Eli Easton's Blog, page 30
August 26, 2013
My Favorite 5 scenes in “The Trouble with Tony”: on Kim Fielding’s blog
I’m guest blogging today on Kim Fielding’s blog. The topic is my favorite 5 scenes in “The Trouble with Tony”. Read it here:
http://kfieldingwrites.blogspot.com/2013/08/please-welcome-eli-easton.html
Thanks for hosting me, Kim!
August 23, 2013
30% OFF -- HURRY!
TONY:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
SUPERHERO:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
30% off sale on Dreamspinner!
Grab “The Trouble with Tony” or “Superhero” cheap — only for the next half hour:
TONY:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4081&cPath=820
SUPERHERO:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4081
August 22, 2013
Cover Reveal: Puzzle Me This
I’ve always loved Reese Dante covers so I was thrilled when Dreamspinner assigned her to do the cover for my novella “Puzzle Me This”. I love how it turned out. The image of Alex, in his wheelchair, following Luke and Trevor (the dog) on a path is perfect for the story. And notice how the crossword grid works into it — clever, right? ;-) And of course the smiling face (Alex) is just gorgeous.
Here’s the official blurb for this title:
Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone is watching who is completely smitten. The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper. When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister, and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
This novella will be published from Dreampsinner in the Sept/Oct 2013 timeframe. No firm date yet!
August 21, 2013
Desktop: "The Trouble With Tony"
It's release day for "The Trouble With Tony!"
Whenever I write a story, I like to google images for inspiration. Sometimes they’re for mood, sometimes they’re characters (major and minor), sometimes they're locations, and sometimes they’re things like a building or a shop or a car that I just like to have a visual reference for. I thought it would be fun to share these with readers.
** Note: I own none of these images – they’re from google. These images were not used in the book, but if you have a problem with my having an image on this website, please email me and I’ll remove it.
So without further ado, here’s my “Trouble with Tony” desktop:
TONY DEMARCO
Tony is an Italian-American private detective from Brooklyn now living in Seattle (in part to elude his big, Italian-American family who don't know he's gay). He was a cop for six years but decided to to go it alone as a P.I. after being shot in the leg. He’s very funny.
I had several images on my desktop to inspire me to write Tony’s character. Here’s my favorite:
I googled this long ago and didn't save the name. If anyone knows who this is leave a comment! I believe it's from a sports team photo.
DR. JACK HALLORAN
Our other MC, Dr. Jack Halloran, was a combat surgeon in the US Army for 8 years until an I.E.D. damaged his left arm, making it impossible for him to do surgery. His PTSD made even working in an ER impossible. He’s now a sex therapist for Expanded Horizons. He’s not a big guy, but he’s a serious bad ass.
I searched for a 'blonde doctor' image to inspire me and I like the attitude on his face. This one made it onto the cover!
Stock photo
MICHAEL LAMONT
Oh, Michael! I’m currently working on Sex in Seattle #3, which is Michael’s story, but he makes his first appearance in “The Trouble With Tony”. I love this character! Michael is a sex surrogate and also does in home nursing care part time. He’s slightly built, very cute, and extremely compassionate/empathetic. In my head, Michael is physically based on the L.A. based model, Isaiah Garnica.
Isaiah Garnica
SETTING: SEATTLE’S CAPITOL HILL
The story is set in Seattle, mostly in and around Capitol Hill, a gay district in Seattle that’s up on a hill (hence the oh-so-brilliant name). My husband and I had a house on Capitol Hill for 15 years and I love the neighborhood! I greatly miss it. Here are a few scenes of this funky/cool area.
EXPANDED HORIZONS
Expanded Horizons is the name of a (entirely fictional) sex clinic on Capitol Hill around which the series revolves. I pictured it on Pike Street between Broadway and 15th, which is an area I walked often. It’s not a very big building. The clinic has a waiting room with receptionist area, three therapists offices, a staff kitchen and meeting room and a, ahem, massage room. This is about the style/size of the building.
DISCOVERY PARK
I’m an avid hiker, so I worked a few of my favorite places to hike into the story. Tony meets up with his police detective buddy, Mark, to discuss the case at Discovery Park, a Seattle park that I miss dearly now that I’m no longer in the area. It has a beach, lighthouse, woods and trails on a bluff, and gorgeous views.
The trail along the top of the bluff.
The wilder bits
MT RAINIER’S SKYLINE TRAIL
One of my favorite hiking trails of all time is the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier. It's quite high in elevation. You can hike right up to the glacier and the views are spectacular. Being above the treeline, the flowers and vegetation are really different from most NW forests. Tony and Jack discuss the Skyline trail earlier in the book and then the epilogue takes place there.
Image by Smigelski Photography : http://www.smigelskiphotography.com/2...
That's it for this desktop! I hope the pictures add to your enjoyment of the story.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Sex in Seattle #2, "The Enlightenment of Daniel," has been written and contracted to Dreamspinner and is due out in the Dec/Jan timeframe. This story is about a patient of Jack Halloran's. Daniel is a high-powered Type A business man who has a midlife crisis when he learns his father is dying of cancer. Daniel comes to several life-altering realizations --first, that he's gay and secondly, that he's in love with his male business partner who is in a marriage-in-name-only relationship for the sake of his kids.
Sex in Seattle #3, "The Mating of Michael" (working title), is my next writing project. Tentative pub date is April 2014. This is, of course, the story of Michael Lamont, sex surrogate for Expanded Horizons. I'm very excited to bite into this one!
Eli
Desktop: “The Trouble With Tony”
It’s release day for “The Trouble With Tony!”
Whenever I write a story, I like to google images for inspiration. Sometimes they’re for mood, sometimes they’re characters (major and minor), sometimes they’re locations, and sometimes they’re things like a building or a shop or a car that I just like to have a visual reference for. I thought it would be fun to share these with readers.
** Note: I own none of these images – they’re from google. These images were not used in the book, but if you have a problem with my having an image on this website, please email me and I’ll remove it.
So without further ado, here’s my “Trouble with Tony” desktop:
TONY DEMARCO
Tony is an Italian-American private detective from Brooklyn now living in Seattle (in part to elude his big, Italian-American family who don’t know he’s gay). He was a cop for six years but decided to to go it alone as a P.I. after being shot in the leg. He’s very funny.
I had several images on my desktop to inspire me to write Tony’s character. Here’s my favorite:
I googled this long ago and didn’t save the name. If anyone knows who this is leave a comment! I believe it’s from a sports team photo.
DR. JACK HALLORAN
Our other MC, Dr. Jack Halloran, was a combat surgeon in the US Army for 8 years until an I.E.D. damaged his left arm, making it impossible for him to do surgery. His PTSD made even working in an ER impossible. He’s now a sex therapist for Expanded Horizons. He’s not a big guy, but he’s a serious bad ass.
I searched for a ‘blonde doctor’ image to inspire me and I like the attitude on his face. This one made it onto the cover!
Stock image
MICHAEL LAMONT
Oh, Michael! I’m currently working on Sex in Seattle #3, which is Michael’s story, but he makes his first appearance in “The Trouble With Tony”. I love this character! Michael is a sex surrogate and also does in home nursing care part time. He’s slightly built, very cute, and extremely compassionate/empathetic. In my head, Michael is physically based on Isaiah Garnica.
Isaiah Garnica (LA based model/actor)
SETTING: SEATTLE’S CAPITOL HILL
The story is set in Seattle, mostly in and around Capitol Hill, a gay district in Seattle that’s up on a hill (hence the oh-so-brilliant name). My husband and I had a house on Capitol Hill for 15 years and I love the neighborhood! I greatly miss it. Here are a few scenes of this funky/cool area.
EXPANDED HORIZONS
Expanded Horizons is the name of a (entirely fictional) sex clinic on Capitol Hill around which the series revolves. I pictured it on Pike Street between Broadway and 15th, which is an area I walked often. It’s not a very big building. The clinic has a waiting room with receptionist area, three therapists offices, a staff kitchen and meeting room and a, ahem, massage room. This is about the style/size of the building.
DISCOVERY PARK
I’m an avid hiker, so I worked a few of my favorite places to hike into the story. Tony meets up with his police detective buddy, Mark, to discuss the case at Discovery Park, a Seattle park that I miss dearly now that I’m no longer in the area. It has a beach, lighthouse, woods and trails on a bluff, and gorgeous views.
The trail along the top of the bluff.
One of my own photos taken whilst hiking with a friend
MT RAINIER’S SKYLINE TRAIL
One of my favorite hiking trails of all time is the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier. It’s quite high in elevation. You can hike right up to the glacier and the views are spectacular. Being above the treeline, the flowers and vegetation are really different from most NW forests. Tony and Jack discuss the Skyline trail earlier in the book and then the epilogue takes place there.
Image by Smigelski Photography : http://www.smigelskiphotography.com/2011/10/mount-rainier/
That’s it for this desktop! I hope the pictures add to your enjoyment of the story.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Sex in Seattle #2, ”The Enlightenment of Daniel,” has been written and contracted to Dreamspinner and is due out in the Dec/Jan timeframe. This story is about a patient of Jack Halloran’s. Daniel is a high-powered Type A business man who has a midlife crisis when he learns his father is dying of cancer. Daniel comes to several life-altering realizations –first, that he’s gay and secondly, that he’s in love with his male business partner who is in a marriage-in-name-only relationship for the sake of his kids.
Sex in Seattle #3, “The Mating of Michael” (working title), is my next writing project. Tentative pub date is April 2014. This is, of course, the story of Michael Lamont, sex surrogate for Expanded Horizons. I’m very excited to bite into this one!
Eli
August 18, 2013
“A Prairie Dog’s Love Song” to appear in Dreamspinner’s advent calendar!
My Christmas novella “A Prairie Dog’s Love Song” has been selected to appear in this year’s Dreamspinner advent calendar! I’m thrilled. I’m a huge Dreamspinner fan, and I’ve gotten their advent calendar for the past 3 years so it’s a milestone for me to have a story in it.
“Prairie Dog” will be one of the longest stories in the advent at 21K words.
Here’s the temporary blurb:
Joshua always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s a diehard cowboy, just like Joshua. But Joshua waited too long and was too deeply in the closet for Ben to have any idea of his intentions. Ben runs away from their small Montana town to be a gay-for-pay porn star in Vegas. When Joshua finds out he’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home. But Ben may not be as easy to tame as the Joshua’s ‘lost cause’ horses.
Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and Rodeo competitions from the time he could walk. When he got the chance to be a star—in gay porn—he took it. He loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy. But when news of his alternate identity leaks out he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Besides, Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, would it?
It will take a lot of love and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even an old prairie dog can learn a few new tricks.
And some more inspirational photos…
Visual inspiration for Ben:
Holiday mood-setting photo:
Small Montana town (inspiration for Clyde’s Corner)
I’ll put up a page and post an excerpt as this draws closer to publication!
Eli
August 13, 2013
Countdown to “Tony” — Second excerpt and Giveaway!
SECOND WEEK -- ENTER TO WIN!
My m/m romance novella “The Trouble With Tony” releases on Aug 21! It’s a light-hearted contemporary romance in which a Seattle private eye (Tony DeMarco) investigates the murder of a young woman by pretending to be a new patient at a sex clinic where she was being treated. Much to his dismay, he starts to fall for steely-eyed, ex combat surgeon Dr. Jack Halloran, the murder victim’s therapist and a likely suspect.
This is the book first in a new series called “Sex in Seattle” that revolves around a Seattle sex clinic–its doctors, patients, and surrogates.
Win a free ebook of “The Trouble With Tony”!
Last week I posted an excerpt and this week there's a new one (below). Comment on my website here (http://elieaston.com/countdown-to-ton...) or here (http://elieaston.com/countdown-to-ton...) to have your name entered for a chance to win a free ebook copy of "Tony". Comment on both to double your chance to win.
Now, let's see what Tony and Jack are up to, shall we?
THIS WEEK'S EXCERPT:
Dr. Halloran stood up and went to the door of his office, where a white doctor’s coat hung on a hook. He started putting it on. “As I mentioned, before we can start treatment, I need to do an exam. I have to rule out any obvious physical issues first.”
“I can assure you, Doc, the plumbing is fine down there,” Tony said, now definitely panicking.
“Oh? When was your last physical?”
Tony tried to joke. “Me? I’m Italian, I’m male, and I’m under fifty. I wouldn’t go to a doctor unless my eyeball was hanging out so far I could floss with it, or my piss was the color of pink lemonade, maybe even bloody mary mix.”
Halloran turned to him with a raised brow, blocking the door and folding his arms, his feet slightly apart. “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought. Do you want me to treat you or not, Mr. DeMarco? Because if you’re not serious about this, I’d rather you not waste both our time.”
His posture, his voice…. Tony had an odd sense of déjà vu. It was as if his mother had suddenly inhabited the body of a slim blond doctor.
“I… I am serious, Doc. But—”
Halloran pointed to an exam table set against the back wall of the office. His voice was so cold it could have sunk the Titanic. “Then go over to that table and drop ’em.”
Tony tried to think of a way out, but Halloran’s face was set in a give-me-ten-soldier mask that would make babies cry, plus he was blocking the door. Tony figured he could get past him if he had to. Well, maybe. Halloran was obviously tougher than he looked. How much military training did they give combat doctors, anyway? But even if he could force his way out, Halloran would be done treating him, and Tony wouldn’t have a way into the clinic.
Besides, what if Halloran could really help with his little trouble?
Five minutes, it’ll be over. Five minutes, it’ll be over. His face burning with shame, Tony stood and slunk to the exam table like he was going to his doom. God, please just let me die, quickly and painlessly. In the next ten seconds would be good.
“How do you want me to…?” Tony started lamely.
“You can just lean against the table and take down your trousers and underwear, please. It’s best if you’re standing.”
Halloran went to a cabinet and turned his back. He washed his hands and started taking out a few supplies, giving Tony a moment of privacy. Tony undid his belt buckle and pushed his black pants and briefs to his thighs. He leaned back against the table, grateful for the support. Fortunately, the tails of his shirt gave him a little modesty.
Five minutes, it’ll be over. Five minutes, it’ll be over.
Yeah, but during those five minutes, a murder suspect is going to be looking at my dick. How did that happen?
Jack walked over. As he drew close, Tony felt a nauseous flutter in his stomach. He closed his eyes.
“That’s fine, Tony. Close your eyes and relax.”
It sounded suspiciously like something a serial killer would say. Tony bit his lip as he felt hands unbutton the lower buttons on his shirt and tuck the ends to either side. A cool breeze wafting over his dick let him know he was exposed. Nice.
Oh, the romance! LOL. Nothing like meeting over a prostate exam to cement a budding attraction. I wonder how it goes?
Eli
Countdown to “Tony” — Second excerpt and Giveaway!
My m/m romance novella “The Trouble With Tony” releases on Aug 21! It’s a light-hearted contemporary romance in which a Seattle private eye (Tony DeMarco) investigates the murder of a young woman by pretending to be a new patient at a sex clinic where she was being treated. Much to his dismay, he starts to fall for steely-eyed, ex combat surgeon Dr. Jack Halloran, the murder victim’s therapist and a likely suspect.
This is the book first in a new series called “Sex in Seattle” that revolves around a Seattle sex clinic–its doctors, patients, and surrogates.
Win a free ebook of “The Trouble With Tony”!
Last week I posted an excerpt and this week there’s a new one (below). Comment on this post or on last week’s to have your name entered for a chance to win a free ebook copy of “Tony”. Comment on both to double your chance to win.
THIS WEEK’S POST WITH COMMENTS SECTION.
Now, let’s see what Tony and Jack are up to, shall we?
THIS WEEK’S EXCERPT:
Dr. Halloran stood up and went to the door of his office, where a white doctor’s coat hung on a hook. He started putting it on. “As I mentioned, before we can start treatment, I need to do an exam. I have to rule out any obvious physical issues first.”
“I can assure you, Doc, the plumbing is fine down there,” Tony said, now definitely panicking.
“Oh? When was your last physical?”
Tony tried to joke. “Me? I’m Italian, I’m male, and I’m under fifty. I wouldn’t go to a doctor unless my eyeball was hanging out so far I could floss with it, or my piss was the color of pink lemonade, maybe even bloody mary mix.”
Halloran turned to him with a raised brow, blocking the door and folding his arms, his feet slightly apart. “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought. Do you want me to treat you or not, Mr. DeMarco? Because if you’re not serious about this, I’d rather you not waste both our time.”
His posture, his voice…. Tony had an odd sense of déjà vu. It was as if his mother had suddenly inhabited the body of a slim blond doctor.
“I… I am serious, Doc. But—”
Halloran pointed to an exam table set against the back wall of the office. His voice was so cold it could have sunk the Titanic. “Then go over to that table and drop ’em.”
Tony tried to think of a way out, but Halloran’s face was set in a give-me-ten-soldier mask that would make babies cry, plus he was blocking the door. Tony figured he could get past him if he had to. Well, maybe. Halloran was obviously tougher than he looked. How much military training did they give combat doctors, anyway? But even if he could force his way out, Halloran would be done treating him, and Tony wouldn’t have a way into the clinic.
Besides, what if Halloran could really help with his little trouble?
Five minutes, it’ll be over. Five minutes, it’ll be over. His face burning with shame, Tony stood and slunk to the exam table like he was going to his doom. God, please just let me die, quickly and painlessly. In the next ten seconds would be good.
“How do you want me to…?” Tony started lamely.
“You can just lean against the table and take down your trousers and underwear, please. It’s best if you’re standing.”
Halloran went to a cabinet and turned his back. He washed his hands and started taking out a few supplies, giving Tony a moment of privacy. Tony undid his belt buckle and pushed his black pants and briefs to his thighs. He leaned back against the table, grateful for the support. Fortunately, the tails of his shirt gave him a little modesty.
Five minutes, it’ll be over. Five minutes, it’ll be over.
Yeah, but during those five minutes, a murder suspect is going to be looking at my dick. How did that happen?
Jack walked over. As he drew close, Tony felt a nauseous flutter in his stomach. He closed his eyes.
“That’s fine, Tony. Close your eyes and relax.”
It sounded suspiciously like something a serial killer would say. Tony bit his lip as he felt hands unbutton the lower buttons on his shirt and tuck the ends to either side. A cool breeze wafting over his dick let him know he was exposed. Nice.
Oh, the romance! LOL. Nothing like meeting over a prostate exam to cement a budding attraction. I wonder how it goes?
Eli
August 6, 2013
Countdown to “Tony” — new excerpt and Giveaway!
My m/m romance novella The Trouble With Tony releases on Aug 21! It’s a light-hearted contemporary romance in which a Seattle private eye who’s investigating the murder of a young woman pretends to be a new patient at a sex clinic where she was being treated. Much to his dismay, he starts to fall for steely-eyed, ex combat surgeon Dr. Jack Halloran, the murder victim’s doctor and a likely suspect.
This is the book first in a new series called “Sex in Seattle” that revolves around a Seattle sex clinic–its doctors, patients, and surrogates.
Win a free ebook of The Trouble With Tony!
This week and next I will be posting a new excerpt from the book. Leave a comment on my website (http://elieaston.com/countdown-to-ton...). I will pick one winner from the combined comments section to win a free ebook of ”The Trouble with Tony”. Comment on both to double your chance to win.
Here’s this week’s excerpt:
Jack headed back to the clinic’s front door—and walked right into Tony DeMarco, who was exiting the dark clinic.
Jack blinked at him, stymied. “Tony! What… what are you doing here?”
“Uh… hi, Doc,” Tony looked shocked himself, and very guilty. The look lasted only seconds before Tony schooled his features into a picture of smiling innocence.
Jack’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“The door was open,” Tony said.
“It was?” Damn Loretta. Jack was going to have to speak to Trudy about her first thing in the morning.
“Yeah, so I just popped my head in to see if you were around.”
“But why are you here so late? We didn’t have an appointment.”
Tony was blushing and extremely uncomfortable. He clutched at the front of his coat. “Um….”
Suddenly, Jack got it. He relaxed and smiled. “Ah. It’s okay, Tony. Come on in.”
Jack went into the clinic and turned on the lights. Tony followed with all the enthusiasm of a dog being sent to its emasculation. He stood in the waiting room awkwardly, not looking at Jack.
Jack stuck his keys in his pocket and folded his arms. “Talk to me,” he said in his calm, doctor’s voice. “What’s going on tonight? Are you feeling sexually aroused?”
Tony got a surprised look on his face. “Er….”
Jack had treated a good number of men who struggled with erectile dysfunction. One thing they all had in common was that when the urge did strike, they wanted to do something about it right goddamn now, because they didn’t know how long the urge might last or when it might reappear. It was like a starving man trying to snatch the last cookie off the conveyor belt. One patient had called it “hallelujah time.” You did not fuck with hallelujah time. The surrogates knew that when they were working with an E.D. patient, they were on call twenty-four-seven.
“It’s all right. I understand. But why did you come here? There’s no one you can—?”
“No. I, uh, thought the clinic might be open late. It was stupid. I’ll go.” Tony looked like he wanted to dig a hole, hide in it, and then cover it with a cement foundation.
“Hang on.” Jack unzipped his coat. “It’s all right. I don’t have any place I have to be. Tell me what you’re feeling. Are you erect right now?”
Tony froze.
Jack smiled. “Am I going to have to use euphemisms?”
“That would help, yeah,” Tony said in a strangled voice.
“Right. Are you at half-mast, full-mast, or is the sail still on the deck?”
“Um… half-mast?”
“And you feel like you could get to full-mast?”
Tony looked at Jack with an expression of amused disbelief. “Yeah, pretty sure I could.”
Jack considered it. He hadn’t laid out Tony’s surrogacy plan yet, hadn’t even fully decided there would be one. Okay, he’d been avoiding it like it was the six-month-old tub of yogurt at the back of the fridge. Anyway, Michael [the clinic's gay surrogate] had mentioned in their last staff meeting that he was going to the islands this weekend. So even if he were willing to jump in on such short notice, he wasn’t around.
“Would you like to try some touch therapy—a light massage? No pressure, just see what happens,” Jack offered, keeping his face and voice determinedly neutral.
“With you?”
“Yes.”
Tony glanced to the door, seemingly torn.
“If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s fine. Just let me grab some files, and I’ll walk you out.”
Tony took a deep breath and seemed to make up his mind. His eyes met Jack’s and he licked his lips. “Okay, Doc. Let’s see whatcha got.”
LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY ELI EASTON WEBSITE here to enter the giveaway: http://elieaston.com/countdown-to-ton...
