Davee Jones's Blog, page 47
September 22, 2012
Upcoming Contest and ...Manscaping....huh?
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers and happy first day of fall 2012!
Today in The Locker we are gonna talk about something rather personal. But, first a word from our sponsors. The first weekend of October, the 5th through the 7th, my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing will host a Where in the World are SCP Authors blog hop contest. Lots of prizes and fun for YOU. So, please make sure to come back for details on how to win.
Now, (cue mood lighting and cheesy 70's elevator/porn movie music) let's get personal on the couch with a candid discussion of...hair-to remove or not to remove. For men the term is "manscaping". Ladies, I know we've endured razor burn, ingrown hair, and the dreaded "grow-in" itch for years. I bought more Lanacaine during my quest to stay smooth than I care to admit. Raise your hand and give me a nod if you get my perspective. I felt like investing in sandpaper to get some heavy duty scratching relief.
Guys, you gym rat, muscle bound types may have had baby smooth skin for years and probably required a heckuva lot more shaving cream than us females. But, now, manscaping has become an interest to the everyday average mountain man:
(Even though this mountain man is a pretty good looking guy, don't you think? I think he was going for the burly, thoughtful pose here.)
But, facial hair is just the tip of the follicle-berg.
We are going a bit further south for our discussion.
How about a little history? What is the purpose of body hair, specifically pubic hair? According to:
What Is the Function of Pubic Hair? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5633029_function-pubic-hair_.html#ixzz27Dem81GX
"No one knows for certain the purpose of pubic hair. Some say that we have pubic hair for physical attraction. However, doctors say it's probably there to help catch and spread the scents a person's body gives off---called pheromones and glandular secretions---which are powerful aphrodisiacs. These scents are one thing people pick up on when they become attracted to someone else."
When I read or write romance, I generally enjoy the thought of lover's skin and their adoring scent. However, not once have I read OR written, "hey baby, love the smell of your bush, it's drawing me in! I need a big ole nose full" immediately followed by "Achoo!" (man those pubes tickled my nose)
Or how about using pubic hair as a token of affection? Wikipedia states- "Among the upper class in 19th century Victorian Britain, pubic hair from one's lover was frequently collected as a souvenir. The curls were, for instance, worn like cockades in men's hats as potency talismans, or exchanged among lovers as tokens of affection.[14] The museum of St. Andrews University in Scotland has in its collection a snuff box full of pubic hair of one of King George IV's mistresses, possibly Elizabeth Conyngham, which the notoriously licentious monarch donated to the Fife sex club, The Beggar's Benison."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pubic_hair
Whoa....not sure the short and curlys would make a chic modern day accessory scream -"This is how much I love you baby! I'm wearing your pubes!" I bet it would keep potential interlopers at bay...hmm, kind of like peeing on your mate to stake your claim.
It all comes down to personal choice, I suppose. It takes all types in this great big world spinning around. In that moment of blazing passion, some want a big face full (or would that be mouth full?) of body hair. (Let me nibble your chest carpet), while some want nothing between their lips and lover's skin.
When exploring the nether regions of one's lover up close and personal, the choice to smooth or not to smooth becomes a couples' intimate decision. Do you like your testicles smooth as a golf ball or with spindly hairs like a freshly picked coconut?
And, the age old question, "Does the carpet match the drapes?"
Only one way to find out...
Rawr Fathomers, hope you have a spicy Saturday!
Today in The Locker we are gonna talk about something rather personal. But, first a word from our sponsors. The first weekend of October, the 5th through the 7th, my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing will host a Where in the World are SCP Authors blog hop contest. Lots of prizes and fun for YOU. So, please make sure to come back for details on how to win.
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Now, (cue mood lighting and cheesy 70's elevator/porn movie music) let's get personal on the couch with a candid discussion of...hair-to remove or not to remove. For men the term is "manscaping". Ladies, I know we've endured razor burn, ingrown hair, and the dreaded "grow-in" itch for years. I bought more Lanacaine during my quest to stay smooth than I care to admit. Raise your hand and give me a nod if you get my perspective. I felt like investing in sandpaper to get some heavy duty scratching relief.
Guys, you gym rat, muscle bound types may have had baby smooth skin for years and probably required a heckuva lot more shaving cream than us females. But, now, manscaping has become an interest to the everyday average mountain man:
(Even though this mountain man is a pretty good looking guy, don't you think? I think he was going for the burly, thoughtful pose here.)
But, facial hair is just the tip of the follicle-berg.
We are going a bit further south for our discussion.
How about a little history? What is the purpose of body hair, specifically pubic hair? According to:
What Is the Function of Pubic Hair? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5633029_function-pubic-hair_.html#ixzz27Dem81GX
"No one knows for certain the purpose of pubic hair. Some say that we have pubic hair for physical attraction. However, doctors say it's probably there to help catch and spread the scents a person's body gives off---called pheromones and glandular secretions---which are powerful aphrodisiacs. These scents are one thing people pick up on when they become attracted to someone else."
When I read or write romance, I generally enjoy the thought of lover's skin and their adoring scent. However, not once have I read OR written, "hey baby, love the smell of your bush, it's drawing me in! I need a big ole nose full" immediately followed by "Achoo!" (man those pubes tickled my nose)
Or how about using pubic hair as a token of affection? Wikipedia states- "Among the upper class in 19th century Victorian Britain, pubic hair from one's lover was frequently collected as a souvenir. The curls were, for instance, worn like cockades in men's hats as potency talismans, or exchanged among lovers as tokens of affection.[14] The museum of St. Andrews University in Scotland has in its collection a snuff box full of pubic hair of one of King George IV's mistresses, possibly Elizabeth Conyngham, which the notoriously licentious monarch donated to the Fife sex club, The Beggar's Benison."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pubic_hair
Whoa....not sure the short and curlys would make a chic modern day accessory scream -"This is how much I love you baby! I'm wearing your pubes!" I bet it would keep potential interlopers at bay...hmm, kind of like peeing on your mate to stake your claim.
It all comes down to personal choice, I suppose. It takes all types in this great big world spinning around. In that moment of blazing passion, some want a big face full (or would that be mouth full?) of body hair. (Let me nibble your chest carpet), while some want nothing between their lips and lover's skin.
When exploring the nether regions of one's lover up close and personal, the choice to smooth or not to smooth becomes a couples' intimate decision. Do you like your testicles smooth as a golf ball or with spindly hairs like a freshly picked coconut?
And, the age old question, "Does the carpet match the drapes?"
Only one way to find out...
Rawr Fathomers, hope you have a spicy Saturday!
September 17, 2012
Deserving a Toast....Black Diamond Hearts-Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you to my current winter Olympic flavored romance, Black Diamond Hearts are the Most Difficult. For our journey, I present the picture prompt "champagne".
"He wondered if it was all about the thought of a juicy cheeseburger, or if her long blonde locks had anything to do with it.
“Cheeseburger? Are you high?” Laurel teased Matthew with a ridiculous assumption.
“What do you mean, Miss Health Nut, you having a baked potato, broiled chicken, and salad-again?”
Laurel socked Matthew in the shoulder with a padded gloved fist. “I’m not that bad, old man, but, I am in training after all.” She used one ski pole to snap down on the back of her bindings as she clicked her ski boots out of their tight hold. She moved quickly, having perfected the act hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Matthew pushed forward a short distance before he began to unclick his own bindings. He feigned hurt feelings as he worked. He then hoisted his skis onto his shoulder and began walking toward the parking lot calling out behind him as she tried to catch up. “You are only a few years younger, little girl, and I always train. In fact, I plan to work on my double fisted beer mug clutch as soon as we get back to town.” Matthew raised an eyebrow as Laurel caught up to him.
“Ugh, you are such a guy. Cheeseburgers and beer? Might as well throw in some hot wings and French fries and represent all the junk food groups.” Laurel laughed at her own joke.
“We could just begin the celebration of your future Olympic successes early with some nice champagne.” Matthew nodded self-assuredly, almost knowingly. “I know you have it in you.”
“Let’s not jinx anything, coach. You can stick with beer and keep dreaming for me.”
Lately, I dream, but, literally for you- not just what you’re going to accomplish-you as the beautiful woman you’ve grown into."
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on "champagne"!
"He wondered if it was all about the thought of a juicy cheeseburger, or if her long blonde locks had anything to do with it.
“Cheeseburger? Are you high?” Laurel teased Matthew with a ridiculous assumption.
“What do you mean, Miss Health Nut, you having a baked potato, broiled chicken, and salad-again?”
Laurel socked Matthew in the shoulder with a padded gloved fist. “I’m not that bad, old man, but, I am in training after all.” She used one ski pole to snap down on the back of her bindings as she clicked her ski boots out of their tight hold. She moved quickly, having perfected the act hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Matthew pushed forward a short distance before he began to unclick his own bindings. He feigned hurt feelings as he worked. He then hoisted his skis onto his shoulder and began walking toward the parking lot calling out behind him as she tried to catch up. “You are only a few years younger, little girl, and I always train. In fact, I plan to work on my double fisted beer mug clutch as soon as we get back to town.” Matthew raised an eyebrow as Laurel caught up to him.
“Ugh, you are such a guy. Cheeseburgers and beer? Might as well throw in some hot wings and French fries and represent all the junk food groups.” Laurel laughed at her own joke.
“We could just begin the celebration of your future Olympic successes early with some nice champagne.” Matthew nodded self-assuredly, almost knowingly. “I know you have it in you.”
“Let’s not jinx anything, coach. You can stick with beer and keep dreaming for me.”
Lately, I dream, but, literally for you- not just what you’re going to accomplish-you as the beautiful woman you’ve grown into."
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on "champagne"!
September 10, 2012
Demise on Top of a Mountain...Blue Ink-Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I return to my current demonic, paranormal thriller, Blue Ink: The Skin Stalker for our journey to the top...I present- "mountain".
"The Skin Stalker reached his destination, Echo Mountain. He willed his evil connection to the underworld to transport him and his sacrifice, Hannah, to the top. He held her loosely in his arms, as if her virtue burned his vile leathery skin. Her head hung gracelessly backward toward the ground. The wind rushed through her long hair, blowing it around her face and across her delicate features- now relaxed in the throes of death.
The end of mortal Hannah happened on the top of Echo Mountain. The Skin Stalker roared viciously as Hannah took a final breath and released it noiselessly. Yet, in death, she smiled, confusing the demon monster known as Skin Stalker. Her body no longer a heavy weight, it felt light and almost angelic in his grasp. The sweetness of her innocence worked like osmosis from her soul and leaked through her pores. The Skin Stalker quickly dropped Hannah as the substance acted as holy water and weakened his hold. He did not take adequate time to get to know her and did not realize the depth of her convictions. More importantly, he failed to comprehend the strength of her faith in God. He yelped in pain when lightning bolts suddenly zapped his head. In her death, she brought forth the power of the Holy Spirit- it filled the mountaintop with glory and love. The surge knocked The Skin Stalker to the bottom of the mountain with one fell swoop. God lifted her lifeless body high into the air above the mountains with a magnificent lightshow beaming around her. As she straightened vertically, her eyes opened, and she looked blissfully upward toward her final destination. The Skin Stalker would not have his souvenir-Hannah- to present to Joelle. The equipment bag readied for her would remain empty. The Skin Stalker’s rage and despair at losing his prize engulfed him. God took Hannah home, away from The Skin Stalker’s menacing grip. Then, she was gone. Looking toward the craggy heights of the mountain, The Skin Stalker once again screamed in rage at losing his possession. He knew she was gone, this battle won by the heavenly Creator. As he had scrambled to improvise his plan, he left her car in the location at the base of Echo Mountain. "Now, what to do?” His anger boiled, cracking his vocal cords."
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their trip to the "mountain".
"The Skin Stalker reached his destination, Echo Mountain. He willed his evil connection to the underworld to transport him and his sacrifice, Hannah, to the top. He held her loosely in his arms, as if her virtue burned his vile leathery skin. Her head hung gracelessly backward toward the ground. The wind rushed through her long hair, blowing it around her face and across her delicate features- now relaxed in the throes of death.
The end of mortal Hannah happened on the top of Echo Mountain. The Skin Stalker roared viciously as Hannah took a final breath and released it noiselessly. Yet, in death, she smiled, confusing the demon monster known as Skin Stalker. Her body no longer a heavy weight, it felt light and almost angelic in his grasp. The sweetness of her innocence worked like osmosis from her soul and leaked through her pores. The Skin Stalker quickly dropped Hannah as the substance acted as holy water and weakened his hold. He did not take adequate time to get to know her and did not realize the depth of her convictions. More importantly, he failed to comprehend the strength of her faith in God. He yelped in pain when lightning bolts suddenly zapped his head. In her death, she brought forth the power of the Holy Spirit- it filled the mountaintop with glory and love. The surge knocked The Skin Stalker to the bottom of the mountain with one fell swoop. God lifted her lifeless body high into the air above the mountains with a magnificent lightshow beaming around her. As she straightened vertically, her eyes opened, and she looked blissfully upward toward her final destination. The Skin Stalker would not have his souvenir-Hannah- to present to Joelle. The equipment bag readied for her would remain empty. The Skin Stalker’s rage and despair at losing his prize engulfed him. God took Hannah home, away from The Skin Stalker’s menacing grip. Then, she was gone. Looking toward the craggy heights of the mountain, The Skin Stalker once again screamed in rage at losing his possession. He knew she was gone, this battle won by the heavenly Creator. As he had scrambled to improvise his plan, he left her car in the location at the base of Echo Mountain. "Now, what to do?” His anger boiled, cracking his vocal cords."Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their trip to the "mountain".
Demise on top of a Mountain...Blue Ink-Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I return to my current demonic, paranormal thriller, Blue Ink: The Skin Stalker for our journey to the top...I present- "mountain".
"The Skin Stalker reached his destination, Echo Mountain. He willed his evil connection to the underworld to transport him and his sacrifice, Hannah, to the top. He held her loosely in his arms, as if her virtue burned his vile leathery skin. Her head hung gracelessly backward toward the ground. The wind rushed through her long hair, blowing it around her face and across her delicate features- now relaxed in the throes of death.
The end of mortal Hannah happened on the top of Echo Mountain. The Skin Stalker roared viciously as Hannah took a final breath and released it noiselessly. Yet, in death, she smiled, confusing the demon monster known as Skin Stalker. Her body no longer a heavy weight, it felt light and almost angelic in his grasp. The sweetness of her innocence worked like osmosis from her soul and leaked through her pores. The Skin Stalker quickly dropped Hannah as the substance acted as holy water and weakened his hold. He did not take adequate time to get to know her and did not realize the depth of her convictions. More importantly, he failed to comprehend the strength of her faith in God. He yelped in pain when lightning bolts suddenly zapped his head. In her death, she brought forth the power of the Holy Spirit- it filled the mountaintop with glory and love. The surge knocked The Skin Stalker to the bottom of the mountain with one fell swoop. God lifted her lifeless body high into the air above the mountains with a magnificent lightshow beaming around her. As she straightened vertically, her eyes opened, and she looked blissfully upward toward her final destination. The Skin Stalker would not have his souvenir-Hannah- to present to Joelle. The equipment bag readied for her would remain empty. The Skin Stalker’s rage and despair at losing his prize engulfed him. God took Hannah home, away from The Skin Stalker’s menacing grip. Then, she was gone. Looking toward the craggy heights of the mountain, The Skin Stalker once again screamed in rage at losing his possession. He knew she was gone, this battle won by the heavenly Creator. As he had scrambled to improvise his plan, he left her car in the location at the base of Echo Mountain. "Now, what to do?” His anger boiled, cracking his vocal cords."
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their trip to the "mountain".
"The Skin Stalker reached his destination, Echo Mountain. He willed his evil connection to the underworld to transport him and his sacrifice, Hannah, to the top. He held her loosely in his arms, as if her virtue burned his vile leathery skin. Her head hung gracelessly backward toward the ground. The wind rushed through her long hair, blowing it around her face and across her delicate features- now relaxed in the throes of death.
The end of mortal Hannah happened on the top of Echo Mountain. The Skin Stalker roared viciously as Hannah took a final breath and released it noiselessly. Yet, in death, she smiled, confusing the demon monster known as Skin Stalker. Her body no longer a heavy weight, it felt light and almost angelic in his grasp. The sweetness of her innocence worked like osmosis from her soul and leaked through her pores. The Skin Stalker quickly dropped Hannah as the substance acted as holy water and weakened his hold. He did not take adequate time to get to know her and did not realize the depth of her convictions. More importantly, he failed to comprehend the strength of her faith in God. He yelped in pain when lightning bolts suddenly zapped his head. In her death, she brought forth the power of the Holy Spirit- it filled the mountaintop with glory and love. The surge knocked The Skin Stalker to the bottom of the mountain with one fell swoop. God lifted her lifeless body high into the air above the mountains with a magnificent lightshow beaming around her. As she straightened vertically, her eyes opened, and she looked blissfully upward toward her final destination. The Skin Stalker would not have his souvenir-Hannah- to present to Joelle. The equipment bag readied for her would remain empty. The Skin Stalker’s rage and despair at losing his prize engulfed him. God took Hannah home, away from The Skin Stalker’s menacing grip. Then, she was gone. Looking toward the craggy heights of the mountain, The Skin Stalker once again screamed in rage at losing his possession. He knew she was gone, this battle won by the heavenly Creator. As he had scrambled to improvise his plan, he left her car in the location at the base of Echo Mountain. "Now, what to do?” His anger boiled, cracking his vocal cords."Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their trip to the "mountain".
September 3, 2012
Have You Ever Been White with Fear....Blue Ink-Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I return to my current demonic, paranormal thriller, Blue Ink: The Skin Stalker for my take on the benign word, "white". Is our heroine white with fear? Or has she conquered this particular demon....let's see- "The closer Joelle came to knowing the truth- The Skin Stalker became agitated and impulsive. He felt her growing knowledge sawing into his abdomen and cutting into his carefully laid plans. Joelle released her fear gradually- the more she prayed and read her scripture. Through careful soul-searching, she knew she could defeat whatever came for her. She felt the pull of grace guiding her through her research and diligence. This was not her doing, she simply provided the physical vessel Christ chose to move through. For the first time in days, she smiled sincerely and felt warmth encompass her. Previously in her life, Colin provided the humanly comforts that quenched the body’s primal desires. The more Joelle received from Colin, the further she backed away from God. It was a dilemma balancing both her spirituality with her humanity, and, for a time, she chose the secular-only path. The devil offered such decadent morsels, it was difficult for her to turn them down. Not realizing she could have literally the best of both worlds, she chose to pursue one over the other, rather than congruently. Therefore, the more firmly entrenched in her relationship with Colin, Joelle’s relationship with God became virtually non-existent. Joelle debated the plight of humanity in her mind. She concluded that people lived their lives away from faith because it was easier. Not just “easier” as in wanting to do something that feels good-easier in staving away the relentless evil mental attacks. She knew from personal experience, the torment Satan inflicts upon humanity in a ferocious attempt to claim souls is unmatched by anything people could imagine. The tortured mind convinces the self that they are crazy. In an effort to rid themselves of the incessant voices, taunting, and nightmarish images, they turn away from faith and wave a white flag of defeat.
It was in this state of deep pontification Suzette found Joelle awakened, full of zeal, and ready to talk. “How much coffee have you had?”
“I left you at least one cup in the pot.” Joelle teased Suzette, who in return blew a raspberry her direction. “We are both punch drunk from everything and went straight past terror into lunacy.” Suzette continued toward the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee. “What has you so full of energy today?”
What does have Joelle so full of energy....hmm?
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their interpretation of "white".
It was in this state of deep pontification Suzette found Joelle awakened, full of zeal, and ready to talk. “How much coffee have you had?” “I left you at least one cup in the pot.” Joelle teased Suzette, who in return blew a raspberry her direction. “We are both punch drunk from everything and went straight past terror into lunacy.” Suzette continued toward the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee. “What has you so full of energy today?”
What does have Joelle so full of energy....hmm?
Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their interpretation of "white".
August 31, 2012
FREE! Yes, I said FREE --click me!
it's the 5star reviewed http://romancing-the-book.com/2012/06/review-on-ellicott-street-by-davee-jones.html On Ellicott Street for free THIS WEEKEND ONLY! Please download and see what you think about Cassie and Eli! http://www.amazon.com/On-Ellicott-Street-ebook/dp/B00768TDH0
Please check it out, I would really appreciate the support, You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Please check it out, I would really appreciate the support, You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
August 27, 2012
Don't Go Burning Bridges...Blue Ink - Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I return to my current demonic, paranormal thriller, Blue Ink: The Skin Stalker for my take on the versatile word, "bridge". Did Colin forever burn his bridge with Joelle? Let's see, shall we...
(view from atop the St Louis Arch of a Mississippi River Bridge)"Colin breathed a huge sigh of relief before replying, “Oh, Joelle, thank goodness you answered the phone.” Colin’s voice carried an unusual ring of panic that she had never heard before.Joelle’s heart stopped for a moment. She had not heard his voice in so long- she sat quietly, digesting the words to say. She appreciated the chair she sat in to keep her knees from buckling. “Colin?” Joelle finally managed. “Yes, it’s me,” Colin replied softly. “This really is not a good time,” Joelle flatly stated with profound emphasis. Colin knew he had some reparations to make on the bridge between himself and Joelle. However, he knew valuable time ticked off the clock the longer he kept his knowledge from her. “Look, Joelle, I’m very sorry about how I left, and I have many more things to say to you, but, right now, you might be in danger.” Colin just let the words fly from his mouth, hoping she believed him. Joelle instantly believed Colin. She knew all the feelings she had recently- the signs that life pointed to her, the women, the stupid blue dots, all of it- now pointed squarely toward her. Her blood went cold. By this time, Suzette found Joelle in the break room. She signaled to Joelle, wanting to know who was on the phone. The pale complexion of Joelle’s face told Suzette it was no one good. “Keep talking, Colin,” Joelle ordered. “I know about the women in Colorado, it’s all over the news." She paused, waiting for the courage to question him. "Did you do it?” Colin immediately became defensive, quickly denying her accusation. “No, no, no, Joelle, it was not me, I swear!” Colin’s voice pled with her over the line to believe him. Suzette approached Joelle, her hands animated and flying in the air wondering what in the world was going on. Joelle looked evenly at Suzette and put a finger to her mouth to shush Suzette’s tirade."Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their interpretation of "bridge".
August 20, 2012
A Little Black Book....from Blue Ink for Tuesday Tales
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I return to my current demonic, paranormal thriller, Blue Ink: The Skin Stalker for my take on the simple word, "book". Have you ever wondered if a Little Black Book lifestyle may not really be fulfilling? Let's see if Colin receives any epiphanies.
"He powered up the laptop and clicked on the most accessible news link. He scanned the headlines for any indication of missing women or murders. Both topics too heavy for a random Thursday night, but something in his gut required him to make sure Sascha had not made the news that day.After he eased his troubled mind of Sascha’s safety, his thoughts turned again to his lifestyle. He wondered why he felt pangs of guilt lately. He lived the dream. He paid his taxes. He tipped accordingly. He gave to charity. Hell, he even adopted two angels last year for the Salvation Army. He gave his money; however, Colin could not think of one instance where he gave his time or feelings unselfishly.God crept back toward the forefront of his thoughts. What have you done for Me lately? It’s more than a pop song from the nineties, son. Colin looked rapidly around the room, wondering if the creamy, yet strong European stout on an empty stomach caused peculiar hallucinations. He could not determine where the voice came from- it certainly did not come from his laptop. I’m only enjoying the fruits of the flesh as is our gift from You. Colin responded completely from his thoughts. He looked toward the ceiling expecting it to cave in. If we aren’t supposed to indulge, why do we even have a sexual craving? Especially for more than one person! It’s flat cruel to deny me that right.It troubled Colin he now felt the need to justify his little black book lifestyle. As much as he attempted to shake the discomfort, it clung like stubborn emotional lint on his soul. He popped the top of the second stout, belligerence seeping into his mindset. Maybe two people bonded together created the most satisfying existence. He just never understood it. Most people did not, in this world of bigger, better, faster, and more. He fell asleep that Thursday just as discontent as he ever was."Now that you've read my thoughts for this weeks edition of TT. Please visit our main TT blog for more from other creative writers and their take on "book". Tuesday Tales
August 16, 2012
Free or Not To Free....That's a Million Dollar Question
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Today in The Locker we discuss the concept of the price set for books, and how the price may not exactly set a priority status on someone’s reading list. If you are an author or editor, you understand the plight of too many books, not enough time. It seems I rarely have time to enjoy reading for pleasure, but, found myself determined to make it happen. I needed a few books on the old smart phone library for those moments I could steal for reading.
(Most of the time, this is my book of choice:)
But, I digress...I'm good at that.Therefore, over the course of the past few months, I downloaded a few choices from Amazon simply because the author temporarily set the price as free for a promotional period, or set it at a .99 publicity price. Of the choices I downloaded, I admit, not many truly captured my interest- but, they were free, so why not?I recently realized that just because the author offered the book for free, it did not move that book up on my priority reading list. How many more other readers do the same thing? Authors offer books for free to promote their work and gain readers. BUT, if readers download the free book, yet never read it, what has the author gained?Okay, let me give a completely different example. A friend of mine worked as a real estate agent in Colorado. One of her listings included a nice home in a competitive price range. The house received no bites for at least a month. The agent suggested the tactic of increasing the price of the home, the owners agreed---it sold in a matter of days.Does that make sense? Not really to savvy consumers.Maybe it’s best to offer the book for .99? If a reader has a vested financial interest in the book, it might persuade them to not only read the book, but, move it up in the priority reading list. Am I totally off base here? I do not personally have any sales stats for my books set at promotional prices. However, the experiment intrigues me. I research most things before I just jump on in. I really want feedback on this topic, not just from authors, but, from readers. You guys remain the ones we want to please and provide entertainment for. Let’s play devil’s advocate, give me your slant of experience, help me understand the marketing gimmick behind the philosophy. Does it really work as well as we want it to?By the way, @ePrintedBooks is shaking things up on Twitter, give them a follow. They follow back and retweet- what’s greater marketing than word of mouth or internet? J Please also visit them at http://www.eprintedbooks.com/ or http://www.eprintedbooks.com/Store/ Until next time Fathomers….
(Most of the time, this is my book of choice:)
But, I digress...I'm good at that.Therefore, over the course of the past few months, I downloaded a few choices from Amazon simply because the author temporarily set the price as free for a promotional period, or set it at a .99 publicity price. Of the choices I downloaded, I admit, not many truly captured my interest- but, they were free, so why not?I recently realized that just because the author offered the book for free, it did not move that book up on my priority reading list. How many more other readers do the same thing? Authors offer books for free to promote their work and gain readers. BUT, if readers download the free book, yet never read it, what has the author gained?Okay, let me give a completely different example. A friend of mine worked as a real estate agent in Colorado. One of her listings included a nice home in a competitive price range. The house received no bites for at least a month. The agent suggested the tactic of increasing the price of the home, the owners agreed---it sold in a matter of days.Does that make sense? Not really to savvy consumers.Maybe it’s best to offer the book for .99? If a reader has a vested financial interest in the book, it might persuade them to not only read the book, but, move it up in the priority reading list. Am I totally off base here? I do not personally have any sales stats for my books set at promotional prices. However, the experiment intrigues me. I research most things before I just jump on in. I really want feedback on this topic, not just from authors, but, from readers. You guys remain the ones we want to please and provide entertainment for. Let’s play devil’s advocate, give me your slant of experience, help me understand the marketing gimmick behind the philosophy. Does it really work as well as we want it to?By the way, @ePrintedBooks is shaking things up on Twitter, give them a follow. They follow back and retweet- what’s greater marketing than word of mouth or internet? J Please also visit them at http://www.eprintedbooks.com/ or http://www.eprintedbooks.com/Store/ Until next time Fathomers….
August 13, 2012
It Puts Me Right Over the Moon...Tuesday Tales
Tuesday TalesWelcome Fellow Fathomers to this weeks' edition of Tuesday Tales. A group of writers getting together to share their WIP on a common theme. The picture theme for today is MOON...take a look at my contribution from my upcoming YA novel- Leather, Laces, and Camping by the Sea:
"Hi, I’m Helena. I turned twelve this year and will begin junior high in the fall. I’ve lived in the same town and attended the same school system for most of my academic career. I attend a church youth group, play softball, take pre-AP classes, and have a voracious appetite for learning about animals. Someday, I want to own my own zoo. Okay, well, maybe a zoologist or biologist or a large animal vet.
My mom, Elaine, moved us to Texas when she got a promotion with her job. I was at the very end of Kindergarten when I transferred schools. I enjoyed the last few weeks of my new school with field trips, games, and movie days and made friends quickly. I’ve always been outgoing and friendly, so meeting new people has always been an experience I relish. We moved into a cozy brick duplex with two bedrooms close to the lake and beautiful walking trails. It was just the two of us- my mom and dad divorced before I started school and my brothers had already graduated and moved out. Starting over was exciting for me and I looked forward to everything we would do together. ****It was sometime during second grade when things began to change for me and life became somewhat awkward. My vast vocabulary intimidated some of my classmates and they made fun of me when I used words they actually did not understand. Instead of asking me what I meant, they called me names like stupid and walked away from conversations. I shook it off and skipped on to something else. My closest friends included teachers and other adults, while schoolmates bonded strictly with each other. I never thought anything strange about my attachments to older or more mature people. It felt natural to have conversations with individuals I felt connected to, who understood and accepted me.I suppose now is the time for me to mention something that makes me uncomfortable to talk about, because arrogance never suited me. I have blonde hair and dark brown eyes. My mom sings Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” to me to make me smile. It puts me right over the moon when she does that, although I’d never admit it out loud to her. I’ve already developed the curves of a young woman, ahead of some of the other girls my age. Some adults say I’m beautiful, but, honestly, I don’t always see it. Especially after the scathing words of my peers ring through my ears.Let’s get this story started with how I think this whole “bullying” thing began."
Now that you've read something from my upcoming book, please venture over to our Tuesday Tales blog for more from other contributing authors-
Tuesday Tales Blogspot
