Seelie Kay's Blog, page 4
November 24, 2023
Sometimes, you gotta take a leap of faith!
Sometimes, you gotta take a leap of faith!
Excerpts from Broken Down Cowboy are now available at https://www.seeliekay.com!
November 22, 2023
November 18, 2023
A cowboy for Christmas!
Coming December 8: Broken Down Cowboy!
Blurb--
When is it time to take a leap of faith? When the man holding the net is a sexy, middle-aged cowboy!
Tea shop owner and pastry chef Bailey Willis is nonplussed when she finds a handsome Texan sprawled out on the floor of A Spot of Tea. Trevor Anderson, on the other hand, is instantly smitten. Some might call him a broken-down cowboy, but that doesn’t mean he lacks the ability to pursue a beautiful woman, even if she is a northerner and a Green Bay Packers fan! Unfortunately, Bailey has other things on her mind, like winning the Hales Corners, WI holiday bake-off. When Trevor provides a valuable assist, Bailey begins to regard him in a different light. Too bad he’s planning to head back to his ranch after the new year. Will Bailey agree to wear Trevor’s Texas-size ring? Will Trevor agree to settle in the frozen tundra, the site of one of the Dallas Cowboys’ most humiliating defeats? Hold on to your cowboy hats folks, this tale of romance is going to take you for a ride. Texas style!
Coming December 8, 2023 to all booksellers!
November 17, 2023
This week in The Loft: Author Kris Bock!
Joining me today in The Loft is author Kris Bock. She writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. The Furrever Friends sweet romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Kris has lived in ten states and one foreign country but is now firmly planted in the Southwest, where many of her books are set. Kris also writes the
Felony Melanie
series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J. Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie, "Sweet Home Alabama." The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.
Author Kris Bock
S: Good morning, Kris. Thanks for joining me today.
Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”
K: I'm glad there are books for all kinds of people. I personally don't like writing explicit scenes. As a reader, that's not what interests me, although I won't avoid books with them. But people should read whatever they like. Sometimes that changes depending on the day, your mood, or that period of your life.
S: I like that--people should read whatever they like.
What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
K: Some of my novels include real places in the southwestern United States. I draw on personal experiences hiking in the desert for the adventures – though fortunately I’ve never stumbled on a rattlesnake nest or gotten caught in a flash flood. My romantic mystery, "What We Found," was inspired by finding the body of a murder victim while hiking in the woods. The real-life experience was terrible, but for a writer, all life is research. You can read about the whole experience of finding a dead body here.
S: I think finding a dead body would give me nightmares, probably for life.
Do you write in other genres?
K: I write fiction and nonfiction for children and adults – literally a little bit of everything. I write sweet romance, romantic suspense, and mystery for adults as Kris Bock. Plus, I write for children under the names Chris Eboch and MM Eboch. For children I write fantasy, historical fiction, ghost stories, biography, nonfiction about science and history. I’ve even been paid for poems and very short play scripts.
S: What inspired the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series?
K: I was browsing the top sellers in Kindle romance and saw lots of billionaires, lots of cowboys, and a few billionaire cowboys. So I asked myself, how would a cowboy find enough free time to build a billion-dollar business? How might a cowboy or rancher realistically become a billionaire? I came up with a family where “Mama” plays the lottery, not expecting to win, but simply so she can spend an hour dreaming about being rich. And then she wins. Everything changes, and not necessarily for the better. People who win huge lotteries are advised to go into hiding, which you can’t really do when you must care for animals. Friends and family might demand a share of the winnings. Strangers come up with scams and sob stories. This allowed me to play with questions of dreams, choices, and responsibilities. The first four books feature the four brothers, and book 5 is a Christmas story starring their mother.
S: Winning the lottery definitely has pros and cons. As a lawyer, I understand the process you need to go through to protect yourself, your family, and the money. Unfortunately, there are people who get scammed and wind up broke.
Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Billionaire Cowgirl's Christmas?"
K: I think there is growing interest in romance novels featuring "mature" or "seasoned" characters. I've featured several of these couples in my Furrever Friends Cat Café Sweet Romance series, and I was delighted to give Ava her happy ending. People of all ages deserve love and romance.
Here's the blurb--
Playing the lottery was just for fun, but with the one-billion-dollar win, life gets complicated.
It’s been nearly a year since widowed Texas rancher Ava Tomlinson won the lottery. And while her four adult sons have found love, Ava is facing the future alone. But now that she’s rich, Ava doesn't trust herself to find a man who wants a 59-year-old woman for herself.
Then a handsome, younger survey geologist arrives on the ranch to work through the holidays. Their friendship is unexpected and delightful, but she won't risk a broken heart by starting a romance with a man who's hitting the road soon – even if she could trust he’s not a gold digger.
S: That sounds like a complicated romance! Kris, it was a pleasure to chat with you today. If you'd like to learn more about Kris and her books, please visit--
Website
Blog
Twitter/X
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Goodreads Author Page
BookBub
Amazon US page or Amazon UK page
Author Kris BockS: Good morning, Kris. Thanks for joining me today.
Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”
K: I'm glad there are books for all kinds of people. I personally don't like writing explicit scenes. As a reader, that's not what interests me, although I won't avoid books with them. But people should read whatever they like. Sometimes that changes depending on the day, your mood, or that period of your life.
S: I like that--people should read whatever they like.
What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
K: Some of my novels include real places in the southwestern United States. I draw on personal experiences hiking in the desert for the adventures – though fortunately I’ve never stumbled on a rattlesnake nest or gotten caught in a flash flood. My romantic mystery, "What We Found," was inspired by finding the body of a murder victim while hiking in the woods. The real-life experience was terrible, but for a writer, all life is research. You can read about the whole experience of finding a dead body here.
S: I think finding a dead body would give me nightmares, probably for life.
Do you write in other genres?
K: I write fiction and nonfiction for children and adults – literally a little bit of everything. I write sweet romance, romantic suspense, and mystery for adults as Kris Bock. Plus, I write for children under the names Chris Eboch and MM Eboch. For children I write fantasy, historical fiction, ghost stories, biography, nonfiction about science and history. I’ve even been paid for poems and very short play scripts.
S: What inspired the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series?
K: I was browsing the top sellers in Kindle romance and saw lots of billionaires, lots of cowboys, and a few billionaire cowboys. So I asked myself, how would a cowboy find enough free time to build a billion-dollar business? How might a cowboy or rancher realistically become a billionaire? I came up with a family where “Mama” plays the lottery, not expecting to win, but simply so she can spend an hour dreaming about being rich. And then she wins. Everything changes, and not necessarily for the better. People who win huge lotteries are advised to go into hiding, which you can’t really do when you must care for animals. Friends and family might demand a share of the winnings. Strangers come up with scams and sob stories. This allowed me to play with questions of dreams, choices, and responsibilities. The first four books feature the four brothers, and book 5 is a Christmas story starring their mother.
S: Winning the lottery definitely has pros and cons. As a lawyer, I understand the process you need to go through to protect yourself, your family, and the money. Unfortunately, there are people who get scammed and wind up broke.
Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Billionaire Cowgirl's Christmas?"
K: I think there is growing interest in romance novels featuring "mature" or "seasoned" characters. I've featured several of these couples in my Furrever Friends Cat Café Sweet Romance series, and I was delighted to give Ava her happy ending. People of all ages deserve love and romance.
Here's the blurb--
Playing the lottery was just for fun, but with the one-billion-dollar win, life gets complicated.
It’s been nearly a year since widowed Texas rancher Ava Tomlinson won the lottery. And while her four adult sons have found love, Ava is facing the future alone. But now that she’s rich, Ava doesn't trust herself to find a man who wants a 59-year-old woman for herself.
Then a handsome, younger survey geologist arrives on the ranch to work through the holidays. Their friendship is unexpected and delightful, but she won't risk a broken heart by starting a romance with a man who's hitting the road soon – even if she could trust he’s not a gold digger.
S: That sounds like a complicated romance! Kris, it was a pleasure to chat with you today. If you'd like to learn more about Kris and her books, please visit--
Website
Blog
Twitter/X
TikTok
Goodreads Author Page
BookBub
Amazon US page or Amazon UK page
November 15, 2023
Congratulations to Ariana Kraft on their new release!
Blurb--
Natalie and the much younger Bridgette are real estate agents who’ve often traveled together for business seminars. Now they’re snowbound in New York City in a hotel room with only one bed. Will Natalie dare to make her move?Excerpt--
“Are you ready for me to shut off the TV?”
“Yes. I’ve heard enough chatter by pundits.”
“Me, too.” Natalie hit the off button, set the remote aside, and rolled onto her side to face the wall. The mattress shifted as Bridgette turned to face the opposite wall. “Good night,” Natalie murmured.
“Good night. I’m looking forward to being snowbound with you in New York.”
Closing her eyes, Natalie didn’t respond. She concentrated on breathing in and out. The predicted blizzard was a pleasant surprise that might prove to be the tipping point.
She’d done all she could do. It was up to fate now. She wouldn’t risk being rejected by her younger colleague. They’d traveled together several times representing their firm at realty conferences. She’d been surprised how comfortable they were as travel companions, respecting each other’s routines. Bridgette chattered too much, but then Bridgette had probably had to adjust to some of Natalie’s idiosyncrasies, too.
Usually they shared a room with two beds. When they’d checked in at the front desk, Natalie had somewhat berated the clerk for their sleeping arrangements—but she was the one who’d explicitly requested one queen bed when making the reservation. She’d also anticipated correctly that given the size of the conference, there’d be no available rooms with two beds.
Natalie wished she could make the next overture, but she couldn’t. Pride intervened. She had no idea whether the twenty-six-year-old lying next to her would be interested in a forty-year-old divorcee who hadn’t been with a woman since college.
Get this Sapphic short story for $0.99 at all e-book retail outlets!
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/47djkE
November 10, 2023
This week in The Loft: Author Alana Lorens!
Joining me today in The Loft is author and fellow attorney Alana Lorens. She writes romance and suspense as Alana Lorens, and sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal mystery as Lyndi Alexander. A published writer for more than 40 years, Alana has worked as a pizza maker, a floral designer, a journalist, and a family law attorney. Currently a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, the self-described aging hippie loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. She lives with her daughter on the autism spectrum, who is the youngest of her seven children, and she is ruled by three crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages.
Author Alana LorensS: Welcome back, Alana.
Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?
A: It’s ridiculous, in my opinion. Banning something was always the surest way to get me to read it, back in the day. Taking it off the shelf at the library doesn’t even touch the content the young people or even adults can see online. Or create online, with new AI apps. So, what is the point, other than to gain some murky political advantage? We certainly have to stand up for the right to have our books printed and distributed. It’s only one of the fronts on which our long-held rights are being challenged. Let’s dig in for the fight, brothers and sisters.
S: Are you self-published or traditionally published? Why did you choose that path?
A: Traditionally published by small press. I wish I had some noble reason why, but the simple truth is I don’t know how to do all the publication things, and I’m happy to have a publisher do it for me at a cost.
S: Do you write in other genres?
A: I do. I write romance and suspense/thriller as Alana Lorens and sci-fi/fantasy as Lyndi Alexander. As I go on, I’m doing more and more cross-genre writing. I’ve got a couple of science-fiction romances under my belt, and my 2023 book was a supernatural-thriller. Nearly everything I write, whether thriller, historical, paranormal or otherwise, has some hint of romance in it. Love is something that is universally understood, whether a reader is lucky enough to have it for their very own, or enjoys it by proxy through reading.
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S: Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”
A: I don’t think too spicy. I believe there is a spice level available for any reader, whether they like mild or erotic. I don’t read or write the super erotic books because often they don’t make sense to me. Personally, I would not jump into bed with someone I met within the last half hour, no matter how hot they are. When this happens repeatedly in a story without any need for real connection, then I feel like the “relationship” is wasted. I’d rather read a slow burn story where you see how the pairing comes along and believe it is a true connection. But that’s just me.
S: After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?
A: Legally? No. I practiced law for 30 years before becoming a full-time author. Obviously, someone’s choice to pursue that lifestyle was a choice they made. It’s unfortunate that those people did not fully understand what they were getting into, or didn’t research the entire topic. Morally? I’m not sure. Those books certainly made that lifestyle appear desirable and romantic. Which oftentimes it is certainly not.
S: Do you remember your first kiss? What was memorable about it?
A: Ha! Yes. David Miller at the top of the slide in the playground behind our house in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. We were five years old. It was slimy.
S: If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
A: I’m not sure I chose to write books. I write books like I breathe. Stories come to me when I’m sitting, when I’m driving, when I’m falling asleep. I wish I could have a pair of extra hands that was just available to type what I was daydreaming about—then I could go back later and edit/write new stuff. That being said, considering how hard it is to get noticed in the huge field of books that are out there, it is discouraging sometimes. The new developments in AI overtaking biological-generated stories are disheartening as well. But so far, I have not been persuaded to quit.
S: Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript? Why?
A: Yes. I wrote a Star Trek book once, and submitted it to the publishers of the other Star Trek books. This is the first time I discovered the term “Mary Sue,” and indeed I had created a character who interacted with the other ST:TNG characters, but was the heroine of the story. The editor praised my portrayal of the canon characters, but obviously they didn’t accept it. I debated re-writing it as a general sci-fi story but never made it. Better to move on to more profitable works.
S: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
A: Write. Write and learn. Attend classes on writing and read, of course, but so much of the instinct of writing well only comes after you do it for a long time. When I am typing now, and I write the words “it was” or “she saw,” it pings me right out of the line and I take out the filter or define the “it.” So, let’s see, next year I will have 50 years as a paid, published writer. Yeah, it takes a long time.
S: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: It’s not the writing, actually. I raised three natural children, four step-children, three adopted children, a handful of exchange student children, and a whole bunch of others that adopted our family over the years. I put a lot into making those kids feel loved and special. I hope that I have in some way contributed to the betterment of society as a whole by making these kids better, one at a time.
S: What inspired "Cruel Charade?"
A: Oddly, my daughter Bethany sent me a thought about using the “Five Things” that she learned during the pandemic as part of a story—you know, the five things you can see, four things you can hear, three you can touch, smell, taste, and so on, in order to center yourself and calm down. Well, I used them to open "Cruel Charade" as a Miami lawyer finds herself in the Everglades in the middle of the night, next to a burned car with a dead body in it. My daughter’s comment? “That got dark fast.” And unfortunately for heroine Bet Lenard, it gets worse even faster.
S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Cruel Charade?"
A: It has the most gorgeous cover, and will be coming out soon from The Wild Rose Press. As I practiced in Miami for several years, I must confess there is a part of the story that happens to Bet, when she goes into labor in court and has to get a continuance for her case. This actually happened to me, and I’ve been waiting ages to fit it into a book I wrote.
Here’s the blurb:
Miami attorney Bet Lenard has had a rough year. She’s battling an unknown illness that drives her to drink to cope with her pain. Her lawyer husband has divorced her and taken the best part of their business, their home and their children. On the night of May 16, 1996, Bet finds herself in the Everglades in the middle of the night, drugged, lost and next to a burned car with a dead body in it.
Hoping she’s hit bottom, Bet must drag herself out of her living hell and discover who tried to kill her. Was it her ex-husband, not satisfied with stealing everything that mattered? An angry client, unhappy with the outcome of their case? Her best friend’s husband, livid that Bet’s restraining order kicked him out of her life forever? Police officers fuming that Bet helped a client convict a dirty cop who was their friend? She has no idea.
As she tries to sort out the motives behind her would-be killer, even more suspects come to light. The only thing keeping Bet sane is her relationship with her therapist, who encourages her to struggle and survive, despite everything that’s gone wrong. How will Bet discover the truth and bring her enemy to justice before they strike again and, this time, succeed?
S: Thanks so much for visiting today. If you'd like to learn more about Alana Lorens and her books, please visit--
Website: http://Alana-lorens.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alana-lorens
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexanderLyndi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_lyndi/
November 3, 2023
When is it time to take a leap of faith?
Hold on to your cowboy hat, folks, this tale of romance is going to take you for a ride,Texas style!
Coming December 8, 2023: Broken Down Cowboy!
This week in The Loft: Author Lil DeVille!
Joining me today in The Loft is author Lil DeVille. Lil began writing erotica in 2019 after becoming disabled. She likes to end her stories on a Happy for Now note with a promise of more good things to come. Although her writing sometimes addresses difficult subjects such as alcoholism or past abuse, she brings a note of love and support to scenes involving these issues. Lil lives in a remote prairie town in Northeastern Colorado with her adult son and three cats. When she isn’t cooking up spicy stories, she enjoys baking and crafts.
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Lil DeVille's Calling CardS: Good morning, Lil! Welcome back!
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
L: I’m a hybrid author. I enjoy the autonomy of self-publishing, but traditional publishing gives me the chance to earn social currency by getting my name in front of a larger audience.
S: How do you determine the "heat level" of your stories?
L: If it’s a Lil DeVille story, the heat level will be three flames at a minimum. I write stories that go for maximum steam with explicit descriptions and often include light BDSM or multiple partners.
S: Do you write in other genres?
L: Yes. I have two different pen names. I write erotica and steamy stories under the Lil DeVille pen name and non-erotic stories as C. L. Hart. I also write poetry under my real name (Cara Hartley) and nonfiction essays about mental health and recovery as Cara H. Some people say you should put everything you write under one pen name, but I felt that Lil DeVille’s readers would be looking for steamy/erotic romance, not low-heat Lovecraftian fantasy. I have a bit of an obsessive need to categorize things in a certain way.
S: That makes sense. I imagine readers appreciate the separation, too.
Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript?
L: Plenty of things. If something I’m working on becomes too much of a struggle, I’ll put it aside for later. I submit work for potential publication in anthologies nearly every month. I don’t have time to mess around with a story that isn’t cooperating.
S: What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
L: I direct you to a post I wrote about this:
S: Wow. That was quite insightful.
What inspired "The Liberation of Mac MacCarrick?"
L: I am a member of Passionate Ink. They were looking for stories for their summer anthology, Hot and Sticky. I came up with the idea to write about a young man who achieves a personal independence by breaking free of his limiting beliefs on the Fourth of July.
S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Liberation of Mac MacCarrick?"
L: I was raised Catholic and started to become conflicted about the church’s anti-gay stance when I was in my teens. I didn’t see how someone being same-sex attracted could be a bad thing.
Here's the blurb for the anthology--
Celebrate summer with this steamy collection of short stories, perfect for a beach read!All proceeds will go to ProLiteracy to benefit adult literacy all over the world. Visit their website at https://www.proliteracy.org/
Here's the blurb for "The Liberation of Mac MacCarrick"--
You are only free when you accept yourself.
Karl “Mac” MacCarrick is an all-American boy. He’s a loyal friend, a loving son, and a dedicated student. On the surface, Mac has it all—a starting position on his Catholic college’s football team, the heart of his coach’s daughter. But Mac’s heart has never belonged to Kyauta, or any other girl, quite like he thinks it should.
After the Miracles training staff introduces alternative therapies to the team, Mac has wild dreams about his therapist, Kyauta's handsome brother Jalil. Mac feels torn. Although he doesn't want to hurt Kyauta, he doesn't think it would be right to lead her on if he can't provide her with the love she deserves.
The time has come for Mac to decide. He intends to liberate himself from his dilemma on the Fourth of July. Will he follow the path he feels is right for him, or will he adhere to the expectations of his church and society?
S: That sounds like a complex story!
Where can readers buy the anthology?
L: It's available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5RSJS5M .
S: Lil, it's always a pleasure to have you visit. If you'd like to learn more about Lil and her work, please visit--
Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/LilDevilleAmazonAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/lil_deville
Naughty Netherworld Press Blog: http://www.naughtynetherworldpress.com
Naughty Netherworld Press Books: https://bit.ly/NNPBooks
Naughty Netherworld Press Substack: https://naughtynetherworldpress.substack.com
Readers Roost Book Blog: https://bit.ly/ReadersRoost
Readers Roost Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadersRoost
Naughty Netherworld Newsletter: https://bit.ly/NaughtyNetherworldNews2
October 27, 2023
This week in The Loft: Australian Author JL Peridot!
Joining me today in The Loft is Australian author JL Peridot. JL writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She's a qualified computer scientist, former website maker, amateur horticulturist, and sometimes illustrator. But most of the time, she's an author of romantic science fiction. When not writing, JL indulges in cryptic crosswords, pole fitness, books, gardening, and indie videogames. She lives with her partner and fur-family in Boorloo/Perth, Australia, on Whadjuk Noongar country.
Author JL Peridot
S: Welcome to The Loft, JL! Thanks for joining me today.
Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?
JL: You know, while reading about book banning in the US, I learned that my country has a history of doing this, too. Here, getting caught for carrying a banned book would mean police involvement and possible conviction. A news story from a couple years ago tells of how in 1970, Penguin Australia arranged for a banned book to be illegally printed and distributed in secret. Supported by lawyers, journalists, academics, and other members of Australia’s literary community, Penguin was only successfully convicted in one state, with another state simply refusing to prosecute. This happened at a time when censorship laws were supposed to be universally enforced, and it effectively “punched a hole in the system," inspiring other publishers to publish more banned books. This carried on for a couple of years until 1972, when Australian voters elected a new government that then dismantled the censorship system. I came across stories of Americans fighting back against book banning as well. Like those booksellers who loaned and gave away free copies of a banned graphic novel about the Holocaust. And the furry community leading fundraising efforts for a public library denied funding because they carry LGBTQ+ books. And the bookshops that banded together against politicians testing the waters on bookselling “restrictions." Penguin Random House and chain bookstores are more Goliath than David these days, but all these stories of solidarity remind me of that Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We fight this by continuing to create and circulate good books, by writing to department heads and local policymakers, and by voting with both dollar and ballot paper.
S: I have to admit, I never thought book bans would be implemented in my neighborhood. But just last week, a suburb next to mine pulled a number of books from school library shelves. I was quite pleased when students expressed dismay, but pointed out that the same books are available at the public library and online. Said one student, "And, now I'm going to make an effort to read all of them."
What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
JL: Oh man, the worst thing? Before writing books, I used to make zines and sent one to a community magazine. Their review writer totally went to town on how much he hated it. I was devastated, not just from the harsh criticism of my work, but because it completely shattered the idea I had about a close-knit creative community who looked out for each other. My heartbreak ended, however, when I had a chance to read the reviewer’s own zines. His whole bit was that “punching down” type of comedy, which can be hilarious if done well. His work didn’t appeal to me at all, so it made sense that my writing wouldn’t be his cup of tea either. One of the best things came soon after. A reader on the other side of the world sent me a lovely hand-written letter to let me know my zine helped her during a difficult time in her life. It meant so much, because someone in her shoes was exactly who I’d had in mind while writing. All of this opened my eyes to how most of the criticism you’ll get isn’t really about you, it’s just randoms doing their thing while you happen to be there. What really matters is the feedback you get from the people you care about and the people you’re writing for.
S: Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript?
JL: Definitely! Just in the last few years, I’ve scrapped two novel drafts and four novella plots. Sometimes, you know instinctively that something isn’t working, even if you can’t articulate it. That said, your chat about “heat levels” with J. Arlene Culiner got me thinking. Maybe I tried too hard to control my characters and stories, rather than letting them develop a life of their own. Have you had this experience as well? Sometimes writing feels like you’re trying to carefully brush dirt off a mysterious buried artifact without accidentally taking its nose off too.
S: I always say my characters direct the story, not me. If the story doesn't go anywhere, I have learned to move on. There is no benefit to forcing it.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
JL: My latest book, "Yet We Sleep, We Dream," is my first self-published novel-length work. It took me a year to plan and write, and close to another year to revise and produce, but every step gave me a chance to try something new — like working with a sensitivity reader, canvassing a diverse group of beta readers and critique partners, and connecting with local writing groups and organizations. Stuff I would just never have thought to do with a publisher, because my traditional publishing pathways were so established and on fixed timelines. "Chasing Sisyphus (2017)" and "It Starts with a Kiss (2019)," were both traditionally published by Siren-BookStrand and Kyanite Publishing respectively. Each publisher operated so differently and getting to work with both of them was an amazing experience I’m so grateful to have had. I’d definitely try traditional publishing again, but for now I’m focused on learning as much as I can through the indie route.
S: If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
JL: Seelie, if you’d asked me three months ago, when I was in the throes of final edits, I would have said absolutely not. When I’m in the weeds, I’m right in there with my face in the mud and bugs coming out my nose, and whatever book I’m writing is the bane of my existence. But that’s just part of the creative process sometimes. It’s the mountain you climb so you can be the person you become once it’s over. You hate it and you love it and by doing so, you get to experience a broader spectrum of your humanity. So yes, I would still choose to write books. And I will relish the love–hate every step of the way.
S: Editing can be a frustrating experience, especially when others don't share you vision for a book.
What inspired "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: I’m very open about this book being a retelling of Shakespeare’s, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." There’s an Oberon and a Titania, and characters who mash-up and mangle the Bard’s original roles. This novel was my redemption arc for understanding a text I struggled with in school. In a way, it’s a love letter to my teenaged immigrant self to say, hey, you’ll get this one day. It was also a way to explore my hopes and fears about climate change through the lens of futuristic fantasy romance.
S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: It’s never mentioned in this novel that the characters are from Australia, but the language is lifted from the everyday speech I’ve heard since moving here. I was tempted to include more colorful and uniquely Aussie turns of phrase just for fun, like “flat out like a lizard drinking,” and “dry as a dead dingo’s donger," but that would just be inauthentic--I don’t hear those nearly as much as I’d like to in the suburbs! Besides, I reckon non-Aussie readers will have a good enough time with “yeah nah” and all the casual swearing.
Here's the blurb--
Love triangles get bent out of shape when restless gods come out to play.
Relationships are complicated enough when only humans are involved--something the crew of the starship Athenia know plenty about. These children of a changing climate are no strangers to conflicts of the heart. And it seems there's a lot of conflict going on, even out in space.
When an alien dust finds its way on board, the veil between realms begins to fray. Old gods of a long dead planet resume their own romantic bickering while ancient magic wreaks havoc across the ship. Grudges resurface, friends turn to enemies, unrequited love turns to passion — or does it? It's kinda hard to tell with everyone at each other's throats.
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show; but wonder on, till truth make all things plain. Yet We Sleep, We Dream is a romantic space-fantasy inspired by Shakespeare's endearing hot mess, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
S: That sounds fascinating! Where can readers buy "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: It's available at the following booksellers--
Universal link: https://jlperidot.com/books/yet-we-sleep-we-dream
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1370998
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/yet-we-sleep-we-dream
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yet-we-sleep-we-dream-jl-peridot/1143281248
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/au/book/yet-we-sleep-we-dream/id6446966069
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124924125-yet-we-sleep-we-dream
S: JL, it was a pleasure chatting with you today. If you' like to learn more about JL, please visit--
RSS feed: https://blog.jlperidot.com/feed.xml
Mastodon/Fediverse: @jlperidot@blog.jlperidot.com, https://fed.brid.gy/web/blog.jlperidot.com/followers
BookWyrm: https://bookwyrm.social/user/jlperidot
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jl-peridot
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17035853.J_L_Peridot
Author JL PeridotS: Welcome to The Loft, JL! Thanks for joining me today.
Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?
JL: You know, while reading about book banning in the US, I learned that my country has a history of doing this, too. Here, getting caught for carrying a banned book would mean police involvement and possible conviction. A news story from a couple years ago tells of how in 1970, Penguin Australia arranged for a banned book to be illegally printed and distributed in secret. Supported by lawyers, journalists, academics, and other members of Australia’s literary community, Penguin was only successfully convicted in one state, with another state simply refusing to prosecute. This happened at a time when censorship laws were supposed to be universally enforced, and it effectively “punched a hole in the system," inspiring other publishers to publish more banned books. This carried on for a couple of years until 1972, when Australian voters elected a new government that then dismantled the censorship system. I came across stories of Americans fighting back against book banning as well. Like those booksellers who loaned and gave away free copies of a banned graphic novel about the Holocaust. And the furry community leading fundraising efforts for a public library denied funding because they carry LGBTQ+ books. And the bookshops that banded together against politicians testing the waters on bookselling “restrictions." Penguin Random House and chain bookstores are more Goliath than David these days, but all these stories of solidarity remind me of that Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We fight this by continuing to create and circulate good books, by writing to department heads and local policymakers, and by voting with both dollar and ballot paper.
S: I have to admit, I never thought book bans would be implemented in my neighborhood. But just last week, a suburb next to mine pulled a number of books from school library shelves. I was quite pleased when students expressed dismay, but pointed out that the same books are available at the public library and online. Said one student, "And, now I'm going to make an effort to read all of them."
What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
JL: Oh man, the worst thing? Before writing books, I used to make zines and sent one to a community magazine. Their review writer totally went to town on how much he hated it. I was devastated, not just from the harsh criticism of my work, but because it completely shattered the idea I had about a close-knit creative community who looked out for each other. My heartbreak ended, however, when I had a chance to read the reviewer’s own zines. His whole bit was that “punching down” type of comedy, which can be hilarious if done well. His work didn’t appeal to me at all, so it made sense that my writing wouldn’t be his cup of tea either. One of the best things came soon after. A reader on the other side of the world sent me a lovely hand-written letter to let me know my zine helped her during a difficult time in her life. It meant so much, because someone in her shoes was exactly who I’d had in mind while writing. All of this opened my eyes to how most of the criticism you’ll get isn’t really about you, it’s just randoms doing their thing while you happen to be there. What really matters is the feedback you get from the people you care about and the people you’re writing for.
S: Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript?
JL: Definitely! Just in the last few years, I’ve scrapped two novel drafts and four novella plots. Sometimes, you know instinctively that something isn’t working, even if you can’t articulate it. That said, your chat about “heat levels” with J. Arlene Culiner got me thinking. Maybe I tried too hard to control my characters and stories, rather than letting them develop a life of their own. Have you had this experience as well? Sometimes writing feels like you’re trying to carefully brush dirt off a mysterious buried artifact without accidentally taking its nose off too.
S: I always say my characters direct the story, not me. If the story doesn't go anywhere, I have learned to move on. There is no benefit to forcing it.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
JL: My latest book, "Yet We Sleep, We Dream," is my first self-published novel-length work. It took me a year to plan and write, and close to another year to revise and produce, but every step gave me a chance to try something new — like working with a sensitivity reader, canvassing a diverse group of beta readers and critique partners, and connecting with local writing groups and organizations. Stuff I would just never have thought to do with a publisher, because my traditional publishing pathways were so established and on fixed timelines. "Chasing Sisyphus (2017)" and "It Starts with a Kiss (2019)," were both traditionally published by Siren-BookStrand and Kyanite Publishing respectively. Each publisher operated so differently and getting to work with both of them was an amazing experience I’m so grateful to have had. I’d definitely try traditional publishing again, but for now I’m focused on learning as much as I can through the indie route.
S: If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
JL: Seelie, if you’d asked me three months ago, when I was in the throes of final edits, I would have said absolutely not. When I’m in the weeds, I’m right in there with my face in the mud and bugs coming out my nose, and whatever book I’m writing is the bane of my existence. But that’s just part of the creative process sometimes. It’s the mountain you climb so you can be the person you become once it’s over. You hate it and you love it and by doing so, you get to experience a broader spectrum of your humanity. So yes, I would still choose to write books. And I will relish the love–hate every step of the way.
S: Editing can be a frustrating experience, especially when others don't share you vision for a book.
What inspired "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: I’m very open about this book being a retelling of Shakespeare’s, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." There’s an Oberon and a Titania, and characters who mash-up and mangle the Bard’s original roles. This novel was my redemption arc for understanding a text I struggled with in school. In a way, it’s a love letter to my teenaged immigrant self to say, hey, you’ll get this one day. It was also a way to explore my hopes and fears about climate change through the lens of futuristic fantasy romance.
S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: It’s never mentioned in this novel that the characters are from Australia, but the language is lifted from the everyday speech I’ve heard since moving here. I was tempted to include more colorful and uniquely Aussie turns of phrase just for fun, like “flat out like a lizard drinking,” and “dry as a dead dingo’s donger," but that would just be inauthentic--I don’t hear those nearly as much as I’d like to in the suburbs! Besides, I reckon non-Aussie readers will have a good enough time with “yeah nah” and all the casual swearing.
Here's the blurb--
Love triangles get bent out of shape when restless gods come out to play.
Relationships are complicated enough when only humans are involved--something the crew of the starship Athenia know plenty about. These children of a changing climate are no strangers to conflicts of the heart. And it seems there's a lot of conflict going on, even out in space.
When an alien dust finds its way on board, the veil between realms begins to fray. Old gods of a long dead planet resume their own romantic bickering while ancient magic wreaks havoc across the ship. Grudges resurface, friends turn to enemies, unrequited love turns to passion — or does it? It's kinda hard to tell with everyone at each other's throats.
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show; but wonder on, till truth make all things plain. Yet We Sleep, We Dream is a romantic space-fantasy inspired by Shakespeare's endearing hot mess, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
S: That sounds fascinating! Where can readers buy "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"
JL: It's available at the following booksellers--
Universal link: https://jlperidot.com/books/yet-we-sleep-we-dream
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1370998
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/yet-we-sleep-we-dream
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yet-we-sleep-we-dream-jl-peridot/1143281248
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/au/book/yet-we-sleep-we-dream/id6446966069
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124924125-yet-we-sleep-we-dream
S: JL, it was a pleasure chatting with you today. If you' like to learn more about JL, please visit--
RSS feed: https://blog.jlperidot.com/feed.xml
Mastodon/Fediverse: @jlperidot@blog.jlperidot.com, https://fed.brid.gy/web/blog.jlperidot.com/followers
BookWyrm: https://bookwyrm.social/user/jlperidot
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jl-peridot
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17035853.J_L_Peridot
October 26, 2023
Congratulations to Lisabet Sarai...
...on the release of "Serpent's Kiss!"
Blurb--
When a woman atoning for past sins heals the human avatar of an ancient god, she’s drawn into a perilous dance of destiny and desire.
From the first, Dr. Elena Navarro senses that the wounded man she discovers outside the gate of her rural clinic is not an ordinary mortal. With his chest ripped open, Jorge Pélikal still demonstrates unnatural strength and power. Elena is irresistibly attracted to Jorge, although he warns her their coupling could open the gates of chaos and cost her life. Despite his dire predictions, they fall in love. Gradually Elena comes to understand that Jorge is a supernatural player in a cosmic drama that will determine the fate of the earth and of mankind—and that even if he triumphs in his apocalyptic struggle with his nemesis, she may lose him forever.
Note: Serpent’s Kiss was previously published by Totally Entwined. This new edition has been re-edited, revised and expanded.
Reader Advisory: This book may not be appropriate for individuals with a fear of snakes.
Buy Links--
Kinky Literature: https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/1317-serpents-kiss/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1465062
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serpents-kiss-lisabet-sarai/1017488008?ean=2940166119209
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/serpent-s-kiss-26
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6469359665
Blurb--
When a woman atoning for past sins heals the human avatar of an ancient god, she’s drawn into a perilous dance of destiny and desire.
From the first, Dr. Elena Navarro senses that the wounded man she discovers outside the gate of her rural clinic is not an ordinary mortal. With his chest ripped open, Jorge Pélikal still demonstrates unnatural strength and power. Elena is irresistibly attracted to Jorge, although he warns her their coupling could open the gates of chaos and cost her life. Despite his dire predictions, they fall in love. Gradually Elena comes to understand that Jorge is a supernatural player in a cosmic drama that will determine the fate of the earth and of mankind—and that even if he triumphs in his apocalyptic struggle with his nemesis, she may lose him forever.
Note: Serpent’s Kiss was previously published by Totally Entwined. This new edition has been re-edited, revised and expanded.
Reader Advisory: This book may not be appropriate for individuals with a fear of snakes.
Buy Links--
Kinky Literature: https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/1317-serpents-kiss/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CL2HPVV4
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1465062
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serpents-kiss-lisabet-sarai/1017488008?ean=2940166119209
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/serpent-s-kiss-26
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6469359665
