Thursday, June 27, 2013

Release Blitz; Random Acts of Crazy by Julia Kent

Random Acts of Crazy by Julia Kent

Review snippets: USA Today Bestseller! 346 pages

Top 20 ebook in the entire Nook store -- Top 5 New Adult book on Amazon --Top 5 Romantic Comedy on Amazon -- All Romance eBook bookstore Best Seller

"It was funny and irreverant like Wallbanger, but deep and moving like Barbara Elsbourg's Strangers. That is a tough mix to pull off. I should warn you though, this book should come with a surgeon general's warning: 'Do not start this book if you have any where to be, anything to do or need to pretend to be remotely interested in conversations with breathing human beings that are not currently also reading this book.' Enjoy!" -- Amazon reader review

"Random Acts of Crazy one of the best if not the best books I've read in a long time. Could not put it down. I laugh so hard my side hurt. Thank God I didn't pee myself!! Congratulations on such an awesome read." -- Goodreads reader review

"Be warned, this is not your mother's romance. It's hard and gritty and smacks you in the face like that burst of heat when you first open an oven door, which is exactly what makes it a  refreshing change from a typical sticky sweet love story." -- Featured Staff Pick from Cat at All Romance eBooks

Blurb:


I never intended to pick up a naked hitchhiker wearing nothing but a guitar. A guitar. Really. I don't collect guys like that (don't ask what kind of guys I do collect), but when you spot a blonde, tanned, sculpted man with a gorgeous smile and his thumb poking up and practically begging you to stop - you stop.

And I definitely never thought I'd be staring into the bright blue eyes of Trevor Connor, the lead singer for Random Acts of Crazy, an indie rock star I followed like the slobbering fileshare fangirl I am. How he came to be nude and lost six hundred miles from home is quite the tale, but how we fell in love is even more unreal.

Because someone like Trevor Connor, headed to Harvard Law next year, isn't supposed to want someone like me, a rural Ohio chick majoring in Boredom at Convenience Store University who is all curves and frizzy blonde hair and manners so unpolished they have sharp edges that make you bleed.
But he did.

When his best friend, Joe Ross, the bass player for Random Acts of Crazy and a man who makes Calvin Klein models look like Shrek, drove eleven hours through the night to rescue him, though, it got real complicated. It's one thing to like two different guys and be torn.

What do you do, though, when maybe - just maybe - you don't have to choose?

As my Aunt Josie says sometimes, "It's always complicated."

Available from:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
Kobo
Bookstrand
All Romance eBooks
Smashwords

* * * * * *

Random Acts of Crazy is a standalone, full-length novel (300+ pages, 85,000 words) featuring Darla Jo(sephine) Jennings, the 22-year-old niece of Josie Mendham from the Her Two Billionaires series. It has, like many New Adult novels, an exploration of sexuality for the three main characters, doesn't shy away from mature content, and Darla has a sailor's mouth.

******

My info:
Twitter: @jkentauthor
Facebook:
Blog: jkentauthor.blogspot.com
Bio:

Julia Kent turned to writing romance novels after learning that she could not work as a fighter pilot because her fear of flying disqualified her. Turning to her second love, she became a dog groomer, but had to abandon that job after adopting too many strays. Writing about very real, very flawed people is a natural extension of her life and, well, her. She lives on the east coast with her partner, two small children, seventeen dogs that weigh less than fifteen pounds each, and a monthly consumption of Nutella, brie and french bread that makes cardiologists cringe.

She is originally from Ohio.

She loves to hear from her readers by email at jkentauthor@gmail.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/julia.kent.100. Visit my blog at http://jkentauthor.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Final Kristina Wright Submission Call

Passionate Kisses: Erotic Romance Fantasies for Couples

Editor: Kristina Wright

Publisher: Cleis Press

Submission Deadline: November 1

Payment: $50 per story and 2 copies of the book, on publication

E-mail: kissesantho@gmail.com

In the tradition of Violet Blue’s Sweet anthologies, Passionate Kisses will give those sexy couples’ fantasies a romantic spin. These are romantic, passionate, meant-to-be-shared stories that capture the wild and wicked fantasies of couples in love. Anything goes between partners in love and these sexy tales should push boundaries and make me blush!

Please read my previous Cleis Press anthologies, especially the first two editions in the Best Erotic Romance series, to get an idea of what I’m looking for in this collection. The anthology will be primarily heterosexual with a female audience in mind, but lesbian and bisexual scenarios are welcome. I have a preference for realistic stories with contemporary settings, but any time period will be considered. The usual taboos apply: no incest, nonconsensual sex, bestiality or underage characters, please. According to Romance Writers of America, a romance must include two key elements: a central love story and an emotionally-satisfying, optimistic ending. In erotic romance, the sexual component is critical to the development of the romantic relationship.

I will consider up to two stories per author. Please be sure to follow all of the submission guidelines. Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Please do not send me a story that is being considered elsewhere. The desired story length is 2,500-4,500 words. Double-space and indent the first line of each paragraph.  Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Include your full contact information (legal name/pseudonym, mailing address and phone number) and a bio of 50 words or less written in the third person.  Please paste your story into the body of your e-mail and attach it as a Microsoft Word .doc file. Send your submission to kissesantho@gmail.com with Submission: Story Title in the subject line.  Please direct any questions to the same address. The deadline is November 1, but earlier submissions are very much appreciated.

Payment will be $50 per story and 2 copies of the book upon publication.  Contributors retain the rights to their work and Cleis Press has final approval over the stories selected for the book. All submissions will be confirmed upon receipt and all authors will receive a reply once the final book has been approved. If you have not received a response by March 1, please feel free to query me.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Gratitude

About 18 months ago, I went to a writer's workshop at our local sci-fi con (MarsCon... which is awesome and if you are local, you should totally go!)

At that time, I'd just gotten notified that On the Fly was going to be picked up for publication, so I had three stories accepted; Golden Moment, Shadows of Kenfig, and On the Fly. Not many. Certainly not enough that I considered myself a professional writer.

(I have since been informed - rather tartly -  that I became a "professional" the moment someone paid me to write. So, there's that.)

Anyway, I attended two writer's workshops that weekend, one for hooking your reader with a good opening paragraph or two, and the other for scene setting. Allen Wold, his daughter Darcy, and Danny Birt were among the panel members who were offering their advice.

I wrote two paragraphs. (I cannot find the original draft with my notes on it from the seminar, but rest assured, it was pretty rough.)

"Do you know, Jamison," Duncan Farnsworth, Earl Leveret said as he stripped off his gloves and deposited them in his hat, "what the absolute worst thing is about being dead?" The sun was skimming the horizon. Another few minutes and he might have had some unpleasantness. Jamison closed the heavy door behind his master and Duncan shuddered with relief. 
"I fear you are about to tell me, sir," his butler replied, entirely uninterested.

"It is simply this; being deceased has done nothing to improve the quality of my social engagements." 
"Perhaps, sir," Jamison said, ushering his lord into the parlor and folding the rain-damp coat over one arm, "you should lay down and play dead with slightly more conviction."

Those starting paragraphs went on to become the beginning of my soon-to-be-published short-story, Synchronous Rotations. (Which will be out July 3rd, from Torquere press.)

Synch is the 3rd of my London Steam saga (started with Shadow of Kenfig and continuing in The Blister Effect) but it stands alone better than Blister Effect did. I've also learned to Make Sure that the fact that it's a continuation story is in the marketing materials. Blister Effect did not do as well as I'd hoped, probably because the only review for it, the reader was fairly confused.

In a reimagined 1890's London, where steam-driven airships rule the skies and monsters roam the streets, Duncan Farnsworth is discovering that being a vampire is not exactly good for his chances of finding love, continuing the family line, or getting a bite to eat. Maneuvering his way around a sarcastic butler, his spinster sister, a run-in with an amorous werewolf, and finally confronted by a dead soldier and a French airship captain, Duncan finally finds exactly what he is thirsting for.
Continuing in the story-line begun in the Shifting Steam anthology, and continued in The Blister Effect, Synchronous Rotations takes a look at another player in that infamous card game, Duncan Farnsworth. If you like your steampunk with a little supernatural on top, Synchronous Rotations should wind you right up.
I sent both Allen and Danny quick emails today letting them know that I had been very well benefited by the seminars.

[sic]... congratulations. News like that assures me that it's worth while to continue with my workshop. I'll be doing it again next year, as I do it at other places as well. But you're on your way to not needing it any more. More stories, more stories! -- Allen Wold

Monday, June 24, 2013

Calling All Writers, Deadline Extension!!

SEX OBJECTS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF EROTIC ROMANCE STORIESEditor: Delilah Devlin
Publisher: Cleis Press in Spring 2014
Deadline: July 1, 2013 July 15, 2013 

SEX OBJECTSAN ANTHOLOGY OF EROTIC ROMANCE STORIES is open to all authors.

Editor Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled SEX OBJECTSAN ANTHOLOGY OF EROTIC ROMANCE STORIES

High powered, high ranking...and in high heels. 

The 
term “Sex Object” brings to mind a curvaceous starlet on a casting couch or an iconic, bee-stung-lipped beauty being pursued by a powerful, capable man. Turn that concept upside down by allowing the woman to objectify a handsome, sensual man, using the concepts of role reversal and power play but from a female perspective, and you have the makings of something evocative and fun for the feminine, romance reading audience.

Imagine powerful women
 unafraid of going after the men they want...
* A beautiful divorcee stepping out for the first time as a single woman with a paid male escort.
* The movie producer using the casting couch to lure the latest movie heart throb into a torrid affair.
* A university professor calling a male grad student into conference to discuss his “thesis.”
* A worldly corporate boss asking for “dictation” from her personal assistant.
These women will be masters of their own domain, in charge and proud...capable of using sex for pleasure's sake...but ultimately succumbing to the pull of desire created by the "objects” of their desire.
SEX OBJECTS will seek contemporary stories, although the editor is open to a futuristic or historical. Exotic, international settings will be considered. Traditional themes/tropes can be used, but writers are encouraged to create tales that surprise. Delilah seeks unique stories from authors with strong voices, and above all, she’s looking to be seduced by tales filled with vivid imagery and passion.
Published authors with an established world may use that setting for their original short story.

Keeping in mind that this volume is targeted at women, the editor seeks mainly hetero stories, but will consider bisexual or lesbian encounters and polyamorous relationships. This is erotic romance, so don’t hold back on the heat. Stories can be vanilla or filled with kink, but a deep sensuality should linger in every word—and don’t miss describing the connection between strong-willed individuals learning to trust and love one another. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters, and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. These must be original stories.

How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required. 

In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person to realsexobjects@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in December 2013. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.

Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.

About the editor: Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred and twenty stories in multiple sub-genres and lengths with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Montlake Romance, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. In Fall 2011, she debuted her first anthology with Cleis Press, GIRLS WHO BITE. Since then, she has published SHE SHIFTERS and COWBOY LUSTSMOKIN’ HOT FIREFIGHTERS and HIGH OCTANE HEROES  release in summer 2013.

Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at realsexobjects@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Guest Writer: meet Khelsey Jackson

What are your greatest challenges in your writing career?

I would say hoping that people will love my work like I do

When did you find out that you wanted to be a writer? What inspired you to put pen to paper?

It was after my daughter Khira was born, so about 5 years ago

Of your published works, do you have a favorite? Why? 

I love all of my books but Kallos was my first

Do you ever want to go back and edit an older story? 

ALWAYS! lol I always think hmm...I should add this to that

How do you decide on character names?

Some are based after my family and other I go to a baby name site

Tell me about your first publication. Who was it with? How did you feel when you got that acceptance?

Kallos was my first accepted novel with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. I had to read the email a few times and had my husband read it before I believed it.

(Note: Funny, I had to do the same thing... get my husband to read my acceptance, I mean)

Tell us about a real person who has had a lot of input to your work, someone who inspired you or encouraged you, or even discouraged you and you have to prove them wrong.

If you read Kallos you have seen Sean Hunter, I based him after my husband Sean. It's a little weird when people message me telling me how much they are in love with Sean but I love it. I really didn't have people discourage me, not to my face at least.

What projects are you currently working on? Are you willing to share a small excerpt from a work in progress?

I am working on Kallos' Soul (book 3) and a story with my husband. I have a small excerpt for Kallos' Sorrow (book 2) that comes out in Aug



Kallos could feel the pressure ease in her head. It was as if there was extra weight in her head. She was going to have to talk to her about that. She couldn't be there if it was going to hurt her. Kallos shut her eyes and let sleep take her over and she began to dream.

Warm arms wrapped around her and soft voice whispered in her ear, “I love you more that life itself.” He was standing behind her and his face was against hers. He smelled good and she turned to face him. Ian was smiling at her, his stunning baby blues sparkling with love.

 Oh Ian, she thought. She missed him so much. Did he even know how much he’d hurt her when he left? Did he even care? she wondered.

“Ian I miss you,” she said in the dream, and he gently kissed her forehead.

“I know,” he murmured, stepping back enough to stare into her eyes. “But it needs to be this way.”

Kallos shook her head. She didn’t want to be without him. “Why?”

Ian ran the tips of his fingers down the side of her face. “Just because, my love.”

She glared up at him. She knew this was her dream, so she should be able to control what happened in it. He should be doing what she wanted him to do, and saying what she needed to hear, because it was her dream.

“Just know I am always here.” He touched her chest above her heart.

Kallos shook her head again, that wasn’t enough she wanted all of him. “That’s not fair! I want all of you Ian. Not just in my heart,” she shouted and pushed on his chest, but he didn’t move an inch.

Ian smiled down at her, a sad look in his baby blue eyes. “I know it’s not fair, I have to go now.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek before turning around to leave her.

“Ian, please don’t leave me again,” she begged.

Ian paused for a second, and then began to disappear.


What's your writing routine?

I need a drink and music :)

Is there a character or story that's stuck in your head and won't leave, from either your work or someone else's?

Yes all of my characters are always in my head

(Note: I feel the same way... my head is getting a little crowded.)

What writers or novels do you consider “must reads”?

Anything by, Cynthia Eden, Cameo Renae, and Richelle Mead

Tell us three things about you that are interesting.

1 I drink coffee all day
2 If I'm writing YA I listen to Teen Pop it gets me in the mood
3 I was raised by my grandmother

Links

FaceBook 
Twitter 
Amazon Author Page
My publisher

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wednesday Writer Calls: Kristina Wright, 2 of 3

For Play: Erotic Romance for Women

Editor: Kristina Wright

Publisher: Cleis Press

Submission Deadline: October 1

Payment: $50 per story and 2 copies of the book, on publication

E-mail: forplayantho@gmail.com

Ah, the anticipation of the hottest sex you’ve ever had. The steady gaze, the fevered skin, the brush of fingertips on the inside of your wrist. For Play lingers where other erotic anthologies rush ahead—on those moments between “I want…” and “Oh yes!” For Play isn’t only about foreplay, although that’s where it all begins—whether it’s on the couch, in the conference room or behind the sand dunes—it’s about capturing that moment in time when a woman’s heart, mind and body all want the same thing and her greatest desire is fulfilled.

Please read my previous Cleis Press anthologies, especially the first two editions in the Best Erotic Romance series, to get an idea of what I’m looking for in this collection. The anthology will be primarily heterosexual with a female audience in mind, but lesbian and bisexual scenarios are welcome. I have a preference for realistic stories with contemporary settings, but any time period will be considered. The usual taboos apply: no incest, nonconsensual sex, bestiality or underage characters, please. According to Romance Writers of America, a romance must include two key elements: a central love story and an emotionally-satisfying, optimistic ending. In erotic romance, the sexual component is critical to the development of the romantic relationship.

I will consider up to two stories per author. Please be sure to follow all of the submission guidelines. Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Please do not send me a story that is being considered elsewhere. The desired story length is 2,500-4,500 words. Double-space and indent the first line of each paragraph.  Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Include your full contact information (legal name/pseudonym, mailing address and phone number) and a bio of 50 words or less written in the third person.  Please paste your story into the body of your e-mail and attach it as a Microsoft Word .doc file. Send your submission to forplayantho@gmail.com with Submission: Story Title in the subject line.  Please direct any questions to the same address. The deadline is October 1, but earlier submissions are very much appreciated.

Payment will be $50 per story and 2 copies of the book upon publication.  Contributors retain the rights to their work and Cleis Press has final approval over the stories selected for the book. All submissions will be confirmed upon receipt and all authors will receive a reply once the final book has been approved. If you have not received a response by February 1, please feel free to query me.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Media Blitz; The Fugitive's Sexy Brother

(A note from your blogger here: While you're here, stop by and see me at Victoria Blisse's Blog for my Friday with Friends post... find out about the first time I saw a naked man...)


The Fugitive’s Sexy Brother
By Annabeth Leong

Blurb:

Emily Boysen is sick of low-level bounty hunting jobs that don’t pay her rent, and sick to death of her ex-boyfriend taking credit for her work. Ready to claim her due, she takes on the quarry of a lifetime, the notorious Fernando Bonavita. But instead of the fugitive, she captures his sexy younger brother, Javier.

Javier Bonavita never wanted to know the truth about his older brother’s activities, instead protecting him out of loyalty. When he uses his hacking skills to pose as Fernando, he never expects to uncover crimes he can’t stomach. Beautiful Emily has no idea how glad he is to be in her custody—as long as he’s her prisoner, he doesn’t have to face his brother.

Passion flares between Emily and Javier, and soon he’s putting the handcuffs on her. Suspicion grows along with their feelings, though. A sinister plot centers around Fernando, and untangling it will test their loyalties to the limit.

Buy Links:

All Romance
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Ellora’s Cave

Excerpt:

Javier’s smart phone buzzed in his pocket. He paused his video game and glanced at the screen. The vibration originated from the custom application he’d written to monitor the motion sensors he’d set up around the perimeter of his brother Fernando’s house. Returning his attention to his computer, Javier quit the game and pulled up a view of the exterior cameras.

A girl was crawling beneath Fernando’s hedge. Even with the cameras, Javier would never have seen her if the motion sensor hadn’t pinpointed her exact position. She held her body low, wore clothes that blended in perfectly with the hues of the yard’s greenery, and moved slowly enough that she wouldn’t attract the casual eye.

Game time.

Plans and strategies tumbled through Javier’s head, but he remained still for a moment, frozen by discomfort. No jilted lover Javier could imagine would act this way, approaching the house like a single-member SWAT team. He squinted at the grainy image of her. He supposed she was a woman, not a girl, but she was a slip of a thing. Her body seemed slight in comparison to the thick, tawny hair bound at the back of her head. Skin only a shade lighter than the hair peeked out of the camouflage clothes in a few places—Javier caught a glimpse of a light brown shoulder blade and the back of a thigh. He remained glued to the screen, fascinated by her strange grace. She didn’t seem like his brother’s type at all.

Javier cleared his throat, struggling again with suspicions he didn’t want to acknowledge. But what harm could it do to play along? That girl couldn’t hurt him, and more than anything he wanted to repay Fernando for all the years he’d looked out for his kid brother. It wouldn’t hurt to earn recognition as an adult in the process. Maybe if he could gain Fernando’s trust he’d be rewarded with true explanations instead of obvious fabrications like this one.

Javier glanced down at his clothes. He should really be dressed as Fernando, but hadn’t had the patience to wear suits when he didn’t have to. He frowned at the image on the screen. He’d locked all the doors and the ground-floor windows were sealed and made of shatter-resistant materials. He had a minute before he had to decide his next step with the girl.

He went to the closet, stripping off his T-shirt on the way and stepping out of his jeans. Fernando’s clothes hung a little loose on him—their bodies were close, but the tailored touches Fernando had added emphasized his thicker physique. Javier was slightly taller and slightly leaner. He found a pair of dark-gray pants that fell far enough down on the leg and looked okay in the mirror. Javier turned to the dress shirts and found himself confronted with a dizzying array of fits and colors. How did his brother deal with all this complication every morning? And why did he care so much?

Javier shook his head at himself and reached for the nearest one, only to freeze at the sound of Fernando’s upstairs bedroom window sliding open. Had the woman really climbed up here in a matter of minutes? She hadn’t been carrying any gear.

He shrugged on the shirt and stepped out of the closet, still buttoning it. She stood just inside the window, her stance wary and her eyes on the computer screen. Handcuffs and restraints swung from the belt loops of army-green short-shorts. Her gaze flicked toward him, her blue eyes large and bright against the sandy backdrop of her face. She wore no makeup, but a generous scattering of freckles added plenty of interesting color and shape to her features. A smile spread over Javier’s face before he could think the situation through.

The interloper scowled in response, producing a can of mace. “You think this is funny, Bonavita?”

Javier held up his hands quickly. He didn’t want to get sprayed. But he couldn’t back down completely or the game would be up before it had even begun. He imitated the cool confidence his brother always possessed. “You wanted to see me so badly you couldn’t knock?”

Her frown deepened. “You watched me approach the house on video monitors, and decided to…change your clothes?”

“Couldn’t let you think I didn’t care about our date.”

She glanced at the monitors and shook her head, her lips forming the word “stupid.” Javier cocked his head, but before he could ask she brandished the mace more fiercely. “Take whatever weapons you’ve got and put them on the floor.”

“What you see is what I’ve got.”

“Yeah, I’m going to believe that.”

Javier shrugged. “If you want to strip-search me, I won’t stop you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Pig.”

“Then I guess we’re going to stand here all day.”

The woman sighed and set down the can of mace. Javier’s body relaxed, but before he had a chance to enjoy it he was on the floor, the woman on top of him. She couldn’t have weighed much, but she knew how to make her body heavy. Her legs wrapped his thighs in an intimate hold that kept him immobilized, and the blade of her forearm wedged under his chin threatened his windpipe.

Javier gasped from the shock of his back crashing to Fernando’s hardwood floor, but recovered as quickly as he could. “Beds are much more comfortable.”

“In your dreams, Bonavita.”

Moving with practiced confidence, she rolled Javier onto his side without relaxing the strength of her hold. She snapped a set of handcuffs around his wrists.

“Whoa, whoa. Baby, let’s talk about this.”

“Very funny. Like you don’t know why I’m here.” A light layer of sweat had appeared along her neck. She smelled wild and powerful, like leaves, salt and sun. Javier knew he should be more concerned about himself, but he couldn’t get his mind off the idea of her lying on top of him for an entirely different reason.

She returned Javier to his back, the position forcing his cuffed hands to dig in to his spine. He curled up to remove the pressure, but a sharply placed knee to his chest forced him back down and pinned him. “Woman, you are serious.”

“Are you just figuring that out?” Her hands slid inside his shirt. For one delicious moment, Javier’s eyelids fell shut and he shivered at her touch. She stopped moving and he opened his eyes slowly to confront her solemn stare. “You are enjoying this way too much,” she said.

If his hands had been free, Javier would have tried to enjoy it a lot more. He’d forgotten how it felt to roll around with a woman, forgotten the sensation of soft, warm flesh against his own. Sure, the situation clearly meant serious trouble for Fernando, but Fernando wasn’t here, was he? Javier felt wild and invincible. He grinned up at the woman. “How could I not? Look at you.”

She glared, but her cheeks turned rosy, bringing out a clearer view of her abundant freckles. “Wonderful. The first man to be stunned by my good looks happens to be the most dangerous quarry I’ve had in years.”

Bio:

Annabeth Leong has written erotica of many flavors. She loves shoes, stockings, cooking and excellent bass lines. She always keeps a new e-book loaded on her phone and a paperback stashed in her purse, but her eyes are still bigger than her stomach whenever she visits a bookseller. She blogs at annabethleong.blogspot.com, and tweets @AnnabethLeong . Watch for her next contemporary erotic romance from Ellora's Cave, Get Laid.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Guest Author, Julieanna Lynch

What are your greatest challenges in your writing career?

I find it hard to stay focused on deadlines and can easily be distracted by ridiculous things, like Facebook, Twitter, and Googling my name (yes, we are all guilty of that one), but more than anything it is finding a happy balance between work and promotion. As you can well imagine being an Indie author gives you a whole different set of responsibilities when it comes to promoting your work. You rely solely on the discretion and interest of fellow Indie authors, as well as trying to reach out to "mainstream" readers. However, I try not to think about that side of things too much and place all my energies in my work, and basically "honk my own horn" when time is my friend.

When did you find out that you wanted to be a writer? What inspired you to put pen to paper?

I always new I wanted to work in the arts, whether that was singing, performing, drawing or writing. I've always been creative, and fell in love with poetry and art from a very young age. When most of my peers were out tasting their first drop of liquor, I was reading Dickens, Keats and King, when they were going on dates, I was hell bent on going to museums. I was different, and whilst I at times despised myself, in hindsight I am so thankful for being unique - it's paved the way for my future.

What truly inspired me to write was my experience of bullying and depression. I found writing down my deepest, darkest thoughts therapeutic. I was a terribly lonely, troubled teen, but it was writing that cured the momentary pain or anguish I felt, so from there on in, my confidence in my chosen profession grew, and haven't looked back since.

Of your published works, do you have a favorite? Why?

I just can't help but feel completely passionate about Within the Shadows. She was a learning curve for me. She embodies everything that I've gone through to get from A -B, having hit QUITE a few bumps along the way. I love Giselle, I love how she has grown, and whilst there are those who have taken a dislike to her, I cannot help but feel very protective of her. To me she is perfect, and yes she can be annoying and extremely whiny, but aren't most 18 yr olds? They aren't all born with a steel backbone and know how to kick ass straight from the start.

How much of your life and the people you know end up in your work?

I like to people watch and I am very guilty of note taking when out and about.

What's your writing routine?

Since the birth of my baby Poppy in March 2012, my whole writing routine has gone out the window. Before Poppy, my day consisted of 7-8 hours writing, bagging myself word goals of 8-10k a day, now, I am lucky if I can get to write 3 hours straight. I am just so busy between school runs, nursery runs, and tending to the baby and dog, on top of household chores, that it can be very hard fitting it all in.

Is there a character or story that's stuck in your head and won't leave, from either your work or someone else's?

At the moment my delectable character, Antoine refuses to shut up. Seriously, he is so persistent, that he has bagged himself his own spin off series, and my short story "Bitter Kisses" is based on him as well.

What writers or novels do you consider “must reads”?

Oh I have tons of novels and authors who have entertained me over the years, and ones that I re-read regularly.

Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" should be a book EVERYONE reads. This book conjures up every single human emotion known to man. It is wonderfully written, it is beautifully told, and from a girl who understands the anguish portrayed in the themes of this novel, it is just simply breathtaking.

I also cannot stop talking about Michelle Paver's "Dark Matter" - if you like ghost stories, but one where there is complete isolation and you are left at the mercy of your mind, this book just holds you close, perplexes you into the dark and doesn't release you until the last page. Amazing novel.

There is also the YA novel "Born Dark" by my publishing sister H.G. Lynch - this book is just brilliant, especially from a young girl, and her first publication. The story is well written, interesting, the characters make you laugh, cry and know how to piss you off - everything a novel should possess.

Talk to us about your domestic life: pets, children, house, arts and crafts, favorite recipe...

I am the mother of five children: 16, 12, 7, 3 & 1- I am married to my childhood sweetheart, Sean, who just happened to be my best friends BIG brother. We have one dog, Buster, who will be a year old in May.

We live in a pretty big 6 bedroom detached house. It's lovely, comfy and very homely, but I am a neat freak!
I love trees - not planting them, but canvas art of them. I just find them peaceful, relaxing and make a room very pretty. I am a tree geek.

I love music - like seriously LOVE music. I love going to gigs, finding new Indie bands to listen to and support, and I can't think of anything better than supporting home grown talent. I am obsessed with Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, that man has a voice that just makes my insides melt - wow - yeah, he is perfect.

I am not into crafts, I am too bloody busy to do all that jazz, but do you consider colouring the children's homework, craft?

My favourite recipe has got to be my maltesser cheesecake. I make the best fresh cream cheesecake, and you'd better not be on a diet when eating it, because it would certainly go to your hips.

Ingredients:
Base:
2 packets of digestives broken and crushed
200 grams of melted butter
Filling:
500 mgs of light soft cheese
500 mgs fresh double cream
150 mgs of icing sugar,
1tsp of Vanilla essence
200 grm bag of maltessers

Mix the butter with the crushed biscuits, pop some baking paper in a round baking tray, fold in the mixture, flatten with the back of a spoon and pop inthe fridge to cool.

For the filling combine all the ingredients in a blender, minus the maltessers - and blend until light and fluffy.
Mix in the maltessers with a spoon and then once all mixed, pour into the biscuit base (normally I make enough for two with this recipe)

Chill for a few hours in the fridge, and then voila, chilled cheescake enough to make that ass wiggle.

Tell us three things about you that are interesting.

I know how to sand board - yes, SAND board!

I can drive, but it makes me violently ill each time I sit behind the steering wheel that I no longer drive.

I completed Modern Warfare 2 in 4 hours! (I like gaming)


Fiery Librarian Julieanne Lynch is an author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, where she works on her Shadows Trilogy and other series full-time. Before becoming a writer, she considered a few different career paths, a rock star being one of them. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University, and considered journalism as a career path. However, she decided writing was the way for her and believes all of her education and reading prepared her for it. An avid reader, Julieanne has always had an encompassing fascination with folklore. When not writing, she enjoys crime series such as Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS and Cold Case, and loves anything with Vampires, listening to metal, meeting new people, drinking lots of green tea, and sharing her dreams with her children. She is a self-professed Goth wanna-be, and is happy when left to write into the early hours of the morning.

Julieanne also writes under the pen name J.A. Lynch Julieanne's YA series, The Shadows Trilogy, is published by Vamptasy Publishing and thus far contains In the Shadows. It follows the war between vampires and shadow creatures. Giselle Bergman, an 18-year old human girl, falls victim to a scheme by one of her closest childhood friends, and embarks on a journey that sees her become the center of a battle between good and evil.

Author Page
Blog
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads
Google +

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Writing Calls, Wednesday: Kristina Wright... one of three!

Commanding Desire: Military Erotic Romance

Editor: Kristina Wright

Publisher: Cleis Press

Submission Deadline: September 1

Payment: $50 per story and 2 copies of the book, on publication

E-mail: commandingantho@gmail.com

In this sequel to Duty and Desire, the bodies are harder, the missions are tougher, the sex is hotter and the love is stronger. Settings will be domestic and international and include military heroes of all stripes.

To get an idea of what I’m looking for, read my previous anthologies, especially Duty and Desire: Military Erotic Romance. The collection will be primarily heterosexual with a female audience in mind. I have a preference for realistic stories with contemporary settings, but any time period will be considered. The usual taboos apply: no incest, nonconsensual sex, bestiality or underage characters, please. According to Romance Writers of America, a romance must include two key elements: a central love story and an emotionally-satisfying, optimistic ending. In erotic romance, the sexual component is critical to the development of the romantic relationship.

I will consider up to two stories per author. Please be sure to follow all of the submission guidelines. Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Please do not send me a story that is being considered elsewhere. The desired story length is 2,500-4,500 words. Double-space and indent the first line of each paragraph.  Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Include your full contact information (legal name/pseudonym, mailing address and phone number) and a bio of 50 words or less written in the third person.  Please paste your story into the body of your e-mail and attach it as a Microsoft Word .doc file. Send your submission to commandingantho@gmail.com with Submission: Story Title in the subject line.  Please direct any questions to the same address. The deadline is September 1, but earlier submissions are very much appreciated.

Payment will be $50 per story and 2 copies of the book upon publication.  Contributors retain the rights to their work and Cleis Press has final approval over the stories selected for the book. All submissions will be confirmed upon receipt and all authors will receive a reply once the final book has been approved. If you have not received a response by January 1, please feel free to query me.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Coming Together: With Curves

Coming Together: With Curves, edited by Victoria Blisse and Lucy Felthouse

Curvy girls and the men (and women!) that love them is the theme of this charity anthology, edited by Victoria Blisse and Lucy Felthouse.
From Zumba classes to Burlesque dancers, all kinds of big and beautiful women are portrayed between the pages of this book. Read about birthday surprises, smut at the gym, horse riders, lusty couples, naughty neighbours, skilled bakers, rope bondage and misunderstandings from some of erotica’s best authors.
Sales proceeds benefit Parkinson’s UK.

Contents: Six Lengths of Red Hemp (Tilly Hunter), Cross Trainer Number Four (Lily Harlem), Bella Buxom, Just Squeeze Me (JoAnne Kenrick), Captivated (Elizabeth Lapthorne), Red Rag to a Bull (Victoria Blisse), Girl Next Door (Bella Blake), Lush Buns (Sommer Marsden), The Big Reveal (Giselle Renarde), The Wrong End of the Stick (Lucy Felthouse), Riding School (Bella Blake), Flesh For Fantasy (Lexie Bay).


*****

Bonnie stifled a sigh. He was doing it again. Staring at her, as he had been every day that week. She was on a fortnight’s training course through work. She was the only one from her office who’d been sent. As a result, she knew no one and ended up sitting alone in the college’s cafeteria at lunchtimes. She’d had a couple of invites from kindly people also on her course, but she’d turned them down. It wasn’t that she was being rude or anti-social, she just hated people to see her eat. She was a big girl—that was putting it politely—and when people saw her eat, she could feel the judgment rolling off them in waves, the thoughts that she was fat because she ate so much.
It wasn’t true. About what she ate, that was. She was fat, and there was no denying it. But it certainly wasn’t her doing. She’d been born to large parents, and despite a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, she was still overweight. All she ever managed to shift was a pound or two here and there, and that was hardly noticeable, particularly on a woman her size. She kept at it, though, resigned to being a larger lady, but determined not to get any bigger.

Because she’d always been big, she was used to the snide comments, the dirty and derisive looks, the open stares. So it didn’t upset her any more, but she still got irritated when people simply gawped at her. Surely one glance was enough for them to ascertain that yes, she was a shapely girl, and then move on. In most cases it was, particularly if she glared at the person in question. But not with this guy. She was sure he was trying to be subtle, because he often averted his gaze as she trained hers on him. But even if he’d looked away, she could tell by the position of his head and body that he’d been peeking at her. Again.
Now, on day seven, she was almost at boiling point. What the hell was his problem? Had no one ever told him it was rude to stare? She was on the verge of doing just that.
Eating her lunch was an unpleasant task, knowing she was being observed. If she hadn’t been so damn hungry, she’d have left it. But she’d been running late that morning and had committed that mortal sin—missing breakfast. So her chicken salad—with no dressing—was absolutely necessary to avoid making herself feel ill, or passing out, so she devoured every last morsel. She ate faster than she normally would, not because she was being greedy, but because the sooner she finished eating, the sooner she’d stop feeling so damn self-conscious about the guy across the room watching her.
She decided to give him one last chance. When she’d finished her lunch, she’d drink her carton of apple juice, then sit for a few seconds, doing nothing. If he continued to look at her, she was going to stomp over there and give him what for. If he didn’t, then she’d carry on with life and do her best to forget about him and his rudeness.
Deep down, she knew she was going to have to go over and say something to him. After seven days, he wasn’t going to suddenly amend his habits. She was just being a bit of a wimp, really, hoping to find some way of getting out of confrontation, because she didn’t like it, not one bit, and it was absolutely a last resort. Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of a single other way of stopping him from doing it. Perhaps she could put up a sign in front of her saying “Please stop staring at me.” But if he couldn’t take the hint when she’d glared at him, he wouldn’t take any notice of a piece of paper.
Several minutes later, her salad was gone and she moved onto her drink. With a sinking feeling in her gut, she saw he was just as interested in her now as he had been when she’d been eating. Damn, confrontation it was then.
Draining the carton, she gathered her plate, cutlery and other rubbish onto her tray, stood up and slid it onto the rack nearest her. Then she returned to her table, grabbed her bag, pulled in a deep breath through her nostrils and marched over to the Peeping Tom. She slid out the chair opposite him and sat down on it.
*****
Editor sites:

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Guest Post, Kim McNiel


Kim McNiel is a good ole' country girl at heart. She was born and raised in a small Texas town called Spring. As the mother of three, she spent most of her adult life dedicated to raising her family. With her children almost grown, she decided to fulfill her dream of writing. Her best friend told her 'pen to paper sweetie, be you, and never give up.' She took his advice and didn't. She writes contemporary and steamy romance, erotic romance, and has several projects in the fire to look forward to.

When did you find out that you wanted to be a writer? What inspired you to put pen to paper? 

I always wanted to write, but finally when my children got almost grown, I talked with a friend of mine who encouraged me to sit down and finally do it. His words were exactly ‘put pen to paper’ and quit giving me excuses. I did.

Of your published works, do you have a favorite? Why?

Oh yes, Caleb is my favorite so far. I had a blast writing this story. Caleb is one of those characters you love to hate, and he makes me laugh.

How do you decide on character names?

I just started typing and his name popped in my head. He wasn’t named after anyone in particular, I just liked the name.

How much of your life and the people you know end up in your work? 

So far none of it. I’ve definitely not written a story about any person I knew, though that could always be a future option. wicked laugh

What's your writing routine? 

To not have a routine. It seems every time I plan something, it’s interrupted, so I’ve turned completely panster with writing and don’t keep a routine except to write every single day.

Is there a character or story that's stuck in your head and won't leave, from either your work or someone else's?

Honestly I do have a paranormal story stuck in my head that I want to write or attempt, but I’ve never written in that genre and not sure how it would turn out.

What writers or novels do you consider “must reads”? 

Anything by Poppet. Her stories are very strong and powerful, plus there is a lot of lessons learned in each story.

Talk to us about your domestic life; a favorite recipe, craft, your pets, children, house, or favorite set of socks. 

My domesticated life is pretty boring. I like to catch a movie or concert every now and then, read a good book or just chill in front of the boob tube. My favorite recipe is for homemade manicotti. I have three children and I hardly ever wear socks. I live in Texas, so it’s usually barefooted or flip-flops for me.

Tell us three things about you that are interesting.

1.) My muse is a bipolar bitch who refuses meds
2.) I live with my ex-husband. Yes, ex
3.)  I refuse to wear a dress

Caleb-Blurb/Teaser/Synopsis

Blurb:
Caleb loves the ladies and can't keep his ego in his pants. With a new set of legs to wrap around him every two nights, he never thinks about what he'd do if Sarah caught him - until she does.

The repercussions are cataclysmic, giving him a second chance at life. Who is Caleb really? The ego or the man he professes to be? This playa plays to win.

Synopsis:

Living a double life, Caleb is a hard-working and self-assured man, who doubles as an arrogant, cocky and womanizing prick. With his choices of women on a layaway plan, he’s never lonely.

Caleb believes he’s nailed the market on being the ultimate playa and never wonders what the consequences could be if Sarah, his live in, ever found out…until she does. When Sarah turns his life upside down, Caleb loses it and catastrophe follows not far behind.

When his world gets flipped right size up, he begins to realize the things that are really important to him. Although Caleb makes some ultimate sacrifices to save his pride, ego and relationship with Sarah, he still hides one very important secret.

Excerpt:

Stopping at the florist on the way home, I pull in and pick up a dozen pink roses for Sarah. Yes, sucking ass big time.

Hey, if it works…then I’ll be all good. When I’m good, everyone is good. God forbid I get red roses, she’d want to run off to the fucking chapel. That isn’t going to happen to me, not in this lifetime anyways. I stroll in the house.

“I’m home babe,” I yell out, dropping the folder on the table.

“Upstairs,” Sarah yells back. I know this tone.

Skipping two steps at a time, I follow the circular staircase. I dodge the hanging chandelier with my head. Something else she had to have, forgetting I am well over six fucking feet tall.

“Hi darling, these are for you,” I hand her the flowers.

“Why? Because you slammed the phone down in my ear earlier?”

And…here we go! She’s such a bitchacoholic.







.




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wednesday Writer Calls, Deadline Extension, Extra Shorts!

Extending the call for 1,200 word or less BDSM erotica
If you've already submitted to this anthology, I will reply to you by September 2013 at the latest. Thank you!

Short Short BDSM Submission Erotica Anthology (title TBA)
Editor: Rachel Kramer Bussel
Publisher: Cleis Press
Deadline: June 20, 2013 (earlier submissions strongly preferred and encouraged)

Please make sure to read and follow these guidelines in order for your work to be considered. Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for short short stories of 1,200 words or less focused on the theme of BDSM from a submissive perspective. While the word count is short, I want complex stories with a beginning, middle and end, not simply scene snippets. Preference will be given to stories that stand out in theme, tone, plot, language, characters, motivation and erotic action. I will consider stories from a dominant's perspective if that is the best way to tell the story. The final book of 69 stories will contain an extremely wide variety of characters, POVs (I welcome first, second and third person stories), settings, scenarios, motivations, experience levels, motivations, BDSM practices (which can be combined with other sexual acts), fetishes, couplings, relationships, etc. All genders and sexual orientations welcome. All characters must be over 18; no nonconsensual activity, scat, incest or bestiality. No poetry. Original, unpublished stories only. Stories from authors I have not published before are especially welcome. See my books Please, Sir; Yes, Sir; Please, Ma'am and Yes, Ma'am to get a feel for the types of submissive stories I enjoy. See Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex for examples of 1,200 word or less erotic stories.

How to submit: Send double spaced Times or Times New Roman 12 point black font Word document (.doc or .docx) with pages numbered OR RTF of 1,200 words MAXIMUM to shortsubmissionantho at gmail.com. DO NOT submit multiple versions of your story; submit ONLY your final, complete, edited version of the story. Note that this is a hard maximum. Stories that are not in keeping with the theme of the anthology or are over 1,200 words will not be considered. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) required. I will consider a maximum of TWO stories per author. Include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. You will receive a confirmation within 72 hours. I will get back to you by September 2013.

Payment: $20 and 1 copy of the book on publication in 2014

Deadline: June 20, 2013 (earlier submissions strongly encouraged and preferred)