Lucy Felthouse's Blog, page 317

Myth Mondays: Behind the Scenes with In a Dry and Dusty Land by Lydia Nyx

Please welcome Lydia Nyx to Myth Mondays for her post on In a Dry and Dusty Land, which is featured in Seducing the Myth. Take it away, Lydia…

*****

When I finished In a Dry and Dusty Land, part of the Seducing the Myth anthology, I was stunned at how much research I had put into what turned out to be a less than 4,000 word story. I swear I've written entire novels that didn't require as much research as this (very short!) story did.

All right, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it sure felt like it.

The idea started when I read about the Sumerian myth of the edimmu, ghosts of the violently killed and sometimes unburied dead. Anyone who reads my work knows I tend to lean toward the darker elements, so of course I wanted to involve them in a story somehow. Murderous ghosts aren't exactly the stuff of romance though, so I delved deeper into Sumerian mythology and ended up incorporating the god Utu as well, ruler of the sun, dealer of justice and upholder of the law. This god also mirrors the Assyrian god Shamash, which is neither here nor there, but I want some of that research I did to see the light of day.

All in all, this short story required me to research the following long list of subjects:

-          U.S. military rank and protocol

-          The political and military climate in Iraq at the time of the story (2007)

-          Areas of Iraq where fighting was going on at the time and American forces were patrolling

-          What those areas are like climate and agriculture-wise

-          The role and restrictions of news correspondents in hostile territories

-          Which U.S. cities host the most Iraqi immigrants (to give Siraj's parents a realistic city to immigrate to)

-          What civilian life is like in Baghdad under military watch

-          IED's

-          And of course, all the details of the Sumerian mythology I used

I did so much research for such a little thing! Research is one of my favorite parts of writing, so I didn't mind it at all, and now I have all this information if I ever need it for something else (maybe I should start auditioning for trivia shows…).

Also, I was pleased with myself for coming up with the name of my secondary protagonist, Siraj Yahya, because I just love how it sounds and naming the figments of my imagination is always the hardest part for me. And yes, I did have to do research to come up with a name that would fit his heritage. So it goes!

Find out more about Lydia on her website, http://www.lydianyx.com

Find out how to bag your copy of Seducing the Myth here.

Six Sentence Sunday – 21/8/11

Following on directly from last week, these six sentences come from my story, Down by the Pool, which appears in the anthology I just edited and released, Seducing the Myth. More info here.

Also, to comment on this post, it's the link at the top ^^ – not the bottom. Thanks guys!

They were discussing a place up on the moors, a pool that was reputed to be haunted. Legend told of a malevolent mermaid lurking in its depths, and several mysterious disappearances in the vicinity. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. The thought of a mermaid in Staffordshire really tickled me. It's a landlocked county – in fact, you can hardly get any more central.



Normally I would have dismissed what they were saying out of hand, but although the legend was undoubtedly ancient, the disappearances were recent.

Want to know more about Six Sentence Sunday and see all the other delicious entries? Click the logo below:

Freebie Friday!

Hey, lovely people! Happy Friday! And it is a happy one indeed. I'm still working away, but that's nothing new So much smut to write, so little time…

Anyway, I've had a great week for acceptances – THREE! (I also had one rejection, but let's not talk about that…) I don't want to say too much until I've had contracts and the like, but two are short stories in print anthologies, and the third is a 12k story, so categorise that as you will, that will be available as an eBook from all the usual channels. I will divulge more information when I can.

So… on to the real reason you're here – freebies!

Because I've had such a good week and I'm feeling generous, how does this sound:

Leave a review for Seducing the Myth on either Amazon UK, Amazon US, All Romance eBooks (please leave a rating here too), Smashwords or Xcite Books then send me the link by email to lucy at lucyfelthouse dot co dot uk.

I'll then enter you into a virtual hat (okay, you'll be put into a folder in my inbox) to win goodies including: signed postcards, bookmarks, a mug (emblazoned with the beautiful book cover for A Bit of Rough) and magnets. I'll even throw in a backlist PDF/ePub of your choice (from my single author titles).

A second winner can choose a title from my backlist.

Giveaway open until Friday 30th September 2011. (This is an international giveaway)

So, what are you waiting for? Go off and buy your copy of Seducing the Myth pronto and get reading! It's a lush read, even if I do say so myself

Book Review: The Candy Box by Kojo Black

The Candy Box is an erotic book split into two parts. The first, Candy Cottage, is the story of a place of utter decadence and naughtiness, unsurprisingly called… Candy Cottage! People come and go, with or without partners and have their ultimate sexual wishes and fantasies fulfilled. The staff that work there delight their patrons with hot sessions and send them on their way, completely satiated.

Part two is called The Harward Girls. This deals with a private school of music for girls only. The teachers, far from being stiff, dull types are as sexually charged as their students, and as well as teaching them how to get the  best out of their instruments, they open them up to a world of sexual experience beyond their wildest dreams. I'd like to point out, though, that although it's a school, there is no under age sex going on here. It's implied that all the students are above the age of consent.

Each half of the book is split up into a series of short stories, which are actually more like snippets from the lives of the characters in each part. Each tale alights on a scene of extreme naughtiness. What makes The Candy Box so unique, however, is the fact that as well as it being packed full of very hot erotic stories, it's also illustrated. And there are no stick drawings to be seen here… no! Lara Addams, who provided the art for these stories is exceptionally skilled. The drawings are just as sexy as the stories, let me tell you! The detail is absolutely incredible.

As an erotic book, The Candy Box is a definite win. It's absolutely not for those looking for erotic romance, though. These stories are about as filthy as it gets and when you include the illustrations, which zoom right in on the action… yes, right in… this is not a read for the easily offended. The stories are very obviously written by a man. Of course I know they are, but even if I hadn't, I would have made that assumption. The language is very explicit and graphic, meaning these stories are all absolutely smoking hot from beginning to end. There's no messing about here – it's hot, hot, hot from cover to cover.

A couple of minor editing issues distracted me every now and again, but on the whole I found it a very enjoyable book. So, if like me, you're happy to read a truly filthy book filled with beautifully drawn explicit drawings, then The Candy Box is for you. Word of warning, though, this is not a read for the bus or train… trust me, this is a bedroom book!

Available from:

Amazon UK

The Book Depository

Smashwords (eBook)

Temporary Crystal Tattoos Are For the Faint Hearted

For literally years now, I've toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo. I've even walked into a couple of tattoo parlors, but have always left again, my skin un-needled. Less because of the actual getting a tattoo part, more because of the permanence, and not being able to decide on the right design. And since it's going to be there forever, you kind of want it to be perfect, right?

Now I know the content on this website normally says something more along the lines of 'not for the faint hearted' but on this occasion, I've found something that is. And I'm not mocking these so-called 'faint hearted' types either, because I'm one of them!

I have found the answer – crystal tattoos! For people like me who can't decide on a design, or those averse to the idea of needles, temporary crystal tattoos are the perfect solution. I found some gorgeous designs on NippleCharms.com, including some beautiful dolphin ones and even a breast cancer awareness one – where 10% of the sale price of the crystal tattoo is donated to breast cancer research – which can be worn wherever you like. What's not to love? As someone with breasts and that has lost people to cancer, this is definitely a bonus in my book and will totally be influencing my purchase.

According to the information on the website I was browsing, their temporary crystal body tattoos are reusable, too, which makes them a great value for the money. To remove and reapply, you'd just need to grab yourself some non-toxic glue and you can use the crystal tattoos again and again. Brilliant! I'll definitely be investigating further to get some temporary tattoo action going on when I'm next out and about.

Also spotted on the same webpage are bindis – cute stick-on affairs which you wear around your nipple. Now, I'm not one that models my style on celebrities – in fact, I don't even have a 'style,' except for 'comfortable' – but for those of you that are fashionistas, you'll be pleased to know that if you adorn yourself with bindis, you will be in good company. Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Madonna and Shania Twain have all been seen wearing them, and this list is far from exhaustive. So, as well as looking cute, sexy and fun with your new bindis, you'll also be following in the footsteps of the stars.

So, if you're like me and quite like the idea of getting a tattoo but are indecisive, terrified or not just interested in getting the real thing, then crystal tattoos are a fab idea. The bindis on the site are cute, too, and although more of a bedroom thing than a fashion accessory (well, I certainly don't get my bits out in public!), they're a much better option for those aforementioned faint-hearted folks who similarly, would not be up for getting their nipples pierced!

Speaking of nipple piercing, if you would rather not go that route, NippleCharms.com also has non piercing nipple jewelry, but that is for another post.

Totty Tuesday – Philip Winchester

Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking – does my Winchester obsession know no bounds? If you must know, no it absolutely doesn't, but the subject of this Totty Tuesday is pure coincidence! He's no relation to Sam and Dean Winchester (who my OH keeps trying to convince me are actually characters in a TV show, rather than the stars of a documentary. Dunno what he's on about, personally! ) – but is a TV and movie actor who I rather recently happened upon in the show Camelot, from which this rather yummy photo was taken (OH will like this photo too, he fancies the girl). The lovely Philip played Leontes, King Arthur's champion and husband of Guinevere. I didn't think he was hot originally, but then there were these shirtless scenes and well… just look! I'm actually genuinely disappointed that the show has been cut because I was really enjoying it and there's so much more of the story they could tell, but hey, who am I to argue with lack of production budgets or whatever?

After watching Solomon Kane over the weekend, he popped up again and firmly made it onto the Totty Tuesday list and here he is! Sadly I couldn't find any more topless photos of him to share with you all, but if anyone happens across any, you know where I am! So, whaddya think? Hot or not?

eBook Review: Taking it Off by Rachel Randall

Taking it Off is a short tale from Rachel Randall. It begins with Valentine helping his sister with some clothes shopping in a high-end department store. He has an excellent eye for clothes and he doesn't mind helping out, particularly when he catches sight of a delectable pair of ankles in a changing cubicle as he waits.

He watches carefully as the woman in the changing room changes clothes, enjoying every little movement and tantalising glimpse of flesh. What he's not betting on, though, is that she knows exactly what he's doing and is playing up to it. More than that, she then commanders him for his assistance when she comes out of the changing room. His sister cheerfully waves him off.

Then the fun really begins. Valentine's new friend, Lucy, is on a flying visit to London and will be returning to New York very soon. Valentine is sad he won't get to know the lovely Lucy better, but is determined to make the most of the time they have. Lucy, on the other hand, seems determined to tease poor Valentine until his libido is almost through the roof. She then heads for the airport, leaving Valentine high and dry, with only a few clues to tracking her down.

Soon, though, it becomes apparent that Lucy wants Valentine just as much as he wants her. Their long distance flirting becomes increasingly frustrating, to the extent that Valentine is desperate to see her – and soon. But will it ever happen, or will Lucy continue to tease and torment from afar? You'll have to wait and see!

Taking it Off is a delicious read. It's light and fun, but seriously sexy. I loved both major characters and thought the plot was fresh and interesting. If you're looking for a sensual, teasing and sexy read, I can definitely recommend this one.

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

All Romance eBooks

Total-E-Bound

 

eBook Review: Erotic Amusements by Justine Elyot

Article first published as eBook Review: Erotic Amusements by Justine Elyot on Blogcritics.

Erotic Amusements is the latest release from Justine Elyot. Set in a seaside town in Britain, you may think that it's going to be a jolly, happy, sexy romp beside the seaside. Think again.

It's sexy, of course, but the book goes so much deeper than that. There's a strong plot underlying the sex and the novel is actually a mixture of erotica, romance and crime thriller. Don't get me wrong, there's no gore or forensic examination involved, but there's a dark undertone in Erotic Amusements that makes it an edge-of-your-seat kind of a book.

This seductive book tells the story of the seaside resort, Goldsands. Charles Cordwainer is the mogul of the area, if you like, owning several businesses, and people. He's not a nice guy and he pulls the strings of those that work for him so tightly that they're terrified of him and daren't put a foot wrong. That includes his right-hand man, Rocky, who does his dirty work and his submissive, Michelle who runs one of his businesses, but also services him and his associates.

One of Charles' newest employees, Flipp, has no such qualms. She's so new to the area that she has no idea about the secrets and lies going on around her. However, when Rocky meets her he takes a shine to her and tries to warn her to be careful. He himself has to be careful because Cordwainer has a hold over him, but he doesn't want to see Flipp falling into the same trap. The two become close, and despite the risks start seeing one another. However, in a place like Goldsands, nothing stays secret for long.

But whoever is trying to unearth secrets isn't going to stop at Rocky and Flipp. They intend to dig up everything they can find on Charles Cordwainer and his employees and bring his Goldsands empire tumbling down around his ears. But digging around in the seedy underbelly of Goldsands uncovers more than anyone could have imagined, and many people will be affected by the fallout.

Verdict: wow! I've read lots of Justine Elyot's writing and have always enjoyed it, and Erotic Amusements is no exception. I enjoyed the whole seedy criminal element, as well as the smoking hot sex scenes and intriguing characters we've come to expect from Ms. Elyot. It feels a bit different to her usual novels, but I still really enjoyed it. Recommended.

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Sponsored Advertisements:

Myth Mondays: Behind the Scenes with The Dark Night Rusalka by Rebecca Bond

For part two in a series of 'Myth Mondays' from the wonderful authors who contributed to Seducing the Myth, I'd like to welcome Rebecca Bond. Read on for some background on her story, The Dark Night Rusalka…

*****

Total honesty. I don't know one myth from the other. I vaguely recall learning about Medusa in an English class when I was about fourteen, but let's face it, there's a high probability that I wasn't listening, so when the submission call went out for Seducing the Myth I cried inside. I had absolutely no intention of writing a story for this one. Not only am I clueless when it comes to myths and legends, but I'm also pretty uninterested, so I pushed my pen aside and moved on to the next.

That was, of course, until two days before the deadline when I heard The Father talking about a story his dad used to tell him as a child. The story of the Rusalka. Like I said, I'm clueless, but Google is a wonderful thing and by the power of Google I began to scribble down my own version of this folk tale. Essentially the story is the same, but I've added a few extras to spice it up a bit so I hope folks that are familiar with the tale won't mind.

For those that don't know, I'm from Polish heritage and so I went down that route as opposed to Greek or Roman mythology. I wrote the tale, had my arse kicked by the tale, edited the tale and then got it vetted by my best pal (a native Pole) to check for accuracy in lingo etc. Luckily it passed her very scrupulous eye, and that of her Mother's in Warsaw apparently, before I got the go-ahead. And a rollicking for corrupting a story from her childhood. Oops.

Anyhoo, The Dark Night Rusalka is a sweet and loving tale about a young woman trying to reach Heaven. Or is it. . .?

Find out more about Rebecca on her website, http://www.missrebeccabond.co.uk

Find out how to bag your copy of Seducing the Myth here.

 

Six Sentence Sunday – 14/8/11

Something new for you this week! These six sentences come from my story, Down by the Pool, which appears in the anthology I just edited and released, Seducing the Myth. More info here.

When I first heard the silly talk, I didn't take much notice. After all, the witterings of the drunken old men in the Greyhound Inn are hardly life-changing. They usually spouted tales of their childhood and 'the good old days', most of which were completely fabricated. But as I sat in the corner reading, I couldn't help but notice that their conversation lingered on the same topic for some time. I found myself drawn in. Keeping my eyes on my book, I listened.

Want to know more about Six Sentence Sunday and see all the other delicious entries? Click the logo below:

Sponsored Advertisements: