Saskia Walker's Blog, page 134

New publication: THE LIBERTINE is here!

Hurray! It’s US print publication day for THE LIBERTINE, book 2 in my Taskill Witches series. This is the story of Lennox Taskill, an adorable bad boy if ever there was one. :) 
So, the book is coming out in print in the US today. Digital will follow at a later date, so I'll flag that up when it happens. The Australian and UK editions are due out on April 1st. I can aloso now confirm that all three Taskill books will appear in translation in Norway and Sweden during the summer.  An Italian edition of THE LIBERTINE is also due in the summer (THE HARLOT is already out in Italy.) 

His powers could save her from ruin, or guide her swiftly to it...

Lennox Taskill is a dissolute rogue, a powerful witch who some say even trades his enchantments for profit when it pleases him. His only loyalty is to his coven, his disdain for humanity sealed by the searing memory of his mother burning at the stake. So when the wife of a wealthy landlord comes seeking his help, the beguiling Chloris Keavey unwittingly presents Lennox with his greatest opportunity for distraction...and retribution.

By failing to produce an heir, Chloris faces a terrible threat: being turned out by her heartless husband. Now, she vows to get with child, even if it means surrendering her body—and soul—to Lennox’s seductive magic. But with a witch hunt brewing, Lennox and Chloris are soon risking everything for their forbidden nights of ecstasy…and to protect the secret that could cost them their lives

"Walker deftly spins a captivating tale that will have readers holding their collective breath until the last page is turned." ~ Publisher's Weekly.

Find chapter one and buy links here. 
I'm also visting with the saucy Smutketeers today, where there is an excerpt and a book voucher up for grabs. Click on the graphic to fly over. 

A favourite quote from a favourite film...

“But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you. I love you. With all my heart, I love you.”  Alan Moore,  V for Vendetta

Three inspirational guides for aspiring writers

Here are 3 inspirational sources for aspiring writers (and those of us who are published but may need a nudge ;) Check them out.

First up Chuck Wendig's awesome and simple guide to writing a book. (Click on the graphic to read more)




Secondly, once you've used Chuck's guide and have a book to pitch, Harlequin editor Emily Rodmell's guide to pitching your novel is super and works with any genre: The Heart of the Matter: How to Find the Essence of Your Plot in Two Sentences.


Thirdly, if you are writing erotic fiction, you can't do better than pick up Ashley Lister's How to Write Erotic Fiction and Sex Scenes.



Happy writing! :)

Heads up, I'm going to be off line a lot in March

Looking ahead, I won't be online much for the next few weeks – partly hospital stuff and partly because I also have a deadline looming. I'll still do brief publication updates here on the blog, I really wanted to let people know that if you're trying to get in touch it might take me longer to get back to you during that time.
My Witches on Wednesdays blogs will go on hold for the next couple of Wednesdays, but after that they will still go out (all being well…if I miss one it'll come later, promise.)  
Having said that, both THE LIBERTINE and THE JEZEBEL  are out in the next few weeks, so if you're one of my lovely readers you've got two brand new titles available so you're hardly going to miss my daft blogs now are you. ;o)
Stay well and happy reading! 

Summer in Scarborough and Smut by the Sea

[image error] British readers - if you're in the North of England (or you can travel for seaside fun ;) you really need to check out this naughty event that's being held in Scarborough in the summertime. Smut by the Sea promises to be a lot of fun! Plus, you can get a special deal on tickets at the mo:

It’s recently been Valentine’s day and we all looked for something special to give to our loved ones. Sometimes though Valentine’s gifts last for no time at all, flowers wilt, chocolates get eaten, champagne drank. How about treating your other half to a great day out by the sea with extra added smutty fun? Well, we’re offering Smut by the Sea tickets for £7.50 from now until 25 st February 2013. This is a 25% off the usual price. This ticket will get you in to the Smut by the Sea Book launch with free nibbles and a glass of something bubbly plus readings that will get you in the mood for some seaside good loving.

 Smut by the Sea takes place on the 22nd June at Scarborough Library. The event runs all day with readings and an erotic marketplace during the day (10am-4pm), featuring top authors like KD Grace, Janine Ashbless, Victoria Blisse, Lucy Felthouse, Tabitha Rayne, Lexie Bay, Slave Nano and Ruby Kiddell.
 And then the evening will showcase Smut by the Sea volumes 1&2 between 6-9 pm. Pick up tickets for your beloved today and give a gift that will keep on giving! For more details check http://smutbythesea.co.uk and buy your tickets here http://smutbythesea.eventbrite.co.uk/

Publication news: the SUDDEN SEX anthology is on sale

Out early, a brand new collection of erotica! 

I have a BDSM story in this hot and steamy collection of shortie short erotica. This one is called THE POINT OF LEAST RESISTANCE. 

The editor of this new collection – that goddess of erotica, Ms Alison Tyler -- blogged the news with the headline "Suddenly, Sex! On Sale!" which tickled me no end. So, Suddenly, sex, is on sale. Yes! :) 

I adore this cover, one of the best clinches ever, and the book has a superb line up of contributors. Here are the details:

Maybe one of the hidden benefits of everyone being so darn busy is the rise of the quickie! No one writes fresh fiction on quick sex better than Alison Tyler who has probably inspired more time-efficient trysts that any other eroticist. Whether at the office with your boss, in a restaurant restroom or naughty nooners with your long-time love, Tyler's Sudden Sex will have you dialing up a booty call stat!

Alison Tyler says: "My favorite short stories brand new. Crisp and focused, taut and tight. The pieces in this collection are waiting for you to slide them on, button the fly, then turn and admire how well they fit your kink. Because—as everyone who knows me understands by now—I’m all about the kink. This collection features BDSM, spanking, toys, tools, girls gone bad and men who need it just as bad. I’ve assembled stories from writers I’ve worked with for nearly two decades as well as wordsmiths who are new to me. What do the pieces have in common? Each one maxes out at 1500 words. That’s not a lot of small talk. We’ve cut the awkward getting to know you phase and instead parked you right up at the point. We’re past first base, past second, on our way to third. His hand is under your skirt; her palm is on your cock—we’re all adults here—no need to fight the fact that sometimes what we crave is simple: sudden sex."

Take a breath. Bite your lip. Get ready to get off.

Find it on shops or at online retailers including
Amazon.com
Amazon UK

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is filled with love and sexy times. :) 
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If you're shopping for sexy books today, look out for this new release by
my buddy Portia Da Costa! Go here to find out more and read a saucy excerpt.


And don't forget the Valentine's party fun is ongoing over at the Smutketeers!

Witches on Wednesdays 3: the grisly tools of the Witchfinder!

Today I'm sharing some of the grisly tools of the Witchfinder! 

Anyone who has visited Scotland will nod in agreement when I say that the country has the most amazing museums and galleries, most of them with free entry, enabling you to go back several times (as I often do, any excuse.) For lovers of history and those doing research, the past is accessible through these amazing collections.

In terms of the witch trials, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburghhas a superb (and gruesome!) collection. Here are just a few of the pieces.







Thumbscrews and manacles used for interrogating those accused of witchcraft. Often those who were accused were deprived of food and water for long periods of time. They'd be held in stocks, manacles or chains, and then subjected to torture to gain the confession of witchcraft. 

One of the most common used tools to gain confession was the thumbscrews. Here with these two examples we can see what nasty little devices they were.






Branks with a chain, also called "witches bridles." The jagged edge cuts into the skin on the neck to enforce a confession. 

The witches bridle is something that was used in both England and Scotland, and I'll be sharing some the Lancashire artefacts from the Pendle Witch trials later on. 










Thumbscrews with padlock and key, and iron branks with a gag - used by the Kirk particularly to silence women accused of gossip. This awful looking device has a metal strut that sits over the tongue.










Close up of thumbscrews. Nice, huh. 

Seeing these instruments and the stocks and chains was important for me to get into the mindset of those who feared discovery, those were constantly watchful or on the run, as my Taskill witches are.

The history of those times reveals that many innocents were put to death, and in the second book in the series THE LIBERTINE, the heroine, Chloris, finds herself in danger of being presented to the Witchfinder, because of her connection to people who are suspected of witchcraft. She is not a witch herself, and through Chloris I explored how that might happen -- having been helped by a healer, and to have the finger pointed because of that. In the book Chloris has a powerful male witch who loves her deeply and who may or may not be able to rescue her ;) History is there for us to acknowledge, but also to re-imagine, perhaps with a happier ending…

Here's a snippet from THE LIBERTINE:

"Ah, and here she is."  Gavin looked at her from hooded eyes. He pressed his lips together as if he were containing a smile.
"You know what this is about, I wager," Tamhas snapped at her.
Chloris held her head high. "No, I do not. Would you care to enlighten me?"
Tamhas looked enraged by that and he strode over to her, stepping between her and Gavin. When he glowered at her there was a warning in his eyes. "I know that Lennox Fingal has come here, and you would do well to reveal his whereabouts and quickly, lest you get dragged down to hell with him."
Chloris glared back at him. He could rant at her all he wanted, but she was not about to reveal Lennox's whereabouts.
"Speak out, Chloris," Tamhas urged when she did not respond. "Your husband has already summoned the Witchfinder General."
A rushing sound filled her ears and her mouth went dry, her heart hammering in her chest. The Witchfinder? Visions of what they might do if they found Lennox or Jessie filled her thoughts. It could not happen. She would not let them harm her lover or his sister. The very thought that they might get their hands on either one of them made her want to warn him and send him on his way. It was her fault that they had come here. She had to stand between them and their persecutors, there was no question about that. Chloris vowed she would, because she loved him and it pained her deeply to think that he'd come here for her and put himself in such danger.
From behind Tamhas Gavin emerged, approaching her. "Tamhas has explained what happened to you in Saint Andrews. Now I understand why those dreadful changes I discovered in my wife have occurred. You've been consorting with witches, you have been subject to their evil ways." He looked her over with disgust. "I will hand you over to the Witchfinder General without a qualm, for I would rather forfeit my wife in order to have your soul redeemed."
Chloris fought the mad urge to laugh. How well this had played into his hands, she realized. He did not want her to leave him, for that would show him up, but he could play the martyr in front of the whole Burgh if it suited him. People would talk about his brave sacrifice and his position would be maintained. "You can do what you want with me. I will never reveal his whereabouts."
"So it is true, you are in league with a witch." Gavin scrutinized her, calmly. "Well, the Witchfinder will get the information from you. They have some canny tools for the task." He flashed her a brief smile. "Once he puts his thumbscrews on you, you will plead for mercy. When you get none, you will tell him everything he needs to know and then you will sign the confession with your bloodied and broken hand."
How he relished the prospect.
"I will die before I reveal anything," she replied.
Gavin inclined his head. "Your choice."
"Don't be a fool," Tamhas interjected, and raised his hands in a gesture of disbelief. "You cannot sacrifice yourself for one of the devil's slaves."

You can read the first chapter of THE LIBERTINE (the moment Chloris meets Lennox) here.

In a future post I'll talk a bit about law and order during the period. Next week I'll talk a bit about the landscape of the Taskill books, the cities and the adventures of travelling in the early 1700s.

Until then, why not go on a virtual tour of the National Museums of Scotland. 

Love to love you, Baby! The Valentine's party is on.

I'm hanging out with the Smutketeers for Valentine's day and those girls sure know how to party! It's a three day event and it is steeeaming. Head over there for some fun, some red-hot excerpts and prizes to be won every day. Click on the flyer to fly over. :)

Excerpt from THE HARLOT

THE HARLOT is now out and about on bookshelves on three continents! Woohoo! Here's a teaser from the book:

The dark art of desire...

At a time when the cry of 'witchcraft' leads to certain death Jessie's future looks bleak. Until one man offers her a way out of the gutter. Gregor plans to mould Jessie into the perfect weapon: she will seduce - and destroy - his bitterest enemy. But in a society where innocence is for fools, Gregor fails to predict the shattering impact of his own sudden, forbidden craving...

Excerpt: 

The tone of his voice was so commanding that Jessie shivered with arousal. She rocked her bottom on the chair as she straightened up and met his gaze, and the hard surface maddened her aroused flesh. “You are insane!”
“Sit up straight while you are at the table.”
She did so, but flashed him another angry look.
He examined her with mock disappointment, his own acting ability apparently made more wildly dramatic by the situation. “It seems I have to remind why you are here. As you so rightly pointed out a man of wealth and opportunity would prefer an innocent maiden. You assured me that you would be able to seduce him under those circumstances.”
“Not like this.” She glared at him, her fingers clutching at the table edge to keep her from storming off. She didn’t want to do as he instructed, but she did not want to leave, not now. With him looming so close over her, so darkly handsome while he issued instructions, meant all her thoughts were moving in an entirely different direction. He was an arms reach away, but he was denying them both. The fact that she was naked did not help her at all. She felt as if she had walked into a trap.
Jessie turned away and closed her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Do it and you will be rewarded.”
The promise made her blood pump ever faster. She squeezed her thighs together and stared down at the table top in an attempt to keep herself from breaking with his hold on her. It was the hardest thing that she had ever done with her body in such state of arousal, and with him so close at hand and ready to give her exactly what she wanted. But she attempted to force her thoughts together and be what he wanted her to be.
Lifting her head slightly and at the angle he had suggested the day before, she looked at him from under her eyelids, and then widened her eyes as if startled. Forcing her lower lip to tremble, she shifted one hand to her throat. “Forgive me, Sire, you have caught me while I am at breakfast. I will prepare for my day’s chores immediately.”
She expected him to lecture her about manners, but he did not. Silence filled the air between them and along with it the tension mounted.
Cautiously, she lifted her head fully and looked at him, keeping her expression most humble and serious and well-meaning. “How best can I serve you today, Sire?”
His mouth moved, his lips pressed together as if he was trying to restrain from comment, but his eyes told a different story. Black with lust, they covered her with a greedy gaze. Her skin flashed hot and her breathing sped. It was him who was doing battle with his needs now.
Be careful, she reminded herself. He could easily send her to her room, if she did not continue to make an effort.
“You have caught my attention,” he said, his tone more subdued but also more intimate. “You are a good worker and I wish to keep you here in the household.”
“Thank you, Sire. I am most eager to please you and gain a permanent position here.” She blinked at him, being careful to show nothing but innocence.
“But you turn my head, Jessie.”
The statement startled her. For a moment she stared into his eyes, and she knew he wasn’t acting. That made her belly flutter, and she battled to contain her reaction. Blinking hard, she cocked her head slightly. “Me, Sire?”
“Yes.” He stepped closer and touched her hair. “It is your character. Your strange mix of innocence, and candor.”
Jessie’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. It was what his enemy might say, but she knew he was doing this as part of the test. And, as an innocent, she would not notice his erection. Or if she did, she would blush and look away. Steadfastly, she looked only on his face.
She noticed how his expression reflected his mood. Restraint echoed in every part of him. Large and powerful, his naked shoulders overshadowed her. The column of his neck was taut, the muscle standing out. His eyes gleamed darkly.
“Stand up,” he instructed.
Jessie did so, her legs trembling under her. She was so weak with arousal that she swayed unsteadily. She kept her eyelids lowered, attempting to hide the state she was in.
He shoved her chair out of the way and stepped behind her. With one hand on her shoulder he squeezed it. “You are a special girl, Jessie. Do you want to please your new master?”
That question affected her so powerfully that she had to close her eyes. Her lips parted, and her head dropped back. Urging herself to respond, she mustered the appropriate words. “Forgive me, but I am not sure of your meaning, Sire.”
“You have made me want a kiss from your pretty lips.” He touched her hair, stroking its length.
“Sire.” The one word came out breathlessly.
“You have never had a fellow want to kiss you before?”
“Aye, but I did not let him.”
“Then let me show you the path to pleasure, sweet Jessie.”
She bit her lower lip, longing to turn around and face him, yet knowing it would be harder if she did.
He moved closer still, and she felt the bough of his erection at the small of her back. For a moment, she wondered if it was another test. But she knew he wanted the reward as much as she did, that he had been holding back ever since she had approached his bed.
Struggling to find the right words, she mustered a response. “I am frightened, Sire, but I only wish to please my master.”
Silence followed, the tension in the room growing. He was so close that she could feel his breath on her skin.
Eventually, he responded. “Better. Better today, Jessie.”
He kissed her shoulder, and the brush of his mouth on her skin made her want him even more. Then she felt his hand on her waist.
“Bendover the table,” he said, his voice low and yet undeniably commanding.
Those words thrilled her but she took her time, indicating that she was unsure about him, with a shiver and a distraught glance over her shoulder. The look in his eyes assured her he was no longer tutoring her.
This was all about their mutual need.
Immense relief flooded her. She did as he instructed, resting her forearms and her hands on the surface of the table. Her cunny pounded with anticipation and she licked her lips, her mouth turning dry.
Gregor rested his hand between her shoulder blades and eased her completely flat to the table, controlling her still.
“Oh!” Her tender breasts were crushed to its surface, the nipples stinging wildly at the contact.
Then his hands were on her buttocks, stroking them. For a moment she thought he was going to slap her arse, as he had done the day before. She pressed her cheek flat to the table. I shall faint, if he does.
What she wanted was what she didn’t get the day before, and this time there was no hiding that he was ready to give it to her. She wriggled in response to that thought, her hips swaying within his grip....

Find chapter one and more details here.