Stevie MacFarlane's Blog, page 18

Monday Mayhem: The Rise And Fall Of The Prom Queen

Last week I hit a milestone in my career as a writer:  Amazon's list of  100 Most Popular Erotic Authors.  Now this week I've fallen off the charts, ranking this morning at #103, but it doesn't matter.  For a brief moment my name was on the same list with authors like Maya Banks, Anne Rice, E.L. James, Lora Leigh, Cherise Sinclair and so many others that I've admired. 

At the time I was completely shocked.  I didn't even know this list existed as it doesn't show up on your page unless you break that 100 mark.  I should have known it wasn't that big of a deal when I immediately emailed my publisher and she didn't respond, but at the time I was elated, almost giddy with the news.  Imagine, little old me (and I don't use the term 'old' lightly), Stevie MacFarlane, plugging away in my bathroom/office on a dead end road in the middle of nowhere, making a list like that.

Digesting this new information took a while.  As always, I tried to put it in perspective and the only thing I could relate it to was being voted Prom Queen.  Was I ever  Prom Queen in real life?  No way.  I had a few good friends, but popular, I was not.  The most important dance I went to was in Jr. High and the dress I wore was one my sister made in Home Economics.  It was beautiful though and she let me wear it before she did.  I even went and had my hair done at a fancy salon, but that was the highlight of my school years.

So making this list was a thrill for me.  I was popular!  I felt like Sally Field when she gave her famous "You like me, you really like me" speech.

I know it's fleeting, and like all Prom Queens I will be replaced, in fact I already have been, but I made up my mind to enjoy it while it lasted.  So here's to Prom Queens and authors, who have a brief shining moment.  Think of Camelot, and...
wear it.  Thanks for stopping by.
Stevie

The Last Match Is Live

The final book in my Sugar Babies, Inc. series, The Last Match, is live on Amazon and Blushing Books.  I'd like to give a special 'Thank you' to authors, Maggie Ryan,and Keriann McKenna, for making this book happen just the way I envisioned.  You ladies are the best!
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When Erica asked John Braden to accompany her to Vegas for a wedding, it seemed like a good idea.   John was mature, wealthy and harmless; at least she thought so until he pulled her over his knee.  Suddenly the mild mannered man from Texas didn’t seem so uncomplicated.   He started flooding her office with gifts after they returned from their trip and she was pretty sure she had his number.  If he wanted a little girl of his own, he was barking up the wrong tree.  As an administrative assistant for Sugar Babies, Inc. she was determined to find John the perfect match, and quickly. He was far too tempting to be ignored for long.

Susan Shaughnessy wasn’t really surprised when her engagement to Marcus McCarthy went horribly wrong.  After all, unless the ring on her finger had magic powers, something was bound to screw things up and the perfectly groomed, pasty-faced bitch standing in Marcus’ foyer was living proof.  A man couldn’t have two fiancées, especially if one of them was Susan, so she did what she did best, cut her losses and split, taking her shoes and her grandmother’s silver with her.  Letting her penchant for trouble and her Irish temper get the best of her may come back to bite her on the ass, providing Marcus can find her.


John thinks Erica could benefit from some little girl time, but Erica’s desire for him is all grown up.  Susan’s pride and temper override her common sense.  Can Marcus find her and set her straight?  If he does, she won’t exactly be sitting.

Saturday Spankings Blog Hop

It's release day for The Last Match, Book 4 in the Sugar Babies, Inc. series and I'm pretty excited.  It's also Saturday, so things are working out well for me.  I get to participate in a blog hop, and pimp my new book!  Does it get any better than that, lol?

As the title says, this is the last book in the Sugar Babies, Inc. Series.  That's not to say the characters will never be back, just that they won't be involved in running a matchmaking company.  Currently, I have no plans for another book, but Susan is pretty determined when she wants something, so who knows how long I'll be able to keep her quiet. 
I'm limited to only eight sentences for this, which is difficult for a long-winded woman such as myself, but here goes...

  Sam Barringer, owner and CEO of Sugar Babies, Inc.,calls his administrative assistant, Erica to his office for a personal discussion. Her unusually negative comments regarding a suitable match for a client baffles him.  John Braden, is a personal friend of Sam's, as well as a potential client and Erica has been supervising his case.   John also happens to be the man who escorted Erica to Vegas for Ty and Kelsey's McCarthy's wedding and ended up spanking her for inappropriate behavior.


“That’s not true,” she defended herself.  “I don’t care who he’s matched with as long as it works out and grows the company.”

“Oh really,” he drawled, picking up a stack of papers and walking around to the front of his desk.  Leaning his tall body against it, he began to review the forms as he recapped her comments, handing her each paper.  “Too young, too old, not a good match, he’s too dominant for her, she wants a daddy, she’s too short, they’ll look ridiculous together; he likes dark hair, she doesn’t want to be spanked or disciplined, she has children and he wants to travel, she wants to top, and my personal favorite, she’s a whiny wimp, he’ll hate that and her hair looks like straw.’  So what gives, Erica?   Why are you deliberately sabotaging John’s chances of finding the right match?  Did he do something to you in Vegas and you want some sort of payback?”

This book will be available on Blushing Books and Amazon today.  Thanks for stopping by and  have fun on the hop visiting the other authors.
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The Last Match, Sugar Babies, Inc. Book 4

I have a release date of 7/19/14 for book four in my Sugar Babies, Inc. series.
The Last Match will be the final book in the series. 

John thinks Erica could benefit from some little girl time, but Erica’s desire for him is all grown up.  Susan’s pride and temper override her common sense.  Can Marcus find her and set her straight?  If he does, she won’t exactly be sitting.

When Erica asked John Braden to accompany her to Vegas for a wedding, it seemed like a good idea.   John was mature, wealthy and harmless; at least she thought so until he pulled her over his knee.  Suddenly the mild mannered man from Texas didn’t seem so uncomplicated.   He started flooding her office with gifts after they returned from their trip and she was pretty sure she had his number.  If he wanted a little girl of his own, he was barking up the wrong tree.  As an administrative assistant for Sugar Babies, Inc. she was determined to find John the perfect match, and quickly. He was far too tempting to be ignored for long.

Susan Shaughnessy wasn’t really surprised when her engagement to Marcus McCarthy went horribly wrong.  After all, unless the ring on her finger had magic powers, something was bound to screw things up and the perfectly groomed, pasty-faced bitch standing in Marcus’ foyer was living proof.  A man couldn’t have two fiancées, especially if one of them was Susan, so she did what she did best, cut her losses and split, taking her shoes and her grandmother’s silver with her.  Letting her penchant for trouble and her Irish temper get the best of her may come back to bite her on the ass, providing Marcus can find her.

The last month had been a very trying an busy time for us here in the MacFarlane household.  I'll try to get a few snippets up here before the weekend.  Thanks for

Zippers

Seriously, who wouldn't look?   No woman I know.  As I look closer, I can see now that he doesn't even have a zipper, they're button fly.  Awe, oh well, he's still hot.

It's the last day of the A-Z Spanking Blog Challenge, so I'm sure you all will cut me some slack.  During the month of June, I've read amazing blogs, made some new friends and had a great time.  At first I was hesitant about signing up.  I'm not exactly tech savvy, but I figured it was a good way to become more proficient at blogging. It worked. I'm getting pretty good at posting pics and overriding my antivirus, that tells me EVERYTHING has a virus.

I want to thank everyone who visited, and left wonderful comments and apologize for my blog being so sparse and boring the last few days. My husband has not been well and I've been pretty distracted and incredibly busy taking care of him. Thanks to the folks at Spanking Romance Reviews for sponsoring this challenge.  I had fun and was glad to be included.

Yearning

 Every time I think of the word 'yearn', I can't help but recall  Splendor In The Grass.   If you've never seen the 1961 movie staring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty, you're missing something special.

"A fragile Kansas girl's unrequited and forbidden love for a handsome young man from the town's most powerful family drives her to heartbreak and madness."

These words don't even begin to describe the painful and heartbreaking yearning the young lovers in this movie have for one another.  It's one of those movies you never forget, and you will feel the emotions long after the credits roll. The ending, taken from William Wordsworth poem, is so moving, I cry every time I watch it.

Please stop my the other blogs on this A-Z Spanking Challenge.  It's almost over so take a few moments to show your support for these awesome writers.

X is for Xanthippe

The definition of Xanthippe is an ill-tempered, shrewish woman.  By all accounts the wife of Socrates was exactly that. 

In my books, that would have been dealt with quickly in a manner likely to discourage such a disrespectful attitude.
Sorry about the short, late post folks.  Bill had surgery yesterday and it's been a hellish few weeks. On the plus side, he's doing well and there are only two more letter left.  Hope I can do better tomorrow.  Please visit the other bloggers on the A-Z Spanking Blog Challenge:  http://spankingromance.com/the-june-spanking-a-z-challenge-spanka2z/

Weddings

I don't know what it is with me and weddings.  All of my books either have them, or plan them.  Seriously, it's not like mine was so great and in fact if I hadn't been so in love with the groom, I probably would have skipped the whole thing.

My dress cost a whopping $55.00, the veil was $27.00 and I borrowed the shoes, giant crystal platform shoes so I wouldn't look too ridiculous standing next to Bill, who had to wear his 'dress boots'.  Is there even such a thing?  The flowers Keriann and I got after hours on Friday night, dumpster diving at all the local florists, her idea by the way.   Keriann played her guitar and sang for the service, which was one of the nicer touches.

The Bridesmaids were my nieces, wearing used dresses remade from my other sisters wedding and they were butt ugly.  I would worry about saying that, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't read my blog.

Bill's suit cost more than my dress, $110.00 from Anderson Little and when he and his groomsmen went to pick it up the morning of the wedding, they stopped for a little bar hopping.  The wedding was an evening candlelight service at    8:00 p.m. and for some strange reason, Bill told them that I would cook a spaghetti dinner for them all if they just came to my house. NOT!  I was busy playing beauty parlor and it didn't take me long to toss their drunken asses out with stern orders to sober up.  By the end of the argument, Bill and I weren't even speaking.

I wasn't sure if he would show up at the church or not, but I trucked my pretty little ass there, just in case.  We had previously decided that instead of my walking up the aisle to him, we would walk up together and boy was I glad to see him waiting there for me when I came upstairs from the Brides Room.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" I asked, not bothering to conceal my attitude.
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't" he shot back, sticking out his arm for me to hold, and away we went.
I'm not sure I know of another bride and groom who weren't speaking when they got to the church, but we managed to say 'I do", and he really did kiss me, lol.

The reception was at the fire barn and we were supposed to go away for a night, but by the time it was over and we went home we were both so tired he carried me over the threshold, we ordered subs and watched a monster movie on TV.

I guess that's why I put so much thought into my fictional weddings.  I want my girls to have beautiful weddings to go with their love stories.
My Wedding
Have a great day and please visit some of the other blogs.
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V is for Vacillate

What a perfectly inadequate word to describe what goes on in my mind. Even now, as I write this, I am vacillating about what I want to say.  I feel as though I am talking to friends when I blog as I think most of the readers are other authors or fans, but...really, what if?  How intimate should I be, although the GTO and soaking post were pretty intimate, still,  I could get a whole lot more intimate if I choose to.  But should I, that's really the question and if I do, who will actually read it and think, wow, she's pretty perverted for an old babe who has been married for like 100 years...

I had this old boss, well he wasn't really old, just my old boss, the one I had last, before I retired.  I guess he was kinda old, if you're young you would think so.  Anyway, at first I thought he was an arrogant jerk.  Then as I got to know him better I thought he was sorta cool, sometimes, but still had his jerky moments.  As time went on I actually came to like the guy, mostly, when he wasn't pissing me off.  We had big, huge fights about stupid stuff, like ketchup.  It was a good day if I could make him put his hands in his hair (he didn't have much) and pull it as he yelled, "Why are you doing this to me?" 

See, I think the basic problem was he wasn't used to smart women. Not that the other women  who worked there were dumb, they weren't, but I don't think he knew how to argue with someone like me.  Someone who thinks everything over from every angle, vacillating until I make a decision, and is also quick on the draw, verbally.  He once told me I was about the best he'd every run across as far as making excuses.  I said, they aren't excuses, they are the rational for why I did, whatever.  I told him to spend five minutes in my head and he'd run screaming from the building.  I missed him when I retired.  It's kinda fun to argue with someone who can't slap my ass, lol.

Writing causes me to vacillate constantly.  Is this spank worthy? Should it be over the clothes?  On the panties? On the bare?  Does the severity constitute an implement or just the hand?  What should said implement be? Hairbrush, wooden spoon, ruler...?   Should she fight and kick or just accept her punishment?  Or maybe...she can talk her way out of it?  Naw, she'll think he's a wimp, or maybe not, maybe she'll respect him for admitting he almost made a mistake in spanking her for something that really wasn't her fault.  But was it her fault?  Holy crap, just shut up already! Wow, only four more days to go in the blog challenge!  Stop by and visit some of the other bloggers before it's too late.
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Unlikely Couples

We all know them, the couples that seem so mismatched it's almost funny.  "They'll never stay together," we whisper behind our hands.  "I give it six months, tops."
Yet years later we're toasting them at their 25th anniversary party.  Other couples, that seemed prefect for each other, fall out of love, often ending up divorced in battles so vicious they are unable to maintain any level of civility.
    I don't have the answers to why some couples make it and others crash and burn.  We all expect so much, blinded by sitcoms and happily ever after movies and books.  I get that; I don't want to read 'sad' either.  People have enough difficulty dealing with their own issues. I want my books to be an escape from reality, but on the other hand, I have to write what I know, what I believe to a certain extent. 
    In Book One of my Sugar Babies, Inc. Series, A Sweet and Sassy Match, there's a section where Sam is explaining his views regarding marriage and relationships to Johanna.  I absolutly agree with what he tells her about 'the givers' and 'the takers'. 
    People often say to me, 
'You and Bill are so lucky.  You have a great marriage." Excuse me, LUCKY? Luck has nothing to do with it!  Love, hard work, commitment,  putting someone's needs above you own, those are the qualities that make a marriage work.  Be a giver.  Here's another little thing I've learned along the way.
    People tend to be who you think they are.  I'm not a physiologist, but if you spend you life ragging on your man, you will end up with a man worth ragging on.  If you put that time into building him up, accentuating his good points, the good points will grow.  Let him hear you tell a friend what a wonderful, husband, father, lover he is, and he will want to be that man.  It sounds simplistic, but it's tough to be a prick to someone who thinks your the best thing since sliced bread.
    Okay, enough ranting from the old married lady.  Hope you enjoy this excerpt:

    “The answer to your question, Jo, is yes.  I did smack your ass.  You were late.”

      “I apologized for that,” Jo insisted indignantly.

      “Yes, and I accepted, but you need to know there are consequences in life, Jo.  There will always be consequences with me for tardiness or other unacceptable behavior.”

      To say Jo was flabbergasted would be an understatement.  After she collapsed back against her chair, her mouth dropped open and then snapped shut.  For several moments she digested his words as Sam calmly waited for her response.

      “Don’t you think that attitude is a little outdated, even old-fashioned maybe?” she asked when she finally found her voice.

      “Absolutely,” he agreed, without an ounce of uncertainty.  “I’m sure the feminists of this world would like nothing better than to string me up as a bad example.”

      “Then why would you…?”

      The waiter appeared to take their order, and for the next several minutes, Sam discussed with her what choices she would like.  After they decided, the waiter disappeared and the conversation continued.  Jo found herself listening intently, intrigued.  No matter how off base Sam appeared to be, she had to respect his confidence and determination.

      “I know who I am, Jo.  And I know what kind of woman I’m looking for.  I have no doubt that when I find her I will make her very happy.”

      Jo snorted.  “What woman would be happy to be controlled 24/7?  I can’t think of anyone I know who would want to be under some man’s thumb, with consequences for what he would consider misbehavior.”

      “You’re wrong, Jo,” Sam said, pausing while their salads were served, and grinning when Jo ordered another glass of wine.  “What you’re referring to would be the absolute other end of the spectrum.  That would be a master/slave relationship where every aspect of the woman’s life would be controlled and monitored.  I have no desire for that type of relationship.  I’m talking about something entirely different.”

      Jo speared a cherry tomato and considered.  “How would it be different, in what way?  You obviously want to be the one in charge, handing out smacks for infractions.  Maybe that would progress to actual beatings over time?”

      Sam’s eyes narrowed, pinning her in place.  “That would never happen, Jo.  I protect and cherish what is mine,” he growled.

      “Sorry,” she told him softly, a quiver of fear trembling in her tummy.  “I’m just trying to understand your position.”

      “I know it’s difficult to comprehend if you have no previous experience with it.  Think of it as a loving and benevolent father, putting his daughter’s well-being above all else.  Cherishing and protecting her, guiding her and yes, providing discipline when it is needed.”

      `”I’m afraid that would be a stretch for me, Sam,” Jo informed him with a bitter twist to her lips.  “My father was nothing like that.  The only thing he cared about was having a good time with an endless parade of women.  He finally deserted us when I was thirteen, and while he never physically abused me or my mother, he made it perfectly clear that we were an impediment to the life he wanted.  Cherishing, protecting and guiding, well that was not something he had time for,” she finished, unaware of just how much she had revealed. 
“What money he did make was for his personal enjoyment.”

      “Jo, I’m so sorry,” Sam whispered, reaching across the table and firmly taking her hand. 

      Jo laughed, not aware of how hollow it sounded.  “Don’t feel sorry for me, Sam.  My mother and I did all right.  Student loans and part time jobs put me through college, and I manage to take care of any of my mother’s expenses that she can’t afford.”

      “It must have been difficult for you, taking on so much responsibility at such a young age.  I take it your mother isn’t in good health?”

      “No, she’s not,” Jo answered, finishing her wine and looking around for the waiter.

      Their dinner arrived and they continued to talk while they ate.  Sam was charming, and Jo found herself relaxing and enjoying herself, despite the somewhat rocky start to their evening.  Jo tried to get more information out of him about his business, but Sam just smiled and told her, “Soon.”  Now what the hell did that mean?

      When their waiter came to clear away their plates, Jo asked for another glass of wine.  Sam looked at her in surprise and instructed the waiter to bring them coffee.

      “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?” Sam asked, choosing to ignore, for the moment, Jo’s mutinous expression as she picked up her purse and pulled out her wallet.

      “Yes, so?” she asked, pulling out a twenty dollar bill.  “I can buy my own wine, Sam, if it’s a problem.”

      “Buying you a glass of wine isn’t a problem, Jo.  The problem would be in sending you home drunk, and you’ve already had three glasses.  Now put your money away and stop trying to push my buttons.  Believe me, you won’t like the results.”

      “Push your buttons?” Jo gasped, the slight buzz she had making her voice louder than she intended.

      “Yes,” Sam insisted firmly just as the waiter appeared with the coffee.  Sam thanked him and slid Jo’s coffee closer to her.  “Now be a good girl and drink that.  Do you think I don’t know what you’re doing?  You’re curious Jo.  Wondering about that spank I gave you earlier?  Wondering if I truly mean everything I’ve told you tonight?  You’re thinking only a crazy woman would agree to the kind of dynamics I’ve described.  After all, what woman would want a man so totally devoted to her that he paid attention to every little detail of her life?  What woman would want a man who knew her so well that nothing slipped by him?  If she was upset or angry or hurt, he would know it and do everything humanly possible to help her. 
“A man who would care for her as if she were the most precious thing in his world, because she is.”

      Jo squirmed in her seat.  It was clear he meant exactly what he said.  Butterflies danced in her tummy as her heartbeat thumped at her temples.  Her panties were damp and it appalled her.  God, yes, she thought him attractive, but now doubly so.  She couldn’t imagine someone taking care of her for a change, and it was a heady thought and oh so tempting. She actually couldn’t remember the last time someone had asked her what they could do for her.  Had there ever been someone to hold her when she cried, or to reassure her when she was worried or weary?  Her hands trembled as she picked up the coffee cup and obeyed him.  Jo knew she’d had too much to drink, but hadn’t been able to stop herself from ordering another one.  This evening was nothing like she had expected, and she was truly rattled.  After several sips of the strong brew, she pulled herself together.

      “That’s quite a lovely picture you paint, Sam, especially for someone like me. But you already knew that, didn’t you?  I don’t know how, but you did,” Jo told him, tipping her head to one side and looking quizzically at him.  “The problem at the heart of such a relationship would be the loss of control, for me at least.  I don’t think I could just throw myself into your arms and say, here I am, take care of me.”

      “You’d be surprised at what a freeing experience that can be, Jo,” Sam said, looking into her deep blue eyes and trying not to notice how much darker the circles under them looked in only a short time.  “Yes, it would involve giving up some control.  I would expect a woman of mine to listen to me and trust that I always have her best interests at heart, especially when it comes to her health and safety.  But as I said before, I’m not looking for a slave.  There are two kinds of people in this world, Jo, the givers and the takers.  The best relationships are formed when you have two givers, both parties working together to build the best union possible.”

      “And you would be the giver of spankings?” she asked, leaning back in her chair and forcing her eyes to meet his squarely, despite her shaking hands.

  



Stop by and visit some of the other bloggers today.  You never know what interesting tidbits they're posting.
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