Deanna Wadsworth

Bear Talk welcomes DC JURIS

2012-03-01T18:55:00.008-08:00

We saved the best for last this week at the BEAR TALK BLOG HOP!!!! Which means I get the pleasure of hosting DC Juris...a fantastic m/m author, fellow bear lover and all around fun guy to host on my blog! DC has a great story to share about his real life Bear Romance...you're gonna love it!

If you want to check other blogs on the hop, check out the list HERE

Welcome back DC! Take it away!!

Until high school, I only knew one kind of man – the kind like my father and the rest of the men in my family. Short, scrawny men, they were all mean, with a bad case of “little man syndrome.” I’d been nothing but hurt – mentally, physically, and sexually – and by age fourteen I had an ingrained distrust of men in general.

The first bear to enter my life was a man named Aaron, and he was the father of one of the kids I went to school with. This guy was huge – he towered over my 5’6” father at over six feet tall. He was big and burly, with the widest shoulders I’d ever seen, and a thick pelt of chest hair which peaked out constantly from under the tank top he always wore. He was easily the scariest looking parent, yet he was friendly and kind, warm and courteous. Unlike my own father, Aaron took time with me, asked me how I was, and genuinely seemed interested in listening to the prattling of a teenager.

I began to wonder if all big men were like that, or just him. I started paying more attention to my schoolmates' families, and over the course of a couple years, I'd decided that big men were the real deal, and I wanted a big man of my own.

Now, of course, as an adult, I know my little survey was not only highly unscientific, but largely untrue. Assholes come in all shapes and sizes - even extra large. But I never did lose my craving for a big man. I don't know what it is about big men that attracts me so much in the physical sense. Maybe it's a mental hold-over from my childhood, but shorter, scrawny men don't get my motor going like big men do.

In the summer of 1999 I met someone online who absolutely stole my heart. He was warm, witty, caring, intelligent, and deep. I knew I wanted him from the first hello. There was just something about him, that, even over the internet, came through. And then I saw his picture. Holy. Hell. I'd landed the bear I'd always wanted!

He's furry - there's enough chest hair on my man to run my fingers through. He's tall - he's all of 6'2" and I'm 4'9". He's broad - he has a 56" chest and that's all bone. He's got these big, calloused hands with these long, thick fingers. He's easily big enough and bad enough to rip someone's head off, even without trying. Growing up, he was bigger than the other kids, and constantly worried about hurting someone in sports. Hell, in the beginning of our relationship, he was absolutely terrified of squashing me or bruising me unintentionally. (Little did he know the BDSM hellcat he'd hooked himself up with! LOL)

But, he's also incredibly gentle. He's soft spoken - so much so that waitresses have trouble hearing him. He's big hearted - I maintain that you have not had your heart melted until you see a man his size holding hand-feeding a tiny kitten.
And those hands of his, which could very understandably be so clumsy, are deft enough to latch delicate jewelry. That body frame of his, which you'd imagine you could hear coming a mile away, can sneak up on you no matter where you are and scare the bejesus out of you in seconds flat.

And although he dwarfs me in height, he has never once used that against me - he has a way of standing close that isn't looming at all.

Of course, I'd still love him if he weren't a bear. But, I think so much of who he is as a person is wrapped up in his size, I'm not sure he'd be the same person if he weren't a bear. And now for the part you really want to hear about - THE CONTEST!

Leave a comment below with your e-mail and you'll be entered to win a free pdf copy of any of my books you'd like - found at www.dcjuris.com.

Good luck!!

NEW COVER!!!

2012-02-28T05:11:00.008-08:00

YAY!!!

It's finally here!!

The cover art for my latest book, ACCIDENTALLY BEAUTIFUL!

Lemme tell ya, these guys are exactly how I imagined Martin and Garret!

How did I get so lucky?? Um.... cuz my editor Val is so awesome!

ACCIDENTALLY BEAUTIFUL
A 1Night Stand Story

Martin Baird is perfectly content in his safe, predictable job as head concierge for Castillo Resorts, but when a handsome stranger whisks him away for a night of tropical escapades—first visiting an isolated gay bar then to secluded beaches where erotic delights await—Martin’s world is thrown upside down. He’s never met a man like Garret Fisher but it seems he has been waiting for a night like this all his life.

Could something truly beautiful come out of this accidental meeting?

Or was it really not an accident at all?

EXCERPT:

Martin’s attention once again centered on the man behind the bar. A dark haired man with a dominant glint in his sexy, green eyes Martin couldn’t help but be affected by. Heart racing, an unexplained veneration overcame him. Never before had someone bewitched him so effortlessly, rousing his blood with a single look. And they had plans for the evening? He should ask what they were, but he assumed Garret would tell him—eventually.

Even if he didn’t, Martin would go.

I’ve lost my bleeding mind.

Perhaps there was an ancient fairy knoll in Grand Turk, like the ones Da wove tales about, where babies were swapped for changelings and the spirits of the Fae bent people to their will. Surely a mystical influence reigned, leading Martin to follow this Garret on a mysterious journey.

Bloody hell, I almost called him “sir” and we haven’t even been properly introduced!

On cue, Garret extended a hand and Martin took it. That hand wrapped around his, similar in size, but worn and rough. Electric sensations ran through his blood at the lightly calloused fingers. This man did not sit around being idle.

“Garrett Fischer.”

“Martin Baird.”

“Nice to meet you, Marty.”

He should correct him—he hated being called Marty—but Garret had not let go, his playful gaze rendering Martin unable to assert himself. He swallowed hard, envisioning Garret’s palms running over his body with deep appreciation, stroking his budding erection, caressing his ass, parting him…spanking him?

Shite!

He dropped Garret’s hand at once, cheeks reddening.

Grinning, Garret returned to making the drink, his cocky demeanor a solid indicator he knew where Martin’s thoughts had wandered.

Damn Jagger for putting those ideas into his head—and awakening ones he’d not entertained in a long time.

Then again, maybe Garret Fischer held all the blame.

When Garret presented the cocktail—an illicit-looking, frothy, white concoction which again had Martin’s mind going to places it shouldn’t—he placed both arms wide on the bar, waiting for a reaction.

“Slainte.” Martin raised the drink to his lips, and the creamy, sweet beverage went down smooth. The alcohol warmed his blood but the intense way Garret studied him brought him to a full boil.

“Well?”

He placed the glass down, hand shaking. “Quite good. Not too sweet, either.”

“Glad you like it, Marty.” Garret leaned forward. “Here. You have something….”

Before Martin saw it coming, a masculine thumb brushed across his lower lip.

A visceral reaction shot molten fire through him and he gasped. When Garret slipped that thumb between supple lips to suck away any residue of alcohol, Martin swore his cock grew two inches.

Garret pulled his thumb out of his mouth ever so slowly, purposefully. His green eyes, full of wicked promise behind those glasses, never left Martin’s. “Delicious.”

Throat dry, he wanted to ask if Garret liked how he tasted, wanted to taste more. But the notion of a different sort of whiteness dribbling down Martin’s chin, and Garret licking it clean, made him bloody incoherent.

“We’ll meet at the main entrance at eight.” Garret’s casual tone brooked no disobedience.

He nodded at once. "Um...right. Okay."

COCKTAILS & COCK TALES with DC JURIS

2012-02-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome DC!!!!!

Deanna: Where are you and what are you wearing?

DC: LOL Right to the point, eh? Hehe I'm in my writing office, and I'm wearing long black pants and a red tank top. And, by the way, I haven't forgotten our conversation back in the beginning of December, wherein you did tell me I could say fuck and cock as much as I wanted. ::evil grin::

Deanna: Oh yes, feel free to have some cocky moments, lol. Now this is a drinking interview, so what’s your poison? Vodka? Hot Coco?

DC: ::sigh:: As of the last visit to my doctor, I'm no longer allowed to have alcohol. Or sugar. So. Yeah. Lately my poison is decaf Lipton tea…cause I can't have caffeine either. ::hangs head:: I'm a fucking mess, lemme tell ya.

Deanna: Oh the humanity!!!!! Well, my liver could use a break, so how about some good ol' iced tea? (((Pours two glasses))) Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

DC: My newest release was last month from Breathless Press, called "Betrayed." It's a fantasy m/m about a man who returns home after being kept in a prison camp, and his struggle to reconcile who he has become with who he had been.

Deanna: Where did the idea for this story come from?

DC: "Betrayed" actually started as a m/f work in my teens, so about…well, over 10 years ago. Then it became m/m/f, then it became m/f/m, now it's m/m, and it's perfect! (Cock)

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you? And you can't say cock, LOL

DC: The hardest part was coming to terms with the fact that it was going to be outside the "mainstream." I grew up reading heterosexual romance, and, while I didn’t like it or find it fulfilling, I wasn't aware of anything else. I had no idea if a romance with two main characters of the same sex having a relationship would go anywhere. You have to remember, I grew up in a Southern Baptist family in the South. Gay romance wasn't even mentioned.

Deanna: Word, (((holds up glass to clink in agreement))) Midwest sheltered country girl here. Now what’s the easiest thing about writing it?

DC: Everything. Once I found the right pairing, and stopped worrying about it, the story flowed really well.

Deanna: DO you have a dream story, an opus that you want to write, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

DC: Oh, you know, I'd love to write some sweeping historical Epic Story of Epicness. It'll never happen, because historical stories require tons of research, which I'm simply not interested in doing. (Fuck. Cock.)

Deanna: You won;t be able to say fuck or cock either....maybe 'rod' or 'manhood' LOL.

<-------------How's this for sweeping epicness? LOL

When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound? J

DC: I've always just known. I can't point to a specific time or event when I realized it. I wrote my very first story on the walls of my room with crayons because my parents wouldn't buy me paper and pens. The words are just in me.

Deanna: What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail or three. But that’s just me. And most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

DC: You know that's two questions, right?

Deanna: Oops, it’s these darn vodka tonics when I'm sending interview Qs to people!! I think you can handle two things at once.

DC: LOL I don't typically get stumped on a scene. If I find myself disinterested, I'll just switch to a different WIP.

As for theme songs, my stories and characters don't really have any, no, but I do have a specific playlist I listen to while writing. It runs the gamut from country to rap, and includes "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" by P.M. Dawn, "Peacock" by Katy Perry, "Fuck You" by Cee Lo Green, "99 Problems" by Jay-Z, "Rockstar" by Nickleback, "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects, "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake, "Burn it Down" by AWOLNATION, "Shut up and Drive" by Rihanna, "Fast Lane" by Bad Meets Evil, and "'Till I Collapse" by Eminem.

Deanna: Wow, thats about as diversTell us about a scene that you have written then afterwards, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

DC: Actually I just wrote one of these for a WIP I'm working on. It took me by complete surprise because it's a pretty raunchy sex scene, involving a character in a committed relationship and someone he's not committed to. I didn't expect him to cheat on his lover, but that's what happened. And did I mention it's a raunchy sex scene? (Fungus. You thought I was going to say fuck again, didn't you?)

Deanna: LOL I did!!! Now can you let my readers know where they can find you online?

My Website: www.dcjuris.com

My Blog: http://dcjuris.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dcjuris

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dcjuris

And you can buy DC Juris's new book BETRAYED here: http://www.breathlesspress.com/betrayed

BEAR TALK BLOG TOUR

2012-02-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned, all you bear lovers for the first ever BEAR-TALK BLOG TOUR!!!!!.....the brain child of me and fellow m/m author Kayla Jameth!!!!

Along with Kayla and me, we have a great lineup of some of the industries best writers and reviewers!!!
Hank Edwards
Tom Webb
Silvia Violet
Johnny Miles
Louisa Bacio
Ike Rose
and Margie Church!!

We will be talking about hairy men, why we love them and giving away FREE books, prizes and more!!!

I hope you join in this fur-tastic event February 27th thru March 2nd!!!!

~D

It Takes A Kraken

2012-01-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

Exactly what is a kraken? And why does it take one to protect a world such as the Kraken’s Caribbean?

Well, I’ve done a fair amount of research into the Kraken’s background and I don’t have a lot of answers. And he ain’t talking much about it.

I found an old document, purported to be written by some crackpot who called himself the Highpriest of the Great One, but I tend to view such things with skepticism. I’ve seen no sign that the Albino Kraken is interested in religious services. (I really thing they guy got the Caribbean Kraken mixed up with Lovecraft’s Cthulhu…)

One thing that seems certain is this…the Kraken who guards Tortuga is very, very, very old. And really crafty. In The Kraken’s Mirror, he shows a propensity to use the other world and time portals to draw useful people to Tortuga. He can also block those who want to do harm, though he isn’t omnipotent in that regard, as shown in The Chameleon Goggles chronicle.

After the events in Goggles, he is recovering and things get very dicey in The Pirate Circus! (Available on February 3^rd, btw.)

I keep referring to him as an he, but to be honest, that isn’t a sure thing. Captain Silvestri confidently refers to the Albino as a he, but claims there is no female. Emily is skeptical of this, knowing where there is a he, there is generally a she…and there are numerous little krakens swimming about the waters of the world. They had to come from somewhere.

The Highpriest claimed that the Great One had, at one point, been female and given birth. Again, that would mean that he…uh…she…mated with herself?

I suppose it’s possible, but the brain hurts a bit at the thought. I mean…no, I’m not going to go there! Even if this is Deanna’s blog and she’d probably delight in the idea…

Since the Kraken certainly isn’t going to answer these questions…and why should he…he is the great power of the Caribbean and doesn’t have to answer anything, ever…all I can do is speculate.

Meanwhile, Bosun Janey is dealing with a skeptical Benjamin Silvestri, trying to keep his little boy out of trouble, and rescue his wayward niece from her folly…and keep her hands of Ben. It’s a trial, juggling all this with her pirate duties! Then the pirate circus comes to town…and she doesn’t want to get into why she dislikes clowns so much…

Blurb…

Bosun Janey knows who and what she is. A pirate. And a damned good one at that. Living a life of excitement, adventure, and sailing the seas of the Kraken’s Caribbean is enough for her. But when the Quill is stuck in dry dock, Janey is left to search for distraction along Tortuga’s waterfront. How does a pirate occupy herself? Certainly not by making friends with a six-year-old boy or mooning after the boy’s father. That’s not how a pirate behaves!

Widower Benjamin Silvestri arrived in Tortuga seeking a fresh start. At first, the pirate haven doesn’t seem like a safe sanctuary for second chances, but life is full of surprises. The sun breathes life into his little boy, and new freedoms help his errant niece embrace her true nature. And then there's Janey. A pirate and most unconventional woman, she stirs feelings in Benjamin that are far from proper.

But who’s to say what is proper in Tortuga? Before he and Janey can explore the possibilities, Benjamin's son and niece disappear onto the high seas. Together, the couple set out to rescue them—because only a loving father and a cut-throat pirate stand a chance against the dangers of The Pirate Circus.

-----

What are your thoughts regarding Kraken in general? And don’t do that ‘Release the Kraken’ thing with me! My Kraken don’t take orders from anyone, be it Zeus or Davy Jones! ;-)

One lucky comment will win a copy of The Pirate Circus…so leave your e-mail addy!

-----

The Kraken’s Caribbean, where anything can happen. And usually does!

I’m Maureen O. Betita and I write adventure for the experienced individual. Seasoning everything I write with life and pushing it to the edge. I can be contacted through my website, www.maureenobetita.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter. I also blog regularly at www.romancewritersrevenge as 2^nd Chance and I’m often at A Daily Dose of Decadence. Come find me on Facebook as Maureen O. Betita Author or on Twitter.

THE FROG PRINCE: X-rated teaser

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, here it is...as promised!

An exclusive excerpt from my new release too hot for Amazon or my publishers page. Lucky you I have that wonderful little disclaimer on my blog!!!

Enjoy!

And don't forget to pick up your copy of THE FROG PRINCE at Decadent Publishing today!

“Fetch me a glass of water,” instructed Prince Philip.

Once his thirst had been quenched, he gestured to the chair across from him. “Sit down.”

The princess obeyed him as he expected.

“Do you require anything else?” asked she.

“Just a moment to catch my breath.”

As the magic of the witch’s curse left his system, Philip remained a bit befuddled and
disoriented. This princess had vowed to care for him while he had been a frog, breaking the first layer of the witch’s spell. Could she accept everything and break it completely?

Philip did not have the answer. Looking about the stately quarters, he comforted
himself with the knowledge of how it would be much nicer, at least, to spend the night
here rather than in the wet rocks among the grasses growing along the bank of the well.

Thankfully, as the seconds continued to pass, he became more and more in control of
his body. He closed his eyes and relished the blood moving through his veins, heating
back up as the magic wore off, and he returned to his full human form. Though he could still sense the lingering remnants of the unfinished spell, the warmth in his limbs was exhilarating.

After seven years of long, lonely days swimming in the cold water of the well with
naught to talk to but amphibians who could not hold up a decent conversation and
surviving on a wretched diet of flies and other insects, the prince was extremely pleased to be in his own skin.

Hardly able to believe his good fortune, Philip wiggled his fingers and toes, feeling as
if he might be in a dream. But as he began to explore his long-absent body, he accepted what had occurred as fact. He was once more a man. His flesh had begun to return to normal temperatures, and he noted with gratitude his muscles had remained firm. The prickle of his dark body hair felt like tiny needles of excitement as he stroked his forearms and thighs, enjoying the warm blood pumping in his veins again. Almost in a panic, he cupped his balls then sighed with tremendous relief, grateful everything remained where it belonged.

However, that innocent touch against his long-ignored manhood started a familiar
tingle at the base of his spine, moving up to scintillate his entire groin.

He let out a soft moan as the forgotten feeling of arousal came over him. Running his
hand over himself, fingering the foreskin, his cock stirred. The rush of blood leaving his head, flowing from every inch of his body to restore and swell his member, felt superb. Dizzy, he gripped the edge of the bed to keep from passing out.

“Are you well, dear prince?” asked Elena.

Prince Philip hid a wicked smile as he rolled back his foreskin to reveal the tender,
shining head of his cock. Indeed, he would be well enough soon, for the princess had
made no move to oust him from her chambers—a naked male stranger. Rather, Elena stared openly at his nudity, no shame in her pretty green eyes as she watched him fondle himself, just as he had watched her do at the well. Her breathing increased, as did his own, and he smiled when her tiny tongue darted out to lick a pouty lower lip.
As his fingers brushed the protected and long-neglected skin on his cockhead, velvety
and wet, he went weak with need. Oh, how he had missed this intimate touch while living in the cursed body of a wretched amphibian. The feel of physical pleasure and the glorious release his body expelled when he achieved it.

Well aware of his young female companion watching him, he began to stroke his
thumb over his head, savoring the moisture he quickly created. Such lewd actions
garnered a gasp from Elena.

Looking up, he gifted her with a lecherous grin as he brandished his now fully erect
cock for her hungry eyes to take in. Let her watch, learn how I like to be touched.

Delighting in her shocked yet curious reaction, Philip stroked his shaft with long, slow
movements, rolling his foreskin back and forth over the head until a steady amount of moisture began to seep from the tip in long, clear strings.

“What are you doing?” demanded the princess.

“I told you to make ready your silken bed for me,” the frog prince reminded her.

“What had you believed that to mean?”

“I did not guess, but I do not think that you, as a man, should be allowed to sleep in
my bed. It was an entirely different matter when you were an ugly frog.”

“My dear, Elena, you did not ask if I was a man or a frog when you made your bargain
with me. I hold no guilt over my deception, for you did the same, making a vow that you never intended to keep.” All the while he spoke, his hand never slowed in stroking over his hot, sensitive cock. He hissed a bit, then finished by saying, “Nonetheless, a vow was given and accepted. You are bound by your word. Shall I have to get your father so that he may remind you as well?”

Elena’s eyes were wide, and she opened and closed her mouth, no sound coming out.
Her attention remained rapt on Philip’s hand as he began thrusting his weeping rod into his confident touch.

Laughing, the prince focused his attentions to his long-denied body. Seeking a more
comfortable place to explore, he sprawled out on the bed, taking hold of his most
cherished plaything with eager hands. He loved how long his shaft had grown, the feel of the veins running up the sides. Each time his foreskin glided over his damp head, swirls of delight shot through his every nerve. He slid one hand up to pinch a nipple at the same time he gently squeezed the sensitive, fleshy crown of his organ until it became even thicker with his desire.

So distracted with exploring his body, he barely noticed Elena leaning in close to
watch him. He had become lost in a world of pleasure, aware of nothing but the coolness of the sheets on his back as his fingernails dug into a nipple. His pulse thundered loudly in his ears, drowning out yet another gasp from the princess as he rolled his foreskin up and down in a steady, mind-numbing rhythm.

His testicles tightened, churning with anticipation as the pressure built inside them. He pulled them away from his body and squeezed as he pumped his cock with his other hand. Crying out with pleasure, the sharp sensation went straight through him. He stroked his shaft more insistently, and as he slid the hairy skin of his balls and rolled them between his fingers, his head began to swim. His breaths could not keep up. The walls of the dam broke.

Philip arched off the bed and cried out as lights blurred behind his eyes. Desire raced
from his extremities and into his groin. His body tensed as hot fluids spurted from his
cock, the first wave of glorious liberation sailing over his head. Soaring in the clouds, his second expulsion of seed sprayed across his belly. He squeezed and stroked his shaft until he had wrung every last bit of thick, white fluid free. He actually laughed in delight.

Perhaps the intensity of being in his own body again caused it or just the long, lonely
nights by the well, but he could not recall a more satisfying release.

Breathless and still burning with pleasure, the prince continued to gently caress his
spent cock. Eventually his mind began to drift back to earth, and his thoughts became
clearer. He slowed the movements over his now-sensitive member as he tried to catch his breath. Blood still thundered in his ears but slowly quieted. Only then did he remember Elena.

Opening heavy eyes, Prince Philip saw the girl staring at his belly in surprise. He
smiled dreamily as he dried off the seed with her blanket, immensely enjoying her
indignant look. He sat up, well aware of Elena’s eyes roaming over his nakedness,
lingering on the spent organ between his strong thighs.

“Have you ever seen a man do that? Play with his cock?”

“I am a maiden of virtue,” cried Elena. “How should I have seen such things?”

Chuckling to himself, the prince noted with delight that her nipples poked through the thin sleeping gown, hard and alert, belying such innocent indignation. “Oh, I do not believe my maiden is so innocent. Have you ever seen a man in his true form?”

“Well…” she hedged.

“You must tell the truth,” he commanded.

“Sort of,” she admitted quietly. Her obedience, though it came with reluctance,
pleased him. “Once I have seen part of the stable-boy when he was with Cook’s
assistant.”

“Did you like what you saw?”

“I was curious.”

“What did you see them doing?”

“The stable lad was going to put his”—she pointed meekly at his groin—“into her
nonny-nonny.”

Prince Philip tried not to allow his amusement to show. “It’s called a cock,” he said,
lifting it in illustration. “Is that what you were attempting to experience at the well with the golden ball? The feel of a cock in your—how do you call it?—your nonny-nonny?”

She nodded.

“Speak up and say, ‘Yes, my prince.’”

“Yes, my prince.”

“Very good, Elena. Do you play with your golden ball like that often?”

“Only the once.”

“You lie. Come now, tell me the truth.”

Her cheeks flushed a most fetching pink, and she looked at the twiddling fingers in her lap. “Every hour since the day you saw me at the well, my prince.”

He could no longer hide his amusement. “Every hour, eh? Why so often?”

At that, she turned her green eyes on him in earnest entreaty. “That wonderful feeling
does not last very long, my prince.”

“What would you say if I told you that I could teach you how to make it last? Would
you like that?”

THE FROG PRINCE

2012-01-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

Coming In Two Days!

Once upon a time there lived a beautiful, but curious princess by the name of Elena. Whilst exploring the secret pleasures of her favorite toy near a well by the palace, Elena lost her toy down the deep well. When a frog appears, offering to rescue her toy if she promises to become his friend and playmate, Elena makes the bargain. For surely a promise to a frog will not need to be kept!

If only the princess knew that keeping her promises will bring her pleasures beyond her wildest dreams when the frog ends up being a prince. For not only will she get a husband...but his sexy footman, too!

Here's an excerpt:

“I am tired, princess,” the frog told her then. “You must carry me to your room and make ready your silken bed. There we will lie down and go to sleep.”

“You cannot sleep with me,” declared the princess.

“What promise did you make to me at the well?” the horrid creature asked her.

When she heard the gloating tone in his voice, Princess Elena began to weep. She feared the cold-blooded thing that ordered her about so. Nothing satisfied him but her complete obedience. Though compelled deep in her soul to obey him, she hated the very thought of it. And now he wanted to sleep in her pretty, clean bed!

“Father,” Elena pleaded of the king. “You must not make me obey the frog.”

The king grew very angry with Elena for her reluctance and said, “What you have promised in your time of necessity, you must now perform.”

Very much put out, Elena picked up the frog with her finger and thumb, and carried him upstairs. Her face burned with humiliation as all of the court watched her go.

Once alone in her room, she dropped the frog in the corner. She did not care what the king had said. She would not let that frog up on her bed.

After she readied herself for the night behind a screen, the princess climbed into her bed wearing a silk sleeping gown and nothing else. She hated the frog being in her bedroom. For if he remained, she would not be able to play with her golden ball. That made her angriest of all. She closed her eyes tight, and punched her pillow petulantly, trying hard to find sleep. The merriment of the party four stories below the open window mocked her wretched state of mind.

However, the frog came creeping up to the bed, whispering, “I am tired and want to sleep as much as you, dear princess. Take me into your bed or I will tell your father.”

She had only wanted her golden ball and now it seemed she would be destined to spend her days at the mercy of this frog’s every whim!

“You must pick me up gently and place me in your bed,” croaked the frog again. “I command it.”

Elena felt beside herself with rage. How dare this amphibian order her about? It was intolerable! She was a princess! She should not have to obey the orders of a frog like some mere servant! Thus justified, and rightly so, Elena threw back her blankets and climbed out of the bed to snatch up the frog.

With all her strength she threw him against the wall. “Be quiet, you horrid frog!”

But as the frog fell to the ground, he ceased to be a frog.

Why, he transformed into a man!

A beautiful man with dark eyes and hair as black as night.

And he was completely naked!

Though Princess Elena became distraught by this turn of events, she couldn’t help but think: Of course he would be naked. A frog would look quite silly in breeches and a doublet!

Resolutions for Life!

2012-01-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I hope you woke up as happy as these two fellas....*sigh*

As for me, I went to a party at one of my best friends homes and had a wonderful evening. And I didn't even pig out on all the yummy food, which was hard enough, believe me, LOL

My hubby and I had a second party to attend as well but we only made a cameo. We were in bed by 12:15 AM...

That was a first, but hey, I have no hang over so, yea me.

But now it is January first and the day I have to start my New Year's resolutions. Because I'm a dork, I usually begin practicing my resolutions a month in advance. Kinda like studying before a real world exam. Yeah, call me a weirdo... I'll wear that hat.

I usually like to set two resolutions, one superficial and one to make me a better person. Writing goals are different and the subject of another blog....hmmm, maybe I should blog about resolving to blog more....

I used to do the 'loose 25 pounds' bit, but lets face it, those never work.
Last year I resolved to moisturize....you know? Do all three facial cleansing, toning and creaming steps, foot cream, body lotion, head to toe every day.

Happy to report that skin is clear and supple, so mark that as a success.

I also resolved to keep in better contact with friends.

This one made my life so much richer and I have some great memories to prove this resolution was a success, too.

I am so happy I put a little time into a few wonderful people because, damn, I can barely imagine my life without you guys.....if you are reading this, you know who you are!

I hope to keep these two habits I made for the rest of my life...which I think is the whole point of making a resolution.

A New Year's Resolution should be something that improves your life and makes you happier and more confident with yourself.

For example, one year I made a resolution to stop letting people take advantage of me....who can't use that one? Once I resolved not to worry about what others think of me so much....and in true resolution form, I'm still working on both.
But hey, if its not something you have to continue to work on or it comes too easy, it's kinda cheating, don't ya think?

So this year my superficial resolution is to wear make-up every day. Cuz we all know a little lip gloss and mascara always makes us feel better. :)

I was struggling with my other resolution. I've used up some really good ones in the last few years so the ideas were running in short supply.
In the end, I decided that last year's was just so good, I am going to simply improve upon it.

In 2012 I am going to put a conscious effort into spending quality time with the people I love!

Sickeningly sweet, but hey, I can't be a cynical bitch all the time! LOL

What about you guys?

Do you set New Year's Resolutions?

What are they? I would love to hear from you!

Cocktails and Cock Tales with Santa's Elves--Part One

2011-12-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

Pip the Elf

What we are drinking:

Spiked Cocoa

Hot cocoa
Add a shot of whipped cream vodka
Enjoy!!

Deanna: Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule and joining us today, Pip! You elves must be very busy up at the North Pole this time of year

Pip: Glad to be here! And yes, we are very busy getting everything ready for Christmas.

Deanna: Now since you are new to the Cocktails and Cock Tales segment, lemme get you a drink. (((fills his mug)))

Pip: Hmmm, I like this interview already! I love cocoa, but Santa doesn't like us to drink too much so this is a real treat. (((sips happily at his cocoa)))

Deanna: From what you guys told me when I wrote your stories, Santa sounds like a bit of a prude

Pip: Oh, he has his moments, but c'mon, how can you not love a guy who devotes all his eternity to making toys for little kids.?

Deanna: True, true! (((raises her mug))) To Santa!

Pip: (((clinks mugs))) I'll drink to that! And between you and me, Santa is one hottie! Not an ounce of body fat and the best blond hair you've ever seen. He looks like a tall Nordic god. Probably because he is a tall Nordic god. Well, a demi-god anyway.

Deanna: I still can't get over that. And I'm sure it will shatter my readers previous ideas of jolly ol' Saint Nick

Pip: Most people don't know Santa's real name is Lord Nikolas Claus. He and his twin sister Lady Frieda are the half-human grandchildren of the Nordic goddess Freyja. Centuries ago, Freyja had asked the Ljósálfar—Light Elves like me—and the Dark Elves, or Dökkálfar, who lived in the earth, to come to the North Pole and serve her grandchildren. Long before I arrived, the humans sainted Lord Nikolas and now he goes by Santa Claus. Lady Frieda somehow got mistaken for his wife in the tales. She hates it when anyone calls her Mrs. Claus.

Deanna: Enough about Santa, we wanna hear about you! Can you tell us how you ended up working for Santa in the North Pole?

Pip: (((kicks back in his seat))) I wasn't one of the original elves asked to work in the North Pole by Freyja. I was sent to the North Pole by the folks back home in Álfheimr—the sky world of the Light Elves—because they had no idea what to do with me.
I was abandoned by my parents when I was young so I’d been a lowlife pick-pocket Charles Dickens could’ve written a story about. If it hadn’t been for the Santa’s Little Helper Work Release Program for orphans and juvenile delinquents, I’d probably be in jail somewhere. But Santa gave me a fresh start, a purpose in life. Now I work in the Electronics Department, making video games and stuff like that

Deanna: Cool, now can you tell me about this infamous List Ms. Claus has?

Pip: If you give me a refill (((holds out his mug expectantly)))

Deanna: Of course!

Pip: Thanks! Now the List is very much on the down low, let me start by saying. Santa knows nothing about it. You see, we work hard all year and when Santa takes off in his sleigh to deliver the toys, let's just say we party.

Deanna: When Santa is away the elves will play!

Pip: Exactly! Now any elf that wants to spend Christmas Eve with Ms. Claus enters their name on her list and she picks who she wants to spend the day with. This year I put my name on the list

Deanna: You did! Well did she pick you?

Pip: We'll, you'll just have to read MS. CLAUS'S LIST and find out!

Deanna: You tease!

Pip: (((gives a devilish smirk))) I know.

Deanna: Can you tell us about your book, coming out this weekend?

Pip: Yes! I have my own book! Can you believe it?!!

Deanna: Yes, silly, I wrote it

Pip: (((drains his mug and refills it with just vodka))) Whatever, Deanna, don't be stealin' my thunder. My book is called PIP'S BOXING DAY WISH and it tells the story of how I met my sweetie, the love of my life

Deanna: You gonna give us a hint as to who it is?

Pip: No way! You have to read the books to find out!

Deanna: Okay, one last question...you know I gotta pry a little. Do elves really have candy flavored cum?

Pip: (((throws back his head laughing))) Why of course we do!!!!!

If you would like to find out whether or not Pip gets selected for a naughty night with Ms. Claus leave a comment below and you can win a copy of MS. CLAUS'S LIST Book One of my Naughty North Pole Series

And stay tuned for Book Two--PIP'S BOXING DAY WISH coming this Friday December 16th from Decadent Publishing

Holiday Deals Aplenty!!!

2011-11-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

All weekend you can get 30% off my holiday story SECRET SANTA at S mashwords with this discount code: HS94K

And don't forget STUFF MY STOCKING--M/M ROMANCE STORIES THAT ARE NICE...AND NAUGHTY which you can download for FREE!!!

And now available!!! Elves with candy flavored cum!!!!

LOL...yes, you heard right!!!

Just in time for Black Friday, MS. CLAUS'S LIST--THE NAUGHTY NORTH POLE Book One

When Santa is away, the elves will play!

And a funny story that I wrote for the M/M Romance group on goodreads is also available for FREE!!!

Its called STARCH CONTRAST and you're just gonna have to read it to find out why there is a potato on the cover.

Guaranteed to make you laugh!

And stay tuned, in two weeks the sequel to MS. CLAUS'S LIST will be available:

PIP'S BOXING DAY WISH-- when Pip is given a special assignment from Santa will his every dream come true?

Happy Shopping!!!!

Ichabod and the Vampire's Girlfriend

2011-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Firstly, Ichabod Crane would like to thank Miss Wadsworth for allowing him the use of her blog to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:

There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!

Well, Miss Wadsworth has kindly arraigned for me to interview a sampling of these, shall we call them ‘special’ people. Over the next two weeks they will be stopping by so that they may be given a chance to try and convince me that they are telling the truth and not simply barking mad.
So let's get started!

Ichabod : Today we have with us Catherine Ela whose story is being featured in a book entitled DRACULA'S KISS by JoAnne Kenrick, released 20^th October. Catherine, aka Cathela, claims she just discovered vampires are a reality. Now, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Cathela: Well, hello Ichabod. I would say I'm looking forward to this interview...but I've a feeling you'll scoff at everything that comes out my mouth. Perhaps, though, once you see I'm a very level headed person, you might find it within yourself to be a little more open-minded about the supernatural occurrences you seem so adamant to disbelieve.

Ichabod: You doo seem to be a level headed woman, I must say. And completely human as well

Cathela: I'm a born 'n bred Essex girl. No. I don't wear white shoes and dance around my handbag, before you ask. Okay, so that might be a reference only Brits will understand, but you seem worldly enough to 'get it'. I'm a bank-teller, have been for many years. Before my awakening, I lived with a fellow banker. We had plans, and life was all about saving so we could afford to buy our own house. But there was a part of me that longed for something more. Something...different. Like you, I thought the paranormal belonged in fiction. And I did enjoy a movie about vampires. Their passion and thirst for life, even without a beating heart, appealed to me, and made me dream of a time where I could find such love and experience that feeling of not being able to be without the other.

And then, one night during a Halloween ball, my desires for something more got me in trouble. My boyfriend left me, sick of my vamp fetish, and I met Alec Murray. Of course I didn't know it at the time, but I had come face to face with a vampire. And since that night, my life has been anything but predicable.

Ichabod: You don’t say? Now give me an example of how that works?

Cathela: Well...who's to say what loving a vampire is going to bring from one day to the next. And the not knowing is what thrills me after what seems like an eternity of boredom. His passion for me is insatiable, his ability to please me impeccable, and it's a joy to share his thirst to enjoy every day rather than planning for what will be.

Ichabod: More comments from Ichabod…Well since you continue to insist that this is true, do you have any proof? Any other people that might vouch for your sanity?

Cathela: ((removes a lace scarf and undoes a few buttons from her dress. She then caresses just above her bosom and sighs in a dream-like way, her eyes glazing over suggesting she's fantasizing about hot vampire-sex)) See, bite marks. Alec did this.

Ichabod: (((blusters))) My word! Are those bite marks?

Cathela: yup

Ichabod: Unfortunately you appear unable to be reasoned with. Why don’t we discuss something more neutral? Can you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Cathela: JoAnne? A charlatan? I don't think so. She writes the truth! JoAnne, like you, has studied the paranormal. Only her mind is a little...well a lot...more open than yours. Perhaps that's because she's seen a few things. The stuff she has come across would certainly cause you to break out in goosebumps and jump over the skeptic line. She's an ex ghost tour guide turned author, and has had many articles published about the paranormal published. JoAnne now writes stories about folks she's met while moving around the globe..ranging from Irish bar men to Liverpudlian gypsies and of course vampires. Did you know she's lived in five different countries? JoAnne's mind sure is broad. Not saying yours isn't, Ichabod, but--

Ichabod: Is there a way I can contact JoAnna so that I may speak with her personally about the nonsense she is perpetuating?

Cathela: She is so-o not going to be impressed with your attitude, Mister. You best tread carefully , and keep your skepticism to a polite level when you speak to her. She may just write a book about you. I'm guessing it won't be pretty. But since you are so insistent—I never could resist a man in command. If it weren't for finding my true love already, I might have to flirt with you a little—you can find her almost everywhere. She is addicted to social networks. Unfortunately. She would do better to write more stories about myself and Alec...we have many bedroom adventures JoAnne could tantalize her readers with. Here's all the places you find can find her, when she should be writing. YouTube Facebook. Twitter

Ichabod: And where can my followers purchase this book if they wish for a good laugh? I’m, assuming it is in the fiction category (((snort, snort )))

Cathela: erm, hello! Didn't you see the bite marks? ((Cathela shoves her bosom in Ichabods face)) Fiction indeed? I'm taking it that you never saw Anthony Stuart Head's True Horror documentary that proves vampires are real? It's in the vampire romance section..because that's what it is. Silly! By the way, where can we find your story? In the lunatic skeptic section? ((Cathela lets out a belly laugh)) And since you seem so insistent on, you can find here: Decadent Publishing Kindle US Kindle UK ARe BookStrand SmashWords. Perhaps once you've read it, your mind will be changed...and you will cross over to the dark side of believing in something non two dimensional.

Ichabod: Perhaps, but perhaps not.

Now if our readers would like to read it, all they have to do is leave a comment below and one lucky person will win DRACULA'S KISS and copy of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

BOOK BLURB:

Cathela's Office Halloween Ball is a complete bust. She spills out her Dracula's Bride costume, and her vamp fetish chases away her boyfriend. Only redeeming feature to the night? Necking multiple shots of Dracula's Kiss—a lush Black Cherry Vodka cocktail—and an interlude with a gorgeous man dressed Gary Oldman style.

No one comes close to satisfying Alec Murray's needs until he meets Cathela during some lame-ass party for bankers. One taste of her blood, sweet yet darkly dangerous, he knows she's perfect for him.

A night of goth bondage is planned for one. For the other, a night of sexual control is a must. A perfect fit. Alec is compelled to reveal his true nature, but can their relationship survive his dark secret?

BOOK VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABDhDtQR9RA

Ichabod and the Cowboy Zombie Hunter

2011-10-26T19:06:00.001-07:00

Firstly, Ichabod Crane would like to thank Miss Wadsworth for allowing him the use of her blog to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:

There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!

The following interviews are all his thoughts and Miss Wadsworth would like to post them all with the declaimer: These interviews have no bearing on her own personal beliefs. Please hold none of Ichabod's nonsense against her.

Ichabod: Yes, well that was most unnecessary, Miss Wadsworth. Nonetheless, I am the schoolmaster in Tarrytown, New York and recently it has been brought to my attention that more than just my students are in want of a proper education. In my century there are many superstitious folks who tell tales of ghosts and goblins and, Miss Wadsworth has kindly arraigned for me to interview a sampling of these, shall we call them ‘special’ people. Over the last two weeks they have been stopping by so they may be given a chance to try and convince me they are telling the truth and not simply barking mad.
Today we have with us Josh Stanton from Belkin’s Pass whose story is being featured in a book entitled BOUNTY, available now by Hank Edwards.

Josh claims that he has the power to raise the dead. Now, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Josh: Thank you, Mr. Crane. I’m from Belkin’s Pass, a small town in the American Old West in the late 1880s. My mother and I lived in a small house far outside town on the edge of desert land called Venom Valley because of the poisonous things that make it their home. Sounds a bit like your tavern near Tarrytown, if you ask me.

Ichabod: (((raises his nose in the air))) I have no idea which tavern you refer to, sir

Josh: (((grins))) Yeah, right. Anyway, my mother disappeared when I was five years old and I was raised by the town schoolteacher, Agnes, who took me in and raised me as her own.

Ichabod: Well, that is quite kind of him, then again all schoolteachers, such as myself, certainly enjoy molding young minds. Now will you please explain to our readers how this raising from the dead business works?

Josh: Well, ever since I was young, whenever I get near to a dead body, I start to feel really warm. It’s like someone lights a fire inside me. And then the body starts to move, and, just recently, I discovered that when these bodies come back, they are hungry for flesh.

Ichabod: Hungry for flesh? Do you mean to say these bodies come to life and crave human flesh?

Josh: Sure do

Ichabod: This seems quite odd. Do you have any proof? Any other people that might vouch for this sort of incident?

Josh: Well, sir, there’s my best friend, Dex Wells, who’s a deputy in Blekin’s Pass. He’s seen it happen.

Ichabod: A man of the law has seen this?

Josh.: Yup. It was after a … well, after we had settled in for the night out in Venom Valley, but it happened. He didn’t know if he could believe me until he saw it with his own two eyes. We got in a right tight spot, we did. I really can’t talk about it anymore, it’s too disturbing.

Ichabod: Hmmm, I might have to speak with this Dex fellow. But for now can you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Josh: Ah, this Hank Edwards, he’s a good enough fellow. He’s got a list of books of all different types: Fluffers, Inc., A Carnal Cruise, and Vancouver Nights, all of which I hear are comedies of sorts about a young man who, well, keeps performers aroused. Sounds kind of kinky if you ask me. There’s also Plus Ones, another comedy about a summer of weddings between two men. I tell you, if Dex and I could get married … well, let’s just say in the 1880s, that’s not much likely to happen.

Ichabod: (((snorts in disgust))) It’s not so good in the 1790’s either for men with such proclivities

Josh: (((scratches his chin thoughtfully at Ichabod’s almost confession))) Anyway, Hank’s got a time travel romance called Destiny’s Bastard and a thriller called Holed Up, about another lawman, but this one’s in something called the FBI, whatever that means. Hank’s been telling me he’s got lots of plans for me and Dex and that vampire Balthazar, as well as Glory and her protective spirit Ohanzee, that our stories are goin’ to become something called the Venom Valley Series. This Hank has been writing for darn near fifteen years now, and it don’t look like he’s aiming to stop anytime soon, thank goodness. I want to how all this turns out with me and Dex!

Ichabod: Well this fellow who has written your story seems to be an interesting chap. Can you tell me where I might be able to contact him?

Josh: Why sure! He’s on this thing called the Inter-webs at his WEBSITE . He’s also got something called a FACEBOOK and a page specially set aside for my story at THE VENOM VALLY FANPAGE . He does something called “tweeting” on TWITTER, and every Monday morning he posts a free m/m story to his blog with a group that call themselves the STORY ORGY. Sounds a might racy to me.

Ichabod: Indeed it does (((quickly makes note of this Story Orgy in his notebook))) And where can my followers purchase this book if they wish for a good laugh? I’m, assuming it is in the fiction category (((snort, snort)))

Josh: You’re kinda an uppity sort, ain’t you? I don’t think you’d last very long in Belkin’s Pass, if you don’t mind my sayin’ so. The book Bounty can be purchased at a few places: Amazon, All Romance eBooks and Smashwords

Ichabod: Uppity, eh? I believe I shall take that as a compliment. I would like to thank Mr. Josh Stanton for his interesting story.

If you readers would like to read this Venom Valley Book 1 BOUNTY where Mr. Stanton raises the dead (((chokes on a laugh))) all you need to do is post a comment and one lucky commentator will win the book along with my own slightly more realistic story, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

Ichabod and the Vampire

2011-10-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Firstly, Ichabod Crane would like to thank Miss Wadsworth for allowing him the use of her blog to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:

There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!

Today we have with us Jude, from London whose story is being featured in a book entitled THE POWER OF MUSE AND INSPIRATION by Michael Mandrake. Jude claims to be a vampire. Now, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Jude: Well, hello Ichabod, glad to be here with a creature as endearing as yourself. I’m the vampire Jude that lives not only on the blood of my victims but I thrive on the inspiration I receive from my partners.

Ichabod: Blood and inspiration, eh? That is a strange combination, I must say.

Jude: Not really. I’m an artist, a sketch artist to be exact and I’m searching for someone to bring the color back into my life. Right now, I’m chasing after a young man by the name of William Chatterley whose a best-selling author also seeking companionship. You’ll have to read to find out if I get my man.

Ichabod: Yes, I'll put the book on the top of my list. Now do you have anyone that could vouch for you, perhaps to prove that you are a vampire?

Jude: William Chatterley is the only other MC. He’s a gay writer with a book in the top two of novels on Amazon. The only other character mentioned is Andrew. He’s the competition for me but erm, he leaves the story rather quickly. ((smiles wickedly))

Ichabod: I may have to speak with this person another time. Unfortunately you appear unable to be reasoned with. Why don’t we discuss something more neutral? Can you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Jude: Ah that would be Michael Mandrake. He’s also mentioned in the story by the narrator William. He’s the competition for him and we pay him a visit somewhere in the tale. Besides this masterpiece, he’s written A SECOND CHANCE, a gay cop novella and TRUE MEANING OF LOVE a small novelette which precludes the bigger story to come, THE COMPLETE PORTRAIT. Several shorts, too many to mention by him, this 39 gay Brit loves writing, surfing the net, music, and watching movies with foreign subtitles and the occasional porn flick. ((snorts))

Ichabod: I don't even know what that is so I'm just going to go on with my usual questions. Is there a way I can contact this author so that I may speak with them personally about the nonsense they are perpetuating?

Jude: Ah the author can be found at http://www.thelitriad.com website, http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com blog, and on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikembl https://www.facebook.com/TheLiteraryTriad Again a sharing kind of deal. He shares that with Rawiya and BLMorticia. Why he doesn’t have his own, IDK. ((Jude shrugs)) And don’t forget the fan page on Facebook

Ichabod: And where can my followers purchase this book

Jude: Well it should be released before Halloween. Primarily at http://www.xoxopublishing .com

Ichabod: Thank you for coming today, Jude. You have been a most pleasant guest for a vampire. I have interviewed them before and they are generally quite confrontational.

I wish Ms. Wadsworth would line up some sane people for me to interview, but it seems she is insistent on providing me with delusional people. As a thank you for stopping in and reading my posts this October one lucky commenter will win a copy of my story THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW and BL Morticia's book ONCE UPON A TWISTED TALE-, a short story, adopting the theme of the Princess and the Pea from Hans Christen Anderson with an m/m twist.

So please leave your comment below and don’ forget to tell us how we can get a hold of you!

THE POWER OF MUSE AND INSPIRATION

William Chatterley is an up and coming author looking for a partner after many dead end dates. Finally, he believes he’s found a suitable mate in Andrew and they see one another.

The vampire Jude is weak from being without love in his life. When he sees the author, he desires him right away but his companion is a stumbling block.

How will he get passed it and when he does, will the mortal want to be his partner? What will he choose? Will Jude convince him to become his eternal lover?

Ichabod and The Ghost

2011-10-20T06:29:00.001-07:00

Firstly, Ichabod Crane would like to thank Miss Wadsworth for allowing him the use of her blog to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:
There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!
The following interviews are all his thoughts and Miss Wadsworth would like to post them all with the declaimer: These interviews have no bearing on her own personal beliefs. Please hold none of Ichabod's nonsense against her.

Ichabod: Yes, well that was most unnecessary, Miss Wadsworth. Nonetheless, I am the schoolmaster in Tarrytown, New York and recently it has been brought to my attention that more than just my students are in want of a proper education. In my century there are many superstitious folks who tell tales of ghosts and goblins.

Today we have with us Remy Charles from Las Vegas whose story is being featured in a book entitled GHOST OF A CHANCE by Deena Remiel.
He'll be sitting in the recording studio for some reason...doubtless to substantiate his claims of being turned into a ghost of a man no doubt. Now, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Remy: Well, first Mr. Crane, thank you for the opportunity to lessen your skepticism as to the matter of ghosts. It may help a lot if we were actually in the same room for the interview. I understand, however, that for recording purposes, we have to sit in separate rooms. As for who I am, what I’m all about, it’s complicated. I was born and raised in Las Vegas. Parents didn’t have a pot to piss in, and it was a dreadful environment for me to grow up in. I dreamed of being so filthy rich that I’d never have to worry about when my next meal would be. I lived for school and education. It ultimately freed me from poverty.

Ichabod: I can relate to that, sir, being but a poor school teacher. Bet where does this ghost business come into your story?

Remy: I'm getting to that. I started my green company right out of college and married my college sweetheart. Here’s where it gets complicated, or messy at the very least. I was never home, always working, making a fortune, and becoming a building magnate in the process. The wife asked for a divorce, and besides taking a hefty chunk of my money, she laid a curse on me, the vengeful witch. I’ve been living my life ever since as a ghost.

Ichabod: So your ex-wife cursed you? And now you are a ghost? How so?

Remy: I can walk through walls, closed doors, any solid matter. That means I can’t touch anything or anyone. For a pretty good length of time, I can use my energy to create an outline of my form so I’m not completely invisible. But I do have to go invisible at regular intervals.

Ichabod: Naturally (((he scribbles in his notepad)))

Remy: It’s definitely changed my life, I can tell you that. Not for the better, either. I am so sick and tired of these jeans and t-shirt I’ve worn for the past 10 years! I miss the taste of food and a good beer. It’s put a real damper on all of my relationships, friends and lovers alike.

Ichabod: I suppose it would be difficult to take a lover if you have to be invisible. Do you have any proof of all this? Any other people that might vouch for your sanity?

Remy: Proof. You want proof. What more proof can I give other than being here? Why don’t you come into my recording room right now and see for yourself? Or are you afraid of letting go of your well-fortified false beliefs?

Ichabod: (((squirms in his seat))) I think I'll stay here where I am, thank you.

Remy: (((steals Ichabod's line)))Naturally. If you’re unwilling to believe your own eyes, I guess you could talk to Tracy, my ex-wife or Secoya, her voodoo-loving friend who put the Whammy on me.

Ichabod: I think I shall pass. I have spoken with people claiming to be witches, very confrontational creatures. Women and witches, actually. Now, an you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Remy: Denial is a wonderful river isn’t it? All right, so you want to know a bit about Deena Remiel? I’ve got the biggest crush on her! Well, because for one, she believes I’m a ghost! Two, she’s written me a fabulously sexy woman, Susannah, and hot scenes that will surely have her smitten with me by the end of the book. This isn’t Deena’s first book, by the way. She’s been writing for a while now, ever since she became possessed by an invisible force and moved with her husband and two daughters from New Jersey to Arizona. In between blinking and teaching middle school kids how to write, she finds time to neglect the laundry, cleaning, and cooking in order to write more swoon-worthy books. If you want to talk with her yourself, make sure you have peanut M&M’s or Dove chocolate on hand. You’ll get a lot of info out of her that way. She’ll probably ask to take pictures and then scrapbook the whole event.

Ichabod: Well, she does sound like a lovely woman. Has she written anything else?

Remy: Another book she’s published with Decadent Publishing is a paranormal romance called TRINITY A BRETHREN NOVEL. RELIC, the second book in the series is coming soon. BRETHREN BEGINNINGS VOLUME 1, and PICTURE PERFECT are books she’s self-published. All are available wherever eBooks are sold.

Ichabod: Is there a way I can contact Deena so that I may speak with her personally about the nonsense they are perpetuating?

Remy: Let’s see if I can remember. Naturally, I can’t hold any paper nor write anything down. Oh yes, her website is www.deenaremiel.com. Her Brethren have a site of their own called, http://riseofthebrethren.wordpress.com. You can find her on FACEBOOK and Twitter. She also writes for a couple of blogs besides her own. She’s called Hot Lava Mama at PlotMamas. She writes Wednesday Witticisms every Wednesday at http://plotmamas.wordpress.com. Every 4th Thursday she writes about all things paranormal for the Para-Posse.

Ichabod: And where can my followers purchase this book if they wish for a good laugh? I’m, assuming it is in the fiction category (((snort, snort )))

Remy: Oh, oh, you’re hilarious, Crane, a regular riot. You can buy GHOST OF A CHANCE in a few places. First of all, you can buy right from Decadent Publishing
Or you can buy it from Amazon
It’s also available at AllRomanceEbooks and Smashwords

Ichabod: Thank you for stopping in, sir. You have been most helpful with my research.

As for the readers, if you would like to make a comment below, you can be entered to win this book GHOST OF A CHANCE and my own story THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW.

Don;t forget to leave an email!

Ichabod and the Bear

2011-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ichabod Crane would like to thank Miss Wadsworth for allowing him the use of her blog to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:
There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!
The following interviews are all his thoughts and Miss Wadsworth would like to post them all with the declaimer: These interviews have no bearing on her own personal beliefs. Please hold none of Ichabod's nonsense against her.

Ichabod: Yes, well that was most unnecessary, Miss Wadsworth. Nonetheless, I am the schoolmaster in Tarrytown, New York and recently it has been brought to my attention that more than just my students are in want of a proper education.

Today we have with us Brandon Lord whose story is being featured in a book entitled PAWS ON ME by Silvia Violet.
It will be available on October 27.
Brandon claims that he has the ability to change shaped and become a black bear. Now, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Brandon: No claiming about it. I’m a gay bear who can become a real bear. You gotta love that.

Ichabod: I don't understand.

Brandon: I'm a hairy guy who likes other guys and I can shapeshift into a bear.

Ichabod: (((blusters)))Well, that's an interesting claim. I suppose your employers find this shifting quite inconvenient!

Brandon: I work for myself. I own Shift. (((gives Ichabod a long, slow once over))) I’m guessing you’ve never been there.

Ichabod: And what is this place?

Brandon: It’s a club for shifters. You really ought to check it out. You might meet someone there who could….(((leans forward and as Ichabod presses himself to the back of his chair, reaches up to tug on the knot securing Ichabod’s tie))) loosen you up a bit the way I loosened up Seth, my hard-working cop.

Ichabod: (((straightens his tie))) I will have to ask you to keep your hands to yourself, sir. This is a serious interview. I am conducting a study of the disillusions of those who believe in the supernatural. Now, can you please give me an example of how this shifter thing works?

Brandon: (((settling back into his seat with a lascivious grin))) Of course, it was a murder that brought us together. Double homicide right in my office.

Ichabod: (((writing in his notebook))) Naturally

Brandon: I’d already put Seth on my 'to do' list, but it took questioning me as a murder suspect to make him realize just how much he needed to relax and let himself feel for a change. (((closes eyes and takes a deep breath as if remembering something very good, but when he opens his eyes, they are darkly serious))) We both had to break some rules, make some compromises, but we fit like a key in a lock. When we finally got together….well, let’s just say his bed still has the scorch marks.

Ichabod: (((crosses his legs uncomfortably, ignoring that last remark))) Can you offer any proof to this shifter claim? Perhaps provide someone who might vouch for your sanity?

Brandon: Seth would sure as hell vouch for me. He’s seen me in bear form plenty of times. He prefers my human form of course but….(((looks at his hand with a wicked grin on his face))) he doesn’t mind me playing with claws on occasion.

Ichabod:(((sniffs absently and speaks without thinking))) Well, who doesn't?

Brandon: (((laughing))) And plenty of the other guys on the force know what I can do. One of them is a werewolf, you know. Big, gorgeous man. If I wasn’t committed to Seth…..

Ichabod: (((gives him a wry look))) Lets keep on topic, shall we? Can you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Brandon: Silvia’s a wonderfully wicked woman. She really appreciate big, furry men like me and Seth.

Ichabod:(((allows himself a smile))) This Silvia might be mad, but I suppose I would have to agree with her on that one (((leans forward conspiratorially)))Between you and me, that is.

Brandon: (((lets out a bark of laughter))) Maybe you aren't so bad, Icky! Silvia’s got a thing for werewolves. She wrote Officer Wolf’s story in SAVAGE WOLF. Then she sat down with Wolf’s girlfriend’s brother, Jason. He’s a hot little piece of venison – deer shifter, you know. Silvia wrote all about Jason and his vampire lover. She called their story. SEX ON THE HOOF. (((sighs)))
Silvia’s love of sexy shape shifters really knows no bounds. She ever wrote about a coral reef guardian who can change into a variety of sea creatures in REEF'S GUARDIAN.
(((shifts in his seat and reaches down to adjust his impressive erection))) Mmmm. Just thinking about all those big, hard, men and the way she describes them pounding deep into their lovers...
((laughs))) I see I’ve made you blush.

Ichabod:(((trying to hide a smirk))) I wouldn't know what you are referring to, Mr. Lord. Now, is there a way I can contact this Miss Silvia so that I may speak with her personally?

Brandon: Silvia’s easy to find. You can read about all her books at her Website. She shares her hot men and her delicious recipes on her Blog and she just loves to talk food and sex on Facebook or Twitter

Ichabod: And where can my followers purchase this book if they wish for a good laugh? I’m, assuming it is in the fiction category (((snort, snort )))

Brandon: There’s some humor in my tale, but by the end, you’ll be panting and (((looks pointedly at Ichabod's crotch))) sliding you hand up and down your hard cock.

Ichabod: My Word!

Brandon: (((laughs)))Silvia does her job right. You can find the book here: Changeling Press

Ichabod: Well, I can't say I am unhappy this interview is over. Its been most intrusive (((shifts in his seat awkwardly)))
What do you readers think of my guest? Do you think he was telling the truth?

One lucky commenter will win both a copy of my story THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW written by my lovely hostess, Deanna Wadsworth, and any one of Silvia Violets stories from her backlist

Ichabod and The High Prince of Hell

2011-10-03T19:36:00.001-07:00

Well readers, I have allowed a dear friend, Ichabod Crane, to hijack my blog for the month of October to champion a subject he has been passionate about for some time:

There Are No Such Thing As Ghosts!

I actually had to get a promise from all of the guests not to cause any harm to my sweet Ichabod, you know smiting him or the like since he is convinced they are all making up their 'supernaturalness.'

I hope you have a good laugh!!

~Deanna

Yes, well that was most unnecessary, Miss Wadsworth.

Nonetheless, I am Ichabod Crane, the schoolmaster in Tarrytown, New York. Recently it has been brought to my attention that more than just my students are in want of a proper education. In my century there are many superstitious folks who tell tales of ghosts and goblins.

Perhaps the most dominant spirit where I live is a figure on horseback without a head. It is said to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper whose head was carried away by a cannonball in some nameless battle during the Revolutionary War. Some allege the body of the trooper is buried in the churchyard and the ghost rides in a nightly quest for his head or a suitable replacement.

It is commonly known is the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

While I choose to avoid traveling this hollow at night, it is not for fear of the Hessian ghost taking my head. It is simply a matter of convenience, regardless what that infuriating cad Brom Bones tells people. The road traveling around Sleepy Hollow simply has less going up and down. Since I do not own a horse I must walk everywhere, and I do not wish to tire myself out. The longer road also takes me past my favorite tavern in Tarrytown, not that I could ever mention that to Brom. He would torment me further if he knew… but I digress too much. As the bane of my existence, Brom Bones has a way of sidetracking my thoughts just by the mere mention of his name.

Back to the purpose of these interviews. Over the years I have made a study of supernatural events and sighting. After very little time it was clear to me that the existence of ghosts and the like is utter and complete poppycock. As if some ghost were riding about looking for a new head. It is truly laughable. Nonetheless it seems there are still some folks out there who either believe in such fantastical tales or claim to be one of these ghoulish beings themselves.

Absurd really, isn’t it? Doubtless they might be friends with Brom.

Well, Miss Wadsworth has kindly arraigned for me to interview a sampling of these, shall we call them ‘special’ people. Over the next two weeks they will be stopping by so that they may be given a chance to try and convince me that they are telling the truth and not simply barking mad.

~ Ichabod Crane

*********

Ichabod: Today we have with us Asmodeus whose story is being featured in a book entitled DAUGHTER OF LUST. Asmodeus claims to be (((cough cough))) the High Prince of Hell and Keeper of the Deadly Sin, Lust. Um, I hardly know what to say to that. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Asmodeus : I’m one of the original Fallen Angels, beloved by God and trusted with the task of spreading the gift lust to humanity.

Ichabod: A Fallen Angel? You look human to me.

Asmodeus: (((leans forwards, the light catching a faint shimmer in his green eyes))) Tell me, Ichabod, what do you desire? What dreams make you wake up sweaty, hard, and aching to come?

Ichabod: Pardon me?

Asmodeus: Men with women, men with men, tangled twists of sweaty limbs and shuddering moans. Perhaps Brom Bones with that wicked smile which makes your heart race, standing before you, nude as the day he was born and sporting an impressive erection....

Ichabod: (((blustering))) Is this a joke? Who put you up to this?

Asmodeus: (((continues to taunt him))) Perhaps you see Brom, slowly, gently, stroking his shaft and squeezing a tiny liquid pearl to the tip.

Ichabod: (((face red))) Stop this! This in my interview! Where did you get this information?

Asmodeus: (((leans back into the chair and strokes his lips, smiling))) Well now, I would not have thought you had such passion in you. And for another man...tisk tisk...how deliciously forbidden. I wonder what other little surprises you’re hiding beneath that prim exterior.

Ichabod: (((smooths the lapels of his jacket, fumbling with his note cards of interview questions)))I have no idea what you are talking about, sir. But you think you know what people...lust for? Well, that is all well and good, but I think you could've learned this information from other sources...What proof do you have? Are there any people who might vouch for your sanity?

Asmodeus: (((his lips twitch in amusement))) Would you like to ask my head concubine, Galina? She used to be a nun so I believe you could trust her word on who I am.

Ichabod: Does she believe she is human?

Asmodeus: Or perhaps a damned soul? Someone you know...perhaps your town’s late butcher?

Ichabod: As if I could speak to a dead person. What is the issue with the butcher, any way?

Asmodeus: (((laughs))) Oh yes, he is a fine, upstanding man who happens to have a taste for swapping wives with the miller. Yes, the same miller that the butcher’s widow has now moved in with. So kind of the generous couple to help ease her grief in their marital bed. I wonder what the town will say when she discovers she’s pregnant two months after her late husband’s death.

Ichabod: Well, I don’t think I could ask him any of this and unfortunately you appear unable to be reasoned with. Why don’t we discuss something more neutral? Can you tell me about this charlatan that has written your story?

Asmodeus: (((shaking his head, smiling, his canines lengthening))) Quite an interesting woman, that Ann Mayburn. I rarely meet humans who embrace their sexuality and have an open mind about all the types of love that God has gifted his children with. Yes, I can say God without bursting into flames, but that is a tale for another day.

Ichabod: Indeed

Asmodeus: (((colors shift in his eyes like the northern lights))) Men loving other Men for example. Two rough bodies arching into each other as they grow slick with sweat, thrusting, groaning, taking the pain of a cock in the arse in exchange for a mind blowing orgasm.”

Ichabod: (((speechless mouth hanging open)))

Asmodeus: (((smiling))) Of course, I wholeheartedly give Ann my support with her work. She creates such delicious, decadent sexual stories that help others to embrace their...inner pervert. Does the thought of submitting to another man arouse you, perhaps sharing a woman together? The you should read SODOM AND DETROIT. Or perhaps you yearn to be on your knees, to have another man command you in your pleasure as he paints your face with his hot seed while a woman licks it from your lips, if that perversion appeals to you, if it makes your cock ache, then you should read THE BREAKER'S CONCUBINE

Ichabod: Yes, well...um...perhaps another time. Is there a way I can contact this author so that I may speak with them personally about this...sinful lust they are perpetuating?

Asmodeus: (((chuckles and leans forward so his elbows rest on his knees, tightening his breeches to reveal his erection)))

Ichabod: (((fidgets in his seat, eyes darting south))) Sir, would you stop this nonsense? I asked you a question?

Asmodeus : Of course, you can see a complete list of Ann Mayburn’s works at HERE.
Be warned, some of the samples from her books will hasten your arrival to my portion of Hell.

Ichabod: You don't say?

Asmodeus: You can also reach her through the public notice board, Facebook
She always loves to spread the gospel of loving your lust so I would highly encourage you to contact her with any of your questions.

Ichabod: And where can my followers purchase this book if they wish for a good laugh? I’m, assuming it is in the fiction category (((snort, snort )))

www.annmayburn.com/books.html

Buy Ann here:

Decadent Publishing
Amazon

Ichabod: (((tugs on his collar a bit and clears his throat)))Well, thank you for coming today, Asmodeus. It had been very....interesting. I don't know if I believe you are a fallen angel as you claim, but I do think you and this Ann Mayburn have some very inappropriate things you like to talk about. I wouldn't be surprised if Brom Bones did send you to torment and tease me.

What do you readers think of my guest? Do you think he was telling the truth?

One lucky commenter will win both a copy of my book THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW written by my lovely hostess, Deanna Wadsworth, and a copy of Ann Mayburn's TURQUOISE MOON.

Cocktails and Cock Tales with JOHNNY MILES!

2011-09-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Today we have JOHNNY MILES at the cyber bar!!! Whoo-hoo!!! Welcome!!

Just a little background on Johnny, he has been writing gay erotica since 1985. After a long break, where he experimented with different careers – from graphic designer, to massage therapist, and a brief interlude with the adult industry – Johnny eventually got back to writing with a “it's now or never attitude.” He's self-published several erotic titles, as well as a dramatic work that focuses on the power of words and the damage they can cause. Johnny's also had three e-books published by Loose Id, the latest being LEARNING TO SAMBA, released August 16, 2011.

He's currently editing THE ROSAS OF SPANISH HARLEM, a trashy, smutty, yet romantic love story of a young cross dresser who discovers that you can find what you're looking for, even if it doesn't always look like what you anticipated.

He's also working on his next gay romance, HAVE BUCKET, WILL TRAVEL, a light, fun piece about a young man who starts his own cleaning business after losing one of his biggest scholarships, then winds up falling in love with one of his clients.

WHAT WE ARE DRINKING

Mojitos

10 fresh mint leaves
4 wedges of lime (half a lime)
2 tbs sugar
Smash in the bottom of the glass with a muddler
Fill glass with ice
Add 1 1/2 ox white rum and top off with club soda

Deanna: Jeesh, its a damn good thing you brought a pitcher!!! I don;t think I could make these one by one once I get my drink on! LOL
Now, without further ado, Johnny...Where are you and what are you wearing?

Johnny: I'm in bed, wearing a fresh, clean white tee-shirt and red silk boxers. (((extends legs and crosses them at the ankles)))

Deanna: Well, aren't you sexy...and me in my jeans and frumpkin t-shirt!!! So these mojitos, they are your poison, eh?

Johnny: I'm afraid I don't know how to make then, but I love Mojitos. It's a citrussy drink and very refreshing for these hot and humid South Florida days. I see you made a batch. A few of these babies and you won't give a damn about the heat.

Deanna: (((pours a round))) Don't mind if I do! Now that we’re comfy, I want you to tell me about your new book. BTW,I have to say you made me cry, dammit, and I hate to cry. LOL, but all kidding aside, LEARNING TO SAMBA was a real tear jerker!!! I didn't expect that, but I loved it! It was so beautiful! Bravo!

Johnny: For what it's worth, I am sorry you cried.

Deanna: (((holds up her glass in a toast)))DO NOT BE SORRY!, you goof! That means the writing was great and i cared about your characters. :) Who knew...a sweet, tear jerker, D/s story....but I digress...LEARNING TO SAMBA...you were saying?

Johnny: (((takes sip))) Ah, yes. LEARNING TO SAMBA. The book is about the things we lose alone the way and what we can gain by letting go. Brian Oliver, a romance novelist widowed seven years, returns home to reconnect with his sister and falls in love with João da Silva, a 25-year-old Brazilian bombshell who teaches Brian how to love again.
It's about passion and lust, family and acceptance, sprinkled with some kinky sex throughout; rather explicit actually. There's voyeurism, exhibitionism, restraints and several other buttons that are pushed.

Deanna: But all done so romantically!!! Seriously!! (((refills their drinks...has no clue she has a mint leaf in her teeth)))

Johnny: Thanks, Deanna! I think ultimately the reader will get out of it what they wish, obviously. For me, however, it's also a huge love affair with one of my favorite cities in the world, the possibilities life can bring and learning to love yourself.

Deanna: Where did the idea for this story come from?

Johnny: Kayla Jameth posted a picture in her Facebook group “Inspired Writing.” The picture spoke to me for some reason and I couldn't shake the feelings it invoked until I started writing what was coming. I suppose the Muse just wanted to play with me.

Deanna: And look who I found! João!!!

Johnny: That's him!

Deanna: I can even see the little veins on his abdomen you described in your books...if i squint....funny how pics can become so real to us writers!

Johnny: I know, right? But....I just can't do this any longer...(((points at his teeth))) you have something...just there..

Deanna: (((pulls the mint leaf from her teeth))) Well, shit! Guess I'll just stick to the plain rum. You can drink the rest of the pitcher.

Johnny: (((grins as he pours himself a double))) Don't mind if I do!

Deanna: (((tosses back the straight booze))) What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Johnny: I think the hardest thing about writing this particular story was having to imagine myself without my life partner of 15 years. In order to make the story more real, to understand what Brian was experiencing, I had to force myself to look at the possibility that I could lose the only other person I love more than my mother. The man I'd lay down my life for. I saw myself calling his parents, his friends, our friends. I saw myself going through his things and getting rid of them. It broke my heart.

Deanna: Jeez, babe, no wonder the book made me cry! You really bore your heart!

Johnny: I know it was just an “imagining” – I mean, he was with me every night – but it was no less difficult because I just can't imagine my life without him. (((takes a huge gulp of Mojito)))

Deanna: (((wipes at her eyes, not sure if its her sentimentality she tries to pretend not to have or the rum))) Oh stop!!!! Lets get back on track, or I might blubber!!! What’s the easiest thing about writing this book?

Johnny: I'd have to say that the easiest thing about writing LEARNING TO SAMBA was that I based it where I was born and raised; Brooklyn, New York. The infrastructure was already there. The Big Apple has millions of untold stories. This just happened to be one of them.

Deanna: I could tell the setting came from experience. I loved all the rich layers about the city. I felt like I was there! Now, what is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

Johnny: Hmmm. I don't know that I can share that one yet because I'm going to attempt it and don't want anything leaking out. At least, not that anyway. (((wicked grin)))

Deanna: (((swats his arm))) Oh you are naughty! Here (((tops his glass off with straight rum))))You're not drunk enough, yet!

Johnny: You are quite the alcohol pusher, aren't you?

Deanna: (((shrugs))) Calories don't count at the cyber bar! Tell, me Mr. Miles, when did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Johnny: (((spits drink out his m=nose))) LMAO! Thanks for making me spit my drink up. OMFG! What a waste of alcohol. Now who's gonna suck this all up?

Deanna: I could get my dog, but she prefers beer. Guess you have to sit there all wet and glisteny in your red silk boxers (((wicked grin)))

Johnny: All licking aside, it feels like I've known I was a writer a very long time. I just never really did a whole lot about it. I mean, I wrote porn stories back in the '80s but they were the only things that were published.

Deanna: (((raises her glass in a toast after refilling Johnny's glass))) Here's to porn!!!

Johnny: (((clanks glasses, shaking his head))) You're not right.

Deanna: I know, I hear that all the time

Johnny: Everything else I have written, the “legit” stuff, has never seen the light of day. However, the funny thing is that most of my life, I've sent stories out and always got rejected. I don't have a very strong ego. I'm easily discouraged and immediately start believing that I'm no good. So, when I was laid off two and a half years ago, I'd pretty much decided I was going to give my “dream” one last shot. I'd decided that if it didn't work this time, I would give up. I mean, to keep dreaming something for more than 30 years and hanging on to the possibility when it was likely I'd choke? Not wise. Sooner or later you have to give up certain dreams and find others. However, I'm grateful to the Universe, or whatever is out there, because it stuck. This time, it really happened and I've never been happier. I'm not looking back and I'm going to keep on writing until my fingers can't move anymore.

Deanna: What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail … or three…LOL But that’s just me.

Johnny: (((pours another Mojito...which is mostly rum by now... and takes a slurp))) Yeah, I'm with ya, doll. Want another one?

Deanna: (((holds out her glass))) Does the Pope shit in the woods?

Johnny: Don't you mean a bear?

Deanna: Nope....he's the Pope he can shit wherever he damn well pleases!

Johnny: (((laughing))) How about a stiff one?

Deanna: Fill 'er up, hoss!

Johnny: There ya go. A good stiff one never hurt anyone. Much.
Seriously, though? I try to step back from what I'm doing and ask myself why I'm stuck. I ask myself, what don't I like that's keeping the story from moving forward or taking it down a path that doesn't make sense? Did the characters make a decision I don't like? Did they meet someone who will pull them away from the path? Am I being safe in the events happening to the characters? Am I taking risks? Are they? Usually, something has just gone terribly wrong and I either have to go back and review what I'm unhappy about that doesn't make sense, or I step away and leave the story alone. That's not easy to do, sometimes it can take a while. So, I clean house, pay bills (yes, they frequently go unpaid because I forget to)

Deanna: (((sits up excitedly))) Oh my god! I do that too! I thought I was the only flake writer!

Johnny: Nope! You're in good company. (((clinks glasses))) Sometimes I just do something else that takes my mind off the problem at hand with my latest book. But when that block blows, watch out! It's like racing for the john cause you really gotta pee or you'll wind up pissing yourself; which is a totally different fetish I'm not sure I want to explore at the moment.

Deanna: (((spits up drink))) Sorry, Johnny! Just was having a moment where I am seeing a musical number about dancing in golden showers.....I swear to god, whoever is the first to guess the name of that movie I will give away a free copy of one of my books.....LOL

Johnny: Do I get to guess?

Deanna: Sure, why not....drip drop, drippity drop! But only if you answer my next question!

Johnny: Deal!

Deanna: Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Johnny: That, I'm afraid, I don't. Which is interesting because I listen to a lot of music when I write. The only one that I suppose had a theme song, if you will, was LAUDERDALE HEARTS. I kept hearing Bette Midler's “Do You Want To Dance” over and over and that's how the ending came about actually. I played that song repeatedly until the final scene was done!

Deanna: (((eyes him sternly))) Bette Midler? Oh Johnny, so cliche!!! But I love it! Now tell us about a scene that you have written then afterwards, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Johnny: I'd have to say that the scene that really shocked me was the scene in LEARNING TO SAMBA, which takes place in the men's room of a Manhattan restaurant with Brian and João. I can't tell you more than that but I will confess I had a hard-on throughout the entire scene. (((takes a long, savory gulp)))

Deanna: You old dog!!!! I love it! And I always say, if you don;t get hot from the sex scene you are writint...YOU AIN'T DOING IT RIGHT!!!!

Now all you readers out there, If you wanna find out more about Johnny, you can check out his links here:
LooseId
Johnny Miles
Blog
Yahoo Groups
Facebook

And you can buy his books, here:

Lauderdale Hearts
Learning to Samba
Casa Rodrigo

Deanna: Thanks so much for coming to the cyber blog today...in your undies...and telling us a little bit about yourself and your latest book!

Johnny: Thanks for having me Deanna! I hope you enjoyed the Mojitos.

Deanna: They were great! Tell your 'bartender' thanks for sending along a pitcher!

Johnny: Will do! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and…uh…thank my bartender. Yeah. That's it. Thank him.

Deanna: Yeah right.....

Cocktails and Cock Tales with John Godfrey and Grace Witlzer

2011-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today at the cyber bar we have John Godfrey interviewing his sister Grace Witlzer!

Who are they, you may ask?

Well, John is the hunk from story BEAR IT ALL and Grace is his sister from Wendy Burke's story THE ONE HE CHOSE!

What We Are Drinking

Rosin Bag

2 pts whipped cream vodka
splash of cream
Shaken and served straight up

Grace: Where on earth did you get this drink from?

John: (((laughing))) My buddy Garret from over at The Fourth Base in Detroit came up with it and he sent me the recipe to try out. You like?

Grace: Oh yeah, they're really good. A gal could get into trouble drinking these things.

John: I'll pass that along to him. Now that I have you liquered you up, lets get to the questions. What was our favorite thing to do together when we were kids?

Grace: (((finishes her drink))) Well, pour me another one baby bro and I'll answer.

John: (((tops off her glass)))

Grace: You mentioned camping in the last interview and yes, that was great fun. You left out the best part though, John, how we would walk through the woods together and you would point out all the different trees and flowers. You taught me how to navigate by compass, something which I still really enjoy to this day. The best part is you always held my hand and no matter how big the leap across a creek or drop down a gulley, you encouraged me to take the risk and never let me fall.

John: Awww, you're such a sap. Did you ever 'cover' for me when I got into trouble? What kind of 'trouble' was it?

Grace:(((smacks his hard arm))) You never got into any trouble, you shit!

John: (((laughing and shying away from her))) I can't help it if I'm perfect

Grace: Whatever. Since you’re the son, Mom and Dad I think expected you to be a bit more responsible. Until you wrecked Mom's car, that is

John: (((winces))) Yeah, there was no covering for that one

Grace: Aside from that, I think spending most of your savings on that long, leather Western duster and then having to hide it from them was about all the trouble you got into. I ‘outed’ you on that one. I thought it was such a great coat I had to borrow it. Then they wondered where I got the money for it!

John: What is the best/worst part about having a gay brother?

Grace: Best part---well, DUH---the decorating gene! No matter what color I pick out for something, you pick a better color! You have always had impeccable taste- I would imagine you would even if you weren’t gay.

John: I did make your living room (((does an exaggerated hand flip))) fab-u-lous!

Grace:(((looks at him very sternly)))Don't ever do that again. You soooo cannot pull it off. At all. No.

John: (((laughing))) I think I'm okay with that. Now what was the worst part of having a gay brother?

Grace: Having my girlfriends drool over you, then pine for hours that there is no way in hell you would be interested in them! And, at this point in life, you being too old to have children. I always wanted a niece or nephew to spoil rotten!

John: Who says children are totally off the table? There is such a thing as adoption, ya know?

Grace: Don't tease me!

John: (((shrugging mischievously))) Now tell the truth, did you ever have the hots for any of my boyfriends?

Grace:(((shrugs))) Um, not really. I hate to tell you this, my brother, but even though Kurt was handsome, he was too serious to have fun with. And before him, the others weren’t all that ‘manly,’…and you know I mean no disrespect. Now, Travis…if I weren’t engaged and he weren’t gay….I’d go cougar on him in a minute!

John: (((snorts with laughter)))Thank god for small favors. And I have it on good authority my Travis prefers bears to cougars

Grace: TMI! TMI!

John: (((laughing))) I didn't say anything. Now, what is one thing that only YOU know about me?

Grace: How you got that long, thin scar on your back.

John: Oh, man I had a feeling that was the story you'd pick. Go on tell it, big mouth.

Grace: Well, you didn't get it from a minor surgery. You played football for the University of Michigan football team for two seasons, until the ‘team’ collectively decided it couldn’t have a gay man in its midst. You were basically forced to quit and got jumped on your way back to your apartment that night. Brawn and strength is no match for a knife.

John: (((rubs his shoulder absently))) You should've seen the other guys.

Grace: No, I just got to see you and clean up your pretty face from that gusher of a bloody nose. You made me swear not to tell Mom and Dad, too, which I still think was crap

John: (((pours another round))) They didn't need the worry. Besides you're a nurse and you fixed me all up. You can barely see that scar. That whole thing drew us closer, too, which was a good thing

Grace: We got closest when I took care of Kurt for awhile when he was ill. I didn’t know at the time it would be a pre-cursor to what would happen with Ben.

John:(((holds up his hands))) Now don't get too heavy on me, Gracie.

Grace: Well, mister, you told me I wasn't allowed to get sappy in your interview but this is my interview, so I'm going to do it anyway. We spent a lot of time together before Kurt died, but seemed to spend even more time with one another after. You and Ben were always like brothers, but it seemed the two of you ‘bonded’ even more after Kurt’s death.

John: (((raises his glass in a toast)))To two damn fine men

Grace: Here, here.(((clinks glasses)))I tried to keep my chin up and ‘rationalize’ what was happening to Ben with his illness, and even being an RN I knew what was happening, but throw in the emotion of it being your husband and all the background and training kind of goes out the window. If it wouldn’t have been for you, and my neighbor, Jake---I would have never come out of the funk I was in after Ben died. Then when you found Travis, well seeing the two of you showed me it was completely all right to move on – I could still love Ben, but needed to live and be in the ‘now’ of my life. I thank you for that.

John: (((gets up and gives her a bear hug, lifting her off her feet))) No problem, Gracie.

Grace: Put me down! (((laughing)))

John: (((plants her back int he chair, to cover over his misty eyes then brushes at his face))) Now, if you don't mind, let's drop the sappy stuff.

Grace: (((sniffs))) I should have known you'd try to make me change the subject. Heck, you even left the movie theater twenty minutes before the end of Marley and Me

John: (((pours another round)))If you could use only ONE WORD to describe me, what would it be?

Grace: I thought about this one for awhile, and I wanted to say ‘wonderful,’ ‘honest,’ ‘reliable,’ and any other great word to describe a wonderful man like you---but SEXY is the only word that truly describes you!

John: (((reddens with embarrassment))) What?

Grace: SHIT---have you LOOKED in the mirror lately!? Crap…if you weren’t my brother…())shakes herself from the thought)))…well, and gay….

.....I would have to agree!

(((both John and Grace turn as Travis joins them)))

John: (((face lit up with a smile))) Hey, babe!

Travis: Hey, gorgeous!((tosses an arm around John's broad shoulders and plants a smooch on his cheek)))

John: (((pulls Travis into his lap)))

Grace: (((fakes a gag)))

Travis: (((situates himself comfortably in John's big lap, with one arm around his neck then steals John's drink and takes a sip))) How come I wasn't invited to the party?

Grace: Because of that. (((she points with mock annoyance at the way her brother suddenly looks pie-eyed and smitten as he stares at his partner)))

Travis: (((gives Grace a head bob over his/John's glass))) I don't see the problem here. (((looks at John))) Do you?

John: Nope! (((grins and gives Travis a squeeze before turning his partial attention back to Grace)))

Travis: (((looks at his glass with approval))) This is good. What is it?

Grace: A Rosin Bag

Travis:(((sniffs))) Yeah and that doesn't sound dirty. Its even white and creamy

Grace: Oh no, its all going downhill now. You better go Travis

John: (((hugs Travis closer))) No. He can stay. It's fine. I can do two things at once.

Grace: Genetic impossibility.

John: (((ignoring that)))If I could live anywhere, where would it be?

Grace: (((laughs aloud))) Nashville! You could take the pressure off Trace Adkins when it comes to signing autographs

John: No way! I don't look like him.

Travis: (((busts up laughing))) Um, babe, yeah. You do. I don't even like country music but I gotta love Trace because you looks just like him. Only hotter.(((he adds with a kiss)))

Grace: (((refills the drinks for herself and Travis))) Like he hasn’t passed himself off as him in the past!

John: Just that one time!

Travis: (((pausing his drink at his lips to say in a silly voice))) This one time at band camp...

Grace: (((looks strangely at Travis then shakes her head in dismissal))) Well, John if you didn't live in Nashville, I'd say, somewhere where it’s always warm and you can hear the ocean at night.

Travis: (((turns to John in shock, his cheeks reddening))) Oh my god, did you tell your sister about what we did? In Grand Turk?

John: No.

Grace: Do I even wanna know?

Travis: No!

John: (((laughing, he hugs an embarrassed Travis)))One last question, Gracie? Who is my best friend?

Grace: I want to say ‘me,’ but the guy sitting in your lap I believe has usurped me. And that’s the way it should be.

Travis: (((gives her an unapologetic smile))) Sorry, Gracie.

Grace: No you're not, you shit.(((grinning))) And neither am I. I've never seen John happier. Ever. (((raises her hand on point))) But I will have you know, I run a close second. Because there are still things we share as siblings that the two of you don’t or couldn’t.

John: True dat!

Grace: (((laughing she rolls her eyes))) Jeesh, now you're even starting to sound like Travis! Let's forget all this talking and have another drink!

Travis: I like the way you think, Grace. I need to get my bear drunk so I can take advantage of him!

Grace: (((laughing, covers her ears))) TMI! TMI!

********

Thanks John and Grace for stopping in at the cyber bar and sharing a little bit more about yourself....and Travis for crashing the party.

Don't go just yet!!!!

If you leave a comment below you cane win a copy both John's story and Graces

BEAR IT ALL and THE ONE HE CHOSE

Now available from Decadent Publishing

All you gotta do is say hi and leave an email!

C'mon! Don't be shy!

How well does kink sell?

2011-08-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome Margie Church to the blog!

Writing is Margie's passion. If she's not writing, she's thinking about writing.

Margie writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). Margie has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years.

If you enjoy books that you can't put down, then read one of Margie's.

Now, without further ado, take it away Margie!!!

Thanks, Deanna!
I just finished a class on understanding the male point of view. I have to take a pot-shot at all my male friends and say I thought the class should have only lasted maybe 30 minutes…but it lasted two weeks. *face palm*

One of the subjects we covered was the gay man's emotions. You can't get through that subject without discussing sex between men. That led to a conversation among a few of us about techniques and behaviors. There were very few commenters that afternoon, mostly, I think, because those of us talking wrote gay romance, liked reading it, or were bi. Ultimately we agreed that old saying, "If it floats your boat, that's your business."

I've gone round and round with one author about using content alerts on books. He views them as warnings. I view them as sales pitches. He's driven by SEO, I'm driven by sales. Like it or not, gay romance, and anything with a ménage in it are super hot right now.

My newest book, THE 18TH FLOOR a BDSM romance and has two lines of content alerts. Is that a good thing? While I was writing the book, I knew it was taking a lot of twists, but when I paged through the finished story, I was surprised at how creative I'd been. To the point of thinking I should use a pen name. LOL While the book is laced with super hot sex in all kinds of situations, there is still a very solid plot. Alexa and Sebastian have a romance – they have an emotional relationship that grows throughout the story.

We find out that both characters appear pretty buttoned up on the outside, but inside, well, there's plenty of kink. Alexa has no idea Sebastian is a Dom. Sebi has no idea that Alexa has so many fantasies. Together they explore their desires and their hearts.

THE 18TH FLOOR
by Margie Church

Alexa Robbins is so consumed by her career, the only sex she has is listening to her nymphomaniac neighbors go at it. When Sebastian Law discovers her in the eighteenth floor conference room early one morning, the table becomes a pallet for making one of her fantasies come true. Will he enjoy her extensive repertoire?

On the outside, Sebastian appears a buttoned-up, well-dressed, techno geek. Inside, he's a Dom with a hearty appetite for all types of carnal pleasures. He risks alienating Alexa by revealing his true nature, but he won't keep the secret for long.

Together, they explore all the things that turn them on. And discover whether they're a perfect match for life beyond the 18th Floor.
Content advisories: bi-racial m/f, m/m, BDSM, ménage, spanking, flogging, oral sex, anal sex, voyeurism, exhibitionism, sex in public places, phone sex.

EXCERPT:

THE 18TH FLOOR

By Margie Church

Alexa's high heels clicking against the concrete created a sharp contrast to the muffled thump of Curt's rubber-soled shoes the next morning. As usual, the security guard escorted her into the building at six-thirty.

Alexa pressed number eighteen on the elevator pad. "See you tomorrow, Curt."

"Sure. Have a good one." Grinning, he gave her a two-finger salute.

The door slid shut and began its ascent. She sipped her vanilla latte with its extra shot of espresso, hoping the highly caffeinated brew would kick-start her brain and her ambition. Stepping into the carpeted hallway on the eighteenth floor, Alexa noticed another familiar person. Sebastian Law. She chewed on her lip, thinking about the powerfully built, mocha-skinned man who made her want to do naughty things to him whenever their paths crossed. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to pay much attention to her.

Starting up an office romance wasn't on her short list of wise career moves, but she'd spent plenty of time daydreaming about what was under the buttoned up exterior Sebastian cultivated with such care. Sebastian, or Sebi, his close friends called him, favored wearing dress slacks, long sleeved shirts, suspenders, and ties. The description was laughable until she saw how well he filled out his clothes. He walked the halls looking like a living GQ cover model five days a week. Tailored shirts clung to his broad-shouldered torso, and hinted of a well-toned body. And his ass looked so sweet. She was guilty as charged of frequently staring at his gorgeous rear as he walked down the hall. Some days it was all Alexa could do to keep from reaching out and caressing him as they passed in the hall.

Her nipples hardened thinking about the rest of his body. She guessed Sebastian was a few years older. As the company's lead technology contractor, Sebi's responsibilities matched his serious expression. But when he smiled . . . watching his lush lips part into a breathtaking grin distracted Alexa more times than she cared to admit. His mouth frequently became the object of her attention instead of the words he spoke. More than once, he'd had to repeat himself because of her lack of concentration.

Oh, I was concentrating all right—on what it would feel like to kiss you until you lost all your buttoned up control and fucked me right on the eighteenth floor conference table.

She reached the conference room at the conclusion of that thought. Her breath hitched in her throat. There won't be anyone around for another hour. She'd been coming in early long enough to know.

Alexa couldn't resist walking inside. The room temperature was much cooler than the hallway. She left the lights off and walked to the large oval table. Running her hand ran along the smooth top sent shivers up her spine.

What would mahogany feel like against my naked back?

The window blinds were wide open.

Anyone could watch us.

She closed her eyes and let the fantasy bloom in her sex-starved body until a groan left her lips and her pussy ached for relief.

"Alexa?"

The conference room light came on with an unnerving glare. Sebastian stood with his hand still poised over the switch.

Her face flamed.

"Are you okay? Why are you in here alone?"

She gulped, steadied her voice, and delivered a quick lie. "Good morning, Sebastian. I thought I saw a falling star." She covered an imaginary yawn with the back of her hand. "I guess I got distracted. The sky is so clear."

Sebastian turned off the lights and walked to her.

His masculine scent filled her nostrils. Oh shit, I so want to freaking jump him. Even her thoughts sounded like an ache. She trembled inside as he stood next to her observing the pre-dawn sky.

"It's a shame to miss so many sunrises and sunsets because of your job, isn't it?"
His mid-southern accent caressed her ear as surely as his tongue could.
Concern drew his eyebrows together. "Are you cold? You shivered."

One more remark like that and Alexa was convinced she'd be able to crawl under the carpet and disappear. This was the first time they'd ever been alone and she was acting like a lovesick dolt.

She rubbed her arms for effect. "Maybe a little."

"I don't think we'll see any more stars now. The sun has decided to make an appearance." Sebi faced her. His eyes searched her face.

She focused on his lips. "You're really handsome." Did I just blurt that out? Dust particles in space were bigger than her ego at the moment.

He cleared his throat, and raised his expressive eyebrows. "Thanks. Does stargazing always make you so horny?"

"It's not the stars. It's you." She held her breath, waiting for him to laugh or get angry at her bold declaration.

His fingers cupped her chin.

Alexa's heart hammered in her chest while her libido pleaded for him to kiss her.

She held his waist, curling her fingers in the crisp fabric above his belt.

"Did you think I hadn't noticed how sexy you are?" His voice dripped with charm.
Her mons pressed against his zipper. The thin fabric strained against his swelling cock. The heat between her thighs simmered. She was soaking wet and he hadn't even touched her yet.

She wrapped her fingers around his tie, drawing those sensual lips to hers.
Sebi kissed her possessively, not wasting precious minutes on teasing foreplay. He flexed his jaw to draw her tongue into his mouth.

Alexa was glad she'd been holding onto his shirt because her knees buckled. A moan formed deep in her throat and escaped. Her fingers dug into his ass cheeks, pressing him firmly against her as she dry fucked him like a wanton hussy.

Sebastian broke from the kiss.

Those hot lips she'd fantasized about worked their way down her neck. While he deftly unbuttoned her blouse, he kissed her nipples through her bra, biting and tugging the sensitive, lace-covered nubs.

Alexa unbuttoned his slacks and shoved them down.

His erection sprang free.

Her pussy responded by adding to the pool of wetness at the apex of her thighs.

They didn't waste time on words. Other employees would arrive soon. Alexa reached for her purse and found her cache of condoms. While Sebastian slipped one on, Alexa took off her panties and dropped them into her oversized purse.

She caressed his balls. "I'm not wearing those the entire day. Every time you see me, you'll know my pussy is bare and missing your gorgeous dick."

A salacious grin covered his lips and rose into his dark eyes. "Don’t be surprised then, if you're what I'm eating for lunch."

Hopping onto the conference table, Alexa slid her skirt up around her waist. The chilly surface raised goose bumps on her bare ass. She crooked her finger at Sebi. "I want you right now. Sink your big, black cock into my tight pussy."

A look of satisfaction came across his face as Sebi reached for her hips and moved Alexa into position. "I hope you can remember to contain your sounds." He teased her with the head of his cock. "Most women have a difficult time keeping quiet when I'm fucking them. We can't draw attention."

The first sensations of penetration released a deep moan in her throat. Her demanding career hadn't left Alexa much time to date on a regular basis. She had no idea how horny she'd become and how much she needed a good, hard fuck.

CONTEST:
How do you feel about content alerts?
Do they attract you to a book or help you steer clear?

Leave your reply and your email and you could WIN A FREE COPY of THE 18TH FLOOR

Buy THE 18TH FLOOR now at Sizzler Editions and at Amazon

Keep up with Margie:
Margie's website: Romance with SASS Margie's blog,
Twitter and Facebook

Cocktails and Cock Tales with HANK EDWARDS

2011-08-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today we have HAND EDWARDS at the cyber bar. Author of the Charlie Heggensford Fluffers series of books, which will make you LOL PIMP.....piss in my pants I just learned....when you read it@

The third book in the Charlie Heggensford series, Vancouver Nights, was a finalist in the Gay Erotica category for the Lambda Literary Awards.

Yay, Hank!!!!!

Hank has also written Holed Up, Destiny’s Bastard, and Plus Ones for LooseId.

And a sexy less well known bear story called Wood which I thoroughly enjoyed from the anthology Bear Lust-Hot & Hairy Fiction Vol 2 of the Bearotica series....Lol bearotica, I love that word! You can find it on Amazon

I love bears... just had to throw that out there :)

Currently working on a paranormal vampire / zombie series set in the Old West, the Venom Valley Series, Hank plans to self-publish his new series.

What we are Drinking

2 parts vodka
3 parts lemonade
garnish with a lemon
Opt for a sugared rim and mint leaf if you are trying to impress the in-laws

Deanna: First things first, Hank. Where are you and what are you wearing?

Hank: Oh God, I knew I should have changed clothes. Sigh … I’ll be honest. I’m in my office/cat room (the kitty condo, cat beds, and cat toybox are in here along with my iMac), and I’m wearing bike shorts and a T-shirt. Yeah, I’m dressed like a suburban soccer mom at the mall. (((Sigh)))

Deanna: Nice visual, hon. Now what’s your poison? Whiskey? Coffee?

Hank: I don’t drink coffee, I drink tea. In the winter I drink hot tea, in the summer, iced tea. I am a very simple man. My cocktail of preference, especially in these sizzling summer months, is vodka and lemonade. Mmmm. In the winter, a nice pinot noir really takes off the chill.

Deanna: Me and vodka were separated for awhile, considered divorcing, but recently have reconciled. So I believe I'll have a double, thank you very much!

Hank: LOL (((whips up a batch)))I enjoy all kinds of vodka drinks, but usually stick with the simple vodka and lemonade or vodka and tonic, mainly because after having a few...several, I can still remember how to make them.

Deanna: Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

Hank: (((takes a sip))) My upcoming release is called Bounty, and it’s the first book in my self-published Venom Valley Series that involves vampires and zombies in the Old West. Oh, and it’s got a touch of witchcraft and a dash of Native American spirits thrown in for good measure.

Deanna: Hmmmm, zombie cowboys? Like this? ------------->

Hank: Lol...maybe...no....you'll have to wait to read it.

Deanna: Okay, tease! Now tell me where did the idea for this story come from?

Hank: The story started with a simple thought one day while I was busy doing something mundane. I just thought: vampires and zombies in the Old West; hunh. Then it grew from there, you know? Like, two undead species, but very different from each other. Vampires are very cunning and sexy and superhuman, and zombies are the disintegrating human shells, but so deadly and contagious. Then I threw in the human characters and realized I had a huge story arc plus many several, smaller arcs that could make for a good series.

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Hank: The hardest part has been finding the time. I decided to self-publish the books after one publisher noted that the first book ends on a cliff hanger and they don’t usually go for that. (((shrugs, gulps vodka and lemonade.)))
So I’m taking a big step and researching the self-publishing world.

Book One, Bounty, is finished, and my partner put together the amazing cover. He also did the cover art for Vancouver Nights which made our trip to the Lambda Literary Awards in New York City this year that much more special!

Deanna: He did a great job! Both of those covers are wonderful! Make sure you tell him I said so.

Hanks: Thanks, and I will! I want to have a first draft of Book Two completed before I publish Book One, just so it’s ready to go soon after publishing Book One, so people don’t wait months and months or years to see what happens to the characters, right? None of this Harry Potter wait for three years, or George R.R. Martin and a five year hiatus.

Deanna: (((raises her glass again))) Here's to Harry Potter sales!

Hanks: Here here!(((Chugs the rest of his vodka and lemonade and pours another.))) Meanwhile, I’m working at the Evil Day Job, EDJ, that pays the bills and trying to maintain a touch of social life.

Deanna: I have more of an ADJ...Annoying Day Job. (((accepts a refill))) I think vodka and I might be getting back together permanently!
I don't know if that makes you a good influence or a bad one! Ha!
Now tell me, what was the easiest thing about writing Venom Valley?

Hank: The first book really wrote itself. The characters were so vivid to me, and their stories so real, I just basically wrote what they told me to. I think the characters’ storylines, which start out removed from one another, all intertwine very logically as the book progresses.

Deanna: What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t done it?

Hank: At any given moment, I have several stories circling inside my head like vultures looking to feast on dead brain cells. This Venom Valley Series is quite the opus for me. I have a very emotional story lingering back there as well, a contemporary romance set within a tale of animal rights (I’m an animal lover, just ask those spoiled cats lounging there in the corner surrounded by catnip mice and bowls of food), and a few sequels, but first the vampires and zombies need to be unleashed. (((Sighs, chugs down the fresh drink.)))

Deanna: When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Hank: Ha! Well, it wasn’t quite the toilet scenario. As a kid, I always wanted more from my favorite movies like “Alien” or all those disaster movies from the 70s, so I wrote my own sequels. That changed to horror and disaster stories of my own and I’ve been writing off and on ever since.

Deanna: Hmmm, what did you do with your toys as a kid....((((laughs and downs her drink)))What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail … or three…LOL But that’s just me.

Hank: It’s going to sound sick, but a workout helps me. I use the elliptical for my cardio workout and it sparks a lot of brain activity or something, because a lot of times I’ll come away having figured out a way around things. However, just the other day in a meeting at the EDJ, I was only half listening (shhh, don’t tell!) and came up with a resolution for a problem I was facing in Venom Valley Book Two. I quickly acted like I was paying attention and jotted it down in my notebook, which just goes to prove that you never know when that muse in the back of your mind is going to shoot a rubber band idea at you.

Deanna: LMAO!!!!! I love it!!! Hopefully no one looked at your notes.

Hank: I know, right? Refill? ((((holds up the pitcher in question)))

Deanna: Well, just a smidgen(((tips the bottom of the pitcher to fill her glass to the brim when Hank actually gives her just a smidgen))) These things go down a bit too smooth...oh well!
Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Hank: I never really envision a specific song for my characters or books. However, I tend to listen to movie soundtracks when I write, like the original three movies from the Star Wars trilogy, or Lord of the Rings, for atmosphere. Sometimes songs with lyrics get in the way of my writing.

Deanna: Well that's cool...as long as you don't start calling your book Precious I think you're okay! LOL

Tell us about a scene that you have written then afterward, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Hank: LOL! Well, yeah … (((blushes, sips from drink))) Well, when I was writing the third book of the Charlie Heggensford series, Vancouver Nights, a friend of mine challenged me to have Charlie go beyond the usual fluff and fuck scenes. So I introduced a couple of characters that were into watersports and fisting and then I decided they needed to experience enemas as well. I really took them beyond the standard fluff and fuck scenes!

Deanna: You sure did! I can never look at a bowling pin the same way again!!!(((starts laughing hysterically)))

Hank:(((shrugs, pushes the lemonade aside and takes a swig of the vodka))) When I read the book over I was kind of shocked I had done it. And then seeing it in print!! Eeep!!

Deanna: And the champagne enemas!! (((laughing she wipes tears from her eyes))) That still makes me laugh!!! Hey, don't drink all the vodka, Hank!

Hank: (((moves the bottle out of reach, then tips his head back and effortlessly drains half the contents)))

Deanna:(((quirks her brows))) Well, now I know where Charlie gets his skills.

Hank: (((chokes on a laugh and vodka comes out his nose)))

Deanna: You're suppose to swallow not spit, Hank!!! (((laughs))) You should know that!

Hank: You're so bad!

Deanna: (((grins and steals the vodka))) I know! That's why you love me!

Now while me and Hank do our best to polish off this bottle, (((takes a hefty swig and passes it back))) we would love to hear from you guys!

Have you read Hank's books? Which was your favorite?
Do you like vodka?
And what are your thoughts on champagne enemas?

I want to thank Hank for coming to the cyber bar today(((waves drunkenly at Hank))) Thank you, Hank!

Hank: (((waves back, cheeks rosey from too much alcohol))) You're welcome! Thanks for having me!

Deanna: If you would like to visit Hank on the web you can find him in these places:
Website
Blog
Author Facebook Page

Cocktails and Cock Tales with Kayla Jameth

2011-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today I would love to welcome Kayla Jameth to the cyber bar.

A knight and a former princess, Kayla now spends her time writing m/m romance. A true Renaissance woman, she has done everything from cross stitch like a proper lady to welding with the best of them. An eclectic life has left her with a unique understanding of the world inhabited by men and an appreciation for the difficulties faced by men in m/m relationships. It is her devout wish that her experiences translate into a richer telling of such tales.

What we are Drinking

Four Parts Orange Juice
One Part Amaretto
Enough Vanilla Ice Cream to make a nice milk shake in the blender.

Deanna: First things first. Where are you and what are you wearing?

Kayla: (((Hands Deanna a frosty mug))) Why don’t you follow me this way? My favorite reading chairs are in my library.
(((Waves Deanna to the one on the right before dropping into one or the horse-shoe shaped chairs))) These chairs are just so comfortable. (((slumps down and snuggle into it with my legs draped over one of the arms.))) Just make yourself at home.
As you can see I’m a bit of a tomboy so I’m just in my usual jeans and a t-shirt. There’s nothing fancy about me.

Deanna: And what is this yummy drink you made for us today?

Kayla: It’s called a dreamsicle and tastes a bit like an orange push up. It’s a nice little dessert that can pack a bit of a punch depending on just how stout you mix it. I think it’s a nice end to the day. (((Takes a sip)))

Deanna: (((takes a sip and smacks lips))) Oh, nice, you gave me a stiff one!

Kayla: (((grins))) I try!

Deanna: Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book.

Kayla: (((Leans forward))) My latest work in progress is an m/m romance called ALEXIOS’ FATE. It’s about a youth, named Alexios, in ancient Greece who happens, through no fault of his own, to capture Apollo’s fancy. There is a fair amount of history and the gods and their lesser brethren walk the pages in this period piece. Once again we are reminded that one man’s history is another’s mythology.

Deanna: I've read an older version of this story and I love it. I can't wait to read the finished version! But tell me, where did the idea for this story come from?

Kayla: I have an online group called Inspired Writing. We post a photo periodically and write a story to go with it. This particular photo was of a nearly naked man chained to a rock with a Greek temple and a trireme in the background.

Deanna: Oh and there he is!!! Yum! No wonder you were inspired!

Kayla: (((refills the cocktails))) The setting was obviously ancient Greece and very reminiscent of Andromeda. She was chained to a rock to be devoured by a sea monster in retribution for her mother unwisely bragging that she was more beautiful than the daughters of one of the local sea gods. Perseus saves her from the monster and weds her in the traditional myth.
My story is similar. Alexios’ father makes a boast that angers Apollo. The young man is chained to the rock and Apollo sends a storm to destroy him because of his father’s hubris. But will anyone be able to play the part of Perseus and save him from his fate?

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Kayla: (((Leans back and stares at the ceiling for a moment))) Hardest part… Nothing in particular. This story wanted to be written and practically flew onto the paper for me. The one thing that gave me difficulty initially was dialog. I needed more dialog and asked my good friend Deanna, the queen of gab, to help me out with suggestions on how to get more in there. (((Nods at hostess)))Thank you very much for your suggestions. They took a 20K short story up to a 35K novella and added a lot of depth at the same time.

Deanna: Awwww, thanks, hon! I was glad to help! What was the easiest thing about writing this book?

Kayla: Just about everything. I’m a pantser. I write what my guys tell me and they kept me busy trying to keep up. I really think I enjoyed writing Alexios’ tale more than anything else I have ever written. The descriptions of the culture and the surroundings, the mythology and religious aspects, the limitations of all the characters, slave, prince, king and god alike all had constraints inherent in their separate statuses they couldn’t ignore. No one, not even a god, is truly free.
One of my beta readers said that the sex in this story is very political. Every character’s actions are all based on status, power and wealth. I did not set out to write this story that way. I merely wrote situations that were historically correct, but by so doing the sex must perforce be political.

Deanna: What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t done?

Kayla: I’m not sure that applies to me. I don’t have an epic in mind. I actually do all my stories from photo prompts. I see a photo and wonder how the people in the picture got into that situation and what they will do next. Then I spend some time ironing out all the flaws and wrinkles in the story line. I like puzzling out a logical/reasonable reason for everything.
(((Shrugs))) I guess I just haven’t seen the right photo yet.

Deanna: When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound? 

Kayla: I guess my epiphany was only marginally more profound. I was reading some Samurai Champloo slash where the author had used every name in the series, but hadn’t bothered to keep the setting or the characters true to the anime. The main characters had been brought up into the present and their personalities swapped. And it only devolved from there!
I told Sara, whose slash I helped edit, that I could do better than that. She made me prove it. About eighteen months ago I wrote the first chapter of my slash INFINITE INFATUATION. I intended my first and only piece to be a one shot PWP (Plot, What Plot?), but somehow it has grown to be six chapters long.
I still didn’t call myself an author.

Deanna: I know it can be hard to admit you actually are an author, like your bragging or something. But trust me, Kayla, You ARE an author and I love your work. I've read several of your stories a. The first one I read was that m/m Cinderella spin off. Can you tell our readers about it?

Kayla: That would be the cinderfella story I wrote called CINDER-GARCON? and then some original pieces in response to the Inspired Writing photos. Several people called me an author at that point, but I argued that point with them.
It wasn’t until a publisher offered to publish a short story for me that I started to think of myself as a writer. I finally gave in and admitted it when I started a blog a few weeks back and put in the welcome that I am an author of m/m fiction.

Deanna: Well, you are a great writer, dear! I only have the best at the cyber bar! Speaking of...

Kayla: Oh, looks like we're out! (((whips up another batch and pours them out)))

Deanna: (((taking a sip))) I'll either be drunk by the end of this or on a sugar high. Probably both! Now, what helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail … or three … LOL! But that’s just me.

Kayla: (((Chuckle!))) When my boys are balking, I go look at the hotties in my photo albums. When they get jealous enough to behave, I’m more than willing to listen.

Deanna: Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Kayla: For Alexios I listened to a Niyaz playlist. I wanted an exotic Mediterranean feel and didn’t want to be distracted by lyrics.

Deanna: Tell us about a scene that you have written then afterward, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Kayla: I’ve always written very explicit sex scenes so I’m not sure which one to pick. (((Stares off into space for a moment))) The final chapter to INFINITE INFATUATION is called “With This Ring” and features a PA…

Deanna: What's a PA?

Kayla: A Prince Albert piercing!

Deanna: Oh, I should have known that! Any other stories that got naughty?

Kayle: DIRTY POOL… It’s the story of a fledgling D/s pair who goes into a leather bar. The Dom challenges other men to play pool and bets his sub’s favors. Several men have their way with the young man bent over the pool table in a packed bar.

Deanna: I love your dirty mind, Kayla!!! Thank you so much for stopping by today and bringing these yummy drinks.

Kayla: I had a great time, Deanna. Thanks for having me.
If you would like a chance to win a FREE copy of my story LEGENDS in Breathless Press's Ad-dick-tion anthology, just post a comment below!

Deanna: Thank you, Kayla!

Don't forget to check out Kayla's FREE stories DIRTY POOL or CINDER-GARCON? or CONTROLLED FALL at her BLOG

You can also find her on Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook Author’s Page
Facebook Page

And you can buy her books here: LEGENDS at Breathless Press

Inspiration

2011-08-11T01:27:00.000-07:00

Do you use real people like celebrities to inspire your fictional characters?

I know I do.

For instance, take the two hunks in my new story BEAR IT ALL Travis and John.

They are based on a *blush* porn star I love. I know I'm revealing a bit more than I should...he he he he he...Oh well!!! The actor I love goes by Travis on the Corbin Fisher website.

I even named the guy Travis because he was so real to me when I wrote it.

I refuse to comment on other ways this little firecracker inspired me, LOL I will leave that all to your vivid imagination.

My other hero, John is based on a very straight man you may have heard of before.

Trace Adkins.

If you know him....I need no further explanation as to why I was having naughty fantasies about him starring in a book with sweet Travis.

After taking a look at my inspiration, I'm sure you can seee how these two men needed a story in my mind?

How could I ignore it?

I know the men look a bit different on my cover, but you gotta admit Fiona Jayde did a damn good job giving the reader a great idea of my two guys!

I would love to hear from other writers out there.

Do you use real people to base your characters on? Or are they all in your head?

BEAR IT ALL Now available from Decadent Publishing

Travis hired 1 Night Stand hoping for a hot encounter with a sexy older, hairy man, someone to make him feel safe and cherished, and John looks custom made to order.

After losing his partner three years ago, John needs to learn how to open his heart and live again. He thinks a one night stand in the Caribbean might be the answer, but when he sees the young, thin and much smaller Travis, he thinks the agency sent the wrong man.

Can desire overcome misunderstanding when these two bear it all? Or will both men walk away from exactly what they need and desire?

A New Kind Of Sequel

2011-08-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my fellow author and good pal Wendy Burke sat in my beautician chair--that's my daytime gig if you didn't know--laughing, per our usual, about all the stories we want to write one day. Brainstorming, cackling, interrupting each other and generally being glad we were the only two in the salon so we didn't disturb anyone else by me shouting something obscene like, "I know! I know! They should do it in the butt!"

And yes...I have been known to do this.

Well, on this not-so-significant day, Wendy and I came up with a pretty cool idea which I am happy to say has actually happened.

See, our publisher Decadent Publishing, has this cool series called 1NightStand. In this series, a couple comes together after hiring the 1NightStand service run by the mysterious Madam Eve who sets them up for a fantasy night of sex and romance.

Now, I had been entertaining the idea of writing a bear story for awhile and thought I could take the idea percolating in my brain and mold it to the 1NS series requirements. The product became my story BEAR IT ALL. I don't know how we got on the subject, but before I knew what happened, my bear, John, had a sister named Grace and Wendy was already mentally plotting out why Grace would be contacting a matchmaking service like 1NS.

We didn't know how far we would go, or if this was just more beauty shop brainstorming. After all Wendy writes sensual straight romance, and I write erotic gay romance.

Would our readers be 'versatile' and open minded enough to switch teams to find out what happens to our characters?

Maybe...we hope so.

Regardless, Wendy and I knew we were onto something.

A New Kind of Sequel.

As often happens in short stories and novellas, you only get a small taste of the characters' future lives, their HFN (Happy For Now.) But what happens after the one night stand? Do they make it? Do they move in together? Get married? Adopt a kid from China? What?!?

Now you can find out!

If you enjoyed reading my story BEAR IT ALL you don't have to wonder what happens to John and Travis. All you have to do is pick up a copy of Wendy Burke's book THE ONE HE CHOSE...on digital bookshelves tomorrow. As the younger sister of my hero John, Grace's story offers a peak as to what happens to my boys.

But there's more!

A certain concierge in THE ONE HE CHOSE is going to get a story of his own, too! I am writing it right now. In his story he will find love and you, the reader, will get a chance to find out what happens to Wendy's characters Grace and Jake!

Stay tuned for updates but in the meantime, reserve your copy of THE ONE HE CHOSE!

A year after losing her beloved husband, Grace Wizler learns he left a special surprise for her. A fabulous getaway in the beautiful Canadian Rockies that includes a date with a mystery man arranged through Madame Eve's 1NightStand dating service. She's shocked and intrigued...what was Ben thinking?

Grace's date is charming, handsome and about to find out whether the woman of his dreams will return his affection. He's waited forever, but he's ready to risk it all on a 1NightStand.

Coming tomorrow from Decadent Publishing!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

2011-07-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

My new story for the Decadent Publishing series 1Night Stand is coming out next TUESDAY AUGUST 2ND!!!!!

Didn't Fiona Jayde do a killer job on the cover? I just love it.

Well, here is a sneak peak of BEAR IT ALL just for you! You won't find this excerpt anywhere else!!!!

Enjoy!!

This would be the best vacation ever.

Good thing Travis jerked one out before he came down to the pool or he’d be sprouting an erection Paul Bunyan would have a hard time felling. He’d wanted to prevent ending the night in five seconds, but the longer he watched John by the pool the more he realized it might happen anyway. Especially when he imagined all that body hair tickling his flesh. The musk of his skin, the scent of his armpits, balls, the sweat on his neck—all of it filling his nostrils ’til he became drunk from it. Damn, his shorts tented further.

Travis perked up when John surveyed the Tiki bar. To his surprise, his gaze flitted right over him. Maybe the sun was in his eyes and he didn’t notice the Ohio State T-shirt Travis wore to identify himself and prevent John from accidently hitting on some straight guy. According to Travis’s correspondence with Madame Eve, John wanted this to feel like a clandestine meeting at a bar, rather than a made-to-order fuck. An innocent enough ruse. As long as it ended up with John’s cock buried balls deep in Travis’s ass, what could be the harm in a little subterfuge?

John stepped into the shallow water. The golden hour of evening approached, the sun rendering his tanned flesh bronze. Travis couldn’t wait to get his hands on him. Sipping his mojito, he swiveled in his seat, surreptitiously crossing his ankle over his knee. Looked like the preparation masturbation hadn’t really helped.

“Hey!” a kid cried when he and his friends caught sight of Poseidon entering their domain. “Can you do a cannonball?”

Travis hid a smile as the kids gave John a cheer, egging him on. Yes, his bear definitely had the look of the guy at the pool who did cannonballs for the kids.

John’s handsome face cracked a good natured smile. “Sorry, kids. Not today.”

The kids pouted and Travis hid a lecherous grin behind his glass. Don’t wear yourself out, honey. That’s my job.

He glanced at the clock, hoping the guy noticed him soon. The mojito went down smooth in the waning heat and the steel drum band filled the air with the tinny sounds of Bob Marley. But he came here for a different kind of sun and fun. Who knew? He’d only paid for the one night, but if John agreed, possibly they could have a whole vacation of man-on-hairy-man action. Desire simmered in his nuts just thinking about it, but he told himself not to get his hopes up.

John had one more look around the pool— missing Travis again— then took a perfectly formed, short dive beneath the water. Like a dolphin, seamless and no splash. Definitely a man of slow and studied motions. The sort who made love like a long, wet dream rather than a pile driver.

In his pursuit of the perfect boyfriend, Travis had been fucked by his fair share of big guys, most of whom had been Doms. Not that he couldn’t take it, but he preferred a little romance. He might like a bear, but he wanted a teddy not a grizzly.

John surfaced, shaking long, gorgeous curls out of his face and blinking back the water from his eyes. Travis loved it when guys did that. Water sluiced over John’s open lips, catching in his goatee as he took his first breath and Travis tried not to groan as he pictured the scene in slow-mo, complete with swanky porn music. He slurped the icy remnants of his mojito, his mouth suddenly dry.

“Another?” the bartender asked.

Travis offered him a smile and shook his head. He didn’t want to be too drunk to appreciate the fine hunk of flesh he’d paid good money for. “I’m fine, thanks. I’ll be leaving shortly anyway.”

He winked. “You let me know if you need anything else.”

Attractive, but too thin and far too much smooth skin for his taste.

John exited the pool and Travis’s hungry gaze zeroed in on the water running in rivulets through the luscious pelt covering his body, slicking beneath his swim trunks. God, he couldn’t wait to lick him from head to toe, ass to balls.

“You sure you don’t wanna do a cannonball?” the kids asked in chorus.

John gave them a kind smile, not irritated by the little twerps at all. “Maybe another time.”

Swallowing hard, Travis watched him vigorously dry off his arms and legs, ruffling up his fur. He tipped his head to the side to wring the water out of his long hair. Those eyes—light green, maybe?—roamed over the pool area once more, a disappointed expression crossing his face. Travis had to restrain himself from jumping off the barstool and yelling, I’m over here!

Not exactly the kind of discretion required at Castillo Resorts. It might be a rendezvous place for 1NightStand, but it was just a normal tropical resort.

When John headed to the bar, Travis had a hard time looking away from the mountain of muscle closing in on him. His hair curled at the temples, complimenting the rounded, but masculine features of his face. His trimmed goatee, peppered by light blond, hinted at being gray near his full lips. The fine lines around his eyes—hazel, Travis finally discovered—spoke of laughter and kindness.

Grinning, he opened his mouth to say hello, but John walked right past him.
Travis frowned when his date tapped his knuckles lightly on the counter. He should’ve opted for the red OSU shirt. Maybe John didn’t see the Buckeye logo on the front.

The cute bartender nodded in John’s direction, a flirtatious smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “What can I get for you, big guy?”

“I’ll have a Bud.”

Of course you will. The slightly soft curve of his stomach spoke of a man who never wasted time on a light beer.

Deciding to get the party started, Travis scooted one stool closer, until he sat right beside his date. The giant shifted and glanced over. Offering a slight tip of his bottle in greeting, John cleared his throat awkwardly and turned away.

Oh! So he’s shy.

Well, there was a damn good reason more than one of his lovers had called Travis an aggressive bottom. Nothing stopped him from going after what he wanted.

Tonight, he was bear hunting.

I hope you enjoyed the preview!

Make sure you pick up a copy next Tuesday at Decadent Publishing!

Thanks!

~Deanna

COCKTAILS & COCK TALES with WENDY BURKE

2011-07-19T03:02:00.000-07:00

Today at the bar I have a dear friend of mine Wendy Burke. We're gonna be talking books, special projects we both have coming out in August and....we'll be drinking!!!!

Duh...didn't you see the title?

What we are drinking:

Spotted Cow
A smooth lager from Wendy's home state of Wisconsin--which my husband says tastes like Pabts Blue Ribbon LOL It doesn't, BTW

Deanna: Welcome Wendy! (((snags a bottle opener from under the bar))) I just love this pic!!! So cute!

Wendy: Thanks, Deanna! It's good to be here. (((looks around as she pulls out two cold ones))) Though I must say it feels familiar

Deanna: That's only cuz you've been in my real bar. My cyber bar is very similar. (((pops the tops off the Spotted Cow and holds them up in a toast)))

Wendy: Cheers! (((clanks bottles))

Deanna: Cheers! Now the most important Q of the day is: Where are you and what are you wearing?

Wendy: If it weren’t so dang HOT out I would be wearing, flannel. I LOVE flannel. I love the smell of GREY FLANNEL too. (oh that reminds me of…sorry, can’t say – no, he’s not in a witness protection program but I hate to kiss & tell.) But, right now I’m sitting around the house in jammy pants and an unmatching shirt. Two different prints…I know, I am NOT fashionable but I sure am comfy! I’m in the loft of our condo, which is a glorified TV room…not ‘lofty’ at all.

Deanna: What’s your poison? Vodka? Hot Coco?

Wendy: I don’t know if I’ve even ever really had Vodka – OBVIOUSLY I haven’t spent enough time with YOU! Not a big cocoa fan, but I drink a bit of wine at night, beer on the weekends --Spotted Cow -- and I like a nip of Scotch now and then. I don’t drink CONSTANTLY like it sounds above, not that I don’t deserve to, however!

Deanna: Of course you deserve to!!! Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

Wendy: Well, you know all about it cuz you pestered me into finishing it!

Deanna: (((holds up her bottle))) You’re welcome.

Wendy: RESPITE (which was a spur of the moment title, as the story really didn’t have one --- read that, I pulled it out of my butt) is a ‘love’ (gag..) story about a WW2 vet who needs some space (ie respite) after the war in Europe to decompress. Ryan doesn’t want to go home, so he hits up the Moroccan coast where he meets Maddy, who needs some ‘respite’ of her own. Needless to say after they meet they don’t get much ‘rest’ at all – heh…

Deanna: Where did the idea for this story come from?

Wendy: It was actually the prologue to another story I was working on, (contemporary) also untitled. But you badgered me so much to make it a separate story I did and it’s my first published work of fiction…THANKS DW!

Deanna: Yes, readers. I shall have you know Ms. Burke wasn’t going to give Maddy and Ryan a HEA!!!! I had to threaten her with ….nah. I just whined. Whining works. (((passes over another beer)))

Wendy: Thanks! (((takes a pull on the bottle))) Deanna should come with cheese. But, hey? I’m published!! Anyways, I’ve always been enamored by the post WW2 era, both my parents were of that time. My father served in the Army in the Pacific – my mom was a Civil Defense coordinator for her neighborhood – had the little helmet and all. It was a different time then, simpler, more patriotic.

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Wendy: The end…always, the end. I have written only ONE OTHER finished work...THAT end (Crossing Paths) I am happy with. I always feel I have such a good story that maybe subconsciously I don’t want to part with the characters or the story itself – and that makes the writing the end difficult. I also don’t want to mislead the reader with a good story and an ‘eh’ ending.

Deanna: What’s the easiest thing about writing it?

Wendy: Determining what characters look like and the locale. I’ve heard that people ‘write what they know.’ (Well, maybe that’s not the case with YOUR stories…ahem!!!) I know the area in which I live, I know the Great Lakes Midwest and the central Lake Michigan shore of Wisconsin. So, therefore most of my stories (those yet to be published) take place between Detroit/Toledo and Sheboygan, WI. With RESPITE – Morocco seemed warm and welcoming especially after WW2 (that whole Bogey and Bacall thing)…but I’ve never been there – so it’s ‘fiction’ in the truest sense of the word.

Deanna: Check out the sweet trailer for RESPITE here
What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

Wendy: I love a good action thriller. I am a huge Brad Thor fan and when I work out on my elliptical in the morning, it’s either a Brad Thor novel, or lately a James Rollins ‘SIGMA’ series book. Of course, I would incorporate a bit more romance and obvious sex in the story – I understand a good story can be carried out without written sex, you know, just the ‘inference’ of it. But, if you have amazing characters who have a solid relationship or are leaning that way, why not be more blatant about it? Hey, what’s better than sex, action, mystery and politics all rolled into one? That’s just IMO…humble as it is, and you know what ‘they’ say about opinions – like navels (or other body parts) everyone has at least ONE.

Deanna: I think you were looking for the word 'assholes.' You know, this is my blog, hon…you can say what you please!

Wendy: Well, okay then!

Deanna: When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Wendy: Well, I’ve always been a ‘story teller’ of sorts. I made up all kinds of shit in my head as a kid (that’s called schizophrenia now) and I was an A-grade storyteller on my high school forensics team. So, with all THAT running around in my head, the next natural step would be writing it all down. I, however, took a detour and ‘told stories’ with my voice in radio for many years --- all morning radio really is IS telling stories. Why did I write a book though? My first finished ‘novel’ (or super mega novel – is that what 300,000 words+ is!?) was written for my dear friend, Deb. She was going through a rough time and I told her, ‘I’m gonna write you a cheesy romance baseball novel.’ And, I did – it was finished five years after I started it and a year after she died of a life-long battle with diabetes and all the nasty fall-out that goes along with that shitty disease. I love her and miss her terribly – and I know ‘Crossing Paths’ will someday be for sale through some publisher – dedicated to her of course.

Deanna: ANy chance it's this kind of baseball story, Wen ------->

Wendy: No!!! You brat, I'll leave the hot man on man stories to you!

Deanna: You say that now. I'll get you to come to the dark side one day! LOL Now what helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail or three. But that’s just me.

Wendy: I usually email you! – and you tell me if I’m full of crap. Alcohol works, but just walking away from it for a day usually is the cure. I call my ‘epiphanies’ on a scene ‘baloney sandwich moments.’ Usually, if I IGNORE my ‘problem scene,’ it’ll come to me at a later time – usually when I’m making a baloney sandwich!

Deanna: Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Wendy: I don’t really know about Maddy and Ryan in RESPITE – and it’s not something I ‘consciously’ do for my characters. BEER CAVE (aka AMORIS DEFENDE) which I’m working on as a follow up to RESPITE, well, Ty and Erin have a song or two: The Divinyls ‘When I Think of You I Touch Myself’…and there was another one I thought of, but it escapes me at the moment – darn old age!

Deanna: Tell us about a scene that you have written then afterwards, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Wendy: Sorry, don’t have one. In ‘Crossing Paths’ it was the very end…the last chapter which wraps up the entire story and the tribulations both characters have gone through to find their HEA (happily ever after …I had to ask TOO when I first heard it…) The end chapter was everything I wanted it to be and I actually cried when it was finished. Then I announced to my husband ‘It is done.’ Yeah, that only took FIVE years!

Deanna: Shall we give them a sneak peak of our new stories?

Wendy: Sure! Why not! Just pass me another beer first.

Deanna (((cracks open another round of cold ones))) Wendy and I had a cool idea a few months back. I wanted to write a story for our publisher’s 1NightStand series. But the trouble with a short story like that, you never get to find out what happens to the couple afterward.
So what if my couple made a guest appearance in someone else's book, eh? Problem solved!!!
And that’s what we did. In my m/m story BEAR IT ALL which comes out August 2nd the reader meets Travis and John, an unlikely couple who realize that opposites really do attract. The story ends after their hot night of tropical passion but if you want to find out if their HFN (happy for now) becomes a HEA (happily ever after—don’t you love writer lingo?) you have to check out…

Wendy: My story THE ONE HE CHOSE. See, aren’t we clever? LOL

Deanna: I thought so (((grins)))

Wendy: In my story you meet Grace—John’s sister—and learn that there really can be love after loss and sometimes it is right under your nose. You just might need a little ‘push’ to see it. Check out the book trailer for THE ONE HE CHOSE, due to be out this August.

THE ONE HE CHOSE (trailer)

Deanna: Thanks for stopping by, Wen!
Now we need to hook up at my real bar later...this cyber bar is making me thirsty!

If you leave a comment—and please do—you can be entered in a chance to win a FREE copy of RESPITE.

Find Wendy online at:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog

You can buy her books here:
Decadent Publishing
Amazon

COCKTAILS AND COCK TALES WITH STEVE TINDLE AND BRENDA WOODY

2011-06-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

After a long absence, the cock is back!!! Well, my interviews are back anyway! And today I have at the bar an erotic duo of writers Steve Tindle and Brenda Woody. Or shall we say a duo or erotic writers. I guess we shall see!

What We Are Drinking

Rattlesnake Shooters
Look out they bite!
Kahlua
Vodka
Baileys
Shot glasses and a teaspoon.

In the first shot glass, pour a third of Kahlua. With the teaspoon slightly tipped in the top of the glass, slowly pour the Baileys to layer on top of the Kahlua. With the spoon still in place, pour the Vodka slowly to layer on top of the Baileys. Repeat with the other shot glasses as needed for your friends who are watching, waiting and anticipating for their shooter.

Deanna: Well thank you Brenda for the recipe! These things look awesome! ((whips up three and passes them around))
Lets make a toast, shall we? ((they all raise their shooters))
To tapping kegs and spreading legs and keeping sperm away from eggs!
((they down their shooters and Deanna makes another round)) So lets get on with the drinkin...er...I mean the interview. First off guys, where are you and what are you wearing?

Steve: I’m inside your computer answering questions about Brenda’s and my works in progress (WIP).

Deanna: Oh I can see somebody's gonna be trouble already! LOL

Steve: Who me? never! I hope your readers enjoy the answers. As for what I’m wearing, my clothes wouldn’t fit in this tight area; which is fine since I’m anticipating this blog interview will be heating up real quick.

Brenda: LOL Great question. Sitting right beside Steve on the couch playing my on laptop. Umm NOTHING. We get naked time very evening while the youngest is in college classes!

Deanna: Okay I take that back, we're all in trouble! And why the hell am I wearing pants? ((strips down to her skivvies)) Good call, Brenda. Now beside these delicious little shooters, what’s your poison? Vodka? Hot Coco?

Steve: I have never been a heavy drinker; however I do like an occasional 2 fingers of Crown Royal Black or a White Russian.

Deanna: ((produces a bottle of Crown and wordlessly pours Steve three fat fingers to which he nods his approval))

Brenda: I like an occasional cocktail. White Russians being my fav. But I'll have another one of those Rattlesnakes, if you don't mind

Deanna: Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

Steve: After Brenda and I submitted Best Lover in Town, our publisher asked us to submit a short story for an anthology he was putting together called Temptation Triggers. After he read our story, he asked us to submit several more and he would dedicate the entire book to our stories. I wanted to submit eleven stories because it was to be published in 2011. By the time we had seven completed we were over the publisher’s word count limitation. Brenda and I already had several other stories outlined so the publisher is talking about Temptation Triggers II.

Brenda: Both of our books were fun to write. Temptation Triggers is on Amazon for Kindle and will be released in print on July 1st.

Deanna: Where did the idea for this story come from?

Steve: The first short story idea for Steal My Love came from the cover of Temptation Triggers. Brenda and I enjoy sitting in the spa talking about characters and scenes. Sometimes a scene we create doesn’t fit in our WIP. We jot the idea down to use in another project even if we haven’t started on it yet.

Brenda: The short stories are from many ideas that seem to find their way into our heads. Patty Melt came to us when Steve took me to Whataburger on Valentine’s Day for a patty melt – my favorite sandwich. Break Up Pudding is from a recipe our youngest found. We love Savannah, GA, so we wrote a short story in this location.

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Steve: The hardest part of writing for me is the stress of the deadline. Working with Brenda, we’ve been able to submit the manuscript before the due date.

Brenda: Editing our own work. We can find all the writing mistakes in another author’s work, but I’m blinded when it comes to editing our own.

Deanna: What’s the easiest thing about writing it?

Steve: Brenda and I are very open with each other which make the sex scenes easy to talk about and write down.

Deanna: I just can't imagine that, what with writing naked and all, LOL

Brenda: Once we knew what we were going to write, the character names, plots and twist just fell into place. I’m ready for another drink. Is there a bartender or is it self service?

Deanna: Whoops! where are my manners? How about a White Russian? In honor of the Dude?

Brenda: Perfect!

Deanna: What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

Steve: Many fans have asked us to write about ourselves. How we went to high school together but never dated and found each other online 30 years later. Brenda and I have thought about it but want to have a few more books to our name before we tackle the project. I’ll have some Crown, chilled and neat. LOL

Deanna: Just two fingers, eh? ((winks at Brenda)) Two fingers right after another I see. Just my kinda folks! ((pours herself and Steve a drink)) And Brenda, what is your dream story?

Brenda: For me, my dream book is a WIP with a character Marci Perez who is a homicide cop. Marci is from Creole and Cuban descent; she is very beautiful and sure will get into trouble! We plan to write Marci into several books in a series.

Deanna: Sounds fun! When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Steve: I had written songs and poems in high school and college. Brenda sent me a story she had started years before which was only a few pages. After reading it, I suggested a few changes and Best Lover in Town was created. We used this book to learn about each other and ourselves as we talked about passion and romance. Since Brenda was in Portland and I was in Dallas the manuscript kept us talking about our past and dreams. Brenda moved to Dallas in 2009 to complete our work in progress and to start a new chapter in her life.

Brenda: I have been writing poetry for a very long time. My first romance book was Shana by Kathleen Woodiwiss when I was sixteen. I was hooked on romance novels from then on and always dreamed of writing a novel but didn’t think my writing was good enough to get published. Plus I always hid my dark side. With Steve, I can act on this side. *wink* BTW the research is fun!

Deanna: I'm sure writing naked is also helpful while researching, LMAO!

Brenda: ((laughs and helps herself to another White Russian))

Deanna: What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail or three. But that’s just me. Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Steve: We don’t normally get stuck on a scene; this is the advantage of writing as a team. We bounce ideas off each other no matter how silly they seem at the time. Sometimes these ideas are used in other stories (Gnat and FLO).

Brenda: Steve is right, the words start flowing. Coffee is my drink when I write. Our hot tub is our muse where we bounce scenes and characters off each other.

Deanna: I have a writing partner too, and we find that two heads are always better than one. Hmmm, must be why I write m/m...
Back to the point though, those Rattlesnakes seem to have made me distracted. I think I'll have another. ((Whips up three and passes them around))
Tell us about a scene that you have written then afterwards, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Steve: Every time we reviewed Grandma Finds Her G-Spot we were shocked. The more we read the short story the more we laughed. Brenda read it to a friend who laughed all the way through the reading. It was great to be able to entertain friends with our story.

Brenda: Let’s just say Steve ain’t complaining after we write a sex scene. Ummm sometimes – well you get the drift, if your own writing makes ya horny and all. LOL

Deanna: Oh yeah, if it doesn't get me hot, it won't make anybody else hot either! That's why my husband calls what we write Lady Porn! LOL Now, these are the kinda answers I wanted. Just needed to lube you all up with some...what were we drinking again? ((looks around blankly)) Yo, Steve, pass over that Crown!

Steve: ((clutching the entire bottle now he takes a healthy swig before passing it over))

Deanna: Well looks like I'm gonna need to hit the liqueur store before the next interview! And while Steve and Brenda and I get our drink on, why don't the rest of you check out their links and an excerpt from their books HOTEL SAVANNAH.

If you post a comment you could win a free e-book of BEST LOVER IN TOWN in pdf to one lucky commenter.

You can find Brenda and Steve online here:
yola
Facebook Fanpage
Blogger
Twitter
Goodreads

And you can buy their books here:

BEST LOVER IN TOWN on Charles River Press
TEMPTATION TRIGGERS on Charles River Press

Best Lover in Town and Temptation on Amazon
Best Lover in Town on Barnes & Noble

An Excerpt of HOTEL SAVANNAH

Saturday, February 13, 1932

Today was a day I won’t soon forget. I met with him early as we had discussed the night before. He had a horse and carriage waiting for us outside the hotel. He helped me onto the bench and covered us with a blanket. The driver cracked his whip and the horse drove us around the city of Savannah.

There was a cold chill in the air but the blanket and my new friend kept me from noticing. As the carriage took a sharp turn, he took advantage of this opportunity and moved closer to me. I didn’t mind, I welcomed his advances. I would have sat on his lap if I hadn’t been so worried about appearances.

He pointed out several historic buildings and could name every one of them. We became closer and closer as the day passed. When the wheel of the carriage hit a pot hole and our hands made contact as we both grabbed for the falling blanket. I didn’t retract my hand and neither did he. We turned to look for each other’s reaction. Looking into his dark eyes, I wanted to stay here forever.

The driver asked if we wanted to walk River Street while the horse rested a few minutes and he checked the wheel. I had never been to River Street so this was a great adventure. I was helped down by my escort and we strolled down the cobble stone road to see the shops and eating establishments.

The wind shifted and the moisture in the air became heavier so we headed back to the carriage. A few minutes before we reached our destination the sky opened up drenching us with rain. The driver was ready and said the wheel was fine. We hurriedly got back into the carriage and cuddled under the blanket attempting to fight off the cold wind’s attack on our bodies. He pulled me close and put his arm around me to shelter me from harm. I felt safe under his care.

We arrived back at the hotel and went to my room to get dry. I didn’t want to leave him for a minute so didn’t suggest me going to my room and telling him to go to his. He retrieved a towel and dried me off starting with my hair. He actually asked me if I wanted to strip to my underwear before starting to unbutton my garment. I was very impressed by his mannerisms.

He slowly unfastened the bead buttons and carefully slipped my dress off my body, not wanting to get it more messed up than it already was. He placed the dress over a chair close to the fireplace. I was a bit nervous and asked him if he would like some hot tea brought to the room. While I called room service, he stood by the fire watching me. I wonder what it would like to be married to him instead of Thomas. I think my life would be happier.

COCKTAILS AND COCK TALES with MICHAEL MANDRAKE

2011-03-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I have been gone a bit from the virtual bar--the place I like to do my interviews-- but I'm back with a bottle of Jack and m/m author Michael Mandrake. I heard he's got a soft spot for Jack Daniels so (((giggles))) I got a nice fifth I plan to tempt him with.

WHAT WE'RE DRINKING

Jack Daniels straight!

Deanna: Welcome Michael! Can I interest you in a shot of Jack?

Michael: Oh, I thought it was just rumors we had to drink during the interview!

Deanna: Nope! ((((pours a couple shots))) Bottoms up!!! Now that we got the first one down, tell me: where are you and what are you wearing?

Michael: Haha, really? Stretch pants and a long unsexy tee. Not that sexy… I'm in the kitchen where I can be away from my kids so I can concentrate.

Deanna: (((pours another shot and passes it over))) I think you need this.

Michael: I usually do vodka, but apparently you really want me to party! Bring on the Jack Daniels! (((downs his shot)))

Deanna: (((laughs)))You;re too easy! Well, now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

Michael: My latest sole author book is THE TRUE MEANING OF LOVE out from XOXO publishing but I’m currently in 11 out of 14 anthologies that I’ve been accepted to. The latest of which is LONGING FOR A NORMAL STATE OF VERTIGO inside the RIDING THE ROCKET ANTHOLOGY.

Deanna: Ha ha, you said riding the rocket. Okay, I'll be mature. Must be the Jack. (((pours another round which, despite protests, Michael downs easily))) Now, where did the idea for this story come from?

Michael: For VERTIGO, I knew I wanted to do a different kind of story other than contemporary. I was thinking of a paranormal, non vampire and I came out with a historical which was originally a steampunk idea but it didn’t turn out that way.

As far as TRUE MEANING, it’s just an everyday contemporary tale about a gay couple that has a disagreement and it results in an accident. Through that occurrence, they learn how to love and respect one another more.

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing these stories for you?

Michael: Nothing hard about TRUE but for VERTIGO, because it’s a historical paranormal, trying to find facts on the early 20th century. Also, about the speech which I might have slipped up on a couple… lol For the most part, I did okay.

Deanna: What’s the easiest thing about writing these stories?

Michael: VERTIGO, my characters. The story development was linked directly to my main character. My supporting one seemed to fit right in. (((grins)))

Deanna: What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

Michael: Hmm, well, I have the story written but not edited or released. I have a paranormal gay romance ménage sitting in my Stories Not Done folder. I’d love to be able to get that out. I love the story, as well as the characters.

Deanna: SHOT TIME!!!! (((pours another round and holds up for a toast))) May you have a Republican's money and a Democrats sex life!

Michael: I'll drink to that! (((clinks glasses and downs the Jack))))

Deanna: So Mikey...can I call you that?

Michael: (((shrugs and blows a raspberry))) Sure! Why not? (((giggles)))

Deanna: Hmm, I guess the whiskey's taking effect already. Lets get back to business before poor Mikey passes out. When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Michael: (((laughs and hiccups))) Nope not on the toilet but it was a time I was sitting at my desk at my last job. I’d received a letter from an editor of an anthology who saw my story on the Erotica Writers Association list and wanted to present it to the publisher. Now, it didn’t make it in but, it did tell me that I might be good enough to do the writing thing.

Deanna: What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail or three. But that’s just me. (((holds up her shot glass in illustration)))

Michael: (((laughs))) No, I don’t really get stumped. I always just look back at my work and if the characters don’t like it, I change the course of the story. I’m a very characters driven writer.

Deanna: Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Michael: Wow, that’s ingenious.

Deanna: Its the liquor

Michael: Well, I may have a particular song in mind when thinking of the story. If it’s not an 80’s pop tune then it’s a heavy metal song that I can’t get out of my head.

Deanna: Ah, a boy after my own heart. Love me some Heavy Metal Now that I have you a little bit schnockered, tell my readers about a scene that you have written then afterward, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Michael: (((laughs))) You’re hilarious. Um, I would have to say, the scene I’ll have to edit out, unfortunately but as a story on its own. It’s an M/M/F scene in Masquerade, that is featured in this month’s Cocktails, Gossip, and Fiction Mag. I’ll give the link at the end.
Basically, the scene includes double penetration on one woman. (((laughs))) I’m still shocked I did it and for those that have read, they say it’s written well. Hey, I watch a lot of porn, not as much as I used to but, having that and an active imagination helps.

Deanna: Wow!!! Finally someone gave me the naughty answer I was looking for! I should give Jack to all my guests. It really loosens up the tongue. But from how steamy Michael's book sound, I think more than tongues are being loosened! LOL

Thanks again for stopping in today Mikey. You need to stick around. We still have half a bottle left! I want to hear more about this DP scene!

Michael: (((laughs))) Okay! Thank you, Deanna, for this fun interview. I’m sure it is the funnest one I’ve done!

Deanna: It's the Jack, baby. It's the Jack!

Now while the rest of you check out Michael's links, me and him are gonna finish off this Jack and find some Frat party to crash! Later!

Michael Mandrake - http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com
Rawiya - http://rawiyaserotica.blogspot.com
Facebook and Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikembl
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3542690
Its Raining Men Blog - http://rainingmenamen.blogspot.com
Livejournal – Taboos and Perversions http://desiresdd.livejournal.com/

The Cocktails Mag Fiction and gossip – Story, With Menage Comes Insecurities
http://www.wix.com/cocktailsmagazine/fictionandgossip#!erotic

THE TRUE MEANING OF LOVE

Blurb:

Brandon McFerry and London Davies are a couple that has been together six years. After having an argument over the importance of Brandon's event at his art gallery versus London's party at his club, London is involved in a serious car accident that makes him temporarily incapacitated. During his rehabilitation, Brandon and London will learn the true meaning of love thus bringing them closer together.

NETWORKING - Part Three

2011-03-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW UP

Well you prepared for your conference and you executed your plans perfectly. Now what?

You're home, exhausted and excited. And when you look in that cool free bag you got at that conference its full of promo....and your purse is full of cards!

Take a Deep Breath

Now, hopefully you kept all the important ones separate. Sorry, forgot to mention that you should have a special place, ie a business card holder...to put all the cards that are important. Oops!

If you followed all the steps in my previous blogs it should be a simple thing to sort through the cards and choose the top people you connected with. They are your FIRST STRING

FIRST STRING

Facebook and email them immediately

Don't wait

Remind them of who you were and how you met...Now do you see why you needed the back of your business card to be blank and why you wrote details on their cards? Their kids names, that article you told them about. The blog they were interested it?

See, I'm not full of total crap! LOL

Also be sure to include any info in the email about what you discussed. Real networking is about not how that person can benefit you but how you can benefit each other.

If there was something that you can do to help them out make sure to include it in this email. That special touch, showing that you cared enough to help them out will go a long way to forming a real relationship

Hopefully your new friends respond and you can cultivate the connection that will benefit both of you.

SECOND STRING

These are the folks who gave you cards but maybe you didn't feel that there was a huge connection. Well you never know who will become a friend and who will forget you. Often my first stringers forget all about me :(

At my second conference I realized these second stingers often remember you and when you can reconnect they get bumped up to first string.

Don't discount someone that you chatted with for ten minutes. Take a moment to drop them a line and say Hi!

REMEMBER: Email every connection you feel is useful or valid.

GETTING FANCY

You can kick it old school and send them a thank-you card via snail mail.

Just make sure that their address was on their card. Don't google it or they will think you're a nutter! LOL

ONE EMAIL IS NOT THE END

Sometimes you get no response, after a week and a half feel free to drop a second email but don’t go stalker crazy.

That’s why FB is so great because they accept your request and the social connection is there to be cultivated until the next conference

REVEL IN YOUR SUCCESS!!

You did it!

Your preparation paid off and putting yourself out there despite personal fears paid off!

Well, I hope I offered you a few helpful tips for making your conference successful!

Good Luck!

Now GO NETWORK!!!

Deanna
'Spicing up your love life one naughty read at a time!'

NETWORKING - Part Two

2011-03-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

EXECUTION

So you followed some of the pointers from yesterday's post and you are prepared to network your butt off at your conference. You know what your agenda is. You are there to network and meet new people. You have clear concise business cards. You have some prepared conversation starters.

Now it's GAME TIME BABY!!!!

The first thing you need to do is:

SMILE

Your prepared you can do it. Its why you and all the rest of these people are there. Half of them are just as nervous as you

GO WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE

We’ve identified most likely places:

Gym for the workout folks
Café for the early birds.
Classroom for the learners
Bar for just about everyone and those in between.

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

DO NOT lock yourself in your room and write or sit in the back of the class or find a secluded corner of the restaurant then hide behind your friends.

They are all there for the same reason you are.

There are scheduled speeches and meals, join a table of strangers. You will be sharing a meal and the conversation will just happen. And if it doesn’t happen you already thought of some conversation starters before you got there so use them.

Oftentimes people get excited when someone starts handing out business cards in a group because they were waiting for the opportunity to do so with out being pushy.

LISTEN

This is something I have to train myself to do when I am working. In casual settings I talk constantly and forget to listen sometimes. But when I am in work mode I am all ears. Sure I offer info about myself but when someone is in my salon chair it is all about them. They are my primary focus. It makes them feel important.

When networking this is equally important. I am eager to chat about my books all day and so are they. But if you listen to them more than you talk about yourself they will remember you!

MAKE NOTES IMMEDIATELY

Write down their personal info on their business card or bookmark, whichever they gave you.

I will even do this in front of the person and tell them, "I enjoyed chatting and I don’t want to forget you when I get home because of all the cards I already have."

Be thorough with what you write. Hair color, conversation, kids names, etc.

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

You meet the nicest people smoking.

I didn’t say take up the habit but I cant tell you how irritating it is when you are having a great chat with 2 people and they go off to smoke. You stay behind and dammit when they come back, they made plans to go somewhere else and you have no idea what they were just chatting about.

News Flash: You should have gone too.

This holds true for classes. You want to attend the Writing Craft class and the nice lady you are chatting with is going to the How to Write Sex class.

Well what are you waiting for?

You can take an online class anytime!

Go with her. Solidify the bond.

Somebody wants to go sit in some piano bar and you don’t like bars or pianos but you think you’re making a great connection, suck it up and go!

This is doing something out of your comfort zone. And you should strive to do this at least THREE TIMES every day.

Only by constantly putting yourself out there will you make that one or two great connections. You will be so proud of yourself when it is all said and done.

But you're not done yet! There is a lot to do when you get home! Stop by tomorrow and find out what!

Deanna
'Spicing up your love life one naughty read at a time'

NETWORKING - Part One

2011-03-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

PREPARATION

Ahhh, networking...sounds scary to some of you doesn't it? We spend so much time making "computer" friends and writing that sometimes the idea of face to face networking can be daunting. But trust me, everyone has something they can use to their advantage while networking at a conference... even if the very ideas of talking to strangers makes your hands sweat.

And why should you trust what I have to say? Well for those of you who know me personally, I'm outgoing and usually have a lot of success when I attend conferences.

But here's the thing: None of it was accidental.

I remember someone laughing the first time I went to RWA Nationals when I said I didn’t care what classes I was taking because I was just going to hang out in the bar. It may have sounded silly but it was part of my plan. I went there to make connections and meet people.I knew people would be at the bar and I was going to meet them.

I had a plan! Was it perfect? No, but I had one.

I have been networking professionally for my career since 94. Being a hairdresser is all about selling yourself, making good first impressions, being prepared, executing a good service and follow up. Same things one needs to network and network well.

So in the next few days I would like to pass on some of the things I have learned.

Today I am going to discuss possibly the most important of all.

PREPARATION

This is the hard part. Just like plotting your book, all good things come from good preparation. Its more than just business cards but planning what to say and where to go. I tried to break it into four easy steps.

1. WHAT IS YOUR AGENDA?

Why you are at the conference?To improve your craft?
Meet an agent?
Pitch your books?
Meet other authors?
All of the above?

My personal goal is always to make a good connection with one person each day. Just one...now come on, that isn't that hard when you think about it. Just one.

If your goal is to take a lot of classes, then your best chance of meeting people is in the classroom. So don’t sit with your friends. Find a stranger.

Personally, I would caution against only focusing on classes while attending a conference. There are great things you can learn but you can do that at home online, too. If you spent the money to attend a big conference you need to network.

Remember: Everyone else is there to network too!

2. MAKE A GAME PLAN

a. Dress for success. Sounds like a no brainer, but you would be surprised by what some people think is acceptable. You should look your best at all times, like you’re on a job interview for your dream job.

NO SWEATPANTS!!!! Get out your make-up, ladies!!! No frumpkins allowed.Writing is a business and just because we can wear sweat pants while we work, doesn't mean we can at a conference!

b. Identify where are you most comfortable meeting people?

The biggest part of networking is being where the people are so golden opportunities don’t pass you up.
There are basic places you meet people:

Café
elevator
classes
bar

So think of the places you feel comfortable and put them into your plans to be there you wont miss serendipity stopping by.

Are you an early riser? The coffee shop.

Are classes your fave place? Sit buy a stranger.

Bit of a lush like yours truly? The bar. And frankly this is where 80% is done, is a great place to make friends!

Over wine sudden friendship springs....

c. Before you get on the plane, make sure you have an active Facebook account because I guarantee 90% of the people you meet will ask. And its becoming almost unacceptable not to have one.

3. BUSINESS CARDS AND PROMO

My favorite!

This is possibly the most important thing in preparation after psyching yourself up.

Once the conference is over and everyone has gone home this is all they have of you.

Things to avoid when making your business cards:

a. Shiny paper. The person who gets it can't make notes about who you are if its shiny.

b. Busy, dark backgrounds. If you use a dark card, make sure the back is white so people can write notes about you.

c. I would avoid putting your face on your card if you are using something you think is sexy or if your face consumes more than 1/4 or the card. If you put a pic of yourself on the card...think Real Estate Agent, where their face is in a box next to their name.

Your name and contact info are THE MOST IMPORTANT THING not some sexy/fun picture or an overexposed pic of your face.

d. I would even caution against having more than one book cover on the card. It tends to get busy

A busy crowded card is a forgotten card. KISS: Keep it simple stupid

If you want your cover on the card, make sure it is a thumbnail pic and your name is the most prominent feature.

e. Clear concise font, no fancy swirly stuff no one can read. Preferably a pale background with a matte finish.

They will get a lot of cards and you don't want them to forget you!

f. ALWAYS have your promo material handy. Maybe paperclip the card to your bookmark and tie it with a ribbon so you have something nice to hand folks.

The extra touches will be what they remember when they get home and are sifting thru that giant stack of promo and cards they have in their conference bag

g. Always say your name twice!

When you introduce yourself and when you hand them your card. Say your tagline.
Repetition for emphasis!

4. CONVERSATION STARTERS

My consultation with my customers is scripted. I ask the same questions every time and I ask then in the same order. This is because I do not want to miss something important. You can be just as prepared in ‘casual’ conversation

There’s nothing wrong with making a list of 5 or 10 interesting things to start conversations if you are nervous about talking to strangers.

"Have you attended RT before?"
"This is me 1st/2nd conference. How about you?"
"Wow, this is a really nice hotel!"
"Are you a writer?"
"What classes have you taken so far? Wasn’t that a great welcome speech?"

Well now that you have a start on how to prepare yourself, you are one step closer to having a successful conference. Some of these things may seem simple but they are great reminders.

Stay tuned for tips on how to execute all of your preparation when you get to the conference!

Deanna
"Spicing up your love life one naughty read at a time!"

FREE BOOKS!

2011-02-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

This weekend, Feb. 18th and 19th, Rainbow eBooks has my short holiday story SECRET SANTA available for FREE download. Its a sexy, fun story and I hope you stop by and get your own copy! It comes in 5 different formats for all types of e-readers.

It's Christmas Eve and Adam has a special gift for Paul - himself, wrapped in a big red bow.

Blindfolded and ready for a magical holiday, Adam anxiously waits for his boyfriend to come and unwrap him. Just when he thinks their date has been forgotten, the door bursts open and his lover arrives. They have the best sex of Adam’s life, but afterward Paul disappears before Adam can catch his breath or remove the blindfold.

Left with only the memory of a tender kiss, a mysterious Santa hat, and a tray of half-eaten cookies, Adam soon discovers his lover was not who he thought it was...

And for every dollar you spend on Rainbow Ebooks this weekend those generous folks over at there are also entering you for a chance to win your own copy of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW.

I hope you all get a chance to stop by this weekend to download your FREE copy of SECRET SANTA and your chance to win the erotic retelling of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

Enjoy your free story and good luck!

Coffee Time Romance!

2011-01-31T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

I just created a thread over at CTR!

For the next 24 hours if return here with the answer to the question I posted on my thread you will win a copy of one of my 3 erotic books!

RED RIDING HOOD

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

SECRET SANTA

All you have to do is come up with the answer to a silly question about me! Honest, it is not that difficult!

Good Luck! The first three folks with the right guess will win!
Just post on CTR your answer and leave your contact info here on my blog!

~Deanna

RUN DEVIL RUN

2011-01-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

Decadent Publishing announces the release of a Paranormal-romance fiction anthology rooted in rock ‘n roll and ripped straight off the Sunset Strip.

Run Devil Run, an L.A.-based rock band well known locally for their dynamic live performances, diverse musical talent, and humorous video antics has lent their faces, titles and lyrics as inspiration for a five-book series with the publisher. The stories are penned by popular and award-nominated authors Rachel Carrington, Mari Freeman, Susan DiPlacido, Valerie Mann and Becca Dale, and will be released first in ebook format, then later in print.

“I’ve seen RDR play live several times and they are impressive. When this idea came to me, they were a natural fit. Paranormal romance lends itself easily to the Rock vibe,” says Heather Bennett, Co-owner of Decadent Publishing. “Customers who buy the series off our site will be treated to a free download of the coordinating song so they get the whole multi-media experience.”

Mari Freeman writes,” Music has always influenced my writing, but creating a story, characters and an entire world based on the lyrics of a song has been one of the most unique experiences. The collaboration between Decadent Publishing and Run Devil Run has found a creative way to take that musical influence and share it with readers. Read the book, get the song that inspired it. That rocks!”

Remarks Jackie Joyride of Run Devil Run, ”The fact that our music could inspire authors of this caliber to bring characters to life, I mean, it’s a thrill for us. It’s been great working with Decadent Publishing and to see these stories come together around our music…it’s an ego boost for sure!”

COCKTAILS AND COCK TALES WITH SELESTE DELANEY

2010-12-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

COCKTAILS AND COCK TALES would like to welcome Seleste deLaney! Sexy paranormal romance writer extraordinaire!
Today we will be sipping a Mommy's Special Hot Cocoa

Mommy's Special Hot Cocoa
6 oz hot cocoa
1 shot peppermint schnapps
1 ox Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka

Deanna: So here we go! Where are you and what are you wearing?

Seleste: I so should answer this at a different time of day LOL. I’m at my desk in my kitchen (new office sooooooon!) and I’m wearing jeans, a teal tank top, and a dark brown cashmere wrap sweater.

Deanna: Sounds sexy just the same! Now what’s your poison? Vodka? Hot Coco?

Seleste: I like my hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps, but I’m now thinking about trying it with vodka too. Hell, let’s go for all three…yummy!

Deanna: OMG! I haven’t had one of those in a while! And since its 20 degrees out, I say we defiantly add the vodka. Wouldn’t want to get cold, would we? (((evil grin)))Now that we’re comfy, tell me about your new book?

Seleste: My newest release (I actually had two holiday releases, how awesome is that?) is THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT and it’s the sequel to OF COURSE I TRY.

Deanna: Where did the idea for this story come from?

Seleste: Well, I had already decided to turn OF COURSE I TRY into a series, and I was toying with the plot of the novel (which is drafted now) while I was thinking about doing something for Decadent for the holidays. And I wondered if I could figure out a way to bridge from OF COURSE I TRY to the novel. I was taking a tiny page from your book and trying to think of a classic holiday story and seeing if I could twist it. THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT kind of came at me fully formed from that initial brainstorming session. I love it when that happens :)

Deanna: What was the hardest part of writing this story for you?

Seleste: Since THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT and OF COURSE I TRY are written from Jocelyn’s point of view (the novel is third person, multiple points of view) I needed to work in some little hints of things to come without giving away everything. The other difficult part came from the fact that through the whole story, from beginning to end, Jocelyn is never sure if it was a dream or real. Conveying that for the reader and making it believable was tough. Hopefully I pulled it off though

Deanna: What’s the easiest thing about writing it?

Seleste: I love this world and these characters, so sinking into Jocelyn’s head is easy. It’s always the most fun for me to write characters that I inherently “get”, and I know what it’s like to be a woman searching for her identity in the world.

Deanna: What is your dream story, your opus, if you will? The one you dream about writing but haven’t don’t it?

Seleste: The one that makes me an international best-seller? I don’t know if I have a dream story specifically. Basically if I have an idea, I get it out on paper. A friend of mine is still pushing for me to finish the one that I was working on way back when I first started writing again. But it’s another vampire series and the world would contradict with the BLOOD KISSED world, so I’m not sure how well that would work LOL.

Deanna: When did you first discover you were a writer? Were you like sitting on the toilet and just said, “Ya know, I think I’m gonna write a book.” Or was it more profound?

Seleste: I don’t know if it’s profound, but I’ve been writing since I was little. I stopped for a long time because I was told to “get serious about my future”. It took a lot of years before I realized I was happier writing. Pretty much since then, I haven’t stopped. I’m always working on at least one manuscript.

Deanna: What helps you when you are stumped on a scene in a manuscript? I usually have a cocktail or three. But that’s just me.

Seleste: Cocktails can help. Music too. Sometimes I just veg in front of the TV. But for me, the best thing is chatting with a friend. You know those moments on TV shows (House comes to mind right now) where the main character is just talking to someone and suddenly a random word or phrase makes the lightbulb go off and they know what to do? That happens to me a lot, so you’ll usually find me writing with at least one chat window open. It’s a good thing my friends are so understanding :)

Deanna: Most of my stories have a theme song, do you do that for your characters?? If so what is it?

Seleste: I have playlists (soundtracks if you will) for my novels, but not necessarily for shorter pieces. If I had to name a song for Jocelyn for THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT , it would be “That’s What You Get” by Paramore. I think it fits the mental turmoil that is still plaguing her.

Deanna: Tell us about a scene that you have written then afterwards, when you read it, you shocked yourself? You know I want a dirty answer (((hint hint)))

Seleste: Wow, I’m not sure I am ever that drunk that I completely forget the whole scene LOL.

Deanna: That's not what I meant, silly!

Seleste: I know! I will say in the novel, there is a sex scene that completely wasn’t in the plan and when it popped up, I just went O.O. My first thought was along the lines of “Well, this may be the scene that pushes the series to a heat level of five.” Oddly enough, it isn’t very long and doesn’t involve Jocelyn at all LOL. (But it will probably be your favorite, just because I know what you like :P)

Deanna: Thanks for stopping by, Seleste! I had fun and now I'm all out of vodka!

Leave a comment below and win your choice of OF COURSE I TRY or THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT

For the rest of you Seleste is all over the internet. You can find her at her website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. And THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT is available now at Decadent Publishing.

Holiday Storytime

2010-12-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

So here it is!

Me!

On YOUTUBE!

OMG, don't pay too much attention to me, rather my story! Here it is and a great way to raise some money for a really great cause!

My latest story SECRET SANTA is a funny m/m about a naughty night by the fireplace where the hero, Adam, has no idea who just made love to him…that is of course is because he blindfolded himself! LOL

More importantly, SECRET SANTA is the December Decadent Publishing Read for Life feature. Read For a Cure is a Decadent Publishing program benefiting the American Cancer Society Relay For Life Each month, they donate ALL PUBLISHER PROFITS from one book to R4L in their efforts to help fight back against cancer.

I will be donating 50cents per purchase of SECRET SANTA to this same great cause until December 31st.

So if you have never read an m/m story before, please pick up a copy of SECRET SANTA. It is One Naughty Read for one Nice Cause!

For more information about how you can help donate to Relay for Life or to join TEAM DECADENT check out this LINK