Mere Rain's Blog, page 2
September 30, 2023
Creepy stories coming soon
I signed the contract on my sapphic gothic horror novella, In the Dark Heart of Winter! I'm very excited about this one, which uses some of the mythology I researched for Celebrations in the Season of Long Nights. Like Celebrations, it takes place around the winter solstice, so I'm hoping to release it round that time in December.
In the meantime, I have a horror piece in this year's Queer Speculative Fiction Flash Contest, themed Rise. That anthology, Rise, should be out in October.
I still need a cover for my novella, which is set circa 1860, so if you have a favorite Gothic or historical horror cover, please share in the comments!
In the meantime, I have a horror piece in this year's Queer Speculative Fiction Flash Contest, themed Rise. That anthology, Rise, should be out in October.
I still need a cover for my novella, which is set circa 1860, so if you have a favorite Gothic or historical horror cover, please share in the comments!
July 4, 2023
New release and Smashwords sale reminder
Time for the Smashwords Summer Sale!
My book and thousands more are on sale all July. This includes my June release (and only release so far this year; it's been crazy!) Elias and the Egg.
This novella is a little different for me. For one thing there's more sex (yes, even more than Whiskey & Salt). And more crying. My beta readers requested more crying!
Well, that's true, they did. But also my father passed away unexpectedly at the end of last year. And my mother the year before that. So, crying. Also, thinking about parenting and its challenges, which is how I ended up writing my first story with a baby in it. A baby that's wanted -- Trajan's species doesn't have babies by accidents -- but wanting and knowing how to parent are different things. Just like love and knowing how to express love or support a loved don't always go together.
But of course in romance, love and happiness always triumph in the end. That's why we read it.
My book and thousands more are on sale all July. This includes my June release (and only release so far this year; it's been crazy!) Elias and the Egg.
This novella is a little different for me. For one thing there's more sex (yes, even more than Whiskey & Salt). And more crying. My beta readers requested more crying!
Well, that's true, they did. But also my father passed away unexpectedly at the end of last year. And my mother the year before that. So, crying. Also, thinking about parenting and its challenges, which is how I ended up writing my first story with a baby in it. A baby that's wanted -- Trajan's species doesn't have babies by accidents -- but wanting and knowing how to parent are different things. Just like love and knowing how to express love or support a loved don't always go together.
But of course in romance, love and happiness always triumph in the end. That's why we read it.
January 25, 2023
Guest blog and giveaway
Check out my guest post and excerpt from Until We Sort This Out on the Joyfully Jay blog!
Comment to win either Until We Sort This Out or my short Christmas romance Nice and Vicious.
https://joyfullyjay.com/2023/01/excer...
Comment to win either Until We Sort This Out or my short Christmas romance Nice and Vicious.
https://joyfullyjay.com/2023/01/excer...
December 11, 2022
December updates, sales, and freebies
I failed to update in November even though I released a novella I was very excited about – a low angst contemporary romance featuring
★ Enemies-to-realizing-you-were-both-crushing-on-each-other.
★ There are plenty of beds, actually. Very disappointing.
★ Glitter
★ The problem with having an efficient fake-fiance is that he might organize the wedding before you break it off...not that you really want to break it off.
This book was vastly improved by feedback from romance author Emily Alter, who writes both YA and adult stories. Please check out her books!
Personal update, feel free to skip ahead:
I got covid early in November, and the fatigue is serious stuff, be careful during the holidays, friends! And then while I was still ill my father passed away unexpectedly. So these two things are why no updating or promo happened.
I have a Christmas short releasing next weekend!
JMS Books has a holiday short story series themed "Naughty or Nice" and I (unusually for me!) went with a "Nice" guy who wants to get his ex back by going to a holiday party with someone his ex hates. This is a fluffy contemporary romance and does not have any bibliophile burglars or murderous demons like my previous holiday stories.
"Nice and Vicious" can be pre-ordered (at a discount) from JMS. And if you aren't already aware, JMS has a free book every day through the 24th, so head over there even if you aren't interested in holiday stories, there is lots of variety.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
Lastly, it's almost time for Smashwords' annual End of Year sale. All of my books on the site will be half off from December 15 through January 1. Many other books from JMS and other publishers will be on sale for 25% or 50% off.
Best wishes for Yalda, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Christmas, New Year, or whatever winter holiday you celebrate. And if you don't celebrate, I hope you are okay with that and not sad. I'm not doing much this year and will probably be available here or on twitter or facebook if you need company, or just want to chat about books or food.
★ Enemies-to-realizing-you-were-both-crushing-on-each-other.★ There are plenty of beds, actually. Very disappointing.
★ Glitter
★ The problem with having an efficient fake-fiance is that he might organize the wedding before you break it off...not that you really want to break it off.
This book was vastly improved by feedback from romance author Emily Alter, who writes both YA and adult stories. Please check out her books!
Personal update, feel free to skip ahead:
I got covid early in November, and the fatigue is serious stuff, be careful during the holidays, friends! And then while I was still ill my father passed away unexpectedly. So these two things are why no updating or promo happened.
I have a Christmas short releasing next weekend!
JMS Books has a holiday short story series themed "Naughty or Nice" and I (unusually for me!) went with a "Nice" guy who wants to get his ex back by going to a holiday party with someone his ex hates. This is a fluffy contemporary romance and does not have any bibliophile burglars or murderous demons like my previous holiday stories."Nice and Vicious" can be pre-ordered (at a discount) from JMS. And if you aren't already aware, JMS has a free book every day through the 24th, so head over there even if you aren't interested in holiday stories, there is lots of variety.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
Lastly, it's almost time for Smashwords' annual End of Year sale. All of my books on the site will be half off from December 15 through January 1. Many other books from JMS and other publishers will be on sale for 25% or 50% off.
Best wishes for Yalda, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Christmas, New Year, or whatever winter holiday you celebrate. And if you don't celebrate, I hope you are okay with that and not sad. I'm not doing much this year and will probably be available here or on twitter or facebook if you need company, or just want to chat about books or food.
October 27, 2022
TRICKS for Halloween
My spooky and sexy Halloween short is now available!
Halloween is supposed to be a night for safe scares and harmless tricks, not terror ... or romance.
College student Colin agrees to take his little cousin trick-or-treating, anticipating nothing worse than having to shepherd a bunch of sugar-crazed third-graders and a poorly-trained puppy. When the kids run ahead to peek into the local supposedly-haunted house, it seems like a harmless bit of mischief until the puppy crawls through a basement window and is lost. Colin promises to get her back. The place may be dark and creepy, but it can't really be haunted. When the house turns out to be occupied by an attractive man who is willing to let him in, it seems like a lucky break ... at first.
Secrets. Sometimes Cat feels like he has nothing but secrets. No family, no freedom, not even a real name. Colin seems nice, but Cat doesn't owe him anything, not when the risk of punishment for helping a stranger is so high. But he's looking for a puppy, and Cat has a soft spot for dogs. And possibly also a soft spot for kind boys with soft lips. But the apparently simple task of finding a missing pet won't be as easy as it sounds, because the house isn't what it seems... and neither is Cat.
Could Colin possibly still want Cat if he learns the truth? They won't find out unless they manage to escape the darkness of the house.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BJNQV6KF
Halloween is supposed to be a night for safe scares and harmless tricks, not terror ... or romance.
College student Colin agrees to take his little cousin trick-or-treating, anticipating nothing worse than having to shepherd a bunch of sugar-crazed third-graders and a poorly-trained puppy. When the kids run ahead to peek into the local supposedly-haunted house, it seems like a harmless bit of mischief until the puppy crawls through a basement window and is lost. Colin promises to get her back. The place may be dark and creepy, but it can't really be haunted. When the house turns out to be occupied by an attractive man who is willing to let him in, it seems like a lucky break ... at first.
Secrets. Sometimes Cat feels like he has nothing but secrets. No family, no freedom, not even a real name. Colin seems nice, but Cat doesn't owe him anything, not when the risk of punishment for helping a stranger is so high. But he's looking for a puppy, and Cat has a soft spot for dogs. And possibly also a soft spot for kind boys with soft lips. But the apparently simple task of finding a missing pet won't be as easy as it sounds, because the house isn't what it seems... and neither is Cat.
Could Colin possibly still want Cat if he learns the truth? They won't find out unless they manage to escape the darkness of the house.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BJNQV6KF
June 24, 2022
June and July ebook sales
JMS Books' Pride sale runs through the end of June and offers 40% off all ebooks. I have three books with JMS ranging from cuddly (Tonight and Every Night) to comical Whiskey & Salt) to creepy (Dark Arts For Bright Hearts)
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
In July, Smashwords will host their annual month-long sale, with many ebooks ranging from 25-50% discounted.
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
If you are author with a book on sale, or a reader with a recommendation for sale purchases, feel free to drop a link in the comments.
Happy summer reading!
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
In July, Smashwords will host their annual month-long sale, with many ebooks ranging from 25-50% discounted.
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
If you are author with a book on sale, or a reader with a recommendation for sale purchases, feel free to drop a link in the comments.
Happy summer reading!
January 28, 2022
Time to get salty
The 11k short I've been describing to friends as "jerks fall in love accidentally while boning," is available for pre-order now. It'll release in a week!
Here's a snippet:
The waiter -- Apple, really? -- growled something Harlan couldn’t make out and stomped back to Harlan’s table with his charge slip.
“Happy to see someone else having as bad a night as I am,” Harlan told him.
The waiter’s mouth twisted. “Yeah, you seem like that kinda schadenfreudistic asshole.”
Harlan smirked. “So you and cashier boy live together but he’s giving it to other guys?”
“We don’t live together, we share a studio to save money, and we don’t usually work the same shift. Not that you care.”
Harlan steepled his fingers. “I could care enough to offer you a different bed.”
“One with you in it, I suppose,” the waiter sneered.
“That’s the bed I’ve got,” Harlan agreed.
The young man leaned on the table and glared at Harlan for a minute.
Harlan felt his pulse pick up.
“Fine,” the waiter spat. “But you'd better try harder at sex than you do at manners.”
Harlan felt his face stretch in the first genuine grin in a long time. “You don’t have to worry about my customer service,” he promised.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
Here's a snippet:
The waiter -- Apple, really? -- growled something Harlan couldn’t make out and stomped back to Harlan’s table with his charge slip.
“Happy to see someone else having as bad a night as I am,” Harlan told him.
The waiter’s mouth twisted. “Yeah, you seem like that kinda schadenfreudistic asshole.”
Harlan smirked. “So you and cashier boy live together but he’s giving it to other guys?”
“We don’t live together, we share a studio to save money, and we don’t usually work the same shift. Not that you care.”
Harlan steepled his fingers. “I could care enough to offer you a different bed.”
“One with you in it, I suppose,” the waiter sneered.
“That’s the bed I’ve got,” Harlan agreed.
The young man leaned on the table and glared at Harlan for a minute.
Harlan felt his pulse pick up.
“Fine,” the waiter spat. “But you'd better try harder at sex than you do at manners.”
Harlan felt his face stretch in the first genuine grin in a long time. “You don’t have to worry about my customer service,” he promised.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
November 22, 2021
Holiday Romance Sale
Mischief Corner Books is pricing all winter holiday titles 25% off through Jan 2nd, including my contemporary novella, Stealing Gifts.
Other titles on sale that I've enjoyed:
Yule Planet
Something to Celebrate
The Holiday Home Hotel
And I'm planning to read at least Slow Thaw and The Holiday Spirit next month.
Other titles on sale that I've enjoyed:
Yule Planet
Something to Celebrate
The Holiday Home Hotel
And I'm planning to read at least Slow Thaw and The Holiday Spirit next month.
October 9, 2021
My first full-length romance is out!
Tonight and Every Night is a funny, sexy, opposites-attract romance between two college students -- one an anxious, autistic virgin who has never been away from home before, and the other an easy-going hockey player with some carefully-concealed self-esteem issues.
This is very low-angst. I wrote it last year when there was more than enough sadness and stress going around and I wanted people to be better to each other.
General tone/content: consensual sex followed by cuddling and pancakes; occasional drunkenness and puppies.
This is very low-angst. I wrote it last year when there was more than enough sadness and stress going around and I wanted people to be better to each other.
General tone/content: consensual sex followed by cuddling and pancakes; occasional drunkenness and puppies.
April 17, 2021
Fix the World
I and the other contributors to the newly-released science fiction anthology Fix the World were kindly invited to share some thoughts, and reading recommendations, with Amazing Stories.
Nine ‘Fix the World’ SF Anthology Authors Discuss Story Inspirations
Mere Rain, "In Light"
The work of fixing the world is never done. But it may get easier.
Inspiration for your story?
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Everyone laughs. Reagan made it a joke and so did Men in Black. My friend who went to work for the government as a naive and optimistic college grad quotes this line and laughs, but bitterly, because he’s disillusioned after years of wanting to help and feeling stymied. Why is it so hard to fix things, anything? Why is it so hard to get help? What would it be like to live in a society where being helpful and trustworthy was the default, where admitting problems and asking for help was normalized? Where we fixed things before they were horrifically broken?
Next for you as an author?
I’m working on a historical fantasy and a contemporary romantic fantasy. I’d like to revisit the world of this story and elaborate on earlier space-exploration era that’s alluded to briefly by the characters, but I probably won’t have time this year. Of course, as soon as I say that I have this idea I really want to write… Excuse me, I just have to make a few notes, I’ll be right back…
To Be Read Next?
I’m looking forward to Firebreak, the new release by Nicole-Kornher-Stace, in which a woman discovers that her country’s celebrity super-soldiers are actually war orphans who were enslaved and experimented on for profit, and determines to take down the corporation that controls them and everyone else.
I also want to read Aliette de Bodard’s Fireheart Tiger, a romantic fantasy set in a universe inspired by precolonial Vietnam.
These are two authors I trust to bring insightful views, but in an entertaining and character-driven way.
Nine ‘Fix the World’ SF Anthology Authors Discuss Story Inspirations
Mere Rain, "In Light"
The work of fixing the world is never done. But it may get easier.
Inspiration for your story?
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Everyone laughs. Reagan made it a joke and so did Men in Black. My friend who went to work for the government as a naive and optimistic college grad quotes this line and laughs, but bitterly, because he’s disillusioned after years of wanting to help and feeling stymied. Why is it so hard to fix things, anything? Why is it so hard to get help? What would it be like to live in a society where being helpful and trustworthy was the default, where admitting problems and asking for help was normalized? Where we fixed things before they were horrifically broken?
Next for you as an author?
I’m working on a historical fantasy and a contemporary romantic fantasy. I’d like to revisit the world of this story and elaborate on earlier space-exploration era that’s alluded to briefly by the characters, but I probably won’t have time this year. Of course, as soon as I say that I have this idea I really want to write… Excuse me, I just have to make a few notes, I’ll be right back…
To Be Read Next?
I’m looking forward to Firebreak, the new release by Nicole-Kornher-Stace, in which a woman discovers that her country’s celebrity super-soldiers are actually war orphans who were enslaved and experimented on for profit, and determines to take down the corporation that controls them and everyone else.
I also want to read Aliette de Bodard’s Fireheart Tiger, a romantic fantasy set in a universe inspired by precolonial Vietnam.
These are two authors I trust to bring insightful views, but in an entertaining and character-driven way.
