E.M. Lynley's Blog, page 6
September 29, 2014
Countdown to NaNoWriMo: What’s Holding You Back?
[image error]It’s the end of September. You’ve got about a month until NaNoWriMo starts. Seems like plenty of time, right? Some of you are wondering why I’m already talking about NaNo when it doesn’t even start until November 1.
Because writing and finishing a book takes more than just the 30 days you’re planning to spend working on it during November. If this is your first time considering doing NaNoWriMo, or you’ve tried before and didn’t quite make your 50k, stay tuned because I’ll be sharing with you my tips, advice and some tricks to help you be ready to start writing on November 1, and to get 50k (or a finished story) by November 30.
Take the quick poll below so I can see what your biggest concerns are about participating. I’ll be addressing as many of these as I can before and during November, to help you hit 50k.
What makes me an expert, you may be asking. And that’s a great question. I’ve been doing NaNo for about ten years now, and have hit the 50k goal every year. Most years I’ve finished an even longer novel by November 30. And these novels have been contracted and released by a publisher—not self-published. (Bound for Trouble was my 2013 NaNo project.)
I’ve collected the worksheets and techniques I use for developing a novel into an easy-to-use novel planning kit, How to Be a NaNoWriMo Winner.
Giveaway: Leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of my book How to Be a NaNoWriMo Winner
What are your biggest challenges during NaNoWriMo? (choose all that apply)
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 25, 2014
Like a little spanking with your suspense? #mmromance
Read or download an extensive 10 chapter sample ofBound for Trouble!
If you love gay romance wrapped up in mystery and suspense, you’ll love this one!
“well paced, well written, gripping” — Dani, My Fiction Nook
Daniel Deke Kane is a broken man, facing the end of his career in the FBI. He s on desk duty after a botched drug raid left the suspects and two children dead. He’s got one chance to prove himself, or the only thing he’ll be investigating is the Help Wanted ads.
Ryan Griffiths has been on the run for ten years. Forced onto the streets when his father kicked him out, Ryan earns his living in other men’s beds. Finding his john dead in a hotel room drives him under the radar until a favorite client gives him a chance at a safe, clean life. But Ryan’s relatively stable new world shatters when Deke Kane catches up with him.
When Deke s tasked to take down a drug dealer with terrorist ties and a taste for the dark side of BDSM, his only chance to get close is the suspect s interest in Ryan, and he convinces Ryan to become a confidential informant. In return, Deke offers Ryan immunity from his past. As Ryan falls under the drug lord’s domination, Deke finds himself falling for Ryan.
Now Deke has to choose between Ryan’s safety and his own future.
“BDSM fiction is not my first choice of subgenre, but I love it when it’s done well, and Lynley shows the psychological and emotional depths of the lifestyle very well through Deke and Ryan”–5 stars, Velvet Panic Reviews
Start reading below or Buy from your favorite book retailers, including:
Buy at Amazon
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Click on the gray arrows to scroll through pages, or read the preview here if the widget isn’t working for you.
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Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 24, 2014
Firemen, Cowboys, Soldiers, Shifters? How do you like your Alphas #poll? #romance
A few days ago we had a lively discussion on my Facebook page when I posted this:Choose one: firemen or cowboys
The results skewed toward firemen until the voting deteriorated into firemen-cowboys or space cowboys, and quite a few other interesting comments and reasons for voting one way or another.
Since my original goal was to find out what kind of men you like to read about, I really wanted an either-or choice. But it’s not that clear at all, and maybe you’d like some combination of two in one man.
So, I’m expanding the discussion to a poll. With a bonus poll for how you’d like to pair up your heroes in gay romance.
Feel free to leave comments about why you made your choices! That’s just as important as which men you love to read about.
Which alpha heroes do you like to read about? (Choose 3)Which couples sound like fun? I didn’t have patience to put in all the combinations, so if there is one you are dying to read about, add it. One new couple per line.
And who should we pair up the alphas with?
Which pairing do you most enjoy reading?
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 22, 2014
What should readers expect from a review? #poll #amreading
Another in my ongoing series of questions about what you think about reading, writing, and buying books.
This guy has nothing to do with the topic, but we both know you enjoy looking at him.
Reviews are definitely dangerous territory for an author, so today I’m actually stepping back and taking my author hat off. Today I’m just a reader.
I read a lot of reviews. It’s far more important now because there are just too many books out there to know which ones I’d like, or to avoid the ones I won’t like. I hate having to rely on other people’s opinions, but there’s no other way. Even when I’m on Goodreads reading my friends’ reviews, I shape my reading choices around what others are saying.
So, as a reader, I have certain expectations in a review, especially from a review site. The main job there, and the reason they get free books is for a real review of the book. One of the sites I usually love has let me down lately. The last review I read there contained 10 sentences of plot summary and about 1.5 sentences of whether the “reviewer” liked the book. (.5 of one sentence referred to plot) and actually told me nothing at all about why the reader liked it.
The book got 4 stars, so I assume she liked it. Or is 4 the new 3, which means the book was okay but I didn’t like it enough to pay attention to anything that you might want to know about it.
Another review gave a different book 3 stars. That reviewer gave a glowing report of all the things that made the book great. If that’s a 3 she must have multiple orgasms when she reads a 5-star book. I immediately bought the 3-star book!
I expect certain things from a review when I’m trying to make choices about how to spend my very limited time and money choosing books. I’ll bet you’re the same way.
Take the poll and let me (and reviewers) know what you want.
And then please leave a comment about what you DON’T like to see in reviews, so reviewers know that we’re not going to take it anymore! Maybe I’m a bitch, but if a review doesn’t give me the info I need or fails to mark a spoiler, I vote it down on Amazon or comment about it on GR.
Readers: What do you expect from a review?
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 21, 2014
I Almost Wish I’d Done It Differently – Choices Authors Make #survey
I know I’m not alone in wondering why some choices I made as a writer didn’t go over well in a book. The betas didn’t mention it; the editors didn’t have an issues; but when the reviews started, people didn’t hold back in why they hated something I’d written.
I’ve had characters cheat (though not on each other), tried something different with the timelines (as in Memento), had bisexual characters with girlfriends, and had a really terrible MC who changes a lot for the other, just to name a few and these didn’t go over so well. There was a long well-thought-out process for every single choice, though whether it matters to readers is quite another issues. I’ll be exploring the reasons behind some of these particular choices in future posts and a longer article, so stay tuned for that. But enough about me.
In the meantime, I’d like to get some feedback from other authors about difficult choices they made that generated some unexpected reader backlash. I will be getting the reader perspective in a future survey, too!
Take the Survey!
Survey link opens a new window. Results will be compiled offline and not displayed here.
Thanks for participating!
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 19, 2014
First reviews are in for Spaghetti Western @emlynley #cowboys #gayromance @dreamspinners
It just released on Wednesday, and
Spaghetti Western
is already getting some wonderful reviews and comments from readers! I wanted to share a few choice snippets here. You know I’ll be going back to read these when the snarky ones start to appear.We’ve also hit the top of ARe’s Cowboy category, the Dreamspinner bestseller list, and Amazon gay romance lists in every country! Thank you to everyone who has already got your copy. If you liked it, please tell a friend or leave a review.
★★★★★ I absolutely loved this story. I found their romance breath-taking and hot. I loved the recipes at the end and can’t wait to make some!—Cat, MM Good Book Reviews
★★★★⋆ (4.25 stars) This gem: a sweet, moderately angsty novel full of smex, cowboys, and sunsets. The writing was fabulous. I got totally lost in the story and may have cursed up a storm. –Dani, My Fiction Nook
★★★★★ This story grabbed me from page one and I could not wait to find out what happens next. These characters get under your skin, and you root for them the whole way! Go grab a copy and settle in for an awesome read. Whatever EM Lynley puts out next, you can believe I will be first in line to read. – Heidi, Goodreads
★★★★ Yeah, I adored this book, in case you couldn’t tell. Excellent writing, great flow, no lulls in the action, fun moments with a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef on the open range feeding a bunch of weathered and ravenous ranch hands salad and fruit – it was glorious.—Sandra, My Fiction Nook
★★★★★ I have been in love with EM Lynley’s books for a while, and this one is a particularly great story. I love the characters, especially the plethora of good ol’ boys on the ranch (I grew up on a farm, so there were a lot of characters that I felt particularly close to). –KT Hicks, Amazon review
Don’t forget the Rafflecopter giveaway! Grand prize is this gorgeous pendant. I love it so much, I got one to keep for myself.
Grand prize in the Spaghetti Western Release Party Giveaway
Spaghetti Western
A Novel in the Delectable Series
Cordon Bleu-trained chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position at the Rocking Z guest ranch, though he expects nature up close and personal won’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.
When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer being pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he rushes in, throws the guy over his shoulder, and rescues him. Sober, Riley Emerson is sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand. Still, Colby’s over the moon when Riley later arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch.
But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to seek a cash infusion from outside investor Fitz Wellington. Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just that desperate, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.
Buy Links
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
Wonderful first reviews for Spaghetti Western @emlynley #cowboys #gayromance @dreamspinners
It just released on Wednesday, and
Spaghetti Western
is already getting some wonderful reviews and comments from readers! I wanted to share a few choice snippets here. You know I’ll be going back to read these when the snarky ones start to appear.We’ve also hit the top of ARe’s Cowboy category, the Dreamspinner bestseller list, and Amazon gay romance lists in every country! Thank you to everyone who has already got your copy. If you liked it, please tell a friend or leave a review.
★★★★★ I absolutely loved this story. I found their romance breath-taking and hot. I loved the recipes at the end and can’t wait to make some!—Cat, MM Good Book Reviews
★★★★⋆ (4.25 stars) This gem: a sweet, moderately angsty novel full of smex, cowboys, and sunsets. The writing was fabulous. I got totally lost in the story and may have cursed up a storm. –Dani, My Fiction Nook
★★★★★ This story grabbed me from page one and I could not wait to find out what happens next. These characters get under your skin, and you root for them the whole way! Go grab a copy and settle in for an awesome read. Whatever EM Lynley puts out next, you can believe I will be first in line to read. – Heidi, Goodreads
★★★★ Yeah, I adored this book, in case you couldn’t tell. Excellent writing, great flow, no lulls in the action, fun moments with a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef on the open range feeding a bunch of weathered and ravenous ranch hands salad and fruit – it was glorious.—Sandra, My Fiction Nook
★★★★★ I have been in love with EM Lynley’s books for a while, and this one is a particularly great story. I love the characters, especially the plethora of good ol’ boys on the ranch (I grew up on a farm, so there were a lot of characters that I felt particularly close to). –KT Hicks, Amazon review
Don’t forget the Rafflecopter giveaway! Grand prize is this gorgeous pendant. I love it so much, I got one to keep for myself.
Grand prize in the Spaghetti Western Release Party Giveaway
Spaghetti Western
A Novel in the Delectable Series
Cordon Bleu-trained chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position at the Rocking Z guest ranch, though he expects nature up close and personal won’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.
When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer being pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he rushes in, throws the guy over his shoulder, and rescues him. Sober, Riley Emerson is sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand. Still, Colby’s over the moon when Riley later arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch.
But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to seek a cash infusion from outside investor Fitz Wellington. Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just that desperate, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.
Buy Links
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
September 14, 2014
3 Days left: FREE Bonus story when you pre-order Spaghetti Western! #cowboy #mmromance
Spaghetti Western
, Book 5 in the Delectable series will be out Sept 17! I'm so excited about this book, and I want to share that with you!
As an extra thank you when you order before release date, I’ll be again offering a special bonus freebie starring Riley Emerson and Colby Zane, of Spaghetti Western. This was such a huge and popular success with Gingerbread Palace, I am really excited to offer it again.
How to Claim Your Free Story
Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press or All-Romance (where it counts towards your 1 free for 10 purchases)
Email me a screenshot or cut/paste of your receipt showing the book title and date. PLEASE remove any personal information and credit card numbers if they appear. Email address: emlynley AT gmail.com
You’ll get an email pointing you to a download page during October.
Questions? Leave a comment below.
More about Spaghetti Western
A hunky, honorable cowboy and a sweet but hesitant chef heat up a Colorado ranch.
Cordon-Blue trained pastry chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer season at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his summer plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position as chef at a guest ranch, the Rocking Z. The scenery is gorgeous, but he expects that nature up close and personal can’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer letting himself be pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he doesn’t think twice before rushing in, throwing the guy over his shoulder, and rescuing him from the volatile situation. Sober, Riley Emerson turns out to be sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand with Colby. Initially disdainful of the guest ranch side of the business, Colby’s over the moon when Riley late arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch
But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to rely on a cash infusion from an outside investor, Fitz Wellington. Only Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just desperate enough to go along, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.
**This book also contains recipes mentioned in the story**
Read a NSFW excerpt
Read a SFW excerpt
Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press
or All Romance eBooks
This is the grand prize in my Release Party Givaway. Enter via the Rafflecopter link below the image.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 11, 2014
Celebrate 3rd Anniversary of the end of DADT with Unconditional Surrender giveaway #mmromance #military
In the past three years, the United States military has made some incredible changes to embrace LGBTQ rights and support Military Pride. What better way to see what the new military looks like than with this incredible box set of 13 all-new novellas, some 900 pages (300,000 words) of brave, sexy, dedicated fighting men and the men brave enough to love them. We've even got stories set in the UK and Canada!
Last Day: FREE Bonus story when you pre-order Spaghetti Western! #cowboy #mmromance
Spaghetti Western, Book 5 in the Delectable series will be out Sept 17! I’m so excited about this book, and I want to share that with you!
As an extra thank you when you order before release date, I’ll be again offering a special bonus freebie starring Riley Emerson and Colby Zane, of Spaghetti Western. This was such a huge and popular success with Gingerbread Palace, I am really excited to offer it again.
How to Claim Your Free Story
Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press or All-Romance (where it counts towards your 1 free for 10 purchases)
Email me a screenshot or cut/paste of your receipt showing the book title and date. PLEASE remove any personal information and credit card numbers if they appear. Email address: emlynley AT gmail.com
You’ll get an email pointing you to a download page during October.
Questions? Leave a comment below.
More about Spaghetti Western
A hunky, honorable cowboy and a sweet but hesitant chef heat up a Colorado ranch.
Cordon-Blue trained pastry chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer season at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his summer plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position as chef at a guest ranch, the Rocking Z. The scenery is gorgeous, but he expects that nature up close and personal can’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.
When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer letting himself be pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he doesn’t think twice before rushing in, throwing the guy over his shoulder, and rescuing him from the volatile situation. Sober, Riley Emerson turns out to be sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand with Colby. Initially disdainful of the guest ranch side of the business, Colby’s over the moon when Riley late arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch
But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to rely on a cash infusion from an outside investor, Fitz Wellington. Only Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just desperate enough to go along, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.
**This book also contains recipes mentioned in the story**
Read a NSFW excerpt
Read a SFW excerpt
Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press
or All Romance eBooks
Grand prize in the Spaghetti Western Release Party Giveaway
Word Counts - Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0
