L.C. Spoering's Blog, page 4

These days

On Friday, I had my boobs squished, and I’m pretty sure the nurse got to second base.

I do like a catchy hook.

Let’s backtrack, and start with this. I’m okay. I’d say perfect but, let’s be honest: there’s no such thing. I’m okay. I’m not ill, nor really all that bad off. I have a very boring condition that merits a shrug and a “maybe you should lay off the caffeine.”

And maybe YOU should lay the fuck off stupid advice, DOCTOR IF THAT IS YOUR REAL NAME.

A more intimate (though not necessarily long...

On the expense of writing

(This was originally a response on the relative cost of writing, on a forum. I reproduced it here for further discussion.)

Writing is my career and, so, like most careers, I spend about full-time plus thinking about it.

That sounds dramatic, I know, but it’s quite true. I contemplate plot and characters, motivations and dialogue, even when I’m not actively writing. I discuss issues with partners and peers. Hey, I’m talking about it right now!

Actual writing takes up less of my time. I’m a weirdl...

I less than three editing

When I was eleven years old, my mother and I were at the grocery store. We were waiting at the deli for our order, when my mother saw a sign on a nearby display. CHEESE’S, it read.

Faster than you can blink, my mother had dug a pen out of her purse and was crossing out the apostrophe.

My family is really into proper grammar.

When I was in college, my degree program insisted I take a variety of writing courses that I had very little interest in taking: technical and business writing, logic. I was...

For the last week, I harassed my followers

For the last week, I harassed my followers on Facebookand Twitterto vote for me in the BetterSex.Com Erotica Contest. The challenge was to write a short erotica piece based on the “top ten female fantasies.” Submissions were collected, and then a number were passed through to the public voting phase; next, judges will read the top-voted pieces and select winners from that group. Winners will be announced June 25th.

I’m having more success with this erotica gig than I am with straight fiction w...

You’ve got character (also, GIFs)

It may not be clear here, with my irregular and somewhat paranoid blogging habits, but I am rather outspoken about my beliefs and views. I’m the type of person who has to be restrained when I’m offended, and sometimes has no idea when it’s time to shut up.

On the flip side, I’m also a massive introvert, shy to the point of painful, and prefer my little corner than venturing out into the world all that much. Given that writing improves from experience, or at least knowledge,curiosity, I spend a...

Won’t someone think of the children?

I have two kids: they are nine and seven. I’ve been doing this parenting gig since I was in my early twenties, and I don’t know that I’ve always been good at it, but they seem to be turning out okay. Genetics played a big part – lucky kids have some really smart blood in the family – but, ultimately, I’m usually pretty clueless as to how they ended up the way they are. They’re both on the brilliant side, far smarter than I am, clever and curious and funny, kind and thoughtful.

I’ve always prac...

Playing (writing) dirty

So, I’m currently in a fun contest known as the “Smut Marathon.” In this contest, a group of writers (15 to start), is given a task once a month or so to write something smutty; at the end of the month, the pieces are put up, blind, and readers vote on the best. The writer with the fewest votes is kicked out, until, after all the rounds, the smuttiest smutter remains.

We’re in our first round, and, as it’s going, I’m doing well! I’m honestly surprised, given the calibre of writing I’m up again...

Wording it

I realize I’ve spent most of the month in mute. I apologize. I do not blog well (as mentioned) and I’m astonished by the speed with which this year is going by. Is it really nearly May?

I always have grand ideas for what I might say in a blog but, ultimately, I fall a bit short, either by not having enough to say about it, or too much, or prematurely blow my wad (name that reference!) talking to Laila or the husband about it.

And then last week happened. I’d like to say things that have meaning...

Interview with Laila Blake, author of By the Light of the Moon

Today is the release date of By the Light of the Moon, byLaila Blake, one of my very favorite writers. I’ve been given the coveted spot on her blog tour of this special date, and invite you to learn more about this excellent lady and her fantastic first novel—not your average romance!

Disclaimer: Laila is my best friend. I adore her in every way, and I was alongside her throughout the writing of By the Light of the Moon. Indeed, I receive the very best acknowledgement in the published edition!...

Writing when you don’t wanna.

I’ve spent about the last month ill in some fashion. Whatever got me in February had not released its hold when I came down with another illness last week. This one forced me to the doctor, where I wasn’t diagnosed with anything in particular, but treated for a sinus infection and possible bronchitis, put on antibiotics and cough medication.

I spent a great deal of last week in bed, moaning. There was a small amount of writing completed, but, mostly: prone and bitching. I did watch a lot of Th...