Debbie Vaughan's Blog, page 7
June 20, 2012
What's Your Opinion?
As I am sure many of you do, I follow certain authors. There are three in particular whose new releases I wait for with baited breath...until the last couple of years. Now, I am much more likely to check the book out of the library first, before purchasing. Sad, but none the less true.
Why? The flavor that first attracted me to theses author has changed. The stories have grown tired or changed focus so completely as to bear little resemblance to the prose which captured my imagination years ago. Yet, to my dismay they remain on the best sellers lists even when their reviews are horrid.
Don't get me wrong, I have the greatest love and respect for these authors and wish them nothing but the best but, as a writer myself, it makes me wonder about the process. Is New York so afraid to venture beyond a chosen few or so out of touch with what the reader REALLY wants that they would rather print a "sure thing" no matter how tired than take a risk on something new and fresh?
I am much more likely to download an unknown these days than one of my former favs. The characters I have grown to love have changed or disappeared, the quirkiness and humor that held me spellbound has been replaced with redundancy and the plot by bad, if graphic, sex. YAWN
Are you finding this to be true as well? I'd really like to know! Drop me a comment. Find me on Face Book, Twitter. Let me know what you think and where the industry is headed.
Why? The flavor that first attracted me to theses author has changed. The stories have grown tired or changed focus so completely as to bear little resemblance to the prose which captured my imagination years ago. Yet, to my dismay they remain on the best sellers lists even when their reviews are horrid.
Don't get me wrong, I have the greatest love and respect for these authors and wish them nothing but the best but, as a writer myself, it makes me wonder about the process. Is New York so afraid to venture beyond a chosen few or so out of touch with what the reader REALLY wants that they would rather print a "sure thing" no matter how tired than take a risk on something new and fresh?
I am much more likely to download an unknown these days than one of my former favs. The characters I have grown to love have changed or disappeared, the quirkiness and humor that held me spellbound has been replaced with redundancy and the plot by bad, if graphic, sex. YAWN
Are you finding this to be true as well? I'd really like to know! Drop me a comment. Find me on Face Book, Twitter. Let me know what you think and where the industry is headed.
May 11, 2012
Lady in Waiting
I have come to believe the largest portion of a writer's life is spent waiting. We wait for the muse to awaken. We wait for the plot to emerge and characters to define themselves. We wait for that first spark of passion to ignite. These things are expected, but what many novice writers don't grasp are the days, months, even years spent waiting for replies to queries sent to agents, from submissions sent to publishers, edits from editors and covers from cover artists, and release dates.
Then the real wait begins...to see if we are accepted by the readers.
If good things come to those who wait, a writer's blessing should by infinite.
Then the real wait begins...to see if we are accepted by the readers.
If good things come to those who wait, a writer's blessing should by infinite.
April 8, 2012
Choices
Life is full of choices. We must make a myriad of decisions: what clothes to wear, do these shoes match, what do I need from the grocery store, should I mow today...the list is endless. We all make these choices daily without much thought.
Other decisions don't come as easily.
Is it time to take away Mom or Dad's car keys? Should we place Grandma in a nursing home? Is the marriage over? Is it time to send Buffy to the Rainbow Bridge?
In my life I have had to make life and death decisions far too often when it comes to animals. It's never, nor should it be, an easy call.
One of those times occurred when I had to put my much beloved Arabian stallion, Azaad, down. He fought bravely against laminitis for years. Even 15 years later, I miss him so much.
As often happens, it comes down to a quality of life issue as well as a financial one. The monetary end of things make the decision all the harder.
A dear friend is facing that choice now. I wish I could ease his pain but the best I can do is offer a shoulder.
So sorry, sweetie!
Other decisions don't come as easily.
Is it time to take away Mom or Dad's car keys? Should we place Grandma in a nursing home? Is the marriage over? Is it time to send Buffy to the Rainbow Bridge?
In my life I have had to make life and death decisions far too often when it comes to animals. It's never, nor should it be, an easy call.
One of those times occurred when I had to put my much beloved Arabian stallion, Azaad, down. He fought bravely against laminitis for years. Even 15 years later, I miss him so much.
As often happens, it comes down to a quality of life issue as well as a financial one. The monetary end of things make the decision all the harder.
A dear friend is facing that choice now. I wish I could ease his pain but the best I can do is offer a shoulder.
So sorry, sweetie!
March 27, 2012
It's A Process...
As writers, we all strive to perfect our craft, while knowing full well, there is no such thing as perfection. Still, it is good to set lofty goals.
In 2009 I wrote the first of what would become a series of urban fantasy books. I was SO proud! Then I joined a critique group and became...less proud. My errors were pointed out to me and numerous revisions made. I entered this manuscript in a contest and although I did not win, the judges declared it "new, fresh, with excellent characterization." I was beyond thrilled! Their words spurred me on to write two more books in what I now call my "Legacy Series."
They have yet to be published.
My next two unrelated books were contracted quickly. Why? I told myself it was because there was a glut of "vampire" books on the market. Then DAW took an interest. After reading Midnight Sun, book one, they requested the others. Again, I was flying high. A year and a half later later, they decided not to contract.
Why? They didn't say.
So recently, I pulled the manuscript out and dusted it off and began an edit. Will it be better? Certainly. I have learned a lot about writing in the past few years. I think those years of separation from that project gave me the space needed to give the work a non-prejudiced eye. Will the revisions find me a publisher? Only time will tell.
In 2009 I wrote the first of what would become a series of urban fantasy books. I was SO proud! Then I joined a critique group and became...less proud. My errors were pointed out to me and numerous revisions made. I entered this manuscript in a contest and although I did not win, the judges declared it "new, fresh, with excellent characterization." I was beyond thrilled! Their words spurred me on to write two more books in what I now call my "Legacy Series."
They have yet to be published.
My next two unrelated books were contracted quickly. Why? I told myself it was because there was a glut of "vampire" books on the market. Then DAW took an interest. After reading Midnight Sun, book one, they requested the others. Again, I was flying high. A year and a half later later, they decided not to contract.
Why? They didn't say.
So recently, I pulled the manuscript out and dusted it off and began an edit. Will it be better? Certainly. I have learned a lot about writing in the past few years. I think those years of separation from that project gave me the space needed to give the work a non-prejudiced eye. Will the revisions find me a publisher? Only time will tell.
March 24, 2012
Call for Submissions!
New Call for Submissions — SMOKIN' HOT FIREMEN by Delilah Devlin
Please pass this along to all your writer friends out there! ~DD
* * * * *
Smokin' Hot Firemen: Firefighter Romance Stories
Editor: Delilah Devlin
Publisher: Cleis Press in Summer 2013
Deadline: June 15, 2012 (although sooner is better!)
Smokin' Hot Firemen is open to all authors.
Editor Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero firefighter stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled Smokin' Hot Firemen: Firefighter Romance Stories .
A firefighter is one of those iconic heroes who inspire a jumble of sexy images at just the mention of the word—a soot-covered face, sweat dripping from hard, chiselled muscles, the sexy snap of suspenders—yes, only a fireman can make suspenders sexy!
Smokin' Hot Firemen will seek stories that satisfy the reader who craves the romantic idea of that soot-covered, smokin'-hot man while exploring stories set in American cities and small towns, as well as international settings. The stories will be contemporary. While traditional themes are likely to be featured, writers are encouraged to imagine greater in order to create tales that, while featuring this iconic hero, may also surprise.
Think about the big-city firehouse, teaming with sexy firemen, responding to a high-rise fire; firefighters arriving at the scene of an accident to pry a victim from a burning car; a strong, sexy man carrying a child from a burning house... All heroic acts we expect from our local heroes. Then think about the smoke-jumper parachuting into the hot zone of a forest fire; the sexy rancher next door, who's also a volunteer firefighter, responding to an out-of-control brush fire; or even an oil-rig worker whose extra duty is to respond to a catastrophe on a rig in the middle of the ocean...
Then imagine the romantic possibilities of being held against that massively muscled chest by a man whose mission is to protect and serve...
Published authors with an established firehouse world may use that setting for their original short story.
The stories may be as kinky or vanilla as the writer wants—but a deep sensuality should linger in every word. Exotic locations and scenarios are welcome. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. We are seeking original stories.
How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required.
In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person to smokinhotfiremen@gmail.com . If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you'd like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in September 2011. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.
Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.
About the editor: Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths. Her published print titles include Into the Darkness, Seduced by Darkness, Darkness Burning, Darkness Captured, Down in Texas, Texas Men, Ravished by a Viking, and Enslaved by a Viking. Her short stories are featured in Zane's Purple Panties, and Cleis Press's Lesbian Cowboys, Girl Crush, Fairy Tale Lust, Lesbian Lust, Passion, Carnal Machines, Dream Lovers, and Best Erotic Romance. She is published by Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, Atria/Strebor, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Berkley. In Fall 2011, she debuted her first anthology with Cleis Press, Girls Who Bite. In 2012, Cleis Press will release She Shifters and Cowboy Lust.
Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at smokinhotfiremen@gmail.com .
Delilah Devlin | March 23, 2012 at 6:53 pm | Categories: Delilah Devlin | URL: http://wp.me/p12q4F-bj
* * * * *
Smokin' Hot Firemen: Firefighter Romance Stories
Editor: Delilah Devlin
Publisher: Cleis Press in Summer 2013
Deadline: June 15, 2012 (although sooner is better!)
Smokin' Hot Firemen is open to all authors.
Editor Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero firefighter stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled Smokin' Hot Firemen: Firefighter Romance Stories .
A firefighter is one of those iconic heroes who inspire a jumble of sexy images at just the mention of the word—a soot-covered face, sweat dripping from hard, chiselled muscles, the sexy snap of suspenders—yes, only a fireman can make suspenders sexy!
Smokin' Hot Firemen will seek stories that satisfy the reader who craves the romantic idea of that soot-covered, smokin'-hot man while exploring stories set in American cities and small towns, as well as international settings. The stories will be contemporary. While traditional themes are likely to be featured, writers are encouraged to imagine greater in order to create tales that, while featuring this iconic hero, may also surprise.
Think about the big-city firehouse, teaming with sexy firemen, responding to a high-rise fire; firefighters arriving at the scene of an accident to pry a victim from a burning car; a strong, sexy man carrying a child from a burning house... All heroic acts we expect from our local heroes. Then think about the smoke-jumper parachuting into the hot zone of a forest fire; the sexy rancher next door, who's also a volunteer firefighter, responding to an out-of-control brush fire; or even an oil-rig worker whose extra duty is to respond to a catastrophe on a rig in the middle of the ocean...
Then imagine the romantic possibilities of being held against that massively muscled chest by a man whose mission is to protect and serve...
Published authors with an established firehouse world may use that setting for their original short story.
The stories may be as kinky or vanilla as the writer wants—but a deep sensuality should linger in every word. Exotic locations and scenarios are welcome. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. We are seeking original stories.
How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required.
In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person to smokinhotfiremen@gmail.com . If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you'd like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in September 2011. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.
Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.
About the editor: Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths. Her published print titles include Into the Darkness, Seduced by Darkness, Darkness Burning, Darkness Captured, Down in Texas, Texas Men, Ravished by a Viking, and Enslaved by a Viking. Her short stories are featured in Zane's Purple Panties, and Cleis Press's Lesbian Cowboys, Girl Crush, Fairy Tale Lust, Lesbian Lust, Passion, Carnal Machines, Dream Lovers, and Best Erotic Romance. She is published by Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, Atria/Strebor, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Berkley. In Fall 2011, she debuted her first anthology with Cleis Press, Girls Who Bite. In 2012, Cleis Press will release She Shifters and Cowboy Lust.
Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at smokinhotfiremen@gmail.com .
Delilah Devlin | March 23, 2012 at 6:53 pm | Categories: Delilah Devlin | URL: http://wp.me/p12q4F-bj
March 19, 2012
The "Little lady" has had it!
This one's for all you single women out there determined to do things on your own in a "man's world."
When was the last time you heard, "Talk to your husband and get back with us." when going to purchase a car, appliance, or just about any damn thing? When was the last time some condescending contractor totally disregarded your instructions because he knew better than you, what you wanted done?
I have been living that nightmare for 4 months now. I took bids on a siding/window and door project late in 2011. Work started the Monday after Thanksgiving. When this company bid I was told to expect completion in 3 weeks. Since we were going into the winter months I figured, double that. Well, it is now approaching April and the job is still incomplete.
My doors and shutters were ordered incorrectly. I caught the shutter problem before they were installed but not the doors. I do work for a living. I even went so far as to agree to keep the wrong doors (they were hung, it was winter and hey, I needed doors!) if they would paint them correctly. They botched the job and broke a door frame. The correct doors had to be re-ordered, painted and hung.
Again they botched it. Right doors, wrong paint job. My shutters were the correct type this time but...are you ready?...were hung upside down, crooked and one set short. I kid you not! When was the last time you saw a house with 4 windows across the front but only 3 sets of shutters? There have been lots of other "small" things along the way but I won't bore you.
Yesterday I met with the boss, the painter, and the troubleshooter. The boss got in my face and tried to make me the villain in this story! I didn't order the doors and shutters! I didn't fail to follow through to make sure they were painted correctly. When they left I stripped the remaining paint from around the door windows. (The painter had started it, made a mess of it and said he would complete the job when they came back to fix the shutters!)
I would run out of fingers and toes if I tried to count up the number of women I know who has received this sort of treatment.
So, for all you asshat "salesmen" out there. It took me 6 hours to purchase my first new car. It took me 15 minutes the second time at the same dealership. I am not an air-headed bimbo so don't treat me like one. You won't like the result.
Women outlive men, many are choosing to never marry or are widowed/divorced and make all their own decisions concerning the major purchases in their lives. You want OUR business? Treat us with the respect we deserve or pay the consequences.
Have you had any similar experiences? Let me hear them! Who knows, I might write a book...
When was the last time you heard, "Talk to your husband and get back with us." when going to purchase a car, appliance, or just about any damn thing? When was the last time some condescending contractor totally disregarded your instructions because he knew better than you, what you wanted done?
I have been living that nightmare for 4 months now. I took bids on a siding/window and door project late in 2011. Work started the Monday after Thanksgiving. When this company bid I was told to expect completion in 3 weeks. Since we were going into the winter months I figured, double that. Well, it is now approaching April and the job is still incomplete.
My doors and shutters were ordered incorrectly. I caught the shutter problem before they were installed but not the doors. I do work for a living. I even went so far as to agree to keep the wrong doors (they were hung, it was winter and hey, I needed doors!) if they would paint them correctly. They botched the job and broke a door frame. The correct doors had to be re-ordered, painted and hung.
Again they botched it. Right doors, wrong paint job. My shutters were the correct type this time but...are you ready?...were hung upside down, crooked and one set short. I kid you not! When was the last time you saw a house with 4 windows across the front but only 3 sets of shutters? There have been lots of other "small" things along the way but I won't bore you.
Yesterday I met with the boss, the painter, and the troubleshooter. The boss got in my face and tried to make me the villain in this story! I didn't order the doors and shutters! I didn't fail to follow through to make sure they were painted correctly. When they left I stripped the remaining paint from around the door windows. (The painter had started it, made a mess of it and said he would complete the job when they came back to fix the shutters!)
I would run out of fingers and toes if I tried to count up the number of women I know who has received this sort of treatment.
So, for all you asshat "salesmen" out there. It took me 6 hours to purchase my first new car. It took me 15 minutes the second time at the same dealership. I am not an air-headed bimbo so don't treat me like one. You won't like the result.
Women outlive men, many are choosing to never marry or are widowed/divorced and make all their own decisions concerning the major purchases in their lives. You want OUR business? Treat us with the respect we deserve or pay the consequences.
Have you had any similar experiences? Let me hear them! Who knows, I might write a book...
March 8, 2012
Is it writer's Block?
We creative types are often pigeon holed as being moody and for some, that may well be true. Perhaps they like to walk with one foot on the dark side. Yours truly prefers sunshine and bluebirds, thank you so very much!
For the past six month are so, my bluebirds as well as my muse flew south. So did my once sunny disposition. I won't bore you with the details of my Peyton Place existence, but the horrible end result was, I could not write. I could not read!
Writer's block? No, not in my case. I was dealing with a full blown (and possibly well deserved) depression. While physical illnesses are often misdiagnosed, depression is often ignored. My doctor didn't recognize the symptoms or if she did, chose not to mention them.
Life is meant to be lived, not suffered through. I plan to take it at a full gallop! Yee-haw! Smile! Be happy! Take the steps you need to insure your health, both mental and physical
In the interest of others who may be struggling I provide this link: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/depression/11-warning-signs-depression
For the past six month are so, my bluebirds as well as my muse flew south. So did my once sunny disposition. I won't bore you with the details of my Peyton Place existence, but the horrible end result was, I could not write. I could not read!
Writer's block? No, not in my case. I was dealing with a full blown (and possibly well deserved) depression. While physical illnesses are often misdiagnosed, depression is often ignored. My doctor didn't recognize the symptoms or if she did, chose not to mention them.
Life is meant to be lived, not suffered through. I plan to take it at a full gallop! Yee-haw! Smile! Be happy! Take the steps you need to insure your health, both mental and physical
In the interest of others who may be struggling I provide this link: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/depression/11-warning-signs-depression
March 6, 2012
Surprise!
I was just tooling around Amazon this morning and noticed my second novel, Mr. Fix-it, is on sale. The paperback is 72% off, making both the Kindle and PB the same low price of $3.86!
So, if you've been procrastinating about buying due to price...now's your chance. AND it still qualifies for free Super Saver shipping if you order $25.00 or more.
Hop to it! What have you got to lose?
So, if you've been procrastinating about buying due to price...now's your chance. AND it still qualifies for free Super Saver shipping if you order $25.00 or more.
Hop to it! What have you got to lose?
February 9, 2012
Prolific Authors...
don't you just hate them?
No, not really. Especially when the author in question is a friend of mine. Yep, KevaD has cranked out yet another gem. This one is called Whistle Pass and is published by Dreamspinner Press. If you'd like to read an excerpt just drop by my "books and contests" page.
(The man has the best luck with cover art, too.)
No, not really. Especially when the author in question is a friend of mine. Yep, KevaD has cranked out yet another gem. This one is called Whistle Pass and is published by Dreamspinner Press. If you'd like to read an excerpt just drop by my "books and contests" page.
(The man has the best luck with cover art, too.)
January 26, 2012
Vampires...Really?
A friend of mine got me a subscription to Red Book. Now normally I don't read magazines, unless I am in the waiting room of a doctor or dentist, but I have to admit RB has some fantastic articles. They are enlightening and funny as hell! I'm all about funny these days. Make me laugh and I'll love you forever. Laughter helps counteract these dreary winter blahs as well as my total lack of love life. But...enough about me.
One article was entitled, Vampires...Really? Guys were asking questions about women, things they truly didn't understand about the superior sex. They don't understand our fascination with vampires. The explanation was a bit cliche for my taste. ( fangs = penetration = sex. Blood loss = euphoric stupor = great orgasm.) Not that it isn't inherently correct, but baby, that's not why they turn me on!
Okay, so more abut me. (This may fall under the heading of TMI. Feel free to cover your eyes.) I am a neck girl. Yep, from soft kisses behind my ear, to full fledged bites on my shoulder, the very thought makes me weak in the knees. Little nibbles along the tendon (or is it a ligament?) running from my neck to my shoulder puts my motor in overdrive. Vroom-Vroom!
Feel free to weigh in her boys and girls! What melts your butter?
So fellas, don't knock those vamps--learn from them. Oh, and there's always the femoral artery down south! Vampires looking better to you yet, boys?
I have WAY too much time on my hands...
One article was entitled, Vampires...Really? Guys were asking questions about women, things they truly didn't understand about the superior sex. They don't understand our fascination with vampires. The explanation was a bit cliche for my taste. ( fangs = penetration = sex. Blood loss = euphoric stupor = great orgasm.) Not that it isn't inherently correct, but baby, that's not why they turn me on!
Okay, so more abut me. (This may fall under the heading of TMI. Feel free to cover your eyes.) I am a neck girl. Yep, from soft kisses behind my ear, to full fledged bites on my shoulder, the very thought makes me weak in the knees. Little nibbles along the tendon (or is it a ligament?) running from my neck to my shoulder puts my motor in overdrive. Vroom-Vroom!
Feel free to weigh in her boys and girls! What melts your butter?
So fellas, don't knock those vamps--learn from them. Oh, and there's always the femoral artery down south! Vampires looking better to you yet, boys?
I have WAY too much time on my hands...
