Xondra Day's Blog, page 13

Interview with Ellora's Cave Editor Carrie Jackson

Have you always wanted to write for Ellora's Cave? If so, then check out what editor Carrie Jackson has to say about what she's looking for.

X- Tell us a little about yourself, and what led you to become an editor.

C- I've always been a book junkie. Even in elementary school, I knew I wanted to work with stories one day! I studied English lit and linguistics in college and was lucky to get hired by Samhain, where I fell in love with editing. When the fabulous Kelli Collins—editor-in-chief at Ellora's Cave—mentioned on Twitter that EC needed editors, I jumped on it as fast as I could.

X- What catches your eye as editor, and what are your pet peeves?

C- I look for three things: voice, concept and emotion. A book can be incredibly raw, but if the voice grabs me, I'm more than willing to work with the author to get it into shape.

For concept, I look for something that "pops"—a plot that seems fun and original, a hook that makes me sit up and take notice.

Finally, I look for emotion. I want to really FEEL the connection between the characters.

That ties into my pet peeve—sometimes erotic romance authors concentrate on making sure sex scenes are different and inventive, and they wind up forgetting to include the emotion. If a sex scene could be between any characters in any book, it doesn't work. It should be filled with emotion and specific to the characters involved.

X- What exactly takes place during the editorial process?

C- The editorial process can be intense at EC. I typically start by sending an email that outlines general story issues. I also like to comment—a lot—in the manuscript itself. Once all the macro issues are out of the way (a process that can take several rounds of revision), I look at the manuscript on a line-by-line basis, searching for ways to tighten and polish. When the author and I are satisfied the book is as good as we can make it, we pass it to another editor who checks for typos, continuity problems, etc.

X-  What would you like to see in your inbox?

C- I'm open to any type of romance, but specifically futuristic, steampunk, horror and suspense. Paranormal and contemporary (especially with BDSM elements) are always welcome. I'd love to find some good f/f romances—if anyone out there has a f/f steampunk romance, send it in! Above all, I want intense emotion and a fresh voice.

I'm actively acquiring, so now is a good time to submit. You can send your first three chapters, last chapter and a brief synopsis to submissions@ellorascave.com and address it to Carrie Jackson. My current response time is about four weeks.

X- What's your favorite scent?

C-The smell of cookies baking. Mmm. Now I'm hungry. :)

X- What's your favorite life memory?

C- Good question! I followed Tori Amos on tour when I was younger. The feeling of freedom—being in a new city every day, meeting people all over the country—was amazing. I also got to meet Tori, and she was every bit as warm and caring as you'd imagine.

X- Cats or dogs?

C- You know how every neighborhood seems to have at least one crazy cat lady? *Raises hand* Sadly, in my neighborhood, that's me. I have six cats of my own and take care of a feral cat colony.

X- What one thing can't you live without?

C- Caffeine. I'm a Red Bull addict!

X- Who are your auto buys author wise?

C- Lisa Marie Rice/Elizabeth Jennings, Marjorie M. Liu, Joey W. Hill, Emma Holly, Brenda Novak, Jennifer Crusie, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Neil Gaiman, Pamela Clare…and probably a ton more I can't think of at the moment.

X-Thanks so much for having me on your blog. :) For more insight on my tastes, check out some of the authors I work with: Sierra & VJ Summers, Zenobia Renquist, Eliza Knight, Scarlett Sanderson, Blair Valentine, Annabelle Weston, Sarah Richmond and Fiona Jayde.

I'm also on Twitter as Carriejeditor, where I tweet about editing and other misadventures.

X- Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It's interesting to get a sneak peak into the life of an editor.

More Goodies in my Box

This lovely cover by Jinger Heaston was in my inbox this evening after I woke from my nap.

I'm thrilled with everything about it. It captures the story perfectly.

Look for it on September 7th.

Author Interview with Nya Rayne

X- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

N- Before I got the "contract offer" I went through over fifty rejection letters from publishers and agents. This is over a six month period, so they were coming fast and hitting hard. But truthfully, I wouldn't change a thing about it. I learned a lot during that time.

I get my inspiration to write and keep writing from life—its cliché—but it's true. It comes to me while I'm standing in line at the grocery store, library, or sitting at home. I'm never without things that inspire me.

X- What's your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?


Purchase
N- My current novel is a futuristic romance called He Belongs to Me. It's about a world dominated by women where men are not only an endangered species, but a priceless commodity. He Belongs to Me is the first of a three book series, the second of which should be complete by the end of the year and out in the spring of 2012. I'm also working on a new paranormal romance series loosely based on ancient Egypt, but that's an interview for another time.

X- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

N- First, getting published will not happen overnight, so if that's what you're expecting you're in for a very rude awakening. Second, regardless of how many times you get rejected, stay the course. You're just that much closer to getting published. And third, write, write, and write some more, don't ever go a day without writing about something.

X- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what's your views?

N- In all honesty, I don't really have a view when it comes to self-publishing. The fact is some people do it and succeed, while others do it and sell maybe 10 books. I can't say it's something I'd never do, because I don't know what the future holds for me, but I know it's something that at this point in my writing career I don't need to do.

X- If I were to look at the current books you're reading, which titles would I find?

N- You would probably find several Lora Leigh books, a few Angela Knight novels and most definitely some of Lee Child's and John Sanford novels.

X- What's the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

N- Definitely my iPod. I carry it everywhere with me, even when I know I'm not going to be able to listen to it.

X- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

N- If I could have one wish I would wish for unlimited wishes. Why, well, because then I could have everything I've ever wanted and correct the tens of thousands of mistakes I'd probably make along the way.

X- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

N- At the top of the NY Times Bestsellers list several times over!! Where else?

X- Thank you for allowing me to do this interview with you.

N- Thanks for your time and please pick up a copy of He Belongs to Me, which is available now from Aspen Mountain Press, Amazon, Fictionwise, and All Romance. Also, sign up for my blog for a chance to when a $50 AMEX gift card and an autographed copy of He Belongs to Me. Oh, and Facebook me at www.facebook.com/nyarayne. Thanks again for your time, it has been a true pleasure!!

New Cover Art

This was in my inbox last night. It's the cover for my upcoming paranormal erotic romance coming in December from Secret Cravings Publishing!

Star Treatment is Out Today!

My m/m erotic romance is finally out today from Total-E-Bound!

Check out the blurb and excerpt.

Blurb: Superstar, Mark Hunter never expected his life to change within a matter of days when compromising pictures surface of him on a celebrity gossip blog in the arms of another man.



Mark Hunter, action movie star and closeted gay man is thrown into a tailspin after a night of casual sex with a cute guy named Frankie turns into something much more. Especially when photos appear on the internet, showing Mark kissing another man. Will he come out the other end with his career intact, and will Frankie reveal his secret before Mark has to find out the hard way?


Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex, strong language and mild BDSM.
 
Excerpt: Mark Hunter sat in Rav Stanton's office and listened. For once in his life, he was scared—scared of what could happen, scared of the possible realities he might face.

Rav sat beside him. Together they watched as the computer screen came alive with the graphics from that chubby celebrity gossip's page.

"Just look at that," spat Rav. "How could anyone look at that without being sick? Rav pointed to a horrid unflattering picture of the gossip himself. "You'd think with his money he'd be able to look after himself at least."

Mark agreed, but he wasn't in his agent's office to criticise the looks and grooming habits of some hack journalist turned gossip-queen.

Rav summoned him just an hour ago, citing they needed an urgent meeting and that it was better to talk in person than over the phone. The agent's tone of voice told Mark to do as he was told. So here he was and he was not one bit prepared for what he was about to face.

"And here it is," said Rav, clicking a link. He sat back in his chair, turning the screen towards Mark. "Feast your eyes on that."


MARK HUNTER IN THE ARMS OF ANOTHER MAN: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS


Following the headline, Mark read how he was spotted in one of Los Angeles most popular gay bars in the arms of a random guy who wasn't named. Three blurry photos showed him hugging Jason, a guy he had met, danced with and, of course, flirted with. But it was just a fun night out. Perhaps he was naïve, stupid or a mixture of both. He hadn't seen the harm in it. Hell, he could count more than one male celebrity who played it straight to the media, but screwed around in private with guys. Most of them made him look like an absolute saint.

A lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed hard. "Fuck," he muttered. He was blown right out of the water with this one. "Rav, I honestly don't know what to say… I'm sorry?"

"Listen, Mark, you don't have to be sorry for who you are. I did not call you here to rag on you about being…gay."

Mark choked hearing the word. He never got used to hearing it when it was referenced to himself. Of course he liked guys, there was never any doubt in his mind about that—not since he turned twelve and the hormones kicked in. But back then he hadn't even known what gay was. All he knew was that he was different, and that it was best to keep it a secret. It was ironic that, for the most part, at twenty-six he was still playing that game.

Rav closed the site's window. "Say nothing. You may get a few phone calls requesting interviews. Redirect them to me. I just wanted you to be aware of things and how it is."

Mark nodded. "I didn't think that anyone would take much notice of me. I'd just finished filming at the studio and I needed to let off some stream. If I had known, I never would have gone there."

"Listen, don't beat yourself up over it." Rav motioned to the computer. "That prick's not worth it. And I'm not asking you not to have fun, if you know what I mean. Just be more discreet. There are services you can call who will provide you with top-notch companionship and they are very discreet. Heck, I can hook you up with one, if you like? I know a woman who runs one which has both male and female escorts. She can be trusted."

Mark pondered the offer. "Naw, that's not for me. I'll lay low and deny everything if asked. That's the best thing to do."

Rav opened a drawer in his desk and extracted a small white business card. "All the same, call her if you need to. Just tell her that Rav sent you. She will take care of the rest."

Mark glanced at the card. "Thanks."

"I just don't want to see you go down in flames, buddy." Rav placed one hand on his shoulder. "You worked hard to get where you are, and with two hit films back to back and another about ready to clue-up, you're a hot commodity in this town."

"I suppose," replied Mark, standing up. But at what cost? Was all this worth living a lie? Was it worth the hiding and looking over his shoulder? He liked Rav, he trusted the man. Heck, Rav was more of a father to him than his own had ever been.

"Call me if you need me, Mark. We'll get together soon. I may have something else lined up for you."

Cutter

My new m/m erotic short is out on All Romance, and will be coming to Amazon soon! You can also check out the excerpt there.


All Romance
Blurb: Jesse Kline is out to explore the most infamous murder sites in his home state for an upcoming photography book. But when he ends up at Cutter Farm, the site of a quintuple murder, he encounters Cutter, the farm's caretaker.
After a hot interlude with the mysterious, sexy stranger, he makes a revelation that will forever change his outlook on life and what's real and what isn't.

[M/M, anal sex, mild BDSM, spanking]

Short story

Author Interview with Carlene Rae Dater

X- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

C- I went back to college while my husband and I were living in Central Massachusetts. I'd always wanted to write so took a journalism class and consequently started working for several small newspapers in the area. I published hard news, features, humorous essays and then branched out and started writing and submitting short stories. I've published in the mystery, horror, religious, romance and confession markets. Yes, I published several stories for the Trues, True Love, True Romance, etc. When we moved to San Diego to start a business, I had to give up writing for ten years. It was tough but when I was finally able to work part-time in our business, I decided I wanted to try and write a novel. Like so many other writers, that first manuscript is still under the bed! I went on to publish nine novels a non-fiction book, two erotic novellas with the third one coming out soon.

X- What's your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?


Purchase
C- My current release is titled Blood Lust and it's an erotic novella coming out from Phaze Publishing on Monday, July 25, 2011. Here's the blurb:

 Noah Bandish, an Emergency Medical Technician for the city of New York, has a secret. He's a vampire. Boredom is an ongoing problem for the undead and with his job Noah has found a way to both keep active and feed. No one seems to question why so many of his patients die before they get to the hospital. Then he meets Dr. Rachael Morehouse, a woman who'd make his heart beat faster – if his heart was still beating. Now he must decide if he wants to use the woman for his own wanton purposes or turn her and keep her at his side for eternity. Rogue vampires come into Manhattan and create chaos, and Noah knows he he'll have to help clean up their mess all the while fulfilling his Blood Lust.

Right now I'm almost finished with the first draft of a mystery novel that takes place in a small town on the southern Oregon coast. We moved to Oregon last year so I'm taking advantage of the local color! I also teach Beginning the Novel classes at SWOCC (South Western Oregon Community College) and will be teaching an Autobiography writing class starting in the spring of 2012.

X- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

C- I was very lucky in that my first creative writing teacher was Gary Provost. Gary always told us, if you can write, you can write anything. I believe that too and I've published in just about every field but poetry and memoir. The second thing is to never give up, NEVER. If your dream is to be a published writer, then keep writing, keep submitting and never quit. One of my favorite saying is: The difference between an amateur and a professional is persistence.

X- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what's your view?

C- I see nothing wrong with self-publishing. My husband and I self-published my book, An Extra Pair of Eyes, about my volunteer work at the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. We did it mainly because we owned and operated a small commercial printing business at the time, and several customers had asked us to help them publish books, so we did mine to see what the process entailed. I do think too many writers give up on commercial publication too soon and do it themselves. Unfortunately often the books aren't ready for publication. I've worked with a lot of writers too many of them are impatient. They write a book and want it published, NOW! I tell writers to put their work away for as long as possible, three to six months. Start something new. Then go back to your manuscript, read it with fresh eyes and rewriting. It may take a few drafts, but…you want the best possible book out there and that can't be rushed.


Purchase

X-  If I were to look at the current books you're reading, which titles would I find?

C- The Ridge by Michael Koryta, Tabloid City by Pete Hamill, and Edge by Jeffrey Deaver

I love a good mystery!

X- What's the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

C- My computer of course.

X- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

C- To publish a book with one of the big NY publishers. I've published e-books and POD and do believe that e-books are the wave of the future but…I still have people ask me when I'm going to publish a 'real' book! *Sigh*


Purchase
X- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

C- Still writing and teaching. I find the older I get, the less ambitious. I used to write two books a year but…lately I'm struggling to finish one! There are just so many fun things to do.

X- Thank you so much for allowing me to conduct this interview and best of luck in the future with your writing career.

Carlene Rae Dater can be reached on the web at the following places:

Websites: carlenedater.com, and The Mystery Starts Here

Facebook

Manic Readers

Message from Carlene Rae to her readers: I appreciate all the wonderful comments I've gotten from those who've read my books. A friend emailed me just yesterday and told me she could not put my romance, Call Sign: Love down – so her husband had to make dinner! Besides romance, I've published humorous mystery, mystery, romantic-suspense, paranormal romantic suspense and erotica.

Iron Rose Press

Some of you might have been wondering about my latest venture Iron Rose Press, so I feel the need to explain what it actually is and why I created it.

For some time I have been considering self-publishing. It isn't because I have been unsatisified with my current publishers, if anything overall, I consider myself very fortunate for the ones I have dealt with so far in my writing career.

The first thing that got me thinking about self-publishing was that I have some works that don't fit with any of the small e pubs that I currently work with. For example: I write sweet romance and well, at this time it's been my experience that the market for this is very small. I am judging this by my own sales figures and trends in the e pub market. Also, I write some other stuff that is way outside the box and rather niche. Last but not least, I enjoy writing shorts. By self publishing this stuff, I am not restricted in what I want out there with my name and brand.

Iron Rose Press will focus on erotica, but will also delve into some other genres such as horrormance(As I like to call it). This is primarily a self-publishing entity, and at this time I have no plans to take on anyone else.

I have acess to great cover artists, an editor, and formatting. I figure it's worth a try. I know many are down on self-publishing, but I feel this is a good move for me. I will still submit to my current publishers. Iron Rose Press is just another venture to put my writing out there.

Iron Rose Press on the Internet:

Facebook

Website

Twitter

Just Upstairs Excerpt

My short story Just Upstairs is up on Kindle, and is coming to All Romance soon. Check out he blurb and an adult excerpt. Enjoy!


Blurb: Gay erotica writer, Simon Coldwell, gets more than he could have ever bargained for when his hot hunky upstairs neighbour shows up at his apartment door looking to borrow a cup of sugar, and a whole lot more.


[M/M, anal sex, BDSM, spanking]

Excerpt: Jeff glanced at his surroundings. The apartment was an exact duplicate of his upstairs.

This wasn't the first time he'd seen Simon. The guy just didn't know it. When he moved in a little over a week ago, he'd spotted Simon outside tossing trash into the nearby dumpster beside the parking area. Just the sight of that hot little ass wiggling under a pair of shorts had been enough to cause him to sport a hard on in less than a minute. He had a soft spot for guys like Simon; guys who were blond, slim and slightly nerdy. And while he didn't do the bar scene, or even play the field that often, there was something about his downstairs neighbour that stirred not only his interest but his balls.

Simon had to be gay. He carried that vibe with him. Finally being in his presence and chatting with him, it was confirmed in Jeff's mind. Asking to borrow sugar had been nothing more than a ruse to meet the cute little fucker face to face.

He took a couple steps further into the apartment and spotted a bookshelf jammed with books. He knelt down to examine their titles, his eyes tracing over each. Jesse's Seduction, Explored by the Master, Andy Loves Anal, those were just a few of many that caught his attention, all written by S. A. Coldwell. Bingo!

"What are you doing?"

Jeff stood and turned to face Simon with one book in his hand. He raised one brow and opened it, but not before he held up the cover which showed two men kissing passionately. "I was checking out your books. I assume they're written by you?"

Simon turned crimson. With one hand, he reached out to grab the book but Jeff held it out of reach.

"Look, I know you're disgusted. So take your sugar and go." He thrust the cup of sugar at Jeff.

"Who said I was disgusted? I didn't."

"Huh?" Simon looked confused, his cheeks still reddened. "I said it."

"That doesn't mean you're right." He scanned the open pages. Kissing, cocksucking, and jacking. "This is pretty hot stuff. You wrote this?"

"Yes."



****



Simon thought he'd drop dead right there on the carpet when he returned from the kitchen to find Jeff holding one of his books.

"I like it," said Jeff. "From the little I've managed to read, it's interesting." He knelt down and returned the book to its place. "Do you write from experience?" he asked, his eyes locked on Simon.

How was he to answer that? "Ah, no," he replied. "It's just stuff I think about." He hadn't had sex in months.

"So, if I was to tell you to drop to your knees right here and order you to suck my cock you'd do it? You'd consider it research?"

Was he for real? He licked his lips thinking about it as Jeff moved in closer. Now just inches apart, he had to fight to stop from hyperventilating, and the lump that formed in his throat didn't help, nor did the throbbing coming from inside his boxers which had tented.

Jeff touched Simon's side, the man's hand moved up until it settled against his left cheek. "You're so fucking soft," he said. "And cute. I like guys like you. Do you like me, Simon?"

"I do." It was quick to make that call, it was all happening so fast, but he did like him, a lot.

"I noticed the way you looked at me when I came inside. I noticed straight off when I walked through that door." Jeff's voice was softer, soothing.

Simon's heart pounded inside his chest, and when he looked up at Jeff who towered over him by at least two inches, he felt small and somewhat helpless. He liked that feeling. "I think you're sexy." His heart was about to burst. He swallowed hard.

"Sexy?" Jeff laughed, his hands gripping the hem of Simon's t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head. "I want to see all of you."

Bare-chested, he felt insecure standing before Jeff. He wasn't a gym bunny and compared to most men, he didn't feel adequate in the muscle department. "I'm not built like you are," he said.

Jeff's hands roamed over his chest, and as he touched him, Simon's nipples became erect. He felt more at ease being explored.

"You're perfect as you are, Simon. Not everyone out there is into the buffed guys. My cock's hard for you. You turn me on." Jeff grabbed Simon's hand and placed it on his bulge. "Feel that. You made it that way, naughty boy."

Naughty boy. His cock jumped hearing those words coming from Jeff. "What are you going to do with me?" He asked, his submissive side taking hold.

"On your knees. Take my cock out and suck it. Make me feel good," ordered Jeff.

Down he went, and when he unzipped Jeff's jeans, he gasped at what was confined within. It was the thickest piece of man-meat he'd ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Author Interview with S.A. Meade

X- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

S.A.- My upcoming release, Stolen Summer came about as a challenge on Absolute Write, a brilliant forum for writers. The challenge was to write an erotic scene in a completely different point of view from your normal one. I wrote a scene told from a man's perspective, in first person. I had great fun writing it and afterwards the characters wouldn't let me go. I had to tell their whole story. The first draft was churned out in a month but it took a long time to get it right. All in all, 14 months from writing those first words to getting an offer.

The main character, Evan, is a British journalist. When he comes back from covering the war in Afghanistan, his best friend Colin confesses he's in love with him. After he gets over the shock, Evan decides that he quite likes being with Colin. It's a learning experience for him, but it's also a happy and passionate one. They do quite a lot of shagging, bless 'em.

Unfortunately, Evan has one last overseas assignment in Pakistan. He's kidnapped and held hostage by insurgents. He's freed after 4 months but he and Colin soon learn that being free doesn't mean the ordeal is over. I put them through a lot, I'm afraid.


Total-E-BoundX- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like?

Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

S.A.- I'm one of those writers who started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. I had several tries, over the years, at actually finishing a novel. My first serious attempt at trying to get published was two years ago. I didn't get very far and the poor thing was consigned to the trunk. I kept writing and will keep writing until my fingers drop off.

My advice to new writers is to read, read and read. Don't expect things to happen overnight, learn patience and grow a thick skin. Find beta readers you respect and trust and cherish them. I would never be at this stage if it wasn't for the terrific fellow writers who told me what worked and what stunk.


X- What other things interest you besides writing?

S.A.- There's other things?

I love horses and horse racing (if it's British). Cooking – we've been living on a tight budget ever since we returned to England and I love turning out great food for next to nothing. It goes without saying that I'm also very interested in eating.

X- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

S.A.- I recently finished reading Promises by Marie Sexton. It's wonderful and so effortlessly written. At present I'm tracking down material on flying Spitfires and P-51s, because I'm revising a historical novel set in England during WW2. Some of the new bits will be told from a fighter pilot's point of view, so I need to know how to fly these things.

X- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

S.A.- Eeeeee…tough one. Probably the moment I accepted the job in Arizona. If I could go back, I'd turn it down and held out for a job somewhere more … green and less dusty. It wasn't all bad. My parents lived close by so we did see them a lot more than we did before.

X- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

S.A.- My lap top – it's my link to the outside world and the repository of all my writing! *hugs shiny black lap top*

X- What's your favourite flower?

S.A.- A variety of old-fashioned rose, the Rosa Mundi. It's a beautiful old rose, it smells gorgeous and looks beautiful.

X- What's your ultimate indulgence?

S.A.- It's a toss-up between Godiva chocolates or a pepperoni and sausage pizza from Vincent's Pizza in Pittsburgh. Sadly, I have access to neither at the moment.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S.A.- I have a m/m novella that needs a bit of polishing. When it's all tidied up and making sense, I'm sending it to my editor at Total-E-Bound. I'm also hoping that the WW2 novel may be the one that attracts an agent.

X- Sounds good! Thanks you for being on Write Outside the Box, and best of luck with your writing career.
S.A.- Thanks for letting me spout drivel all over your blog, which is an excellent one btw.

I have a blog here, and email.

X- Thanks!

S.A. Meade's Stolen Summer will release from Total-E-Bound on August 29th, 2011.