Bianca Sommerland's Blog, page 32

Guest Post A Very Precise Equation

An author after my own heart, writing about my very favourite subject, please welcome—>

Rachel Randall

As a writer, I feel like I'm expected to be at least a *slightly* tormented soul. And yes, there are many, many questions that plague me as I strive to (lol) make sense of the universal human experience. Like, "Why is the sky blue? (No seriously, explain that stuff about light refracting again?)" or "Why do I always log on to Facebook when I'm drunk, even when I know better?"

Right now, as I start to write my fourth threesome story, I'm asking myself (whilst melodramatically tearing my hair out), "Why oh why, do I keep writing threesomes?"

Three times the characterisations to create, three times the internal conflict to sort, three times the awkward legs and elbows to untangle — so why bother when it only takes two to tango?

A simple answer might be that for every set of legs and elbows to choreograph there are three tempting arses to play with as well!

But it's a little more complicated than that I've said before that what I like about threesomes is that in one story you can have it all, from the sexy trust of an established relationship to the thrill of a first time with someone new.

I'll add to this greediness for pleasure the immense writerly satisfaction that comes when you get that delicate balance between the characters' needs and desires just right. That moment when everything ceases to be choreography and just becomes passion. Or, as Ned from my latest release Playing with Prudence likes to think of it, a very precise mathematical equation: Take one beautiful woman, multiply her by two men, mix together equal parts lust and love, then amplify results by the power of three.

Of course, if anyone knows the way to cut through to the heart of the matter, it's Ned. Add BDSM kink as a variable to your threesome and your results will skew very pleasurably, if totally unpredictably.

From Playing with Prudence:

Harry was a weight at her back, Ned in her mouth, but neither man moved for a long moment. She looked up through the haze of her want. Ned had taken the bottle of oil when Harry had put it down and he held it up now, just out of reach, in a clear message. Her body jerked in denial.

"Lyell." There was a warning in Harry's voice.

Ned smiled. "I think we'll leave it here for today."

She knew that tone all too well. She remembered then, the way that Ned had curled into her that first night of Harry's visit. The way he'd said it in that exact same smokey voice, "Let's see how good his control really is. Let's put it to the test." In hindsight, it was always true that this evening would end like this.

"You son of a bitch—" Harry pressed close, pushing, and for a thrilled, panicked moment she thought he would thrust into her anyway.

"Is there a problem, Major Sterling?" The question snapped between them, and suddenly the pressure was gone as Harry stepped away, cursing.

Bringing D/s into the dynamic between two strong-willed men and my submissive heroine Prudence proved vital to finding the balance in the story. Even when it's just two of them — a loving moment between husband and wife, teasing banter between old friends — their third isn't far from their thoughts.

And really, when it comes right down to it, that's why I write threesomes. Why give two characters pleasure when you can arrange lovely orgasms for three?

Thanks for hosting me, Bianca

—–

Playing with Prudence by Rachel Randall

Playing with Prudence is now available from Total E-Bound.

Fantasies are even better when they're shared.

Prudence loves the sexy games her husband arranges for her, and she craves the punishment for losing as much as the pleasures of victory. Edward is frustrated, however, that Pru denies them both her true submission by telling herself they are only playing.

A visit from Major Harry Sterling, their oldest friend, offers an erotic opportunity to push Pru past her boundaries. She has always fantasised about having Harry, but will sharing her body with another help Pru fully surrender to the man she loves?

Find excerpts, music mixes and more at rachelrandall.wordpress.com

Guest Post-Those "Dirty" Words

 Seriously, I'm just gonna give the man the mike, he knows what to do with it!  :)

Here for his second visit with another amazing post, please welcome—->     

 J.S. Wayne

            Hi, Bianca! Thanks so much for having me again!

            At this point, I could just about write a book about everything no one ever tells new writers. I could even attempt to write a companion manual specifically geared toward erotic romance and probably not find the results entirely marginal.

            When I decided, in what surely qualifies as a fit of mental illness, to try my hand at this mad quest, I overlooked one very important detail. Namely, the phrasing of various integral body parts. I was using the usual timeworn, flowery euphemisms, such as "his hardness" or "her wetness."

            Oddly, I have no reservations whatsoever about using various vulgarities for human genitalia in my urban fantasy/horror. But somehow, I seemed to have developed a block for using the exact same words in my erotic romance. I'd like to think my reasoning was sound and my motives honorable, but clearly I was a victim of a classic case of trying too hard.

            When the forthcoming anthology Red Roses and Shattered Glass was in its beginning stages, I sent my contribution, "Espiritu Sancti," to H.C. Brown, at her request, for editing. I think I'm smart enough to understand that no writer is ruthless enough to be able to edit their own work; knowing this, I also knew I needed some help.

            Editing is grim business; it's where you find out just how deathless your prose really is (take my word for it: It's not.) In among all the redlines and commentary was one that made me do a double-take, and then laugh out loud.

            While I was describing a passionate scene between a female vampire and a human woman, I had managed to completely avoid the earthier terminology. Apparently the results became a little grating after a while, because she added in this comment:

            "You can say 'pussy.' "

            When I was done laughing, I got to thinking. It's an unfortunate habit of mine, and one I indulge in far too much to feel comfortable trying to represent myself as fully compos mentis. However, this particular thinking session engendered a revelation, and so was well worth the millions of synapses I fried in the process. I realized that if I could use those words in horror and urban fantasy and make them work, there was no reason whatsoever that I couldn't or shouldn't do the same in the erotic romance genre. In my own defense, I reasoned that I was writing primarily for a female audience, and my (admittedly limited) experience with erotic romance prior to this suggested that such sugary evasions were the rule, so as not to alienate my proposed reader base. This, in turn, led to a catalogue of various terms which I held up to the light, one by one, to examine their every facet.

            Dick. Cock. Pussy. (Forgive me, ladies.) Cunt. This last I personally dislike, as a matter of taste and upbringing, as I feel that it describes a very specific breed of woman. (Out of the hundreds of women I know, only three have earned that highly dubious honorific, and I don't speak their names aloud for fear of summoning them and the legions of demons that accompany them.) However, it can be useful in certain scenes and contexts, and not necessarily as a derogatory term. As long as it works with the characters and the story itself, there's really no good reason not to use it.

            So why be afraid of them? Because they're "dirty?" Heh. Not hardly. Just about any word can be dirty, in context: Ask me about snow and observe my reaction. When you're done laughing, you'll see what I mean. Because they're not words that "real" women use? Bullshit, shenanigans, and are you serious? I've known women who comported themselves as perfect ladies in public, but in private, had mouths that would rival the raunchiest porn starlet. Because they're not socially acceptable? Well, okay, that one I'll give you. . .but you might head over to your local mall and eavesdrop on some of the conversations in the food court. I've overheard snatches of conversation that would make a nun faint in allegedly family-friendly environs.

            So, the hell with it. Bring on the dirty words!

            Thanks again, Bianca. It's been fun. We'll have to do it again soon!

            Until next time,

            Best,

            J.S. Wayne

Look for Angels Would Fall, coming April 18th from Noble Romance Publishing.

Come visit me at www.jswayne.wordpress.com and www.wix.com/jswaynesite/herebemonsters!

As I start my writing day…

The sunlight peaks through lace curtains, bathing me in a warmth that eases the transition from dreams to reality. Already the scent of mountain grown coffee beckons from the kitchen, someone has kindly brewed me a pot to start my day. I pour a cup, add fresh cream, and take a moment to savor the rich aroma, let it awaken my senses before I take that first, luscious sip. Strolling out to my porch, I gaze at the lush garden and beauty of nature spilling around my lovely home. A sense of peace comes over me as I return to the kitchen to refill my cup. I am ready to begin.

My office is my sanctuary, a place where I am never disturbed, where I can commune with the muse at my discretion. Books cover the walls, ceiling to floor, papers are neatly filed away, my antique oak desk gleams in the natural light pouring in from the picture window it faces. A leather office chair, warmed by the sun, smelling of the leather jackets I imagine on some of my favorite fantasy men, waits for me to perch between its arms. As I sink into the familiar seat, molded perfectly to my form, I stretch and fill my lungs with the vanilla scent I favor for my office, soothing and sensual and perfect for setting the mood.

I open my computer, my fingers rest on the keys, and my mind opens to endless ideas that flow unhindered onto the page. I am lost in a world of my own creation, and there I will stay until my body cries for sustenance…

Now that would be awesome. If I'm ever really rich, that's how things are gonna be…then again, my kids will have to be grown up and I'll have to live alone…or with the kind of man that exist only in romance novels. For now, my desk in the corner of the living room will have to do. But it's nice to dream.

Drinking for inspiration doesn't work…

I know. I've tried.

Now, before everyone starts thinking I'm an alcoholic, let me make this very clear. I'm not. This just came to mind while reading yet another article about how many authors are heavy drinkers and the typical response of how the stereotype is untrue…

Well, I happen to agree.

Anyway, that's besides the point. Really, the point is, sometimes, when you're writing (in my case anyway) a bottle of beer might ease out a scene that you're too emotionally involved in to get out stone cold sober. A shot might work wonders for a bloodthirsty fight scene. A bit of wine might help with a love scene.

But getting drunk will never, ever call the muse.

You might think she's there. You might even think, since you've eliminated the weight of life's many stressful blocks, that what you write will be pure. In the moment it looks like gold.

The next day it looks like what it is. Drunken ramblings.

I don't remember who said it, or what writer they were referring to, but I came across a critique once that said they could tell when the author had imbibed a bit too much. The beautiful prose faltered, the plot wavered like–well, like a drunk trying to pass a sobriety test. Not pretty.

Some writers get away with it. But then again, some writers get away with a lot of things. And people read their writing and praise it.

Good for them. Personally, I take pride in my work. I will not taint my babies with substandard writing. Sober or not.

But to get back to the initial aim of this post, I've realized one very important fact. A couple more doesn't make the words flow easier. If I don't know where I'm going, the muse will laugh at me if I try to seduce her with liquor. I tried it after watching the game the other night (the habs–hockey–we lost). The beer was great for the game, but while trying to unravel a complicated plot…well, in my babies best interest, I logged of and used my spare time reading.

Just to give you a quick update, my second book is on hold for a little bit, but should be coming soon. I think most of you will like the story–it's gritty and naughty and full of all the rawest stuff I could dream up.

But I've got to admit. Rum got me through the torture scenes.

Severe editing had it making sense.

Guest Post – The Vertical Expression of a Horizontal Desire

Today I'd like you all to welcome one of the authors participating in the much anticipated Noble Romance Blog Tour. Her energy and enthuisiasm make her a wonderful person to work with!—->

Justine Elyot

 

Hello everyone and thanks to Bianca for her generous hostessing – it's wonderful to be here.

 So, what's sexy? Dancing is sexy! It's never been more popular on television and in film, from classical ballet to hip-hop and street styles, and a week hardly seems to go by without one competition or other vying for our votes and our attention.

When I was a child, the only dedicated dance programme you ever saw on TV was a late-night show called Come Dancing, full of poker-faced individuals in sequins gliding around a spotlit floor. Nobody much watched it and, if you wanted to keep fit to music, you had to get on your sweatband and get to aerobics.

These days, dance classes are thriving all over the place and Strictly Come Dancing, the reincarnation of that dull programme, is one of the UK's highest-rated shows. Baz Luhrmann and his Strictly Ballroom movie set a lot of dancing feet in motion, it seems.

In my new release, Honeytrapped, the energy and sexual tension of a tango class brings the hero and heroine together, the rhythms of the music soon leading them to explore a different kind of rhythm altogether. But it isn't as simple as giving in to their mutual attraction – there are complications standing in the way of their connection.

"It's her job to snare him, but this trap might be more complicated than she thought.

When Tilly went into business as a private detective, she thought it would be all brilliant deductive reasoning and car chases. She was not prepared for the deluge of calls from suspicious lovers hiring her to entrap their love rat partners, but when times are hard, you take what's on offer – which is how, despite two left feet, she came to find herself learning the Argentine tango.

But is the tango teaching lothario all he seems to be? And when he makes his hot Latin moves on her, will she really be able to stay professional and resist them?

Tilly finds herself tangled up in the tango, hot on the tail of a mystery. She even manages to fit in a car chase, though the brilliant deductive reasoning doesn't work out so well. But where her brain might miss out, her body certainly doesn't. They don't call sex the horizontal tango for nothing, it seems."

Buy here: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1124

Thank you for reading!

No Angel Review of BURLESQUE

Today I'm going to do something  a little different. Instead of reviewing a book, I'm going to review a movie.

Why?

Well, because I really enjoyed it and I want to share that feeling with my readers. Erotic authors often feel compelled to do that.

This movie might not get you hot and bothered–although most of the dance numbers are sexy as hell–but it will stir you, get your blood pumping, and make you want to sing out loud and move your body to the music.

Burlesque Synopsis

Ali (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club's proprietor and headliner. Burlesque's outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day.

Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal…

From the start, this movie reminded me of Coyote Ugly. The romantic aspects were cute and I was happy to see the couple get together, but the drive of the main character is what moved me. Christina Aguilera's character, Ali, is sweet and confident, but at times adorably clueless. You can imagine what it's like to be her, stepping into this whole new world to follow your dreams. When she puts herself out there and goes for broke you have to admire her. Then you sit back and enjoy the ride because you know this girl's gonna go far.

And the ride is awesome. It's like sitting in the passanger seat of a 1969 'stang with the radio blasting and the purr of the engine vibrating right through you. Two songs slowed the pace for me, but they were nice songs. The rest make me feel like the price of the movie ticket, and later the price of the DVD and soundtrack, all combined was a steal. I can enjoy a show good enough for Broadway or Vagas again and again and believe me I have.

Some movies about music or dancing just don't have enough of either to make me happy. Burlesque had just enough, with a simple, yet satisfying story to give the movie some balance.

I give Burlesque 5 Strong Shots   

And here's the link if you want a preview. This is my absolute favourite song from the movie: Christina Aguilera Burlesque- I AM A GOOD GIRL

Guest Post-Top Three Secrets of NY Times Bestselling Authors

This post is just brilliant so I'm just gonna set aside and leave you in the very capable hands of—->

Christine Ashworth

 

I've got 'em, you want 'em. You know you do! So get your pencils out and take notes, people!

Secret #1: Habit. Specifically, the Writing Habit. Once you have this, it will carry you through good times and bad times and help you get those books written. Without a Writing Habit, you are just putting words to paper at random and when the mood strikes you. That's no way to gut out a tightly-plotted thriller. You need a Writing Habit. You don't put brushing your teeth down on your to-do list, do you? Well, your writing doesn't belong on that list, either.

It takes 21 days to lock in a habit. What are you waiting for? Start now. Whether its 15 minutes a day or 15 pages a day, or something in between – choose it and do it. You can write first thing in the morning, on your lunch break, or just before you go to bed. When you write and for how long doesn't matter – what matters is that you do it. Every day. Without fail. That's a Writing Habit.

Secret #2: Continue to Learn. The classic NY Times Bestselling Authors are constantly learning to better their craft. Whether they're reading widely (beyond their own genre), watching movies or the latest TV shows, doing research for their next book or taking refresher courses on grammar, they are always working to be better writers. Every book they write reflects their growth. They want to ensnare readers and keep them coming back, and they know they can't slack off.

There is a multitude of learning opportunities for writers on the Internet. Blog posts, online classes, writer's forums, and the availability of free resources are staggering. Courses that cost from $20 on up are also out there, and very worthwhile. Take advantage of all that is available to you – never believe you know all there is to know about writing. Because you don't.

Secret #3: Discipline. What all NY Times Bestselling Authors have, above all, is the discipline to sit in their chairs and write. And rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. No one is forcing you to put words down; it is the discipline and the love of the craft that gets books written. Some folks don't do well without deadlines or a "boss". If you're one of those, setting that writing habit will help you. So will punching a "time clock" – note on your calendar when you start writing and when you stop writing. Hold yourself accountable. If you want to write books for a living, you've got to have the discipline to do the work.

Writing as a career isn't easy. It's rewarding, fun a lot of the time, and it can be deeply satisfying, but it's rarely easy. If you keep the above secrets in your writer's toolkit and keep on writing, you'll be that much closer to the goal many writers have; becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author. Good luck, and I'll see you on the bestseller lists!

 

DEMON SOUL

…to retrieve his soul, she'll become fire…Gabriel Caine stands on the edge of the abyss. A vampire has stolen his soul and if he doesn't get it back soon, his next step will be into Hell.

Rose Walters has been sent back from the dead to complete one task – save Gabriel Caine. She's drawn to him on the most basic level, but restoring his soul may cost Rose her life.

Rose has touched the whole of Gabriel, making him yearn for a love he believes he can never have. Her willingness to put her human life on the line for him forces him to bring all three parts of himself – demon, human, and Fae bloodlines, and the strengths of each – into harmony, and into the fight that decides their fate.

DEMON SOUL due out in March 2011, from Crescent Moon Press for more information visit Christine here: http://christine-ashworth.com/

The best men have a little demon-kind in them…

You might be an Erotic Author if…

Hey all!

It's been awhile since I posted, so I figured I'd swing by and let you know what's on my mind.

Jeff Foxworthy.

Yeah, weird, I know. With all the editing and writerly stuff I've been doing for the last while, where does Jeff Foxworthy fit in?

Actually, he popped into my head with one of his wry smiles during a conversation I was having with an author buddy of mine. I imagined him pulling a 'You might be a redneck…' style line, but inserting Erotic Author.

So just for fun here's 5 signs that you might be an Erotic Author:



1. You see a picture of a hot guy and after you sop up the drool you imagine creative, sexy ways to make him suffer.
2. You know you're doing a good job because you need a cold shower–or a booty call break.
3. Your to do list includes research on remote control vibrators and anal sex.
4. When caught watching porn you can honestly say you're working–need to get the visuals of that position just right.
And last but not least…
5. You find new ways every day to make 'F*ck me' sound romantic.

So this is my list. Curious to see what you all can come up with!

Off to torture another hottie

Guest Post Maintaining Consistency

Please welcome my guest—>

Mike Arsuaga

Have you ever written a novel or short story where in it a character starts out with one eye color and ends with another? "That's what editors are for," I hear as a retort from some. Unless you are wielding a best seller, that excuse doesn't have much traction. If the author doesn't care enough to make a best effort for the work to be as perfect as possible, no editor or publisher will.

So how do I do it? My method is to jot notes on characters and story events. Character features and personalities are the tip of the iceberg. The far greater challenge comes with what I call avoiding the Plot Paradox. It can be as simple as having a character suddenly running across a field when last seen sleeping in bed. This happens to me when my brain writes a scene faster than my hands do. The solution is careful reading after writing. Fortunately, I have a built in Editor in Chief, my wife Cynthia, who is pretty good at catching inconsistencies. Actually, it works both ways, as I spot inconsistencies in her work. I believe the objective review of another person is the best cure.

A subset of the Plot Paradox is the Plot Impossibility, usually occurring during the narrative part of a scene. This is when the action creates a situation that simply can't believably happen. In the novel My Life as a Dog, co-written by Cynthia and I, is a good example. Main character Drake Martin is a shape shifter who turns into an eight pound Yorkshire terrier. Adopted by Kady Hartley who knows nothing of his ability, he falls in love with her. She is, however, attracted to the man Drake Martin.

With all of this in mind there is a scene where they are at her apartment. He is Drake when Kady suddenly wonders where Precious is. She calls the little dog, becoming anxious at receiving no response. Drake suggests they split up to search the apartment. Alone in the spare bedroom he morphs into Precious, trots out to Kady, solving the problem. Then she calls out after Drake. The dog bolts back to the room and returns to Drake.

The scene presented the following challenges. When morphing from Drake to Precious, what happened to Drake's clothes? He had the foresight to go through the change in the bath room, wedging the door open beforehand so six-inch tall Precious could get out and return. When Kady sought Drake after Precious presented himself, Drake was naked in the bath room, frantically redressing. He told Kady he was using the facilities and reassured her Precious was in the room with him. Cynthia and I read that scene at least a dozen times to take all the technical and credibility details into account. Still, the editor caught a minor one.

The best advice I can offer is take notes, read carefully several times, and have someone else read it before presenting the manuscript to an editor. In closing, I will say complicated scenes crafted in the tradition of intricate comedy routine from masters like Charlie Chaplin, are worth the effort.

Drive-through Books

Okay, technically, walk-through. Still, this is super cool!

Thanks goes to Portia De Moncur for sharing.

Click here for: Book Machines Print While You Wait.