Devi Ansevi's Blog: Devi Does...Dialogue , page 2
February 20, 2016
How would you react to an MFM relationship?
How would you react if your daughter told you she was in a committed MFM menage relationship?
Aiden, a 25-year-old transplanted Southerner, is going to break this news to her family in Southern Comfort (Soulmates Book 3), the follow-up to Their Wish List (Soulmates Book 1) .
What would be your first (second? third?) reaction to, "Mom, Grampa, these are my boyfriends."
Wishing you joy in (good)reading,
~Devi
Aiden, a 25-year-old transplanted Southerner, is going to break this news to her family in Southern Comfort (Soulmates Book 3), the follow-up to Their Wish List (Soulmates Book 1) .
What would be your first (second? third?) reaction to, "Mom, Grampa, these are my boyfriends."
Wishing you joy in (good)reading,
~Devi
February 17, 2016
A boost of self confidence for indie/self-pub authors - Bell, Book, and Erotica blog
Here's a grateful shout-out to Bell, Book, and Erotica, a new blog site that promotes and reviews indie and self-published authors of erotica. No, they haven't reviewed any of my books - not yet. The reason for the shout-out... They actually
responded
to my email.
Check out their clean, elegant site - they've posted a couple of great reviews. And the evocative candle flame rating system is a wonderful nod to the site title.
As an indie/self-pub author, who is trying to do it all - write, edit, promote, improve my writing, get involved with author communities, work a "real" job to pay bills - it's the pearl-in-the-oyster-irritant to get my work noticed.
I'm talking about promotion.
Yes, it pays to promote. In the sea of new books, one must find ways to get one's own book noticed. But I'm hesitant to spend money, not knowing what's reputable, what's not, and how to get a good return.
Review blogs are a "free" promotional method. I say "free" because it can take a lot of time just to submit the request in the proper format. I don't begrudge the time: review bloggers are inundated with requests from eager authors. Anything that helps a reviewer quickly spot a book worth considering is good.
Here's the thing. Most times, I don't hear back at all. Similar to an HR department that gets hundreds of applications for a posting, only applicants invited to interview hear back. For the rest, it's null. Void. The great emptiness between stars.
I beseech you, bloggers, turn on an auto-reply. Let the pitifully grateful author know the email was received. You know, something like this:
"Thank you for your review request. We usually respond within six weeks if interested. If you don't hear back, take the hint. Sincerely, The Reviewers"
Since we're wishing (and that's also free), how about a form reply, a check box that indicates why my book was NOT selected for review:
"Thank you for your review request. Your book will not be reviewed because:
___ No one here liked your blurb.
___ You need other reviews before we'll write one.
___ Your other reviews are negative, go away.
___ Your review request was poorly written, go away.
___ We're too swamped now, go away.
Sincerely, The Reviewers"
I know, I know. Easy for me to ask. Perhaps each reviewer gets hundreds of emails a week.
But it's an insular little world inside an author's mind. Without knowing why I don't hear back, I begin to imagine reasons. Darkly humorous, darkly paranoid, or simply dark reasons.
Imagine my delight when, responding to an invitation to submit books for review, I received a reply within hours from Bell, Book and Erotica. Not just a reply, but a welcoming response, an offer to review my book - albeit in 4-6 weeks.
Why such a long lead time? Because, despite the site being open only a week, the reviewers already have THAT MUCH backlog.
An indicator that we need many more blogs? that we need lots more guest reviewers on these blogs? that readers - and by extension, authors - place an enormous weight of credibility on bloggers' unpaid reviews?
Can't emphasize enough how lovely it was just to get a reply. Much less a courteous, encouraging one. Bell, Book and Erotica is a site run by self-published and indie authors, who understand what it's like to try and get your work noticed. Kudos to their reviewer team for starting off on such a hospitable footing.
Wishing you joy in (good)reading,
~Devi
Check out their clean, elegant site - they've posted a couple of great reviews. And the evocative candle flame rating system is a wonderful nod to the site title.
As an indie/self-pub author, who is trying to do it all - write, edit, promote, improve my writing, get involved with author communities, work a "real" job to pay bills - it's the pearl-in-the-oyster-irritant to get my work noticed.
I'm talking about promotion.
Yes, it pays to promote. In the sea of new books, one must find ways to get one's own book noticed. But I'm hesitant to spend money, not knowing what's reputable, what's not, and how to get a good return.
Review blogs are a "free" promotional method. I say "free" because it can take a lot of time just to submit the request in the proper format. I don't begrudge the time: review bloggers are inundated with requests from eager authors. Anything that helps a reviewer quickly spot a book worth considering is good.
Here's the thing. Most times, I don't hear back at all. Similar to an HR department that gets hundreds of applications for a posting, only applicants invited to interview hear back. For the rest, it's null. Void. The great emptiness between stars.
I beseech you, bloggers, turn on an auto-reply. Let the pitifully grateful author know the email was received. You know, something like this:
"Thank you for your review request. We usually respond within six weeks if interested. If you don't hear back, take the hint. Sincerely, The Reviewers"
Since we're wishing (and that's also free), how about a form reply, a check box that indicates why my book was NOT selected for review:
"Thank you for your review request. Your book will not be reviewed because:
___ No one here liked your blurb.
___ You need other reviews before we'll write one.
___ Your other reviews are negative, go away.
___ Your review request was poorly written, go away.
___ We're too swamped now, go away.
Sincerely, The Reviewers"
I know, I know. Easy for me to ask. Perhaps each reviewer gets hundreds of emails a week.
But it's an insular little world inside an author's mind. Without knowing why I don't hear back, I begin to imagine reasons. Darkly humorous, darkly paranoid, or simply dark reasons.
Imagine my delight when, responding to an invitation to submit books for review, I received a reply within hours from Bell, Book and Erotica. Not just a reply, but a welcoming response, an offer to review my book - albeit in 4-6 weeks.
Why such a long lead time? Because, despite the site being open only a week, the reviewers already have THAT MUCH backlog.
An indicator that we need many more blogs? that we need lots more guest reviewers on these blogs? that readers - and by extension, authors - place an enormous weight of credibility on bloggers' unpaid reviews?
Can't emphasize enough how lovely it was just to get a reply. Much less a courteous, encouraging one. Bell, Book and Erotica is a site run by self-published and indie authors, who understand what it's like to try and get your work noticed. Kudos to their reviewer team for starting off on such a hospitable footing.
Wishing you joy in (good)reading,
~Devi
December 12, 2015
"Their Wish List" is available - want a free copy?
Their Wish List is out! It's a damn fun book, if I do say so myself. But wait, I'm not the only one who liked it. One reviewer said it was "Everything you'd want for Christmas," and another said it was "an evocative romp through a series of increasing intense sexual encounters." I don't know about you, but I'd say if you combine those two quotes, you've got yourself the perfect Christmas present.
Would you like a copy of the book for free? Click the link by December 31st to download your copy from Instafreebie, http://www.instafreebie.com/free/HFMsF. Please consider writing a review of the book on Goodreads or Amazon, letting others know what you thought.
And now I'm hard at work on book 2 in the series, Fate's Arrow. Jenna Caylon loves her job, but her boss is kind of a jerk. She finally learns why he's been so unpleasant lately, and with her integrity on the line, she has to do something about it. The chemistry between them is explosive, and when they finally clear the air, "sparks will fly, buttons will pop, and Archer’s favorite office chair will never be the same." Shooting for a Christmas publication date.
Cheers and happy (good)reading,
Devi
November 6, 2015
Did this ever happen to you?
Have you ever written a book where the characters refuse to leave you alone, and you find yourself thinking about them even when you're not writing? Wondering how they would respond in this or that situation? Normally I write novellas, which I finish fairly quickly, but now I'm writing my first full-length novel, and Aiden, Tank and Gunner just will not leave me alone!
I had planned Their Christmas Wish List as an erotic menage novella, but Aiden and her guys have demanded more from me. I'm at 38K words and climbing.
I really like these characters!
Aiden is 25, sassy, insecure in some ways and completely self-confident in others, and as Tank says, "she knows how to fix sh*t." She's got a successful shop on Etsy, and some surprising areas of knowledge.
Tank and Gunner are successful entrepreneurs in their mid-30s. Tank is funny, good with people, and a clean freak. Gunner is moody, brilliant, and a control-freak. Gunner was adopted by Tank's family after years in the foster system, and he learned to guard his emotions, in stark contrast to Tank's openness and willingness to go for it.
Aiden meets the guys when she gets stranded by a snowstorm at Christmas in Montana. They spend a few days cooped up together, getting to know one another, falling in lust and maybe more. I originally intended just to explore what it would be like for a threesome to form where the getting-to-know-you part would be sped up by their enforced togetherness, where a conservative girl like Aiden could avoid feeling any societal censure about going out with two guys at once.
That part has been really fun, but now I keep thinking of how their relationship might grow and evolve. For example, "Oh, what would it look like if they met Aiden's family? Gosh, how would they react? Would her Mama surprise Aiden by accepting her choice, like her best friend Jenna says she would? And oh my, what about Grampa? He's not your typical grandfatherly figure, he's retired military, fit and active, he could possibly even kick their as*es!" [rub hands together gleefully, evil grin on face]
So, back to the original question, did you ever get so caught up in your characters' lives they won't leave you alone? 8-)
I'm hoping to finish and release Their Christmas Wish List by Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!
I had planned Their Christmas Wish List as an erotic menage novella, but Aiden and her guys have demanded more from me. I'm at 38K words and climbing.
I really like these characters!
Aiden is 25, sassy, insecure in some ways and completely self-confident in others, and as Tank says, "she knows how to fix sh*t." She's got a successful shop on Etsy, and some surprising areas of knowledge.
Tank and Gunner are successful entrepreneurs in their mid-30s. Tank is funny, good with people, and a clean freak. Gunner is moody, brilliant, and a control-freak. Gunner was adopted by Tank's family after years in the foster system, and he learned to guard his emotions, in stark contrast to Tank's openness and willingness to go for it.
Aiden meets the guys when she gets stranded by a snowstorm at Christmas in Montana. They spend a few days cooped up together, getting to know one another, falling in lust and maybe more. I originally intended just to explore what it would be like for a threesome to form where the getting-to-know-you part would be sped up by their enforced togetherness, where a conservative girl like Aiden could avoid feeling any societal censure about going out with two guys at once.
That part has been really fun, but now I keep thinking of how their relationship might grow and evolve. For example, "Oh, what would it look like if they met Aiden's family? Gosh, how would they react? Would her Mama surprise Aiden by accepting her choice, like her best friend Jenna says she would? And oh my, what about Grampa? He's not your typical grandfatherly figure, he's retired military, fit and active, he could possibly even kick their as*es!" [rub hands together gleefully, evil grin on face]
So, back to the original question, did you ever get so caught up in your characters' lives they won't leave you alone? 8-)
I'm hoping to finish and release Their Christmas Wish List by Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!
November 1, 2015
Another free book giveaway!
My newest book is out! Schooled to Obey: Lily's Training (Book 1) is a 33,000 word novella, part 1 in a trilogy, about an English governess' training in how to satisfy her mistress. It's very explicit, and suitable only for mature readers 18+. I've set up an ebook giveaway on Instafreebies. To download your free copy by November 30, please click here: http://www.instafreebie.com/free/6IRP9. If you choose to download, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon.
Schooled to Obey: Lily's Training
Schooled to Obey: Lily's Training
September 29, 2015
Victorian erotica giveaway!
Interested in reading some very naughty Victorian erotica?
And then, writing a review on Amazon.com or Goodreads?
Check out a free copy of Victorian Seduction: Alyssa's Carnal Education ! It's the first novella in my Victorian Seduction series.
This 25-book giveaway is through Instafreebies, and you're required only to provide a name and email. The book will be emailed to you in either mobi, epub, or pdf format. I hope you enjoy the book, and thank you for considering writing a review!
----From the Amazon.com description of the book----
Eighteen-year-old Alyssa is visiting London for the first time. She has grown up in the country, and her aunt and uncle are sponsoring her for a Season. Alyssa's sensual innocence quickly catches the attention of Genny and her stepbrother, Lord Bryson, whose circle of friends enjoy very particular pleasures. Alyssa will soon be introduced to the exquisite pleasures of having her bottom most thoroughly explored!
This 10,000 word novella is the first in a series about Alyssa's carnal education.
Warning: This 10,000 word Victorian erotic novella includes an innocent 18-year-old experiencing her first orgasms; very naughty talk by some very naughty ladies; two very satisfying carriage rides; bottoms and other bits fingered to a froth; anal and oral sex; and a lover who whispers sweet nothings that will set your undies on fire. For readers 18 and older.
And then, writing a review on Amazon.com or Goodreads?
Check out a free copy of Victorian Seduction: Alyssa's Carnal Education ! It's the first novella in my Victorian Seduction series.
This 25-book giveaway is through Instafreebies, and you're required only to provide a name and email. The book will be emailed to you in either mobi, epub, or pdf format. I hope you enjoy the book, and thank you for considering writing a review!
----From the Amazon.com description of the book----
Eighteen-year-old Alyssa is visiting London for the first time. She has grown up in the country, and her aunt and uncle are sponsoring her for a Season. Alyssa's sensual innocence quickly catches the attention of Genny and her stepbrother, Lord Bryson, whose circle of friends enjoy very particular pleasures. Alyssa will soon be introduced to the exquisite pleasures of having her bottom most thoroughly explored!
This 10,000 word novella is the first in a series about Alyssa's carnal education.
Warning: This 10,000 word Victorian erotic novella includes an innocent 18-year-old experiencing her first orgasms; very naughty talk by some very naughty ladies; two very satisfying carriage rides; bottoms and other bits fingered to a froth; anal and oral sex; and a lover who whispers sweet nothings that will set your undies on fire. For readers 18 and older.
Devi Does...Dialogue
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