Authors Promoting Authors

Book Publicist, Facebook Contest, Books on Tour, Be Our Guest

2012-02-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

Need A Publicist?

I am currently open to taking new author clients. With a wealth of experience and a great track record of increasing authors book sales, raising profiles and the incredible ability to blend the old methods with the new, if you want to work one-on-one with someone who will work their tail off, I could be the right book publicist for you. Especially interested in books that are literary in nature, lifestyle and spiritual books. Contact me here: apasuggestions@gmail.com

Facebook Fan Page Contest

Through the month of February, share with us stories about you as a writer or about your books (post to our page; please put "Contest Entry" in the post). Did you win an award? Get interesting media attention? Overcome obstacles or challenges to have your book published? Find an agent? (how did you?)
Contest closes March 1st and winners will be chosen by March 5th, 2012.
Contest open to all Facebook fans who "Like" our page.

First Place: Weekend Promotion on the Authors Promoting Authors blog.
Second Place: Your book cover, badge, logo with link on the APA Blog for a month.
Third Place: Your link first in our new Link List (on the APA Blog, coming in March)

The Virtual Book Tour Cafe

On February 6^th, we will be taking Aaron Drew's book LIGHT UNDER THE HOUSE on a Book Blitz. If you'd like to help us Blitz this Book, please see: http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2012/01/light-under-the-house-by-aaron-drew.html

Teaming up with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe and working on promoting REAL MOMS LOVE TO EAT....By Beth Aldrich. We're looking for hosts. Interested?
Here's the link for more information:http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2012/01/real-moms-love-to-eat-how-to-conduct-a-love-affair-with-food-lose-weight-and-feel-fabulous-by-beth-aldrich.html

We are also touring Greg Kiser's InSYTE and information on the tour and author can be found here:
http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2012/01/insyte-by-greg-kiser.html

I work with the Virtual Book Tour Care because of all the Book Tour sites out there, this truly is one of the best. Their audience and reach is distinct and the incentives for bloggers and authors to host a tour are great!

Authors Promoting Authors

We are now open to and taking requests for Book Features, Conversation with A Book and Be Our Guest (guest blogging) and the information on all of that can be found here
Please feel free to share it with other author friends!

The End.

2012-02-01T02:00:00.001-05:00

The day comes when you write those words and you think some variation of: Thank God/Goddess/Satan/Joseph Smith/My Alien Landlord.

You hit send, submit, re-send, or whatever at whichever stage of the writing/publishing game you are at, breathe a sigh of relief and rejoin the world around you.

You pull up Facebook and twitter which you've been scrupulously ignoring in favor of the Real Work of Being an Author. And you peruse the various Squee-ing, Snoopy dancing folks who spend their days recording their every move on line, noting with interest how many folks have received a coveted "best seller" honor or are up for yet another "best of the month/year/week/hour/second" award you are implored to go vote for, and you stop, scratch your head and think: now where did I go wrong?

You comb through your own emails, note with satisfaction the various "yes we want to publish" notifications and "here are your first edits" emails and think "Yes, I am okay at this."

Then, you make the horrendous and nearly irreversible mistake of "checking Goodreads and Amazon for your reader reviews." Holy Sh*t. You suck.

Au contraire, you cry to yourself, as you pour your first glass of alcohol. "I have been published. I continue to be published. Publishers want me." You check your PayPal account and note the smallish but growing deposits made by said publishers through the months. You ask your editors for some props. They give them, then scurry off to wherever it is editors go at night, author ego stroked.

Maybe there is something to be learned from the many and various blogs. You log into your groups account, start clicking through and find amongst the columns on guerrilla knitting, nom-noming hamsters and not-so-subtle allusions to "size mattering" in our Alpha heroes, you find a few nuggets of reality, a few small gems of the real work of being a writer amongst all the others. You make your comments, get caught up in looping arguments that inevitably degenerate into the "occupy wall streeters" vs. "get a grippers" ( I won't tell you what side I fall down on). So you stop, pour more alcohol and stare at the cursor, blinking like a neon sign of your failure.

Write More.
Write More.
Write More.

What do YOU do when it all feels futile? We've all been there. No matter how successful you are, how hard you work to achieve the small iota of fame you've achieved, sometimes all it takes is 30 minutes online to bring it all crashing down around your ears and send you scurrying for the nearest bottle of Beam.

When will you know you've made it in your own mind? Do you have to be a JR Ward level cult hero? A Stephen King-like urban legend (You know, "Carrie" got rejected a zillion times first)? A self-pub phonon like Konrath? Or does the fact that you took a set of characters, gave them a story, a setting, a conflict and a resolution, put on paper with enough clarity that people who sell books for a living see promise?
Yeah.
What does it take to make you feel successful as a writer?
I open the floor, and back away slowly.....

Book Feature: A Seductive Kiss; Francis Ray

2012-01-31T02:03:00.000-05:00

Book info: Alex Stewart, a successful New York lawyer, finally gets the chance to let the woman he has loved since childhood know how he feels, in A SEDUCTIVE KISS (01/31/12)

YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON FRIENDS

Dianna Harrington is known throughout the world as "The Face"-the stunningly beautiful spokesmodel for her family's fashion empire. She could probably have her pick of any man she wants. But Dianna would rather kick back and relax with a good friend-namely Alex Stewart, who she's known, and harbored a crush on, her whole life...

BUT CAN YOU TRUST YOUR HEART?

Ever since they were kids, Alex has been Dianna's protector and pal, a shoulder to cry on. But as the brother of her best friend, Alex always seemed untouchable. Now a handsome, successful New York lawyer, Alex never realized how lonely Dianna's life has been-or how innocent she is in the ways of love. Alex wants more than anything to reach out to her, to heal her heart. But is his desire worth the risk? After a lifetime of longing building up between them, somethings gotta give. Maybe all it takes is just one kiss...

A SEDUCTIVE KISS (Grayson Friends series, # 5) in mass market paperback and Ebook.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Barnes & Noble

To learn more about Francis Ray and her books, please visit her website:

http://francisray.com

Excerpt: A Seductive Kiss, Francis Ray

CHAPTER ONE

People thought Dianne Leigh Herrington had the world on her personal yo-yo string. Strikingly beautiful with an exquisite face the camera loved, she was known around the world as The Face, the only model for the House of Harrington’s print advertisement and lead model for their runway shows. She was on the A list, got into all the exclusive night spots, was voted one of beautiful people in People magazine, sought after by some of the richest men in the world.

Those who thought she lived a fairy tale life were wrong.

In a one-of-a-kind haute couture strapless blush pink evening gown created especially to show off her smooth bare shoulders, shapely curves, and long legs from the side-split to mid thigh, Dianne sipped her vintage champagne in a quiet corner of the lavish Plaza hotel suite, and fought not to sigh.

She was lonely. So, what else was new?

Dianne could recall few occasions in her life when she had truly felt happy and wanted. Tonight, with her two closest friends in the room, should have been one of those rare occasions. It wasn’t. She felt too much like the odd man out, just as she had always been.

So, she did what she always did when she felt left out, smiled, sipped her drink and pretended she didn’t have a care in the world. Too bad it wasn’t true.

She should be content for once to observe rather than be observed. But the more she watched the obviously in love couples circulate around the suite, the lonelier she became. Because, just like always, tonight when the party was over she’d go home alone.

While she enjoyed her glamorous career as a model and spokeswoman for the House of Herrington House, who visited some of the most fascinating cities in the world, she wanted more out of life. She was frequently in the company of other models or people in the fashion industry. They tended to go out in groups, but before the night was over, they usually paired up with someone in the group or with someone they’d met. Dianne wasn’t into casual affairs so she always ended up alone.

The couples in the room had what she’d longed for all of her life, unconditional love. She wasn’t jealous, she just wanted what they had, wondered what it felt like to be totally loved and wanted.

As an only child she’d been barely tolerated by her self-absorbed parents. Her mother, beautiful, elegant and always perfect, was a slave to fashion. Her handsome father’s unrelenting passion was golf. They looked good together, and freely enjoyed being the recipients of the Harrington’s fashion fortune. Neither would have dreamed of working. If they thought about Dianne at all it was when it was convenient or when it made them look like the loving, charitable couple they pretended to be in public.

What a bunch of crock, Dianne thought as she took another sip. Her parents only loved themselves. They even bought their own Christmas presents since they reasoned that they knew what they wanted better than anyone. Dianne seldom made their Christmas list unless they hoped to gain from it somehow.

No matter how many years had passed, Dianne still thought of the Christmas Eve when she was five years old. With TV cameras glaring, her parents had made a very public display of donating her toys to those less fortunate. There had been no cameras the next morning when her mother presented herself was a flawless diamond necklace and earrings to match. Her father’s gift to himself was an exclusive country club membership at one of the most renowned golf clubs in the country.

Dianne shook the memory away. She was her own woman now. She had her beloved grandfather to thank for that. A sharp pain lanced though her. She still found it difficult to believe he’d been gone for four months. He’d believed in her. He hadn’t thought she was too fat or too stupid for the D collection to be named after her. Both she and the line were instant hits. That had been fourteen long years ago. Modeling for Harrington was all she knew.

In the quiet of the night, that thought often frightened her. She should be able to do something beside strut down a runway, pose for a camera, and spout how fabulous their clothes made a woman look and feel.

Laughter brought her head up and around. Each woman there had accomplished something in her own right. The men were just as successful. Her parents would have forgone anything to be there. The women were beautiful, the men gorgeous, but it was the unmistakable love in their eyes when they looked at each other that drew Dianne’s attention, time and time again.

She was the only single woman there. She’d been invited by her best friend since childhood, Catherine Stewart Grayson, to help celebrate the successful closing of Sabra Raineau Grayson’s Broadway play. She was Catherine’s husband’s sister-in-law. There was already talk that she would win another Tony for her role. She could add it to her growing collection of awards, including an Oscar. There had been a cast party last night but Pierce Grayson, Sabra’s husband, wanted tonight to be just family and close friends.

In the room were Luke’s brothers and sisters, their spouses, Sabra’ sister, Laurel, and her new husband, Zach. Also in attendance were Shane Elliott and his wife, Paige, who was Zachary’s sister. Looking uncomfortable but resigned in a tuxedo was Trent Masters and his famous wife, Dominique, Luke’s cousin. They were all interrelated or friends. Luke’s mother, Ruth, her brother and his wife had already gone to their rooms. Dianne was the outsider as she’d always been,

Her slim fingers tightened on the stem of the flute, then eased. She wasn’t going to feel sorry for herself. She wasn’t the only single person there at least. Her gaze went to the silent man across the room. She met Rio’s unflinching gaze. He simply watched her. To another person his unblinking gaze might have been unnerving, but she had grown up with parents who looked through her.

“You’re all right?”

The sound of the rich baritone voice made her smile. Dianne turned, aware she’d see Alex Stewart, the only other unattached male in the room. Catherine’s big brother had been the extra special bonus of having her for a best friend. “Of course,” she said, still smiling up at him. It had always been easy to talk with Alex. He had also been her first crush.

“Good,” he said, starting down at her with his handsome, butterscotch-hued serious face. He had thick lashes her friends would kill for, a straight nose, and a mobile, sensual mouth she had been wondering how it would feel against her mouth entirely too much about lately. “You’re here to have fun.”

Dragging her gaze away from his lips, Dianne thought of the issue at hand. Alex had always looked after her. Somehow he’d always known what to do to make her feel better. She wondered if he could give her what she needed this time as well.

She wanted a man to look at her as if she were his world, as if she made his life better. She realized she wanted that man to be Alex. The realization didn’t surprise her. Somehow she knew he’d be a gentle, considerate lover. He was steady and dependable. He would also be discreet, another of her requirements.

Too many times she’d heard men brag about a conquest when the relationship ended. Some of her women associates shrugged it off. Dianne knew she wouldn’t be so blasé. It would wound her deeply. Outwardly she might look secure. She wasn’t. Growing up she’d been told too many times by her parents how utterly worthless she was.

Alex didn’t think so she thought as she gazed up at him through a sweep of her lashes. But was he the man who could ease the ache in her heart and soul?

Our last panel from DragonCON 2011! - Down and Dirty Marketing

2012-01-30T03:24:00.001-05:00

The BIGGEST time waster/evil necessity is spent on marketing. (I believe Editing comes in at a close second, what do you mean my manuscript needs edits? LOL!) While there are many different approaches to marketing, many of which have costs, many don't, I have my beliefs on what's most effective from a business standpoint, and what works and what doesn't.

Of interest is that while some of my panelists gave away free copies of print books, I had a minion SELL copies of my book. The right tactics and salesmanship will win over nearly any customer.

But we filled the room and managed to dole out sage advice from another combined 60+ years of experience. Gail Z. Martin, Kiernan Kelly, Stephanie Burke, Marianne LaCroix and myself of course.

Listen to the full Safe For Work (mostly) panel hereas we discuss the best ways to market on a shoe string budget. Oh, did I mention we FILLED the room again? Yeah, we're in demand LOL!

Leave comments, feedback and what you might like to hear next or more of and I might just give away a copy of The Playground, my light bdsm 1Night Stand from Decadent Publishing

Whimsical Friday: Those Crazy Authors

2012-01-27T05:11:00.002-05:00

I’m doing something different today. I’m actually talking about writing. LOL
I know, weird huh, considering I mostly post goofy stuff. Well don’t fret my loyal readers. There is some whimsy in this post as well. J
What is it about writers and authors that is so intriguing? We’re just normal average every day people who happen to tell tales. We get up every morning, dress (okay, not always), eat, work, and breathe. Yet people are always fascinated by us. I will admit it feels damn good. I always love when someone finds out I’m an author. They smile and get this awestruck look in their eyes. Then the questions come out. What do you write? Where do you get your ideas from? You must have to have a vivid imagination. And for that moment, while they stare at you as if you’re the biggest celebrity they’ve ever seen, you feel high. What a great feeling.

I’m always fascinated by the way authors are portrayed in movies. We’re portrayed as lazy, sloppy, and sometimes insane. Stephen King loves to write his authors as being weird, obsessive and crazy. Ever see The Shinning? Great movie. Loved Jack Nicholson. He plays crazy like no one else. Never read the book, but the movie scared the living poop out of me.

1408 was another great by him. John Cusack was perfect in this role. He played an author who debunks paranormal occurrences. Love the movie, love how John portrays the reclusive author who lost his only child and is divorced. Before he starts working, he sets out one cigarette.

Another favourite of mine is the Secret Window with Johnny Depp. Normally Depp plays strong characters, handsome characters (okay not always. Edward Scissor hands) But in this movie, he is a down and out slob. He’s a writer with…shall we say, problems. I love how he sleeps, eats, and writes in this old ratty robe, his hair an absolute mess.

But my all time favourite writer related story has to be the Simpson Tree House of Horror, The Shining. Shocked? Have you read my whimsical posts? I’m weird. LOL I absolutely love this clip. It is my all time favourite Simpson Halloween episode ever. Check it out.

Funny right?
But in reality, now all writers are stark raving mad. Okay, sure, we have our quirks, some stranger than others, but for the most part, we’re normal people. Am I right? I need to have music playing. Dance or pop. That’s it. See, I’m not SO weird. LOL Okay, sure, when I was writing the Darkness series I wrote it in the dark. I had to get into the frame of mind to see what it was like to live in a world without sun. But still, not so weird.

Any authors who care to share their story are welcome. Is there something you have to have, have to do in order to write that next great story?

Cover Art: Friend or Foe?

2012-01-25T03:00:00.001-05:00

I love cover art day, don't you?

I mean, there it is! Your BABY, illustrated for the whole world to see! Those words you've slaved over for hours, days, weeks, months, finally "for real!"

I'll admit I thought I was on the picky side when it came to this stage of the process. I don't mean to be but when I go to the trouble to fill out "cover art sheets" I would hope that the artist on the other end actually sees it. Sometimes I wonder. But no matter how, um, odd those first iterations might be I have been able so far to get all my covers just the way I want them.

But I've been thinking about what drives me to read more about a book from the zillions and zillions of covers we are bombarded with daily.

Is it Flesh?

Is it intrigue and mystery?

Is it a dog?

I know I like a cover to look uncluttered, with a simple message--not too much going on to hint at the story.

I like some flesh unless the story really doesn't need it. And frankly, sometimes less, is definitely more.

What makes you choose a book from a bunch of covers? There is a voting thing (yet another and no none of my covers are in it so you can rest assured this is not Liz, being egregiously self promotional so there) that got me thinking about it. You can vote NOT for your "favorite" but whether or not you'd even read more much less buy the book based on covers in certain categories. Check it out!
https://jabbic.hbarwa.com/readers/

And forgive a girl a real giggle for These....

More from DragonCON - Writers WHERE should Submit

2012-01-23T04:46:00.000-05:00

The question of e-books, publishers, traditional and self publishing are all out for writers of today. The options today's writer has can be overwhelming but we broke it down in a 5 PM panel at DragonCON that had little foul language so it's a little more PC....

Kiernan Kelly moderated. Stephanie Burke, Scott Sigler, Marianne Lacroix and I were the panelists. Again, a collective history of over 50+ years of writing experience in a field that's fairly new despite the rich history in publishing.

Click here to listen to the audio

We covered a myriad of topics including briefly touching on contract issues, pen names, what to do if you do something stupid online, how to preserve your reputation, how to protect your identity the best you can and more. Ranging in background from authors at small to indie e-pubs to those published with some of the larger houses, we invite you to listen to the audio with the hope that we've helped you navigate the choices in publishing available to authors today.

I'd like to give a special thanks to Scott (not the panelist!) for recording the panels and posting the audio online. He did an excellent job.

Kiernan Kelly kept us on track and all the panelists did a fine job of speaking to yet again, a packed room.

The Playground - Out now from Decadent Publishing
What if YOUR lover made themselves available on the playground?

Book Feature and Give-A-Way: Dartboard, J.D. Gordon

2012-01-21T12:06:00.004-05:00

1776: An English payroll ship loses sight of its convoy and wrecks on the shoals of a small, remote Caribbean island during a terrible storm, marooning its crew and a small group of soldiers. After rescuing the gold and burying it on the island, they are overrun by a tribe of cannibals, leaving the treasure hidden... Today: Jimmy Quigley, a small town cop, inherits a boat and a treasure map from his Uncle Jackson, a renowned world explorer. He hooks up with Evelyn Quinn, who also received a small inheritance from his uncle. He heads to the Caribbean with Evelyn and her friend, Kristin, and his friend, Rick, for some fun in the sun and a possible treasure hunt. When the boat is ransacked by thieves not once, but twice, Jimmy wonders if his uncle's warning to watch his back has more to it than he first thought. With his friends' safety and the fate of the Lorraine gold in mind, Jimmy heads off into the biggest adventure of his life...

Buy From Amazon

Bio: Firefighter and paramedic-turned-author Jimmy (J.D.) Gordon was born and raised in Chicago where he developed a taste for the finer things that the Windy City has to offer - pan pizza, live blues and the Cubs.

Jimmy dropped into the world of literature, literally. After falling off a train and breaking his knee Jimmy had to spend quite a bit of time recuperating. While visiting the firehouse his peers asked what he planned to with all that time away. This when Jimmy said the words that he now claims to have changed his life. "I should write a book."
Despite some skepticism from his peers ("You don't even use punctuation on your run reports!"), he completed a novel, Island Bound, and made it a point to use punctuation throughout.

Another injury, sustained on the job, ended his career in the fire service. Aside from writing Gordon spends his Spring and Summer as an umpire for high school and youth baseball. He now lives with his wife and children in Glen Ellyn IL, a suburb of Chicago.

www.jimmygwrites.com

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Caribbean Calling
~~CONTEST OPEN UNTIL 5PM TUESDAY, JAN. 24TH 2012~~

Contest extended until SATURDAY JAN. 28TH, 3PMEST, 2012

Whimsical Friday: Oh that crazy tune

2012-01-19T05:20:00.003-05:00

Earworms

ear·worm/ˈi(ə)rˌwərm/: A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind

If you’ve ever had one, you know how annoying they can be. That one song playing over and over in your head, driving you crazy. And how many times is that song one you can’t stand. That’s even worse. “I’m too sexy for this body. Too sexy for this body…” (Right Said Fred) And even worse, it keeps playing the same sentence over and over. Some say that if you sing the entire song it will stop the earworm. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work. If anything it makes it worse. Grrr.

“Who let the dogs out? Who who who?” You know the song. Do you like it? I don’t. Yet I couldn’t stop myself from humming and singing the damn song when it came out. I would wake at night with the song stuck in my head. I’d find myself humming it during the day, even with other music going. I wanted to scream.

My daughter listens to grunge style music. I’m not a fan, but there are some songs I don’t mind. I always tell her, “Why do you listen to that? Its so depressing and dark.” But she likes it. My parents said the same thing to me when I’d listen to my pop music, singing to

Cindy Lauper, She Bop. If only they knew what that dong meant they probably would have banned me from ever listening to music again. LOL
One day, while cleaning the kitchen, my daughter walks in and smartly remarks, “I thought you didn’t like my music.” I was utter baffled by what she was talking about until she told me I was humming one of her songs. “Dammit,” I thought. She’s right.

Lately, Selena Gomez song, “Love Song” has been running through my head. I love the song so it’s not so bad, for the most part. Waking in the middle of the night to pee and the song plays over and over in my head is annoying. Having trouble falling asleep after is down right painful. And its only the chorus that repeats in my mind. It’s catchy.

[Chorus]
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

I have her album and play it when the song stick in my mind, yet the damn earworm won’t leave me alone. Sigh…what’s a gal to do.
Anyone else have this infliction? What song do you hear over and over again? What do you do to stop it?
Leave a comment and one lucky person will win a copy of my novel, Awaken the Demon.
Now, here’s Selena:

The Blog Tour From Hades

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

Ah the book tour.

Travel, hotels, lights, camera, action, readings, signings, interview for hokey local morning shows, such glamour.

Oh, yeah.

It's a VIRTUAL book tour...so....
Posts about anything and everything you can come up with somehow related back to the book you're trying to hock, "character interviews" (oy), all about me posts including the requisite "why I write" and "How long I've been keeping notebooks" plus the ever thrilling "who inspires me" paragraphs, contests/giveaways/begging for comments, and of course, the blurbs/excerpts and finally, the reviews.

It is in many ways more exhausting as it requires you to continue to write, be creative on (virtual) paper, come up with scintillating answers that will live forever in potential internet ignominy. And no room service?

I bring this up today as fair warning and to open a discussion about blogs in general. There was a day when a blogger was a glamorous pseudo-journalist, pontificating and editorializing all over the screen in a way frowned upon by traditional newspapers and magazines. Now, we (and I do use the Royal We, thanks) are a penny a baker's dozen, running our collective mouths on everything from "craft" to "inspiration" to "cute kittens" and "dancing robots" and (God help us) "Star Wars." I know I can roll my eyes, because I've done it ALL. Anything to prove I'm alive, busy, and really flipping talented.

Sigh.

oooooo-lookit how I snuck in my cover art for the final book!

And in order to promote my upcoming series (see: Vacation blogpost last week) I will be embarking on a series of tours, simultaneously designed to get you ready to read my Hot Realtors Series or at the very least whap you upside your head with my fabulousness.

Or not.

Tell me, IS it the blog tour, the incessant blog posting that sell YOUR books? Or is it the act of writing, getting published and writing and getting published some more that does it?

The podium is yours. I've got about twenty different interviews and posts to write....

oh SNAP another one! this is the middle book....*slinks away...*

Conversation With A Book: Beneath the Surface, Joya Fields

2012-01-17T04:05:00.000-05:00

Learn More About Joya:
Blog Website

She’s fighting to stay independent—he’s determined to protect her no matter what…

Brooke Richards survived the earthquake that took her parents and most of her leg, but she needs time to regroup. A trip to Florida for a state-of-the art prosthesis and to visit her best friend Linda seems ideal. But the trip turns traumatic when Brooke witnesses Linda’s boat disintegrating in a fiery explosion.

Police Officer Garrett Ciavello believes the blast was intentionally set to hide something Linda found on a dive. When Brooke offers her expertise in underwater archaeology, Garrett accepts her help with the investigation. But since his fiancée’s death years ago, Garrett has become overprotective, and as they are drawn to each other, Garrett realizes he will risk anything to keep Brooke safe.

Brooke is fiercely independent. Garrett is fiercely protective. Will they heal each other’s wounds and find a killer…before it’s too late?

Questions for the Readers:

1. Brooke and Garrett both experience major losses in their lives before finding each other. Have you ever had anything bad happen in your life, and when you looked back on it later, you realized something good came from it?

2. New relationships can be sometimes be awkward. Brooke and Garrett spend time alone, but they also spend time with friends. How often do you think couples should get together with other couples and friends? Do you think it helps keep relationships strong?

3. Brooke is a below-the-knee amputee, but her disability is not a major storyline. What types of characters with disabilities would you like to see more of in books and movies?

WriteSEX - THE Authority on Erotica

2012-01-16T04:58:00.000-05:00

For the next few posts, I'm delivering a special treat. DragonCON 2011 was a fun convention and we had the pleasure of hosting three panels for the Electronic Frontier Forum, which were recorded.

Here, is the audio from the first panel we did on WriteSEX.
Panelists include Stella Price, Kiernan Kelly, Stephanie "Flashycat" Burke, Marianne LaCroix and Susan Sizemore. It was a rather fun panel BUT it's NOT work safe.

We swear. A LOT. But the information shared helped several writers in the room that night, helped me solidify another block in my author platform and added another notch in the other author's belts.

Click the link to hear the audio

LINK to WriteSEX

Whimsical Friday: A Creative Mind

2012-01-13T05:12:00.001-05:00

I'm a writer at heart, but that's not my only means of creativity. I also love drawing and creating banners and book covers. I loved drawing a little kid. Who didn't. There was just so much that could be done with a red crayon. But as I grew up, I found sketching and drawing very relaxing. When I sit down to draw, the world around me disappears. A tornado could rip my house apart and I would still be sitting there drawing. Off and on throughout my life i drew. If I had a spare moment and had nothing else to do I would sketch something. I particularly like to sketch the things around me. Animals, kids and so forth. I also love drawing the female face and body.

There are so many intricate lines and shapes to the female form. Another passion is drawing other people, even celebrities. I have always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. She was such a beauty. So I gave it a try and sat down and drew her face. I'm not a pro, but I think it looks pretty good.

I also drew a picture of what I thought my heroine Missy Green would look like. I have one of her as human, and one as a demon.

So I decided that for today's post I would share some of my artwork, including some book cover art with all of you.

These are just some of the book covers I've created. If you're interested in having me create a cover for you check out my website at:http://sierrahartdesigns.blogspot.com

Thoughtful Thursday: Bragi, Tell Us Your Story

2012-01-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact. — Robert McKee

I thought it was time that the APA Blog hosts another Bragi...but with a twist.
For this bragi, I invite you to tell us your story OR the story (blurb, promo) of your novel.

Tell us your story, in anyway you want to and we won't know if its made up or real or how you want it to be. In fact, I encourage it. A huge part of being an author is drawing from the stories of your life. A big part of promoting yourself as an author, is letting the audience in just a wee bit and telling them about yourself, your interests and why you wrote the book.

This will be good practice.

Don't tell us how it is, tell us how you want it to be. And with all storytelling, this is powerful stuff.

Authors Promoting Authors is open to our regular features, if you want to guest post or have your book featured here, please follow the instructions.

VEGAS!

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Sin City.

Liz Iz On Vacation, or at least what passes for same.

Spouse is working the floor of the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and traveling sort of simultaneously (headed to Cali for a day today) and I am hanging out, holding down the fort, and editing/polishing my ever loving ass off.

I thought, since I'm sorta supposed to be "on vacation" I'd post this press release for my new series and hope you kids (and stalker/haters ---yeah I see you out there) will forgive a girl some blatant promo in place of pithy, useful and career furthering advice.

Tri Destiny Publishing Announces Launch of

Sizzlin’ Books Romance Line

Tri Destiny Publishing launches new romance line with a 3-book series by author Liz Crowe

(January 1^st, 2012): Tri Destiny Publishing announces the launch of their new romance line, Sizzlin’ Books, kicking off with The Realtor series by Liz Crowe. The new line will be devoted exclusively to romance books which are less traditional with topics ranging from paranormal and supernatural to D/s
relationships, menages, LGBT plots and everything in between.

“We plan to offer our readers the widest range of plots and characters possible. Tri Destiny prides itself on being the publishing house that focuses on meeting every reader’s needs,” according to Tri Destiny Partner, Jessica Warth. “We’re launching the Sizzlin’ Books line with its own website. Readers who are looking for the traditional romance can still find it on the main Tri Destiny website. However, readers looking for books with more of an edge can visit our Sizzlin’ Books site, find a “sizzle scale” and books which traverse a wide array of topics.”

Liz Crowe, author of fan favorites such as the Brewing Passions series, Vegas Miracle and
the Turkish Delights series, will be the flagship author for the new line with the release of The Realtors, a 3-book series set in contemporary Ann Arbor, MI. The series focuses on the interwoven lives and relationships of three realtors over the span of several years. The first book in the series, “Floor Time,” will release later this month. “Sweat Equity,” the second book, will release in mid-February. The series will wrap up with “Closing Costs,” in mid-March.

“Tri Destiny feels privileged to have acquired The Realtors. It will, without doubt, become a series the fans rave about and beg for more,” Jessica adds. The series’ storyline is anything but ordinary and Jessica says it expresses the kind of books she wants to fill their new line; namely those which don’t fit the mold of other publishers. “We want people to come to know Tri Destiny, and especially the Sizzlin’ Books, as a place where anything can, and does, happen. There’s no formula here and The Realtors definitely demonstrates that. To have Liz agree to help us launch this new line and entrust us with this series is an honor. We look forward to this being the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with Liz.”

About Liz Crowe

Microbrewery owner, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing her spouse around the world, and making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped Liz for life as erotic romance author. When she is not sweating beer inventory, sales figures or promotional efforts for her latest publication, she can be found walking her standard poodles or doing Bikram Yoga. If you want a beer education follow her beer blog: www.a2beerwench.com. For writing-related topics, including her backlist: www.brewingpassion.com.

Tri Destiny Publishing

Tri Destiny was formed out of a desire to give a voice to the authors who have written amazing stories, but whose manuscripts lie unread on the desks of other publishing. There is no formula at Tri Destiny and they actively encourage new authors’ submissions. They accept manuscripts throughout a wide-spectrum of literary genre, from romance and fiction, to non-fiction, young adult, and more. Submission guidelines are on at their website: www.tridestinypublishing.com/html/authors-wanted/submissions . The company was co-founded by Jessica Warth and A. Tucker.

# # #

OFFICIAL BLURBS FOR THE SERIES

The Realtors: Life in the House Lane (the series)

Love is an easy word to use, a hard one to demonstrate, and sometimes impossible to trust.

The Realtors is a sweeping epic, encompassing over ten years in the lives of two people who know how to love with their bodies, how to please and get pleasure, to control and be controlled. When it comes to the deeper meaning of the one word they both need however, their strong personalities get in the way. While their physical connection sizzles they continue to disappoint one another emotionally.

Jack Gordon has it all--money, success, a string of women—but sustains a deep longing for something more. When he thinks he finds it with Sara Jane Thornton, his world is never the same again. Sara releases his natural Dom, a side of him he'd thought buried out of frustration and unhappiness. Sara learns a true submissive must trust implicitly, something she cannot associate with him, no matter how many times she tries, and he fails.

With a rich cast of secondary characters, including a young man who presents a near-perfect foil to Jack's intensity, and who falls hard for Sara; The Realtors series is a romantic saga with an emphasis on contemporary life and love, with a healthy dose of white-hot eroticism. Modern, busy, driven characters living lives of purpose and real-time stress, seek the ever-elusive and highly coveted combination --a friend, lover and trusted advisor who will be there for the long haul.

Floor Time (The Realtors – Book 1):

Jack Gordon is Ann Arbor's most delectable bachelor. At age thirty-five, he's made millions as a top-selling Ann Arbor real estate broker and has the right connections to close a deal by any means necessary. With his rugged good looks and compelling personality, he has a virtual black book most men would kill for and he uses it often, never settling for one woman for very long.

While his D/s past remains buried, exactly where he wants it, an undercurrent of boredom and dissatisfaction runs through his life now. A disastrous experience years earlier made him swear off the whole scene, but the more Jack suppresses his natural Dom, the more his frustration grows.

Sara Thornton, a rookie in the real estate game, has fast-tracked herself to the top of the Ann Arbor market. Her life reflects a disciplined and focused routine, exactly the way she wants it. However, as her career takes off, the fulfillment she seeks remains inexplicably out of reach. The one thing she knows for sure, she will not join the Jack Gordon groupies in her company, no matter how tempting that might seem.

A chance encounter, then a difficult transaction, throw Jack and Sara together and the sparks fly high and hot and often. Forced to confront the compulsions that gain momentum with each sizzling encounter, their relationship seems to spiral out of control until Jack finally admits what he needs, and shows Sara what she's been missing.

Sweat Equity (The Realtors – Book 2):

Jack Gordon thought he’d finally made it. He had a wildly successful career, money in the bank and even returned to his life as Dom, putting an end to a string of unfulfilling sexual encounters. Now that he's made the ultimate commitment to Sara Thornton, he believes all is right in their world. However, a series of misunderstandings and a dose of self-fulfilling prophesy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront lingering misgivings about marriage and trust. Could those be the only two things he can never achieve?

Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two goals which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it futile and frustrating, littered with clashes thanks to near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara’s history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes easier than fighting a war with the one person who should be her safe haven. But will the easier choice satisfy her the way only Jack can? Is her "war" one that comes from without or within?

Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara’s tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the ever elusive: trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans. This leaves them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.

Closing Costs (The Realtors – Book 3):

Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She's spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that “happily ever afters” are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she'd face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she’s completely banished from her life, so she claims.

Jack Gordon has come a long way since his early days of obsession with Sara. As the general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for the well-being of others has ramped up. He’s even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally.

Continuing to invest effort and rebuild their relationship, he and Sara grow close as friends. Despite this, his ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn't prepared for the keen focus of his need--to have her back, once and for all. Her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apart

The epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.

So there you have it. Three, 50k+ word novels. And I promise you will love 'em.

Go easy on me Michael. I'm on vacation.

cheers

Liz

Book Feature: The Man Of My Dreams, Gladys Quintal

2012-01-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

Ever since the death of her parents at the age of 17, Cassie has been dreaming about a dark haired man. He always comes to her in times of trouble to comfort her and help her through the toughest of days. But now after the devastating break up with her boyfriend, Cassie struggles with separating reality from her dreams. During a trip to her family beach house, her dream man becomes her lover and Cassie finds herself longing for this man to be in her life. But trying to find out the truth about him leaves her questioning her very existence and sanity. She is convinced her dream man is real and connected to a string of macabre murders over the last 20 years. Fearing for her life, Cassie prays she is right about him and that he can save her before it is too late.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR: This book contains mention of sexual abuse, attempted rapes and horrific murders.
Buy From Amazon

Excerpt:
She was trying to think straight, but the nutter had his tongue down her throat and was touching her everywhere!

She tried to moan and feign pleasure all the while trying to devise a plan to get out of there. When did the Ghost come to save women about to be murdered? Usually when they were unconscious or on the brink of death . . . and maybe that was the key? He visited her in her dreams, so maybe the only way for him to help was through the subconscious mind. It sounded insane, almost as insane as her bedroom companion. But then, everything over the last six months had been wildly insane. Maybe if she could somehow make herself blackout without harming the baby, her dark haired man could save her?

Her captor picked her up in his arms and lowered her onto the bed. She was totally naked and felt on display and totally vulnerable. He started to put her hands and feet into the shackles.

God, it's starting, she realized, starting to panic. Think Cassie, think! She screamed inside her head

#
Writing Romance or Erotica? Planning to make a writing career in 2012? Check out yesterday's post for great advice.

Erotic Corner - Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T03:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Readers!

In this blog post I'd like to talk about education and a few things I've realized over the course of my writing career and observed while talking to new writers.

One of the things I've heard over and over again by new writers is "we have to sit down and talk about fleshing out a story. " This was in regards to plotting, which I cover heavily at WriteSEX in a four act structure. That is something I do without thought, once I learned the systematic way to plot out a story longer than 30k.

But I can still see some of you years later having to think through the plot process. This is okay of course, whatever it takes to get the book done (booze, masturbation, sex, or even more booze...) is what you need to do. Yet if you've got years of experience, it would seem to me counter-intuitive to have to sit down and write out a plot that you gave a massive amount of thought to, regardless of the genre or story. This isn't knocking other writer habits mind you, but I would question whether you're plotting out of habit?

Coming with Character Creation, the same thing happens. New writers must think through their character actions, especially if something like BDSM is involved. Maybe I'm just that experienced, but after 12 years I don't bother to spend the time analyzing motive and goal in BDSM. I don't have to. A Dominant male will behave a certain way based on his past, that you loosely created unless the plot relies heavily on it.

In turn, I tend to be a more efficient writer, utilizing my time in the best manner possible. Hell, I love days when I can come in and crank out 5k on a story but due to all that I do, that's not always possible, so scheduling two hours a day when I've something to work on, gets me to a happy place. Looking at the prolific pros, those NYT best selling erotica/erotic romance authors who make real big money gave me some insight into their writing habits. According to a study conducted by Melinda Rucker Haynes:

Marthe Arends, w/a Katie MacAlister/Maxwell, has “herds” of paranormal, YA,
historical and contemporary romances coming out in the next few years. She sets a
minimum daily word count that she has to achieve before she can quit writing and read email,
play online, or chat with friends.
Ruth Glick w/a Rebecca York isn’t exactly sure how many romantic suspense and
paranormal books she’s to deliver in the next few months. She tries to write ten pages a
day and advises that the best way to be very productive is to WRITE.
Jane Porter tries to write four contemporary romances a year and thinks she may
have somewhere between 9-12 books to produce in the next couple of years. She spends
approximately two and a half months writing, takes two weeks off and back to writing
again.
Pat Pritchard has contracted to produce a novella and a single title historical in
2004, in addition to her teaching job. When writing a book, she sets a weekly page goal
and tries to write at the same time everyday, editing in the morning before work and
writes “new” after dinner.
Cathy Yardley has four Blaze and Red Dress books due in the next year. She isn’t a
“write everyday” person and says that at her most prolific she can write up to 50 pages a
day, sometimes more and is figuring out how she can dig in and write everyday.

I am a big Rebecca York fan and I read some of Cathy Yardley's Blaze books.

The key here for me is that my time has value and that education and retention make a HUGE difference in my writing patterns. No you're NOT going to find the great American Erotic Romance in my work. (Thank GODDESS!) But you'll find a hot, compelling read.

Whimsical Friday: Justin Bieber kidnapped

2012-01-06T06:48:00.002-05:00

You know you’re famous when….

Your cardboard cut-out is stolen. A 23 year old man from Florida was caught running through shopping malls with a friend after stealing the life sized cut out, evading cops. The store owner ran after the 23 year old David Dowling when he bolted from the shop, JB in hand. He was finally apprehended and when asked why, he responded, ‘It was just fun holding Justin Bieber hostage.”

When I first heard this story I burst out laughing. I know I shouldn’t, but the story just seemed comical. Who in their right mind would kidnap a cardboard cut out of a star? Well, I guess any fan would. Still…
What went through this guys mind and how did he come up with the idea. Was he sitting at home, listening to music, maybe playing some computer games and bam, the idea popped into his head. Or maybe he was bored out of his mind and thought, what the hell. I should kidnap a cardboard cut out. Was it a dare between he and his friend to see if they could get away with it? My writers mind wants to know.

So I’ve decided to make up my own scenario.
DD: “Dude, I am so bored.”
Friend: “Me too. You got any money?”
DD: “Nah, I’.”m broke. You?”
Friend: “Same. So now what?”
DD: “I don’t know. Lets hang at the mall. Maybe we’ll run into the guys and convince them to loan us some change.”
Friend: “Works for me.”
They get to the mall, still bored and discouraged at not finding their friends.
DD: “This blows, Dude.”
Friend: “I know, right.”
DD: “Check it out. There’s Bieber.”
Friend whisks his head to where DD is pointing. “You fuck. That’s not really him.”
DD: Laughs. “Made you look.”
Friend: “Seriously, they need a life sized cut out of the guy.”
DD: “Check out all the drooling chick staring at it like it really is him.”
Friend: “Yeah. What’s he got that we don’t.”
DD: “Girls drooling after him.”
Friend: “Shit!”
DD: “Yeah.” A light bulb goes off in his head. “I know how to get the chicks to go for us.”
Friend: “Yeah, how?”
DD: “Steal the cut out.”
Friend: “How will that make the girls want us?”
DD: “We get the Bieber board, run with it and the girls will chase us.”
Friend: “Think it’ll work?”
DD: “Let’s find out.”
And the next thing you know, DD is running for his life holding onto the Bieber board. But instead of chicks chasing after him, the cops are. How crappy is that. LOL
This is only my dramatization and not realty.
As funny as this story is, thankfully only a cardboard cut out of Justin Bieber was taken and not the real deal.

Yay It's January Pass the Oatmeal

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: in order to make my point, paralleling the obvious challenges of facing the "lose weight" resolution dovetailed with "write more and get more acceptances" floating around out there, I give you a gallery of "hot male personal trainers" (go ahead, google it yourself)

Yeah, I'm on a diet.

Who isn't?

Really, gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios and all those places ought to dub this month "Black January"for all the huge increase in traffic they see. It's when they really make their money from all the folks who join up, go for about 3 weeks and give up.

It's easy to give up. I know for a fact that it takes AT LEAST six weeks, many times eight to ten to see results from a diet and exercise program. It's tough. But you gotta stick with it. It sucks to get up on cold Michigan January mornings and choke down another bowl of oatmeal. But you gotta do it. It's even tougher to drag a** out to whatever exercise venue you choose. But it's a must.

Sort of like the writing process in a way.

You have an idea, and, depending on your "process" you head write, outline, ponder and character map around for a while. Then you get down to it, either by the seat of your pants from the story mostly fleshed out in your brain or from your careful outlines, character studies and notes. It's a struggle at times. Many nights/days or whenever you have time to create you're tired from "the real world" and just can't sink into the one you've created no matter how hard you try.

"I'll get back to it tomorrow, first thing," you say, around a mouthful of rabbit food, washed down with detox tea.

But tomorrow comes and goes and you find yourself grabbing fast food for lunch, and ignoring that manuscript another 24 hours.

Then, when you finally find time and/or energy you stare at the blinking cursor so long you get a headache and have to lie down, or drink the alcohol you swore off of after that badly considered New Year's Eve mixing of red wine, champagne and post midnight tequilla shots.

What I say to you is more to get me going than anything.

Get off your arse, get to the gym, or yoga studio or outdoors, whatever it is you do to shake 2011 cobwebs out of your brain.

Then sit, write, staying off social networks lest you get depressed by all the GREAT NEWS everyone is bloody well SNOOPY DANCING over or whatever they do 24/7 over there.

Focus. On Your Goals.

Pass the oatmeal, I gotta edit.
cheers
Liz

Days Gone By:2011

2011-12-31T11:20:00.001-05:00

"...for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne."

Authors Promoting Authors' New Year is technically sometime in July or August where we, without a lot of fanfare celebrate the anniversary of this blog.

Think of this as more a mid-year review.

So far, it has been a great year for APA but as I write this New Year's greeting, I am feeling a bit sentimental for days gone by. Back when, APA was one of the only blogs who were featuring authors and their books. Back when what APA had to offer, was new and ahead of its time, when we were the first to serve for all intense purposes as a place to host authors' virtual book tours (back when that description wasn't even thought of, that's how groundbreaking what we did was). When, our Facebook Group was more useful than another place for authors to post their book links. Where authors wrote in and asked for advice and "Have you heard of this publisher, this editor, this agent?" (authors still do, on a less frequent basis). It was also back when, I feel, there was a tighter community of indie authors and big time authors, willing to share their knowledge.

Of course, my life has changed since I started this blog and the demands and growing busyness of life has left me with less time to stay ahead of the curve or give attention to this blog. In many ways, I have turned into a bad blogger. I don't comment on the blogs I follow, nearly as often as I like. I don't comment on APA posts by our contributors each and every time. I don't reply to each and every email because the demands of real life keep me more and more away from the screen. Some weeks, I don't even post regular blog features.

Knowing this was going to be a hugely busy year for me on many levels, I asked for help. I asked for new contributors and features and new content. And thankfully, I got it and our readers got it. I can't thank Sascha, Liz and Shiela or Margaret nearly enough for all they have given APA this year.

Its been a lot of fun to read what these talented writers have posted weekly and I look forward to more great writing, thought-sharing and surprises from them.

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to ask you: blog readers, authors, followers, what would you like to see from APA? Is there a feature you think we could add to our bag of tricks? Is there a way we can help promote authors more?

My wish for APA in 2012 is more readers, a greater exchange of ideas, more creativity and an increase of audience and maybe, if its the right fit, another contributor to join the fray.

Wishing you all the very best in 2012 and beyond.

If you celebrated the New Year in October, Happy Calendar Changing Day and Happy New Year to the rest of you.

~Tina-Sue

apasuggestions@gmail.com

Whimsical Friday: Yay! A New release!

2011-12-30T05:05:00.001-05:00

Guess what? I have a new release. The second book in my demons series, Offer the Demon, is available today. I am so excited, which, well you're probably saying, Duh. LOL

So because it's release day I thought I would share a bit from the book with all of you.

Here is a look at Offer the Demon: Bk 2 of the Demon series.

Twenty-one years ago a bargain was made for her existence. Twenty-one years ago was the beginning of the end.

Born to serve Satan, Aurora Starr wishes she could lead a normal life. Being a demon, that’s not so easy to do. By night she takes the lives of those Satan chooses. Despite her hatred for her job, she knows she must continue, but all she wants is to live like a normal human.

Enter Scott Monroe.

Tall, blond, and gorgeous, he is more than Aurora can resist. Although mating with a human is taboo, Aurora throws caution to the wind and begins seeing Scott. But when Satan makes her choose between her family or the man she loves, Aurora has had enough.

Will love win in the end, or will Satan damn them all?

~Excerpt~

About to approach them with his card and the usual speech, he spotted her. He wasn’t sure how he’d known it was her when she didn’t look anything like herself. Maybe it was the hair. Not many women wore it so long, long enough to graze her backside. It certainly wasn’t the clothes she wore, or lack thereof. The skirt should probably be illegal. The top—he didn’t want to even go there. It was her, there was no doubt. It was Aurora, and the way she moved to the beat of the music looked damn good.

Her body floated, rolling in such erotic moves it had him swallowing a hard lump in his throat. And apparently, he wasn’t the only one affected. As she swayed on the dance floor seductively, men crowded around her.

It was time he put a stop to this.

He stepped into the crowd surrounding her and before he could take control of the situation, she leaned against his chest, wound her arms around his neck, and began gyrating.

He probably should put an end to this, his mind was all but screaming it, but his body refused to listen. Putting his hands on her hips, he swayed to the beat with her.

Slowly, seductively, she turned, and her eyes widened with surprise. “Scott? Well, you certainly know how to move.”

Gathering his thoughts, Scott grabbed her by the arm, and dragged her away.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He didn’t answer until they were outside the club and far enough away from the crowds. “Getting you out of there.”

She jerked her arm free. “I wasn’t ready to leave.”

“Well, now you are.” When she turned back to the noisy club, he grabbed her arm. Before she could protest, he slung her over his shoulder, getting a perfect view of those gorgeous, shapely legs. Sucking in his lust, he carried her to his car.

“Put me down!” She wiggled, kicking her legs, which he held down for his own safety. “I said put me down!”

He did, but not before he’d unlocked his car. Setting her in the passenger seat, he shut the door and engaged the locks with his key fob. He unlocked his door, climbed into the driver’s seat, and was instantly bombarded by her attitude.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

To Purcahse: www.decadentpublishing.com
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-offerthedemon-666379-140.html

He slammed the car into drive and sped off. “Taking you home.”

The Year in Erotica Reivew from an Editor!

2011-12-30T02:29:00.000-05:00

2011 has seen some great books come out by a lot of new talent at Sizzler Editions. I'm going to showcase a few of the books here and dig into a little bit about the eroticism and why I liked the book. Of course all books can be picked up at Amazon.com though we'd prefer you support small business by shopping at Sizzler Editions

One of my first finds was Tied to Passion by Amber Rose Thompson. I HATED the hero, finding him droll and intellectual. But the writing was pretty clean, the synopsis sold the story and once I read Celene's character on paper I had to keep reading. I won't reveal the ending but I was satisfied to see how it ended up. Amber Rose is a bright new voice in erotica with a definite future. There is a lesson I'll discuss next year in this blog about his work and reviews.

My very first anthology Riding the Rocket, our first m/m anthology of sci fi erotic romance. Featuring established talent like Kiernan Kelly, M. Christian and Cecilia Tan, we also have a range of new authors who debut in this collection. Michael Mandrake's story "Vertigo" appears in this collection as the starter for his upcoming Sizzler release by the same name. The thing I enjoyed about this collection was the pure simplicity of discovering new talent and mingling it with old to create something I think any science fiction m/m reader will enjoy, all while getting their rocks off.

As far as anthologies go, I couldn't be happier with My Sexy Valentine! This four author collection started off the Intoxication line collection of erotic romance anthologies with quite a bang.

You see, I started the Intoxication line at Sizzler after talking to the publisher and realizing two things. A: She had long term goals with the company that could be met in Erotica but would take a little longer, or we could expand our focus and add the erotic elements to Romance. Romance is still the largest growing and selling fiction genre, outselling everything else COMBINED. Being a romance author at heart, I had to also help start stacking the deck in my favor. So the Intoxication line serves several purposes. My Sexy Valentine features four authors who really brought erotic romance to the table. Daisy Harris and Em Petrova are new talent to erotic romance but are also up and coming authors to watch. The anthology features four stories, two m/m and one multi partner and one m/f fantasy romance. All in all, a solid collection.

Oh, and it marks a definite change in our cover art design. That's Jimmy Thomas on the cover, noted romance cover model and awesome promoter extraordinaire!

One of my favorite new talents came in the form of paranormal romance. Emma Paul gave us Soulmate's Touch, Demon and human love. Well, gargoyle actually. Gargoyle and Human exploration in the face of danger while falling in bed to have more than their share of heart pumping action. This was and is pretty much what I'm looking for as the base of mixing romance and lust in stories. It read a little quick but that's due to my guidelines for first time authors. We'll talk more of my editing tricks and ticks in another post.

I've roughly been responsible for 16 books out this year from Sizzler, most under my line. From Bonni Sansom's Jack's Christmas Wish, a BDSM romance tale that keeps winning stellar reviews to Margie Church's The 18th Floor, (another BDSM book with sizzling romance that keeps gaining media attention) we keep rocking out a whole lot of books for readers to enjoy. And as long as they keep selling, they keep reinforcing that erotica is not a genre that will go away.

Oh Crap I Gotta Set Goals??!!

2011-12-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Oh all right. Here are Liz's Top Ten Won'ts for 2012:

I won't obsess over "silver stars" or other fleeting indicators of success.

I won't stress over lack of comments on the zillions of blog posts I do or when comments are unnecessarily snarky or those cool spammer ones that pretend to be real because they've figured out how to circumnavigate the Captcha Codes

I won't freak when I get rejections and hide in the corner with my thumb in my mouth until coaxed out with beer.

I won't procrastinate on blog posts (right...)

I won't let Hans the hot muse in lederhosen distract me--wait, what's that you say, beloved? Another hot soccer story? A m/m one? yummy....let me ponder *will you STOP it already?*

I won't turn on facebook or twitter until all blog posts and editing jobs are done...what do you think about the names "Kyle" and "Eli" for the players? *whoops sorry*

I won't let anything come between me and That One Contract. That is to say, I won't give up so easily this year.

I won't be intimidated by how much better and more successful other writers are at getting acceptances and writing great books.

I won't throw things when I get yet another revision order from an editor. Ooo ooo ooo I have a title: "Overtime Play".... oh poor Kyle, he loves Eli, has since they started playing on their MLS team. But in their world it can never be known. *oh crap there I go again*

and the Number thing I won't do in 2012

I won't ever forget to bring YOU what you need in terms of my Oh So Important and Very Useful Advice, Commentary and Ultra Professional Opinions each week, right here on Authors Promoting Authors!

happy new year kids.
make it a good one.
Liz

Six of A Story: David Knight, I AM I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart

2011-12-26T23:39:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to host another VBT book on the Authors Promoting Authors blog.
Today, author David Knight visits us with his recently released book, I AM I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart. Please feel free to leave comments and ask further questions.
As always, I like to ask authors appearing in the Six of A Story feature to start us off with a quirky fact and this was David's reply:

Quirky spiritual fact: In whatever way one senses, feels or receives 'spiritual guidance' ...its does no harm to question that what you are receiving is actually in the name of truth and love. It will both qualify and quantify the 'source' from where it came!

I gather the 52 lessons in your book are relative to the number of weeks throughout the year. Would it be a good idea for anyone reading this book to apply one lesson per week to their lives?

Absolutely! This can help sometimes because it can give a structure to someone's development and understanding. By reading one per week it continually lets that lesson 'sink in',...so you can feel, live and share it. That said, because we are all very emotional beings there will surely be times when a particular event occurs in your life and are wondering what God would say to help you on the matter.. If you are unable to turn within your own heart and 'self' for whatever reason...pick up the book and randomly choose a lesson....as truth and love always seems to find a way to give you what you need when you need it.

When you are speaking from the first person, who is it that is speaking through you?

God is! One could also say that it is the God 'within' me..my own Divine essence or that 'LOVE' is talking too! ( A great question- thanks for this one!)

What do you consider to be the simplest definition of 'truth'?

Love.

Where do you believe that someone could find the spiritual guidance and education that will resonate and create a strong and positive connection within them?

Everywhere and anywhere...as love is the strongest force in all Creation. I think we are all guilty of actually trying to 'seek' the truth with our objective senses like our sight. The problem with this is that we are often 'unfocused' and we don't see the real / bigger picture. When we focus and use the lens of our hearts ..(with body, mind and soul in unison) then truth is revealed more easily. When you place all the pieces of the jigsaw together the real picture of love emerges...and when something feels right inside you, it probably is.

The idea that energy is never lost and simply converted to a new form of energy is not a new one. Understandably, that would cover any beings physical body. Where does one's energy or spirit dwell when not anchored to the physical body?

Brilliant question! Indeed, just like an apple core left to rot, it will seemingly (eventually) disappear , fading into earth and it's energy becomes whole again. That's the true meaning. Take for example these simple analogy's ...a tadpole wishes to transform into a frog. The chrysalis wants to emerge in to a butterfly and a human being, (deep within the soul), may falsely desire to become 'whole'. But why should we? It is all an illusion from our 'monkey' minds which causes confusion.Truth is simple and life / love is a simple truth. Lets ask ourselves...can a wave be really separate from the ocean?

We are infact already 'free' and all energy vibrates at different rates. The body is dense and therefore on a lower rate of resonance which we could call the earth 'plane' However, energy/ spirit / souls may be in, through and from different dimensions and upon different paths but are all on the same journey of self realization to bliss and peace. All are as close as they are wished to be. As love is in all things, how could it not be so?

Looking at the cover to "I AM I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart" I see a paper boat with a candle in it. Is their a significance to a paper boat sailing in water with a burning candle as it's mast? The paper used to make the boat has text upon it. Was that a certain passage or page of a book, and does it have some relevance?

A friend designed this for me. I described to her that I had been receiving and writing by inner dictation and together the picture emerged from our hearts. As you can see, the light of the sun connects with the candle flame so there is no division / separation from illumination and guidance. The candle is our own 'inner flame' and Divine essence, and as a mast guides and directs....so too, deep within us is the only guide we all /each need...the In-Dweller of our Hearts...I am I.

The paper boat is is a vessel...so to is our bodies (mainly made of water of course)and we are all sailing upon the ocean called love. The boat needs no physical oars or engine as faith, trust and truth replace these to guide and empower us through the trials and tribulations of so-called 'life', enabling us to arrive at calmer waters and towards the safety and shore of peace. The text on the boat isn't actually from the book but represents the 'written' word of all faiths of the world as one. In fact, all the answers that we need are written deep within us and yet they can be displayed through our many different characters and personalities. As we are all 'one', one day I hope that all souls may understand and remember that there is only one true religion, and that is the religion of Love.

We wish David much success with, I AM I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart. Here is more about the author and where to find his book and where you can visit him:

Bio:

DAVID KNIGHT was born into his current physical embodiment in 1964. He is married to Caroline and they live with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky and Missy in the UK. In growing up he describes himself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs'. Whilst earning a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, a Care Assistant and also self-employment) his search for fulfilment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within.

Spiritual education gained a greater momentum and at the age of 21 a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had set in. New evidence of and from God, were soon revealed through his life experiences. With the aid of Spirit guides and beings from the ethereal planes, the foundations were laid for all who wished to develop and experience their Hearts flame of love and light and to embark upon a unique opportunity for all soul's in this lifetime.

Visit author David Knight's website to learn more: http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk
Buy I AM I The In-Dweller of Your Heart from Amazon

Whimsical Friday: Merry Christmas one and all!

2011-12-23T05:27:00.001-05:00

Since its the eve of Christmas Eve I thought instead of another post, I would share a really cool Christmas light display. Mine are no where near this good. I simply have my house lit up and a nine foot infladable Snowman, Globe and Penguin along with a lit up reighdeer on my lawn. I envy the work these people put into it.

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you all you want and more. Enjoy good food, the love of your family and may Santa bring you everything you wanted. :)

Time for Some Holiday Love--or at least laughs

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it. I am sort of a scrooge in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Weird since I am a bona fide PK and a former ballet chick who spent more time dancing in the Nutcracker than I care to recall.

But as my life increases complicating exponentially (happens when you own a brewery whose sales grew by over 500% in one year and are gaining ground as an author with 3 publishers, i.e. I made money this quarter at it) I find myself, sort of...well...annoyed by this whole Holiday Thing.

It's in my way, if you must know, with all the shopping and menu planning and decorating not to mention the kids home and underfoot, and the DH flopping around needing to be entertained. Gone are my quiet days of writing/marketing planning on the very few days I'm not out selling beer.

Sigh.

But, this year has a bit of a different feel to it thanks to some news I got in the last twenty four hours.
I received my first official R&R and those in the know tell me that I got a lot more encouragement than is the "norm" from this publisher so I'm feeling good but also feeling the pressure to get it done, get it done RIGHT (nay: perfectly), and get it done by December 30.

In the immortal words of my bartender we like to call "Shaggy"

I've done my head writing, blogging, facebooking, twittering, and whatnot post the Big Birthday Weekend. Now it's time to make this happen.

This leads me to the whole point of this rather rambling post (which I can't wait to hear about from you fabulous followers): Don't send out any submission to any publisher (big or small) without a very serious 3 step review process. Don't take your sister's, or secretary's or BFF's "OMG! This is so great! You are going to be famous" comments to heart. They are supposed to say that. Take that, then tuck it away along with your ego and turn the thing over to a good critique partner. Then, after you have taken their comments under advisement and changed/revised/rewritten as necessary give it to a Beta Reader. Then, after you've done that and if you can dig up any more semi professional advice, give it a hard line edit. Check for everything from pacing problems, dangling participles, over used words (there are some websites that will check these for you), purple prose/cliches, to messy punctuation and sloppy formatting.

Then....read it one more time.

Then submit it.

I did that with this particular WIP. Now I'm gonna start all over, take it apart, add about 15-25k more words to add some depth to a few characters and send it back per her request. But not until I've actually paid an editor who has worked with me before to do all of the above for me.

It's not as expensive as you might think. And worth it in the end.

Happy Holidays or Bah Humbug whatever your case may be.

Liz

Erotic Corner - Cassandra Carr brings the kinky romance

2011-12-19T03:28:00.000-05:00

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance writer who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, released on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id, and Impact is coming in early 2012 from Ellora's Cave. For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, "like" her Facebook fan page athttp://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

1. Why do you write erotic romance?

I get asked this question a lot, and it's usually related to "Why don't you write non-erotic romance?". Frankly, I write erotic romance because I like it and because I'm good at it. Maybe that makes me sound cocky, but hey, a writer needs to know where her strengths lie!

2. Tell me about Talk to Me, what sort of “dirty talk” is involved in the story?

Drew likes to make Jamie blush, so when they're in bed (or, hell, out of bed) he tells her things like "I'm gonna make you come until you pass out." The title isn't really about talking dirty, though, it's about being seduced by a voice - a man's voice, in this instance. Drew could be reciting the phone book and Jamie would get hot.

3. Is that you on the cover?

*snort* Thankfully for all the people buying the book, no. Why? Does it look like me? *shifty eyes*

4. Judging by your backlist I’m seeing a love of men in uniform. How do they inspire erotic fantasies for you?

I do love men in uniform. Who doesn't? I think there's a different allure around a man in uniform, whether it's a soldier, a firefighter, or even (as in my short story in Uniform Behaviour), a cook in a kitchen.

5. Tell us about your upcoming LI release

Caught is an edgy BDSM holiday novella. I see you all raising your eyebrows. Yes, I managed to mesh edgy BDSM with tinsel and garland (and in quite an interesting way!). Caught is getting some great advanced reviews and will be available at http://www.loose-id.com/Caught.aspx on December 13th.

6. Let’s switch gears: How different is it writing for a heavily erotic publisher like EC or LI compared to any other publishers you’ve worked with in the past?

I have really only worked with publishers like EC and LI so far, so I can't really comment. However, I'm talking to a print publisher right now about writing a book for them that would be significantly less steamy than the books I've published so far. It would still have some steam, but wouldn't be as blatantly erotic as my current stories.

7. What from your perspective does it take for an author to really make a name for themselves in erotica/erotic romance?

Great stories, with great characters and something a little different. I try not to write the same stuff other people are writing and I think it's doing well for me so far.

8. How important is it for authors to do the research for something like BDSM?

Heh. You've hit on one of my hugest pet peeves! But you knew that, didn't you? I think it's very, very important for an author to do their research when writing a BDSM book. Like it or not, readers may think things that happen in BDSM books, even if they were only meant for pure fantasy, are possible to do in real life. If something you portray in one of your books is dangerous, a reader may still do it. I've heard authors say it's not our responsibility to make sure the things in our books are safe, but I respectfully disagree.

9. Tell me what sexy clothing are you wearing *snicker*

Heh. Fleece. It's important for a writer to be warm, you know.

10. Lastly, your URL and what you want readers to take away from your books?

http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com

I hope readers think my books are sexy and yet have humor. I want them to fall in love with my characters just like I do every time I write a book.

We do too! It's been a pleasure to interview you.

BUY her books:

http://booksbycassandracarr.com/TalktoMe.htm

http://booksbycassandracarr.com/HeadGames.htm

Whimsical Friday: Bad Sex Lines

2011-12-16T04:59:00.002-05:00

As a paranormal author, this article in The Huffington Post about Worst Paranormal Sex Scenes in Books drew my attention. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/books-sex-scenes_n_974490.html

I will agree that I have read some paranormal books where the sex scenes are so horrible, or so awkward that it makes me cringe, or giggle out loud. I know personally that at times, it can be trying to change up the sex scenes in each book so not to become to repetitive. Each author has their own way of writing sex, bringing two characters together, but if writing a sex scene is so difficult that you stumble, or push it too hard that it comes out awkwardly, then maybe romance and erotic romance isn’t your stuff. Even some of the most famous authors have trouble at some point in their career. I know I’ve struggled at times, still, I have never written what in romance is called Purple Pros. Those are the lines that are so cheesy, so flowery, so…ridiculous, that it makes the reader chuckle. I’ve never been accused of writing Purple Pros and thank god for that. Still, there are those out there that struggle and the Huffington Post has a few to share with all of us. It makes me wonder though, why some authors who obviously can’t pull together a good sex scene even have them in their book. Are they doing it to draw attention, the shock factor, or to merge with the new market of erotic romance? An author should never spray sex into a book just for the sake of sex if it truly doesn’t belong there, or if they’re not comfortable writing it. From the very moment I started writing romance, sex was a prominent part of the book. There was never any question that the two individuals I have in the story would engage in sex during the telling of their story. It’s just how I write, who I am. I would never try to write a story I wasn’t comfortable with. It wouldn’t flow. Not to say I don’t try new things in writing, I do, but I have to be comfortable with it. I’m thinking the authors below struggled just a bit. There are just some things that should not be flowered. Here are a few suggestions I have for not using when writing sex scenes in books.

For instance: Purple headed monster. Throbbing joystick of love. Sword ready to pierce, are not good descriptions for the male penis.

No no’s for describing the vagina: Forested cave entrance. Dark hole. Moist glistening pond. And Tunnel of love.

Bad ways to describe love making: Positioned between her legs she felt his knob pierce her cave. She rocked over his hot volcano and screamed when his lava poured into her. He probed her with his fingers like a Gynecologist doing an exam.

And oral sex should never be described as such.
He licked her like a child feverishly licked a lollipop. Using children in reference to oral sex is so wrong.

She devoured his cone, enjoying the sweet cream that melted in her mouth. Really? Where do I begin to explain how wrong this is. LOL

And women’s breasts are not: Snow globes, baseballs, eggs, rock candy, just to name a few.

Huffington Post’s Worst Paranormal Sex Scenes.

• "My nipples waved hello at him as he pulled down the cups of my bra." – "Tracking the Tempest" by Nicole Peeler

• “His man lance prepared for duty.” – "Naked Dragon" by Annette Blair

• "I let my hand stroke boldly downward, my fingers aching to set him free, to grasp his turgid magnificence." – "A Brush of Darkness" by Allison Pang

• “Fuck me,” I said. “Fuck me, God, fuck me, just fuck me. Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, please, please, please, just fuck me.” – "Incubus Dreams" by Laurell K. Hamilton

• "...I had my very own orgasm, a moment so explosive it was like I'd been saving up for a holiday." – "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris

• "He was a velvet rock in my hand." – "A Brush of Darkness" by Allison Pang

• “He groaned and lifted her up under her thighs, her legs wrapping around his waist, her hot, molten core pressing against his groin.” – "Sugar and Sin" by Stella and Audra Price

• "She has seaweed pubes." – "Tempest Rising" by Nicole Peeler

• “His body knew only one goal, to bury itself into the snug fist of her femininity and let it milk him dry.” – "Demon Rumm" by Sandra Brown

• “Her pubes was a field of wheat after the harvest, a field neatly furrowed; it was a nest, a pomegranate, an arrowhead, a rune. It was a shadow. It was moss on a smooth white stone. There was an orchid within the moss. There was a drop of dew upon the orchid. It had the breath of moss-beds, of the deep seas, of the abyss, of scrimshaw and blue glass, of cold iron; she had the sex of rain forests, the ibis and the scarab; she had the sex of mirrors and candles, of the hot, careful winds that stroke the veldt, the winds that taste of clay and seed and blood; the winds that dreamed of tawny, lean animals.” – "Bronwyn: Silk and Steel" by Ron Miller

Do you agree with me that some things should be left unsaid.

What a LOVELY Singing Voice you Must Have!

2011-12-14T02:00:00.000-05:00

"I love your voice."

"Enjoyed your characters."

Yeah? then why won't you publish me dammit?

Oh, sorry, did I say that out loud?

Guess so.

Your "voice" is your individual writing style. It's a function of your use of syntax, dialogue, character development--all of that stuff. A good example of a distinct voice in my humble opinion is Stephen King. He's funny and dark yet great with terse dialogue and fast moving action.

Jonathan Franzen is another of my distinct favorites. His sentences are dense yet lyrical, his action more languid yet his "voice" so strong and distinct I could read him all day long.

Here's another example, one that usually provokes strong love or hate. J.R. Ward, author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and the Fallen Angels. Her style is character driven inner snark with no small measure of brand name dropping and at times irritating use of catchphrases (frankly, a hot alpha male vampire can just "toss" the paper into the rubbish as opposed to "nothing but netting" it but it works for her or better yet her VOICE demands that the vampire "nothing but net" the rubbish and the lovely lady "ten and two" it on the steering wheel).

Margaret Atwood is one of my all time favorites. Her voice is soft, her prose sensual, pulling you in and smacking you with the velvet hammer of amazing plot.

Another great look at distinct voice belongs to Jean Auel, she of the sexy cave man (seriously) series. No one, and I mean NO one can make "the pleasures" so pleasant with her use of lyrical yet not flowery love scene voice.

My voice has been called direct, current, snarky, realistic and at times stark.

I'm good with that. I like my stories that way, both to read and to write.

I'm enjoying a GREAT book right now by Roni Loren: Crash Into You which although I despise the Dave Matthews Band and that song worm burrows into my brain when I look at the cover, I will say her voice is compelling. Direct, clean (but hot), snarky and realistic. And a great story too. I recommend it.

Have you found your voice yet?

It's pretty darn loud out here. Lots of us clamoring for a few readers' attentions.

I guess I have found mine and a few publishers who like it.

Happy Birthday Week to me!
Liz

Oh Hans, you just have to show off your Christmas outfit don't you!

Conversations With A Book: Keta Diablo, HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN

2011-12-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

NOOK: http://bit.ly/vuWraC

Kindle: http://amzn.to/v03tFa

Brothers in love with the same woman -- one the father to her child, the other her husband. An epic historical spanning two generations.

The Civil War has crumbled a Nation, and the Dakota Sioux are on the warpath. While the blazing fires of revolt ravage the countryside, Lauren and Sage McCain are trapped amid the flames of destiny.
Holding on to Heaven is a story of love between two men and a woman, love between siblings, and love that crosses all boundaries and forges all cultures.

Why I wrote Holding on to Heaven . . .

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for stopping by Authors Promoting Authors.

Some readers have asked me why I wrote Holding on to Heaven so I thought I’d speak to that here. I’ve always loved history about the Civil War – the battles, the thousands of lives lost and the boundaries that were often crossed when family members choose sides. It wasn’t uncommon to find cousin fighting against cousin or neighbor against neighbor. The Civil War was a deeply personal war for many, and yet in the end, many didn’t know why they were fighting. I can’t think of anything more horrible than to have our country divided over ideals, beliefs or principles to the point we take up arms against our brethren.

Imagine drawing a line across the United States – the top half of the states fight for one side and the bottom for the other. And suppose you had family down in Texas when you live in Wisconsin? I’m sure you can see what the Civil War was one of our darkest times in history.

Holding on two Heaven is, in essence, about a woman named Lauren McCain who was raised in the deep South and moves to the North just before the war broke out. Her loyalties are divided. She’s fallen in love with a Northerner, carries his child, and yet her father and family hail from North Carolina. Now, toss in the Dakota Sioux uprising in Minnesota at the same time and the entire country is ablaze with fire and terror.

Holding on to Heaven is an emotional story about betrayal, grief, fate and abiding passion. If you like reading about the Civil War, I think you’ll love the story of brothers who love the same woman and yet, love each other too. Oh, yes, and there’s a few twists and turns in the story. There is a happily-for-now ending, but here’s the good news: Dark Night of the Moon, the sequel to Holding on to Heaven will be released January 1^st! And I promise there will be a happily-ever-after for all.

May you all have a blessed Holiday and many intriguing reads find you in the New Year.

Questions:

With all the dystopian novels coming out, have you ever thought about what our world would look like after another Civil War?

Think about this: Back in the mid 1800’s there were no atomic weapons or chemical weapons. What do you think would happen if the US was engaged in a Civil War now?

Do you think it’s most likely a revolution would take place or a Civil War over religious beliefs, social status, i.e., what’s happening with OCCUPY WALLSTREET right now or some other issue.

If some other issue, what do you think would ever cause our country to become divided enough to fight a Civil War?

What do you think our “new world” would be like after a present-day Civil War was over?

Thanks again for stopping by. I hope if you have a chance to read Holding On To Heaven, you enjoy it.

Coming to a Kindle and a Nook near you January 1^st!

About Dark Night of the Moon, the sequel to Holding on to Heaven.

http://www.amazon.com/ketadiablo/e/B002BODURI

About Dark Night of the Moon, the sequel to Holding on to Heaven.

Creed Gatlin flees to Arizona intent on eradicating the haunting memories of his brother’s wife. His brother Brand, presumed dead, resurfaces after a long absence and with his re-emergence, the destinies of those he loves is altered forever.

In a land rife with war and danger, Sage must travel to the village of her husband’s People. There, she is reunited with Crooked Back, the ancient healer. One the long trek back to Full Circle, devious plots are underfoot and peril lurks around every corner for Sage, Lauren and Peter Pa.

Dark Night of the Moon will take you on an unforgettable journey of war, violence, overwhelming grief, and finally, compassion and love.

~ ~ ~ ~

About Keta:

Keta is a multi-published author of paranormal, historical and occasionally gay fiction (paranormal). In 2009, her erotic romance Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the RWA Molly contest. In 2010, Keta's entry Phoenix Rising finaled in the Scarlet Boa contest and in 2011 Keta's acclaimed paranormal shifter, Where The Rain is Made, was nominated by Authors After Dark for a BOOKIE AWARD AND by Deep In The Heart of Romance for BEST ROMANCE OF THE YEAR.

Many of her books, including her gay fiction series CROSSROADS have won numerous awards: Top Reviewer's Pick, Recommended Read and Best Book of the Month.

If you'd like to know more about Keta and her latest releases, she haunts the Net here:

Keta's Keep Blog, http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo
Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author
Gay Fiction Blog: http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.com

Erotic Corner - Guest Post by Amber Rose Thompson

2011-12-12T03:20:00.000-05:00

To be published you first have to write a book (an adult version of the chicken and the egg controversy but without the controversy). And believe me I had tried my hand at writing so many times in the past, but it was always a torturous process that produced nothing salvageable but fuel for the e-recycling pile on the computer. I’d tried science fiction, fantasy and regular fiction. All added up to zero material worth anyone’s time.

Not that I didn’t try to get it published, but I knew I’d be rejected and I was right. This wasn’t wish fulfillment, but me being honest to myself. What I was creating wasn’t going to get anyone to turn the page and keep doing so. My off again on again attempts had petered out to the point that I hadn’t written in years. Then, I was trapped in bed.

Recovering from major surgery, I couldn’t do much besides sit propped up in bed and moan. Moaning got boring after a few minutes so I did what I’d done so much in childhood- I escaped into my head for fantasy storytelling. I had always been good at creating stories that interested me in my head and they’d always been romance stories. Then the epiphany hit. Why hadn’t I tried to write a romance story?

I felt like a boldface duh with question mark was hanging over my head. I called to my spouse asking for my computer, and the next thing I knew I was hooked. Now I was writing something I wanted to read, not something I thought would sell. When I finished weeks later, I was excited by the story and shared it. The raves I got from friends weren’t forced and I knew I was on to something. What I had written didn’t just appeal to me.

So I decided to tap into the growing network on Fetlife and ask people I didn’t know who to contact to see about getting it published. I was given two names and sent out an email immediately to the first with a synopsis and the first thousand words. The person I sent it to became my editor and the book is now published. Now I just need to get people to buy it. ;-)

Ed note: Amber Rose Thompson is one of my earliest writers. A trans-man writing erotic romance and erotica, I believe Thompson brings something different to the game of romance and erotica.

Tied to Passion - From Sizzler Editions
Taken Bi Love - From Sizzler Editions

Whimsical Friday: Christmas Facts and Traditions

2011-12-09T05:05:00.028-05:00

Since this is the holiday season, I decided to share a few interesting facts about Christmas. There are so many traditions around the world that it’s hard to put them all on one page. Growing up in a German/Mennonite family my Christmas traditions were different than my friends. Where my friends hung stockings by the fireplace, my family tradition was to put out a bowl on the table for Santa to leave candies. My siblings and I always tried to get the biggest bowl, thinking we would get the most candy. But Santa wouldn’t have any of that and made sure we all got the same amount each year. Our gifts from Santa weren’t wrapped under the tree. All of our gifts were laid out on the table, unwrapped. It was such a thrill to come down in the morning to find a table full of gifts. Imagine how hard it is to focus on one gift when there are so many laid out for you to see. Despite being teased by my friends for my weird traditions, I loved them.

When I got married and had kids, I continued the tradition by laying the toys out on the table for my kids. My in-laws and husband grew up with stockings and gifts under the tree so my kids had both traditions. But as they got older and their friends spoke of their tradition of hanging stockings, my kids asked to have it as well. So eventually my tradition was inched out. I know my kid will cherish the memories of their Christmases as much as I do mine.

Below are some interesting Christmas facts and traditions. There are so many more and I might share more as the weeks lead to Christmas but for now, I hope you enjoy the ones I have. I would like to know what you’re family traditions are and if you continue with those traditions as you grew into adulthood.

Interesting facts and traditions.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for department store giant, Montgomery Ward as a Christmas promotion in 1938.

Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.

The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.

Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.

The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.

Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.

Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882.

How Do You Say, Merry Christmas?

Glaedelig Jul – Danish

Vrolijike Kerst – Dutch

Hyvvaa Joulua – Finnish

Frohe Weihnachten – German

Kala Christouyenna – Greek

Gledileg Jol – Icelandic

Buon Natale – Italian

God Jul – Norwegian

Feliz Natal – Portuguese

Heri za Krismas – Swahili

God Jul – Swedish

Iyi Noeller – Turkish

And the ever popular “Merry Christmas”

Journey To Christmas Creek, Melinda Elmore

2011-12-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

On 10/04/2011 Dancing With Bear Publishing author Melinda Elmore lost her husband, Tommy, unexpectedly. They have two children, a son, age 23, and a daughter, 13. There was no insurance to cover final expenses, so DWB Publishing is hosting a benefit for the Elmore family on 11/01/2011. Journey To Christmas Creek is a story Tommy used to tell their children, and Melinda has written this Native American, historical, YA story that will be released on 11/01/2011 at www.dwbchildrensline.com.
100% of the royalties from the sale of this book for a one-year period will be donated to Melinda and her family.

This historical Native American story takes the reader back to a time when Indians traveled from one place to another, depending on the time of year. These moves were made in order to be able to find food, water, and wood for fires.

In Journey To Christmas Creek, the chief’s teenage son, Spotted Buffalo wants to be thought of as a man, so one night he sneaks off to find the perfect place for the tribes’ new home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as quiet as he thought and his younger sister, Gentle Tears, follows him, insisting he take her along, or she will tell their
parents what he is about to do.
Being blackmailed by a younger sibling is something every big brother or sister can relate to!
Agreeing to take his sister along, Spotted Buffalo sets her on the horse in front of him, and heads out beneath a full moon. They don’t get very far before a snowstorm comes in and they are both very cold. Spotted Buffalo pushes on until he can go no further but where he stops is at a place called Christmas Creek by the white fur
traders. All does not go well and Gentle Tears must help her brother, and faces great
danger, risking her life to get back to their parents.

When Spotted Buffalo’s father arrives, he is understandably angry but will that

anger keep him from recognizing his son’s efforts to help their tribe and become a

man?

Excerpt:

Spotted Buffalo stepped outside into the radiant sun, and look around the village, exploding with activity. He walked to the herd of horses, now his responsibility, and could not wait until he got his very own horse. But first, he would have to become a man.

He sat on a wooden plank rotting with age, and stared off into the field of flowers blanketing Mother Earth. Wondering what destiny held for him, Spotted Buffalo quickly snapped back to reality as his father ap- proached.

“Spotted Buffalo, come, we are preparing to leave.”

Standing proudly, he replied, “Father, this will be best for our people, and I know Gentle Tears will grow to love our new home.”

Red Sun smiled. “My heart also breaks. I do not wish to move our people from their home. I also know that it is for the best and sometimes we must make decisions we do not like.”

Spotted Buffalo walked with his father, as the entire village prepared to leave. It

was a grand sight to see the proud people of the village preparing for the journey

ahead.

To Learn More About Author Melinda Elmore, please visit her website: http://melindaelmore.webs.com/apps/blog/

The View From Here

2011-12-07T03:00:00.001-05:00

Ah the elusive Point of View. That trigger of "head hopping" notes from editors, and cringes from readers unless they are way more evolved than me.

Here an example of Crappy POV in my humble (and only) opinion:

John stared at Mary, lust in his eyes, apologies on his lips for smacking her in the head with the window frame. Mary's heart was pounding in time with the pulse in her panties. He was so freaking hot. Wow she is a hot babe, he thought. Wonder if I can get past the concussion I gave her and get into her panties somehow. Mary blushed beet red, ran a hand through her tangled, silky golden hair and put her other hand on her hip in a come-hither fashion. Just before she blacked out from the blow to the head. Oh No! John thought, concern in his eyes. I've killed her before I can f$#@ her!

okay....you get me. who the hell are we supposed to be listening to here?

Now this said, I will admit that lately I've tried to read a couple of mainstream fiction books. You know, those ones that have made it through agents, big NY houses, an onto paper. Yeah. I had to stop because I got so flipping confused by the head hopping.

This got me thinking...are we making it too simple for our readers? Should we expect them to be able to leap from one lustful brain to the others in the room with nary a warning, or even a gap on the page?

Hmmm. Maybe. Maybe not. So for all the John and Mary confusion above, that was not far from the few chapters I attempted in a very mainstream (read: NOT romance or erotic) book only there were no less than seven characters at some sort of political fund raising event and not only are their names similar (there is a "Brock" and a "Brooke" something none of MY publishers would let slide) we got the benefit of head hops within paragraphs. Sheesh.

Am I just stupid? Or spoiled?

Do you like to read "complex" fiction that leaps all over the place, POV wise? OR do you prefer you points of view laid out in neat little well organized rows so you can immerse yourself in each major character's thoughts and dreams?

LIZ'S NEW FLASH: I contracted a book I think you will all really like. Cheeky Blonde. Coming from Decadent Publishing in 2012:

Violence, intrigue and passion are brewing in the craft beer world. When bitter rivals Jennifer Baxter and Sean Garrison meet, the notorious and handsome owner of Garrison Brothers Brewing stays true to form, seducing her at a national brewer’s convention. What Jen doesn’t realize is how much her life will change from just one encounter. Her attempt to debut Brick Street Brewing’s experimental pale ale “Cheeky Blonde” shockingly turns out to be the day her avowed adversary becomes the love of her life.

Sean Garrison arrived at the convention expecting to get down to business, including his stated goal of hiring Jen away from her company. But the beautiful fellow craft beer expert provides more of a distraction than he expected, and his priorities quickly change. As Sean tries to prove that he can be more than just Jen’s competition, they finally unite to solve the sabotage mysteries at their fellow breweries. Shocked by depths of shared emotion, they battle the forces keeping them apart and wreaking havoc in the brewing world, before fate deals them a final blow.

Book Feature: Blonde Demolition, Chris Redding

2011-12-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

YOU JUST CAN'T HIDE FROM THE PAST...

Mallory Sage lives in a small, idyllic town where nothing ever happens. Just the kind of life she has always wanted. No one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows about her past life as an agent for Homeland Security.

Former partner and lover, Trey McCrane, comes back into Mallory's life. He believes they made a great team once, and that they can do so again. Besides, they don't have much choice. Paul Stanley, a twisted killer and their old nemesis, is back.

Framed for a bombing and drawn together by necessity, Mallory and Trey go on the run and must learn to trust each other again―if they hope to survive. But Mallory has been hiding another secret, one that could destroy their relationship. And time is running out.

Buy on Amazon or from Smashwords

Excerpt:

Mallory bit down and then yanked at the arm. Her meager strength came from another rush of adrenaline.

"Whoa, Mallory. It's just me."

The familiar voice froze her before she could do any damage. Oh crap. As if her day hadn't tanked already.

One by one she uncurled her fingers from around his wrist. Her shaking hands grasped the steering wheel, knuckles white.

Her eyes fell closed. If she had a list of people she never wanted to see again, his name would be at the top. Why here? Why now? This was the last thing she needed.

She steadied her breath and her gaze scanned the parking lot. No one stirred or walked to their car. She couldn't be seen with him.

"Don't turn around. Just drive. I'll be hunkered down in the back."

She started the car and drove home. Her knuckles remained white. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I think you know."

Of course. "The bomb in our trailer?"

Emotions roiled her stomach. She'd have to stock up on antacids if Trey was back in her life. And she had just been thinking how nutty this week of fair preparations had been. Now it all looked so easy.

Her thoughts shifted to the events of the evening. Who had put the bomb there? It wasn't a prank if this guy was here. This was bigger than all of Coleville, Centre County.

She pulled in front of her house, a two-story Cape Cod set down a long driveway.