Death of the Outline

I spent the better half of yesterday writing character profiles, researching names and reading all sorts of writing tips as preparartion for Nanowrimo 2012.

I came up the following: Four women who are connected by one and they are each searching for happiness in love. One of them is in a common law relationship but her partner has not fully committed himself to the union. One of them is single and struggling to find the "one". One of them is discussing marriage with her boyfriend of four years but has make it a neccessity that there will be no wedding without an engagement ring and the other one has three men vying for her hand. The story is supposed to follow them as they struggle to get their own way and find happiness in love. They will make mistakes, they have character flaws, they will push their men away and in the climax; be all alone. There will be a sub-story following their friendship with each other as it is tested by their character differences and strengthened by their commonality. It was going to be set in my home country with some local dialect, local places and local struggles of women. I picked out names for the girls, making the group of ladies a multicultural one from different financial and educational backgrounds.

So what happened to that plot, to those character profiles?

It still exists on paper but I don't feel like it has the power to make it to 50,000 words.
I read a writing tip yesterday which said, "Every scene and every chapter must keep the protagonist off-balance - things may get better for him/her, or worse, but they need to be constantly changing." (http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/Plot.html) I don't feel like I can do this for these characters. I don't feel they have that sort of impact or their story is such a great one to be told. Sure, they are not Mary Sues, but are their story intriguing enough that someone would want to read about it? I know you will say it depends on how I tell it, but honestly I don't feel I can tell their stories that well.

These women are a reflection of friends I have in my life, and their true struggles with finding happiness in love. I do intend to emblish every detail when I write it, but the truth is, it is based on people I know and I am not sure it that makes for something fascinating or gripping.

So as self doubt prevails, today I aim to either make their stories worth reading about by plotting my chapters out, or by coming up with a whole new idea. Which one I will do, I dont know, you will have to return tomorrow to find out.

Thanks for visiting
XoXo Anjie

NANO IS TWO DAYS AWAY.

What would drag me out of my cocoon and bring me back to blogging? Nanowrimo of course!

I cannot explain why I haven't been blogging or writing. Maybe it is laziness, maybe the muse went for a vacation when I did, or maybe life just interevened and wouldn't let me back to this world of escape. I swear one of the above is an excuse and apology for not keeping you entertained.

But now I am back to blogging and just in time for Nano.

This is my second year doing Nanowrimo and I can't explain what it is that I feel exactly. Am I scared? Yes! I have not decided on a story, or characters or nothing for November and it is two days away. Will I be able to come up with something? I have no idea but I still intend to participate.

Am I excited? A little. With fear there is this excitement of being able to shell out those 50,000 words in thirty days. I acquired it in 27 days last year and I haven't looked back on the story. I know all I have to do is keep a steady 1667 words a day and I will accomplish it but it isn't that black and white. I remember setting times to wake up at 3am in the morning to get words in, trying to accomplish 5000 words a day on weekends and pushing in whatever I can, wherever I can. The thing is we write when the muse gives us something to write about so planning to trot down the road at a steady pace is not something realistic at all.

I am reading all the blog posts by my fellow writers with their tips and advice but does that prepare me? NO!

However, in spite of it all I am not giving up. I aim to accomplish a few things during nano; I aim to get a novel written in thirty days, and I aim to keep you updated through my blog posts, so come on back weekly for updates on the craziness.

xoxo Anjie

We heaved and pushed and made it over the finish line

When I first heard of the words "blog tour" I didn't know what they meant. How was I going to tour around with people who live millions of miles from me? Then I was added to the secret group and besides feeling specially selected, I was bewildered. But Tasha, helpful as she always is, answered all the questions through her posts and clarified all my confusion. Now I was excited. Sure, I had a blog, actually I had two, but I didn’t know what to post about half of the time, and the other half I was rambling stupidly.

Now, a participant in a real live blog tour, I was posting on a weekly basis and writing too. Tasha provided the topics or sent us in search of them and I will admit there were several times that I was going to quit; hand in my honorary blog tour badge and sit with my lip hanging- defeated. But, I didn’t, I made it through 16, yes SIXTEEN weeks of a blog tour, writing a post for every one of those 16 weeks. Sure, they were not always on time, because I don't do PC time on the weekends, my glorious little angel demands my attention on Saturdays and the hubby on Sundays and when I am not showering them with attention I am busy in my little business. But I would still hurry into my office on a Monday morning and tap at the keys trying to bleed some words out for my guest post.

Of course the journey was not without its bumps. I have, in my eleven years of being employed, worked with all sorts of people and so I wasn't surprised to meet some on this tour who didn't keep up their end of the bargain. I do understand that all sorts of things arise in our lives to keep us from keeping deadlines, but if you can update your facebook status every ten minutes you can quickly leave a message in the TTC-VBT group informing the organisers that you won't be making this week's post. However, I know it didn't affect me half as much as it affected Tasha, who is a real trooper for having such patience with all the participants.

I, on the other hand, peeped out of my shell and trotted along the path, week by week, bringing myself out a little more every week until I slowly made it, at my own pace, over the finish line. I am a very shy and introverted person, who would not approach another person about guest posts, but after this blog tour you can bet I will be doing that now. The tour taught me how to seek out people who write in my genres and how to trade with them, a post for a post. I made a lot of new friends too. I also learnt how to post regularly by doing flash fiction and getting my readers involved in my WIP, also a way to promote it before it is released.

I wasn’t like the legend Usain Bolt, instead I stumbled down the path like an awkward child, falling down every now and again, to have Tasha pick me up brush me off and send me on my way again. But I was glad that along the way I got to meet a lot of wonderful people, like Tara Chevrestt; who I am in awe of because of her ambition to write and release romance novels, I think I kind of stalk her now on her progress and I tell myself, get going on your work, look how many books Tara has coming out. She has become somewhat of a role model for me.

I already knew that Ellie Mack was a straight talker and an avid blogger and was pleased to host one of those very "kick in the butt" posts.

I was inspired by Linda Bolton's blog and how she keeps all her posts about romance in keeping with her genre.

Bruce Blake and Doug Simpson got me interested in their novels and after acquiring On Faithful Wings in a free giveaway, I am now reading it and quite intrigued to see where the story is going.

Nikki Noffsinger taught me about vanity presses and I was very grateful for that lesson.

I learnt how to create author interview questions, and how to write author spotlights, things I knew nothing about before this tour.

I made it to the end because I didn’t want to be one of the persons who disappointed Tasha. Every time I thought of dropping out I thought about the fact that I wasn’t doing so because my schedule was packed, or I had more pressing and important things to do, but was doing so because I didn’t believe I could do it, and then I would go read the posts in the group and there was always an encouraging word from Tasha; offering tips on how to do the post, where we can inspiration from, inviting persons who were encountering problems to share the problems so she could work with them and so much more. I made it to the end of this tour without missing a post because of Tasha Turner’s encouragement, leadership and support. She is not only a brilliant and magnificent individual; she is also a great leader, guide and friend.

So now I congratulate myself for making it here and I hope I can continue to post at least weekly, using the knowledge I have acquired from the blog tour and keep all you new supporters on my blog entertained.

Thanks for the experience Tasha and all those who participated.

Kiss of the Dragon - a tantalizing excerpt by Ellie Mack

Now isnt this my lucky week; two guest posts in one week and by two very talented authors. You should know todays guest from Storytimetrsyts and her wonderful titlating writing. Today she offers a brush on the lips from her WIP.

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Kiss of the Dragon by Ellie Mack

Ever had the feeling that you just didn't fit in or that you didn't know who you really were? Isabelle Lennox is about to find out the hard way about her true self as she is thrust into a world of magic and dragons. True love has never been this dangerous. Kiss of the Dragon takes you beyond time to a fated love that's out of this world in this paranormal romance.

Isabelle attends a Renaissance Fair in a real Scottish castle with her friend to help get her cheating ex-husband out of her system. When a "black hole" headache strikes, everything changes. Set on the coast of Scotland and spanning thousands of years, Isabelle is about to embark on an adventure like none she's ever heard of before. A mystical land of dragons, mages, and treasures surround her as she discovers a truth long hidden from the human world.

While Laird Zane is discovering the truth about his heritage, Isabelle is discovering a world she never knew existed. The truth lies somewhere between the prophecy and fate, and only time will tell.

Excerpt from Kiss of the Dragon

*The following excerpt is Zane and Izzy's first kiss upon the battlements of Zane's castle walls. *

He laughed. Not just a slight laugh, but a full belly laugh. He reached for her hand. “You must have been a handful.” He pulled her closer, moving the wine bottle out of the way. His breathing no longer calm, but jagged. His gaze held hers captive. Tension built and coiled within her while she waited for what she knew was coming.

“I know this is very forward. Please don’t think me a rogue, but I’ve been sitting here listening to you, trying to focus on your words whilst imagining what it would be like to kiss you.”

Isabelle felt the heat snaking up her arm from his touch. She felt the heat within herself stirring. Hadn’t she wanted him to kiss her?

He brushed an errant strand of hair from her face and traced her jaw line with his finger. Leaning in, his mouth so close she felt the puff of breath on her own lips. “Just one taste.”

He pressed against her gently. A quick dart of his tongue against her lips beckoning them to part. She was helpless to do anything else. Her lips parted, allowing him to sweep her teeth with his tongue. A thrill rippled through her at his kiss. He lingered, daring to entice her to more. Isabelle brought her hand up to his chest, touching him, yet not pushing him away. She wanted more. He pulled back slightly, their lips a hair breadth apart.

Isabelle exhaled with a slight catch in her breath. His lips were on hers again, his tongue probing inside her parted lips. She was lost in the sensations. How long had it been since she’d let a man get this close? She’d forgotten how good it felt to be touched, to be kissed. On the other hand, it had never been even close to this.

A heat like a flickering flame warmed her. It started where his lips met hers and continued down, all the way down. Wanting. Needing. Raw. Hungry, oh so very hungry for his touch. Flames of her own passion began to build. She had her hand at the back of his head before realizing what she was doing.

Zane rolled towards her, still supporting his weight on his elbow. He eased Isabelle to the ground smoothly. Sliding his free hand from her face, trailing down her neck, and brushing against her breast. Hardened buds formed as the back of his hand brushed against them. Zane’s hand continued down to her waist, then reached around and pulled himself against her. A low growl escaped Zane’s throat a second before he covered her mouth again. It started gentle then grew more insistent, stirring feelings that quickly turned to raw desire. A slow sweep of his tongue in her mouth sent her closer to that ragged edge.

She could feel his hardness against her hip. Every cell of her being had been awakened with his kiss. Her mind raced with images of passion igniting between them. The desire he stirred just with his kiss was overwhelming. She moved her hand down his back, resting it at the small curve there. He smelled like strong spice and leather. She could taste the wine on his lips mixed with a stronger, fiery something. The vaguest hint of it touched her taste buds when his tongue tangled with hers. He tasted like heaven or decadent sinful desire, her every fantasy in the flesh.

She had to have more! Isabelle kissed him back enthusiastically, as each slight movement of his tongue stoked her own fire. She didn’t know if it was his amazing kissing or the spicy taste, but she had to have more.

Suddenly he pulled back. She missed the separation immediately. Her eyes flew open, locking with his, questioning.

“I should see you to your room.” There was a feral, barely restrained look in his. She heard his words, yet he made no effort to move. His breathing was ragged, catching on the exhale. “Else I won’t be able to stop.”

“I, I didn’t say you had to stop.” Her eyes pleaded with his. Her voice came out in breathy whispers.

A slight twitch at his jaws, his gaze never left hers. He contemplated briefly. He released his hold on her and got to his feet. Clenching and unclenching his hands, he stared out over the sea below. He turned and helped her to her feet, then silently gathered the items in the cloth. He grasped her hand in his and took off with a long stride. Isabelle shuffled her feet, nearly at a jog to keep up with him.

He walked her around the wall to the main house entering the doorway there. A guard stood just inside the door, he dropped his eyes, not meeting hers. Down the corridor he strode at nearly a race. What had she done to infuriate him? When they had reached her chamber door, he pressed her against the wall, lifted her face to his and kissed her firmly. He was pressing the length of his body against hers. His mouth claimed hers, demanding this time. Demanding her response, demanding she open to him. He moved over to the soft spot of her neck, just below her ear and nuzzling his chin upwards, grazing her jaw line with his teeth.

A quick gasp of pleasure escaped her. He tensed, and pulled back. “ I will say good evening to you Lady Isabelle.” He turned, and at the same pace barreled off down the corridor. She still stood, pressed against the wall when Merryk came around the corner to assume his post.

A knowing grin crossed his face as he came closer. “Perhaps milady, you should go inside your chamber. Do you require assistance?”

Her lips still tingled where Zane’s had been mere moments before. Dazed, and highly aroused she ducked under his arm to enter the chamber. Isabelle sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing, memorizing every touch, every taste. She had never been so turned on in her entire life. With Jake, she had never reached an orgasm. Not once. Not even when he went down on her. Jake apparently had no problem so it had to have been her. That was part of his reasoning of why he cheated.

Right, he was a no good cheating snake because she was the ice queen. She had come to believe it for a long while. But tonight. . . Tonight she was nearly there when Zane merely kissed her. She lay back on the bed imagining if things had progressed further with Zane.

It was a long while later before she regained her composure. In some measure she wasn’t sure she would ever completely recover after that kiss.

~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II~II

Ellie Mack lives in a small town near St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BS in geography/cartography. She has worked for Department of Defense, county government, as a substitute teacher, and various other jobs.  Her hobbies include reading, bicycling, playing Tombraider, and Dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution, and Zumba. Between being a mother to two teenage girls, a wife, homemaker, and a mortgage loan officer, Ellie writes paranormal romances.
Ellie’s first erotica piece is appearing on http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/

Ellie’s blog can be found at:  http://quotidiandose.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/passion-2/

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Well that was an emotional ride. The way Ellie describes the kiss and paints a very clear picture of exactly what is going on and how they both feel put me there in that scene and I felt as though I was Isabelle. The part with the tongue against teeth, took away a little from the mood that Ellie set for the scene, but not enough for me to loose it altogether. I was there with Isabelle feeling Zane kiss her below the ears, and feeling the heat build up in her and was just as forlon when he left.

That is my view of the excerpt, what is yours?

 

Why subtract when you can add...more hot scenes

For those of you following the blog tour you may be reading this and wondering; "Why the same theme in two consecutive weeks?" Well things happen, bumps arise in the road and we must

maneuver over them and carry on, and in that spirit I am proud to host this wonderful romance erotica author as she shares with us why she doesnt delete scenes.

Enjoy!

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Hello! This week on the TTC/MasterKoda Virtual Blog Tour we are discussing and sharing deleted scenes.

First I’d like to be a gracious guest and say thank you to Anjie for hosting me this week! I enjoy visiting and guest posting on other blog’s, and this blog is no different.

 

I would love to share a deleted scene with you, really I would. But the truth of the matter is - I don’t have one. “How can that be?” you might ask.   

Well, I am the type of writer who doesn’t include enough in my stories. I was once told by an editor that I had too much going on, and that I had things in there that took away from the plot. So now I try to stick to the basics, but that doesn’t always work out either, because then I have to go back and add to my manuscripts from holding back too much.

I think I like the idea of adding better than deleting. I mean, how would you determine what to take out? As a writer, I fall in love (or at least in like) with my work, so I would imagine cutting some of it would be painful. There have been some sentences or small paragraphs I’ve had to remove, usually due to being too wordy, or from being repetitive, and even then it can be difficult to let it go.

The idea of adding instead of deleting suits me just fine! When I need to build on the story the only problem I might have is where to place it, but then it works out in the end.

What is it I usually have to add?

Back story. So I plan to keep that mind as I write, and still remember not to go overboard, or to get sidetracked.

Easier said than done!

*****

Laci Paige is the author of the erotic novella, Let’s Keep On Truckin’. She lives in Hampton Roads, VA with her family and enjoys photography. She also enjoys interacting with fans on social media.

Blurb from “Let’s Keep On Truckin’” (By Laci Paige and Decadent Publishing, heat level 4).

Lily loves traveling on her job since no one can do it better than her. Being out on the open road gives her plenty of time to reflect and avoid unwanted attention, but somehow it always finds her....

When she comes across Ryder, first at a grocery store, then at a rest stop, sexual desire sparks and she knew she had to have him. If only her ex hadn't shown up, igniting a fantasy she never thought possible.

Seeing Alex in a whole new light, Lily realizes second chances are in order, but will she have to choose between the two men? Or could she be happy with both?

 

 

 

Available for purchase from: http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Keep-on-Truckin-ebook/dp/B00816ZX9S/ & http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=540&osCsid=1okloom7mnbvupdk81i3741s21

http://lacipaige.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/laci_paige

https://www.facebook.com/lacipaige

https://www.facebook.com/authorlacipaige

Horny Hump Day August 29th

Ahh, I missed another Horny Hump Day last week. Spent the day splashing in the black creek waters of our tropical paradise. But, welcome back to this week's Horny Hump Day.

I continue right where I had left off the last time, Nyasha was with Shelly and trying to get her mind off of Fiona, and it seems Shelly knew exactly what to do to help, here goes:

"Soon fingers rubbed at her love spot as she moved her body smoothly against it. Her head moved from side to side as the fingers pried inside of her; moving back and forth in unison with her hips. A symphony played somewhere to which her body moved; crashing in tune with the banging of the cymbals."

Hope you enjoyed my three sentences this week and be sure to check out the other Horny Hump Day Participants for more hot and steamy teases.

Ciao

Stop! Don't delete that scene!

Some of us writers tend to change a lot of our story when we are editing; pressing the delete button or cutting out what we don't want and saving it in another document for later use. This week's guest in the TTC VBT is Doug Simpson and he tells us how scenes that could no longer fit into his first book turned his plot in to a series.

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Tides of Change in the Mind of the Author

After over a year of publishing articles in a number of countries, which has now grown to seven countries, I decided to see if I had the talent and tenacity to write a novel. I had previously written or attempted to write novels a number of times over about forty years but could never come up with a respectable manuscript. I always seemed to find a major flaw that I did not like, and really could not adequately change, so the scrap paper pile just got deeper, again.

So, why did I think I was any smarter this time around? Good question. All I can say is that experience in bad writing is still valuable experience, even if it is not profitable. Besides, I was now retired and my time was mine, after my wife and grandchildren claimed their cut. I also had some new found ideas which had accumulated in my thick head, as a result of my hundreds of hours of researching a select group of the over 15,000 readings given by the legendary American mystic, Edgar Cayce.

My major area of research was survival of the soul and spirit after the death of the body, and the reincarnation of souls. Sounded like a pretty interesting topic to me. Next, I needed a hero. In about one second flat the name Dacque popped into my head. What’s a Dacque, I wondered? Never heard of him or it! Then, after a little careful consideration, I realized that it was a fantastic name for a kind-hearted Good Samaritan because it was unique. If someone asks you, “Did you read the new book about Tom?” the first thing you ask is, “Tom who?” But, if somebody says, “Did you read the new book about Batman or Superman?” you know exactly who they are talking about right away. Unique! Dacque is not the same kind of superhero as those two, but he is a very special. He is the kind of hero in his own right. Go ahead, I dare you. Go to your favorite search engine and search for Dacque. I just did, and my boy appears twice in the first ten entries. I’ll gladly take that kind of coverage any day.

My original intention was to have Dacque, an avid walker, encounter a handful of individuals in distress on his morning walks and to write a few chapters on how my ‘Good Samaritan’ assisted these individuals to get over their problems or difficulties. I thought an appropriate title might be Soul Attraction, where Dacque is led to these individuals in distress and you get to read about how he helps them get over their various difficulties. That didn’t last long. Dani Christian, the first damsel requiring rescuing proved to be so interesting that she demanded the entire novel, and the name on the cover became Soul Awakening, reflecting the fact that Dacque assisted Dani and some of her new friends to discover their past associations in their previous lifetimes.

If Dani Christian kidnapped Book I, Soul Awakening, what happened to the other poor souls that were supposed to be rescued after Dacque had performed his miracles on her life? Not a big problem. It simply gave me an excuse to turn the adventures of a Good Samaritan with the unusual name of Dacque, into a series titled The Dacque Chronicles. Book II, titled Soul Rescue, should be published later this year and Book III, titled Soul Mind is slated for a late 2012 or 2013 release. Book IV has been started but Dacque had been so busy promoting his earlier escapades that he has not found time to advise me how it turns, yet. Darn. Put your hero is in the limelight and he thinks he’s a star!

© Doug Simpson 2012

Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Book Locker. Check it out at http://booklocker.com/books/5754.html. It is available in print and eBook format through most book stores around the world. His magazine and website articles have been published in 2010 to 2012 in Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His articles can be accessed through his website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.

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Thanks to our guest Doug Simpson for sharing how his series was born. After reading about Dacque I am quite intrigued to read the book, are you?

 

  

An erotica romance author bares it all for your eyes only

Welcome back to Anjie's corner and the TTC Virtual Blog tour. This week we got the opportunity to sit down with a fellow author and ask them a few questions. When I found out that I would be getting to interview the sultry Laci Page, I was doing the happy dance. As an aspiring erotica romance author I couldn't wait to get the fat and skinny out of this author. So we sat down with a cup of joe and a pen and paper and as she dished, I wrote. So here goes, all you wanted to know about Laci Page and her writing.

Welcome Laci

1.    Can you tell us a little about yourself? Something that isn’t in your bio below.

My first love is the young adult paranormal romance genre. I’d never read anything erotic until a few years ago, and once I did I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I found I actually enjoyed it.

2.    When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Three short years ago. I put the words to a page as a personal challenge and I found out that it was something I enjoyed.

3.    What is your life like when you are not writing?

I’m a wife and stay at home mother of two teens who keep me busy running “mom’s taxi”.

4.    Are you published? Did you go self publish or tradition and why?

Yes, I am published. My debut erotic novella, “Let’s Keep On Truckin’” released a few short months ago. I chose to go with a small press publisher, Decadent Publishing. Self publishing the way I would want to (hiring cover artist and editors) would cost more than I could afford so I opted against it.

5.    What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How my mind works amazes me. Once I got going, the ideas and characters just came to life, and I never knew I had that in me. That was my biggest surprise in all of this.

6.    Who are some of your favorite Authors?

I don’t have favorites. I just enjoy the romance genre in general.

7.    Laci Page is known for erotic romance, how did you choose that genre?

I read an erotic novella that I won in a contest, and loved it. After a couple of days of thinking about it, I said, “I think I could write stories like that.” And I did.

8.    Do you think you could write other genres? And which ones?

Sure, I think I could. Some not as well as others. Contemporary and Paranormal would be the two that stick out in my mind, but I wouldn’t hold to just those. If my brain gets an idea I am going with it.

9.    Laci Page is a nom de plume, why did you choose to write behind a pen name?

I’ve also had a young adult story published under my real name, and would not want my younger teenage fans to find the erotic stories and read them.

10. What does it take to make an erotic romance sizzle?

For me: It starts with an enticing cover, a catchy blurb, good editing (errors remove you from the scene), and a story that grabs you from the start. The characters should have an undeniable chemistry in and out of the bedroom. 

11. Did you write query letters for your book? Is there any advice you could share on query letters for aspiring authors?

No. I didn’t write query letters. I actually contacted a publisher and sent an email for an open submission. I explained I was new to the writing world and wanted someone to take a look at my work to see if I was any good. After a couple of rejections/suggestions they accepted one of my stories.

12. If you could pick a celebrity to play one character in the movie version of your book, who would it be?

Unknowns. None of my characters remind me of anyone on the big screen right now.

13. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Any criticism is hard to swallow. Whether it’s good or bad. When the editors send my first round of edits, it’s always hard to swallow, but I keep telling myself I will improve over time. When I hear the good, “Wow, that was good. I didn’t know you could write like that.” I smile, but I’ve never been one to take compliments well. That’s just who I am. The best compliment is when someone says they couldn’t put my story down.

14. You work with a publisher, what is one of the toughest things to face when working with a publisher and one of the best parts of working with a publisher?

Everything is great working with my publisher. They take care of “behind the scenes” while I work with my editors to polish my stories. My publisher assigned a cover artist and I work with them to get a great cover based on my suggestions, meanwhile they assign me three editors (content, line and senior) who one by one go through my manuscript. They also format my book to put it on dozens of purchase sites, and issue review copies to reviewers. Decadent Publishing is a neat group of people who are always there for each other. The support there is unbelievable. The draw backs to a publisher is people need to get paid for their hard work, so I don’t get as much of a percentage off sales as I would if I self published.  

15. There are different views to the topic that readers judge books on their covers. As an erotic writer what are your views on how a cover influences someone to buy or not buy a book.

Just from hanging around on facebook the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is so far from the truth when it comes to my genre. People LOVE cover art in the erotic/erotica world. The sexier the better. It seems to pull people toward certain books.

16. I am an erotica/romance aspiring author, presently editing my first novel, a lesfic romance, but mostly through my editing I keep telling myself that my writing is too boring, that no one would actually want to read it. What is one piece of advice that you would give me or any other aspiring author in my position with regard to my self-doubt and fears?

It’s very normal to feel that way. Even experienced long time authors have some self doubt sometimes. If this is something you really want to do, stick to your guns and pursue it. I would say to find a critique group or a few beta readers. Let them be the judge, and don’t use friends who might be afraid to hurt your feelings to get honest feedback. It’s scary to let people read your work, but isn’t that the goal in the end?

Thank you so much for hosting me today. You drafted up a great line of questions, and I enjoyed answering them! Good luck on your future ventures and with your writing!

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Blurb from “Let’s Keep On Truckin’” (By Laci Paige and Decadent Publishing, heat level 4).

Lily loves traveling on her job since no one can do it better than her. Being out on the open road gives her plenty of time to reflect and avoid unwanted attention, but somehow it always finds her....

When she comes across Ryder, first at a grocery store, then at a rest stop, sexual desire sparks and she knew she had to have him. If only her ex hadn't shown up, igniting a fantasy she never thought possible.

Seeing Alex in a whole new light, Lily realizes second chances are in order, but will she have to choose between the two men? Or could she be happy with both?

Excerpt:

In the candy aisle, I felt someone looking at me. Turning my head, I gazed past a man standing near me. A very nice looking man, but I ignored him, or at least I tried to. His green eyes locked on mine. Warmth and tingles spread throughout my body causing my knees to go weak. The man’s face held sharp features, and his sultry lips rewarded me with a demure smile. I would’ve loved to feel them on mine. He stepped closer to me. My heart rate spiked. Nodding to the shelf in front of us, he focused in on something and reached for it. He stopped mid-reach, and our gazes met again. His arm lowered. I knew I couldn’t look away, and I had a feeling he couldn’t either. I bit my bottom lip, and I saw him take notice. He leaned in close to me, mouth parted to speak.

“Excuse me,” a voice requested. We stepped away from each other so the woman behind us could retrieve candy from the shelf. She sure took her time. Separated by the woman, I kept glancing over at the man. He, too, continued to gaze my way. There was something about him; he made something stir inside me.

Available for purchase from: http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Keep-on-Truckin-ebook/dp/B00816ZX9S/ & http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=540&osCsid=1okloom7mnbvupdk81i3741s21

Author Bio:

When Laci’s not reading or writing she can be found spending time with her husband supporting their children. Laci enjoys camping, hiking, & photography. And she loves to chat with fans on Twitter and Facebook. Laci and her family currently reside in Hampton Roads, VA.  You can contact Laci Page at any of the following links:

http://lacipaige.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/laci_paige

https://www.facebook.com/lacipaige

https://www.facebook.com/authorlacipaige

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=540&osCsid=28h21vnldsgfgbo3feevilqdj3

We are All Mental - Ellie Mack

This week’s guest, the eloquent Ellie Mack, discusses a topic I think we all can relate to. Her post resonated with me as I am in the process of building my house. I remember when I went to the bank and filled out that withdrawal slip almost emptying all I have saved over the past few years, I walked out in almost cold sweat. I went home and instructed the workers to cut the trees and set the foundation. I watched them work and my heart seemed to beat in my throat. Walls began closing in around me and I felt as though I would pass out. All it was in my life was a progressive change. I heard a youth on the road last evening repeated saying, “scared money don’t make money, fearless money makes money.” It made a lot of sense to me, my money was sitting in the bank and my fiancé and I are living apart even after having a child, it was time to as my guest puts it below, become a “box smasher.” Ellie Mack’s posting below not only resonates with me but it feels like a pep talk for all those of you scared of change and the unknown.

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We're All Mental

By Ellie Mack

Let's face it we are our own worst enemy! I know there are many of us with this affliction. We try to hide it, keep it under lock and key but the strange thing is others can often recognize it before we can see it in ourselves. It robs us of simple pleasures, prevents us from participating in life and hinders us from stepping outside of our box.

We play these mental games with ourselves, and then either pander ourselves out of doing things or admonishing ourselves for our failings. Sickos - all of us! Shame, shame, shame!

What is it? Anxiety Disorders. OK, you may not be fully diagnosed with it but we all have various stages of this budding affliction.

I am notoriously one who is daring, willing to try things. Bungee jumping, parasailing, snorkeling, spelunking - ok won't be doing that one again anytime soon, and even rappelling are not things for the faint of heart. Instead of giving into peer pressure, I was the kid your parents warned you about. Yes, I did daring stupid things. Yes, I jumped off a roof. Yes, I took a dare more often than I gave them. But as I've gotten older and become responsible for the lives of others (parenting changes you - it really does), I've detected a line of thinking that is akin to an anxiety disorder.

My 17 year old daughter is getting ready to begin her senior year in high school - yeah! Go Sarah! However today she is nearly in a panic, because of the unknown.

She stated it like this: "When you're going to do something that you're nervous about it, it's best to just do it and not think about it. Sort of like getting on a roller coaster, you don't think about the physics of the design of the roller coaster, or the g-force, or how dangerous it is. You just look at it and think - ooh, fun!"

Yeah, if we all could remember that! However, when we face a new challenge our brains go into high gear and we over analyze the situation, adding the terrifying what ifs. Choosing a new hairstyle, starting a new phase like starting college, starting a new job, making a career change, going to a different gym, taking a different route to work, they can all be intimidating. Personally, I don't think it's a matter of anxiety disorder but fear. It's scary to step out sometimes but as you talk yourself out of it, you convince yourself it's scary and not worth trying, therefore next time it's easier to stay in your box. Before you know it, the box has shrunk and your stuff has an inch of dust on it.

Yep, you know it, I'm a box smasher! I come in like a tornado and rearrange the furniture, move your stuff, shift things "6 inches to the right"; sometimes tearing out an entire wall to expand a wing. For those who think I never get scared - get real! I just do it afraid.

Fake it till you make it, or never let them see you sweat. Either one works. I know a person however, that over the years has let themselves be overwhelmed by the smallest of things, allowing their box to close in so that it's such a cramped little affair there's barely room to turn around. It's sad, really.

Now there are individuals who really do have anxiety disorders. I have some of the symptoms that I will list below, but I don't let it dominate my mind. I am not dead yet, and I've got a lot more life to live. In fact, I intend to live mine out loud! If you're not so bold and brazen maybe you could start with baby steps. Wear a different color; it can be a huge shock to the system. Smile at someone you don't know - I know, shocking. Try a new food - I don't know, that could be risky. Read this blog - omg - we may be moving a little too fast. One step at a time!

My point is that as we get older we are more prone to settle into routines. Routines then become ruts and before long the rut is a grave with the ends knocked out. We allow worries and fears to dominate our thinking and before long we accept failure because we are afraid to try. I don't want to be that person. It's humorous to watch Mr. Monk, but in reality it would be a sad existence. I know from personal acquaintance, the above mentioned person's box is beginning to resemble a coffin.

So here's what WEbMD has to say about it:

What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• Nightmares
• Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
• Problems sleeping
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• An inability to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness

I'm sure we can all recognize some of those symptoms but it doesn’t mean we need to run out and get a prescription for Xanax. I rebel against the pharmaceutical companies need to overmedicate the world population when all we need to do is put on our big girl/ big boy pants and live life - to the fullest measure experiencing everything it can throw our way! Just dodge the tomatoes.

Yeah, and some call me an adrenaline junkie as well! It doesn't matter though, I'm having a blast.

Write on my friends, write on!

About the blogger.

Ellie Mack lives in a small town near St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BS in geography/cartography. She has worked for Department of Defense, county government, as a substitute teacher, and various other jobs.  Her hobbies include reading, bicycling, playing Tombraider, and Dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution, and Zumba. Between being a mother to two teenage girls, a wife, homemaker, and a mortgage loan officer, Ellie writes paranormal romances.
Ellie’s first erotica piece is appearing on http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/

Ellie’s blog can be found at:  http://quotidiandose.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/passion-2/

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Do you ever feel like you are having an anxiety attack? What are the sort of things that bring on these attacks for you? Do face fear head on like Ellie? Share your thoughts below, we are curious to know what you think on the topic.

Horny Hump Day August 15

Welcome Back to Horny Hump Day at Anjie's writing corner. Thanks to Grinelda Markowitz for reminding me of this weekly blog hop.

As you are aware I am still editing my first novel: An Unexpected Desire. Last evening I couldnt sleep because the beginning of a new chapter that I am inserting kept forming itself in my head. So I reached for my blackberry and I tapped away at the keypad and produced four hundred and forty four words and here is a few of them, hope you enjoy.

"Nyasha threw the sheet off of her naked body and sat up throwing her legs off of the bed. Fingers traced her spine as she closed her eyes. Warm hands slid over her shoulders and cupped her breasts; a finger teasing her nipple, getting it hard. Soft lips pressed against her neck as hot breath permeated her skin. "Come back to bed," the sultry voice whispered in her ear. She closed her eyes and allowed the hands to lower her back onto the soft ruffled sheets, as the supple lips were pressed against hers."


Well I hope you like it, there is a lot of drama following this scene and I am working on it at present, I believe I am midway of my edits and really hope to finish them at month end then I will be looking for some beta readers.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the other participants on this week's Horny Hump Day Blog Hop and leave comments.

Excerpt from a promising new Romance Novel by Linda Bolton

This week on the blog tour we are sharing excerpts from our books; whether we are published, finished writing, still writing, or editing. My guest this week is romance author Linda Bolton and she shares an excerpt from her first book Perfect. Leave a comment for Linda and let her know how you liked her excerpt, make suggestions, or just leave one word that you would use to describe Linda's excerpt.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks to my guest Linda for her excerpt and blurb.

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My first book, Perfect, is still searching for a publisher. I hope you like the excerpt.

Perfect

Alexandra Daniels is a forty-something, hard-working mom, wife and employee. Her life has been plodding along at a snails pace and she’s longing for excitement. She wins a trip to her favorite talk show in New York, the Veronica Becker Show, and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest, Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change?

Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools after him. He has his pick of women but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated?

Chapter 1

Alex sat in her chair, her eyes wide, staring at the screen.  She loved the Veronica Becker Show and was a faithful viewer.  During her lunch hour at work she would rush to the break room to turn it on.  Veronica had viewer contests every week.  Alex had never won anything but that didn’t prevent her from signing up each week in hopes, knowing full well the likelihood of winning was minimal at best.

“Today one lucky viewer will win a trip for two to visit New York and my show.  An all expense paid weekend!” announced Veronica Becker, touted as the ‘Every Woman’s Woman’ by national magazines. 

Veronica Becker had become a household name, a chef for the everyday woman; quick, inexpensive meals that were tasty too.  Veronica had taken her love of cooking to television and added a bit of fashion, some down to earth chat with the audience and  interviews with the latest stars.  She was  health conscious and wanted the women in her audience to look their best at any age. She also loved to give things away. Coming from a modest family she believed in giving back. Generous to a fault, if there was an earthquake somewhere, a typhoon, or tornado, Veronica was there to help out.  

“Our winner is Alexandra Daniels of Plano, Texas! Congratulations! We’ll be giving Alexandra a call today!”

Her co-workers were staring at her. Had she really won?

“Alex! That’s you! You won!”, they all shouted.

“Oh...my...God! I can’t believe it! I won!”

Alex had the hardest time concentrating the rest of the afternoon.  As a customer service rep for a marketing company, she was usually swamped with work but couldn’t concentrate. Two o’clock rolled around and Alex’s cell rang, a number she didn’t recognize.

“Hello?”

“Is this Alexandra Daniels?”
“Yes it is”
“Alexandra, this is the Veronica Becker show. I am pleased to tell you that you are the winner of a  trip for two to New York City and tickets for the show.”

“I can’t believe it! Are you sure?”  Alex was still in shock.  She wanted to make sure there was no mistake.  Josh would never believe her.


"Yes, you’ve won! We will send your tickets out next week. Your trip is for April 15-17.  Can you make it those dates?”

“Oh yes!  I’ll make it work! Thank you so much!”

“We’ll get back to you Monday to finalize the details.  Have a great weekend!”

“Oh, I will now!” Alex was amazed! It was true, she actually won! She was already mentally packing when reality hit.  Josh would never take off work to go.  Maybe Mattie could go with her....no, she had school.  She could ask Kathleen, her best friend and co-worker, but they couldn’t take off at the same time.  Kathleen was her back up so one of them had to be there. No, she’d have to go alone. Well, it was about time she did something adventurous.  This was probably the most exciting thing that had happened to Alex in a very long time.

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Linda Bolton is an aspiring contemporary romance writer.  She is looking for a publisher for her first book, Perfect.  While working on a future projects Linda can be found:

On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/linda.bowersbolton

and http://www.facebook.com/lindaboltonauthor

On Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/lindalou42 

Her romance blog at http://www.lindabolton.blogspot.com