Eden Winters's Blog, page 13
November 25, 2018
The things in my office...
I'm still getting used to my new office, but one of the first things I did upon moving in was fill the space with things dear to me.
One of the most noticeable is a framed print by Paul Richmond entitled "Sanctuary."
As a child and teenager I never quite fit in. I felt awkward, unaccepted, and out of place most of the time. The one place I could hide from the world and the bullies was my bedroom, where I kept treasures dear to my heart that others might throw out as trash.
My little corner of the world, where I could be myself, lose myself in thought and ponder the big questions of life, and become who I was meant to be. There I didn't have to explain myself, didn't have to keep quiet, didn't have to pretend I was something I wasn't.
Didn't have to work twice as hard to be thought half as good.
For those reasons and many more, Paul's painting spoke to me. Looking at the image I feel a sense of peace.
I'd like to share this with you. May you find the same restfulness that I do.
For more of Paul Richmond's incredible work, visit his studio website.
One of the most noticeable is a framed print by Paul Richmond entitled "Sanctuary."
As a child and teenager I never quite fit in. I felt awkward, unaccepted, and out of place most of the time. The one place I could hide from the world and the bullies was my bedroom, where I kept treasures dear to my heart that others might throw out as trash.
My little corner of the world, where I could be myself, lose myself in thought and ponder the big questions of life, and become who I was meant to be. There I didn't have to explain myself, didn't have to keep quiet, didn't have to pretend I was something I wasn't.
Didn't have to work twice as hard to be thought half as good.
For those reasons and many more, Paul's painting spoke to me. Looking at the image I feel a sense of peace.
I'd like to share this with you. May you find the same restfulness that I do.
For more of Paul Richmond's incredible work, visit his studio website.
November 22, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving each November, I wish you all a wonderful day full of love, family, and friends.
Know that I am grateful for each and every one of you.
Know that I am grateful for each and every one of you.
November 20, 2018
We have a blurb!
I know, I know, it's taken me forever to get Suspicion (Diversion 7) ready. I'm sorry, but I hope readers will appreciated the extra time and effort.
So, it's with great pleasure that I give you the blurb!
***
Lucky “Simon Harrison” Lucklighter left behind his criminal past to become one of the best agents in the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. He’s found a committed partner in fellow agent Bo Schollenberger and built a life.
Now, enemies within the SNB and a friend’s betrayal leave him nowhere to turn—not even to his mentor.
His boss’s life, the future of the SNB, and Lucky’s career depend on him. With the help of his lover, an old enemy turned ally, and a man Lucky thought he’d seen the last of, he must stand and fight for what he believes in.
Even if he has to step outside the law.
***
Stay tuned for the upcoming cover reveal and publishing date.
So, it's with great pleasure that I give you the blurb!
***
Lucky “Simon Harrison” Lucklighter left behind his criminal past to become one of the best agents in the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. He’s found a committed partner in fellow agent Bo Schollenberger and built a life.
Now, enemies within the SNB and a friend’s betrayal leave him nowhere to turn—not even to his mentor.
His boss’s life, the future of the SNB, and Lucky’s career depend on him. With the help of his lover, an old enemy turned ally, and a man Lucky thought he’d seen the last of, he must stand and fight for what he believes in.
Even if he has to step outside the law.
***
Stay tuned for the upcoming cover reveal and publishing date.
November 16, 2018
Being Recognized
I've been writing and publishing for about ten years now (OMG! Has it been that long!) and have attended quite a few author events and other venues where I am Eden the Author. Recently I've discovered the totally new experience of being recognized as Eden the Author in my everyday life.
It's kind of a shock the first few times someone approaches you, having discovered your work online and figuring out, "I know her!" because unless I'm in writer mode, I'm totally not expecting a conversation about books, or being able to relax a little bit and show more of who I am.
But what's really awesome is when the person opens up about liking "a variety of genres" which usually means they're open-minded about what they read. That's good, because I'm very opened minded about what I write. And read. And, just, in general.
On another level, it's a little taste of GRL, bonding with someone who enjoys the same books I do. And while this latest conversation caught me off guard, having taken place at work, it left me smiling and with a spark of connection with the coworker.
There's nothing as wonderful as having someone say, text, email, or Facebook you "I liked your book."
Without readers there'd be no need to write and I'd theoretically have all kinds of time on my hands I wouldn't know what to do with.
I'd probably get into trouble.
It's kind of a shock the first few times someone approaches you, having discovered your work online and figuring out, "I know her!" because unless I'm in writer mode, I'm totally not expecting a conversation about books, or being able to relax a little bit and show more of who I am.
But what's really awesome is when the person opens up about liking "a variety of genres" which usually means they're open-minded about what they read. That's good, because I'm very opened minded about what I write. And read. And, just, in general.
On another level, it's a little taste of GRL, bonding with someone who enjoys the same books I do. And while this latest conversation caught me off guard, having taken place at work, it left me smiling and with a spark of connection with the coworker.
There's nothing as wonderful as having someone say, text, email, or Facebook you "I liked your book."
Without readers there'd be no need to write and I'd theoretically have all kinds of time on my hands I wouldn't know what to do with.
I'd probably get into trouble.
November 13, 2018
What's in a Word - Spoken vs Written
I've only started into the wonderful world of audio books, having just released Diversion (Diversion Book 1) on audio, along with short story Highway Man. Both were performed by the talented Darcy Stark.
Next up? Collusion (Diversion 2) releasing later this month in audio, and Suspicion (Diversion 7) soon to release in e-book and print.
Audio gives a new twist to points of view and verbiage, as different people pronounce words and names differently, and readers seem to cultivate images in their heads of the characters in books, including what their voices sound like.
Also, tags and beats become extremely important. In print or e-books there are paragraphs to guide readers and help them keep up during conversations. Not so in audio. A skilled narrator can navigate the pitfalls, but occasionally when listening to a book, I can't keep up.
So, since launching audio-books into the world I've learned to be much more careful in writing, bearing in mind what it will sound like when someone reads.
And that not everyone can grasp the subtle nuances of the accent and southernisms I swear I don't have.
Next up? Collusion (Diversion 2) releasing later this month in audio, and Suspicion (Diversion 7) soon to release in e-book and print.
Audio gives a new twist to points of view and verbiage, as different people pronounce words and names differently, and readers seem to cultivate images in their heads of the characters in books, including what their voices sound like.
Also, tags and beats become extremely important. In print or e-books there are paragraphs to guide readers and help them keep up during conversations. Not so in audio. A skilled narrator can navigate the pitfalls, but occasionally when listening to a book, I can't keep up.
So, since launching audio-books into the world I've learned to be much more careful in writing, bearing in mind what it will sound like when someone reads.
And that not everyone can grasp the subtle nuances of the accent and southernisms I swear I don't have.
November 9, 2018
What I'm Reading - Vasily the Beautiful by Angel Martinez
Sorry about my recent absence, but I hope my lack of computer time will be more than worth it when Suspicion (Diversion 5) publishes. I've got my fingers crossed for late November or early December.
Until then, I'd like to share a book with you that I found fascinating.
Now, before reading this book I had never heard the fairy tale Vasilia the Beautiful, but wondered if there was some symbolism in the white, red, and black-clad bikers.
There was.
After reading, and listening to, mostly comedies from this author, Vassily the Beautiful was a bit of a departure, much, much more serious than anti-grav cows and space demons, or cats in boots. However, the story grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go.
I'll admit that the beginning had me worrying how dark it would go, and could I take it (I had my heart totally broken) but then the story turned around and victim became victor.
Angel Martinez is one of my favorite authors, and books like this one, and all the others I've read of hers, explain why. Well thought out, unique, and riveting.
And if you ever get the opportunity to meet her in person at conventions, you'll come to love her and her work all the more.
Now, back to the book.
What an odd choice, to redo an old classic fairy tale and set in in a sci-fi world, but it works. It really works. As did the characters for their HEA, or at least HFN.
I have just one burning question:
What really happened to Vasily's father?
Until then, I'd like to share a book with you that I found fascinating.
Now, before reading this book I had never heard the fairy tale Vasilia the Beautiful, but wondered if there was some symbolism in the white, red, and black-clad bikers.
There was.
After reading, and listening to, mostly comedies from this author, Vassily the Beautiful was a bit of a departure, much, much more serious than anti-grav cows and space demons, or cats in boots. However, the story grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go.
I'll admit that the beginning had me worrying how dark it would go, and could I take it (I had my heart totally broken) but then the story turned around and victim became victor.
Angel Martinez is one of my favorite authors, and books like this one, and all the others I've read of hers, explain why. Well thought out, unique, and riveting.
And if you ever get the opportunity to meet her in person at conventions, you'll come to love her and her work all the more.
Now, back to the book.
What an odd choice, to redo an old classic fairy tale and set in in a sci-fi world, but it works. It really works. As did the characters for their HEA, or at least HFN.
I have just one burning question:
What really happened to Vasily's father?
October 15, 2018
GRL Day 1
Bear and I arrived yesterday evening, settled in, and found a nearby restaurant to eat, Roger Brown's Restaurant and Sports Bar. He had a cheeseburger too large to finish, and French fries. I had vegetarian tacos. Tasty, but spicy.
This morning we took a stroll through the historic district of Portsmouth, VA.
Such gorgeous architecture, and some of the homeowners even chatted with us. I've never seen so many friendly folks, when even the guy in the pickup truck waiting for me to cross the road said "Good morning."
I've run into some other GRL folks here, and can't wait to see more.
This morning we took a stroll through the historic district of Portsmouth, VA.
Such gorgeous architecture, and some of the homeowners even chatted with us. I've never seen so many friendly folks, when even the guy in the pickup truck waiting for me to cross the road said "Good morning."
I've run into some other GRL folks here, and can't wait to see more.
October 13, 2018
GRL Bound!
Today I'm packing up to head to Portsmouth, VA and GayRomLit! Yes, I'm going up early, hoping to catch up with friends I only get to see once per year, and to meet new ones. It's hard to describe GRL to someone who hasn't experienced it for themselves, but mostly it's a meeting of what we call "the tribe," a group of like-minded people connected by their love of LGBT romance.
I've met some folks there who are now great friends I speak to online frequently, but not merely in the capacity of author. There I'm just another book lover, who alternates between reading passages from her upcoming novel, to fangirling all over favorite authors and begging to know when the next installment of their series will release.
I've danced, dressed in costumes, discussed scenes over dinner, and once even took a tour of the surrounding area while an author pointed out where her character lived, showed me the diner where he met his love interest, the late night hardware store that figures into the story... Well, I'm sure you get the idea.
I don't have a new release to show off this time, but Suspicion (Diversion 7), is close enough to publishing that I can talk it up.
But mostly, I'll hug, smile till my face hurts, and feel like I've just come home.
I've met some folks there who are now great friends I speak to online frequently, but not merely in the capacity of author. There I'm just another book lover, who alternates between reading passages from her upcoming novel, to fangirling all over favorite authors and begging to know when the next installment of their series will release.
I've danced, dressed in costumes, discussed scenes over dinner, and once even took a tour of the surrounding area while an author pointed out where her character lived, showed me the diner where he met his love interest, the late night hardware store that figures into the story... Well, I'm sure you get the idea.
I don't have a new release to show off this time, but Suspicion (Diversion 7), is close enough to publishing that I can talk it up.
But mostly, I'll hug, smile till my face hurts, and feel like I've just come home.
October 9, 2018
MFM Menage Sale!
Saying Yes, a mfm menage by my alter-ego Edie Sommers, is now on sale here at Amazon!
My next-door neighbors, hotter than hell Jack and quietly luscious Andy, have a parade of women coming by, but fire up the grill for hot dogs with me. I'd take one of them in a heartbeat, if they'd ever ask. Or both—a girl can dream.
What did I ever do to wind up in the friend zone?
Now the guys want to change that, want me to date both of them and decide which one I want to keep. Easy enough, right?
There’s a slight problem. They’re twins, and choosing one might mean losing the other as a friend.
And I love them both.
My next-door neighbors, hotter than hell Jack and quietly luscious Andy, have a parade of women coming by, but fire up the grill for hot dogs with me. I'd take one of them in a heartbeat, if they'd ever ask. Or both—a girl can dream.
What did I ever do to wind up in the friend zone?
Now the guys want to change that, want me to date both of them and decide which one I want to keep. Easy enough, right?
There’s a slight problem. They’re twins, and choosing one might mean losing the other as a friend.
And I love them both.
September 24, 2018
Countdown to GRL
Only a few more weeks until GRL! I'm attending as a featured author and I'm:
1) Looking forward to seeing my literary family.
2) Anxiously eyeing the mailbox for last minute books.
3) Getting swag together.
4) Planning what to take.
5) Hoping work doesn't put pressure on me to cancel my annual "vacation."
and....
drumroll, please....
PD Singer and I have a little something planned for Friday night. Details later.
I've got lots and lots of swag this year, so if you're at GRL, please stop by and see me. I'll post pictures of the swag later.
1) Looking forward to seeing my literary family.
2) Anxiously eyeing the mailbox for last minute books.
3) Getting swag together.
4) Planning what to take.
5) Hoping work doesn't put pressure on me to cancel my annual "vacation."
and....
drumroll, please....
PD Singer and I have a little something planned for Friday night. Details later.
I've got lots and lots of swag this year, so if you're at GRL, please stop by and see me. I'll post pictures of the swag later.
