Skye Callahan's Blog, page 4

Location Profile: Club Obsidian

Books: Obsidian Series

First Appearance: Trust Fall

Location: Near Morrow Falls, Ohio (fictionalized town)

Owner: Adrienne Lockley

Mission Statement: The Mission of Club Obsidian is to be a social organization and education resource for all who practice bondage, discipline, domination, submission, sadism, masochism, and fetish lifestyles in the Morrow Falls area. The Club encourages fellowship, mentoring, and safe practices among members. Participation in all activities is strictly voluntary and should be agreed upon by all parties involved.

The club is located in a former warehouse. The massive brick structure was redesigned by Adrienne and her husband’s construction company handled all of the major remodeling. Upon entering the building members and visitors will be greeted in the security room. All members must provide the security guards with their membership ID for verification, prior to admittance. Non-members may pick up a application packet for membership consideration. Non-member visitors are not allowed except for specified educational events open to the public.

The main area includes an open lower tier, bar, six partitioned play areas, and provides access to the dressing rooms, Adrienne’s loft office, and a stairway to the private play rooms above. Just to the right of the entryway, the bar provides snacks and beverages to members, all alcoholic beverages are limited to two per member, and a membership ID must be scanned with each order. Water is also available freely to all members. There is plenty of seating around the bar area for socializing during events.

To the left of the main entrance, members will find the changing rooms with assigned lockers to store all personal belongings. Members are issued a key with their Membership card.

The larger public equipment is available in the lower tier, which is framed by black seating along the back corner. Some of the equipment found here includes bondage benches and frames, bondage couches, spanking horses, and a Saint Andres’s Cross,

The partitioned rooms along the left wall and back of the building each include specialty equipment for medical play, whipping, sex swings, stockades, cages, and more! These rooms are designed for those who want a little more privacy or fewer distractions during a scene while leaving room for a few voyeurs.

Members can utilize the eight private rooms upstairs by visiting the bartender and having access enabled on their membership ID. Two of these rooms include a bedroom setup, while others allow members to utilize many of the specialty furniture available downstairs in a private setting.

The entire club is monitored by DMs at all times while play is in session. DMs can be identified by the red badges they wear while on duty. Any problems, concerns, or conflicts can be handled by the DMs, and they will always step in if someone’s safety is at risk.

Membership at Club Obsidian is strictly confidential. Anyone found to be violating another member in any way, including their personal privacy, will be barred from club activities. The security guards who work at the front door are independent from the club, but are bound by the same confidentiality agreement as members.

BookBubGoodreadseBookEden BooksAmazonAppleBarnes & NobleKoboGoogle PlayAll eBook RetailersPaperbackAmazonBooks-a-MillionBarnes & Noble

The post Location Profile: Club Obsidian appeared first on .

Formatting Software Options

The post Formatting Software Options appeared first on .

Character Profile: Lena Kline

Main Character: Entrust, Trust Fall

Birth name: Lenora 

Hair: long, light blonde

Eyes: Medium yellowish green

Age at first appearance: 25

Height: 5’4″

Residence: She shares a small house with Oliver Eisman in Morrow Falls, Ohio (fictional town).

Education: BA in Elementary Education from Morrow Falls University

Employment: Morrow Falls Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher. Lena wanted to go into early childhood education, because school was her safe place as a child and she wants to make a difference for children in honor of the teachers who went out of their way to help her. 

Parents: Father, unknown. Mother, Jennifer Lenora Kline, was a drug addict with a history of abusive relationships. Lena was transferred to a foster home with Jim and Beth Eisman at the age of 10. 

Siblings: No biological siblings. She considers the kids she grew up with in the foster home her siblings, particularly Oliver Eisman. 

Characteristics: Due to her turbulent childhood, Lena is slow to trust and usually turns to Oliver as her confidant. As a teenager, she began cutting herself to deal with emotional strain, particularly after confrontations with her mother. After finding an ideal counselor in college, she learned new techniques to cope and expand her comfort zone. Usually finding social encounters to be exhausting, she would rather spend her evenings reading and unwinding, but Oliver often pushes her to get out and expand her social circle. 

Favorite Animal: Penguin. She keeps a stuffed penguin near her bed that her foster parents bought for her during a zoo visit when she was eleven.

Bonus Scene

Lena & Ollie, teenage years…

“How’s my hair?” Ollie asked after coming out of the bathroom for the third time.

“What are you doing tonight?” I laid across the foot of his bed, playing with a stretched out hairband.

“Just having pizza and hanging out with this guy from school. Probably playing some video games.”

“Like… a date?”

“No.” He spun and stormed away, only to return a few minutes later smelling clearly of cologne.

I was barely fourteen, but I knew date prep when I saw it. He tucked in his shirt, pulled it back out, then started fussing with his hair again.

“Come here,” I said, climbing to stand on the foot of the bed. He was already well over six feet tall and it was the only way I could reach his head. I fixed his perpetual bed-head, but his curly strawberry-blond hair usually had a mind of its own. Then, I righted the collar on his shirt. “You look presentable, for pizza, and stuff.”

He grabbed me by the waist and swung me to the floor, half-messing up his shirt in the process.

“So, you like him?” I asked.

“I don’t know…” He went to fuss with his hair again, and I swatted his arm away.

“You look fine.”

“Are you going to say anything?”

“About you and the pizza? Scandalous.”

“Lena.”

I shrugged and flopped back on the corner of the bed. “The only one I would say anything to is you, and that would be kinda pointless. We both know you like boys.”

“I like girls.”

“Yeah, but not with pizza.”

Ollie threw his hands in the air and paced toward his dresser and back. “Why do I put up with you?”

Because I’m the best little sister in the world. But I didn’t say that, because I couldn’t. He had a little sister once and I couldn’t be her. “Because, if you didn’t, I’d make your life miserable.”

“Uh huh. As opposed to what you’re doing now?” He ruffled my hair as he passed.

That night, I waited up until everyone else was in bed, then padded down to the basement. His door was open, probably because he knew I’d be coming. “Did you have a good evening?”

“Yeah,” he said after a long pause. “And that’s all I’m saying to you.”

“Why? Because I’m three years younger and can’t possibly understand pizza? Don’t forget, I saw much more than pizza when I lived with my mom.”

Ollie sighed and patted the bed next to him. “So, you’re fine with the whole, me not being straight?”

“Does it stop you from being my big brother?” I leaned my shoulder into his. “As far as I’m concerned it changes nothing. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” 

BookBubGoodreadseBookEden BooksAmazonAppleBarnes & NobleKoboGoogle PlayAll eBook RetailersPaperbackAmazonBooks-a-MillionBarnes & Noble window.fd('form', { formId: '618219c60b51fd1569c54de5', containerEl: '#fd-form-618219c60b51fd1569c54de5' });

The post Character Profile: Lena Kline appeared first on .

Character Profile: Eric Finley

Main Character: Entrust, Trust Fall

Hair: dark brown, a bit messy on top

Eyes: Hazel

Age at first appearance: 32

Height: 6’2″

Residence: He just moved back to Morrow Falls where he’s temporarily living in one of his parents’ rental houses with his nephew, Charlie. 

Education: BS in Information Technology, NROTC

Employment: Left the Navy when his sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident to care for his six-year-old nephew. His last position was at Crane Division Naval Base as an Information Technology Officer. 

Parents: Father, Daniel, retired county engineer. Mother, Vivian, is an extrovert with a reputation for gossiping with her friends. Eric and his parents have butted heads over his open participation in the BDSM lifestyle and support of Club Obsidian. 

Affiliations: Elite member of Club Obsidian

Siblings: Sister, Ashley, married Gerald Grove seven years ago and had a six-year-old son. 

Characteristics: Eric struggled to reconcile his control issues early in life, but when Cade introduced him to BDSM, he finally understood the kind of control he truly craved. He’s been involved in the lifestyle for more than ten years, but has rarely pursued a serious relationship outside of the club. He is strong-headed and determined to live every part of his life on his own terms which has caused friction with his family over the years because of their concern with public perception and his to-hell-with-it attitude. Despite his lack of long-term relationships, he cares deeply about those around him and remains in contact with many of his former submissives. He is an attentive Dom who thinks carefully about each aspect of a scene and his submissive’s reactions throughout. 

Bonus Scene

Eric’s POV when he and Lena first meet….

In one week, I’d buried my sister and moved across two state lines back to my hometown to raise her son. Friday night, I drove into town, my car filled with boxes and suitcases, and went straight to Diggers Sports Bar where I was supposed to meet up with a friend before picking up Charlie in the morning. Unfortunately, Cade, the bar’s owner, had to take over bartending duty at the last minute when two of his servers called off. It was game night, and the local sports bar was packed, but I spotted one empty seat near the end of the bar and headed straight for it.

A lone blonde sat at the end of the bar, staring down at her drink. She straightened her back when I ordered my drink, but kept her gaze focused on her glass. I didn’t pay much attention at first, more concerned with getting that first drink in me and quieting the roar in my head. Cade sat a tall Smithwicks in front of me and headed back to the other side of the bar. I tried to lose myself in the noise, the drink, the game blaring on the TV at the end of the bar, anything to distract me from the reason I’d moved back home.

As I lowered my glass, I noticed her straighten again. This time, her cheeks flushed, and the pale pink seemed to highlight her bright green eyes. Her wavy blonde hair fell mid-way down her back.

“You hang out here often?” I asked.

She shifted in her seat and tightened her grip on the glass in front of her. “That all you got for an opening line?”

“I’m rusty.”  I took another drink, unable to look away from her.

“Rusty, huh? Fitting name.” Her words were confident, but her eyes betrayed her.

Somehow all of the thoughts that had weighed on me for days faded into the background with the sounds of the bar. Only one thought remained, I had to know this woman’s name.

BookBubGoodreadseBookEden BooksAmazonAppleBarnes & NobleKoboGoogle PlayAll eBook RetailersPaperbackAmazonBooks-a-MillionBarnes & Noble window.fd('form', { formId: '618219c60b51fd1569c54de5', containerEl: '#fd-form-618219c60b51fd1569c54de5' });

The post Character Profile: Eric Finley appeared first on .

Shop Hardcovers!

If you’re looking to add some fun and durable copies to your bookshelf, I now have a selection of titles in hardcover format with more coming soon!

HardcoverAmazonBarnes & NobleHardcoverAmazonBarnes & NobleHardcoverAmazonBarnes & Noble

HardcoverBarnes & Noble

The post Shop Hardcovers! appeared first on .

Her “inner demon” is real

[image error]

Prepare for loads of spicy banter between the two main characters of my Realm of Darkness story. He’s a warlock whose mission has been to rid the world of dangerous paranormal entities… but he might meet his match. 

Pre-Order Realm of Darkness

Available for Pre-Order, only 99 cents for a limited time!

Read MoreDon’t forget B&N BOGO Deal

All of my titles are currently buy one get one FREE on Barnes & Noble. And since I’ve recently taken most of my titles wide for distribution on all ebook retailers, you can pick up the first in each series for free. Free titles: available on Eden Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play

IrrevocableEntrustIgnition (not yet available on Eden Books)

I can’t set free prices on Amazon, so it’s up to them whether they price match titles, but Eden Books is Kindle compatible!

BOGO on Barnes & Noble

Irrevocable Duet Unbreakable InsurmountableRedline Brake Exhaust Clutch Trust Fall Trust Duet Serafina  Featured Reads

Having a choice and having a good choice are two very different things…

Learn more

They’ve clearly met their match in each other, but will it be enough

Learn more

I swear she knew I was there. And the bastard just had to break her heart. For that, he’s going to pay. Even if it means we’re both going to die.

Learn more

A urban fantasy with a slow burn romance where there’s no need to choose. Prepare for a sassy heroine and three swoon worthy shifters.

Learn more

Unleash your heart, indulge your senses, and satisfy your cravings with this fantastic collection of supernatural fiction…

Learn more

A hapless witch, a newbie vampire, a blind date… what could possibly go wrong?

Learn more

A+ Content for Authors

If you’re trying to figure out how to create A+ content for your books on Amazon, I have compiled some helpful information and templates to get you started.

While I have tried to capture the key requirements for this new feature from various pages on Amazon so we can easily access them all in one place, be sure to review their content guidelines.

Amazon’s overview of A+ Content
Content Guidelines
Content Examples
Creation Instructions

Image RequirementsRGB colorspaceResolution: at least 72 dpi (300dpi is recommended)jpg or pngNo animated imagesNo blurry images, watermarks, or unreadable textTemplates3 horizontal image setProduct comparisonContent RestrictionsNo competitor referencesNo reviews from private individuals or customers (a maximum of 4 endorsements are allowed from well-known publications or public figures only and must be attributed)No references to pricing, promotions, discounts or time sensitive informationNo references to outside websites, customer service, or contact informationImage SizingComparison Chart150×300, 3MB maxStandard Single Image & Sidebar minimum 600×180, 300 DPI, 3MB maxStandard Image & Text Overlayminimum 970×300, 300 DPI, 3MB max
Recommended: 1940×600Standard Three Images & Text minimum 300×300, 300 DPI, 3MB max
Recommended: 600×600Standard Multiple Image Module Aminimum 300×300, 300 DPI, 3MB maxStandard Company Logominimum 600×180Standard Four Image & Textminimum 220×220Standard Four Image/Text Quadrantminimum 135×135Creating a 3 image set

Start by getting the background image properly sized. Since we need to end up with 3 images 1940px wide and 600px tall, we’re going to start with one large image using the same width and three times as tall. This way you can divide it vertically into three equal parts and end up with a perfect set of images.

Your initial background image should be 1940x1800px and 300 DPI.

Choose a background image with plenty of blank space for text to stand out.

Save this image as a PNG.

Background Image Template on Canva

Once you have designed your background image, we will now work with the 3 individual parts. These will be 1940×600 and 300 DPI.

Open your saved background image and place it into your new 1940×600 project. Align the top, left and right on you canvas.

Duplicate the background image or upload it into the second canvas. Align the left and right and then center it vertically.

Once again, duplicate the background image or upload it into the third canvas. Align the bottom, left, and right.

3 Block Template on Canva

Creating Images for Product Comparison

I used DIY Book Covers 3D Mockup tool to create a 3D image of each cover on an ereader.

You might prefer to leave the background blank, but this aspect ratio is a little awkward for most book covers, leaving a lot of blank space at the top and bottom of each image. With this design, I decided to place the book cover in the background as well, adding a blurred and faded effect.

Product Comparison Image Template on Canva

eBook Publishing RoadMap

Realm of Darkness Cover Reveal

Have you heard? I’m heading to the paranormal side of romance (again)! This is going to be epic!

When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…

Fall under their spell over and over again in this ultimate paranormal and fantasy romance boxset! Over 40 full-length novels with heart-melting heroes and devastating anti-heroes, full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure can be yours for an insanely low price.

Ready to be swept away? Your book boyfriends are waiting… Enemies-to-lovers, alphas, fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more: with novels ranging from sweet to spicy, there’s a flavor to sate your every craving.

Pre-Order

Facebook Party GroupGiveaway

Authors include: Wren Murphy, Vivienne Lee Fraser, Susan Stradiotto, S.R. Bellcamp, Sloane Murphy, Sky Sommers, Sierra Knoxly, Rosalyn Briar, RA Winter, R.A. Cooper, Amy Pennza, Skye Callahan, Monica Enderle Pierce, Miranda Honfleur, Melle Amade, M. Dalto, Mari LaRoche, L.M. Hughes, Lea Cherry, Laynie Bee, KC Kean, KC Freeman, Katherine D. Graham, Katherine Bennet, K.A. Last, J.M. Butler, Jessica M. Butler, Jessica Grayson, Jamie Schlosser, Jade Waltz, J.A. Culican, Helen Garraway, Emily Clark, Ellie Thornton, Elise Knight, Daphne Moore, Clare Sager, Claire Marta, C.K. Sorens, Christopher D. Morgan, Carissa Broadbent, C.A. King, Bethany Adams, Becky James, Ava Silvers, AR Colbert, A.L. Morrow

Limey Bastard Release (Cocky Hero Club)

Limey Bastard is a standalone story inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s British Bedmate with appearances from Simon, Bridget, and family.

Get the eBook

One year of post-doctorate research separates me from the career that will get me the heck out of Rhode Island and away from my obtrusive parents.
I expected Dr. Greyson Bedford, a sexy British professor from Oxford University, to upend life on campus, but I didn’t expect him to do the same with my heart.
Despite his persistence, I keep to myself, but when a migraine strikes at work and I have no one else to turn to, he gives me something unexpected: a connection I haven’t felt in years. His touch opens a conduit to my past and the accident that almost robbed me of my dreams.
I swore I’d never let anything get in my way again, especially a brash heartthrob who will return to England at the end of the school year.
I had a plan. Not the best laid plan, but one semester with him changes everything.