Dreamspinner Press discussion
Meet the Author
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Meet Jay Northcote, Con Riley, and Annabelle Jacobs
Con wrote: "Garrett wrote: "Just back from the coldest, windiest firework display ever. And I *hate* fireworks. What's gwanning here?"
OMG Garrett, It's blowing a hoolie down here. I fear for anyone letting..."
Con, it was terrifying. They didn't even light the bonfire for fear it would blow over. The kids loved it, but I was shitting myself the whole time!
Annabelle wrote: "Okay, I'm sure this is TMI, but here goes....when i was much younger, and having an afternoon of 'fun' with my husband (my then boyfriend), I may have given him my best sultry expression and sai..."
Oh the days when we had the time to spend all afternoon doing *that*.
Garret, we're waiting for a picture of you in a kilt."
Here you go- I found one
Here you go- I found one
Sarah wrote: "Garret, we're waiting for a picture of you in a kilt."Here you go- I found one
"
Oh, but I doooooooooo have chicken legs, LOL
So, moving swiftly on from my embarrassing tales... This is a little excerpt from my current book,The Choosing.
Jerath and his best friend Serim have just met up with a group of hunters, and this takes place on the first night in their camp.
“Jerath?” Meren’s soft voice stops him in his tracks. “Can I speak with you a moment before you go?”
Jerath turns back and is surprised to see Meren now alone by the fire. He walks toward him and stops a couple of paces away.
“I’m sorry if you felt uncomfortable earlier. Torek meant no harm, but doesn’t always know when to stop.” He takes a few steps closer and Jerath swallows nervously. “He was right, though, you are a fine-looking man.” Meren reaches up and strokes his thumb down Jerath’s cheek. His skin feels rough, but his touch is gentle and Jerath leans into it. “And as much as I would like you in my bed tonight, I understand that your ways and mine are very different.”
Jerath’s heart pounds. How easy it would be to lean forward and kiss Meren, to tell him yes, he’d very much like to join him in his bed. But Jerath is inexperienced and Meren is obviously not. Jerath’s not sure he wants to be just another bed warmer for the chief’s son, as appealing as that seems at this precise moment. He also doesn’t want to leave Serim alone. So he takes a step back.
“Yes,” Jerath answers. “They are.”
Meren smiles softly. “‘Night, Jerath.”
Before Jerath has time to react, Meren leans in and kisses him. It’s just a gentle brush of lips at first. Meren’s are warm and soft as they move over his; then he goes to pull away. But Jerath has had a taste now and he wants more. He grabs Meren’s hips and tugs him forward until they both gasp at the contact.
Meren brings his other hand up and cups Jerath’s face, tilting his head for a better angle. He licks into Jerath’s mouth and Jerath moans—a low rumble in his chest. The sound shocks them both and they pull back quickly, lips wet and glistening in the firelight.
Meren looks flushed and his eyes are so dark they’re almost black. Jerath wants to kiss him again, wants to feel Meren pressed up against him, but he knows he won’t be able to stop there and he doesn’t want it to go any further tonight.
“‘Night, Meren.” He steps back to put some space between them.
“See you in the morning.” Meren smiles and reluctantly turns away.
Jerath watches him head off to join his men in one of the larger tents, and sighs heavily. He has a feeling these next few days are going to be very interesting.
So you writers--what has it been like, your books? Did you enjoy the writing? Has the publishing been what you expected? How long after you submitted your first manuscript did you check your email for a reply? (speaking of embarrassing stories. Okay, 6 minutes for me.)
speaking of back massages (how perfect is this segue?) I have a little extract from Nothing Serious that involves back massage. Anyone fancy a bit of that?
Annabelle wrote: "So, moving swiftly on from my embarrassing tales... This is a little excerpt from my current book,The Choosing.
..."
awww I love their first kiss *shivers deliciously* <3
Jay wrote: "speaking of back massages (how perfect is this segue?) I have a little extract from Nothing Serious that involves back massage. Anyone fancy a bit of that?"Ooh, yes please.
Sarah wrote: "So you writers--what has it been like, your books? Did you enjoy the writing? Has the publishing been what you expected? How long after you submitted your first manuscript did you check your email ..."good questions!
Um... I did enjoy the writing. I'm finding writing a lot harder recently, which is odd. I have no idea why. I think now I'm onto my 4th book for intended publication I'm overthinking things too much. With the first three I just wrote what I wanted and didn't really worry about the audience.
Publishing has mostly not had too many surprises but I have friends who are a year or so ahead of me (grins at Con) so I knew what to expect more or less.
Waiting for the reply. ugh. It's the WORST. I checked my email obsessively and constantly with each submission. It never gets any better! I wish I could just cryogenically freeze myself for the 8 week wait to save my sanity :D
back massage sextract from Nothing Serious (genuine typo but I'll leave it because it works!)This is Mark's first date with Jamie, first time of anything with a guy apart from a fumbled hand job when he was a teen... so he's pretty nervous (bless)...
“Come on.” He pushed himself up off the floor and held out a hand to Mark, still smiling broadly. “You can give me a massage. It’s the least you can do, seeing as it was your bloody boxes that made me ache all over.”
“Okay.” Mark let Jamie pull him up, and Jamie kept hold of his hand as he tugged Mark gently, but insistently, to the bedroom. “I’ll do my best.”
The thought of getting his hands all over Jamie was definitely appealing, and massaging him was a fairly nonthreatening way to start.
Jamie sat down on the edge of the bed and began to unbutton the pale-blue shirt he was wearing.
“Let me.” Mark moved forward, feeling bold. If he was going to do this, he wanted to do it properly. He pushed Jamie’s hands away and took over, slipping each button carefully through the buttonhole. He helped slide the shirt off Jamie’s shoulders; his skin was warm against Mark’s fingers.
Jamie reached up and grabbed the front of Mark’s T-shirt, then pulled him down and kissed him slowly, just a soft brush of lips and a fleeting swipe of tongue before he released him. “Have you got any oil?” he asked.
“Only for cooking—olive oil, I think?”
“That’ll do.” Jamie nodded. “As long as it’s not garlic-flavored or anything.”
Mark laughed. “No, I think we’re safe. I’ll go and find it.”
When he came back, Jamie was lying face down on the bed, dressed only in tiny white briefs. Fuck. Mark’s cock reacted immediately, swelling and filling. He paused just inside the doorway to admire him. Jamie’s face was turned away so Mark let his gaze trail down the long line of his sleek golden back, over the generous curve of his arse, and down to his thick muscular thighs.
Sarah wrote: "So you writers--what has it been like, your books? Did you enjoy the writing? Has the publishing been what you expected? How long after you submitted your first manuscript did you check your email ..."It was very, very satisfying putting the finishing touches to my book. I never actually thought I'd finish it, so to actually submit was great. I enjoyed writing most of it, there was the odd bit in between where I thought it would go on forever though, lol.
And yeah - I checked my email all the time. Definitely withing an hour of sending it in!
and here's a visual of Jamie's back, lucky Mark *sigh*
Have to step out, lovely ladies and gents. My little British man (Yorkshire, wiry hair, four legs and very jumpy) needs a walk and I need a nap! Very happy for all of you that you are writing such grand books!
Jay wrote: "and here's a visual of Jamie's back, lucky Mark *sigh*"
I wish there was a 'like' button I could click :)
Sarah wrote: "Have to step out, lovely ladies and gents. My little British man (Yorkshire, wiry hair, four legs and very jumpy) needs a walk and I need a nap! Very happy for all of you that you are writing such ..."Bye! *waves* Thanks for joining us :)
Sarah wrote: "Have to step out, lovely ladies and gents. My little British man (Yorkshire, wiry hair, four legs and very jumpy) needs a walk and I need a nap! Very happy for all of you that you are writing such ..."thanks so much for coming to play! :) have a good walk and nap!
Hi, you awesome brits, you!Con, you were rejected?? How is that possible? You are awesome.:)
Yes, embarrassing moments...I might have shouted at my dad that I was going to rape him. I didn't know what it meant, but I knew it was something negative. I was angry.
And young.
Kat wrote: "Hi, you awesome brits, you!Con, you were rejected?? How is that possible? You are awesome.:)
Yes, embarrassing moments...I might have shouted at my dad that I was going to rape him. I didn't know ..."
oh lordy! awkward :)
and hello *waves* thanks for joining us!
I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... 
Annabelle wrote: "I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... "
A young Travis Fimmel unless I'm mistaken *swoons all the swoons*
Con wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... "
I NEED TO KNOW MORE"
There be dragons, and leather, oh and someone like this too :)
Annabelle wrote: "I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... "
Oh, wow, yes, fits. May I ask which character? :)
Jay wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... "
A young Travis Fimmel unless I'm mistaken *swoons all the swoons*"
Yep, I believe you are correct :)
Kat wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "I quite like chests too. I used this as inspiration for one of the characters in my new book... "
Oh, wow, yes, fits. May I ask which character? :)"
That pic is for my next book that comes out in Jan/Feb.
For The Choosing, I used this as inspiration for Jerath...
You can't beat Johnny Depp. (at any age!)
Jay, your new book's out soon isn't it?
Great picture love the cute puppy too.
Con wrote: "Love these pics! This could be someone from Salvage:
"
Aww... so cute. Both of them :)
Yes, I can imagine a writer falling in love with his/her characters and crying because they were rejected, because, as a reader it was so so easy to fall in love with Gabe, Scott, Mark, Meren, Jerath, Jamie ....did I forget someone....I'd have hated not reading about them. *sequel begs*
Annabelle wrote: "Jay, your new book's out soon isn't it?"Yes! double promo for me because my 2nd book is out on Nov 22nd. It's called The Little Things and is a bit more angsty than Nothing Serious (which did exactly what it said on the tin).
Here's the cover for my next release:
and the blurb:
There are lots of things that brighten Joel’s life. His three-year-old daughter Evie is one. His close relationship with her mother, his best friend from university, is another. Joel’s boyfriend, Dan, adds spice to his child-free nights, and Joel is pretty happy with how things are.
Then one cold and rainy night, everything changes. Joel’s life is turned upside-down when he becomes a full-time dad to Evie, and his previously carefree relationship with Dan cracks under the strain.
Meeting Liam, who acts as if getting hurt isn’t a foregone conclusion, shakes Joel to the core. Their attraction is mutual, and Liam makes no secret of how serious he is about Joel. But Joel is wary. He tells himself he’s keeping Liam at a distance for Evie’s sake, when really he’s protecting his own heart. Taking a chance on this new relationship with Liam may seem a small step—a little thing—but is it one Joel can take after losing so much already?
Luckily we were indoors, no guests in the house, just my dad, mum and older brother and little oblivious me. No one explained my mistake to me. It was only later in life I discovered the meaning if the word.
yay finally got the cover to work - in giant size but better than nothing :)
Con wrote: "Juliana wrote: "Hello! Slow at work at the moment! I'm so jealous of all you Brits! I need to meet a fella from the UK to take me back wih him! Scottish, Irish, Welsh, English it's all good! If you..."I'm in Florida! It was 90 degrees yesterday. Luckily it was only 75 today. Not very fall like.
Ash and Pete were in Slide...waves to G.L.
Jay wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "Jay, your new book's out soon isn't it?"Yes! double promo for me because my 2nd book is out on Nov 22nd. It's called The Little Things and is a bit more angsty than Nothing Seri..."
I like the sound of this!
Kat wrote: "Yes, I can imagine a writer falling in love with his/her characters and crying because they were rejected, because, as a reader it was so so easy to fall in love with Gabe, Scott, Mark, Meren, Pete..."<3
Nothing Serious was also rejected by the first place I subbed it to. Like Con, I didn't change anything because I was sure I loved the story and had faith that it would find a home eventually. Luckily Dreamspinner was the place!
Jay wrote: "Kat wrote: "Yes, I can imagine a writer falling in love with his/her characters and crying because they were rejected, because, as a reader it was so so easy to fall in love with Gabe, Scott, Mark,..."Is that Brad Pitt?
Juliana wrote: I like the sound of this:)
I'm excited about it! less than 3 weeks to go now - hurrah!
If you're interested you can pre-order it and get 25% off with the code that was posted earlier:
ConJayAnnabelle. It's good for 25% off all our books plus all other contemporaries and shifter stories for 48 hours.
Con wrote: "Jay wrote: "yay finally got the cover to work - in giant size but better than nothing :)"Such a beautiful cover, Jay <3"
thank you! Paul Richmond did a wonderful job <3
Annabelle wrote: is that Brad Pitt?yep :D
Jay wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "Jay, your new book's out soon isn't it?"Yes! double promo for me because my 2nd book is out on Nov 22nd. It's called The Little Things and is a bit more angsty than Nothing Seri..."
I love the blurb, my heart already aches in the right places. You can pre-order it now, right? Does the promotion code apply to that one as well? :)
So... I have The Little Things out soon. Annabelle, you have your Dragon Rider book out in... when? Jan or Feb?Con - what's next from you? and when?
Kat wrote: "Jay wrote: "Annabelle wrote: "Jay, your new book's out soon isn't it?"yes, the promo code applies to all our books, and also to any other contemporary or shifter titles at DSP - valid for 48 hours
Con wrote: "Juliana wrote: "I'm in Florida! It was 90 degrees yesterday. Luckily it was only 75 today. Not very fall like. "Oh! the book I'm writing at the moment involves characters in Florida. Perhaps I ca..."
Sounds good! Florida is an interesting…
Con wrote: "Love these pics! This could be someone from Salvage:
"
Yes! People out there, read Salvage! It has puppies! Also, it's so good...
-fangirl
Jay wrote: "So... I have The Little Things out soon. Annabelle, you have your Dragon Rider book out in... when? Jan or Feb?Yep, the first book in my fantasy trilogy is due to be released in Jan/Feb 2014. I'm really excited about it :)
while we're on cute animals - back to cats... but have y'all seen this piece of awesome?http://jaynorthcote.tumblr.com/post/5...
Con wrote: "Jay wrote: "So... I have The Little Things out soon. Annabelle, you have your Dragon Rider book out in... when? Jan or Feb?Con - what's next from you? and when?"
I have a companion novel to Salva..."
Ooo! Exciting!
okay folks, time's up and I'm going to go and put the kettle on.Thanks for joining us! we'll pick winners for giveaways tomorrow :)
good night!
Jay
xx
Dreamspinner Press
Books mentioned in this topic
The Choosing (other topics)The Choosing (other topics)
when i was much younger, and having an afternoon of 'fun' with my husband (my then boyfriend), I may have given him my best sultry expression and sai..."