Cara Dee's Blog, page 4

Keep your fanfiction to yourself.

“You might want to keep your fanfiction writing to yourself. It’s sort of a curse word, you know? You don’t want to be labeled as a fanfiction writer.”

This is a message I received today. Friendly advice from someone who also wrote to tell me she loved Northland, my last novel.

Hey. Lady. First of all, mind ya neck. What I do in my spare time is none of your business. I’m stoked that you loved Northland, but you know where it all started for me? Fanfiction. Without it, there would be no Northland.

Second of all, telling an author she should keep her fanfiction to herself is like telling a chef not to advertise the fact that she cooks at home. Because the thing is, fanfiction is a hobby. We’re all entitled to those. And just because a chef makes mac and cheese at home doesn’t mean she’s gonna charge for it in a restaurant. Same applies to me; I might take a few more liberties in my fanfiction, but that doesn’t mean I’ll do the same in original fiction. I know there’s a difference between the two.

One is a part of a fandom. One is an industry.

I take my work seriously because I love it. It’s my dream job, and I’m lucky enough to be able to live off of it. It doesn’t matter if it’s research or editing or character development or marketing or formatting or sentence structure, everything I’ve learned started with fanfiction and the people I’ve gotten to know in my fandom.

My writing has changed a lot over the years, but no matter how hard you work, if you erase the beginning, you still end up with nothing.

I know there are writers who start with fanfiction and move over to original fiction way before they’re ready, hence the bad rep fanfiction has earned. But to assume we’re all like that is insulting.

If I were ashamed of writing fanfiction, it’d be like saying fuck you to every single reader who’ve encouraged me to publish in the first place. If it weren’t for them, I don’t even know what I’d be doing today.

I write what I want to read, and I will continue to do so, whether it’s original fiction or mac and cheese.

New Topic. I Chased Away The Plot Bunnies.

I usually hide out in my fort, but I’ve made an effort lately to learn more about my industry. It’s overwhelming when you first start because there’s so much. Blog tours, takeovers, giveaways, author posts, interviews, spotlight tours, bling (what?), swag…and it’s all spread out across multiple platforms. Goodreads is a jungle, I barely even knew Amazon had a community, Facebook is a catwalk (work it, honey, work it), blogs are radio networks you tune in to now and then, Twitter is a timeline of links that take you all over the interwebz, and Pinterest is Pinterest.

Everyone else does it though, so I’ll try harder and keep my envy to myself when others make it look so easy. (If there’s a magic pill, please contact me. I’m serious.) But anyway, it was when reading author interviews I noticed something.

“The characters in my head just won’t shut up.”

I’ve seen countless authors write something along those lines, and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a party up there. *taps noggin’.* But then I saw someone write, “Once a story comes to me, I have to write it,” I came to a screeching halt.

I’m familiar with plot bunnies. They are vicious little bastards, and they can’t form a tidy line and wait their turn. I’ve been attacked by many, but as I saw more and more authors speak about stories they just had to write, I started thinking I should stop using “plot bunny.” Because plots don’t come to me. Sad face.

I racked my brain and thought back on all my novels…

Instead of saying I’ve been attacked by a plot bunny, I should just say “new topic.” Because I’m a friggin’ student, which is ironic; school was never for me. But it’s still true, I get subjects or topics rather than plots.

(I could go with sub plot bunny, since I want my locations to play a part, but my mind goes to BDSM, so that’s out.)

I read a book where a character had been kidnapped. Happily ever after began as soon as the hostage was released, and no. It couldn’t be, so I found the topic of kidnapping and started my research. Aftermath was the result, and I presented it as a paper to my teachers, AKA readers.

I saw a documentary about Alaska. My husband couldn’t reach me properly for two months because I was busy learning everything I could about this new subject. Then I wrote two novels that took place in Alaska because I wanted my teachers to see everything I had learned.

It was only supposed to be a short story for this anthology I’d had my eyes on…but I had so much to show everybody!

“You want two hot guys fucking each other’s brains out and falling in love? Sure, but let me show you this magical place in the north, too.”

Then you get the reviews. Even better? If you end up with a bestseller.

A good review means I passed the subject! I can finally move on to something new, which might explain why I tend to struggle with sequels. If I’ve already written about one thing, I want something new. Usually. Remember Outcome? Boy, was that struggle real.

My next subject will be Autism. If you’ve read my stories, you know I sometimes sprinkle some Autism in there. Cam in Aftermath has Asperger’s, Flynn in Public Display of Everything is on the spectrum too, but I haven’t seen many books where the female character is autistic. Being autistic myself, I better freaking pass that test, and I hope you’ll like my Aspie girl.

Class is in session, or, as Sherlock would say…

~Cara.

Speaking of blogs, I need a spreadsheet, Wright?

I know, I know, I have a spankin’ new website now and don’t need a blog anymore, but I want a second playground. I’ve been thinking about what to do with this page for a while now. It’s a work in progress, so I left it vague in the banner. But anyway, spreadsheets, be my friends. Pwease?

I’d finally decided to pimp the page a bit, and I thought, hey, I could use some quotes from my books in the background. So I started scanning my novels and found a few I wanted. Then it was Public Display of Everything’s turn, and I freeze at the sight of Flynn Wright.

Wright.

Friggin’ names. Wright happens to be the last name of another character of mine. You’ll meet him in Breaking Free, which I’m releasing in June. It means there’s still time to change his name, but you spend four hundred pages with a man and then try to change his name. I can’t do it!

Naturally, I turned to my person. Lisa.

I know that now. I’ll spend one of these days writing down all the names I’ve used. Can’t wait!

In the meantime, we have a problem Wright this moment, but trust my editor to fix it.

There you go.

Cause and effect, peeps. If I hadn’t decided to use this WordPress, I wouldn’t have gone through my books in search for quotes, and Cory and Flynn from Public Display of Everything wouldn’t be doing a cameo in With Brave Wings, Breaking Free’s sequel.

And now that I’ve pressed publish on this post, I can’t act like I’d thought of this all along.

Oops.

 

New website + contest!

I will close this blog within a couple weeks, so bookmark the new site or sign up for my newsletter!

Note: if you already have my web address favorited, you might end up on this blog, so make sure you type in caradeewrites.com into the browser before you click enter. That will take you to the new site. :)

So this is most likely my last message here; I might post once more to announce the closing of it. In just a week, when I send out the first newsletter, I have one cover reveal, two release updates, and more contests for you. Don’t miss it! ;)

Please spread the word; you can always use the buttons below to drop links on Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks.

Thank you,

Cara

Outcome is now available + winners announced!

Outcome available for preorder + giveaway

Outcome is finally available for preorder on Amazon! :) You can find it right here, and if you choose to preorder, it will be auto-delivered to you on October 7.

Don’t have a Kindle? That’s okay! If you read e-books, you can download the Kindle app for free on Amazon to most tablets, phones, and computers.

Don’t forget that you can follow me on Amazon, too. By subscribing here, you’ll get an email every time I publish something new.

Last but not least!

xoxo,

Cara

Outcome, sequel to Aftermath – Release date and giveaway

Hi! .

It’s been a year since I published Aftermath. At f*cking last, Outcome is finished and on its way to my editor and beta readers. Which means I finally have a release date!

It will be available on Amazon October 7th. Additionally, I’m working on making it available on Smashwords as well, and in print. Same with Aftermath.

Come back to this blog in a week or so, and I’ll have a pre-order option ready for you. And in the meantime, check out the blurb, the teasers, and join the giveaway :)

Three years ago, Chase Gallardo ran toward freedom with his fellow survivors after having spent five months in captivity. He hasn’t stopped running since. Only now, it’s the memories he’s constantly trying to escape. Haunting echoes of a man who forced Chase to play the part of another, the kidnapper’s younger brother. Chase may have survived, but that doesn’t mean he’s really living. Until one day, when his employee tells him there’s a man sitting at the bar, wearing only underwear.

Remy Stahl has given up—almost. For a year, alcohol, drugs, and faces without names have kept him company. But he has two friends who refuse to give up on him, and they lock him up in his house in an attempt to save him from himself. Though, never underestimate an addict’s desire to see the bottom of another bottle. Remy escapes, and he doesn’t give a rat’s ass that he’s nearly naked.

This is the sequel to Aftermath, where Cam and Austin met, struggled, and fell in love. Outcome takes us back to Bakersfield with Chase and Remy’s story. Fueled by anger, guilt, and shame, they’re not off to an easy start. But it’s only a matter of time before they learn how much they need each other in order to move on.

This story contains some violence, drug use, and scenes of an explicit, erotic nature between two men and is intended for adults, 18+. Characters portrayed are 18 or older.

oOo

Excerpt 1

“You can’t do this.” Remy hissed. “Any of it—barge into my life and turn it upside down. Fuck.” He kicked at a kitchen chair and tightened the towel around his hips. “I can’t have you changing things, and that’s what you’re fucking doing.”

Chase swallowed hard and rose from the bed. “Changing things?” He had to force his fists to unclench, but it was no use trying to relax completely. His mind was swimming with images of Remy, and they weren’t dissipating.

“Don’t get any closer, asshole,” Remy spat out over his shoulder.

But like a man possessed, Chase continued. “What’s changing?” As he reached the middle of the floor in the cabin, Remy turned and glared at him.

“I am.” Remy went on to speak through clenched teeth, taking a step back for every step Chase took forward. “With you…being here, being all—” He cursed and waved a hand at Chase. “It makes me…it makes me…” His back hit the door, to which he shot Chase another withering look. “It makes me want things, goddammit. It makes me hopeful—Stop moving!”

Chase stopped.

Could this be it?

Could Remy be ready to accept help?

“What do you want?” Chase asked, his voice like gravel.

Remy let out a humorless laugh, hollow and pained, then ripped the door open and walked outside into the pouring rain.

Chase stared after him, an invisible band stretching farther and farther with every foot of distance Remy put between them. He felt the phantom pain as Remy paced in a circle, muttering to himself—too quiet for Chase to hear—pinching the bridge of his nose, then scrubbing his hands down his face…some cursing, more pacing.

Ignoring his boots, Chase stepped outside and hoped they were near a breakthrough. He’d finished running a while ago, and now it was Remy’s turn.

“What do you hope for?” Chase blinked against the downpour, raindrops trickling down his face and torso.

Remy groaned, and he was the picture of defeat. Shoulders sagging, face buried in his hands. “Don’t start.”

Start? Chase walked closer and shook his head. “We started this weeks ago.”

“Then end it!” Remy exploded. Fury radiated off of him, but it was thin. Breakable. He was holding on to it for all he was worth. “I’m done!”

“Bullshit!” Chase shouted. Remy’s anger was evidently contagious, and it caught on quick. “I’m right fucking here, Remy!” He threw out his arms. “You think I’m blind? Huh? You think I can’t see right through you?” Seething, Chase wiped at the raindrops rolling down his forehead and walked closer. “You don’t want this any more than I do, and you can’t even lie about it anymore.” Only a couple feet separated them as Chase leveled Remy with a furious stare. “Tell me. Tell me right now you don’t wanna get better.”

Remy opened his mouth, fire in his gaze, but he had nothing.

oOo

Excerpt 2 (You didn’t think I’d write this book without Cam and Austin, did ya?)

Austin had a towel around his neck, his clothes clinging to his still-damp body, and he was pretty sure he had a few suds from his bodywash behind his ear. One swipe with the towel said yep.

“He didn’t show up at the garage earlier, either.” There was a frown in Cam’s voice as Austin got closer to the hallway. “And he’s working right now?” It sounded like he was repeating something someone else had told him, whoever was at the door, probably. “As far as I know, he’s supposed to be here in a little bit.”

“The way he’s been acting, I doubt he remembers,” a woman answered.

Her voice was vaguely familiar, and when Austin finally rounded the corner, he saw it was Donna, the young girl who worked for Chase.

Donna ducked her head, a faint blush spreading over her cheeks as Austin came up behind Cam. At the same time, Cam turned to Austin.

There was that frown. “I forgot to tell you. Chase didn’t show up at the garage today.”

Austin’s brows knitted together. He’d heard something about Chase having an appointment with Landon, who worked with motorcycles, while Cam’s specialty was vintage cars. But Austin didn’t understand what that had to do with Donna being here. Had something happened?

“Is something wrong?” Austin faced Donna.

“I’m not sure, Mr. Huntley.” She wouldn’t look him in the eye, and the formality made Austin feel ancient. The brief moment he’d spoken to her at Chase’s bar’s opening, she’d only flushed scarlet when he told her to call him Austin. “Chase has been acting very…strange.” Donna wrung her hands awkwardly. “Um, he’s spacing out—like, when I say his name, he doesn’t react. I haven’t seen him eat anything in a while, either. And yesterday, I asked if I could borrow his phone in his office, and he just waved me along.” At Austin’s raised eyebrow, she rushed to explain. “He usually doesn’t let anyone into his office. It’s a thing. He’s very private about it.”

“All right,” Austin said slowly. He didn’t quite know what to say, because if Austin and Cam were low-key people who valued their privacy, Chase Gallardo was Fort Knox. Austin was certainly worried, though. They considered Chase a friend, but he was one they had to take baby steps with.

Well, Cam demanded to get to the bottom of things only when it concerned his immediate family. He was fine with things as they were, but Austin had often wondered about Chase’s well-being. The man was constantly on guard, as if he were waiting for someone to jump out of the bushes and attack.

Given their shared past, it was a valid fear.

Austin also doubted Chase was still in therapy. Cam and Austin didn’t go often, but they made an appointment with Gale every now and then. Just to be safe. It provided some stability and comfort.

“You’re gonna go.” Cam smirked wryly at him. Austin’s own amusement was tinged with sheepishness. He knows me too well. “It’s cool,” Cam chuckled. “Go do your good deed for the day. I’ll entertain my brother until you return. And—” He cut off there, his gaze catching something outside.

When Austin peered out the door, he saw Riley coming closer on her bicycle, Nacho peeking up from her little basket in the front. Automatically, Austin checked his watch, only to realize he hadn’t put it on after his shower.

Cam did it instead. “She’s fifteen minutes late.” He huffed, then faced the inside of the house, or more correctly, the patio. “Bourbon!” That dog was always in the backyard.

Austin grinned at the plan he knew Cam had. Bourbon had eaten something he shouldn’t have, and whatever it was, it had caused diarrhea. Austin would bet his life that Riley’s punishment for being late entailed taking Bourbon for a walk. But that was the deal. Riley was absolutely awful at keeping track of time; it had gotten to the point where she was late to school and missed classes after recess. Cam and Austin had been called to her school twice about the issue, so they were strict about that now.

Donna stepped aside slightly as Riley reached the driveway.

Austin and Cam folded their arms across their chests.

“Before you get mad—!” Riley exclaimed, jogging over with Nacho in her arms. “Dad. Dad.” She gave Donna a quick glance. “Stranger.” Then back to Austin and Cam. “I have a really good excuse.”

“And I wanna hear all about it,” Cam drawled as he snatched up Bourbon’s leash. “Later.”

Riley’s face fell. “Oh, no,” she whispered. “Does he still have the runs?”

Cam grinned. “Oh yes, sweetheart.”

Austin chuckled and pocketed his wallet from the hallway table. The sun still blazed, so he grabbed his Ray-Bans, too. He put on his shoes next and hung the towel among the jackets. “I’ll be home soon.”

oOo

Want a chance to win a copy of Outcome? (Kindle, PDF, or E-pub.)

To join the giveaway, all you have to do is go on Twitter or Facebook and drop a link to this post, along with this blog post’s title. Make sure to tag me so I can add your name :) Then, a couple days before the book is available, I’ll have my editor randomly pick five names who I’ll get in touch with :)

If we’re not friends on Facebook, you can send me a link to your post using the contact sheet on this blog under “About Cara.” You’ll also find the link to my Facebook there, as well as my Twitter. (@CaraDeeWrites.)

Until next weekend!

Cara

Public Display of Everything – Free for a limited time!

In case you missed my tweet this morning, Public Display of Everything is free on Amazon (right here!) at the moment. So if you haven’t gotten a copy, make sure you snatch one up within the next 36 hours or so :)

~Cara

Public Display of Everything on Amazon!

If you missed my tweet and FB post yesterday, here’s a blog post with all the info :) Public Display of Everything went live on Amazon yesterday, and you can find it right HERE.

Genre: M/M, erotica/romance (explicit.)

Summary:

“Is there a voyeur inside you? Or are you the one who would like an audience in the bedroom?”

Cory can’t keep a job. Flynn has a job he can no longer hide behind. A simple proposition in an effort to solve both of their problems leads two young men to confront the heartbreaks of their pasts in order to make a future together.

What starts as an innocent bit of voyeurism turns into a public display of…everything.

You know you like to watch.

Word count: approx. 47 000.

Edited by: Lisa A. Hollett.

XOXO,

Cara

“Cory, I’d give you a thousand pounds.”

The next teaser from Public Display of Everything :)

oOo

“Cory, I’d give you a thousand pounds.”

Ah, man.

Planting my elbows on the table, I rest my forehead in my palms and tug at my hair. Down on the floor, I see my fucking duffel bag, reminding me just how badly I need the money. It’s fucked-up how scruples vanish when there’s money involved.

“Give me some details of what would happen,” I mutter. “The wheres and whens, I mean.” Against my better judgment, I’m not running for the hills. “How all this works.”

Jacking my dick where people can see me, even though I wouldn’t show my face, isn’t exactly appealing.

Would Flynn watch?

That thought causes a flare of heat to spark up inside me.

oOo

3 days to go! :)