C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 185

Teenage Biting by Leia Shaw

Help! Teenagers are Running Amok and Biting Each other!

The news story below caught my attention recently and I ended up in a heated debate about it.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7536979

"The forbidden love story of Bella and Edward of Twilight is sending many teens into a biting frenzy. Teen biting, sometimes to draw blood, is a secretive but growing trend steadily picking up steam. Doctors caution that breaking the skin can lead to serious illness."

Some people are blaming authors for their teenager's poor judgment. Now I think I speak for all of us when I say, in the dictionary, under the word teenagers are the words "poor" and "judgment." But this accusation goes beyond wanna-be Edwards and fang-struck teenage girls. It extends to adults too. Specifically, romance authors who write graphic or taboo sex scenes.

Sex can be dangerous.

Don't laugh. It can.

An example would be breath play. Gags. Bondage. Anything involving impact play or BDSM. But is it the author's responsibility to write a story involving these elements correctly and with the right information? Or is the reader's job to be well-informed before exploring these activities?

Do authors have an obligation to educate as well as entertain; especially when it comes to potentially dangerous recreational hobbies that people are curious about? Some readers and writers say yes. They have a moral obligation to research what they write about and give correct information. And if they don't, they are a bad influence for young and curious minds.

Maybe authors should do their research and provide accurate information as it relates to the story, but ultimately, its fiction. Fiction has no limits. That's what makes fiction writing such a fantastic career. I can say the sky is purple and there's no such thing as gravity, but if you jump out of a tree and expect not to fall, it ain't my fault you end up in the ER with two broken legs and a bruised ego.

In my opinion, it's the reader's job to acquire the correct information about something they're interested in from reliable sources. If they choose to take a fiction book as a manual for life, they have bigger problems than contracting a disease from being bit by their boyfriend.

Is it fair to blame the book if it claims to be nothing more than a work of fiction?

What do you think? Who's at fault when someone gets hurt trying something they read in a book? Should authors be careful what they write so they don't become a bad influence for others? Or should they have the right to let their creative freak flags fly free?

Either way, I smell a lawsuit coming on for Stephanie Meyers. And to hell if I won't take advantage of that. Ouch! My husband just bit me, breaking the skin and leading to serious illness!

Filed under: romance

Abe Lincoln by Gerri Brousseau

Today I was thinking about the 16th President of the United States, Abrabam Lincoln.  Mr. Lincoln is my favorite President.  He was born on February 12, 1809 into a poor family on the western frontier.  Abe was mostly self-educated.  He became a country lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, a one-term member of the United States House of Representatives, but failed in two attempts to be elected to the United States Senate.  This failure didn't stop him, though.  As you know, he rose to become the 16th President of the United States.

The President who preceded him, James Buchanan, was happy to hand the budding problems of the nation over to Mr. Lincoln.  By the time Lincoln took office, seven southern states declared their secession from the union.  He was now the President of a nation divided.  Lincoln closely supervised the war effort.  He selected top generals and brought leaders of various factions of his party into his cabinet and pressured them to cooperate.  He spent endless hours reading and sending telegrams, issuing orders to his generals in the fields.  He did all this, while personally handling his own re-election in 1864.

I can't imagine the burden this man carried.  The pain he felt over the situation of the nation was clearly seen in his Gettysburg Address of 1863.  This speech of 272 words was delivered on November 19, 1863.  It took Mr. Lincoln all of three minutes to deliver, and it has become the most quoted speech in America.  According to research, "he defined the war as an effort dedicated to these principles of liberty and equality for all.  The emancipation of slaves was now part of the national war effort. He declared that the deaths of so many brave soldiers would not be in vain, that slavery would end as a result of the losses, and the future of democracy would be assured, that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."  Lincoln concluded that the Civil War had a profound objective—a new birth of freedom in the nation."

Lincoln's personal life was marred by tragedy.  He married Mary Todd and they had four children, only one of which survived to adulthood.  Lincoln suffered from "melancholy" which is now referred to as clinical depression.

On April 14th while attending the play, Our American Cousin, at the Ford Theatre, Mr. Lincoln was shot, in the back of the head, at point blank range by John Wilkes Booth.  He died in the early hours of the morning on April 15th.  Lincoln's assassination made him a national martyr.  Of all the presidential ranking polls conducted since 1948, Lincoln has been rated at the very top in the majority of polls.

I admire him for many reasons.  This man, the 16th President of the United States, was self-educated.  He did not allow personal tragedy in his life, and political defeat to derail him from achieving his goals.  Although he inherited problems of such impossible magnitude, he handled it to a successful outcome for the country.

When I'm facing the minor defeats in my life, I try to remember Mr. Lincoln.  As a writer, when I encounter setbacks, I imagine myself putting on my stove pipe hat (as Mr. Lincoln wore)  and forging forward, not allowing myself to be derailed from achieving my goals.

Now, as we are celebrating the birthday of great President's, which one do you admire and why?

Filed under: romance

What Does it Take?

I'm sure if any of you have a television or a radio or access to the internet, you heard the tragic news of Whitney Houston's passing this past week. In recent years, I had not heard much positive news in regards to Whitney Houston, but in decades past, I was a huge fan of the singer/actress.  She was beautiful, talented and seemed very passionate about her work. Her life and passing really got me thinking about what it takes to be successful in any business. Granted, that changes from industry to industry but there is an underlying framework that is the same.

My dad always told me that if I set my mind to it, I could achieve anything I want. Those are easily the words of a proud parent but they are also the same words that guide me through the good times and most especially the difficult times. The key is really setting your mind to it and asking yourself 'how badly do I want this?'

In Hollywood, it is easy to point out the allures and distractions for those would be actors/singers. They even make movies about how stars fall off the golden path. The writing industry is not so glamorous for most of us and yet there are many hidden distractions. I call them hidden distractions because they may not be distractions for all of us. It really depends on what you want in regards to your writing.

If your dream is to be self-published and running your own business, then working with a publisher because "self-publishing is too hard" is a distraction. You're settling. And vice versa. If your dream is to land an agent and be the next Nora Roberts, and you decide to roll out a self-published, unedited book because it is taking too long, well then you're distracted and settling as well. Granted, our dreams may change along the way, and that is okay, but make sure you ask yourself if you are sticking with your goals and doing all you can to achieve what you want.

So in answer to my original question in the title of this post, what does it take? It takes everything you have. Your passion, determination, talent, time and patience will help you reach your goals one day (in writing and outside of it).  Remember this and happy writing this week. I wish you all a very productive one!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Mac the Matchmaker by Gerri Brousseau

Before we get into my short story, I must tell you the Nights of Passion CONTEST, featuring the work of Fire Glass Artist Jaclyn Sinkewicz, and Birthday party originally scheduled to post today has been postponed.  But fear not, the big party and contest will be happen on Saturday, February 18th.  Be sure to stop by then to join in the celebration.  In the meantime, Happy Valentine's Day.

ALSO, Saturday will be the debut of NIGHTS OF PASSION – YOUNG ADULT.  Please stop by for an interview with Young Adult Author, PJ Sharon.

Today, I'm going to tell you a short story about Mac the Matchmaker.  I hope you enjoy it.

My name is MacGyver, yeah, just like the guy on that TV show, but the woman I live with calls me Mac.  She's a pretty girl named Emily and I love her with all my heart, but recently on my daily outing in the park I have seen someone who has captured my interest.  She's young and beautiful and I can't take my eyes off of her.  My heart races at the sight of her as she runs toward me with her long, red hair blowing in the breeze.  I stare, almost drooling, as she rushes past me in her attempt to keep up with him, the man she jogs with everyday.  Last week as they ran past me I overheard him call her Molly.  I must find a way to get the lovely Molly into my life.  Today when I see her in the park, I'll make my move.

"Come on Mac, let's go over to the park for some exercise." Emily said.

This is my chance to get Molly's attention, I thought as I got up and followed Emily to the door.

We walked the one block to the park in silence, but when we got there I could hardly contain my excitement at the prospect of finally catching Molly's eye.  And I didn't have long to wait.

"Molly, slow down," He yelled and I held my breath as they came running around the corner.  I was literally panting with anticipation and then, there she was running right toward me.  It was as if I were watching her in slow motion as she trotted toward me with her glorious red hair gleaming in the sun and flowing out behind her.  This was it, my moment of indecision.  What if she doesn't like me, I thought.  My feet felt like they were cemented to the ground.  This is your chance, Mac, I told myself.  It's now or never.   As she ran past me, I gathered up my courage and pulling away from Emily, I fell into place running alongside the beautiful Molly.

"Mac!  Mac, where are you going?" Emily called out after me, but I couldn't stop myself.  This was my big chance.  I had the slightest twinge of guilt at not even taking a look back toward Emily as I trotted beside Molly.  But that feeling vanished as soon as Molly glanced over at me playfully, and almost challengingly, as she increased her pace.  I kept up with her as we rounded the corner and took off racing through the grass.  I could hardly contain myself as we rushed across the rolling green lawns past the trees and colorful gardens.

"Molly, stop," the man called out.  She slowed her pace and a cloud of worry furrowed her brow as she glanced over her shoulder toward the voice in the distance.  Slower still, she eventually came to a stop and I stopped beside her.

What must Emily be thinking, I wondered.  I hope she isn't angry with me.  I didn't know what to think as Emily ran up to me, panting and out of breath.  He was with her and he didn't look too happy either.

"I'm terribly sorry," Emily said to the man as she bend down and grabbed my leash.  "I don't know what's gotten into him."

"No harm done, looks like they just want to be friends." He answered.

Friends, I thought.  I could spend the rest of my life running with Molly.  I had to do something.  Think fast, Mac.  What would your namesake do, I asked myself.  When the idea hit me, I took off running in a tight circle winding my leash around their legs pulling them together.  Molly picked up on the idea, or maybe she was just eager to play, but she started to run around the couple in the opposite direction.

"Oh, Mac … stop that!" Emily giggled.  And before long they were both laughing.

That was the day Emily met Ted.  Ever since then we have all become great friends.  Emily and Ted spent a lot of time together, not only running with Molly and me in the park, but doing a lot of other things … you know, people things.  Some time had passed, but I can't really tell you exactly how long, because as you know dogs really have no sense of time, but they did something a lot of people do, they got married.  Molly and I went to the wedding and sort of gave our own vows to each other.  Yeah, we've settled down together too and I'm proud to say we are expecting puppies soon.  But the family just keeps growing.  Yesterday I overheard Emily telling Ted the stork was coming.  Why anyone would want a stork is beyond me.  But we're one big happy family and they owe it all to me, Mac, the Matchmaker.

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Special Note:  Tomorrow is Nights of Passion's Birthday!  Please, drop by and enter the contest!

Energy started building last week, and it's not over yet.  While I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.   In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Pixies have taken a shine to you, and all that pixie dust will make you shine.  That's good.

Taurus

A gnome fancies your home.  If you get the nudge to do some early Spring cleaning, do it. Life later will be easier.

Gemini

Elves love the joy of music.  It's time you followed their example and relaxed to a good tune.

Cancer

Dragons want to nest with you.  An unexpected friend is coming your way.

Leo

Griffons are fierce fliers.  Are you ready to fiercely approach your future?

Virgo

Vampires prefer the dark.  They love the nightlife.  It's your time to dance.

Libra

Werewolves are howling to gather the pack. Keep a low profile this week.

Scorpio

Shapeshifers enjoy a change.  You would too.  Change expands our horizons.

Sagittarius

Centaurs are racing the moon.  It's fun to pursue your dreams.

Capricorn

A sea monster wants to show you undiscovered worlds.  Let him.  It's time to go farther.

Aquarius

The hell hounds have passed your house.  Lucky you.

Pieces

Fairies are dancing around you.  Your good luck will spread to others.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Man City from Tirgearr

by C. Margery Kempe

I'm so happy to announce my new publication, Man City, with a new press here in Ireland, Tirgearr Publishing. I have to say I adore this cover. Is that one smug lookin' gal or what? She has every reason to be smirking, too. Here's the blurb:

Footie brought two best friends together; no matter that one was Shai's ex and the other her current boyfriend.  When she flirts with Stuart on the bus ride home, Shai begins to formulate an idea to make match night more rewarding for all three of them.

Of course by footie here I mean real football, not that American kind. I really don't know how people watch that: there seems to be an awful lot of nothing happening, ten seconds of action and then lots and lots of commercials. I guess you have to grow up with it. When I lived in Texas for a time, I realised that in some parts of the country it is truly a religion.

Not that I'm a huge fan: the story was inspired by a friend in Manchester and the title seemed too perfect to pass up. Once I had that in place, it was only natural to find ways to work in useful details that suited the setting. Of course you'll note that the cover doesn't have Man City's sky blue and white, but Arsenal's red and white. Surely a coincidence! [Go Gunners!]

Here's a little teaser from the full on sexy story; while Nights of Passion maintains a PG13 rating, this book is as scorching as it gets with frank, sexual language throughout (which made it tricky to find an excerpt!):

They were going to have an interesting night; the first time all three of them were together again. It was a good thing.

Shai hadn't meant to come between a couple of old friends. Stuart and Joe had known each other longer than she had known either one. Men were always so sentimental about their pasts. She delighted in the way they were like crazy teens though, especially when a match was involved.

They could all watch the match tonight together— nothing awkward about it at all. Probably.

Her phone chimed again. On the long ride home? Got something to read?

Shai smiled and looked over the shoulder of the guy in front of her again. Aww, yeah. He readjusted himself while his gaze remained on the book, but she found it easy to see the shape pressing against his trousers. A familiar warmth crept up the back of her neck. Maybe it was the growing arousal making her type back.

The guy in front of me must be reading something good…

Stuart would have no trouble jumping to the right conclusion about what 'something good' meant. She chuckled to herself as she sent the text on its way, but jumped when the phone unexpectedly rang in her hand. "What?"

"Does he have a hard-on?" Stuart's soft voice purred in her ear.

Shai giggled again. "Yes, he does," she said as quietly as possible.

"Can you see the title? Of the book I mean."

"No."

"And how is all this affecting you?"

"I can't really talk about that just now," Shai evaded, her eyes quickly darting to the people around her to see if see if they were listening. She feared her vague replies to Stuart would be like a neon sign betraying her arousal.

"But you can listen," Stuart insisted.

"Listen to what?"

"Oh, just a few questions," Stuart said, his voice taking on that innocent tone she knew better than to trust.

"Like what?"

"Is his hair black? Brown? Blonde? Oh, god—not ginger is it?"

She smothered a laugh. "Brown."

"Hands large?"

"No, fairly small."

"Well, can't be much of one, can it."

Shai couldn't smother the laugh that time. The woman across the aisle stared at this outburst.

Sorry, Shai mouthed, lowering her voice again.

"It's hard to tell," she said diplomatically. "Not enough to go on yet."

"Are you looking then? Go on then. Give it a good eyeball, girl."

By the sudden flush she felt, her cheeks had to have been bright red. "I am."

There was no denying it. He was making her wet—as usual. Shai found it impossible not to think about Stuart's not-at-all-small hands roughly squeezing her tits as he liked to do, or plunging his thick fingers into… I am such an easy mark!

"I can hear you breathing," Stuart said with mock sternness. "Am I making you wet?"

"Yes." The word came out like a breath.

"What a naughty girl you are."

I hope you enjoy my novelette Man City. Check out all the new and forthcoming titles from Tirgearr. They'll be having their official launch the end of the month, but I get to be one of the early ones out of the gate! I will have a giveaway at my site tomorrow, so drop by.

UPDATE: Tirgearr seems to be having technical problems this morning; with luck they'll be sorted in a bit.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Characters, contemporary romance, erotic romance, Flirting, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, romance, Settings, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Gifts of Love by Gerri Brousseau

I'm still thinking about Valentine's Day and today I'm talking about the gifts of love.  When you think of this holiday, your thoughts go to candy given in a box shaped like a heart; red roses, which last week cost less than half the amount florist's will charge for them on Valentine's Day; a romantic dinner, with limited menus and unlimited prices; and greeting cards with prices that have skyrocketed over the years.  There are also gifts with a bigger price tag, such as necklaces featuring heart shapes, some with diamonds; diamond earrings, bracelets and, for those so inclined, the coveted engagement ring.

I started thinking of the way things were back in the day. What might be considered to be a romantic gift a gentleman might present to a woman in the 1700 or 1800?  Would he compose a poem for her or write a letter to her professing his love?  Would he present her with a bouquet of flowers, which he picked from his gardens.  Would he invite her for an afternoon stroll through the park, chaperoned, of course?  Would she be expected to present him with a gift?  Not likely.  Her company and undivided attention would have been a gift enough.  (Boy were those the days)

In reflecting back to a simpler time I started thinking about what types of heartfelt gifts might be appropriate today.  Everyone is so busy these days.  Most women work outside the home and juggle careers with being a wife and mother.  She most likely takes care of the home and cooks and cleans in addition to grocery shopping and attending parent-teacher meetings.  What gift would the busy woman of today truly appreciate?  I believe this modern day woman wants time for herself.  I bet she would probably love to have a manicure or pedicure, or perhaps a spa treatment.  I know money is tight these days, but wouldn't our modern gal enjoy having dinner prepared for her one night?  Why not write a poem for her or compose a letter professing your love?  Perhaps she works from home, or is a writer and needs some at home quiet time.  If that's the case, how about offering to take the kids to the park, for a walk or for a bike ride to afford her some alone and quiet time?  Do you think she would enjoy a foot massage?

Women, you can always plan a romantic evening with your man.  Even if you have been married or together forever, plan an evening of romance.  Surprise him with a love note in his briefcase, his favorite meal for dinner or by wearing some sexy lingerie.  Put some thought into planning an evening of spontaneous romance.

Gifts of love don't have to be expensive or even come from a store.  Please share your ideas with us to help us make a truly romantic Valentine's Day without breaking the bank.  What are you planning to give your significant other for Valentine's Day?

Filed under: romance

Special Announcement & What A Writer Needs, Part 2

Hi Everyone,

Before we begin I want to announce that on Tuesday, St. Valentine's Day, Nights of Passion will be celebrating its birthday.  Come and join us for a very special contest for our readers.  You can only enter here on Valentine's Day.   Come and see the unveiling of the prize.

Now…

What A Writer Needs, Part 2 — YOUR SPACE!

You need a sacred space that invigorates and inspires your writing.   It could be a room or even a corner.  It's your job to make that space your own.  Here are your equipment and necessities lists.

Equipment:

Computer

Paper–buy a pack of parchment (you'll want to use it some day)

Pens–with inks of many colors

Pencils–all colors

Journels–all different kinds that you find pretty or inspirational–to capture your thoughts when you're not on the computer

Legal Pads–to change your mode of writing when you can't think on the computer

Stickers–to make you laugh, to push you forward

Post-it Notes–to put on important pages of reference or important points in your writing.

Paper Clips–fun ones in various designs

(I'm sure you can add things.  I'm going to stop here to continue with the next list.  It's important.

Necessity List  – This list will change with the writer.  Feel free to add and delete.  It's your inspiration place.

Window–decorate it with stars, flowers, knick-knacks, a beautiful window dressing, or whatever excites you

If you lack a window place inspirational photos of places and people you love or a poster that sets your writer's heart on fire

A desk that has places for putting things

A bookshelf for some reference books but with empty space for your books

A comfortable chair that you wouldn't mind writing in for hours

A rug that's you especially like

A few sitting pillows–for sitting on the floor for a different perspective

A blanket

Now what is this all about?  I'm talking about creating a space that you can use everyday, a space that will move you personally, a place where you'll rhapsodize for hours on end and enjoy the flow and process of writing.  Of course, our gentlemen writers should decorate as befits their needs.

The most important of this is that the space remain YOURS.  Everything in the space should be instrumental to your writing.  We all share spaces with others, but it's important that this one space be held sacred to you.  When you put your work away each night, you want it where you can pick it up easily again.  You want to walk into that space and feel the energy of the story you're working on.  Your space is your sanctuary.  It doesn't have to be big.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

 

Filed under: Helping Other Writers, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What A Writer Needs

Characters of Love by Gerri Brousseau

Valentine's Day is next Tuesday, and it got me thinking about characters that we have come to think of as being synonymous with love or romance.  Cupid, of course, comes to mind, but besides him would you say Don Juan or perhaps Romeo would fit the bill?  What about the tortured soul of Cyrano de Bergerac?

Even with the mention of these lovers, there is one, for me, who comes to mind above all others.  He truly believes in l'amour and, in fact, he lives for it.  His quest for romancing the fairer sex is undaunted.  We all know him.  We all love him, and we all think he is simply adorable.  Who is this wonderful character … you ask.  It is none other than the hopelessly romantic Pepe le Pew.

From the moment he spies his lady, he knows it is love at first sight!  He pursues her undaunted by her constant attempts to spurn his attentions.  He knows what he wants and no matter how many times his lady fair squirms out of his heady embrace while he is smothering her with smooches, and no matter how much she runs from him, he scampers tirelessly after her.  After all, he knows she is merely "playing hard to get", which makes him want her all the more.

Never once does he consider giving up the chase, nor does the thought that he might be undesirable to her ever enter his mind.  Yet, much like poor Wyle Coyote never catches the Roadrunner, poor Pepe lives with unrequited love, constantly yearning to romance his lady fair.  Don't we all secretly wish he will one day capture her heart?

Who is your favorite character, whose name alone makes you think of love and romance?

Filed under: romance

How Long is Worth It?

Okay, so the title is a bit misleading for those of you who are erotica readers/writers (and maybe a few others). I'm actually referring to how long we should stick with a book if it hasn't reeled us in immediately. This weekend I had the privilege of starting to read a new book. I don't have much free time these days so this really was a golden moment. Well imagine my disappointment when nearly 40-50 pages in, the author still hadn't reeled me in. As usual this got me thinking. How tolerant are we when it comes to the unfolding of a story, or will a catchy beginning suffice?

I will refrain from naming the book I'm reading as I haven't yet finished it so it really wouldn't be fair to say that the book isn't worth it.  In fact, I've heard many people talk about certain books that take a while to get into but are incredible books. A couple such books are Stephanie Meyer's The Host and Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to read either of these books so I can't say whether this is true. Still, unless you have a "name" out in the published world, I can't imagine it would be easy to persuade a reader to stick around after 60-100 pages if your book tends to drag. All the more reason to either have a stellar beginning that grabs your readers' attention or somehow create enough suspense early on that you keep your readers interested enough to keep turning the pages.

So what do you think? Any books out there with beginnings that drag that you would recommend? Or perhaps you've come across one of those books with a stellar beginning that kept you engrossed from the beginning? Either way, what made the book worth it? Happy writing this week! And don't forget to review your beginnings of your manuscripts to make sure you are doing all you can to captivate your reader!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics