sort of writer and I hope she got editors in the future with a lot more power who could make her write an honest review.
As for the paper, they had to endure irate calls from the promoter who had gone to great lengths to provide her front row seats, backstage passes...yeah.
Life sucks when you are held accountable.
You can bet when the intern graduated, the paper wasn't so keen to hire her...so there are always consequences.
That's not to say reviewers shouldn't speak their minds, they should. Be mindful however that there should be legitimate reasons behind your bad review, beyond wanting to be cool, sarcastic, amusing and bitchy.
How about you? How do you feel about bad reviews? And should people sue? I really want to know your thought.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Currently listening:
The Legend of Pele: Sounds of Arthur Lyman
By Arthur LymanRelease date: 1998-06-09

Travel and Grandbabies

2010-03-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. I haven’t written anything for two weeks and the last thing was the post for this blog. I’ve had a harrowing two weeks which I’m sure all of you are dying to hear the details. LOL!

On March 1, I went to New Orleans to participate in one of my yearly conferences, EPICon. This conference is for authors specifically in the ebook field and as I have a lot of friends there, always have a great time. This time though, it started more auspiciously than I could imagine.

I boarded the plane here at 10 am and we took off in beautiful weather. I landed in horrible weather and had my first real moment of thinking that a plane I was on might actually crash. The wind sheer was so bad that two hundred feet from the ground, we were called off the landing. The bumpy climb back up was horrendous but when the pilot calmly quipped, “As you can see, we didn’t land” I knew I was in good hands. It took us another eight to ten minutes to get down to torrential rainfall. During that whole time all I could do was think about just how bumpy my characters on my spaceships had it. If I hadn’t done that I would have been sobbing. Sigh.

Once on the ground, I took a taxi to my hotel and not once could we see two hundred feet in front of us because the rain was coming down so hard. That coupled with the fact the ride cost eleven dollars more than had been posted on many NOLA websites didn’t make the trip begin well. This was all forgotten when I got to my first hotel, Chateau Bourbon, which was beautiful. I had one of the most expensive rooms for a very cheap price as hotels.com worked its magic again. And I did the lazy thing. I had room service and soaked in the huge tub to work out all the kinks.

The next day, I packed up and went to the conference hotel, the Sheraton on Canal Street. This was the same hotel I had gone to twice for RWA, so I knew it well. I had to actually wait three hours to check in, so I walked to the nearest spa and got their $99 special because heaven knew I needed a massage and facial. It actually calmed me down from the previous day’s happenings and I finally began to relax. And this day was sunny and a little warmer than the day before.

I should have realized I was being deceived when I had an allergy flair up. This flair up blossumed into a full case of bronchitus in less than 48 hours and other than my own talk, I was in bed a lot during the conference. Of course, the nearly 80% humidity factor didn’t help either. I got the chills, a fever and a horrible, horrible cough which I could have done without.

Still, all in all, I had a wonderful time with my friends and meeting new people. I also did the online announcements for the awards ceremony, letting everyone know just what was going on that special night. Congratulations to all those winners.

On Sunday, I called my family while they were doing the normal family day and my DIL informed me that she didn’t feel well either and she would be going to the doctor’s the next day. One of the major reasons I decided to go to EPICon this year was the fact that the boys weren’t supposed to be born until March 24 when the C-section had been scheduled.

The best laid plans...sigh...I should have known. My DIL calls me on Monday to say that she was already dialated and they were going to do an amino that day. The results came back late that night and suddenly the C-section was moved up to the very next day, March 10. I scrambled and discovered that there was no way I could catch and early plane home with the bad weather everywhere and every flight booked solid.

I was really bummed and being sick didn’t help at all. I left the hotel Tuesday to get one closer to the airport. Close to the time of the C-section, I began texting my friend Brenda and we talked the whole time. So here are the first pictures of my grandsons, Michael and Joseph...aren’t they adorable? Joseph is the first and Michael is second. Sorry about Joseph being out of focus.

True, they were small, Michael was seventeen inches and four pounds while Joseph was sixteen inches and four pounds eleven ounces but considering they were early, the doctors were very pleased. And they have continued to thrive since their birth. But they will stay in the hospital until they weigh a little more.

Now, I’ve been home over a week and am just getting better myself. I got one peek at the boys after I landed but haven’t been back since as I don’t want to get them ill. I finally went to the doctor myself on Monday and got a lot of medication which is finally making this crap go away. Like I said, today is the first day I’ve even wanted to sit at the computer and type at all.

And overall, the benefits far outweighed the negatives these past two weeks.

Still, as the old saying goes, there’s no place like home!

Hope you all have a great week!

Lynn

I would like to buy a vowel, please, Alex...

2010-03-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

I would like to buy an AAAAAAAAAAA... whew! Okay, now that I've got that out of my system...

Remember way back when when you first started writing and you were told to write what you know? Use inspiration from your family, school, friends, work, etc. Well, if I were to do that I would have a very angry book on my hands. I, like many people, spend the majority of my time at the day job. My book would be angry because there are things I dream of saying and doing while at the day job that never get to come out. However, if I were to write about said job in a book all those suppressed thoughts, actions and emotions would spill over onto the pages. I'd have murder and mayhem and drama and probably more murder. I could tell people that I am still employed because believe it or not I really do know how to do my job. I don't need mirco-managed, and even though it makes you feel more secure, I don't need my hand held. Yes, this book would have a main character who had a pleasant demeanor to start, but then would morph into Alice from the Dilbert comics. You know Alice, right? Pointy red hair, has fist of death (I'm so jealous!) and she punches holes (literal holes, mind you) into coworkers. Yes, that chick is my idol.

So tonight, after a 12-hour day, I will go home, indulge in a glass of wine, and release all of my frustrations onto the screen. Watch out computer, I have a story to write!!

The biz side of things

2010-03-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

The past week to me seemed to be really long. Why? Because I was caught up in the business side of writing and not on the creative end which put me in what I've been affectionately calling 'website hell.' For quite some time I've wanted to get my own domain. Then last week I was creating some promotion items to send out and got caught in a bit of a snag. I needed to put my website info on the items but I didn't want to use the link I already had since I planned on a new site. So to take care of that problem I got my own domain ~ finally! Thing is, due to finances and my need to have control of said site, I had to set it up. Oh boy. Luckily, it has a program where one doesn't need to know HTML/coding to create a page. All I have to do is upload and type in information. Yeah, not as easy as it sounds. Very time consuming. Then of course once I had it all up, I thought, hmmm...I could do it a bit differently. So back into the 'hell' I went. It still needs a bit of tweaking. And I'm reconsidering new graphics than the ones that came with the template I'm using but at least now I have it, along with a personal blog that offers my latest news, reviews and interviews. If you're interested, you can check it out here: www.crmoss.net
Now that it's almost complete, I'm hoping my muse, Adam, will come back from vacation and I can get back to working on my 'Cat' series.
Have a great week!
C.R. Moss

The Joy of Reading

2010-03-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

My son just took his ACT test this past week and while we were discussing it, he shared some troubling news with me. Out of all his friends and classmates, he’s one of the very few who actually reads books. He shared that he always aced language arts, while other students struggled to get a passable grade. Then he told me something even more upsetting, most of his friends had never read a novel, unless it had been assigned to them in class. Determined to prove him wrong, I started my own informal poll and asked several teens what book they were currently reading. More times than not, I got the same answer, “None. I don’t read.”

As an author, this shocked and distressed me. For as long as I can remember, I loved reading, from my first chapter book, Charlotte’s Web, to The Sweet Valley High Series and finally to romance novels. No matter how sad or upsetting my life was, I could always retreat to a book and get away for a while. Reading was never a chore, but rather an extreme pleasure that I always considered a gift.

I am fortunate, in that my children have inherited my love of books. My daughter loves to devour books on dragons, while my teenage son is addicted to Stephen King. They get excited about going to the bookstore and look forward to trips to the library. I had just taken it for granted. Not any longer. I’m glad they know the pure joy of reading.

Still don’t believe me? I found this link where somebody went on Chatroulette and requested “Show me your books” http://crookedtimber.org/2010/03/13/chatroulette/ The results were very revealing.

-Stephani Hecht

My baby girl!

2010-03-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

OMG! My baby girl is 5 now! I can't believe it. Her birthday was this week and she told me that she grew overnight, convinced that her feet were farther down in her bed than they were when she had gone to bed. And she is not to be argued with, kind of like her mother, she is always right. I am sad, so wish she were growing slower. I don't think I am going to make it through her first day of kindergarten without tears.

Knowing that there will be no more little ones for me, I am looking at her, now 5 and going to school in the fall, and think about what I will do next. She is going to be in school, no more reason for me to not do what I have been telling myself I am going to do when she starts school. Which is go back to school. I just haven't completely decided what for, I kept thinking I had so much time that I didn't need to decide right away.

So not only is she growing up and making me feel old and sad, she is also making me think about keeping that promise to myself. Will I decide finally if I want to go back to school or not? I could always use the excuse that she isn't going to be in full time school for another year. So I will put it off, I am an excellent procrastinator after all.

So today is her party and I went all out for it. We decided on having an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter tea party, costume party for her birthday. I made her an Alice dress, I am going to be the red queen, and made a corset out of playing cards. My hubby is the Mad Hatter, her big sis is the Cheshire cat. It should be a blast!

We all went to the new movie yesterday and it was really great. My baby girl was frightened a couple times, but for the most part she loved it. I was really surprised she got scared at all, she does run around telling people she is a vampire LOL.

Making Yourself Hot

2010-03-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

So I was at an Oscar party like almost everybody else in L.A. on Sunday and one of the people present asked me about writing sex scenes for my books.
"Do you ever turn yourself on with your scenes?" he asked.
Hell yeah! I mean, if I didn't...if my scenes don't get me at least er...happy, how can I expect my readers to get worked up over them?
I think long and hard about each sex scene I write. Sometimes they're brief and hot, sometimes they're long and romantic. I am mindful of the fact that I have two groups of readers. Those who read and re-read every sex scene and remember every detail - and those who skip over them for the story. I guess it's a good sign that there's something for them to read when they're skipping over the sex, right?
But I digress.
Anyway, sometimes these scenes come naturally. They're no effort at all. I had a whole sex scene from page one in Diura that I swear just came into my mind like a movie. Sometimes I have to work on it...especially when it's part of a series and I think - hey, have I written one like this before? But after 60 books published, you do run out of original ideas considering each one has several sex scenes.
I look to a variety of sources for inspiration when I am feeling stumped.Beyond gay porn which is a sparkling novelty always guaranteed to ignite some creativity, I like to read. Right now, Nick Capra's blogs are providing a lot of grist for the mill.
He's not only one of the hottest porn stars out there but frankly the best of the porn star bloggers.I love his Confessions of a Recovering Hooker posts. I think he needs to write books and I've been encouraging him to do so.
He is a tremendous, important new voice in the world of gay erotic writing.
Porn star Erik Rhodes blog once inspired a scene for my Waikiki Vampire book Ma Ma Loa. The way Erik feels about his porn star career seemed perfect for my fictional gay vampire, Tem.
Steve Cruz's tales of traveling with a portable douche bag seemed perfect for my male escort Mio in the upcoming The Book and the Rose.
I recently renewed my Men at Play subscription and I've been enjoying those hot little trysts.Of course with two more books pending for me with gay porn director John Bruno, my thoughts are straying toward creating, not being inspired by such scenes since what I'll be writing in the Massive Studio series will be filmed.
I think the thing about writing love scenes and sex scenes is to make them as imaginative as possible while keeping them plausible. I have been accused of having an aversion to beds since most of my characters use them as little as possible, but hey, ya gotta keep it interesting. On the page and off.
What about other authors and readers?
How do you feel about this subject?

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Guilty Pleasures

2010-03-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I mentioned one of my guilty pleasures in the form of writing conferences. As I am currently at one of those right now as you read this, I thought I would let you in on a few more of interests.

Now as a writer, I have a wide and varied interest pool. By this, I mean there are many subjects that catch my attention and hold me in their thrall. History is one thing which can just suck me in and many times, it doesn’t matter what the piece is about because I am like a sponge in this area. So much so that I started a notebook for all the things I record on my DVR. And believe me, there are many times when it’s almost full. LOL!

Here are just some of the things currently on my DVR waiting for me to take notes: Cleopatra-Portrait of a Killer, King Tut Unwrapped, Sci-Fi Tech (10 episodes), and The Doctors.

Last week, the Discovery Channel had a day of nothing but Egypt and I was gaga with pleasure, think I had died and gone to heaven! Egypt is one of my all time favorites and I just love the history. I had a professor tell me once that I was a natural at hieroglyphs because I could match the patterns so easily. The only reason I didn’t stick with it was because I wasn’t sure I wanted to relocate to Egypt...sigh...it would have been so fun!

Sci-Fi Tech is teaching me all about what is and isn’t possible in the science fiction world. Ever think about if warp drives could really work? Well, I do almost daily. The last episode that I did the notes on was about if a death star was even possible and there are some ways using some of today’s technology in which it might be possible. The series has a whole bunch of good science and great ideas. MOF, I am planning on using some of them in my Orchid series. That book will be coming out in the fall.

In regards to The Doctors, this series is both a guilty pleasure and something I watch to learn all the latest in the world of medicine. These people have some very practical advice as well as giving you the scoop on all the fads, weight loss ideas and even plastic surgery thoughts. This is a well done, audience driven show which gives me a lot of practical advice. Want to know the latest on the new diet craze? They’ll tell you. Want to know what’s the best product for teeth whitening? They’ll tell you. Want to get the scoop on how to live longer? They will tell you.

This series has made me look at things differently from diet to my mental state and I can actually say, listening to them has made me more aware of a lot of things. Since I started watching them in early November 2009, I have lost 18 pounds and plan on keeping it off. I can give these people partial credit as they do have some great things on their shows.

So, here’s how it plays out in my mind: while I may indulge myself with these guilty pleasures, I always get something out of it. How about your guilty pleasures? Anything you want to share? Please do and you’ll be in the running for my next release...which hopefully will be this month!

Just an FYI, I do have non-writing guilty pleasures as well. I can’t go a week without seeing Caprica, Bones, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy or Private Practice. I swear if Temperance and Booth don’t get together soon, my new flat screen may be feeling the effects...LOL!

Hope you all are having a great week! See ya next week!

Lynn

My Muse Is Confused...

2010-03-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's right. I'm blaming all my writing issues on my muse--poor guy. I am thisclose to finishing my second full length novel (a contemporary romance) and every time I open the chapter to write, I go blank. Yet, when I don't have the chapter in front of me my muse is in overdrive knowing exactly what needs to be written. So why can't I get the words written?

So frustrating. I just want to kick Muse in the butt and say "get on with it!" Just one chapter. That's all I ask. One chapter of romance and happily ever after, and then I'll write the thriller you so want me to write. I mean, I love HEA as much as the next person, but to sink my teeth into writing a story about a serial killer--mind games, murder, stalking... loverly!

Hey, wait! Why are you running away? I'm not psycho or anything, I just like thrillers.

I hope you all have a wonderful working relationship with your muse and are playing nicely together. I'm off to fight with the final chapter, and hopefully between my muse and I there won't be any blood shed.

Interviews

2010-03-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Boy am I running late today!
I'm trying to catch up on some promomotion work now that I have another new book cover. Well, three actually for my upcoming 'Cat' series. And, said promotion concerns author interviews. One I finished and sent off this morning is an interview of Myrddin, the frisky feline familiar who's in my Look What the Cat Dragged In books. Then the next interview I'm working on had me looking up some information online. In my research I came across an interview of Jude Deveraux. She said a couple of things that caught my attention and I wanted to share. One is that she, "watches TV and movies more than I read because when I read, I start editing in my mind and it takes the fun away from the book." I found that interesting because I, and I've heard it from a couple of other author friends of mine, do the same thing. The second tidbit -- "I have an editor who keeps me from repeating myself. She circles the words that I use more than once on a page. Sometimes it's a real challenge to use different words. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to say the "roar" of the alligators without using that word in every sentence." So editors' pet peeves are universal! lol! Any-hoo, it's nice to know that whether you're a beginning author or an established money-maker, there are commonalities. For the full interview visit: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jude-Deveraux/1445134/author_revealed
Oh, and if you're interested in seeing my new book covers, one is to the left and the others can be found on my website.
=)
C.R. Moss

Zombie Love

2010-03-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

One of the most coveted, most stolen books in the Los Angeles Public Library System is a book called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
I figured this title had to be a joke at first. I discovered the joke was on me when I realized Austen's novel of love and small minded British folk was not the only classic to receive the 'mash' treatment. Authors are weaving zombie tales set during the same era in and out of the original texts.
I took the time to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and was fascinated. I love the movie 28 Days Later and had always understood from my work as a script reader that zombies are political metaphors. Suddenly, they are so much more than that.They are sexy.
Studio executives are turning away vampire stories in favor of zombies, but like vampires, the new breed zombies are hot and sexy...and romantic.
I did some research and saw that a few erotic romance authors are penning zombie tales. I pondered the thought: Can I do this?I decided the hot new trend being trilogies or collections of short pieces could be combined with erotic, romantic zombie tales could be a winner. I approached my publisher Tina Haveman who had to be convinced.
She thought I was smoking wacky tobaccy when I first suggested it until she went online as I cradled my phone against my ear and she could see how huge zombies are.
"My God," she said. "They're even putting zombies in Tom Sawyer!"
Yup. And now, thanks to my two frequent co-authors D.J. Manly and Stephani Hecht saying yes, My Zombie Pride, a trilogy of hot, lusty gay zombie stories has been released.
My story, With This Ring focuses on a TV writer who meets his dream man. Jude has an unusual problem, he can't sleep, has an erection that won't quit but there's something odd about him...I wonder what?LOL.
D.J.'s story Louisiana Lust combines voodoo and a hot prospect: zombie hookers.
Stephani's story, Salting Zombies is like a gay Romeo and Juliet.
Oh, the agony, the ecstasy! The Blood!
Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/y8f6q9c
And forget everything you ever thought about ugly, face-falling-off zombies. Zombies are hot, baby. And they have gay pride.

Aloha oe,
A.J.

Me & My Big Fat Butt Update

2010-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, I just had to give you all the updated scoop on just what I did with me and my bottom for my EPICon New Orleans trip. After all, it’s my duty as a writer to put down my experience on paper and let the world know just exactly what happened to me.

Well, just like I told you last week I was so freaked out that they might throw me off the plane I just had to come up with something to at least make me appear a little smaller. Like I had said, I am working on it and lost another 2 pounds this week I’m sure from stress. So I started scouring the internet with things to wear in my search for a more slim body albeit unnaturally so.

I finally decided to settle on a body suit from HSN. I mean, it couldn’t be any different than the corset I wear for doing the renaissance guild stuff I participate in…right? So I place my order and wait for it to arrive. It had taken me quite a while to decide on what I wanted to do that I had to ship the item priority thus making it a mere $56 and change to get it to my house on time. And this was a bargain as well because when searching the internet I found I could spend up to $200 for something to help shape my dilemma.

Heck, I could have purchased another airline ticket for that price! LOL! My bodysuit would be a bargain. So, I waited.

On Friday morning I received a message from HSN stating my item had been shipped. I had a momentary panic as I thought they had just shipped it and the darn thing would arrive after I was gone. Copying the shipping number into the UPS system, I was pleasantly surprised to find the item would indeed arrive that very day.

My office is in the front of my house and has a big picture window where I can watch the world go by without people ever knowing I sit seeing their every move. So when the UPS truck pulled up I waited until he rang the doorbell. Going outside, I was surprised that I had to sign for the small package. Surely this wasn’t right.

The UPS guy, who I’ve known for years, just smiled at me. “Small package.”

I smile back. “Lingerie.”

He lifted his head just like he knew what was in the package. “Oh.”

I signed the pad and handed it back. “Now don’t get any ideas and go telling everyone.”

“Not a problem. See you next time.”

If I had my way, there wouldn’t be a next time. I close the door and race back to my office, shutting the door behind me. The teenager just knew it was for him and asked through the door what the UPS man had brought. I told him it was mine and not to worry.

“But what is it?” he inquired, loud enough to make the puppy think it was play time. It didn’t take long to hear their exchange. “Jasper, stop it…I’m talking to Mom…quit barking.”

As I tore open the package, I answered him. “It’s for me…don’t worry about it…why don’t you play with the dog? Work out some of his energy for me.”

“You can’t tell me what you got?”

“No.”

“Oh.”

Geez, same answer as the UPS guy. Then again, it wasn’t their business. They didn’t need to know what I was doing to conceal my butt size from the world. But holding this new fangled contraption in front of me, I wondered what I had got myself into and waited for the dear husband to get home. As I sat there writing and waiting for him, I verified again that they hadn’t sent me the wrong size as it was so small. That was the only way to describe it as I held it up to my body.

It wasn’t long until my DH got home and came into my office, inquiring if my package had arrived. I nodded and held it up.

“Oh,” he said and held it up. By now it was getting dark and my shade no longer worked as everything was back lit.

“Do you have to hold it up for the world to see?” I asked.

He grinned. “Let’s go see how it fits.”

“Come on now. It’s obviously too small.”

He looks at the size. “Actually, it’s a size bigger than what you normally wear.”

I frown at him. “Yeah, it is. I wanted to make sure it fits.”

“It should…see it’s stretchy.” He pulled the side out and let go, only to be smacked in the face with the darn thing.

I tried hard to conceal my smile as I got up, grabbed the body suit and walked to the bedroom. I hear the DH yell at the teenager not to disturb us and shake my head as I could imagine just what was going through his mind. I pull off my clothes and stand there holding the body suit. This would be an adventure in itself. Putting in one leg, I was surprised to find it did stretch to accommodate me.

Now to make a long story short, you really don’t want to know everything we both said as I struggled to get into this thing. Hell, this was worse than the corsets I wore with my garb. As I finally get it up over the bottom, I realize I’m going to have to lie down to get all the hooks closed. Yeah, it had a zipper along with hooks and eyes. God, I want to know what sadist invented these things.

At this point, the DH stops laughing long enough to tell me he’ll help me but he’s wondering just how I will ever do this by myself. As he hovers over me, he talks about how fun it would be to get me out of this thing. All I can do is to growl at him. It takes him a few moments of trial and error before he finally gets it right. I just lay there knowing this is exactly how a beached whale feels.

Slowly, I stand with his help and found it wasn’t half bad. I could actually breathe and move and bend and walk. I put on the pants I would be wearing on the plane and was told the black material actually looked slimming on me. Matter of fact, the DH informed me, it looked damn good.

I proceeded to wear the thing that evening to get used to how it moved with me and how I felt. I wanted no surprises on the trip. The only thing wrong was it really pulled on the shoulders. I didn’t discover the adjustable part of the strap until I put the thing on again on Monday morning.

So, Monday comes and I dress in the contraption again. I smile as I get on the plane since no one says a thing to me. I make sure the seat belt can fit before I even sit down. I put everything in the overhead bins and slide into the window seat. Slowly, I sit, thinking I am going to have a hard time getting into the 17 inch space. I slide in with inches to spare. I sit there realizing I probably hadn’t needed the contraption at all because I have at least almost two on each side.

I sit there reveling in the feeling as the seat belt slides on very easy. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I mean, I really needed the extra support to squeeze it all in. I give a tentative smile to the older couple who sit beside me. I eventually tell my row mate my dilemma and she’s smiles, telling me I really didn’t have anything to worry about. She then points out at least five other people around me who had a little more girth than I did.

I then realized, the woman was right and I really shouldn’t have worried about a thing. Just like the DH had said in the beginning when I had started worrying in the first place. The whole trip passes quickly except the landing during a storm. But that’s a story for another day. Just suffice it to say, I landed in New Orleans a little wiser about my body size and thankful I hadn’t puked in the plane from the bumpy ride. It would have been a first.

Do you all have an experience with something which didn’t quite turn out like you imagined? Share it with me and your name will end up in the hat for a copy of one of my books this week. See you next…until then…have a great one!

Lynn

Exercise Grumbles

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

So I've finally gotten off the couch and started exercising. I've tried to walk every day for fifteen minutes. And last night I sucked up the courage to re-join Jazzercise. My legs hate me right now. After class I felt like I was walking on jello. This morning, I'm in pain. But it's a good pain right? Pssh! No, still pain.

Okay, so what I want to know is why is it that I go to class and sweat like a pig, my makeup runs down my face and I smell like...well, like sweat. And these two woman who are absolutely stunning look the exact same after class as they did coming in--hair perfect makeup fresh, still smelling like freakin' flowers.

I know I will grumble and complain for the next few months (I promise not to do it here on the blog) about the pain and strain of exercising, but I've got to believe it's gonna be worth it, right? I mean, by summer I should have a smoking hot figure, and maybe my core muscles will actually be able to hold me up. LOL

Anyone else start a new exercise regiment lately? I'd love to commiserate with you.

Good Morning!

2010-03-01T08:41:00.001-08:00

Good morning everyone! Can you believe it's March already? Where is the time going?
Today's blog posting crept up on me so I'm not really prepared, but since I've done some guest blogging feel free to see what I had to say at some other places...
http://authorrainedelight.com/2010/02/meet-author-cr-moss/
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/02/welcome-to-cr-moss-guest-blog.html
http://kadiantracey.blogspot.com/2010/02/boy-how-time-flies.html
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-with-cr-moss.html
Have a great week!
C.R. Moss

Watching the Dead

2010-02-25T06:58:00.001-08:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

This is my first blog as An Amber Quill Press author and I'm thrilled to be talking about my second book with them.

Firstly, I owe it to the dangerously talented (and sexy, too!) author Rick R. Reed for suggesting to our publisher Trace Edward Zaber that he should invite me to submit a story for his approval. He did, and I did...and my first book, Deeper Blue came out at Amber Allure last October.

I have loved my whole experience here with AQP and as I pondered what to write next, I had a weird and wonderful experience.

I had lunch with a group of friends as we got hair cuts at our old movie studio. Though we were all laid off, we are all still close and we go to the hair salon on the lot and make a half-day of it. Being close to bald, I require little in the cutting department. I'm there for the donuts and the bagels. And the smears. I am all about cream cheese.

But I digress.

One of our pals arrived late and confessed his new job was beginning to affect him. Since he works nights, we made fun, teasing him about being a go go dancer or a rent boy. Nope. He's watching the dead.

I said, "What?"

Turns out it's an actual job in a very Orthodox Jewish funeral parlor. He is called a shomerim and he must stay awake guarding the dead...or else, the dead man's spirit walks, releasing a dybbuk.

I said, "A what?"

Now, I took notes. I am a relentless taker of anecdotes. A thief of ideas...and hey presto, there was my idea for Fawnskin!

I roped my frequent writing partner, the brilliant and yummy D.J. Manly into writing it with me. I told him my idea.

He said, "A what?"

And here you have it. Fawnskin comes out on the 28th, the first in our new series set in this actual California town. I chose the name Fawnskin because I love the textured idea of it, plus it's a warm and friendly sounding name.

The town, however, like our story...hides much that isn't seen. Located in the mountains of Big Bear, a couple of hours north of L.A. Fawnskin has a rich history of being a stagecoach town back in the day. I was really haunted by this one-time artist's colony that is making a gradual comeback.

So often in gay erotic romance fiction, the locales are exotic or glamorous. I liked the idea of this story taking place in a town effected by the economy...but one in which there is also hope. Knox and Rallus are two lonely men who arrive to start new lives, meeting just as weird things start happening in Fawnskin.

Because in our book...the shomerim sleeps. And the dead walk...dance...and they too, like their cream cheese.

For more information on Fawnskin, please visit Amber Quill Press: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Fawnskin.html

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Southwest, Kevin Smith & My Big Butt

2010-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

I know you are all wondering just what that title has to do with writing. Well, it all started when I booked my flight on Southwest to the EPICon conference in New Orleans. See, I love doing the conference thing and it is one of the few guilty pleasures I do during the year for me the writer. My DH had free flights on Southwest, we decided to save our money and use them.

Then last week happened and the size of my butt came into play. I frantically called my DH, who happened to be in Vienna for business, with the latest news. I explained the whole thing to him and asked his opinion. In his usual diplomatic manner, he told me my butt wasn’t that big and I began wondering just what planet he had been living on lately. According to him, I should be fine.

I tell him again about Kevin Smith. After all, the man certainly has a little bit more clout than me. If they can embarrass him, they could do the same to me. I don’t do well in embarrassing situations. It really depends upon the day. I might just bite off their heads. I might just run away and go home because I don’t want to deal with them. I might just decide to drive the 1800 miles to New Orleans because they were asses. Or I might just pull out my credit card and purchase another ticket on the spot if forced to do so. After all, according to them, I can apply for a refund if the plane isn’t overbooked. How likely is that?

My butt has always been big even when I was thin. Yeah, big booty is in now but when I was younger, it wasn’t and the battle began. When I look back, I realize if I had only thought I was thin then, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I’m on the right track, slowly losing weight. I mean it took years to accumulate and it might take me a couple to get it off...right? Or so I thought and I’m really proud of the 18 pounds I’ve lost so far. Each was a hard won battle and it helped me get my mind around the fact that I have to exercise as food has never been my problem, physical movement has.

Now back to Kevin and Southwest. I love Southwest and even own stock in their company. But I’m beginning to wonder what page most of those people are on because it certainly isn't the one I am. The world is getting bigger and things are getting smaller. Do they think that this will make people love them more, want to get on their planes? Whether we admit it or not, things will NOT change overnight for anyone who is overweight. So why aren’t airplane engineers, amusement ride makers or school desk builders looking at the big picture?

Fact is they aren’t. They aren’t looking at what is happening to the public but on the end prize...the money...the profit. How is that any way to live? Sure, they are accountable to the shareholders and the management but again, if the public can’t fit into seat, what makes them think the public is going to support their efforts?

And as usual, their solution is money based. After all, everyone can just purchase another seat, can’t they? Again, I’m wondering what planet some people are living on. People don’t have money right now and those who do are holding on to it. But it was a dilemma I wrangled with a while myself. If I purchased another ticket, that would be taking away from my conference money. I do need to eat and can get by on very little but money is a must.
Now, I’m wondering if the personnel at Southwest are scoping everyone out to see if they will fit into their 17 inch wide seats. Yeah, you heard me...just 17 inches wide. At this point, I’m almost frantic as I try to figure out if my butt will even fit into the seat. And frankly, I don’t know as I haven’t been on a plane in a couple of years. I do think I was the same size then as I am now as it was a Southwest flight to New Mexico.

I’m getting a body suit that’s guaranteed to make me look 10-20 pounds lighter and praying. A lot. After all, as a writer, I need the motivation that a conference provides. I need to have like minds around me and participate in the classes, the impromptu dinners and seeing friends I haven’t seen in a year.

Unfortunately, the big butt goes where I go but I won’t be purchasing that extra seat unless forced. It’s a matter of principle as I am who I am and the airlines need to realize what they are doing isn’t right. For any of us. Non-tolerance shouldn’t be acceptable no what the issue. People are overweight, so I’m not alone in this dilemma. And I don’t need them to point it out to me. I know and am trying to rectify the problem. I’m sure I can’t say the same about them.

I just know I’ll be in New Orleans, enjoying a wonderful conference.

See you all next week and have a great one!

Lynn

Writer's Bump

2010-02-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Writer's bump. I refuse to call my situation writer's block. I desperately need to finish my manuscript. I've got the chapters plotted out to a point, and I have the previous scene up on the screne to refresh my memory of what I wrote earlier. So I sit there... and I stare... and I blink to bring my brain into focus. Why can't I write down that opening sentence? Why is this so dang difficult?

It's not that I can't write a scene or entire chapter once I've gotten the first sentence done, because every seems to flow smoothly from that point on. But it takes so long to get my brain over that speed bump of creativity. My writing car just keeps rocking, and gunning its engine. Vroom...vroom... okay lady take your foot off the brake. Vroom... and then the engine stalls. Yeah. sigh

Last night, however, I pushed past the hump and finished a chapter and actually wrote a bit for the next chapter (which was supposed to be the last chapter of the book until the hero decided he needed more camera time--camera hog!). I wanted to keep writing but was late for a meeting. So I'll get back at it during my lunch break today.

Can anyone else relate to this issue? If so, how do you get passed the bump? Or am I just certifiably insane?

Olympic Moments

2010-02-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

I’ve been caught up in watching Olympic Curling and Hockey this past week. As I write this Team Canada is about to play against Team USA in hockey. Yea! Go Team USA! During the pre-coverage of the game, the announcers were talking about the “Miracle on Ice” and it made me think of memorable Olympic Moments. The two that came immediately to mind were the “Miracle on Ice” moment in 1980

and Torvill and Dean’s ice dance routine in 1984 (which still moves me and give me chills as it had when I first saw it)

Then in the ’96 Summer Olympics there was the moment when Kerri Strug still vaulted with her bum ankle.
The other evening while watching men's curling I thought it was special how the audience sang the Canadian national anthem during the Canada v. Great Britain match. http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/afp-news/curling--national-anthem-stops-play_286208jT.html
What are some memorable Olympic moments for you?

This ones for the ladies

2010-02-20T05:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies,

Now, I know that it's not Breast Cancer Month, at least I think it's not. However, I wanted to share something with you that happened to me recently.

As usual, I went and had the dreaded Mammogram done, because it's just one of those horrid things we women need to endue. You know what I mean. Any ways, they found a lump. Yes, you know I worried about it. Who wouldn't?

It turns out that it was just a liquid filled cyst. Nothing to worry about, thank God! Now, many of you may not know that I was laid off and don't have insurance so the cost came out of my own pocket.

When unemployed, Mammograms can be expensive, and if you need extra tests done, like I did, it comes down to which bill will get put off to cover the tests needed. Believe me, I've been there and done that!

Here's the thing ladies, while doing some research I found out that there are numerous places available to help us, unemployed women cover the cost of these tests.

In my area there's two places that offer voucher's - Catholic Charities, and the Breast Cancer Center at Baylor. Check your local hospitals or better yet call the Susan G. Komen Center and ask them if there's a place around you that offers assistance.

No one in their right mind wants a Mammogram, but the excuse of not affording it, just flew out the window.

Now, there's no good reason not to keep up with your annual boobie check!

Lessons in Erotica

2010-02-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

By A.J. Llewellyn

I am often asked by readers and interviewers what I have learned as an author of gay erotic romances. I've learned a lot. So much in fact, I have assembled a top 10 list of Lessons in Erotica.

10. I am no longer shy using words like 'penis' in public. Yes, I walked into an adult boutique the other day to purchase penis cupcake pans as gifts for a couple of readers. The store assistant called them pecker pans. They're penis pans, woman. PENIS! It took me a long time to be comfortable with this. When I first started writing my books, I went to Circus of Books and felt like a deviate when I asked, "Do you have a movie called Fuck Holes?"

9. I no longer wait until a store is half-empty to ask the clerks what gay movies are hot. I ask the customers. Although I still don't like the ones that rub up against me. Guys who rub up against you in adult book stores are not hot. They are usually creepy, smell and missing several teeth.

8. I feel quite comfortable discussing sex in public.

7. I am no longer shocked when readers email me with sex questions. I'm no therapist but I like to think I give good head...er, I mean advice...

6. I am stoked when readers ask me about sex scenes and ask if I really tried the licorice rope ties in Shipwreck Bay or the Popsicle blow job lessons in Summer Love. The answer is yes to both.

5. I am not above a bit of shameless self promotion, such as mentioning book titles. See Number 5 above.

4. I love it when readers email me quirky sexual experiences they've had, especially when they tell me I can use them in my books. Quirkiest one yet? The reader who told me he came just by his lover licking his ear repeatedly. I haven't tried it yet but one of my characters did. He rather enjoyed it. I forget which book right now. Sorry. Missed opportunity for another bit of shameless self promotion, drat the luck!

3. I no longer get irate when church-abiding people who find out what I write make moral judgments about me and my books, especially when they haven't read them. I just feel sorry for them. I go to church too, but I don't tell them what to do in their bedrooms, but I can imagine fisting and water sports are part of their secret regimes...

2. I no longer get upset when I get bad reviews. That's what voodoo dolls are for. (Kidding)

And the number one thing I have learned...drum roll please!

1. I am in the fortunate position of being able to tell supermodel Adam Killian to please remove ALL his clothing. And he does!! Yeah, baby! Unfortunately only cover photography is involved, but still...what a thrill.

What have you all learned from writing and/or reading erotica?

Aloha oe,

A.J.