Reena Jacobs's Blog, page 54

Interview & Giveaway: Kitty Thomas

It was a fluke I found Kitty Thomas. I stopped by Leontine's Book Realm one day and happened upon her post, boasting about Comfort Food. At the time, Ms. Thomas offered it as a free read. And to be perfectly honest, I never expected to finish it. I was just curious to see what got Leontine all excited. Well, I tell you, I did finish it. And I loved it! You can read my review here if you wanna know why.

Well, Ms. Thomas was generous enough to grant my request for an interview. If you've read Comfort Food, please don't hate me for interrupting Ms. Thomas from her writing. I can imagine you're as anxious for her next work as I am. For now, just enjoy the interview.

Tell us a little about your debut novel.

Comfort Food is an erotic novel, though not a novel that will be erotic to everyone. I think kink-wired individuals are likely to get off on it, especially if they have an "ownership/slave kink". Others may not find it personally erotic but may still like the book for other reasons. It's a book that kind of crosses intended audience boundaries, which makes it interesting because I think my next book is definitely going to stay in it's little "kink ghetto" LOL.

The basic premise of Comfort Food is: A man kidnaps a woman and turns her into his willing toy. He uses several conditioning methods to achieve his goals but he is never brutal or violent with her. In the end chicken soup ends up being punishment and whips are perceived as pleasure. I know a lot of people think both of those concepts… chicken soup as punishment and whips as pleasure is just too bizarre to contemplate. Though, that's probably why many take a chance on the book, to find out.

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

When I was itty bitty. I've always wanted to write. I don't really remember a time when I didn't want to. From the time I knew people were behind creating books, I wanted to do that.

Who was/is your biggest inspiration for fulfilling your dreams of becoming a writer?

I don't think I really had an inspiration like that. I'm pretty self-possessed. I can't point to anyone who inspired me to go out and do it. I have been inspired by people along the way, but nothing so dramatic that it was a "defining moment." Though I will say that probably "Story of O" was one of the books that inspired me to try writing erotica.

You went the indie route verses traditional, why is that?

I don't think a publisher would have touched Comfort Food. It's too dangerous a book for them. It's noncon erotica and it's unapologetic about what it is. It isn't a politically correct ending. Or a politically correct message. And publishers, I think, are very uncomfortable with that. I didn't even send it to any publishers or agents. I knew from the beginning that this work was mine to create and produce how I wanted it. I think a publisher would have asked me to make changes that would have ripped the soul out. This is the most personal thing I've ever written and probably the most personal thing I ever will write. The content just wasn't up for debate.

How did you come up with the idea of Comfort Food?

It started out as a fantasy, but then it ended up a lot darker. It was supposed to be lighter rape-fantasy fare. Although this works on the rape-fantasy level for some, it also works on an emotional/psychological level as well as a metaphorical level (surrender/submission). I was also going through a dark personal period when I originally wrote it, so it definitely influenced what we ended up with. It was pretty painful to write.

When you wrote Comfort Food, was there a message you meant to leave with the reader? and if so, what was it?

I think there were a lot of messages. I guess in a way it's a submissive's anthem. This is most clear in the epilogue, especially the last line of the book, which I won't spoil for anyone who hasn't read it. CF also deals with power vs. rights. I think a lot of people confuse "legal rights" with power and who has it in any given moment. You can't appeal to your rights in every situation in life. Comfort Food explores the use and relinquishing of power. It also explores various types of enslavement, like the type of social enslavement we all consent to when we allow the opinions of others to dictate our lives for us. Despite everything that happens, Emily's largest internal struggle has nothing to do with the man who took her, but with how society will judge her for making the choices she makes. And that's where most of her psychological pain comes from. I think readers can identify with that because that's where "most" people's psychological pain comes from. When we can truly let go of the opinions of others, we can be free.

Comfort foods has generated quite a reaction amongst readers (both positive and negative). Why do you think that is?

I think because it's really emotionally raw and honest. The book explores some uncomfortable truths that some might not want to deal with. I'm flattered that it has gotten such strong reactions (both positive and negative). The book definitely stirs up a lot of passion in people and I really didn't expect that. I thought many would find it "disgusting and wrong and immoral" as a knee-jerk sort of reaction because that's just how people are, but I didn't expect the outpouring of fan mail I've gotten from people telling me the book changed their life, or it was one of the best books they ever read. I just never expected it to grab hold of people like that.

Many fans eagerly await your next novel. What can we we expect in the near future?

The next book, Guilty Pleasures (which is not a sequel), should be out by Christmas. I really love how this book has turned out and am in the editing stages right now. I'm not sure how fans of Comfort Food will react to it. I think I might lose some readers who feel GP is too much for them, lol. Writing the disclaimer for this one will be fun. It's more slave/rape fantasy but coming at it from a different angle. It's definitely another mindfuck, but in a different way from Comfort Food. The main character of this one, Vivian, kind of keeps walking into her situation. It's not like Emily where she's just kidnapped and has to deal with it. This is someone who is kind of actively looking to be enslaved by something even if she won't admit it until it's too late to get free. Comfort Food has sex, but not a lot for erotica. Most of it is psychological. While Guilty Pleasures has psychological aspects, there is a lot more sex: coercion, blackmail, nonconsent (and yes, we will be eroticizing it, that's what we do in erotica ), multiple partners, some girl-on-girl action, and a little boot worship, cause shiny boots are awesome.

Any final words you'd like to leave with the readers?

Didn't I say enough words already? I think I covered it all. I do have a newsletter I'm starting up for people who would like to receive updates on new releases and such. People can subscribe by going to: http://www.kittythomas.com and filling out the contact form. Just list subscribe in the subject line and I'll take it from there. Comfort Food is available at Amazon.com, Amazon.uk, Barnesandnoble.com Smashwords.com (and I think Sony, Kobo, and the Apple ibookstore, but don't quote me. It's in several places.)

I'm also on Twitter @kitty_thomas

In addition to ebook, Comfort Food will be out in hardcover by the end of this month.

Ms. Thomas has graciously offered a digital copy of her novel Comfort Food. And YES, we are going to take her up on that offer!

Entry is simple:

Fill out the form below (+1). ~Mandatory~
Tweet (+1).~Optional, but much appreciated~ Tweet: Interview & Giveaway: Author Kitty Thomas #ComfortFood http://bit.ly/a5cujU @kitty_thomas @ReenaJacobs
Tweet once per day after your initial entry and receive two (2) extra entries. Use the same form below.~Again, optional, but appreciated~
Giveaway ends October 8, 2010.
For the nitty gritty, check out my contest policy.

That's all. Ms. Thomas, thank you again for the interview and sharing your book with us.

Loading…x

And the Winner Is…

I had a few goals today.

Update ya'll wonderful listeners about Fall Giveaway status winners [check]
Prepare the Kitty Thomas interview post [check]
Reread chapter 3 of my WIP which I polished yesterday [check]
Polish chapter 4 of my WIP [check]
Go through the Fall Giveaway entries [check]
Finish reading the book I started several weeks ago

As you can see, I've done all but the last item on my list. First I want to thank everyone who stopped by to give my blog a chance. I hope you all stick around a few. Definitely thanks to Good Choice Reading for hosting this great event!

A quick rundown of how this giveaway worked for me. I received 180 entrants and a host of folks who tweeted for extra entries. I started with 97 followers, now I'm at 241. I cannot tell you how many new blogs I've found thanks to your entries. Yes, I do check out your blog when you sign into mine. I admit, I've yet to go through them all, but be assured I do plan to visit now that I'm not swamped.

One moment while this serious looking lady shuffles.

So the moment you've all been waiting for!

Giveaway #1 – Reader's Choice

Scoot (1st place)

Giveaway #2 – The Reviews

Heather Henderson (2nd place)

Giveaway #3 – love, Love, LOVED It!

Danielle (5th place)

Giveaway #4 – My Buddies' Fab Fav

elaing8 (3rd place)

Giveaway #5 – Please Pick Me!

Lucy (4th place)

Congratulations to you all! Sorry about the mice-type. All winners were chosen using this nifty plugin I found called "And the winner is…"

Winners! If you've forgotten your choices, feel free to head to the Fall Giveaway post. I'll email you shortly. You all have until Monday, October 4, 2010 (midnight) to give me your selection. Otherwise, I'm sure another GFC friend would love to have your prize. Thanks again to all who participated.

While you're here, check out the Kitty Thomas interviews! Word has it, there's another giveaway.

Please Stay Tuned

I'm still going through all the new GFC friends I've gained. Many have websites I've yet to visit, and I want to be sure I get around to them soon. Many thanks to Good Choice Reading for hosting this great event and putting us in touch. Also, thanks to all who've taken a chance on me.

I hate to say it, but it'll take me a little longer than usual to tally the entries. Normally, I use a form which requires me to simply download into excel and run some formulas. This time, I used comments and need to go through them to make sure there are no duplicates. Plus some got caught in my spam filter. I have to admit, I do like the simple GFC follow and tweet entries. Next time, it'll just be through a form. It's a learning experience.

While I tabulate the entries, I hope to appease you with an Author Interview. Stop in tomorrow and Kitty Thomas, author of Comfort Food, will pay us a visit. Her novel landed in three of the Fall Giveaway prize groups (Giveaway #2 – The Reviews, Giveaway #3 – love, Love, LOVED IT!, and Giveaway #4 – My Buddies' Fab Faves!) Yes, it was that good! So if you haven't read it, definitely give it a try. And please stop by and say hello to Ms. Thomas. The Fall Giveaway is over, but I have a feeling the giveaways haven't ended.

Novella Review: The Warrior by Francine Rivers

In the past, I've been a huge fan of Francine Rivers. My favorite of her series is The Mark of the Lion. Fabulous! After finding a couple of her books from the Sons of Encouragement at the library, I decided to give this series a try. First up is "The Warrior" which is book two. Did I mention each one of these novellas are stand alone? So the blurb from Ms. Rivers' website.

His words stirred mens' hearts; his passion drove him to God. The Warrior illuminates the life of Caleb, a man whose faith and zeal for God helped lead God's people into the Promised Land. Discover a man full of passion, humility, and faith; a man who encouraged Joshua and stood strong in the face of sin.

I'm not sure if it's because I have a little writing under my belt or what, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as my other Francine River reads. The novella had a lot of information chunks thrown at me. This is alright for the bible, but not okay for a fictional story, even if it is based upon the bible. At least in my mind.

I also wasn't very fond of Caleb. He had an air of superiority. No one could satisfy him, while he acted as if he was above it all. He just seemed a little to perfect in his mind for my liking. What happened to struggling with right and wrong? For Caleb, the struggle seemed to be lacking. His biggest concern was trying to sway everyone to his way of thinking. Honestly, with Caleb so sure of himself and his way of thought, the overall story lacked conflict. I had nothing to look forward to.

Although Caleb was above many of the struggles, the other characters were not. Even though I knew the story, it still broke my heart to see the children of Israel learn and accept after the consequences were in place. For example, one of Caleb's brothers said, "I thought, perhaps, the Lord had forgotten about me, and I might sneak into the  Promised Land among my sons and grandsons…" Even thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes.

Other lines made me reflect on life in general. For example: "And like this morning, they prayed the same prayers they prayed every day, and then went off to live life on their own terms." I don't know how many Christian readers visit my blog, but isn't that so true sometimes. It's like the Natalie and Phillip Larue song where they sing, it's not right to be a Christian "One Day of the Week."

So in my opinion, the overall message was wonderful, but the presentation was lacking.

Before I leave you with this review, I'll share a couple more favorites I had from the novel.

Brave men do what the Lord commands despite their fear.
Don't think my arm isn't long enough to deal with you.
We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!

Tomorrow I hope to get out my review of "The Prophet" which is also by Francine Rivers. So, stay tuned!

"The Warrior" by Francine Rivers is available at the Book Depository.

Special Post: The Plunge

[image error]So, I finally decided to do it. What you ask? Publish one of my works, that's what! So it's a short story, nothing big. But it does give me a chance to test the waters and all. So, without further ado, Control Freak: Brandon's Story.

Brandon is an overworked husband with a wife who wants a little too much. Sex, that is. When his wife starts throwing him hints about bondage and masochism, he's sure she's flipped. In the end, Brandon must decide which lines he's willing to cross for the women he loves. Short Story: 3260 Words

A word of warning, it's quite graphic, at least on the sexual front. But that's okay. It's short enough you can probably hide in a closet or something without getting caught why you get uhm…"involved in the read. So for those interested in finding out what kind of things run through my head, check it out! It's available on Smashwords. I'd love to hear what you think. Feel free to write a review, rate it, send me an email, whatever.

For those who give me a shot, thanks a million! For those who forgo my work…uhm. Thanks for stopping by?

Beyond the Mailbox

Okay, I'm a little late on the ball here. A couple of weeks ago. A couple of weeks ago? Yeah, that's right, I'm bad. A couple of weeks ago, I received one of my winnings. I was lucky to win a iTunes gift card at The Book Butterfly during her Christy Trujillo (author of Emily's Song) post. I have to admit, this GC came right on time. You see, I have this story I'm writing and already have the playlist picked out. Only thing, I don't have copies of the songs. No matter now. I can get them with the iTunes GC! Woot! Thank you Kim and Christy!

I also stopped by the library a couple of weeks ago. Haven't done that in a while. While there, I picked up a couple of books my an old favorite, Francine Rivers. I absolutely love her Mark of the Lions series and also the Lineage of Grace books. I've read just about every book she's ever written, except for the Sons of Encouragement line and Martha's Legacy. Great news for me! I found two of the Sons of Encouragement books: "The Warrior" and "The Prophet."

Well, I read "The Warrior" and will post my review of it tomorrow. I'm working on "The Prophet" and hope to have my review of it on Tuesday. That being the case, the winner of giveaway #2 – Reviews may choose "The Prophet" if they wish.

Both "The Warrior" and "The Prophet" by Francine Rivers are available at the Book Depository.

Got Beta Reader?

Uh, kinda. Not exactly. I guess I kind of need one, right? Well, I know how busy folks are. Writers are writing, bloggers are blogging, readers are reading. And if everyone's to be read (TBR) pile is like mine, getting through some halls is troublesome.

So. A little about Shadow Cat. It's a contemporary fantasy with romantic elements. Think Urban Fantasy, but in the the jungle (not city). :) It includes shape-shifters and demons. The sex scenes are graphic but still erotic (at least to my writer eyes). As such, the beta reader should be 18+. The work is currently about 100k long.

Yes, I'm being vague. But this isn't a query letter. :) If you're interested in Beta Reading, I'll send a teaser along with the first three chapters.

If you're from Malaysia, it's a bonus. If you speak Malay, it's a double bonus. I wrote the novel in English, but it does have some Malay parts. And since I'm not from Malaysia nor speak the language, I wouldn't be surprised if I flubbed things up. I want to get the language right and make sure I didn't offend anyone culturally.

Just for filling out the form, I'll send you the first three chapters. Don't feel obligated to finish it if you don't like what you read. Just send me a reply saying it wasn't for you. If you want (AND I WOULD APPRECIATE IT), tell me why it didn't work for you. But that's not a requirement. :) Simple as that.

I've revised and edited Shadow Cat so many times, my eyes dry out just thinking about another pass. However, I will tell you the first 3-5 chapters are most likely more polished than the others. They're the ones I've entered into contests, had the heck critiqued out of, and sent to editors/agents. So they've gotten a bit more eyeball time than the rest.

So! If you're interested, fill out the Beta Reader Form. :) Thanks!

Save My Soul

My brother is a poetic rapper, at least that's the name I give for his artistry. To my untrained ears, he's rather decent. Anyway, on the way to dropping him off at the airport early this morning, he brought up the issue of pseudonyms. I forgot the term he had for it, but it's a pen name for an author, but in this case for a musician. Moving on.

Not only does he write lyrics, but they're also Christian lyrics. So his views on pseudonyms: According to him, Christian musicians shouldn't use pen names. He seemed to think it was a trend to use real names if the individual is a Christian musician. So I'm fine with that. I don't know what's what in the music industry, much less the Christian music industry.

I haven't been very secretive about this, but Reena Jacobs is a pen name. So why do I use a pen name? Mostly because I don't want people to judge me as a person because of my writing. I enjoy reading and writing erotic literature. I don't have a personal vendetta against the LGBT community and have no problem portraying them as real people with real emotions just like everyone else. I'm also not a traditional Christian. I make up my own mind about what's right and wrong according to the scripture rather than base my beliefs upon hearsay someone else got from another's interpretation of the bible. After all, we're not in ancient Rome and reliant on others to read the Word to us.

I'm rambling. Sorry. So, the pen name. Bottom line, I use a pen name because I don't want people to judge me...to look poorly upon me because of my writings. Really, it's my problem...my desire to put on a good face. A bit shameful when I think about it...hiding behind a cover.

Well, my brother jumped all over it. He accused me of living in sin, and the fact I used a pen name was proof of it. He's never read any of my works, by the way. The funny thing about it all, is the wrong he told me I was doing (writing about were-tigers) wasn't even the issue I thought other Christians would have with my work. I'm perfectly fine writing about fantastical creatures. I just think people would balk about the graphic sex in my novels. But no...it was the idea of fantasy creatures which did him in. So I mentioned Narnia and other C.S. Lewis books. Apparently C.S. Lewis is sinful too for using fantastical creatures, according to the gospel of my brother. In fact, Mr. Lewis is worse since he portrayed Aslan as the Savior. Only Jesus should play Savior roles. As if anyone can get Jesus to star in any new works.

Of course I was dumb enough to mention a novel I'm working on where the main character dabbles in witchcraft. Somehow he missed the part about her falling into negative aspects of the craft, doing very bad things (we're talking edgy here), but then making a turn around. Nor did he hear the fact I'd share that story with Christians because I think it has a good message--no matter how deep you get, you can still change for the better. All he heard was witchcraft, and I had a one way trip to hell.

Holy cow. If my brother is so quick to send me to hell, what would people who knew me even less think? It would have been better not to mention anything to him. I certainly would have had a more peaceful ride.

Over the last week or so, agents (, Rachelle Gardner, Kristin Nelson) have addressed the topic of pen names also. Even if others may have different reason, it's nice to know I'm not alone in a desire to use a pen name.

Got the Right Curves? #Twitloss

I check myself out in the mirror on a regular basis. Okay, let's face it. I'm obsessiveness. When I'm not in front of the computer, I'm in front of the mirror. Other than huge breasts, I don't have many curves. You're not going to find an hourglass figure on me, or a rump that speaks to you. No, just not going to happen. Even when I was 132 lbs and the best shape of my life, I didn't have curves. Just breasts.

So I'm doing this #twitloss thing, kinda. :) I've started running on a regular basis (not far, but I'm doing it) and going to karate. Really though, the exercise is for my health, not really my weight. Cause to be honest, just the thought of how much exercise I'd have to do to burn off a snack ticks me off.

The big problem I have with weight loss is my eating habits. You see, I have this tendency to overeat. I'm talking about stuffing myself until my not-so-little tummy hurts. I wasn't like that when I married, and I don't recall being like that when I was pregnant either. In fact, I remember going to the doc for my post-natal follow up, and him asking how I'd lost the weight. (I could already fit into my wedding dress again). I told him, I didn't pig out.

The truth is, I ate when I was hungry and stopped when I was full. I didn't stretch my stomach until I was uncomfortable. I let enough be enough. I'm not sure what happened, but sometime between then and now I'd lost control. Only recently with this #twitloss thing have I tried to eat just enough. And I think it's working. That tire around my waist is pretty much gone. In fact, I have a little bit of a curve happening. Not a lot. As I said, my body doesn't do hourglass. Even my gut is starting to look a little smaller. Now if I can just stay consistent and not sabotage myself.

What have you found works for you in terms of eating habits?

Birds and the Bees

Okay. Here's the deal. I have two daughters (13 and 17 years old). From time to time, I bring up the topic of sex. I'm not sure what prompted it this time, something about a song I was singing in the car. Anyway, I often open up the discussion with the question: Would you tell me if you're having sex? or If you were going to have sex, would you tell me?

Well, the 13 year-old and I were heading home and I popped the question. Her answer this time was "maybe." I'm not surprised though. Sometimes I'll get a yes, other times I'll get a maybe. I've never received a no. Knock on wood.

So I got the maybe answer. Of course I want to know under which circumstances she'll tell me and which she won't. As if she knows the future. :) I know, silly, but I asked. And surprise, surprise. She didn't have an answer. That led to more silly questions from me. Let's just see how this went.

Me: What if a guy said, "If you love me, you'll have sex with me. Everyone's doing it." (Yeah...retarded role-play, I know.)

Daughter: Everyone's not having sex.

Me: How do you know everyone's not having sex? (I kind of broke out of the role here. I really wanted to know how she knew that. Yeah, I was having a brain fart.)

Daughter: EVERYone?

Yeah. Like I said, brain fart. It's like she pulled out the "If all your friend jump off the cliff, are you going to follow?"

Anyway. One I got over my idiocy, we were able to have an intelligent conversation. Without going into too much detail, mostly about the emotional side of sex, and that it wasn't just a physical adventure like portrayed on television.

Sure the discussion was a bit one-sided with me sharing my hopes that she'll choose wisely. IE, have a wonderful sexual relationship with someone who cares for her and vice versa (hopefully her husband when the time comes). Yeah, I'm old fashioned that way. Don't get me wrong, I know the odds are against her making it to marriage a virgin and staying married to that one person, but I can still hope.

Another question I asked her: Do you think you'll make it out of high school without having sex? Her response: Probably.

Sex can be such a special time with the right person. It's too bad sometimes people end up having bad experiences with the wrong person. Like I told my 13 year-old. I can tell her the importance of waiting for hopefully the right person, but she won't really know the true importance until after the fact. I've already made my relationship and sexual choices. I can't make hers for her. I can only try to give her the information so she can make an informed decision.

Well, thanks for listening to me ramble.

So, people! How do you bring up the topic of sex with your children? What type of issues do you discuss?