Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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Lorelei James
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AC: Lorelei James of Chasin' Eight (June 29 - June 30)
Hi Lorelei and welcome! It's so exciting to have you here at Goodreads and to be able to interact with you like this. Thanks so much for taking the time to be here. I have not yet read any of your books but I just went and did some back cover reading and went to your site and I am definitely interested in reading your books. I think i will start with the Rough Riders, the men just sound so yummy!
As for my question, I was wondering if you set regular work hours for yourself at home. I know when I try to work at home and my kids were small I never got a darn thing done. I also had to have a desk and make a closed off space where I could think clear and concentrate. Do you do that too or have you become immune to the kids and just pull out the laptop wherever and go to it? (I love the notebooks you sometimes use)
Lorelei wrote: "I consider myself an erotic romance writer, not an erotica writer -- the difference to me between the genres is an erotic romance is a sexual journey resulting in some type of commitment/HEA for the hero and heroine, whereas erotica is just a sexual journey.So yes, all my stories have romance."
That is what I love best about your books! Do you want the same in the books you read?
And I also love that you don't sugarcoat things and stay true to the characters. It shows in your work! You are so right that people are going to take things in books and apply them differently because of their life experiences. I know my triggers are very different than many of my friends! And conversely, things that bother them I may barely even notice.
What is your long term goal as a writer? Some authors want to be picked up by big publishing houses & change styles later. I've met some. Do you think far ahead to a specific goal? I know a few authors, and one I know in particular wants to be the next Stephan King, He's a man... No other explaination needed. I'm just curious if many authors really dream of a huge goal, or is some just write a certain Genre and are happy. I read about every genre, and I decided I like women writers the best. I skip books most of the time because men write them. Our friend was a huge executive and just has this idea he's going to make millions. His book isn't even out yet. LOL! Men!
I'm sorry. This more wordy than I intended, I was just curious about a comparison in thought.
I am NOT a writer. JUST a reader! I have no intention of writing either. It is a gift I do not have... Just a comment to my above questions..
Why are you girls waiting to read Chasin' Eight!!!!! That's not right it's soooooo good that keeping yourself from reading it could be classed as a form of self abuse :)
@ tania - because i'm using it for a july challenge....T-18 hours until I can start ;)
@Dee - There's only 2 hours until July here in Australia - I hereby consider you Australian.
well, i am an aussie by birth! lol! stuck at work for at least another 9 hours and I got 1 book to finish up tonight, then I can start ;)
Lorelei wrote: "Lauren wrote: I'm glad you overcame your cowboy issues and gave the books a try!Speaking of cowboy issues...It's funny, I know contemporary erotic westerns aren't everyone's bag. No one can read the jacket copy of any of my books and expect they'll be about mamby-pamby beta men and the ball busting woman who master them, so it confuses me on why some people keep buying each new book in the series and then leave crappy comments and reviews all over the place because the book...was exactly as it was described!
I can't please everyone, I don't bother to try, so I'm happy to read that so many of you love the books just as they are and can't wait for more of my take-charge men and the women who love them :)
L~
..."
Nope, you can't. I never get how someone can bash a book, when its clearly written on the tin. I try and look at books I found I didn't like and say the reasons why, but not make it personal. I've done it before and with a different series I've stopped buying because although I realise that an author has to grow and expand their worlds, but if they go off the course on what I like, then I'll stop reading and say its not what I orignally signed up for. The trick is not to make it personal and to try to look at the good in the book, well it is for me.
Is there any Real Life insperation that influences your characters? (If so, I'm booking my ticket straight away!)
Robin O wrote: "Hi Lorelei and welcome! It's so exciting to have you here at Goodreads and to be able to interact with you like this. Thanks so much for taking the time to be here. I have not yet read any of ..."
Hey Robin, I'm happy to be here :)
I'm really disciplined working from home. I have a gorgeous office/library that my husband built me with floor to ceiling bookshelves. My main computer is in there, and I email, blog, do the business end of writing and I can edit books in various stages...but I cannot write new material in here. I have to go upstairs to my bedroom with my comfy chair and my crappy laptop without internet access to get my work done. This is also the reason I don't have a smart phone. I keep distractions to a minimum because of tight deadlines.
That said, some things can distract me, especially when the kids are home for the summer and are hinting about ice cream :)
L~
morning!! wow - lots of activity in the thread yesterday/last night - Lorelei, I think you have the record for the most popular session so far ;)anyways - Jim normally asks the complete off the wall questions - but he's busy with work, and I love this question he has used before, so A representative from the future reads one of your stories a thousand years from now and comes back to grant you three perfect android servants. They can come in any shape and size and have a considerable range of powers, from a flying monkey that can play any musical instrument to a man with the build of a Greek god that does windows. Describe for us the three android servants you would create. What are their names and what are their powers?
Sassy wrote: " What is your long term goal as a writer? Some authors want to be picked up by big publishing houses & change styles later. I've met some. Do you think far ahead to a specific goal? I know a few a..."Good question, Sassy. In addition to writing for a digital first publisher, I'm also writing for two of the big NY houses -- NAL (Penguin/Putnam) and Simon and Schuster(they sent me across the country on book tour with my last two Mercy books, which is some author's dream) I've been nominated for -- 3 times -- and won the Shamus Award, a major award in mystery, I've won the Willa Cather Literary Award, been nominated for the High Plains Book Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award, and in romance I've won the RT Reviewers Choice Award for best erotic romance, and the Cupid and Psyche Award. Those nominations and wins weren't goals, per se, but it was thrilling to have the work recognized, and again, for some authors, award nominations and wins are the big goal.
So many things are out of author's control. We can spend all our time promoting a book, even a really good book, and then it won't go anywhere sales wise -- which is the absolute bottom line in traditional publishing. Every author wants to hit the NY Times, but it is very hard. I focus on what *I* can control, and that's the amount of time I write. On a regular week, not a release week, I tend to stay offline except for in the morning and sometimes briefly in the evening.
That's the long answer to your question. My short answer? I never thought I'd get paid to do what I love for a living :) My goal is to write the best book I can every time.
Unless your friend got a million dollar publishing deal upfront? Chances are slim he'll ever make that much from one book in this industry. But it's good to have dreams!
L~
Tania wrote: "Why are you girls waiting to read Chasin' Eight!!!!! That's not right it's soooooo good that keeping yourself from reading it could be classed as a form of self abuse :)"Thanks for pimping the book Tania!
L~
Gem H aka *Dhelirious* wrote: "Lorelei wrote: "Lauren wrote: I'm glad you overcame your cowboy issues and gave the books a try!Speaking of cowboy issues...It's funny, I know contemporary erotic westerns aren't everyone's bag..."
Living in ranching country, among pickups and cowboy hats and horse trailers, I have real life inspiration every day. It's more general than if I see a good looking man in a cowboy hat who smiles at me at the grocery store -- that's the bonus. I really want to relay what it's like to live in rural America.
L~
MountainKat wrote: "Lorelei wrote: "I consider myself an erotic romance writer, not an erotica writer -- the difference to me between the genres is an erotic romance is a sexual journey resulting in some type of commi..."I don't think I could be a romance writer without being a reader first. But like everyone else, I have my favorite romance sub-genres and tend to stick with those. I also read mystery, again, I stay in those certain areas in the mystery world that appeal to me. I don't read much nonfiction unless it's for research.
Did that answer the question?
L~
Lorelei wrote: "I can also admit it's a lot easier for many women to buy a book titled RODE HARD, PUT UP WET, from an online store, so they don't have to be uncomfortable taking it up to the checkout counter, or have to cover it up when they're reading it on the bus."So true, LOL! I got the first 6 books in print and had to get a book cover. Although I really like to look at those sexy cowboys, I read a lot in the Subway and I don't need to give all the weirdoes any excuse to come on to me. We have a lot of frotteurs as it is!
I decided to continue the series as ebooks but I don't have an ereader yet (can't decide which one to get.) That's the reason I'm so behind! :(
Lorelei, I'm a erotica fan! I'm excited that you're here! So, I always love to hear what the authors consider their favorites. Do you have any erotica favs?
Hi Lorelei. Your books sound wonderful! They're going on my TBR list. As a writer of historical western romance, I naturally love westerns in any setting or era. I have two questions:Have you ever thought about writing historicals?
How do you keep up with promotional work and still find time to write? I ask that because it has become a serious problem for me.
Wow! Thank you for your answer! It answered everything! I joined goodreads to keep up with all the books I've read, and to find new authors! All your books are rated very high, so I am definitely buying them! Thanks!
D.G. ~Vile Temptress~ wrote: "Lorelei wrote: "I can also admit it's a lot easier for many women to buy a book titled RODE HARD, PUT UP WET, from an online store, so they don't have to be uncomfortable taking it up to the checko..."I have a kindle and love it after having a Sony and hating it. I'm saving my pennies for a Nook color :)
L~
Gigi wrote: "Lorelei, I'm a erotica fan! I'm excited that you're here! So, I always love to hear what the authors consider their favorites. Do you have any erotica favs?"Gigi,
I don't want it to sound like I'm pimping my friends..but Maya Banks is a good friend of mine and her books are autobuy :)I read Lora Leigh, Sydney Croft, I've recently started Cherise Sinclair.
I read a lot of contemporary authors and paranormal, far too many to name!
L~
Lyn wrote: "Hi Lorelei. Your books sound wonderful! They're going on my TBR list. As a writer of historical western romance, I naturally love westerns in any setting or era. I have two questions:Have you eve..."
Yes, Lyn, I have a couple of historical ideas up my sleeve -- hopefully I'll get to write them someday.
As far as promotion...I did a lot more when I first started out with my first couple of books. Now social networking is HUGE and many publishers require you to have a presence on the web, definitely a website, and a Facebook page.
My attitude toward social media isn't the norm. I update my blog on my website frequently, which in turn updates my Facebook page and releases a tweet on the twitter account. I don't believe I've ever sent out a tweet "just because" -- I don't follow twitter feeds. I don't follow many blogs. I don't track review sites. I don't participate on Good Reads, in fact, I wasn't sure if I even had an account, no lie.
Why?
I'm usually writing. I keep online distractions under control, which I know is an issue for many writers. They get caught up in promotion and it affects their writing output. I can't figure out the appeal of some of this social media, it can suck every bit of creativity out of me, especially
if I waste forward progress on a novel to stop and check to see if some person I don't know across the country commented on my comment, and then somehow misinterpreted a tweet, or my comment on a blog and starts to tell the world I'm the antichrist. So there are downsides to being plugged in 24/7, the most obvious is the amount of time it takes away from the work of writing. It is work. It is my job. And I know bosses get pissed if they find their employees screwing off on company time, so I hold myself to the same mindset.
Don't get me wrong, I love interacting with readers and fans. I have a very active yahoo group that I love love love and have made an effort to meet as many of them in person as I can. I have a fun blog where I don't post anything earth shattering, just fun stuff.
Ain't ya sorry ya asked?
L~
Sassy wrote: "Wow! Thank you for your answer! It answered everything! I joined goodreads to keep up with all the books I've read, and to find new authors! All your books are rated very high, so I am definitely b..."Thanks Sassy, I was pretty happy to see the books are rated so highly -- it was news to me too :)
L~
Lorelei wrote: "Ceej wrote: "hi LoreleiI got hooked when someone suggested Long Hard Ride for good umm erotica. I like that your books give me that along with a good back story as well. Have you..."
No no nooooooo too many McKay's for that lol. I'll take an order of Cord with a side of Kane myself. I meant like with the disclaimer in Slow Ride that it takes place between the ending of All Jacked Up and chapter 2 of Cowgirls Don't Cry. If someone's happy ending was the beginning of the next book or maybe two books down. It was just a thought and I truly understand finishing but sometimes certain couples make me wish their story didn't wrap up.
Dee wrote: "morning!! wow - lots of activity in the thread yesterday/last night - Lorelei, I think you have the record for the most popular session so far ;)anyways - Jim normally asks the complete off th..."
Okay, I had to mull this over, the flying monkey portion threw me because I freakin' hate monkeys.
My droid servants would all be built Ford tough cowboys -- one with a magic rope that would fetch me whatever my heart desired, one with a pickup spaceship that could ferry me across the galaxy, and one with a gigantic space ranch where we could ride across the stars on his horses. Oh, and Billy Joe, Bobby Joe and Dante would be hung like bulls, sweet as pie, but total alphas who saw to my every need and then some.
Hey, that gives me a GREAT idea for a space cowboy book!
L~
Any Cowboy book that you wrote would be great!
mmm, Space Cowboys...I could go for those... ;)
Lorelei wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Lorelei, I'm a erotica fan! I'm excited that you're here! So, I always love to hear what the authors consider their favorites. Do you have any erotica favs?"Gigi,
I don't want it..."
I love Lora Leigh's Breed series. I'm going to have to look into Maya Banks, Sydney Croft and Cherise Sinclair (Dee's recommended her to me as well for this month's pick it for me challenge). Thanks!
Just wanted to say HI and to say that I have always enjoyed your books. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Lauren wrote: "Any Cowboy book that you wrote would be great!"Thanks, Lauren -- my worry is if I attempt to write a Lorelei James -- non cowboy book!
L~
Dee wrote: "mmm, Space Cowboys...I could go for those... ;)"And I am chomping at the the bit to get to the new COWBOYS AND ALIENS movie! Daniel Craig in chaps? Dude.
L~
Bookwormgirl wrote: "Just wanted to say HI and to say that I have always enjoyed your books. Thank you for sharing them with us."You are welcome! Thanks for popping and letting me know you like them!
L~
Hi again Lorelei,I mentioned how much I love your Rough Riders and Wild West boys, and forgot to mention how much I enjoyed Wicked Garden. That was a hot story with a rock star, business people and no cowboys- and it was great! I'm a sucker for rekindled love.
I saw a preview for it - it looks good - I'm interested to see how he does in the american version of the girl with the dragon tattooLorelei wrote: "Dee wrote: "mmm, Space Cowboys...I could go for those... ;)"
And I am chomping at the the bit to get to the new COWBOYS AND ALIENS movie! Daniel Craig in chaps? Dude.
L~"
Dear Lorelei,I don't have a question but just want to say that I a really enjoying your Rough Riders series. I am only 4 books in because I am trying to make them last (I read fast and tend to binge-read series), but they are definitely re-reads for me - I've read the first four twice and will probably read them again this summer while I travel. Thanks for such great books!
I know, very off topic, but I have a gift where whenever casino royal was on, I always managed to get it at the naked Daniel craig torture bit. Also he is naked in the first tomb raider film...,
Fran wrote: "Hi again Lorelei,I mentioned how much I love your Rough Riders and Wild West boys, and forgot to mention how much I enjoyed Wicked Garden. That was a hot story with a rock star, ..."
Thanks Fran! I still get questions on when I'm going to write Jon's story -- someday, I hope :)
L
Amanda Sings wrote: "Dear Lorelei,I don't have a question but just want to say that I a really enjoying your Rough Riders series. I am only 4 books in because I am trying to make them last (I read fast and tend to b..."
Amanda, thank you for letting me know you're enjoying them, that means a lot!
L~
Dee wrote: "I saw a preview for it - it looks good - I'm interested to see how he does in the american version of the girl with the dragon tattooLorelei wrote: "Dee wrote: "mmm, Space Cowboys...I could go f..."
Think he'll be naked in it? Hey, maybe Gem Dhelicious could access her Daniel Craig naked radar and let us know :)
L
It's a gift!!!!!!!!!It also works for Gerad butler, Ryan reynolds.......
First: I'm one of your biggest fans. I adore every book in your Rough Riders series!How do you know which character to go with next? You have so many!
Boy, do I wish to win this one!! I've been waiting forever for Chasin' Eight!
Alyssa wrote: "First: I'm one of your biggest fans. I adore every book in your Rough Riders series!How do you know which character to go with next? You have so many!
Boy, do I wish to win this one!! I've been ..."
I actually changed books for my 2011 RR releases -- KISSIN' TELL was supposed to come after CHASIN' EIGHT, but I'm writing Ben's book, COWBOY CASANOVA next.
I'm thrilled you're loving the books :)
L~
hey Lorelei - thank you soo much for joining us!!for the participants - the winner of Chasin' Eight is GemH - if you could please email Lorelei at lorelei@loreleijames.com and let her know the format you would like the book in!
oooh! I NEVER win anything.......Thanks Lorelei for a great discussion and to the Mods for arranging it. :)
LOL! No, I'm not sorry I asked. Your advice is well taken. I admit I've been sucked into too many online discussions, and for the most part they haven't added to my sales. Now it's a matter of backing off, not easy!
hey guys! Lorelei asked me to post the link to her blog - where she talked about the cover of Chasin' Eight and some comments that were made in her group, as well as on Amazon boards - if you are interested - not really spoilerish - but maybe
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Wicked Garden (other topics)Wicked Garden (other topics)
Cowgirls Don't Cry (other topics)
Slow Ride (other topics)
Long Hard Ride (other topics)
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Not a lot left over when I'm done self editing. If I cut a whole section I rarely save it because it didn't need to be in the book and I have no need for it. So I'll never be one of those authors who can compile a book or website extra of "deleted" scenes.
L~