Selena Blake's Blog, page 27
January 17, 2014
Review of Pursued by a Werewolf
Unromantic Mondays said:
“Pursued by a Werewolf is one of my favorite Selena Blake books by far. Selena took her time with this book and for me as a reader it paid off. Even though readers have been introduced to both Avery and Hunter before I now understand so much more about them. Selena’s character development of Avery and Hunter kept me reading when I should have been studying for finals. I connected with Avery in such a way that I thought she was a friend and I was almost in tears when I finished reading.”
January 13, 2014
Crab cakes, Google + Circles and Whatchamacallits
Happy Monday Wolfpackers!
I hope you had a fantastic weekend! As for me, I got a little housework done, did a little outlet mall shopping, somehow resisted buying anything from the Coach store with my 50% off coupon, and had an incredible lunch! #crabcakes #yum
I’m back with a few more “lessons” about Google +.
Just a reminder, that I’m learning my way around too, so take all this with a grain of salt. In fact, any time I use lesson and Google + in the same sentence, feel free to giggle.
Click on the screenshots below for a full size image.
This one shows you a few key features of the Home Page of your Google + profile. This is the default page you see when signed in to your personal profile account. I won’t repeat everything I wrote in pink, but if you have questions, leave a comment.
Next up: Circles
Admittedly, circles fascinate and confuse me. On one hand, I think they’re way handier than the way Facebook organizes things. But I’ve already messed up a bit and I’ve only been dedicated to Google + for a few weeks.
How have I messed up? Well, I follow people and then I generally group them into the circles I’ve created.
See the plus sign in the gray circle on the left? You can add circles, which are essentially groups. You can also edit and delete circles (note the dark gray Family circle with the edit pencil and the delete trashcan.) I, for instance, have a friends circle, along with blogs, readers, writers, authors, etc. I created circles in a way that makes sense to me.
I use these circles to keep folks straight in my mind. Sure, no one is cut and dried and I’m really not trying to pigeon hole you guys. I just put you in the groups that make it easy for me to remember who you are and how I know you.
Anyway, so back to how I messed up…
When you post a message to Google + you have incredible control over who sees your post. Suppose you want your friends to see your post, but not your mom. Assuming mom is in your Family circle and all your friends are in, ahem, your friends circle, you select Friends and not Family from the options. See below.
When you click add more people a list of all your circles and communities pops up. When I say communities, I’m talking about groups that you’ve joined on google + like a group of paranormal romance readers. There are lots of communities, so if you have a specific interest, do a search for it.
You can also send to specific people and forget groups, circles, communities and whatchamacallits all together. Unfortunately my pink circle got a little happy in the above image, but on the right side there, there’s actually a little + icon with a person beside it. Click on that and bam:
The Browse People dialog pops up and you can click on specific people to post a message to.
So again, how did I mess up? I was sending posts to My Circles for the past three weeks. Now this is well and good…if you follow me. If you don’t, you weren’t seeing my posts. And while some of my posts will be exclusive, most of them should have been public. And as yet, I can’t figure out a way to go back in time and edit that.
So there you have it. Google + Circles.
Questions?
By the way, did you know I’m on instagram?
January 10, 2014
How to Join Me on Google+
As you know, I’ve been making the move to Google+ and while a great many of you are already on Google+ too, we haven’t connected yet. 
Or perhaps you have a Gmail account, but don’t have a Google+ profile.
Neverfear, if you have a Gmail account, you’re just a few clicks away from completing your Google+ profile and then hanging out with yours truly. See?
If you do have a Gmail account, go ahead and log in as normal. You’ll notice in the image below I’m in Standard Mode (which is probably what you’re in unless you have a slow internet connection and have selected HTML mode.) I mention this in case HTML mode looks different.
The yellow arrow points to a link to my google + profile. Yours will likely say +Yourname.
Click on that link and hop over to Google +.
Once you’ve created your profile and gotten settled in, look me up!
More tips coming soon on how to make the most of Google+.
Guest Post – Why People Get Hooked On Erotic Fiction
Despite the fact that erotic fiction seems to be more popular just about every day, there are still many curious fans who wonder what they could get out of purchasing this sort of content. The quick answer for some people would be simple, straightforward and obvious: “arousal.” But this is where it’s very important, for those with little experience in this realm, to differentiate between erotic fiction and pornography. Generally speaking, “porn” refers to content designed entirely for arousal, whereas erotic fiction adds in entertainment value, enduring enjoyment, and occasionally additional elements such as a social component or even instructional capability. Mind you, these are not concrete definitions, just general associations.
The point is, many who have not yet dabbled extensively in erotic fiction aren’t quite sure what they’re getting into. Until you’ve dived in yourself, it can be a bit of a mystery just what pleasures await in the pages of an original erotic novel, or what the value is in a two-hour erotic film. So, just for the curious and adventurous, we thought we’d point out a few of the primary benefits of these types of entertainment.
1. Raw Entertainment
While the erotic component of this genre of fiction is certainly what sets it apart, it’s important not to get solely focused on the eroticism. Much like “50 Shades Of Grey” is an entertaining series, or even as “Twilight” benefits from a great deal of sexual tension and suggestion, erotic fiction has raw entertainment value. These are still stories, in fictional settings and with fictional plot lines, and as such they have great value as entertainment—they’re just a bit more overt about including sexual content.
2. Fantasy Expansion
Here’s the bottom line: sexual fantasies are incredibly varied and innumerable in number. And reading a great erotic novel can help you to tap into your own desires and interests. Many people are a bit naturally closed-minded to certain fantasies and concepts, and these works of fiction can help you get more comfortable with what it is that gets you excited. It’s perfectly normal to have what you may perceive as “weird” fantasies, but sometimes it takes a bit of search and discovery to realize you have them in the first place.
3. Instructional Value
You don’t have to buy a how-to book to explore new positions or improve your sexual performance. Often, erotic fiction helps in that area, too. The average sexual novel will certainly give you a few ideas, to begin with. Taking things a step further, Adam & Eve even sells a few adult DVDs with clear instructional value at their core. These include films about getting into bondage, explanations and introductions to Kuma Sutra, and much more. Basically, you can take this concept as you wish. Also, where raw erotic content like porn merely exists for brief arousal, the average sexual novel or full-length adult film can contain some instructional value, showing you plenty of new things to try in bed.
4. Social Sharing
Again, not to get caught up in the contrast with porn, but most friends, couples, etc… don’t like sharing their porn habits extensively, let alone enjoy videos together! Erotic fiction couldn’t be more different. Fans of erotic novels and full-length adult films often discuss and compare taste, couples enjoy this sort of content together, and there are even online communities and forums for reviewing and discussing content. Of course, there are exceptions, and we all have our privacy limits. But the general idea is that investing in professional erotic fiction can open up an enjoyable, casual community with like-minded people who are simply looking for arousal, new fantasies, and entertainment!
So there you have it. If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing a new erotic novel or you’re wondering what exactly people hope to gain from doing so, hopefully this list has provided you with a better understanding. But the best advice is really for you to try not to over-think it! Bottom line: if you find a subject or topic that appeals to you, it’s likely going to be enjoyable in many ways.
January 7, 2014
Join Me On Polyvore
Dearest ones,
I don’t consider myself a fashionista but I do adore beautiful cloths. I recently joined Polyvore, a collage building website where lots of people congregate to build outfits and rooms and things. I’m having so much fun finding new outfits to shop for in and out of my closet.
Are you a member of polyvore?
Is your closet organized?
Are you one of those incredible women who always look put together?
No matter what your answers are, polyvore is good clean fun, so join me. selenablake.polyvore.com
Here’s an example of a polyvore outfit I put together:
Champagne Glimmer by selenablake featuring a beige handbag
A few notes about using Polyvore
Not only can you put together outfits, you can “like” certain pieces and create a sort of wishlist. You can see my “wishlist” here.
See what other items and outfits I like under my Likes page.
Learn more about one of your favorite heroines by snooping through her closet. Check out Valencia Fabelle’s “collection.”
When you sign up for Polyvore, let me know in the comments below so I can follow you back.
January 6, 2014
Review of Fangs, Fur & Mistletoe
“I look forward to more stories to come – especially the wounded and emotionally scared Izzy. Certainly Ms. Blake has created a series worth investing in and Mystic Isle appears to fill the bill for those looking to let their imaginations roam as supernaturals frolic in the moonlight! I give this tasty little treat four chocolate dipped strawberries!”
January 3, 2014
Review of Ask For It
Shona from Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My! said:
“A contemporary romance, ASK FOR IT is an enjoyable story. Not only are the two main characters delightful and very believable, but without a doubt several of the sub-characters were very entertaining and could step up to the plate with there own story to be told. I liked Selena’s writing style and how the story smoothly included several aspects of Julia’s life so the reader can complete the whole picture as to who she really is as a person.”
January 1, 2014
Happy New Year Wolfpack!
Can you believe it’s 2014? Me either! Where did 2013 go? I swear yesterday I was eating “crack bread”, drinking pink champagne and ringing in 2013.
Well, this year I had chocolate chip mint ice cream and pink champagne and I’m raring to go. I spent the last ten minutes of 2013 writing and the first 10 minutes of 2014 writing. What a way to finish and start off a year.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. May all your dreams come true.
December 30, 2013
Start off the New Year with 5 hunky werewolves.
After centuries of solitude the stars are finally aligned just right. The handsome Deveraux men of Louisiana are going to meet their match this Hurricane Season.
Anthology includes: The Cajun’s Captive, Bitten In the Bayou, Seduced by a Cajun Werewolf, Mated to a Cajun Werewolf and Stranded with a Cajun Werewolf
Also, two bonus stories: More Than Attraction and A Cajun Werewolf Christmas
The Collector’s Edition includes over 15,000 words of bonus content including an interview with the author, questions for the characters, soundtrack, behind the scenes and the making of the Stormy Weather series. Inside you’ll find 450 pages of content for the die hard Stormy Weather fan.
Watch for the Stormy Weather Collector’s Edition to hit the rock bottom price of 3.99 this week. Sale ends on 01/03/2014. Check it out via these vendors.
December 17, 2013
Moving to Google Plus
Hello dear ones,
As you no doubt know, I’ve been on social networks like Twitter and Facebook for several years. I absolutely adore getting to know all my wonderful readers. Just the other day I met a delightful reader named Christy (HI Christy!) and we bonded over our mutual dislike of being carpet bombed with links on twitter.
Carpet bombing: That’s when someone sends dozens of tweets/links in rapid succession on twitter over and over. Like daily.
Another dislike?
Facebook.
Yeah, I’ve just never fallen for it the way I enjoyed Myspace and now Twitter. Heck, I like Tumblr, Pinterest, and Google + way more than Facebook.
Besides the design not gelling for me and confusing me to no end, I’ve spent a long time building a community there. And now FB wants me to pay to show my friends my posts. An example: I have (at this moment) 5137 “fans” on Facebook. And my last three posts were seen by 25, 37, and 61 people respectively. Let’s look at three posts from December 14th (3 days ago.) 115, 77, 347.
That’s ridiculously low. If I want to “boost” a post so that all 5000+ members CAN see it, that’ll be $40.
I don’t expect everyone to be on FB every day. I don’t expect them to see and/or read all my posts. I don’t expect them to like, comment on, or share all my posts.
I simply want them to have the ability to see those posts.
Without me paying for the option and without them having to do all sorts of opting in and adjusting every time Facebook decides it wants to make another dime.
Publishing is my business. Facebook is a tool. My readers are dear to me and I’d rather spend that money traveling to meet them or showering them with goodies or simply writing the next book they’re craving.
Therefore, I’m going to do my darnedest to move to other platforms that I get along with better.
You can now find me in my new digs at: Google Plus.
