Zetta Hunt's Blog, page 7

The Office After Hours Story 2 Cover Reveal and Update

Here’s the cover for the next saucy short story in the Office After Hours Series. I titled this one Getting Her Clients, and it’s hot, hot, hot. Or maybe I should say sexy steamy hot? Either way, this one’s steamier than the last one.

This is a MMF — That’s right, my lucky heroine in this story gets not one, but two smoking hot men! Not only that, but she gets a real smooshy Happily Ever After as well. Oh, such a lucky girl.

I was always a one book boyfriend per story type of gal until I read my first MMF story . . . then I was hooked. So of course I had to write one. Well, okay, I’ve got several of these multiple men one woman stories planned for later on. In fact, once I finish up the next two books in The Office After Hours Series, I’ve got some reverse harem action coming your way. But that’s later.

In other news, I’ve finished the rewrites for this story and working hard on the edits and polish, which never seem to end. But I’m getting there.

If all goes well I should have this one out in a few days. I’ll let everyone know when it goes live, so stay tuned and stay sexy!

The World Sucks so Lets Escape

Let’s face it, right now the world sucks, at least more so than normal. With everything that’s going on, it’s hard not to feel down some days.

What I miss the most is going to the cinema. I LOVE going to the movies. I don’t know why, I just do. I much prefer to see a movie on the big-screen instead of on my TV. But that’s just me. I heard on the news the other day that theaters may reopen soon. But I’m still not going till we at least get some better control over this virus. Which might not be till next year. Sigh.

When I decided to be a producer to smut, it was way before all of this Covid crap started. But even then I sat down and asked myself why I wanted to do this. After all, if I was going to self-publish I might not make much money at this. That is the reality in the self-publish world. So money aside, why did I want to write these sexy stories? Escape.

Not just escape for me, but for readers. I am first and foremost a reader. If I wasn’t a reader, there is no way on earth I would be a writer. Writing is a lot of hard ass work! But I’m not hear to talk writing. I don’t limit my reading to one particular genre either. In the past month I’ve read two chick-lit novels, a YA novel, a self-help book and now I’m on an urban fantasy. My favorite author is Ray Bradbury.

I also love to read what they consider serious works of literature. But let’s face it, some of that, while well written and great to read, can get downright depressing. I mean, have you read 1984 recently? If you do and then take a good hard look at the world today, it will depress the hell out of you.

So that is when I pick up a sexy book.

When you realize that Big Brother is really watching us, there is nothing like a light-hearted romance or a steamy story to pull you out of the funk. While a more serious books help you to think not only about the world around us, but also about ourselves, a steamy novel is pure escapism. It pulls you out of all the terrible things going on around us, at least long enough to help you feel maybe a little better.

I remember several years ago, a dear friend of mine was telling me about all the health problems her mother was going through. Her mom was up in years and had landed in the hospital for some time. It was depressing to hear. But then after she got done telling me about everything her mom was going through she said to me, “Have you read Fifty Shade of Grey?” She got this gleam in her eye and a smile on her face when she asked me. She raved about the book and told me how I needed to read it. Then she said, “I’ve been reading those books while sitting in the hospital with my mother. They have really helped me to get through all of this.” That right there is the point that critics of those books are missing. That story was pure escapism. They helped people get through the rough patches in their lives.

I’d been procrastinating about putting my work out there. When this virus crap hit and they put us in lock-down, I decided it was past time to stop procrastinating. Because I wanted to help people escape the same way other authors have helped me escape with their stories when I needed to. And that is the primary reason I write sexy stories. I love to read them. They have lifted me up when I needed it. They got me out of my head and out of this world long enough to help me feel better. That is one of the many powers stories have over us.

So whether we're exploring Mars, which the inhabitants call Barsoom (Yes, I love reading Edgar Rice Burroughs John Carter stories), or we’re called to fight intergalactic wars, or solving murders, or trying to save the world from evil doers, or making love with a sexy Greek tycoon on the beach, or slaying trolls and dragons, what we’re all doing is escaping for a little while. Escaping to worlds that are either better or worse than the one we live in. And sometimes, that’s enough to keep us going through this thing called life.

After I Hit Publish and What’s Next

It’s out there, my first self-published sexy story. After waging all out war on self-doubt, fear of failure and all those other nasty things, I finished my story and hit publish on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning, my story was live on Amazon. So I got busy and set up my Author Central page, did a blog post that the book was live, spread the news to the very few people that knew I was doing this, and got to work on my next story. I also set up my Goodreads author page.

It’s been a whirlwind of activity.

But now that I have everything set up (at least I hope I do!) I can get back to the most important part of all of this, the writing.

What Surprised Me Most

I really suffer from self-doubt and some unfounded fear about my work. I thought I would hesitate about hitting that publish button on Amazon. But I think I stayed so busy Saturday, that by the time I was ready to hit publish, I was too exhausted to feel much of anything.

I’d spent the entire day researching keywords, doing another read through on my story, coming up with front and back matter for the book, formatting the manuscript to upload it, that by the time I had it all done (which was 8:30 PM), I wanted to be that — done.

I hit publish and . . . that was it. I was done. I was too exhausted to feel much else. I kept thinking, “I did it.” Over and over and that was about it.

What I’m trying to say is I became too busy to even acknowledge self-doubt and fear. I had built up momentum the past week and just kept pushing forward and somehow it kept all my doubts and fears at bay. I kept reminding myself that I wanted this.

The Next Step

So what’s next? Well, another sexy story of course!

I’m hoping to avoid some frustration I had with the last story. This story, like the last one, I just dove in and wrote it. No plan, just started writing to see what my little noodle brain could come up with.

But instead of jumping in with edits right away like I did the last story, this time I’m taking time to get to know my characters better and, using the draft I’ve written, make an outline to help refine my story. Because I know, like the last story, I need to redraft this one.

I’m trying to push and improve my writing skills with each story, hoping to make better stories. Whether they turn out better is all subjective. I want to keep doing the best work that I can with where I’m at in this process. For me, it’s the story that matters.

So stay tuned sexy readers, because I should have more updates on my progress in a few days.

It's Here! His Workaholic is Live!

After tons of hard work His Workaholic is now live! Whoo Hoo!!!

I keep staring at it on Amazon, somewhat in disbelief. But I didn't stare too long. I got busy and set up my Author Central page, and now I'm working on this release post. So much to do yet. Not to mention another story to get cracking on.

I do hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. This is a short steamy read. So if you like your stories hot, this is for you!

His Workaholic: The Office After Hours 1

A Steamy Short Story

What happens in the office after hours . . .

Loren

I’m tired of staying late at the office every day.

My only perk is seeing the smoking hot man that cleans the office every night.

Is it sad that I fantasize about the cleaning guy?

Probably.

I need a new job.

Kyle

When I agreed to temporarily help my friend out with his cleaning business, I never thought I’d meet such a sexy workaholic.

I want to do more for her than just empty her wastebasket.

I want to make her mine.

If your looking for a short, steamy, sexy read with a cute HEA this story is for you. This is the first story in The Office After Hours Series. It can be read as stand with no cliffhangers. Just lots of sexy times in the office after hours! 

It's available on Amazon for only $.99 and free through Kindle Unlimited. 

Here's the link for Amazon US: AMAZON

Enjoy!

Cover Reveal and Updates

Well, howdy sexy readers. Get ready, because I’m getting closer and closer to my first release! Whoo Hoo!
So I present to you the cover of my first story - His Workaholic.
This one is a steamy hot short story. Because who doesn’t need a sexy hot quickie? And yes, I use the word ‘hot’ a lot, sorry.
This story is a shot erotic romance, probably more on the erotic side than the romance side, but it comes with a cute, sweet ending. Or at least I think it does, then again since I wrote it, what the heck do I know?
I’m putting the finishing touches on it now. I’ve drafted a blurb for the story, but it still needs a little work yet.
This entire process has been an uphill slog for me. I’ve battled self-doubt around every corner. Almost gave up a couple of times. But I figured what the heck? I’ve got nothing to lose on this. Except the money I paid for the stock photo on the cover and I splurged for a domain name for this site. Still, it’s a minor investment. And even if just one person likes my story, then to me, it’s been worth it.
This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and totally geeked that I’m nearly there. I’ve made peace with the fact that mistakes will happen along this journey. So I remind myself that sometimes the only way we learn and grow is through our mistakes. Or at least that’s what all those inspirational quotes and self-help books say. So I will trust they know what they are talking about.
In other news, after I get this story out, I’ll be hard at work on the next story which is in first draft stage so lots of work to do, but I’m looking forward to it. As I think the next story will be even hotter than this one.

How-To Write Smut Books Make it Look so Easy

I’m hard at work putting the finishing touches on my first story. Some days I feel like I will never get there. All I can say is those books on writing and self-publishing short erotica and short romance make it look way easier than this.
I’m sure part of it is my own insecurities. Well, okay, that’s probably most of it to be honest.
When I decided to do this, I read several how-to books on writing and self-publishing short erotica/short romance. Basically, in a nutshell, what they said was that you could write a story in 2 or 3 days, then make a cover, upload it to Amazon and/or other retailers and Bam! You’re on your way to building a smut empire. Easy peasy.
I’m here to tell you a few things. First off, I can write a story in 2 or 3 days, no problem. However, revision and edits take me more than 2 or 3 days. At least it is for this first story. I’ve had to do a complete rewrite of it. Did it help? Heck yeah, it did. But it took time. I did a lot of edits first, hoping that’s all the story would need, till I realized it still didn’t feel right. While I didn’t want to take the time to do a complete rewrite, I feel the story is better for it.
Is it a good story? That’s all subjective, to be honest. I don’t know if this story is good or not. I like it, so I’m hoping maybe someone else will like it too.
It’s not just the writing, though. I had a terrible time coming up with a title, but I think I have one that will work. Then I had to design a cover. I still need to write up a blurb, figure out keywords and many other things that still need done.
I’m hoping that once I get this first story out that it will get easier. But right now, it’s a lot of work. Way more work than those books made it seem. Or I’m over complicating things because of my insecurities. I’m sure I am.
But I look back at how much I have gotten done. I picked a pen name. I got this site up, I’ve got a cover mostly finished. I have my Amazon account ready to start self-publishing. I made a logo for my author profile. I did a total rewrite on my first story, and it’s nearly finished. I have the next story already drafted and have ideas for two more stories in this series. I also have a serial in various stages of development.
When I look back at how far I’ve come, it gives me the energy I need to keep pushing forward. I’ll soon be there.

The Editing Never Ends, or, It Will Never be Perfect

I love to write. But writing is rewriting and I don’t love that as much. Others take great joy in rewriting, but not me. I take great joy in the creating. To me nothing is better than getting an idea and typing away in the heat of passionate creation. That’s where I find my joy.
I’m working at rewrites and edits for the first story I plan on publishing. Except, my other failing is I’m a perfectionist, at least with my writing. I never thought I was. I mean, I’m often untidy in my surroundings and with many other things in life. I often say “good enough” and move on. It’s not like that with my writing, and it was only recently that I discovered this.
I had a friend that retired from being an Art Director at a big New York City advertising firm. I remember him saying, “Isn’t it amazing how many people go over the same piece of writing and still errors get through.” He’s right. This happens.
Just look at books published by major publishers. Often I see reader reviews complaining about errors. Yet, in big publishing, it’s not only the author that has to go back over it (who by this point is often sick of looking at the manuscript), but the content editor, line editor, a proofreader, etc. Yes, that’s how many people look at a manuscript before it goes to press, and still errors sneak past them.
I’m a one woman show at the moment. All I can afford right now is an online grammar checker. This story won’t be perfect. But, I’m giving it my all and doing the best I can do with where I’m at in my writing skills right now. Grammar and style guides litter my desktop.
Maybe one day I will enjoy this part process more. For now, I’ll keep going till I’m sick of looking at this story and label it ‘good enough’ and push it out in the world. People will either like it or they won’t. It’s all subjective anyway.

Listening to the Crickets

Well, until I get something published and get my name out there, I’m probably just writing this for the crickets. We all have to start somewhere, so I thought I’d get this first post out of the way.
This is not my first blog or my first adventure in writing. But the first post always feels awkward. Sort of like a first date with a really hot guy and you worry that no matter what you say it’ll sound stupid. Yeah, that’s how this feels right now.
The next post will be better. I’ll find my stride, eventually. I just have to get this one out of the way to start.
In the coming days and weeks I will share with you my sexy writing adventure. This is something I’ve always thought about doing and then late last year I decided, what the heck, why not do it?
This is not some, I’m bored at home because of this whole virus thing, it’s something that has been in the works for a long time coming. Maybe a few of you have thought of embarking on a similar adventure and maybe these posts wil help or inspire you along the way.
For now, I won't worry if this sounds stupid or not, because I doubt anyone will read it for some time, if ever. So for now, it’s just me and the sounds of crickets chirping, but that’s okay because they always sound beautiful to me.