My next erotica reprint, Lilly's Reward, will be out soon, and it's gotten me thinking. Last summer, my DH and I took a trip to a used bookstore to trade some books. Of course, I took a few erotica novels by my favorite authors along to exchange. During a conversation I was having with the young woman assessing the books, she started talking about things people leave in the books they drop off because she found a really old bookmark in one of my husband's mystery novels. She handed it to me and then rattled off some of the various items that some people had left in their books--bank account statements, grocery lists, even family heirlooms. After she said the last one, she pointed to one of the erotica novels and said something like, "Although we'd never find an heirloom in THAT kind of book."
Excuse me? In THAT kind of book?
Now, I realize erotica is not on everyone's list of favorite genres, and I get that given the mature subject matter, someone's grandmother isn't likely to leave her diamond and ruby antique hair comb in the pages of a book with nearly naked people holding whips and feathers, nor will that book probably be passed down to the grandkids as an heirloom itself. It's not the family Bible. However, I kind of took offense to the young woman's remark. I felt like she thought about erotica like so many people do, that it's just page after page of sex scenes written to titillate with no story at all, or even if she didn't feel that way, she sent the message that someone would be embarrassed to leave an erotic novel to a relative, even if it was her favorite all time book ever.
It irks me that it seems like only books like War and Peace can be considered "classic" novels. Why can't a purely erotic story be a classic? I'm not saying mine are, but I've read some great erotic novels that rival the works of the most famous authors in the world. I didn't take the time to explain this to the book assessor girl, because she finished and gave me my order ticket and it was time to do one of my favorite things: scan the book aisles. But I never forgot what she said and can't help but wonder if the perception of erotica will ever change. In the meantime, I think I'll go get a few copies of some of my books and tuck them away somewhere for the next generation. :)
On a different note, next week, on July 17th, I'll be posting an interview with K. K. Weil, author of the new adult romance At This Stage. She'll be giving away one free copy of her book to the commenter of the day, whose name will be randomly drawn from all the those who comment on the interview. Please feel free to join us next Thursday for a chance to get to know K. K. and her book. We hope to see you there!
Happy Reading!
Showing posts with label erotic fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label erotic fiction. Show all posts
Guilty but in a Good Way
I'm usually not one who procrastinates or loses focus when I'm taking care of household tasks or at the office. The same holds true whenever I'm at the writing desk and plotting, researching or actively writing a manuscript. Notice I said "usually not...", but I'm human and prone to the caving in when tempted by certain distractions.
Tonight, the thunderstorm earlier was a major distraction but passed as quickly as it stirred.
Whenever my favorite Rock band is on television, whether in an interview, video or movie, I'll set aside whatever I'm working on to watch them with rapt attention.
The same holds true when the handsome face of the star of "24" appears on the screen. Can't wait for the movie to hit the theaters and to catch him "live" in a Broadway performance.
Cowboys and rodeo men don't need lassos to capture my attention...especially when they have moves like this rhinestone stud.
Batter up! Oh, yes, I grew up watching baseball with mom and cheering on the best birds to ever fly into any ballfield--the Baltimore Orioles. Gotta catch as many of their games as possible, whether on the radio or t.v. or, best of all, at the stadium.
One of the best things about distractions is the way they energize me and heighten my creativity. Even the most mundane task finds me returning to it with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, a spring in my step or all of the above after I satisfy the urge to succumb to those distractions.
Truth be told--all we need is love and some wonderful distractions to make our days and lives the best they can be!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Tonight, the thunderstorm earlier was a major distraction but passed as quickly as it stirred.
Whenever my favorite Rock band is on television, whether in an interview, video or movie, I'll set aside whatever I'm working on to watch them with rapt attention.
The same holds true when the handsome face of the star of "24" appears on the screen. Can't wait for the movie to hit the theaters and to catch him "live" in a Broadway performance.
Cowboys and rodeo men don't need lassos to capture my attention...especially when they have moves like this rhinestone stud.
Batter up! Oh, yes, I grew up watching baseball with mom and cheering on the best birds to ever fly into any ballfield--the Baltimore Orioles. Gotta catch as many of their games as possible, whether on the radio or t.v. or, best of all, at the stadium.
One of the best things about distractions is the way they energize me and heighten my creativity. Even the most mundane task finds me returning to it with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, a spring in my step or all of the above after I satisfy the urge to succumb to those distractions.
Truth be told--all we need is love and some wonderful distractions to make our days and lives the best they can be!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Twitter and an Excerpt
I did something I said I would never do a couple of days ago. I opened a Twitter account. It’s not that I have anything against Twitter. I just don’t get it. Facebook, I get. MySpace—even though I no longer use it—I get. Twitter? A big ole black hole of WTH?
I’ve messed around with the application for a couple of days now and still don’t understand its purpose or how to use it. I’m following somewhere around 50 people right now and my thread thing is an unholy mess. How do you keep up? How do you organize it? Am I supposed to sit there and scroll through the page every time I visit?
I know the Facebook post thread is horrible. But at least there I can organize. I have people grouped into categories, so with one click I can see what my in-person friends and writer friends are up too. It works really well for me. Can I do something like this with Twitter?
I’m going to have to suck it up and learn. Carina Press uses Twitter for promos and that is the only reason I opened one. I'm not crazy, I'll use every means I can to promo. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love the application. But right now I stare at it with a perplexed expression. I really could use a Twitter 101 course. So any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
In other news, I found out I get to choose my excerpt so I wanted to thrown one out there for T
he Panther’s Lair.
Raimond snarled, and his beast roared to life. With images of Sydney cowering against a corner wall, blood trailing down the left side of her face as the man stood over her, threatening her with his strength and presence, the transformation began.
Bones popped as he bent to all fours; a slick black coat sprouted from his pores. Sydney’s pleas for John to spare her life filled his ears, and rage engulfed him. He raced forward, sailing into the kitchen window with a caterwaul. Shattered glass flew everywhere, and the pair froze.
Sydney screamed, her face draining of any remaining color. The bastard stumbled backward.
Snarling, Raimond placed himself between Sydney and John. His satisfaction spiked at seeing the man who got off on frightening his mate whimper like a weakened fool. But whimpering wasn’t enough. This man had made her fear for her life, made her bleed.
Raimond lunged forward and pinned him to the ground. He brought his whiskered face close to the other man’s, letting his mouth open to show his sharp, feline teeth. John’s face whitened, and he screamed in manic shrieks.
The only thing keeping Raimond from ripping the man’s throat out was knowing Sydney was watching. He would never leave that kind of image in her mind.
He sniffed the man’s neck. Angry growls rumbled deep in his throat. He wanted to bask in John’s terror, hoped he got a real feel for what it was like to be defenseless, powerless to stop someone stronger. The man squeezed his eyes shut, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Please. Oh God. Please.”
Seeing he’d accomplished his goal, Raimond moved off John just as Sydney bolted from the corner. John snatched her wrist and yanked her on top of him on the floor as he pushed backward into the corner, holding Sydney between his legs as a shield. Raimond hissed, baring his teeth. Her gaze dropped to his canines. Violent tremors shook her body, and tears shone in her eyes. “Please don’t hurt me.”
The agony of her ever thinking he could hurt her, even in this form, made him cringe. Her terror erased his vengeance, and he meekly lowered to the ground, resting his head between his paws. John shoved Sydney forward. Screaming, she landed hard on her stomach, her face inches from his paws. John surged to his feet and flew into the kitchen. It took everything in Raimond not to go after him, but Sydney’s trembling frame kept him planted. No more horror for her. None. They knew who the assailant was, and the police would be called. In the submissive pose, he didn’t move a muscle, waiting for her to understand he wouldn’t hurt her. Slowly, she lifted her head, and they stared at each other, nose to nose.
“Yellow eyes,” she breathed.
Thanks all!
Esme
www.esmereldabishop.com
I’ve messed around with the application for a couple of days now and still don’t understand its purpose or how to use it. I’m following somewhere around 50 people right now and my thread thing is an unholy mess. How do you keep up? How do you organize it? Am I supposed to sit there and scroll through the page every time I visit?
I know the Facebook post thread is horrible. But at least there I can organize. I have people grouped into categories, so with one click I can see what my in-person friends and writer friends are up too. It works really well for me. Can I do something like this with Twitter?
I’m going to have to suck it up and learn. Carina Press uses Twitter for promos and that is the only reason I opened one. I'm not crazy, I'll use every means I can to promo. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love the application. But right now I stare at it with a perplexed expression. I really could use a Twitter 101 course. So any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
In other news, I found out I get to choose my excerpt so I wanted to thrown one out there for T
he Panther’s Lair.Raimond snarled, and his beast roared to life. With images of Sydney cowering against a corner wall, blood trailing down the left side of her face as the man stood over her, threatening her with his strength and presence, the transformation began.
Bones popped as he bent to all fours; a slick black coat sprouted from his pores. Sydney’s pleas for John to spare her life filled his ears, and rage engulfed him. He raced forward, sailing into the kitchen window with a caterwaul. Shattered glass flew everywhere, and the pair froze.
Sydney screamed, her face draining of any remaining color. The bastard stumbled backward.
Snarling, Raimond placed himself between Sydney and John. His satisfaction spiked at seeing the man who got off on frightening his mate whimper like a weakened fool. But whimpering wasn’t enough. This man had made her fear for her life, made her bleed.
Raimond lunged forward and pinned him to the ground. He brought his whiskered face close to the other man’s, letting his mouth open to show his sharp, feline teeth. John’s face whitened, and he screamed in manic shrieks.
The only thing keeping Raimond from ripping the man’s throat out was knowing Sydney was watching. He would never leave that kind of image in her mind.
He sniffed the man’s neck. Angry growls rumbled deep in his throat. He wanted to bask in John’s terror, hoped he got a real feel for what it was like to be defenseless, powerless to stop someone stronger. The man squeezed his eyes shut, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Please. Oh God. Please.”
Seeing he’d accomplished his goal, Raimond moved off John just as Sydney bolted from the corner. John snatched her wrist and yanked her on top of him on the floor as he pushed backward into the corner, holding Sydney between his legs as a shield. Raimond hissed, baring his teeth. Her gaze dropped to his canines. Violent tremors shook her body, and tears shone in her eyes. “Please don’t hurt me.”
The agony of her ever thinking he could hurt her, even in this form, made him cringe. Her terror erased his vengeance, and he meekly lowered to the ground, resting his head between his paws. John shoved Sydney forward. Screaming, she landed hard on her stomach, her face inches from his paws. John surged to his feet and flew into the kitchen. It took everything in Raimond not to go after him, but Sydney’s trembling frame kept him planted. No more horror for her. None. They knew who the assailant was, and the police would be called. In the submissive pose, he didn’t move a muscle, waiting for her to understand he wouldn’t hurt her. Slowly, she lifted her head, and they stared at each other, nose to nose.
“Yellow eyes,” she breathed.
Thanks all!
Esme
www.esmereldabishop.com
Interview with Scarlett Jameson
Today I’m interviewing debut romance author, Scarlett Jameson. Her book Stellar Heat is a futuristic erotic romance and was released on April 23, 2010.BOOK BLURB
Jak of House Midori, has found his heart mate, that one person he can connect with on a soul level. Only problem is, as a twin from the planet Zaphron, Jak must share his mate with his brother. But Qwin wants to wait until they are more established in their careers as Star Flight officers.
Petty Officer, Lily Buchanan has whiplash from trying to figure out Jak's intentions. At the pub he's charming and flirtatious, but his aloof attitude on campus leaves her confused--and burning up with sexual energy.
When the three are assigned to repair a satellite in the Helix Galaxy, they are attacked by enemy star fighters. Seriously outgunned and with their craft crippled, the three are stranded alone on an uncharted planet. Will Qwin agree to ease the mating fever consuming Lily, or will Jak be forced to initiate the mate-claim and exclude his brother from their union forever?
1. Please tell our readers a little bit about your book.
Stellar Heat features two heroes, twins from the planet, Zaphronite. As twins, they must share a mate. One twin, Qwin, wants to wait to claim her. The other, Jak, thinks his brother is being stubborn. Their mate, Lily, forces a decision when she goes into mating fever. Oh, and there are star fights and the discovery of a new planet thrown in for good measure.
You can find an excerpt on my website, www.scarlettjameson.com
2. That's a great set-up for a menage, Scarlett. Describe the genre of this particular title, and is this the only genre you write in?
This is a futuristic erotic romance, and actually the first that I’ve ever written. It was a lot of fun to write this story and build this world, though. I’ve got another idea for a story set in this same world.
Normally, I write urban fantasy, and I just sold a romantic suspense novella to The Wild Rose Press for their Jewels of the Night series. I write these under my other pen name, Riley Quinn.
3. When did you start writing toward publication?
I began to write seriously in March of 2008. I had attended a writer’s workshop given by M.R. Sellars, an urban fantasy author that I’ve followed since his first release. That workshop inspired me. I decided that night to go for it and I haven’t looked back.
4. Why have you become a published author?
I have to write. There’s too much going on inside my head to not write. I love to read. I’ve always enjoyed escaping into a book since my mom bought me my first Nancy Drew book. Publication seems a natural extension of both of these loves.
5. Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?
For me personally, I set a goal and achieved it. I kept pressing on even when it got rough. The fact that I can provide some entertainment to someone else as a result is a bonus.
6. Tell us about yourself.
I live in Bavaria, Germany. We moved here from the central Texas area in January of 2009. I live here with my husband and my crazy dog, Peanut. I’m currently finishing up my degree in social science. After this semester, I have one more class to go. Here in Germany, my only options for work is on the military base so it’s slim pickings. I work part time at the craft shop, where I can indulge my crafty side. I mainly crochet and quilt, though I have been known to try other things, too.
7. Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Keep on keeping on. It’s easy to get discouraged because this is a tough business, but perseverance pays off. Also, keep learning. Find a couple of great critique partners and listen to what they have to say.
8. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
I’m a member of RWA National and 3 chapters within RWA. I’m also a member of Romance Divas and Savvy Authors. I can’t say enough good things about all of these groups. It’s not just the technical help that they provide, which is awesome, but the emotional support is rock solid. I’ve met a couple of my critique partners among these writers and made some great friends.
9. What are you working on next?
I’m finishing up the first draft of my novel-length urban fantasy, Out of the Shadows. I plan to have it polished and shined so that I can pitch it to an agent at this year’s RWA National convention. It’s the first in a series of five books.
10. How can my readers buy your book?
The easiest way to buy Stellar Heat is to go to The Wild Rose Press website at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Scarlett is choosing one commenter to receive a copy of this book, so please drop us a line.
Thanks!
Ellie Marvel & Megan's Choice... an unusual erotic romance
Today I'm talking to Ellie Marvel about her new book out from Red Sage Presents.
Megan Malone, the quadrant’s fastest zip ship pilot, is overworked, overtired and craves the surf, sun and sex of a paradise planet vacation. When her employer receives an urgent commission from the government requesting Megan’s services on a diplomatic mission, she’s all set to refuse--especially when she finds out her domineering ex-lover Yusef Gunnen will be part of that mission.
Nicole: Welcome, Ellie! You have a new and unusual book out this month with Red Sage (with a sexy cover.) Congratulations! Please tell us about Megan's Choice and what makes it different from most erotic romances?
Ellie: Megan's Choice is a futuristic erotic romance with a space ship pilot heroine. That part isn't unusual, but the fact it's structured like a choose your own adventure story is a bit out there. In a good way, I hope. At the end of each scene, the reader gets to tell Megan what (or who!) to do. I noticed Red Sage had described it in some promo material as "One Story--Nine Endings!" and I think that's pretty cool.
Nicole: Wow, that is amazing! You are so creative! Do you have reviews you could share with us?
Ellie: None for Megan yet. I'm busily trying to rectify this error. If any interested reviewers are reading this, for example...
Nicole: Come on, reviewers! Please help Ellie out! What was the most difficult thing about writing this story?
Ellie: Fine-tuning the continuity from thread to thread almost did my editor at Red Sage and me in. Seriously! I wanted the story to be believable and fleshed out no matter which path was chosen, so all the heroine's story arcs had to be hinted at in earlier scenes but not so much that the story could only have one possible resolution. IE, no guns on the mantel unless each story arc could deal with the gun in some fashion.
Nicole: You're a brave lady for tackling such a complex project! I admire you! What is your favorite thing about this story?
Ellie: I loved how easy it was to write. This may seem to contradict the previous question, but writing the rough draft of Megan was like playing a highly entertaining game. What should happen next, this or this? Oh, heck, how about both? The story really became about Megan as a character and how she responded in various situations, situations I might not have been able to put her in believably if I'd stuck with a linear plot.
Nicole: Easy?? I'll take your word for it. :) It certainly does sound like fun! And so is this excerpt.
And here is a very interesting age 18+ excerpt. (Wonder what Megan will do when a hot guy shows up?? Decisions, decisions.)
Where to buy.
Thanks for being our guest today, Ellie! This has been fun!
Nicole North writes hot erotic romance for Red Sage, Carina Press/Harlequin and Ellora's Cave. Books include: DEVIL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 27 UNTAMED PLEASURES,KILTED LOVER, BEAST IN A KILT (the second in the kilted shapeshifter series) SECRETS VOLUME 29 INDULGE YOUR FANTASIES anthology. SCOUNDREL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 30 DESIRES UNLEASHED anthology, LAIRD OF DARKNESS, STORM OF PASSION, and BLADE OF THE WOLF.
To learn more please visit www.nicolenorth.com
Saskia Walker gets Reckless
I'm thrilled that Saskia Walker is here today to talk about her scorching hot new novel Reckless! Stick around and you might win something. :-)
Saskia: Thank you so much to the Fierce Romance writers for inviting me here today!
Nicole: Please tell us about Reckless. (I'm still drooling over this cover!)
Saskia: RECKLESS is my most recent novel, a contemporary erotic romance set in the Catalan region of Spain. The heroine is called in to evaluate an art collection, and she encounters two brothers who seduce her in different ways. She enjoys the thrill the situation brings, but she soon realizes that they have dubious reasons for their actions. She has to decide what their motives are, and who she should trust. When she gets emotionally entangled with one brother, she also has to decide whether she can trust her own judgment, when her heart and her
libido are involved.
Nicole: Sounds fantastic and sexy! Who is your favorite character in this story and why?
Saskia: That is so hard! Katrina, the heroine, was a dream to write because she discovers so much about life, love, and herself, throughout the story. She revels in her sensual liberation, and she also gets to solve the mystery. I loved giving her that adventure! Both brothers were fascinating in their own way. Nicolas, the more mysterious brother, was a favorite to write. There's also a secondary character, a housekeeper called Raimunda, who I enjoyed writing about immensely. She's stoic and loyal, grumpy and funny, too. I loved her. I wanted her to be real :)
Nicole: How cool! I love it when characters come to life that way. What element of story creation is your favorite and what is your writing process like?
Saskia: Another hard one! I don't think there is any part of the process that I dislike. Maybe proof reading.:) I enjoy all the stages, from the moment the idea sparks, to brain storming the tiniest plot details, even synopsis writing. I particularly enjoy the organic nature of the writing once you get into a big story, the way a novel will give you back ideas as you're writing it and you can weave them into the tale. The only part of being writer I truly dislike is the business side.
My process: I brainstorm a bunch of ideas when the urge takes me and then I do a synopsis/ road map for the ones that won't let me forget them. :) When I'm working on a novel, I need 3-4 months. I get very bound up with it, it's running back and forth in my head constantly -- when I shop, cook, when I go to asleep, as I wake up -- it's there, bits of it playing out. I try to write about 2,000 words a day; sometimes it's less, sometimes more. I'm always surrounded by scraps of paper with notes of things to remember to add.
Nicole: You like synopsis writing?? I want whatever you're taking. :-) What inspires and motivates you?
Saskia: Oh, so many things! Places inspire me immensely. I've visited Spain many times and when I started writing I knew I would have to set a story there. RECKLESS is that story. One of the biggest personal motivations I have is learning. Writing is all about learning to me. Both the research, and the joy of discovery inherent in creating a story. Every story and every character teaches me something new about writing and about life. That is some major motivation right there.
Nicole: You inspire me! Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?
Saskia: Never give up, and enjoy what you do! You have to have a big personal investment in the act of writing itself, in order to weather the ups and downs of the publishing industry. On a daily basis, it's going to be you and the blank page. That never changes, so you have to enjoy that. It can be a lonely job, but I truly believe that writing is one of the healthiest things a person can do. Exploring and expanding the imagination, learning through research, setting yourself goals, being self-motivated, gaining mental focus -- what could be better? Also keep in mind that it shows when you are having a good time with your work, if you have fun with it your readers will experience all of that fun and pleasure too!
Nicole: What great advice! What's next for you?
Saskia: I'm currently working on a novel entitled RAMPANT. This one is an erotic paranormal set in Scotland. My Real Life Hero and I had a romantic break in a fisherman's cottage on the east coast a couple of years ago, and as soon as I got there I just knew I had to set a story
there. The area was steeped in history about witchcraft. Eerie and beautiful, it echoes in my memory every day. RAMPANT is that story, and it will appear on Harlequin Spice line in 2010. After that one is done, (December) I'll be working on INESCAPABLE, a contemporary set in
London and Wales. Meanwhile, my next publication comes out tomorrow! STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT is the second in a series of Spice Briefs. I had far too much fun writing those three naughty short stories!
Nicole: Wow!! That's a lot of stories. Congratulations! I can't wait to read them! Would you like to ask blog readers a question?
Saskia: Yes indeed. When you're reading an erotic romance, do you have a favorite sub genre? As a writer (and as a reader) I dip in all over the place from contemporary to fantasy, but I'd love to hear what you all think works best for a sexy story – a contemporary setting, historical, paranormal? Or does a good mix of all appeal to you? Leave us your answers and we'll choose one at random for a copy of RECKLESS! And if anyone wants to ask me a question based on what I've said, or anything about writing, please do!
Award winning British author Saskia Walker first dreamed of writing her own stories when she discovered a handful of romance novels stashed away in her school library. An avid reader, she lapped up the fun, the adventures, and the life-affirming emotion of these stories, but always felt dismay when the bedroom door closed the reader out. She vowed that if she ever had the chance to pursue her dream, all the passion would be right there on the page.
Saskia finally began writing seriously in the late 1990s. By that time she'd traveled the world, got herself a BA in Art History, a Masters in Literature and the Visual Arts, and she'd worked in all manner of diverse careers—but the stories in her head simply had to be written. Her first erotic short story was signed in '97 and since then she has had several single title novel publications. Her work has also appeared in over fifty anthologies including Best Women's Erotica, The Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica, the Red Sage Secrets series, and the Black lace Wicked Words series. Her first novel, DOUBLE DARE, received the Passionate Plume award for the Best Contemporary Erotic Romance of 2006. Saskia now writes erotic fiction across genres, but always with the passion right there on the page!
Saskia lives in the north of England—close to the beautiful, windswept landscape of the Yorkshire moors—with her real life hero, Mark. Mark supports her work through all its ups and downs, and somehow manages to keep her sane and grounded when fiction threatens to take over.
Saskia finally began writing seriously in the late 1990s. By that time she'd traveled the world, got herself a BA in Art History, a Masters in Literature and the Visual Arts, and she'd worked in all manner of diverse careers—but the stories in her head simply had to be written. Her first erotic short story was signed in '97 and since then she has had several single title novel publications. Her work has also appeared in over fifty anthologies including Best Women's Erotica, The Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica, the Red Sage Secrets series, and the Black lace Wicked Words series. Her first novel, DOUBLE DARE, received the Passionate Plume award for the Best Contemporary Erotic Romance of 2006. Saskia now writes erotic fiction across genres, but always with the passion right there on the page!
Saskia lives in the north of England—close to the beautiful, windswept landscape of the Yorkshire moors—with her real life hero, Mark. Mark supports her work through all its ups and downs, and somehow manages to keep her sane and grounded when fiction threatens to take over.
Nicole: Welcome, Saskia! I'm glad you're here to tell us about your stories and your writing life! (And I'm jealous that you live so darn close to Scotland.) :-)
Saskia: Thank you so much to the Fierce Romance writers for inviting me here today!
Nicole: Please tell us about Reckless. (I'm still drooling over this cover!)
Saskia: RECKLESS is my most recent novel, a contemporary erotic romance set in the Catalan region of Spain. The heroine is called in to evaluate an art collection, and she encounters two brothers who seduce her in different ways. She enjoys the thrill the situation brings, but she soon realizes that they have dubious reasons for their actions. She has to decide what their motives are, and who she should trust. When she gets emotionally entangled with one brother, she also has to decide whether she can trust her own judgment, when her heart and her
libido are involved.
Nicole: Sounds fantastic and sexy! Who is your favorite character in this story and why?
Saskia: That is so hard! Katrina, the heroine, was a dream to write because she discovers so much about life, love, and herself, throughout the story. She revels in her sensual liberation, and she also gets to solve the mystery. I loved giving her that adventure! Both brothers were fascinating in their own way. Nicolas, the more mysterious brother, was a favorite to write. There's also a secondary character, a housekeeper called Raimunda, who I enjoyed writing about immensely. She's stoic and loyal, grumpy and funny, too. I loved her. I wanted her to be real :)
Nicole: How cool! I love it when characters come to life that way. What element of story creation is your favorite and what is your writing process like?
Saskia: Another hard one! I don't think there is any part of the process that I dislike. Maybe proof reading.:) I enjoy all the stages, from the moment the idea sparks, to brain storming the tiniest plot details, even synopsis writing. I particularly enjoy the organic nature of the writing once you get into a big story, the way a novel will give you back ideas as you're writing it and you can weave them into the tale. The only part of being writer I truly dislike is the business side.
My process: I brainstorm a bunch of ideas when the urge takes me and then I do a synopsis/ road map for the ones that won't let me forget them. :) When I'm working on a novel, I need 3-4 months. I get very bound up with it, it's running back and forth in my head constantly -- when I shop, cook, when I go to asleep, as I wake up -- it's there, bits of it playing out. I try to write about 2,000 words a day; sometimes it's less, sometimes more. I'm always surrounded by scraps of paper with notes of things to remember to add.
Nicole: You like synopsis writing?? I want whatever you're taking. :-) What inspires and motivates you?
Saskia: Oh, so many things! Places inspire me immensely. I've visited Spain many times and when I started writing I knew I would have to set a story there. RECKLESS is that story. One of the biggest personal motivations I have is learning. Writing is all about learning to me. Both the research, and the joy of discovery inherent in creating a story. Every story and every character teaches me something new about writing and about life. That is some major motivation right there.
Nicole: You inspire me! Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?
Saskia: Never give up, and enjoy what you do! You have to have a big personal investment in the act of writing itself, in order to weather the ups and downs of the publishing industry. On a daily basis, it's going to be you and the blank page. That never changes, so you have to enjoy that. It can be a lonely job, but I truly believe that writing is one of the healthiest things a person can do. Exploring and expanding the imagination, learning through research, setting yourself goals, being self-motivated, gaining mental focus -- what could be better? Also keep in mind that it shows when you are having a good time with your work, if you have fun with it your readers will experience all of that fun and pleasure too!
Nicole: What great advice! What's next for you?
Saskia: I'm currently working on a novel entitled RAMPANT. This one is an erotic paranormal set in Scotland. My Real Life Hero and I had a romantic break in a fisherman's cottage on the east coast a couple of years ago, and as soon as I got there I just knew I had to set a story
there. The area was steeped in history about witchcraft. Eerie and beautiful, it echoes in my memory every day. RAMPANT is that story, and it will appear on Harlequin Spice line in 2010. After that one is done, (December) I'll be working on INESCAPABLE, a contemporary set in
London and Wales. Meanwhile, my next publication comes out tomorrow! STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT is the second in a series of Spice Briefs. I had far too much fun writing those three naughty short stories!
Nicole: Wow!! That's a lot of stories. Congratulations! I can't wait to read them! Would you like to ask blog readers a question?
Saskia: Yes indeed. When you're reading an erotic romance, do you have a favorite sub genre? As a writer (and as a reader) I dip in all over the place from contemporary to fantasy, but I'd love to hear what you all think works best for a sexy story – a contemporary setting, historical, paranormal? Or does a good mix of all appeal to you? Leave us your answers and we'll choose one at random for a copy of RECKLESS! And if anyone wants to ask me a question based on what I've said, or anything about writing, please do!
Nicole: Yes, please leave your comments and questions. You know you want to win this deliciously hot book! Also please visit Saskia's sites:
Website: http://www.saskiawalker.com/
Thanks again, Saskia, for visiting with us!!
Nicole North writes hot erotic romance for Red Sage, Carina Press/Harlequin and Ellora's Cave. Books include: DEVIL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 27 UNTAMED PLEASURES,KILTED LOVER, BEAST IN A KILT (the second in the kilted shapeshifter series) SECRETS VOLUME 29 INDULGE YOUR FANTASIES anthology. SCOUNDREL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 30 DESIRES UNLEASHED anthology, LAIRD OF DARKNESS, STORM OF PASSION, and BLADE OF THE WOLF.
To learn more please visit www.nicolenorth.com
Tribute to Cowboys
Many of my favorite romance and mainstream novels feature a certain special hero – The Cowboy. Today’s blog is a tribute to those hard-working, hard-loving men. Whether they’re wrangling, riding, ranching or romancing, cowboys are bound to keep us wondering as to what extremes they’ll go when protecting those they love and cherish. When the dust settles, we know with a bit of patience on the heroine’s part, those guys will make time and set aside the rough ropes and hard saddles for something softer.
Mulling a difficult day…
With a Texas smile wider than his hat brim…
While hanging out in the lower paddock…
Always flexing those sexy muscles…
And my favorite cowboy hero, Jack Dodson in:
Rabid curiosity clashes with criminal minds and escalates the drama in a small Texas town where love and loyalties are harder won than any rodeo trophy.
Click here for more information and an excerpt
Click here for another excerpt, reviews and book videos
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
TORMENTED -- Coming October 8 to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Mulling a difficult day…
With a Texas smile wider than his hat brim…
While hanging out in the lower paddock…
Always flexing those sexy muscles…
And my favorite cowboy hero, Jack Dodson in:
Rabid curiosity clashes with criminal minds and escalates the drama in a small Texas town where love and loyalties are harder won than any rodeo trophy.
Click here for more information and an excerpt
Click here for another excerpt, reviews and book videos
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
TORMENTED -- Coming October 8 to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Where Am I?
Happy Sunday!
Today while sightseeing, I pondered the topic of this blog. One of the reasons I enjoy reading fiction so much is the wonderful way a well-described setting transports me to the same area where a story's characters are working, playing, living or vacationing.
Traveling is among my passions. Each time I visit a new place, or make a stopover in an old favorite, I make countless mental notes to flip through in the future. Then there are the tablets I fill with details of flora, fauna, cuisine, and bits regarding local color and culture. Next week I'll explore this traveling passion and explain how it fits into my writing world. But this evening I want to share some pictures of past travels with you all. I won't divulge the location but, instead, would like for you all to guess the place where I digitally captured the scenery. You are all welcome to post your answers, and next week I will reveal the actual areas.
May you all have a fantastic evening and upcoming week!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Today while sightseeing, I pondered the topic of this blog. One of the reasons I enjoy reading fiction so much is the wonderful way a well-described setting transports me to the same area where a story's characters are working, playing, living or vacationing.
Traveling is among my passions. Each time I visit a new place, or make a stopover in an old favorite, I make countless mental notes to flip through in the future. Then there are the tablets I fill with details of flora, fauna, cuisine, and bits regarding local color and culture. Next week I'll explore this traveling passion and explain how it fits into my writing world. But this evening I want to share some pictures of past travels with you all. I won't divulge the location but, instead, would like for you all to guess the place where I digitally captured the scenery. You are all welcome to post your answers, and next week I will reveal the actual areas.
May you all have a fantastic evening and upcoming week!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Cameo Brown explores Second Nature
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Nicole North writes hot erotic romance for Red Sage, Carina Press/Harlequin and Ellora's Cave. Books include: DEVIL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 27 UNTAMED PLEASURES,KILTED LOVER, BEAST IN A KILT (the second in the kilted shapeshifter series) SECRETS VOLUME 29 INDULGE YOUR FANTASIES anthology. SCOUNDREL IN A KILT in SECRETS VOLUME 30 DESIRES UNLEASHED anthology, LAIRD OF DARKNESS, STORM OF PASSION, and BLADE OF THE WOLF.
To learn more please visit www.nicolenorth.com
In Praise of Persistence
Recently hubby and I had the honor and pleasure of attending a concert featuring Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band. In my opinion, those gentlemen are solid examples of musical talent. From the first round of thunderous applause when they walked across the stage and took up their respective instruments and places, to the final standing ovation, I admired each musician for his talent and ability to withstand the test of time. Ringo Starr, Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart, Billy Squier, Colin Hay, Gary Wright and Gregg Bissonette have each carved a lucrative career as a performing artist for three decades or more. Difficult and praise-worthy feats. I’ve many of the albums those guys released in past decades, and they sounded every bit as good live now as they did when recorded twenty or more years ago. How many persons involved in the creative arts can claim the same and continue earning a consistent living despite sagging economic times, various changing demographics and consumer-driven marketplace fluctuations?
When you get to the creative core, authors are no different than the folks who command a concert stage. We are faced with many of our own challenges including reader demands, the loss of independent bookstores, increased competition with our peers, market changes and so many other issues beyond our control. All we can do is write the best books we know how at any given point and keep honing our craft every day. By regularly flexing our writing muscles, we have a better chance of completing manuscripts, for without those manuscripts, we won’t have careers. Despite the popularity of a certain genre at a given time, one thing is certain—readers remain loyal to their favorite authors. The trick is consistently delivering the creative product for reader demand, but talented and tenacious authors do this time and again. And unlike coaxing notes from an instrument, we authors must coax ideas from our brains. Quite a daunting task.
From the moment I first sat down at my desk with the goal of writing toward publication, I vowed I’d learn something new and something writing-related every day. And I have. While I had no guarantee editors would embrace every story I wrote, I was determined I’d never allow rejections to hamper my course along the publication path. No creative person, no genius or prodigy, can claim they’ve achieved success with every endeavor. While there have been drastic changes in my life over the past year and a half, changes which could easily cause me to surrender my goals and dreams, I won’t let them. From this day forth, whenever life and the self-doubt demon threaten my writing schedules, or do their best at crippling my creativity, I’ll recall Ringo and his All-Starrs. The going is never easy for anyone—and if anyone ever tells me otherwise, I’ll not believe them for a nanosecond. Along with their successes, each of those All-Starrs—including their mega-famous headliner—was a part of a group that disbanded or endured a career that experienced a temporary lull. But each remained true to his love of craft and his desire to continue practicing the same. Creative passion emanated from every musician and filled the arena. Along with some of the authors who’ve been on my auto-buy list for a couple decades, those musicians are living testaments that tenacity and talent rock and rule. I’ll agree talent is subjective. What I deem talent someone else deems otherwise. Regardless, let’s give credit where credit is due. Anyone who can remain gainfully engaged in a career for twenty, thirty or more years is highly deserving of praise and serves as an inspiration. Long live Classic Rock and everyone’s creativity!
May your fondest dreams and goals become reality,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
When you get to the creative core, authors are no different than the folks who command a concert stage. We are faced with many of our own challenges including reader demands, the loss of independent bookstores, increased competition with our peers, market changes and so many other issues beyond our control. All we can do is write the best books we know how at any given point and keep honing our craft every day. By regularly flexing our writing muscles, we have a better chance of completing manuscripts, for without those manuscripts, we won’t have careers. Despite the popularity of a certain genre at a given time, one thing is certain—readers remain loyal to their favorite authors. The trick is consistently delivering the creative product for reader demand, but talented and tenacious authors do this time and again. And unlike coaxing notes from an instrument, we authors must coax ideas from our brains. Quite a daunting task.
From the moment I first sat down at my desk with the goal of writing toward publication, I vowed I’d learn something new and something writing-related every day. And I have. While I had no guarantee editors would embrace every story I wrote, I was determined I’d never allow rejections to hamper my course along the publication path. No creative person, no genius or prodigy, can claim they’ve achieved success with every endeavor. While there have been drastic changes in my life over the past year and a half, changes which could easily cause me to surrender my goals and dreams, I won’t let them. From this day forth, whenever life and the self-doubt demon threaten my writing schedules, or do their best at crippling my creativity, I’ll recall Ringo and his All-Starrs. The going is never easy for anyone—and if anyone ever tells me otherwise, I’ll not believe them for a nanosecond. Along with their successes, each of those All-Starrs—including their mega-famous headliner—was a part of a group that disbanded or endured a career that experienced a temporary lull. But each remained true to his love of craft and his desire to continue practicing the same. Creative passion emanated from every musician and filled the arena. Along with some of the authors who’ve been on my auto-buy list for a couple decades, those musicians are living testaments that tenacity and talent rock and rule. I’ll agree talent is subjective. What I deem talent someone else deems otherwise. Regardless, let’s give credit where credit is due. Anyone who can remain gainfully engaged in a career for twenty, thirty or more years is highly deserving of praise and serves as an inspiration. Long live Classic Rock and everyone’s creativity!
May your fondest dreams and goals become reality,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Celebrating a Day for Dad
As I parted the den curtains this morning, a sunny day greeted me. Not simply any sunny day, but a perfect day to celebrate my dad. To celebrate and cherish all the times he’s been there for me over the years, how much love he and my beloved mother hold for me and I for them, and how he's never let me down. While enjoying breakfast, I let my mind wander back to many of the wonderful times we spent together as a family. The first time Dad let go of my big-girl’s bike, I pedaled down the street on my own and didn’t fall down. The day I graduated from high school, looked up into the audience assembled on the stadium bleachers and returned the smile he sent my way. There are so many fond memories from times spent with my parents, but my favorite memory surrounding my father is from a family vacation. Each summer Mom, Dad and I enjoyed visiting the shore for our warm-weather getaway. The year from which my favorite memory is culled, I was probably seven or eight. We found our place on the sand, spread out the beach towels and set down the cooler. The three of us then headed down to the water. Mom held my right hand, Dad held my left. Once we found a spot where the waves were coming in more gently, Mom and Dad provided my support as I laughed and let those waves break and splash against my legs. Afterward we returned to our beach towels and Dad located my beach bucket and shovel. For quite some time, lots of applications of sunscreen and Mom putting on my tee shirt, we toiled and fashioned an awesome sand castle. Only when Dad took a short break and brought back some delicious roast beef sandwiches and boardwalk fries cooked in peanut oil did we pause in our architectural pursuit. Eventually the sand structure lay complete and we took several photographs to preserve the memory. Dad and I ventured down to the shoreline, filled the bucket with water several times, and put the finishing touch on our summertime masterpiece.
Before today is done, I plan on finding those family photo albums and the pictures that captured our glorious sandcastle. I’ll remove one photo and place it near my writing computer as inspiration. Great things and much happiness come from the simplest pleasures in life. I was blessed with having terrific parents, and those times and memories are more precious and priceless with each passing day.
How about you, readers? What is your fondest memory this Father’s Day?
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
A Protagonist Out of the Pond
In fiction, we’ve all read the theme based on “a fish out of water”. This has always been one of my favorites. Whether Gulliver or Dorothy, or any hero thrust into new world in a quest for justice or self-preservation, we enjoy turning the pages to see how these characters fare. We cheer them toward victory and a positive and/or romantic ending. Instead of a fish out of water, my theme will be a protagonist out of the pond. My upcoming novel with Ellora’s Cave, TORMENTED, deals with such a heroine and her dilemma.
Blurb:
A winsome Boston socialite—Eve Morneau—falls victim to a venomous beetle’s bite. Her healing and sexual awakening are placed in the hands of a New Orleans physician, Charles Galletiére, whose unconventional means of curing her malady lend themselves to unbridled passion and abandonment of her former ways of life. Immortality comes at a cost to the innocent woman, and her Christian soul might be left hanging in the balance.
Eve is left no choice in her new-world matter. Charles claims he is the only one who can save her from death. Time is of essence. If she leaves New Orleans and returns to Boston, her body will not bear the brunt of her injury. But her trust in Charles comes with a price. While she is an educated woman, the lessons she’s taught many are far different than the ones she will learn from the handsome doctor. She is soon dealt the harsh reality that society life as she once knew it might cease to exist. Eve is propelled toward a point of no return. Fascination battles with fear. Temptation spars with timidity. Which will win?
As a writer and reader, I enjoy following the central characters into these uncharted waters. Seeing how they remain afloat. Sharing their emotions as they are thrust into settings and situations beyond their control.
What about you, readers? What is your favorite literary theme?
Wishing you many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon to Ellora’s Cae
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
Western Romances -- The Cowboy Way
Whether reading Zane Grey or Linda Lael Miller, cowboys and the Western way of life make for some of the best stories. Rugged heroes have always been my favorites in romance fiction. Something about those salt-of-the-earth types and how they live as hard as they love. Go to the greatest lengths to ensure the safety of loved ones. Fight for justice. Ride like the wind. Oh, and they are often quite easy on the eyes. Whether cowboys and rodeo heroes are roping, riding or ranching, they keep us turning the pages to find out what they love doing once the dust is cleared, the saddles are hung up and the chaps are off.
Roughrider blurb --
Rabid curiosity clashes with criminal minds and escalates the drama in the small Texas town where love and loyalties are harder won than any rodeo trophy.
Kimberly Taylor is a successful Western outfitter who deserves a worthy man to take her mind and body off the demands of her business. Jack Dodson has had his moment in the rodeo spotlight and decides he’d rather seek a more stable occupation. Kimberly needs something and someone to shake up her mundane existence. Breathe some excitement into her life. She finds fulfillment, drama and more when she tackles Jack on her own sexual terms.
You might wonder how this story came about. One day I happened across an older Western movie about cattle drivers. I mused about a man and woman who’d never explored their attraction to each other. During their younger years, they shared a friendship but never dared admitting or acting on their basest desires together. Couldn’t wait for the first commercial to play before I started jotting notes about Kimberly and Jack. Roughrider is about Kimberly's sexual odyssey. By returning her to Mesa Junction, Texas, I put her directly in the path of her ultimate temptation. It's been ten years since her last visit to the Dodson family, and she decides it's time to slay some sexual demons. ROUGHRIDER is all about finding that special person with whom you can share some of your most intimate secrets and indulge some of your wildest sexual fantasies. Kim knows she'll always have a friend in Jack, but she wants more. And the only way she'll ever find out if he feels the same way is by revisiting a certain Texas town.
If you enjoy romantic stories pivoted by sex and suspense…
Click here for more information and a ROUGHRIDER excerpt
Click here to watch the book videos and to read another excerpt and reviews
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Paranormal and the Passionate Romance
One of my favorite ways of passing time as a child was writing stories and creating fictional characters, many of whom possessed otherworldly powers. As I got older, I focused more on reading women’s fiction, literary fiction and historical romances, but I never forgot the thrill of creating my own worlds and characters.
My first published paranormal erotica romance, HELLE IN HEELS, came to fictional life thanks to the family coffeemaker. One Saturday morning as I stood in the kitchen, the coffeemaker emitted these strange guttural noises. Almost as though a hellcat dwelled somewhere in the brew basket. When the sequence of sounds repeated themselves, I wished the demon back to where it belonged. No sooner did I vocalize this wish and the idea for a spitfire hero who is banished from Hell by her father, Sir Satan, sprang to mind. Once the travel mug filled with java, I grabbed it and my laptop and headed to the master bedroom for a plotting and writing session that lasted over five hours. That same weekend I finished the story’s first draft and tucked it away for proofing months later. Imagine, a writer’s creativity sparked by a coffeemaker’s satanic rumblings.
Helle Hawthorn is the heroine of HELLE IN HEELS, my first Exotika release at Ellora’s Cave. She is the daughter of the Devil and a mortal woman. She was gifted with her father’s good looks and charm, but she has her mother’s kind nature and conscience. Of course, this makes for the perfect conflict between her and her father. Women will relate to HELLE IN HEELS because this erotic tale explores the feminine tendencies of self-sacrifice and nurturing. Helle shows readers how women can dare slaying their sexual demons and finding fulfillment in more ways than one. But her bloodline doesn’t save her from being dealt the ultimate blow. She is banished from Hell and forced to leave behind her otherworldly powers and true love in order to save Earth from Satan’s destruction. She uses her intelligence and demonstrates unflagging determination when escaping a hellish situation that's getting hotter with each passing moment. Helle is quite adventurous and a sexual being, but she doesn't hesitate putting another's needs before her own when a situation warrants. Quite a candid woman, she tells one lover she's, "Your mother's worst nightmare and your daddy's wettest dream." Despite her sassiness and sex appeal, she never forgets the handsome Greek who brought her love and orgasms below ground. Menlikus, the story's hero, shows how far he will go and how much he will risk for the woman of his wildest and most romantic dreams. HELLE IN HEELS is a tale of personal loss for the gain of the masses. Taking chances to bring peace and betterment to your own life and the lives of others.
The Devil isn't above defeat. Helle and her Greek lover, Menlikus, never surrender their goals despite the fact they’re faced with a dismal situation. They might be otherworldly characters, but they are able to differentiate between love and lust and recognize which means more to them overall. Circumstances drive them apart, but one is often thinking about the other. Helle was such fun to create because I gifted her with a level of intelligence that enables her to outsmart her despot daddy. On reaching Earth, she faces the ultimate sexual obstacles and learns more than one valuable lesson in the process. When I characterized Helle, I wanted to make her multi-faced and enable her to rise above the stereotype that those who dwell in Hades are inherently evil. I also created a world where the Devil isn’t such an all-seeing, all-knowing entity. That he has his limitations and intellectual superiors. I also didn’t want Helle suffering immediate defeat at the hands of the Devil. HELLE IN HEELS keeps the hellfires burning with explicit sexual content. The paranormal is blended with an edgy, sassy tone in this Ellora's Cave Exotika tale. If you think you really know what happens in Hell, Helle Hawthorn might change your mind.
Click here for more information and an excerpt from HELLE IN HEELS
Click here to read more excerpts and reviews
Click here to watch the book video for HELLE IN HEELS
Feel the heat in erotic fiction,
Shawna Moore
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon from Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
Many Happy Returns
Home is where my heart is, but I also adore traveling. Finding new places that stir fond memories, no matter how many years pass. In essence, destinations that fill my best dreams and bring many happy returns.
Today marks my twelfth wedding anniversary, and one of the best getaways hubby and I ever experienced was when we visited Charleston, SC, two years ago to celebrate a decade of love and togetherness. No matter that rain showers dampened the windshield as we drove. The weather couldn’t dampen our mood or plans. From the moment we checked into our lovely bed and breakfast in the heart of the historically-rich city, we focused on fun and romance. No visit to Charleston is complete without a carriage ride. As soon as Marcus, our carriage horse, started along the tour route, the sun burst through the cloud cover and provided us the first rays of a glorious day. Peninsular majesty. Regal oaks dripping Spanish moss. Breathtaking homes fashioned in the Georgian, Classical Revival, and Greek Revival (my favorite) styles of yesteryear. After soaking up lots of sights and historical details, we returned to the Old City Market and browsed the handicrafts and sweetgrass baskets. While there we chatted with some of the friendly locals and other tourists and sampled Low Country goodies offered by a few vendors. Though Southern cuisine is my favorite, the evening hours saw us sharing some special moments over a candlelit Italian dinner and toasting our union with a fine cabernet. A leisurely stroll near our bed and breakfast found us under the stars, and we capped off our day of sightseeing with a guided tour featuring more of the history and haunted past of Charleston. More tours of splendid gardens and enchanting plantation properties filled our remaining days in Charleston. Even more moments of romantic bliss resulted. I could go on, but you get the perfect picture. As a matter of fact, I believe more wonderful memories resulted than times Marcus clopped his well-shod hooves.
Wishing you all many happy returns,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
What's on the Cowboy's Mind?
For most of the years I’ve been reading romance fiction, rugged heroes have always been my favorites. Those men who fight hard, live with purpose, and love with every bit of energy in their hard-to-resist bodies. Whether on the rodeo circuit or ranching, these guys face challenges head on and refuse defeat. Dirt and sweat help define them and their working ways.
Recently I found this handsome cowboy’s picture and pondered what might be on his mind. Here’s what I’m thinking he’s thinking. Tires churn the packed earth leading to the farmhouse. He turns and is nearly blinded as sunlight blares off the lipstick-red hood of the convertible. But it doesn’t prevent him from noticing the woman sitting behind the wheel, her black hair teased by the wind. She smiles and he shifts the saddle on his shoulder. He swipes a free hand over his sweat-slick chest. Her amber-lens sunglasses come off. They make eye contact and he swaggers closer. The sexy stranger licks her lips. No better time to cool off in Cassady’s Pond. Won’t take long to saddle up and head her down there. Business can wait. He runs his thumb under the waistband of his jeans. The fire inside of him can’t.
What about you, readers? What do you think is on this hunk’s mind?
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon to Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
Fate and Fiction Reading
Life is full of surprises. Some are good, some not. But I must confess the surprises I most remember are the ones coming from the heart or the ones giving me pleasure long after the initial excitement ebbs. When I think of books I enjoy reading, the latter type of surprise comes to mind. You might wonder where I’m going with this, probably thinking I’ll touch upon certain books I enjoy reading time after time. Not the case with today’s blog.
While on vacation in Salem, my husband and I happened upon a bookstore. Once inside, I marveled at the bookseller’s inventory. Every fiction genre imaginable filled those racks and shelves, and the stock included some wonderful research tomes. If a reader couldn’t find what he or she wanted, this would have surprised me. But the biggest surprise awaited me a short time later as I browsed a shelf toward the back of the bookstore. I flipped through two novels, both by Fannie Flagg. Her humorous “voice” immediately resonated with me as a reader, and I found myself reading the first two chapters of both books. My husband and I were scheduled for a tour, so I put the books back on the shelf, fully intending on coming back at some point before we left the historic town and headed for home the next day. Long story short, I never made it back to the bookstore, but I remembered those books and bought them online the next chance that presented. Not too many months later, I noticed a new book by Fannie Flagg on the Bestseller shelf at my favorite brick and mortar. Without hesitation, or reading the back cover blurb as is usually my habit, I picked up the hardcover and proceeded to the cashier. That evening I read three quarters of CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN and found it hard turning off the reading light when the hour grew late. My decision to browse two books from among the thousands offered by the Salem bookstore resulted in my finding an author whose books now rank among my favorites. As with A REDBIRD CHRISTMAS and DAISY FAY AND THE MIRACLE MAN, CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN delivered another pleasant reading surprise. Can’t wait to read Fannie’s next work and those that follow.
What about you? Have you ever found yourself steered toward a particular rack, table or shelf in a bookstore? Once there, have you come across a novel that proved a pleasant surprise and eventually earned the author a spot on your auto-buy list?
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon from Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
While on vacation in Salem, my husband and I happened upon a bookstore. Once inside, I marveled at the bookseller’s inventory. Every fiction genre imaginable filled those racks and shelves, and the stock included some wonderful research tomes. If a reader couldn’t find what he or she wanted, this would have surprised me. But the biggest surprise awaited me a short time later as I browsed a shelf toward the back of the bookstore. I flipped through two novels, both by Fannie Flagg. Her humorous “voice” immediately resonated with me as a reader, and I found myself reading the first two chapters of both books. My husband and I were scheduled for a tour, so I put the books back on the shelf, fully intending on coming back at some point before we left the historic town and headed for home the next day. Long story short, I never made it back to the bookstore, but I remembered those books and bought them online the next chance that presented. Not too many months later, I noticed a new book by Fannie Flagg on the Bestseller shelf at my favorite brick and mortar. Without hesitation, or reading the back cover blurb as is usually my habit, I picked up the hardcover and proceeded to the cashier. That evening I read three quarters of CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN and found it hard turning off the reading light when the hour grew late. My decision to browse two books from among the thousands offered by the Salem bookstore resulted in my finding an author whose books now rank among my favorites. As with A REDBIRD CHRISTMAS and DAISY FAY AND THE MIRACLE MAN, CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN delivered another pleasant reading surprise. Can’t wait to read Fannie’s next work and those that follow.
What about you? Have you ever found yourself steered toward a particular rack, table or shelf in a bookstore? Once there, have you come across a novel that proved a pleasant surprise and eventually earned the author a spot on your auto-buy list?
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon from Ellora’s Cave
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Helle’s Myspace
What Brings You Happiness?--Or Happiness Can be a Great Book Cover
Okay, I’ll admit lots of things make me happy. Good health. A loving family. Wonderful friends. A vacation getaway to a favorite place or new one. News that I’ve sold another book. The list goes on. But something not already listed brought me immense happiness and a reason for celebration this past week. What’s at the root of her happiness this time, you might ask? I’ll gladly provide the answer. My cover art file for my upcoming Ellora’s Cave novel, TORMENTED, arrived in my inbox. No matter that my morning had been filled with mundane errands and household tasks. Simply seeing that email brought the same level of excitement as I’d experienced when a child on Christmas morning. But when I finished clicking and opening, there wasn’t any wrapping paper or ribbon to tidy up this time. Instead, a work of cover art that perfectly meshes with my story.
Blurb:
A winsome Boston socialite—Eve Morneau—falls victim to a venomous beetle’s bite. Her healing and sexual awakening are placed in the hands of a New Orleans physician, Charles Galletiére, whose unconventional means of curing her malady lend themselves to unbridled passion and abandonment of her former ways of life. Immortality comes at a cost to the innocent woman, and her Christian soul might be left hanging in the balance.
For several years, Eve’s and Charles’s romantic story remained only in my mind. There were some scenes that needed more fleshing out. Some secrets and details the couple needed to divulge before I could tell their tale. When I submitted TORMENTED to my editor at Ellora’s Cave, I hoped this story of my heart would find a home. I haven’t written a historical romance in several years, but TORMENTED reminded me of how much…here comes that word again…happiness filled my heart at the story’s writing process and acceptance. Historical romances were my first reading love as a teenager, and that passion for bygone eras has translated to my passion for writing my own historicals.
As a very visual woman, I’m drawn to stories wearing appealing covers. If an author isn’t on my auto-buy list, a cover that artfully and interestingly conveys the subject matter contained within an e-file, paperback or hardcover novel, finds me more inclined to read the story blurb/back-cover blurb and the first chapter. Of course, it’s all about the story and characters when it comes to reading, but a great cover finds me considering a book I might have otherwise missed. To date, my favorite book cover is ROUGHRIDER. I’ll admit I’m quite fond of the sexy rodeo hero pictured on the front of my latest release from Ellora’s Cave.
Pretty yummy, my cover rendering of Jack Dodson. And speaking of yummy, between now and the end of May, I’m hosting a reader giveaway of a $25 Godiva gift card. One winner will be drawn from among those who have responded to the following question and who are also subscribers of my e-newsletter.
You may subscribe to my newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to –
Grant-moore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Question for Gift Card Giveaway:
What is your favorite book cover?
Contact Shawna here with your answer to the book cover question
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon to Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
Blurb:
A winsome Boston socialite—Eve Morneau—falls victim to a venomous beetle’s bite. Her healing and sexual awakening are placed in the hands of a New Orleans physician, Charles Galletiére, whose unconventional means of curing her malady lend themselves to unbridled passion and abandonment of her former ways of life. Immortality comes at a cost to the innocent woman, and her Christian soul might be left hanging in the balance.
For several years, Eve’s and Charles’s romantic story remained only in my mind. There were some scenes that needed more fleshing out. Some secrets and details the couple needed to divulge before I could tell their tale. When I submitted TORMENTED to my editor at Ellora’s Cave, I hoped this story of my heart would find a home. I haven’t written a historical romance in several years, but TORMENTED reminded me of how much…here comes that word again…happiness filled my heart at the story’s writing process and acceptance. Historical romances were my first reading love as a teenager, and that passion for bygone eras has translated to my passion for writing my own historicals.
As a very visual woman, I’m drawn to stories wearing appealing covers. If an author isn’t on my auto-buy list, a cover that artfully and interestingly conveys the subject matter contained within an e-file, paperback or hardcover novel, finds me more inclined to read the story blurb/back-cover blurb and the first chapter. Of course, it’s all about the story and characters when it comes to reading, but a great cover finds me considering a book I might have otherwise missed. To date, my favorite book cover is ROUGHRIDER. I’ll admit I’m quite fond of the sexy rodeo hero pictured on the front of my latest release from Ellora’s Cave.
Pretty yummy, my cover rendering of Jack Dodson. And speaking of yummy, between now and the end of May, I’m hosting a reader giveaway of a $25 Godiva gift card. One winner will be drawn from among those who have responded to the following question and who are also subscribers of my e-newsletter.
You may subscribe to my newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to –
Grant-moore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Question for Gift Card Giveaway:
What is your favorite book cover?
Contact Shawna here with your answer to the book cover question
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – Coming soon to Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
Why Don't I Sleep on It?
After waking earlier than usual yesterday morning, I decided to tackle all household duties first. That way I’d have a solid block of time left in the day for plotting and writing. Dust and dirty laundry were my enemies. Harsh realities determined to put a good deal of distance between my latest fiction project and me. But it takes more than them to daunt this woman and keep her from the pleasurable pursuit of writing. Once I took aim with my cleaner of choice, dust didn’t stand a chance. I wiped every visible speck from surfaces it dared cover. Buffed tabletops and whatnots as though they were my rough drafts. The vacuum whirred to life and I showed no mercy. I preened the carpet and pondered the black moment, as yet unwritten. But what was the matter? Usually my creativity flourished once I trotted out the cleaning routine. Not a single idea sprang to mind. Trips to the laundry room to load and unload the washer and dryer didn’t work. Neither did my spur of the moment cupboard cleaning. None of these activities brought the slightest scene details. Suffice it to say, I never got a chance to return to some extra hours at the keyboard and plotting board. Life interrupted in more ways, and I somehow found myself at the bedtime hour with nothing else accomplished on my manuscript. Putting off sleep until a later time wasn’t wise. After a short period of lights-out pondering, I drifted off thinking of the build-up to the story’s black moment and what my characters were doing. On waking to a sunshine-filled morning, I grabbed the tablet from the bedside table and jotted the details of my dream. Robins chirping beyond the bedroom window had nothing on my giggling as I inked the storyline details that had eluded me prior to Morpheus’ arrival. A good morning? Without a doubt? I got out of bed, toted the tablet to the kitchen, started the coffee and booted up the writing computer. Once again, my dreams had delivered me a solution to my plotting dilemma. Life was good, no matter how much dust had settled while I slept.
Have dreams ever delivered you answers to questions or solutions to problems?
Feel the heat in erotic fiction,
Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
TORMENTED – TBD Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace
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