Lavinia Lewis's Blog, page 12
September 1, 2011
A Sad Day
It's a very sad day for me today. You see September 1st would have been my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. Sadly my mum passed away from Cancer on December 7th last year, just nine months short of it. And instead of the celebration we had planned, my dad and I will be placing flowers on her grave. I know that however down I might be feeling today, my dad will be feeling immeasurably worse.
It was the speed of her deterioration that hit us the hardest. My mum hadn't been ill. She had an uncomfortable pain in her back, we thought was caused by a fall she'd had a few weeks before, but when the pain got worse, I went with her to see her doctor and insisted she go for an x-ray. She did, that day in fact, and a couple of days later we received the earth shattering news she had Cancer. The specialist we spoke with in the hospital was positive. He outlined the treatment she would receive, explaining the side effects of the chemotherapy and booked her in for a scan which would determine the origin of the Cancer so they'd know what type they were looking at and how best to treat it. My mother never made it to that appointment. Twelve days after receiving the diagnosis, she died.
My mum was a wonderful lady. One of the friendliest, funny, caring, honest, loving and tolerant people you could wish to meet. She had a good word to say about everyone, hated gossip, bitching and backstabbing and I can only aspire to become half the person she was.
I have always been a writer, my mum knew that, had since the day she bought me my first typewriter at aged eleven, and I'd shut myself away in my room for hours at a time making up stories. Like all writers I had always dreamed about becoming an author. I received my first 'yes' from publisher Total-e-Bound on December 13th, three days before my mum's funeral on what would have been her birthday. Naturally, that was a very difficult time, it was hard to be positive and appear excited and happy about my first contract, in my emails back and forth to the publisher when in reality, I felt anything but. And it still saddens me that she never got to know of my accomplishments.
It's difficult to write this post today, but wherever my mum is, I want her to know that I'm thinking of her and that I love her.
You are my inspiration, and each and every book I write is for you. I miss you mam.
It was the speed of her deterioration that hit us the hardest. My mum hadn't been ill. She had an uncomfortable pain in her back, we thought was caused by a fall she'd had a few weeks before, but when the pain got worse, I went with her to see her doctor and insisted she go for an x-ray. She did, that day in fact, and a couple of days later we received the earth shattering news she had Cancer. The specialist we spoke with in the hospital was positive. He outlined the treatment she would receive, explaining the side effects of the chemotherapy and booked her in for a scan which would determine the origin of the Cancer so they'd know what type they were looking at and how best to treat it. My mother never made it to that appointment. Twelve days after receiving the diagnosis, she died.
My mum was a wonderful lady. One of the friendliest, funny, caring, honest, loving and tolerant people you could wish to meet. She had a good word to say about everyone, hated gossip, bitching and backstabbing and I can only aspire to become half the person she was.
I have always been a writer, my mum knew that, had since the day she bought me my first typewriter at aged eleven, and I'd shut myself away in my room for hours at a time making up stories. Like all writers I had always dreamed about becoming an author. I received my first 'yes' from publisher Total-e-Bound on December 13th, three days before my mum's funeral on what would have been her birthday. Naturally, that was a very difficult time, it was hard to be positive and appear excited and happy about my first contract, in my emails back and forth to the publisher when in reality, I felt anything but. And it still saddens me that she never got to know of my accomplishments.
It's difficult to write this post today, but wherever my mum is, I want her to know that I'm thinking of her and that I love her.
You are my inspiration, and each and every book I write is for you. I miss you mam.
August 31, 2011
Someone Must Be Tracking This Stuff...
Today I have the honour of welcoming wonderful writer, Angel Martinez onto my blog. Angel is going to be discussing the growth in the romance novel industry and sharing an excerpt from her latest book Fortune's Sharp Adversity. So, without further adieu...
Someone Must Be Tracking This Stuff…
All right, fine, I'm a wordsmith. I don't often deal in statistics if I can avoid them. But writers are also independent contractors and entrepreneurs to one degree or another, so running into hard numbers from time to time becomes unavoidable.
Romance is booming, both in raw sales and in market share. RWA states that romance outstrips every other category of book out there, devouring a staggering 49% of the fiction market share and 13% of the overall publishing marketplace. While sales of romance novels in sheer dollars have remained static over the past six years, (in the 3.8 to 4 billion dollar range annually) this may have more to do with the dropping costs associated with e-markets than recession pressures. Sales volumes have certainly increased since the number of Americans reading romance has nearly doubled in the last ten years. (http://www.rwa.org/cs/readership_stats for the chart)
We also know, if only through the proliferation of titles and the sudden willingness of mainstream publishers to accept submissions, that the GLBT romance market, and particularly gay fiction, is growing at an astounding rate.
But wait, Angel, you had all sorts of hard numbers before – can you get any more specific?
Not really. I'm having a terrible time finding solid statistics on the growth of gay romance novels. Someone must be tracking this stuff, but it's not an easy find. Yes, you'll find stats on readers (women vs. men, how old, where they live, etc.) You'll find stats on how many writers are women and how many men. But the year over year comparison sales charts are missing, the annual figures, the growth in readership vs. dollars. I had hoped to include something for this article and found…nothing.
RRW must have something, I thought, or Lambda Literary, or some stat geek on Wiki-something? Nope. Not that I could find, which had me sitting here blinking in shock. This is one of the most talked about and, to all indications, swiftly growing pieces of the market. Where are the numbers?
So. Perhaps I'm just impatient and it takes a few years to gather the data. Perhaps the charts and graphs are out there and I'm merely search-blind. Wouldn't be the first time. If anyone out there sees them, let me know. My inner stat geek yearns for it – and I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one.
Angel Martinez writes (what else?) M/M Romance in several sub-sub genres. She can be found in the dark recesses of her brain and at Angel Martinez: Erotic Fiction for the Hungry Mind. Her latest, a M/M Historical Fantasy set in 1288 Amiens, released 8/14/11 at Amber Allure:
Fortune's Sharp Adversity http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/FortunesSharpAdversity.html
Blurb:
A young nobleman living atop an unfinished tower is odd enough. One who talks to stone gargoyles is truly strange…
Excerpt:
Philippe rose with the priests at Matins and joined them in their prayers. Spring was nearly over and the sun left his bed early. Some of the priests grumbled, but for Philippe, it meant more hours of daylight to work.
After Father Anseau brought him a round of good, hard rye bread and a flask of ale for the day, he debated going to work in only his linen braies and tunic. The morning still held a definite chill, though. Reluctantly, he pulled on the woolen hose as well. He could always remove them in the warmth of the afternoon; even if getting them untied and pulled off on the scaffolding was clumsy.
"You should work on the quatrefoils today, my boy," Father Gervais urged him when he reached the great doorways that morning. "Give the leg some rest. See here, there is the Pisces relief, which should be done in cerulean and verdigris, or the Leo, for which you could use the saffron you so adore."
Philippe nodded, lips pursed. "True. But they will still be here when the weather is hot, eh? I should finish the scaffold work before it gets so hot that I suffocate up there."
"A single day would make little difference."
"One would think you worried over me," Philippe said with a grin and won a half-hearted swat from the old man.
Despite his careful arguments, or perhaps because of them, the day turned unseasonably hot. By mid-afternoon, he had struggled out of hose, shirt, and tunic to work in nothing but his braies and work apron. He lost one of the chausses over the side of the scaffold in the struggle. It fluttered to the ground like a banner ripped from the battlements by a conquering army.
At sunset, he climbed back down, shaking from exhaustion and shivering from the sudden evening chill on his sweat-damp skin. Father Gervais had been right about taking a day's respite from the scaffold, but he wasn't about to tell the old priest that. He stripped off the apron and pulled his tunic back over his head, the weight of wool heavenly against his skin. Too tired to bother with the hose, he limped barefoot inside to put away his bag.
Tired as he was, he found his gaze drawn down the nave toward the altar. The man in the scarlet cloak knelt farther in this time, leaning against one of the huge columnar bundles at the meeting of nave and transept. He had managed an appearance of peace the previous evening, but now he projected only abject misery. His back bowed, he seemed to have his face buried in his hands. Father Gervais had said he had never seen the man's face. Perhaps it was disfigured, a result of accident or pox or plague.
Even from a distance, Philippe thought he saw the broad shoulders shaking.
He weeps?
With a frown, Philippe approached cautiously. He tried to remind himself that this was none of his business. But how could he simply walk by a man in such obvious pain.
"Monsieur?" He reached out to touch the man's shoulder, fingers hesitating over the fine cloth. "Are you well, monsieur? Do you need help?"
The soft baritone that answered him crackled with icy rage, "Leave me be, païsant. My affairs are none of yours."
Philippe withdrew his hand but refused to retreat. "I'm no country farmer, monsieur, but a painter working here. You seemed in distress. It only seemed right to offer assistance."
The head turned, giving Philippe a hint of a strong, straight nose. Eyes glinted from deep within the hood's cowl, flicking up and down his frame. "And how would a crippled painter help? Go away. There is no assistance the likes of you could offer me."
The cold dismissal stung. Would you discount me so quickly if I were a whole man? "As you wish, monsieur."
He nearly added that the refusal need not have been so rude, but such things were best not said to noblemen. With a deft turn around his crutch, he moved back up the nave and left the surly man alone in the confines of his beautiful scarlet cloak. Someone with such fine clothes surely has funds aplenty, and someone with such wealth can't truly understand suffering. He's probably never gone without a meal or a roof. Most likely sulking over some woman who won't have him.
Philippe shook his head to banish such unkind thoughts. Who but the man himself knew the nature and depth of his suffering? And if it was merely love gone wrong, what of it? Love could be crueler than any winter wind, cut sharper than the worst hunger pangs. Especially certain kinds of love…
He hobbled down the stairs under the cathedral's south tower to store his tools. Construction had begun on the tower but funds ebbed and flowed for the project. At the moment, a monetary drought was in progress. The tower had only reached the level of the gallery of kings, but someday there would be two completed towers, soaring and magnificent, to flank the glorious rose window.
As he climbed back up the winding stair, he heard booted footsteps on the stone steps above. Up the boots went, toward the top of the unfinished tower. When he turned onto the landing of the main floor, he caught a flash of scarlet before it vanished up the curve of staircase.
Oh, no…
He could imagine only one purpose for which a man might venture up an unfinished tower after dark. Ignoring the pain in his leg, he hurried after, his heart pounding, hoping against all sane reason that he would not be too late.
Wow doesn't that sound great? Fortune's Sharp Adversity is on my to-read list and I have no doubt it will be as great a read as Angel's other books.
Thanks again Angel for taking the time to be here today!
Someone Must Be Tracking This Stuff…
All right, fine, I'm a wordsmith. I don't often deal in statistics if I can avoid them. But writers are also independent contractors and entrepreneurs to one degree or another, so running into hard numbers from time to time becomes unavoidable.
Romance is booming, both in raw sales and in market share. RWA states that romance outstrips every other category of book out there, devouring a staggering 49% of the fiction market share and 13% of the overall publishing marketplace. While sales of romance novels in sheer dollars have remained static over the past six years, (in the 3.8 to 4 billion dollar range annually) this may have more to do with the dropping costs associated with e-markets than recession pressures. Sales volumes have certainly increased since the number of Americans reading romance has nearly doubled in the last ten years. (http://www.rwa.org/cs/readership_stats for the chart)
We also know, if only through the proliferation of titles and the sudden willingness of mainstream publishers to accept submissions, that the GLBT romance market, and particularly gay fiction, is growing at an astounding rate.
But wait, Angel, you had all sorts of hard numbers before – can you get any more specific?
Not really. I'm having a terrible time finding solid statistics on the growth of gay romance novels. Someone must be tracking this stuff, but it's not an easy find. Yes, you'll find stats on readers (women vs. men, how old, where they live, etc.) You'll find stats on how many writers are women and how many men. But the year over year comparison sales charts are missing, the annual figures, the growth in readership vs. dollars. I had hoped to include something for this article and found…nothing.
RRW must have something, I thought, or Lambda Literary, or some stat geek on Wiki-something? Nope. Not that I could find, which had me sitting here blinking in shock. This is one of the most talked about and, to all indications, swiftly growing pieces of the market. Where are the numbers?
So. Perhaps I'm just impatient and it takes a few years to gather the data. Perhaps the charts and graphs are out there and I'm merely search-blind. Wouldn't be the first time. If anyone out there sees them, let me know. My inner stat geek yearns for it – and I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one.
Angel Martinez writes (what else?) M/M Romance in several sub-sub genres. She can be found in the dark recesses of her brain and at Angel Martinez: Erotic Fiction for the Hungry Mind. Her latest, a M/M Historical Fantasy set in 1288 Amiens, released 8/14/11 at Amber Allure:
Fortune's Sharp Adversity http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/FortunesSharpAdversity.html
Blurb:
A young nobleman living atop an unfinished tower is odd enough. One who talks to stone gargoyles is truly strange…
Excerpt:
Philippe rose with the priests at Matins and joined them in their prayers. Spring was nearly over and the sun left his bed early. Some of the priests grumbled, but for Philippe, it meant more hours of daylight to work.
After Father Anseau brought him a round of good, hard rye bread and a flask of ale for the day, he debated going to work in only his linen braies and tunic. The morning still held a definite chill, though. Reluctantly, he pulled on the woolen hose as well. He could always remove them in the warmth of the afternoon; even if getting them untied and pulled off on the scaffolding was clumsy.
"You should work on the quatrefoils today, my boy," Father Gervais urged him when he reached the great doorways that morning. "Give the leg some rest. See here, there is the Pisces relief, which should be done in cerulean and verdigris, or the Leo, for which you could use the saffron you so adore."
Philippe nodded, lips pursed. "True. But they will still be here when the weather is hot, eh? I should finish the scaffold work before it gets so hot that I suffocate up there."
"A single day would make little difference."
"One would think you worried over me," Philippe said with a grin and won a half-hearted swat from the old man.
Despite his careful arguments, or perhaps because of them, the day turned unseasonably hot. By mid-afternoon, he had struggled out of hose, shirt, and tunic to work in nothing but his braies and work apron. He lost one of the chausses over the side of the scaffold in the struggle. It fluttered to the ground like a banner ripped from the battlements by a conquering army.
At sunset, he climbed back down, shaking from exhaustion and shivering from the sudden evening chill on his sweat-damp skin. Father Gervais had been right about taking a day's respite from the scaffold, but he wasn't about to tell the old priest that. He stripped off the apron and pulled his tunic back over his head, the weight of wool heavenly against his skin. Too tired to bother with the hose, he limped barefoot inside to put away his bag.
Tired as he was, he found his gaze drawn down the nave toward the altar. The man in the scarlet cloak knelt farther in this time, leaning against one of the huge columnar bundles at the meeting of nave and transept. He had managed an appearance of peace the previous evening, but now he projected only abject misery. His back bowed, he seemed to have his face buried in his hands. Father Gervais had said he had never seen the man's face. Perhaps it was disfigured, a result of accident or pox or plague.
Even from a distance, Philippe thought he saw the broad shoulders shaking.
He weeps?
With a frown, Philippe approached cautiously. He tried to remind himself that this was none of his business. But how could he simply walk by a man in such obvious pain.
"Monsieur?" He reached out to touch the man's shoulder, fingers hesitating over the fine cloth. "Are you well, monsieur? Do you need help?"
The soft baritone that answered him crackled with icy rage, "Leave me be, païsant. My affairs are none of yours."
Philippe withdrew his hand but refused to retreat. "I'm no country farmer, monsieur, but a painter working here. You seemed in distress. It only seemed right to offer assistance."
The head turned, giving Philippe a hint of a strong, straight nose. Eyes glinted from deep within the hood's cowl, flicking up and down his frame. "And how would a crippled painter help? Go away. There is no assistance the likes of you could offer me."
The cold dismissal stung. Would you discount me so quickly if I were a whole man? "As you wish, monsieur."
He nearly added that the refusal need not have been so rude, but such things were best not said to noblemen. With a deft turn around his crutch, he moved back up the nave and left the surly man alone in the confines of his beautiful scarlet cloak. Someone with such fine clothes surely has funds aplenty, and someone with such wealth can't truly understand suffering. He's probably never gone without a meal or a roof. Most likely sulking over some woman who won't have him.
Philippe shook his head to banish such unkind thoughts. Who but the man himself knew the nature and depth of his suffering? And if it was merely love gone wrong, what of it? Love could be crueler than any winter wind, cut sharper than the worst hunger pangs. Especially certain kinds of love…
He hobbled down the stairs under the cathedral's south tower to store his tools. Construction had begun on the tower but funds ebbed and flowed for the project. At the moment, a monetary drought was in progress. The tower had only reached the level of the gallery of kings, but someday there would be two completed towers, soaring and magnificent, to flank the glorious rose window.
As he climbed back up the winding stair, he heard booted footsteps on the stone steps above. Up the boots went, toward the top of the unfinished tower. When he turned onto the landing of the main floor, he caught a flash of scarlet before it vanished up the curve of staircase.
Oh, no…
He could imagine only one purpose for which a man might venture up an unfinished tower after dark. Ignoring the pain in his leg, he hurried after, his heart pounding, hoping against all sane reason that he would not be too late.
Wow doesn't that sound great? Fortune's Sharp Adversity is on my to-read list and I have no doubt it will be as great a read as Angel's other books.
Thanks again Angel for taking the time to be here today!
August 30, 2011
Teaser Tuesday
Hi everyone! For today's Teaser Tuesday, I'm going to be sharing an excerpt from Kelan's Pursuit. I loved writing this book, and I loved Jake - Kelan's mate, even though he is, what some might call an asshole - to begin with, at least. Jake went through a lot when he was younger and although it might not be any excuse for the way he treats people, I'd like to think that through Kelan's good influence, he realises the error of his ways and changes how he acts, to the point that he actually risks his own life to save others. I'd like to think that we all have the capacity to change, and so for Jake's character, I wanted to focus, not on the man he once was but on the man he becomes.
At this point in the book, Jake knows that someone has been stalking him, and from what Kelan has told him that person is a cat shifter. When he follows Cary from the bar to check if he is okay, he comes face to face with the shifter for the first time. But the shifter is in his panther form, and Jake still has no idea who it could be, and the panther has him cornered...
Hope you enjoy!
The longer Jake stood in the dark alley, the more uneasy he became. He had exactly the same feeling he'd had the previous night when he'd been walking home from the gym. It wasn't his imagination. Someone in the alley was watching him, he was certain of it.
Jake had to get out of the alley and back to the safety of the bar, but when he turned around he came face to face with a very large, black cat.
"Oh, shit," he breathed.
The cat was huge. Some sort of panther, maybe? Its black coat almost blended in with its surroundings but there was no mistaking the fierce glint in its yellow eyes or the sharpness of its teeth when it opened its mouth and snarled.
Jake was under no illusions. Panthers didn't just wander freely around the streets of New York. From everything Kelan had told him, he knew the cat was a shifter, but who? Surely it couldn't be quiet, mild-tempered Cary?
Jake edged backwards very, very slowly, afraid to take his eyes off the large cat for a single second. The panther hissed another warning and took a step forward. Jake brought to mind everything he knew about big cats. He knew the one thing he should not do was run. It would only give chase. And Jake had no doubt the panther would catch him. But then, the panther was also a man. Maybe he could talk to him, reason with him, even?
"Cary, is that you?" Jake asked.
The cat hissed again and prowled closer. The irony wasn't lost on Jake. He'd thought he was being harassed by some random stalker, and now he was quite literally being stalked.
Jake raised his hands in front of him and took another step back.
"Cary, it's Jake, can you understand me?"
The cat made a gurgling noise in its throat. The sound was inhuman and sounded almost like the cat was laughing at him.
Jake chanced a look at the fire escape beside him. He wasn't sure he could make it to the ladder before the panther reached him, but he had to try something. He couldn't just stand there, waiting for it to attack.
The panther took another step forward. A second later, a noise from outside the alley caught the cat's attention and Jake saw his chance. He leapt for the ladder and began to climb. He had only made it a couple of rungs when the cat turned, realised what he was doing, and pounced.
Its long talons clawed at Jake's calf, cutting deep. White-hot pain shot through his leg and he cried out while still trying to keep his grip on the ladder. Hot wetness from the wound seeped through his jeans and trickled down his leg. Jake grabbed hold of the next rung of the ladder and heaved himself upwards. His leg throbbed from the cut, but he ignored the pain and kept on climbing.
The panther hissed. When Jake looked down, the cat was starting to climb up behind him. It swiped at him again, but this time Jake was able to move his leg in time, narrowly missing a blow from the sharp claws.
Jake kicked out and his foot caught the top of the panther's head, but it wasn't enough to stop its pursuit. All it did was infuriate the panther further, and after another series of snarls and hisses, it swiped out again, its claws once more finding their target.
The second blow was too much for Jake. The pain tore up his leg, stealing his breath, causing lights to dance in front of his eyes. Blood from the wound ran down his leg onto the rung of the ladder beneath him. His foot slipped on the wet surface and he fell.
Jake hit the ground with a loud thud, the back of his head slamming down onto the hard concrete surface. As the dizziness passed, Jake looked up into the gleaming yellow eyes of the panther as it loomed over him, lips curled back around sharp, pointy teeth.
The last thing he remembered before the darkness took him was the cat's huge paw raised, its claws inches away from his throat.
Thanks for reading!
At this point in the book, Jake knows that someone has been stalking him, and from what Kelan has told him that person is a cat shifter. When he follows Cary from the bar to check if he is okay, he comes face to face with the shifter for the first time. But the shifter is in his panther form, and Jake still has no idea who it could be, and the panther has him cornered...
Hope you enjoy!
The longer Jake stood in the dark alley, the more uneasy he became. He had exactly the same feeling he'd had the previous night when he'd been walking home from the gym. It wasn't his imagination. Someone in the alley was watching him, he was certain of it.
Jake had to get out of the alley and back to the safety of the bar, but when he turned around he came face to face with a very large, black cat.
"Oh, shit," he breathed.
The cat was huge. Some sort of panther, maybe? Its black coat almost blended in with its surroundings but there was no mistaking the fierce glint in its yellow eyes or the sharpness of its teeth when it opened its mouth and snarled.
Jake was under no illusions. Panthers didn't just wander freely around the streets of New York. From everything Kelan had told him, he knew the cat was a shifter, but who? Surely it couldn't be quiet, mild-tempered Cary?
Jake edged backwards very, very slowly, afraid to take his eyes off the large cat for a single second. The panther hissed another warning and took a step forward. Jake brought to mind everything he knew about big cats. He knew the one thing he should not do was run. It would only give chase. And Jake had no doubt the panther would catch him. But then, the panther was also a man. Maybe he could talk to him, reason with him, even?
"Cary, is that you?" Jake asked.
The cat hissed again and prowled closer. The irony wasn't lost on Jake. He'd thought he was being harassed by some random stalker, and now he was quite literally being stalked.
Jake raised his hands in front of him and took another step back.
"Cary, it's Jake, can you understand me?"
The cat made a gurgling noise in its throat. The sound was inhuman and sounded almost like the cat was laughing at him.
Jake chanced a look at the fire escape beside him. He wasn't sure he could make it to the ladder before the panther reached him, but he had to try something. He couldn't just stand there, waiting for it to attack.
The panther took another step forward. A second later, a noise from outside the alley caught the cat's attention and Jake saw his chance. He leapt for the ladder and began to climb. He had only made it a couple of rungs when the cat turned, realised what he was doing, and pounced.
Its long talons clawed at Jake's calf, cutting deep. White-hot pain shot through his leg and he cried out while still trying to keep his grip on the ladder. Hot wetness from the wound seeped through his jeans and trickled down his leg. Jake grabbed hold of the next rung of the ladder and heaved himself upwards. His leg throbbed from the cut, but he ignored the pain and kept on climbing.
The panther hissed. When Jake looked down, the cat was starting to climb up behind him. It swiped at him again, but this time Jake was able to move his leg in time, narrowly missing a blow from the sharp claws.
Jake kicked out and his foot caught the top of the panther's head, but it wasn't enough to stop its pursuit. All it did was infuriate the panther further, and after another series of snarls and hisses, it swiped out again, its claws once more finding their target.
The second blow was too much for Jake. The pain tore up his leg, stealing his breath, causing lights to dance in front of his eyes. Blood from the wound ran down his leg onto the rung of the ladder beneath him. His foot slipped on the wet surface and he fell.
Jake hit the ground with a loud thud, the back of his head slamming down onto the hard concrete surface. As the dizziness passed, Jake looked up into the gleaming yellow eyes of the panther as it loomed over him, lips curled back around sharp, pointy teeth.
The last thing he remembered before the darkness took him was the cat's huge paw raised, its claws inches away from his throat.
Thanks for reading!
August 29, 2011
Book of the week
Hi folks!
Okay so my book of the week should have been yesterday, but uh, I forgot! :P So I'm posting it today instead. Last weeks book of the week for me was Heidi Cullinan's Dance With Me.
Dance With Me was beautiful from start to finish. This was my fourth book by Heidi Cullinan and it certainly won't be my last. She is an auto buy author for me now.
Laurie and Ed were wonderful characters and absolutely perfect for one another. The sexual tension was spot on, and the sex when we got to it was hot, steamy, raunchy, and never felt repetitive even though there are a few scenes present. The book had just the right amount of angst, sweet, sweet romance, passion and plot to keep me hooked to the very last word.
Heidi's writing was once again beautiful and eloquent, I don't think there is any subject matter she can't write. I would seriously read the phone book if it were written by her.
And let's not forget about the dancing. Those scenes were simply incredible. I felt as though I were right there in the room watching them dance.
Perfect. Be sure to add this to your reading list, you won't regret it. Dance With Me can be purchased directly from Loose Id here:http://www.loose-id.com/dance-with-me.aspx?ID=1430
Okay so my book of the week should have been yesterday, but uh, I forgot! :P So I'm posting it today instead. Last weeks book of the week for me was Heidi Cullinan's Dance With Me.
Dance With Me was beautiful from start to finish. This was my fourth book by Heidi Cullinan and it certainly won't be my last. She is an auto buy author for me now.
Laurie and Ed were wonderful characters and absolutely perfect for one another. The sexual tension was spot on, and the sex when we got to it was hot, steamy, raunchy, and never felt repetitive even though there are a few scenes present. The book had just the right amount of angst, sweet, sweet romance, passion and plot to keep me hooked to the very last word.
Heidi's writing was once again beautiful and eloquent, I don't think there is any subject matter she can't write. I would seriously read the phone book if it were written by her.
And let's not forget about the dancing. Those scenes were simply incredible. I felt as though I were right there in the room watching them dance.
Perfect. Be sure to add this to your reading list, you won't regret it. Dance With Me can be purchased directly from Loose Id here:http://www.loose-id.com/dance-with-me.aspx?ID=1430
August 27, 2011
Sexy Saturday
It's that time of the week again folks. Yep, it's Sexy Saturday and today I'm going to be sharing a few pictures that have inspired books I started writing recently. I don't know when I'll find the time to finish them, but they are all waiting patiently for their stories to be continued and I will get to each and every one of them soon.
Okay, I don't know what this picture says to you but to me it screams of werewolves. I did think about using it as inspiration for my current Shifters' Haven series but this picture inspires a darker story, I think, one that wouldn't fit in with my current series, so Dimitri and the two truckers that have been lured into his trap will have to wait a little while longer.
Well, isn't he handsome? Meet Cupid. And yes, I said Cupid, not Eros. Even though he may not be the Cupid many of you think of when the the name is mentioned, but then, who said I had to do what is expected? Cupid here has been a very bad God and as a result, his mother and father, Venus and Mars have decided to teach him a lesson. He must live among the humans for six months, and even though he has been stripped of his wings, he can't resist picking up that bow and arrow to try and spread some love. But much to Cupid's chagrin, wood nymphs don't react the same way to his powers as humans and his amorous plan soon backfires, as does his bow.
Is he there to break into the safe or is he guarding it? Why isn't he wearing his shirt? And what's up with the frown? Well, there's a perfectly logical explanation of course. ;) Daniel is undercover, and has spent the past six months trying to infiltrate a local gang, who have asked him to guard their safe-house as a test of his loyalty. Should be an easy job with the amount of training he has, but when the leader of the gang walks into the house accompanied by his ex, Laurie, the man that walked out on him three years ago, can Daniel keep his cool or is he about to blow his cover?
Skinny dipping in the river? If only it were that simple. James has had a very bad day. He lost his job, his cat decided it would rather live with his crotchety old neighbour, and the man he's been 'dating' just told him he's getting married to someone else. James decides to seek solace by the river in his home town, a place he hasn't visited for many years. But of course, today is one of those days and it's about to get a whole lot worse. While he's staring at the sky, contemplating his future who should pass by, but the last person James wants to see at a time like this. Matt Jacobs, James' straight, ex best friend and first real crush. And Matt has some news that's about to tear James' world apart and make him re-evaluate his entire life.
So that's what these pictures say to me. But I'd love to hear you're take on them. What sort of story do they inspire for you, if any?
As always, thanks for reading!
Okay, I don't know what this picture says to you but to me it screams of werewolves. I did think about using it as inspiration for my current Shifters' Haven series but this picture inspires a darker story, I think, one that wouldn't fit in with my current series, so Dimitri and the two truckers that have been lured into his trap will have to wait a little while longer.
Well, isn't he handsome? Meet Cupid. And yes, I said Cupid, not Eros. Even though he may not be the Cupid many of you think of when the the name is mentioned, but then, who said I had to do what is expected? Cupid here has been a very bad God and as a result, his mother and father, Venus and Mars have decided to teach him a lesson. He must live among the humans for six months, and even though he has been stripped of his wings, he can't resist picking up that bow and arrow to try and spread some love. But much to Cupid's chagrin, wood nymphs don't react the same way to his powers as humans and his amorous plan soon backfires, as does his bow.
Is he there to break into the safe or is he guarding it? Why isn't he wearing his shirt? And what's up with the frown? Well, there's a perfectly logical explanation of course. ;) Daniel is undercover, and has spent the past six months trying to infiltrate a local gang, who have asked him to guard their safe-house as a test of his loyalty. Should be an easy job with the amount of training he has, but when the leader of the gang walks into the house accompanied by his ex, Laurie, the man that walked out on him three years ago, can Daniel keep his cool or is he about to blow his cover?
Skinny dipping in the river? If only it were that simple. James has had a very bad day. He lost his job, his cat decided it would rather live with his crotchety old neighbour, and the man he's been 'dating' just told him he's getting married to someone else. James decides to seek solace by the river in his home town, a place he hasn't visited for many years. But of course, today is one of those days and it's about to get a whole lot worse. While he's staring at the sky, contemplating his future who should pass by, but the last person James wants to see at a time like this. Matt Jacobs, James' straight, ex best friend and first real crush. And Matt has some news that's about to tear James' world apart and make him re-evaluate his entire life.So that's what these pictures say to me. But I'd love to hear you're take on them. What sort of story do they inspire for you, if any?
As always, thanks for reading!
August 26, 2011
Alpha Shmalfa
Today I have the great pleasure of welcoming a friend and amazing writer onto my blog - C Zampa, author of Candy G. Carol is going to be talking about alpha males. Just what makes an alpha, an alpha? What do you think? Carol, take it away.
Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer. ---- Ronald Reagan
The other day, during a discussion on alpha males, a good friend chided me—quite good-naturedly—and said I was a 'true beta lover'. Why? Because I simply love a man who has that trace of something in him that lets him cry, lets him be in touch with—and, damn, does this ever sound cliché—his sensitive side. I was going to say 'his feminine' side, but who says crying was strictly a girl thing? Bushwa to that.
Busted. She's right. I accept my crown graciously and wear it with pride.
But, wait. The truth of the matter is, I decided to research alpha and beta males.
After studying, I will admit my perception of what constitutes an alpha male was pretty much off target. For some reason, I believed alphas had to be perfect in every way—strength, confidence, looks, charm, the whole checklist of qualities to make him…well, a hero. Turns out, like I said, I was slightly wrong. The distinction between alphas and betas is really nothing more than a matter of leadership, a take-charge, protector persona as opposed to a more secondary male role.
The role a beta male was, however, more clearly defined. And it was as follows: An unremarkable, careful man who avoids risk and confrontation. Beta males lack the physical presence, charisma and confidence of the Alpha male.
Aha! Turns out, according to that description, I may have to relinquish my Queen of the Beta Lovers crown because that does NOT personify the male characters I love.
Here's the question, then, if the above is truly a portrait of a beta male. Who the hell IS the character I love? So he cries, sure. But he does not avoid risk or confrontation, he certainly does not lack physical presence, and most assuredly DOES have charisma and confidence.
So. Is he an alpha or not? I don't know. You tell me.
In my novella, Candy G, my hero is physically and courageously about as macho as macho can be. He carries all the alpha trademarks: good looks, good body, charisma, power. But, alas, he is sentimental, he is emotional. He cries. He's jealous where his lover is concerned. He plays La Paloma while making love. His boyhood teddy bear shares the glove compartment with his glock.
Here's a snippet of a scene where the hero's lover, Carlos, worries over being the care-taker of this man's heart:
"That's just it." Carlos slunk back in the chair, wrapping his arms around himself. "That heart of his. This man, this powerful man, so fucking fearless." A tiny chuckle. "Sorry for the language."
She nodded gravely, absolving his stronger-than-usual cursing.
He continued, "And yet nobody would guess what a delicate heart he has." Sitting forward, he cupped his hands. "And he's put that heart, that beautiful, fragile heart in my hands. My hands." He twined his fingers together and pressed them to his mouth. "It scares me fucking shitless." Her disapproving glare stabbed him, and he added, "Sorry."
Tapping a finger to her lips, Aunt Dahlia closed her eyes, clearly weighing her words. Finally, she squared her shoulders. "You are right that Candelario is a strong man. He is. And you are right that he has a tender heart. The community knows this, he is loved.
But, I'm not talking about his kindness to the community. I'm talking about his love for me. That's—"
"Do not interrupt me." She pursed her lips, and her hand shot up. "His gentle heart and his power are separate. So far, the two have never fought in his soul, but they will if you throw his heart back at him, damaged." Drawing a finger over the stitches on the mitt, she added, "He has put his heart for safekeeping in your hands. So, rather than falter under the responsibility, should you not stand as strong as he does? He will give his life to protect what he loves. Can you not at least protect his heart while he protects you?"
So there. I think my hero is no less an alpha for having a fragile heart.
Although many writers and readers feel that an alpha male indeed CAN be vulnerable, can cry and that, in fact, they love them more when they DO exhibit these tendencies, others argue that it emasculates them to some degree, strips them of the alpha status. Many see this in the case of real-life relationships as well. Let a man cry at something, and he is out the door on his bum faster than you can say Jack Be Nimble.
Does crying, being easily affected by emotion, make a man less masculine? Personally, I don't think so. If anything, I think it makes him more masculine, simply for the fact that he is strong enough, confident enough to not feel the need to hide behind a macho persona.
Jose Saramago said this: I never appreciated 'positive heroes' in literature. They are almost always clichés, copies of copies, until the model is exhausted. I prefer perplexity, doubt, uncertainty, not just because it provides a more 'productive' literary raw material, but because that is the way we humans really are.
Interesting!
An example who comes to my mind is King David. Powerful leader of Jerusalem, fearless leader of legions in his army. Wise. Yet one of the most romantic, poetic souls in history. The Psalms contain some of the most agonizing, tearful, poignant prose ever written. Yet his constant inner angst personified the beauty of his character without negating his power.
I think I shall not choose to categorize my heroes into alpha, beta, or any other Greek alphabet. They just are who they are. How about if I just call them the heroes of the story?
But for those who might feel there should be that distinction—alpha as opposed to beta— what is your opinion? Does a hero lose critical points for being sensitive and possibly vulnerable? As long as these softer sides of his persona do not thwart his ability to take control, can he still be an alpha male?
Once again I'd like to thank Carol for taking the time to appear on my blog, and for the very interesting subject matter she chose to discuss. What is your opinion? Just what makes an alpha, an alpha? And do you prefer to read about alpha males or are you all about the beta?
You can find out more about Carol at her blog here: http://authorczampa.blogspot.com/
And if you'd like to purchase Candy G after reading that wonderful excerpt, it can be purchased directly from Dreamspinner press here:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2204
The Blurb:
What kind of man drives a bulletproof Mercedes and carries a high-powered pistol in the glove compartment along with his boyhood teddy bear? Candy G does, that's who. Once the exclusive attorney for the most powerful drug lord in San Antonio, he turned his back on Teirso Flores and walked away. But at what price?
Moving on with his life despite the threat of Teirso's revenge, Candy meets gorgeous, streetwise Carlos Alvarez, and thus begins a passionate love affair rife with danger, secrets, and specters from the past that just won't let go. When truths are revealed, will the one thing that brought their worlds together be the test that strengthens their love or the knife that severs their bond forever?
Thanks for reading!
Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer. ---- Ronald Reagan
The other day, during a discussion on alpha males, a good friend chided me—quite good-naturedly—and said I was a 'true beta lover'. Why? Because I simply love a man who has that trace of something in him that lets him cry, lets him be in touch with—and, damn, does this ever sound cliché—his sensitive side. I was going to say 'his feminine' side, but who says crying was strictly a girl thing? Bushwa to that.
Busted. She's right. I accept my crown graciously and wear it with pride.
But, wait. The truth of the matter is, I decided to research alpha and beta males.
After studying, I will admit my perception of what constitutes an alpha male was pretty much off target. For some reason, I believed alphas had to be perfect in every way—strength, confidence, looks, charm, the whole checklist of qualities to make him…well, a hero. Turns out, like I said, I was slightly wrong. The distinction between alphas and betas is really nothing more than a matter of leadership, a take-charge, protector persona as opposed to a more secondary male role.
The role a beta male was, however, more clearly defined. And it was as follows: An unremarkable, careful man who avoids risk and confrontation. Beta males lack the physical presence, charisma and confidence of the Alpha male.
Aha! Turns out, according to that description, I may have to relinquish my Queen of the Beta Lovers crown because that does NOT personify the male characters I love.
Here's the question, then, if the above is truly a portrait of a beta male. Who the hell IS the character I love? So he cries, sure. But he does not avoid risk or confrontation, he certainly does not lack physical presence, and most assuredly DOES have charisma and confidence.
So. Is he an alpha or not? I don't know. You tell me.
In my novella, Candy G, my hero is physically and courageously about as macho as macho can be. He carries all the alpha trademarks: good looks, good body, charisma, power. But, alas, he is sentimental, he is emotional. He cries. He's jealous where his lover is concerned. He plays La Paloma while making love. His boyhood teddy bear shares the glove compartment with his glock.
Here's a snippet of a scene where the hero's lover, Carlos, worries over being the care-taker of this man's heart:
"That's just it." Carlos slunk back in the chair, wrapping his arms around himself. "That heart of his. This man, this powerful man, so fucking fearless." A tiny chuckle. "Sorry for the language."
She nodded gravely, absolving his stronger-than-usual cursing.
He continued, "And yet nobody would guess what a delicate heart he has." Sitting forward, he cupped his hands. "And he's put that heart, that beautiful, fragile heart in my hands. My hands." He twined his fingers together and pressed them to his mouth. "It scares me fucking shitless." Her disapproving glare stabbed him, and he added, "Sorry."
Tapping a finger to her lips, Aunt Dahlia closed her eyes, clearly weighing her words. Finally, she squared her shoulders. "You are right that Candelario is a strong man. He is. And you are right that he has a tender heart. The community knows this, he is loved.
But, I'm not talking about his kindness to the community. I'm talking about his love for me. That's—"
"Do not interrupt me." She pursed her lips, and her hand shot up. "His gentle heart and his power are separate. So far, the two have never fought in his soul, but they will if you throw his heart back at him, damaged." Drawing a finger over the stitches on the mitt, she added, "He has put his heart for safekeeping in your hands. So, rather than falter under the responsibility, should you not stand as strong as he does? He will give his life to protect what he loves. Can you not at least protect his heart while he protects you?"
So there. I think my hero is no less an alpha for having a fragile heart.
Although many writers and readers feel that an alpha male indeed CAN be vulnerable, can cry and that, in fact, they love them more when they DO exhibit these tendencies, others argue that it emasculates them to some degree, strips them of the alpha status. Many see this in the case of real-life relationships as well. Let a man cry at something, and he is out the door on his bum faster than you can say Jack Be Nimble.
Does crying, being easily affected by emotion, make a man less masculine? Personally, I don't think so. If anything, I think it makes him more masculine, simply for the fact that he is strong enough, confident enough to not feel the need to hide behind a macho persona.
Jose Saramago said this: I never appreciated 'positive heroes' in literature. They are almost always clichés, copies of copies, until the model is exhausted. I prefer perplexity, doubt, uncertainty, not just because it provides a more 'productive' literary raw material, but because that is the way we humans really are.
Interesting!
An example who comes to my mind is King David. Powerful leader of Jerusalem, fearless leader of legions in his army. Wise. Yet one of the most romantic, poetic souls in history. The Psalms contain some of the most agonizing, tearful, poignant prose ever written. Yet his constant inner angst personified the beauty of his character without negating his power.
I think I shall not choose to categorize my heroes into alpha, beta, or any other Greek alphabet. They just are who they are. How about if I just call them the heroes of the story?
But for those who might feel there should be that distinction—alpha as opposed to beta— what is your opinion? Does a hero lose critical points for being sensitive and possibly vulnerable? As long as these softer sides of his persona do not thwart his ability to take control, can he still be an alpha male?
Once again I'd like to thank Carol for taking the time to appear on my blog, and for the very interesting subject matter she chose to discuss. What is your opinion? Just what makes an alpha, an alpha? And do you prefer to read about alpha males or are you all about the beta?
You can find out more about Carol at her blog here: http://authorczampa.blogspot.com/
And if you'd like to purchase Candy G after reading that wonderful excerpt, it can be purchased directly from Dreamspinner press here:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2204
The Blurb: What kind of man drives a bulletproof Mercedes and carries a high-powered pistol in the glove compartment along with his boyhood teddy bear? Candy G does, that's who. Once the exclusive attorney for the most powerful drug lord in San Antonio, he turned his back on Teirso Flores and walked away. But at what price?
Moving on with his life despite the threat of Teirso's revenge, Candy meets gorgeous, streetwise Carlos Alvarez, and thus begins a passionate love affair rife with danger, secrets, and specters from the past that just won't let go. When truths are revealed, will the one thing that brought their worlds together be the test that strengthens their love or the knife that severs their bond forever?
Thanks for reading!
August 25, 2011
Latest news
Hi Folks! I've had a few people contact me to ask when Cody's Revelation - book two in the Shifters' Haven series will be available in the online book stores and have just had news that's it's out from today on Amazon, and Are. Not sure about Fictionwise but def soon.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Sharita for guesting on my blog yesterday. Sharita chose Roro as the winner of A Second Chance and the Anthology so well done Roro, hope you enjoy the books!
Join me tomorrow for another fabulous Friends Friday guest post. The very talented C Zampa, author of Candy G will be stopping by for a chat.
Talk to you all soon!
I'd like to say a big thanks to Sharita for guesting on my blog yesterday. Sharita chose Roro as the winner of A Second Chance and the Anthology so well done Roro, hope you enjoy the books!
Join me tomorrow for another fabulous Friends Friday guest post. The very talented C Zampa, author of Candy G will be stopping by for a chat.
Talk to you all soon!
August 24, 2011
Finding the right voice
Hi everyone! Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Sharita Lira, a wonderful friend and author onto my blog. This lady is an inspiration to me. She always has a kind word to say about everyone, and has been one of the most friendly and welcoming people to me since I arrived on the scene. Today she's going to be talking about finding the right voice in your writing, sharing a couple of excerpts of her books, plus giving away ebook copies of two of her books to a lucky commenter. The winner will be posted here tomorrow. Welcome Sharita, take it away.
Finding the Right Voice
Greetings readers! I'd like to thank Lavinia for having me here today on this lovely Wednesday. I'd like to blog about something writing related that all writers face. Finding the correct voice.
Now, for those of you that don't know me, I'm Sharita Lira but I write under 3 pennames. Rawiya, BLMorticia and Michael Mandrake. I won't bore you with a bio since the voice I'm referring to today is Michael so I'll just say if you want to find out more please have a look at all my links at the end of the post.
When a writer speaks of their voice, they're not talking alto or soprano.*laughs* In my opinion, they're speaking of the style in which they write. Every author has a different style so no 2 authors should be the same. Sure, we have similarities. One may be a lot more sensual as opposed to the other that might be a lot more erotic.
Now, imagine the author having to do this with his or herself. *raises eyebrow* The voices that speak to you in certain kinds of stories may clash between pennames. You find your sensual writer has now become you more erotic writer. Maybe your snarky one as made your more long winded and your eloquent voice more of a bad ass. *shudder*
I confess, I'm a newbie so I still struggle with this. In certain stories, Michael might pick up BL's style of smart ass and Rawiya might sound more like Michael. Is this okay? Erm, in some instances yes but not always. The key is making it work for a particular story or character.
In short, Michael Mandrake writes long winded, eloquent, stories about people in love. If humor comes into his tales, it's more of a dry humor, yet, my latest story, A Second Chance, has a character that would typically be a BL type of man. Captain in Training, Daniel DeClerc. He, along with his new partner, Farris are both smart asses, but because the story is about 2 cops who are facing the challenge of loving after losing a partner in the line of duty, it works.
Can you imagine being gay on the homophobic police force? In order to avoid scrutiny, you must keep yourself closeted. Because they have to deal with this fact, both men settle into personalities where they have to keep themselves laughing to avoid crying.
The characters make a lot of snide remarks, especially Daniel since he's the one in charge. *snicker* But it works because if he were more of the dry humor type that Michael would usually write then you wouldn't really connect with Daniel or feel what he is feeling.
Make sense? Hope so.
So in closing, if you're a writer with penames or even an author with one or your own name, have you found your correct voice? This, I'm sure, takes time to master and I haven't done so just yet, but I know as I get better, they might not clash as much. However as you can see, sometimes that works.
I'd like to thank Lavinia for having me on today. Here is where you can find me and my many personalities. To one lucky commenter, I'll give away A Second Chance and the antho XOXO just released, Tina B's Alternative Romance, Vol 2 .
The Literary Triad - http://www.thelitriad.com/#!
Michael Mandrake - http://tabooindeed.blogspot.comBL/Rawiya – http://blrawiyaerotica.blogspot.com/Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikemblFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharitaLira
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3542690Its Raining Men Blog - Now, here's a blurb and excerpt from my 2nd book with XOXO publishing A Second Chance just released July 16th.
Out Now
Publisher: XOXO Publishing
Author Michael Mandrake
Buylink: XOXO
Blurb: Hesitant to begin a relationship with someone new, two police officers who have lost their partners in the line of duty try to deal with their obvious attraction to one another. Will one of them accept the other's proposition to start over or remain alone because of their places on the police force?
EXCERPT PG
While we continued to chat, I noticed DeClerc in my peripheral. I couldn't help but stare at him. I moistened my lips, biting the bottom as he came closer.
Damn…
"Um, hello…" I looked past the chief to take a long gander at Daniel. I stood up, extending my hand. "I'm Farris Beason."
He accepted. "Daniel Declerc. Nice to meet you." The handshake was firm, his hands soft like a female.
Don chuckled, "See Beason, if you would've been in the right frame of mind you could've joined Daniel today."
While we exchanged smiles, I gawked at the pretty face in front of me. Daniel was even more gorgeous up close. The only distraction was the defect on his finger. Who was lucky enough to call him theirs? I had to find out.
"Pity," Daniel said with a grin. "Maybe when you've recovered from your wild night?" He cocked an eyebrow.
I laughed, "Yeah, um…maybe…"
We'd broken our hand gestures but not our gaze. Maybe he did play for my team, but the question remained, who was he married to?
Buylink - https://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15
Author written Blurb: Great stories by Allison Cassata, Cyril J Michael, Michael Mandrake, and Ashley Marie Lucas. The anthology offers a little of everything from a heartwrenching turned HEA from Allison, heartwarming story from Cyril, a romantic reunion from Michael, and a paranormal love thriller from Ashley. In these 40 pages is something for everyone. 4 fabulous m/m tales in one book.
Story Blurb - Michael's Benefits of a Strike is a reunion of a baseball star and the man he wanted all through high school and college. Being involved in the homophobic sports world, the two must stay closeted to preserve their reputations and jobs, but the work stoppage will allow them to spend some much needed time together.
PG Excerpt"Hello?" "Hi, this is Robert McIntyre at the Daily Southtown. You left me a message?" I heard the tone change in the man's voice. "Robert, this is Jake Valenta, how are ya', man?"My mind was racing while my palms went moist. As in Jake, who just turned down millions to wait until June, Jake? "Um, hi. How did you know where I worked?" I asked. "Your friend Alex is good friends with my gal pal Lori so…" Trying to keep it professional, I said, "Okay, Jake, what's the reason for your call?" "Hmm, well you did read the message right?" "Yeah I did, what does that mean?" I twirled a pen around my fingers while leaning back in my chair. "Well, in all the time that we went to Tulsa and OK State together, we never actually met. It's a shame too, Robert, because we lost so much time dude. We both had to keep ourselves closeted though, so…" he answered. "Wait, Jake, you said we had to…" I moved forward to keep from falling. "Robert, don't play dumb with me. You were aware that I was gay. Remember, Lori told Alex that…" "Yeah but I didn't believe it because…" I threw the pen on the desk. "I know, because I play straight real well. Here's a scoop for you Robert; I'm gay and always have been. Of course, if you print it, I will deny it. I need to play baseball at least ten years before I open that beautiful rainbow coloured door. Then again, if people stop acting like assholes and accept us for what we are, it might be sooner." Listening to Jake talk about his sexual orientation took me back in time. If only I had pursued him, if only I'd been less shy, if… "Robert, you still there?" he chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sorry Jake. Anyway, you were saying?" My pulse throbbed. The man I had a crush on for years was calling me. "That's okay Robert. Listen, I'm coming through Chicago to meet the team. They're trying to get a deal together to draft me. I want to see you Robert. I…I have to see you." Wow they sound great, don't they? Don't forget to leave a comment below for the chance to win a copy of one of Michael Mandrake's books.
Once again thanks for being here today Sharita, I wish you every success with your new books!
Finding the Right Voice
Greetings readers! I'd like to thank Lavinia for having me here today on this lovely Wednesday. I'd like to blog about something writing related that all writers face. Finding the correct voice.
Now, for those of you that don't know me, I'm Sharita Lira but I write under 3 pennames. Rawiya, BLMorticia and Michael Mandrake. I won't bore you with a bio since the voice I'm referring to today is Michael so I'll just say if you want to find out more please have a look at all my links at the end of the post.
When a writer speaks of their voice, they're not talking alto or soprano.*laughs* In my opinion, they're speaking of the style in which they write. Every author has a different style so no 2 authors should be the same. Sure, we have similarities. One may be a lot more sensual as opposed to the other that might be a lot more erotic.
Now, imagine the author having to do this with his or herself. *raises eyebrow* The voices that speak to you in certain kinds of stories may clash between pennames. You find your sensual writer has now become you more erotic writer. Maybe your snarky one as made your more long winded and your eloquent voice more of a bad ass. *shudder*
I confess, I'm a newbie so I still struggle with this. In certain stories, Michael might pick up BL's style of smart ass and Rawiya might sound more like Michael. Is this okay? Erm, in some instances yes but not always. The key is making it work for a particular story or character.
In short, Michael Mandrake writes long winded, eloquent, stories about people in love. If humor comes into his tales, it's more of a dry humor, yet, my latest story, A Second Chance, has a character that would typically be a BL type of man. Captain in Training, Daniel DeClerc. He, along with his new partner, Farris are both smart asses, but because the story is about 2 cops who are facing the challenge of loving after losing a partner in the line of duty, it works.
Can you imagine being gay on the homophobic police force? In order to avoid scrutiny, you must keep yourself closeted. Because they have to deal with this fact, both men settle into personalities where they have to keep themselves laughing to avoid crying.
The characters make a lot of snide remarks, especially Daniel since he's the one in charge. *snicker* But it works because if he were more of the dry humor type that Michael would usually write then you wouldn't really connect with Daniel or feel what he is feeling.
Make sense? Hope so.
So in closing, if you're a writer with penames or even an author with one or your own name, have you found your correct voice? This, I'm sure, takes time to master and I haven't done so just yet, but I know as I get better, they might not clash as much. However as you can see, sometimes that works.
I'd like to thank Lavinia for having me on today. Here is where you can find me and my many personalities. To one lucky commenter, I'll give away A Second Chance and the antho XOXO just released, Tina B's Alternative Romance, Vol 2 .
The Literary Triad - http://www.thelitriad.com/#!
Michael Mandrake - http://tabooindeed.blogspot.comBL/Rawiya – http://blrawiyaerotica.blogspot.com/Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikemblFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharitaLira
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3542690Its Raining Men Blog - Now, here's a blurb and excerpt from my 2nd book with XOXO publishing A Second Chance just released July 16th.
Out Now
Publisher: XOXO Publishing
Author Michael Mandrake
Buylink: XOXO
Blurb: Hesitant to begin a relationship with someone new, two police officers who have lost their partners in the line of duty try to deal with their obvious attraction to one another. Will one of them accept the other's proposition to start over or remain alone because of their places on the police force?
EXCERPT PG
While we continued to chat, I noticed DeClerc in my peripheral. I couldn't help but stare at him. I moistened my lips, biting the bottom as he came closer.
Damn…
"Um, hello…" I looked past the chief to take a long gander at Daniel. I stood up, extending my hand. "I'm Farris Beason."
He accepted. "Daniel Declerc. Nice to meet you." The handshake was firm, his hands soft like a female.
Don chuckled, "See Beason, if you would've been in the right frame of mind you could've joined Daniel today."
While we exchanged smiles, I gawked at the pretty face in front of me. Daniel was even more gorgeous up close. The only distraction was the defect on his finger. Who was lucky enough to call him theirs? I had to find out.
"Pity," Daniel said with a grin. "Maybe when you've recovered from your wild night?" He cocked an eyebrow.
I laughed, "Yeah, um…maybe…"
We'd broken our hand gestures but not our gaze. Maybe he did play for my team, but the question remained, who was he married to?
Buylink - https://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15
Author written Blurb: Great stories by Allison Cassata, Cyril J Michael, Michael Mandrake, and Ashley Marie Lucas. The anthology offers a little of everything from a heartwrenching turned HEA from Allison, heartwarming story from Cyril, a romantic reunion from Michael, and a paranormal love thriller from Ashley. In these 40 pages is something for everyone. 4 fabulous m/m tales in one book.
Story Blurb - Michael's Benefits of a Strike is a reunion of a baseball star and the man he wanted all through high school and college. Being involved in the homophobic sports world, the two must stay closeted to preserve their reputations and jobs, but the work stoppage will allow them to spend some much needed time together.
PG Excerpt"Hello?" "Hi, this is Robert McIntyre at the Daily Southtown. You left me a message?" I heard the tone change in the man's voice. "Robert, this is Jake Valenta, how are ya', man?"My mind was racing while my palms went moist. As in Jake, who just turned down millions to wait until June, Jake? "Um, hi. How did you know where I worked?" I asked. "Your friend Alex is good friends with my gal pal Lori so…" Trying to keep it professional, I said, "Okay, Jake, what's the reason for your call?" "Hmm, well you did read the message right?" "Yeah I did, what does that mean?" I twirled a pen around my fingers while leaning back in my chair. "Well, in all the time that we went to Tulsa and OK State together, we never actually met. It's a shame too, Robert, because we lost so much time dude. We both had to keep ourselves closeted though, so…" he answered. "Wait, Jake, you said we had to…" I moved forward to keep from falling. "Robert, don't play dumb with me. You were aware that I was gay. Remember, Lori told Alex that…" "Yeah but I didn't believe it because…" I threw the pen on the desk. "I know, because I play straight real well. Here's a scoop for you Robert; I'm gay and always have been. Of course, if you print it, I will deny it. I need to play baseball at least ten years before I open that beautiful rainbow coloured door. Then again, if people stop acting like assholes and accept us for what we are, it might be sooner." Listening to Jake talk about his sexual orientation took me back in time. If only I had pursued him, if only I'd been less shy, if… "Robert, you still there?" he chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sorry Jake. Anyway, you were saying?" My pulse throbbed. The man I had a crush on for years was calling me. "That's okay Robert. Listen, I'm coming through Chicago to meet the team. They're trying to get a deal together to draft me. I want to see you Robert. I…I have to see you." Wow they sound great, don't they? Don't forget to leave a comment below for the chance to win a copy of one of Michael Mandrake's books.
Once again thanks for being here today Sharita, I wish you every success with your new books!
August 23, 2011
Teaser Tuesday
Teaser Tuesday again folks, and as I mentioned last week, Vol 1 of the Shifters' Haven series was released in print. It includes both book one of the series - Luke's Surprise and book two, Cody's Revelation.
Last week I shared an excerpt from Luke's story so today you'll be meeting Luke's older brother Cody. In this scene, Cody discovers some disturbing news about his mate Stefan. For those of you who haven't read the book, I will say that this excerpt doesn't show Stefan in a good light, however all is not as it seems. Intrigued? ;)
Hope you enjoy!
Cody was quiet on the way to Marianne's but the silence in the car was comfortable and made him feel at ease. He kept glancing at Stefan as though to reassure himself that Stefan was real and the entire night wasn't some figment of his overactive imagination.
It had only been a few hours since they'd met, but already Cody felt like they'd known each other for a much longer period of time. There was a connection between them that Cody knew would only grow stronger over time.
When they arrived at Marianne's house, Cody was surprised at the number of wolves he found there. Most were from his own pack, but some he didn't know. He watched Stefan greet them one by one before stopping to chat with a dark-haired wolf who had similar features to Stefan but was slightly shorter. Cody stood away to the side and saw Stefan and the other man exchange some heated words, with both men glancing at Cody in the process. A moment later Stefan called him over.
"Cody? Come over here, there's someone I want you to meet."
Cody walked over and stood next to his mate. Immediately Stefan wrapped his arms around Cody's waist and planted a kiss on his head.
"Cody, I'd like you to meet my kid brother, John. John is also one of my betas. John, meet Cody, my mate."
"Kid brother!" John snorted. "By five minutes, asshole, and that's only 'cause you're so damn inpatient all the time."
"Hey, watch your mouth," Stefan admonished playfully.
"Cody, it's a pleasure to meet you," John said.
Although John smiled at him, Cody could sense the nervousness in Stefan's brother and he couldn't understand the cause. Wasn't John happy that Stefan and Cody had mated?
"Actually, Marianne has already told me a bit about you."
That wasn't good. He and Marianne had got into quite a few scrapes together growing up. She knew things about him even his own family didn't know. Then, of course, there was the really touchy subject of Cody coming out at fifteen and being treated like a pariah by practically the whole town. He had spent years being the brunt of jokes and the focus of the
local bullies. Maybe that was it. Perhaps John thought Cody wasn't good enough for his brother.
"Oh, really?" Stefan asked. "Maybe Marianne and I should have a quiet chat."
Cody's eyes widened. He swallowed loudly and looked away, feeling heat fill his face. Stefan laughed out loud.
"Wow, Cody, you look terrified," Stefan chuckled. "I'll definitely have to talk to her now."
Cody groaned. "Don't believe anything Marianne tells you."
"Hey, I heard that!"
Marianne stood next to her mate and snaked an arm around his waist. John kissed her gently on the lips before turning back to Cody.
"Looks like you're in trouble now," John teased.
"Oh, I'll get him back," Marianne said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Cody didn't doubt her for a second.
"I really need to be getting to the hospital to check on Luke," Cody said when Marianne and John became immersed in a private conversation.
"Of course. I'll drive you. Just give me a few minutes to talk to John."
Cody nodded his agreement. "I'll wait for you out on the porch."
Cody made his way through the busy room and headed towards the front door. He was almost through it when he heard his name mentioned in conversation just outside. He stopped where he was while the two men outside carried on talking about him.
"I just don't understand it," said a male voice Cody didn't recognise. "How the hell can he say they're mates?"
"I've no idea," his friend replied. "It's ludicrous. Have you ever heard of wolf having two mates?"
Cody's blood ran cold. Two mates? What the hell were they talking about?
"Nope. It's not possible and, even if it was, John said this Cody is gay. I doubt very much he's going to want to share his bed with a woman."
The second voice snorted. "Forget about Cody, what do you think Stefan's wife is going to say when she finds out her husband has gone and found himself a fancy man?"
Cody felt his whole world fall apart in that instant. His stomach lurched violently and he had to hold on to the doorframe to keep upright. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Stefan was married? When exactly did he plan on telling Cody? The last nail in the coffin came a moment later.
"I just feel sorry for Stefan's son. What the hell is all this going to do to him?"
Cody couldn't listen to any more. He had to get some air before he lost the contents of his stomach. He ran from the house to his truck in the yard, his heart breaking with each step he took away from his mate. Stefan had seemed perfect, almost too good to be true.
Clearly, that was exactly what he was.
Cody slid behind the wheel and turned on the ignition. He was just pulling out of the yard when Stefan came out of the ranch. He stared at the alpha wolf, taking in every glorious feature. Sadness and regret coursing through his veins, he pulled away, leaving Stefan alone in the yard, calling out his name.
Once again, thanks for reading! Join me tomorrow for a guest post from Michael Mandrake who'll be talking about finding your voice and giving away a copies of his latest books.
Last week I shared an excerpt from Luke's story so today you'll be meeting Luke's older brother Cody. In this scene, Cody discovers some disturbing news about his mate Stefan. For those of you who haven't read the book, I will say that this excerpt doesn't show Stefan in a good light, however all is not as it seems. Intrigued? ;)
Hope you enjoy!
Cody was quiet on the way to Marianne's but the silence in the car was comfortable and made him feel at ease. He kept glancing at Stefan as though to reassure himself that Stefan was real and the entire night wasn't some figment of his overactive imagination.
It had only been a few hours since they'd met, but already Cody felt like they'd known each other for a much longer period of time. There was a connection between them that Cody knew would only grow stronger over time.
When they arrived at Marianne's house, Cody was surprised at the number of wolves he found there. Most were from his own pack, but some he didn't know. He watched Stefan greet them one by one before stopping to chat with a dark-haired wolf who had similar features to Stefan but was slightly shorter. Cody stood away to the side and saw Stefan and the other man exchange some heated words, with both men glancing at Cody in the process. A moment later Stefan called him over.
"Cody? Come over here, there's someone I want you to meet."
Cody walked over and stood next to his mate. Immediately Stefan wrapped his arms around Cody's waist and planted a kiss on his head.
"Cody, I'd like you to meet my kid brother, John. John is also one of my betas. John, meet Cody, my mate."
"Kid brother!" John snorted. "By five minutes, asshole, and that's only 'cause you're so damn inpatient all the time."
"Hey, watch your mouth," Stefan admonished playfully.
"Cody, it's a pleasure to meet you," John said.
Although John smiled at him, Cody could sense the nervousness in Stefan's brother and he couldn't understand the cause. Wasn't John happy that Stefan and Cody had mated?
"Actually, Marianne has already told me a bit about you."
That wasn't good. He and Marianne had got into quite a few scrapes together growing up. She knew things about him even his own family didn't know. Then, of course, there was the really touchy subject of Cody coming out at fifteen and being treated like a pariah by practically the whole town. He had spent years being the brunt of jokes and the focus of the
local bullies. Maybe that was it. Perhaps John thought Cody wasn't good enough for his brother.
"Oh, really?" Stefan asked. "Maybe Marianne and I should have a quiet chat."
Cody's eyes widened. He swallowed loudly and looked away, feeling heat fill his face. Stefan laughed out loud.
"Wow, Cody, you look terrified," Stefan chuckled. "I'll definitely have to talk to her now."
Cody groaned. "Don't believe anything Marianne tells you."
"Hey, I heard that!"
Marianne stood next to her mate and snaked an arm around his waist. John kissed her gently on the lips before turning back to Cody.
"Looks like you're in trouble now," John teased.
"Oh, I'll get him back," Marianne said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Cody didn't doubt her for a second.
"I really need to be getting to the hospital to check on Luke," Cody said when Marianne and John became immersed in a private conversation.
"Of course. I'll drive you. Just give me a few minutes to talk to John."
Cody nodded his agreement. "I'll wait for you out on the porch."
Cody made his way through the busy room and headed towards the front door. He was almost through it when he heard his name mentioned in conversation just outside. He stopped where he was while the two men outside carried on talking about him.
"I just don't understand it," said a male voice Cody didn't recognise. "How the hell can he say they're mates?"
"I've no idea," his friend replied. "It's ludicrous. Have you ever heard of wolf having two mates?"
Cody's blood ran cold. Two mates? What the hell were they talking about?
"Nope. It's not possible and, even if it was, John said this Cody is gay. I doubt very much he's going to want to share his bed with a woman."
The second voice snorted. "Forget about Cody, what do you think Stefan's wife is going to say when she finds out her husband has gone and found himself a fancy man?"
Cody felt his whole world fall apart in that instant. His stomach lurched violently and he had to hold on to the doorframe to keep upright. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Stefan was married? When exactly did he plan on telling Cody? The last nail in the coffin came a moment later.
"I just feel sorry for Stefan's son. What the hell is all this going to do to him?"
Cody couldn't listen to any more. He had to get some air before he lost the contents of his stomach. He ran from the house to his truck in the yard, his heart breaking with each step he took away from his mate. Stefan had seemed perfect, almost too good to be true.
Clearly, that was exactly what he was.
Cody slid behind the wheel and turned on the ignition. He was just pulling out of the yard when Stefan came out of the ranch. He stared at the alpha wolf, taking in every glorious feature. Sadness and regret coursing through his veins, he pulled away, leaving Stefan alone in the yard, calling out his name.
Once again, thanks for reading! Join me tomorrow for a guest post from Michael Mandrake who'll be talking about finding your voice and giving away a copies of his latest books.
August 21, 2011
Book of the week Sunday
Hi folks!
Today is the very first installment of my book of the week Sunday, and this week my favourite read was Long Tall Drink by L. C. Chase.
As many of you already know I love me some cowboys and this cowboy story did not disappoint. This was actually my first read by L. C. Chase but it definitely won't be my last. Long Tall Drink had just the right amount of everything. The level of drama, angst and emotion was spot on. The sexual tension was electric and the sex scenes scorching hot.
Ranch...
Today is the very first installment of my book of the week Sunday, and this week my favourite read was Long Tall Drink by L. C. Chase.
As many of you already know I love me some cowboys and this cowboy story did not disappoint. This was actually my first read by L. C. Chase but it definitely won't be my last. Long Tall Drink had just the right amount of everything. The level of drama, angst and emotion was spot on. The sexual tension was electric and the sex scenes scorching hot.
Ranch...
