Last month, I decided to take part in Camp NaNoWriMo for the first time. It was an exhausting endeavour but it was made easier by my "cabin" of fellow writers who, despite being complete strangers, encouraged each other to meet their targets.
With a mighty last minute push, I managed to meet my personal target of 30,000 words. Quite the accomplishment with the usual work and family life juggling that usually makes my monthly word count a third or less than that.
For me, Camp NaNoWriMo was completely worth it and would have been useful even if I hadn't made my goal at the very last moment (too late, it turned out, to even remember to validate my winner status). While I didn't meet my secondary goal of finishing one or more of my current romance works-in-progress, I made some major strides in several of them and I edited what I have completed so far of another project so I can (almost) jump back into that when I'm ready.
I would recommend Camp NaNoWriMo to every writer because you can set your own goals and, more importantly, focus on your writing. Too many distractions in too many months (and days) can lead to you forgetting what you love about writing (or simply just how much you love it) and the camp brings that back to the forefront.
See you at the next Camp in July!
_
Monday, May 04, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Doing the Camp NaNoWriMo Writing Challenge
This month, I embark on my second NaNoWriMo enterprise. NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month, which is actually in November every year. The original event is held with the goal of reaching fifty thousand words, or completing the equivalent of an entire novel.
I successfully completed the 2012 NaNoWriMo challenge but did not actually complete the book I was writing. It was about zombies.
In April and July, the NaNo group offers a "camp" where you can join to write a self-determined amount of words. This year, for the first time, I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo with the goal of finishing (or at least getting substantially on the way towards finishing) several of my works in progress, which are all romances. My goal is thirty thousand words towards this worthy, if somewhat amorphous, accomplishment. I kid myself that my publishers are eagerly awaiting these works but really, in the world of writing, you are your first (and often only) motivator. So I am writing these romances for myself. And sometimes I go a little too easy on myself, which is why I need the kick in the pants that NaNo offers.
Unique to the Camp NaNo experience is the opportunity to join a "cabin" with other writers. You can talk to them and encourage them on their way.
I'm excited to be into my second week of Camp and so far I am on target. Fingers crossed for a successful finish.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Sale: Wild Western Weekend
All this week, my publisher Totally Bound is celebrating erotic Western romance. Their cowboy/ western titles are on sale this weekend for 0.99.
Check out the Western Weekend romance sale, including my MMF story, Hard Luck Ranch.
Check out the Western Weekend romance sale, including my MMF story, Hard Luck Ranch.
Friday, February 06, 2015
ARe Cafe article: Writing the Cowboy/ Ranch Hero
ARe Café posted a blog I wrote about Writing the Cowboy/ Rancher Hero. It discusses the difference between the archetypal cowboy and the modern romance hero, who is often actually a rancher. I also talk about my recent erotic romance historical, Hard Luck Ranch, which is currently a bestseller on my publisher Totally Bound's website.
Check out Writing the Cowboy/ Rancher Hero!
Check out Writing the Cowboy/ Rancher Hero!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Committing to a Story
Two months ago, I made a stupid promise. I responded to a query from my publisher to submit an erotic romance story to a recent submission call by saying "yes", I would write a story to fit their guidelines. That meant agreeing to write at least 10,000 words (and as much as 15,000) in a month. Was this promise feasible? Yes. Was it wise? Probably not.
You see, having published with this romance publisher many times before, I had already seen this specific submission call, thought about the theme and decided not to submit a story. You read that right. I decided against it.
I had many reasons not to write a piece for this call. First of all, I have published in several of their anthologies and thought it might not be wise to submit to too many, which might lead to a de facto rejection simply based on volume. Another thing, I wasn't too sure what the theme meant and hadn't written a lot of stories in this vein. So, unfamiliar territory.
Of course, as always, there are other calls on my time. I am currently in the middle of about a dozen erotic romance stories, many of which are clamouring to be finished. (Yes, I can hear them clamour). Plus, between work, family, and school, I already have plenty of deadlines I may or may not meet. I didn't need another one to add to my list.
So why did I agree to write this story?
The personal query flattered me. I write ménage erotic romances (among other kinds) and the idea that my editor would have thought of my other stories while reviewing this submission call made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Pandering to my ego works, people!
I agreed to submit a story, worked my ass off for weeks to draft and edit it, and finally submitted it in early October. A few weeks later, I got the news that my story was accepted for the anthology! Yay!
Bottom line: I stretched myself thin to write this story. I think it's a pretty good one, with a non-hero character I might end up using in a future tale. Because I tend to write according to mood, I often didn't feel like writing this story, but in the end I finished it and it turned out well.
Don't believe what people tell you. Writing is hard work. It isn't always up to your inclination what you write about. It was worth more to me to please my publisher, to push aside my other projects, and to finish this story. I gave up something to gain something.
When you commit to a story, what do you give up? What do you gain?
You see, having published with this romance publisher many times before, I had already seen this specific submission call, thought about the theme and decided not to submit a story. You read that right. I decided against it.
I had many reasons not to write a piece for this call. First of all, I have published in several of their anthologies and thought it might not be wise to submit to too many, which might lead to a de facto rejection simply based on volume. Another thing, I wasn't too sure what the theme meant and hadn't written a lot of stories in this vein. So, unfamiliar territory.
Of course, as always, there are other calls on my time. I am currently in the middle of about a dozen erotic romance stories, many of which are clamouring to be finished. (Yes, I can hear them clamour). Plus, between work, family, and school, I already have plenty of deadlines I may or may not meet. I didn't need another one to add to my list.
So why did I agree to write this story?
The personal query flattered me. I write ménage erotic romances (among other kinds) and the idea that my editor would have thought of my other stories while reviewing this submission call made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Pandering to my ego works, people!
I agreed to submit a story, worked my ass off for weeks to draft and edit it, and finally submitted it in early October. A few weeks later, I got the news that my story was accepted for the anthology! Yay!
Bottom line: I stretched myself thin to write this story. I think it's a pretty good one, with a non-hero character I might end up using in a future tale. Because I tend to write according to mood, I often didn't feel like writing this story, but in the end I finished it and it turned out well.
Don't believe what people tell you. Writing is hard work. It isn't always up to your inclination what you write about. It was worth more to me to please my publisher, to push aside my other projects, and to finish this story. I gave up something to gain something.
When you commit to a story, what do you give up? What do you gain?
Monday, September 22, 2014
How Many Books Do I Sell?
Okay, first of all, I'm not going to answer that question. Second of all, you can find out for yourself.
The number of books I sell every month has been steadily growing over the past year or two and rapidly growing over the last few months, due in large part because of the great reviews and general lovely reception received by my latest erotic romance novella, Hard Luck Ranch.
But where have I been cyber-stalking myself, you may ask? In case you don't already know about it, writers can keep track of their sales on Amazon (which handles a large percent of my e-book sales from my three publishers, Ellora's Cave, Crimson Romance and Totally Bound) through Novel Rank. This site's Track Novel feature allows you to copy and paste in the link to your Amazon e-book and start keeping track of how many books you sell. It also has cool tricks that let you see graphs of how many sales you've had in the past month or the last year and see how your book sales are trending.
By using Novel Rank, I've seen how much my sales of Hard Luck Ranch have outpaced my previous book launches and also how the success of it has spurred readers to pick up some of my similar titles like A Lady for Two and Country Hearts, pumping up the sales of my back list.
Let's face it, I like seeing my Amazon ranking climb -- my goal is to crack the triple digits one day -- but I also want to know what those numbers mean. I don't know how scientific Novel Rank is but it seems to give me a good idea of how I'm doing and let's me anticipate how big a royalty check's coming my way!
The number of books I sell every month has been steadily growing over the past year or two and rapidly growing over the last few months, due in large part because of the great reviews and general lovely reception received by my latest erotic romance novella, Hard Luck Ranch.
But where have I been cyber-stalking myself, you may ask? In case you don't already know about it, writers can keep track of their sales on Amazon (which handles a large percent of my e-book sales from my three publishers, Ellora's Cave, Crimson Romance and Totally Bound) through Novel Rank. This site's Track Novel feature allows you to copy and paste in the link to your Amazon e-book and start keeping track of how many books you sell. It also has cool tricks that let you see graphs of how many sales you've had in the past month or the last year and see how your book sales are trending.
By using Novel Rank, I've seen how much my sales of Hard Luck Ranch have outpaced my previous book launches and also how the success of it has spurred readers to pick up some of my similar titles like A Lady for Two and Country Hearts, pumping up the sales of my back list.
Let's face it, I like seeing my Amazon ranking climb -- my goal is to crack the triple digits one day -- but I also want to know what those numbers mean. I don't know how scientific Novel Rank is but it seems to give me a good idea of how I'm doing and let's me anticipate how big a royalty check's coming my way!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Bad Romance (Reviews)
I have to admit that the bad reviews get me down. Most of them are tinged with back-handed compliments (good sex, okay story). Others are just all out bad (although I take mean spirited pleasure in noting that these are the ones that also tend to be poorly spelled).
I enjoy a good review. The meaning of a good review has changed in recent months.
When I read a book and provide a review on Goodreads, I tend to simplify the experience. If I liked the book, I give it a four star review. If I loved it, five stars. Two or less stars means I really didn't care for it. One star pretty much means I didn't finish it, which is exceedingly rare.
Perhaps I am a generous reviewer. I don't mind. I realized long ago that I can love an infinite number (and variety) of books. My all time favourite books I tend to read and re-read regularly. They're like old friends. And you can't have enough friends.
So, back to my reviews. I know now that not everyone shares my view on books. Some reviewers never seem to hand out five stars. Others have their grading curves hovering around three instead of four or five like me. People are different. My idea of being a book lover is being fairly uncritical. If the book made me feel strongly, I usually love it. Even if it makes me sad. Especially if it makes me sad. That's the power of a book. They don't all have to evoke the same emotions or tell the same type of story. Imagine if all books did. What horror.
People like your writing or they don't. Not exactly stunning wisdom but the truth. Everyone reads, and reviews, in different ways.
I can write good sex scenes. I'll take it. I write erotic romance so giving good sex scenes is a crucial part of my craft. But I also want to tell a good story so I do read the negative reviews and try to see where I can improve.
Do I give the bad reviews too much power? Perhaps? They get me down. At least now they get me down for a few minutes when, in the beginning, I would worry about them for days.
The good reviews outweigh the bad ones, both in number and in effect. I want people to read my stories and feel something. Hopefully, something sexy.
I enjoy a good review. The meaning of a good review has changed in recent months.
When I read a book and provide a review on Goodreads, I tend to simplify the experience. If I liked the book, I give it a four star review. If I loved it, five stars. Two or less stars means I really didn't care for it. One star pretty much means I didn't finish it, which is exceedingly rare.
Perhaps I am a generous reviewer. I don't mind. I realized long ago that I can love an infinite number (and variety) of books. My all time favourite books I tend to read and re-read regularly. They're like old friends. And you can't have enough friends.
So, back to my reviews. I know now that not everyone shares my view on books. Some reviewers never seem to hand out five stars. Others have their grading curves hovering around three instead of four or five like me. People are different. My idea of being a book lover is being fairly uncritical. If the book made me feel strongly, I usually love it. Even if it makes me sad. Especially if it makes me sad. That's the power of a book. They don't all have to evoke the same emotions or tell the same type of story. Imagine if all books did. What horror.
People like your writing or they don't. Not exactly stunning wisdom but the truth. Everyone reads, and reviews, in different ways.
I can write good sex scenes. I'll take it. I write erotic romance so giving good sex scenes is a crucial part of my craft. But I also want to tell a good story so I do read the negative reviews and try to see where I can improve.
Do I give the bad reviews too much power? Perhaps? They get me down. At least now they get me down for a few minutes when, in the beginning, I would worry about them for days.
The good reviews outweigh the bad ones, both in number and in effect. I want people to read my stories and feel something. Hopefully, something sexy.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
New Historical Erotic Romance - Hard Luck Ranch
My newest erotic romance just came out from Totally Bound Publishing. It's a historical ménage story called Hard Luck Ranch and set in the Old West. It's already got a five star review!
Here's the blurb from Totally Bound's website:
When his best friend Wesley orders up a mail order bride, Everett leaves Hard Luck Ranch for good. Or so he thinks…until he realises that there may be room in their marriage for one more.
Emma came out West to marry a man she’s never met but she’s already fallen in love with Wesley through their letters. Life at his home, Hard Luck Ranch, is far better than she ever imagined with a loving husband and a prosperous farm. The only hiccup in her plans for the future is Wes’ best friend, the local sheriff Everett Montgomery, who may share more than a boyhood with her husband.
Everett is trying to drown his misery over his friend’s marriage with shots at the local saloon and sex with the local madam’s brother, Kenneth. But Ken isn’t Wes, the man Everett has loved since he was old enough to know what love was. While Everett loses himself in his heartache, he stays away from the ranch. But he doesn’t expect Emma to come out to find him—nor does he realize that she’s guessed his secret.
Emma loves her husband dearly and she wants him to be happy, even if it means sharing him with Everett. But will the sexy lawman be willing to accept her as part of the bargain?
Buy Hard Luck Ranch now!
Here's the blurb from Totally Bound's website:
When his best friend Wesley orders up a mail order bride, Everett leaves Hard Luck Ranch for good. Or so he thinks…until he realises that there may be room in their marriage for one more.
Emma came out West to marry a man she’s never met but she’s already fallen in love with Wesley through their letters. Life at his home, Hard Luck Ranch, is far better than she ever imagined with a loving husband and a prosperous farm. The only hiccup in her plans for the future is Wes’ best friend, the local sheriff Everett Montgomery, who may share more than a boyhood with her husband.
Everett is trying to drown his misery over his friend’s marriage with shots at the local saloon and sex with the local madam’s brother, Kenneth. But Ken isn’t Wes, the man Everett has loved since he was old enough to know what love was. While Everett loses himself in his heartache, he stays away from the ranch. But he doesn’t expect Emma to come out to find him—nor does he realize that she’s guessed his secret.
Emma loves her husband dearly and she wants him to be happy, even if it means sharing him with Everett. But will the sexy lawman be willing to accept her as part of the bargain?
Buy Hard Luck Ranch now!
Monday, June 16, 2014
New Erotic Romance - Rock Star
My newest erotic romance with my first publisher Totally Bound is now out. Rock Star is a older woman-younger man story revolving around the chaotic life of a young hot rock god and his conservative older lawyer.
The cover only gives a hint of the melting heat within:
And here's the blurb from my publisher (what a teaser, right?):
Hollywood lawyer Maggie Ward likes her client Finn Carter’s music but the sexy younger man is far too much trouble to actually get to know… Right?
Maggie Ward is aHollywood lawyer with a list of musician clients but none as famous as rock star Finn Carter. And he’s got the bad boy reputation to prove it. It’s no wonder every move he makes is dogged by paparazzi. So when he gets into an accident on his motorcycle and ends up in hospital, it’s splashed all over the tabloids that the car was driven by his ex-girlfriend’s new man. Finn’s manager wants him to lie low and the place he chooses is Maggie’s house.
Finn’s habit of strutting around naked is more heat than Maggie can take and when she comes home one day to find him nude in her kitchen, she finally succumbs to her wicked fantasies.
Afterwards, Maggie is more determined than ever to keep the relationship on a strictly physical level while Finn hints that he wants more. Can two such different people find more than sex in common?
Buy Rock Star now!
The cover only gives a hint of the melting heat within:
And here's the blurb from my publisher (what a teaser, right?):
Maggie Ward is a
Finn’s habit of strutting around naked is more heat than Maggie can take and when she comes home one day to find him nude in her kitchen, she finally succumbs to her wicked fantasies.
Afterwards, Maggie is more determined than ever to keep the relationship on a strictly physical level while Finn hints that he wants more. Can two such different people find more than sex in common?
Buy Rock Star now!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Happy Mother's Day, Cougars!
This Mother's Day weekend, all Sophisticate erotic romance books are on sale at Ellora's Cave. That means all their stories about younger men and older women, cougars and cubs.
The sale also includes my first publication with Ellora's Cave (my second one is forthcoming this year), Designed to Seduce.
Check the sale out!
The sale also includes my first publication with Ellora's Cave (my second one is forthcoming this year), Designed to Seduce.
Check the sale out!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
My Newest Erotic Romance: Snow Fire
My first ebook publisher has just published my newest erotic romance! Join me in a dance of joy.
This book is a bit of a departure from my usual with some genre-crossing elements. It's called Snow Fire and is available from Totally Bound Publishing. Happy reading!
This book is a bit of a departure from my usual with some genre-crossing elements. It's called Snow Fire and is available from Totally Bound Publishing. Happy reading!
Stella’s sexy adopted step-cousin Callum comes back with strange new behaviors after his trip to his birthplace in Romania, making her wonder if she ever knew him at all.
Trapped in a snowstorm up on a secluded mountain, Stella’s family vacation turns into an eerie rendezvous with her adopted cousin Callum, whose sexy and mysterious edge has started to take on a dark undertone ever since he returned from Romania. So when two strangers show up at the remote cabin, she starts to suspect that it’s more than a coincidence that the men speak Romanian and are unusually interested in her cousin.
When the generator breaks down, Stella is forced to share a bed with Callum and their simmering sexual attraction bursts into hot flames. But can Stella find out what Callum’s hiding before the storm lets up? Or will their hunger for each other end up as only a memory of a night shared in a snowbound cabin?
Buy Snow Fire now and prepare to be heated up!
Trapped in a snowstorm up on a secluded mountain, Stella’s family vacation turns into an eerie rendezvous with her adopted cousin Callum, whose sexy and mysterious edge has started to take on a dark undertone ever since he returned from Romania. So when two strangers show up at the remote cabin, she starts to suspect that it’s more than a coincidence that the men speak Romanian and are unusually interested in her cousin.
When the generator breaks down, Stella is forced to share a bed with Callum and their simmering sexual attraction bursts into hot flames. But can Stella find out what Callum’s hiding before the storm lets up? Or will their hunger for each other end up as only a memory of a night shared in a snowbound cabin?
Buy Snow Fire now and prepare to be heated up!
Monday, March 10, 2014
99 Problems (with Writing): Too Busy to Write
We all know that old excuse. Come on, say it together now...but I'm too busy to write!
Yeah, right.
I know, I don't like hearing it either. I AM busy. I swear it. But so are most of us. We're busy, yes, but not too busy for some things. Like our families. Like our jobs. Like eating and sleeping (mostly) and online shopping.
So the problem isn't really that we're too busy, full stop. It's that we're too busy to write. Too busy to carve out the time to do something that we all really love doing (or else why would you be reading my blog about writing, right?)
I love writing. I really do. I love the high you get as you watch the words tumble onto the page. I love the struggle of finding the right word or phrase or description. And I am in love with the sense of accomplishment you get from just having finished writing a few pages or even just a few lines.
So why do I (and here I mean all of us writers) sometimes put writing at the bottom of our list of priorities?
Because, deep down, we don't see writing as being as important as our jobs or our families (we're right here) or our sleep or our online shopping (or t.v. watching or whatever else we do to relax after a day of working etc.
THAT'S the real problem.
Don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer in t.v. watching (particularly if that t.v. is The Walking Dead, in which case it isn't actually relaxing to watch at all).
Yes, I'm busy...with a fairly high stress day job, my lovely family, two volunteer positions and the myriad other activities that give my life purpose and meaning. But so does writing give my life purpose and meaning...and joy and a creative outlet...need I go on?
We all love to write. In most of our cases, we need to write, the same way we need to eat and sleep and work. So trying waking up a half hour early and writing. Or carving out a half hour between sitcoms to write. Or taking a writing break instead of a lunch break at work (bring your own laptop for this purpose).
You're busy. But you're not TOO busy to write. Not if you really love it.
Yeah, right.
I know, I don't like hearing it either. I AM busy. I swear it. But so are most of us. We're busy, yes, but not too busy for some things. Like our families. Like our jobs. Like eating and sleeping (mostly) and online shopping.
So the problem isn't really that we're too busy, full stop. It's that we're too busy to write. Too busy to carve out the time to do something that we all really love doing (or else why would you be reading my blog about writing, right?)
I love writing. I really do. I love the high you get as you watch the words tumble onto the page. I love the struggle of finding the right word or phrase or description. And I am in love with the sense of accomplishment you get from just having finished writing a few pages or even just a few lines.
So why do I (and here I mean all of us writers) sometimes put writing at the bottom of our list of priorities?
Because, deep down, we don't see writing as being as important as our jobs or our families (we're right here) or our sleep or our online shopping (or t.v. watching or whatever else we do to relax after a day of working etc.
THAT'S the real problem.
Don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer in t.v. watching (particularly if that t.v. is The Walking Dead, in which case it isn't actually relaxing to watch at all).
Yes, I'm busy...with a fairly high stress day job, my lovely family, two volunteer positions and the myriad other activities that give my life purpose and meaning. But so does writing give my life purpose and meaning...and joy and a creative outlet...need I go on?
We all love to write. In most of our cases, we need to write, the same way we need to eat and sleep and work. So trying waking up a half hour early and writing. Or carving out a half hour between sitcoms to write. Or taking a writing break instead of a lunch break at work (bring your own laptop for this purpose).
You're busy. But you're not TOO busy to write. Not if you really love it.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
New Erotic Romance with Ellora's Cave
My first erotic romance story with Ellora's Cave is due out on January 15, 2014, and I am so excited.
Designed to Seduce is my first Older Woman/ Younger Man story and I think I found a great niche that I am thoroughly enjoying. The story was actually sparked by reading my first OW/YM Harlequin romance (yes, Harlequin does a few of these) years ago. The story was so hot and the characters so real that I almost forgot that it was a Harlequin (in a good way) and just got right into it.
About my story, Designed to Seduce is a contemporary with a hero and heroine with a history together. Here's the blurb from the website:
Ten years ago, Mallory agreed to her best friend Kelsey’s shocking request—to seduce Kelsey’s eighteen-year-old nephew to rescue him from a toxic girlfriend. It’s the hottest sex either of them has experienced—but Mallory’s guilt prevents her from continuing the relationship.
A decade after the incident, Mallory’s life has gone downhill. Recently divorced, she’s struggling to pay the bills and keep her small design company limping along when Jamie appears at her door—all grown up and sexier than ever.
Jamie wants the truth—why did she leave him all those years ago? Using every sexual trick in his arsenal, he plays havoc with all of Mallory’s defenses as he attempts to wrest the reason from her.
As passionate as their sexual encounters are, Mallory still refuses to reveal her secret. But how long can her body—and her heart—hold out against the all-out erotic war this hot younger man is determined to wage against her?
Designed to Seduce is my first Older Woman/ Younger Man story and I think I found a great niche that I am thoroughly enjoying. The story was actually sparked by reading my first OW/YM Harlequin romance (yes, Harlequin does a few of these) years ago. The story was so hot and the characters so real that I almost forgot that it was a Harlequin (in a good way) and just got right into it.
About my story, Designed to Seduce is a contemporary with a hero and heroine with a history together. Here's the blurb from the website:
Ten years ago, Mallory agreed to her best friend Kelsey’s shocking request—to seduce Kelsey’s eighteen-year-old nephew to rescue him from a toxic girlfriend. It’s the hottest sex either of them has experienced—but Mallory’s guilt prevents her from continuing the relationship.
A decade after the incident, Mallory’s life has gone downhill. Recently divorced, she’s struggling to pay the bills and keep her small design company limping along when Jamie appears at her door—all grown up and sexier than ever.
Jamie wants the truth—why did she leave him all those years ago? Using every sexual trick in his arsenal, he plays havoc with all of Mallory’s defenses as he attempts to wrest the reason from her.
As passionate as their sexual encounters are, Mallory still refuses to reveal her secret. But how long can her body—and her heart—hold out against the all-out erotic war this hot younger man is determined to wage against her?
Monday, January 13, 2014
New Year...Same Resolutions
Last year, I wrote about tackling the same resolutions as the year before. And this year...well, same thing.
Don't mess with a winning formula, right?
That isn't to say that I met my goals last year. I didn't. Not by a long shot. I wanted to write more, blog more and send out submissions. I wrote a lot. I blogged a little. I sent out even fewer submissions.
But end result? I published more. I got more of my erotic romance stories published in 2013 than 2012. And I hope that 2014 will offer more opportunities. At this point, I already have four stories scheduled for publication in 2014 (one is due out in a few days, my first with Ellora's Cave) and that's not too shabby.
I set huge goals. I wanted to send out 100 submissions last year and I ended up doing about ten percent of that. But I like making the big goals and I really like striving for them. Every time I chalked up a submission, I rejoiced--and that feeling was worth it.
So strive for the big goals this year. You might just make it. And if you fail, well, you'll have failed trying.
Don't mess with a winning formula, right?
That isn't to say that I met my goals last year. I didn't. Not by a long shot. I wanted to write more, blog more and send out submissions. I wrote a lot. I blogged a little. I sent out even fewer submissions.
But end result? I published more. I got more of my erotic romance stories published in 2013 than 2012. And I hope that 2014 will offer more opportunities. At this point, I already have four stories scheduled for publication in 2014 (one is due out in a few days, my first with Ellora's Cave) and that's not too shabby.
I set huge goals. I wanted to send out 100 submissions last year and I ended up doing about ten percent of that. But I like making the big goals and I really like striving for them. Every time I chalked up a submission, I rejoiced--and that feeling was worth it.
So strive for the big goals this year. You might just make it. And if you fail, well, you'll have failed trying.
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Saying No to NaNoWriMo
Excuses.
I've got a lot of them.
But at no other time of the year do they become as important as November, when it feels as though the entire world is getting their crap together and participating in NaNoWriMo.
This year, I am not doing NaNoWriMo. And, of course, I have many reasons not to, not least of which is that I was successful in "winning" at NaNoWriMo last year. Really. I even have the badge to prove it.
So here are my excuses, in no particular order (feel free to use any of these when you need a handy, all-purpose excuse):
Bottom line: I just didn't want to do it this year. Granted, I did make a belated attempt to start on November 5th but when I realized that it was already November 5th, for Pete's sake, I correctly gave up. One of my tips from last year's successful NaNoWriMo attempt was to start off strong, a piece of advice that actually arose from my failure to do this the last time.
I'm still working on my novel started during last year's NaNoWriMo. This year, during November, I am hoping to edit another novel manuscript that I shelved many months ago. As you may notice, I don't suffer from a lack of productivity. I just don't do very well with self-edits, queries and the rest of the process. I'm working on it. I promise.
So this year, I'm sitting out NaNoWriMo while the rest of you creative your Great Canadian Novels. Don't worry, I'll be back next year.
I've got a lot of them.
But at no other time of the year do they become as important as November, when it feels as though the entire world is getting their crap together and participating in NaNoWriMo.
This year, I am not doing NaNoWriMo. And, of course, I have many reasons not to, not least of which is that I was successful in "winning" at NaNoWriMo last year. Really. I even have the badge to prove it.
So here are my excuses, in no particular order (feel free to use any of these when you need a handy, all-purpose excuse):
- I'm too busy with work
- I'm too busy with school (I'm currently doing my Masters on a part-time basis)
- the weather is lousy (I live in Canada, which is not part of the excuse but more of an explanation of the weather)
- I can't pick just one writing project to concentrate on
- I've already started writing all the projects I want to for now (NaNoWriMo requires all the writing to be done from scratch, outlining is okay but not prior writing)
- the stories I'm writing (and publishing) are shorter than the 50,000 word target needed to "win" at NaNoWriMo
- I already keep track of how much I write and I write a decent amount
- I'm too tired/ lazy/ bored/ hungry
Bottom line: I just didn't want to do it this year. Granted, I did make a belated attempt to start on November 5th but when I realized that it was already November 5th, for Pete's sake, I correctly gave up. One of my tips from last year's successful NaNoWriMo attempt was to start off strong, a piece of advice that actually arose from my failure to do this the last time.
I'm still working on my novel started during last year's NaNoWriMo. This year, during November, I am hoping to edit another novel manuscript that I shelved many months ago. As you may notice, I don't suffer from a lack of productivity. I just don't do very well with self-edits, queries and the rest of the process. I'm working on it. I promise.
So this year, I'm sitting out NaNoWriMo while the rest of you creative your Great Canadian Novels. Don't worry, I'll be back next year.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Sexy Halloween Treat - New Erotic Romance
Just in time for Halloween, my new erotic romance with a witchy theme.
Buy Sudden Storm by Nan Comargue from the Totally Bound website:
Camilla Ferrar is a witch with the power to control the weather, but she's completely unprepared for the storm her new boss, Damien Barthe, unleashes in her life…and on her senses.
Camilla 'Cam' Ferrar has the power to control the weather, but she's all alone in the world. She's tried all her life to connect to her witch heritage by attending groups and studying the history of witchcraft. Her new boss, Damien Barthe, shows signs of being her opposite—a witch hunter. But when she confronts him, she finds out that he's actually a witch himself, and on a mission to seek out and neutralise those who are using Wiccan powers for evil purposes.
Damien's mission has brought him to Cam's workplace and she knows that once he's done his job, he will be on his way, but that doesn't stop her from falling for her sexy new boss. Tensions are ratcheted when she's forced to lay off employees due to the recent merger with Damien's company. When one man takes it particular poorly, he starts stalking her…leaving Damien to come to the rescue just as Cam begins to manipulate the weather in her own defence.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Cam and Damien head back to her place and finish what they had started but never completed before—a night of wild witchery and sex.
With his mission over, will Damien walk out of her life the next morning, or will their explosive connection finally conquer the storm?
Buy Sudden Storm by Nan Comargue from the Totally Bound website:
Camilla Ferrar is a witch with the power to control the weather, but she's completely unprepared for the storm her new boss, Damien Barthe, unleashes in her life…and on her senses.
Camilla 'Cam' Ferrar has the power to control the weather, but she's all alone in the world. She's tried all her life to connect to her witch heritage by attending groups and studying the history of witchcraft. Her new boss, Damien Barthe, shows signs of being her opposite—a witch hunter. But when she confronts him, she finds out that he's actually a witch himself, and on a mission to seek out and neutralise those who are using Wiccan powers for evil purposes.
Damien's mission has brought him to Cam's workplace and she knows that once he's done his job, he will be on his way, but that doesn't stop her from falling for her sexy new boss. Tensions are ratcheted when she's forced to lay off employees due to the recent merger with Damien's company. When one man takes it particular poorly, he starts stalking her…leaving Damien to come to the rescue just as Cam begins to manipulate the weather in her own defence.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Cam and Damien head back to her place and finish what they had started but never completed before—a night of wild witchery and sex.
With his mission over, will Damien walk out of her life the next morning, or will their explosive connection finally conquer the storm?
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Totally Bound Publisher Website Revamp
(Note: I say current erotic romance publisher because I am published in contemporary romance with Crimson Romance and I have recently signed a contract for publication of a new erotic romance story with another publisher, which I am very excited about...but more on that later).
I checked out the website for Totally Bound and was pleasantly surprised by the look and layout, which are smart and clean. As you can probably tell from this blog, I appreciate the uncluttered look...or try to.
Check out the new Totally Bound website and maybe buy a book or two. I promise they will be hot!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Friday, August 30, 2013
Today's Release: At Your Service - In Print
Do you crave the tactile connection of a beautiful physical book? I have to admit that, although I primarily publish my erotic romances in e-book form, I do enjoy a good real-life physical book.
If you're like me, then check out today's new release from Total-e-Bound: the At Your Service, domestic servant-themed erotic romance anthology, now in print!
Go ahead, curl up in the tub with a book you don't have to worry about dropping in the bubble bath. And what else you do in the tub is strictly your business ;)
If you're like me, then check out today's new release from Total-e-Bound: the At Your Service, domestic servant-themed erotic romance anthology, now in print!
Go ahead, curl up in the tub with a book you don't have to worry about dropping in the bubble bath. And what else you do in the tub is strictly your business ;)
Monday, August 12, 2013
Interviews with Female First and Sexy Excerpt
Lately, I've been lucky enough to give interviews to Lucy Walsh from Female First, a great U.K. general interest women's website.
Last month, I was talking about The Gamble, my sexy billionaire release with lots of hot Las Vegas action.
This month, I was exploring my focus on ménage themed erotic romance and A Lady for Two, my first erotic historical, now available from my publisher Total-E-Bound.
Oh, and did I mention the steaming hot excerpt that's up on their website? Check it out now. Strictly adult and strictly NSFW.
Enjoy!
Last month, I was talking about The Gamble, my sexy billionaire release with lots of hot Las Vegas action.
This month, I was exploring my focus on ménage themed erotic romance and A Lady for Two, my first erotic historical, now available from my publisher Total-E-Bound.
Oh, and did I mention the steaming hot excerpt that's up on their website? Check it out now. Strictly adult and strictly NSFW.
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 01, 2013
New Historical Erotic Romance Now Out! - A Lady for Two
My newest erotic romance story is available now from Total-E-Bound publishing! A Lady for Two is a historical ménage story. And I think the cover is one of the loveliest I've ever seen...
Aristocratic couple, Charles and Lise Hessell, enjoy bringing other men into their sexual play, but their marriage is hollow until handsome Luke Holden arrives in the village. After three years of marriage to Charles Hessell, the last son of an old aristocratic family, Lise thought she knew everything about him. But when Luke Holden walks into their lives, and into her home, she realises that Charles has been hiding a past that included this sexy stranger. Although the two men now hate each other, Charles is forced to employ Luke as his overseer when his former property manager absconds. The situation offers intriguing possibilities. Lise has dallied with servants before, with her husband’s blessing, but this new arrangement would mean an emotional commitment that she does not know if she could contemplate. With Lise’s sly interventions, the two men are able to make up their own quarrel and when Lise catches them kissing passionately, she realises that she has fallen in love with both men. But is there room in their pairing for her?
Buy A Lady for Two now!
Aristocratic couple, Charles and Lise Hessell, enjoy bringing other men into their sexual play, but their marriage is hollow until handsome Luke Holden arrives in the village. After three years of marriage to Charles Hessell, the last son of an old aristocratic family, Lise thought she knew everything about him. But when Luke Holden walks into their lives, and into her home, she realises that Charles has been hiding a past that included this sexy stranger. Although the two men now hate each other, Charles is forced to employ Luke as his overseer when his former property manager absconds. The situation offers intriguing possibilities. Lise has dallied with servants before, with her husband’s blessing, but this new arrangement would mean an emotional commitment that she does not know if she could contemplate. With Lise’s sly interventions, the two men are able to make up their own quarrel and when Lise catches them kissing passionately, she realises that she has fallen in love with both men. But is there room in their pairing for her?
Buy A Lady for Two now!
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