Courtesy of Flickr User Ben Gun |
Let books be the bridge to a wonderful new realm of possibilities. ~Phoenix Johnson, From Ashes to Page
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tantalising Tuesday - Last for 2014!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Lots of changes to come!
Right now, I have to hop back to organising this launch, since I'm back to studying tomorrow. But I can't wait to share with you all my progress!
New Year’s Blog Hop - 2014/15
My apologies for joining in late!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Tantalizing Tuesdays - Merry Christmas!
Image courtesy of Flickr user Jennifer hall |
I've thrown a little extra 25% in for you all. Merry Christmas ;) Don't forget that a little naughty can be very nice indeed!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Flash Fiction Friday
To check out other Flashes, follow this link!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Thursday Taster
Inspiration for Arabella: Rachelle Lefevre |
Inspiration for Silas: Matt Bomer |
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Tantalizing Tuesday
Courtesy of Flickr User BLACKDEAMON ...By Elika |
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Getting on the soap box
Browsing through my personal Facebook newsfeed, I saw an article from Upworthy. Well, I see quite a few articles from UpWorthy and I do share them to try and get whichever worthwhile topic the article is about, out further into the world. The one I saw today was no different. It inspired outrage that this is happening, I shared, and was about to move on, happy that I had done my part.
Except I don't feel that it's enough anymore. Sure, I could donate to charities that support these causes. If I was made of money. There are countless causes out there, how do I decide which ones are more worthy? As a woman, I'm drawn to ones for domestic violence, sex slave trade, breast, ovarian and other typically female cancers. As an animal love, I'm drawn to all causes that are against animal trade, fur trade, ivory trade (the UpWorthy article that sparked this soap box episode of today), animal abuse, puppy mills, hunting endangered animals. As a parent, I'm drawn to those against child abuse, child sex trade, children sickness and, a big one for my family, infant and pregnancy loss organisations. And these are just some of the many worthwhile causes. It's impossible to choose.
My point in this post is this: with so many charities and causes out there, what can we do to help? We can flip a coin, or follow our heart and donate to ones we choose. We can join marches, volunteer for charity organisations, participate in things like Shave or Colour for a Cure, Movember, Red Nose Day, World Morning Tea Day, etc. All of these help us feel good, that we've done our part. But what we mostly need to do is research and make sure that what we are doing is actually making a difference. A lot of charities, the bigger ones usually, keep a large portion of donations made to line their own pockets. We need to make sure that our money is getting where it needs to go, and not to an organisation that is taking more than is required to keep it running. While I understand that it's a lot of hard work to keep a charity going, I don't think it's right for those running the charities to be living on hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, while only a small portion of the money giving to that charity for their cause actually reaches the target. It's high time that those who are running the charities remembered what is actually important: the cause. Take a large pay cut, down to a reasonable amount, and make sure the money is going to where it is actually needed!
Of course, that's not to say people should stop donating, or stop signing petitions or sharing to their social media followers. Keep it up! It all does help. The more you can do the better, of course. I'm hoping to get fit enough to be able to do a run in the latter half of next year to raise money for Bears of Hope or a related charity close to my heart.
I hope I got my point across. To actually make a difference, do more than just click "share". Do whatever you can do to make that cause get out there. We can make the world a better place.
*steps down from soap box*
Friday, December 12, 2014
Flash Fiction Friday
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Thursday Taster - Jeannie's Cowboys
Courtesy of Flickr user masterdesigner |
Her heart soared at the admission of returned attraction. Now she had to take the next step to bring her hot dreams into reality. “Chris is a good looking guy, too, you know. I know guys don’t notice each other, but you’re both very attractive.” She fought to keep her voice steady and casual, but found herself rushing as she voiced her dreams. “In fact, I’ve had some interesting dreams of you both. At the same time.” The thought of the dreams made her warm all over, and she was sure that her panties would be soaked.
The silence from Tyler had her biting her lip with worry, concerned she had offended the man she had been enamored with for quite a few years. “At the same time, you say?” he finally asked, his voice slightly husky. “In a particular location?” They were at the door to his little apartment and the look in his eyes when she finally dared to glance up told her that he was far from offended. She shook her head, excited to think that he was interested in fulfilling the dreams that plagued her almost every night. “Well then, maybe you should come tell us both some more about these dreams and see what we can do about them.”
He opened the door and motioned for her to enter first, although he made sure she had to brush against him as she walked past. She breathed in the smell of salt and horse and a soft moan escaped her lips. It was a smell that she had always loved, the musky tang wreaking havoc on her sense of self control. Jeannie couldn’t hear the shower running but movement in the bedroom made her realize that Chris would be getting dressed.
A sudden urge grabbed hold of her, and with a wicked glance back at Tyler, she strode into the bedroom, not bothering to knock. Chris, only wearing a towel, turned around to face her, surprised but excited by the intrusion. He held the towel closed, which disappointed her, but the rash urge that had taken hold of her moments earlier had yet to relinquish its control. Jeannie quickly closed the distance between them and she could see the growing attraction in his eyes. She grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him down to her level, and boldly kissed him. He barely hesitated and his kiss back was deep, hot and passionate.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Cover Reveal for Amy Lynn Garcia's Dark Thief
Series: The Two Sides of Me
Author: Amy Lynn Garcia
I can feel his ankles brushing against my own. And then I hear a click, what the hell? He’s taking pictures of me! I jump and flip to my back opening my eyes to Evan towering over me with an enormous professional looking camera.
“What the hell Evan? I’m naked!” “I’m well aware baby now close your eyes and relax, I want some of this side.” “Evan! No!” It’s then that I look at my arms, and then propping up I see my legs, hell every inch of me! I’m covered in his signature! Evan Lawson is scrawled across my skin in various sizes but the same name over and over, delicate looking font in some places and bold in others. He’s claimed me, quite literally.
Shocked and confused, mouth agape I look up at him as he stands there awaiting my cooperation. “Close your mouth baby, a bird might…” I cut him off “Evan! Why…why is your name…everywhere?” I lift my arms as if to show him what he’s done. “Because you are mine.” “And you couldn’t think of a better way to show that?” “No, I like you covered in my autograph and I’m taking you out tonight to Dominus for dinner and drinks. I know all too well how my customers gawk and I don’t want anyone’s lustful eyes on you.” I think my mouth is hanging even wider if that’s possible.
He wants me to go out like this, covered in his signature, so that no one will look at me. Ok, he’s totally lost it, I’m not going anywhere like this. “Uh uh, no way, I can’t go out all marked up like this!” “Lay down Mia I want to get a few more shots.”
I am Amy Lynn Garcia, daughter, sister, cousin, mother, nurse, and grandma...no..no...call me Mimi I'm too young to be a grandma, writer and friend. We are all something to someone, and I love all the hats I wear in my life. I was born in 1969 which is where I lay blame to my compulsion to write erotica and romance, wink. That makes me...uh...yea 45, no way really? My mind is still very young but not naive I've seen a lot and experienced more, you may think I don't know what's going on but be assured this Mama knows what's up! I enjoy creating characters that have something people can relate to, who are real, addictive and intriguing. Love has always been a desire just out of my reach, as it is for many people. I believe that is what draws me into stories with superb happily ever afters. I want to connect with people on that level, let them know they aren't alone, that love can triumph over all, we all long for that special one that takes our breath away.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Tantalising Tuesday
Courtesy of DeviantArt user Sandara |
For other participating authors, follow this link!
Monday, November 24, 2014
Winter Heat Blog Hop - Take care this holiday season
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Cranberries and Spice Giveaway - Seasons Greetings and Help Each Other
Courtesy of Flickr user Chiaralily |
I especially feel lucky, not just for having my small family, but for my writing family. I know I can always count on help of some sort from one or more of my writing family. And writing itself is something I can always turn to. The publishing community, as a whole, is a great society to be part of. As with any group, there are those only out for themselves, who do play dirty or won't do a thing to help their fellow authors, seeing them only as competition. That's quite sad, and I've unfortunately come across quite a few. However, overall, I've found it to be such a wonderful community to be part of. Blog hops like this serve all who get involved. It's a network of authors, often not all know each other, linking their blogs to help support each other. And with the holidays coming up, what is just fun for some, is deeply meaningful to others.
Participate in the Rafflecopter to win yourself one of my titles. 2 of each to giveaway! |
May you have a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Blessed Saturnalia, Happy Yule, and a joyous festive season, whatever way you choose to celebrate. Stay wicked and naughty in the right ways, and I hope to see you all again!
To see who else is participating in the Cranberries and Spice Giveaway, check out the link here! There are loads of awesome giveaways from 44 authors, including myself.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Flash Fiction Friday
Royce rubbed his eyes and winced, forgetting the salt on his hands from the sea water. His head pounded, his throat was dry and he had no idea how he’d ended up at the beach in just his boxers, with costume angel wings on his back. The last thing he remembered was having drinks with his mates the night before at his bachelor’s party.
“Morning, handsome!” He recognised the voice of his soon-to-be-dead best man. Royce glanced up, instantly regretting it as he heard the shutter of a camera.
“James, you’re in deep shit as soon as this hangover’s gone!”
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Thursday Taster
Stay tuned for news on the impending cover reveal, and release date!
For other Thursday Tasters, check out these authors!
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Angelica Dawson: http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com/
Doris O'Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
DK ffrench: http://ffrenchkissing.blogspot.co.uk/
Naomi Shaw: http://www.eroticfantasies.weebly.com/blog
Dariel Raye - http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Tantalising Tuesday #2 18/11/2014
1 chosen image. 200 words. That simple. To read other Tantalising Tuesday Teasers, follow this link.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Tamara |
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Flash Fiction Friday
1 picture prompt. 100 word flash fiction. Several authors participating. Check the others out here.
The morning light drifted through the window. She stood there, wearing a simple satin slip that left little to the imagination, soaking up the early morning rays. He was supposed to come home last night. She'd stayed up all night waiting, anxiety growing each time her calls went to voicemail. This was not like him.
Cars honked in the street below, commuters on their way to work. Laughter drifted up to her, but it sounded wicked this morning. This twisted, unusual morning.
A hesitant knock at her door set her heart pounding. She knew what the door was hiding; Death.
Thursday Taster
As soon as the door was closed, she pushed Antonio’s back to it, pressing against him and picking up where they’d left off downstairs. Their kiss was deep and hot, no longer slow and soft as desire was unleashed. He cupped her breasts through the dress and Katia moaned. Antonio then grabbed hold of the clips keeping the dress together and slowly unclasped each one until the dress was open and it could slide down to the floor, leaving her standing in only panties, stockings and her heeled boots. She loved his hands on her hips, now pushing her gently and turning her until it was her back against the wall.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tantalising Tuesday
An innocent pom pom flower? No... |
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Courtesy of Flickr user Natala Menezes |
I will try to get back to a routine, though I feel bad for slipping only the second week back I had a complete brain-fog, and the only thing I didn't forget was my study. So bear with me while I shake off this fog and get back into routine!
To make it up to you, here's a nice song to bop along to. It certainly perks me up!
Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
About the Author: Sunshine, surf and family are the corner stone of Nicky’s world. Being born and raised on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia gave her the opportunity to chase her dream of photography and later novel writing. She fell in love with fantasy and dystopian and crafted stories with strong men and powerful women. Her debut novel Destinata will be released on October 15, 2014 with several short stories following. Her second novel is set to release November 6 and is being published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. When she is not busy being an author, you will find her walking along the water with her husband or chasing after her two children.
To find out more about Nicole L Daffurn you can head to one of her numerous social media sites, or contact Bitten Press for more information.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Nicole-L Daffurn/240965966096004
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickyLouise28
Wordpress: https://nickylouiseloveslife.wordpress.com/
Website: http://ndaffurn.wix.com/nicoledaffurn
Author Central: amazon.com/author/nicoledaffurn
Bitten Press: http://www.bitten-press.com/
And don't forget to check out the trailer here!
Friday, October 10, 2014
The difficulties of bad non-romantic relationships
Courtesy of Flickr user Ares Nguyen |
That's something I've been asking myself quite a lot lately. Those around me know that it's been a tough 14 months, sometimes made more difficult by some of the people in my life. I'm a very private person, in that I keep the deeper concerns and pains close to my chest, and very few people ever really know what's really going on. So I can't expect that people will be mind readers to know that now is not a good time, or that I want some peace, or anything else. However there are some things that are really never called for. And it's people who don't get that other people do have their own lives and problems, sometimes worse, yet they have to constantly bug other people with their own, often petty problems. Or those who know how much a friend wants something and can't currently have it for whatever reason (I'm talking not just material items, but things that are important to them for deeper reasons), and will rub it in that they do have it, or can have it if they felt like it. I mean, seriously. That's just not cool. Especially if the friend you're doing that do is having a really rough time.
Courtesy of Flickr user Giedrius |
grin and bear it until you are sure of coming out unscathed? What about if it's family? Could you easily cut ties with a family member that is always making everyone's lives their business and turning every issue around to be about them? It's easy enough to say to someone in a bad relationship (not romantic, but familial or friendly) to get that person out of their lives. But when you're on the outside, you don't know the underlying issues that can prevent someone from removing a stressful person from their lives.
So what do you do when it's someone you care about in a bad non-romantic relationship? Well, having been in bad non-romantic relationships myself, as well as being friends with people who are/have been, I can tell you this; sometimes intervention is needed, to convince your friend that it is necessary to cut ties. Other
times, when there are deeper reasons, then you support them when they're frustrated and give them a shoulder to cry on, without judgement, until it is feasible for the bad relationship to end.
Courtesy of Flickr user Kim Manley Ort |
non-romantic alike. There are many nuances and levels that can make it difficult to cut someone out of your life. So if you have a friend who is in such a relationship, and there are good reasons for them to not have cut ties just yet, then please, don't walk away just yet. Be the good friend that they need so they have the support when the bad relationship does end.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Getting to know my fellow authors
1. When did you know writing was what you wanted to do?
I think I realized back in high school that I loved to write and create, but it never occurred to me as a career choice. A wonderful high school teacher told me I’d make a great writer and I thought she had to be kidding. Years later, she attended my first book launch, and it was wonderful.
I always wrote in one way or another, poetry, short essays. I wrote my first “real” story as an adult based on a TV series I loved, and that began a 20 year stint as a fan fiction writer, so it’s always been there in one way or another.
2. What do you draw inspiration from? Any from your everyday life?
Inspiration for me comes from everywhere and everyone. Songs, movies, overheard conversations, images I see. I collect images that speak to me, so you can well imagine the files I have in various folders. I think as writers we draw on everything that touches us in some way, good, bad, agonizing hurts, it all plays a part in the way we craft emotions into words and stories for readers.
3. What has been your favourite moment since becoming an author?
I don’t really know if there is a favourite moment. I know it was pretty awesome to see my name on a posted announced as the guest author at signings and stuff like that always makes you feel a bit in awe. Mostly though I think it’s about connecting with readers. I remember the very first review I read, it was a five star from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, and I was just beside myself I was so pleased. Special memories are attached to just about all work that is special to the author in some way.
4. Your least favourite moment? (not necessary if you don't have one, or feel it's too negative/personal)
Least favourite moment has to be the first time I realized my books were being pirated. That didn’t happen until last year, and it’s been an on-going battle ever since. Bad reviews are easy to toss off, theft of your work isn’t so easy to dismiss, at least initially. I’ve reached a point where I pretty much ignore it now. It would be a full-time job for a team of people to keep up with all of it. The other moment that will always be with me is the first time an author attacked me publicly and hunted me all over the internet to rip me apart because I wouldn’t respond to him. Oddly, other authors from that same publishing house took it upon themselves to do the same thing when I refused to “join” them on their crusade against the publishing house. I expect it could be the same again with another of my current publishers.
5. What is one book/series you could read over and over?
Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, and Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series. Both are exceptional, inventive, engaging stories, beautifully told. Lori Foster’s Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor is another set that I love.
6. Is there any genre outside of your "comfort zone" that you would like to try to write?
None that I can think of, except possibly hard core science fiction. I just don’t have the imagination for it, and I’m in awe of those who do. I can write fantasy worlds, I just feel very lacking in the knowledge to craft good science fiction.
7. What is your biggest goal for your writing?
These days the biggest goal is to actually write again. I’ve spent most of the past year learning and studying, so there have been few new works. I’ve got several wonderful new books all plotted and outlined and I’m just dying to get back to writing. I have at least two contracts to fulfill on the older stories, then I can look ahead and start over with fresh perspective.
8. What are some everyday challenges you have to contend with when writing?
For me the on-going and ever-present challenge is time. Just finding the time to write is a nightmare some days. I’m a caregiver for an aging parent who is entering early stages of dementia. I never know what’s going to happen next, and the demands are endless. There’s not really an hour of the day that I’m not jumping up to do something for her.
9. And of course where can we find you and your writing?
I’m all over the place, so here’s a list of the main links:
Website • Mobile website • Fantasy Pages (general) • Bound by Passion (adult content) • Newsletter • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • LinkedIn •Tumblr • Google+ • Romance and Fantasy Google+ Page • Amazon Author Page • Smashwords • Barnes & Noble • Kobo Books • ARe Romance Books • Sensual Treats Magazine • Random Acts of Sex and Romance • Instagram • MySpace • Google+
Thanks so much for the very interesting interview, Phoenix!
Blessings to all,
Denysé
"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."
** Preditors & Editors Best Author 2012-2013 **
http://www.denysebridger.com
http://www.denysebridger.weebly.com
Saturday, October 4, 2014
A little something different and special...
Image Courtesy of Facebook Page I Am A Mother To An Angel, and member Katie Meadows for this image. |
What many people don't know is that October is also Pregnancy and Infant/Child Loss Awareness Month. We didn't know about it ourselves until last year, and so now October has a double meaning for us.
So for this month, The Naughty Pages will be Pink and Blue, to raise awareness for both causes. Please spread the awareness of both causes this month. Too many families lose children each day, and too few people are aware of just how common it is. I was surprised to learn just how many people I knew who have lost a child, all of them during pregnancy. It is something that is still a taboo topic in society. We need to break that silence. So please, help me spread the word! And for people who have social media accounts, I challenge you to change your profile picture to something pink and blue to show your support!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Taboo or Not Taboo? That is the question.
However it has seen society begin to accept erotica and an openness about sex. Women brag about reading it; people openly buy it from large displays in shopping centres, and gift it to their loved ones; I’m fairly certain it has come up in numerous book clubs, and there is an endless stream of FSOG fan pages, forums, groups and fan fiction. It has made erotica an exciting new trend. According to an article from “The Guardian” in May last year, FSOG boosted book sales overall, and actually got people reading anything and everything, erotica included. It seems the books awoke an insatiable hunger previously left severely unattended, thanks to society’s view that, according to an article in The New York Times, women shouldn’t enjoy porn. FSOG allowed women to openly read and discuss sex.
I know of many authors who write erotica whose sales benefited greatly from the booming popularity that is “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Whether they like it or not, the book was a heaven send. But most of them have been writing erotica and erotic romance for years. Not me.
Almost ten years later, I not only have a new circle of friends with whom I proudly discuss elements of erotic writing, but I’ve published two erotic titles with numerous others to follow, all ranging in focus on erotic elements. And yet it still feels stigmatized. I write under a pen name and I avoid talking with the other parents at my daughter’s school in case the topic of what I write comes up. Why? Why should I care if they know what I write?
Because writing about sex still has a stigma. It is still considered taboo, and those who write about it are still looked upon as perverted deviants. Fellow authors of erotica have met negative reactions, often to the extreme, from friends and family upon revealing what they write. From husbands and children reacting with disgusted shock, downright wondering what happened to the person they thought they knew, to in-laws attempting to turn other family members against the author, it is understandable when some authors keep their writing lives a complete secret, let alone the subject they write about.
My own mother supports my writing, but will skip over those scenes altogether. My sisters and aunts are completely supportive, even encouraging, as they know that, despite the stigma, erotic reading is currently very popular, and although I found that an awkward conversation to start off with, I love the support I have from my middle-aged aunts. I’m unsure about what the rest of my family, however. It’s still not a topic I’ll broach with my father, and my grandmother was telling people I write children stories. Ummmm, Nanna? No, please don’t tell people that! That had my cousin just about wetting himself with laughter, at least. So while I’m lucky, for the most part, in having a supportive, or blissfully oblivious family, I still have to fight back a cringe when I talk to people about what I write. I know that there are people who will judge. Those with whom I’ve discussed my “writing for adults”, as I so diplomatically refer to it, have reacted with interest; sometimes forced out of politeness, sometimes genuine intrigue. Yet I wait for the other shoe to drop; surely not everyone I mention it to will be so positive, right? It sounds silly, but I am waiting for the day my confession is met with outright disgust. It’s bound to happen.
That thought fills me with a mix of fear and nonchalance. The dominant feeling changes from moment to moment, and depends on how confident I’m feeling at the time. I know I’m a writer, though, and my characters tell me how much detail they want splashed on the pages. It isn’t my fault that sometimes they’re bold and comfortable with their sexuality; that’s not a quality I possess. I personally think that sexual relations belong between a couple, but I also believe that the story isn’t mine to tell, it isn’t mine to censor. So I’ll happily write the words, whether they’re words of horror, terror, erotic or humorous. I’m certainly not going to judge what my characters want to tell me. But I’m left wondering, why is it that, even with the obsession that is FSOG, authors who write about sex are still often reluctant to admit what they write? Those who write horror or about torture, rape, or serial murder in graphic details are bold. Stephen King has made his living off the macabre. The Saw movie franchise, with its grotesque torture