Alexx Andria's Blog, page 7

Argh!

A quick note to vent because I know we’re all friends here…

Lately, I’ve been hit with a few nasty grams about the length of my Billionaire Brothers series installments. First, while I appreciate constructive feedback, it seems particularly mean to poop all over a story simply because a reader didn’t appreciate the fact that the story is told in installments. The Billlionaire Brothers story will be finished at 6 installments. I would never leave a story thread stretching out indefinitely.

But here’s my true vent about the readers who are grumpy about the money spent versus the perceived value they received:

Each day I willfully spend at least $5 on a Starbucks beverage and I never think to complain about the fact that within 30 minutes my beverage will be finished and thus, my $5 gone forever. However, some people have found it offensive to spend $2.99 on intellectual content that took me weeks to produce and have reacted by dropping nasty 1-star or 2-star reviews on my work. Now, please don’t misunderstand, I’m not asking my fans to run out and scream in my defense. I’m just asking people to consider their actions before they react because authors are hurt by 1 and 2 star reviews as Amazon drops the affected titles’ visibility within the ranking and the lists.

Now, a word to my lovely fans…I LOVE your enthusiasm. Your interest keeps me fueled to jump into the next installment ASAP. Here’s an update: the next installment is currently on the back burner until next week when I’ve managed to finish my latest trad book on contract. Then, I’m going to jump into the BB series with a vengeance! Thank you for your sweet encouragement! I love you all!

Warmly,

Alexx

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 7,500 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 13 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Aaaand they’re back!

I am forever a slave to the whims of my readers…

I have republished the titles currently available in my omnibus because it has come to my attention not that some people enjoy having a short little read to savor while others enjoy a big ol’ hunk of burning love to gorge themselves on!

So, now everyone is happy!

For those who like bite-sized stories, you can purchase the individual stories and for those who want a lot of bang for their buck ($9.99) then you can get the omnibus of dirteh stories.

Carry on, dear readers. Carry on…

Alexx

A Q&A About My Writing Process

Even though I’m working feverishly on many projects — including the next installment of the Billioniare Brothers — I thought I’d take a moment to answer a few Q and A about my writing process for my fans. I believe it deepens the reading experience if you know a bit about the author and since I love to gab with fans, here goes!

1). Where do you get your ideas?

In a word: EVERYWHERE! My mind is constantly barraged with snippets of conversation, questions, and scenarios that may or may not be appropriate for a story idea but my muse doesn’t care about that and simply throws whatever she pleases at me, no matter if I’m busy doing other things and can’t spare the time to play. I love creating new worlds, new characters, and new stories. I sincerely love my job and so if I work an 18-hour day doing what I love, I don’t consider that a tragedy. Sometimes, I have to force myself to step away from the computer because life needs tending (kids, hubby, bills etc.).

2). The Billionaire Brothers is one of your best-selling series. Did you expect readers to love it as much as they do?

I didn’t know if readers were going to love them but I already knew that I loved them and couldn’t wait to write their story. Penny, Nolan, Vince and Dillon — all four have some growing to do! Even though there’s plenty of hot, raw sex, the stories are not just sex. The characters are invested in the story and I care about how they’re represented in the series. What I enjoy most about this story arc, is the shades of grey in each character. No one is innocent; no one is wholly guilty. I am fascinated by the complexity of people’s motivations and these characters are ripe with hidden wells of angst, regret, shame covered with a veneer of SEXY! (Who wouldn’t find that addicting to read about?)

3). There’s a rumor that you’re also a traditionally published romance author. Care to spill details?

I’ve been found out! Who talked?? No, just kidding. I don’t care who knows. Yes, I wear two hats and I love being able to satisfy both itches in completely different genres. In my other life, my 19th book is getting ready to hit the shelves in January. I was also a RITA award nominee, which was a huge thrill, even though I didn’t bring home the statue. Writing erotica has enabled me to run free with the heat level in my stories that I usually have to temper in my contemporary work and I’m having too much fun!

4). What does your writing schedule look like?

Chaos. Need I say more? Oh, you want more than that? Okay…well, I try to write in the afternoon or the late evening — basically, any time the kids are in school or in bed because it’s really difficult to concentrate when a little person is constantly badgering you with questions or their cute chatter. But since I also design ebook covers with a huge waiting list of clients, I have to be pretty efficient with my time or else I’d never get any sleep.

5). Can you give us some insight as to your next projects?

Well, after I finish the Billionaire Brothers, I should finish One Naughty Girl, and then I have a new series I’d like to start but I’m still trying to figure out the story arc and it’s about the dark and sinful world of high fashion models. The idea is somewhere in my head but I haven’t gotten very far as to who the main players are yet. But I have a gut feeling that it’s going to be a page turner! As soon as I know more, you’ll know, too!

6). You mentioned in your most recent newsletter that you were discontinuing certain types of stories (the really dirty stuff!) why did you make this decision? Doesn’t it sell?

That’s a great question and I’m happy to answer. I’ll be honest, it does sell but with the e-retailer’s decision to filter adult content to protect minors, it’s become very difficult to find on a basic search. But to be honest, although it was an adventure to write those types of stories, it’s just not where my passion lies and I’m excited about writing more stories with plenty of heat and lots of story. So far, my readers have responded with their hard-earned cash that they agree!

Thanks for listening! This was fun. If you’re not a newsletter subscriber, please consider signing up so you can stay abreast (ha!) of everything that’s happening, such as new releases, giveaways and other fun stuff.

Tootles,

Alexx

And now for a tease…

Because I’m, well, a tease! Just kidding. The newest installment of the Billionaire Brothers is FINISHED. I’m hoping to have it uploaded by TOMORROW. But until then, here is a sneak peek!

***

Dillon shed his robe, his glorious body causing her to heat with desire, and joined her in the bed. Penny realized there would never come a moment that she wouldn’t savor the sight of Dillon staring at her with open hunger. He didn’t see her plump body as something that needed fixing but rather as sexiness in its purest form. In Dillon’s eyes she felt like a goddess. “Why couldn’t I have met you first?” she whispered as Dillon’s mouth descended on hers. He saved them both by not answering because the answer didn’t matter.

Penny lost herself in the sensation of being Dillon’s girl. The fact that he didn’t want to share — that he wanted her all to himself — made Penny mad with need. Although the twins made her feel desired, at times, she also felt used, which always crashed the good feelings. But with Dillon, all she felt was wonderful goodness. When she was in his arms, the world — and all of its ugliness — disappeared.

Was this what love was supposed to feel like? She didn’t know but she wanted to think that love felt as wondrous as this.

Was it more naïve silliness on her part to even consider the possibility that she was falling head over heels in love with Dillon? Likely. But she didn’t care. It didn’t matter that she’d only known him a very short time. Everything about him felt right. Particularly when he made love to her.

Yes. Made love. She’d said it. Vince and Nolan liked to fuck. But Dillon made love to her, she was sure of it.

***

Stay tuned…

Keeping up with the Tech

You have to keep up with technology when you are a writer. Gone are the days where you can just hunt and peck away at your typewriter creating wonderful stories for people to enjoy you have to embrace social media you have to look for new ways to be efficient and one of those ways that I’ve discovered is Dragon speak.

I’m not the first to jump on the dictation bandwagon but I excited to start using it more extensively I think it’ll save my wrists which were really honestly starting to complain with lots of pain.

I’m not sure this is something I’ll use all the time but I think it’s a tool that I will enjoy having in my arsenal and in this day and age you really can’t afford to ignore new ways to be productive and efficient.

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of dictation as it’s a lot easier to just talk out loud like talking to a friend but until now dictation hasn’t really been something that is all that user-friendly and now with the advances in technology it’s far more intuitive and efficient.

One of my writing buddies Katie Cramer she is the one who really sold me on Dragon speak because she uses it extensively and she uses it for everything. Blog posts, emails, stories, all manner of business — and frankly I just realized that as I’ve gotten older I really need to baby my wrists in order to escape a carpal tunnel diagnosis.

So here I am dictating my first post and even now there are some bumps as I adjust to composing out loud rather than simply in my head and flowing through my fingers I’m excited about the possibilities of increasing my productivity and being more efficient with my time and embracing new ways to create.

Which, is perfect timing, because I am way behind on my deadline and I have a full novel due to my publisher by January and I am woefully behind. So I’m hoping that Dragon speak is going to help me meet my deadline so that I still have a job in the new year. How about you? Have you ever tried dictation software? If so, what did you think? So far I think it’s pretty awesome.

With that said, it’s time to stop goofing around and get to work.

Tootles,

Alexx

The Breeding Prophecy, Part 6

It’s done! Wow. What an epic journey for Cassandra and Tieran. All I can say is, this is probably the most romantic of all the installments, which feels appropriate because ultimately, it was a love story between two destined mates.

Am I a bit sad to see the end of this epic story? Yes, of course. I’ve grown to love these characters but I know a little secret that I will let you in on…it’s not exactly the end.

What?

I know, confusing.

The Awakening, is one of the few stories I plan to create a print version for those who would like to have the entire story in one shot. But the print version will have special excerpts that weren’t available in the e-versions, such as additional points-of-view and a special Author’s Note. I probably won’t have the print version done before Christmas as I have other commitments, but it’s definitely on the to-do list.

Until then, this is the end. And I do love how it turned out. Tieran and Cassandra had a lovely romance that was spiced up with intense heat and lusty interludes. I hope my readers feel the same. Please let me know what you think!

The newest installment will be available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance ebooks, and Kobo books by tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 12).

Happy reading!

Alexx

Ladies: Get Out There And Vote

Generally speaking, I am not one to push my political views onto anyone else as I feel political opinions, much like religious preference, are best kept to oneself if you want to keep friends. But as today is the day to place your vote, I think it’s important to send a small message out there to the ladies to go out there and make your voice heard. It wasn’t so long ago that women were DENIED the right to vote and as astounding as that may seem to those who’ve always enjoyed the right to vote, we are not so far from losing all the ground women have gained over the last 100 years. There are people out there who support the dark ages of women’s rights and would prefer to keep women pregnant and in the kitchen, slaves to men and deemed inferior.

Our vote is the equivalent of a resounding, “Hell no!” to all those who would dare to put their feet on us again. Women are complex creatures with the capacity to be tender and nurturing and in the same breath, fierce and strong. Don’t let anyone silence your voice. In deference to all the women who paid for your right to vote with their blood and tears, go make your mark. We owe it to our sisters, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and daughters. Change is possible but you cannot sit by the sidelines and expect others to do the work for you.

Okay, I promise that’s the one and only political post.

 

Happy voting, peeps.

 

Alexx

Finally live! Third Installment of the Buchanan Brothers…

Amazon is being ridiculous. For some reason, it’s not showing up on the search at Amazon and I’ve emailed customer support but it is available and ready for purchase at Barnes & Noble, All Romance ebooks, and Kobo.

If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you already got the heads up but I wanted to make sure no one missed out on the latest of this exciting and very hot series. Some readers have noted that the triangle is becoming quite complicated and this is true. As we go further into the 6-part series, it will only become messier as Penny is sucked deeper into the Buchanan world. Will she escape with her heart unscathed? I guess you’ll just have to wait and see…

In the meantime…happy reading!

 

Something to whet the appetite…

Because I’m a colossal tease, I have something for the fans of my Billionaire Brothers series…enjoy!

***

Penny jumped at the sound of Dillon’s voice at the sensitive shell of her ear and shivered as a secret thrill chased her consternation that Dillon, Vince and Nolan’s oldest brother, had somehow crashed this exclusive party.

“What are you doing here?” Penny asked, determined to keep things frosty between her and Dillon. She belonged to Vince and Nolan, the twin Buchanan brothers and there was bad blood between the twins and Dillon, so that meant she automatically owed her allegiance to the twins. “I thought this party was by invitation only?”

Dillon produced a slim, hand-written invitation in fussy calligraphy between his index and middle finger then with a flick tucked it back into the dark confines of his tailored suit. “Seems there are a few people who still enjoy my company. My brothers notwithstanding, of course.” He gave the room a cursory glance. “Speaking of, where are Frick and Frack tonight? Surely, they didn’t think to leave their little lamb in the company of wolves? Particularly when the wolves are hungry.”

Penny’s breath hitched at the bold way Dillon’s gaze skimmed her curves before returning to her astonished eyes. She struggled to catch her breath when her heart rate threatened to spike to an unacceptable level and tried to ignore the flutterings of arousal that always sparked to life whenever Dillon was within two feet of her.

“Are you feeling all right, dove?” Dillon asked solicitously, though his handsome mouth twitched with knowing. She glared and jerked a nod, swallowing and looking away to compose herself.

“My dress is tight,” she muttered. “And it’s hot in here.”

“Of course,” he acquiesced though in truth, she knew he was simply agreeing with her because he enjoyed toying with her. Dillon Buchanan was the worst sort of man — handsome enough to make a girl forget just how bad he was and just bad enough to make a girl think of terribly sexual things with a smoldering glance — and Penny had to check herself each time he poked his head into her life. Which, as of late, seemed like a lot.

“Stop it,” she said, shocking him with her terse demand. “I know what you’re doing and I’m not about to fall for it.”

“Oh?” One dark slash of an eyebrow lifted in mock surprise. “Do tell. What am I doing aside from providing you with a little friendly company in a room filled with strange faces? Perhaps I was mistaken in my assumption that you looked ready to pass out from sheer terror.”

“I did not look ready to pass out,” she said indignantly, but it was probably the fact that he was right that bothered her most. She had felt ready to crumple to the floor in a puddle of Vera Wang couture.

Penny swallowed and desperately searched for a familiar face, or more specifically, two intimately familiar faces before she tumbled into pure panic. Of course, they couldn’t arrive together. No one could know about their arrangement — technically, it was illegal to own another human being, even if that human being was a willing participant — so that meant Penny had been forced to arrive on her own to a party where she knew no one aside from Vince and Nolan Buchanan, her Masters.

“Tell me, Penny, what is it about me that makes you so jittery?”

Her nose twitched at the sharp tang of his cologne as well as the subtle but alluring scent of pure masculine skin and she had to scowl to prevent herself from leaning in for a deeper inhale. “Perhaps I just don’t like you,” Penny replied with a cool smile that belied the heat curling in her belly. There was something about Dillon that stole her breath and made her think of things best left alone. Guilt sharpened her tongue as she added with a lift of her chin, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to find Vince and Nolan. They’re probably looking for me as we speak.”

But as she took a step away, Dillon’s voice trailed at her back in a silky murmur that for all its soft delivery may as well have been shouted. “Or maybe, you like me too much…” he suggested and she shuddered, melting into the crowd of people as if the devil was on her heels.

***

Who’s excited?? (Me!)