Tanith Davenport's Blog, page 34
April 23, 2012
Scarborough, UK to Host Saucy Seaside Smut Convention
Convention for erotica readers and writers to be held in theseaside town of Scarborough on June 22nd, 2013.
Do you like to be beside the seaside? Or more specifically, do you like to be smutty beside the seaside? If so, then the Smut by the Sea Convention and Erotic Marketplace is for you!
The brainchild of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik, with help from their glamorous assistant, Lucy Felthouse, Smut by the Sea promises to be a smut-filled extravaganza in the beautiful seaside setting of Victorian Scarborough. The town's library will be hosting the event.
Forget fish and chips, candy floss and ice cream – visit the dedicated Erotic Marketplace, including exhibitors Xcite Books and House of Erotica, with many more yet to be confirmed. Buy toys and books and all manner of saucy things. And don't forget to get those books signed by the authors in attendance!
You'll be wriggling in your seat when you attend a range of sexy readings from erotic authors including Victoria Blisse, Lucy Felthouse, K D Grace and Lexie Bay.
Or perhaps you'd like to attend informative panels on getting published, marketing your work and other smut related activities? It's all covered, so you can check out whatever tickles your fancy!
It's certainly going to be a fun-filled day – but it doesn't stop there! In the evening will be the official launch of the Smut by the Sea anthology (calls for submissions available at http://smutbythesea.co.uk/call-for-submissions/, closing date 1st June 2012 – edited by Victoria Blisse and Lucy Felthouse), with readings from the authors, and some seriously saucy swag bags with gifts from sponsors Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium, Total-E-Bound and Lovehoney, to name but a few.
Just as you're settling down from hearing all those fabulously naughty stories, your heart rate will be rising once more as the result of an intermission with burlesque dancers!
Finally, there will be a Q&A panel with a range of authors, book signings and some good old fashioned networking and socialising.
It's still early days so there will be lots more authors, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees coming on board as the conference draws closer, but hopefully this has given you an idea of what to expect from Smut by the Sea.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your diaries for Smut by the Sea, 22nd June 2013. Early Bird tickets have been released, and there are less than 200 available at this bargain price, so make sure to grab yours quick, before it's too late! http://smutbythesea.eventbrite.co.uk/
Keep your eyes on the following links for further information on sponsors, attending authors, exhibitors and more:
Website: http://smutbythesea.co.ukFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/smutbytheseaTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/smutbythesea
Also, just for a bit of fun, you can share your seaside themed photos on the Pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/mitnik/smut-by-the-sea/
The event is still taking on more exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and readers, so if you'd like to get involved, please http://smutbythesea.co.uk/contact-us/
*****
About Smut by the Sea
The brainchild of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik, the Smut by the Sea Erotic Readers & Authors Convention & Erotic Marketplace takes place in Scarborough in June 2013. It will be a smut filled extravaganza with readings, burlesque, panels, Q&As, workshops, erotica and more. See http://smutbythesea.co.uk for more details.
About Blisse UK
Blisse UK is the team of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik. Specialising in bespoke creations, working together they strive to bring originality and excellence into all that they do. Victoria is an award-winning author & Kevin is a twice Webbie winning web designer. They have over 15 years experience of creating successful websites with a portfolio of recent works available on http://blisseuk.com. Smut by the Sea is a new venture as they combine their love of the seaside with a love of erotica.
April 19, 2012
New contract!
I just received my contract from Total-e-Bound for my paranormal romance "I Heard Your Voice"Naughty Nights Press have accepted my short "Assume the Position" for their anthology Campus Sexploits 3!
More will follow, but for now I'm just celebrating... today is a VERY good day!
March 30, 2012
Update - new series!
It's early days, but it looks like the first story in a series of paranormal romances will be accepted by Total-e-Bound, either as a standalone or as part of an anthology.
Last October, as a research exercise (and as readers of my blog may remember) I went on a paranormal investigation with a friend. It was organised by a paranormal events team whose name I won't reveal, nor will I say where it was except that it was a former stately home, now museum, in Yorkshire. We did a quick walk-through and then were split into teams to carry out various exercises in different rooms, hoping to receive a ghostly response.
My team had a medium present who had apparently been on "Most Haunted", although I'll just say that I'd never heard of him. He led us in several rounds of calling out ("If there's anyone there, could you move something, make a noise, knock on something?") with very little effect, apart from the odd bang on a pipe which could have been anything. So far, so unimpressive. It didn't help that the heating had been turned up to full for some reason, so I was absolutely melting in my heavy sweater and couldn't take it off without being left in just a bra.
We then did some table-tipping, which I admit I have always been very sceptical of. A group of four girls (who were obviously friends) rested their fingertips on the table and sat for a long time, trying to coax a ghost into moving it for them. What happened next is open to conjecture. The table shuffled across the carpet in a disjointed diagonal movement.
I don't claim to know for sure exactly how that happened. I can only say that, if it was faked, all four of them must have been in on it to get that particular movement. If one alone had pushed, the table would have fallen over. I will also add that, after a while, two of the girls swapped with me and another guest, and the table refused to move with us on it.
From there we moved into a bedroom, where we tried some more calling out and then some work with a glass, none of which elicited any responses. We compared notes with the other group as we passed them on our way to the final location and found that they hadn't got anything either. Traipsing downstairs into the kitchen, my hopes for paranormal activity were not exactly high.
I'll bypass the "human pendulum" routine we went through, involving us standing in a circle and one of us being pushed around by a spirit, since frankly I found it unconvincing. There was, however, a moment on the ouija board which was worth mentioning, even though it involved the aforementioned group of table-tipping girls and therefore could have been faked.
"Can you move the planchette to the first letter of your name?" It moved to NO.
"Are you attached to this house?" NO.
"Are you connected to one of us?" NO.
"Would you like us to leave?" YES.
There you are. I can now say I've been told to piss off by a ghost. I suppose if people came into my house and started asking me questions I might get a bit annoyed too.
So that was the investigation, and from there came the story, following a team of paranormal investigators with a heroine who, in the beginning, is stuck in a relationship with the team medium but secretly longing for one of her teammates.
As I said, it's early days. I should know more next week - will keep you all updated!
March 22, 2012
Guest Post - The Strong Female
Please enjoy this guest post by Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.
The Strong Female
I am always amazed to hear that, in the year 2012, women are still talking about strong female characters. It’s funny that we’re always surprised when one comes along. Even in Hollywood, actresses still can’t find roles to sink their teeth into. As a reader, I look for characters that I can relate to in some way; a character who is more than a damsel in distress but less than an unfeeling, mean, witch. I’m putting it gently, but I’m looking for someone, who when facing a problem, doesn’t necessarily need a man to bail her out--a woman who can take care of herself in spite of her vulnerabilities. Because in reality, women are multi-layered and complex. We don’t fall to one end of an extreme or the other.
When I was younger, I started reading Danielle Steele, but I couldn't read her for long. Her female characters were far too needy and always put themselves in a position of requiring a savior. Even as a child, I couldn't help but wonder why these characters always needed a man to improve their lives. Why couldn’t they simply take care of themselves? It seemed as though female characters fell into two camps, and only two. They were either villains, witches, someone to be hated and despised, or they were weak, pathetic, your classic damsels in distress. Why is fiction lacking real women, women who can simply be human and celebrate all that they are?
As I got older, I found myself drawn to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I saw in Buffy a strong character. Yes, she could kick ass, kill the vampires and fight the demons. She also had a brain, could plan, and could save the world each week. But she wasn't uni-dimensional. She also has a side that liked clothes, shoes and boys, a side that was feminine, a little vulnerable; a side that, okay, sometimes needed to be saved. She was a complex female character, real and human, a character with whom I could definitely relate.
The strong female character isn’t a caricature or stereotype. She’s not a total wimp like Snow White, and she’s not a total monster like the evil queen. She falls somewhere in the middle. She’s reactive, emotional, human, sexual, confident and sometimes unsure of herself.
When I originally wrote my character Annie Pearce in The Day of First Sun, I wrote her as a no-nonsense person, strong and smart, the girl who could survive on her own. But she didn’t feel genuine. As the story unfolded and changed, I rewrote her, gave her friends and family with whom she could interact. I gave her feelings, gave her stress. I let the other characters take charge once in awhile and offer some support. I melded two halves into one woman--a strong woman, who can take care of herself and ask for help when necessary. We’re not perfect, so why should our characters be? Instead, why can’t we make them simply authentic?
Charlize Theron made a really compelling comment regarding her character in the movie Young Adult. She said, "Women are usually either really good prostitutes or really good mothers. Maybe women are finally getting the chance to play more honest characters," Theron said. "We usually don't get to play bad hookers or bad mothers -- or anything in between."
Maybe it’s time to be a little more real and a little more honest.
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.
All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!
To win the prizes:
Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
Visit today’s featured social media event
Help my blog win:
The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.
About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.
About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.
March 7, 2012
Eroticon 2012 - fun and frolics in Bristol
Last weekend, after months of nerves, I attended my very first conference as a published writer – Eroticon 2012, the first conference for erotic writers and sex bloggers.
I drove down to Bristol the day before, since the thought of driving for four hours first thing in the morning was enough to give me hives. As it was, I had to pull over twice for a catnap, the second time after I nearly slid under a lorry, so frankly I was grateful to be there in one piece. Thanks to the miracle of satnavs, I made it to the Premier Inn easily and spent the night serving as proof positive of their Good Night Guarantee. :)
I can honestly say that, even though I knew precisely nobody, I felt welcome from the moment I arrived at the conference venue. I had been worried about what I would wear for some time – should I go daring, artistic, professional? Fortunately, the array of different outfits that surrounded me, ranging from corsets and stockings to T-shirts and jeans, meant that nobody had the chance to feel uncomfortable, and in a room full of erotic writers and bloggers it was clear from the start that everyone was completely comfortable in their own skin.
I joined Liz Simpson and Jennifer Denys for the first workshop, which was “Identity, Ethics and Sex Blogging”. Mina Lamieux, Molly Moore, Lori Smith and Zoe Margolis led us in a fascinating session on the implications of sex blogging both for the blogger and those they blog about, something that has often crossed my mind when writing for Erotic Diaries.
I then headed upstairs to “Taking Your Writing Beyond the Page”. Scarlet French led us through an unusual session on mindful eroticism and collaboration with sex practitioners, opening with five minutes of deep breathing which left me relaxed and ready to sink into my chair.
Next was “Convincing Queer”, where Aisling Weaver and Josephine Myles showed us how to write beyond our experience, something I’ve done several times (much to my husband’s chagrin when it came to writing threesomes). I wasn’t one of those blindfolded or tied up, but as I was sitting at the front I was quite glad Aisling didn’t pick me to demonstrate the flogger!
The afternoon Publishers’ Panel (Hazel Cushion, Maxim Jakubowski, Monique Roffey, Richard Eadie and Paul Andrews) was my last session, as unfortunately I had to drive another four hours back home. Topics discussed included the recent PayPal censorship debate, which fortunately hadn’t affected any of the publishers too badly, although Hazel Cushion of Xcite noted that a novel involving a threesome with twins had been pulled. Someone also asked what kinds of stories publishers wanted, and all were in agreement that good, well-written stories were always welcome, preferably with a new twist – although Hazel Cushion provided more specific requests: no stories involving a married couple pretending to be having an affair, and more Victorian spanking!
All in all it was a great day – apart from those already mentioned I got to meet Lady Cave, Lucy Felthouse and Victoria Blisse, and still managed to arrive home with time to mess around with the goody bag we were given and not collapse from exhaustion. Roll on Eroticon 2013!
February 25, 2012
Eroticon 2012!
Been a while as unfortunately I've been ill for the past month - however, now I'm feeling healthier I can get excited about going to Eroticon next week. Here's my meet and greet post for the event!
Name: Tanith Davenport
Blog: tanithdavenport.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/tanithdavenport
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tanithdavenport
Height: About 5 ft 6
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown and curly
Describe yourself in three words: Intriguing, intelligent and friendly.
What are you looking foward to at Eroticon?: Meeting fellow erotica writers. I've spoken to so many online and never met them face to face.
What’s on your Lovehoney wishlist?: Anything on their site that I don't have already.
What song would you add to the Eroticon playlist?: "Get Me Off" - Basement Jaxx
See who else is coming to Eroticon 2012 in the Meet & Greet link up
December 5, 2011
Guest Blog: The Bradford Sisters Trilogy
Take it away, Anna!
***
Passion ignites between Nicole Bradford and Max Paradis the second they lay eyes on each other. Nicole seems to be everything that Max is looking for in a woman. She’s sweet and loving and incredibly sexy. But looks can be deceiving. Hadn’t he learned that the hard way?
Nicole is crazy for Max. He is sensitive, caring, and his kisses are to die for. But when secrets from her past are revealed will she be found innocent, or is she guilty as charged?
Watch The Book! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZQCpU1fApE
Guilty As Charged is now available from Sugar and Spice Press: http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=123
Shattered Dreams - Bradford Sisters Trilogy #2
Natalie’s Story
Natalie and Reed seemed so happy when they got married just a few short months ago, but an unexpected pregnancy and a subsequent miscarriage throw their marriage into turmoil.
Natalie deals with the loss by burying herself in work. Reed is supportive but doesn’t understand why she is spending so much after-hours time with her handsome, sexy boss. And what about their dream of having a family? How can that happen when with each passing day Natalie becomes more distant?
Will Reed and Natalie find a way to work things out, or will all their dreams be shattered?
Watch The Book! http://youtu.be/wX5UBsI3k8w
Shattered Dreams is now available from Sugar and Spice Press: http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=149
Coming Soon
Shattered Illusions – Bradford Sisters Trilogy #3
Kate’s Story
Four years ago Kate Bradford met Raffaello D’Onofrio while attending a semester abroad. Rafe ran the family vineyard in the Lazio region of Italy but the thing that attracted her to him most, besides his ruggedly handsome good looks, fathomless deep blue eyes, and well-toned body, was his love of art. It was a passion they shared.
He had been the perfect man as far as she was concerned and in a few short months she fell deeply in love. She had thought that love was returned. Then she found Annalisa De Luca in his apartment wearing nothing but the shirt Rafe had been wearing the evening before. All her illusions were shattered. Distraught and wanting to escape the pain of Rafe’s betrayal, she returned to her home in Chicago, IL.
Now Rafe is back in her life and much to her chagrin, she is still attracted to him. How can just one look from those sexy blue eyes affect her so deeply and what is she going to do about it?
Rafe D’Onofrio has just agreed to allow the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art to display his unique art collection—a collection he has always kept private until now. This after learning the museum’s new assistant curator was none other than Kate Bradford. Once he had thought himself in love with her but after her abrupt departure from his life with no explanation he convinced himself it was just an illusion. So why, after all this time, can the mere mention of her name still send his pulse soaring? And what is he going to do about it?
Will Rafe and Kate shatter the illusions of the past and find love again? Or are they too much to overcome?
Thanks for stopping by and learning about the Bradford Sisters.
Please visit me at www.annajamesromance.com to learn more about me and my books or visit me at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-James-Author-of-Contemporary-Romance-Novels/129394040447020
Happy Reading,
Anna James
December 1, 2011
Review - LET ME IN by Lauren Hawkeye
Sitting at a table at a wedding reception with her husband, Imogen feels frumpy, fat and frustrated. She hasn’t had sex with her husband in a year and is beginning to despair. But when they overhear a conversation from a nearby couple who like to swap partners, the idea creates new hope for re-igniting the passion in their relationship. But will swinging save their marriage, or destroy it?
I found Imogen to be an engaging heroine, easy to relate to and deserving of sympathy. Her fears of being unattractive, longing to save her marriage and simultaneous desire for and nerves about swinging are well-written and ring true.
And then we get down to the sex. Never let it be said that Lauren Hawkeye doesn’t know how to write a hot sex scene – the action here burns off the page! But even in the midst of a partner-swapping scene the romance is paramount; we never forget the love between Imogen and her husband and want the restoration of their relationship.
Let Me In
By Lauren Hawkeye
Pub Date: December 2011
ISBN: 978-1-426-88553-2
Imogen hasn’t had sex with her husband, Ty, in over a year. She’s still as attracted to him as ever, but they’ve both been looking for something new to renew their desire for one another. Yet she never thought to find it at a friend’s wedding when another couple invites them to share their bed. Ty is obviously aroused by the idea and the thought of a ménage thrills Imogen to her core. Could this be the key to rekindling their passion…and can Imogen go through with it?
Book four of Lauren Hawkeye’s Erotic Me series.
Lauren Hawkeye is a writer, theatre enthusiast, knitting aficionado and animal lover who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.
She’s older than she looks—really—and younger than she feels—most of the time—and she loves to explore the journeys that take women through life in her stories.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Hawkeye/242742355752846
http://twitter.com/#!/Lauren_Hawkeye
Lauren is offering a tour wide giveaway.
A winner will be chosen in mid December after all tour stops have been completed.
The Prize Basket will contain a bag of Kicking Horse Coffee, Le Chocolatier chocolates, Rocky Mountain Soap Co. things, and several other goodies Lauren throws in.
This contest open to US and Canada Shipping.
One winner will be chosen.
Link to form
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dENwblByekxiVTY0MzZpTUJDRUVFYWc6MQ
November 4, 2011
I love the USA - hopefully...
November 2, 2011
Hosting LAUREN HAWKEYE: Erotic Me Part 3 - Lead Me On
***
Thanks for having me!
I thought I'd do a little character profile on Linda. She was my favorite heroine of the series to write, so I have more backstory on her than on the others. She was the most fun!
NAME: Linda Renee Wallace
AGE: 27
HAIR: curly, strawberry blonde
EYES: blue
FAVE COLOR: red
FAVE FOOD: mushroom ravioli
FAVE ADULT BEVERAGE: cosmopolitan
FAVE SONG: "Any Way You Want It" by Journey
DEEP DARK SECRET: She used to smoke pot in college.
UNKNOWN FACTS: She can wiggle her ears.
***
Lead Me On
By Lauren Hawkeye
Publish Date November 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-426-88550-1
Linda doesn’t know why she agreed to attend an old friend’s wedding, or the after party where she encounters her old flame, Eric. She’s as attracted to him now as she was in college…and even more aroused when she meets his captivating friend Nate.
Unlikely as it seems, Linda can’t deny the two sexy men are interested in her—and that she wants them both, too. She’s determined to follow the night through with them, wherever it may lead…
Book three of Lauren Hawkeye’s Erotic Me series.
Lauren Hawkeye is a writer, theatre enthusiast, knitting aficionado and animal lover who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.
She’s older than she looks—really—and younger than she feels—most of the time—and she loves to explore the journeys that take women through life in her stories.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Hawkeye/242742355752846
http://twitter.com/#!/Lauren_Hawkeye
I have a copy of "Lead Me On" to give away to one lucky commenter!
Lauren is also offering a tour wide giveaway.
A winner will be chosen in mid December after all tour stops have been completed.
The Prize Basket will contain a bag of Kicking Horse Coffee, Le Chocolatier chocolates, Rocky Mountain Soap Co. things, and several other goodies Lauren throws in.
This contest open to US and Canada Shipping.
One winner will be chosen.
To be eligible entrants must answer all 4 questions about the books.
Link to form
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEdyTFZwc3lNZl9nNVVFNVo4M2hXOVE6MQ
