Skye Callahan's Blog, page 30
April 28, 2014
Hello from Hiatus Land! An SC update…
Hello again! This week, I’m on vacation and so, the hiatus continues, but I felt obligated to stop in and say hello and give you all a quick update. Earlier this month, I was questioning everything, blogging, social media, what I should write next…. etc. I’m sure most of my author friends have had the same dilemma at least a few times, but I decided to take a step back and focus on myself for a while.
Since I went on hiatus a few weeks ago, we finally made it through conference!! With only 4 full-time people organizing the event, and more than 300 registrants to manage, we had a very successful (and at some points hilarious) 2-day conference. I may not have gotten a lot of writing done, but there was some good fodder.
The hiatus has also been beneficial to my word count! I’ve done about 20k, but that’s only 1/4 of what I hope to have done by the end of next month and off to my editor in June. That leaves me doing about 2300 words per day through the end of next month, and my writing partners are also cranking out books, so I usually have someone around to keep me in line.
I also have a bit of news on the Editor front–I have a new one!! And I think I’m going to love working with her. Not that I’ve had any problems with my old editors, we got along great and they helped me catch and improve things I wouldn’t have found on my own, but I want something more. I want to be pushed to improve! And I want someone who’s willing to follow my craziness and edit in all the genres I write in, so I don’t have to look for someone new every time one of my characters drags me down a dark alley and bashes me over the head with a new genre. I think I have found all of that in Rebecca. You know that feeling you get when you’re chatting with someone about the project and you just feel relieved and excited all at once, that’s how I’ve felt during my conversations with her about my upcoming projects. And I’ve seen her work, so there are no worries here!
May Goals
Finish Irrevocable! A standalone Dark Erotica novel–20,000/80,000 words.
Finish the Irrevocable cover & prepare for a cover reveal in late-May or early-June
Prep for JuNoWriMo–for which I’ll be writing Beyond the Divide (Fractured Legacy #2)
Do you have your May goals planned out yet?
April 14, 2014
Social Media, Book Signings & Why Neither Directly Impact Overall Sales
This is a great piece on marketing that any Indie author should take some time and read. Remember to focus on relationships, not sales.
Originally posted on Kristen Lamb's Blog:
Original image via Rosaura Ochoa via Flikr Creative Commons
One of my AWESOME on-line pals posted something troublesome on my Facebook page. Apparently there is a recent article in a major writing magazine that declares social media does not sell books and, in a nutshell, isn’t worth the effort.I’ll warn you guys ahead of time that I went hunting for the article—at the last remaining Barnes & Noble within a 25 mile radius of my home—and couldn’t find said article (and have asked Kim to get me the specific issue). But, since this type of commentary is prevalent enough in the blogosphere, I feel I can address the overall thesis accurately enough.
Social Media Was NEVER About Selling Books Directly—Who KNEW?
Image via Flikr Creative Commons courtesy of Zoetnet.
I’ve been saying this for about ten years, because the idea of using social circles for sales is NOT new…
View original 1,955 more words
April 11, 2014
Temporary Hiatus
I don’t know if I’m going to continue with the A-Z challenge.
For the last few weeks, I haven’t been feeling the greatest. Trying to keep going and not letting it show through, but I’m exhausted. For the last few weeks, it seems like I always have a line of people wanting things from me, but I never get the chance to finish one task before they’re dragging me on to the next. Every time I try to catch up or get ahead something else goes wrong–something gets overlooked or I make a stupid mistake because somewhere in the process my thoughts were completely derailed and I didn’t think to go back and check something again.
I’m organizing a conference that will take place in 2 weeks and we already have more than 300 people registered. But since my office has a very small staff–only 1/3 of what we had last time we did this–I’m working overtime and everything from creating the conference program, organizing ads, and collecting bios of speakers to marketing, placing orders, and arranging for awards. Yet, this job doesn’t pay me enough to make ends meet, so I still have to work on other projects in my spare time.
All of this on top of trying to stay on top of everything I have to do as an author. There’s always more to do.
I’m lucky to have a great street team who is putting together a blog tour for Bound and Unbroken next month, but I think that for the next few weeks, I’m going to step back and concentrate on other things–like having a relaxing weekend with Sir.
I need time to regroup in my head and recover from my hectic schedule of late.
April 10, 2014
Cover Reveal: Another New Life by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Title: Another New Life
Author: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Publication Date: June 2, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Cover design © Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs
**This book contains adult subject matter. Not intended for young readers.**
Miranda Preston is a walking contradiction. Beautiful on the outside, but, insecure, haunted and damaged on the inside. Despite these contradictions, she’s ready to start Another New Life.
When her talent wins her a piano scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, Miranda arrives on campus determined to experience everything college has to offer and to keep her secrets in the past where they belong.
An easy task, until the first guy who catches her eye happens to be someone, she’s known all her life.
Eight years have passed since the last time Miranda and Troy saw each other. He reminds her of the best and worst times of her life, but she can’t think about one without dwelling on the other. As they grow closer, every day their attraction reminds them they are no longer kids.
The epic romantic love story that is Miranda and Troy seems to be destined for a happy ending, but Miranda knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. A secret that will not only destroy their relationship, it will destroy Troy, too.
Can Miranda focus on her future with Troy while preventing her past from tearing them apart all over again?
Giveaway
April 9, 2014
“Handkercheifs” Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
This should catch me up, for now. BTW, organizing a conference during the A-Z challenge is not recommended.
Let’s talk about “H”. I’ll go with a handkerchief, since Hubby keeps those around because he likes to fold them up to stick out of his suit pocket. But, we can find more fun things to do with them, like using them for a blindfold or gag.
I feel like I’m slipping with my little list so…
Hairbrush (I also discussed this on April 2)
Headphones
Hope chest–could be used for storage, or if it’s big/sturdy it could also be used as a nice bench
What other “H” toys can you give me?
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
“Ginger!!” Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
I’m behind!! So I’m doing a couple of quickies to catch up today.
The letter of the day is “G” which is–of course–for Ginger!! Everyone’s favorite figging friend. Figging is a practice that involves sticking a piece of skinned ginger into, well, take your pick. ;) The ginger creates a burning sensation that lasts for about 30 minutes or until it’s removed.
What other “G” toys can you give me?
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
April 7, 2014
“Feathery Touch” Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
Today is “F” and I’m going with a feather–another great item to have around for sensory play.
I’ve mentioned sensory play a few times in previous posts, but since I have some people following along who might not be familiar with the details, sensory play is defined as “BDSM play where the intent is to push the subject’s sensory limits, using light touch, heat/cold, objects of different textures, etc. Often in conjunction with sensory deprivation.” (Definition borrowed from A Submissive’s Initiative)
I’m trying to think of other “F” household items and the only thing I can think of is Flannel. Funnel? Fire–only if you’re trained and really know what you’re doing.
What else can we play with today? Add to my “F” list!!
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
April 5, 2014
“Ear Plugs, Please” Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
I’m currently sitting at a Kendo Tournament typing up this post, so if I don’t get around to replies until late tomorrow, that’s why (and if you’re curious about the tournament I’ll probably post pictures on my Facebook page later today).
Today’s letter is “E” and, this is one I haven’t tried–ear plugs. One form of sensory play can include sensory deprivation, so like a blindfold, the ear plugs help to block out the extra sensory information and can make the experience more intense.
Other “E” pervertables:
Electric toothrbush? I’ve heard stories, but never tried it.
Exercise equipment–benches, and I’ve heard the the Bowflex has been quite useful
Do you have any to add to the list?
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
April 4, 2014
“Grab a Dowel Rod” Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
I’m doing this post on a quick break from work, so it probably won’t be as detailed. Today’s letter is “D” and our pervertable of the day is a dowel rod–just because they come in all sizes and can be used to make spreader bars or used for a light caning. I’m sure a smaller one would make a nice evil stick. ;)
What else can we play with today? Add to my “D” list!!
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
April 3, 2014
Candle Pervertables #atozchallenge (Adult)
In Bound and Unbroken, Eric and Lena use clothespins for a scene in a BDSM club–it’s actually one of my favorite scenes, so I’m spending my A-Z challenge looking at all of the other ordinary objects that could have a pervertable side.
Our pervertable letter of the day is “C” and my object of choice for today is a candle (paraffin). I have always been drawn to candle wax, but not every candle will do. Wax play requires a wax with a low melting point, and without added scents and colors which could irritate skin. There are a lot of things to take into consideration here, and while I love pain and wax play, no one should ever try it without being educated on all the little details.
What else can we play with today?
Clothespins–also another of my favorites! Or you could substitute chip clips.
Crop–so, maybe not everyone has one of these laying around, but if you do…
Carabiners, chains, and clothesline can be fashioned together to make some nice restraints, but take care that anything against flesh doesn’t pinch, cut, or block circulation. Since we don’t have a lot of options for attaching restraints to our bed frame, we fitted clothesline around the box spring as a cheap and convenient solution so we can attach the straps practically anywhere we want.
There have to be more “C”s out there, do you have anything for me?
Remember, these posts are for fun. Be safe, sane, and consensual always! Communication and education are very important if you’re planning to start out in any BDSM relationship, so don’t jump into anything without asking questions and doing research.
