Deb Julienne's Blog, page 4
September 16, 2015
Which “Hottie” would you unwrap first?
On Pre-order now: Mischief Under the Mistletoe (November 17, 2015 release)
Kristin Miller – The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn – Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is
trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her…no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn’t she.
Melanie James – Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie’s heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky – Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she’s recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts – Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van’s heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe – Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella – It’s A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell – Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley’s General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid – Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie’s past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler – One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather’s isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He’s completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor–but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark’s newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington – When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he’s almost given up any hope that she’ll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she’s ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe’s only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he’ll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell – Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen’s only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn’t expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan – Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital’s annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer, Dr. Alanna Reeves, is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation–for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence – Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother’s down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus’s famous ‘full-court press’ convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts – Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad’s team
should have been off-limits–even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can’t possibly win?
Teri Riggs – Finding True’s Love
Six months after True’s last boss viciously attacked her, she’s ready to take her therapist’s advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal.
Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot – Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick – Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt…and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne – All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son’s childhood. Who knew a little boy’s Santa wish could change so many lives?
June 19, 2015
Crashing Into Love has gone live!
Crashing into Love
Seven planes lift off…seven planes crash…seven stories of struggle, passion and love in the barren Canadian Wilderness, the coast of England, or the steamy heat of a tropical island. Romance hangs in the balance between survival and death.
Brace for Impact by Daryl Devoré – What could be simpler than a routine plane trip from Toronto, Canada to Caracas, Venezuela for rookie flight attendant, Lori, and sexy R.C.M.P. officer, Guy Lapierre? But Fate had other intentions.
Crashing into You by Lisa Kumar – When Ashlee Trent meets handsome businessman Kaiden West on a plane to Australia, he eases her fears even as he sets her heart ablaze. But after their plane crashes into the ocean and they wash ashore, will the secrets surrounding him send their budding relationship into a nosedive?
Crash and Burn by Melissa Keir – Can Rob and Keira’s second honeymoon lead to romance, or will it crash and burn? On the verge of a divorce, Rob and Keira Matthews book a second honeymoon at the urging of their counselor. Unable to conceive, they’ve pushed each other away in an effort to protect their hearts. Will a romantic holiday be the ticket to love or a plane crash in disaster??
Crashing Through Time by Jenna Jaxon – The most dangerous thing about time travel is knowledge of the past: does she save him and change history, or let the tragic events play out and lose the love of her life? More than hearts can be broken when you crash through time.
Love Comes Crashing In – by Brenda Dyer – Best friends find love in each other’s arms, but can that love survive reality?
Falling Hard by D’Ann Lindun – He craves solitude to forget what a woman did to him. She needs one last chance before her career ends. Can a plane crash in the Canadian Rockies show them what really matters?
A Splash of Romance by Deb Julienne – Hannah Parks is a trauma nurse on her way to a symposium at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She just started her bucket list and a plane crash definitely isn’t on it. Oliver Lawson’s divorce is almost final and he’s looking to start over. A tropical island, a gorgeous woman, and romance is one thing, getting there as a result of a crash landing…who knew?
June 5, 2015
Cover Reveal – Crashing Into Love – Release July 1, 2015
Here’s the blurbs of all seven:
Seven planes lift off…seven planes crash…seven stories of struggle, passion and love in the barren Canadian Wilderness, the coast of England, or the steamy heat of a tropical island. Romance hangs in the balance between survival and death.
Brace for Impact by Daryl Devoré – What could be simpler than a routine plane trip from Toronto, Canada to Caracas, Venezuela for rookie flight attendant, Lori, and sexy R.C.M.P. officer, Guy Lapierre? But Fate had other intentions.
Crashing into You by Lisa Kumar – When Ashlee Trent meets handsome businessman Kaiden West on a plane to Australia, he eases her fears even as he sets her heart ablaze. But after their plane crashes into the ocean and they wash ashore, will the secrets surrounding him send their budding relationship into a nosedive?
Crash and Burn by Melissa Keir – Can Rob and Keira’s second honeymoon lead to romance, or will it crash and burn? On the verge of a divorce, Rob and Keira Matthews book a second honeymoon at the urging of their counselor. Unable to conceive, they’ve pushed each other away in an effort to protect their hearts. Will a romantic holiday be the ticket to love or a plane crash in disaster??
Crashing Through Time by Jenna Jaxon – The most dangerous thing about time travel is knowledge of the past: does she save him and change history, or let the tragic events play out and lose the love of her life? More than hearts can be broken when you crash through time.
Love Comes Crashing In – by Brenda Dyer – Best friends find love in each other’s arms, but can that love survive reality?
Falling Hard by D’Ann Lindun – He craves solitude to forget what a woman did to him. She needs one last chance before her career ends. Can a plane crash in the Canadian Rockies show them what really matters?
A Splash of Romance by Deb Julienne – Hannah Parks is a trauma nurse on her way to a symposium at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She just started her bucket list and a plane crash definitely isn’t on it. Oliver Lawson’s divorce is almost final and he’s looking to start over. A tropical island, a gorgeous woman, and romance is one thing, getting there as a result of a crash landing…who knew?
May 21, 2015
“Crashing Into Love” anthology – to be released July 1, 2015
Now that I have your attention ;-)… I’m part of the “Crashing Into Love” anthology – to be released July 1, 2015.
While writing this story I was in the middle of a scene…Oliver was taking a swim in the surf, when he came out, Hannah was gone…he called for her, but she didn’t respond…he raced into the jungle, calling her name. She told him to stop, not come any further. She was in the middle of “poppin a squat” when a python grabbed her…by this point I’m drawing a blank. I had researched snakes of the area and had all sorts of colorful snakes in my file I had planned to use. I have no idea where the python came from, so I naturally hit the internet and typed in pythons in the South Pacific…this is what I got. I couldn’t stop laughing in order to get back to Hannah’s terror…and you wonder why I write comedy…eeesh!
Meet Hannah Parks and Oliver Lawson:
Hannah Parks just started her bucket list…the trauma nurse on her way to a symposium at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She just started her bucket list and a plane crash definitely wasn’t on it.
Oliver Lawson’s divorce is final and he’s looking to start over. A tropical island, a gorgeous woman., and romance is one thing, getting there as a result of a crash landing…who knew a plane crash would lead to romance?
Here’s a snippet from “A Splash of Romance”
When they finished, Oliver excused himself and took a swim in the ocean. He had so much pent up energy he couldn’t stand it. The exertion felt great, just what he needed. He returned the shore only it was empty. “Hannah,” he called out. She didn’t respond. Racing out of the surf full speed, headed for the edge of the jungle. He pushed his way past the thick vegetation. He tripped on a vine, but caught himself.
“Hannah.”
He made if about thirty yards into the foliage, calling out, “Where are you?”
“Don’t come any closer, it might bite me.” Her voice was shaking.
“What are you talking about? Where are you?” He searched everywhere listening for a clue to her whereabouts.
“I’m about ten yards to your right. I-I was copping a squat when it grabbed me.”
“You were what?” He went around a huge boulder and still didn’t see her.
“You know, shaking hands with my best mate.”
Oliver laughed at her use of the term.
“Stop laughing and tell me what to do? Hurry Oliver, I’m afraid to move.”
Oliver edged toward her voice, looking all around as he went, trying to figure out what she was talking about. Ever vigilant, he stepped cautiously as he moved closer.
“Say something.” He was getting closer.
“I’m over here.”
Oliver stopped where he was. His gaze fused with Hannah’s. She stood frozen in place. A fifteen foot python used its heat sensors along its jaw to check her out. He was well aware of their poor eyesight. It was a perfect specimen, with its beautiful dark brown and gold patterned skin, although somehow he didn’t think Hannah would share his love of snakes. It wasn’t squeezing her. He scanned the ground for a branch or stick he could use to free her before the thing decided it was hungry for her.
Stepping carefully, he edged closer. “When I get to you I’m going to use the stick I have to gently move it away from your stomach. You’re going to have to move slowly away from it. Luckily, it isn’t coiled around you. It’s playing with you. ”
“Playing my ass—how can you say that? I’m freaking out.” Her face was drained of all color.
He inched the last few steps. “No you’re not. You’re doing great. Remaining calm is the right thing to do. Just don’t make any abrupt movements. I’m almost there.”
Hannah sniffed.
He could see she was shaking. He had to move now. “Okay, now when you feel the weight of the snake move off you, step forward slowly and just keep walking toward the beach, I’ll be right behind you.”
“Oliver, I’m scared.” Her lips trembled.
“Don’t be. Almost there.” He raised the branch, it was as big around as a woman’s forearm and tucked it under the snake’s jaw, steering the head away from Hannah. When the head was about two feet from Hannah he whispered, “Now. Go!”
Hannah took three cautious steps then bolted, shoving her way through the foliage as fast as she could.
He moved the snake to the left and it slithered up the tree. He dropped the branch and ran after Hannah.
He barely broke through the jungle to the beach when she launched herself into his arms. “My plan worked. Glad the snake cooperated.”
“I’ve never been so scared. That was worse than the plane crash. I was trying to go to the bathroom before you came back, and it never entered my mind to keep an eye out for snakes. I barely managed to get my underwear up when it grabbed me.” Hannah shivered.
Oliver couldn’t stop laughing. She rambled like nitwit and shook something fierce. He did the only thing he could think of. He kissed her.
Hannah melted into his arms. He moved her away from the jungle walking her straight towards the surf. They didn’t stop until they were waist deep.
“Thank you.” Hannah stroked his cheek.
“For what? I should thank you for giving me the excuse to play your hero.”
Hannah kissed him again. Lost in her delicious kisses, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He squeezed her ass cheek. Her arms wrapped around his neck pulling her closer still.
Out of nowhere, a big wave slammed over the tops of their heads, knocking them to the ground, sending them body surfing onto the shore. Hannah’s lips never left his mouth. They lay in the surf, reminding him of the scene in the old movie with the couple necking as the waves surrounded their bodies.
It was the hottest kiss of his life
Stay tuned for more of “A Splash of Romance”.
deb
May 8, 2015
Writing a series…
The Twisted Sisters Club Series
Writing a series can be fun. Writing 5 different women, with different personalities and keeping them straight, not so much. Thank God there women keep me laughing with their antics.
We all hope to have friends that will be there for us, through thick and thin. In the Twisted Sisters Club series, Sabrina, Angel, Kat, Jill, and Carina do just that, only it doesn’t stop there; these friends are so close they don’t know the meaning of boundaries.
From Sabrina landing in jail for solicitation in Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids, to Angel winding up on the cover of a Tabloid in Sex, Secrets, & Happily Ever Afters, this band of friends knows one thing above all…they’re only a phone call away.
No trouble is too small, no man is too hot, and no one is safe in a game of Truth and Dare, when 5 friends call each other on the carpet about their various situations in life. No one walks away unscathed.
Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids is available on Amazon and Sex, Secrets, & Happily Ever Afters is up for Pre-sale for release on August 4th 2015.
WEBSITE: http://www.debjulienne.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deb-Julienne/752399544824095?ref=hl
Twitter: @debjulienne
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/debjulienne/
Happy Reading,
deb
February 27, 2015
Sex, Secrets, and Happily Ever Afters is on Pre-sale!
Book II of the Twisted Sisters Club: Sex, Secrets, and Happily Ever Afters is on Pre-sale now and set to release on August 4, 2015
Blurb:
Angel Talbot is anything but pure—in fact some might even consider her a bit wicked. How else would you describe the manager of an ‘adults only’ store that specializes in helping ladies find that special O. But Angel could use a hand herself. Or two. That is until she stumbles into sexy businessman Travis Wellington.
When the Wellington Family had a problem, they sent Travis to fix it. Being the CEO of his family’s multi-million dollar enterprise means Travis is used to getting his hands dirty. But the pressure of looking out for the company, along with his family’s well-being was beginning to take its toll…until he found his Angel…
NOTE: Half the proceeds of Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids and Sex, Secrets, and Happily Ever Afters is going to ROWW, in honor of Paul and Cody Walker and all their hard work for this terrific organization
BIO:
While some say truth is stranger than fiction, Deb Julienne’s experience runs more along the lines of a slap-stick comedy; when life tosses you lemons the only thing to do is to turn it into Limoncello. She resides in her own little bit of heaven in the Sierra Tahoe National Forest Basin, with her husband of 33 years, their three sons and one daughter, and two very precious grandkids.
WEBSITE: http://www.debjulienne.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deb-Julienne/752399544824095?ref=hl
TWITTER: @debjulienne
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/debjulienne/
August 31, 2014
Character Blog Hop
I’d like to thank Kate Curran for tagging me in the Character Blog Hop. The character blog hop consists of answering a few questions to let our readers know about the new characters we’ve got coming in the near future.
Kate’s Bio:
My journey as a writer began when I turned 30, my youngest started kindergarten, and I went back to college. I took a class on fiction writing and the author was born—except it wasn’t a direct route to publishing my novels. I took a 20-year detour as a photojournalist specializing in agriculture. Twenty years later I published my first book, but it wasn’t the romance novel I’d anticipated—it was a children’s book. Three more children’s books have followed and now, finally, my romance novels.
Contact Kate at on the web at: www.katecurran.net
Email Kate at: katecurran3@gmail.com
Like Kate at: www.facebook.com/katecurranauthor
Tweet Kate at: https://twitter.com/Katecurran3Kate
Friend Kate at: www.goodreads.com/KateCurran
Be sure to stop by her blog and learn about her latest release Leave Me Breathless: http://katecurran3.blogspot.com/
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Now on to Angel’s story “Antics, Antidotes, and Angel” Book II of the Twisted Sisters Club series:
1) What is the name of your character?
Hi my name is Angeline Talbot (Angel to my friends) and according to Deb I’m the heroine in Antics, Antidotes, and Angel, Book II of Deb’s Twisted Sisters Club series.
2) When and where is the story set?
The story is in Sacramento, California, modern day, and much of it take place in my store “Angeline’s” in Old Sacramento. I own an adult store, and before I get any dirty looks or eye rolls, the purpose of my store is to bring couples closer together. I design my own lingerie and have a fabulous supply of ‘adult paraphernalia’ to help keep couples connected and the know how to help ANYONE…except myself. But we won’t go there…not today.
3) What should we know about Her?
I’ve thrown myself into my store because it’s easier than dealing with my own problems. I lost my virginity to a bet. And no, I knew nothing about it. Needless to say, I have trust issues and a troubled past that I’ve yet to really deal with, until I was introduced to Travis Wellington…now I’m in real trouble.
4) What is the main conflict?
My troubles were of my own making, that’s what I get for being so naive and while I take full responsibility for my actions, and what I had to do, those decisions didn’t come easy…I feel stronger since meeting Sabrina. She’s opened my eyes to a few things, and while she and her well meaning friends are out to help me, it’s the ladies in the Blue Haired Brigade” that make me feel loved while I continued to deal with the fall out. And Travis isn’t making it any easier. Have you met Travis yet?
What messes up his/her life?
Meeting this man, Travis Wellington, may well be my undoing, because he has no intention of leaving me alone. One the one hand he represents everything I’ve been running from: He’s handsome, confident, and rich. On the other, he’s exactly what I want in a man. He truly cares about me and wants to help me, but I just can’t let myself go down that road. Don’t say it, I know, I’m fickle.
5) What is the personal goal of the character
When the economy tanked I had to close the doors to my bridal salon. It broke my heart. I’m hoping when the economy turns around I can re-open the doors. There is nothing more fulfilling that to make a gown for a bride, and all the under garments for her special day as well as her honeymoon.
6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
Antics, Antidotes, and Angel is the working title or so I’ve been told.
To learn more about me and the other characters in the series by Deb Julienne check out her website: www.debjulienne.com
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
It’s in Deb’s editors precious hands. To keep up with the latest releases sign up for Deb’s newsletter at www.debjulienne.com
Find Deb at:
Website: www.debjulienne.com
Twitter: @debjulienne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.julienne
Facebook author: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deb-Julienne/752399544824095
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/debjulienne/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/s/deb%20julienne
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874605.Deb_Julienne
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deb-Julienne/e/B00IRN9TKE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
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Next up on the character blog hop is my friend Amy Burgess who write paranormal. Amy will be posting on September 8th, so don’t miss out on her blog!
Author Bio:
Amy Lee Burgess lives and writes in Houston, Texas but her heart belongs to New England – especially in the autumn. Ruled by two dachshunds and addicted to Irish breakfast tea and the Walking Dead, she loves to write about vampires, wolf shifters, gargoyles and other assorted paranormal creatures. Amy loves to travel to places like London England, Edinburgh, Scotland, Paris France and Providence, Rhode Island where she stalks the coziest Irish pubs she can find. She writes to trance and house music by candlelight and welcomes email from her readers – especially if they want to talk about the supernatural.
Blood Gate Blurb:
Vampire Claire finds herself caught in the middle between her Master, Parker, and her Trigger, Andre. Little love is lost between the former friends, but somehow Claire must build a bridge between them when they are sent to Edgewood to settle their differences. The cost of her failure will be deadly.
Deep in the cellars of Edgewood, a game of sexual bondage unleashes unexpected dangers, twisting open, loving Andre into a secretive virtuoso of manipulation. Is this just another part of the game, or is he losing his mind? Parker will take desperate steps to protect his apprentice, but he won’t be dragged into the game with them.
Can Parker set aside forty years of bitter rivalry, or will he sacrifice Andre to save Claire?
Links to reach Amy Lee Burgess:
Main Website
http://amyleeburgess.blogspot.com/
@AmyLeeBurgess (Twitter)
Buy links
July 9, 2014
Fans of Paul Walker…and now Cody Walker…join me in supporting ROWW.
When it comes to the heroes in our stories we want them to be fun, lovable, exciting, charming, and above all capture our hearts.
I started writing Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids back in 2000, my story didn’t click until I found my true hero for the part of Travis Wellington.
If you’ve seen the cover (above), my pinterest page about my books, or the trailer, you’ve seen Paul Walker is my chosen muse for the character of twins Trent/Travis Wellington. One of the deciding factors for choosing Paul wasn’t just that he’s handsome, oh and believe me he is, but it was discovering the personal side of the man beyond the movies.
I wanted an admirable man, not just a handsome one. I wanted my character to stand out as someone to look up to. In a time and age where Hollywood is spitting out movie stars with no real heart, soul, honor, and conviction…I spent months searching for the right man.
Paul Walker – Just look at that smile…how can you not fall for him?
In addition to his movie endeavors, Paul founded Reach Out Worldwide whose mission statement reads: “REACH OUT Worldwide is a quick-response, mobile first aid organization aiding in rescue and recovery after major natural disasters around the globe.”
Their relief efforts have helped with Tornados in Illinois, Alabama, and Oklahoma City, the Colorado Flood, and Typhoons in Haiyan and the Philippines. It’s amazing to see such a humble man who cared so much, then gave even more of himself, not to mention how far reaching his efforts have gone.
But Paul’s story doesn’t end here.
In my opinion, Paul is not the only hero in the Walker family. Enter Cody Walker.
I’m using Cody’s official Facebook Bio here with his permission:
“I’m the youngest of the Walker siblings. I grew up in Southern California and graduated from La Canada High School in 2006. I then went on to Santa Barbara City College and eventually graduated from UCSB with a Bachelors in Cultural Anthropology. Immediately after graduating I earned my EMT certification from UCLA center of Prehospital Care and moved up to Oregon where I pursued schooling to become a Paramedic. For the last two and half years I worked on an ambulance as an EMT and then in June of 2013 I completed school and became a licensed Paramedic. At that time I continued with the ambulance and began working as a Paramedic.”
This in and of itself is a remarkable man. And again, the story doesn’t stop here.
In light of the loss of Paul Walker, who passed away on November 30, 2013, Cody made a life changing decision to make sure his brother’s legacy lived on. He packed his bags and moved back to California: “to give ROWW all I’ve got. I wanted to make Paul proud in life, and I want him to look down on ROWW now knowing that its future is bright. I look forward to working with the ROWW team and fulfilling the unmet need.”
Paul Walker will be truly missed, but his legacy lives on in his beloved brother, Cody. Way to go Cody, my new hero.
Please join me in supporting Paul Walker, Cody Walker, and Reach Out Worldwide and help make a difference. I will be donating half of the profits of my debut books: ‘Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids’ and ‘Antics, Antidotes, and Angel’ to ROWW.
Bless you Paul and Cody!
Deb
May 24, 2014
Escaping your comfort zone…
I write romantic comedy, and I’ll be the first to admit…I totally suck at sex scenes. Why? Because what it boils down to is my comfort zone. I’m totally private about that part of my life. I can be open when talking to a single person, one-in-one, but to say it in public, that’s not comfortable…it’s not my norm.
I can read erotica, in fact, I love just about every genre of books, but for me to try to use the language, tone, words, descriptions of erotica just doesn’t work…it’s just not me. So how does a person who wants to add steam to a story go about finding that middle ground/tone to take?
Some days, I think it’s a generational thing…some days, I think it’s how I was raised, old-fashioned Southern Baptist. There’s good and bad, but it’s all a perception thing.
How do you teach a person to find a new comfort zone?
I consider myself a fairly open-minded person, but I won’t change for anyone, it has to be for me, with my understanding of why it’s necessary.
I can swear like a drunken sailor, but I usually only do that when I’m in private and 99 times out of 100 I’m swearing at my computer. I’ve slipped and dropped the “F” bomb occasionally and end up feeling horribly guilty.
How do you let go of repression…whether it’s language, sex, or whatever, and still feel like you’re being true to yourself, evolving as a human being, a woman, even an aging woman? I’m almost at the point of feeling like I won’t find myself until I’m in my 80′s and can finally say WTF, nobody matters enough for me to watch it anymore…look out here I come.
I was recently told I needed to up my sexy quotient in my books. That’s all well and good, but what about my comfort zone? Telling me to write sexier is as good as telling me I’m not sexy. I don’t know of many women who are 100% comfortable with themselves, me included. I’d love to be skinnier. I’d love to be prettier. I’d love to say I have it all…not gonna happen.
I recently asked an author friend: Why can’t I feel my own value? What’s stifling me? Am I doing it to myself because of the beliefs drummed into me at an early age? What’s it gonna take to be able to finally say “screw it just do it”?
Her response was: it’s between your thighs GIGGLE! Sweetheart, only you can decide that. You have to do what YOU are comfortable with and it helps to push that envelope when you feel comfortable enough to do it. Start small and work your way up.
During our chat on the phone my answer became clear. She said you write romantic comedy…romantic comedy isn’t about your hoo-ha getting’ happy, it’s about the humor of the situations. Instead of worrying about the descriptions of what they’re feeling and doing, it’s about how crazy and wild they’re getting…like going at it so hard and fast they bang their heads together…to which I replied or going at it so hard one of them bangs the wall and leaves an imprint of their heads.
So to stay true to myself…I’ll keep writing, but at the same time I’ll keep my characters true to the genre and keep my mind open and keep moving forward, and let go of the stress.
Happy reading.
Deb
April 28, 2014
True stories…
If you’re reading this, you obviously know I’m a writer…what you may NOT know is that many of the scenes in my books come from real life incidents. Today I’m sharing something that happened and I’m still LMAO about it.
Last week, my daughter sends me email asking me to print some papers for her college Chem Class…she needed 3 copies…I did, but I also didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to the papers. I removed them from the printer and set them aside. Easy peasy…right? Uh, no–never!
Daughter comes over, I hand her the stack of papers and as far as I’m concerned, Mom’s good deed for the day is done. She staples the copies and off she goes to school to turn them in.
HOWEVER,…after class the Professor tells her to stay behind, she wants to speak to her. The Professor hands my daughter her paper and says, “You included some extra credit which I can’t count, but I did take a picture of it.”
Her comment has my daughter scratching her head. Rachel says, “But, I didn’t turn in any extra credit.”
The Professor, with a straight face, hands her back her paper and my daughter can see through the back copy that there is a pink image of some sort. Rachel takes the paper, flips through to the last page and according to her, she thought she was going to die of embarrassment. There on the last page is a recipe I had printed to laminate for the upcoming Brenda Novak Online Diabetes Auction. It’s a recipe of a drink I created for my debut book, ‘Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aides’. The recipe was for “Kinky Sex on the Beach” a passion fruit flavored cocktail.
This is the image that was on the page along with the recipe.
Now for added embarrassment, my daughter’s Chem partner is standing there. The Chem partner is also a long-time childhood friend who has witnessed a number of these instances. Leandra leaned over Rachel’s shoulder and started laughing–I don’t mean a giggle, I mean all out, knee-slapping-belly-whopper-jaw-aching-belly-laugh!!! Rachel stammered but finally found her voice and proceeded to try to explain that her mom’s a writer and our stuff must have accidently been mixed together. She’s scrambling to break out her iPhone to show the professor my website, with the title of the book, but no cell reception. The Professor starts laughing, the friend is laughing harder, and Rachel said she didn’t think she’d ever lose the red face or the humiliation.
I had completely forgotten I’d printed out a recipe for ‘Kinky Sex on the Beach’. I’m making a basket that will include a copy of my book and some fun items from the story.
Rachel was stuttering as she told me about the incident, glaring and still very red-faced, while telling me how mortified she was to have to explain to her Prof it was her pervy mom’s recipe for her book.
My response was: “You’re lucky I’d already laminated the recipe for ‘Sex in a pan’.”
My work on Earth is done–I have thoroughly embarrassed my daughter…and I still can’t stop laughing!
And in case you’re interested, here is the link to the basket I’m donating to the Diabetes Auction:
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=3362461
Please check out the auction, there’s something for EVERYONE!!!
Thanks for letting me share.
Deb
