Shawna Hunter's Blog, page 7
February 9, 2018
Rejections, Reflections and Rebuilding
So my go-to publisher rejected The Girl Named Flower. Essentially they didn't find the story believable and suggested that it may be time to move on from the Brooke's Hollow universe as it isn't catching fire as quickly as they'd hoped.
The funny thing with this rejection is that its something I should have seen coming. Not the believability part (I totally disagree on that and I'll come to why in a moment) but the growth. A handful of sales per month seemed great, at first, because I was still operating on the mindset of any money coming in being a fantastic bonus. I write, afterall, because I enjoy it but now that I'm at book 7 I have to start thinking in business terms. If I want those next steps (physical books, making a living with writing, movie considerations) then its time I pay more attention to the corporate side of writing.
This is all something that must have been in my subconscious as well. You see the central theme of this newest story (without spoilers) is that two women are forced to up-end their lives due to villains coming after them because one of them has a dark past. They, of course, end up fleeing to Brooke's Hollow instead of going into witness protection because Jane, the main character, doesn't want to sacrifice all the hard work she's put in to building her name and reputation as a reporter/writer. Brooke's Hollow offers its usual sensual delights and Laissez-Fare attitude and the main characters (Jane and Abeba) are enchanted by it. Being hunted is a terrifying concept and, as they believe they are protected now, they decide to keep themselves from thinking about the danger by indulging in distraction. Jane especially wants to keep Abeba from worrying out of a misguided protective instinct.
The danger manifests in the form of the assassin. A nameless, indistinct man who finds his mission frustrated by the town and the employer's specifications for the task who nonetheless remains focused on his goal. While the town assumes that he'll get distracted by sex and other pleasures it is actually they who are distracted. This leads to a thrilling climax and the eventual reveal (to the reader at least) of the true villain of the 3 story arc. As a bonus the story involves every major character from my previous works to some degree.
Needless to say I had a ball writing this story and high ambitions for its success. Only to have them dashed. The problem, it seems to me, is that I focused so much time on writing it that I didn't advertise my other books as hard as I should have. I didn't solicit reviews and maintain my fanbase so when I tried to bring forward another Brooke's Hollow book that brings centers on the established universe of those stories it didn't hold the promise it should have. I was, like my characters, distracted by fun and ignoring the trouble.
Moving forward I've submitted the story to a new publisher with a couple others in the wings (simultaneous submissions being frowned upon) if that one also rejects it. In the meantime I'm going to slow down on the second book of the election arc and focus on pimping, review hunting and connecting more with my fans. I've got 1400+ likes on my fanpage and roughly the same number of followers on twitter. It's time to grow that base and get the name Brooke's Hollow on more lips.
Despite the advice from my rejection I am not done with my town just yet. I like my characters and the quirky place in which they live and I'm not about to abandon it all just yet because one person didn't like one story. Still I'm not going to go on pretending that the universe is where it should be either. It's time to take a good hard look at the state of things and make the changes and growth I need to. It's not fun, it's not the part of writing I enjoy and it sure as hell won't be easy but if you don't face your problems they end up creeping up on you...a lesson my characters and I apparently had to learn the hard way.
The funny thing with this rejection is that its something I should have seen coming. Not the believability part (I totally disagree on that and I'll come to why in a moment) but the growth. A handful of sales per month seemed great, at first, because I was still operating on the mindset of any money coming in being a fantastic bonus. I write, afterall, because I enjoy it but now that I'm at book 7 I have to start thinking in business terms. If I want those next steps (physical books, making a living with writing, movie considerations) then its time I pay more attention to the corporate side of writing.
This is all something that must have been in my subconscious as well. You see the central theme of this newest story (without spoilers) is that two women are forced to up-end their lives due to villains coming after them because one of them has a dark past. They, of course, end up fleeing to Brooke's Hollow instead of going into witness protection because Jane, the main character, doesn't want to sacrifice all the hard work she's put in to building her name and reputation as a reporter/writer. Brooke's Hollow offers its usual sensual delights and Laissez-Fare attitude and the main characters (Jane and Abeba) are enchanted by it. Being hunted is a terrifying concept and, as they believe they are protected now, they decide to keep themselves from thinking about the danger by indulging in distraction. Jane especially wants to keep Abeba from worrying out of a misguided protective instinct.
The danger manifests in the form of the assassin. A nameless, indistinct man who finds his mission frustrated by the town and the employer's specifications for the task who nonetheless remains focused on his goal. While the town assumes that he'll get distracted by sex and other pleasures it is actually they who are distracted. This leads to a thrilling climax and the eventual reveal (to the reader at least) of the true villain of the 3 story arc. As a bonus the story involves every major character from my previous works to some degree.
Needless to say I had a ball writing this story and high ambitions for its success. Only to have them dashed. The problem, it seems to me, is that I focused so much time on writing it that I didn't advertise my other books as hard as I should have. I didn't solicit reviews and maintain my fanbase so when I tried to bring forward another Brooke's Hollow book that brings centers on the established universe of those stories it didn't hold the promise it should have. I was, like my characters, distracted by fun and ignoring the trouble.
Moving forward I've submitted the story to a new publisher with a couple others in the wings (simultaneous submissions being frowned upon) if that one also rejects it. In the meantime I'm going to slow down on the second book of the election arc and focus on pimping, review hunting and connecting more with my fans. I've got 1400+ likes on my fanpage and roughly the same number of followers on twitter. It's time to grow that base and get the name Brooke's Hollow on more lips.
Despite the advice from my rejection I am not done with my town just yet. I like my characters and the quirky place in which they live and I'm not about to abandon it all just yet because one person didn't like one story. Still I'm not going to go on pretending that the universe is where it should be either. It's time to take a good hard look at the state of things and make the changes and growth I need to. It's not fun, it's not the part of writing I enjoy and it sure as hell won't be easy but if you don't face your problems they end up creeping up on you...a lesson my characters and I apparently had to learn the hard way.
January 29, 2018
Lowest scam yet
"Sensitivity Readers"
I came across this earlier today and the more I read about it the more it offends me. It is by far the most unethical "service" I've ever seen attempting to prey on authors and it comes wrapped up in SJW lingo!
A character is an individual not a symbol for any group they may belong to. That character's thoughts and actions are there own and don't even necessarily represent those of the author (think villains).
A reader is an individual and not a spokesperson for everyone in any group they may belong to. They cannot judge what is or isn't acceptable from someone else of similar characteristic.
What this does is make a "no true scotsman" argument via criticism of your work and then expect you to acquiesce. You'll note (say, in the example below) that they can't guarantee you won't offend. That's because NO ONE PERSON can speak for a group and it demonstrates clearly that they know exactly what they're doing which makes me sick.
If you're scared of offending people with a character or plot point then don't write that character or plot point but don't shy away from writing what you want because of fear of offense. You can't please everyone but you can't let that keep you from expressing yourself creatively. We all face those insecurities while writing but they serve a purpose. They help make our work better by helping us to double check and really put ourselves in our characters' shoes. What this "service" does is prey on those insecurities. It offers to allay them for a fee but, as I said, they can't offer any true guarantee.
The world today is facing major tensions and "marginalized groups" are becoming more vocal which is great...but with that impetus to change and growth comes these leaches that try to use these moments to turn a prophet. To me they're no better than hoarders during a famine or drought that try and steal supplies and sell them back to the people.
Here's one example that I found via google (you may need alcohol to read it). Please don't ever fall for this. We're all people and we ALL have the right to express ourselves creatively. If someone doesn't like your story they don't have to read it but you should never feel guilt for how you express yourself.
http://writeinthemargins.org/sensitiv...
I came across this earlier today and the more I read about it the more it offends me. It is by far the most unethical "service" I've ever seen attempting to prey on authors and it comes wrapped up in SJW lingo!
A character is an individual not a symbol for any group they may belong to. That character's thoughts and actions are there own and don't even necessarily represent those of the author (think villains).
A reader is an individual and not a spokesperson for everyone in any group they may belong to. They cannot judge what is or isn't acceptable from someone else of similar characteristic.
What this does is make a "no true scotsman" argument via criticism of your work and then expect you to acquiesce. You'll note (say, in the example below) that they can't guarantee you won't offend. That's because NO ONE PERSON can speak for a group and it demonstrates clearly that they know exactly what they're doing which makes me sick.
If you're scared of offending people with a character or plot point then don't write that character or plot point but don't shy away from writing what you want because of fear of offense. You can't please everyone but you can't let that keep you from expressing yourself creatively. We all face those insecurities while writing but they serve a purpose. They help make our work better by helping us to double check and really put ourselves in our characters' shoes. What this "service" does is prey on those insecurities. It offers to allay them for a fee but, as I said, they can't offer any true guarantee.
The world today is facing major tensions and "marginalized groups" are becoming more vocal which is great...but with that impetus to change and growth comes these leaches that try to use these moments to turn a prophet. To me they're no better than hoarders during a famine or drought that try and steal supplies and sell them back to the people.
Here's one example that I found via google (you may need alcohol to read it). Please don't ever fall for this. We're all people and we ALL have the right to express ourselves creatively. If someone doesn't like your story they don't have to read it but you should never feel guilt for how you express yourself.
http://writeinthemargins.org/sensitiv...
January 16, 2018
Another Giveaway!
***FREE GIVEAWAY Jan 16-20th***
Submission Backstory
Description:
Immersing herself in work worldly reporter Alyssa K travels to New York on the trail of a hot story. After arriving she discovers that the story is much bigger than she could have dreamed. Facing steep competition from a rival with no scruples, Alyssa must think outside the box to find a fresh angle. Her search leads her to David, an overconfident younger man who promises the inside scoop Alyssa needs. All he asks in return is a little of her time. At first thinking she has the edge on her cute young admirer Alyssa soon learns that there is more to young David than meets the eye. Ultimately she realizes that she's not just hunting this story she's living it, and must decide if she will run from her future or submit to desires she didn't even know she had.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Submission Backstory
Description:
Immersing herself in work worldly reporter Alyssa K travels to New York on the trail of a hot story. After arriving she discovers that the story is much bigger than she could have dreamed. Facing steep competition from a rival with no scruples, Alyssa must think outside the box to find a fresh angle. Her search leads her to David, an overconfident younger man who promises the inside scoop Alyssa needs. All he asks in return is a little of her time. At first thinking she has the edge on her cute young admirer Alyssa soon learns that there is more to young David than meets the eye. Ultimately she realizes that she's not just hunting this story she's living it, and must decide if she will run from her future or submit to desires she didn't even know she had.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
January 3, 2018
Painful lessons of the Past
Listening through my old books is not a fun experience for me. With the duel benefits of hindsight and my increased knowledge of writing I find my older works ALMOST embarrassing. Unnecessary words like "however" and "slightly" which the narrators oh-so-helpfully over pronounce make me cringe and there's so much that I would have changed had I written them today.
That said the walk down memory lane also stirs old feelings and memories in me. References I've forgotten over time and feelings I've since worked through were the catalyst for these stories and as such their ghosts still haunt the pages as I go. Thinking back I can almost boil each book down to what I intended it to be and see how my interests as a writer have evolved. It creates an interesting timeline which I don't mind sharing:
Their Wild Little Girl - Vacation. This book is the closest to straight up porn of all my works. I wrote it at a time when I was very stressed and needed an escape into fantasy. At the same time it includes reflections on the moral quandary posed by BDSM desires (especially for a dom) and I can see that I was at least starting to think about themes I'd return to later.
Their Meddling Aunt - Perhaps my most underappreciated book due to the issues with publishing it. The story, again, is near porn and even has tongue in cheek step-mother themes. Here, however, I had family firmly on my mind (not in the gross way). It began with Jessica struggling with fears brought up in the conclusion of Wild Little Girl and ends with the threesome a stronger unit than ever before. The journey is all about coming to terms with who you are and how you fit into your family and I wrote it at a time when I too was struggling with these issues.
Submission Backstory - The story of a woman lured by temptation into a life changing decision. It's the least subtle of all my books (to my ears at least) because the metaphors are simple. It's me coming to terms with being an erotica author and realizing that it wouldn't be a 1 off thing (Meddling had yet to be rejected at the time). Perhaps that's why people always assume that I relate most strongly to Alyssa?
Beauty and the Bitch - My most popular book. This one was actually a lot of fun and fun was the theme of it. I was dealing with the fallout of being an erotica author and the reactions this provoked in friends and loved ones. For Isabelle her concerns were more about her body confidence and she learned how fitness could help her through them while also discovering its similarity to BDSM. For me it was a journey of dealing with my author confidence and finding the argument that BDSM was rather like fitness. Izzy and I were essentially hitting the same theme from different ends.
Master May I? - The germ of the idea for this story came from the way I lost my parents. Both died of long term, debilitating illnesses. That's why I can't read certain chapters without crying. The rest was built on discoveries I made as I came out as a BDSM author (to those who know the real me behind the pen name). I lost some people but I met so many more who accepted me and welcomed me. That community helped me get through the losses and taught me that living life is the best way to heal old wounds. I do feel that that came across in the story in the end.
The Domme's Daughter - I work from home in my day job and as an author. I spend most of my days in a dark room all alone and only go out on weekends or to the gym. I don't mind the loneliness (as an aspie I welcome it) but I understand how people would and thinking about how that isolation would effect a normal person's views on society inspired the story. How often have I been caught talking to myself?
The Girl Named Flower - I know it's not out yet but don't worry this'll be spoiler free ;) This is part of a 3 story arc that will shake up Brooke's Hollow. It reflects my desire to grow as an author and work in more observations about the world. I resisted this early on (I do love discussing controversial subjects) because I thought I lacked the skill to give it the light touch fiction needs. Now I feel I've grown enough to address interesting issues in the real world in a light, implied way via fiction and (as a bonus) bring my characters together in an ensemble story. It wasn't easy to get this far and I've had a lot of growing pains along the way but now I feel I'm ready for the next evolution.
I only hope I'll still be able to read my older works once it's done.
That said the walk down memory lane also stirs old feelings and memories in me. References I've forgotten over time and feelings I've since worked through were the catalyst for these stories and as such their ghosts still haunt the pages as I go. Thinking back I can almost boil each book down to what I intended it to be and see how my interests as a writer have evolved. It creates an interesting timeline which I don't mind sharing:
Their Wild Little Girl - Vacation. This book is the closest to straight up porn of all my works. I wrote it at a time when I was very stressed and needed an escape into fantasy. At the same time it includes reflections on the moral quandary posed by BDSM desires (especially for a dom) and I can see that I was at least starting to think about themes I'd return to later.
Their Meddling Aunt - Perhaps my most underappreciated book due to the issues with publishing it. The story, again, is near porn and even has tongue in cheek step-mother themes. Here, however, I had family firmly on my mind (not in the gross way). It began with Jessica struggling with fears brought up in the conclusion of Wild Little Girl and ends with the threesome a stronger unit than ever before. The journey is all about coming to terms with who you are and how you fit into your family and I wrote it at a time when I too was struggling with these issues.
Submission Backstory - The story of a woman lured by temptation into a life changing decision. It's the least subtle of all my books (to my ears at least) because the metaphors are simple. It's me coming to terms with being an erotica author and realizing that it wouldn't be a 1 off thing (Meddling had yet to be rejected at the time). Perhaps that's why people always assume that I relate most strongly to Alyssa?
Beauty and the Bitch - My most popular book. This one was actually a lot of fun and fun was the theme of it. I was dealing with the fallout of being an erotica author and the reactions this provoked in friends and loved ones. For Isabelle her concerns were more about her body confidence and she learned how fitness could help her through them while also discovering its similarity to BDSM. For me it was a journey of dealing with my author confidence and finding the argument that BDSM was rather like fitness. Izzy and I were essentially hitting the same theme from different ends.
Master May I? - The germ of the idea for this story came from the way I lost my parents. Both died of long term, debilitating illnesses. That's why I can't read certain chapters without crying. The rest was built on discoveries I made as I came out as a BDSM author (to those who know the real me behind the pen name). I lost some people but I met so many more who accepted me and welcomed me. That community helped me get through the losses and taught me that living life is the best way to heal old wounds. I do feel that that came across in the story in the end.
The Domme's Daughter - I work from home in my day job and as an author. I spend most of my days in a dark room all alone and only go out on weekends or to the gym. I don't mind the loneliness (as an aspie I welcome it) but I understand how people would and thinking about how that isolation would effect a normal person's views on society inspired the story. How often have I been caught talking to myself?
The Girl Named Flower - I know it's not out yet but don't worry this'll be spoiler free ;) This is part of a 3 story arc that will shake up Brooke's Hollow. It reflects my desire to grow as an author and work in more observations about the world. I resisted this early on (I do love discussing controversial subjects) because I thought I lacked the skill to give it the light touch fiction needs. Now I feel I've grown enough to address interesting issues in the real world in a light, implied way via fiction and (as a bonus) bring my characters together in an ensemble story. It wasn't easy to get this far and I've had a lot of growing pains along the way but now I feel I'm ready for the next evolution.
I only hope I'll still be able to read my older works once it's done.
December 14, 2017
Domme's Daughter Giveaway!
Ready for a new Nightmare before Christmas?
Well you all deserve a gift for yourselves and my publisher has been so kind as to provide one!
The Domme's Daughter: A touch too real is FREE from Dec 14-18th so get yourself a Christmas present!
Description:
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant’s title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she’s been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother’s world. First, she tried to ignore it and then, when she couldn’t turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn’t stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn’t sit well with Domina’s mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So, she’s made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina’s safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina’s one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother’s pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina’s knight in blue jeans. Domina’s defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother’s storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman’s fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dommes-Daughte...
Well you all deserve a gift for yourselves and my publisher has been so kind as to provide one!
The Domme's Daughter: A touch too real is FREE from Dec 14-18th so get yourself a Christmas present!
Description:
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant’s title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she’s been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother’s world. First, she tried to ignore it and then, when she couldn’t turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn’t stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn’t sit well with Domina’s mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So, she’s made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina’s safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina’s one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother’s pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina’s knight in blue jeans. Domina’s defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother’s storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman’s fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dommes-Daughte...
December 7, 2017
My first A.M.A.
For Christmas this year I'm giving my fans a special gift...and trolls as well I assume (what's an AMA without trolls?)...by doing an Ask Me Anything event on my Facebook page. I'll be doing it Dec 23 from 7-10pm and answering as many questions as I can (assuming I get any) sent by pm, wall post or tweet. I honestly don't know how this will turn out my my W.I.P. may not even get to the publishers before the end of the year so in the meantime this is all I really have to offer.
Hopefully enough people will provide question and show up to discuss the answers to make it a success!
https://www.facebook.com/events/17178...
Hopefully enough people will provide question and show up to discuss the answers to make it a success!
https://www.facebook.com/events/17178...
November 25, 2017
Master May I? Giveaway!
***Master May I? is free***
Dates: Nov. 24 - Nov. 28
Let ALL your friends know!
Description:
Alyssa K is the “It” girl in town, loving her life as a successful erotica author and BDSM enthusiast. She says yes to life and all it has to offer, never afraid to see what happens next. Darrius is the town’s playboy sheriff, a lifestyle dominant and confirmed bachelor with a perpetually empty jail at his disposal. He's never short of adventuresome sex partners who want to walk on the wild side. The paths of Alyssa and Darrius were bound to cross eventually, but neither would have guessed that the impetus for that meeting would come in the form of a suicide attempt. When the town's resident angry drunk rolls her wheelchair into traffic, Alyssa saves her life…against the woman’s will. Fascinated by her anger at being rescued, and the woman herself, Alyssa quickly goes into reporter mode but Darrius blocks her at every turn, a state of affairs neither finds themselves minding whatsoever. Darrius has been thinking about something more serious and, as she tumbles down a whole new rabbit hole, Alyssa finds herself wondering if she might not be ready for something more meaningful as well. The real question is what sort of relationship, and with whom?
Alyssa soon learns that there are different forms of love, the raw, physical earthly kind and the deeper, more spiritual type. The one could easily be found with the delightfully obstinate sheriff if she's willing to give up all her other playmates. The other may be hidden deep within the life she saved…if she can break through the walls of rage and regret. Torn between two very powerful, very different lovers and lost in a sea of secrets, Alyssa finds herself pushed to the limit. She thought she knew everything there was to know about kinky sex, but when true feelings enter the picture she learns that she's only begun to scratch the surface. She's submitted her body and mind to many, but now she must submit the most precious part of herself to the whims of fate. Is she destined for happiness or heartbreak? The answer is buried deep in the secrets of the masters. Will they let her find it before it’s too late?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-May-Tal...
Dates: Nov. 24 - Nov. 28
Let ALL your friends know!
Description:
Alyssa K is the “It” girl in town, loving her life as a successful erotica author and BDSM enthusiast. She says yes to life and all it has to offer, never afraid to see what happens next. Darrius is the town’s playboy sheriff, a lifestyle dominant and confirmed bachelor with a perpetually empty jail at his disposal. He's never short of adventuresome sex partners who want to walk on the wild side. The paths of Alyssa and Darrius were bound to cross eventually, but neither would have guessed that the impetus for that meeting would come in the form of a suicide attempt. When the town's resident angry drunk rolls her wheelchair into traffic, Alyssa saves her life…against the woman’s will. Fascinated by her anger at being rescued, and the woman herself, Alyssa quickly goes into reporter mode but Darrius blocks her at every turn, a state of affairs neither finds themselves minding whatsoever. Darrius has been thinking about something more serious and, as she tumbles down a whole new rabbit hole, Alyssa finds herself wondering if she might not be ready for something more meaningful as well. The real question is what sort of relationship, and with whom?
Alyssa soon learns that there are different forms of love, the raw, physical earthly kind and the deeper, more spiritual type. The one could easily be found with the delightfully obstinate sheriff if she's willing to give up all her other playmates. The other may be hidden deep within the life she saved…if she can break through the walls of rage and regret. Torn between two very powerful, very different lovers and lost in a sea of secrets, Alyssa finds herself pushed to the limit. She thought she knew everything there was to know about kinky sex, but when true feelings enter the picture she learns that she's only begun to scratch the surface. She's submitted her body and mind to many, but now she must submit the most precious part of herself to the whims of fate. Is she destined for happiness or heartbreak? The answer is buried deep in the secrets of the masters. Will they let her find it before it’s too late?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-May-Tal...
October 5, 2017
Free Giveaway!!!
Hey everyone,
Quick announcement: Submission Backstory will be FREE on Amazon from oct 5th-9th. It's a touch short but it's my best reviewed story and it introduces Alyssa K!
https://www.amazon.com/Submission-Bac...
Quick announcement: Submission Backstory will be FREE on Amazon from oct 5th-9th. It's a touch short but it's my best reviewed story and it introduces Alyssa K!
https://www.amazon.com/Submission-Bac...
October 4, 2017
New Audible Release!
A fantastic bit of news that comes right on time for the Halloween season. My horror/erotica: THE DOMME’S DAUGHTER: A TOUCH TOO REAL
Now Available in Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook Editions
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant's title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she's been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother's world. First, she tried to ignore it, and then, when she couldn't turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn't stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn't sit well with Domina's mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So she's made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina's safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina's one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother's pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina's knight in blue jeans. Domina's defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother's storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman's fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
https://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Se...
Now Available in Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook Editions
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant's title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she's been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother's world. First, she tried to ignore it, and then, when she couldn't turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn't stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn't sit well with Domina's mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So she's made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina's safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina's one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother's pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina's knight in blue jeans. Domina's defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother's storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman's fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
https://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Se...
August 28, 2017
New Social Media
So recently I got caught by a red light camera. Simple story, tried to beat a yellow, misjudged the timing. No risk and no one hurt BUT the fine hit my finances hard. Much harder than a few hundred bucks really should have. This was a wake up call for me. I spend a lot of my free time writing and if I want to make a career of it then I have to up my game and start bringing in some extra cash from it (on top of sales). As such I'm upping my social media engagement. I've had a vid.me page for a while to share book promo vids I've had made through fiverr and now I've monetized it. So simply by watching and sharing my videos (and suffering through the ads) you can support me!
Here's the link: https://vid.me/Shawna_Hunter_A
I have also set up a Patreon. I've struggled with this for a while not because I don't like the concept but because I wasn't sure what I could offer at various reward tiers. After some research I've decided on the following:
$1 Basic patron stuff
$5 A personalized thank you email from yours truly
A personalized email from your fave character
Plus all previous rewards
$10 Monthly Hang out
Email from your favorite character
The chance to have a character named after you
Plus all previous rewards
$20 (I'm ambitious!) A customized short story taking place in Brooke's Hollow with your choice of characters
Plus all previous rewards
Here's the link to that one:
https://www.patreon.com/ShawnaHunterE...
I have to say, after doing this, that I feel sad and excited at the same time. I hate talking about money but I am looking forward to engaging with readers and trying to (ugh, business speak) "Grow the brand.
Here's the link: https://vid.me/Shawna_Hunter_A
I have also set up a Patreon. I've struggled with this for a while not because I don't like the concept but because I wasn't sure what I could offer at various reward tiers. After some research I've decided on the following:
$1 Basic patron stuff
$5 A personalized thank you email from yours truly
A personalized email from your fave character
Plus all previous rewards
$10 Monthly Hang out
Email from your favorite character
The chance to have a character named after you
Plus all previous rewards
$20 (I'm ambitious!) A customized short story taking place in Brooke's Hollow with your choice of characters
Plus all previous rewards
Here's the link to that one:
https://www.patreon.com/ShawnaHunterE...
I have to say, after doing this, that I feel sad and excited at the same time. I hate talking about money but I am looking forward to engaging with readers and trying to (ugh, business speak) "Grow the brand.
