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Allure Van Sanz's Blog, page 5
March 17, 2011
Story Behind The Story
About ten to twelve years ago, I met Random Wicks in an AOL chat room designed for role players. The idea behind the rooms were; you created a character and interacted with other characters by typing out actions (inside double colons, like so -- ::grins:: )and adding dialog (outside of the colons, like so -- ::smiles:: Hi there.).
The play could get a little confusing, as medieval warriors interacted with modern day cowboys, but the improvised stories were so much fun overlooking character differences became the normal.
Random and I originally started a long story line with two contemporary characters. His, was a "family" hitman named Victor, and my character was a technologically savvy assassin. Our made up city was titled Neuhaven with an inner city named Murder Creek.
The world was born.
Over the years, it's changed quite a bit from our original intention, as the publishing industry dictated to us what they liked and didn't like, but in the end, no one but the readers seemed happy. LOL
Instead of make additional changes for a potential contract, we thought we'd move on to another project and set this one aside. But we love it. It's a little violent for a romance, it's a little too romantic for an Urban Fantasy, and no one seems to know where they'd put it on the shelf. We can certainly understand that, since we didn't write the story with a particular genre in mind. We just wrote for fun. The love of the story! But maybe this story wasn't meant for the shelf, maybe--just maybe--it was meant for the virtual library.
Why waste a story (which will have sequels if the response is good) on my PC? It's there, the BETA readers loved it--hey, why not?
So Random and I put together a cover, and tossed it up on Amazon, and in the next few days, it will go on sale. A full-length, action-packed, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance novel for .99 cents.
I hope you'll consider giving it a read. I'll let ya'll know when it's a go!
March 3, 2011
Erotic--Genre or Sub Genre
I was talking to a friend the other day about the different sorts of stories we both write. She's an historical romance and a paranormal romance author, while I write Young Adult (under a different name), paranormal romance and erotic. She referred to erotic as a sub genre of romance and at first, I didn't think much about that.
Now, I find myself thinking on it, and I have to say, I don't know if erotic is a sub genre of romance.
True, you can write erotic where the ending is happy and the two--or three or four--main characters are in love and live happily ever after. But you can also write where everyone is just happy for now in the end. You can also write a book that's all about two characters who get together just for pure fun and never see each other again.
However, those are character driven books. You can get other books that are classified as erotic that are how-to manuals for Kama Sutra, Foot Fetish, BDSM among many, many other subjects. These are non-fiction books but sometimes sold under the Erotic label in stores and online while most of the fiction erotic books are found in the romance section.
So where does that leave us? Erotic fiction isn't always romantic. But is it a sub genre of Romance? What do you think?
February 18, 2011
Paying it forward.
Sometimes, no matter how busy an author gets, we need to be reminded to get back into the helping frame of mind. Giving another writer a quick one chapter edit, or judging a contest and giving good feedback, are two ways that I love to try and give a little back.
I owe my success so far to people who have taken a moment to tell me "You can't do that." "You have a passive voice, fix it!" I joined a contest about four years ago, my first one ever, and I remember being told "your hero is a jerk".
I was devastated. My hero is NOT a jerk! But it wasn't until I got over myself and listened to feedback, that I improved and received my first contract.
Now even though I received a contract, the book still needed a lot of work. Noble Romance saw potential in me. The editors took the time to point out my bad habits and by the time I was writing my second book for them, the red marks resembled an occasional hickey instead of a Dexter crime scene.
I'm pretty excited to say, the last critique I received from an editor, was followed by a comment that I write "clean". CLEAN??
WOOT! Clean.
I wouldn't have ever been called a clean writer without fellow writers pointing out the dirt. Now I have no idea if me pointing out what I see as incorrect in a contest or to my critique partner is appreciated, but I can only go by what was helpful to me, and hope to pay some of that forward.
So if you haven't volunteered or taken a moment to look over somebody's pages...you should. If you don't think it's beneficial to you...well...just think of karma. ::grins:: That's what I have to do when I start thinking I'm just too busy to help out.
All my best!
Allure
I owe my success so far to people who have taken a moment to tell me "You can't do that." "You have a passive voice, fix it!" I joined a contest about four years ago, my first one ever, and I remember being told "your hero is a jerk".
I was devastated. My hero is NOT a jerk! But it wasn't until I got over myself and listened to feedback, that I improved and received my first contract.
Now even though I received a contract, the book still needed a lot of work. Noble Romance saw potential in me. The editors took the time to point out my bad habits and by the time I was writing my second book for them, the red marks resembled an occasional hickey instead of a Dexter crime scene.
I'm pretty excited to say, the last critique I received from an editor, was followed by a comment that I write "clean". CLEAN??
WOOT! Clean.
I wouldn't have ever been called a clean writer without fellow writers pointing out the dirt. Now I have no idea if me pointing out what I see as incorrect in a contest or to my critique partner is appreciated, but I can only go by what was helpful to me, and hope to pay some of that forward.
So if you haven't volunteered or taken a moment to look over somebody's pages...you should. If you don't think it's beneficial to you...well...just think of karma. ::grins:: That's what I have to do when I start thinking I'm just too busy to help out.
All my best!
Allure
February 10, 2011
Tomorrow's Tragic Blog
Tomorrow I'll be visiting NobleAuthors (at) blogspot(dot) com to talk about tragedy. I have to admit, I love a book that can make me cry and tomorrow I explain why I think that is.
Sure, I love books that make me laugh, too, but it takes a lot more emotion in a book to make me openly weep. And usually, it has something to do with relating, although I am quite empathetic.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow and share your own thoughts on tragedies.
All my best,
Allure
February 1, 2011
A Valentine's Day gift!
Noble Romance is throwing a contest where the winner will get a free Kindle! How cool is that?
The winner is drawn from a magical turban...or it could be a fast food bag, I don't know. Either way, in order to get your name in there as much as possible, you need to go to and at the bottom of the page, subscribe to the newsletter. Voila! One entry.
You get an automatic entry if you already belong so no worries!
You can ALSO get entries by buying books from now until February 13th, and if they happen to be one of mine...yay! LOL
Lastly, you can write a review for Noble Romance books you've purchased and get another entry. Of course, they have to be reviews that show you've actually read the book. As much as all authors would appreciate a succinct "I love this book!" it won't count for an entry into the contest. Submit your reviews on Noble Romance's Facebook here:
So there you have it! Get your read-on! Get your review-on and hopefully you can get your Kindle On!
All my best wishes of luck!
Allure
January 23, 2011
Pretty cover!
Noble Romance is putting out a series of short stories under the title Love Revisited involving characters from previously published books. I'm taking part in the fun by revisiting Jenova and Davit from my first published book, From The Ruins.
The original book covers Davit's ritualistic claiming of his chosen mate in front of his ghostly tribe, but in this follow-up, it's Jenova who decides to take charge. Let me give you a taste of what's to come.
Quick Excerpt from Love Revisited: Davit and Jenova
"Take him. Now."
Davit's eyes narrowed, his mouth forming a question he didn't get a chance to voice.
The tribal women appeared, one at each of his flailing appendages as they bravely grabbed his ankles and wrists and held them down on the altar. Two other women appeared at Jenova's side, and she held out her arms, allowing them to finish undressing her as the last woman walked around Davit and secured his arms and legs to the holes in the stone slab with leather straps and bone pins.
"What the fuck? Jen—what—"
His head tilted awkwardly up from the stone, turning to watch her as the women at her sides dabbed scented water on her shoulders, arms, between her generous breasts and down a path toward her shorts. She kept her eyes on Davit through the duration of her preparation. He looked so sexy struggling against his bonds, calling for the women to come undo him…commanding it really.
She saw the fear in her friends' faces.
"He will not harm you," Jenova whispered to the women. "Though he speaks in anger, soon his temper will be cooled." Dark faces turned to each other, the group searching for one among them who believed a word she said. None of them found the security they were looking for. She chuckled. "All right. Leave us. Help the others keep the tribe bound."
The women nodded and faded into the landscape, becoming part of it.
"Jen. Release me." Davit growled.
He wasn't happy, and she couldn't blame him really. She remembered well what it felt like to be held down, unsure of what was to come. She'd been terrified, and secretly thrilled. This time, the unknown was for him to experience. Though she knew he wasn't terrified. Instead, he looked quite pissed.
Well he'd get over it…
The original book covers Davit's ritualistic claiming of his chosen mate in front of his ghostly tribe, but in this follow-up, it's Jenova who decides to take charge. Let me give you a taste of what's to come.
Quick Excerpt from Love Revisited: Davit and Jenova
"Take him. Now."
Davit's eyes narrowed, his mouth forming a question he didn't get a chance to voice.
The tribal women appeared, one at each of his flailing appendages as they bravely grabbed his ankles and wrists and held them down on the altar. Two other women appeared at Jenova's side, and she held out her arms, allowing them to finish undressing her as the last woman walked around Davit and secured his arms and legs to the holes in the stone slab with leather straps and bone pins.
"What the fuck? Jen—what—"
His head tilted awkwardly up from the stone, turning to watch her as the women at her sides dabbed scented water on her shoulders, arms, between her generous breasts and down a path toward her shorts. She kept her eyes on Davit through the duration of her preparation. He looked so sexy struggling against his bonds, calling for the women to come undo him…commanding it really.
She saw the fear in her friends' faces.
"He will not harm you," Jenova whispered to the women. "Though he speaks in anger, soon his temper will be cooled." Dark faces turned to each other, the group searching for one among them who believed a word she said. None of them found the security they were looking for. She chuckled. "All right. Leave us. Help the others keep the tribe bound."
The women nodded and faded into the landscape, becoming part of it.
"Jen. Release me." Davit growled.
He wasn't happy, and she couldn't blame him really. She remembered well what it felt like to be held down, unsure of what was to come. She'd been terrified, and secretly thrilled. This time, the unknown was for him to experience. Though she knew he wasn't terrified. Instead, he looked quite pissed.
Well he'd get over it…
January 21, 2011
It's my birthday!
Hi!
It's my birthday...weee! And I'm over at http://nobleauthors.blogspot.com to celebrate it! I'm giving away free books and giving YOU the opportunity to write one using me as your vessel!
I hope you can come over and say hi and enter to win a chance at getting a gift! I'd love to see you!
All my best wishes!
Allure
It's my birthday...weee! And I'm over at http://nobleauthors.blogspot.com to celebrate it! I'm giving away free books and giving YOU the opportunity to write one using me as your vessel!
I hope you can come over and say hi and enter to win a chance at getting a gift! I'd love to see you!
All my best wishes!
Allure
January 6, 2011
Welcome to a New Year!
It's a brand new year! New goals to achieve--and some old ones to carry over! LOL
This year, I've decided to up my production. I have the ability to write really fast, and yet I procrastinate. I check all my different email accounts and Facebooks obsessively, which is bizzare when you consider that I'm not expecting any new contracts or any new fans. It's been almost a year since my last book came out for purchase.
All I've done since then is land an agent for a different genre, and write another full length. I haven't done the edits I promised, I have only finished one erotic short that I gave out as a gift this year for XMas...and subsequently, there are a lot of half finished projects laying around.
It's time! I need to put some effort into my erotic writings and keep churning out the short stories and the novellas. I can do that! I'm capable of having a career in two different genres at the same time...if I stop getting distracted and take control of my writing habits.
That is my most challenging resolution this year. I've been exercising since September and eating better, so those areas are covered. Now it's time to get down to business and get down with my business.
You'll all be hearing more from me soon!
December 27, 2010
Give Me Your Worst!
I should be careful saying that. Someone might read it and think it's an invitation to be rude. No, no.
I want your worst Christmas present...ever. OR the worst Christmas presentation of a present. LOL Not sure what I mean? See my example a few paragraphs down.
Tell me in the comments what you got and why it sucked and you could get your hands on a free copy of Candied Cane. A hot little short about a woman who makes a candy machine to sell to the porn industry--only, the man who wants to buy it, wants to give it a test drive first.
If you have that short already, which some of you do because of the Christmas Party madness, I'll give you an exclusive sneak peak of my newest work-in-progress or a free copy of one of my other books from Noble Romance.
MY WORST Christmas present ever is hard to pin down. For me, I consider bad XMas presents to be something someone didn't put much thought into. Especially if it's someone real close to me. Like my father...gives me money. We're not close so I'm okay with that. The man who lives with me...gives me a gift card that says happy birthday on it. Okay...he was in a rush. At least he got me something. Right?
Most of my "bad" presents are actually okay presents that just have icky memories attached. I call it the worst presentation of a present. LOL
One year I got a sweatshirt that was two sizes too big. The guy I was dating and I decided to exchange presents at our workplace's holiday party to keep things uncomplicated. I arrived late with my best friend (a guy) and was rewarded with my present thrown on the table in front of me, damn-near hitting me in the face. Right after he "gave" the present to me, he pulled another girl onto his lap and started licking her ear while staring at me. A low blow for sure, and the whole situation was made worse by the fact that the girl he chose to make a spectacle with was my ex-boyfriend's little sister. Yikes!
There's one of my worst presentations of a present.
Maybe I'll delve a little deeper if ya'll give me some good stuff of your own!
Best,
Allure
I want your worst Christmas present...ever. OR the worst Christmas presentation of a present. LOL Not sure what I mean? See my example a few paragraphs down.
Tell me in the comments what you got and why it sucked and you could get your hands on a free copy of Candied Cane. A hot little short about a woman who makes a candy machine to sell to the porn industry--only, the man who wants to buy it, wants to give it a test drive first.
If you have that short already, which some of you do because of the Christmas Party madness, I'll give you an exclusive sneak peak of my newest work-in-progress or a free copy of one of my other books from Noble Romance.
MY WORST Christmas present ever is hard to pin down. For me, I consider bad XMas presents to be something someone didn't put much thought into. Especially if it's someone real close to me. Like my father...gives me money. We're not close so I'm okay with that. The man who lives with me...gives me a gift card that says happy birthday on it. Okay...he was in a rush. At least he got me something. Right?
Most of my "bad" presents are actually okay presents that just have icky memories attached. I call it the worst presentation of a present. LOL
One year I got a sweatshirt that was two sizes too big. The guy I was dating and I decided to exchange presents at our workplace's holiday party to keep things uncomplicated. I arrived late with my best friend (a guy) and was rewarded with my present thrown on the table in front of me, damn-near hitting me in the face. Right after he "gave" the present to me, he pulled another girl onto his lap and started licking her ear while staring at me. A low blow for sure, and the whole situation was made worse by the fact that the girl he chose to make a spectacle with was my ex-boyfriend's little sister. Yikes!
There's one of my worst presentations of a present.
Maybe I'll delve a little deeper if ya'll give me some good stuff of your own!
Best,
Allure
December 22, 2010
Long Time No See
Wow! Have I really failed to post in so long?
Yeah...I'm not all that great with keeping up with this blog. Or any blog really. I'm not sure why, when I could make the time to do it...if I just remembered to. Or set a schedule.
Lately, though, I took a vacation from writing erotic to pursue another genre for a bit. I haven't given up on either. NEVER. I'm just learning to incorporate both into my schedule. I'm going to have to write for both. While, for obvious reason, I have to keep both genres separate with pen names and different blogs, I don't have to choose one over the other. I just have to do double the work. LOL I'm okay with that.
My erotic fans have given me a ton of support, and since I haven't sold in the other genre yet, I found myself missing the encouragement. In YA, I've received a lot of rejections. The topic I chose to write about for my first submission isn't entirely popular in the United States yet. My agent is still submitting, but I already have a back-up manuscript just in case this one is a no-go. While I work on editing my second YA book...I decided to write a free read for anyone who showed up to the Noble Christmas Party on Dec. the 18th, and I plan to deliver the pdf in the next day or so barring any complications.
While I was writing Candied Cane (the freebie) I realized how much I missed writing in the erotic genre. It's a different breed of book, and writing both makes me enjoy what I do even more.
So my New Year's goals are to finish the two novellas I started earlier in 2010, and bring in a new short or two as well. I'll keep you all in-the-know on my progress.
I'd love to hear if you have any resolutions of your own for 2011!
It's a little early, I know, but Happy New Year everyone.
Best,
Allure
Yeah...I'm not all that great with keeping up with this blog. Or any blog really. I'm not sure why, when I could make the time to do it...if I just remembered to. Or set a schedule.
Lately, though, I took a vacation from writing erotic to pursue another genre for a bit. I haven't given up on either. NEVER. I'm just learning to incorporate both into my schedule. I'm going to have to write for both. While, for obvious reason, I have to keep both genres separate with pen names and different blogs, I don't have to choose one over the other. I just have to do double the work. LOL I'm okay with that.
My erotic fans have given me a ton of support, and since I haven't sold in the other genre yet, I found myself missing the encouragement. In YA, I've received a lot of rejections. The topic I chose to write about for my first submission isn't entirely popular in the United States yet. My agent is still submitting, but I already have a back-up manuscript just in case this one is a no-go. While I work on editing my second YA book...I decided to write a free read for anyone who showed up to the Noble Christmas Party on Dec. the 18th, and I plan to deliver the pdf in the next day or so barring any complications.
While I was writing Candied Cane (the freebie) I realized how much I missed writing in the erotic genre. It's a different breed of book, and writing both makes me enjoy what I do even more.
So my New Year's goals are to finish the two novellas I started earlier in 2010, and bring in a new short or two as well. I'll keep you all in-the-know on my progress.
I'd love to hear if you have any resolutions of your own for 2011!
It's a little early, I know, but Happy New Year everyone.
Best,
Allure
