Cait Miller's Blog: Sizzling Scribes Blog, page 11
December 4, 2011
Hello! Real Woman Here!
Hello, Real Woman Here!
I recently had the lovely experience of shopping for an outfit for my husband's company Christmas party. It was just oh so delightful. . . NOT!
First, let me say, I am over 40 and have borne three children, and am not exactly in shape. Unless you count round as a shape, in which case, I'm all set. I'm not obese, but I'm no super model , nor are the majority of women with whom I come into contact. In fact, if you look up the statistics (like I did) you'll find:
Despite what the fashion industry thinks, the average clothing size in the United States is not a svelte 8 for women and a 40 regular for men. The average women's size is 14, the size at which "plus-sized" clothing begins. (Netscape Home and Living)
And...the fashion industry assumes these standard measurements for a woman: 35-inch bust, a 27-inch waist, and 37.5-inch hip. In the real world, women ages 36 to 45 actually average:
White: 41-34-43
Black: 43-37-46
Hispanic: 42.5-36-44
Asian: 41-35-43
(Netscape Home and Living)
Now, if that is the case, why did it take me 15 stores to find a top that didn't either make me look like I was a sausage or a balloon? If it didn't squeeze me at the waist and bust, it bloused out like a tent. Neither of which was attractive, let me assure you.
I wasted two days searching for an appropriate shirt before I finally found one at a Plus size store in the mall. (Torrid, and they were wonderful. I give them full props!) As I went from one store to another in a vain attempt to find something flattering, I got more and more frustrated. The clothes all seemed geared towards people who had no bust or hips or figure flaws to hide. I can understand marketing to the younger crowd, but I teach high school and I know the majority of my students aren't stick skinny either.
So, if indeed the majority of women do not measure 35-27-37, why then do so many stores carry clothes that won't fit an average size woman? I know the reason most designers use super skinny models is because the clothes hang better when you don't have to worry about hips and breasts getting in the way of the drape, BUT THAT IS NOT REALITY. Where are the designers who use their creativity to design clothes for the average woman? Just because I don't measure up to an unrealistic standard, does that mean I can't wear fashionable clothes that make me look and feel attractive?
It is a constant irritation to me that the image of women we see on magazine covers and in movies has very little relation to the women we see around us every day. It is also extremely annoying to me that I buy into that image and fight a constant battle with my self-image and self-esteem. I've worked very hard with my daughters to define beauty as "healthy" not "thin" and hope they will listen to me instead of the constant media barrage that surrounds them on a regular basis.
So this holiday season, as you beat yourself up for having that cup of calorie laden egg nog or vow to lose weight for your New Year's Resolution, consider instead finding a healthy balance and loving yourself just the way you are. It's the best gift you can ever get.
I recently had the lovely experience of shopping for an outfit for my husband's company Christmas party. It was just oh so delightful. . . NOT!
First, let me say, I am over 40 and have borne three children, and am not exactly in shape. Unless you count round as a shape, in which case, I'm all set. I'm not obese, but I'm no super model , nor are the majority of women with whom I come into contact. In fact, if you look up the statistics (like I did) you'll find:
Despite what the fashion industry thinks, the average clothing size in the United States is not a svelte 8 for women and a 40 regular for men. The average women's size is 14, the size at which "plus-sized" clothing begins. (Netscape Home and Living)
And...the fashion industry assumes these standard measurements for a woman: 35-inch bust, a 27-inch waist, and 37.5-inch hip. In the real world, women ages 36 to 45 actually average:
White: 41-34-43
Black: 43-37-46
Hispanic: 42.5-36-44
Asian: 41-35-43
(Netscape Home and Living)
Now, if that is the case, why did it take me 15 stores to find a top that didn't either make me look like I was a sausage or a balloon? If it didn't squeeze me at the waist and bust, it bloused out like a tent. Neither of which was attractive, let me assure you.
I wasted two days searching for an appropriate shirt before I finally found one at a Plus size store in the mall. (Torrid, and they were wonderful. I give them full props!) As I went from one store to another in a vain attempt to find something flattering, I got more and more frustrated. The clothes all seemed geared towards people who had no bust or hips or figure flaws to hide. I can understand marketing to the younger crowd, but I teach high school and I know the majority of my students aren't stick skinny either.
So, if indeed the majority of women do not measure 35-27-37, why then do so many stores carry clothes that won't fit an average size woman? I know the reason most designers use super skinny models is because the clothes hang better when you don't have to worry about hips and breasts getting in the way of the drape, BUT THAT IS NOT REALITY. Where are the designers who use their creativity to design clothes for the average woman? Just because I don't measure up to an unrealistic standard, does that mean I can't wear fashionable clothes that make me look and feel attractive?
It is a constant irritation to me that the image of women we see on magazine covers and in movies has very little relation to the women we see around us every day. It is also extremely annoying to me that I buy into that image and fight a constant battle with my self-image and self-esteem. I've worked very hard with my daughters to define beauty as "healthy" not "thin" and hope they will listen to me instead of the constant media barrage that surrounds them on a regular basis.
So this holiday season, as you beat yourself up for having that cup of calorie laden egg nog or vow to lose weight for your New Year's Resolution, consider instead finding a healthy balance and loving yourself just the way you are. It's the best gift you can ever get.
November 20, 2011
Sometimes I think NaNoWriMo is designed simply as an...
Sometimes I think NaNoWriMo is designed simply as an exercise in frustration.
Nationa Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a movement begun several years ago by a group of writers who vowed to write an entire novel of 50,000 words in one four-week period. The intent was to stop getting hung up on the editing and just let the novel flow out. Editing could happen later.
It was a wonderful idea and caught on with other authors. It spread through genre and age levels and now is a yearly, highly-anticipated event that authors from around the world choose to join. For the past three years I've participated, at least unofficially. I didn't sign up at the official site or join an offshoot group, but this year I've posted about my progress on my blog and Twitter stream. Needless to say, it ain't going so well for me.
I always start out with such high hopes. This year I wrote just over 9000 words the first week which kept me on par to complete 50K by December 1st. But the same problem came up that comes up every year. In my day job, I teach and grades are due by the end of the second week of November. That means I spend every "extra" moment the second week reading essays and senior papers. I worked late this year to get everything graded and came home exhausted. I didn't write but 2000 words the entire week.
Tried to catch up this week and had other RL issues get in the way so that I wrote not one single word on my manuscript. From 9000 to 2000 to 0. I'm more than halfway through the month and less than halfway to the target halfway point of 25,000 words.
The reality is what the reality is. I cannot add more hours in the day (I know, I've tried) and caffeine only gets me so far. I'm not offering these as excuses, but frustrations. Come retirement (2.5 more years, but who's counting?) and I can write 50K every month if I want. Right now, however, I am still squeezing writing time in the odd hours where I can.
I think it's safe to say I won't make the goal this year. I'm considerably further on my current wip, though, and that's always good. It's a full-length work with two couples I'm beginning to like--a lot. I'll be sorry when their story is finished because I enjoy spending time with them. I hope you will, too.
So, for those of you out there still aiming for that magic number -- good on ya! Keep going and I'm rooting for you from the sidelines. Get that novel out of you and onto the computer screen where you can work it in December. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
As for me, I'll keep writing but I'm a little less hopeful about getting this novel completed before the end of the month.
Nationa Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a movement begun several years ago by a group of writers who vowed to write an entire novel of 50,000 words in one four-week period. The intent was to stop getting hung up on the editing and just let the novel flow out. Editing could happen later.
It was a wonderful idea and caught on with other authors. It spread through genre and age levels and now is a yearly, highly-anticipated event that authors from around the world choose to join. For the past three years I've participated, at least unofficially. I didn't sign up at the official site or join an offshoot group, but this year I've posted about my progress on my blog and Twitter stream. Needless to say, it ain't going so well for me.
I always start out with such high hopes. This year I wrote just over 9000 words the first week which kept me on par to complete 50K by December 1st. But the same problem came up that comes up every year. In my day job, I teach and grades are due by the end of the second week of November. That means I spend every "extra" moment the second week reading essays and senior papers. I worked late this year to get everything graded and came home exhausted. I didn't write but 2000 words the entire week.
Tried to catch up this week and had other RL issues get in the way so that I wrote not one single word on my manuscript. From 9000 to 2000 to 0. I'm more than halfway through the month and less than halfway to the target halfway point of 25,000 words.
The reality is what the reality is. I cannot add more hours in the day (I know, I've tried) and caffeine only gets me so far. I'm not offering these as excuses, but frustrations. Come retirement (2.5 more years, but who's counting?) and I can write 50K every month if I want. Right now, however, I am still squeezing writing time in the odd hours where I can.
I think it's safe to say I won't make the goal this year. I'm considerably further on my current wip, though, and that's always good. It's a full-length work with two couples I'm beginning to like--a lot. I'll be sorry when their story is finished because I enjoy spending time with them. I hope you will, too.
So, for those of you out there still aiming for that magic number -- good on ya! Keep going and I'm rooting for you from the sidelines. Get that novel out of you and onto the computer screen where you can work it in December. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
As for me, I'll keep writing but I'm a little less hopeful about getting this novel completed before the end of the month.
November 13, 2011
The Writing of Always Room for Four
I discovered Ellora's Cave back in 2002 by following a link from an author's website. Whoa! I was so excited to find a publisher who didn't close the bedroom door. I bought one book, read it, and was immediately hooked.
I'd published three sensual romances with another e-publisher, but longed to write something more edgy, and definitely sexier. My problem was I'd never used "those words" in a book. I don't even say them in real life, so didn't know how I could use them in a book. My two wonderful critique partners urged me to go for it. That's how The Birthday Gift was born. It became the first of four stories in my collection, Happy Birthday, Baby.
Now nine years and twenty-five Ellora's Cave books later, I decided it was time to tell Patrick's story. He was introduced in The Birthday Gift, the hero's cousin and the third person in the ménage. I wanted him to meet the woman of his dreams, but I also wanted that woman to have a past relationship with another woman.
Writing about two women together was a first for me. So was writing a foursome. I had an absolute blast doing it.
Here's a little taste of Always Room for Four. I hope you enjoy it.
* * * * *
Tera looked at Amanda's soft hand on top of hers. So many times in college, that hand had touched Tera with tenderness and passion. She and Amanda had remained friends for years, yet had never been lovers again. They'd both become involved with the men they planned to marry. Anything between them had been pushed aside to make room for their soon-to-be husbands.
Tera no longer had a soon-to-be husband, but she had her best friend close enough to touch.
Turning her hand over, she laced her fingers with Amanda's. She focused on their hands as she asked her next questions. "What about us? Does this foursome include us being together, or would we only be with the guys?"
Amanda remained silent. Afraid she'd said the wrong thing, Tera lifted her gaze to her friend's face. "Would you like that?" Amanda asked softly. "Because I would."
That confession surprised Tera almost as much as Amanda's idea of a foursome. "You would?"
"We haven't been together in a long time, but I've thought about it."
"You never said anything."
Amanda shrugged one shoulder. "I figured you weren't interested anymore since you had Roger."
"You had Jake."
"That doesn't mean I stopped caring for you."
There hadn't been anything sexual between them in seven years. After that much time, it shouldn't seem so natural for Tera to lean closer to Amanda and kiss her tenderly. Yet it seemed as natural as drawing her next breath.
Amanda's lips were just as soft as she remembered, just as giving beneath hers. Tera parted her lips, her tongue searched for Amanda's. When she touched it, Tera inhaled a sharp breath. She gripped Amanda's hand, tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Amanda answered each stroke of tongue, each slide of lips.
Blindly reaching out, Tera found Amanda's other hand and gripped it too. She moaned low in her throat when Amanda's tongue swept over her lips. She scooted to the edge of her chair, needing to be closer, needing to touch more of the woman seated next to her.
Much sooner than she would have liked, Tera ended the kiss. She rested her forehead against Amanda's, wanting to continue but knowing they couldn't at this time since Jake and Patrick waited for them in the bar. "We have to stop."
"I know." Amanda's voice sounded thready, breathless. She squeezed both of Tera's hands. "Wow."
"Yeah." She moved back so she could look into Amanda's gorgeous blue eyes. "Tell me again why we stopped making love."
"Stupidity?"
"Well, I won't make that mistake again."
Amanda laughed and Tera joined her. She slid from her chair, tugged Amanda to her feet to hug her. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too." Amanda moved back, but kept her hands on Tera's waist. "No matter what you decide about Jake and Patrick, you and I need some time together."
The thought of pressing her naked body against Amanda's made her clit gently pulse. "Yes, we do."
* * * * *
Happy Birthday, Baby is available in print. The Birthday Gift and Always Room for Four are available as e-books from Ellora's Cave and other online retailers.
Have a great week!Lynn
I'd published three sensual romances with another e-publisher, but longed to write something more edgy, and definitely sexier. My problem was I'd never used "those words" in a book. I don't even say them in real life, so didn't know how I could use them in a book. My two wonderful critique partners urged me to go for it. That's how The Birthday Gift was born. It became the first of four stories in my collection, Happy Birthday, Baby.
Now nine years and twenty-five Ellora's Cave books later, I decided it was time to tell Patrick's story. He was introduced in The Birthday Gift, the hero's cousin and the third person in the ménage. I wanted him to meet the woman of his dreams, but I also wanted that woman to have a past relationship with another woman.
Writing about two women together was a first for me. So was writing a foursome. I had an absolute blast doing it.
Here's a little taste of Always Room for Four. I hope you enjoy it.
* * * * *
Tera looked at Amanda's soft hand on top of hers. So many times in college, that hand had touched Tera with tenderness and passion. She and Amanda had remained friends for years, yet had never been lovers again. They'd both become involved with the men they planned to marry. Anything between them had been pushed aside to make room for their soon-to-be husbands.
Tera no longer had a soon-to-be husband, but she had her best friend close enough to touch.
Turning her hand over, she laced her fingers with Amanda's. She focused on their hands as she asked her next questions. "What about us? Does this foursome include us being together, or would we only be with the guys?"
Amanda remained silent. Afraid she'd said the wrong thing, Tera lifted her gaze to her friend's face. "Would you like that?" Amanda asked softly. "Because I would."
That confession surprised Tera almost as much as Amanda's idea of a foursome. "You would?"
"We haven't been together in a long time, but I've thought about it."
"You never said anything."
Amanda shrugged one shoulder. "I figured you weren't interested anymore since you had Roger."
"You had Jake."
"That doesn't mean I stopped caring for you."
There hadn't been anything sexual between them in seven years. After that much time, it shouldn't seem so natural for Tera to lean closer to Amanda and kiss her tenderly. Yet it seemed as natural as drawing her next breath.
Amanda's lips were just as soft as she remembered, just as giving beneath hers. Tera parted her lips, her tongue searched for Amanda's. When she touched it, Tera inhaled a sharp breath. She gripped Amanda's hand, tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Amanda answered each stroke of tongue, each slide of lips.
Blindly reaching out, Tera found Amanda's other hand and gripped it too. She moaned low in her throat when Amanda's tongue swept over her lips. She scooted to the edge of her chair, needing to be closer, needing to touch more of the woman seated next to her.
Much sooner than she would have liked, Tera ended the kiss. She rested her forehead against Amanda's, wanting to continue but knowing they couldn't at this time since Jake and Patrick waited for them in the bar. "We have to stop."
"I know." Amanda's voice sounded thready, breathless. She squeezed both of Tera's hands. "Wow."
"Yeah." She moved back so she could look into Amanda's gorgeous blue eyes. "Tell me again why we stopped making love."
"Stupidity?"
"Well, I won't make that mistake again."
Amanda laughed and Tera joined her. She slid from her chair, tugged Amanda to her feet to hug her. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too." Amanda moved back, but kept her hands on Tera's waist. "No matter what you decide about Jake and Patrick, you and I need some time together."
The thought of pressing her naked body against Amanda's made her clit gently pulse. "Yes, we do."
* * * * *
Happy Birthday, Baby is available in print. The Birthday Gift and Always Room for Four are available as e-books from Ellora's Cave and other online retailers.
Have a great week!Lynn
October 22, 2011
Romanticon 2011
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Romanticon may be a fledgling in the world of conventions, but Ellora's Cave has mastered the art. Their third Romanticon event reoccurred in Ohio, the home state of erotic romance's premier publisher. The four-day event kicked off on Thursday with the Meet and Greet. It was wonderful to see authors, editors and readers come together as old friends. EC provided elegant bottles of local wine and root beer, both complete with EC Logo labels. The Cavemen mingled making the night a sexy success.Friday was a great day filled with informative workshops and a coupleworkshops just for fun. Classes in Burlesque and Pole dancing were available for those with an adventurous streak. Caveman Angelo gave it his best shot.Caveman Alex mastered the pole.
Friday Night's Party: The Stone Age
Saturday started off full steam ahead with another day filled with phenomenal workshops for both reader and writer alike. EC editors had a full calendar of appointments for those with the desire to become published. As an added feature to enhance the convention, several venders attended selling a range of items from glamorous jewelry to exotic body glitter or painted portraits from a photograph. Once again, classes were available for those who dared challenge the pole or learn the beautiful art of burlesque. The cover models spent the day vying for votes in this year's premier contest for Alpha Caveman. On occasion one could peer out a window and catch them practicing the Fire Dance in-between rain showers. The weather in Ohio was not cooperating with this portion of the agenda. It was postponed until therewas finally a break in the rain Saturday night. Sexy Cavemen twirling fire sticks.Hot, Hot, Hot. 
Saturday Night's Party: Futuristic
Sunday morning gave us the final dash of workshops followed by the Sexporium BookFair. The Cavemen provided several dance performances throughout the event. The ladies of Burlesque did a fine job displaying a whole new perspective on the art of stripping. The very athletic pole dancing crew showed off their skills, which were astonishing to say the least. And the vendors provided their wares at this event in case you didn't get the chance to shop during the convention. A wide variety of EC authors were in attendance to sell and autograph their latest additions. The turn out was fairly decent for such a large venue.Sunday night's Bingo Pajama Party brought Romanticon to a close. Rodney was the perfect master of ceremonies. We laughed until we cried making bingo more fun than ever.
If you've never attended Romanticon, you've missed out on a fun-filled adventure for authors, readers and editors. It's a place where one can pitch their stories in a more relaxed environment, meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. If this article has piqued your interest, keep an eye on the site http://ecromanticon.com/for further information as to date, location and registration.I know I will.
Tara NinaHot Romance~Sexy Attitudewww.taranina.com
Romanticon may be a fledgling in the world of conventions, but Ellora's Cave has mastered the art. Their third Romanticon event reoccurred in Ohio, the home state of erotic romance's premier publisher. The four-day event kicked off on Thursday with the Meet and Greet. It was wonderful to see authors, editors and readers come together as old friends. EC provided elegant bottles of local wine and root beer, both complete with EC Logo labels. The Cavemen mingled making the night a sexy success.Friday was a great day filled with informative workshops and a coupleworkshops just for fun. Classes in Burlesque and Pole dancing were available for those with an adventurous streak. Caveman Angelo gave it his best shot.Caveman Alex mastered the pole.
Friday Night's Party: The Stone Age
Saturday started off full steam ahead with another day filled with phenomenal workshops for both reader and writer alike. EC editors had a full calendar of appointments for those with the desire to become published. As an added feature to enhance the convention, several venders attended selling a range of items from glamorous jewelry to exotic body glitter or painted portraits from a photograph. Once again, classes were available for those who dared challenge the pole or learn the beautiful art of burlesque. The cover models spent the day vying for votes in this year's premier contest for Alpha Caveman. On occasion one could peer out a window and catch them practicing the Fire Dance in-between rain showers. The weather in Ohio was not cooperating with this portion of the agenda. It was postponed until therewas finally a break in the rain Saturday night. Sexy Cavemen twirling fire sticks.Hot, Hot, Hot. 
Saturday Night's Party: Futuristic
Sunday morning gave us the final dash of workshops followed by the Sexporium BookFair. The Cavemen provided several dance performances throughout the event. The ladies of Burlesque did a fine job displaying a whole new perspective on the art of stripping. The very athletic pole dancing crew showed off their skills, which were astonishing to say the least. And the vendors provided their wares at this event in case you didn't get the chance to shop during the convention. A wide variety of EC authors were in attendance to sell and autograph their latest additions. The turn out was fairly decent for such a large venue.Sunday night's Bingo Pajama Party brought Romanticon to a close. Rodney was the perfect master of ceremonies. We laughed until we cried making bingo more fun than ever.
If you've never attended Romanticon, you've missed out on a fun-filled adventure for authors, readers and editors. It's a place where one can pitch their stories in a more relaxed environment, meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. If this article has piqued your interest, keep an eye on the site http://ecromanticon.com/for further information as to date, location and registration.I know I will.
Tara NinaHot Romance~Sexy Attitudewww.taranina.com
October 17, 2011
What goes around comes around
I was in the library the other day looking for a new author to read because I had read pretty much everything from my favorites. I texted a friend of mine to ask her for recommendations for a new mystery author. She didn't get back to me before I had to leave, so I just grabbed some books from an author I had never heard of, but her back cover blurb looked good.
Several hours later, my friend got back to me and I told her who I picked. Apparently, she had met that author and "she was a bitch to me." Now I try to divorce the author's personality from the author's talent. There are authors I don't think I'd necessarily like to hang out with, but I enjoy their books. Other authors, I'd love to go out for drinks with because their characters are so damn cool I think they have to be too.
*Disclaimer* There are several authors who I have gone out for drinks with. . .gotten drunk with. . .slept on their bathroom floor, etc. but that's another story. I'm posting as a reader not a writer today.
Anyway, after my friend said this author I was going to try out was nasty to her, I thought about just putting the books back, but in the end I really needed something to read and I had the books right there with me, so I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I mean, maybe the author was just having a bad day or something. I could enjoy the book even if the person wasn't particularly nice, right?
Apparently, no. First, let me say the writing wasn't fantastic anyway. The heroine was annoying and they mystery just didn't grab me AT ALL. I usually will finish a book no matter what because I want to know what happens. I couldn't get past the tenth chapter. It was very frustrating!
After I returned the books, I wondered, if I hadn't heard anything about this author, would I have given her more of a chance to hook me? Was I influenced by the author's behavior more than her writing?
And almost more importantly, have I been a bitch to others and now they'll never read one of my books and they'll be sure to tell all their friends what a bitch Arianna Hart is? I have to admit, it's possible. I'm not always the nicest person, and if I'm tired or my blood sugar drops (which tends to happen at conferences) I could be nasty too.
I hope this experience has taught me a lesson about what goes around comes around. If you put out nastiness, it's bound to come back to you. I think this is good to remember in all aspects of life, so just for today, resist the temptation to flip off the driver who cut you off, don't jump down the throat of the cashier who is taking forever to get you a cup of coffee, and resist the urge to slice someone with sarcasm even if it would be really funny to you.
You never know when the good you do will come back around.
Several hours later, my friend got back to me and I told her who I picked. Apparently, she had met that author and "she was a bitch to me." Now I try to divorce the author's personality from the author's talent. There are authors I don't think I'd necessarily like to hang out with, but I enjoy their books. Other authors, I'd love to go out for drinks with because their characters are so damn cool I think they have to be too.
*Disclaimer* There are several authors who I have gone out for drinks with. . .gotten drunk with. . .slept on their bathroom floor, etc. but that's another story. I'm posting as a reader not a writer today.
Anyway, after my friend said this author I was going to try out was nasty to her, I thought about just putting the books back, but in the end I really needed something to read and I had the books right there with me, so I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I mean, maybe the author was just having a bad day or something. I could enjoy the book even if the person wasn't particularly nice, right?
Apparently, no. First, let me say the writing wasn't fantastic anyway. The heroine was annoying and they mystery just didn't grab me AT ALL. I usually will finish a book no matter what because I want to know what happens. I couldn't get past the tenth chapter. It was very frustrating!
After I returned the books, I wondered, if I hadn't heard anything about this author, would I have given her more of a chance to hook me? Was I influenced by the author's behavior more than her writing?
And almost more importantly, have I been a bitch to others and now they'll never read one of my books and they'll be sure to tell all their friends what a bitch Arianna Hart is? I have to admit, it's possible. I'm not always the nicest person, and if I'm tired or my blood sugar drops (which tends to happen at conferences) I could be nasty too.
I hope this experience has taught me a lesson about what goes around comes around. If you put out nastiness, it's bound to come back to you. I think this is good to remember in all aspects of life, so just for today, resist the temptation to flip off the driver who cut you off, don't jump down the throat of the cashier who is taking forever to get you a cup of coffee, and resist the urge to slice someone with sarcasm even if it would be really funny to you.
You never know when the good you do will come back around.
October 10, 2011
New release!
I'm very happy to annouce that I have a new release after a long hiatus. The third book in my Shifting Magic series is finally available. To celebrate I've decided to share a new excerpt of the book here. Please check out Trusting the Magic, now available as an ebook from Ellora's Cave Publishing. I hope you enjoy it.
(c) Cait Miller 2011
An excerpt from Trusting the Magic by Cait Miller<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Abby felt his arousal and it heightened her own, driving away the fear so that there was only him. She moved restlessly against the sheets, skin feeling hot and cold at the same time, the soft cotton bedclothes feeling coarse against her body. Her pulse beat strongly in her throat and between her legs. She squeezed her thighs together and the pleasure intensified. Internal muscles clenched and her pussy felt achingly empty. Nick's response was immediate.
Mine. In her mind's eye she saw him stroking his hand down his body to his hard shaft. Rubbing his thumb over the fluid oozing from the slit. Abby moaned, caressing her nipples through her nightgown. They tightened against her palms, crinkling the areolas with sensitive ripples. Her breasts felt heavy as she cupped them, imagining it was Nick's hands touching her. His large palms holding her as he pinched her nipples between calloused thumb and forefinger. Rolling them until her pulse throbbed there, as well. His moist breath against her neck moments before his tongue followed the curve to her collarbone. He nipped at the skin and then pressed his lips to the sting.
Tell me what to do, Nick. She imagined running her hands over his body, tasting the pearlescent fluid that trickled from his shaft to run down over his fingers. Imagined that it was her hand becoming slick with it as she stroked the thick erection. Fingers tracing the veins where desire pulsed hot and desperate, drawing a hiss of painful pleasure from him as she skimmed her nail over the slit. In her mind, she ran her fingers over the baby-soft skin of his perineum and held his scrotum in her hand. His testicles were heavy within the soft sac and she massaged them gently. Moisture trickled from her as her arousal built. Nick's low moan resonated through her. He ached to touch her.
Using the images in his mind for guidance, Abby released him and skimmed her hand down the soft mound of her stomach to dip between her thighs. She slid her fingers into the wet heat, shivering as she caressed the sensitive labia and spread the slick liquid up to her clitoris. It was throbbing for her attention and she gasped as she began to circle it.
She drew up her knees and dug her heels into the bed as the world spiraled away. Spreading her legs wide, she could pushed two fingers inside herself. Her back arched off the bed and she bit her lip against the cry that wanted to escape, her whole body straining for the peak. As she added a third finger, it was Nick's face she saw above her, the warm, heavy weight of his body pressing her down. The broad head of his cock entering her.
It was no longer clear whether the images came from his mind, hers, or both. She could feel the sparse hair on his chest abrading her nipples and the heat of his breath against her neck as if it were real. Pressure built inside her and her breath came in pants. Nick thrust faster and her hips snapped to meet him. The inner walls of her pussy clutched at his cock, trying to draw him deeper.
Abby's fingers pressed harder, moved quicker around her clit. The pleasure was almost painful. Her climax burst over her, drawing all her muscles tight. She gasped and threw her head back as her release spread over her like warm honey. Nick's groan of completion followed hers but instead of the weight of his body falling against hers there was only the cool breeze of the air-conditioning against her damp flesh. It drew bitter tears to her eyes as she drew the covers over herself against the chill.
(c) Cait Miller 2011
October 2, 2011
No resting!
"Rest on your laurels and you'll only end up with deadbranches."
I wrote those words to myself shortly after Ellora's Cavepublished my first book. Getting that first royalty check and realizingsomeone, several someones had bought my book and were reading it in theprivacy of their homes and that I didn't even know them was a heady experienceand I reveled in the wonder and glory of it.
But I fully understood the transitory nature of success andknew I'd have to keep writing stories readers wanted. I wrote everywhere—in thecar waiting for my daughter to get out of ballet class, in the doctor's waitingroom, in fact, anywhere I had to wait became an opportunity to grab some timeand write another page. Two of my books won awards and life was good. But I wasdetermined not to rest on my laurels.
And then we had several deaths in the family and I had ahard time. Some readers thought I'd given up writing. I hadn't. My motto keptme writing but the stories were darker and I published them under the name MysticShade with a different company. The three novellas I wrote for BDSMBooks crossthe line into porn and while sex sells, I think most of the readers who likeDiana's erotica didn't follow me for Mystic's books. As far as they wereconcerned, Mystic had no right to wear Diana's laurels even if Diana did write Stress Relief during this period (most reviewers thought this book went too far into thedarker sides of BDSM).
But time heals, the dark period ended and I realized manyprobably thought I was resting comfortably on my bed of greens since I hadn'tpublished much with EC during that time (except for the aforementioned StressRelief . I still like the interplay between Rand and Meg, even if thegeneral populace thought he went too deep).
In fact, I was writing, but not wanting to end up with deadbranches, I moved in a different direction. Perhaps as a reaction to my darkperiod, my characters now wanted sweet romances with no BDSM at all. Grrr. Darncharacters. I self-published two works of short stories in the lighter genre ( Tales from the Ramayana and Timeless Love ) but was thrilled todiscover John and Lauren liked kinky sex in Services Rendered.You can imagine my relief!
But not resting on one's laurels means more than justpenning story after story. It means offering new ideas, new features, new stuffto the world at large. So I added some games to my website (which were justplain old fun to do!) and finally got off my duff and finished Hardship and Hardtack , a historical novel that's been a part of my life for overa decade. I decided to use a different name for that book so readers wouldn'tget confused and think they were buying erotic romance with a BDSM twist whenin reality the book is closer to a young adult telling of one soldier's lifeduring the Civil War.
And of course, there's my latest venture. Yes, I'm stillwriting erotic romance (have a new short story coming out in Jaid Black'santhology sometime soon) but I'm also branching out. Over the course of thenext seven months I'm offering a series of writing workshops on my blog. One workshop aweek (Tuesdays!) to help both newbies and professionals hone their skills andget some ideas.
I've been teaching writing for a number of years now and havebeen toying with this idea for a while. Each week I'll post a new workshop forfree (although I am accepting donations). At the end, when all the discussionshave been held and the "course" is finished, I'll gather it all together in abook, take down the posts, and publish it in a more traditional format. This isyour opportunity to help mold the book as we go. Each workshop will eventuallybe a chapter in the book. Just look for the "writing workshop" tag and come onalong on this new venture.
"Rest on your laurels and you'll only end up with deadbranches."
Here's to no rest…and with any luck…more laurels!
September 25, 2011
What Makes You Melt?
I love writing romance. Telling the story of two people falling in love makes me smile and gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling deep inside. Make it an erotic romance and I'm even happier.
Writing sexy love scenes isn't easy. Fun, but not easy. They have to be romantic as well as sexy, something you, the reader, would want to have done to you (or do to your partner). The words have to get to you, make you want more. They have to make you melt.
A nibble on the side of the neck.A gentle tug with teeth on an earlobe.Fingertips drifting down a naked back.A hand sliding over a firm buttock.The tip of a tongue tickling a navel.Warm lips wrapped around a hard nipple.Firm male flesh gripped in a tight fist.
Maybe it's that first kiss between lovers that makes you melt. Here's a little taste from my newest book, What Are Friends For?, when my hero and heroine share their first romantic kiss.
She turned to face him. Luke stared at the vision showered in moonlight. The silvery glow made Erin even lovelier and he didn't think that was possible. He tried to fight the attraction, tried to think of her as only a friend. Her confession that she wanted him blew all his good intentions to tiny bits.
Cradling her face in his hands, he slowly lowered his head until his lips touched hers. He'd kissed her dozens of times, friendly kisses between friends. This kiss was completely different. It was a kiss of hello, a kiss that began the journey from friend to lover. Her lips softened beneath his, parted for the sweep of his tongue. She clutched his waist, her fingernails digging into his skin. The bite of pain sweetened the kiss even more.
Are you melting yet?
So tell me, what makes you melt? What happens in a love scene that raises your blood pressure and sends you running off to find your significant other?
Lynn
P.S. The next issue of Sizzling Scribblings, our quarterly newsletter, will be released next week. Be sure and sign up on our mailing list so you don't miss it! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fantasy...
Writing sexy love scenes isn't easy. Fun, but not easy. They have to be romantic as well as sexy, something you, the reader, would want to have done to you (or do to your partner). The words have to get to you, make you want more. They have to make you melt.
A nibble on the side of the neck.A gentle tug with teeth on an earlobe.Fingertips drifting down a naked back.A hand sliding over a firm buttock.The tip of a tongue tickling a navel.Warm lips wrapped around a hard nipple.Firm male flesh gripped in a tight fist.
Maybe it's that first kiss between lovers that makes you melt. Here's a little taste from my newest book, What Are Friends For?, when my hero and heroine share their first romantic kiss.
She turned to face him. Luke stared at the vision showered in moonlight. The silvery glow made Erin even lovelier and he didn't think that was possible. He tried to fight the attraction, tried to think of her as only a friend. Her confession that she wanted him blew all his good intentions to tiny bits.
Cradling her face in his hands, he slowly lowered his head until his lips touched hers. He'd kissed her dozens of times, friendly kisses between friends. This kiss was completely different. It was a kiss of hello, a kiss that began the journey from friend to lover. Her lips softened beneath his, parted for the sweep of his tongue. She clutched his waist, her fingernails digging into his skin. The bite of pain sweetened the kiss even more.
Are you melting yet?
So tell me, what makes you melt? What happens in a love scene that raises your blood pressure and sends you running off to find your significant other?
Lynn
P.S. The next issue of Sizzling Scribblings, our quarterly newsletter, will be released next week. Be sure and sign up on our mailing list so you don't miss it! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fantasy...
September 19, 2011
Sex Change
When I started writing erotic romance in 2001, it was pretty risqué. One guy and one girl but lots of sex and explicit terms (using the "c" words still made me gasp).
But like actual sex, writing the same sex scenes over and over again, gets boring. So as an author, you start to branch out. Some drift into the BDSM world. Some add bodies.
I started with m/f books. Then shifted to m/f/m ménages. The focus was still the main m/f couple but I drew in a second male to attend to the female (cuz really, who hasn't dreamed about that?).
Then I started with my men interacting sexually. In the Wolf's Heritage series (m/m/f), the guys become lovers. The female character is still there and the focus on the relationship but in each book, there is at least one m/m love scene.
And earlier this year, I wrote my first m/m erotic romance (A Change of Pace).
I've come along way from what I thought was fairly scandalous sex at the beginning.
In my mind, that's expected. Things change. Authors want to expand. Readers expect more.
Now, I've decided to go back and write at least two more books in the Shadow of the Dragon Series. I love these characters and this world so it's been fun visiting again.
But for the first time in about four years, I find myself writing m/f sex. That's what that series involves and I don't feel comfortable changing that on my readers, readers who still want the sensual m/f connection.
I sat down to write and the love scenes just wouldn't flow. I'd forgotten how to do one man/one woman sex (well, not really but you get what I mean). I realized, I'd changed my focus (and yes fantasies) to be predominantly m/m. To make this book work, I have to shift them back.
It took a bit—going back, re-reading some of my old books. Picking up some favorite m/f authors. I've settled back into the groove.
The story isn't any less sexy to me. It's just been a bit of sex change.
Tielle
September 4, 2011
NEW BOOK UP FOR SALE!
Happy September! I say happy because of a couple of things. First off, the heat has finally disappeared. It's been a very strange summer here in Minnesota, a place where high humidity and temps in the 90s for long stretches is something of a phenomenon. Right now it's about 58 degrees, slight breeze, and this old body of mine is enjoying the heck of it.
I thought and thought about a subject to blog about today and the only thing I can think of is how happy I am to announce my first self published story entitled, ONE CHANCE! This is a story I've played with for quite some time. I've been a 'quiet' author over the last three years do to simply not having the time to write. Glad I'm back! I've got some more stories brewing—four to be exact, plus Ellora's Cave has accepted my short to be included in their anthology series, Something Wicked Comes This Way. So I'm back baby and loving every minute!
Here's a little scrap of a review that I'm very proud of!
***5 STARS! I've been waiting for a new 'Ruby Storm' story for way too long. But honestly, it was worth the wait. Storm didn't disappoint. Her latest is a poignantly written, fast, phenomenal read of a love gone wrong and a magical chance to redeem that love and renew their sex lives in the arms of one another.***
If you get a chance to download the story, please give me a holler and let me know your thoughts! I'm over at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords!
Hugs, Ruby
I thought and thought about a subject to blog about today and the only thing I can think of is how happy I am to announce my first self published story entitled, ONE CHANCE! This is a story I've played with for quite some time. I've been a 'quiet' author over the last three years do to simply not having the time to write. Glad I'm back! I've got some more stories brewing—four to be exact, plus Ellora's Cave has accepted my short to be included in their anthology series, Something Wicked Comes This Way. So I'm back baby and loving every minute!
Here's a little scrap of a review that I'm very proud of!
***5 STARS! I've been waiting for a new 'Ruby Storm' story for way too long. But honestly, it was worth the wait. Storm didn't disappoint. Her latest is a poignantly written, fast, phenomenal read of a love gone wrong and a magical chance to redeem that love and renew their sex lives in the arms of one another.***
If you get a chance to download the story, please give me a holler and let me know your thoughts! I'm over at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords!
Hugs, Ruby
Sizzling Scribes Blog
Welcome to the Sizzling Scribes blog!
Step back in time… Leap into the future…
Discover realms of fantasy and delight, or reshape the present with unforgettable characters.
Whether dragons or mere mortal ...more
Step back in time… Leap into the future…
Discover realms of fantasy and delight, or reshape the present with unforgettable characters.
Whether dragons or mere mortal ...more
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