Jocelyn Modo's Blog, page 14

Ravenous Nights Reading Series in NY

In June Ravenous Nights celebrates the thrill of love, lust, and the longer days of summer. Join Lori Perkins, the hostest with the mostest, as authors Hope Tarr, Rob Byrnes, and Isobel Kelly read stories of blooming desire and summer romance.

There will be door prizes!

The Ravenous Nights reading series celebrates erotica and erotic romance the first Friday of every month.  Sponsored by erotic romance e-book publisher, Ravenous Romance, and hosted by its editorial director, Lori Perkins, Ravenous Nights spotlights authors and their works with readings, door prizes, and endless enthusiasm for hot, steamy fiction.

Event details:  June 3rd 8 to 10 pm.
Free. Dress: street casual.
Happy Ending Lounge
302 Broome Street
New York, NY
http://www.happyendinglounge.com/

Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

Poetry / Flash Fiction Contest

Check out this contest from Scribophile. Sounds like so much fun!!

Win $100 in the free Contemporary Photography Writing Contest!
I'm really excited to announce this one—this contest is so swollen with prize money that it's barely managing to not overload our poor Scribophile server.

In a first for a Scribophile contest, this one has TWO first prizes and TWO second prizes. That means that there'll be FOUR winners of cold, hard cash—we have a total of $300 to give away!
Without further ado, the details:

Fee: Free

1st Prize: $100 cash via Paypal for best flash fiction; $100 cash via Paypal for the best poem.

2nd Prize: $50 cash via Paypal for the 2nd best flash fiction; $50 cash via Paypal for the 2nd best poem.

Closing Date: June 30, 2011

For this contest you're going to find inspiration in a contemporary photograph: Pedro Meyer's photo Grandma's Picture (have a look here, scroll down to see it). Write EITHER a piece of flash fiction of under 1000 words OR a poem of between 50 and 500 words inspired by this photograph. Everything else is up to you—be creative!

There's going to be four winners of cash prizes of this contest, so make sure to get your entries in before time runs out!

Read more at the contest page: http://www.scribophile.com/contests/contemporary-photography-contest/.


Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

Interview with Amy Romine

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming author Amy Romine to Meta Modo. Her latest novel, Fallout , is out today by Extasy Books. It's the third in a wonderful series, following Backlash  and Shockwave . Welcome, Amy!

http://t.co/WysTsBiCan you tell us the premise of your new book and how you came up with the idea?  Tarot Two of Wands – Fallout is Book 3 in my Tarot series.  The idea for the books and the series (which is three books all connected and a continuing story) came from a local radio morning team. Their chemistry was dynamic and a story formed from there.  The main character and the supporting character are based on the radio personalities. It was also a chance to delve into the world of radio. 
Can you share what the book is about: Our hero and heroine, Jack Tucker and Kate Weiss have been through a lot. In Book 3, Fallout , is the culmination of the three books.  Jack Tucker, a radio personality and Kate Weiss, Special Agent with the FBI, were brought together by their mutual friend, Mike Turner.

Jack and Kate have had their challenges but when Mike is murdered, they are brought back together. The forces that killed Mike are now after Kate and Jack.  As they struggle to weed through the lies and get to the truth, the choices get harder. They soon realize that they are in over their heads, and there is no guarantee either of them will come out alive.

What's one scene from this story you loved writing and why? My favorite scene to write in this book was the when Kate is teaching Jack how to shoot a gun.  It is tense, and oddly tender.  They are in a difficult position, facing the reality of what is happening to them. The exchange is subtle, honest and tense.

Name 3-4 of your favorite musical artists/groups. Did you use any musical references in your novel? If so, do they play a significant role? Music always plays a huge role in all of my writing. For the Tarot series,  I listened to Train "drops of Jupiter", Cher (Jack's favorite), Matchbox 20 (Ever the Same).  I am a very eclectic music listener.  I listen to everything from Eminem, to Garth Brooks, to Neil Diamond to the Who to Metallica.  I can be inspired by a lyric, a voice and a melody.  I never know what it will be or when.

What's one piece of writing advice you've found valuable on your journey to publication?  The most important thing is simple persistence, before, during, and after you get published. You have to be determined and never give up or you will fail. You have to keep moving toward the next book, the next blog, the next promotion the next interview.  That is the only way to get exposure and exposure is the only way people are going to know you exist.

Do you pay attention to book reviews? If so, has there been any particular review that made your heart do a little dance? My books so far have started as one novel and broken into sets of three each so it is hard to get reviewers to review the whole series. Which, in my case you have to do. My books are an ongoing story, so the next book begins right where the last ended.  With that in mind I was thrilled when someone actually read all three and raved about them!What's next for you? Is there a new book in the pipeline?Yes, I have two Novellas due to be release and I have three WIP's in the pan at the moment.  One takes place in a world of magic and dragons, the next is a spy romantic thriller and the last is a paranormal romantic suspense about a group of children that go missing, the cop trying to find them, and the woman trying to save them.

Okay, enough of the fluff. Let's get down to the serious questions…If you could be anyone you wanted, who would it be? Yikes, Wow tough question…uh…I am torn so Katherine Hepburn or Nicole Kidman

If you had to get a tattoo, what would you get and why? I would get the sign of eternity on my lower back, cheesy I know but it means something to me.

What is your most embarrassing moment? When I bought tickets for my whole family (extended as well nieces, nephews the whole lot) to go to the circus and it turned out to the be "Spanish day" the whole thing was in Spanish.

What is one food that makes you gag?  Liver
Have you ever known anyone who can touch their nose with their tongue?  Yes, my hubby.

What is your favorite word?  Plethora

What is your strangest habit?  Moving my hands in my sleep, my hubby and son swear I do this. They think I am speaking in sign language or making shadow puppets. LOL!

Painted toenails.... yes or no?  Yes and No, I like painted toes but I can never afford a manicure and a pedicure. No one sees my toes so I skip them in preference for the tips and a French manicure.
 


Thanks so much for the interview, Amy! I had a great time getting to know a little bit about you.

Grrls, here are a few links you can find Amy Romine at:

Suspense for The Romantic HeartRed Lipstick JournalsAuthors of Red Lipstick JournalsBellaOnline - Prime Time TV EditorAffiliate Author _ Alternative Reads
Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Yadkny, the winner of my latest release Paradise Moon!

About the story:

When Kiana landed both her dream job and her dream man, she should have known her luck was going to run out sooner rather than later. After months of doing both job and man, she's fallen in love…but he's just in lust. And that's not enough for her anymore. Arguably the galaxy's most eligible bachelor, Alix Como has been burned by so many ex-girlfriends he no longer trusts any woman he invites into his bed. But somehow Kiana is different. He wants desperately to trust her—if he hasn't already run out of time.

Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

Queen Bee...or, um Dragon

Oooo, grrrls, you're gonna thank me for posting this one!
Sci fi romance The Last Queen by Christine Mckay is so kick ass you can't possibly pass on it. Check out the awesome blurb:

Top ten ways to know you're an alien Queen:

10. You can stop a runaway plane, crack glass and manipulate objects with the sheer strength of your will.9. Under a black light, your skin phosphors with a webwork of scales.8. Thirteen hunky shapeshifting male aliens can't wait to meet you, and in order to save their dying race, they all want to sleep with you.7. A pack of supernatural hounds and their master, the Hunter, are trying to kill you. And they will not cease until you're dead.6. A muscular, perfectly proportioned, male alien shapeshifts into a dragon before your eyes and speaks to you via mind speech. He thinks you're destined to be his mate.5. Your alter ego is a dragon. And yes, you can fly.4. The FBI thinks you're a terrorist and assigns a special paranormal task force to deal with you.3. When you become pregnant, you find yourself carrying not one but twenty-four babies.2. Did I mention your babies hatch from eggs?1. Your name is Adrianne Harris and you're the last queen of an alien race, the Dragoon. Their fate is in your claws.
Warning! If you read the rockin' excerpt there's no turning back.

Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

Manic Monday Good-bye

It's Manic Monday and my sisters just left after a week long visit so I thought using the word "Good-bye" in my free write this morning might get me back on the tracks.

Good-bye. I say it again. And you two cry as if it is a sin, abandonment. You go teary-eyed. Two cry but I stay solid. Your visit was sublime and I am reminded of our childhood when we three sisters stood for each other side by side by side. We did not hide from home. So even through you two have flown back to other lives—your eyes liquid, wild—I remain unbroken, knowing what you forget every time we say good-bye: we three are inseparable, untouchable, irrepressible with linked arms and joined laughter or millions of arm-lengths apart. The joy we know as sisters knows no limits. When we part we are not apart.
Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

Heart Search Birthday

I just realized that Heart Search by fave author Robin D. Owens is planned to be released on my birthday, August 2nd. Finally a reason to be happy about turning another year older. ♪Happy birthday to me!♫ The stars are aligning and I am claiming my magical, magnificent, manic life this year.

Here's the description of Heart Search:

Laev T'Hawthorn -- one of the highest nobles in the land -- must rebuild his life after a devastating mistake. He married a woman he believed was his HeartMate, only to learn she was a greedy social climber. She callously used him, stealing his family heirlooms. He is determined to reclaim all that he has lost -- beginning with his self-respect.

Abandoned at fifteen, Camellia Darjeeling values her independence above all. She's fought to establish her own businesses -- elegant tearooms -- only to have her father and uncle re-enter her life. They emotionally scourge her and extort money. Trusting men, even her HeartMate, is too risky.

When Laev and Camellia meet, they refuse to acknowledge that they are true HeartMates. After her shady relatives are implicated in the theft of Laev's property, Camellia and Laev's lives become ever more entangled bringing each to the brink of despair and passion...and a destiny they can no longer avoid.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ooo, I am drooling...can't wait for my birthday present!

Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

EPIC ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF ITS YEARLY COMPETITIONS

EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition™ is proud to announce the opening of its yearly contests for electronically published authors and young writers.

EPIC's *eBook** Competition™* is the oldest competition honoring eBooks and the ePublishing industry and is a premier event for authors and publishing houses. This competition opens for entries June 1 and closes July 15.

"Literacy is close to the hearts of EPIC members and we are very proud of our *New Voices Young Writers Competition™*. It is the perfect forum for young people to learn the versatility of eBooks and to experience a taste of the ePublishing world," states Competitions Chair, Debi Sullivan. The
competition encourages young people, whether in public, private or home-based schools, to read and write, to interact with their surroundings and explore their imagination. To enter, young writers need to be eleven (11) to eighteen (18) years of age. The *New Voices Young Writers Competition™* opens for entries August 1 and closes October 20. Continuing to inspire young people to be involved in all aspects of electronic publishing, EPIC also invites young artists (ages 11 to 18) to enter the *New Voices Cover Art Competition™*.  Artwork must be produced by any electronic method of pen, pencil, and ink, and entered in a JPG format. This competition opens for entries August 1 and closes October 20.

EPIC's *ARIANA Art Competition™* celebrates art from imaginative and eye-catching eBook covers with this prestigious award for superlative ePublishing artwork, applauding the finest artwork of eBook publishing.  This competition opens for entries June 1 and closes July 15.

EPIC's annual conference*, EPICon**™*, invites industry professionals to share the latest eIndustry information, hone writing and editing skills, and explore new markets and promotional ideas. Keynote luncheon speakers range from world-renowned authors to established publishing houses to eBook and
print agents.

EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition™ was established in 1997 and is a global organization of published authors and industry-related professionals who actively advocate continuing education and further enlightenment of electronic publications. For more information about the
competitions and annual conference, please visit http://www.epicorg.com.

Contact:
-- Celia Kyle
Public Relations, EPIC

Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

S stands for...sexy

I just learned of the mysterious and stone cold sexy "S" through a friend of a friend. Check his story out:

Left bruised and brokenhearted after a cruel breakup, Vivienne Bennet finds herself mired in a world of self-doubt. To her surprise, she receives an email that challenges her to rediscover the sensual woman she once was. Together Vivienne and the enigmatic man known only as S embark upon the world of anonymous Internet communication where suggestive emails lead to erotic chat, where cybersex leads to Skype, and C2C sends both into the arms of a love they'd believed lost forever.

Grrrls, you all know what a sucker I am for a great love story, and S...well, let's just say I couldn't get him outta my mind. Luckily, this grrl had an in that landed me an interview with enigmatic S. Check it:
Welcome to Meta Modo. Uh…do you prefer S or…?S: Yes, S is fine for now.



So S, tell me a little about yourself.S: (chuckles) I'm rather dull actually.



Dull? That's not what I've heard. Rumor has it you're quite the sexy man.S: Careful, you'll make me blush. (He grins) Well, let me see. I live and work in Chicago. I'm an architect there. I have a dog named Roscoe...



Are you currently in a relationship?S: I hope to be soon. I've met an amazing woman online. We've only spoken through email though I hope in time her comfort will grow enough to allow for chat. I sense she's been hurt badly in the past and is most likely afraid of being hurt again because she tends to hold back… I'd love to talk with her in real time instead of waiting for emails to go back and forth.



Oh? What is it that makes her an amazing woman?S: Her extremely intelligent mind. To me the most sensual attribute a woman has is her mind. V is different from just about anyone I've ever known. She's lovely. No, more than that. She's both artist and art. In those emails she chooses her palette of words carefully and paints her descriptions with such precision. Because of that detail, I see every inch of her in my mind's eye, I see every action she describes. More than that, I see the wildly sensuous creature she is inside.



Care to expand that thought?S: I'm a man as any other. (His green eyes sparkle) Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all the physical gifts a woman cares to share as deeply as I enjoy returning the pleasure. Honestly Jocelyn, it's a struggle to think of anything else some days! To me, a sensual woman's detail-oriented mind is absolutely fascinating. It draws me in and ignites all else.



Along those lines, what ignites you? S: (He laughs) I think you'll get a blush out of me yet Jocelyn.



An example then – the perfect tinder to ignite the fire.S: It would have to be kissing to begin. The kisses themselves are the smallest bits of tinder – warm sweet lips that deepen and encourage mindless abandon to follow. I've read your writing, you know the sort of kisses I'm speaking of.



I do. What else goes onto your pyre?S: (his smile widens) When lips and hands can no longer contain themselves, they roam eager to touch all they can. They may grasp or nip, palms may fill, mouths may suckle… each small sensation laying tinder down for the conflagration to come. A slow undressing comes next, inch by inch revealing what smoldering kisses and warm hands have wrought. Smooth skin takes on a blush of excitement, soft nipples get hard, pupils dilate, pulse quickens and breathing comes in shallow pants. Fully uncovered now, shows silken thighs glistening while man has become steel. When lovers come together to create this fire their bodies and minds change, this is true alchemy.

Hands and lips explore unhindered now and heat and scent come in shimmering waves. Thus begins the need to devour, the need, yes need to consume the offering the other has deliciously laid before you so you may lick and taste and raise the heat even more. Fingers and tongues explore. Every bit consumed is given back and when mind and body join, the pyre ignites.  Only then are the lovers swept up in the firestorm, only then do they rise like the phoenix to be reborn in each other's arms.



Wow, it's warm in here.S: Thanks for this opportunity Jocelyn. If you think of anything else don't hesitate to email. (The smile lights the green fire in his eyes).


Thank you, S . It has definitely been my pleasure!


Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com

CMP Memorial Day Bash

Crescent Moon PressMemorial Day Weekend Bash!
Three Day Blog Tour
May 24th, 25th & 26th
Prizes at every stop
Grand Prize Nook or Kindle, Your Choice
Every stop along the way will have a posted quest
Sign up for the newsletter or blog
Email your quest answer to the author to enter for great prizes.
Complete all blog tour stops to enter into the grand prize drawing
A Nook or Kindle, Your Choice
BONUS a dozen digital books
Full itinerary will be posted here on the CMP blog .
All stops must be completed to qualify for the Grand Prize.
You can join the games late. All quests must be completed by May 26th end of day.
All Winners Posted on CMP blog by June 4th.
http://crescentmoonpress.com/blog/
Love, light, and laughter!
Jocelyn Modo
www.jocelynmodo.com