Liz Crowe's Blog, page 27
May 14, 2012
A Self Proclaimed Detached Parent
There comes a time in life of a parent when you panic.
Not the raw, naive crawling panic when you bring the first born, totally fragile infant home and have zero idea what you're doing no matter how many books on attachment parenting you've read.
Nor the half-goofy, half-terrified moment when the baby takes her first step.
And not even the half second before you shut the door and wave your 16-year old good bye the second they get their driver's license.
No.
A real panic is when your child is playing a sport, goes down and doesn't get up. Or, if you are not the parent privy to that moment, the one where you answer the phone and hear the voice of your child's other parent a little breathy, a little more nervous than you like to hear telling you the child is injured and he is the way to the emergency room. There are broken bones involved. Surgery. General anesthetic. And a lot of pain.
In a world of "attachment parenting" and kids who breastfeed until they're old enough to ask you for a cigarette afterward, I am a little old school. While my kids were definitely not "seen and not heard" they were in bed early, out of my way, and fairly self sufficient at a young age. Some of it is a function of living overseas for so long. They were forced into cultures that also asked a lot of their kids at a young age, not by necessity but by tradition. I'll be the first to admit my kids could uncork a wine bottle and mix a decent g&t at an obscenely young age.
However, once we got back to the US after nearly a decade overseas the kids were sorely unprepared for the helicoptering required of us. And hence, our kids may seem a little unsupervised but I think they are pretty cool. And our house has become a gathering place of sorts for various girlfriends and boyfriends eager to engage in brisk political banter or the relative merits of the House Baratheon vs. Stark.
But, back to the issues at hand. Two bones have been broken thanks to a rogue kick of a soccer ball by a fellow teammate hitting square at the wrist, one a fairly nasty "unclean" break in the growth plate. So we have a surgical appointment tomorrow, the 5'3" 120 pound athletic "baby" is going under to get some pins set in the dirty break. The kid played for over five minutes after this hit, surprising her coach, and every doctor that has seen her in the last 2 days, but not her father and not me. She is one tough cookie.
But I dread the moment I have to look over the hospital bed the second they send us out to wait. Truly. Although I'm not about to breast feed her no matter how guilty those super moms make me feel.
*note: all those kids breastfeeding until they're 10 or whatever....all boys*
Thanks for listening.
Liz
Not the raw, naive crawling panic when you bring the first born, totally fragile infant home and have zero idea what you're doing no matter how many books on attachment parenting you've read.
Nor the half-goofy, half-terrified moment when the baby takes her first step.
And not even the half second before you shut the door and wave your 16-year old good bye the second they get their driver's license.
No.
A real panic is when your child is playing a sport, goes down and doesn't get up. Or, if you are not the parent privy to that moment, the one where you answer the phone and hear the voice of your child's other parent a little breathy, a little more nervous than you like to hear telling you the child is injured and he is the way to the emergency room. There are broken bones involved. Surgery. General anesthetic. And a lot of pain.
In a world of "attachment parenting" and kids who breastfeed until they're old enough to ask you for a cigarette afterward, I am a little old school. While my kids were definitely not "seen and not heard" they were in bed early, out of my way, and fairly self sufficient at a young age. Some of it is a function of living overseas for so long. They were forced into cultures that also asked a lot of their kids at a young age, not by necessity but by tradition. I'll be the first to admit my kids could uncork a wine bottle and mix a decent g&t at an obscenely young age.
However, once we got back to the US after nearly a decade overseas the kids were sorely unprepared for the helicoptering required of us. And hence, our kids may seem a little unsupervised but I think they are pretty cool. And our house has become a gathering place of sorts for various girlfriends and boyfriends eager to engage in brisk political banter or the relative merits of the House Baratheon vs. Stark.
But, back to the issues at hand. Two bones have been broken thanks to a rogue kick of a soccer ball by a fellow teammate hitting square at the wrist, one a fairly nasty "unclean" break in the growth plate. So we have a surgical appointment tomorrow, the 5'3" 120 pound athletic "baby" is going under to get some pins set in the dirty break. The kid played for over five minutes after this hit, surprising her coach, and every doctor that has seen her in the last 2 days, but not her father and not me. She is one tough cookie.
But I dread the moment I have to look over the hospital bed the second they send us out to wait. Truly. Although I'm not about to breast feed her no matter how guilty those super moms make me feel.
*note: all those kids breastfeeding until they're 10 or whatever....all boys*
Thanks for listening.
Liz
May 13, 2012
Across the B-E-E-R Bar with Summer Daniels
welcome to my beer bar Summer! What can I pour for you to start?
Hmm. Can I step outside the conventional beer bar wisdom and have a Jack and Coke?
Hmmm...Nope. *points to the door* See the sign? "B-R-E-W-E-R-Y" Yeah. That's we we have here. So....guess you are drinking water while we chat.
I am fascinated by the concept of your series. Is it autobiographical?
My series IS indeed autobiographical in nature. Ironically I had one reviewer recently give Volume One of the series a 3 star review - in part because she was unsure if what she was reading was truth or fiction. She indicated that I have been claiming this is based on true circumstances, but the standard "this is a work of fiction" disclaimer is present in the beginning of the book. The mixture probably lies somewhere around 90% "just how it happened" and 10% "protect the guilty". At the very least until my series hits worldwide acclaim and the movie deals start rolling in, I have to maintain a full time corporate job that would probably frown upon my being an author of erotica in my spare time. ;-) (And yes - make sure that worldwide acclaim bit is read with the "gentle sarcasm" font installed.)
so the $64,000 question, have you Read the 50 Shades books? If no, why not? If so, what did you think?
I have indeed read the 50 Shades books. I have mixed feelings honestly. As a reader, I thought the story was good, but could have been great. The story line was strong enough to carry my interest, but the sex got repetitive and the writing was a bit disjointed in spots. I found myself skipping past the sex to see where the plot was going, so as a story - I thought it worked.
As a fellow author of erotica, I welcome the attention that the whole 50 Shades phenomenon is bringing to the genre. On a recent blog entry I likened it to the Tiger Woods effect in golf. At the height of his popularity - Tiger brought a ton of new fans to the sport - many of which then grew to appreciate the skill and talent of other golfers on the PGA Tour.
As you already know I am sure - erotica is a hard (pun intended) genre to market. A lot of people seem to enjoy reading it, but most are hesitant to "spread" the word about the fact they have enjoyed it. That seems to be changing a little with the viral nature of the 50 Shades series. Embracing the spillover from the flood of new fans seemed a natural thing to do.
There is a lot to be said for having "connections". I like using my own connections with fellow success, dues-paying authors like yourself. Tell me how your new FB page: What to read After 50 Shades has worked out for you.
I'll be honest, like a lot of my fellow authors - all I felt towards the 50 Shades series at first was a bit of envy. Why did this "lightning bolt of success" strike this particular work, by this particular author. Then I honestly began to see the flood of new readers and new fans of the genre as a good opportunity to expose them (yep - pun intended once again) to other quality erotica - including my own.
I'm a big believer in the indie author community and helping one another to succeed. In that vein, I started the new Facebook page called "What to read after Fifty (50) Shades of Grey". I had the idea one afternoon after stumbling across a Fifty Shades Facebook fan page that had over 14,000 fans. Now - less than two weeks later - it has over 25,000 fans. I thought if I could show even a fraction of those readers what other quality erotica was out there, it would benefit my fellow authors and even my own work.
The new page has been a big success so far. Wednesday, May 9th will mark two weeks since the new page started. So - in less than two weeks - we have gathered over 700 fans (currently 733) and I have posted dozens of book recommendations from readers as well as straight author promotion from links the authors have posted as well.
It has worked to the tune of over 180 sales in the past two weeks directly attributable to the links posted on the Facebook page. Not a bad start. Now imagine if the authors and readers that are fans simply share the page with their friends, readers, and fans. One ebook recommendation site on Facebook has over 40,000 fans. If we can get the new page anywhere near that number - eventually - it would be a ton of wonderful exposure for our featured authors.
In that vein, I ask anyone who has an interest to please come join us at https://www.facebook.com/WhatToReadAfter50ShadesOfGrey.
Please SHARE the page with anyone and everyone, and let's help grow our exposure for our indie author community.
whoops empty glass! what can I pour next for you?
Pina Colada - please.
*wipes tears after laughing fit* here: more water.
Do you have any other writing projects in you future?
As much fun as I AM having promoting my fellow authors, my own writing has been a little blocked lately. I am currently working on Volume Four of my Summer's Journey series - which I hope to release in the next few weeks.
After Volume Four - I have a "special surprise" in the works. I am planning on going back and re-writing Volume One of the Summer's Journey series from my male character's point of view. I am tentatively calling it Mark's Journey: Volume One - Taking Control. The intent will be to continue the series from both points of view, to give some insight into what both Mark and I were feeling and experiencing during this unusual dalliance.
what advice would you give frustrated authors about the huge success of what many consider to be a mediocre story?
The advice I would give is simply to embrace your own writing with even more fervor. Hone your own craft to a fine point so when (notice I did not say "if" - but "when") - so when those readers come looking for another story to fall in love with - you are there to embrace them with open legs (oops - I mean arms.)
Ok, nightcap time, what's your poison?
I think we'll end the evening with an extra tall Margarita please ... and thank you for listening to me ramble!!*shakes head* God help me....here, enjoy the tap water.
Time for me to go change into my writing clothes. (A beat up old Orioles t-shirt and a smile - that always gets me in the proper writing mood!)
Buy Links:
Summer's Journey: Volume One - Losing Control - http://amzn.to/u7fNy5
Summer's Journey: Volume Two - Alphabetical Assignation - http://amzn.to/vqdA57
Summer's Journey: Volume Three - Bondage Ballet - http://amzn.to/AnUTTH
Summer's Journey: Collection One - (this is Volumes One through Three together) - http://amzn.to/wn9QKW
Thank you Liz for the opportunity to share a few drinks with you!!
May 11, 2012
Don't You Just Love Summer Camp??
Welcome to my beer bar Naomi! What can I pour for you to start? Hmmm. Let's start with something light. What lager do you reccomend to get us in the mood to chat?Oh, Definitely this: my personal favorite, the Gulo Gulo, an India Pale Lager--brisk, hoppy, and delish.
Tell me a little about the Magic Black Cat.... Sammy is nineteen years old. He's outlasted several men in my life, and though he's slowed down quite a bit, he still has a little frisky left. Here he is in a suitcase, making sure he doesn't get left behind next time.
When and how did you get your first book published? I was tickled pink to publish my first romance ebook in June, 2011. I submitted it to eight different publishers, and number nine was the winner. I tell anyone who asks, don't give up, keep sending that story in. You will find the perfect home for it somewhere.
What is your favorite sub genre to write? So many! I love erotic, paranormal, mystery, suspense, action/adventure. When starting a story, I have a hard time not combining all these genres!
look! empty glass...can't have that. What can I pour for you next? You did such an excellent job with the first selection, I'm going to let you pick one of your favorite craft beers and surprise me.Ahem: okay anything I serve here is my "favorite" but let's move over to the Wolverine Amber Lager, slightly more balanced on the malty side.
So how do you propose to tickle my libido? I'd like to make you giggle, just a little, when you read my stories. Romance should be fun, sex should be fun. My heroes and heroines have a sense of humor, so get ready to smile.
Whats in your TBR queue? Let me flip through my Kindle, heavens to Murgatroyd, how did so many books sneak on here? I'm trying to finish The Hunt at the VV Inn by C.J. Ellisson, and My First Spanking, an anthology edited by Cassadra Park with a cute, short story by Yours Truly. On the educational side, I'm reading Secrets of Successful Writers by Darrell Pitt, and Effortless Marketing by Jeff Rivera. I think Janet Evanovich has a new one out, but I have to wait until I have hours of unitnerrupted time, since I will stay up late into the night reading her books .
Finally, without thinking too hard about it, tell me what movie you would watch over and over (and over) again Two of my absolute favorites are A Fish Called Wanda, and Mr. Bean. Yes, both comedies, what a surprise. I love to laugh, and the Monty Python guys and Rowan Atkinson make me chuckle every time.
Okay, nightcap time. what's your poison? Normally I enjoy Scotch, rocks, but since I'm in a microbrewery, hit me with something...unusual. *Thank you Lord...an author who did their homework* Here, let's break out some of my Gulo Noir---an India Black Lager--roasty, toasty, yummy.
Thank you so much for having me here, Liz.
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May 10, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with...Seleste Delaney
Welcome to my beer bar Seleste what can I pour for you to start?Vodka with anything but pineapple juice J *rolls eyes* BEER BAR---hello??? does ANYONE BUT ME do homework? I own a brewery and this place ONLY serves beer. Beer my brewers make. Here---have a glass of water.
You really have a wealth of variety in your books. What is your absolute favorite sub genre to read? to write?I love variety. Spice of life and all that jazz. To be totally honest, I write what I read. Right now I’ve been reading a lot of YA. One of my favorite things about YA is that they don’t officially separate by genre, so in saying YA, I can include dystopian, urban fantasy, steampunk, and romance and no one seems to mind J My favorite to write is a harder one to answer because my favorite depends (heavily) on my mood. If I’m stressed out and want to kill/destroy things, urban fantasy since it allows me a creative outlet to do so (ie—I won’t go to jail for it). If I’m needing swoonage, romance (either contemporary or paranormal)—nothing gives you that romantic high quite like making people fall in love. And then there’s steampunk. My favorite thing about steampunk is that more than any other genre, it embraces the creative and the absurd. I have a steampunk dragonfly tattoo on my foot. Insects made of clock parts… and they’re deadly. I love that shit! Steampunk worlds allow so much freedom to stretch the craziest parts of your brain (and believe me, I have a lot of crazy parts).
Tell about your new book coming out.My next release (unless something happens between now and then :P) is due in August from Mundania Press. Kiss of Death is the first full-length novel in my Blood Kissed series (I’ve taken to referring to the short stories as prequels since they are written very differently than the novels: first person versus third, present tense versus past). It starts a couple months after The Ghost of Vampire Present and really delves into what “blood kissed” means and why Max tried to keep Jocelyn in the dark about everything… as well as why he failed. Yes, Chad is in it too, being all arrogant and sexy and Chad-like. As is Jocelyn’s grandma <3 There’s also a host of other characters including the local council of vampire elders, a vampire hunter, some werewolves, and a sorcerer. And Remy… this book would not be complete without my favorite vampire ever.
Explosions, near-death, blood, a cat, death, more blood, more death, and of course, sex. Fun times should be had by all.
I will admit, when I read the descriptions of your books I immediately bought Forever Summer!
Thank you! That story was a lot of fun (and almost didn’t happen). A couple of my editors—the ones who worked on the Blood Kissed prequels, in fact—urged me to enter this contest at 1 Place for Romance last summer. The contest called for 5,000-7,000 word stories about summer and romance. I started one, and 5k in I knew it was going to be too long, so I almost didn’t enter anything. Then, with a little (okay, a lot) more nudging, I started over and entered Forever Summer, never in a million years expecting it to win. But it did, so *happy dance*.oh look, empty glass. what can I pour for you next?Surprise me, but not rum. Mixing rum and vodka does messed up things to my brain. And none of us want that. *NO COMMENT* here, drink more tap water.
You have an alter ego that writes Young Adult. Tell us about some of those books.
As I said earlier, I love young adult books. I’m one of those weird people who liked being a teenager and still remembers all the good and bad that went on in those years. It’s a point in life full of firsts and crazy-deep friendships and new romance. *happy sigh* Anyway, I like to tap into that. Right now, I only have the first book in my Paranormal Response Team series out. It’s kind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer-ish but where the heroes themselves are supernaturals. The series centers around a pair of fosters sisters—Elle and Cass. Elle is a werewolf who saw her family get killed in the same attack that changed her. She’s the “heart” of the team, the one who follows her instincts and her nose, even though she struggles to accept here werewolf half because it’s a constant reminder of what she’s lost. Cassidy is a half-vampire. She puts on a mask of shiny, happy, pink-loving, cheerleader during the day but slips into all black and brooding at night. She’s the brains. Not only does she have a photographic memory, she’s also an accomplished computer hacker—the kind that will probably never get caught. Her morals are a little more vague than Elle’s because she kind of sees herself as more than human. I adore both of them so very much.
ok I will admit Badlands sounds kick ass! congrats on getting a Carina contract with it. Tell me a little about it...*finger hovering over "buy" button*
*whispers* Press “buy”…
*whispers: drink craft beer and I might consider it....*
The full story of Badlands is kind of funny. It started with meeting Jeremy Lassen (Nightshade Books editor) at a convention. He told us this story about what he does to mess with new authors. It had to do with titles, and I decided I wanted to write something with his bogus title…. I just didn’t know what. Then a month or so later, Angela James (Carina Press editor, though at that time I think she was still with Samhain) tweeted that she wanted a space western. The original idea for Badlands came from that. It was a space western and it was…terrible. LOL. I wrote it during NaNoWriMo and didn’t even bother finishing it—it was that bad. I shelved it and moved on.
Then, a while later, people started talking about wanting steampunk novellas. I’d been learning a bit about steampunk, and had recently realized that while the very Victorian London steampunk didn’t appeal to me, one of my favorite TV shows way back when was steampunk (Briscoe County, Jr. for those checking on my age). That western style steampunk was so very me that I dusted off the NaNo manuscript and re-looked at it. Out went spaceships, in went dirigibles. Out went nanotech, in went clockworks, and then I took the very bare bones of the story I had and warped US history in order to create a world where my story could take place. The history of Australia as a penal colony had always intrigued me, and from that, the idea of the Badlands was born. I did lose a couple characters in the change—and a few others went through drastic changes—no alien races in my steampunk America L--but that was the book I went on to sell.
I will say that as a romance, some people have issues with Badlands. There is a major role-reversal in that Ever is the alpha. She’s very volatile and sexual (even though she’s a man-hater) and doesn’t like anyone else to have any control over her life. Spencer, on the other hand, is the steady one. The one who does what he has to but prefers life to be calm and drama-free. Because of that reversal, some things that readers are fine with heroes doing, they are forced to see the heroine do.
I wrote Ever that way because she’s a “real” person in my head, and that’s precisely how she would behave (and it’s how she behaved in the original, horrible version too). Same with Spencer. Same with all my characters. The truth is I knew some readers might not like that. But I don’t expect everyone to love my characters or their actions. I do hope they understand them though J
Finally, what are your new projects coming in the rest of 2012 and 2013?
Kiss of Death comes out in August, and I have another Cupid’s Conquests story that may be out before then (if I can get my butt in gear and finish it LOL). I also just got word on another sale that I haven’t announced yet since I’m waiting to get word that I can! LOL. I will say that one probably won’t be until 2013, but I could be wrong. I’m probably going to do another holiday short this year as well (just because I love those damn elves). Outside of those, you’ll just have to keep an eye on my website (http://selestedelaney.com).
night cap time! What's your poison?I don’t have to be coherent anymore? Awesome. *gets devious gleam in her eyes* Tell me, have you ever made “Sex with Captain Tightpants”? *even more devious gleam* NO but I pay 2 guys to brew amazing craft beers for me at my brewery that is growing by leaps and bounds....so here, more water for you!*
Links:Website: http://selestedelaney.comBlog: http://selestedelaney.blogspot.comFac... Profile: http://www.facebook.com/seleste.delaneyFacebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seleste... https://twitter.com/#!/SelestedeLaney... http://pinterest.com/selestedelaney/
Buy Links: Of Course I Try: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=143&osCsid=tlt51qr3nuts8kpqkev4to5hg0 The Ghost of Vampire Present: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?cPath=75_82&products_id=196&osCsid=7alo8jcn02tnrcph56ggqfcf64 Forever Summer: http://1placeforromance.com/romantic-fiction/forever-summer/prod_5911.html GunShy: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/products/GunShy-by-Seleste-deLaney.html Badlands: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/4208F3D9-7391-4969-A917-0A73EFC045D7/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7B688F4AF3-7FBD-4D82-8438-A34BD335E74C%7D
May 8, 2012
Flower Passage Gets A Cover
Greetings Liz Pals!
I'm excited to reveal the cover for Flower Passage: Tarkan's Return, the final novella of the Turkish Delights series. I teased this out back when I got it accepted and am happy to say, the final result after careful editing and whatnot is gonna kick ass. And make you cry. But then you will smile. The full gamut.
Blurb: What would you do if the lover, brother, son and friend you thought you'd lost forever was returned to you?
Brutally battered emotionally and physically for the past two years, Tarkan Deniz has escaped his captors. When the Deniz family discovers the shocking truth they rally and do everything in their power to bring him back safely. But all have been affected by the tragedy of his loss, and must come to terms with the new reality, each in their own way.
When Happily Ever After seems like a nightmare...one man can bring healing to all, but will he ever be the same man again?
Excerpt: Caleb stared at his computer screen, unfocused, exhausted. He took a breath and hit reply on the Skype chat, after typing a response to Adem’s recent inquiry as to his state of mind.“About the same really. Only worse. Because I miss you like a fucking amputated limb. When are you coming back?”“I finally got the location secured, on the corner I wanted and the contractors start today on the remodel. It will take at least six months so I thought….”Caleb frowned. It was not like Adem to leave decisions hanging. He ran a hand down his face. He had not slept for more than three hours at a time since the other man had left. That made it, what, two weeks since he’d had a decent night’s rest? The dream kept cropping up during their last week together in California and after they’d fought, Adem had gone as promised, leaving Caleb to himself. Exactly what he did not want right now.“You thought what? I can’t leave here for a while. You’re a lot more flexible than I am. I’m on salary, remember?” He hit return before letting his inner self-editor soften the words.It was a solid five minutes before Adem replied. Caleb spent the time slugging back yet more caffeine and pondering Elle’s calendar, hoping he didn’t screw it up again like he had that morning. He’d misplaced some dates and had to tell her she was scheduled to be in Prague next week, not in September like they’d thought. Jesus. He was losing it.“I actually thought I’d go to Turkey day after tomorrow, spend about a week, and then head back to the States.”Caleb’s heart lifted somewhat. Thank God. He hadn’t spoiled things with his lame-ass emotional constipation or whatever his problem was lately.“That sounds great. Really really (really) great.” He hit return. Then typed, “I miss you. So much.”“I know. I miss you, too, my love.” Caleb smiled. “Try the massage before bed. Call that service. Or, if all else fails, rub one out.”“What the hell do you think I’ve been doing? Drinking chamomile tea?”“No. I guess not. I must go. Meeting with general contractor in ten.”“Okay. Call me later.”“I will. Caleb. I love you. Remember that.”“I know. I do. I don’t deserve you.”“Now that is the truth. But it’s mutual. Until later….”He closed the Skype window as his phone buzzed at his elbow. Frowning at the international number his heart clenched when he realized who it was.“Vivian! So good to hear your voice!” He stood, intending to refill his coffee cup while he chatted with Emre, Tarkan, and Lale’s mother. Her next words made him release the ceramic mug to the floor, bouncing off the cork flooring and splattering the dregs of warm liquid up one pants leg. He dropped back into his chair and put his head on the desk, listening, realizing why he’d been having the dream again, and mentally booking his flight to Istanbul.After ten more minutes of back and forth, he hung up, staring at the device that had somehow delivered news that he had longed to hear for years, but now only served to make him want to crawl into the corner and pull a blanket over his head. He’d promised to call Emre for her. But how to begin? Didn’t matter. It had to be done. He stood, pacing and placed the call that would blow apart everybody’s newly ordered world all over again.
I will tell you I LOVED finishing this story and bringing Caleb and Tarkan and the whole family back full circle. But I can't promise complete happiness for all...Releasing June 23 from Decadent Publishing.
I'm excited to reveal the cover for Flower Passage: Tarkan's Return, the final novella of the Turkish Delights series. I teased this out back when I got it accepted and am happy to say, the final result after careful editing and whatnot is gonna kick ass. And make you cry. But then you will smile. The full gamut.
Blurb: What would you do if the lover, brother, son and friend you thought you'd lost forever was returned to you? Brutally battered emotionally and physically for the past two years, Tarkan Deniz has escaped his captors. When the Deniz family discovers the shocking truth they rally and do everything in their power to bring him back safely. But all have been affected by the tragedy of his loss, and must come to terms with the new reality, each in their own way.
When Happily Ever After seems like a nightmare...one man can bring healing to all, but will he ever be the same man again?
Excerpt: Caleb stared at his computer screen, unfocused, exhausted. He took a breath and hit reply on the Skype chat, after typing a response to Adem’s recent inquiry as to his state of mind.“About the same really. Only worse. Because I miss you like a fucking amputated limb. When are you coming back?”“I finally got the location secured, on the corner I wanted and the contractors start today on the remodel. It will take at least six months so I thought….”Caleb frowned. It was not like Adem to leave decisions hanging. He ran a hand down his face. He had not slept for more than three hours at a time since the other man had left. That made it, what, two weeks since he’d had a decent night’s rest? The dream kept cropping up during their last week together in California and after they’d fought, Adem had gone as promised, leaving Caleb to himself. Exactly what he did not want right now.“You thought what? I can’t leave here for a while. You’re a lot more flexible than I am. I’m on salary, remember?” He hit return before letting his inner self-editor soften the words.It was a solid five minutes before Adem replied. Caleb spent the time slugging back yet more caffeine and pondering Elle’s calendar, hoping he didn’t screw it up again like he had that morning. He’d misplaced some dates and had to tell her she was scheduled to be in Prague next week, not in September like they’d thought. Jesus. He was losing it.“I actually thought I’d go to Turkey day after tomorrow, spend about a week, and then head back to the States.”Caleb’s heart lifted somewhat. Thank God. He hadn’t spoiled things with his lame-ass emotional constipation or whatever his problem was lately.“That sounds great. Really really (really) great.” He hit return. Then typed, “I miss you. So much.”“I know. I miss you, too, my love.” Caleb smiled. “Try the massage before bed. Call that service. Or, if all else fails, rub one out.”“What the hell do you think I’ve been doing? Drinking chamomile tea?”“No. I guess not. I must go. Meeting with general contractor in ten.”“Okay. Call me later.”“I will. Caleb. I love you. Remember that.”“I know. I do. I don’t deserve you.”“Now that is the truth. But it’s mutual. Until later….”He closed the Skype window as his phone buzzed at his elbow. Frowning at the international number his heart clenched when he realized who it was.“Vivian! So good to hear your voice!” He stood, intending to refill his coffee cup while he chatted with Emre, Tarkan, and Lale’s mother. Her next words made him release the ceramic mug to the floor, bouncing off the cork flooring and splattering the dregs of warm liquid up one pants leg. He dropped back into his chair and put his head on the desk, listening, realizing why he’d been having the dream again, and mentally booking his flight to Istanbul.After ten more minutes of back and forth, he hung up, staring at the device that had somehow delivered news that he had longed to hear for years, but now only served to make him want to crawl into the corner and pull a blanket over his head. He’d promised to call Emre for her. But how to begin? Didn’t matter. It had to be done. He stood, pacing and placed the call that would blow apart everybody’s newly ordered world all over again.
I will tell you I LOVED finishing this story and bringing Caleb and Tarkan and the whole family back full circle. But I can't promise complete happiness for all...Releasing June 23 from Decadent Publishing.
May 7, 2012
Whatever You Do Do NOT Call That Person....
...late for dinner? no
...a cab? no
...Shirley? Surely not!
I have just come up with my first potential YA/thriller dystopian novel concept.
That's right. Screw all this "romance" nonsense. If it doesn't have a number and a vague color in the title right now, it's not selling anyways.
Yep, my new world is one in which you cannot use actual descriptions of what people to do describe them. Allow me to use my other life, in which I own a craft microbrewery, as an example. There, I employ "brewers." The "Brewer's" job is to brew the beer. In my new world we call them "person brewing the beer" instead. This is wordy, but challenging. Bear with me.
In my world, kids would not read and enjoy Dr. Seuss. Nope, they must read books about green eggs, ham, talking elephants and Loraxes by the author known as: Man with Prescription Pad Seuss.
And budding English majors would read a book called Healer Zhivago.
And watch shows about Wealthy With Bad Handwriting Who.
In my dystopia, you could not do anything as simple as lust after a movie star. No, you would have to Facebook and blog and tweet about your latest Overpaid Cinematic Employee crush.
Nor could I (and I do plan to write myself into this one, trust me) call myself a writer. I am "emotive scribbler" or "imagination endorser" or even "concept stealing re-teller of told tales."
Think of the possibilities! Twitter would have to up their character limit to something like 1100.
I came up with this, naturally as a result of being told that I had no right to call people who sell houses anything but that. People who drive you around and hand hold you through the biggest investment purchase of sale of your life. "An Agent" or "a Broker" is fine. But you dare NOT put the R word on anything even if it would give said "agents" and "brokers" a real boost in the sexiness game. Yeah, let's keep 'em in polyester and driving crap cars and trying to foist bad decisions down people's throats, relegate what I personally think is a damn fine profession down with the Previous Owned Automobile Procurement Specialists and, well, lawyers.
Truly I'm not hurt, or even mad. Just sort of all head scratchy and "huh?" My "agents" and "Brokers" in my series not labeled by the R word are VERY (very) sexy, fun and apparently compelling to more and more people every day. But whatever. I wouldn't want to drag down the bigger group by making them hawt or anything.
More a
than a
Really. Oh well. Their loss.
So BEWARE! That guy in the bad suit driving you around to find your dream home? He may look like a duck and quack like a duck but you're better off calling him an
Anseriformes
Anatidae
p.s. all those professional organization logos up there? I can use those. But I cannot use this one
Not sad, just disappointed,Liz
p.p.s. The Winners in the You Don't Know JACK, Quotable Jack Gordon BROKER contest are:
1st prize: Pam Sutton $25 Amazon gift card!
2nd prize: Michelle Wright Property of Jack Gordon Tee!
3rd prize: Tonya Lyn Stewart Realty (this word belongs to the people) coffee mug!
...a cab? no
...Shirley? Surely not!
I have just come up with my first potential YA/thriller dystopian novel concept.
That's right. Screw all this "romance" nonsense. If it doesn't have a number and a vague color in the title right now, it's not selling anyways.
Yep, my new world is one in which you cannot use actual descriptions of what people to do describe them. Allow me to use my other life, in which I own a craft microbrewery, as an example. There, I employ "brewers." The "Brewer's" job is to brew the beer. In my new world we call them "person brewing the beer" instead. This is wordy, but challenging. Bear with me.
In my world, kids would not read and enjoy Dr. Seuss. Nope, they must read books about green eggs, ham, talking elephants and Loraxes by the author known as: Man with Prescription Pad Seuss.
And budding English majors would read a book called Healer Zhivago.
And watch shows about Wealthy With Bad Handwriting Who.
In my dystopia, you could not do anything as simple as lust after a movie star. No, you would have to Facebook and blog and tweet about your latest Overpaid Cinematic Employee crush.
Nor could I (and I do plan to write myself into this one, trust me) call myself a writer. I am "emotive scribbler" or "imagination endorser" or even "concept stealing re-teller of told tales."
Think of the possibilities! Twitter would have to up their character limit to something like 1100.
I came up with this, naturally as a result of being told that I had no right to call people who sell houses anything but that. People who drive you around and hand hold you through the biggest investment purchase of sale of your life. "An Agent" or "a Broker" is fine. But you dare NOT put the R word on anything even if it would give said "agents" and "brokers" a real boost in the sexiness game. Yeah, let's keep 'em in polyester and driving crap cars and trying to foist bad decisions down people's throats, relegate what I personally think is a damn fine profession down with the Previous Owned Automobile Procurement Specialists and, well, lawyers.
Truly I'm not hurt, or even mad. Just sort of all head scratchy and "huh?" My "agents" and "Brokers" in my series not labeled by the R word are VERY (very) sexy, fun and apparently compelling to more and more people every day. But whatever. I wouldn't want to drag down the bigger group by making them hawt or anything.
More a
than a
Really. Oh well. Their loss. So BEWARE! That guy in the bad suit driving you around to find your dream home? He may look like a duck and quack like a duck but you're better off calling him an
Anseriformes
Anatidae
p.s. all those professional organization logos up there? I can use those. But I cannot use this one
Not sad, just disappointed,Liz
p.p.s. The Winners in the You Don't Know JACK, Quotable Jack Gordon BROKER contest are:
1st prize: Pam Sutton $25 Amazon gift card!
2nd prize: Michelle Wright Property of Jack Gordon Tee!
3rd prize: Tonya Lyn Stewart Realty (this word belongs to the people) coffee mug!
May 3, 2012
You Don't Know JACK!
Welcome Liz fans, followers, creepers, stalkers and others to the Official You don't Know JACK--Quotable Jack Gordon Contest!
That's right...time to pull out those Realtor Books (Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Costs) and find your favorite quote about My Favorite Uber-Alpha, Mr. Gordon. The quote can be from his lips (yum) or ABOUT him by someone else.
PRIZES AT STAKE! First prize chosen by a neutral third party: $25 Amazon gift card!
2nd & 3rd Prize: A "Property of Jack Gordon" tee from Zazzle!
4th prize: A Stewart Realty Coffee mug!
C'mon people, let's show all those (ahem) Mr. Grey fans what OUR BOY has to offer...
to celebrate and reward you I present a never before seen missing chapter from Closing Costs.
Jack's hand shook as he pressed the elevator's up button. Evan patted his back. Julie slipped an arm around his waist.
"You need this," she whispered. He nodded. He did, but he could think of nearly a thousand other places he'd rather be right now than here, headed up to the top floor of a seemingly decrepit Detroit building to The Suite, the super-exclusive BDSM club he and Evan used to frequent as bachelors together. Now it represented everything about his colossal relationship failure with Sara, and the small family they could be enjoying, but for her stubbornness and his own inability to communicate. He sighed, kissed Julie's hair and stood straighter, summoning a reserve down deep, reminding himself that this--this place--was "fun."
The doors slid open, revealing the impressive, understated yet classy lobby and one Kyle Summerlin, owner and old friend. His huge, nearly six foot eight inch frame sucked up all the energy in the space even with such giant personalities as Jack's and Evan's to crowd it. His dark skinned face split into a huge grin at the sight of his friends. "About fucking time," he clapped Jack on the shoulder and shook Evan's hand, then pulled Julie into a hug, kissing her on the lips. "Jesus, I was starting to think I stunk or something."
Jack shot him what he knew was a weak grin. "I don't know man, you know, busy." He ran a hand through his hair, a get-me-the-fuck-out-of-here feeling nearly bowling him over.
Kyle laughed and draped a long arm over Jack's shoulders. "Well," he half-whispered, his odd Brit-tinged accent at odds with his dark skin and the tight, reddish curls on his head. "I have a real treat for you my old friend."
"That right," Jack glanced around, seeking escape, Sara's face seared into his corneas.
"Yeah," he guided the threesome into the anteroom where Evan and Julie slipped away into their private chamber, leaving Jack standing there with Kyle, his every nerve ending exposed and twitching. "My friend Shannon is here tonight. Remember I told you about her? She used to work in the marketing department for the Jets?" Jack nodded, barely hearing him. Kyle had been a superstar tight end for that NFL team after a stellar turn as receiver for Michigan. "Well, turns out she is an utter freak, my man. Just like you like 'em." He ducked down to match Jack's gaze. "Listen," he put a huge hand on Jack's shoulder. "I realize what you are going through. But you know I am a huge proponent of letting the freak flag fly, blowing off steam, getting your head straight." Jack nodded, felt his skin warm at the thought of this woman he had yet to lay eyes on. "So, let's go. You know the drill. She has to choose. Work your magic."
The dimly lit room was familiar to him, comforting in a strange way. He watched the six people as they were led in, dressed in varying stages of sexy, all blindfolded. Boredom played at the edges of his consciousness. Until the last person entered. He sat up, his skin prickling at the sight of the tall woman in sky-high black pumps, a strict looking leather corset attached to a garter and stockings and nothing else but her blindfold. He licked his lips at the sight of the dark brown curls tumbling down her back. Evan slid into a seat next to him. Julie was up there too, but that was all part of their own game.
"Nice one," Evan nodded towards the goddess in leather.
"Yeah. The night is looking up." His heart still ached at the thought of the woman he loved, angry, rebuffing him no matter what he did. But damn him if he did not need to get laid, like now. The familiar twinges of need--to dominate, to control--rose to a near deafening level between his ears. Her minder forced her to her knees and Jack's cock hardened so fast he had to grip the chair arms to keep from falling out of it. "Yeah," he muttered. Evan smiled and rose to his feet.
Jack joined him, wandered down to where the submissives waited for them, waited to choose. Jack stood in front of one, then another, then finally in front of her. She gasped, and he smiled, motioned for her minder to help her to her feet. Up close she was even more feminine perfection, all curves and softness, her lips red and moist, her breasts pushed up by the corset, her sex a subtle slit, promising a lot, yet showing little.
He slid his hand up her long neck, threaded fingers in her thick dark hair, took a long breath of her. Her skin pebbled, which pleased him. His inner dom rose to the surface, a pure spike of physical need pierced his soul. "I'm feeling a bit rough," He whispered in her ear, tugging her hair so her face was forced up to his. "Around the edges tonight." He tasted her lips with his tongue, repressing a shiver of lust at the spicy scent of female need that emenated from her pores.
He leaned in to kiss her. But she spoke first. "Good." She whispered, her voice throaty and utterly erotic. "I can't get off otherwise."
He smiled, let thoughts of Sara drift away for the moment, the here-and-now of this woman suffusing all his senses. He kissed her then, tasted the delicious bite of sexy, forbidden woman once more. Then he gripped her arm, nodded towards the minder. "Well, I'm glad we found each other."
They barely made it back to his usual room, bumping against the walls to kiss in a tongue-tangling exchange of sexy energy. She proved to be all that she promised, needing hard commands, and even harder fucking to climax. A challenge--and one Jack was happy to rise to, especially today.
Later, his body finally relaxed and sated for the first time in months, he lay back on the silky duvet, the woman draped across his naked torso, her hands trailing up and down his chest. He took a breath, reliving the last hour or so of ropes, handcuffs, spanking and release for them both. "I'm Shannon by the way." She flicked his nipple with her tongue. "And that," she sighed and settled in closer. "Was the most amazing fuck I think I have ever had, Jack."
Jack tried to suppress a grin. He kissed her damp hair. "How do you know my name anyway?" He laid back, let the post-orgasm drowsiness take him a moment.
"Who's Sara?" His eyes flew open, and he glanced down at her. Her gaze remained neutral, but curious. "I'm not looking for a relationship here, but I have to ask. You kept calling me that."
He winced. "Sorry." He tried to disentangle, to head to the shower, that get-the-hell-out feeling suffocating him again. She held him tight.
"Oh stop it. It's okay. Let's rest a minute. I needed that. And Kyle said you did too."
Jack sighed and tugged the amazing female back to his chest. "Yeah. I did. Thanks Shannon."
"Sure thing. I mean it was no hardship, trust me." She nipped at his chest, let her hand trail downward. He smiled as his body reacted to her touch. Maybe this was for the best, he mused as she stroked him to full hard once again. Maybe....but his thoughts were drowned by her lips, her body, by Shannon.
All right then peeps....if you have read the whole story you realize that Shannon nearly throws a monkey wrench into Jack and Sara's potential future together. But that's me, keeping my "romance" on the "real" side. And who knows...maybe she will reappear again in a future book, seeking her own HEA/HFN?
Share those Fav. Jack Gordon Quotes here! Money and prizes to be won! And while you are reminding yourself why you loved The Realtors as you pass back through them to find your "Jack moment" tell a friend! "You thought 50 Shades was hot? yeah. Get a load of a of Jack and Sara (ahem: Open House....I say no more)!"
thanks
Liz
Floor Time, The Realtors: Book One is ONLY 99 cents at Amazon and ARe! Hello???!!! What are you waiting for?
Sweat Equity is a JERR GOLD STAR WINNER! (book 2) and has caused more on-line reader arguments since... well, ever.
Closing Costs was voted Sizzling Hot Read of the Month for April on the Sizzling Hot Review site!
That's right...time to pull out those Realtor Books (Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Costs) and find your favorite quote about My Favorite Uber-Alpha, Mr. Gordon. The quote can be from his lips (yum) or ABOUT him by someone else.
PRIZES AT STAKE! First prize chosen by a neutral third party: $25 Amazon gift card!
2nd & 3rd Prize: A "Property of Jack Gordon" tee from Zazzle!
4th prize: A Stewart Realty Coffee mug!
C'mon people, let's show all those (ahem) Mr. Grey fans what OUR BOY has to offer...
to celebrate and reward you I present a never before seen missing chapter from Closing Costs.
Jack's hand shook as he pressed the elevator's up button. Evan patted his back. Julie slipped an arm around his waist.
"You need this," she whispered. He nodded. He did, but he could think of nearly a thousand other places he'd rather be right now than here, headed up to the top floor of a seemingly decrepit Detroit building to The Suite, the super-exclusive BDSM club he and Evan used to frequent as bachelors together. Now it represented everything about his colossal relationship failure with Sara, and the small family they could be enjoying, but for her stubbornness and his own inability to communicate. He sighed, kissed Julie's hair and stood straighter, summoning a reserve down deep, reminding himself that this--this place--was "fun."
The doors slid open, revealing the impressive, understated yet classy lobby and one Kyle Summerlin, owner and old friend. His huge, nearly six foot eight inch frame sucked up all the energy in the space even with such giant personalities as Jack's and Evan's to crowd it. His dark skinned face split into a huge grin at the sight of his friends. "About fucking time," he clapped Jack on the shoulder and shook Evan's hand, then pulled Julie into a hug, kissing her on the lips. "Jesus, I was starting to think I stunk or something."
Jack shot him what he knew was a weak grin. "I don't know man, you know, busy." He ran a hand through his hair, a get-me-the-fuck-out-of-here feeling nearly bowling him over.
Kyle laughed and draped a long arm over Jack's shoulders. "Well," he half-whispered, his odd Brit-tinged accent at odds with his dark skin and the tight, reddish curls on his head. "I have a real treat for you my old friend."
"That right," Jack glanced around, seeking escape, Sara's face seared into his corneas.
"Yeah," he guided the threesome into the anteroom where Evan and Julie slipped away into their private chamber, leaving Jack standing there with Kyle, his every nerve ending exposed and twitching. "My friend Shannon is here tonight. Remember I told you about her? She used to work in the marketing department for the Jets?" Jack nodded, barely hearing him. Kyle had been a superstar tight end for that NFL team after a stellar turn as receiver for Michigan. "Well, turns out she is an utter freak, my man. Just like you like 'em." He ducked down to match Jack's gaze. "Listen," he put a huge hand on Jack's shoulder. "I realize what you are going through. But you know I am a huge proponent of letting the freak flag fly, blowing off steam, getting your head straight." Jack nodded, felt his skin warm at the thought of this woman he had yet to lay eyes on. "So, let's go. You know the drill. She has to choose. Work your magic."
The dimly lit room was familiar to him, comforting in a strange way. He watched the six people as they were led in, dressed in varying stages of sexy, all blindfolded. Boredom played at the edges of his consciousness. Until the last person entered. He sat up, his skin prickling at the sight of the tall woman in sky-high black pumps, a strict looking leather corset attached to a garter and stockings and nothing else but her blindfold. He licked his lips at the sight of the dark brown curls tumbling down her back. Evan slid into a seat next to him. Julie was up there too, but that was all part of their own game.
"Nice one," Evan nodded towards the goddess in leather.
"Yeah. The night is looking up." His heart still ached at the thought of the woman he loved, angry, rebuffing him no matter what he did. But damn him if he did not need to get laid, like now. The familiar twinges of need--to dominate, to control--rose to a near deafening level between his ears. Her minder forced her to her knees and Jack's cock hardened so fast he had to grip the chair arms to keep from falling out of it. "Yeah," he muttered. Evan smiled and rose to his feet.
Jack joined him, wandered down to where the submissives waited for them, waited to choose. Jack stood in front of one, then another, then finally in front of her. She gasped, and he smiled, motioned for her minder to help her to her feet. Up close she was even more feminine perfection, all curves and softness, her lips red and moist, her breasts pushed up by the corset, her sex a subtle slit, promising a lot, yet showing little.
He slid his hand up her long neck, threaded fingers in her thick dark hair, took a long breath of her. Her skin pebbled, which pleased him. His inner dom rose to the surface, a pure spike of physical need pierced his soul. "I'm feeling a bit rough," He whispered in her ear, tugging her hair so her face was forced up to his. "Around the edges tonight." He tasted her lips with his tongue, repressing a shiver of lust at the spicy scent of female need that emenated from her pores.
He leaned in to kiss her. But she spoke first. "Good." She whispered, her voice throaty and utterly erotic. "I can't get off otherwise."
He smiled, let thoughts of Sara drift away for the moment, the here-and-now of this woman suffusing all his senses. He kissed her then, tasted the delicious bite of sexy, forbidden woman once more. Then he gripped her arm, nodded towards the minder. "Well, I'm glad we found each other."
They barely made it back to his usual room, bumping against the walls to kiss in a tongue-tangling exchange of sexy energy. She proved to be all that she promised, needing hard commands, and even harder fucking to climax. A challenge--and one Jack was happy to rise to, especially today.
Later, his body finally relaxed and sated for the first time in months, he lay back on the silky duvet, the woman draped across his naked torso, her hands trailing up and down his chest. He took a breath, reliving the last hour or so of ropes, handcuffs, spanking and release for them both. "I'm Shannon by the way." She flicked his nipple with her tongue. "And that," she sighed and settled in closer. "Was the most amazing fuck I think I have ever had, Jack."
Jack tried to suppress a grin. He kissed her damp hair. "How do you know my name anyway?" He laid back, let the post-orgasm drowsiness take him a moment.
"Who's Sara?" His eyes flew open, and he glanced down at her. Her gaze remained neutral, but curious. "I'm not looking for a relationship here, but I have to ask. You kept calling me that."
He winced. "Sorry." He tried to disentangle, to head to the shower, that get-the-hell-out feeling suffocating him again. She held him tight.
"Oh stop it. It's okay. Let's rest a minute. I needed that. And Kyle said you did too."
Jack sighed and tugged the amazing female back to his chest. "Yeah. I did. Thanks Shannon."
"Sure thing. I mean it was no hardship, trust me." She nipped at his chest, let her hand trail downward. He smiled as his body reacted to her touch. Maybe this was for the best, he mused as she stroked him to full hard once again. Maybe....but his thoughts were drowned by her lips, her body, by Shannon.
All right then peeps....if you have read the whole story you realize that Shannon nearly throws a monkey wrench into Jack and Sara's potential future together. But that's me, keeping my "romance" on the "real" side. And who knows...maybe she will reappear again in a future book, seeking her own HEA/HFN?
Share those Fav. Jack Gordon Quotes here! Money and prizes to be won! And while you are reminding yourself why you loved The Realtors as you pass back through them to find your "Jack moment" tell a friend! "You thought 50 Shades was hot? yeah. Get a load of a of Jack and Sara (ahem: Open House....I say no more)!"
thanks
Liz
Floor Time, The Realtors: Book One is ONLY 99 cents at Amazon and ARe! Hello???!!! What are you waiting for?
Sweat Equity is a JERR GOLD STAR WINNER! (book 2) and has caused more on-line reader arguments since... well, ever.
Closing Costs was voted Sizzling Hot Read of the Month for April on the Sizzling Hot Review site!
May 2, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with LAURA HARNER! bonus 1st chapter read!
Welcome to my beer Bar Laura! What can I pour for you to start?Iced tea, please…I have a teeny tiny tumor that plays havoc with my balance, so no alcohol for me, lol. I’m dizzy enough!Oh, ok, I'll be nice. And just drink your share.
You were one of my very first critique partners and I got the EXTREME pleasure of reading both from the Three's Allowed series and Ty Hard.... you totally rock it sister and I am not just blowing smoke. But we are here to chat about 2 things: Highland Destiny series which I LOVE....so...spill it. Tell us all about that series.
I wish I had this dramatic story about always dreaming of being a writer, carrying around notebooks since I was a girl…but no. Those romantic writing stories happened to other people. Me? I was totally content being a mystery reader. Until three years ago, when I quite literally woke up one morning with this huge story in my head, and started writing. I sat down in a corner chair with my laptop and started ignoring the rest of the world as I lived this magickal story in my head. I had no idea about the publishing industry, about how to write a novel…nothing. But I couldn’t stop writing. Trust me…the first version of Highland Shift was 145,000 words long.
Funny, I'm the same way. I never read books and thought "gee I want to write more about these characters" or kept notebooks either....I knew I liked you.The second book released yesterday and takes a secondary character from book 1 and spins him off into a pretty wild ride. How did you come up with the concepts?
I wish I knew where the ideas come from. I could bottle it! Actually, ever since I started to write three years ago, I wake up about 2:00 am every morning, with the sense I’ve been talking with someone all night. The characters lobby for bigger parts or to change from good guy to bad and vice versa. I always knew this was going to be a series, and always knew where the ending would take us, but the roads are not always the one I expected to take. In Highland Pull, Gav MacLachlan and Randi Close are the main characters, but Gav was also in Shift. There are unexpected relationships, friendships, and things long in the past that make the connections between the characters very complex. They can’t be contained in one book, lol.
You are a very prolific and successful self published author. What made you choose self publishing?
I switched to self-publishing because I wanted to be in control of my destiny. I didn’t want an arbitrary number to drive editing decisions (I was told not to write anything over 70k words…too late, lol!) Well, that and the first publisher neglected to pay me for books sold.
Seriously though, self, or indie publishing is very different than it was even a year ago. Books can be just as well written, edited, with professional looking covers and marketed side-by-side with any other author. In my experience, the reader wants a great story at a reasonable price. They couldn’t be less interested in whether a book is published by the author, a big six publishing house or anywhere in between. If you give them great entertainment at a fair price - your readers will take care of you.
whoops, empty glass! what can I pour next?How about making it crazy this time…a club soda with a twist of lime.yeah, how about this lovely glass of ice water...? *drinks your second beer for you*
And now, the 2nd burning question: our collaboration! Shall we tease it out a little for my loyal followers?You mean about the mean little mystery we’ve talked about? The micro-brewery? The money-laundering? The murder? No, I don’t think we should. Do you?Yeah...You're right....
Ok, so where can we find you on line?
All this looks pretty impressive, but seriously, if you really want to find or find out what’s happening as either LE Harner or Laura Harner? The Facebook fan page is the most current.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lauraharnerFacebook: http://facebook.com/lauraharnerSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LauraHarnerBlog: Pen is Envy (NSFW) http://leharner.blogspot.com/Blog: One Hot Mess http://lauraharner.blogspot.com/
Nightcap time! what's your poison?A cup of decaf, please!*pushes your 3rd glass of iced Ann Arbor tap water across the bar*
Highland Pull Blurb:Waking up next to a dead woman was a good indication that Dr. Gabhran MacLachlan was in bigger trouble than he’d realized. Recognizing this as another trap set by the dark Druid Master, Gav races from Edinburgh to New Orleans to find Alysone, a mental patient who claims to have awakened in a reality that isn’t hers. Her story, so close to his own, may be the necessary key to unlock his Druid memories and prevent him from shifting realities once again.
When Alysone disappears, Detective Miranda Close is less than thrilled to discover her new landlord and would-be lover is the missing woman’s doctor. Raised in the magick of New Orleans and already familiar with the darkness coiled within Gav, Randi’s belief in the supernatural may be all that saves her life when they are pulled hundreds of years into his past, and only one of them remembers the truth. When realities shift once again, Randi realizes they may be pawns in a much larger game.
The Highland Destiny saga continues with a tale of betrayal, murder, and magick that spans two continents and hundreds of years.
Prologue and Chapter One:
May 1, 2012
RELEASE DAY ALL AROUND!!
Vegas Miracle is officially re-released today, May 1, 2012!
Blurb: Ryan and Grace Sullivan have all the outward indications of a happy life: money, success, an undeniable physical attraction that quickly evolved from whirlwind relationship to marriage. But lately, Ryan's become moody and distant. As their relationship starts to crumble, Ryan discovers something about himself he can't admit just as Grace realizes the young man she encounters at an invitation only party, Henri Christophe, a celebrity chef with the most successful restaurant in Las Vegas, is her husband's lover. But Henri holds a secret himself. He wants to be more to both of them.
Trying to make their unconventional arrangement work, Ryan's deep-seated fear of relationship failure continues to thwart everyone's happiness. When he finally walks away instead of confronting the emotional connection the trio share, he returns to find their lives flipped inside out. A sought after hotel and resort consultant, Ryan has yet to meet a problem he couldn't solve. But when it comes to his own heart, he may be too late.
BUY IT HERE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-vegasmiracle-786872-146.html
Or, if your book budget is shot already, hit the "like" button for me. It's an ego thing.
I'm pleased to announce that Shadow on the Wall is available today as well:
BLURB: Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?
Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?
Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.
In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.
Excerpt: Knock. Just one solid sound.
Recai sat up too quickly and fell back against his mattress gasping as Rebekah stuck her head into his small room, her face creased with worry and fear.“Cover yourself and stay silent,” she whispered before closing the door and rushing back into the living room to retrieve her burqa and open the door. Recai heard the movement of the heavy fabric she wore on top of her house dress as she moved across the room to greet their visitor. He wondered if she had retrieved her father’s gun which he’d overheard Hasad say was under the couch in the living room.Before hiding beneath the thin sheet that covered him, he reached down and pulled the rug from the floor and threw it across his legs. He covered his head and melted against the wall with the pillow on top of his upper body. Feeling foolish, Recai laid there, wishing he had his ID, his phone, anything to help bribe his way out of this situation if it was indeed the RTK at the door.Perhaps it’s just a neighbor, he thought. A neighbor come to ask after Rebekah’s father’s health or to borrow some salt. His attempt at rationalizing the unexpected visit did not quell his fears. The RTK made a habit of performing home inspections, especially if they suspected a woman alone. It wasn’t a safe time for anyone under the jurisdiction of Mayor Yilmaz.
About the Author:
Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.
Pavarti K Tyler’s novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and began in a serial format in November 2011. Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in May 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero
My blog is all ages: http://www,fightingmonkeypress.com
My tumblr is 18+ only: http://pavartidevi.tumblr.com/
My Fan Page needs your likes: https://www.facebook.com/#!/FMPress
My Twitter likes friends: http://twitter.com/#!/PavartiKTyler
My Google+ is random: https://plus.google.com/?gpinv=JFSVnK...
Here are links to my books:
Two Moons of Sera: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Moons-of-Se...
Shadow on the Wall (The SandStorm Chronicles #1): http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Wall-San... Consumed by Love (novella): http://www.amazon.com/Consumed-by-Lov...
PRIZE INFORMATION:
One randomly drawn host will win a $50 Amazon GC.
Blurb: Ryan and Grace Sullivan have all the outward indications of a happy life: money, success, an undeniable physical attraction that quickly evolved from whirlwind relationship to marriage. But lately, Ryan's become moody and distant. As their relationship starts to crumble, Ryan discovers something about himself he can't admit just as Grace realizes the young man she encounters at an invitation only party, Henri Christophe, a celebrity chef with the most successful restaurant in Las Vegas, is her husband's lover. But Henri holds a secret himself. He wants to be more to both of them.
Trying to make their unconventional arrangement work, Ryan's deep-seated fear of relationship failure continues to thwart everyone's happiness. When he finally walks away instead of confronting the emotional connection the trio share, he returns to find their lives flipped inside out. A sought after hotel and resort consultant, Ryan has yet to meet a problem he couldn't solve. But when it comes to his own heart, he may be too late.
BUY IT HERE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-vegasmiracle-786872-146.html
Or, if your book budget is shot already, hit the "like" button for me. It's an ego thing.
I'm pleased to announce that Shadow on the Wall is available today as well:
BLURB: Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?
Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?
Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.
In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.
Excerpt: Knock. Just one solid sound.
Recai sat up too quickly and fell back against his mattress gasping as Rebekah stuck her head into his small room, her face creased with worry and fear.“Cover yourself and stay silent,” she whispered before closing the door and rushing back into the living room to retrieve her burqa and open the door. Recai heard the movement of the heavy fabric she wore on top of her house dress as she moved across the room to greet their visitor. He wondered if she had retrieved her father’s gun which he’d overheard Hasad say was under the couch in the living room.Before hiding beneath the thin sheet that covered him, he reached down and pulled the rug from the floor and threw it across his legs. He covered his head and melted against the wall with the pillow on top of his upper body. Feeling foolish, Recai laid there, wishing he had his ID, his phone, anything to help bribe his way out of this situation if it was indeed the RTK at the door.Perhaps it’s just a neighbor, he thought. A neighbor come to ask after Rebekah’s father’s health or to borrow some salt. His attempt at rationalizing the unexpected visit did not quell his fears. The RTK made a habit of performing home inspections, especially if they suspected a woman alone. It wasn’t a safe time for anyone under the jurisdiction of Mayor Yilmaz.
About the Author:
Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.
Pavarti K Tyler’s novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and began in a serial format in November 2011. Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in May 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero
My blog is all ages: http://www,fightingmonkeypress.com
My tumblr is 18+ only: http://pavartidevi.tumblr.com/
My Fan Page needs your likes: https://www.facebook.com/#!/FMPress
My Twitter likes friends: http://twitter.com/#!/PavartiKTyler
My Google+ is random: https://plus.google.com/?gpinv=JFSVnK...
Here are links to my books:
Two Moons of Sera: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Moons-of-Se...
Shadow on the Wall (The SandStorm Chronicles #1): http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Wall-San... Consumed by Love (novella): http://www.amazon.com/Consumed-by-Lov...
PRIZE INFORMATION:
One randomly drawn host will win a $50 Amazon GC.
April 26, 2012
Time Is Of the Essence
It is with great pride and no small amount of fear and trepidation that I present the official cover art, blurb and one last excerpt for Essence of Time, The Realtors: Book 4. Not because I doubt the cover art, which is kick ASS thanks to Sunny Talbot, or the hook-factor of the blurb, or the amazing serendipity of the excerpt. Of those things I am very proud. I am just having some "Misery-effect" tremors over the way I ended this one. But it will all be fine, if at the cost of some "real life" moments for characters and readers alike.
As you know, this dips into some big time back story for a couple of characters that so many readers were enthralled by in the first 3 books. Specifically, Rob and Blake, Jack's old friend and Sara's brother, ironically enough.
BLURB:
For years, Rob Frietag has resisted anything resembling a true emotional connection, preferring instead to explore life and his own desires without committing to anyone for very long. The reason behind this remains known only to a few, among them Jack Gordon, his college cohort in female conquests, and lifelong friend. While close to achieving his career goal of being head chef at a 5-star restaurant at 37 years old, Rob is still very much alone. Blake Thornton's heart has been utterly shattered by an intensely emotional relationship with Suzanne Baxter in Ann Arbor. Completely broken by what he believes was his one true love, he arrives at a Chicago food and beer festival, prepared to drink his sorrow away. When the two men meet, their lives are changed forever. But time is of the essence for Rob and when he acknowledges his true feelings, he will stop at nothing to keep them together, including finding a surrogate mother for the child Blake so desperately wants.Lila Warren is recovering from a nasty divorce, needs cash and believes carrying their baby will fulfill in her in ways her marriage never did. None of them suspect that the connection they share will provide the final emotional key to their life-long puzzle. When Rob’s secret is revealed, time becomes the one luxury they don't have, setting in motion a chain of events that shatters the fragile illusion of happiness for them, and everyone around them.
Essence of Time will release June 23, 2012, to coincide with print copies available at RomFest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee where I will be signing copies at Books a Million with a bunch of other kick butt authors. There will be review copies available BUT due to the fairly spoiler-friendly nature of the narrative's ending, they will release the same day as copies to the general public. We are calling for a week of silence regarding the ending, just because.
One of my most favorite excerpts from this book is not the many heated moments in Rob or Blake's tortured, yet steamy past but these simple few lines, when Rob's past catches up with his very much important present, putting him in the tough position of balancing the happiness of his true love and his old friend:
Jack flirted with the hot lady bartender a few more minutes. Rob ignored them, sunk his own mire of self-flagellation. “I’ve met somebody.” Jack’s words made him choke. His friend pounded his back a second until he got control of himself. “I mean, well, ‘met’ is a tame word. Let’s say I have hooked up with the most amazing chick on two planets in the last few weeks. Twice. Okay three times. And I’m, um, well…” he passed a hand through his hair.Rob stared at him, then laughed so hard he nearly choked again on his own spit. “Fucking-A. Finally!” He watched Jack’s face settle into anger, then resignation. “Damn, son. Tell me more.”“Ah, yeah, well, she’s … um… an agent, with Stewarts. Younger than me by a few. I knew of her, but never really knew her until we had to work out a deal together…a tough one.” Jack sipped, amazingly nervous Rob noted. Until something clicked in his brain. Something Blake had said a few nights ago. He sipped, let Jack continue. “Well, I you know, did my usual thing. We christened her office. I figured, okay, one and done on that. But, I ah…oh shit I don’t know. She’s amazing. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s a god damned sarcastic high maintenance bitch I’m sensing but…”Rob gulped his second beer and motioned for another. “So I paid her a visit at her open house a week ago. And now? Shit man I am hooked.” Jack stared straight ahead. Rob’s head pounded in time with his heart. “She have a name, this goddess?”please don’t be Sara…please don’t be Sara…please…“Sara.”Oh. Fuck.Rob stared at his friend, as the sheer impossibility of what was happening coursed through him. Blake is going to have kittens. And then he would go out of his way to kill this man, his friend of so many years. He put a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “We have to talk.”
I loved this story. I hope you love reading it.
CONTEST TIME! I am awarding $50 YES I SAID FIFTY.....dollars worth of goodness to ONE COMMENTER selected randomly by my publisher, Tri-Destiny. The winning comment receives a VISA GIFT CARD for that amount....yeah. I said "fifty." Because The Realtors is more like....A hundred! Make your comment below, enter to win...
The Realtors....See what all the damn buzz is about!
Yeah.Love
Liz
Floor Time: STILL ONLY .99 AT Amazon and ARe....get started on the series for a buck? seriously. 
Sweat Equity: The book that had more e-readers flying and garnered a JERR Gold Star Award!
Closing Costs: The HEA....well, as close as I'll let you get to one anyways!
"Conditional Offer" The Realtors Short Story will be available in late May...a FREE READ for all!
