Clare London's Blog, page 133
January 13, 2011
WIN MY NEW SHORT STORY FOR FREE!
The lovely Chris is returning the blog favour and featuring a giveaway contest for my upcoming short story, Threadbare. Just comment on her post to be entered into the draw, open until Jan 21
RIGHT HERE
.
Buy it in ebook at JMS Books from January 23.
BLURB: When Edward inherits the family textile mill from his deceased parents, he knows where his duty lies. As a young Victorian gentleman, he devotes himself to the family business and doing right by his customers and employees. What concern is it that he surrenders his own artistic ambitions and romantic passions?
But a hideous accident at the mill one day brings him into close contact with Mori, one of his most productive workers, a beautiful yet seemingly delicate and vulnerable young man. Edward takes Mori under his protection, bringing him back to his house. At last, Edward has found a friend and companion. His fascination for Mori grows swiftly into love, and he's drawn out of his quiet introspection into a world of delight and passion.
Yet Mori has a private task that both baffles and concerns Edward: the completion of a stunningly beautiful, abstract tapestry. Edward doesn't understand its significance, Mori's devotion to it, or Mori's strange behaviour when Edward tries to part the man from his mission. Mori loves him in return, he's sure – but can that ever be enough? As Edward is tangled more deeply and irretrievably into the web of Mori's love and mystery, what bittersweet price might he have to pay?
Note: this was previously included in my anthology "Masquerade", which is no longer available.
EXCERPT:
At midnight, I woke suddenly to find my guest out of bed and in my own room. There was only a single candle alight on my bedside table, sweeping large and mysterious shadows around anything that moved. Mori stood at the foot of my bed, barefoot and with the hem of my ridiculously large shirt hanging down below his hips, clutching his tapestry against his chest. I had brought it to my room to examine it further before I retired for the night. Did he think I'd intended to steal it from him?
I sat up in bed slowly, my heart thudding hard with the shock, but I was wary of scaring him in return. "It's safe with me," I said. "Go back to your bed, Mori."
But he didn't move away. He no longer seemed like a nervous, skittish animal. He stood calmly and gazed back at me. "I want to come to your bed," he said, softly. "I want to be safe with you, too."
I didn't know what to do. Is that so shameful, considering my more advanced age and my presumed wisdom? But I couldn't answer him; couldn't move either to encourage or dismiss him. Instead, I watched him lift the coverlet and slip into bed beside me, and I thought I'd cease breathing from the excitement and the fear. He pressed against me as if to meld our bodies together, and I could feel his heart beating under his narrow ribcage. His hand ran down my back and I arched against it. He kissed gently at my jaw, his lips very moist and sticky with his warm, eager breath.
"Mori..." I gasped. "You don't have to."
"I do," he sighed back. "It will make you happy. And it will make me happy."
He'd been obedient and grateful since I brought him home, and for a horrifying moment I thought he might be offering this purely as an obligatory part of his employment. If I were honest, I knew there were plenty of other factory owners who used their employees in such ways, both male and female, sometimes at a shockingly young age. But Mori was old enough to understand this, and I'd also given him the chance to refuse without giving me offence. Hadn't I? He seemed genuine in his desire to be beside me.
He knelt up, his hands stroking underneath my nightshirt, lifting it up over my head. I undressed him in the same way, though my hands were trembling. His eyes glinted in the shadowy dark, gazing at me. His body was smooth and slim, and his skin almost translucent. He was astonishingly beautiful. He kissed my shoulder and he whispered against me, and when he nudged my knees apart with gentle hands and dipped his head down, I felt the wet trail of his saliva along my inner thigh.
I held my breath, hardly daring to hope, and yet so very confused as to what I was hoping for.
His lips slid down over my half-erect cock, taking me into his mouth, hesitantly at first and then more boldly. He licked me, savouring me, and all I could do was listen helplessly to the soft, sucking sounds that came from between my paralysed legs. I felt myself swell in his mouth; felt heat in my groin that consumed me. When I came, I cried out shamelessly, for I'd never known anything like it. I think I gripped his hair too tightly, but he didn't protest. For several long, delicious moments he continued to lick at me, drinking me, caressing me. It was as if he cleaned me of the astonishing burst of hot, thick seed that had been brewing inside me for far too long.
And when he lifted his young head up to mine again, I saw his lips glistening and the pleasure in his half-lidded, smiling eyes.
Buy it in ebook at JMS Books from January 23.
BLURB: When Edward inherits the family textile mill from his deceased parents, he knows where his duty lies. As a young Victorian gentleman, he devotes himself to the family business and doing right by his customers and employees. What concern is it that he surrenders his own artistic ambitions and romantic passions?
But a hideous accident at the mill one day brings him into close contact with Mori, one of his most productive workers, a beautiful yet seemingly delicate and vulnerable young man. Edward takes Mori under his protection, bringing him back to his house. At last, Edward has found a friend and companion. His fascination for Mori grows swiftly into love, and he's drawn out of his quiet introspection into a world of delight and passion.
Yet Mori has a private task that both baffles and concerns Edward: the completion of a stunningly beautiful, abstract tapestry. Edward doesn't understand its significance, Mori's devotion to it, or Mori's strange behaviour when Edward tries to part the man from his mission. Mori loves him in return, he's sure – but can that ever be enough? As Edward is tangled more deeply and irretrievably into the web of Mori's love and mystery, what bittersweet price might he have to pay?
Note: this was previously included in my anthology "Masquerade", which is no longer available.
EXCERPT:
At midnight, I woke suddenly to find my guest out of bed and in my own room. There was only a single candle alight on my bedside table, sweeping large and mysterious shadows around anything that moved. Mori stood at the foot of my bed, barefoot and with the hem of my ridiculously large shirt hanging down below his hips, clutching his tapestry against his chest. I had brought it to my room to examine it further before I retired for the night. Did he think I'd intended to steal it from him?
I sat up in bed slowly, my heart thudding hard with the shock, but I was wary of scaring him in return. "It's safe with me," I said. "Go back to your bed, Mori."
But he didn't move away. He no longer seemed like a nervous, skittish animal. He stood calmly and gazed back at me. "I want to come to your bed," he said, softly. "I want to be safe with you, too."
I didn't know what to do. Is that so shameful, considering my more advanced age and my presumed wisdom? But I couldn't answer him; couldn't move either to encourage or dismiss him. Instead, I watched him lift the coverlet and slip into bed beside me, and I thought I'd cease breathing from the excitement and the fear. He pressed against me as if to meld our bodies together, and I could feel his heart beating under his narrow ribcage. His hand ran down my back and I arched against it. He kissed gently at my jaw, his lips very moist and sticky with his warm, eager breath.
"Mori..." I gasped. "You don't have to."
"I do," he sighed back. "It will make you happy. And it will make me happy."
He'd been obedient and grateful since I brought him home, and for a horrifying moment I thought he might be offering this purely as an obligatory part of his employment. If I were honest, I knew there were plenty of other factory owners who used their employees in such ways, both male and female, sometimes at a shockingly young age. But Mori was old enough to understand this, and I'd also given him the chance to refuse without giving me offence. Hadn't I? He seemed genuine in his desire to be beside me.
He knelt up, his hands stroking underneath my nightshirt, lifting it up over my head. I undressed him in the same way, though my hands were trembling. His eyes glinted in the shadowy dark, gazing at me. His body was smooth and slim, and his skin almost translucent. He was astonishingly beautiful. He kissed my shoulder and he whispered against me, and when he nudged my knees apart with gentle hands and dipped his head down, I felt the wet trail of his saliva along my inner thigh.
I held my breath, hardly daring to hope, and yet so very confused as to what I was hoping for.
His lips slid down over my half-erect cock, taking me into his mouth, hesitantly at first and then more boldly. He licked me, savouring me, and all I could do was listen helplessly to the soft, sucking sounds that came from between my paralysed legs. I felt myself swell in his mouth; felt heat in my groin that consumed me. When I came, I cried out shamelessly, for I'd never known anything like it. I think I gripped his hair too tightly, but he didn't protest. For several long, delicious moments he continued to lick at me, drinking me, caressing me. It was as if he cleaned me of the astonishing burst of hot, thick seed that had been brewing inside me for far too long.
And when he lifted his young head up to mine again, I saw his lips glistening and the pleasure in his half-lidded, smiling eyes.
THE COCHRANE CODE!
Today's guest is another fellow Brit, the talented author
![[info]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380442897i/1319734.gif)
charliecochrane
. She's sharing some of her special family sayings and jokes. I suspect many of us have similar examples, including me - and I'm going to embarrass myself with some of them in the comments... :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bio: As Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice - like managing a rugby team - she writes. Her favourite genre is gay fiction, predominantly historical romances/mysteries, but she's making an increasing number of forays into the modern day. She's even been known to write about gay werewolves, albeit highly respectable ones.
She was named Author of the Year 2009 by the review site
Charlie's Cambridge Fellows Mysteries Series, set in Edwardian England, is available through Samhain, and she has stories in the anthologies 'Encore Encore', 'Past Shadows', 'I Do' and 'I Do Two' (MLR), 'Queer Wolf' (Queered Fiction), 'Speak Its Name' (Cheyenne) and 'Last Gasp' (Noble).
Charlie's website.
Charlies's email: cochrane.charlie2@googlemail.com
Samhain buy link (be patient, as they're currently updating their bookstore) here.
Charlie's Author Page at Amazon.com.
***
I was inspired by1more_sickpuppy's post about local sayings; it made me think about the things we say chez Cochrane, and whether they're unique to us. Some of them must be – I can't imagine any other family says "Go for it, Marjorie!" when one of us wants to attempt something ambitious.
That comes from way back in prehistory, my in-laws playing golf with friends and the aforesaid Marjorie being urged by her hubby to attempt an impossible shot. Now it's part of Cochrane folklore, as is the (also golf based) exhortation to "Keep walking!" (or, in its full form, "In the words of your uncle, keep walking!", used when we need to get away from the scene of the crime, either ours or someone else's. Refers to a wayward golf shot which flew over a fence and bounced along a row of parked cars.
I'm fairly certain other people use the expression, "I haven't laughed so much since we mowed the cat" or its variation, "I haven't laughed so much since Granny caught her tit in the wringer." The cat expression usually goes into its fuller form:
"I haven't laughed so much since we mowed the cat."
"We haven't got a cat."
"Not since we mowed it."
Can't help feeling we got that from a comedy show, as we got other Cochrane catch phrases. There's ne'er a spillage in the household without a cry of, "Granville! Fetch a cloth." Or,"M-m-moppet, poppet." Both of them from 'Open All Hours', along with the classic line we employ, especially regarding women and rugby players, "She was molesting his hands with her body."
How many other families (there must be lots of them) can't help saying - when an ambulance goes past, blues and twos going – "He'll never sell any ice-cream going at that speed!"? Eric Morecambe...we love you.
Clearly some 'in-house' expressions are almost a code, indecipherable to the outside world, a sort of shorthand to save long winded explanation. All Cochranes know where 'The place we swam outside in the rain' is and 'the place which has chickens which doesn't have chickens any more' makes sense to us. "The day Dad was mugging people" refers to an incident when no-one was actually mugged; we were in a hotel lobby, awaiting a taxi and Mr C looked like he was about to molest strangers and force them to take us to the airport.
Exaggeration, skilful embroidering of the tale, is part of the fun. "The day Mary Parkinson chatted up Dad," refers to nothing more heated than her asking him for the golf score and a brief discussion of the virtues of Messrs Woosnam and Faldo. "The day Mum got drunk and set the restaurant on fire," is a vile embellishment of an incident involving one or two glasses of wine and a mild incendiary incident.
Anyone want to share their own in-house argot?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel frommickieashling.
JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations fromessayel.
JAN 10: New menage release fromlc_chase.
JAN 11: Fabulous mix of SF and erotic romance from Sloane Taylor and Robert Appleton.
JAN 12: Follow the bizarre photographic history of Wind in Hair Guy withegret17.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons fromluscious_words.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! bychrissymunder.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' withstevie_carroll.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from1more_sickpuppy.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone fromangelasstone.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires authorsandra_lindsey.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, withdiannefox and anahcrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
charliecochrane
. She's sharing some of her special family sayings and jokes. I suspect many of us have similar examples, including me - and I'm going to embarrass myself with some of them in the comments... :)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bio: As Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice - like managing a rugby team - she writes. Her favourite genre is gay fiction, predominantly historical romances/mysteries, but she's making an increasing number of forays into the modern day. She's even been known to write about gay werewolves, albeit highly respectable ones.
She was named Author of the Year 2009 by the review site
Charlie's Cambridge Fellows Mysteries Series, set in Edwardian England, is available through Samhain, and she has stories in the anthologies 'Encore Encore', 'Past Shadows', 'I Do' and 'I Do Two' (MLR), 'Queer Wolf' (Queered Fiction), 'Speak Its Name' (Cheyenne) and 'Last Gasp' (Noble).
Charlie's website.
Charlies's email: cochrane.charlie2@googlemail.com
Samhain buy link (be patient, as they're currently updating their bookstore) here.
Charlie's Author Page at Amazon.com.
***
I was inspired by
1more_sickpuppy's post about local sayings; it made me think about the things we say chez Cochrane, and whether they're unique to us. Some of them must be – I can't imagine any other family says "Go for it, Marjorie!" when one of us wants to attempt something ambitious. That comes from way back in prehistory, my in-laws playing golf with friends and the aforesaid Marjorie being urged by her hubby to attempt an impossible shot. Now it's part of Cochrane folklore, as is the (also golf based) exhortation to "Keep walking!" (or, in its full form, "In the words of your uncle, keep walking!", used when we need to get away from the scene of the crime, either ours or someone else's. Refers to a wayward golf shot which flew over a fence and bounced along a row of parked cars.
I'm fairly certain other people use the expression, "I haven't laughed so much since we mowed the cat" or its variation, "I haven't laughed so much since Granny caught her tit in the wringer." The cat expression usually goes into its fuller form:
"I haven't laughed so much since we mowed the cat."
"We haven't got a cat."
"Not since we mowed it."
Can't help feeling we got that from a comedy show, as we got other Cochrane catch phrases. There's ne'er a spillage in the household without a cry of, "Granville! Fetch a cloth." Or,"M-m-moppet, poppet." Both of them from 'Open All Hours', along with the classic line we employ, especially regarding women and rugby players, "She was molesting his hands with her body."
How many other families (there must be lots of them) can't help saying - when an ambulance goes past, blues and twos going – "He'll never sell any ice-cream going at that speed!"? Eric Morecambe...we love you.
Clearly some 'in-house' expressions are almost a code, indecipherable to the outside world, a sort of shorthand to save long winded explanation. All Cochranes know where 'The place we swam outside in the rain' is and 'the place which has chickens which doesn't have chickens any more' makes sense to us. "The day Dad was mugging people" refers to an incident when no-one was actually mugged; we were in a hotel lobby, awaiting a taxi and Mr C looked like he was about to molest strangers and force them to take us to the airport.
Exaggeration, skilful embroidering of the tale, is part of the fun. "The day Mary Parkinson chatted up Dad," refers to nothing more heated than her asking him for the golf score and a brief discussion of the virtues of Messrs Woosnam and Faldo. "The day Mum got drunk and set the restaurant on fire," is a vile embellishment of an incident involving one or two glasses of wine and a mild incendiary incident.
Anyone want to share their own in-house argot?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling.JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel.JAN 10: New menage release from
lc_chase.JAN 11: Fabulous mix of SF and erotic romance from Sloane Taylor and Robert Appleton.
JAN 12: Follow the bizarre photographic history of Wind in Hair Guy with
egret17.JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox and anahcrow.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 12, 2011
WINNER of Mickie B. Ashling's new book
Congratulations to
essayel
. You won a copy of
mickieashling
's new book Tono, due out on the 14th.Please email me or Mickie through LiveJournal or our own emails, and Mickie will get a copy to you as soon as it's released.
Thanks to everyone for taking part in the draw and/or commenting just for fun!
♥
(winner randomly picked by son#2 drawing a number out of an empty biscuit tin, and he's still rolling his eyes at me)
OUR TRAVELS WITH WIND IN HAIR GUY...
Today's guest is avid reader, blogger, and wondrous LinkMistress Chris of the blog
Stumbling Over Chaos
.
*prods you* Subscribe NOW to find out what's going on in the world of fiction and fun! And she also offers regular contests for FREE new fiction downloads :).
Ever run your gaze over a line of book covers and done a double take? Ever wondered why that guy in the hero's arms looks so darned familiar? Chris runs an amusing series called Adventures in Stock Photography where she exposes (unintentional pun, despite the torso covers) the most popular, most accommodating, most flexible (!), most used-n-abused stock photo models.
Once upon a time...
I had a cover I adored (well, I still do LOL). This man is Maen of Branded to the life - the strong muscular body and superb pecs; the determined gaze that reflects his personal courage, honour and integrity; the hint of protectiveness towards his younger lover Dax and the shade in his eyes of his innate, yet carefully controlled sensitivity... Oh, and *extra delight*, the simple gold earring, the badge of his rank as a perfect and loyal Gold Warrior.
*sighs happily*
And then ... Chris started to post some other covers. With amusing commentary, fond admiration and a good dose of tongue-in-cheek. And with that same, rather-too-accommodating model! What's that all about, I thought, pouting? But then I had to laugh. And have gone on laughing, as she's featured several popular models the same way. I know I have over 25 examples so far of "Maen's" path through book-cover-land, and I suspect Chris has many, MANY more :).
Sit back and enjoy a fun taste of that journey! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I used to internet date. Now I read blogs instead. Knitting, reading, bicycling, and cat parenting. It's a wild life.
Welcome to another edition of the Misadventures in Stock Photography! I'm sure we all remember Wind-in-Hair Guy (WiHG), right? Wait, what?! You haven't heard of the Misadventures in Stock Photography, much less Wind-in-Hair Guy?!
Um. Well. That's rather embarrassing, isn't it?
I started the Misadventures in Stock Photography over a year ago and it's since become a regular Monday feature on my blog. Initially, I would just post examples (usually ebook covers) of cover models being used over and over and over. At some point, I started writing strange little narratives using the book titles. You can hover your mouse over each image to see the title as I used it in my narrative.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.
JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.
JAN 10: New menage release from
lc_chase
.
JAN 11: Fabulous mix of SF and erotic romance from Sloane Taylor and Robert Appleton.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
*prods you* Subscribe NOW to find out what's going on in the world of fiction and fun! And she also offers regular contests for FREE new fiction downloads :).
Ever run your gaze over a line of book covers and done a double take? Ever wondered why that guy in the hero's arms looks so darned familiar? Chris runs an amusing series called Adventures in Stock Photography where she exposes (unintentional pun, despite the torso covers) the most popular, most accommodating, most flexible (!), most used-n-abused stock photo models.
Once upon a time...
I had a cover I adored (well, I still do LOL). This man is Maen of Branded to the life - the strong muscular body and superb pecs; the determined gaze that reflects his personal courage, honour and integrity; the hint of protectiveness towards his younger lover Dax and the shade in his eyes of his innate, yet carefully controlled sensitivity... Oh, and *extra delight*, the simple gold earring, the badge of his rank as a perfect and loyal Gold Warrior.
*sighs happily*
And then ... Chris started to post some other covers. With amusing commentary, fond admiration and a good dose of tongue-in-cheek. And with that same, rather-too-accommodating model! What's that all about, I thought, pouting? But then I had to laugh. And have gone on laughing, as she's featured several popular models the same way. I know I have over 25 examples so far of "Maen's" path through book-cover-land, and I suspect Chris has many, MANY more :).
Sit back and enjoy a fun taste of that journey! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I used to internet date. Now I read blogs instead. Knitting, reading, bicycling, and cat parenting. It's a wild life.
Welcome to another edition of the Misadventures in Stock Photography! I'm sure we all remember Wind-in-Hair Guy (WiHG), right? Wait, what?! You haven't heard of the Misadventures in Stock Photography, much less Wind-in-Hair Guy?!
Um. Well. That's rather embarrassing, isn't it?
I started the Misadventures in Stock Photography over a year ago and it's since become a regular Monday feature on my blog. Initially, I would just post examples (usually ebook covers) of cover models being used over and over and over. At some point, I started writing strange little narratives using the book titles. You can hover your mouse over each image to see the title as I used it in my narrative.
Shall we begin? Keep an eye out for Photoshop misuse - you'll see a hairstyle change and a complete body change!
, once famed as
, had become ensnared in a
while taking a break to read
. As a result, he was
by
when he admitted, "
."
The end.
If you'd like to see more of WiHG, he's been in two previous (and longer) Misadventures.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.JAN 10: New menage release from
lc_chase
.JAN 11: Fabulous mix of SF and erotic romance from Sloane Taylor and Robert Appleton.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 11, 2011
SCI-FI MEETS EROTIC ROMANCE - AND TRIUMPHS!
Another two-for-one today, when we welcome authors Sloane Taylor and Robert Appleton. Successful in their own right, they have just released the co-authored Claire De Lune, a sci-fi mystery and erotic romance.
Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives, which carry over into her books. Her stories are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. A true romantic, the women Sloane writes will bring more than lust to their men's lives.
Born and raised in Chicago, Sloane and Studly, her mate for life, split their time between a home in Illinois and a weekend cottage on the back roads of Indiana...or you can catch up with her as she travels though Europe, researching new material.
To learn more about Sloane and her writing, please visit her at her website or MySpace . Sloane loves to hear from readers. Feel free to email her at sloanetaylor@comcast.net.
While Robert Appleton's favoured genre is Science Fiction, his diverse list of published stories ranges from a Victorian Steampunk Mystery to a crocodile attack set during WW2 (based on true events). He currently writes for several major digital publishers. To date, he has nineteen titles under contract, including three novels and several novellas.
Robert lives in Bolton, Northwest England. When not writing, he loves to kayak whenever he can (not often enough), underachieve at soccer with his long-standing 5-a-side team, and climb the occasional mountain. His favourite authors include Patrick O'Brian, H. Rider Haggard, Ian Fleming, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Evelyn Waugh, and H.G. Wells. He is also a film buff (with a degree to prove it) who adores Harryhausen, Spielberg, and Oliver Stone.
To learn more about Robert, visit his Website or swing by his blog .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLAIRE DE LUNE
You are invited to the galaxy's most prestigious beauty pageant. Swimwear optional. Romance and danger...fully provided...
Cocky young Detectives Gerry Rappeneau and Sebastian Thorpe-Campbell arrive at the premier lunar resort expecting a week of eye candy and long massages. One contestant, Evelyn Lyons, has been attacked, and her assailant is now dead. It's surely a simple case of a stalker-gone-mad, as nothing bad has ever happened at the Selene contest before—or so the brochure says.
The assassin, however, turns out to be a horrific hybrid of man and feral beast. No one seems to know where it came from or why, including the wily resort administrator who's desperate to keep the whole thing under wraps. The closer Gerry gets to Evelyn, the more certain he is she's hiding something. His meticulous character sparks with her wild, sassy nature, and they soon embark on a torrid affair. But their forbidden romance isn't the only thing set to ignite in Pont de Reves.
Sebastian's infatuation with demure beauty Claire Villiers, another mysterious contestant who may or may not be connected to the case, threatens to put all four of them in harm's way. With a half-billion-credit purse up for grabs, this year's pageant is the focus of a hundred worlds. And beauty isn't the only thing in the eye of the beholder.
A deadly trail of corporate conspiracy, monstrous assassins and hot bikini wax is more than anyone bargained for in this incendiary erotic mystery. Get ready for some serious heat on the dark side of the moon...
EXCERPT:
Evelyn's self-esteem soared like a rocket as she gazed into Gerry's eyes. All the need and desire that filled him shone through. She liked him, maybe more if she were honest, and had wanted him from the moment his pompous ass walked into her hotel room. Being with him and initiating sex tonight was the right thing for her to do.
Gerry wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Damn, his hard chest felt good against her achy boobs, but not as good as his rigid cock nestling into her belly.
"Evie—"
"Don't talk."
He nodded and traced his index finger along her bottom lip. She nipped the tip, then sucked it in, tonguing the pad until he groaned.
"Ah, Ev—" He caught her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that ignited her.
His tongue toyed against the seam of her mouth, then delved in, a beautiful taste of wine and herbs, lapping and swirling until her knees trembled. With a regretful sigh, she pulled away.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No talking. It's my little quirk." She tapped his mouth, then took his hand and led him to the sand. After she stooped, she patted the ground, inviting him to join her.
Evelyn rose up on her knees and combed her hands down his chest, flicking his nipples until they sprang to life. Intrigued, she swiped her tongue over her dry lips and leaned into him, licking and sucking the copper-colored discs.
She continued lower to the blond tuft cradling his cock. Gently, she glided her thumb over his swollen head, teasing the drops of pre-cum from the slit to the sensitive underside. Her other hand cupped his balls, rolling the tight sacs with her fingers, taking pleasure in her teasing.
His hips jerked with each touch. Through hooded eyes, he watched, but did as she had requested and maintained silence.
On a rush of air, she gave his lips a quick peck and eased over him, holding her thighs tight against his frame. Heat emanated from his body, soothing and stimulating, a new awareness she longed to experience more than once.
Her breasts swayed close to his mouth. He stretched up and tweaked her pebbled nipples with his thumbs and index fingers. Cuddling them together, he licked and suckled the sensitive tips, first one, then the other. A deep shiver rocketed through her, increasing the ache low in her belly.
She teased his cock along her nether lips, loving the feel of his hot flesh grazing against her clit. In slow motion, she edged onto his shaft, savoring the inches that penetrated her wet vagina.
He rocked into her, clutching her hips, holding her in place. She locked her hands around his wrists and pulled them away, the need to set the pace paramount.
"This is so sexy I don't want to come," he bit out through clenched teeth.
"I do." She slapped his hip. "Again and again."
Buy the ebook here .
Buy the Paperback Here .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And for EXTRA fun, here's a recent interview that Sloane and Rob did at Melissa's Imaginarium . I loved reading it because of the insight it gives into how the two authors work - and play! - together.
Rob, you're in the UK and Sloane, here in the States, how did you connect? What was that initial first contact like?
Rob: We both signed with the same publisher a few years back, and while Sloane was promoting one of her Naughty Ladies of Nice books, I stopped by and suggested we co-write a science fiction entry in the series, just for a laugh. I came up with the title Claire de Lune immediately—French, SF-ish, oh-so exotic. And it stuck. After I read one of her books and saw how explosive that genre could be, I knew I had to pen something a little spicier than my usual output. Heck, it was only erotic, right? I mean we all know any bored housewife can write that stuff (um, not that I wear an apron or anything). Little did I realise how difficult it is to write high quality erotic.
Sloane: It was love at first keystroke.:) We once wrote for the same publisher and connected on a group chat. Rob and his wry sense of humor, which is just as sick as mine, stole my heart. He off-handedly joked we should write a book together. The chat ended and that was that, until three years later when he emailed with an enticing offer to co-author Claire De Lune. Best decision I've made in a long time.
Both of you are established in such diverse genres. What was it about the other's writing that made you decide to co-author a book together? Who approached who?
Sloane: I'd read several of Rob's books before we ever discussed collaborating. His imagination, world building and quick wit swept me into a genre I'd not read before. When he suggested we work together, I had to agree.
Rob: After I'd finished a fairly mild first draft, I realised I'd fallen short of my initial vision for the project. The mystery more or less worked and I was really pleased with the sci-fi elements, but the Sloane Taylor sparkle, that hot magic permeating the characters, was missing. I'd gotten so wrapped up in the mystery and the male camaraderie that I'd given the female characters short shrift. And no one writes spunky, sexy women like Sloane. So I asked her to jump on board. Luckily, she said yes, and a full freaking year later we got started. :winks:
I've been told with writing duos, one person usually takes the lead creatively, the other editorially. Did your partnership break down this way or was it more fifty-fifty?
Rob: Hmm, how can I answer this without sounding whiny and getting a slap, or being an arch chauvinist (and getting a slap)? Sloane got the ball rolling on the editing well before we started adding scenes. We both came up with new sub-plots for her main character, Evelyn Lyons. And from then on, it was pretty much fifty-fifty.
Sloane: Rob's the creative genius. I just follow behind like all good women should. Excuse me while I vomit.:) Actually, he is a brilliant writer. Plot line, creating new worlds and weaving in suspense is Rob's forte. Me – I'm the comma queen and browbeat him to follow the rules of writing.
How difficult was it to mesh your distinctive styles into a single cohesive voice? Was there ever a point where either of you wanted to smash the other into tiny unrecognizable bits?
Rob: You see those partial people on our book cover? Well, they're all that's physically left of the two writers of this book. As you can see, I came off worst.
Sloane: Haven't a clue how it meshed, but somehow it just worked. I never felt that way, but I sure bet Rob did! Good thing we live an ocean apart. I'm a real pain in the ass since I've turned procrastination into an art form. Groan.
Rob, some of your other stories contain elements of romance, what made you decide that Claire de Lune in particular needed a more erotic take?
It's weird because I never intended to write any romance at all. It just kind of happened because I love writing women and felt those characters were incomplete without some kind of romantic pursuit. With Claire de Lune, the whole project was inspired by contemporary erotic romance. I really enjoyed that mix of sassy repartee and steamy, character-driven sex in Sloane's books. But the sensuality more than the sex is what intrigued me. Claire de Lune was always meant to be sensual sci-fi with an exotic/erotic atmosphere.
Sloane, your stories are firmly grounded in the here and now, what was it about this tale that compelled you to venture into unexplored territory? Was it difficult stepping into a such totally unfamiliar genre?
Rob had created strong, diverse characters that came alive on the page. It was easy to fall in love with them. I'm a romantic through and through and had no problem with sci-fi sex. I believe in love and enjoy writing it no matter where in the galaxy the couple may be.:)
Rob, you are a sci fi writer. What is your take on the place of romance and erotica within the genre amongst the more hard core and straight sci fi?
That's a fabulous question, and unfortunately one I don't have enough space to answer. On the face of it, those genres—sci-fi and romance/erotica—are opposites and incompatible. One is predominantly male, the other female; one tends toward heartless intellectualism, the other toward neurotic female thinking. The readerships are almost proverbially divided. So when you're meshing the two genres, you have to tone down the extremes. Don't eliminate the hard science, use it sparingly; don't have the characters boinking every other page, make those clinches count. It's an extremely hard balance to find but it can be done.
My personal preference is for science fiction stories with romantic/erotic elements as opposed to romances where the sci-fi is just a backdrop. In my opinion, particularly when the stakes are life or death, characters should think about survival first, boinking second. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in book of this type.
Sloane, as an erotica writer, what would you say is the biggest misconception that people have regarding this genre?
Too many people misconstrue erotica for porn and it pisses me off. Love and sex are beautiful natural emotions/reactions and as far from porn as the moon to the Earth. Erotica is the expression of love through a sexual act. Porn has nothing to do with love. It depicts acts in a sensational manner to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction.
What surprised you the most about working with each other? How has it impacted your own individual writing?
Rob: I think it's made my writing more concise, a little crisper off the bat. My natural inclination is toward over-description, and I love laid-back Victorian prose. So having a ruthlessly contemporary style to brush up against really shook my purple prose loose. Of course, I'm writing a Victorian-age steampunk now, so round and round we go…
Sloane: I like sci-fi! Working with Rob is easy and I'm grateful he's patient. Our experience has taught me to be more careful of details and dig deeper into my characters lives.
Based on your experience with each other, would you collaborate with other authors if approached?
Rob: Any time. Send me what you got. :winks: But I'd think twice about working with stinky Sloane, if I were you. She swears like a Tarantino gangster and has a drinking problem.
Sloane: Not a snowball's chance on the sun. I enjoy working with Rob because he doesn't push even though I gave him carte blanche to spank me when I screw around. But he has to use the new whips. LOL
What other genres would either of you consider attempting that you have not tried before?
Sloane: I'd love to write a mainstream mystery in first person. I've been toying with one for a year and haven't built up enough courage to plunge in.:)
Rob: I'd love to write a full-on haunted house horror. Immediately, in fact. And I've always wanted to write a medieval novel. After sci-fi, history is my big reading passion. I'd also like try my hand at a real-life disaster/survival novel—ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances absolutely fascinate me, especially when the forces of nature are involved.
What's next for both of you? Are there plans to continue your collaboration any time soon? Will there be a sequel to Claire De Lune?
Sloane: Take it away, Rob.
Rob: Not a sequel, no, but a kinda/sorta prequel featuring our favourite secondary character from CDL—the pageant doctor, Grace Peters. It will be risky and quip-laden and there will be much sci-fi sauciness. After that, we'll have to consult our horoscopes. I believe we share the same star sign—Sagittarius. Unfortunately, Sloane may have priced me out of the market by then (her 900 number is killing mine).
Who are your major writing influences? Who or what inspired you to start writing?
Sloane: Too many influences to mention, Melissa. It can be the small thing that sets my mind to wandering.:) I'd never considered writing until seven years after the death of my second husband. Days went by and all these images like a silent movie flooded my brain. They drove me crazy until I finally wrote them down just to find some peace. After Beth Anderson, a dear friend and published author, used her infamous two by four those words became my first book Teddi Turns On. Since then life's been good.:)
Rob: I would have to say the great Victorian speculative/adventure fiction writers inspired and influenced me the most. H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and H. Rider Haggard wrote many of my favourite works of imagination ever. Haggard's 'King Solomon's Mines' and 'She' in particular are biggies. Also, Edgar Rice Burroughs' 'John Carter of Mars' was a huge influence on me. Somewhere inside, my twelve-year-old self is turning zero-g cartwheels celebrating what I get paid to write.
Aside from writing, what are some of you other passions and pursuits? I know Sloane is an avid cook and Rob, you are quite the sportsman.
Rob: I play 5-a-side soccer every week, which is insanely paced, so I mustn't be as unfit as I sometimes think. Kayaking is a great pastime but our family trips have dried up a bit these last few years. I'm also a big-time movie geek who loves old swashbucklers and 1950's sci-fi. And anything directed by Oliver Stone.
Sloane: I love to garden in the spring and hate it when the bugs invade. I grow all my own green beans, tomatoes and herbs. Throughout the season I freeze them to use all winter long. It's a treat to have spaghetti gravy made from our garden goodies in January.
Do you have any favorite indulgences that might surprise your readers?
Sloane: Murder and mayhem. Love them. There's nothing better than curling up with a good mystery book or TV program late at night.
Rob: holds up his Schwarzengger collection for protection: Okay, okay, so I was first in line to watch 'You've Got Mail' when it came out. What can I say? I like feel-good rom-coms. I also can't get enough of sappy supernatural TV show 'Ghost Whisperer', but the reason might not be so surprising. Three words: Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Finally, what do you hope readers take away from your works?
Rob: Food for thought, a feast for the imagination, and a taste for more.
Sloane: Good question and one that made me think. I want readers to know there is still romance in our universe and it's there for each and every one of us when we least expect it.
Thanks to Sloane and Robert!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.
JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.
JAN 10: New menage release from
lc_chase
.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives, which carry over into her books. Her stories are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. A true romantic, the women Sloane writes will bring more than lust to their men's lives.
Born and raised in Chicago, Sloane and Studly, her mate for life, split their time between a home in Illinois and a weekend cottage on the back roads of Indiana...or you can catch up with her as she travels though Europe, researching new material.
To learn more about Sloane and her writing, please visit her at her website or MySpace . Sloane loves to hear from readers. Feel free to email her at sloanetaylor@comcast.net.
While Robert Appleton's favoured genre is Science Fiction, his diverse list of published stories ranges from a Victorian Steampunk Mystery to a crocodile attack set during WW2 (based on true events). He currently writes for several major digital publishers. To date, he has nineteen titles under contract, including three novels and several novellas.
Robert lives in Bolton, Northwest England. When not writing, he loves to kayak whenever he can (not often enough), underachieve at soccer with his long-standing 5-a-side team, and climb the occasional mountain. His favourite authors include Patrick O'Brian, H. Rider Haggard, Ian Fleming, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Evelyn Waugh, and H.G. Wells. He is also a film buff (with a degree to prove it) who adores Harryhausen, Spielberg, and Oliver Stone.
To learn more about Robert, visit his Website or swing by his blog .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLAIRE DE LUNE
You are invited to the galaxy's most prestigious beauty pageant. Swimwear optional. Romance and danger...fully provided...
Cocky young Detectives Gerry Rappeneau and Sebastian Thorpe-Campbell arrive at the premier lunar resort expecting a week of eye candy and long massages. One contestant, Evelyn Lyons, has been attacked, and her assailant is now dead. It's surely a simple case of a stalker-gone-mad, as nothing bad has ever happened at the Selene contest before—or so the brochure says.
The assassin, however, turns out to be a horrific hybrid of man and feral beast. No one seems to know where it came from or why, including the wily resort administrator who's desperate to keep the whole thing under wraps. The closer Gerry gets to Evelyn, the more certain he is she's hiding something. His meticulous character sparks with her wild, sassy nature, and they soon embark on a torrid affair. But their forbidden romance isn't the only thing set to ignite in Pont de Reves.
Sebastian's infatuation with demure beauty Claire Villiers, another mysterious contestant who may or may not be connected to the case, threatens to put all four of them in harm's way. With a half-billion-credit purse up for grabs, this year's pageant is the focus of a hundred worlds. And beauty isn't the only thing in the eye of the beholder.
A deadly trail of corporate conspiracy, monstrous assassins and hot bikini wax is more than anyone bargained for in this incendiary erotic mystery. Get ready for some serious heat on the dark side of the moon...
EXCERPT:
Evelyn's self-esteem soared like a rocket as she gazed into Gerry's eyes. All the need and desire that filled him shone through. She liked him, maybe more if she were honest, and had wanted him from the moment his pompous ass walked into her hotel room. Being with him and initiating sex tonight was the right thing for her to do.
Gerry wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Damn, his hard chest felt good against her achy boobs, but not as good as his rigid cock nestling into her belly.
"Evie—"
"Don't talk."
He nodded and traced his index finger along her bottom lip. She nipped the tip, then sucked it in, tonguing the pad until he groaned.
"Ah, Ev—" He caught her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that ignited her.
His tongue toyed against the seam of her mouth, then delved in, a beautiful taste of wine and herbs, lapping and swirling until her knees trembled. With a regretful sigh, she pulled away.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No talking. It's my little quirk." She tapped his mouth, then took his hand and led him to the sand. After she stooped, she patted the ground, inviting him to join her.
Evelyn rose up on her knees and combed her hands down his chest, flicking his nipples until they sprang to life. Intrigued, she swiped her tongue over her dry lips and leaned into him, licking and sucking the copper-colored discs.
She continued lower to the blond tuft cradling his cock. Gently, she glided her thumb over his swollen head, teasing the drops of pre-cum from the slit to the sensitive underside. Her other hand cupped his balls, rolling the tight sacs with her fingers, taking pleasure in her teasing.
His hips jerked with each touch. Through hooded eyes, he watched, but did as she had requested and maintained silence.
On a rush of air, she gave his lips a quick peck and eased over him, holding her thighs tight against his frame. Heat emanated from his body, soothing and stimulating, a new awareness she longed to experience more than once.
Her breasts swayed close to his mouth. He stretched up and tweaked her pebbled nipples with his thumbs and index fingers. Cuddling them together, he licked and suckled the sensitive tips, first one, then the other. A deep shiver rocketed through her, increasing the ache low in her belly.
She teased his cock along her nether lips, loving the feel of his hot flesh grazing against her clit. In slow motion, she edged onto his shaft, savoring the inches that penetrated her wet vagina.
He rocked into her, clutching her hips, holding her in place. She locked her hands around his wrists and pulled them away, the need to set the pace paramount.
"This is so sexy I don't want to come," he bit out through clenched teeth.
"I do." She slapped his hip. "Again and again."
Buy the ebook here .
Buy the Paperback Here .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And for EXTRA fun, here's a recent interview that Sloane and Rob did at Melissa's Imaginarium . I loved reading it because of the insight it gives into how the two authors work - and play! - together.
Rob, you're in the UK and Sloane, here in the States, how did you connect? What was that initial first contact like?
Rob: We both signed with the same publisher a few years back, and while Sloane was promoting one of her Naughty Ladies of Nice books, I stopped by and suggested we co-write a science fiction entry in the series, just for a laugh. I came up with the title Claire de Lune immediately—French, SF-ish, oh-so exotic. And it stuck. After I read one of her books and saw how explosive that genre could be, I knew I had to pen something a little spicier than my usual output. Heck, it was only erotic, right? I mean we all know any bored housewife can write that stuff (um, not that I wear an apron or anything). Little did I realise how difficult it is to write high quality erotic.
Sloane: It was love at first keystroke.:) We once wrote for the same publisher and connected on a group chat. Rob and his wry sense of humor, which is just as sick as mine, stole my heart. He off-handedly joked we should write a book together. The chat ended and that was that, until three years later when he emailed with an enticing offer to co-author Claire De Lune. Best decision I've made in a long time.
Both of you are established in such diverse genres. What was it about the other's writing that made you decide to co-author a book together? Who approached who?
Sloane: I'd read several of Rob's books before we ever discussed collaborating. His imagination, world building and quick wit swept me into a genre I'd not read before. When he suggested we work together, I had to agree.
Rob: After I'd finished a fairly mild first draft, I realised I'd fallen short of my initial vision for the project. The mystery more or less worked and I was really pleased with the sci-fi elements, but the Sloane Taylor sparkle, that hot magic permeating the characters, was missing. I'd gotten so wrapped up in the mystery and the male camaraderie that I'd given the female characters short shrift. And no one writes spunky, sexy women like Sloane. So I asked her to jump on board. Luckily, she said yes, and a full freaking year later we got started. :winks:
I've been told with writing duos, one person usually takes the lead creatively, the other editorially. Did your partnership break down this way or was it more fifty-fifty?
Rob: Hmm, how can I answer this without sounding whiny and getting a slap, or being an arch chauvinist (and getting a slap)? Sloane got the ball rolling on the editing well before we started adding scenes. We both came up with new sub-plots for her main character, Evelyn Lyons. And from then on, it was pretty much fifty-fifty.
Sloane: Rob's the creative genius. I just follow behind like all good women should. Excuse me while I vomit.:) Actually, he is a brilliant writer. Plot line, creating new worlds and weaving in suspense is Rob's forte. Me – I'm the comma queen and browbeat him to follow the rules of writing.
How difficult was it to mesh your distinctive styles into a single cohesive voice? Was there ever a point where either of you wanted to smash the other into tiny unrecognizable bits?
Rob: You see those partial people on our book cover? Well, they're all that's physically left of the two writers of this book. As you can see, I came off worst.
Sloane: Haven't a clue how it meshed, but somehow it just worked. I never felt that way, but I sure bet Rob did! Good thing we live an ocean apart. I'm a real pain in the ass since I've turned procrastination into an art form. Groan.
Rob, some of your other stories contain elements of romance, what made you decide that Claire de Lune in particular needed a more erotic take?
It's weird because I never intended to write any romance at all. It just kind of happened because I love writing women and felt those characters were incomplete without some kind of romantic pursuit. With Claire de Lune, the whole project was inspired by contemporary erotic romance. I really enjoyed that mix of sassy repartee and steamy, character-driven sex in Sloane's books. But the sensuality more than the sex is what intrigued me. Claire de Lune was always meant to be sensual sci-fi with an exotic/erotic atmosphere.
Sloane, your stories are firmly grounded in the here and now, what was it about this tale that compelled you to venture into unexplored territory? Was it difficult stepping into a such totally unfamiliar genre?
Rob had created strong, diverse characters that came alive on the page. It was easy to fall in love with them. I'm a romantic through and through and had no problem with sci-fi sex. I believe in love and enjoy writing it no matter where in the galaxy the couple may be.:)
Rob, you are a sci fi writer. What is your take on the place of romance and erotica within the genre amongst the more hard core and straight sci fi?
That's a fabulous question, and unfortunately one I don't have enough space to answer. On the face of it, those genres—sci-fi and romance/erotica—are opposites and incompatible. One is predominantly male, the other female; one tends toward heartless intellectualism, the other toward neurotic female thinking. The readerships are almost proverbially divided. So when you're meshing the two genres, you have to tone down the extremes. Don't eliminate the hard science, use it sparingly; don't have the characters boinking every other page, make those clinches count. It's an extremely hard balance to find but it can be done.
My personal preference is for science fiction stories with romantic/erotic elements as opposed to romances where the sci-fi is just a backdrop. In my opinion, particularly when the stakes are life or death, characters should think about survival first, boinking second. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in book of this type.
Sloane, as an erotica writer, what would you say is the biggest misconception that people have regarding this genre?
Too many people misconstrue erotica for porn and it pisses me off. Love and sex are beautiful natural emotions/reactions and as far from porn as the moon to the Earth. Erotica is the expression of love through a sexual act. Porn has nothing to do with love. It depicts acts in a sensational manner to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction.
What surprised you the most about working with each other? How has it impacted your own individual writing?
Rob: I think it's made my writing more concise, a little crisper off the bat. My natural inclination is toward over-description, and I love laid-back Victorian prose. So having a ruthlessly contemporary style to brush up against really shook my purple prose loose. Of course, I'm writing a Victorian-age steampunk now, so round and round we go…
Sloane: I like sci-fi! Working with Rob is easy and I'm grateful he's patient. Our experience has taught me to be more careful of details and dig deeper into my characters lives.
Based on your experience with each other, would you collaborate with other authors if approached?
Rob: Any time. Send me what you got. :winks: But I'd think twice about working with stinky Sloane, if I were you. She swears like a Tarantino gangster and has a drinking problem.
Sloane: Not a snowball's chance on the sun. I enjoy working with Rob because he doesn't push even though I gave him carte blanche to spank me when I screw around. But he has to use the new whips. LOL
What other genres would either of you consider attempting that you have not tried before?
Sloane: I'd love to write a mainstream mystery in first person. I've been toying with one for a year and haven't built up enough courage to plunge in.:)
Rob: I'd love to write a full-on haunted house horror. Immediately, in fact. And I've always wanted to write a medieval novel. After sci-fi, history is my big reading passion. I'd also like try my hand at a real-life disaster/survival novel—ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances absolutely fascinate me, especially when the forces of nature are involved.
What's next for both of you? Are there plans to continue your collaboration any time soon? Will there be a sequel to Claire De Lune?
Sloane: Take it away, Rob.
Rob: Not a sequel, no, but a kinda/sorta prequel featuring our favourite secondary character from CDL—the pageant doctor, Grace Peters. It will be risky and quip-laden and there will be much sci-fi sauciness. After that, we'll have to consult our horoscopes. I believe we share the same star sign—Sagittarius. Unfortunately, Sloane may have priced me out of the market by then (her 900 number is killing mine).
Who are your major writing influences? Who or what inspired you to start writing?
Sloane: Too many influences to mention, Melissa. It can be the small thing that sets my mind to wandering.:) I'd never considered writing until seven years after the death of my second husband. Days went by and all these images like a silent movie flooded my brain. They drove me crazy until I finally wrote them down just to find some peace. After Beth Anderson, a dear friend and published author, used her infamous two by four those words became my first book Teddi Turns On. Since then life's been good.:)
Rob: I would have to say the great Victorian speculative/adventure fiction writers inspired and influenced me the most. H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and H. Rider Haggard wrote many of my favourite works of imagination ever. Haggard's 'King Solomon's Mines' and 'She' in particular are biggies. Also, Edgar Rice Burroughs' 'John Carter of Mars' was a huge influence on me. Somewhere inside, my twelve-year-old self is turning zero-g cartwheels celebrating what I get paid to write.
Aside from writing, what are some of you other passions and pursuits? I know Sloane is an avid cook and Rob, you are quite the sportsman.
Rob: I play 5-a-side soccer every week, which is insanely paced, so I mustn't be as unfit as I sometimes think. Kayaking is a great pastime but our family trips have dried up a bit these last few years. I'm also a big-time movie geek who loves old swashbucklers and 1950's sci-fi. And anything directed by Oliver Stone.
Sloane: I love to garden in the spring and hate it when the bugs invade. I grow all my own green beans, tomatoes and herbs. Throughout the season I freeze them to use all winter long. It's a treat to have spaghetti gravy made from our garden goodies in January.
Do you have any favorite indulgences that might surprise your readers?
Sloane: Murder and mayhem. Love them. There's nothing better than curling up with a good mystery book or TV program late at night.
Rob: holds up his Schwarzengger collection for protection: Okay, okay, so I was first in line to watch 'You've Got Mail' when it came out. What can I say? I like feel-good rom-coms. I also can't get enough of sappy supernatural TV show 'Ghost Whisperer', but the reason might not be so surprising. Three words: Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Finally, what do you hope readers take away from your works?
Rob: Food for thought, a feast for the imagination, and a taste for more.
Sloane: Good question and one that made me think. I want readers to know there is still romance in our universe and it's there for each and every one of us when we least expect it.
Thanks to Sloane and Robert!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.JAN 10: New menage release from
lc_chase
.JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 10, 2011
THREE ISN'T ALWAYS A CROWD...!
Today's guest is author and artist
lc_chase
, a fellow January birthday-baby, sharing the news of a forthcoming release - and the fun and passion there can be in a menage a trois :).
Artist by day, author by night, L.C. Chase is a hopeless romantic and adventure seeker. Many of those adventures are fodder for her stories. The first time she left home, she traveled 1200 miles to California - to be a rock star - with two hundred dollars in her pocket. A four-year walkabout took her on a coast-to-coast back roads tour of the USA, across both of New Zealand's islands by bicycle, and on a short road trip in Australia. Now that L.C. has two of the coolest nephews on the planet, she calls the Canadian West Coast home. When not writing sensual tales of romance, L.C. can be found reading, drawing, painting, horseback riding, or running the trails with her goofy Australian Shepherd, who, if he were human, would be a stand up comedian.
Clare sez: and please note! L.C.'s fabulous cover design recently won first choice for Josh Lanyon's upcoming re-release of In a Dark Wood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It Takes Three to Tango
This is such a wonderful opportunity Clare offers to us all, and as a January baby as well, I had to take part.
I'd wanted to pimp my first book (co-written with my very good friend, Chloe Cole) releasing on Loose Id at the end of February. But, as we're still doing edits we don't have cover art or official blurbs/excerpts to share just yet. Instead, I'll share a little bit about how Three to Tango came to be, a tiny teaser you won't see in the book, and a short "unofficial" blurb.
As for me, I've always written though never focused on actually becoming a writer, I just enjoyed the "therapy" of the craft. It wasn't until, completely out of the blue, my Mom said, "You should write a book."
Yes, I'd taken creative writing in school -- even won some awards. Yes, I'd published, and wrote for, my own music magazine. But a novel? Uh... right. The bug however, had been planted. I started a couple stories, but life sent me on some great adventures that put writing anything more than a travel blog on the back burner for a decade.
A couple years ago I started jonesing to write again. I dug up a story I'd started way back when, and joined a fabulous critique group. About the time I finally finished that story, I discovered and fell madly in love with M/M. One of the ladies in my crit group, the wonderfully talented Chloe Cole, was interested in the genre and asked if I'd like to co-write a novella with her. That was a half-second decision. *g*
We bounced around a few ideas and the concept for Three to Tango was born – a fun and flirty M/M/F about three sexy roommates. As a writing team we clicked right from the get-go, even though we are quite different writers – I tend to be descriptive and angsty, while Chloe is sharp and sassy. But the merge of our voices was so seamless the majority of our CP group couldn't tell who wrote what.
When the story was three quarters finished, Chloe decided we should start shopping it, since it would likely sit in a slush pile for a few weeks at least. A week later the full was requested. *gasp* We hustled to finish, and a month after submitting the full we were offered a contract with Loose Id. Yep, there were "hoots" heard clear across the country and happy Snoopy dances all around.
L.C. Chase: www.lcchase.com
Chloe Cole: www.christine-bell.com
First, the unofficial blurb:
Best friends and roommates, Jace and Melody have been inseparable since middle school. Although Jace is gay, Mel has yet to find a man who can compare. When they decide to add a third roommate to their nest, things heat up as they both find themselves falling for him. Agreeing Alec should be the one to choose, they begin a heated competition for a place in Alec's bed and his heart. Winner take all, no hard feelings…
Alec has lived with his two gorgeous roomies for six months. So far, he's managed to relegate his desire for each of them to his daydreams. When he discovers that they both want him and have decided to compete for his attention, he sets out to prove that it can be win-win situation for all of them, and he shouldn't have to choose just one.
And I leave you with a tiny "extras" teaser from Jace's POV:
I was still wiping the spit off my hand when Melody bounced down the stairs to play one-on-one with Alec. Why she still insisted on sealing deals with a spit shake, I'll never know. It's not like we're thirteen anymore. But that's Mel for you—tall, gorgeous and a tomboy through and through. Picture Gabrielle Reese taking down all the boys and you get the idea.
It's really too bad she's not a man. I have yet to meet one who can match up to her. Well, our roommate Alec might actually be that man. But therein lies the problem—not only is he our roomie, there's also the little detail of him being straight. Such a shame, really.
I wonder sometimes though. A couple weeks ago, on our last "Roomie Appreciation Night", we were all kicked back watching a DVD. Mellz and I were cuddled up on the couch, and Alec was sitting in one of the arm chairs. I don't know what made me look over at him just then, but he wasn't watching the movie. He was looking at Mel with lust in his eyes. Then he looked up and those incredible bottle-green eyes seared into me. I damn near burst. My skin felt too hot and my jeans were suddenly uncomfortable. I couldn't help myself, I dropped my gaze—and Alec was hard.
Mel snorted a very ungirly laugh and the moment broke.
So, back to the spit shake.
We've always been making crazy bets and daring each other to silly misadventures. Tonight I think we made the craziest bet yet—winning Alec's heart.
We were sitting on the patio watching the totally hot Alec shoot hoops with his work buddies—as was our Friday night ritual. Mel said she'd be all over that if he weren't our roommate, and of course, I told her not if I got there first. And the challenge was on.
She thinks she's got it made because "Hello? Not gay." But I have an odd feeling the playing field is a bit more level than either of us realize…
-------------------------------
Three to Tango - Coming soon from Loose Id
Website: www.lcchase.com
Blog: www.lcchase.blogspot.com
Twitter: @LC_Chase
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/profile/LC_Chase
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.
JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
lc_chase
, a fellow January birthday-baby, sharing the news of a forthcoming release - and the fun and passion there can be in a menage a trois :).Artist by day, author by night, L.C. Chase is a hopeless romantic and adventure seeker. Many of those adventures are fodder for her stories. The first time she left home, she traveled 1200 miles to California - to be a rock star - with two hundred dollars in her pocket. A four-year walkabout took her on a coast-to-coast back roads tour of the USA, across both of New Zealand's islands by bicycle, and on a short road trip in Australia. Now that L.C. has two of the coolest nephews on the planet, she calls the Canadian West Coast home. When not writing sensual tales of romance, L.C. can be found reading, drawing, painting, horseback riding, or running the trails with her goofy Australian Shepherd, who, if he were human, would be a stand up comedian.
Clare sez: and please note! L.C.'s fabulous cover design recently won first choice for Josh Lanyon's upcoming re-release of In a Dark Wood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It Takes Three to Tango
This is such a wonderful opportunity Clare offers to us all, and as a January baby as well, I had to take part.
I'd wanted to pimp my first book (co-written with my very good friend, Chloe Cole) releasing on Loose Id at the end of February. But, as we're still doing edits we don't have cover art or official blurbs/excerpts to share just yet. Instead, I'll share a little bit about how Three to Tango came to be, a tiny teaser you won't see in the book, and a short "unofficial" blurb.
As for me, I've always written though never focused on actually becoming a writer, I just enjoyed the "therapy" of the craft. It wasn't until, completely out of the blue, my Mom said, "You should write a book."
Yes, I'd taken creative writing in school -- even won some awards. Yes, I'd published, and wrote for, my own music magazine. But a novel? Uh... right. The bug however, had been planted. I started a couple stories, but life sent me on some great adventures that put writing anything more than a travel blog on the back burner for a decade.
A couple years ago I started jonesing to write again. I dug up a story I'd started way back when, and joined a fabulous critique group. About the time I finally finished that story, I discovered and fell madly in love with M/M. One of the ladies in my crit group, the wonderfully talented Chloe Cole, was interested in the genre and asked if I'd like to co-write a novella with her. That was a half-second decision. *g*
We bounced around a few ideas and the concept for Three to Tango was born – a fun and flirty M/M/F about three sexy roommates. As a writing team we clicked right from the get-go, even though we are quite different writers – I tend to be descriptive and angsty, while Chloe is sharp and sassy. But the merge of our voices was so seamless the majority of our CP group couldn't tell who wrote what.
When the story was three quarters finished, Chloe decided we should start shopping it, since it would likely sit in a slush pile for a few weeks at least. A week later the full was requested. *gasp* We hustled to finish, and a month after submitting the full we were offered a contract with Loose Id. Yep, there were "hoots" heard clear across the country and happy Snoopy dances all around.
L.C. Chase: www.lcchase.com
Chloe Cole: www.christine-bell.com
First, the unofficial blurb:
Best friends and roommates, Jace and Melody have been inseparable since middle school. Although Jace is gay, Mel has yet to find a man who can compare. When they decide to add a third roommate to their nest, things heat up as they both find themselves falling for him. Agreeing Alec should be the one to choose, they begin a heated competition for a place in Alec's bed and his heart. Winner take all, no hard feelings…
Alec has lived with his two gorgeous roomies for six months. So far, he's managed to relegate his desire for each of them to his daydreams. When he discovers that they both want him and have decided to compete for his attention, he sets out to prove that it can be win-win situation for all of them, and he shouldn't have to choose just one.
And I leave you with a tiny "extras" teaser from Jace's POV:
I was still wiping the spit off my hand when Melody bounced down the stairs to play one-on-one with Alec. Why she still insisted on sealing deals with a spit shake, I'll never know. It's not like we're thirteen anymore. But that's Mel for you—tall, gorgeous and a tomboy through and through. Picture Gabrielle Reese taking down all the boys and you get the idea.
It's really too bad she's not a man. I have yet to meet one who can match up to her. Well, our roommate Alec might actually be that man. But therein lies the problem—not only is he our roomie, there's also the little detail of him being straight. Such a shame, really.
I wonder sometimes though. A couple weeks ago, on our last "Roomie Appreciation Night", we were all kicked back watching a DVD. Mellz and I were cuddled up on the couch, and Alec was sitting in one of the arm chairs. I don't know what made me look over at him just then, but he wasn't watching the movie. He was looking at Mel with lust in his eyes. Then he looked up and those incredible bottle-green eyes seared into me. I damn near burst. My skin felt too hot and my jeans were suddenly uncomfortable. I couldn't help myself, I dropped my gaze—and Alec was hard.
Mel snorted a very ungirly laugh and the moment broke.
So, back to the spit shake.
We've always been making crazy bets and daring each other to silly misadventures. Tonight I think we made the craziest bet yet—winning Alec's heart.
We were sitting on the patio watching the totally hot Alec shoot hoops with his work buddies—as was our Friday night ritual. Mel said she'd be all over that if he weren't our roommate, and of course, I told her not if I got there first. And the challenge was on.
She thinks she's got it made because "Hello? Not gay." But I have an odd feeling the playing field is a bit more level than either of us realize…
-------------------------------
Three to Tango - Coming soon from Loose Id
Website: www.lcchase.com
Blog: www.lcchase.blogspot.com
Twitter: @LC_Chase
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/profile/LC_Chase
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.JAN 09: Fiction and beautiful illustrations from
essayel
.JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 9, 2011
HOW OTHERS SEE YOUR CREATIONS...!
Today's guest is
essayel
, writer and artist, who has very kindly offered to share some work with us. The drawings are fabulous :).
The pictures all open in a personal album, so be prepared for some that are large.
I've created thumbnails for the pictures, so you can open each one either from clicking the pictures - as they occur in the text - or from the links in the text itself.
PS: And I must thank essayal personally, because as a result of this post I finally mastered creating thumbnails that open in a new window LOL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bio: I'm more than average old for LJ, but hold to the idea that 'you' - the bit that thinks - stays at an optimum age and all the rest crumbles around it.
I've drawn, painted and written for as long as I can remember. Perhaps I've wasted my time, perhaps not. I've had fun with it anyway. I was in my late 40s before I showed anyone anything I had written and she liked it! Since then I've posted stuff, usually fan fiction, where other people can read it. Reviews, as they say, are mixed. Occasionally I flirt with the idea of trying to start the long agonising process of getting something published, but usually manage to talk myself out of it.
I love my cats, dog, kids and husband and love my online friends just as much, though in slightly different way.
I work in a museum. I have worn chain mail [it sucks] and a lorica segmentata [sucks too but not as much as chain mail], and used to ride, fence and shoot a longbow before my joints gave up on me.
***
Here's a question for the proper authors out there. When you're writing your stories how do you visualise your characters? Do you pick actors to 'play' them or put them together like an Identikit? Do you have a strong visual image to go by or describe them meticulously and let the words do the work? Are you inspired by visual images or do you make your own?
Ever since I started writing stories, and that was over half a century ago, I've been making drawings to go with them. They aren't very good drawings, but I enjoy doing them so thought I'd put some out here for you to look at.
This is a little bit of my 2010 Nanowrimo attempt about a naval lieutenant who falls in with pirates. Two of the pirates, Lewis and Protheroe, are 'mess mates'.
1
2 
3
4
5
6
I know exactly what Lewis and Protheroe look like (!). They are both Welsh from the southern valleys, stocky, dark, strong as the little Dexter cattle they bred round there then. I see them in the streets every market day. This isn't them, but gives an idea.
Here's a bit of 4 century BC "historical", set on the north coast of the Black Sea where Greek colonists were trying to bring a little civilisation to the Scythian nomads, not all of whom wanted any. Scythian warlord on his way up takes on a second best Theban sculptor as PR.
This whole story came from a photograph (2) I spotted in an archaeological book, with these two bods (3) as a centrepiece. I've drawn the protagonists many times – the Eastern Scythians were big guys, blond and blue or green eyed according to Herodotus and scared the north Pontic Greek colonists silly.
I've even drawn a comic strip (4).
Atei [aka Ateas or Ataia] (5) was an actual historical personage about whom very little is known apart from a few bizarre references by classical authors so :D I made a load of stuff up. Anatolios here (6) is out of breath due to running, though I must admit that his expression is open to other interpretations.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Nor do I let that characters belong to other people stop me. Fan art seems to be more acceptable than fan fiction for some reason. Most authors will put up with a poor drawing of a character even if fan fic makes their flesh crawl. I don't expect my drawings to look anything like the characters they portray, but - well - it's fun, the materials are cheap, and it keeps me out of the pub.
So here's a couple of pages of Harry Potter graphic novel (7) and (8), story by
copperbadge
, and a sketch of Remus J Lupin (9) for no better reason than I like him.
Here's Bagoas (10) from The Persian Boy by Mary Renault. The poor lad's gone a bit 'manga' but luckily she'll never know.
I watched the very first ever episode of Dr Who the first time it was ever shown, and spent a lot of my childhood hiding behind the sofa. I loved ALL the Doctors but Matt Smith (11) is the only one I've ever drawn. I love the manic hair and bow tie.
To come more up to date, with apologies to
charliecochrane
, here are Messrs Stewart and Coppersmith (12), the Cambridge Fellows.
And finally for![[info]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380443539i/1377331.gif)
erastes
, Rafe from Standish (13), on a horse with legs all over the place.
I wouldn't normally let people see the doodles I make when on the phone or watching TV, [let alone the stick figure flow charts I do when trying to work out a tricky action sequence], but I have today because it's as well that people be warned that the characters they create take on a whole new appearance in other people's imaginations, especially when filtered through limited artistic skills.
You have power, ladies and gents, so use it wisely and, please, go easy on the bits with tricky perspective.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
essayel
, writer and artist, who has very kindly offered to share some work with us. The drawings are fabulous :).The pictures all open in a personal album, so be prepared for some that are large.
I've created thumbnails for the pictures, so you can open each one either from clicking the pictures - as they occur in the text - or from the links in the text itself.
PS: And I must thank essayal personally, because as a result of this post I finally mastered creating thumbnails that open in a new window LOL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bio: I'm more than average old for LJ, but hold to the idea that 'you' - the bit that thinks - stays at an optimum age and all the rest crumbles around it.
I've drawn, painted and written for as long as I can remember. Perhaps I've wasted my time, perhaps not. I've had fun with it anyway. I was in my late 40s before I showed anyone anything I had written and she liked it! Since then I've posted stuff, usually fan fiction, where other people can read it. Reviews, as they say, are mixed. Occasionally I flirt with the idea of trying to start the long agonising process of getting something published, but usually manage to talk myself out of it.
I love my cats, dog, kids and husband and love my online friends just as much, though in slightly different way.
I work in a museum. I have worn chain mail [it sucks] and a lorica segmentata [sucks too but not as much as chain mail], and used to ride, fence and shoot a longbow before my joints gave up on me.
***
Here's a question for the proper authors out there. When you're writing your stories how do you visualise your characters? Do you pick actors to 'play' them or put them together like an Identikit? Do you have a strong visual image to go by or describe them meticulously and let the words do the work? Are you inspired by visual images or do you make your own?
Ever since I started writing stories, and that was over half a century ago, I've been making drawings to go with them. They aren't very good drawings, but I enjoy doing them so thought I'd put some out here for you to look at.
This is a little bit of my 2010 Nanowrimo attempt about a naval lieutenant who falls in with pirates. Two of the pirates, Lewis and Protheroe, are 'mess mates'.
Kit hadn't been prepared for Tortuga to be so beautiful. Also it appeared that the utter lawlessness of the town was either an exaggeration or a report of time past, because the harbour was in good order and business seemed to be going on calmly. But there were differences. For instance, there was no line of tarred corpses swinging on gibbets to warn potential wrong doers.
"Oh, bless his dear heart," Lewis said when he asked about this. "Did you hear that, Protheroe? Kit wants to know if pirates have any capital crimes."
"Plundering," Protheroe said, not even looking up from the knife with which he was trimming a thumbnail. "Arson is capital fun too."
"That – um – wasn't quite what I meant," Kit said.
Once he had explained both pirates gave the matter some thought. Both were dressed in their best. Lewis was sporting a satin coat in the Spanish style cut for a much smaller man, so somewhat the worse for wear around the shoulder seams. Protheroe's shirt must have come from the same source and bore a year's worth of naval lieutenant's wages in Brussells lace. They were each wearing one of the same pair of earrings, which made Kit feel uncomfortable at the same time as he was amused.
"He's looking at our earbobs, Lew," Protheroe said with a grin. "Do you want to tell him or shall I?"
Lewis chuckled and flicked the pendant. It sparkled. Kit couldn't quite bring himself to believe they were diamonds.
"We're going ashore, see. If there's – an accident – the earbob covers the cost of the burial and, more importantly, the wake. Otherwise they just heave your corpus into the jungle. At sea there's no way to bury you," Lewis smiled, "so your mates slip a round shot into your breeches and send you down to rot in peace. Nice and tidy and out of the way. On shore – well you can't leave corpuses just lying about, can you? It gets messy."
"Yes, it would," Kit agreed. "That's a remarkably sensible idea."
"Isn't it, but I've thought of a capital crime," Protheroe said. "It's keeping honest pirates talking during their hard earned drinking times. But," he surged to his feet, chest hair bristling through the open front of his lace trimmed shirt, and reached up to pat Kit's cheek with a broad tar-stained paw, "I'll let you off because it's a first offence."
"You behave now," Lewis suggested, slipping his arm through Protheroe's, "and we'll bring you back an earbob of your own."
"Aye, we'll make a pirate of you yet, Lieutenant Penrose bach," Protheroe promised and they laughed as they headed for the boats.
1
2 
3
4
5
6I know exactly what Lewis and Protheroe look like (!). They are both Welsh from the southern valleys, stocky, dark, strong as the little Dexter cattle they bred round there then. I see them in the streets every market day. This isn't them, but gives an idea.
Here's a bit of 4 century BC "historical", set on the north coast of the Black Sea where Greek colonists were trying to bring a little civilisation to the Scythian nomads, not all of whom wanted any. Scythian warlord on his way up takes on a second best Theban sculptor as PR.
Atei looked at Anatolios again.
"Come here," he said, and Anatolios stepped to the shoulder of the red horse and looked up at him.
Atei looked at the mallet in Anatolios' hand and frowned. "Just what did you intend to do with that?"
Anatolios shut his mouth and looked at the mallet in embarrassment. "Nothing, probably," he admitted, after a moment. "It just made me feel braver."
Atei grunted then put out a hand and cuffed Anatolios lightly on the back of the head. "Don't pick up a weapon unless you intend to use it," he said, gruffly and his hand lingered on Anatolios head for a moment, the calloused fingers catching in the fine black curls of his hair.
Anatolios laughed, not sure whether he was actually being punished or not, and looked up to see if Atei's expression would give him a clue. The man looked impatient, obviously making time to deal with a minor matter, but his eyes were amused and kind – and something more. As Anatolios met his gaze he felt his colour rise so he looked away and smoothed the shoulder of the red stallion.
"I won't," he promised. "I'll leave fighting to people who know what they are doing."
Atei nodded. "Good," he said. "Take care of Lydia and yourself."
Again there was the feather-light brush of fingers, this time on the sun browned skin of Anatolios' shoulder, then the red horse sprang away.
This whole story came from a photograph (2) I spotted in an archaeological book, with these two bods (3) as a centrepiece. I've drawn the protagonists many times – the Eastern Scythians were big guys, blond and blue or green eyed according to Herodotus and scared the north Pontic Greek colonists silly.
I've even drawn a comic strip (4).
Atei [aka Ateas or Ataia] (5) was an actual historical personage about whom very little is known apart from a few bizarre references by classical authors so :D I made a load of stuff up. Anatolios here (6) is out of breath due to running, though I must admit that his expression is open to other interpretations.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13Nor do I let that characters belong to other people stop me. Fan art seems to be more acceptable than fan fiction for some reason. Most authors will put up with a poor drawing of a character even if fan fic makes their flesh crawl. I don't expect my drawings to look anything like the characters they portray, but - well - it's fun, the materials are cheap, and it keeps me out of the pub.
So here's a couple of pages of Harry Potter graphic novel (7) and (8), story by
copperbadge
, and a sketch of Remus J Lupin (9) for no better reason than I like him.Here's Bagoas (10) from The Persian Boy by Mary Renault. The poor lad's gone a bit 'manga' but luckily she'll never know.
I watched the very first ever episode of Dr Who the first time it was ever shown, and spent a lot of my childhood hiding behind the sofa. I loved ALL the Doctors but Matt Smith (11) is the only one I've ever drawn. I love the manic hair and bow tie.
To come more up to date, with apologies to
charliecochrane
, here are Messrs Stewart and Coppersmith (12), the Cambridge Fellows. And finally for
erastes
, Rafe from Standish (13), on a horse with legs all over the place.I wouldn't normally let people see the doodles I make when on the phone or watching TV, [let alone the stick figure flow charts I do when trying to work out a tricky action sequence], but I have today because it's as well that people be warned that the characters they create take on a whole new appearance in other people's imaginations, especially when filtered through limited artistic skills.
You have power, ladies and gents, so use it wisely and, please, go easy on the bits with tricky perspective.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 08: A great new novel and sequel from
mickieashling
.JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 8, 2011
LJ posting help! Open in new window...?
Hi and happy weekend!
Can anyone tell me quickly (and OMG easily because I'm sick with the flu and brain-thick LOL) how to post a link to a picture in an LJ-post that OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW? It's that bit I've never learned.
Yes, I will continue to search the FAQ and I've picked Chrissy's brain already, but I can't make it work so far :).
Many many thanks.
♥
UPDATE: thanks so much to all, I've mastered it *lol*. And also managed to salvage myself from one of those "oh hell, I shouldn't have pressed that button" moments.
Can anyone tell me quickly (and OMG easily because I'm sick with the flu and brain-thick LOL) how to post a link to a picture in an LJ-post that OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW? It's that bit I've never learned.
Yes, I will continue to search the FAQ and I've picked Chrissy's brain already, but I can't make it work so far :).
Many many thanks.
♥
UPDATE: thanks so much to all, I've mastered it *lol*. And also managed to salvage myself from one of those "oh hell, I shouldn't have pressed that button" moments.
A LIFE FOR TWO VIBRANT ALPHAS?...
Today's guest is author Mickie B. Ashling, with several successful books already to her name. She wants to share her new release Tono with you, due out on Jan 14, a follow-up to the very popular Loving Edits.
Mickie's also offering a PRIZE today, to anyone who comments here - a free download of Tono when it releases :). We'll draw the winning name after the weekend, and post it here for you to claim.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mickie B. Ashling began writing stories about men who love men around the time she discovered Queer as Folk in 2002. The characters on that show intrigued her, and ground-breaking writers such as Patricia Nell Warren inspired her. She began to write the kind of stories that she enjoyed reading, spurred on by her muse, who really has this thing for hunky men getting it on.
Mickie has lived in the Philippines, Spain, the Middle East, and San Francisco but currently resides in a quiet suburb outside Chicago. She's a respectable office manager by day and a proud mother of four grown men who continue to wonder where this interest in gay romance has come from. They shake their heads and scratch their chins but ultimately leave her alone. They know better than to mess with Mama's choices. Mickie's first love is writing, but traveling is a close second. Her dream is to be able to quit her day job soon so she can devote all her time and energy doing what she loves best.
***
Tono a sequel to Loving Edits
Blurb: In the aftermath of Mick Henley's death, his two lovers, Paul Alcott and Tono Garat, find themselves at odds. Tono has rejected Paul on the pretext that the public will find out about their love affair, thus tarnishing Mick's memory; the reality is that Tono fears Paul will lose interest in him because they're not intellectual equals. Tono's fear is compounded when Mick's final novel, Momentos, is presented to Paul posthumously with a request to start a trust from the proceeds to aid artists and writers suffering from ALS. Mick's only stipulation is that Tono spearhead the organization.
Paul is energized by Mick's request, but Tono is angry and conflicted about the challenge. After a five-month separation, they reunite, rekindling their strong physical attraction—and illuminating their many differences. As always, Mick's presence lingers, intruding at unexpected times. Are their memories preventing Paul and Tono from finding true happiness as a couple? Can there be a life for two vibrant alphas without the gentle Mick to buffer the discord?
EXCERPT NC17:
Well, that settles it," Paul snapped, shoving his chair back from the desk and standing. "Mohammed will just have to go to the mountain."
"Sir?"
"Never mind," Paul said, picking up his briefcase on the way out. "Cancel all my appointments. I'll be gone for a week at least. Any manuscripts waiting for edits can continue to wait. Pass out the Prozac if an author decides to have a breakdown."
Linda smiled, knowing he was right on the mark. They would be calling every hour on the hour wanting to know what Paul Alcott thought of their story. Before she started working at Alcott Press, she had no idea that writers were so insecure and needy. "Where are you going, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Back to Spain," Paul replied. "If there's anything truly pressing, you know how to get in touch. At least I know we're living in the twenty-first century, unlike that Neanderthal who doesn't even own a BlackBerry."
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, and call the airport. Have them get my plane ready. I want to leave in about two hours."
"Yes, sir."
"And Linda."
"Sir?"
"I like your suit."
Her smile was pure sunshine, and he couldn't help but smile back. She really was lovely, unfortunately, his libido was impervious to her charms.
And speaking of libido. What would happen if and when he finally laid eyes on the Spaniard? Would Tono continue to keep him at arm's length or would they end up having another round of mind-blowing sex? Because sex with Tono was not only mind-blowing, it was earth-shattering and out-of-this-fucking-world amazing. Paul acknowledged that despite his hurt and his bitterness at Tono's rejection, he was unable to resist him. He'd be down on his knees in a second if Tono asked for it or said the word that always made Paul's cock surge and his heart beat just a little faster.
"Rubio." Spanish for blondie, in and of itself an innocuous word, but when Tono growled it in passion, or whispered it tenderly against Paul's ear, he melted, turning into a bottom of the worst kind―out of character and completely surprising for an acknowledged top. Tono's words were as effective as a magic potion.
He called Baxter from the car, urging his assistant to pack him a bag, and rustle up some euros so he wouldn't have to stop at a bank. He kept a safe in his study, and he was pretty sure he had some left over from his last trip, saving him the aggravation of standing in a long line to change money. If he took off from JKF at noon, he'd be in San Sebastian at the crack of dawn, just in time to get his stubbornness out of bed. To Tono it would seem like the middle of the night, since he never hit the sheets until one or two in the morning. Fucking insane hours. Paul had bitched about it constantly when he'd been commuting, and had ended up getting used to eating at midnight and having lunch around two in the afternoon. For someone who was hung up on time management, the Spanish system threw him off completely, but there was no fighting it. The only part he really enjoyed was the forced siesta, from two to four, when the city, and probably the entire nation, paused to rest. He had many fond memories of long sessions making love to Mick and Tono. He sighed, wishing he could turn back the clock, but he knew it was impossible, and he had to move on.
Mick's surprise novel had given him a new purpose in life. He could feel himself reviving, casting off the cloak of sorrow he'd been carrying around since November of last year. He was done being morose. No more random fucks either. They were pointless, and if he were honest, as exciting as a high school jerk-off session. Really, for a man who'd just turned forty, had more money than God, and was still able to turn heads, he was acting like a loser. Enough already.
If his meeting with Tono did not end up a "happily ever after" or even a "happy for now" he'd move on. He would accept that whatever they had was fun while it lasted, and it made Mick incredibly happy in the end, which was all that mattered. He couldn't deny that he was still in love with the stubborn man he'd fallen for three years ago. There was something about Tono that appealed to him in a very basic way. Maybe it was because he was proud, opinionated, and all male. He wanted nothing to do with Paul's money or anything the Alcott name could provide. He'd refused financial help, other than agreeing to split the expenses of Mick's medical care in the last three years, which had reached astronomical proportions. He'd paid for the apartment at Alcott Terrace on his own, and in cash from what Paul had gathered. No mortgage for him, and now that he was renting it out, he was accumulating a nice monthly income in the five-figure range. Paul had no idea what kind of money Jai alai players made, but Tono had more than enough to go around, despite the fact he hadn't played professionally in at least five years.
Paul supposed he should mentally prepare himself for the worst. It would avoid more pain; his emotional state was too fragile for another rejection. He would make this about business and stick to that agenda. Tono would follow his lead, being the reactive person that he was. Mick had called him a big marshmallow with a concrete exterior. He'd said that in a loving way, trying to explain to Paul that deep inside Tono was a tender and vulnerable man. And yes, Paul had seen that side of Tono, but only when Mick was around. He'd been fortunate to catch the overflow on occasion, but mainly, when he and Tono interacted, it was in hi-def color, 3-D all the way. They brought out the worst in each other. Primal and pulsating arguments were common, as were wild and uninhibited lovemaking sessions outside of Mick's presence. Yet, underneath it all was a mutual respect that had grown over the years.
Tono said he needed time to think about their future. He didn't want to tarnish Mick's reputation by going back to New York and staying with Paul since he'd rented out the apartment he and Mick had shared. The off chance that someone would actually put two and two together had been the main reason he'd kept Paul at arm's length, or so he said, and even though Tono had never said he didn't love him; his decision to stay away was just as painful.
The chauffeur pulled up to the curb; Baxter was already waiting with Paul's suitcase and a small envelope filled with cash.
"Where will you be staying?"
"At the apartment, where else?"
"Have you reached Tono?"
"Baxter, I have a key."
"I'm aware of that, sir, but maybe he's no longer there."
"Where else would he be? San Sebastian is his home."
"You're right, of course. Well, have a safe trip and give him my best."
"Right. Call me if you need me."
"I will."
By the time his Learjet touched down at Donostia-San Sebastian airport, Paul had eaten, taken a two-hour nap, showered and shaved. He was ready to face whatever bullshit he had to deal with. He'd worn his light blue Armani shirt, the one that Tono liked so much. He'd said it brought out the lover boy in him, whatever the hell that meant, but Paul was ready to bring out the big guns if necessary, and looking his best always helped.
He took a taxi from the airport because he didn't want to get involved in the minutia required to rent a car. He'd deal with that tomorrow. Maybe, if things worked out, he'd get Tono to drive him around. He used to enjoy doing that when they were still together.
He found himself getting more and more nervous the closer they got to the city. The airport wasn't that far out of town, probably twenty minutes, tops, nothing like the ride from JFK to Manhattan. Paul didn't have a lot of time to settle down, and he willed himself to stay calm. He was acting like a virgin about to walk up the aisle, for fuck's sake. It's not like he didn't know every single inch of Tono's face or body. He knew him in and out, backwards and forwards, and oh yeah, up front and oh-so-personal. He gave the driver a huge tip, mainly because he didn't want to wait for the change. The elevator was like a woman in labor, creaking and moaning all the way up to the ninth floor. The front door opened easily and he breathed a sigh of relief, secretly worried that Tono had changed the locks.
The house was dark and quiet as he'd expected. Tono was probably fast asleep. He made a straight line to the master bedroom to see if Tono had made any changes since he'd left. He flicked the light switch and froze in a caricature of the clichéd deer in the headlights.
Buy Tono in ebook here and Print here .
***
And a welcome reminder of the original story Loving Edits:
Loving Edits won an Honorable Mention at the Rainbow Awards, tying for fourth place in the in the contemporary gay romance category.
Blurb: When bestselling novelist Mick Henley contacts his editor and former lover, Paul Alcott, after a seven-year absence, hearing Mick's voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick. The possible reunion entices Paul into considering a dinner invitation, but his hopes are dashed when he learns Mick is in a loving relationship with Spanish Jai alai player Tono Garat.
Paul still accepts the invitation, and Mick asks Paul to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he's written, inspired by his affair with Mick. When Paul refuses, Mick reveals he's been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono's only means of coping with the eventual outcome.
Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can't deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Can the past blend with the present to ease the way for Mick's inevitable future? Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their collision destroy Mick's final days?
EXCERPT NC17:
"¿Si?"
"Um, I'm Paul Alcott."
Tono glared and scrutinized him from the top of his shining head down his designer-clad body.
Paul was unfazed. He was just as curious about the man who'd replaced him in Mick's life. He inspected him like he would any rival, noting the chestnut colored hair that curled around his neckline. His upper body was hidden behind a loose T-shirt but the finely formed muscles of his arms were a clear indication of what was underneath. Paul sized up the man who had stolen Mick's heart. He was striking, no doubt about it. The fiery eyes were bad enough, but it was the mouth made for sucking that sent Paul's mind straight to the gutter. He was shocked by his body's quick response to this stranger, despite the obvious antagonism. He brought his hand down, casually covering the evidence of his growing interest with the flowers.
Finally, the Spaniard blinked, and rewarded Paul with a tentative smile. "I'm Tono Garat," he announced in a heavily accented voice.
"Nice to meet you," Paul nodded. "Is Mick around?"
"Yes, of course. Come in, please."
Tono turned and Paul zeroed in on the rounded ass covered in tight white shorts. The lack of any telltale garter lines was a clear indication that Tono was naked under those shorts, and Paul couldn't help but notice.
"Paul!" Mick called out, moving forward swiftly and hugging Paul to his chest. "God, it's been too long."
"I know," Paul smiled, falling under Mick's spell easily. It had always been so good between them, and despite the years and the distance, the sentiment remained the same. "You're still as gorgeous as ever," he teased.
"Oh, stop. You always were good for my ego."
"The years have been good to you, my friend," Paul continued, taking in every part of Mick. He did look great, trim and fit, clean-shaven. His hair was a little longer than Paul remembered, but the dark curls framed Mick's tanned face, making the unforgettable eyes practically leap out at him.
"You don't look half-bad either," Mick's voice shifted, and the words came out like a soft caress. He toyed with a lock of Paul's silky hair, curling it around his finger. "When did you let your hair grow?"
"After my father died; no more memos about looking professional," Paul grinned as he recalled Paul Senior's edicts.
"Shall I take the wine?" Tono interrupted, clearly uncomfortable. He knew all about Paul and Mick's history, but seeing the chemistry was a different matter entirely. He felt the first twinge of jealousy but pushed it down quickly.
"Sure," Paul replied, handing Tono the bottle.
"Would you like a glass of sangria? I made a pitcher," Tono asked, never taking his eyes off Paul's face.
"That sounds good. I'm assuming it's authentic."
"I made it from scratch," Tono said indignantly.
"Come," Mick stepped in, diffusing the situation. He took Paul by the arm and led him out to the tiny patio that had a wrought iron table for four, and several wooden planters filled with assorted vegetables growing abundantly. The tomatoes were ripe and hanging from branches held up with green sticks. The Weber grill was off to one side―a tribute to summer and warm evenings.
"This is really nice, Mick. I had no idea this was out here."
"Not too many people do. I guess the owners built this area to try and simulate a garden, so I benefit. It's what attracted me to this unit in the first place."
Paul sat down and stretched out, loving the sight of Mick after so long. "So, what have you been up to?"
"Living La Vida Loca," Mick smiled. "Doing some writing, Paul. But mostly enjoying my life."
"Sounds great. Are you still working on your sequel?"
"That, as well as something new."
"Oh?"
"I'm helping Tono with his book."
"You're a writer?" Paul was surprised for some reason.
"I'm not," Tono replied, placing a large wine glass with bits of floating fruit and ice in front of Paul. "I'm a professional Jai alai player, but I've written a romance, loosely based on my relationship with Mick."
"A romance?" Paul scoffed. His look was a combination of surprise and ridicule. "Why?" He turned to Mick for an answer.
"Because I'm dying."
Buy Loving Edits in ebook here and in Print here .
***
Find my novels here .
My blog: http://mickieashling.livejournal.com
My website: http://www.mickieashling.com
GLBT bookshelf: http://bookworld.editme.com/mickiebashling
Author Page at Goodreads.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
Mickie's also offering a PRIZE today, to anyone who comments here - a free download of Tono when it releases :). We'll draw the winning name after the weekend, and post it here for you to claim.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mickie B. Ashling began writing stories about men who love men around the time she discovered Queer as Folk in 2002. The characters on that show intrigued her, and ground-breaking writers such as Patricia Nell Warren inspired her. She began to write the kind of stories that she enjoyed reading, spurred on by her muse, who really has this thing for hunky men getting it on.
Mickie has lived in the Philippines, Spain, the Middle East, and San Francisco but currently resides in a quiet suburb outside Chicago. She's a respectable office manager by day and a proud mother of four grown men who continue to wonder where this interest in gay romance has come from. They shake their heads and scratch their chins but ultimately leave her alone. They know better than to mess with Mama's choices. Mickie's first love is writing, but traveling is a close second. Her dream is to be able to quit her day job soon so she can devote all her time and energy doing what she loves best.
***
Tono a sequel to Loving Edits
Blurb: In the aftermath of Mick Henley's death, his two lovers, Paul Alcott and Tono Garat, find themselves at odds. Tono has rejected Paul on the pretext that the public will find out about their love affair, thus tarnishing Mick's memory; the reality is that Tono fears Paul will lose interest in him because they're not intellectual equals. Tono's fear is compounded when Mick's final novel, Momentos, is presented to Paul posthumously with a request to start a trust from the proceeds to aid artists and writers suffering from ALS. Mick's only stipulation is that Tono spearhead the organization.
Paul is energized by Mick's request, but Tono is angry and conflicted about the challenge. After a five-month separation, they reunite, rekindling their strong physical attraction—and illuminating their many differences. As always, Mick's presence lingers, intruding at unexpected times. Are their memories preventing Paul and Tono from finding true happiness as a couple? Can there be a life for two vibrant alphas without the gentle Mick to buffer the discord?
EXCERPT NC17:
Well, that settles it," Paul snapped, shoving his chair back from the desk and standing. "Mohammed will just have to go to the mountain."
"Sir?"
"Never mind," Paul said, picking up his briefcase on the way out. "Cancel all my appointments. I'll be gone for a week at least. Any manuscripts waiting for edits can continue to wait. Pass out the Prozac if an author decides to have a breakdown."
Linda smiled, knowing he was right on the mark. They would be calling every hour on the hour wanting to know what Paul Alcott thought of their story. Before she started working at Alcott Press, she had no idea that writers were so insecure and needy. "Where are you going, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Back to Spain," Paul replied. "If there's anything truly pressing, you know how to get in touch. At least I know we're living in the twenty-first century, unlike that Neanderthal who doesn't even own a BlackBerry."
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, and call the airport. Have them get my plane ready. I want to leave in about two hours."
"Yes, sir."
"And Linda."
"Sir?"
"I like your suit."
Her smile was pure sunshine, and he couldn't help but smile back. She really was lovely, unfortunately, his libido was impervious to her charms.
And speaking of libido. What would happen if and when he finally laid eyes on the Spaniard? Would Tono continue to keep him at arm's length or would they end up having another round of mind-blowing sex? Because sex with Tono was not only mind-blowing, it was earth-shattering and out-of-this-fucking-world amazing. Paul acknowledged that despite his hurt and his bitterness at Tono's rejection, he was unable to resist him. He'd be down on his knees in a second if Tono asked for it or said the word that always made Paul's cock surge and his heart beat just a little faster.
"Rubio." Spanish for blondie, in and of itself an innocuous word, but when Tono growled it in passion, or whispered it tenderly against Paul's ear, he melted, turning into a bottom of the worst kind―out of character and completely surprising for an acknowledged top. Tono's words were as effective as a magic potion.
He called Baxter from the car, urging his assistant to pack him a bag, and rustle up some euros so he wouldn't have to stop at a bank. He kept a safe in his study, and he was pretty sure he had some left over from his last trip, saving him the aggravation of standing in a long line to change money. If he took off from JKF at noon, he'd be in San Sebastian at the crack of dawn, just in time to get his stubbornness out of bed. To Tono it would seem like the middle of the night, since he never hit the sheets until one or two in the morning. Fucking insane hours. Paul had bitched about it constantly when he'd been commuting, and had ended up getting used to eating at midnight and having lunch around two in the afternoon. For someone who was hung up on time management, the Spanish system threw him off completely, but there was no fighting it. The only part he really enjoyed was the forced siesta, from two to four, when the city, and probably the entire nation, paused to rest. He had many fond memories of long sessions making love to Mick and Tono. He sighed, wishing he could turn back the clock, but he knew it was impossible, and he had to move on.
Mick's surprise novel had given him a new purpose in life. He could feel himself reviving, casting off the cloak of sorrow he'd been carrying around since November of last year. He was done being morose. No more random fucks either. They were pointless, and if he were honest, as exciting as a high school jerk-off session. Really, for a man who'd just turned forty, had more money than God, and was still able to turn heads, he was acting like a loser. Enough already.
If his meeting with Tono did not end up a "happily ever after" or even a "happy for now" he'd move on. He would accept that whatever they had was fun while it lasted, and it made Mick incredibly happy in the end, which was all that mattered. He couldn't deny that he was still in love with the stubborn man he'd fallen for three years ago. There was something about Tono that appealed to him in a very basic way. Maybe it was because he was proud, opinionated, and all male. He wanted nothing to do with Paul's money or anything the Alcott name could provide. He'd refused financial help, other than agreeing to split the expenses of Mick's medical care in the last three years, which had reached astronomical proportions. He'd paid for the apartment at Alcott Terrace on his own, and in cash from what Paul had gathered. No mortgage for him, and now that he was renting it out, he was accumulating a nice monthly income in the five-figure range. Paul had no idea what kind of money Jai alai players made, but Tono had more than enough to go around, despite the fact he hadn't played professionally in at least five years.
Paul supposed he should mentally prepare himself for the worst. It would avoid more pain; his emotional state was too fragile for another rejection. He would make this about business and stick to that agenda. Tono would follow his lead, being the reactive person that he was. Mick had called him a big marshmallow with a concrete exterior. He'd said that in a loving way, trying to explain to Paul that deep inside Tono was a tender and vulnerable man. And yes, Paul had seen that side of Tono, but only when Mick was around. He'd been fortunate to catch the overflow on occasion, but mainly, when he and Tono interacted, it was in hi-def color, 3-D all the way. They brought out the worst in each other. Primal and pulsating arguments were common, as were wild and uninhibited lovemaking sessions outside of Mick's presence. Yet, underneath it all was a mutual respect that had grown over the years.
Tono said he needed time to think about their future. He didn't want to tarnish Mick's reputation by going back to New York and staying with Paul since he'd rented out the apartment he and Mick had shared. The off chance that someone would actually put two and two together had been the main reason he'd kept Paul at arm's length, or so he said, and even though Tono had never said he didn't love him; his decision to stay away was just as painful.
The chauffeur pulled up to the curb; Baxter was already waiting with Paul's suitcase and a small envelope filled with cash.
"Where will you be staying?"
"At the apartment, where else?"
"Have you reached Tono?"
"Baxter, I have a key."
"I'm aware of that, sir, but maybe he's no longer there."
"Where else would he be? San Sebastian is his home."
"You're right, of course. Well, have a safe trip and give him my best."
"Right. Call me if you need me."
"I will."
By the time his Learjet touched down at Donostia-San Sebastian airport, Paul had eaten, taken a two-hour nap, showered and shaved. He was ready to face whatever bullshit he had to deal with. He'd worn his light blue Armani shirt, the one that Tono liked so much. He'd said it brought out the lover boy in him, whatever the hell that meant, but Paul was ready to bring out the big guns if necessary, and looking his best always helped.
He took a taxi from the airport because he didn't want to get involved in the minutia required to rent a car. He'd deal with that tomorrow. Maybe, if things worked out, he'd get Tono to drive him around. He used to enjoy doing that when they were still together.
He found himself getting more and more nervous the closer they got to the city. The airport wasn't that far out of town, probably twenty minutes, tops, nothing like the ride from JFK to Manhattan. Paul didn't have a lot of time to settle down, and he willed himself to stay calm. He was acting like a virgin about to walk up the aisle, for fuck's sake. It's not like he didn't know every single inch of Tono's face or body. He knew him in and out, backwards and forwards, and oh yeah, up front and oh-so-personal. He gave the driver a huge tip, mainly because he didn't want to wait for the change. The elevator was like a woman in labor, creaking and moaning all the way up to the ninth floor. The front door opened easily and he breathed a sigh of relief, secretly worried that Tono had changed the locks.
The house was dark and quiet as he'd expected. Tono was probably fast asleep. He made a straight line to the master bedroom to see if Tono had made any changes since he'd left. He flicked the light switch and froze in a caricature of the clichéd deer in the headlights.
Buy Tono in ebook here and Print here .
***
And a welcome reminder of the original story Loving Edits:
Loving Edits won an Honorable Mention at the Rainbow Awards, tying for fourth place in the in the contemporary gay romance category.
Blurb: When bestselling novelist Mick Henley contacts his editor and former lover, Paul Alcott, after a seven-year absence, hearing Mick's voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick. The possible reunion entices Paul into considering a dinner invitation, but his hopes are dashed when he learns Mick is in a loving relationship with Spanish Jai alai player Tono Garat.
Paul still accepts the invitation, and Mick asks Paul to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he's written, inspired by his affair with Mick. When Paul refuses, Mick reveals he's been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono's only means of coping with the eventual outcome.
Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can't deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Can the past blend with the present to ease the way for Mick's inevitable future? Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their collision destroy Mick's final days?
EXCERPT NC17:
"¿Si?"
"Um, I'm Paul Alcott."
Tono glared and scrutinized him from the top of his shining head down his designer-clad body.
Paul was unfazed. He was just as curious about the man who'd replaced him in Mick's life. He inspected him like he would any rival, noting the chestnut colored hair that curled around his neckline. His upper body was hidden behind a loose T-shirt but the finely formed muscles of his arms were a clear indication of what was underneath. Paul sized up the man who had stolen Mick's heart. He was striking, no doubt about it. The fiery eyes were bad enough, but it was the mouth made for sucking that sent Paul's mind straight to the gutter. He was shocked by his body's quick response to this stranger, despite the obvious antagonism. He brought his hand down, casually covering the evidence of his growing interest with the flowers.
Finally, the Spaniard blinked, and rewarded Paul with a tentative smile. "I'm Tono Garat," he announced in a heavily accented voice.
"Nice to meet you," Paul nodded. "Is Mick around?"
"Yes, of course. Come in, please."
Tono turned and Paul zeroed in on the rounded ass covered in tight white shorts. The lack of any telltale garter lines was a clear indication that Tono was naked under those shorts, and Paul couldn't help but notice.
"Paul!" Mick called out, moving forward swiftly and hugging Paul to his chest. "God, it's been too long."
"I know," Paul smiled, falling under Mick's spell easily. It had always been so good between them, and despite the years and the distance, the sentiment remained the same. "You're still as gorgeous as ever," he teased.
"Oh, stop. You always were good for my ego."
"The years have been good to you, my friend," Paul continued, taking in every part of Mick. He did look great, trim and fit, clean-shaven. His hair was a little longer than Paul remembered, but the dark curls framed Mick's tanned face, making the unforgettable eyes practically leap out at him.
"You don't look half-bad either," Mick's voice shifted, and the words came out like a soft caress. He toyed with a lock of Paul's silky hair, curling it around his finger. "When did you let your hair grow?"
"After my father died; no more memos about looking professional," Paul grinned as he recalled Paul Senior's edicts.
"Shall I take the wine?" Tono interrupted, clearly uncomfortable. He knew all about Paul and Mick's history, but seeing the chemistry was a different matter entirely. He felt the first twinge of jealousy but pushed it down quickly.
"Sure," Paul replied, handing Tono the bottle.
"Would you like a glass of sangria? I made a pitcher," Tono asked, never taking his eyes off Paul's face.
"That sounds good. I'm assuming it's authentic."
"I made it from scratch," Tono said indignantly.
"Come," Mick stepped in, diffusing the situation. He took Paul by the arm and led him out to the tiny patio that had a wrought iron table for four, and several wooden planters filled with assorted vegetables growing abundantly. The tomatoes were ripe and hanging from branches held up with green sticks. The Weber grill was off to one side―a tribute to summer and warm evenings.
"This is really nice, Mick. I had no idea this was out here."
"Not too many people do. I guess the owners built this area to try and simulate a garden, so I benefit. It's what attracted me to this unit in the first place."
Paul sat down and stretched out, loving the sight of Mick after so long. "So, what have you been up to?"
"Living La Vida Loca," Mick smiled. "Doing some writing, Paul. But mostly enjoying my life."
"Sounds great. Are you still working on your sequel?"
"That, as well as something new."
"Oh?"
"I'm helping Tono with his book."
"You're a writer?" Paul was surprised for some reason.
"I'm not," Tono replied, placing a large wine glass with bits of floating fruit and ice in front of Paul. "I'm a professional Jai alai player, but I've written a romance, loosely based on my relationship with Mick."
"A romance?" Paul scoffed. His look was a combination of surprise and ridicule. "Why?" He turned to Mick for an answer.
"Because I'm dying."
Buy Loving Edits in ebook here and in Print here .
***
Find my novels here .
My blog: http://mickieashling.livejournal.com
My website: http://www.mickieashling.com
GLBT bookshelf: http://bookworld.editme.com/mickiebashling
Author Page at Goodreads.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.JAN 07: The challenge of trying to balance edits, with
diannefox
and
anahcrow
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
January 7, 2011
THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND... AUTHORS!
Todays' guest is a two-for-one: the authors Dianne Fox and Anah Crow, who have co-authored many books. They'll talk to you today about some of the trials of organising their publications - as if we authors can plan these things to the day LOL.
And if you're interested in their fiction, please sign up for their lovely newsletter (link below): there are exclusive snippets of their new books and all the coming soon details.
(yes, I know I'm due to get the next newsletter of my own out soon *g*)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anah and Dianne have been sharing a sandbox since 2003 and their only regret is that they didn't meet many years ago when the amount of time they spend in their imaginary worlds would have been considered perfectly normal. Dianne organizes their shared toys and makes them pretty, Anah blows them up (or buries them or drowns them or drops meteors on them). Fortunately, their escapades have translated quite well into story format and together they have written a number of well-received novels and shorter pieces.
In other aspects of life they continue to illustrate the old adage that "opposites attract". Dianne is owned by her cats, Anah is at the mercy of her dogs; Dianne can't do without her beloved Macs, Anah carries on an illicit relationship with a trio of PCs behind her Mac's back; Dianne spends her days chasing children, Anah avoids them whenever possible. The main thing they have in common, after their writing, is their fondness for each other.
***
"It never rains, but it pours."
That was our holiday season. Of course we had the usual holiday events -- there were gifts to be made, there was cooking to be done, Dianne's in-laws were in town, Anah got sick...
And then the edits for one of our upcoming novels came in from our editor at Samhain. Trammel is the second book in the Foundations of Magic series and our editor had pointed out quite a few spots that needed work because we'd forgotten the readers couldn't, you know, read our minds. Oops. So we had three weeks to get that done. No problem, right?
Well, Anah got sick and that delayed things a little, but not too badly. We got an extension of three days from our fantastic editor.
In the last week before we had to turn in the Trammel edits, we got news that we needed to fill out some forms for Carina Press related to what was then an upcoming release: One Real Thing. So in between revising scenes and expanding character motivations, we carved out the time to figure out some interesting tidbits Carina could post on their Twitter and Facebook feeds, and wrote a post for Carina's blog. So far so good.
Then the edits arrived for Going the Distance, a novella we've got coming up next month from Amber Allure. There was some whining, we admit, but mostly we just both took deep breaths and resolved to not even open the file until we'd finished the Trammel edits.
This is not the first time this has happened to us, either. No matter how we plan, at least once a year our edits and promo work coalesce in a space that is anything but a lull in our daily lives. It's enough to cause anyone to develop a complex, or at least a mild neurosis--we have enough of those, thanks. However, we do learn from our past trials, so this was a learning experience at the least.
There's a happy ending, though! We finished the Trammel edits on time (with the three day extension, which we stuck to even when our wonderful editor offered a few more days), finished all the forms for Carina Press, One Real Thing has arrived, and we even managed to finish the edits for Going the Distance.
...too bad we don't have time for a nap.
To learn more about Anah and Dianne and their work:
Websites: Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Twitters: Anah and Dianne
LiveJournals: Anah and Dianne
Fox & Crow Newsletter: subscribe here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!
Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.
JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.
JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.
JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.
JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.
JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
And if you're interested in their fiction, please sign up for their lovely newsletter (link below): there are exclusive snippets of their new books and all the coming soon details.
(yes, I know I'm due to get the next newsletter of my own out soon *g*)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anah and Dianne have been sharing a sandbox since 2003 and their only regret is that they didn't meet many years ago when the amount of time they spend in their imaginary worlds would have been considered perfectly normal. Dianne organizes their shared toys and makes them pretty, Anah blows them up (or buries them or drowns them or drops meteors on them). Fortunately, their escapades have translated quite well into story format and together they have written a number of well-received novels and shorter pieces.
In other aspects of life they continue to illustrate the old adage that "opposites attract". Dianne is owned by her cats, Anah is at the mercy of her dogs; Dianne can't do without her beloved Macs, Anah carries on an illicit relationship with a trio of PCs behind her Mac's back; Dianne spends her days chasing children, Anah avoids them whenever possible. The main thing they have in common, after their writing, is their fondness for each other.
***
"It never rains, but it pours."
That was our holiday season. Of course we had the usual holiday events -- there were gifts to be made, there was cooking to be done, Dianne's in-laws were in town, Anah got sick...
And then the edits for one of our upcoming novels came in from our editor at Samhain. Trammel is the second book in the Foundations of Magic series and our editor had pointed out quite a few spots that needed work because we'd forgotten the readers couldn't, you know, read our minds. Oops. So we had three weeks to get that done. No problem, right?
Well, Anah got sick and that delayed things a little, but not too badly. We got an extension of three days from our fantastic editor.
In the last week before we had to turn in the Trammel edits, we got news that we needed to fill out some forms for Carina Press related to what was then an upcoming release: One Real Thing. So in between revising scenes and expanding character motivations, we carved out the time to figure out some interesting tidbits Carina could post on their Twitter and Facebook feeds, and wrote a post for Carina's blog. So far so good.
Then the edits arrived for Going the Distance, a novella we've got coming up next month from Amber Allure. There was some whining, we admit, but mostly we just both took deep breaths and resolved to not even open the file until we'd finished the Trammel edits.
This is not the first time this has happened to us, either. No matter how we plan, at least once a year our edits and promo work coalesce in a space that is anything but a lull in our daily lives. It's enough to cause anyone to develop a complex, or at least a mild neurosis--we have enough of those, thanks. However, we do learn from our past trials, so this was a learning experience at the least.
There's a happy ending, though! We finished the Trammel edits on time (with the three day extension, which we stuck to even when our wonderful editor offered a few more days), finished all the forms for Carina Press, One Real Thing has arrived, and we even managed to finish the edits for Going the Distance.
...too bad we don't have time for a nap.
To learn more about Anah and Dianne and their work:
Websites: Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Twitters: Anah and Dianne
LiveJournals: Anah and Dianne
Fox & Crow Newsletter: subscribe here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND JUST FOR FUN, A FICTION PROMPT CALL...!!Like to stretch your writing fingers after Christmas' excesses? Take the prompt "A NEW RESOLUTION" and write something for the visitors this month. It can be anything from a flashfic 3 sentences to a drabble of 100 or so, or even more. Any genre, any theme, any rating, any character(s). Maybe ones you already love, maybe the chance to try on a new character for size.
Depending on how many (if any!) contributions we get, I'll post them during the month or all in the last week. Just send them in to me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and we'll go from there :).
♥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow this month with Clare - and the goodies so far:
JAN 01: A FREE short from me, revisiting Nic and Aidan from Sparks Fly.
JAN 01: Delicious m/m icons from
luscious_words
.JAN 02: Why I want to be a Bond villain! by
chrissymunder
.JAN 03: The world of inspiration between 'historical' and 'contemporary' with
stevie_carroll
.JAN 04: Some fascinating Swedish proverbs from
1more_sickpuppy
.JAN 05: A round-up of a great year just gone from
angelasstone
.JAN 06: The countryside and history that inspires author
sandra_lindsey
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check up on the original post and the Guest Schedule for January HERE.
Want to join in but missed the original call? Email me at clarelondon11 AT yahoo.co.uk and I'll happily find you a space ♥
NOTE: most pictures chosen by me and credited where known, others may be used without direct permission, please contact me with any queries/concerns.
