C.J. Ellisson's Blog, page 4
August 19, 2011
Where to Begin?
To be honest, this all feels like a dream come true. Sure, sales may not last and people who don't like the sex may trash the books, but hey, I've learned I can't please everyone. If I keep writing what I like, which is apparently what a lot of you like as well, then I should be okay.
Thank You
I can't say it anymore eloquently than those two words, and yet they don't seem to be adequate. Can they convey the joy I feel when readers take a chance on the work of an unknown author? Do they imply the wealth of gratitude I have for them sharing my work with others? I'm not sure.
Simply put: If it wasn't for you and your support in my work there would be no point in writing.
I'm not your typical author. I don't write because there are voices in my head and I just have to get the story out. I don't spend hours on my craft because I have nothing better to do. I'm limited with what I can do while I'm undergoing medical treatment and if I can keep this career going strong then I'll continue even when I'm healthy.
My husband and I have joked that I need to build a "seethe" of my own. A large family of readers who enjoy my work and like to use the Internet to tell everyone about a book they've read. Would you like to join my seethe? I promise, only the vampires will bite ;-)
Speaking of vampires—lots of people have asked about Vivian's past. I had intended book four would cover her and Rafe's past (and maybe it still will), but right now I'm debating on just releasing the short stories on the Internet for free. Smart readers like yourself, who have come to my website, will be the ones "in the know".
If you'd like to read the first installment, taking us back to Vivian's time as a young Irish woman, then please click here for the beginning. I'm currently hard at work on book three, Big Game, and will keep you all posted on its completion and release date.
A few die-hard fans have asked for V V Inn merchandise. Like a bloodcoffee mug or t-shirts. I think it sounds like fun and if I do it, I'll set it up here on the site and donate profits to fighting Lyme Disease (one of the diseases I'm afflicted with). I don't anticipate there will be lots of profits, but any little bit will help the cause.
Wishing you all a terrific end of the summer!
~ C.J.
June 27, 2011
Romance Heroes vs Real Men
"I love you," he said softly, while leaning in to kiss her full lips.
"And I, you." Their tongues danced for many heartbeats before the two broke apart, ragged gasps filling the candlelit space. "Take me," she whispered as her eyes fluttered shut.
The broad-shouldered man pressed her gently back onto the bed, handling her like she was a precious treasure. The woman's chin tilted up, exposing her throat. Her lover nibbled a trail down her lilac scented neck, murmuring affections every few inches.
Work-roughened hands skimmed her sides before running up to cup her breasts. Grasping the neckline of her blouse, he pulled sharply, sending buttons flying across the room.
Cool air rushed across her heated skin. "Yes!" she cried, arching up for his touch.
"Tonight," he said, deep voice sending shivers up her spine, "I make you mine."
Whereas in real life, the evening might go something more like this:
Exhaustion weighs me down as I sink onto the couch. The dog expels an exaggerated sigh before shifting to lean against my thigh. The kids are finally in bed, allowing Pete and I to watch one of our favorite shows. Images flash across the screen as I try to lose myself in the opening recap.
Do we have milk for the morning? Should I take something out of the freezer for dinner tomorrow? Crap, did I throw that last load of laundry over?
A mild rap hits the back of my skull, bringing me back to the here and now.
"Oh," my husband says in a distracted tone. "Sorry."
"Would it kill you to keep the remote on the couch rather than try and change the volume from behind my head?"
The long bit of plastic lands on the cushion next to me, disturbing the snoring dog – my sharp tone already forgotten by my easy-going man. I shoot him an exasperated look, but he's absorbed in the beginning of the show and my effort is wasted.
Ignoring his lack of response, I relax and focus on the sexy Winchester men wielding guns, brandishing knives, and occasionally going shirtless. Soon, the action and excitement pull me in and I'm lost in the Supernatural world.
At the end, a light touch skims my knee. I glance at my husband, who has a hopeful glint in his eye. "So, are you up for a little fun later or are you too tired?"
He knows me well; those Winchester brothers never fail to get me thinking. A smirk pulls one corner of my mouth up. "Maybe."
He waggles his eyebrows, looking a little like a fool. "Think you can rally?"
I lean toward him and he meets me halfway across the dog. Our mouths touch in a brief peck while laughter dances in my eyes. "I can if you can, old man."
"You're on," he says while grabbing the remote to shut off the TV.
As we lock up and get ready for the morning in companionable silence, he stops behind me and plants a kiss on my bare neck. A spark of love, lust, and hope zings through me.
It may not be loud fireworks with lots of flash, but I'll take it any day of the week… and come clamoring back for more.
~~*~~
Snark, love, loyalty, and commitment – or, as I like to call it, hot monogamy. That's what I write about: Real life, believable characters, occasional sarcasm, and scorching liaisons.
Well… except for the vampire stories. But hey, I bet if they were real they'd be snarky and sexy, too. ;-)
Cheers,
C.J.
