C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 200

New Worlds

I am living in a new country and looking toward another. I suppose there's a wanderlust in my heart that keeps me moving. I was talking with my visitors yesterday about places we have lived and they asked me, "Where do you consider home?" I didn't have an answer. I don't really have one, I guess. Maybe I'm just still looking — or maybe I'll never have one. I'm Snufkin.

There's a popular song in pubs here, "The Irish Rover" — be sure to know the words when you come, as you will have to sing it.

I've been a wild rover for many's the year

I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer

But now I'm returning with gold in great store

And I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's No, Nay, never, 

No, nay never no more 

Will I play the wild rover,

No never no more

I went in to an alehouse I used to frequent

And I told the landlady me money was spent

I asked her for credit, she answered me nay

Such a customer as you I can have any day

And it's No, Nay, never,

No, nay never no more

Will I play the wild rover,

No never no more

I took up from my pocket, ten sovereigns bright

And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight

She says "I have whiskeys and wines of the best

And the words that you told me were only in jest"

And it's No, Nay, never,

No, nay never no more

Will I play the wild rover,

No never no more

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done

And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son

And, when they've caressed me as oft times before

I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's No, Nay, never,

No, nay never no more

Will I play the wild rover,

No never no more

Maybe I'll change: maybe I just need to find the right home. I always thought it was London, but now I'm not sure. More to explore, always. Is love the only thing to create a home?

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, Discussion, inspiration, Kit Marlowe

Market or Die with Jennifer Fusco by Gerri Brousseau

We are so excited to have Jennifer Fusco with us again.  Congratulations on the release of your second book, Market or Die: How to Use The Power

of Your Brand.  With the success of your first release, Market or Die:

Sensible Brand Building Advice For Writers, please tell us some of what we

can expect to find in Use The Power of Your Brand.

Thanks, Gerri. I'm always honored when asked to guest blog on Nights of Passion.  I wrote "How to use the Power of your Brand," as an extension of the first book.  Once authors developed their brand statement, the next logical step is to put it into practice.  This book addresses how to implement your brand online as well as managing your online presence in a timely manner so that the author can spend most of their time writing.  It also discussed how to manage your online presence and what to do if your brand is faced with crisis.

Will there be a third book and, if so, what do you anticipate that will cover?

Yes, a third book is in the works.  It's entitled, "Market or Die: Integrated Marketing Plans for Writers." It's geared towards making all of your marketing efforts work together in one cohesive plan.

In reading your recent interview (Waterbury Republican 9/3/11) you discussed your experience in self-publishing, what are some of the pros and cons?

There are many PROs to advocate self-publishing. The reason I chose to self-publish

Market or Die…SPEED!  I wanted to get my message out to as many authors I could reach…fast!  To traditionally publish my marketing books, I'd have to land an agent, write a proposal, sell it, write the book then wait for it to release. Well, I don't have that kind of time.  My focus is educating you, the author.  There's no time to waste.

Secondly, control and higher royalties are good reasons to choose self-publishing.  If you want total control from content, to cover design to marketing and not have to worry about splitting your profits, self-publishing may be the way to go.

The CONs?  Self-publishing suffers from a terrible stigma that if you are forced to self-publish you can't write.  So… Not… True.

With self-publishing, you may not be privileged to some of the distribution channels

open to traditionally published authors and that can be a drawback.  However, content is king!  If your work is good, word will spread and you will be recognized.

I understand that you have received an interesting invitation from RWA.  Would you care to share that exciting news with our readers?

Absolutely!  Beginning in 2012, I will be a monthly contributor to RWA's RWR Report, a monthly magazine sent to all RWA members.  I am going to take over the

"Media Insider" column, which will possibly be re-named the "Marketing Insider."  I'm very excited about this opportunity to educate authors, many whom I admire, about marketing.

In How to Use The Power of Your Brand you discuss the use of social media to promote your Brand.  Do you find one social media to be more successful than the other?  If so, which one and why.

I believe every author should utilize Facebook.  Not only does it allow for dialogue between authors and their fans, but Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, hasn't been shy about making his ambitions for the platform known.  He's stated his plans include opening up the social media site to allow people and businesses to buy and sell products.  Harnessing a large fan base on Facebook will, in the future, allow authors to communicate and sell direct to their fans—all in one place.  Brilliant!

What's next for Jennifer Fusco?  Will there be speaking engagements and workshops?  If so, please tell us where and when.

I'd like to thank Nights of Passion for having me here today.  It really is a privilege.

My schedule, as it stands right now, looks a bit like this:

Today, in addition to guest blogging here, I'm the guest speaker at CORW's writing retreat in Westfield, MA.  I'd like to give a big shout-out to CORW for inviting me.

October 9th —(this is tentatively planned) I'll be hosting a chat at 8pm EST on www.savvyauthors.com to take questions on branding.

Jan 2012 – the monthly articles in RWR begin, so, please, look for me there.

March 5-30, 2012 – I'm teaching an online class in marketing and brand sponsored by the Yosemite RWA.  Registration information will be posted to my website www.marketordie.net soon.

I'm always open to speaking engagements, guest blogging opportunities or general questions about marketing/brand.  Please email me at jenniferafusco@gmail.com.

Nights of Passion is always excited when you stop by to guest blog with us and we hope you would consider sharing your expertise with us again when you are ready to release your third book.  We would really look forward to that.  Thanks for sharing with us today and we wish you continued success.

Now … for even more fun … Jennifer has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her

recently released book, the second in the Market or Die series, How to use the

Power of Your Brand.  Simply tell us in your comment why you want this book.  The

contest will run until midnight, so please leave a comment and good luck.

Filed under: Jennifer Fusco, Market or Die, romance

What's Your Favorite Romantic Setting? by Susan Hanniford Crowley

I love researching wonderful settings.  Of course, in many ways, it requires travel.  Sometimes you just can't get there, and you have to use books, movies, videos, maps, and other people's accounts.

Here are two enchanting photos of swimming in a volcanic lagoon in Iceland called the Blue Lagoon.  Yes, I've actually been there and done that.  I would like to go back and study the folklore on trolls and the science of glaciers.

         

When I went, my entire body ached and the hot water was a wonderful relief to me.  Here's a link to their http://www.bluelagoon.com/Geothermal-spa/live-webcam/

It can be a very romantic setting.  Visit the site and you'll see what I mean.  Yes, I can see it now.

What's you favorite romantic setting?

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: romance, Settings, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writing Topics

Autumn Weather and Comfort Food by Gerri Brousseau

With the cooler temperatures and all the signs that autumn is approaching we, as New Englander's, begin to think about all things fall.  As a native of Connecticut, I am accustomed to winterizing my home, pulling in the garden hose, turning the outside water spouts off and putting up new weather stripping on the doors and windows.  As this colorful and cooler season arrives, we eagerly attend county fairs, the BIG E, craft shows and, dare I say it, Christmas Bazaars.  As these cooler temperatures arrive and the leaves begin to change color, we go apple picking, bake pies, we make chili, soups and stews, our comfort foods.  Over the course of my Thursday blogs, I would like to share with you some of my favorite recipes for the hearty fare of the cooler months, some of my favorite comfort foods.  So, grab a loaf of crusty bread and enjoy.

Autumn Vegetable Crock Pot Beef Stew

1 to 1 ½ pounds lean stewing beef cut into 1 inch cubes*

1 slice of bacon*

1 cup chopped onion

2 cups beef broth*

1 cup apple cider

1 ½ pounds potatoes (about 5 or 6 medium size) diced

2 medium carrots peeled and thinly sliced

2 ribs of celery, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups diced rutabaga

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

*  (Vegetarians

replace beef and bacon with flavored tofu and beef broth with vegetable broth)

Preparation

Cook bacon, beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat until

the beef is browned and bacon is cooked.

Put the beef and onions in the slow cooker with the bacon, beef broth,

apple cider, potatoes, carrots, celery, rutabaga, bay leaf, rosemary and

pepper.  Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9

hours.  Combine flour and cold water to

form a smooth mixture.  Stir into the

beef mixture, turn to HIGH, and continue cooking for 15 minutes longer.

Serves 4 to 6.

Filed under: romance

Life's Little Joys

Do you ever stop to smell the flowers, literally? What about taking some time out of each day to relax and reflect? These past few weeks have flown by in a whirlwind between the demands of my day job, family life and trying to squeeze in writing whenever I can. It's all happened so fast I've admittedly let the little joys of life drift on by at times. But not anymore—at least that's my mission.

I'm half-way through a pregnancy and the little one inside has begun to kick up a storm. It truly is the most amazing feeling and I'm not sure I can completely put into words how it really makes me feel. Imagine that… writer loses knack for words.

Anyway, where I'm going with this is that each day we have the opportunity to witness or experience life's little joys. Sometimes life seems to crawl by and at others it seems to be on turbo speed. It's near the end of September now and before we know it the season of holidays will be upon us (you know decorations will be up in the stores within the next few weeks) along with tons of precious little moments. The most important reminder I can give you is to just enjoy the small moments or life's little joys when you get the chance. Take some time to stop and smell the

flowers or the pumpkin pie.  In the mean time, I'll try to do the same.

Happy writing this week!

 

Filed under: Emotions, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Finding The Gift of Life's Little Pleasures by Debralee Mede

Life can be just too demanding at times and I certainly have felt the strain of these demands.  Lately, I have been trying to just take a step back and try to stop that whirlwind of anxiety and pressure that I feel. At times like this, when life seems to be getting crazier and far too complicated I find I need to "reel it in", step back and reevaluate things, and try to figure out what needs to stay and what should go.  It has been a time for me to just learn to be content with what I do, what I have. 'Stop and smell the roses" by taking a deep breath, a bit of a back seat and start to take a  look at what I have and what I am grateful for;  it's time to be happy and content with the  simple pleasures that I have in my life, now.  It reminds me of that song: "Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down to where we ought to be…"

Simon Howden:freedigitalphotos.net

Living simply and enjoying it is not all that easy to learn but is important, at least it is for me.  There are things that make me feel that my life is more complicated than it should be like: money issues that prevent me from making necessary car repairs; not having a full-time job; spreading myself too thin with my time; just feeling as if I'm avoiding doing what I need to do to make my life work.   At times I find that I am struggling with hurt feelings and this gets in the way of appreciating what I have now.  So rather than fighting the feelings of loss and focusing on difficulties, I have discovered freedom by recognizing what I have, what I can be grateful for and just what simplicity can bring and this has brought me an inner peace and feeling of contentment.

Sure I still have to do some very needed and urgent things, like find a job but by separating the important and needed "to do list" from the "to do list" that I have allowed others to impose on me has given me the freedom to find what is important in my life. There is a kind of evolution that has come out of the pure necessity of simplifying my life and this has brought moments of opportunity for me to heal, grow and learn as well as to be more of a service to others. I realize, more now than ever before, that it is not what I own or will achieve but more about what I have innately to give: myself, my life, my talent and the permission to live, let live and let life unfold.  There is a new air that I am breathing now, a refreshing air that allows me to abandon expectations and realize that contentment is just around the bend.

This time has provided me the opportunity to grow and focus in life.  There are moments where expectations are abandoned as is the need to accomplish more than time allows or is humanly possible and this has allowed me to become the hero of my own life.  It has become a golden opportunity to recover clarity in my life, to attain a new kind of freedom with the discovery that life has meaning and I am grateful for it.

Evgeni Dinev: freedigitalphotos.net

I am rediscovering the richness of imagination, my own imagination; I am allowing myself to actually read and value reading and to write and enjoy it.  I am able to allow myself the joy and gift of doing something nice for someone else, "a random act of kindness," without worrying about the lack of time or where I have to be next;  it is so rewarding to share a kind word that is unexpected and to hope  that it may have helped them in some way.  I have rediscovered the beauty in nature, taking walks in my neighborhood, a park, or a nature trail nearby.  Being able to find time to talk to friends that I haven't spoken to in years brings me immeasurable pleasure.

There are many other humble delights on my list including listening to music for extended periods of time; being able to watch an old movie while eating popcorn with my son and a friend or two; swimming in the moonlight and walking on the beach and later becoming mesmerized by the ocean, hearing the waves and gulls and smelling the salty air while feeling my nerves untangle and relax.  Simply writing with good paper and pen; having an unplanned picnic lunch; being thankful for the times when my computer didn't give me difficulty because of needed repairs;  drinking fresh brewed iced tea; or just laying back and looking up at the clouds or the stars in an indigo night sky.  This list is by no means the complete list of things that I have gotten to relish.

So in this difficult time of mine I have discovered a true miracle in my life.  It can't be bought or earned but it can be shared because it is innately mine to share.  I have found something truly divine in my life: something that inspires and makes me whole.  And the rest of that song is:" … and when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed, to turn, turn, will be our delight till by turning, turning we come round right."   Here's to finding the gift of life's little things in your life and finding joy in simple pleasures.

nuchylee;freedigitalphotos.net

Please share what brings you joy? What are the simple pleasures that you appreciate in your life?  What are the little things that give you hope and happiness that are innately yours to share?

Filed under: Debralee Mede, romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planet, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Spiders have been busy building webs in your area.  Be careful who you trust.

Taurus

A fairy has taken a shine to you.  Good luck is coming your way.

Gemini

Sunshine won't benefit you this week.  Take advice from a vampire, and lay low.

Cancer

Gather the pack for your benefit.  It's time to howl about your talents.

Leo

Mermaids are singing.  Sit back and enjoy yourself.

Virgo

Dragons know when to roar and when to soar.  Do both.

Libra

Shapeshifters know when to adapt to change.  Take a lesson here.

Scorpio

Sirens sing a warning.  Pay attention.

Sagittarius

Pixies are building on your front step.  Step over and enjoy the good luck they bring with them. 

Capricorn

A unicorn has brought you a present.  Enjoy.

Aquarius

The Mad Hatter recommends tea for relaxing.  Sit, think, and plan.

Pieces

The vampires are having a party and you're invited. Lucky you. 

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

 



Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Galway

I've got a new publication this week from Noble Romance! Text Play is a D/s sexting story, about as steamy as you can get! Andrei found her on Facebook. Natalia wasn't sure she wanted to rekindle the past. But what if he turned out to be the one man who could bring her to her knees?

As I've been getting nudges to show you a little of my new home city, here are a few snapshots from my new phone, which helped me survive the seemingly endless weeks without internet at home. >_< I love living surrounded by rivers and canals as well as the bay. Above is Abbot Canal on the way to campus near the Salmon Weir Bridge and the cathedral.

This was some interesting ivy on the wall along the canal on Nun's Island.

Here's the view from a late lunch at the Mill House Restaurant, right over the canal and next to the Corrib River.

The local Galway Bay Ale is quite refreshing and I recommend you give it a try, if you don't go for the Galway Hooker Pale Ale (it refers to a kind of ship!).

I live in the bustling centre of the city. Folks prowl up and down Shop Street or down to the Latin Quarter, all a minute's walk from my flat. And yes, the madness goes on late into the night, so I will likely be keeping late hours here, too.

And in Eyre Square Centre, it's all about the wolf! Hee, I love this new window display. It's weird living adjacent to a mall. One exit takes me right into Dunnes (during opening hours) who're kind of like the Irish M&S. And yes, that means there's a Foodhall in the lower level (phew!).

Ooh, that reminds me! I need to get some batteries so I can get the Newgrange video off the camera. Here's one photo from the old camera. More soon. I expect there will be a lot of inspiration here!

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, Flirting, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, New Release, Noble Romance, romance, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Living on the Edge by Gerri Brousseau

     At one time, not so long ago, even thought it sometimes seems a lifetime ago, I was a skydiver.  Yes, I actually jumped out of perfectly good planes.  It all began when I was about 13 years old.  I can't remember if I saw it on TV or in a movie, but I knew skydiving was something I had to try.  I buried the thoughts of such an adventure deep in the corners of my mind and forgot about it.  Then, one day, when I was much older, the possibility presented itself and the excitement of that type of extreme adventure took hold of my heart.  I tossed the idea around for a while until, when on vacation in Monterey, California, I decided to try it.  Nestled in the lovely farm land known as the Salinas Valley there is a tiny airport that boasts a skydiving operation called Skydive Monterey Bay.  I figured, what the heck, I'm on vacation … you only live once, right?  I'm going for it.  So, I took a ride out to the location and signed up to do a tandem skydive.

                What's a tandem skydive?   This is when you are attached to the front of a professional skydiver.  I had to watch a safety video and sign all sorts of waivers because let's face it, this could have the possibility of grave consequences.  Still, the excitement of the adventure was greater than my fear so I got suited up in a spandex type jump suit and harness.  Starting to feel the nerves, I immediately felt as if I had to run to the ladies room.  Back out in the hanger now, with my nerves in check, it was time to go.  I followed my instructor out on the tarmac to the plane with my nerves surfacing once again.  Climbing into the plane, I took my place sitting in front of my tandem master and soon the plane was taxing down the runway and climbing to altitude.  Now I have to tell you, I was really starting to have second thoughts.

   At altitude a green light in the rear of the plane began to flash and the  experienced jumpers on board pulled opened a hatch door in the side of the plane and began jumping out.  At this point, I started to have more than second thoughts.

Finally it was my turn.  My instructor had gotten me all attached and we inched toward the door.  Man, I was shaking in my shoes.  As we crept toward that open door my heart began to thunder, my mouth went dry, my palms began to sweat and I had this nearly uncontrollable urge to empty my bladder … again.  When we got to the door and I glanced out, the ground 3 miles below looked like tiny little colored squares … and I froze with fear.  "I don't think I can do this," I yelled to my instructor over the raging sound of the wind rushing past the opened door.  He was kind, but he was determined. "Sure you can," he yelled back and leaning down, he placed his knee behind my knee and asserted a little pressure.  My knees buckled and I literally fell out of the plane.

                As soon as I was out that door, all the anxiety fled.  I was in awe of the vista below.  I must confess right here and now … it was one of the most amazing encounters one could ever experience.  You are falling at approximately 120 miles

per hour and the wind rushing past you is intense, and totally surreal.  The view was amazing.  Monterey Bay was to my right and the Sierra Nevada's to my left.  It was the most incredible view of a truly beautiful landscape.

                We didn't stay in what they call "free fall" for very long before the instructor

pulled the rip cord.  The parachute opened (Thank God) and I got that feeling of being yanked upward, but in actuality it is just that the parachute has slowed the fall.  This is one of the greatest feelings and probably over the course of my skydiving career, my favorite part of the sky dive.  I remember looking up at that huge multi-colored parachute flying above my head and thinking it was the most beautiful thing I could imagine ever seeing.  I found myself in a silent world being guided through the air in a  portion of the skydiving experience referred to as "under canopy" and I can tell you the wonder of this experience gives me some insight as to the joy and freedom birds feel as they glide overhead.  I now know why birds sing.

                We landed in the center of the "drop zone" (the area designated specifically for skydivers to land) with the ease of merely taking a step.  The entire experience was a complete adrenaline rush that I cannot even begin to explain.  I couldn't stop smiling for about two weeks!  It was amazing and I was hooked.  If you have always wanted to try skydiving, I highly recommend it.  It is not for the faint of heart, but for those with an adventurous spirit.  What does this have to do with writing?  You have written a wonderful story … much like creeping toward the open door in the side of a perfectly good plane and then your fear takes over … but once you take the leap … and get out there you will have the best experience of your life.  So, remember you can't enjoy the experience unless you get out of the plane.

Filed under: Living on the Edge, romance, Skydiving

What Makes A Hero Romantic?

What makes a hero romantic?  Let's look at some admirable qualities.

1. Good looking?  A muscular physique?  Not only look strong but actually be strong?  So would Daniel Craig fit the bill, or should I say Bond?  What if great looks and a robust body was not enough?  Okay, I hear the groans out there.  Let's get back to looks.  Should the perfect hero be a brunette like Jason Momoa of "Conan the Barbarian" or tall and blond like Alexander Skarsgard?

2. Is it the clothes that make a romantic hero?  Does he have to wear an Armani suit or would you like him in a t-shirt and jeans?  Or…. I won't fill in that last part.  I'll leave it to your imagination.

3. What about personality?  Do you like your hero mysterious?  Moody?  Laid back? Exciting?  In the middle of action?  Sensitive?  Tender?  Practical or daring?  Is he likely to be a stay-at-home guy who is into making a career to support his family?  Or wandering scientist who hungers for the next discovery and you in between?  Is he the dependable day-to-day hero like a cop, firefighter, or soldier?  Or the guy always looking for the next fight?  What does your hero do and how does he view life?

4. How does he treat the heroine?  Does he avoid her?  Ignore her?  Befriend her?  Save her life?  Sweep her off her feet?  Protect her?  Does he treat her like a kid sister?  An enemy?  A beloved?  A goddess that he worships?

5. What is that extraordinary quality that makes a hero romantic???

Tell me what you think makes a hero romantic.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Characters, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writing Topics