Sommer Marsden's Blog, page 64
September 6, 2012
Today I'm feeling lazy so...
You get a blog in pictures! I didn't sleep so wonderfully last night, so forgive me if I yawn. We started watching the show Treme, so I'm not surprised that when I did sleep heavy I dreamed of New Orleans and musicians and trombones. Heh...bones. Anyway, here is some good news in the form of pictures. Ready?
Violet Blue recently mentioned my Xcite Collection The Best of Sommer Marsden on her blog. If you click it I'm right below Donna George Storey and Alison Tyler is sitting on top of her. Well, not sitting....resting? Splaying? Reclining? We're all cozy, is my point! As always, Violet humbles me and totally makes my day all in one fell swoop. I can never resist a screenshot of her blog. Her blog is the neat, super cool apartment you visit when you first move out on your own and you think: man, one day my place will be this cool...So far...um, no.
Good news two:
Tada! I am Coming Soon! And I have never been more excited to be Coming Soon :)
And if you click on me where I am Coming Soon (oooh, that feels good) you get a page for my very soon to be released novel BOYS NEXT DOOR. Yay! Very excited to be a part of HarperCollins new Mischief Line. It's just so...sleek. I am almost giddy, but I assure you, it will get much worse when the book actually comes out. Heh.
That is my whole boatload of good news. I hope I made sense. As I said in the beginning of this strange little post. I didn't necessarily sleep well. Maybe I'll take a nap today. Probably not, but maybe!
XOXO
Sommer
.PNG)
Violet Blue recently mentioned my Xcite Collection The Best of Sommer Marsden on her blog. If you click it I'm right below Donna George Storey and Alison Tyler is sitting on top of her. Well, not sitting....resting? Splaying? Reclining? We're all cozy, is my point! As always, Violet humbles me and totally makes my day all in one fell swoop. I can never resist a screenshot of her blog. Her blog is the neat, super cool apartment you visit when you first move out on your own and you think: man, one day my place will be this cool...So far...um, no.Good news two:
Tada! I am Coming Soon! And I have never been more excited to be Coming Soon :)
.PNG)
And if you click on me where I am Coming Soon (oooh, that feels good) you get a page for my very soon to be released novel BOYS NEXT DOOR. Yay! Very excited to be a part of HarperCollins new Mischief Line. It's just so...sleek. I am almost giddy, but I assure you, it will get much worse when the book actually comes out. Heh.
.PNG)
That is my whole boatload of good news. I hope I made sense. As I said in the beginning of this strange little post. I didn't necessarily sleep well. Maybe I'll take a nap today. Probably not, but maybe!
XOXO
Sommer
September 5, 2012
Guest Post: Willsin Rowe and Katie Salidas
They say patience is a virtue. Which proves what I've always known...I have no virtues ;) Patience is something in which I am severely lacking. I mean...it seemed to take forever just to get to post this blog about a new book by two great writers. With that, please welcome Willsin Rowe and Katie Salidas...tada!
Guest Post by Willsin Rowe:
Back on August 30 (gosh, it seems like less than a week ago!) Katie and I launched this blog tour over at Selena Kitt’s place. Over there, I acknowledged and thanked two people – both writers, both women – who have been instrumental in my progress as a writer, and even as a human being. Those two people were Selena herself, and my co-author, Katie Salidas.
But there is another Skywalker. Wait, that’s not what I meant. There is a third (and not in the “my wife and I are cruising for a third” way! You dirty-minded folk!). It’s another writer, and indeed, another woman. And her name rhymes with Lommer Larsden.
As a fledgling author and new member of the Excessica clan, I first noticed Sommer through her deceptively well-crafted blogs (deceptive because they seemed to just flow like whiskey, yet were beautifully formed and edited). “One day,” I thought “when I grow up...I’d like to be like her.” Didn’t matter that I’m actually OLDER than her...
But I first officially “met” Sommer through the Dirtyville anthology she assembled in early 2010. Happily, my little story “Not Of This Place” was accepted, and my work suddenly found an audience far wider than it had ever seen before.
Even more happily, a proper grown-up friendship grew from the moment my story was accepted. The kind of friendship that has encompassed celebrations and commiserations; frustrations and fun; dogs, kids and gardening. So when Katie and I finished this current book, “Patience”, we decided to put together a blog tour. And even though this isn’t the first stop on that tour, it was the first place I thought of to visit.
After all, there’s a reason I call this lady “Awesommer”. Because it suits her!
Patience © August 2012 by Willsin Rowe and Katie Salidas
Patience may be a virtue, but the reward is sin! 5,000 word short erotic story.
Publisher: Exessicahttp://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=583&zenid=0b09da74332ae6c3d5a580bb3ee5220fRelease: August 31st 2012Genre: Erotic Romance/ May-DecemberFormat: Ebook
Synopsis:Donelle Fortier is no billionaire. She runs her ad agency with passion and scruples...and it shows in her bank balance.Edan Dalca is the cocky young hotshot Donelle hired to pump life into her business. He’s intense, passionate...and downright hawt.But when his arrogance threatens the agency’s future, Donelle realizes he needs to be taught one very important lesson: patience.And with Donelle’s consummate skills, it’s a lesson that Edan will never forget.
This title contains graphic language, older women/younger man nookie, and an intriguing use of confectionary.
Katie Salidashttp://www.katiesalidas.com
Willsin Rowehttp://willsinrowe.blogspot.com/
EXCERPT:
He turned, drilling his steel-gray eyes into mine. “You regret last night, don’t you?”“Last night...” I bit down on my burgeoning smile. “Well, I’ve certainly done smarter things than seduce a co-worker.”“The way I see it, I seduced you.”“Such is my skill, young man.” I couldn’t suppress my smile this time. “No, it wasn’t my smartest move, but I certainly don’t regret it. Anyway, I thought you boys compartmentalized everything.”He slipped his hand onto my thigh. “How can I when you’re right here?”I bit my lip and squeezed my legs together. “Stop…” It was barely a whisper, not convincing at all. He had such big hands they were impossible to ignore. Especially sliding up my leg like that.I clamped my hand over his. “No, Edan. We have to get back to the office. We have another pitch tomorrow.”He dug his fingers in, a needless show of strength. With a puff of disgust he pulled back and turned away. “Fine. Then maybe tomorrow you’ll let me drive.” He shucked out another mint and ground it to death.“Oh, act your fucking age, Edan.” Jesus. I sound like I’m his mother. I started the car and mashed out my frustration on the gas pedal.We drove back in man-made silence. Before I’d even turned off the engine Edan had his door open, ready to storm upstairs and broadcast our failure. To distance himself from the stink of it. I curled my fingers around his arm.“Wait.”He pulled loose from my tenuous grasp and flounced out of the car. I turned off the engine and rushed after him, my clattering heels echoing off the concrete ceiling of the parking garage.“Edan, stop!”The touch of my hand on his shoulder seemed to calm him a little. He stopped and let me turn him around. I felt like his mother again as I pressed him back against the wall. In my heels I was almost eye-to-eye with him. Or would be, if he’d look at me.“You still have so much to learn, boy.”“Don’t call me boy. I’m 24 years old.”“In every way possible.”“What’s that supposed to mean?”“Nothing. Look, we need to present a united front. Yes, we probably lost the pitch. But those people up there rely on me, and now you, to bring business in. They need to believe in us.”“Then untie the apron strings! Let me take more control.”I rested my hand against his chest. Even through the thick wool of his suit, I fancied I could feel the heat of his skin, and I nearly lost my train of thought. “This is not the time for that discussion, Edan.”“It never is.”“Stop. I mean it, this is not the time. We need to radiate calm, give off a positive vibe. Can you do that?”He shook his head and puffed out a resigned chuckle. Finally his cool eyes met mine. “Maybe. What’s it worth to you?”The warmth of his hand was all too real as he cupped the fullness of my breast through my blouse. I’d been so focused on his eyes I hadn’t seen him move. My breath tripped up as he squeezed my hardening nipple.“Edan…” The simple urgency of my own voice sounded like a betrayal. With my hand over his I rested my head on his chest, just to take the weight off my untrustworthy knees. With my eyes closed and the heat of his body against me it was easy to forget he was born the year I finished school.
WILLSIN ROWE
Willsin Rowe falls in love with a scent, a playful expression or an act of casual intimacy more easily than with physical beauty. When confronted by any combination of those elements he is a lost cause. He has done many things over and over, done even more things only once, and half-done more things than he cares to admit. He loves to sing and doesn’t let his voice get in the way. He is intelligent but not sensible. He is passionate but fearful. He is not scruffy enough or stylish enough to be cool.
-----
Hunger
Christmas time in Brisbane is always so hot and muggy you could drink it from a bowl.
Brett Freeman feels the heat like anyone, but for more than 15 years it’s been nothing to do with the climate and everything to do with Corinne. Only one thing stands between Brett and his perfect woman: her husband, Darren.
Despite that stumbling block, Darren and Corinne consider Brett their best friend. They’ve watched in despair as he’s tossed away good relationships simply because, in his mind, no woman could ever compare to Corinne.
Then, one muggy Christmas Eve, a friendly visit takes a bizarre turn. Secrets are shared, an incredible present is offered, and for Brett, life will be changed forever.
Every beginning comes from an ending.
http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-ebook/dp/B003GDI8BQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-6
-----
The Three Day Hump
Luther has a solid career as a lawyer and is married to a famous lingerie model. His life has grown comfortable, and he can’t remember how it felt to truly want something…anything.
Opal is young, debatably single, and has lived a life poor in everything but experience. She exudes a lush darkness and it draws Luther to her.
He suddenly remembers desire.
Their flirting turns physical; lust turns to obsession, obsession to addiction. They can’t see a future, but they can think of nothing but the present. They don’t know how to stop, they only know they need to.
An urban myth tells that three days of abstinence will break the back of an addiction. They hole up together in a hotel for a long weekend.
Naked.
Can their addiction be beaten? Maybe. But first, they need to make it over the three-day hump.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Day-Hump-ebook/dp/B003GIRCY0/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-7
-----
Lightning
From the fun and frivolous to the poignant and deeply personal, this collection of flash and short erotic fiction has a little taste of everything. Tales of crossed paths and crossed lines; of fate and fancy; changes, chances and choices.
With flash stories boiled and brewed until only the essence remains, and longer works that simmer and spit, you’re sure to find something to tickle you right where you need it. And with author commentary before each story, you could call this the director’s cut!
http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-ebook/dp/B007JZGQMU/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-8
KATIE SALIDAS
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.
http://www.katiesalidas.com/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=58814031&trk=tab_pro
Twitter
http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie
Guest Post by Willsin Rowe:
Back on August 30 (gosh, it seems like less than a week ago!) Katie and I launched this blog tour over at Selena Kitt’s place. Over there, I acknowledged and thanked two people – both writers, both women – who have been instrumental in my progress as a writer, and even as a human being. Those two people were Selena herself, and my co-author, Katie Salidas.
But there is another Skywalker. Wait, that’s not what I meant. There is a third (and not in the “my wife and I are cruising for a third” way! You dirty-minded folk!). It’s another writer, and indeed, another woman. And her name rhymes with Lommer Larsden.
As a fledgling author and new member of the Excessica clan, I first noticed Sommer through her deceptively well-crafted blogs (deceptive because they seemed to just flow like whiskey, yet were beautifully formed and edited). “One day,” I thought “when I grow up...I’d like to be like her.” Didn’t matter that I’m actually OLDER than her...
But I first officially “met” Sommer through the Dirtyville anthology she assembled in early 2010. Happily, my little story “Not Of This Place” was accepted, and my work suddenly found an audience far wider than it had ever seen before.
Even more happily, a proper grown-up friendship grew from the moment my story was accepted. The kind of friendship that has encompassed celebrations and commiserations; frustrations and fun; dogs, kids and gardening. So when Katie and I finished this current book, “Patience”, we decided to put together a blog tour. And even though this isn’t the first stop on that tour, it was the first place I thought of to visit.
After all, there’s a reason I call this lady “Awesommer”. Because it suits her!
Patience © August 2012 by Willsin Rowe and Katie Salidas
Patience may be a virtue, but the reward is sin! 5,000 word short erotic story.
Publisher: Exessicahttp://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=583&zenid=0b09da74332ae6c3d5a580bb3ee5220fRelease: August 31st 2012Genre: Erotic Romance/ May-DecemberFormat: Ebook
Synopsis:Donelle Fortier is no billionaire. She runs her ad agency with passion and scruples...and it shows in her bank balance.Edan Dalca is the cocky young hotshot Donelle hired to pump life into her business. He’s intense, passionate...and downright hawt.But when his arrogance threatens the agency’s future, Donelle realizes he needs to be taught one very important lesson: patience.And with Donelle’s consummate skills, it’s a lesson that Edan will never forget.
This title contains graphic language, older women/younger man nookie, and an intriguing use of confectionary.
Katie Salidashttp://www.katiesalidas.com
Willsin Rowehttp://willsinrowe.blogspot.com/
EXCERPT:
He turned, drilling his steel-gray eyes into mine. “You regret last night, don’t you?”“Last night...” I bit down on my burgeoning smile. “Well, I’ve certainly done smarter things than seduce a co-worker.”“The way I see it, I seduced you.”“Such is my skill, young man.” I couldn’t suppress my smile this time. “No, it wasn’t my smartest move, but I certainly don’t regret it. Anyway, I thought you boys compartmentalized everything.”He slipped his hand onto my thigh. “How can I when you’re right here?”I bit my lip and squeezed my legs together. “Stop…” It was barely a whisper, not convincing at all. He had such big hands they were impossible to ignore. Especially sliding up my leg like that.I clamped my hand over his. “No, Edan. We have to get back to the office. We have another pitch tomorrow.”He dug his fingers in, a needless show of strength. With a puff of disgust he pulled back and turned away. “Fine. Then maybe tomorrow you’ll let me drive.” He shucked out another mint and ground it to death.“Oh, act your fucking age, Edan.” Jesus. I sound like I’m his mother. I started the car and mashed out my frustration on the gas pedal.We drove back in man-made silence. Before I’d even turned off the engine Edan had his door open, ready to storm upstairs and broadcast our failure. To distance himself from the stink of it. I curled my fingers around his arm.“Wait.”He pulled loose from my tenuous grasp and flounced out of the car. I turned off the engine and rushed after him, my clattering heels echoing off the concrete ceiling of the parking garage.“Edan, stop!”The touch of my hand on his shoulder seemed to calm him a little. He stopped and let me turn him around. I felt like his mother again as I pressed him back against the wall. In my heels I was almost eye-to-eye with him. Or would be, if he’d look at me.“You still have so much to learn, boy.”“Don’t call me boy. I’m 24 years old.”“In every way possible.”“What’s that supposed to mean?”“Nothing. Look, we need to present a united front. Yes, we probably lost the pitch. But those people up there rely on me, and now you, to bring business in. They need to believe in us.”“Then untie the apron strings! Let me take more control.”I rested my hand against his chest. Even through the thick wool of his suit, I fancied I could feel the heat of his skin, and I nearly lost my train of thought. “This is not the time for that discussion, Edan.”“It never is.”“Stop. I mean it, this is not the time. We need to radiate calm, give off a positive vibe. Can you do that?”He shook his head and puffed out a resigned chuckle. Finally his cool eyes met mine. “Maybe. What’s it worth to you?”The warmth of his hand was all too real as he cupped the fullness of my breast through my blouse. I’d been so focused on his eyes I hadn’t seen him move. My breath tripped up as he squeezed my hardening nipple.“Edan…” The simple urgency of my own voice sounded like a betrayal. With my hand over his I rested my head on his chest, just to take the weight off my untrustworthy knees. With my eyes closed and the heat of his body against me it was easy to forget he was born the year I finished school.
WILLSIN ROWE
Willsin Rowe falls in love with a scent, a playful expression or an act of casual intimacy more easily than with physical beauty. When confronted by any combination of those elements he is a lost cause. He has done many things over and over, done even more things only once, and half-done more things than he cares to admit. He loves to sing and doesn’t let his voice get in the way. He is intelligent but not sensible. He is passionate but fearful. He is not scruffy enough or stylish enough to be cool.
-----
Hunger
Christmas time in Brisbane is always so hot and muggy you could drink it from a bowl.
Brett Freeman feels the heat like anyone, but for more than 15 years it’s been nothing to do with the climate and everything to do with Corinne. Only one thing stands between Brett and his perfect woman: her husband, Darren.
Despite that stumbling block, Darren and Corinne consider Brett their best friend. They’ve watched in despair as he’s tossed away good relationships simply because, in his mind, no woman could ever compare to Corinne.
Then, one muggy Christmas Eve, a friendly visit takes a bizarre turn. Secrets are shared, an incredible present is offered, and for Brett, life will be changed forever.
Every beginning comes from an ending.
http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-ebook/dp/B003GDI8BQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-6
-----
The Three Day Hump
Luther has a solid career as a lawyer and is married to a famous lingerie model. His life has grown comfortable, and he can’t remember how it felt to truly want something…anything.
Opal is young, debatably single, and has lived a life poor in everything but experience. She exudes a lush darkness and it draws Luther to her.
He suddenly remembers desire.
Their flirting turns physical; lust turns to obsession, obsession to addiction. They can’t see a future, but they can think of nothing but the present. They don’t know how to stop, they only know they need to.
An urban myth tells that three days of abstinence will break the back of an addiction. They hole up together in a hotel for a long weekend.
Naked.
Can their addiction be beaten? Maybe. But first, they need to make it over the three-day hump.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Day-Hump-ebook/dp/B003GIRCY0/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-7
-----
Lightning
From the fun and frivolous to the poignant and deeply personal, this collection of flash and short erotic fiction has a little taste of everything. Tales of crossed paths and crossed lines; of fate and fancy; changes, chances and choices.
With flash stories boiled and brewed until only the essence remains, and longer works that simmer and spit, you’re sure to find something to tickle you right where you need it. And with author commentary before each story, you could call this the director’s cut!
http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-ebook/dp/B007JZGQMU/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343479343&sr=1-8
KATIE SALIDAS
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.
http://www.katiesalidas.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=58814031&trk=tab_pro
http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie
September 4, 2012
Guest Blog: Lani Rhea
Good morning, good morning! (If I say it twice it's easier to ignore the fact that I'm still 98% asleep). Today we have a guest, author Lani Rhea. Peruse her offering below and leave a comment for a giveaway. I'm going to mainline...heh heh...I mean drink more coffee now. Welcome Lani...
Louisiana Moon will release with Lyrical Press on Nov. 5th
BLURB:
Wanted: Royal blood. Bounty: An action packed, sexy, suspenseful tale.
After losing her parents to vampires, werewolf Kristina Knight spends her life protecting humans from the bloodsuckers. Saving Darin James from the Truce Brotherhood adds fuel to the vampire coven's wrath. When Ryant Starga, her former lover, appears under the pretext of protecting her, Kris isn't ready to trust him again--especially not after he made his choice clear years ago.
As leader of the vampires, Ryant is driven to protect Kris not only because of their past connection but because, now, the Soulscapes are out for her blood. If they succeed, the soul demons will rule the Darkworld--and no one will ever be safe. Ryant has a plan to convince Kris she needs his protection, but it all goes badly awry when, in spite of the years separating them, he's unable to keep his hands and mind off her--or the human Darin James out of the picture.
With Darin overstepping boundaries, will Kris and Ryant rekindle their love only to lose it again?
Warning: Vampires, werewolves and humans--oh my!
Excerpt: (unedited)
We need to meet at noon at Alligator Alleys. Your life may be in danger.She re-read the words with disbelief. Sure, she’d cuffed and collared many people and creatures in her career. No one liked her. No big surprise there. But who’d upped the ante? It seemed as of late when Josh needed to talk danger lurked in the near shadows. Her spine prickled every time she thought of jeopardy. At the moment it rolled with the rising current.Her risk level switched her personal safety scale to DEFCON 3. She glanced at the grandfather clock, which showed a tad past 2:00 AM. As she flipped off the laptop, she eyed her weapon. Staying up all night with the gun aimed at the bedroom door might be a good idea. Sure she’d lose sleep. She’d stayed up many times worrying about the things that bumped in the night. The only places she felt most comfortable was her home and her office.Exiting her office, she took a few steps and her secretary, Rita, came into view. Kris pasted a huge smile across her lips. She didn’t want to worry Rita. The woman had been around Kris long enough to smell trouble if she didn’t smile. Rita was her only lady friend. If she used one word to call what they had, it would be motherly, though they always had a professional relationship at all times. When Kris had personal problems, she’d call Rita for advice. And Rita always gave the best wisdom on every topic. “You work too much,” Kris told the middle-aged woman.“Look who’s talking,” Rita quipped. “I’ll leave soon. I promise. I have a few more things to file.”“Good. You have a great night.”“You, too, Ms. Knight. See you tomorrow.” Kris nodded and exited the front office, passing shadow boxes showcasing hundreds of bullets dating two centuries old. Everyone, including Rita, assumed Kris had collected them as a weird hobby. The two-hundred and fifty-six displayed had once lodged in her body.As soon as she cleared Rita’s line of sight, Kris slid her gun from its holster and checked the firearm. True, bullets would only slow a preternatural, unless pure silver or blessed by a priest, but any edge was better than none.She scanned the building perimeter and sniffed the air. Her keen senses stretched past the parking lot, searching for the slightest odd scent. Detecting nothing, she made a bee-line for her car.Her mind raced. Who posed a personal menace? Josh would not have demanded a meeting for a garden-variety threat. Settling behind the wheel of her gray Chevy Volt, she considered Sparky’s mention of the vicious Soulscapes.She hadn’t run across Soulscapes in more years than she cared to count. Their last attempt at a hostile takeover earned them an enchanted banishment in the Darkworld Purgatory. The most inhuman of preternaturals, their gift of inhabiting the inanimate and bringing it to life endangered anyone who didn’t take them seriously.To her left, she squinted at the gargoyle perched on the corner of the tallest building. The statue didn’t move. Maybe she shouldn’t dwell on Soulscapes. Their brand of insidiousness would haunt her and give her nightmares.
BIO:
Lani Rhea, lover of coffee and married to her high school sweetheart, lives in the heart of Oklahoma. She has four children and loves animals. Lani is always up for a challenge and enjoys mixing romance with all genres that spark her interests. You can find her either reading or writing. She would love to hear from you. Find her on Facebook. To catch up with her crazy blogging visit her blog. To tweet her, follow her on Twitter.
To find all books written by Lani, visit Amazon.
Giveaway Alert!
I’m giving away two signed Under Bonded Contract bookmarks. Leave your questions and comments along with your email. I’ll be around to answer and respond. Two days from now I’ll contact the two winners.
Thanks for stopping by today. And thank you, Sommer, for allowing me to snag your blog!
September 3, 2012
It's official~
.JPG)
I've started reading all your zombie submissions for the Coming Together: Hungry For Love zombie antho to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Now that the extension deadline has passed, I'm diving in. I'll be up to my tender delectable neck in the undead for the next few days, I'm guessing.I have some guest spots coming up this week. Writers new to this blog. So please stop in and see them! If I'm not mistaken even a giveaway.
Zombie authors, you should be hearing from me regarding your work by the end of September, give or take a few days or so.
XOXO
Sommer
September 2, 2012
The Punchline
This is it. Final post on this topic, I swear. But I do tend to take things into my heart and let them poison me, so I'm determined not to do that here. I woke to find myself on Twitter and FB this morning, etc. No problem. It happens. Usually good, but I can tolerate otherwise. The topic being the post two posts below (You Don't Shit Where You Eat).
Yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah, heated back and forths ensued. So, in the midst, a very kind-hearted sweet person I've known forever emailed me and basically asked, "Oh my god. Which of your writers have given bad reviews to your books?"
Ready?
None. NOT ONE SINGLE WRITER OF MINE HAS EVER GIVEN A POOR REVIEW TO ONE OF MY ANTHOLOGIES.
So why did I blog about it? Two reasons.
1. Solidarity with one of my favorite writers/editor/friends ever. Because I've seen it happen to her. And other wonderful editors. It always leaves me an interesting mix of angry and bewildered.
2. I see it all around me. When it's pointed out to me and when it's not. I've been on goodreads to see a very poor review for an antho only to think..."Wait...wasn't that person in that antho?" And yes. Yes, they were. I've even seen publishers give their own books varying marks. As if to say, yeah, it's a three but we published it...and been flabbergasted.
I think the way writers are treating each other of late is atrocious. The way people have been known to go after each other personally and professionally online is appalling. If I saw women (because they usually are) behaving that way in my neighborhood I'd turn the hose on them.
I've been doing this for 7 years professionally and a lot has changed. Not all of it for the better. I see writers bad mouth one another on a regular basis and I find it distasteful. Not to mention, TO ME PERSONALLY, it reflects poorly on the bad mouther, not the bad mouthee.
That being said, that was the big joke. No one had ever done that to me . I was remarking as a writer AND an editor on what I see going on around me. And I swear after this this blog will be nothing but fucking fluffy bunnies and rainbows. As the man says, "There will be birds and flowers and flutes will be playing..." I am not an aggressive and confrontational person at heart. Any implication that I was 'threatening writers' into only giving good reviews for erotica in general is ridiculous. I prefer you NOT review one of my anthos if you are in it. If you go read what I said word for word you will see I was referring ONLY to writers bad mouthing books they appear in. And the odds they will probably have with said editor after the fact.
If what I said offended you and you choose not to read me, submit to me, tweet at me or FB befriend me, then I'm very sorry but that's your right and I wish you well. I was not out to gain or lose anything, I was expressing upset at a trend I see happening all around me. One that wasn't there when I started writing erotica.
I will not change what I said, however, or how I feel. We live in a society where we don't give it a second thought to dismiss eachother's hard work. And I'm saying, maybe we should think twice. Maybe even three times.
That's all. I'm done. And to prove it, here is a fluffy bunny:
XOXO
Sommer
Yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah, heated back and forths ensued. So, in the midst, a very kind-hearted sweet person I've known forever emailed me and basically asked, "Oh my god. Which of your writers have given bad reviews to your books?"
Ready?
None. NOT ONE SINGLE WRITER OF MINE HAS EVER GIVEN A POOR REVIEW TO ONE OF MY ANTHOLOGIES.
So why did I blog about it? Two reasons.
1. Solidarity with one of my favorite writers/editor/friends ever. Because I've seen it happen to her. And other wonderful editors. It always leaves me an interesting mix of angry and bewildered.
2. I see it all around me. When it's pointed out to me and when it's not. I've been on goodreads to see a very poor review for an antho only to think..."Wait...wasn't that person in that antho?" And yes. Yes, they were. I've even seen publishers give their own books varying marks. As if to say, yeah, it's a three but we published it...and been flabbergasted.
I think the way writers are treating each other of late is atrocious. The way people have been known to go after each other personally and professionally online is appalling. If I saw women (because they usually are) behaving that way in my neighborhood I'd turn the hose on them.
I've been doing this for 7 years professionally and a lot has changed. Not all of it for the better. I see writers bad mouth one another on a regular basis and I find it distasteful. Not to mention, TO ME PERSONALLY, it reflects poorly on the bad mouther, not the bad mouthee.
That being said, that was the big joke. No one had ever done that to me . I was remarking as a writer AND an editor on what I see going on around me. And I swear after this this blog will be nothing but fucking fluffy bunnies and rainbows. As the man says, "There will be birds and flowers and flutes will be playing..." I am not an aggressive and confrontational person at heart. Any implication that I was 'threatening writers' into only giving good reviews for erotica in general is ridiculous. I prefer you NOT review one of my anthos if you are in it. If you go read what I said word for word you will see I was referring ONLY to writers bad mouthing books they appear in. And the odds they will probably have with said editor after the fact.
If what I said offended you and you choose not to read me, submit to me, tweet at me or FB befriend me, then I'm very sorry but that's your right and I wish you well. I was not out to gain or lose anything, I was expressing upset at a trend I see happening all around me. One that wasn't there when I started writing erotica.
I will not change what I said, however, or how I feel. We live in a society where we don't give it a second thought to dismiss eachother's hard work. And I'm saying, maybe we should think twice. Maybe even three times.
That's all. I'm done. And to prove it, here is a fluffy bunny:
XOXO
Sommer
Oh good morning, class!
Well it seems I had an overnight response to my blog though my blog was not pointed at any one person. I was strictly talking about reviews, to clarify. So if you say 'but what about...but what about...but what...?" No. I named the one and only thing I was referring to and that was low balling a book the 'reviewer' is also in. As in me taking any one of the anthologies on my copies shelf and ripping it apart publicly.
I could sit here and bang my head against the wall...heh heh, I mean give a long winding response. Or I can just be lazy and go on about my day with my family and enjoy myself by pasting this in (below). I hope it clears up any points people might have misunderstood. Bottom line: you are 1110% welcome to your opinion AND expressing it if you choose. I am 1110% welcome to have a human reaction and possibly have very human feelings of hurt and distress. If you think I'm wrong, I guess you've never felt that way.
It would be different were I blogging that every person in an anthology should go and give an automatic 5 star review without fail. That is wrong. I am simply saying, given circumstances, you might not want to whip off a scathing 1 star review for a book you appear in. I think in this whole truth, opinion and justice frame of mind so many of us writers have, I am hobbled a bit by my own mindset. When I hold a book, I am holding someone's dreams and effort and hopes. I am holding something they worked very hard for. And even if I think it is the biggest blob of rubbish I have ever held in my hand, I have an extremely hard time giving it a nasty, negative review. Perhaps I'm just broken.
That being said, here is my lazy update which is a response on Facebook. If you are on Remittance Girl's FB page, you can see it. If not, you can read RG's blog if you like and piece it together.
I'm going to say one thing and one thing only just because comment number one made me laugh. No one is talking about censorship. And no one is threatening anyone. That's ridiculous. The point of the matter is to go and eviscerate a book *you* appear in as an author and bad mouth your fellow authors and/or your editor and/or your publisher is probably not a prudent thing and it happens all the time. If you hate the book, don't review it. I personally agree with a comment I saw yesterday (I think it might have been Vida Bailey) who said it's kind of weird to review a book you're in anyway. And I agree. I think I've done it once and that was become some of the other stories were so stellar I couldn't help myself. To be honest, I do not think authors (or editors or publishers) should rate or review their own books period. What *I* think is arrogant is publicly flaying a book you appear in and then returning to that editor later with a new submission in hand after you have already disrespected their work--often mocking things that that person has NO CONTROL OVER such as cover--to me that is the epitome of arrogance. We are not walking around saying you are not entitled to your opinion. We are saying, in this kind of case, it is possibly better to use the old adage "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" given you ARE ALSO in said book. It is rare for an anthology to contain stories that please everyone. You are bound to read some you like, some you love and some you hate. Do you really--as a contributor--need to bad mouth your own book? That being said, you are certainly welcome to say whatever you like. I think the main point is we are HUMAN, I think sometimes writers who only do one end of the equation forget that. So I welcome you commenter number one to bust your ass on an anthology and have one of your authors give it a one star review and then not bat an eyelash. Let me know how that goes for you.
And yes, I think I got a bit emotional at the end, but guess what? I am a person, I am a writer, I am an editor. Mother, nurse, chauffeur, teacher, crafter, wife, sister, daughter, friend...but above all, I am human. I am not a fucking cyborg. So...yeah, everyone will have to deal with that.
Have a great rest of your holiday weekend. I plan to ;)
XOXO
S
Author's Note: I am stumbling back to the computer after a lovely breakfast with the man to clarify: the above pasted in section is a response to a reader/commenter on RG's FB page. That is not my response to her or her blog. Simply a rebuttal to a comment made. It simply summed up what I was trying to say in general so that's why you see it above. xo
Author's Note AGAIN: Apparently the blog has been retitled on RG's site and reloaded to FB so if you go looking for the original (including above) it's gone, baby, gone. No, you are not crazy. And my final word: I never said that if you give any bad reviews in erotica I will not work with you as some have implied or said *I* implied. What I said was in a nutshell, if I have you in my book and then you bad mouth it, I'm not going to bend over backwards to work for you again. You tell me why I should. So here is what I said verbatim (found next blog down): And personally, as an editor, if I bend over backward to work with you and then you shoot me with your flare gun in the name of truth and opinion and all that stuff...if you take a machete to my work and my ideas or even--in some cases--me as a person, I will agree wholeheartedly that is indeed your right to have that opinion. Sure thing. But let's face it, kids, I probably won't bend over backwards to work with you again.
I could sit here and bang my head against the wall...heh heh, I mean give a long winding response. Or I can just be lazy and go on about my day with my family and enjoy myself by pasting this in (below). I hope it clears up any points people might have misunderstood. Bottom line: you are 1110% welcome to your opinion AND expressing it if you choose. I am 1110% welcome to have a human reaction and possibly have very human feelings of hurt and distress. If you think I'm wrong, I guess you've never felt that way.
It would be different were I blogging that every person in an anthology should go and give an automatic 5 star review without fail. That is wrong. I am simply saying, given circumstances, you might not want to whip off a scathing 1 star review for a book you appear in. I think in this whole truth, opinion and justice frame of mind so many of us writers have, I am hobbled a bit by my own mindset. When I hold a book, I am holding someone's dreams and effort and hopes. I am holding something they worked very hard for. And even if I think it is the biggest blob of rubbish I have ever held in my hand, I have an extremely hard time giving it a nasty, negative review. Perhaps I'm just broken.
That being said, here is my lazy update which is a response on Facebook. If you are on Remittance Girl's FB page, you can see it. If not, you can read RG's blog if you like and piece it together.
I'm going to say one thing and one thing only just because comment number one made me laugh. No one is talking about censorship. And no one is threatening anyone. That's ridiculous. The point of the matter is to go and eviscerate a book *you* appear in as an author and bad mouth your fellow authors and/or your editor and/or your publisher is probably not a prudent thing and it happens all the time. If you hate the book, don't review it. I personally agree with a comment I saw yesterday (I think it might have been Vida Bailey) who said it's kind of weird to review a book you're in anyway. And I agree. I think I've done it once and that was become some of the other stories were so stellar I couldn't help myself. To be honest, I do not think authors (or editors or publishers) should rate or review their own books period. What *I* think is arrogant is publicly flaying a book you appear in and then returning to that editor later with a new submission in hand after you have already disrespected their work--often mocking things that that person has NO CONTROL OVER such as cover--to me that is the epitome of arrogance. We are not walking around saying you are not entitled to your opinion. We are saying, in this kind of case, it is possibly better to use the old adage "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" given you ARE ALSO in said book. It is rare for an anthology to contain stories that please everyone. You are bound to read some you like, some you love and some you hate. Do you really--as a contributor--need to bad mouth your own book? That being said, you are certainly welcome to say whatever you like. I think the main point is we are HUMAN, I think sometimes writers who only do one end of the equation forget that. So I welcome you commenter number one to bust your ass on an anthology and have one of your authors give it a one star review and then not bat an eyelash. Let me know how that goes for you.
And yes, I think I got a bit emotional at the end, but guess what? I am a person, I am a writer, I am an editor. Mother, nurse, chauffeur, teacher, crafter, wife, sister, daughter, friend...but above all, I am human. I am not a fucking cyborg. So...yeah, everyone will have to deal with that.
Have a great rest of your holiday weekend. I plan to ;)
XOXO
S
Author's Note: I am stumbling back to the computer after a lovely breakfast with the man to clarify: the above pasted in section is a response to a reader/commenter on RG's FB page. That is not my response to her or her blog. Simply a rebuttal to a comment made. It simply summed up what I was trying to say in general so that's why you see it above. xo
Author's Note AGAIN: Apparently the blog has been retitled on RG's site and reloaded to FB so if you go looking for the original (including above) it's gone, baby, gone. No, you are not crazy. And my final word: I never said that if you give any bad reviews in erotica I will not work with you as some have implied or said *I* implied. What I said was in a nutshell, if I have you in my book and then you bad mouth it, I'm not going to bend over backwards to work for you again. You tell me why I should. So here is what I said verbatim (found next blog down): And personally, as an editor, if I bend over backward to work with you and then you shoot me with your flare gun in the name of truth and opinion and all that stuff...if you take a machete to my work and my ideas or even--in some cases--me as a person, I will agree wholeheartedly that is indeed your right to have that opinion. Sure thing. But let's face it, kids, I probably won't bend over backwards to work with you again.
September 1, 2012
"You don't shit where you eat"
Apparently not many people have heard that turn of a phrase. Or maybe not people in the erotica genre. Go read
THIS
by Alison Tyler and then I'll tell you, I've been trying to write a similar post on the same topic for a long time. Only I keep ending up spewing obscenities and basically Hulking out. So, I haven't.
Writers, think twice before you crap on your editors. Your publishers. Your fellow writers. Because you never know when a fellow writer might become an editor...or even a publisher. Plus, the bottom line is we are all people. And personally, as an editor, if I bend over backward to work with you and then you shoot me with your flare gun in the name of truth and opinion and all that stuff...if you take a machete to my work and my ideas or even--in some cases--me as a person, I will agree wholeheartedly that is indeed your right to have that opinion. Sure thing. But let's face it, kids, I probably won't bend over backwards to work with you again. Because that, boys and girls, would make me stupid.
And as the lady says: you had better be way secure in your brilliance before you run around tearing others down. That's the whole point in a nutshell. The End.
XOXO
Sommer
Writers, think twice before you crap on your editors. Your publishers. Your fellow writers. Because you never know when a fellow writer might become an editor...or even a publisher. Plus, the bottom line is we are all people. And personally, as an editor, if I bend over backward to work with you and then you shoot me with your flare gun in the name of truth and opinion and all that stuff...if you take a machete to my work and my ideas or even--in some cases--me as a person, I will agree wholeheartedly that is indeed your right to have that opinion. Sure thing. But let's face it, kids, I probably won't bend over backwards to work with you again. Because that, boys and girls, would make me stupid.
And as the lady says: you had better be way secure in your brilliance before you run around tearing others down. That's the whole point in a nutshell. The End.
XOXO
Sommer
August 31, 2012
It's Friday!
Go crazy with the cheez whiz or...ya know...do the dachshund thing and take a nap:
Your choice! What does your weekend involve? Mine involves: baking something gluten free and magical (haven't decided what yet), running the girl to the bookstore, the boy to the camera store and possibly you know, sprawling somewhere comfy and finishing this book I'm ready.
Have a super weekend!
XOXO
S
p.s. if you're in the mood to read too and are looking for something to satisfy your naughty palate I recommend Captivated from Mischief Books or ya know...*ahem*...my book Restless Spirit from Xcite. ;)
Your choice! What does your weekend involve? Mine involves: baking something gluten free and magical (haven't decided what yet), running the girl to the bookstore, the boy to the camera store and possibly you know, sprawling somewhere comfy and finishing this book I'm ready.Have a super weekend!
XOXO
S
p.s. if you're in the mood to read too and are looking for something to satisfy your naughty palate I recommend Captivated from Mischief Books or ya know...*ahem*...my book Restless Spirit from Xcite. ;)
August 29, 2012
Maximum passion...
The cover for my Mischief Books novel Boys Next Door. *gasp!* I'd say more but with all the high pitched squeaks, whistles and pops I'm emitting, I think only the dog can hear me now.XOXO
Sommer
August 28, 2012
If you read this and think I'm making it up...
I swear it's all true. Sadly. My guest blog is up at the Girls Who Score blog with an excerpt of my story "Chairs". Peruse the other blogs while you're there. Editor Ily Goyanes has done a lovely job!
When you read this blog, you'll probably want to laugh. I give you permission. Because I am that awesome.
XOXO
Sommer
