Surprise parcel

My next door neighbour just came round with a parcel and inside was.....

Print copies of my first MM book, Cowboys Down. I just love this cover. It's one of my favourites.

Cowboys Down has had some great and not so great reviews. It's funny how parts of it some people love, others dislike intensely. I thought the little asides at the end of the chapters were funny but not everyone agreed. 

It's one of the very few books I've written where I've set part of the action in America. Chosen is set in the US and so is  The Princess and the Prepper, and also Just What She Wants but mostly I stick to the UK. I've been to Wyoming where Cowboys Down is set. A beautiful state! Fantastic views but I was allergic to the wild flowers there and both daughter and I were sick. We almost had to fly early to our next destination but luckily found a pharmacist who suggested a different antihistamine tablet. So we got to see Yellowstone and bison and deer and geysers. Wonderful. 

The Princess and the Prepper

When I was asked to write a story about prepping, I didn't even know what the word meant, though I could guess. Since I was a girl guide I've been the kind of person who likes to be prepared for every eventuality, so certain types of prepping were already second nature to me. For instance, I am the queen of lists. I make lists of lists. I once thought about setting up an internet business based on lists for every occasion, but writing got in the way.

I do think that the prepping mentality is something easier to understand in a huge country like America, than it is in the tiny overcrowded UK where I come from. The pioneer spirit that led to the growth of your nation is still strong in many of you. It's non-existent in the UK. A desire to protect what is yours, to look after your family and loved ones is of course universal but preppers have put more thought into it and come up with strategies to help them survive when others might not.
 Anyone with an ounce of common sense will stock up when products threaten to run out. If we're told there's going to be a water shortage, we make sure we have a supply to fall back on. Preppers take this to the next level and there are many levels of prepping, from those who just want to maintain their lifestyle in the face of adversity to those who prepare to face a massive nuclear fall out.
My prepper in The Princess and the Prepper - is at the lower end of prepping, the end that most of us will be able to identify with. And the story is also a reminder that no one can be prepared for everything. When push comes to shove, we just have to do the best we can.

The Blurb

Lili knows she shouldn’t accept a lift from a stranger, but as usual she leaps from one disaster to another. The consequence is being stuck in the middle of a snowy nowhere wearing next to nothing, and this time, being unprepared looks likely to kill her.

Grant lives in an isolated cabin for a reason. He’s prepared for almost every eventuality. The last thing he wants is some needy person interfering with his ordered life. When he gets into bed with a woman he rescued from certain death—just to warm her up, of course—Grant discovers something else he’s not prepared for. His heart opening.

A match made in heaven, until secrets come knocking. Lili is not just a simple woman in need of shelter, and unless she can survive dealing with her background, it doesn’t seem possible the happiness that’s fallen out of a blizzard can heal Grant’s own past.

Love and hate

I looked up a book on Amazon the other day because it was one of their best sellers and had been suggested to me as a purchase. I'm always interested to see what people say about a book. This particular book had around 5,000 reviews. FIVE THOUSAND! That's just amazing. When I look at some of my books that have less than 10, it makes me realize how low down I am. But when I looked at the stats of the 5,000 -  around 500 were one star. I think about 2,000 were 5 and 4 star. So obviously some people loved this story but a very high number had nothing good to say about it at all. The comments by those who hated it were balanced by those who loved it. Story lines were praised for being exciting, criticised for being dull. Am I tempted to buy now? Actually no. I can't get past the 500 not liking it and the reasons they gave. I'm more likely to be swayed by negative comments than I am by positive ones. I think that's something deep in my psyche. Am I missing a great book? The 500 make me think not but I have to admit, I'm still intrigued.

I won't name the book but it was a psychological thriller. So if anyone who likes thrillers would like to read and leave a review for my book "Chosen" - I'd be very grateful. You know, I might even make 20 reviews!

CHOSEN

Kate Evans doesn’t take risks. She chose her apartment with care—a safe district with a good neighbor—a place where she can live a quiet, unassuming, under-the-radar existence. Then she makes one mistake and opens her door to accept a delivery of flowers from a secret admirer and her life will never be the same again. A guy she’s never seen before bursts into her apartment and asks her to marry him. Jack Thompson won’t take no for an answer and drags Kate on a cross country journey to hell.

Invalided out of the police, Nathan Beranson works as a private investigator in San Antonio, Texas where he spends too much of his time following unfaithful spouses and delivering the bad news to their partners. When his fiancée cheats on him with Jack Thompson, the half-brother Nathan’s only just met, he becomes obsessed with Jack in the same unhealthy way as his revenge-seeking clients. By the time Nathan finally realizes putting the ghosts of the past to rest is a wiser option than settling an old score, it’s too late. He’s already been drawn into his sibling’s latest deadly game and Nathan and Kate find their nightmare is only just beginning.

http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-ebook/dp/B00546EM5Y/ref=sr_1_14?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356012782&sr=1-14&keywords=chosen

Tagged

I've been tagged in the Next Big Thing blog hop and have to answer a few questions or my ears will drop off and I'll catch the plague. Eeek. I'm supposed to nominate - ie force, torture, threaten - another five writers to take part but I've already asked those before who I know won't beat me to a pulp so I'm going to risk the wrath of khan or whatever and just answer the questions. Oh and suggest you try out the books of a couple of friends of mine if you haven't already done so.

1) What is the working title of your next book?

With or Without him - it really is a working title - I have no idea what to call it. Actually, it's on my laptop under Saying No. I might not settle on the name for months.

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?

A dream about a guy in a room, sitting on a window sill looking out onto a city. Er - he was naked.

3) What genre does your book fall under?

MM

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

This is Gaspard Ulliel. He would be Tyler. He's always one of my heroes! 

This shot of Robbie Williams is a good representation of Haris.

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Think Pretty Woman but it's Pretty Man.

6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Not self pubbed.

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Still working on it. Started about two months ago and I've written a third.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Don't know of any.

9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A deep interest in damaged guys and their interactions.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

I pose the question of how far would you go to get what you want. If the price is right, is there anything you won't do?



My writer pals - Dawn and Arlene have been my friends for several years. We started out on the publishing trail together and we've all found homes for our stories. We've supported each other through the depressing times, when we had rejections or tough reviews and we've celebrated the acceptances and the reviews that made us cry with joy. We have our strengths and weaknesses and have been a perfect balance for each other over the years. Laurie Green is the other member of our pack and now she has an agent, we're expecting great things from her. Laurie has been as supportive as it is possible for anyone to be and I can't wait to see her sci fi romances out there for everyone to enjoy.

http://authordljackson.com/

http://www.arlenewebb.blogspot.com/

http://www.laurie-green.webs.com/

Just What She Wants - out today!!!

My second in Decadent Publishing's 1NS series is out today. It's a contemporary menage set in Orlando, Florida. Another holiday story. The first - On the Right Track was about New Year's Eve. This one is set at Christmas.

The blurb

 With a name like hers, Indiana Jones knows she ought to be adventurous and daring but when she’s tricked into taking a vacation on her own, and discovers she’s staying at a swinging resort, she wants to spend the week in her room. But the place is run by two of the most tempting men she’s ever seen. She could have just what she wants and no one would ever know.

Marc finds it hard to see his partner Kyle in physical and mental anguish but if the guy won’t talk about it, what can he do? Finding a third might be the answer and he has just the woman in mind, unless she runs off before he can make her smile.

Crippled and depressed, Kyle can’t even kiss his partner and wonders why the guy puts up with him. If only he could let the past go and move on. Maybe, just maybe, an intriguing guest will show him the way.

Now - little did I know when I started to write this that my daughter would give her son the middle name of Indiana. Oops. At least she didn't have a girl - that would have been awkward.

The story was inspired in part by the huge Christmas tree in Orlando International airport. It got me thinking - how horrible it would be to not enjoy any of the trappings of Christmas. Hence, Indie was born. 

Actually - this tree is at Orlando airport but it's not the biggest one. I got trawled so fast through security, I missed it! 

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=680&osCsid=4cb4cd65d04de490039775421c6595eb

Early morning walk

This is Celebration in Orlando

Hot air balloons - as near as I want to be!

Our house - ooops - a lie. I think it's a hotel

A scary squirrel

Oh my God - deer!

So cute. Where's my gun.

Blogging

I've written a post for the Four Strong Women Blog and as usual - had about five comments - all from friends. Thank you friends! It does make me wonder whether blogging is worth the effort. I know some people will read and not comment - that's fine. I do the same but I wish there was a little box to tick to say 'I liked it'. Then at least I'd feel making the effort was worth it.
 I try hard to comment on other people's posts where I can because I know the whole marketing yourself isn't easy. Maybe I should just come out with it and say - well I'm actually an eight foot creature from the planet Zog, sent here to infiltrate your erotic romance community and report back to my superiors.  There - I'm out. I've done it. Now I have to think of something else to blog about.

http://fourstrongwomen.blogspot.co.uk/

I really have no idea what people want to read. If anyone would like to tell me I'd be very grateful
Sooooooooo

1. Info on my books and upcoming books
2. How I write
3. Random witterings that occur to me
4. Other writers guest blogging
5.Shall I just shut up?

1NS Blog Hop

Always driving through life along the straight and narrow, Hollie wants a break from staying within the lines. She hopes a hookup at 1NightStand with a tall fair-haired guy who’s organized and sensible, likes small-breasted brunettes, and can deal with any crisis life throws at him, will jar her from the mundane path she’s been on.

Except what seemed like the perfect plan when she set off, turns into the worst idea ever as the snow falls thickly. Slipping and sliding, her arms numb from clenching the wheel, she becomes frantic to avoid what’s looming in front of her.

Dark-haired Nick is on his way to a party with hopes of connecting with a busty blonde—assuming he’s even on the right road and can dig himself out of a heap of snow before he freezes solid. Too bad he never plans ahead, no coat and no shovel in the car, and soon he won’t even see a road at all, let alone any vehicle barrelling down it.

When two hearts get lost in a snowstorm of what they think they want, can Madame Eve's magic put them back on the right track?

An ecopy of my 1NS story 'On the Right Track' is free to a lucky commentator. For more chances to win copies of the 1NS series - please check out the links below. 

Short or long?

I used to think I wasn’t very good at writing short stories. Whatever I started just ended up long no matter what I’d intended, but I’ve really enjoyed writing my two 1NS – One Night Stand – stories and the few other shorts over the years. In a way, a restricted word length meant I had no choice but to conform. The difficulty that presents to a writer whose natural habitat is 100,000 word novels is not inconsiderable.

How do you make characters come alive in so few pages? How do you give them a story that’s not just sex – though sex plays a large part? Is there room to give a voice to all the players, especially in a ménage?

Well ….answers as follows.

If the characters don’t sing to the reader – I’ve failed – so I have to give them as much personality as I can and humor helps.

I write stories with proper plots as well as the sex – yes, the plot isn’t complex or all encompassing but it’s there. Even a short story has to go somewhere.

Make room for three voices if you need to. I have to know what the guys are thinking too. I don’t mind single voice stories but I prefer to hear from everyone. But if the word length is really restrictive - ie 3,000 words - best to stick to one voice. I've just written one of this length from the woman's POV only and it was a first for me!

But the one thing that makes the short story work? A lesson learned, a message given, a sweet conclusion and no – it’s not going to be a one night stand regardless of the series theme – my characters are just starting their journey together whether it was 3,000 words or 100,000.  I’ve just given them a push.

New Covers and books coming soon

Every Move He Makes is an MM romantic suspense but not out until May 2013 - I just wanted to share!

This is a short story out in January - an MMF - with a new publisher for me - Total ebound.

I also have two pieces coming out with Decadent - one in December an MF- which is for a new line and another one night stand story for the 1NS series - an MMF called Just What She Wants.

Bonfire Night!

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpower, treason and plot
We see no reason why
Gunpower treason
Should ever be forgot

An old rhyme that I suspect not many remember now about this day in our history when we celebrate bonfire night - the night Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the houses of parliament - and failed. When I was a kid we made 'guys' - full sized figures dressed in old clothes to put on the top of the bonfire and then we set fire to it. How lovely! Not!!
But the fireworks - ah - they're great. When I was little we had a box of Standard fireworks that each lasted about three seconds before they fizzled out, and rockets that barely made it into the air before they spluttered to nothing. And we still oohed and aahed and loved them.
Nowadays the fireworks are in a different league. Super celestial displays in multi colors and a variety of patterns that last ages. And cost a fortune.

We had sparklers too that took so long to light, yours had gone out by the time you'd lit everyone else's. Ah happy days.
Sorry to all the pets out there. I know dogs hate it and I do wish the fireworks were only allowed on one or two nights between certain times and then at least pet owners would know when to keep their animals indoors.

If you like disturbed bad guys and humor - you'll love this!

I was lucky enough to critique this novel by Gerry! He's a very talented writer and if you like quirky stories, this is the one to read. He's funny, irreverent and different - as are his characters. I can so see this as a movie. Anyone listening? 

Dropcloth Angels - by Gerald Johnston

He came,

He sawed,

He ate…

All that are left behind of the victims are their heads, placed together with the painted angels, rendered in the victim’s own blood. The acts, captured on video, are sent elsewhere… Now Zoe Beaupre, a hooker with an imaginary monkey and sister of the serial killer’s latest conquest, must band together with a mismatched posse of saviors in order to bring him down. Little does Zoe know, but the deeper into the madman’s world they trek, more and more is revealed about snuff films…and Gideon, the puppet master who will stop at nothing to see her dead.

Freakshine Press link  http://www.freakshine.com/

http://www.freakshine.com/#!books/cnec

 Amazon link  https://www.amazon.com/author/gerald-d-

A book with a difference!!!

Krista D. Ball's book - What Kings Ate and Wizards drank - is out today. It has the most fabulous cover and I am so jealous. 

Equal parts writer’s guide, comedy, and historical cookbook, fantasy author Krista D. Ball takes readers on a journey into the depths of epic fantasy’s obsession with rabbit stew and teaches them how to catch the blasted creatures, how to move armies across enemy territories without anyone starving to death, and what a medieval pantry should look like when your heroine is seducing the hero.

Learn how long to cook a salted cow tongue, how best to serve salt fish, what a “brewis” is (hint: it isn’t beer), how an airship captain would make breakfast, how to preserve just about anything, and why those dairy maids all have ample hips.

What Kings Ate will give writers of historical and fantastical genres the tools to create new conflicts in their stories, as well as add authenticity to their worlds, all the while giving food history lovers a taste of the past with original recipes and historical notes.

http://www.amazon.com/What-Kings-Wizards-Drank-ebook/dp/B009ZX8W3K/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351804436&sr=1-11

It's coming online on other sites too and Krista is updating the list as soon as she can. 

http://kristadball.com/books/writerguides/

Krista was born and raised in Deer Lake, Newfoundland, where she learned how to use a chainsaw, chop wood,and make raspberry jam. After obtaining a B.A. in British History from Mount Allison University, Krista moved to Edmonton, AB where she currently lives. Somehow, she’s picked up an engineer, two kids, six cats, and a very understanding corgi off ebay. Her credit card has been since taken away. Like any good writer, Krista has had an eclectic array of jobs throughout her life, including strawberry picker, pub bathroom cleaner, oil spill cleaner upper and soup-kitchen coordinator. You can find her causing trouble at http://kristadball.com

I'm buying this TODAY!!!!

Pam Godwin is a friend of mine and a damn good author and beta reader!! I can't wait to read this one. I thought it wasn't out until Halloween - I know that's soon, but I found it's on Amazon now. Yippee!! 

DEAD OF EVE by Pam Goodwin

A virus devastates humanity. Few men survive. The rest are monsters. The women are dead, except Evie.

Through a quirk in her genetics, she survives. When her physiology begins to evolve, she must come to terms with what she is and accept her role in finding a cure.

The mutated hunt her. The men brutalize her…except three. Cryptic warrior, contrite lover, caring enemy; they are fiercely protective of the last living woman, but divided in their own agendas. Can they come together to protect the only hope for humanity?

Evie must survive.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V3V2X6

Distraction

I'm really easily distracted. Particularly when it comes to writing. I can only concentrate on one thing at a time - which is a nuisance when I've a few ideas I want to follow through on. More than a nuisance when the sun is shining and I'd like to swim and read and relax. I love going on holiday but I know I don't write as well when the weather is hot. I'm much more focused when it's cold outside.
I've temporarily given up on my Walmart story - yet again. I don't know why this one won't fly but until it feels right - it's back in limbo.
I need to write a story that follows up on two characters in 'Jumping in Puddles' - out in January with Loose-ID - but I'm not in the mood for that yet.
I need to write a little Fae story to go in an anthology with some friends - started that and ground to a halt. The problem is - can I write a 5,000 word short? I've done it before but that is very short.....
Plus I had an idea for a story like Strangers, started it, liked it,  but it's morphed into a MM instead of an MF.

I'm not going to mention the handful of others that I've begun and stopped for one reason or another.
So now I have a load of part-started stories on my laptop and I can't decide what to do next. I suspect until I'm back in the cold - and that's going to be very soon, I'm not going to be focused enough to concentrate on anything.
Ooh the sun is shining. I'm off outside.

Spookily early for halloween

My Paranormal series - The Trueblood books - they all stand alone and are only connected in that the main characters are siblings. But the last one does finish the series off so best not to read that first. 

The Consolation Prize has sold more than any other of my books - I don't think it's my best - it was my first ever attempt at a vampire story but I did get better - I hope!

For a lucky commentator - the choice of any of these ebooks!

The Consolation Prize

Chloe wins four days at a spa but arrives to find the other guests who have unusual eating habits don't come out in daylight, and who is that naked guy chained in the basement?

http://www.loose-id.com/the-consolation-prize.html

 

Falling For You

Every month when the moon is full, Jo has an uncontrollable urge to jump every man she sees but she runs from temptation only to find herself as dinner when she falls into a hole and lands on a vampire.

http://www.loose-id.com/falling-for-you.html

Lightning in a Bottle

Erin's fun, exciting and a bright flash of light in Felix's life, but there's a snag, she won't stop biting his neck.

http://www.loose-id.com/lightning-in-a-bottle.html

The Misfits

Holly is a hopeless faerie whose uncooperative wings land her in the arms of a vampire and a werewolf 

but instead of running away, she doesn't want to leave.

http://www.loose-id.com/the-misfits.html

Fight To Remember

A vampire trapped in a rocky grave, a girl who for the past eleven years can't remember who she is when she wakes and a werepuma bound to a demon and forced to fight in her deadly club - the world of three collides but for three to live, one of them must die.

http://www.loose-id.com/fight-to-remember.html

Lies, damn lies and statistics

Brits are thought of as fairly straitlaced, stiff upper lip and all that. Until the arrival of 50 Shades which has shown us to be as obsessed with eroticism as the rest of the world, marital aids were confined to cups of tea and hot water bottles, but research has shown Brits lead the world in our interest in spanking. Whether that dates back to the outdated view of seeing corporal punishment as a way to build character, I don’t know, but I’m intrigued. (Not enough to try, husband, unless you want to volunteer?)

Apparently Brits also score highly in online searches for CFNM. (I’m not one of the searchers. I had no idea what that was.) It’s Clothed Female Naked Man sites where submissive men are ordered to strip by pretty women who then make fun of their tackle. How appealing does that sound? (Not to me, says husband) Women in New Zealand are top of the list for sexual partners in a lifetime at 20.4. I do wonder what the point 4 looks like. Austrian men are the most promiscuous with 29.3 partners over a lifetime. That’s a lot!

Sex in Thailand lasts the shortest at 10 minutes. (Must tell husband, he’ll feel so much better )

Longest in Brazil at 30 minutes. (Are you listening, husband?)

Biggest breasts in Australia. (No, we’re not emigrating, dear heart)

41% of French people have participated in an orgy. (France sounds appealing!! Sshh – don’t tell him I said that)

Worst lovers – worst at the top

Germany (too smelly)
England (too lazy)
Sweden (too quick)
Holland (too dominating)
America (too rough)

World's Best Lovers
Spain
Brazil
Italy
France
Ireland

Which goes to prove nothing at all! How many people do they ask when they do these surveys? How many lie? Though clearly those in Thailand haven’t learned how to lie!

I’m thinking of moving to France though – oh unless they’re lying too. Darn it.

Winnie does Dallas

Never been to Dallas - well only the airport and the outskirts but just went on the DART - their super efficient transport system that took us right into the heart of the city. Us meaning - me, husband and son's dog, Winnie - full name Winston Kennedy. We wandered the city streets not sure what we were looking for because American cities are NOTHING like British cities and then we realised where we were standing - the grassy knoll, the place Winnie's namesake was gunned down. Very poignant.

 Then we found the fantastic sculpture of the longhorn cattle - except were the cows really as big as that or was it Texan exaggeration? Winnie soon rounded them up. Miniature dachshund - aka - cow dog.

We endured a day of torrential rain, a 3.4 earthquake and having to share one bathroom and our bed with the dog - actually, the latter wasn't a hardship. Winnie is such a sweetie. Doesn't snore - unlike husband.

Just What She Wants

A 1NS story coming soon from Decadent Publishing!!!

With a name like hers, Indiana Jones knows she ought to be adventurous and daring but when she’s tricked into taking a vacation on her own, and discovers she’s staying at a swinging resort, she wants to spend the week in her room. But the place is run by two of the most tempting men she’s ever seen. She could have just what she wants and no one would ever know.

Marc finds it hard to see his partner Kyle in physical and mental anguish but if the guy won’t talk about it, what can he do? Finding a third might be the answer and he has just the woman in mind, unless she runs off before he can make her smile.

Crippled and depressed, Kyle can’t even kiss his partner and wonders why the guy puts up with him. If only he could let the past go and move on. Maybe, just maybe, an intriguing guest will show him the way.

I forgot to duck

Caught in a blog hop net- I'm required to answer several questions.


1. WHAT IS THE WORKING TITLE OF YOUR BOOK?  Jumping in Puddles

2. WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM FOR YOUR BOOK?  A series on British TV called Country House Rescue - where a guy goes round to crumbling stately homes and comes up with plans to save them.

3. WHAT GENRE DOES YOUR BOOK FALL UNDER? Erotic romance with humor!

4. WHICH ACTORS WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY YOUR CHARACTERS IN A MOVIE RENDITION? 

Jago - Gaspard Ulliel

Ellie - Emilie Deravin





5. WHAT IS THE ONE-SENTENCE SYNOPSIS OF YOUR BOOK? A selfless rain-dancing faery wants to make a tormented dark lord of manor smile again - oh and clear her family's name for a theft they didn't commit.

6. WILL YOUR BOOK BE SELF-PUBLISHED OR REPRESENTED BY AN AGENCY? Will be published by Loose-Id, though I don't know when.

7. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE THE FIRST DRAFT OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT? 4 months

8. WHAT OTHER BOOKS WOULD YOU COMPARE THIS STORY TO WITHIN YOUR GENRE?
It's like all my others! LOL

9. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK? A vision of the hero.

10. WHAT ELSE ABOUT YOUR BOOK MIGHT PIQUE THE READER’S INTEREST? Humor. Sex. A plot!

Choose the next 5 victims? They might duck in time or they might not
Arlene Webb
http://www.arlenewebb.blogspot.co.uk/
D.L.Jackson http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=1276914d8853634b
Chrystalla Toma http://chrystallathoma.wordpress.com/
Jessica Subject http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/
Penny Brandonhttp://pennybrandon.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=da6412a08d246f43

Competitions and awards

I don't enter so I don't win - ha! Well, that's not quite true. I did win third place in a short story competition with ARe books but I felt it turned out to be a 'how many friends do I have' and I wish I hadn't bothered. I also entered my book Strangers into a competition and came nowhere so now I've taken my bat well and truly home. No more. Ever. Unless someone twists my arm very hard.

I'm reconciled to not bothering entering my stories into anything but I do want to shout about my favourite cover that has not been in any competitions, not won anything but had some nice comments all the same. I see there is a contest going round with a whole load of covers for gay books - mine is not among them which I find a bit disappointing as I think it's better than a whole lot of them that are on there. There, I've done it, I've boasted, bragged and waved a red flag - not for my book, though of course I do love that, but for the cover which is just simply brill! Thank you Scott Carpenter! You should have a prize for this cover, so I send you a virtual hug.

Give Gargoyles a break?

Now I have to be honest, I don't much like this cover. I've had plenty of covers I've not been keen on but I've kept my mouth shut about them. Mostly. This one - well - it just misses the mark for my story. I don't mean any disrespect to the artist, it must be very difficult to come up with covers that match author's expectations, BUT - this woman isn't Pepper. The guy isn't Alessandro. The gargoyle - well yep, he could just about be Eli. The artist has managed to get a building in the background that could be the supernatural museum - so that's a plus but it's the expressions on the models' faces that I dislike. 

Nothing I can do. I'm stuck with it.

But I can't help but wonder if the cover puts people off trying the story. The story is quite funny. That doesn't come over in this cover. Is the blurb not attracting readers?

The Rock  

Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.

The Stone Maiden

Much to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place. 

The Hard Place

His hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.

Maybe people don't want to read MMF stories with a gargoyle! LOL

I need more reviews. I need people who have read it to spread the word. I need to know if this story didn't work so that I can see where I went wrong. 

I can offer two ecopies of Rocked to people who leave a comment. If you haven't read it and you'd like to, leave your email - disguised - and I'll send copies to two people. I can't offer more because of my contract but I'd love to hear why this one didn't succeed. 

Where I write

Probably of no interest to anyone - but - I'm trying to think of something to write about that I haven't covered before. I write in the room  amusingly referred to as 'the music room'. It used to be where the kids kept their instruments - violins, saxophone, piano, recorders, trumpet, guitars - all of which have now gone apart from the piano which I play very badly. It's on my left. Behind me are shelves of books, hundreds and hundreds of them, anally arranged in groups according to genre and author but not alphabetical - though I would if I could! On my right are doors to the garden. But what's most interesting is that in front of me is a completely blank wall. I'm so easily distracted, if there was anything on it, I'd never write a thing. My desk is a cluttered mess, bits of paper with notes, lots of books, the phone - oh
and glass of wine. That's not usual but I've had a long day

Is variety the spice of life?

I'm wondering -- never a good thing for me because it inevitably leads to depression. BUT - am I right to write in so many different 'genres'. I've apostrophed that because I don't really know the right word. And I'm a writer - told you I was depressed!!
Anyway - I write contemporary and paranormal books. Yep, those ARE genres.  The latter have vamps, weres, fae and anyone else I can lump in with them. I don't see me changing direction there. I'll always write them both because I like the variety.

But MF or MMF or MM? Is it better to stick to one? Do I lose readers who don't like MM or who dislike MF? Do they just ignore those 'genres' they don't like? Should I stick to one and try and make my name better known? Or do I just keep doing what I'm doing? I've just submitted an MF story which is the start of a possible series. I had a MM in mind for the second book, but is that going to annoy people? What to do....what to do.....
Not that I'm doing much today but listen to a dog bark and get a headache.

Tastes

Since I mostly write erotic romance it comes as a surprise to people when I say that's not what I read. Not to say I don't ever read it, I do but I'm very picky about what I like. I feel it's a little like eating chocolate. I like it but I don't like all types and I don't want to eat it every day. My main problem with many erotic romances is that I like to be drawn deeper into the characters than the author allows. So much time is taken putting people in bed together, without letting me understand why they're right for each other - apart from in the sack. I like plot. I like villains. I like more than sex scene after sex scene when I read.
My other problem is that because I have to write lots of sex, it all becomes a blur when I read those scenes in other books. Same old, same old. It's a rare erotic romance writer who manages to get me to read every page. Emma Holly's books - the early ones rather than the fantasy ones - which I haven't read - yes, I'd read every page of those. DL Jackson has an amazing imagination and creates fantastic worlds for her characters. There's far more than sex in those! My crit partner Arlene Webb writes in a multitude of genres - but her erotic stories are always ones with a difference and always memorable.
So that's what I strive for in my writing. To be different and memorable. Only time will tell.

How I became a writer of erotic romance

I can guarantee that I can stop dinner party conversations in their tracks when I’m asked what I do. I write erotic romance. Not only are women fascinated, so are men. I get all the usual questions – where do you get your inspiration – lots of winks at husband—how do your family feel about what you write, why aren’t you on the best seller lists with EL James?

      I started off in my teens writing what’s now known as fan fiction. I wrote episodes of TV series with me – under different names—as the heroine. My first full length novel was romantic suspense – I failed to interest anyone. Too dark was the verdict. I wrote another but never did anything with it. Then a third – also romantic suspense but more suspense than romance. I put that aside and wrote a romantic comedy. Still had no bites from agents. Wrote a few more romances and kept trying. Kept getting rejected.

      Eventually I joined an online critique group, Critique Circle, and critiqued work of a writer of erotic romance—Amanda Young. I watched her land a publishing deal and thought – is that what I have to do, add sex? So I did and the first erotic romance I wrote I sold to Ellora’s Cave – the biggest e-publisher of erotic romance in the world. Since then, I haven’t looked back. I added sex to all the stories I’d written before and had them all published by several different companies.

      I’ve had 23 novels published since 2007. Gosh, that sounds a lot! About half of them are about bisexual guys and a straight woman. The guys are a mix of vampires, werewolves, faeries and your average Joe! Plus I’ve written two MM novels as well.

      I think the way I slid into this business is what’s made me a little different to most writers of erotic romance. My stories have plots that aren’t based around sex. Ellora’s Cave really want sensual plots so I’m lucky they like mine! But the sexy bits are very sexy! And funny. Apart from my suspense novels that definitely aren’t funny, all my other books are written with plenty of humorous bits, parts, sections.

      My family don’t mind what I write – though my son has gone to live in another country to get away from me and my daughter has changed her name. My mother-in-law doesn’t know. I need to keep it that way , so sssshh!!

      And I’m waiting for my share of EL James success with 50 Shades of Gray – though BDSM definitely isn’t my thing!

My latest book is ‘Girl Most Likely To’ – was published by Ellora’s Cave on the 11th July. It’s a MMF ménage.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10208-girl-most-likely-to.aspx

Wren doesn’t feel like the girl most likely to end up living happily ever after. Especially when Adam, aka THE BIG MISTAKE, comes back into her life. He wants a second chance but Wren’s afraid to risk another dent in her battered heart.

When Adam reconnects with Wren, he’s torn between wooing her and pursuing Tomas, the sexy guy in the flat next door. They both make his heart sing—how can he possibly choose between them? Or maybe he’s finally found a man and woman to give him the balance he craves.

Tomas knows better than to let his personal life interfere with his job as an undercover officer but he can’t get enough of Adam…or Wren. Or Adam and Wren when they’re hot, naked and writhing together in his bed.

Suddenly Wren’s gone from the girl most likely to get ripped off to the girl most likely to get off. But it’s more than sex. She, Tomas and Adam have something special, something they’re determined to protect at all costs.

If you leave a comment on the blog – you have a chance of winning an ecopy of the book or any of my backlist of your choice!

Dogsitting

This is Riley, who's coming to stay for a week.
Riley is a big dog.
Riley is a big black dog.
Riley is the softest, sweetest, silliest dog I've ever met.
Riley is going to leave black hairs all over my house pretty soon.
Riley is going to slobber water every time he takes a drink and flood my kitchen.
Riley is going to take me on a long walk every day.
Riley is going to exhaust me.

Walk on the wild side

We live fairly close to a number of reservoirs that have been made by flooding valleys and there are some great walks around them. WERE some great walks. A couple of months ago it was announced on the local news that a six feet boa constrictor had been seen where we walk. We do have snakes in the UK, but they're not big and I've never seen one. The boa is supposed to be an escaped pet but it seems more likely someone could no longer cope with it and dumped it.
 There are signs up warning people to keep their dogs on a lead. My nerves were already jangling before we set off on the 4 mile walk last week.
Husband-who-thinks-he's-so-clever kept making noises that made me jump. Comments like - ohh look at that, had me leaping in the air. His - Oh my God - actually made me shriek. Turned out to be a rather long slug on the path in front of us. Oh how he laughed. We didn't see the snake- but you know, if we had, I might just have kept quiet and let it eat him.

Pill time

I've spent the day with an icepick headache - didn't know what they were until I looked it up. I hope it goes while I sleep or I'll be taking an icepick to my head. Can't write so decided to pull together info to make a new website - which involved checking dates and listing books etc. The only thing that redeemed the monotony for me was remembering all the names I'd used for my characters. The observant will have seen a few keep cropping up - Will, Jack, Kate, Ally (I spelt one Allie but I still think that's cheating), Holly and Zac (spelt one Zach). I know I shouldn't have done that but I just can't help it!

Anyway, list is made, all I need now is wonderful, kind, gorgeous, clever, brilliant, fantastic son to make me a new website.  I don't suppose that will work. Money will be needed.

Gargoyle story from my pal - Jessica!!!!

Check out this story from Jessica! I love gargoyles and I can't wait to read this one.

The Power of Three

Cursed to live amongst several stone gargoyle statues, Oscar watches a young couple, yearning to participate in their sexual activities. For he has been away from his own lovers for over a year, and longs to touch and be touched again.

When he tumbles off the headboard onto the couple, he is released from the statue but must find a way home. His only thought: a ménage with the man and woman who freed him. But will they try something new to grant him his return passage, or leave him wandering Earth alone?

Now available from Decadent Publishing, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks & more!

For more information and buy links, please visit: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=10029

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://jessicasubject.com

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/jessicasubject

Biscuits - why is my cupboard empty?

Better define what I mean by biscuit - cookie for the American readers. A custard cream is supposed to be the UK's favourite biscuit. Think Oreo but not chocolate - a bland sandwich with a sugary sweet filling. I don't like them but I could eat one right now - hence this post. I'm eating one vicariously.
Custard creams are unassuming, dare I say boring apart from the intricate swirly design which goes back to Victorian times. You don't get many biscuits that look like this one.
 Just like an Oreo, it can be deconstructed. Tease the layers apart with your teeth, being careful not to break the biscuit, and then nibble the filling. Of course, then you're left with uninteresting halves to eat or maybe dunk in tea. But I don't like tea.
I really want a chocolate digestive but I don't have any of those either. It'll have to be coffee and nothing at eleven. Sigh.....