Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 489
May 31, 2012
Guest Blogger: Desiree Holt
Note: Leave a comment. One lucky person will a print copy of my best seller Joy Ride.
First of all, thanks to Delilah for hosting me today. She’s been one of my aspirational authors from the day I joined my RWA chapter and met her. The lady knows how to turn a fine word!
When writing a villain in an erotic romance the question always sits there as to how totally bad the villain should be. And is he or she a major player in the story or just a means to an end.
The dictionary defines a villain as an evil character in a story. The villain usually is usually referred to as the antagonist the character who tends to have a negative effect on other characters. A villain is “a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime; scoundrel; or a character in a play, novel, or the like, who constitutes an important evil agency in the plot.”
When I was creating the villain for Out of Control he was definitely not a deliciously wicked person. In fact, he’s the kind of person you want to shoot on site. He’s a major, major player in the story, because the history of his interaction with the heroine is the pivot on which the entire story turns.
“He sat in his den, pouring another shot of his favorite, aged whiskey, hoping it would calm his nerves. His hand trembled slightly as he lifted the glass to his lips again.
The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat, but it was a good sensation of heat. Comforting. Settling his jittery nerves. Last night’s little…adventure…had soothed him for a while but seeing her again this morning had jacked him up again. Brought all those tiny lovelies back again.
She had returned, his elusive little flower. This morning, he’d seen her entering Cole Landry’s office. So sweet, just like he remembered.
He’d Googled Dana Moretti last night on the computer, and the face looking back at him made his blood run hot all over again. He’d never forgotten his little Carrie. She’d been special. The only one who hadn’t cried out. The only one who’d struggled against him, turning him on with her odd sense of bravery. Now she was back. Finally. After all these years. She wasn’t getting away from him again. Not this time.”
And the heroine. The fear he instilled has been with her for most of her life. How would she feel being back in the place where her life took a turn for the worse with the villain still at large? What effect would it have on her digging into the files of the other crimes, ones where the victims hadn’t been lucky enough to escape as she had?
“She studied the screen on her laptop. The notes she’d transferred from her study of the case files stared back at her. There was nothing dressed up about the facts. They were brutal. Gruesome, even, and very explicit. The deputies who’d found the bodies had left nothing to the imagination. The pictures they conjured were like something out of a torture chamber.
A shiver skittered over her spine as she felt the ghost touch of those calloused fingers probing her body, heard Kylie’s high-pitched little screams. Remembered the terrible pain. Felt the tape ripped from her mouth and strange hands trying to be gentle with her.
When she’d seen Kylie’s body, she’d thrown her head back and screamed so long and hard her throat ended up raw for days. She’d fought to get to her sister, but other hands restrained her, voices tried to soothe her, and finally the sting of a needle had plunged her into blackness.
Now, with each case she examined, she relived it over and over again. Her stomach convulsed, and once more, she felt like throwing up.”
And then of course I needed a hero who was heroic enough to balance the villain, because I’d taken a chance and made the villain a totally despicable person.
“She was still rocking when she heard sirens in the background and the squealing of tires as a car–maybe more than one–pulled up behind her. Then her door was yanked open and Cole was crouching beside her, unbuckling her seat belt, putting one arm around her and smoothing back her hair.
“It’s okay.” His voice was calm and reassuring. “It’s okay, Dana. I’ll take care of whatever it is.”
He reached over her to pull the keys from the ignition. She was peripherally aware that he handed them over to someone behind him and was talking to him, swearing under his breath before he turned back to her.
“Dana? Listen to me. I’m here and you’re safe now. I’m going to help you out of this car, okay?”
She felt as if she was walking through water as she uncurled herself from the seat and let Cole help her stand. She leaned into him, drawing on his strength. The last time she’d fallen apart like this she was seven years old. That’s how old she felt right now.
“The house,” she moaned into his chest. “It’s not even mine. Cole, who would do something like this?”
He stroked her hair, his arms still around her. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
Out of Control is the story of a woman who survived the attack of a predator when she was seven years old, the only survivor of his crime spree. She’s battled emotional lockdown all her life and now realizes she can’t go forward unless she deals with the past. Back in the small town where it started she encounters hostility from people who want to keep it swept under the rug, and a sheriff, a former Marine, who is the first man in years she’s not afraid of. Check out a couple of the reviews:
Fallen Angel Reviews gave it a Recommended Read: I applaud Desiree Holt for creating a serial killer that even now still blows my mind away and how badly Dana just wanted to be normal like every other woman. The killer is still loose and the killings that occur in the book just prove how devious and clever Desiree Holt’s brain can become.
From Sizzling Hot Books: While tastefully and accurately written, Out Of Control might be a little gritty for some people. But, if you are looking for a story to keep you on the edge of your seat and maybe cause you to tear up a time or two, pick up Out Of Control and join Dana and Cole on their journey.
And from Seriously Reviewed: The scenes are well written, with compassion and feeling. The sex scenes are descriptive yet leave enough to the imagination to make them believable. Carrie/Dana is such an amazingly well written character with depth, feeling and believability. With everything that she has been through and all the baggage that she carries around with her also gives her the lovability factor.
Where can you find Out of Control? It’s available at all online bookstores and from Amazon and The Wild Rose Press also in print as well as ebook.
Where can you find me?
www.desireeholt.com
www.desireeholttellsall.com (UNDER MY HAT)
Twitter: @desireeholt
Facebook: Desiree Holt
And check out my publishers: Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, Decadent Publishing and Total-e-bound.
May 30, 2012
Guest Blogger: Corrina Lawson
I can tell you that question occupies far too much of a romance writer’s mental space. 
We all know the usual responses:
1.It has to be true and specific to the characters.
2. It should be a part of their emotional as well as physical attraction.
3. There should be a reason for the sex itself to be on the page.
But the deep dark secret is that we all want something we haven’t seen before. A tall order for a writer but since I want that as a reader too, I spend a lot of time thinking about that extra special thing I can add without losing the essentials of the emotional connection.
Some writers go with unusual sexual positions, added partners, added toys and not quite mainstream ways of having sex.
I’ve done some of these scenes.
Two of my books, Freya’s Gift (Samhain) and Dinah of Seneca (The Wild Rose Press), feature a fertility ritual with at least three participants. And maybe a little pagan-style historical drugs to get things rolling. I say this jokingly but I wanted those sex scenes to be earthy and intense. If they were hot to the readers too, great. My first priority was to convey the experience of what it was like for the participants because the rituals meant a great deal to them and were part of their emotional healing after great tragedy. The ancient world was not often a nice place.
But pagan rituals only work in pagan times.
Modern romances have modern ways of looking at sex. When I decided to write a superhero romance series, I admit that part of the attraction for me was coming up with unique ways to use those abilities during sex. Because, really, what’s the point of having a superpower if you can’t put it to good use?
In Phoenix Rising, the first book in the superhero series, the hero is a fire starter and a telekinetic. Now, telekinesis is very helpful during sex. It’s somewhat like having another hand. But since Alec Farley also had an explosive power and could control fire, I wanted the other big sex scene to also be literally explosive. One near-nuclear explosion and a little bit of flying and I had it. I think it worked pretty well for the characters and for the readers.
Luminous, the second book in the series, is a more down to earth story, The first tale is more like an X-Men story. Luminous is a Batman-inspired urban story with a heroine named Noir who hides her invisibility under layers of intimidating black leather. Emotionally, shedding those layers is big obstacle for her. Because at least when she’s wearing them, she can be seen. When naked, there’s nothing to see.
Her hero, Aloysius James, is a police detective with a sarcastic streak and a hidden idealism. He has no powers other than he’s unusually perceptive and he sees right through Noir’s tough shell. Still, he’s not sure how to approach a woman he can’t see, even if he does think she fills out the black leather in all the right ways.
Aha, I thought. Now there’s a challenge. Write a sex scene where one partner literally cannot *see* the other. No facial expression, no clues from physical movement. Touch alone.
We often overlook the importance of touch. For example, when I was walking in the woods with my son the other day, I closed my eyes. Instantly, the ground beneath my feet felt different. Before, it had seemed solid and flat. But now that I was paying attention to what my feet were experiencing, it felt like anything but a flat surface. All the slight rises and dips were there. I felt the twigs I stepped on through my sneakers.
It seemed to me that a sex scene by touch alone could offer an entirely different perspective. They’re both naked, only one is physically exposed while the other is emotionally naked. It’s tender and sweet and, I hope, hot. It suits both of them and the story. So I have high hopes that it will suit readers as well.
As for the next sex scene, in the third book, Phoenix Legacy (coming in November), I went in a completely opposite direction. Tender isn’t a word I’d use. At all. But when you’ve got a hero hopelessly addicted to pain because of the adrenaline that flows when he psychically heals his injuries, sex becomes an entirely different kind of challenge.
You can find Luminous either at the Samhain store or the major ebook retails like Amazon. Information and excerpts about the other books can be found on my website, www.corrina-lawson.com
Links:
My author page on Samhain
My author page on Amazon
My website
Corrina is former newspaper reporter with a degree in journalism from Boston University. She turned to writing fiction after her twins were born (they were kids three and four) to save her sanity.
Corrina is currently a senior editor of GeekMom and a core contributor to its brother site, Geek Dad, both on Wired.com. She also writes for Sequential Tart, a webzine about comics and pop culture written solely by women. Often you can find her hanging out on comic book writer Gail Simone’s forum on Jinxworld.
She has been a finalist in the national Golden Heart contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America and is the winner of several regional RWA contests. Phoenix Rising, her first full-length novel with Samhain, was a Samhain bestseller.
May 29, 2012
TWO WILD FOR TEACHER is here!
I’ll be back later with the names of the winners of my Friday Fireworks contest! In the meantime…
It’s double the trouble when two ornery cowboys come courtin’, Texas-style…
Sam Logan’s hell-raising twin sons have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. All of it earned. When it becomes clear those two troublemakers won’t settle down without another nudge—make that a boot to their butts—Sam reissues his challenge. Find a wife.
There’s only one woman who’s ever held Mace and Jason Logan’s attention for more than one night. Molly Pritchet, their former teacher. She’s been too worried about a pesky morals clause to let them close, but they’re older now and ready to prove to her that some rules are meant to be broken.
Molly thought her path was clear: always a teacher, never a mother or a wife. Until she finds those two Logan “boys” in her backyard, all grown up and digging around in her business. More accurately, starting her koi pond for her without asking. Well, it’s about time someone taught the Logan twins some manners.
A little mud, a lot of yearnings she thought she’d suppressed, and Molly realizes she’s the one being schooled in the art of indulging in forbidden desires.
Warnings: Two hot-as-sin twins romance their former high school teacher. Things are bound to get down and dirty quick as two bad boys tag team to sweep one curvy, sexy woman off her feet.
I wrote a sexy, hawt joyride for you. If you read it, there are a couple of things y’all can do for me—if you have the time and inclination.
1) “Like” and “tag” the book.
2) Post a review. Let another reader know whether you consider the book to be worth their time and money. (Remember, it’s cheap! 
).
3) Okay, one more than a couple! Tell someone about it.
I appreciate all your support. It’s what makes it possible for me to stay writing!
You can find Two Wild at these places:
Samhain Publishing
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
May 28, 2012
Just One Day to Get TWO WILD!
Remember, this is the last day for you to enter the Friday Fireworks contest and to qualify to win one of three free downloads I’m offering! Details are in Friday’s post! ~DD
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Two Wild for Teacher
will be available for purchase tomorrow! But you can pre-order it now so that the moment it comes available, it will be yours! In the meantime, here’s a little snippet…
Mace’s hand shook just a little as it closed around her chilled fingers. He couldn’t believe he was here. That she’d touched him willingly. His body still burned everywhere she’d laid her hand. His cock felt ready to burst after the way she’d calmly, methodically, stroked away the dirt.
It had felt almost like a baptism. All sins washed away. He felt lighter of heart and intent. Happy in way that he hadn’t been in a long time.
Molly Pritchet had always been a goddess on a pedestal. A sweet-faced woman with sharp eyes and a sharp tongue. He’d felt the sting often enough, he’d known she didn’t think of him as more than an ornery boy, and yet moments ago, she’d handled him like she might a man she admired.
Something inside him melted. He wanted to be worthy. Standing naked as a jaybird beside her, he wanted her to never question her decision, to never regret she was about to lie down with him.
Unable to resist, he tugged her close and folded her against his chest. Their first intimate touch was a hug. Skin to skin. Heartbeats mating, matching rhythms, slowing to a steady, heavy thrum. “Ma’am, I’d really like to lay you down in that pretty bed of yours,” he said softly.
With droplets of water shining like diamonds on her skin, she leaned back her head to smile up at him. “I have no objections, sir.”
Her eyes blinked dreamily at him, and his chest expanded. He tugged her hand again and pulled her toward the glass doors. Once inside, with the AC prickling their damp skin, he headed straight for the staircase, halting at the bottom step because she’d lagged, her head turning to Jason.
“You’re going to watch my ass all the way up those steps, aren’t you?”
Jason grinned. “Sure am.”
Molly’s brows furrowed.
Mace grunted, bent quickly, and swept her into his arms. Problem solved.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders. “You aren’t going to carry me up. Your back!”
“Don’t you worry about either of our backs. We’re strong, Molly. We can handle you.”
Her eyes widened.
“I’m not sayin’ we have to be strong, just that you don’t have to worry. You feel just right,” he said, giving her a bounce to prove to her she was safe in his arms.
She relaxed, sighing. “I’ve never been carried by a man.”
“There’s gonna be lots of firsts, sugar. Just you wait.”
May 27, 2012
GLBT Live Chats with the Pros At The Erotica Readers & Writers Association!
I didn’t come to GLBT erotica first, but I’ve embraced it! For those authors looking to give it a try, read on…
From Adrienne Benedicks of the Erotica Readers & Writers Association:
Erotica has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to carving out niches for the “sexual outlaws” which is what GLBT folk were thought of, and are still considered to be, by much of mainstream society. GLBT erotica is a genre to be reckoned with.
ERWA will help interested authors with two GLBT “Live Chats with the Pros.” Delilah Devlin and M Christian will be on hand to answer questions, offer advice, and exchange ideas with authors of GLBT erotica. Whether you’re penning your first gay fiction, or are a spicy-seasoned pro, don’t miss these opportunities.
1) Delilah Devlin will host a live chat Thursday, June 7th, at 8:00pm EST, (5:00pm PST; 1:00am GMT).
Delilah Devlin is a prolific and award-winning author of erotica with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing deliciously edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over 100 erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths. She is published by Avon, Black Lace, Kensington, Harlequin, Atria/Strebor, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Berkley. If you want to know how to do the deed, Delilah is the lady to talk to. This is your chance to chat live with her.
2) M. Christian will host a live chat Saturday, June16th, at 3:00pm EST (12 noon PST; 8:00pm GMT).
M. Christian, associate publisher for Renaissance E Books (which includes Sizzler Editions), is an acknowledged master of erotica with more than 400 stories in such anthologies as Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, and Best Bisexual Erotica, Best Fetish Erotica. If you want to know what GLBT editors want (and don’t want) and how to make your submissions stand out, M. Christian will be happy to answer your questions.
How to find the chat? ERWA chats are held on the ShadowWorld chat server, channel, #erachat. Follow the link. On screen you’ll see ‘Connect o ShadowWorld IRC’. In the Nickname box, key in your name. Leave the channels box at #ERAChat, and click ‘Connect’. A chat text box will appear at the bottom of your screen.
Mark your calendars! See you there…
May 26, 2012
Saturday Snippet: It’s a Four-Gone Conclusion…
Don’t forget about the Kindle Fire that’s up for grabs! See yesterday’s post!
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Sometimes, a man needs a little nudge to get moving in the right direction. The Logan brothers are lucky that nudge came from their father, Sam Logan. In both A Four-Gone Conclusion and Two Wild for Teacher (coming May 29th!), he’s the instigator. See how it worked in the first book of the “duology”, then get ready for another dose of Sam’s wisdom next Tuesday!
“A FOUR-GONE CONCLUSION is a prime example on how a novella should be written; fast and fun, touching characters that pull you in and a story that is completely fulfilling.” 4.5 Cherries, Long and Short Reviews
One devilish night…or a chance at heaven?
Sam Logan’s foster sons have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. Most of it earned. When it becomes clear they don’t plan on giving up scootin’ after ever pretty pair of boots in town anytime soon, he issues the one thing he knows they can’t resist: a challenge. Find a wife.
The oldest, Johnny, is actually grateful. He’s had his eye on Mean Ellie Harker for a long time, and Sam’s challenge is the kick in the pants he needed to ask her out. Except before he can make his move, his brothers kidnap her right out from under his nose. Now, instead of being one question away from victory, he has to compete for the woman of his dreams.
Ellie thought she’d be a dried up old spinster before Johnny finally untangled his tongue long enough to ask for a date. But instead of teaching him better uses for that tongue, his brothers have whisked her away to the ranch. At first she’s furious…then intrigued when she starts to wonder what it might be like…
Warning: Four handsome cowboys. Four choices. Would it be a single sordid night or a chance at heaven as she savors every luscious inch of the Logan brothers?
“It’s time you boys found yerselves a wife.” Sam Logan made his pronouncement then waited, watching the four younger men seated at the table from the corner of his eye. He didn’t have to wait long for his words to sink in. They exploded in the room with the force of a silent grenade.
Johnny’s jaw closed with a snap, and he laid his spoon down on the scarred oak table. His black winged brows drew together, nearly meeting over his dark eyes as he raised his head.
Sam suppressed a smile. That look could make the toughest hombre gulp, but Sam wasn’t the least bit concerned. Johnny tended to look mean when things changed. His oldest boy hated any kind of change.
If any other man had said what he had, Johnny would have cussed under his breath and aimed a piercing, silencing glare. However, he respected Sam, trusted him as much as he could anyone. That trust and respect were the only things that kept his butt on the bench beside his brother Killian.
For his part, Killian’s eyes narrowed. The corners of his lips twitched. Likely he was amused by Johnny’s reaction and didn’t want to let him off the hook too quickly, but was already lining up all the reasons why Sam’s idea was ludicrous. He was quick that way.
Sam calmly ladled the hearty stew he’d made into his mouth and let his gaze roam to the twins. Jason was coughing into his napkin while Mace gave him “helpful” taps between his shoulder blades.
Mace caught his stare and grinned. “A wife, did you say?”
Sam grunted, ignoring the one word that had caught his son’s attention. “This is the third time this week we’ve had stew,” he murmured. Not to change the subject, but to point out a glaring fact.
“I like stew just fine,” Johnny muttered.
“This house misses a woman’s touch.” There, he’d said it. Sat the big gorilla in the room right at the dinner table. Impossible to ignore.
“Gracie can’t be replaced,” Killian said softly.
The permanent ache next to his heart echoed that truth. Sam nodded. “She’s gone. Three years. I miss her every day. Know you do too. But life goes on. You’re men now. You have an obligation. Ranchin’s a family business. Y’all need families.”
Johnny cleared his throat. “No disrespect intended, Sam, but you didn’t get sons the old-fashioned way.”
“Not because Gracie and I didn’t try. And in the end, we had no regrets. We both loved you all like you was our own.”
“So, you’d rather saddle us with—”
Sam aimed a quelling stare. “Think I felt like Gracie was a noose around my neck?”
“No sir, but…” Johnny’s hands fisted on the tabletop. “Hell, how’re we to find someone like her?”
Sam understood what he meant. Gracie’s passing had left a hole in all their hearts. The boys had loved her. Took to her the very first day he’d brought each of them home. Gracie had been born to be a mother, and she’d showered them all with the things they’d needed most—acceptance and unconditional love.
“Boys, Gracie wasn’t born a rancher’s wife. Truth is, she didn’t know a bull from a cow and damn near poisoned me with the first meals she cooked. But she learned. Find a woman willin’ to learn, one you kin love and who’ll love you back.”
“You said, ‘a wife’.” Mace wasn’t gonna let that slip of the tongue go.
Sam shook his head and gave the twins a faint glimmer of a smile. Those two could always see the humor in any predicament. “Thought I’d give you two options. I know one can’t piss without the other goin’ too. And there are damn few single women to go around these parts. ’Nough said?” When all of them nodded, he cleared his throat. “I’ll be out of town for the next four days. Auction in Abilene. The house is yours.”
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Be sure to check out the snippets on these other authors’ blogs:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Mandy M Roth
Lissa Matthews
Leah Braemel
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
Shelli Stevens
Zoë Archer
Lauren Dane
May 25, 2012
Come join the FRIDAY FIREWORKS BLOG HUNT!
(Don’t miss details of my Memorial Day Weekend give-away at the bottom of this post! ~DD)
My Question:
What is the name of Lissa’s free read? (Hint: Check out her ‘books’ at lissamatthews.com )
The Prize:
Kindle Fire
Contest Rules:
10 Authors. 10 Questions. 10 Easy Answers.
You will go from blog to blog gathering questions about each author. There will be a hint and a link that will lead you to the answer.
In order to be entered to win the big prize, a Kindle Fire, you will need to send your answers to Brandy at bray829@gmail.com SUBJECT: Friday Fireworks
You must include all 10 questions with answers.
Winner of the big prize will be drawn and announced on Heather Long’s blog. Any prizes offered individually on the author’s page will be taken care of by that author.
You have until Midnight on Memorial Day to send in your answers!
Participating Authors:
Heather Long
Virginia Nelson
Melissa Schroeder
Saranna DeWylde
Lissa Matthews
Jenn LeBlanc
Wendi Zwaduk
Kris Cook
Missy Jane
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For this weekend only, I’ll choose three lucky winners who will recieve their choice of one currently available Lone Star Lovers book! So comment away, and be sure to enter the Friday Fireworks contest too!
May 24, 2012
Guest Blogger: Lynda Kaye Frazier
I’ve always looked forward to Memorial Day. I was a Navy brat and we would have the best celebrations with my Dad, and his friends. I loved listening to their stories about the submarine they were assigned to, and all the exciting places they visited. I had strict Military values instilled on me at an early age. I was taught to respect, and give thanks to anyone who served our country.
Ever since 9/11 I have seen many changes in our military, but the one that is nearest to my heart is how we back our Military men and women more than ever. We openly acknowledge what they do for us by stopping and thanking them for their service. Our country is a safer place because of the sacrifices they have made.
I understand what they have had to give up because It has always been a part of my life from a young Navy brat to a Navy wife, and now a military mom. I have three in the service, my two sons serve our Navy and my daughter is part of the Marines. As a Mother I have had many sleepless nights. My children have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and my oldest son was a Diplomat working with the North Koreans during their time of aggression. I am very proud of them and it warms my heart when I see a stranger salute them as they walk by.
I’m sure you can see why Romanatic Suspense is my favorite genre to read, and the one I write. The Seals, Special Ops men and our government agents have always fascinated me. I love the intrigue and mystery during a mission and how every move they make affects their family and team.
In my Guardians of Hope series you follow a group of men made up of FBI Agents, Navy Seals and Special Ops working together to track down a ring of gun smugglers and drug manufacturers who threaten our freedom and the safety of our families here at home.
To be released late 2012, early 2013 through Black Opal Book, Rescued from the Dark:
What if you woke up from a nightmare, trapped in a world of darkness, with no memory of how you got there? Rescued from the Dark is a passionate, gripping story about FBI agent, Jason Michaels, confronting his duty to his country, and struggling with his feelings for a woman with no memory of their love.
Undercover Agent, Jason Michaels, infiltrates the terrorist cell and risks everything, even his life, to save the FBI intern who stole his heart, then walked away. Once Mercy wakes from her coma Jason struggles with the fact that she does not remember what happened, but anguishes with the idea that she believes their unborn child belongs to her ex. Jason soon realizes the terrorists vow to get her back to claim their secrets locked in her memory, no matter what the cost. In a race against time, Jason and Mercy struggle to fight their attraction, and put their differences aside, as they launch a manhunt to save their country and each other.
For more information and sneak peaks into my books visit me at:
Website: www.lyndakayefrazier.com
Blog: http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com
Twitter: Lynda_kaye
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-Kaye-Frazier/189048967838229
May 23, 2012
Guest Blogger: Kate Sherwood
See posting just beneath this to learn who won the latest contest
and what’s up for grabs with the brand new contest! ~DD
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Branding and Sub-genres in the Romance World
I’m fairly new to this writing business, and I’ve been treating the entire thing as a game. But it’s a game that I take seriously, and one that I’d like to win. My playfulness has made me eager to experiment with different genres and sub-genres, but my desire for victory has kept me conscious of the importance of developing an author ‘brand’. The two approaches initially seemed like they were in conflict with each other, but I’ve lately been thinking (and hoping) that maybe they aren’t.
In writing terms, ‘branding’ means that a reader should know what to expect from an author. We are taught to develop name recognition by giving the reader a recognizable product in each book. Superstars like Stephen King or JK Rowling may try branching out from their original genre, but for most authors, it’s expected that we will be more consistent.
For romance writers, it’s often not considered enough that we limit ourselves to romance; we’re frequently expected to stick to a specific sub-genre as well. When I feel like a good contemporary with interesting characters and a touch of humour, I look for Dani Alexander; if I want something a bit more dramatic, maybe I look for Sue Brown. Fantasy romance? Emily Veinglory. M/M Mystery? Rick Reed. Most of these authors write other sub-genres as well (except for Dani, who needs to stop making silly covers and WRITE FASTER), but they’re considered to have a specialty. And beginning authors are encouraged to develop their own specialties so readers can start to develop ‘brand loyalty.’
I started out strong on that front. Contemporary m/m, or m/m/m. Often with horses. Often set in Canada. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but if you’re looking for a contemporary m/m romance set on a Canadian horse farm – I’m your girl!
But then something happened. I wrote m/f. has my favorite strong, handsome, and vaguely confused male character, but this time, he’s falling in love with a woman! And there’s another anomaly coming out this fall when Carina publishes Shadow Valley. Joe Cody would have been HOT as a gay guy, but, no, he had to be straight. And he’s pretty hot that way, too.
And then I wrote science fiction! The Shift is “Gay Alternate Worlds” according to Samhain. I say, it’s SUPER HEROES! Yippeeeee! Fun! Don’t even get me started on the YA novel that’s coming out under a different pen name. Writing… once you start, it’s hard to stop!
So, I’m destroying my brand, and I don’t seem to care. I’m hoping readers won’t, either. So far, I’ve gotten an encouraging review for The Shift that acknowledged that it was a departure but said, “I think it is awesome when an author tries new plots and new characters instead of repeating the same thing in every book.” (Reviews by Jesse Wave) I’m hoping that most readers feel this way. I’m pretty sure that I do. If Emily Veinglory can make me believe in the romance of a fantasy setting and I see her name on a historical, I think I’m going to trust her to make me believe in the romance there, too.
Hopefully, people will take a chance on me, too. I like to think that I’m creating a brand, but it’s not tightly linked to sub-genre. Instead, I hope that my writing will appeal to people who want realistic characters – sometimes self-absorbed, self-pitying, or otherwise annoying, but realistic. I hope that my writing always has drama, and always has humour. And whether they’re part of the central romance or not, I absolutely insist that my stories always have strong female characters who would be absolutely capable of carrying their own stories, if they so chose!
How do you guys feel? Do your favorite authors mix it up, or stick to one sub-genre? Would you follow them if they branched out? What is it that makes you keep coming back for more?
Kate Sherwood
www.katesherwoodbooks.com
http://kate-sherwood.dreamwidth.org/
May 22, 2012
Contest Update
The winner of the Two Book “Two-fer” Contest is…Tabitha Parrish! Tabitha, congratulations! Be sure to send me an email with your snail mail address so I can deliver your prizes!
* * * * *
In with the New–Dragon Cup Contest
What can you win?
The delicate, lovely coffee cup below.
How can you win it? Post a comment on any blog posting until the contest ends. Each entry counts as another chance to win!
This contest ends June 5th!!
