via GIPHY
Okay, maybe I don't have moves like that, but I cannot be more ecstatic right now.
Why?
Well, I have long looked upon erotica writer extraordinaire Selena Kitt as a goddess of the erotica publishing world. She can do it all -- write extremely arousing, plot-filled, and most of all well-written work. She's incredibly prolific, and she's even managed to start a couple of successful publishing companies (eXcessica and excitica among them).
And if you go to eXcessica and scroll down the new release section, you'll see my book, Lethal Obsession!
That's right, my novel Lethal Obsession is now part of the eXcessica publishing catalog.
There's more publishing news coming up in the next few days and weeks, but I just had to share -- seeing Lethal Obsession there made my day!
Showing posts with label shandra miller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shandra miller. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Back out into the world...
As I write this, it's been exactly one year, one month, and nine days since I last posted here on my blog.
A lot's happened in that time. Some of it good, some of it bad, and some of it ugly (I've spent a lot of time over the past year watching TV and movies, especially old flicks, so pardon me if these phrases and names slip into my blogging).
I'll run quickly through the latter two first -- the bad and the ugly -- so you can know where I've been, then talk about the good.
I had a little trouble with my writing and publishing, or more specifically someone decided my stories were suddenly offensive, so after letting me publish work for more than a year, allowing virtually everything I post to pass through their censor check, suddenly Amazon decided much of my work no longer conformed to their standards, so they banned most of it. No warning, no explanation, just banned most of it and warned me I could lost my account if I didn't shape up.
Some of you know I've struggled with clinical depression -- at times severe -- and that sent me into a tailspin. I unpublished all of my work, not only at Amazon, but everywhere. An overreaction, yes, but I tend to do that some times.
Then life grew worse -- someone I had thought of as a friend and mentor turned out not to be so much of either, taking advantage of my condition at the time, offering "help" then pulling it back, stringing me along...you know how life can be. So I had to cut ties, walk away, which is always painful.
That was followed by the loss of someone dear and close to me, a precious soul who had really become my mother in recent years -- she'd taken me in, offered me support, guidance, love, just like I was one of her kids. She was the most loving, strongest woman I've ever known, but after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, she passed away earlier this year.
And not too long after that I nearly lost one of the other closest people to me in the whole world. She's not out of the woods yet, after a hospital stay and some extended outpatient treatment, she seems to be doing a little better.
That was me, throughout these past few months. I mean my life, the way I was living, letting things get to me in ways that were unhealthy. Bad things happen to us all, it's really how we respond, how we overcome and build our lives in spite of the bad, that ultimately defines us and our lives.
Right?
It was pretty ugly, and I went for a long period of time without writing, without doing anything other than crawling out of bed, going to work, then coming back home. I ate a lot. Gained a lot of weight.
Like I said, it was pretty ugly. But that's changing some, and that leads us to the...
I've thought a lot about the one loss I mentioned earlier, my "mom." If any of you know me, or have been reading my posts off and on over the past few years, you know I had a rough start in life, eventually striking out on my own when I was just 16.
Well, my "mom" had a hard life, too. An incredibly poor childhood, some times going without the very basics of life, especially food. Yet she continued on, married, had her own kids, raised them, helped raise her grandkids, all through some trying and difficult times. Yet she never lost the basic joy in her life, never sat down and said "it's too much." She told me, more than once, that when things got really bad, she just put her head down and plowed through it.
"What else can you do?" she often asked.
Well, some of us quit, or take an extended break from life, it seems. At least that's what I've done a few times, which is odd since I was so determined, when I was younger, to never do that, to never be like the ones I grew up with, to never quit. I was determined to make something of my life.
I suppose I've done better than most that I grew up with, I certainly have done more than most would have thought possible if they saw me growing up, but still, when I sit and think and look back, I lost my way somewhere, started focusing on the problems, the bad and the ugly, rather than just working hard and moving forward.
A couple of months ago I decided this was crazy -- if I want some things in life, if I want to be different or better than I am now, just do it. Put my head down and plow forward.
And that's what I've been doing. I've tried, slowly, to get my life back together, to start writing again, and getting away from home for more than just working, to get out and live a little bit again.
So far, so good.
Which brings me to this blog, and my writing career. I've thought about restarting my blog for most of those two months, I've thought about writing and publishing more, maybe finding some homes for my old work and writing new pieces as well.
With the publication to this blog, I'm officially starting that, getting back into the game. In coming weeks and months I'll have news of my writing, where it's being published, how you can get it, and all of that info.
I'll also, from time to time, share a little with you what's going on in my life.
As always, feel free to comment, to share here from your own life, your own writing, most anything you wish.
For now, this kind of catches you up on my life. As always, thanks so much for stopping by.
A lot's happened in that time. Some of it good, some of it bad, and some of it ugly (I've spent a lot of time over the past year watching TV and movies, especially old flicks, so pardon me if these phrases and names slip into my blogging).
I'll run quickly through the latter two first -- the bad and the ugly -- so you can know where I've been, then talk about the good.
The bad
I had a little trouble with my writing and publishing, or more specifically someone decided my stories were suddenly offensive, so after letting me publish work for more than a year, allowing virtually everything I post to pass through their censor check, suddenly Amazon decided much of my work no longer conformed to their standards, so they banned most of it. No warning, no explanation, just banned most of it and warned me I could lost my account if I didn't shape up.
Some of you know I've struggled with clinical depression -- at times severe -- and that sent me into a tailspin. I unpublished all of my work, not only at Amazon, but everywhere. An overreaction, yes, but I tend to do that some times.
Then life grew worse -- someone I had thought of as a friend and mentor turned out not to be so much of either, taking advantage of my condition at the time, offering "help" then pulling it back, stringing me along...you know how life can be. So I had to cut ties, walk away, which is always painful.
That was followed by the loss of someone dear and close to me, a precious soul who had really become my mother in recent years -- she'd taken me in, offered me support, guidance, love, just like I was one of her kids. She was the most loving, strongest woman I've ever known, but after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, she passed away earlier this year.
And not too long after that I nearly lost one of the other closest people to me in the whole world. She's not out of the woods yet, after a hospital stay and some extended outpatient treatment, she seems to be doing a little better.
The ugly
That was me, throughout these past few months. I mean my life, the way I was living, letting things get to me in ways that were unhealthy. Bad things happen to us all, it's really how we respond, how we overcome and build our lives in spite of the bad, that ultimately defines us and our lives.
Right?
It was pretty ugly, and I went for a long period of time without writing, without doing anything other than crawling out of bed, going to work, then coming back home. I ate a lot. Gained a lot of weight.
Like I said, it was pretty ugly. But that's changing some, and that leads us to the...
The GOOD
I've thought a lot about the one loss I mentioned earlier, my "mom." If any of you know me, or have been reading my posts off and on over the past few years, you know I had a rough start in life, eventually striking out on my own when I was just 16.
Well, my "mom" had a hard life, too. An incredibly poor childhood, some times going without the very basics of life, especially food. Yet she continued on, married, had her own kids, raised them, helped raise her grandkids, all through some trying and difficult times. Yet she never lost the basic joy in her life, never sat down and said "it's too much." She told me, more than once, that when things got really bad, she just put her head down and plowed through it.
"What else can you do?" she often asked.
Well, some of us quit, or take an extended break from life, it seems. At least that's what I've done a few times, which is odd since I was so determined, when I was younger, to never do that, to never be like the ones I grew up with, to never quit. I was determined to make something of my life.
I suppose I've done better than most that I grew up with, I certainly have done more than most would have thought possible if they saw me growing up, but still, when I sit and think and look back, I lost my way somewhere, started focusing on the problems, the bad and the ugly, rather than just working hard and moving forward.
A couple of months ago I decided this was crazy -- if I want some things in life, if I want to be different or better than I am now, just do it. Put my head down and plow forward.
And that's what I've been doing. I've tried, slowly, to get my life back together, to start writing again, and getting away from home for more than just working, to get out and live a little bit again.
So far, so good.
Which brings me to this blog, and my writing career. I've thought about restarting my blog for most of those two months, I've thought about writing and publishing more, maybe finding some homes for my old work and writing new pieces as well.
With the publication to this blog, I'm officially starting that, getting back into the game. In coming weeks and months I'll have news of my writing, where it's being published, how you can get it, and all of that info.
I'll also, from time to time, share a little with you what's going on in my life.
As always, feel free to comment, to share here from your own life, your own writing, most anything you wish.
For now, this kind of catches you up on my life. As always, thanks so much for stopping by.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Merry Monday -- FREE ebooks for you!
Merry Monday to you!
I know, you're sitting there bleary-eyed, maybe on your second (third?) cup of coffee, wondering what artificial substance I'm using to be so chipper at the start of the week.
I understand your pain. Monday is…well, it's Monday. The start of a new workweek, the official end of the weekend and any break we had from the real work world. Playtime (or rest time) is over and now we're slaving for the big boss.
That's why I'm unveiling a new feature that I hope will make your Mondays a little merrier: Merry Monday Free Book Specials.
That's right, every Monday I'll be listing somewhere between a half dozen and two dozen FREE e-books you can download to your Kindle. Some shorts, some full-length novels, mostly erotica, but some weeks I'll include romance, adventure, maybe even a few thrillers or horror tales.
And the best thing is they'll be absolutely FREE.
Every Monday just stop by here, at Shandra's Shadow World, and see what some great authors around the world have to offer you.
If you're an author, I'll be glad to include your work. Just send an Amazon link to me at bookspecials@yahoo.com (I can't believe that address was available!). Please send the ebook title, author name, and a one- or two-line description of the work.
Here's an example:
Lethal Obsession, by Shandra Miller. After years in a loveless marriage, Detective Angela Martin does the unthinkable: She meets with a stranger, in a hotel room, where she allows him to act out one of his bondage fantasies. When she does, Angela finds herself thrust into a world of murder, mystery, passion and eroticism. Download to your Kindle here.
(And no, Lethal Obsession is not free, just using it as an example – but it IS on sale for 99 cents if you're interested!)
Remember, send me only links to books that you intend to have free on the following Monday.
Now, if you're an author, send those links to me for next week. And if you're a writer, here's your first Merry Monday Free Book Specials:
Jennifer Stripped On Stage (A Story of Reluctant Public Sex), by Mary Alice Ball. When Jennifer's dream date takes her to a live magician's show, she is thrilled, until she watches one of her friends taken on stage, stripped and violated while the audience watches. Jennifer goes to her friend, only to soon find she may be next.
Dying to Forget (The Station), by Trish Marie Dawson: Piper Willow dies the summer after her high school graduation and finds herself in a spiritual terminal called the Station. She's given only two choices: Move on to the unknown where she'll be forced to spend an eternity in her own personal hell or be trained as a Volunteer and return to Earth as the subconscious for a person in need of outside assistance. Does Piper have what it takes to save a life, to be the nagging voice inside another person's head? Or will she fail and end up lost and tormented...forever?
Bondage and Service: A Tale of Reluctant First-time Oral Sex and BDSM. by Mandy Cumming. Brittany, a waitress at the exclusive Tide's Inn, decides to make her play for Victor McCoy, a regular visitor who has made his interest in her obvious. Brittany quickly learns Victor isn't a typical lover – he expects total surrender from Brittany, leaving her literally helpless to his every whim. FREE for your Kindle here.
A to Z in 10 by 10 by Donna B. McNicol 26 letters in the alphabet provide the start of 26 flash fiction stories. Each story was written based upon a word and a photo used for inspiration. That's the A to Z.The 10 by 10 refers to the story length. Each story was written in no more than ten sentences but with a minimum of 100 words (10x10=100).
His for One Night (His #1) by Octavia Wildwood. After a bad night, straight-laced college instructor Daniella James finds herself drowning her sorrows at a local bar. It’s not her type of place, but she doesn’t feel like being alone. Then a handsome stranger in an expensive suit walks into her life and nothing is ever the same again.
The Neighbor 2, Lust in the Suburbs by Abby Weeks. Janey's story continues as she determines to impress the wealthy neighbor next door, this time by dominating her husband in front of him. As Janey gets closer to actually meeting the neighbor, and even slips onto his property in her underwear, we get another stunning look at how much she has changed and grown since moving to Sunny Oaks.
Give yourself a little gift (or two, or three) to help you get yourself started on the week, click on any of the links and download your free e-books.
And if you're an author, send me any books you plan to have free on Monday, April 7 to bookspecials@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: While it is my intention to feature only ebooks that are available for free download today, please check to ensure the book is listed as free before downloading. Sole responsibility for ensuring the listed ebooks are free, as listed, rest with the author.
I know, you're sitting there bleary-eyed, maybe on your second (third?) cup of coffee, wondering what artificial substance I'm using to be so chipper at the start of the week.
I understand your pain. Monday is…well, it's Monday. The start of a new workweek, the official end of the weekend and any break we had from the real work world. Playtime (or rest time) is over and now we're slaving for the big boss.
That's why I'm unveiling a new feature that I hope will make your Mondays a little merrier: Merry Monday Free Book Specials.
That's right, every Monday I'll be listing somewhere between a half dozen and two dozen FREE e-books you can download to your Kindle. Some shorts, some full-length novels, mostly erotica, but some weeks I'll include romance, adventure, maybe even a few thrillers or horror tales.
And the best thing is they'll be absolutely FREE.
Every Monday just stop by here, at Shandra's Shadow World, and see what some great authors around the world have to offer you.
If you're an author, I'll be glad to include your work. Just send an Amazon link to me at bookspecials@yahoo.com (I can't believe that address was available!). Please send the ebook title, author name, and a one- or two-line description of the work.
Here's an example:
Lethal Obsession, by Shandra Miller. After years in a loveless marriage, Detective Angela Martin does the unthinkable: She meets with a stranger, in a hotel room, where she allows him to act out one of his bondage fantasies. When she does, Angela finds herself thrust into a world of murder, mystery, passion and eroticism. Download to your Kindle here.
(And no, Lethal Obsession is not free, just using it as an example – but it IS on sale for 99 cents if you're interested!)
Remember, send me only links to books that you intend to have free on the following Monday.
Now, if you're an author, send those links to me for next week. And if you're a writer, here's your first Merry Monday Free Book Specials:
Jennifer Stripped On Stage (A Story of Reluctant Public Sex), by Mary Alice Ball. When Jennifer's dream date takes her to a live magician's show, she is thrilled, until she watches one of her friends taken on stage, stripped and violated while the audience watches. Jennifer goes to her friend, only to soon find she may be next.
Dying to Forget (The Station), by Trish Marie Dawson: Piper Willow dies the summer after her high school graduation and finds herself in a spiritual terminal called the Station. She's given only two choices: Move on to the unknown where she'll be forced to spend an eternity in her own personal hell or be trained as a Volunteer and return to Earth as the subconscious for a person in need of outside assistance. Does Piper have what it takes to save a life, to be the nagging voice inside another person's head? Or will she fail and end up lost and tormented...forever?
Bondage and Service: A Tale of Reluctant First-time Oral Sex and BDSM. by Mandy Cumming. Brittany, a waitress at the exclusive Tide's Inn, decides to make her play for Victor McCoy, a regular visitor who has made his interest in her obvious. Brittany quickly learns Victor isn't a typical lover – he expects total surrender from Brittany, leaving her literally helpless to his every whim. FREE for your Kindle here.
A to Z in 10 by 10 by Donna B. McNicol 26 letters in the alphabet provide the start of 26 flash fiction stories. Each story was written based upon a word and a photo used for inspiration. That's the A to Z.The 10 by 10 refers to the story length. Each story was written in no more than ten sentences but with a minimum of 100 words (10x10=100).
His for One Night (His #1) by Octavia Wildwood. After a bad night, straight-laced college instructor Daniella James finds herself drowning her sorrows at a local bar. It’s not her type of place, but she doesn’t feel like being alone. Then a handsome stranger in an expensive suit walks into her life and nothing is ever the same again.
The Neighbor 2, Lust in the Suburbs by Abby Weeks. Janey's story continues as she determines to impress the wealthy neighbor next door, this time by dominating her husband in front of him. As Janey gets closer to actually meeting the neighbor, and even slips onto his property in her underwear, we get another stunning look at how much she has changed and grown since moving to Sunny Oaks.
Give yourself a little gift (or two, or three) to help you get yourself started on the week, click on any of the links and download your free e-books.
And if you're an author, send me any books you plan to have free on Monday, April 7 to bookspecials@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: While it is my intention to feature only ebooks that are available for free download today, please check to ensure the book is listed as free before downloading. Sole responsibility for ensuring the listed ebooks are free, as listed, rest with the author.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Flower shops, candy shops, and falling in love: An interview with two hunky men from Elodie Parkes' world
Today we feature British author Elodie Parkes, who just released two works this month.
The Flower Box, a novella released on Feb. 7 by Hot Ink Press and Candy Hearts, a Hot Ink Single released on Feb. 14.
Tom: I’ve never thought about that. I don’t mind my name and in the story I get to change jobs. I used to hate what I did so that was great. The setting goes with the job, and is a cool place, I think.
She pressed her neck against his face as he sucked.
He pulled her skirt up around her waist and kissed up to her ear. “I want you,” he whispered into her ear and she gasped. Oliver pushed her pantyhose down around her thighs. He kissed her lips, and felt her part them to moan as he slid his hand between her legs. She was wet and his cock jerked. His breath came in short gasps as he pushed two fingers into her pussy. The feel of her inner muscles around his fingers sent a spike of sensation through his cock. He thought he’d come right then as his hips thrust in response to her opening her legs wider for his hand. He murmured against her mouth. “You feel so good. I can’t wait to get you home.”
Alice kissed him. “Let’s go. I’m desperate for you.”
Her words made his cock leak. He wondered if he could make it to her car. He took his fingers from her pussy and lingered with his fingertips against her clit.
She held his shoulders and kissed him hard.
Oliver took his fingers from her clit and rested his face against hers. “Sorry, Alice, does anyone else use this path?”
Her voice was low as she answered against his cheek. “Not usually.”
He hugged her. “That’s good.” He moved from her
She made a little sound as he pulled her pantyhose up.
He held her face and kissed her tenderly. “Let’s go.”
Copyright Elodie Parkes 2014
Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.
+++++
Don't forget out big giveaway! Gift cards, free fiction -- loads of prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Flower Box, a novella released on Feb. 7 by Hot Ink Press and Candy Hearts, a Hot Ink Single released on Feb. 14.
Here's a bit about each
The Flower Box: Alice longs for love. Oliver wants to give her flowers and candy until he thinks she has another lover. Will his jealously drive him away from Alice or straight into her arms?
Candy Hearts: Tom found a new job, but can he find love?
Working in a surf coast hotel seems like the remedy for his previous unhappiness, but as Valentine’s Day approaches, Tom realizes he’s lonely, and looks around for someone to love.
***
Candy Hearts: Tom found a new job, but can he find love?
Working in a surf coast hotel seems like the remedy for his previous unhappiness, but as Valentine’s Day approaches, Tom realizes he’s lonely, and looks around for someone to love.
***
And now we have a special treat, interviews with two of the stars of Elodie's works, Oliver and Tom, Oliver stars in The Flower Box and Tom in Candy Hearts
Oliver, tell us something about Alice, how would you describe her in a few words?
Alice is just great. She’s the love of my life so I’m biased in my opinion I guess you know. She’s brave, capable, and independent. She likes the park and water. She’s very pretty, slender, intelligent, kind, and generous, and she treats everyone and thing well. She’s great at her job and runs her own business. She’s sexy. (He grins)
Tom, describe your loved one in a few words. (Tom’s asked us not to give away her name, when you read the story you’ll know why)
Very sexy, giving, clever, thoughtful, a great lover, knows what she wants or needs to do and goes for it. She’s full of surprises, she loves me, and she works hard at her jobs. I couldn’t live without her now.
So guys tell the readers about how you met the leading ladies in your stories.
Tom: I met my love in a coffee shop. She was a waitress. On one occasion, she gave me a look that nearly melted the chair I was sitting on besides parts of me touching it. (laughs)
Oliver: I met her in person in a flower and candy shop. I’d seen her before but not close up.
Can you describe when you first knew you were in love? Oliver tell us about when you knew you loved Alice.
It might be a spoiler if I told all. I thought I’d lost her, that woke me up with a jolt. (smiles)
What about you Tom?
It was hard to let myself fall in love, I think I loved her very soon though and just pushed it away.
Is there anything you would have changed about the story, your name, job, story setting, anything?
Oliver, tell us something about Alice, how would you describe her in a few words?
Alice is just great. She’s the love of my life so I’m biased in my opinion I guess you know. She’s brave, capable, and independent. She likes the park and water. She’s very pretty, slender, intelligent, kind, and generous, and she treats everyone and thing well. She’s great at her job and runs her own business. She’s sexy. (He grins)
Tom, describe your loved one in a few words. (Tom’s asked us not to give away her name, when you read the story you’ll know why)
Very sexy, giving, clever, thoughtful, a great lover, knows what she wants or needs to do and goes for it. She’s full of surprises, she loves me, and she works hard at her jobs. I couldn’t live without her now.
So guys tell the readers about how you met the leading ladies in your stories.
Tom: I met my love in a coffee shop. She was a waitress. On one occasion, she gave me a look that nearly melted the chair I was sitting on besides parts of me touching it. (laughs)
Oliver: I met her in person in a flower and candy shop. I’d seen her before but not close up.
Can you describe when you first knew you were in love? Oliver tell us about when you knew you loved Alice.
It might be a spoiler if I told all. I thought I’d lost her, that woke me up with a jolt. (smiles)
What about you Tom?
It was hard to let myself fall in love, I think I loved her very soon though and just pushed it away.
Is there anything you would have changed about the story, your name, job, story setting, anything?
Tom: I’ve never thought about that. I don’t mind my name and in the story I get to change jobs. I used to hate what I did so that was great. The setting goes with the job, and is a cool place, I think.
Oliver: I like my name. I love my job. It’s not what I set out to do when I went to college, but it’s great. The setting for the story wouldn’t be able to change, that’s where I work and where Alice works, and where we live, plus it’s a cool city. (smiles)
Will each of you choose an excerpt from the story that you enjoy?
Oliver: Is there a rating level on your blog? Mine has to be a love scene.
Tom: Mine too. (laughs)
Just choose what you want, and thank you both for coming along today.
Oliver: Thank you. It’s been fun.
Tom: I’ve enjoyed meeting you, so thank you.
***
An excerpt from Candy Hearts
She watched him closely.
Tom saw her gaze trace his mouth, then his body. The atmosphere between them charged as she broadcast attraction signals. He edged his hand along the tabletop so that he might touch hers when she reached for her water glass.
It happened as they stared at each other.
Tom’s cock hardened as the prickle of desire flew along his arm from her touch. He saw her eyes darken and she leaned into him. He took hold of her hand then, locking fingers with hers. He had to kiss her. He raised his other hand, slid it gently along her cheek, and brought her head to his.
The kiss was devastatingly sexy. His cock, rock hard now, pushed at his suit pants. Sky’s lips parted for his tongue. He kissed her, and the steady hum of the restaurant guests’ chatter receded. Surrounded by the scent of her silky hair and softness of her skin, Tom took his time. He held her head to his until he felt her try to move from the kiss, away from him. He let her end the kiss, but he tightened his grip on her hand. As he lifted his head he realized their food had arrived and the server waited by the table for them to end the kiss. He smiled and let go of her hand.
She smiled too leaning back so that the plate could be placed on the table in front of her.
As they ate little bites of their steaks, Tom again asked for her real name.
He swallowed. “I’d love to know your name. Seriously, after that kiss, I can’t keep calling you Sky.” He saw her hesitate, and then she answered.
Copyright Elodie Parkes 2014
Will each of you choose an excerpt from the story that you enjoy?
Oliver: Is there a rating level on your blog? Mine has to be a love scene.
Tom: Mine too. (laughs)
Just choose what you want, and thank you both for coming along today.
Oliver: Thank you. It’s been fun.
***
An excerpt from Candy Hearts
She watched him closely.
Tom saw her gaze trace his mouth, then his body. The atmosphere between them charged as she broadcast attraction signals. He edged his hand along the tabletop so that he might touch hers when she reached for her water glass.
It happened as they stared at each other.
Tom’s cock hardened as the prickle of desire flew along his arm from her touch. He saw her eyes darken and she leaned into him. He took hold of her hand then, locking fingers with hers. He had to kiss her. He raised his other hand, slid it gently along her cheek, and brought her head to his.
The kiss was devastatingly sexy. His cock, rock hard now, pushed at his suit pants. Sky’s lips parted for his tongue. He kissed her, and the steady hum of the restaurant guests’ chatter receded. Surrounded by the scent of her silky hair and softness of her skin, Tom took his time. He held her head to his until he felt her try to move from the kiss, away from him. He let her end the kiss, but he tightened his grip on her hand. As he lifted his head he realized their food had arrived and the server waited by the table for them to end the kiss. He smiled and let go of her hand.
She smiled too leaning back so that the plate could be placed on the table in front of her.
As they ate little bites of their steaks, Tom again asked for her real name.
He swallowed. “I’d love to know your name. Seriously, after that kiss, I can’t keep calling you Sky.” He saw her hesitate, and then she answered.
Copyright Elodie Parkes 2014
*****
An excerpt from The Flower Box
She pressed her neck against his face as he sucked.
He pulled her skirt up around her waist and kissed up to her ear. “I want you,” he whispered into her ear and she gasped. Oliver pushed her pantyhose down around her thighs. He kissed her lips, and felt her part them to moan as he slid his hand between her legs. She was wet and his cock jerked. His breath came in short gasps as he pushed two fingers into her pussy. The feel of her inner muscles around his fingers sent a spike of sensation through his cock. He thought he’d come right then as his hips thrust in response to her opening her legs wider for his hand. He murmured against her mouth. “You feel so good. I can’t wait to get you home.”
Alice kissed him. “Let’s go. I’m desperate for you.”
Her words made his cock leak. He wondered if he could make it to her car. He took his fingers from her pussy and lingered with his fingertips against her clit.
She held his shoulders and kissed him hard.
Oliver took his fingers from her clit and rested his face against hers. “Sorry, Alice, does anyone else use this path?”
Her voice was low as she answered against his cheek. “Not usually.”
He hugged her. “That’s good.” He moved from her
She made a little sound as he pulled her pantyhose up.
He held her face and kissed her tenderly. “Let’s go.”
Copyright Elodie Parkes 2014
*****
Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.
Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, loving the cloak of silent darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.
Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight
Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight
She has also released titles as an
individual indie author.
Find
Elodie online: Blog Tumblr Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest YouTube Amazon USA Amazon UK Smashwords Barnes and Noble ARe Bookstrand Evernight Manic Readers The Romance Reviews
+++++
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Thursday, February 13, 2014
Author S.L. Wallace, turning dystopian dreams into literary realities
Note: Today, we start the 14-day Lethal Obsession Birthday Book Blast Tour -- appearances by 14 different authors here at Shandra's Shadow World Blog. Please join us each day for a chance to learn about a new writer, her work, and a few fun facts. We also have a HUGE give-away many of the guests are contributing to.
*****
Today we have writer S.L. Wallace, author of the
Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great series, as well as the stories Dante's Day
Off and Retrospection. I may be a little unusual in that I often find a writer's notes about where she comes up with stories as interesting as the actual stories. I think you're going to find some of my guest' answers here absolutely fascinating -- I know I can't wait to dive into more of her stories now!
Now, S.L., thanks so much for taking the time to appear on my
blog. Let's jump right in.
Tell us a little bit about the Reliance
on Citizens Makes Us Great series.
Wow, that is jumping right in! That was the first
story I ever felt a desire to publish. I've enjoyed writing my entire life, but
I never before wanted to share my musings with the world. I was inspired to
write the Reliance on Citizens trilogy after waking up from an extremely vivid
dream and thinking, "I'd watch that as a movie." And as I got ready
for work that morning, I kept thinking about it. The fact that the dream didn't
fade also led me to believe I had a good solid idea for a story. As soon as I
got to work, I sat down at the computer and typed up everything I could
remember about that dream, the mood, the setting, the characters. I even kept
the main character's name from my dream: Keira. That dream became an early
chapter in Price of a Bounty. As we all know, dreams sometimes go in weird
directions, and this one was no different. I quickly changed the setting
because my dream took place on the outskirts of a renaissance festival. That
just didn't fit.
And then a really strange coincidence happened. A
few weeks after I began writing Price of a Bounty, the story of a dystopian
future world in which there is a huge divide between the Elite (the wealthy and
powerful) and the Working Class (everybody else), the governor of my state
started trying to remove the rights of public employees. He eventually
succeeded, but well before that happened I went to a meeting to learn more
about what was going on. A speaker tossed out a couple of statistics comparing
the small number of wealthy people and how much they were financially worth to
the rest of the population as a whole and how much wealth they had. My jaw just
about hit the floor, and I thought, "Oh, my god! We're living in my
novel!"
Can you tell us a little bit about how
your other stories came to you?
Retrospection is another one that came from a dream.
We were relaxing on vacation in a cabin in the woods when I slept in one
morning. As I slowly woke, I realized I'd had a very interesting dream about a
being that attaches itself to humans through the nervous system but that really
isn't
Last summer, I wrote a short story called Dante's
Day Off. That one was inspired by a news article I read online that talked
about how the first successful head transplant was completed on a monkey in the
early 1970s but that doctors weren't able to attach the delicate nerves along
the spinal column. The article proposed that we now have the technology
required to perform such a surgery. Instead of writing a Frankenstein type
story, I decided to write one from a more humanistic angle.
The main character,
Dante, is fascinated by that sort of research and news, and he is determined to
be on the donor list in case anything happens to him.
Have you found writing a series or
writing stand-alone works more challenging?
I think writing a series was more challenging
because I worked hard to make sure that each book in my trilogy could be read
as a stand-alone novel. Even though each book has its own story arc, there is
an overall story arc that is present as well. One of my pet peeves when reading
is to have large descriptions of what came before, so I had to be careful to
give enough information so readers wouldn't be confused if they started with
books two or three, but not so much as to bore readers who were working their
way through the series. You see, I want readers to come back for more because
they enjoy my work not because questions won't be answered if they don't
continue.
In one of the author bios I've seen on
you, you say you're a descendant of the legendary William Wallace, but that you
fight for freedom and independence with the pen, rather than a sword, and that
you've taken a stand against changes in government. Can you tell us a little
about that, about what moves you to write?
When the governor of my home state started busting
public unions, I was a public school teacher there. I wrote letters to the
editor and marched around the capitol in freezing winter temperatures in order
to try and protect my rights as well as the rights of parks department
employees, public health officials, firemen, etc. We lost that fight, as much
as we tried, we lost. Many people continue to fight against injustice there,
but I chose to move away because of my daughter. If she had been further along
in her schooling, I would have stayed, but she's just starting school, and it's
my opinion that the schools in that state have been completely ruined for
generations to come. I know
I'm not the only one who made that decision. Not
only do I personally know other teachers and other public employees who have
left the state, taken early retirement, or changed career paths, I also heard
another scary statistic at the beginning of this school year. In a large school
district that normally hires anywhere from 4 to 20, new teaches every
September, this past school year, they hired 61 new teachers. On top of that, I
know for a fact that principals are being asked to fill teaching vacancies in
addition to running their schools, positions are being eliminated, and the
teachers who stay are being asked to take on extra duties. So what can I do? I
can write fiction that gets readers to think about real world issues.
Okay, let's step away from writing for a
bit. Let's do some rapid fire questions.
Answer the first thing that comes to mind – no cheating, no pondering, just
whatever flashes in your mind first.
All right. I'm ready!
Favorite modern television series?
The 4400. I hope that's not too old?
Favorite television series from any era?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Favorite writer?
Neil Gaiman or Patrick Ness
If money were no object or concern, what
sort of car would you own?
Prius
If you could live, full time, anywhere
in the world, were would it be? Why?
Anywhere in Canada because I have family there, and
I agree with more of their political stances such as universal health care.
Favorite food?
Italian. Any Italian food.
Favorite color?
I have two. Bright blue and black.
Favorite novel?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Okay, now, back to the writerly
questions. J
Is there any one moment, or one event in
your life that made you decide you wanted, maybe needed, to be a writer? If
not, can you tell us how you came to the realization you wanted to write?
I enjoy writing. I always have. Writing is sort of
like breathing to me. I just do it naturally. If self-publishing weren't an
option, I'm sure I'd still be writing for myself, like I did for most of my
life.
Tell us, what projects we might see
coming from you over the next year.
There is a very short story I recently wrote for a
literary fiction anthology that is presently on hold. It's called Rafting the
Wolff, and it's based on an experience I had when I was in high school. I'm
sure I'll publish it somewhere eventually. You can read an excerpt on my
official author website.
In addition to that, I'm working on an anthology of
suspenseful short stories and possibly some horror shorts. I'm starting each
chapter with a little bit of nonfiction from my past. Then each chapter expands
on those particular personal experiences, except I twist and warp them. I plan
to release it in October of 2014. It does not yet have a title.
Thanks so much for taking the time to
visit with us, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you being here today.
Now, in honor of Valentine's Day, let's share an excerpt from Heart of
Humanity.
The Reliance on Citizens books are all written in
first person point of view, only whose point of view it is changes and rotates
between the main characters on a chapter by chapter basis. This very short
chapter is from Brody's point of view. He's talking to Aimee who suffered from physical
and sexual abuse in her past.
Pale, smooth skin, long lashes, golden hair. Aimee looked so peaceful
when she slept. I sighed. Just then, her features contorted as the dream took
over. I gathered her into my arms, held her close, kept her safe.
“Aimee,” I said softly into her ear. “Aimee, wake up.”
Her eyelids fluttered open. She curled her body against mine and wept.
Eventually, she wiped the tears away, stretched and rolled over onto her back.
I propped myself up on one elbow and peered into her deep brown eyes.
“Good morning.”
She smiled and took a deep breath. “Morning.”
This was the perfect time. Not just before, but now. She felt safe
with me, I could see it in her eyes, and I didn't want the moment to pass.
“Aimee, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Brody...”
“Will you marry me?”
“Brody.” She turned her head away and looked out the window. “You're
asking now? With my hair a mess and my stinky morning breath?”
“Your hair is gorgeous, and your breath is—well, it's okay.”
The briefest smile flashed across her face. “What about flowers and a
romantic dinner? What about the ring and getting down on one knee? Is this
really how you want to ask me?” She was still looking away.
Gently, I reached for her chin and directed her eyes back toward mine.
“I want to wake up next to you every morning, just like this. I want to fall
asleep holding you every night. I don't want anything about us to change. I
just want everyone to know that we've made a commitment to each other.”
Yes, I wanted to
ask her here, privately, in a place where she felt safe.
Connect with S. L. Wallace:
Official Author Website: http://slwallace.com/
Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/author.slwallace
Facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reliance-on-Citizens/269905359690713?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorSLWallace
+++++++++
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Friday, February 7, 2014
Seven days and counting til the Big Blog Birthday Bash!
That's right, in just seven days I'm kicking off a two-week celebration of my first novel, LETHAL OBSESSION.
On Feb. 28, 2013, LETHAL OBSESSION went live, and it's been quite a year. I've had a few readers contact me, which really makes my day, and I've met some wonderful, supportive writers along the way, some that I count among my friends today.
In celebration of that publication birthday, I'm hosting a 14-day Big Blog Birthday Bash, with 14 different writers appearing on my blog, AND a chance for you to win some great prizes.
I'll give more details in a day or two, but keep watching this spot for announcements of who is participating and what prizes are being offered.
Don't miss it!
On Feb. 28, 2013, LETHAL OBSESSION went live, and it's been quite a year. I've had a few readers contact me, which really makes my day, and I've met some wonderful, supportive writers along the way, some that I count among my friends today.
In celebration of that publication birthday, I'm hosting a 14-day Big Blog Birthday Bash, with 14 different writers appearing on my blog, AND a chance for you to win some great prizes.
I'll give more details in a day or two, but keep watching this spot for announcements of who is participating and what prizes are being offered.
Don't miss it!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Free fiction and a chance to cavort with me and some lovely ladies?
Want free fiction? Want a chance to chat with me and some fans and friends in a private little online group? What about occasional prizes or swag, or the chance to see my work before anyone else in the world does?
Then come along and join my new and improved Street Team.
Nearly a year ago I formed the LETHAL OBSESSION Street Team for two main purposes. First, of course, was to help me get the word out about my debut novel, LETHAL OBSESSION, and later to help me with the sequel, HELPLESS.
Second, it became a chance for me to interact, on a somewhat more personal basis, with a few fans of my work, and to make a few friends. There are some great ladies in the group, people who have supported and encouraged me, and who helped me spread the word about my work.
In the latter part of 2013 I ended up with an impromptu hiatus, both from writing and working with the street team (details here and then a follow-up here if you want to see what happened). Thankfully, I'm back writing up a storm now and have a release schedule now for the third part of the Lethal Obsession Trilogy (March 11), as well as tentative release dates for additional works featuring some of the characters from Lethal Obsession (May and July) as well as an entirely new novel series I'll be starting in April, featuring the fictional character Deborah Tompkins, a small-time radio news director who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
I also plan to have a collection of shortish tales that combine horror and erotica later in the year, as October approaches.
More details on all of that as the coming weeks unfold, but all totaled I'm looking at perhaps six novels or novel-length collections coming out in 2014.
For now, though, I'm looking to build a new Street Team, to get to know more fans and to get help in spreading the word about my work as it's released.
Thus I'm turning to you, dear reader, asking if you'd like to join the Shandra Miller Street Team?
What's in it for you?
Plenty of free fiction -- you all will get free copies of my new work, in some cases weeks before its released to the public. You can even have input into my fiction as a beta reader, or as I ask questions along the way while I'm writing. Heck, you might even get to name some of my characters!
You'll also get the chance to interact with some great people -- the ladies on my street team now are wonderful, helpful, and funny.
Third, I can't promise what form this might take (I'm on a tight budget at present), but along the way during 2014 I may have some chances at a few prizes for street team members, or some Shandra Miller swag that you'll all get for free.
Fourth, for those members who are writers, I'll do everything I can to help spread the word of your work -- tweet for you, share posts on Facebook, let you guest blog here on Shandra's Shadow World, whatever we can come up with!
And fifth, you get a chance to help little ol me -- and believe me, I can use all the help I can get. :)
Did I also mention plenty of FREE FICTION?
What does being on the Street Team mean for you? What am I asking in return?
Not a lot, actually. I will ask for beta readers occasionally as I work on my stories. I'll ask you all to help with retweeting some if you have a Twitter account, and for help sharing posts on Facebook -- not a lot, I don't want you to feel like you're spamming your friends with promos of my work. I'll also ask that as you read my work (remember, it's FREE for Street Team members) you leave reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble (don't worry, you can leave the same review at each place, so it's just copying and pasting).
And I might occasionally ask for advice or help in finding websites and blogs that might do reviews or promos of my work.
That's about it!
So, plenty of FREE FICTION, an opportunity to meet and get to know some great folks, a chance to help little old me get my writing into the hands of readers, and maybe even some prizes and swag!
What's not to like?
If you want to join my Street Team just click anywhere you see Street Team, that'll take you to the group on FB, then ask to join. Or send me a note and I'll sent an invitation.
Most of all, I want you to have some fun while helping me spread the word about my fiction.
Thanks for stopping by, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Shandra
Then come along and join my new and improved Street Team.
Nearly a year ago I formed the LETHAL OBSESSION Street Team for two main purposes. First, of course, was to help me get the word out about my debut novel, LETHAL OBSESSION, and later to help me with the sequel, HELPLESS.
Second, it became a chance for me to interact, on a somewhat more personal basis, with a few fans of my work, and to make a few friends. There are some great ladies in the group, people who have supported and encouraged me, and who helped me spread the word about my work.
In the latter part of 2013 I ended up with an impromptu hiatus, both from writing and working with the street team (details here and then a follow-up here if you want to see what happened). Thankfully, I'm back writing up a storm now and have a release schedule now for the third part of the Lethal Obsession Trilogy (March 11), as well as tentative release dates for additional works featuring some of the characters from Lethal Obsession (May and July) as well as an entirely new novel series I'll be starting in April, featuring the fictional character Deborah Tompkins, a small-time radio news director who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
I also plan to have a collection of shortish tales that combine horror and erotica later in the year, as October approaches.
More details on all of that as the coming weeks unfold, but all totaled I'm looking at perhaps six novels or novel-length collections coming out in 2014.
For now, though, I'm looking to build a new Street Team, to get to know more fans and to get help in spreading the word about my work as it's released.
Thus I'm turning to you, dear reader, asking if you'd like to join the Shandra Miller Street Team?
What's in it for you?
Plenty of free fiction -- you all will get free copies of my new work, in some cases weeks before its released to the public. You can even have input into my fiction as a beta reader, or as I ask questions along the way while I'm writing. Heck, you might even get to name some of my characters!
You'll also get the chance to interact with some great people -- the ladies on my street team now are wonderful, helpful, and funny.
Third, I can't promise what form this might take (I'm on a tight budget at present), but along the way during 2014 I may have some chances at a few prizes for street team members, or some Shandra Miller swag that you'll all get for free.
Fourth, for those members who are writers, I'll do everything I can to help spread the word of your work -- tweet for you, share posts on Facebook, let you guest blog here on Shandra's Shadow World, whatever we can come up with!
And fifth, you get a chance to help little ol me -- and believe me, I can use all the help I can get. :)
Did I also mention plenty of FREE FICTION?
What does being on the Street Team mean for you? What am I asking in return?
Not a lot, actually. I will ask for beta readers occasionally as I work on my stories. I'll ask you all to help with retweeting some if you have a Twitter account, and for help sharing posts on Facebook -- not a lot, I don't want you to feel like you're spamming your friends with promos of my work. I'll also ask that as you read my work (remember, it's FREE for Street Team members) you leave reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble (don't worry, you can leave the same review at each place, so it's just copying and pasting).
And I might occasionally ask for advice or help in finding websites and blogs that might do reviews or promos of my work.
That's about it!
So, plenty of FREE FICTION, an opportunity to meet and get to know some great folks, a chance to help little old me get my writing into the hands of readers, and maybe even some prizes and swag!
What's not to like?
If you want to join my Street Team just click anywhere you see Street Team, that'll take you to the group on FB, then ask to join. Or send me a note and I'll sent an invitation.
Most of all, I want you to have some fun while helping me spread the word about my fiction.
Thanks for stopping by, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Shandra
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Blind Faith, A Tides Inn Erotic Trilogy now available
My first release of the year, BLIND FAITH, A Tides Inn Erotic Trilogy is now available, for just 99 cents.
The book is a collection of three stories that center around Pamela, a waitress at the exclusive Tides Inn resort, and her attraction to Brett McCoy, a frequent guest at the Inn. Pamela, who generally serves Brett (at his request) when he dines at the Inn, decides to make her desires known to him.
She wasn't prepared for his response. At first she's shocked, then confused, and finally she realized Brett, despite his confident demeanor, has issues of his own, and she wonders if he can ever experience love without control.
Here's an excerpt:
You can purchase BLIND FAITH for just 99 cents for your Kindle here, for your Nook here, or for any format here at Smashwords.
For a larger sample, you can get the first tale in the collection, PRIVATE DINING, for free here at Smashwords. (Soon it'll be available at other retailers for free as well).
I hope you enjoy...
Thanks for stopping by,
xoxo
The book is a collection of three stories that center around Pamela, a waitress at the exclusive Tides Inn resort, and her attraction to Brett McCoy, a frequent guest at the Inn. Pamela, who generally serves Brett (at his request) when he dines at the Inn, decides to make her desires known to him.
She wasn't prepared for his response. At first she's shocked, then confused, and finally she realized Brett, despite his confident demeanor, has issues of his own, and she wonders if he can ever experience love without control.
Here's an excerpt:
“I have
requirements of you,” he whispered. “Requirements that necessitate me removing
your blindfold.”
A charge ran through Pamela’s body, one of anticipation
at seeing Brett, fully nude. He grabbed her arms, lifted her to her feet, then
untied the blindfold, let it drop.
She looked at him – his legs were much like his upper
body, slender yet muscular, and she wanted to feel those legs against her
again.
He turned her around, facing away from him, and removed
the gag. She worked her mouth open and shut several times.
“You must be hungry by now,” Brett said. “I know I am.”
That’s when Pamela noticed a plate of food on the desk in
the corner. The plate held a handful of grapes, some slices of banana, a few
pieces of chocolate broken off from a bar, crackers and cheese chunks.
“I had room service bring something up while I was
waiting for you.” She felt him behind her again, his body pressed against hers.
“As before, I wish for you to feed me.” Then he was gone. She turned to find
him taking his place on a large chair in the corner of the room, opposite the
desk which held the food.
She looked back to the food, then to him, and realized
what he meant for her to do. She walked to the corner, bent over, took a piece
of chocolate in her mouth, and then strolled across the room toward Brett, the
chocolate protruding from her lips. She felt foolish in a way, vulnerable,
naked and helpless with her hands bound behind her back, having to walk across
the room in his manner, serving him. But she felt alive, as if she were finding
some level of gratification she had never known.
Pamela reached Brett and stood, unsure how to proceed,
then she straddled his lap, eased herself down onto his legs. Oh, I want you. Pamela wanted his hands
on her, caressing, probing, playing.
She pulled the chocolate fully into her mouth, held it
there while it melted, then slowly, teasingly she leaned over, pushing her
chest forward, her breasts rubbing against his chest, and she saw desire and
wanting in his eyes, and Pamela knew whatever he had planned, however long this
feeding exercise was supposed to last, he was about to lose control again.
Because of her. Despite being bound, and knowing that he could do absolutely
anything to her, at that moment Pamela felt power, a raw sexual level of
control over Brett, over his desires, his ability to focus.
She put her lips to his, opened her mouth and pushed
the sticky, melted chocolate from her mouth into his, her saliva mixing with
his, tongues entwined as he tried to take every piece of the chocolate she
offered. Pamela felt herself grow dripping-wet, she even thought her heart may
have skipped a beat when his hands began playing along her thighs. She pushed
her tongue even deeper. He moaned, his hands moving to up to her hips.....You can purchase BLIND FAITH for just 99 cents for your Kindle here, for your Nook here, or for any format here at Smashwords.
For a larger sample, you can get the first tale in the collection, PRIVATE DINING, for free here at Smashwords. (Soon it'll be available at other retailers for free as well).
I hope you enjoy...
Thanks for stopping by,
xoxo
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Some hot erotica plans for 2014
Many who know me say I tend to march to the beat of a
different drummer (occasionally to a drumbeat no on else seems to be able to hear). Still, sometimes, every once in a great while, I do
something downright traditional.
That's what I'm doing today, writing a New Year's blog to
talk a little bit about my 2014 plans. Sorta like my New Year's publishing
resolutions.
Before getting into all of that, I want to take a quick
glance back at 2013. Not to review what I've published, or talking about
anything specific. I just want to say that while it was definitely an up and
down year, I thank all of you who have been reading my work, and to some of my
new author friends who have taught me so much about writing and publishing I want to say you ladies are the best!
You guys are definitely a big part of the good times I
experience in 2013. For my readers, I hope I was able to give you a few hours
of enjoyment while you were reading my books. I know I enjoyed writing them,
and I can't tell you how thrilling it is to get notes from you all, or reviews,
about the stories. I hope to give you even more this year.
And now, onward to 2014.
First, I plan on Jan. 8 to officially release PAMELA'S
CHOICE, the long-awaited conclusion to the little trilogy I began with my
erotica short, PRIVATE DINING and continued with the story ROOM SERVICE. Rather
than release PAMELA'S CHOICE as a stand-alone short, I've combined all three of
them in the collection BLIND FAITH, A TIDES INN EROTICA TRILOGY.
I'll tell you a little secret though – you can get BLIND FAITH now for just 99 cents, here for your Kindle, here for your Nook, or here
for any format from Smashwords. If you want a glimpse into the trilogy, you can
get the first story, PRIVATE DINING, for free right here at Smashwords. It'll
be up and live – and free – for your Nook sometime, though I'm patiently waiting on B&N to upload the site from Smashwords. Still waiting on Amazon to
change the price to free. I'll add that information here as it becomes available.
Second, the third, and as yet untitled, final installment of
the LETHAL OBSESSION trilogy will be out in March, with a tentative release
date of March 4. In this one, Detective Angela Martin goes deeper into the
world of bondage, BDSM, and submission than she's ever dreamed – not because
she's still seeking something, but she's trying to save the man she loves. Can
she return? Can she even survive?
I'll also have another tale coming out in late April that
will take a look at what happens to a couple who take their fantasy life a
little too far, kidnapping a woman to make their own slave, and what can happen
when they target the wrong person…
Beyond that? I've already got a few stories in the works, perhaps
a couple of more traditional thrillers that aren't so overtly erotica, and maybe
even a little horror and erotica mixed together as we near October.
We'll have to see.
But for now, I have a busy, busy first few months planned,
so I'm going to get busy writing!
I hope you have a great, wonderful 2014 and that all your fantasies come true this year!
Thanks for stopping by.
xoxo
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Making my way back...and thanks to well-wishers
It's been well over a month since I last posted here, when I talked of my depression and related issues.
I had not planned to go this long without posting again, but, as I said in that Oct. 20 posting, I was still working with a counselor, trying to find my way back to some semblance of normal, of getting past the struggle to simply get out of bed.
I want to thank everyone who commented and gave me words of encouragement, both here and on Facebook and elsewhere. It means a lot to have that support -- several times over the past few weeks I'd go online just to read those comments.
I am much better now, though as any of you know who have had this condition, it's not the kind of thing one is ever cured of. I've been in counseling before, and I've learned over the years to recognize some of the triggers that can send me down again, and the signs I'm slipping, though this time around I've committed to staying with the counseling long-term, rather than thinking I could handle it on my own.
So, I'm making my way back, and I'm beginning to write some now, not just writing this and that as I fancy, but getting back to writing for publication. Working on the third installment of my LETHAL OBSESSION trilogy.
I hope to have some news on that front in a couple of weeks, and then to follow that up with new works over 2014.
I am doing much better now, though, and wanted to let everyone know I'm returning to the world, and so too will my writing -- for good or bad!
I had not planned to go this long without posting again, but, as I said in that Oct. 20 posting, I was still working with a counselor, trying to find my way back to some semblance of normal, of getting past the struggle to simply get out of bed.
I want to thank everyone who commented and gave me words of encouragement, both here and on Facebook and elsewhere. It means a lot to have that support -- several times over the past few weeks I'd go online just to read those comments.
I am much better now, though as any of you know who have had this condition, it's not the kind of thing one is ever cured of. I've been in counseling before, and I've learned over the years to recognize some of the triggers that can send me down again, and the signs I'm slipping, though this time around I've committed to staying with the counseling long-term, rather than thinking I could handle it on my own.
So, I'm making my way back, and I'm beginning to write some now, not just writing this and that as I fancy, but getting back to writing for publication. Working on the third installment of my LETHAL OBSESSION trilogy.
I hope to have some news on that front in a couple of weeks, and then to follow that up with new works over 2014.
I am doing much better now, though, and wanted to let everyone know I'm returning to the world, and so too will my writing -- for good or bad!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Emerging from the silence - depression and life
I've written this blog 50 times over in my head, yet it's
been nearly impossible for me to sit at a keyboard and type out the words.
Then again, it's been equally difficult for me to sit at a
computer and write anything for some time now.
I have a few fans who have contacted me, a Street Team who
has helped spread the word about my work, several websites and blogs that have
published reviews for my novels, LETHAL OBSESSION, and its sequel, HELPLESS,
and some friends and colleagues who have offered me advice and help with
marketing.
Yet I've not been able to respond to any of them for weeks now, to tell anyone about any of it, to even log onto Facebook or Twitter or my email account.
Until today.
I cannot describe to you how awful I feel, as if I've let people down, turned my back on them for no apparent reason. The longer I went in silence, the worse I felt, and the worse I felt, the harder it's become to break that silence.
Let me try to explain. I'm not making excuses, not asking for sympathy or help, just for understanding.
I suffer from depression. Long-term clinical depression is what the counselor calls it. That's not a surprise – I've mentioned that before during a few interviews bloggers have done with me over the past year. I've known for years I've had it, was first diagnosed, officially, as suffering from the condition six years ago, though I knew, on some level, that was my problem long before then.
I'm not all that well-educated, at least formally, but I'm well-read and reasonably intelligent. I knew, years ago while working the carnival circuit down South, that something was wrong, and I was pretty certain what it was. A couple of years later, when it got really bad and I was having some dark, bad thoughts, a few coworkers all but dragged me into counseling.
I don't think I would have done anything drastic, but we'll never know. For that I'm eternally thankful to those people who cared enough to see that I got the help I desperately needed at that time.
I don't know if you understand what depression is. I'm not talking about the times when someone feels a little down, when problems in life make the going a little rough for a while.
Clinical depression, to use that term, is a disease. While I don't like to use the term mental illness because of the stigma attached to that phrase, in truth clinical depression is a mental illness. It results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. If you have a broken arm, you can't just snap out of it, decide your arm's going to be okay and go on your merry way. Depression is a lot like that – it's a real, honest-to-God physical ailment, something is wrong and you can't just snap out of it or get over it.
Years ago I went to a few sessions with a counselor named Judy. They were good for me. She taught me some coping techniques, a few ways to recognize when depression is sneaking up on me, what triggers to watch out for.
I also was a little too full of myself and my own cleverness. After a few sessions I realized she was drawing things out of me, having me talk about things I already understood on some deep level – often when I'd say something to her I'd think "I already know this stuff, why am I bothering coming here?" so I quit going. I thought I was smart enough to figure it out on my own.
While I've struggled with depression off and on since then, I've mostly kept it under control.
This year too many things have happened, though. I lost my job earlier this year, through no fault of my own. My father, a man I hadn't seen in many, many years and someone I never thought I'd care about again, died. At first I thought that was no big deal, but learning of his passing, going back home for the first time in so many years – it all affected me more deeply than I wanted to admit. I've moved across two states to a new home in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, a beautiful place but that also meant I left behind some good friends where I once lived.
And then the writing. For any of you who know me, or have been following my writing and blogging, you know my childhood and teen years weren't the greatest. But writing – that was always my solace, my escape from the world, the way I kept sane and pretended I had some measure of control over my life.
This year that changed, too. I published a novel, LETHAL OBSESSION, which got me a few readers, some fans, and my world began to change. Mostly of my own doing, putting some pressure on myself that perhaps wasn't really there. I don't know.
What I do know is that suddenly writing wasn't an escape any more. It was something that demanded part of me, part of my energy, my time, my focus, in ways I had not experienced before.
Again, I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for me, and I don't want to overstate what happened. It's not like the book was a best seller, or even a middle-of-the-road seller. But a few people were paying money for it, writing me (which was great) and asking for more.
Somewhere along the way, I let my focus shift from writing because I loved it to writing because I felt like it was a job. And that's okay.
But then I started falling back into depression, to depths of that condition I hadn't felt in years. And the one thing I had always relied on, my ability to write, was no longer an option. I suppose in reality it was – all I had to do was sit down and start, even if it was gibberish meant for no one but me.
It's not always that easy, though. Sometimes when a person is depressed she doesn't think straight – basic reasoning ability can be compromised. So, I quit writing. Quit doing much with people. Quit taking walks. I went to work, came home and slept. I gained weight. I hated myself for that all, and that self-hatred just fed the depression. I fought through it some, continued doing some posting and blog stops when HELPLESS was first out, but eventually I just stopped. I don't think I've been online now for somewhere around six or eight weeks.
Then when I'd think about trying to change, trying to start writing again, I just didn't have the energy to even try. I began to think I couldn't write any more, and then that I couldn't face those I knew through my writing.
The good news in all of this is I'm getting some help again. And this time I think I'm smarter – smart enough to know I'm not nearly smart enough to do this alone.
I'm writing again, too, though not the promised third part in the Lethal Obsession Trilogy. I am going to write that, finish and publish it before the end of the year. But for now, I'm just writing to escape, to follow whatever fancy my spirit feels needs to be followed. It's slow – this whole thing is a slow process, trying to deal with depression and see if I can escape from it – but the writing is returning.
Even now, as I'm posting this on my blog, I haven't yet checked my email, my Facebook or Twitter accounts. I may not have any FB friends or Twitter followers, I may have emails from people wanting to know why I haven't done this or done that.
Please know this. If I've left you hanging, if you feel I've turned my back on you, or haven't been as supportive or helpful to some of you as I should be, I'm truly sorry. I feel like crying at the thought of that. Please forgive me.
I'm coming out of this. I am. And I'm going to be stronger, and better, and a better friend/supporter to all of you as I do. But it's going to take some time.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Helpless cover revealed!
Today I'm soooo excited, because I get to unveil the cover to my now erotic-suspense novel, HELPLESS, Book Two of the Lethal Obsession Trilogy. Actually, the cover was officially unveiled on three other sites this weekend (Secret Narrative, the website belonging to author Gemma James, and at Deliza's Dirty Dramas). If you haven't seen those, please pay them a visit -- those are some great blogs and websites certainly worth checking out.
If you haven't read LETHAL OBSESSION, please pick that one up. As the title
of HELPLESS, Book Two of the Lethal Obsession Trilogy implies, it's a sequel to my debut novel, LETHAL OBSESSION, and while HELPLESS
stands fairly well on its own, you most definitely need to read LETHAL OBSESSION to get the full effect. You can get a bit of a discount on it if
you're a member of the Goodreads Erotic Enchants group. It's a read of the
month staring Aug. 19 there (details at Erotic Enchants reads LETHAL OBSESSION).
You can also get an audio version of LETHAL OBSESSION at Amazon and
Audio. com. Right now, Amazon is running a special – you can buy the audio version for just $1.99 after you buy the e-book! At Audio. com, if you join the group, you can get LETHAL OBSESSION for free! That's an Amazon special, so I don't know if they'll honor that price if you bought LETHAL OBSESSION a couple of months ago, but it's certainly worth asking.
But, enough about LETHAL OBSESSION. Let's turn our attention to the
sequel, HELPLESS.
Here's the cover:
And now for an excerpt:
Excerpt one
I’m going to die.
The thought flashed
through Angela’s mind. No panic. No fear. No emotion. Just a simple, resigned
understanding.
I’m going to die.
Not that she could do
much, with the man’s face buried between her legs, biting, tongue slipping
inside her, probing, sending waves of arousal through her body.
Angela’s legs were bound
in what is known as a frog-tie – each leg folded at the knee, right ankle tied
to her right thigh, left ankle bound to her left thigh – her arms tied behind
her. She was on her back, legs in the air, while he assaulted her.
A rope looped her neck,
slip-knotted so that as tension increased the rope tightened, similar to a noose.
The other end of the rope was fastened to the headboard. He had protested, said
the neck bondage was too dangerous, but she had made her position plain – tying
the neck was part of the deal, or there was no deal and he could walk right out
without so much as a taste.
So he acquiesced, and
once she was bound, helpless, there had been no foreplay. He slapped the
exposed inside of her thighs, first one and then the other, over and over until
the skin glowed red.
With each blow Angela gasped, felt her face and body
flush.
“You like that?” he
whispered, and without waiting for an answer he pulled his belt from this
pants.
Using it as a whip, he struck her across her cunt, hard. The sting of
leather sent a shock rolling through her body, and when Angela moaned he struck
a second and third time, then he plunged in, kissing, licking, forcing her legs
wider. Hands cupping her ass, he pulled her toward him, and unknowingly moved
her down the bed, stretching the neck rope taut.
Angela couldn’t breathe.
The desperate, involuntary struggle for air, while his tongue lapped inside
her, hands squeezing her ass, brought shudders through Angela’s body and tears
to her eyes. She tried calling out, a raspy scream escaping her mouth as the
pleasure and agony blended into a sensation that rumbled through her body like
a summer storm.
Her vision grayed, and
that’s when the one, final thought crystallized in her mind.
I’m going to die.
The idea of trying to
cry out, of somehow signaling him, briefly crossed her mind, but she didn’t
bother.
I’m going to die,
because I deserve to.
Then her world went
black.
*****
HELPLESS will be available at Amazon.com Aug. 15, as well as
Barnes and Noble and at Smashwords (for any format e-reader) within a day or two
of the release on Amazon.
I hope you enjoy.
Thanks for stopping by.
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