Dena Celeste's Blog, page 5
January 9, 2014
Thursday Thirteen: 13 Writing Books to Read in 2014
Thursday Thirteen is a weekly meme with a simple theme: each Thursday you blog a list of 13 things. What kind of things? Any kind! Just come up with a list theme and run with it.
This year, I really want to bone up on some writing skills. I want to find better outlining methods, learn more about the psychology behind stories, and much more! So today, here's a list of the writing books that I would like to read and utilize this year! First I'll go over the ones I own, then the ones I plan to purchase.
1. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron - Owned
2. Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland - Owned
3. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown and Dave King - Owned
4. Goal, Motivation, Conflict by Debra Dixon - Owned
5. Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine - Owned
6. Write Every Day by Cathy Yardley - Owned
7. Rock Your Plot by Cathy Yardley - Owned
8. Tips for Authors by Alice Anderson - Owned
9. Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland - Not owned
10. On Writer's Block by Victoria Nelson - Not owned
11. The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman - Not owned
12. The Negative Trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman - Not owned
13. The Positive Trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman - Not owned
Well, there they are! Books I have and books on my wish list that I can add to my Writer's Toolbox. Any writers out there with other favorites or recommendations? I'd very much like to hear about them!
January 6, 2014
Monday Musings: Romancing the Brrrr!
I live in Florida. I always have, and I foresee staying here for a long time to come. But recently, I moved from South Florida to Central Florida. You wouldn't think it would be that big of a difference, but you'd be wrong. The mercurial temperatures (yesterday it was 72°F, and tomorrow it'll be 34°F) has been a bit jarring, definitely enough to make me wish I had a better cold-weather wardrobe!
Still, there are some benefits to beautiful chilly weather. One of my favorites is cuddling. Lots of closeness and grabbing onto my hubby to curl up in his arms. To share our warmth with each other, and to spend some good quality time together.
Human touch is very important, and the more good energy we put behind each touch, the better! Hugging has been shown to improve mood in the same way that laughter does. I know that I get more relaxed with some nice cuddling.
Of course, cuddling can lead to other fun things. *winks*
Any of you taking advantage of the cooler weather for fun times? How do you turn the cold into something warm and romantic?
January 3, 2014
Friday Deviance: The Marks of a Kinkster
BDSM is a Lifestyle where marks tend to hold tremendous relevance. There are more temporary ones, like whip and rope marks, which fade relatively quickly. Then there are marks of ownership, like tattoos, brands, or even collars. There are also marks of family, from flags for factions in the community, to patches that signify a Leather Family or BDSM House. But for this post, it's all about the body, and the adornments that go with BDSM.
To me, both sides of the coin are important. The temporary and the permanent, that which fades and that which reminds.
The Temporary: That Which Fades
Bruises from bite marks, a rosy bottom after a paddling, or welts from a whip, can all be part of the endorphin rush that goes along with playing. It's one of my favorite parts of play, though damn my skin, my marks go away almost instantaneously. Still, bruises, bite marks, whip marks, rope marks, all are lovely impressions left on the skin after play that make reliving the experience even easier.
The marks are badges of honor, badges of love, something to be proud of and to show off. Bottoms all around (whether sub, slave, switch, or even Dominant) tend to like to compare and contrast, telling stories of pleasure and pain over meals at munches or across the 'net on message boards.
These marks don't last, which can be sad, but that also leaves a fresh canvas for more memories to find their way, different designs all beautiful in their own way. They are masochistic flowers which bloom for short periods before fading from view.
The Permanent: That Which Reminds
Tattoos. Collars. Brands. These are the more permanent kinds of marks that can last for many years.
Collars, the wedding rings of BDSM, come in many forms. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, all sizes and colors and security levels, but one of the main purposes is to remind one that he or she is owned. Whether or not it CAN easily come off is immaterial. My collar currently takes the form of a necklace which can be unfastened without trouble. It gets taken off only for cleaning and polishing, and then ritualistically placed back around my neck. The rest of the time, it stays where it belongs.
Tattoos. These body mods are very popular, and can be used to mark memorials, to mark life changes, to mark possession...or for fun. I know people who have tattoos just because the design was pretty. I know others who have them as major life moments marked. It depends on the person. Tattoos are nice because of how vivid they are, and a design can be as detailed as you like. On the other side of that, they never go away. This can be good and bad. Relationships don't always last forever. It's something to consider before taking this step.
Branding. Ah, branding. Most think of branding cattle, and hey, maybe it's not too far from that. It can be a mark of ownership, and slaves in BDSM are "property" of their owners. However, for some, it can be a very spiritual experience. And not everyone who gets branded does so for ownership reasons. Like tattoos, branding has gotten popular as a body mod. They are simpler and more elemental than tattoos. Details get lost in brands, so simple line designs are best. The pain of a brand isn't too bad (and I'm seriously a baby when it comes to pain), but every person is different. Still, the experience was very important, special, and spiritual.
It's Personal
In the end, marks are intensely personal. They are different for every person, special in their own way, and can provide an intense amount of pride, either for enduring an ordeal or enjoying a pleasure.
Do any of you have marks that mean something? I'd love to hear your stories!
To me, both sides of the coin are important. The temporary and the permanent, that which fades and that which reminds.
The Temporary: That Which Fades
Bruises from bite marks, a rosy bottom after a paddling, or welts from a whip, can all be part of the endorphin rush that goes along with playing. It's one of my favorite parts of play, though damn my skin, my marks go away almost instantaneously. Still, bruises, bite marks, whip marks, rope marks, all are lovely impressions left on the skin after play that make reliving the experience even easier. The marks are badges of honor, badges of love, something to be proud of and to show off. Bottoms all around (whether sub, slave, switch, or even Dominant) tend to like to compare and contrast, telling stories of pleasure and pain over meals at munches or across the 'net on message boards.
These marks don't last, which can be sad, but that also leaves a fresh canvas for more memories to find their way, different designs all beautiful in their own way. They are masochistic flowers which bloom for short periods before fading from view.
The Permanent: That Which Reminds
Tattoos. Collars. Brands. These are the more permanent kinds of marks that can last for many years.
Collars, the wedding rings of BDSM, come in many forms. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, all sizes and colors and security levels, but one of the main purposes is to remind one that he or she is owned. Whether or not it CAN easily come off is immaterial. My collar currently takes the form of a necklace which can be unfastened without trouble. It gets taken off only for cleaning and polishing, and then ritualistically placed back around my neck. The rest of the time, it stays where it belongs.
Tattoos. These body mods are very popular, and can be used to mark memorials, to mark life changes, to mark possession...or for fun. I know people who have tattoos just because the design was pretty. I know others who have them as major life moments marked. It depends on the person. Tattoos are nice because of how vivid they are, and a design can be as detailed as you like. On the other side of that, they never go away. This can be good and bad. Relationships don't always last forever. It's something to consider before taking this step.
Branding. Ah, branding. Most think of branding cattle, and hey, maybe it's not too far from that. It can be a mark of ownership, and slaves in BDSM are "property" of their owners. However, for some, it can be a very spiritual experience. And not everyone who gets branded does so for ownership reasons. Like tattoos, branding has gotten popular as a body mod. They are simpler and more elemental than tattoos. Details get lost in brands, so simple line designs are best. The pain of a brand isn't too bad (and I'm seriously a baby when it comes to pain), but every person is different. Still, the experience was very important, special, and spiritual.It's Personal
In the end, marks are intensely personal. They are different for every person, special in their own way, and can provide an intense amount of pride, either for enduring an ordeal or enjoying a pleasure.
Do any of you have marks that mean something? I'd love to hear your stories!
January 1, 2014
2014 - A New Year
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a lovely evening last night, and that the year has started off as you wish it to!
2013 has been a full year for me, with a move across the state, the release of my novella Feeding the Beast, and the start of this awesome blog of mine! *grins*
It ended with spicy tuna (for good luck, one apparently has to end the year eating fish), sauvignon blanc (surprisingly yummy!) and a slightly drunk kiss from my hubby with the fireworks booming in the distance.
It is a new year, complete with all of its new chances to get things done, make things happen, and create magic on the page! I'm plotting out several stories now, working on Lady of the Pack, and in general making the first day of this new year count.
It's also been raining, which tends to have one of two effects on me: sleepy or inspired. Today, we'll go with inspired!
What chances are you going to take this year? What things will you guys make happen? I'd love to hear from y'all!
2013 has been a full year for me, with a move across the state, the release of my novella Feeding the Beast, and the start of this awesome blog of mine! *grins*
It ended with spicy tuna (for good luck, one apparently has to end the year eating fish), sauvignon blanc (surprisingly yummy!) and a slightly drunk kiss from my hubby with the fireworks booming in the distance.
It is a new year, complete with all of its new chances to get things done, make things happen, and create magic on the page! I'm plotting out several stories now, working on Lady of the Pack, and in general making the first day of this new year count.
It's also been raining, which tends to have one of two effects on me: sleepy or inspired. Today, we'll go with inspired!
What chances are you going to take this year? What things will you guys make happen? I'd love to hear from y'all!
December 24, 2013
Christmas Eve and Anticipation
Anticipation is delicious. The heart races, attention sharpens, excitement brings boatloads of energy and enthusiasm!
Christmas, with decorating the tree, candlelight services, and of course the gifts, has always been a time of anticipation. After Thanksgiving, when December begins, it's like a countdown. Decorations come out, there's a radio station dedicated to the music of the season, and the bell people come out of the woodwork in front of every store.
Christmas Eve was the height of it all. The night before, when the thrill had built over each passing day, the pile of gifts growing beneath the tree, the curiosity of it all just couldn't be denied. Shaking boxes, making guesses as to what was what. It was a family game to figure out what everyone was getting.
We got to open one present on Christmas Eve. It was like whetting our appetites for the next day, giving some satisfaction, but still...there were the rest of them! Just waiting. And of course, try getting us to sleep when we got home after the midnight candlelight service.
Still, we waited for the gifts until the next day, when we could really enjoy them. The next day, it was all about ripping up paper, exploring our gifts and our imaginations, and being incredibly thankful that we could experience it all together.
This year I'm thankful for the people I have in my life, each and every one! Love is the true gift this year. Well, that and the Doctor Who Christmas special, but...I'm a geek that way!
What are your Christmas Eve traditions? Do you agree about the anticipation that precedes Christmas?
Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it! May you have joy on this day.
Christmas, with decorating the tree, candlelight services, and of course the gifts, has always been a time of anticipation. After Thanksgiving, when December begins, it's like a countdown. Decorations come out, there's a radio station dedicated to the music of the season, and the bell people come out of the woodwork in front of every store.
Christmas Eve was the height of it all. The night before, when the thrill had built over each passing day, the pile of gifts growing beneath the tree, the curiosity of it all just couldn't be denied. Shaking boxes, making guesses as to what was what. It was a family game to figure out what everyone was getting.
We got to open one present on Christmas Eve. It was like whetting our appetites for the next day, giving some satisfaction, but still...there were the rest of them! Just waiting. And of course, try getting us to sleep when we got home after the midnight candlelight service.
Still, we waited for the gifts until the next day, when we could really enjoy them. The next day, it was all about ripping up paper, exploring our gifts and our imaginations, and being incredibly thankful that we could experience it all together.
This year I'm thankful for the people I have in my life, each and every one! Love is the true gift this year. Well, that and the Doctor Who Christmas special, but...I'm a geek that way!
What are your Christmas Eve traditions? Do you agree about the anticipation that precedes Christmas?
Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it! May you have joy on this day.
December 15, 2013
Feeding the Beast is Released!
Hey guys! Today's the day! Feeding the Beast is now up on the site and ready to buy (and hey, you can get a release day discount, which is pretty nifty).
I'm really excited, because this was really the little story that could. I started writing it a few years ago, and it went through fits and starts, with me trying to make it longer once I got it finished. The story itself would have none of that, no matter what I tried.
It's intense, hot, and full of woman-on-woman loving as Naomi earns her new role in the pack from Jewel. Below is the blurb, the buy link, and the cover! Go check it out, and I sure do hope you enjoy it!
Buy it here!
Naomi has always been one of the most submissive members of her pack. It is for that reason that she has received the honor of becoming the Stigma, a rank higher than any she could have expected, but one that requires a certain spirit in the one who serves. Marked by Eric, the Master of her pack, Naomi will serve through sex, blood, and the utter willingness to submit.
Jewel is the Mistress of the pack. Mated to Eric, she is now bound for months without being able to shift forms. Her inner-wolf must be given an outlet in order to maintain harmony in the pack. The Stigma feeds her beast, her soul, and tames what is otherwise untamable. Jewel must come together with Naomi in a partnership that requires no boundaries for her trapped wolf.
From bondage in the cabin, to erotic moonlit hunts through the woods, Jewel and Naomi take each other on a journey through the nights of the full moon. When the nights come to an end, Jewel has to decide whether Naomi is the best choice for feeding the beast within.
I'm really excited, because this was really the little story that could. I started writing it a few years ago, and it went through fits and starts, with me trying to make it longer once I got it finished. The story itself would have none of that, no matter what I tried.
It's intense, hot, and full of woman-on-woman loving as Naomi earns her new role in the pack from Jewel. Below is the blurb, the buy link, and the cover! Go check it out, and I sure do hope you enjoy it!
Buy it here!
Naomi has always been one of the most submissive members of her pack. It is for that reason that she has received the honor of becoming the Stigma, a rank higher than any she could have expected, but one that requires a certain spirit in the one who serves. Marked by Eric, the Master of her pack, Naomi will serve through sex, blood, and the utter willingness to submit.
Jewel is the Mistress of the pack. Mated to Eric, she is now bound for months without being able to shift forms. Her inner-wolf must be given an outlet in order to maintain harmony in the pack. The Stigma feeds her beast, her soul, and tames what is otherwise untamable. Jewel must come together with Naomi in a partnership that requires no boundaries for her trapped wolf.
From bondage in the cabin, to erotic moonlit hunts through the woods, Jewel and Naomi take each other on a journey through the nights of the full moon. When the nights come to an end, Jewel has to decide whether Naomi is the best choice for feeding the beast within.
November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgivukkah! - Stuffing, and other adventures.
Well, for the first time since 1888, these two holidays (which do seem to revolve around fatty/oily foods) have coincided. And it'll be roughly 78,000 years (according to the people hosting the Macy's parade) until it happens again! Wow! That is impressive.
Today I've made stuffing from scratch for the first time. I might have had some help from my hubby and my fantastic MIL. Yes, I have been blessed with an awesome MIL. We will also be having creamed onions, which I've never heard of before, using pearl onions. No doubt I will enjoy this (as I'm a fan of onions). Still, getting my hands all messy, breaking up bread, the enticing scents of sage and thyme...it was a lot of fun!
These two holidays are pretty special to me. Chanukah is all about miracles, being able to keep going long beyond what you envisioned possible. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for all the good things in your life.
So, today I'm thankful for food with lots of butter and herbs and yummy goodness! And for having food at all this year. There have been years in my life where food on the table was in question. And other years where our food went way beyond what we thought it would. Both have helped me to have an appreciation for those times when food is plentiful.
I'm also thankful for a muse who keeps me inspired with awesome story ideas, a life full of love and friendship, and a toy bag full of fun things to play with after dark!
And, of course, getting annoying music stuck in my husband's head. It's a special form of torture. Oops?
I wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving, and a wonderful Chanukah if you celebrate it!
Today I've made stuffing from scratch for the first time. I might have had some help from my hubby and my fantastic MIL. Yes, I have been blessed with an awesome MIL. We will also be having creamed onions, which I've never heard of before, using pearl onions. No doubt I will enjoy this (as I'm a fan of onions). Still, getting my hands all messy, breaking up bread, the enticing scents of sage and thyme...it was a lot of fun!
These two holidays are pretty special to me. Chanukah is all about miracles, being able to keep going long beyond what you envisioned possible. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for all the good things in your life.
So, today I'm thankful for food with lots of butter and herbs and yummy goodness! And for having food at all this year. There have been years in my life where food on the table was in question. And other years where our food went way beyond what we thought it would. Both have helped me to have an appreciation for those times when food is plentiful.
I'm also thankful for a muse who keeps me inspired with awesome story ideas, a life full of love and friendship, and a toy bag full of fun things to play with after dark!
And, of course, getting annoying music stuck in my husband's head. It's a special form of torture. Oops?
I wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving, and a wonderful Chanukah if you celebrate it!
November 25, 2013
Thanksgiving Thoughts - 5 Kinky Things
Thanksgiving is coming up, and I'm crafting a mish-mosh of things that I'm thankful for, and perhaps even an explanation why! It's sort of grade-school essay meets sexy-times. I'll be posting more this week about the holiday, but these things came to mind, and I thought I'd share them!
The 5 Kinky Things I'm Grateful For:
1. Paddles - They are thuddy, come in all shapes and sizes and materials, and are incredibly inspiring when it comes to stories! Also, they are a very nice reward. Or punishment, if one happens to have thumbtacks embedded in it. Thankfully, I've never been that bad.
2. Rope - Because being tied up is bliss. Going inside of yourself, going beyond the boundaries of flesh into something spiritual is amazing. Also, the stuff can smell really good, if you use hemp or jute (and accidentally left it in a bag with a packet of Big Red gum).
3. Pillows - You wouldn't think pillows would be kinky objects, but hold on a sec! Kneeling can be a pain in the knees without one. I mean, even with carpeting! "Sorry Master, can we hurry the blowjob along so I can get off my knees?" Yes, I see that going over very well. Plus, it can make a very nice present from Dom to sub, presenting her with her very own pillow for kneeling/sitting on the floor near him. It's a great way to get into a headspace.
4. Leather - Not just for kinky stuff! I will huff leather jackets and boots and pants and vests and purses...the scent is intoxicating. But also for cuffs, collars, and blindfolds...they are sturdy and comfortable when padded.
5. Floggers - In their many guises, they can be soft, sensuous toys, or intense, painful toys. Both kinds have their merits, and I've had the pleasure of experiencing both. Made of rope, leather, suede, and Fruit-by-the-Foot, they are an awesome addition to any toybag. (And edible, in the case of Fruit-by-the-Foot floggers!)
So guys, those are mine! What are some of the kinky things you love?
The 5 Kinky Things I'm Grateful For:
1. Paddles - They are thuddy, come in all shapes and sizes and materials, and are incredibly inspiring when it comes to stories! Also, they are a very nice reward. Or punishment, if one happens to have thumbtacks embedded in it. Thankfully, I've never been that bad.
2. Rope - Because being tied up is bliss. Going inside of yourself, going beyond the boundaries of flesh into something spiritual is amazing. Also, the stuff can smell really good, if you use hemp or jute (and accidentally left it in a bag with a packet of Big Red gum).
3. Pillows - You wouldn't think pillows would be kinky objects, but hold on a sec! Kneeling can be a pain in the knees without one. I mean, even with carpeting! "Sorry Master, can we hurry the blowjob along so I can get off my knees?" Yes, I see that going over very well. Plus, it can make a very nice present from Dom to sub, presenting her with her very own pillow for kneeling/sitting on the floor near him. It's a great way to get into a headspace.
4. Leather - Not just for kinky stuff! I will huff leather jackets and boots and pants and vests and purses...the scent is intoxicating. But also for cuffs, collars, and blindfolds...they are sturdy and comfortable when padded.
5. Floggers - In their many guises, they can be soft, sensuous toys, or intense, painful toys. Both kinds have their merits, and I've had the pleasure of experiencing both. Made of rope, leather, suede, and Fruit-by-the-Foot, they are an awesome addition to any toybag. (And edible, in the case of Fruit-by-the-Foot floggers!)
So guys, those are mine! What are some of the kinky things you love?
November 20, 2013
Feeding the Beast: Cover & Release Date!
I am very excited to announce that on December 15, 2013, my lesbian werewolf ménage Feeding the Beast will be released from Amber Quill Press!What is Feeding the Beast about, you might ask? Well, here's the blurb!
Naomi has always been one of the most submissive members of her pack. It is for that reason that she has received the honor of becoming the Stigma, a rank higher than any she could have expected, but one that requires a certain spirit in the one who serves. Marked by Eric, the Master of her pack, Naomi will serve through sex, blood, and the utter willingness to submit.
Jewel is the Mistress of the pack. Mated to Eric, she is now bound for months without being able to shift forms. Her inner-wolf must be given an outlet in order to maintain harmony in the pack. The Stigma feeds her beast, her soul, and tames what is otherwise untamable. Jewel must come together with Naomi in a partnership that requires no boundaries for her trapped wolf.
From bondage in the cabin, to erotic moonlit hunts through the woods, Jewel and Naomi take each other on a journey through the nights of the full moon. When the nights come to an end, Jewel has to decide whether Naomi is the best choice for feeding the beast within.
November 13, 2013
A (rather large) obsession with manlove
I love manlove in my fiction.
There. I said it. I'm sort of addicted to it. I have to have some of it at least every few days, or else. If it includes BDSM I'm even happier! I mean, what's better than a bunch of kinky men getting it on?
There is something very elemental in stories that have two men (or more!) involved, getting to know each other, and falling in love. And the sex is really awesome too. All that masculinity coming together is just delicious. I also like that there's more of a rough, push-pull aspect than what I see in traditional M/F fiction.
So, where did my obsession begin?
I became interested in fanfiction when I was younger, and my pairings of choice tended to be two men. Yaoi (for the sexy stuff), shonen-ai (for the romance), slash (for the non-anime), it was all men, all the time, and I was hooked right away. I liked some het fanfiction, but my heart was always with the boys.
Then I got older, and e-books came around. E-books that were longer, plottier, and sometimes more adventurous than the fanfiction I could find. Plus, then I got to know new characters, in interesting situations, which kept me involved in the story.
With my fanfiction writing, I wrote M/M, or M/M/F, exclusively. I find it kind of interesting that in my original writing, I've been led by characters in the direction of F/F, and F/F/M. It's a turnaround, but it's definitely been interesting! I have lots of fun with the women in my head. Wait...that sounded wrong... Anyway, I'm determined to get some manlove in my original stories, and that some kinky, hunky characters will make themselves known to me one of these fine days.
What about you guys? Is gay fiction a genre you enjoy? If so, who or what first hooked you in?
There. I said it. I'm sort of addicted to it. I have to have some of it at least every few days, or else. If it includes BDSM I'm even happier! I mean, what's better than a bunch of kinky men getting it on?
There is something very elemental in stories that have two men (or more!) involved, getting to know each other, and falling in love. And the sex is really awesome too. All that masculinity coming together is just delicious. I also like that there's more of a rough, push-pull aspect than what I see in traditional M/F fiction.
So, where did my obsession begin?
I became interested in fanfiction when I was younger, and my pairings of choice tended to be two men. Yaoi (for the sexy stuff), shonen-ai (for the romance), slash (for the non-anime), it was all men, all the time, and I was hooked right away. I liked some het fanfiction, but my heart was always with the boys.
Then I got older, and e-books came around. E-books that were longer, plottier, and sometimes more adventurous than the fanfiction I could find. Plus, then I got to know new characters, in interesting situations, which kept me involved in the story.
With my fanfiction writing, I wrote M/M, or M/M/F, exclusively. I find it kind of interesting that in my original writing, I've been led by characters in the direction of F/F, and F/F/M. It's a turnaround, but it's definitely been interesting! I have lots of fun with the women in my head. Wait...that sounded wrong... Anyway, I'm determined to get some manlove in my original stories, and that some kinky, hunky characters will make themselves known to me one of these fine days.
What about you guys? Is gay fiction a genre you enjoy? If so, who or what first hooked you in?
