Writing Limbo

Have you ever had those moments when things are at a standstill?

Like now when the computer doesn't want to load your post at 7am this morning. heheh.

I'm currently at a standstill, literary standoff (Guns and whips blazing)

I sure have, usually my characters start having parties with the muses and they go away to Jamaica. They'll send me a post card from time to time. Tell me that things are great and they are hoping I'm doing wonderful trying to figure out how to make the story go.

Yeah....I don't like that.

With my latest book, Torrid Teasers 44 it was easy. The story came and bam there you go. But with this new book, tentatively called Shadowed Heart I am wondering where the muses are, why they havent' called recently but most importantly if they are on Jamaica with all my other muses that have suddenly disappeared.

It isn't a writers block, because the ideas and development of the stories are still there and strong as ever. Its only a lull in the design and flow of the novel.

As a writer, what do you do to overcome the limbo?

As a reader, have you ever had moments where things just stall on you? What do you do to get your ideas back on the same track.

I personally would love to know!

Talk to you next month all, the muse just called and she's visiting my home island of Puerto Rico. Slippery little sucker is traveling without me!

Mila.

Mila Ramos, Paranormal & Contemporary Romance
Blog: http://jademystique.blogspot.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jademystique
Website: http://www.milaramoswrites.com

After Hours, part 2 (Cassandra's prompted story)

Last time I posted the first part of my prompted story. You can read Part One HERE.

Now it's time for part two. I hope all of you who asked for a bakery setting are happy...

After Hours

Part Two

Kyle seemed to consider for a moment, and then he shrugged. “Okay. Thanks.” He took his mug and donut and wandered over to the table nearest the counter.

A quick glance at the clock told Cory what he wanted to know. He rounded the counter, throwing a smile over his shoulder at Kyle as he strode across the floor to the door. “Closing time. I don’t want any stragglers coming in.” He turned the lock and flipped the sign from “Open” to “Closed.”

“Other than me, you mean?”

Cory winked. “You’re not a straggler. You’re a loyal regular.”

Kyle laughed. “You don’t have to butter me up. The donuts alone would keep me coming back.” He bit into the donut, closing his eyes in exaggerated bliss.

Cory stopped and stared, transfixed by Kyle’s expression. A bit of glaze lingered on Kyle’s lips, and Cory wondered if he could make that blissful look stay by licking it off. Not that he would ever do such a thing, of course. Kyle was a customer. Not to mention several years older, and probably straight.

Even so, he found himself walking over to the table. He surprised himself by sitting down—next to Kyle, not across from him. What was he doing? He should get up and get back to work, but that would look dumb after he’d just come over here. To cover his sudden nervous confusion, Cory asked, “Do you like working at the hospital?”

Kyle looked up from his coffee, his big eyes serious. “Most of the time. Sometimes, like tonight, it’s tough.” Apparently oblivious to Cory’s discomfort, he took another bite of his donut.

Kyle’s tongue swiped across his lower lip to catch a stray bit of glaze. Cory tried not to stare, but he couldn’t help it. Even Kyle’s throat working as he took a gulp of his coffee was sexy.

At last Kyle finished his donut. He looked at his sticky fingers for a moment, and then he laughed and started to lick the sugar off them. Cory thought he would die right then and there.

“Need any help with that?”

Oh, shit. He couldn’t possibly have said that out loud.

Kyle froze, his wide eyes telling Cory he had indeed spoken his thoughts.

Shit, shit, shit. For a long, awkward moment, neither of them said a word. Cory felt heat creeping up his face. “Wow. That was dumb, even for me.” He cringed, wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. “I’m sorry. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain.”

He started to stand, but Kyle’s next words stopped him. “Are you taking back your offer?”

“Wh…what?” Cory gaped at the other man, certain he couldn’t have heard what he thought he had.

Kyle leaned forward until they were only inches apart. “You asked me if I need any help. Well, I do.” He held out his still-messy hand. “You wouldn’t want a loyal regular to be disappointed in your service, would you?”

“No, of course not.” Cory scanned Kyle’s face for any sign the man was joking. He saw none. An almost giddy feeling filled him at Kyle’s intent expression. He could hardly believe Kyle might want him too.

Trying not to grin like a fool, he caught Kyle’s wrist. “Let me just take care of this for you, then.”

TO BE CONTINUED...

Don't you just love a cliff-hanger? Muahahahaaaaaa!

Part three will be posted on February 6.

Cassandra Gold

www.cassandragold.com

Double or Nothing, coming soon to Cobblestone Press!

Office Spouses

I read an article earlier this week about “office spouses.” Have you heard about this? Has this world completely gone nuts?

Here’s the deal. In the workplace men and women are developing these relationships with members of the opposite sex that go beyond professional working relationships. They flirt, bicker like couples, and rely on one another emotionally.

“Experts” are saying that these relationships make for a more productive work environment. They enable people to enjoy their jobs more, make it easier to get up and go to work in the morning. AND they claim office spouses also allow for healthier relationships with real spouses at home. ???? WTF?

So here’s my question: Where’s the line? What constitutes betrayal of the real spouse? Kissing? Sexual contact? Heavy innuendo and flirting? How emotionally attached to one another do office spouses become?

I completely understand office friendships. But at what point do they become “office spouses” and doesn’t the name itself imply things have gone a little too far if you already have a spouse? Hello! Polygamy is not widely accepted in this country or in most marriages.

And what happens outside of work? Is it ok to meet your office spouse for dinner? Isn’t that a date night?

I used to work in an office and I had friends (both male and female) at work that I never spent time with outside of work. I think that’s normal and healthy. Did I ever joke around with any of the attorneys or record execs I worked with? Sure. Were some of them nice to look at? A few. Did I think of them as husbands or even boyfriends. Hell no. Does my husband flirt with the nurses he works with every day. Hell yes. Is he married to them at work? He damn sure better not be.

Am I alone in this confusion? Somebody please tell me something that makes sense. I don’t get this at all. Business friendships. Ok. I understand. An additional “spouse” at the office. You just lost me.

My HOT Date

By A.J. Llewellyn

I was sitting at home minding my own business on Sunday afternoon, working madly on my new book Molokai Man (don't you just love shameless plugs?) when I received a phone call from one of my favorite pipples in the whole world asking me for a date.
"A.J. I need my A.J. fix. I need some quality time with you," was my date's opening line. Who could resist that? Man, I was so happy I even washed the damned car!
I should add at this point I was a little...okay a lot stressed out about work and money and the usual blah blah blah when my date called back and said, "I think we should go to Duke's at the beach because sunset is so beautiful at the beach. And we can take the dog."
Attention single readers: the way to a man's heart is to suggest dinner at his favorite restaurant and bringing his dog.
So Venus and I rolled up in West Hollywood to collect our date. Venus whinnied like a pony. She too, is in love, and after giving our date multiple kisses - and I noticed she slipped our date some tongue - we were on our way.
My date picked out some cool music on the IPod and sang along.
"Love your shoes," I said, as I swung onto Sunset Boulevard.
"I know, I think they're rather sexy."
For the first time all day I laughed hard and long. My date you see, was my 10 year old god daughter Eleanna.
The next time you need a dose of fun, reality and truth, take out a child you know. You will lose years from your life and hours from your day and you will never regret it.
Eleanna never fails to inspire me. It's amazing but true. She notices everything and my dad, whose single most influential trick was to teach me and my brothers applaud sunsets, also passed it on to her. She stood on her seat, got the whole restaurant clapping as the sun set over the Pacific and she annouced blissfully, "I just love God. Don't you?"
I was having a blast.
Attention single men: (No I am not single, I'm happily a deux with my fab Canuck but I am reporting this in the interest of those still looking) if you want attention, go somewhere with a kid and a dog. Nobody will leave you alone.
Eleanna and I had a whale of a time swapping dishes at Duke's. She's so loved there we got a huge chunk of hula pie given to us by our waiter and were happily demolishing it when she mentioned her boyfriend.
"Boyfriend?" I blurted. "Who is he? I'll kill him."
"Oh, A.J." Eleanna rolled her eyes and licked her spoon. "Of course I have a boyfriend. How old do you think I should be before I have one?"
"Thirty five," I said and three guys at the next table burst into laughter.
When I took her home, Eleanna's fathers - my best friends Chris and Tracy - accompanied us down Santa Monica Boulevard in search of hot chocolate on a cold, cold night. Chris and I had a wonderful discussion about the effective ways we could bump off Eleanna's boyfriend.
We're both Greek and given to extreme emotions.
My personal favorite was feeding him to that canny crocodile in the Los Angeles River...
Tracy, lucky for Eleanna, has a strong dose of the rational gene. "I think he could be sent somewhere...far..."
You know what's weird? When I mentioned the boyfriend problem to my Canuck he had the exact same response!
Chris however, thinks like I do. "Yeah, we could send him to the fucking moon!"
"Not that far darling," Tracy said calmly. "His parents might miss him."
All I know is this. There is a long line of pipples waiting, just waiting for somebody to lay a hand on our girl and the moon won't be far enough for the pimply little git to run.
For now I will just cherish each and every moment that my girl still wants to spend quality time with me, that I am the one she reaches out to for fun and good laughs. For me however, she will always be My Hot Date.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

New Release and Stream of Conciousness Babble

Wow, I'm am such an idiot. Here I was thinking I had everything under control. Had the final copy of my new release back, was posting excerpts to the different chat loops, even going through and making sure I was all set for my dayjob tomorrow.

Boy, was I wrong. One of the most important things on my list of things to do was phzzt gone from my mind until I looked at the clock and realized--I needed to post my blog today.
It's sad that I'm not a blonde, I think I would do so well as one on those days when my brains leak out and leave nothing but air behind.

But that's a bit of a disservice to the pale-haired populace--there are quite a few brilliant blondes out there:

Marilyn Monroe made a fortune as a 'dumb' blonde, but every business move was structured to gain as much leverage from her roles as possible. Nope, not a bubble head.

Jane Mansfield (she predates Marilyn) but what a sharp lady. Beautiful, blonde and brilliant.

Paul Newman, oh my, the heart flutters. It was a great loss when he passed recently. I have to say, not a dumb man and his comment when asked if he'd ever been tempted to stray just makes me sigh. His response was simple: "Why should I go out for hamburger, when I have steak at home?" Nope, not a dumb blond.

Viggo Mortensen (okay, so his hair is light brown--I prefer to call it dark blond) talk about a Renaissance man--he writes poetry and commentary, is a photographer and artist, and one hell of an actor--not to mention sexy as all get out? Again, blond isn't a bad word for this man.

Last but not least, the hero of my latest release (see I knew I could get the subject back around to my new book out--LOL) Bryce Halsey (inspired by Viggo and Judson Scott--think Start Trek III: Wrath of Khan) who has white blond hair and can wrangle business deals with one hand tied behind his back. Although the subject being tied up is usually his perfect submissive, Mattie Lawrence.

If you get a chance to check it out, Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage is available at Loose Id.
www.loose-id.com

Okay, have to rethink my analogies now. Can anyone else think of blondes not representative of the "more hair than wit" faction? Please let me know.

How about a Good Hard Ride!

Sorry this is late guys.  I was out all morning.  Now...I'm back and I wanted to share a little with you all about my latest release as well as my upcoming February release.

I'm a cowgirl.  Grew up doing  4-H which turned into rodeo by the time I hit high school.  I did trick riding, pole bending, barrels, keyhole as well as a little bull riding for fun. 

So, when my readers asked me to write a cowboy book, I immediately thought back about my rodeo experience  and camaraderie of those who put their lives on the line for the entertainment of the crowd.

In my newest release, Sierra and  Grant may spend as much time fighting each other as they do fighting the bulls, but the true flavor of the rodeo is there too.  I know.  Not only did I help pay for school by doing rodeo, I was trained by two of the greats.

Homer and Vera Farris were my next door neighbors growing up.  They taught me everything I knew, from how to handle an unruly horse, to how to smile and work a crowd.  Homer wasn't just a rodeo star, he did bit-parts in movies and was a horse-handler.  But Vera was even more famous.  She was one of the top woman rodeo stars and has earned a place in the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Of course, I didn't know any of this while I was working with them.  All I knew was they were my best friends and I loved them dearly.  I dedicated this book to both of them and wish they were still around to hear again how much they meant to me. 

Interested yet? Let me share the blurb and a link for an excerpt. 

Sierra Rawlings loves to work, ride, and play hard, but it’s her hidden desire for neighbor, Dalton Grant, that really keeps her on her toes.  But she needs her independence more and his habit of bossing her around is too much to bear.

Three years ago, Dalton thought he’d roped and gentled Sierra.  One night of passion under the stars had him thinking of forever, but even as he made his plans, she ran from him, and he’d never been able to comprehend why.

The annual summer rodeo brings them together and their hidden desires flare hot.  But just as they are beginning to understand each other, a dangerous opportunity arises, forcing Sierra and Dalton to learn a painful lesson about trust.  It’s time for these two stubborn people to cowboy up and admit their feelings, before anger and a bull named Body Bag steal their last chance away.

Read An Excerpt

BUY THIS BOOK

And  don't forget to send me your receipt womanofthewind1@yahoo.com for a free gift!

And...coming February 6th is one of my favorite books and a former bestseller.  Like vampires?  How about toys?  Interested in a little spanking or light bondage.  Then you'll just love my upcoming book

 

Previously released, this book has now been expanded until it's almost three times longer!  It won  a few awards last time around, so I can't wait to see what people think of it now!

Check it out!  

Dawn is so focused on making a name for herself in the art world, her personal life has fallen into a rut. She spends far more time with her hands in clay than on a man. Then her friends liven things up by taking her to a toy shop for her birthday. A very different kind of toy shop for special sexual games. And there’s more than sexy entertainment on the shelves—a fortune teller says Dawn’s destiny awaits if only she will reach out and take it.

Aidan is a vampire who has existed for over a century searching for his one true soulmate, his twin-flame. One look at Dawn takes Aiden’s breath away. One kiss later, he knows she is the one woman who will sustain him forever—if he can convince her to walk with him on the wild side.

Dawn responds to his inspiration better than he could have hoped. 
Then she goes one toy too far…

*READ AN EXCERPT*

 And don't forget to check out my weekly free read on my blog.  You can start out my catching up on my website and then catch the new entries every Monday at http://cj-england.livejournal.com/ 

Matt and Sharra are finding out if love is enough when betrayal and lies rear their ugly heads!

Thanks for listening, all.  You have a great rest of your Friday and I'll see you around the web!  

Hugs,

CJ England

Never anger an elf... we have very long memories.

http://cjengland.com/mylari/eyesoffire.htm

http://cjengland.com 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

What happened to Real Men?

This post may piss some of you off, but I've unfortunately had the ability to vent taken from me in most arenas. THis is designed to make you think and considering this genre is filled with mostly WOMEN, who may raise SONS, it begs the question:

What happened to real men?

When did society stop raising men and start letting little bitches run things? What do I mean by that? Very simply that men aren’t men anymore. I’m not talking about men who are gay or cross dress or who are more in touch with their feminine sides. Or submissive men, I’m not referring to them. And I don’t mean the metrosexual, either.

I’m talking specifically about men who take no responsibility for their actions. I’m talking about men who take no interest in their own self care. When did size 38 become the normal waist for a man?

Hint, it’s not the normal waist size in pants unless the man is over six and a half feet.

Society’s attitude of letting people have “feelings” has gone too far I believe. Men who have taken that attitude too far have made it their personal battle cry when life doesn’t go their way. Example: My best friend’s cousin is a selfish halfwit of twenty one years old who believes he’s entitled to anything left lying around for him.

He uses greedily the things that my best friend and her husband work hard for, like groceries, shampoo, conditioner and other things. He doesn’t offer to replace them, nor does he even make the effort. He’s also a liar. Yet family continues to make excuses for him citing he has no place to live. I hear there’s plenty of room on the street.

That’s not how a man behaves. When I used to shop for pants, I had the most difficult time trying to find pants in my size. Although I’m somewhat an anomaly due to being extra slender and tall, it shouldn’t take me having to drive all over creation to find a pair of pants in my size.

Examples of this I see prevail. Corporate schmucks who won’t make required health and lifestyle choices continue to put away massive amounts of food that’s bad for them and only driving up their health care costs (not to mention the cost of health care for everyone else) because they have no self discipline.

I know and see far too many men behaving badly. What happened to manners? What happened to standards of dress? What happened to standards of living? This isn’t something we can blame on the outgoing administration. Nor can we blame this on the media, sadly. The truth is, it’s our own fault.

My ex Mistress’s ex husband was twenty five when she met him. Guess who played Mommy to a boy who refused to get a job even as he turned 30 this year.

Living in Oakland, I see plenty of homeless people. I can’t feel sorry for them. Mostly I see men who are lazy, lack ambition to seek opportunities around them and put themselves in a better position. I see men who won’t work for something. Yes I do see women too. They’re usually crazy and drunk. But I see them far less than I do the homeless men.

And we as a society give them a pass. Maybe that’s why romance is so popular and is enjoying quite a long time in the spotlight. Our romance heroes are men. None of them are down and out, and if they are, they were that way before we “met” them. They have goals, stick to their word as best they can and handle business. And none of them are in bad health or ill equipped to have a conversation.

Some people have said that these men are unrealistic and that the novels we write set an unrealistic example for men and women everywhere. I disagree. I think the standard that’s being set is one that people in general (mainly men whom I’m bitching about) are too stupid and selfish to acknowledge.

I still tip my hat to many women, still hold a door open for a lady. I still treat my girlfriend like a girlfriend, not a piece of shit that I can abuse at will. I still respect her opinion. If I didn’t, boy you’d all hear about it! And I’m relatively “young.” What’s the excuse of anyone over the age of eighteen?

What say you, fellow Midnight Seductions readers?

Prey by LA Day

My next release is scheduled for February 13th at Ellora's Cave. It's a vampire tale with a little different heroine. At least the heroine is different from what I usually write.

Blurb:

Ex-prostitute and newbie vampire Amber isn’t thrilled to discover her future is reminiscent of her past. She thought she’d put her past behind her, but when her sire teaches her to feed her immortal needs, she once again preys on men to survive.

Marcus has lived alone for many lifetimes. He is an instructor to newly turned vampires and Amber is his latest pupil. He has had many lovers but she ignites a fire in his blood. Amber tries to resist Marcus’ allure. She’s taken enough instructions while lying down. This time, she’ll learn on her feet because submitting to this dominant male could be addictive.

Marcus is ancient, powerful, unmated—a threat to his kind. His very existence is in peril. He has one last chance. Find his mate and bind her to him.

Excerpt:
Marcus’ gaze roamed over the new vampire and lust coiled in his stomach. The desire took him by surprise. His trainee had the power to arouse him. It was an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Long, wavy auburn hair curled around a pretty face with striking blue eyes. She wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful but there was something irresistible about her. He let his gaze travel lower. Her full breasts rose and fell rapidly with her erratic breathing. He was glad she wasn’t immune to him. He licked his lips. Her short skirt displayed long, smooth legs. His cock hardened. This time he not only felt ready but able. His body hummed with desire—he was going to enjoy this assignment. Maybe he would train her longer than necessary. He imagined staying with her until he’d sated his lust but he hoped he never would.

A unique scent teased his senses and he leaned closer, inhaling her fragrance. A jolt of pleasure-pain shot through his system, almost doubling him over. His gut knotted as if he’d been sucker punched. Her scent was new, yet familiar. His balls tightened with a need he hadn’t felt in years, if ever. It couldn’t be but it was.

His bond mate. Joy and lust surged within him and he became instantly and unwillingly harder until another scent assaulted him. He snarled, baring his fangs. His feral side raged and the female visibly jumped. “You took her out,” he accused. His narrowed gaze flashed at Lena.

“She was hungry, so I took her to a bar for a snack.” Lena shrugged as she rose from the bed.

He frowned. “You took her to a pub? You should have fed her your blood.”

“She was in control. I taught her what you taught me.”

Anger burned in his gut but he couldn’t blame anyone but himself. He had taken his time arriving and Lena had taught the newbie as he’d taught her many years ago. He couldn’t really fault her. “She is different.”

“Different?” Lena’s eyes zeroed in on his face. Her nostrils flared as amusement lit her gaze. “Oh this is just too funny. You’ve finally met your match.” She laughed.

“Silence,” Marcus ordered. There was a time and place for everything and this was not the time. He sensed resistance in the new blood and he would not play his hand just yet.

I've been in hiding...

And with good reason.

Under the Moon has been my first priority online and in my personal life things have been - well - hectic.

Ever since we were turned down for a house based on the fact I'm an evil pornographer who promotes the gay lifestyle *insert shocked look, and dramatic boos*, we've been running ragged trying to find another house.

We thought we had one but today they changed their mind.

Well, if that hadn't been enough to deal with we've also had two deaths in the family in the past seven days. My Grandmother in the UK on the 14th, and Sam's (my husband) step father on the 16th.

So, my writing time has been few and far between.

I wish I could post something more interesting than that, but this is how life goes sometimes. As such we're off to MN today for the funeral and, yes, you guessed it, we're house hunting whilst we're there.

Remodeling.....

With the new year in full swing I'm looking at remodeling my official web site. The official site first went up in 2007, and since then it has had two makeovers. It's not that I get tired or bored easily with the design. It's just that I want it to get a life lift every so often. Change is nice and I think visitors will like it.

I know now with html and all the other types of codes out there you can do a lot of different things to a web site. You just have to know what and how to do it. I would love to do something huge and different but when you only know the simple stuff you only do the things you know.

I've seen so many sites that stand out and just say WOW. They are done so well and the graphics are just amazing. I have tried to keep my site simple yet different and so far it has turned out well. I want it to be easy to navigate so that people who visit have no problem finding things.

I know that easy navigation is something people want. Myself included. I want a site that has all the basics like bio, books, contests and so on...

So now I would like to ask your opinion. As someone who goes to author sites, what kind of things do you expect or want to see on their web site? What are the type of things that you dislike or don't want to see?

Wishing you a great day...Thank you for taking the time to leave your opinion........

Savannah
www.savannahchase.com

Uh-Uh...I'm NOT VOTING for ANYONE

I'm at the end of my tether and I also realize this post might piss some people off but I've got to say it before my head explodes.

I'M NOT VOTING FOR ANYONE! FOR ANYTHING. EVER.

Please don't ask because I'm not changing my mind. For over a month now, every loop imaginable is running some kind of contest to honor authors, and it never fails...every group is inundated with a gazillion begging, pleading emails saying...woohoo, I'm happy dancing, squeeeee. Vote for me because I've just been nominated for the best head-banging sex scene or I've been nominated for having the best hung hero. OH. PLEASE. SPARE ME.

This has gotten so ridiculous that I've set almost every single loop to digest and I automatically delete these posts. It has become glaringly clear not only to me but many other authors that these contests are designed to generate membership. You have to join the group in order to vote for this author whose book you didn't read. Nope. I belong to enough groups already, thank you very much.

I'm not saying there aren't legitimate contests going on. Midnight Seductions had a really cool and legitimate contest with judges and entries that were anonymous. There's nothing wrong with that. Others are perfectly legit, too. I'm speaking of the contests where it's well known that authors get their friends to nominate them and then rig the voting. OR...the author really has balls and nominates herself. When I first started out in this writing biz, I thought from the way everyone was carrying on, these contests were important. They AREN'T. The begging for votes has gotten out of hand to the point it simply makes the beggar look desperate. Who wants to look desperate? Nope. Not me.

Don't we write our stories for READERS? For romance lovers? When did what we do become some kind of pseudo beauty contest amongst ourselves? In the beginning of my career, I'd vote in these things but I'll admit I was conflicted. Not only would I have a number of friends up for the same award but lots of times, I hadn't read the books involved. How could I honestly cast a vote under these circumstances? Yeah, I've been nominated some too but to me it's not a big deal. I'm human and therefore flattered, but you won't catch me asking for votes. I don't want a vote in a popularity contest and that's what these little loop contests are...popularity contests.

So please don't squee at me or ask for my vote. You can happy dance, tap dance or dance on your head. Unless I've read your book and think it worthy, I won't be voting.

Librarian By Day, Naughty By Night!

If you're familiar with my books, then you know that I like to add some sexy spanking to all of my stories. I first read about spanking in Johanna Lindsey's books and thought it was cute and sexy. Not to mention, really, really hot! In fact, it was her writing that inspired me to become an author myself.

Now sometimes, the heroine in my books gets spanked because she doesn't do as she's told, which usually puts her in some sort of danerous situation. So the hero, who loves her like crazy, has no choice but to spank her. For her own good, of course! In other books, the heroine gets spanked simply because she's being extra bratty. In that type of story, the hero, who again is madly in love with her, spanks her because he's at his wit's end and doesn't know what else to do with her.

While it's fun to write those types of stories, I wanted to do something a little different for my new contemporary erotic romance Librarian By Day. The heroine Jennifer has always wanted to be spanked, but has always been too shy to ask her boyfriend to put her over his knee. So, she has been living out her fantasies by writing erotic romances on the side. However, when her boyfriend Nik discovers her secret, he decides to help bring her fantasies to life!

Hope you enjoy the excerpt and the trailer! And if you decide to pick up Librarian By Day, I'd love to know what you think of it!

Librarian By Day, Naughty By Night!

Shy, reserved librarian Jennifer Davidson has a secret side that few people know about. She writes erotic spanking romances on the side. She’s never been spanked herself, but when her boyfriend stumbles across one of her books, all that changes.

Nik Evans has always hoped there was a bad girl hiding underneath his prim, proper librarian, but even he is surprised when they begin to explore her fantasies and he finds out just how naughty she can be.

Soon, Jennifer is embarking on a sensual journey of discovery in which she learns that having her bottom warmed for real is better than anything she’d ever written about in her books.

What Reviewers are Saying about Librarian By Day!

Dark Angels Reviews Calls it One Red-Hot Book!
"The first sentence of LIBRARIAN BY DAY captured my interest immediately, and every word that followed, delivered a delicious erotic tale. Paige Tyler completely enthralled me. LIBRARIAN BY DAY is one red-hot book!"

Whipped Cream Gives it 5 Cherries!
"This book is "Hot" and definitely highly recommended!"

4 out of 5 from Night Owl Romance!
"Paige Tyler blends the romance with the spicy. The story is a page-turner that you won't want to put down from beginning to end!"

JERR Gives it 4 stars!
"If you've ever been intrigued with a spanking scenario, pick up Librarian by Day and enjoy!"

Romance Junkies Gives it 4 Blue Ribbons!
"LIBRARIAN BY DAY definitely delivers by exploring fantasies that many women would never dare to admit to craving!"

Read Chapter One!

Watch the Trailer!

Buy it at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid!

For a sneak peek at my upcoming releases Vampire 101 and Animal Instinct, visit
http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/ComingSoon.html


And for more of my sexy erotic fiction, visit my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/


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*hugs*
Paige


"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"

Let Summer Solstice Heat Up Your Winter!

It’s the middle of winter and we just came off a two week cold snap of sub zero temperatures. So, naturally, I think of summer! Yes, the long, long days of the Alaskan summer are days of joy to look forward to when the winter sun sets by four in the afternoon and doesn’t clear the mountains before ten the next morning.

With those long, lovely days on my mind, I want to share with you an excerpt from my next release, Halo In Her Pocket, and erotic novella coming January 23 from Cobblestone Press. This is my first release with Cobblestone and I’m very excited about it. I hope you’ll be excited too! It's about one special evening when the summer sun is at its zenith.

Excerpt: Copyright 2008
“Dev! I found it!”

Oh, no. Not Ginger’s evil giggle—again. Devyn kept her face turned toward the racks of T-shirts lining the walls in the small shop. God only knew what Ginger had found this time.

“Look,” Ginger squealed next to her. “This is perfect!”

Devyn reluctantly turned to her friend now bouncing beside her and holding up a black T-shirt. Judging by the size, Ginger had also picked out a size small instead of the large Devyn would have preferred. “I am not going to wear anything with the word bitch or a picture of a cowboy on it,” she said yet again, hoping this time she sounded convincing enough.

Ginger had already come up with the predictable versions of Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy and You Call Me a Bitch Like That’s a Bad Thing.

“No, no, no. Look,” Ginger ordered and held the shirt up.

Devyn read the words and rolled her eyes. This was by far the worst. I Have the Pussy, So I Make the Rules. Maybe the cowboy shirt wasn’t so bad after all. “Ginger,” she said on a groan. “I will not wear that! Where are you finding these?”

“Not next to the angel and kitten shirts, that’s for sure.” Ginger rolled her own eyes and spun on her stiletto heel.

“Why can’t I just get a plain, white shirt?” Devyn waved at the folded shirts in the middle of the store. “Or even an Alaska one?” There were plenty of homegrown designs available. Some were even quite classy if you ignored those paying tribute to fish and fishing. Who knew you could find such variety in Anchorage? Then again, it was June, the very height of tourist season. “I like the Moose Springsteen one.”

“They’re boring, for one. Too touristy for another. Besides, the invitation says the most obnoxious or sexy tee will win a prize.”

“Right,” Devyn muttered. “Like I’d consider hanging out with a guy who wore one of these.” She glared at a shirt proudly proclaiming Sex Instructor, First Lesson Free. Or here was a classic, Women Cream at the Mention of My Name. Oh yeah.

Not!

With a snort, she turned back to the wall. Why, oh why, did I let Ginger talk me into this? Who did I piss off in the Great Cosmos this time?

Devyn’s eyes just wouldn’t focus as she stared at the wall lined with silkscreen printed cotton shirts. Too many choices. Maybe she should just get the one that said, If It Weren’t for Bad Luck, I’d Have No Luck at All. It would scream loser and have every guy at the party tripping over themselves to stay away from her. That would work. Just like her last two boyfriends.

“Okay, this is it, and I won’t let you talk me out of it.”

Ginger was back and holding up a white shirt, the large letters on the front proclaiming the message, Not Only Am I Perfect, I’m a Redhead Too!

“Fine.” It was at least truthful. She was a redhead, and she was a perfect mess. It would work.

“You could look a little happier.” Ginger tossed her thick ponytail of glossy brown hair back over her shoulder. Devyn was too used to the narrow-eyed glare to be affected by it.

“What did you find for yourself?” Devyn took the shirt and checked the size. “This is too small.”
“No, it isn’t. A large hangs on you like a potato sack. This will show off your most perfect features perfectly.” Ginger snatched the shirt from Devyn’s hand. “I’m buying, so you don’t have a say in the size.”

“Gin, this is ridiculous…” Devyn’s protest fell on deaf ears. Just like all her protests had for the past fifteen years. Inseparable since the age of twelve when they’d shared a desk at school, Devyn should have learned by now that once Ginger declared something was it, that was the end of the argument. Or rather, the end of Ginger listening.

“You’re a 32DD, not a 40D. You can wear the small. Yes, it will be snug, but that’s the whole point!”

“May I at least try it on to be sure it will even go over my head?” Fifteen years had also taught her just the right mixture of sarcasm to push Ginger’s buttons.

“Fine. I want to try on this one for me anyway.” Ginger brandished a hot pink shirt, grabbed Devyn’s arm, and dragged her toward the dressing rooms. “There’s only one open so we can share.”

Just like they always did. Devyn let Ginger push her into the cubicle at the back wall of the store. The louvered door slammed shut behind them, and Ginger threw the small barrel bolt.

“Did you see that guy on the other side of the rack from you?” Ginger whispered as she pulled her tank top over her head.

“No. What about him?” Devyn concentrated on swapping shirts. When she tugged the tight tee into place, she was glad she’d worn a flesh colored spandex bra today. The material of the shirt was so cheap she could almost see the dusky rose color of her nipples. At least the thin fabric of the bra lay flat and didn’t show too much beneath the shirt. The shirt molded to her like a second skin, showing the outline of her body from ribcage to waist, where it stopped just shy of the top of her jeans. A dressmaker could take her measurements and not have to adjust a bit.

“He was checking you out, that’s for sure. I tell ya, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed for eating crackers.” Ginger turned and looked at her figure sideways in the mirror. “Gorgeous. Just the way we like ’em.”

Devyn looked in the mirror. Did Ginger mean the man or the curves emphasized by the tight shirts?

“Tequila makes your clothes fall off?” Devyn read the message on Ginger’s tee.

Ginger met Devyn’s raised eyebrow in the reflection and waggled hers with a naughty giggle. “Damn straight it does.”

“You’re hopeless.” Devyn tried to pull the shirt off. “And this is hopeless. Gin, I told you this was too tight. I’m going to need scissors to get this off!”

“Leave it on. They can cut the tag off. We’re headed straight to the party anyway.”

“You’re kidding, right? I can’t wear this out in public!” The shirt was so tight she felt naked in it. Throw a bucket of water on her and she might as well be naked. Didn’t take much imagination for her to make the leap; wouldn’t take a nanosecond for anyone else to connect with that thought as well.

“Yes. You. Can.” Ginger turned and grabbed her shoulders, nails digging in just enough to make Devyn wince. Yeah, Ginger had her attention. “You’re beautiful. You are not a cow. You are a curvaceous bundle of beauty, and we’re going to show those two asshole ex’s of yours what they tossed away.”

“No.” Icy blood burned through her veins. “No. Tell me Tony and Jack won’t be there tonight.” It felt as if every drop of fluid in Devyn’s body pooled in her churning stomach. Ginger’s grip kept her from crumpling to the floor. This wasn’t happening. It was too soon to face Jack in public, much less with Tony there too.

“Most likely. I’ve been assured this party is the hottest one in town tonight.”

Devyn shook her head but didn’t feel it. She wasn’t in her own body at the moment.

“Devyn Wynne, get a grip on yourself right this minute!”

Ginger’s sharp tone and sharper grip had the effect of a slap across the face. “You said nothing about them being there. I would have refused to go—”

Abruptly softening, Ginger pulled her into a hug. “I know. That’s why we made this stop on our way over there, and why I wanted you to wear the Bitch shirt. Still, this will do just fine because neither one of them could see perfection when they had it in their arms. Bastards.” Ginger released her and spat out the oft-repeated epitaph that described her opinion of the two men Devyn had wasted two years on. One year apiece. The breakup with Jack was the most recent and most painful to date.

“Come on. I know for certain there will be tons of hot men there tonight. You won’t even have to bump into the butt brothers.”

Butt brothers. Devyn’s laugh sounded more like a snort. That worked for her. Neither one of them had ever wanted to fuck her in the ass, but they’d done each other. She shook her head and gathered her purse and discarded shirt. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into these things.”

“Because you have the hottest bod in town.”

“Only because you made me wear jeans that won’t let me breathe and sandals that won’t let me walk like a normal person. Now I look like a slut.” Especially after their two hours spent in the spa right after lunch, which included new hair, new makeup, manicure and pedicure. This shirt was the last touch to the new Devyn. But, hey, it made Ginger happy. Devyn did feel a little better about how she looked.

“A classy slut.” Ginger kissed her on the cheek then pushed her out of the cubicle.

“Gin!” she protested, stumbling in the four-inch sandals Ginger had shoved onto her feet earlier.
She fell against something hard and warm. Strong arms wrapped around her, and a deep chuckle rumbled under her cheek. Devyn’s hands flew out to grasp thick biceps of iron in an effort to regain her balance.

“Whoa there! I got you.”

“Oh, God, I’m so sorry…” her voice trailed off as she looked up into deep brown eyes. Dark, melted chocolate eyes. Sinful, make-a-girl-roll-over-and-beg eyes. Eyes so deep they made her mouth water, her body liquefy, and her inner imp try to think of ways to make him take her over his knee and spank her.

Effortlessly, he lifted her just enough to set her straight on her feet, but he didn’t let go. The way her pulse started pounding it was a good thing. Already shaken by Ginger’s words, any blood remaining in Devyn’s head surely rushed to her pussy and made it throb with aching need. The reaction was so intense that it felt as though the hard seam of her jeans pressed tight between the petals of her labia. All she had to do was rock her hips forward to increase the pressure on her clit and she’d probably climax. Then again, she didn’t seem to be the only one, if the hard protuberance behind her rescuer’s zipper was any indication. The way it pressed against her abdomen was quite obvious.

Large hands grasped her waist as the devil’s eyes stared down at her.

“I’m… I’m awfully sorry…about…th-th-that,” Devyn stammered.

“Why? I’m not.” His deep voice was quiet, the rumble in his chest teasing her hardening nipples.
She was wrong about the location of her blood. All of it rushed to her face, making her feel dizzy for yet another reason, and it made her angry. She was not a blushing virgin, nor was she a dimwitted, ditzy female.

Before she could get worked up, that small, crooked smile of his blasted the rising wind of indignation from her sails.

Ginger left the dressing room and bumped Devyn’s shoulder, jostling her even further into the stranger’s arms. “Well now, this is what I call a fortuitous event.”

Her friend’s amused observation pulled Devyn from her stupor. She stepped back and dropped her gaze, taking in the rest of him before staring at the floor. A crisply-pressed, ivory cotton dress shirt, unbuttoned at the neck, was tucked into black jeans riding low on his hips. Not obscenely tight, they still molded to his lower body in a way that said they were old friends.

“I agree,” the stranger said smoothly. “May I have the pleasure of your name?”

Devyn looked up again. Sun-streaked hair in a variety of shades from warm honey to bleached blond curled over his ears and the collar of his shirt. Warm, just like his tan and burning eyes. High, sculpted cheekbones and a square jaw showing the glint of a golden, five-o’clock shadow. He looked clean and smelled even better with a hint of leathery fragrance clinging to his skin. And tall. Even with her extra four inches of height from the sandals, she still had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. Six-two? Three?

“My silent, yet adorable, friend here is Miss Devyn Wynne. I’m Ginger Gladstone.” Leave it to Ginger to ignore awkward situations and emphasize Devyn’s single state. “And you are?”

One of the warm hands moved from Devyn’s waist to shake Ginger’s hand. “Shane DeVilbiss.” His attention returned to Devyn a moment later. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Wynne.”

Like warmed honey, his voice flowed over her, causing her body temperature to shift once more, this time back to her core as his large hand returned to her waist and pulled her closer. Her fingers flexed as she realized she still gripped his muscular arms.

“Likewise,” she said, and recalled her polite smile. “Now that we’re acquainted, maybe you should release me.”

“I don’t know. I think this style of greeting works just fine.”

“Any friendlier and we’d be in bed.” She laughed weakly. Yeah, she could see him in bed, his dark eyes looking up from between the curtains of her long hair hanging down, her thighs straddling his hard body as he…

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Available January 23 from Cobblestone Press

Morgan Q. O'Reilly
Get Some Tonight
Webpage: http://morganqoreilly.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/morganqoreilly
http://www.myspace.com/themorgandiaries
Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/MorganQO6

More Morgan Books
From Lyrical Press http://www.lyricalpress.com
Frozen ~ Where Ice is Hot ~ In print and ebook
Chinook Wine and Sink Her ~ ebook

Cowboys Dream Too ~ Coming April 2009

Also available at Amazon/Kindle and Mobi Pocket

Empowerment. Ultimately, that’s what my stories are about. Romance, of course - falling in love, fearing the worst, surviving the inevitable black moment when all seems doomed. And suspense, of course - veiled hints of trouble, the no-turning-back moment when the threat must be recognized, and the life-or-death climax that tests the true mettle of my characters.

I’ve never had a hero rescue a heroine, and I suspect I never will. My heroines have their share of troubles. Sometimes, like two of my great-grandparents, they struggle with the shame of being a black sheep in their families or their communities. Sometimes they’ve suffered great trauma and loss. Their stories are about finding hope, believing in their dreams, and reaching inside for the inner strength to deserve (and enthrall) the heroes I write for them. They find their own power and meet their heroes as equals and true partners.

Today seems a fitting day to be talking about empowerment. It’s the 80th birthday of Martin Luther King, even though we don’t celebrate it till we reach January’s “holiday Monday” on the 19th. The very next day, January 20th, will see a huge component of Dr. King’s dream come true when we inaugurate Barak Obama as our nation’s first black president. I grew up in Washington, D.C., and I wish I could be there to participate personally in this momentous event.

But I can still participate in keeping those dreams alive and reaching for the empowerment of every human being - the ones I write, the ones I know personally, the ones I’ll never meet. We all have dreams. As writers, as entertainers, we have the power to offer hope to everyone who reads our words. For me, that’s part of the power of writing the happy ending that’s part of the very definition of romance.

Amanda
http://www.amandaburnsromance.com

At what point do you realize you need a vacation?

At what point do you realize you need a vacation?

Is it while you're busy hacking away for more than two hours at an inch of ice covering your driveway after shoveling snow?

Is it upon realizing that you don't have a free weekend until March--and it's January?

Do you finally realize it by the time your immune system--which is far, far more sensible than you are--decides to take the vacation you won't/can't take and leave you sick in bed for a few days?

Or perhaps when you read a BDSM story like my recent release The Oath, Book 1: Bound and think it'd be great to be tied up not as a sexual thing, but just for the excuse to not do anything for a while?

In all seriousness...writers are notorious for being overworked, but I think that people in general can be overachievers and not know when they need to take a break. As writers, our Muse suffers. Our health suffers. We find ourselves unable to get anything done because the list is so long it's too overwhelming to look at.

When do you recognize the need to take a break, and what do you do about it? If you find it difficult to do so, why do you think that is?



Love & Magic,
-A

Interaction with an editor.

It’s tough for an author to publish with more than one publishing house at a time. I know because I’m with five. I find that each editor wants something different when it comes to editing a manuscript.

Some editor’s will focus on not using too many POV’s and others are solely interested in getting rid of passive voice in a document. Other editors mention that an author should show and not tell.

I’ve been guilty of all of the things listed above, but I’m trying to watch for them as I write each story. I found it’s easier to try to eliminate the mistakes beforehand.

Lately, I’ve tried to work with one publisher at a time and getting to know what the editor wants. This makes for an easier editing process for me.

I have a couple of questions for any author reading this blog. How many have worked with several editors at once? Do their different styles of editing sometimes cause confusion for you?

I’m ending my blog with a little plug for my next release Angel in Blue an M/M due out from www.romancedivine.com in a couple of weeks. Also, check out my last M/M called Secrets published by www.romancedivine.com.


http://www.Mary-Suzanne.blogspot.com

http://www.webspawner.com/users/romancewriter/index.html

Right of Conscience Ruling?

I became aware of this recently and was appalled. The Bush administration came up with this one. This is a new law which basically says that healthcare workers (being anyone working in the medical field: doctors, nurses, custodians, etc.) do not have to do anything which violates their personal, moral or religious beliefs. 

Hmm, okay at first glance this seems okay. I don't want anyone to go against their beliefs right? And then come the complications:

*Oh, I see you are a female married to a female. I'm Baptist and don't believe in that. I don't have to save you from dying now- following my conscience, I can't be sued or held responsible. WTF? (And I don't even curse!)

*Oh, You practice the lifestyle. You're a submissive so you must want to be in pain. I don't think that's right so I'll just withhold your medicine. I'll let you know, of course, but I can't be held responsible if I'm following my conscience.

*Oh, I know you just had a baby and I was supposed to perform a tubal litigation. Did I forget to tell you that I don't believe in women using any type of birth control? I won't be 'fixing' you and you'll have to make an appt. with another doctor. This will cause you major expense and it is always dangerous to open patients up multiple times without having to but- oh well?

Oh, you're a man who sleeps with men? I can't even stomach that. You'll have to find another doctor. Now, I'm the best one in this area for your particular type of problem but I don't have to help you because it's against my own personal morals. 

Okay, I've gone a bit far in making up these stories but have you ever heard that with great power comes great responsibility? I'm not willing to give every healthcare worker this much responsibility. Where does this stop? Can the gas station owner quit selling gas to a certain group of people because they don't practice his religion? Can your child's teacher refuse to have them in his/her classroom because they believe you aren't morally sound? Can the local grocer refuse you entry at the door because you write those naughty books and he/she finds that personally offensive?

I'd better step off of this soap-box before I get pelted with something....made ya think though didn't I? We should all stand up and pay attention when are rights are being taken away!

Kissa