Tracy St. John's Blog, page 170

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Some new faces.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Alien Caged Release News

I have gotten back the last of the edits from the proofreader.  She was kind enough to send me her notes in sections as she finished, allowing me to work on the final draft a little at a time.  Today I will be tackling the final section, the last 6 chapters of the book.  This week will be devoted to formatting.

This means I can now set a definitive release date for Clans of Kalquor 8:  Alien Caged.   I will begin the uploading process to the major distributors (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords) starting next Monday, October 21.

Please remember that it can take several hours to days for the book to be accepted by the distributors.  It should be available at those places no later than Friday, October 25, given their approval processes.  So be ready to read Elisa and Clan Zemos' adventure in less than two weeks.  As for now, feel free to join me in my happy dance!

When A Mind Turns to Mush

I have mentioned before that I am slowing down my writing schedule.  It looks like I’m slowing down more than even I anticipated.

I took some time off from writing last month, having hit a stage of burnout I’d never experienced before.  Not ‘writer’s block’, mind you ... the story ideas continued to come fast and furious, as they always have.  I’d simply hit a wall as far as the ability to keep going.  Such is the price of crazy New Year’s challenges and my typical eagerness to rip out the stories that clamor inside my brain. 
Unfortunately for my peace of mind, when I get a new idea my muse screams, “Write it NOW!!!”  In recent weeks, the rest of me started yelling back, “Put it on hold or I will shut the whole thing down.”  I had become mentally exhausted.
I took a week off, the longest I’ve gone without writing in over three years.  Even during my summer vacations I have written almost every day, and at a hectic pace that most don’t attempt.  I think I must be beyond obsessed with writing.  Obsessed or not, the schedule I'd set for myself became too much and my brain turned to mush.
Let me tell you, that week off was amazing.  I felt twinges here and there of guilt that I wasn’t writing, but overall, my entire being breathed a sigh of relief.  The chaos that had taken up residence inside my skull quieted.  I looked forward to the day each morning when my eyes opened.  A couple of times, after putting my son on the school bus, I went back to bed.  I read books.  I meditated for an hour at a time.  Ah, decadent laziness.  It was lovely.
I came back rejuvenated and ready to write again.  No longer do I feel crazed with the need to write so many words a day, to push and push and push forward until my nerves scream.  I realize I had put myself in a writing hell of my own making.  I’d almost turned the thing I love doing into a nightmare.
I’ve sworn to myself to not reach that breaking point again.  That means I have shuffled around my schedule to give myself more breaks and more room to breathe between books.  I realize that I do not have to drive myself crazy by pounding out book after book at a rate of every 6 to 8 weeks ... in fact, it’s best that I don’t.  For the sake of myself, my family, and my books, I am slowing way the hell down.
My friends, I am afraid you will have to wait longer between books from now on.  I will still be writing five days a week, but I will take a day for myself and one for my family as well.  I will reduced the amount of writing I have been demanding of myself in a set amount of time.  No more 12 hour workdays for this gal.  After each book’s release, I will relax with a week off to recharge.  It could be I only release 4 books a year from now on.  It could be even less.  I am sorry if you are disappointed with that, but I cannot continue to write myself ragged.  
This is your heads-up on the matter.  Any urgings to ‘hurry’ when it comes to the next book will be viewed with amusement from now on.  If I catch myself rushing like before, I will be kicking my own ass.  I will invite you to kick it with me.
Thanks for your patience and understanding.  Alien Caged is coming soon, so make sure you don’t rush through it, okay?  Clan, Honor, and Empire, the next new book in line, will likely not be seen before March. 

Weekend Wake-up Call – The Font

He kissed her again, as sweetly as one could hope from a solicitous lover.  “You’ll be fine, Naya.  I will not harm you.”
She held still as he bound her wrists together.  Then he stretched the cord to a thin pine tree a foot away, tying it off around the trunk.  Elisha came back and stood over her.
“You are beautiful, Naya, tied helpless for my pleasure.”  His eyes on her were avid and bright in the light of the full moon.  He knelt down, spreading her legs so they straddled his thighs.  
Naya was suddenly very aware of her sex being open, that he was seeing her most intimate parts.  She was utterly exposed to him, with no way to hide.  She instinctively pulled at the rope, wanting to cover herself against the vampire sight she knew penetrated the shadows so well.  Elisha could see at night as clearly as she did in the daylight.  
“You will remain open to me,” he said quietly.  “Stop trying to close your legs, Naya.”
She was pressing against his thighs she realized, attempting to shield her too vulnerable sex from his view.  She drew a deep breath and made herself relax.
“Much better,” he said, and his approval warmed her as his kiss had.  “Now remain absolutely still.”Naya had never known how difficult remaining motionless could be until his fingers began tracing her nether lips with a light, teasing touch.  She seized at the sensation, everything below the waist spasming in reaction.  Her hips jerked.
“Naya,” came Elisha’s deep voice, the tone disapproving.  “You said you’d obey.  Now do not move.”She’d heard Heriolf utter profane phrases that she thought might fit this occasion just fine.  Don’t move indeed!  And how was she to accomplish that when his fingers were so talented?  When he was touching places that brought darts of excruciating pleasure driving her insides to bubble and roil?
Naya bit her lips together and concentrated on keeping her hips still.  She couldn’t do anything about the trembling that suffused her body, not when Elisha was so carefully tracing every fold, every petal of her womanhood.
She could feel honey flowing from her, making those tormenting fingers slide easily over her flesh.  She peered at Elisha, wondering what he was thinking as he played with her.
Their eyes met, and he deliberately withdrew his hand to slowly suck her juices from his fingers.  The groan that came from Naya was embarrassingly loud.
“I agree,” he said, one corner of his mouth lifting as he reached to fondle her anew.  “It’s not just your blood that is delicious.”
He dipped into her well to gather moisture, which he spread all over her sex.  When his fingers brushed her clitoris, it took all her willpower to not writhe in response.  But her trembling grew more powerful, especially as he continued to rub that eager bit of flesh.  Pleasure curled in tight coils, reaching from where his fingers made contact to deep in her belly.  Naya’s breath came quickly as the delight grew.  Little whimpers escaped from between her clenched teeth.
Elisha said nothing, just continued the sweet torment that had chills racing up and down Naya’s spine.  Bliss billowed in ever greater swells within her lower body, fed by the hard calloused pads of his fingers on her swelling nub.  Even as the gorgeous heat ballooned it also seemed to draw tight, spiraling into a taut strand until she could feel it fraying.
The friction of his fingers and thumb was bringing the ecstasy closer.  It was nearly there, drawing near, reaching for her, ready to snatch her into its un-gentle embrace.  Naya welcomed it, strained for it while forcing herself to remain still for Elisha’s decadent attentions.  The first lick of a small flame sparked, followed by a second.  Oh, here it was, the beginning of that wondrous ravaging inferno, ready to devour her, on the verge of consuming her every sense…
Elisha halted and withdrew, leaving her to hang helplessly on the pinnacle of release.  She made a mewling sound and strained towards him.  She was so close!  
“Elisha?” she gasped, panting as he sat so very still watching her.
“Yes?”
“Why are you stopping?”
“I don’t want you to come yet.”
She stared at him in shock.  Her sex was clamoring for his touch.  Just one last little brush and she’d drown in bliss.  “But – but why not?”
“It pleases me to deny you orgasm for now.”
“But I want it!  Please, Elisha.”
“I know you want it.”  He smiled, and it was a dark, forbidding smile.  “You were almost there too.  I could feel it.  I want to make you wait.  I want control over you in this.”
“But … but…”
“You said you’d obey.  Now be still.  I’ll give you pleasure when I’m ready.  Not before.”

Available through Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords

Shalia's Diary Thursday Entry

Shalia's new surroundings.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Cover Reveal For Clans of Kalquor 8: Alien Caged

I don't have a release date yet, as the book is still being proofread.  Meanwhile, enjoy another gorgeous cover by Erin Dameron-Hill.

WIP Wednesday – First Mataras: Michaela

“This is my Imdiko, Matara.  His name is Govi,” Korkla said in his warm voice.
This would be the psychologist Israla had told her about.  Govi was a shrink with perfect, masculine features, as stunning as a male could be.  His face was not angular, like Korkla’s, nor cherubic, like Michaela’s.  He struck a perfect line down the middle, making his jaw and dimpled chin strong without being stark.  His cheekbones were well-formed without being haughty.  His long black hair lay smooth as glass halfway to his chest.
What a chest it was, delineated beneath that body-hugging outfit they called a formsuit.  Well, the attire certainly suited Govi’s form.  It was just a shade less perfect than Korkla’s, a bit more elongated and slender.  Not that Michaela would hold that against Govi.  No, he was just flat-out too stunning to be torn down by comparison.
“A drink, Matara?”  The man’s soft voice roused her from her contemplation.
She blinked, trying to escape the spell of the man’s beauty.  “Oh.  I don’t know if I should.  Israla already gave me some leshella.  I may have had too much already.”
Yes, she’d blame her tongue-tied reaction to the handsome Kalquorian on the drink.  It was as good an excuse as any to hang blunders on.
Govi smiled, making Michaela’s world tilt.  As if he wasn’t handsome enough, he had to go and do that, increasing his appeal to the most ridiculous degree ever.
He said, “Shel is a derivative of leshella, but not quite as potent.  A small glass of that shouldn’t hurt.”
Stunned by the gorgeous man in front of her, Michaela mumbled, “Okay, I guess.”
While he fetched a glass in which he poured a light blue liquid, Korkla steered her over to the mammoth lounger.  Michaela perched on the edge of it, her feet dangling a few inches from the flooring.  Korkla sat next to her.  He didn’t touch her, but he was close enough for her to feel his body heat and note the waft of cinnamon-like scent coming off him.
Israla had said it was the aroma of Kalquorian arousal.  Could that really be true?  Why in the universe would this man find her attractive?  Maybe Israla had lied when she’d said this clan was fully aware of Michaela’s true form.
No release date set

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Saying goodbye.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

October 2013 Update

Shalia’s Diary:  Storyline 2 wraps this month and the third of Shalia’s tales begins.  More drama and adventure to come, of course.  A big change of scenery and new characters are on their way!


New Year’s Challenges
Start a new book each month:
(January)  Clans of Kalquor 8:  Alien Caged– Edits are finished, and this one has moved on to the proofreader.  If all goes well, you will see this out by the end of the month.  I still can’t pin a specific release date down yet, but I’m working on it.
(February)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan, Honor, and Empire – A quarter of the way done with the first draft.  No release date set.
(March)  First Mataras:  Michaela – I’m still writing a bit here and there.  No release date set. 
(April)  Clans of Kalquor 9:  Alien Indiscretions–The outline is done.  Further work on hold.
(May)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Crown– Half of the outline is done.  Further work on hold.
(June)  Brianna’s Clan -  Plotting done.  Further work on hold.
(July)  Clans of Kalquor 10:  Alien Hostage – Plotting done.  Further work on hold.
(August)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan Bacoj (Untitled) – Character sketches and plotting done.  Further work on hold.
(September)  Clan Companions 1 (Untitled) – Character sketches and plotting done.  This goes all the way back to when then-Ambassador Ospar first approached Earth about DNA testing.  One of his security guards sees a gorgeous young Earther assigned to guard the Earther ambassador, and sparks fly between the young man and that Nobek’s clan.  Further work on hold.
(October)  Clans of Kalquor 11:  Alien Revolt – Writing character sketches and plotting this month.  The premise at this point (which could always change as things often do this early on) is that Admirals Piras and Tranis discover a rebellion within the Kalquorian fleet itself.

The Couch to 5K Running Program:
The spirit is willing, but the knee keeps saying, “Go fuck yourself, Tracy.”  I just got back to running this past week.  Hubby is now telling me he thinks my poor body, traumatized from that car accident all those years ago, is not going to let me accomplish this goal.  Maybe not, but I really, really want this.  Stubborn beast that I am, I will keep trying.  On days I can’t run, I walk five miles instead.  I have now shed 43 pounds, and my end goal for weight is 12 pounds away. 
Have an awesome month, all.  Enjoy the Halloween season!

Weekend Wake-up Call – Clans of Kalquor 6: Alien Redemption

She said another phrase she’d worked on last night.  “Yof dif.”  I am yours.
Conyod smiled.  “Thank you, my Ray-Ray.”
He bent back to her breasts.  The hand that had pinched earlier now caressed, the calloused pads rubbing with delightful gentleness.  It was his mouth that held Rachel’s attention, however.  She tensed as his teeth closed over her vulnerable nipple this time.  Pressure.  A sliver of pain.  The bite was gentle, not even enough to leave a mark.  And the smart was powerfully exciting.  When he released her, she thrust the throbbing flesh up towards his mouth again.
Conyod chuckled, and the sound was gorgeously evil.  “Definite positive reaction to the pleasure and pain dynamic.  Now let’s see how you like this.”
His mouth went to the other breast this time, his hand molding it to fit as much as possible inside.  He sucked hard, as if he’d devour the entire mound.  There were teeth again, pressing firmly against her flesh.  He dragged them all the way to the tip as he painfully released the breast.
Rachel’s breath came in gasps.  Again, Conyod had not broken the skin, had not added marks to her already marred body.  It had hurt this time, really hurt.  She was clutching the sleeping mat over her head in handfuls in reaction.  It had been the only way to not try to push him off.
But damn, it had aroused the hell out of her too.  Knowing he’d held back when he could do so much more, that he was careful to not inflict real damage while letting her know who was in charge … wow.  Fucking grade-A incredible.
Conyod had paused and watched her closely.  “More?” he asked.
For an answer, Rachel twisted her body slightly, offering him the other breast.  Damn straight she wanted more.  She wanted it all.
“Let’s see how you respond to being controlled along with the pain.”
He reached up and wrapped his hand around her wrists, pinning them in a firm grip.  She’d already been pretty much at his mercy with her feet and ass in the air, her body immobile beneath his weight.  Now she was utterly helpless, with no defenses left.
I wish I could show those fools back on Earth what I’m letting this guy do to me.  They thought I was rebellious before.  They had no idea.
Conyod filled his mouth with her other breast, and made it throb like he had the first with those wonderfully cruel teeth.  Rachel’s head tossed from side to side, her body a riot of arousal and agony.  As soon as his mouth left her flesh, he searched her face.
“Still good, my lovely?”
So good, you big, strong beast of a man.  Don’t you dare stop.  She tried to communicate the message with her eyes.
Some of it must have gotten through, because his expression warmed.  “Could you be any more perfect, Ray-Ray?” he whispered.
Conyod moved up to catch her lips with his.  The shift brought her butt completely off the sleeping mat, putting her weight on her upper back.  The Imdiko’s hard lengths settled against her pussy, and she groaned to feel him right there.  She tried to wriggle against him in an effort to rub her needy flesh all over his, but she couldn’t move.
His kiss was demanding, hungry.  Rachel moaned at the assertive, almost aggressive way he devoured her mouth, his tongue sweeping in to declare her his.  She was being claimed.
Conyod broke the kiss and stared into her eyes.  “Are you ready for me, my love?”
His cocks throbbed with his pulse, hot and eager against her.  Rachel thought of how endowed he was and how ruthless he’d already been.  Her lower parts convulsed in nervous anticipation.  She nodded.
Conyod’s gaze never left her face as he reached down.  He shifted slightly, not enough to let Rachel move from her vulnerable position, but enough so that he could arrange his cocks to enter her pussy and anus.  The tapered tips slid inside her just a bit, and her breath caught.
At last.  He was finally going to fuck her.
“Relax.  Deep breaths.  Let me in,” he said.
Pressure built against her openings as Conyod pushed against her.  His cocks slipped in, aided by their combined wetness.  Both Rachel’s sheaths started to ache as the Kalquorian grew thicker towards the base of his organs.  He was so big!
“Almost, Ray-Ray.  Just a bit more.  Take it, lovely.  Take it all.”
She clenched her fists, trying to channel all the tension there, forcing her lower parts to remain soft and accepting.  Conyod pressed in steadily, not too fast but not letting up for an instant either.  Pushing her to surrender to him.
“Don’t fight it.  Give yourself over.  Submit to me.”
Rachel wanted to and battled to make herself pliant.  She groaned as the ache of accepting him grew.  It was almost pain, but he was rubbing really sensitive parts too, parts that felt as good as taking that incredible girth hurt.
An excruciating blast of sensation burst through Rachel’s belly, and she seized up.  That brought real pain, particularly from her stretched anus, and she cried out.  Conyod stroked her cheek gently.
“Easy, Ray-Ray.  I bumped your cervix.  Relax, pretty girl.  Relax and let yourself adjust to me.”
Rachel whimpered, but she tried to make her body go limp.  It wasn’t easy to do so, but by degrees the tension slid away.  The blast of agony dulled to a throb.
Conyod held absolutely still as she recovered.  “Deep breaths.  That’s my girl.”
Discomfort eased to where desire returned.  Rachel breathed as she was told and considered the situation.
Conyod still held her wrists over her head.  Her knees were at her ears.  Her ass was in the air with the weight of the big Kalquorian pinning her down.  She had a huge cock buried in her pussy and a smaller, but still sizeable one up her ass.  All things considered, it had turned into a pretty good day.
Available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords