Showing posts with label ARe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARe. Show all posts

Monday, September 19, 2016

Release Day Blast~'Coming In Hot'~Paramedical meets Paranormal~@sexymuffywilson @ginakincade #Romance #RPBP #ASMSG

NEW RELEASE!!!!


or 
Select Your Preferred Store Here
***BRAND NEW & EXCLUSIVE***
Don't forget to add to your *want to read* list on Goodreads:https://goo.gl/kDTJ5L
Coming In Hot Paranormal & Contemporary Medical Romance Boxed Set: Paramedical meets paranormal: Shifters, Werewolves, Vampires, and More!
Paramedical meets paranormal in this steamy set filled with doctors, nurses, paramedics, shifters, werewolves, vampires, and more!
Get a dose of romance, STAT!





Featuring NYT, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling authors, we're Coming In Hot with paranormal to contemporary, and sizzling to seductive bedside manners by the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and more in this boxed set.




~Read Spotlight Interviews~






~Sample Titles in 'Coming in Hot'~

Click The Title 
Saving Reese by Penelope Silva
Reclaiming His Mate Rebekah R. Ganiere
Sinfully Mine Tierney O'Malley
Sex Is The Best Medicine by Kathleen Grieve
Bad Medicine by Red L. Jameson
On Her High Horse by Lucy Felthouse
Blood Bio-Med by Elvira Bathory
On Call by Bethany Shaw
Sanctuary by Xandra James
Healing Hearts by Muffy Wilson
Save Me by Lucy Leroux
Joy's Edge by D. F. Krieger
Sweet Ruin by K.N. Lee
Love Down Under by Chanta Rand
Waking Up Wolf by Erzabet Bishop
Vital Signs Amy Lee Burgess
Burn Deep by Elianne Adams
Operation Twilight by Josie Jax
Sexual Healing by Izzy Szyn

Get Your Boxed Set for this price for a 

Limited Time!!!

Select Your Preferred Store Here
***BRAND NEW & EXCLUSIVE***
Don't forget to add to your *want to read* list on Goodreads:https://goo.gl/kDTJ5L



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Special Halloween Promo with the fantastic J. S. Morbius

Title: For The Love Of Leon
Author: J.S. Morbius
Date of Release: October 31st 2013
Genre: Gay Male Fiction
Format: Available in all eBook formats

Buy Link: Naughty Nights Press (available now)
Available Soon From: All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Amazon Ca | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble
Blurb:
Leon wanted the same thing everyone else wants: a loving relationship lasting beyond a few weeks. All he’d ever been able to find, however, was a few weeks hot on sex, but cold on romance. The day he walks into the local pub and sees a newcomer sitting by the window, he hopes his luck is about to change.

As he and Simon spend time together, Leon realizes not everything is as perfect as he’d thought it would be. Experiencing love also means experiencing the ups and downs of a new relationship.

When Simon tells Leon they need to talk, Leon is forced to wonder... is he going to be unlucky in love yet again?

Chapter One
Sitting in the park enjoying the scorching sun, my attention was drawn to the couples there. Lying around, walking hand in hand, they were everywhere. I found myself wishing life had been kind enough to grant me a relationship like theirs. It wasn’t as though I hadn’t tried to have something like that in my life. I’d done everything to find the right person and settle down. But they had all been meaningless, intense passion and nothing else, fizzling out after months, sometimes weeks. Try as I might, no one I had ever met seemed to want to commit to a long-term relationship. Don’t get me wrong, the sex was fucking great, always the star of a relationship, but some nights I would have liked someone to go out with. A meal, the cinema, or even a concert, and then home like a loving couple. Someone who didn’t just want to fuck, but someone who liked to kiss and cuddle, someone to wake up with and make breakfast for.
Just watching the crowds started to get me down and I stood up, making my way out of the park, aimlessly wandering to anywhere I didn’t have to stare at all the happiness around me. Staring in shop windows at fancy designer gear I could easily afford, but had no reason to own, pissed me off even more. I made my way to a small bar by the river I knew wouldn’t be over-crowded with more couples.
Once there, I ordered a pint and sat outside by the river’s edge, just watching the barges trundle by and the handful of fisherman desperately trying to outdo each other with their catches. Smiling to myself, I felt a lot more relaxed than I had at the park and as the afternoon drew toward evening, I started to think about the long walk back through town to my apartment. I knew I couldn’t put it off, even though I would happily have stayed where I was, watching the world drift by forever. I drained my glass and headed back into the bar. As I leaned over to set my empty pint on the counter, I saw him, sitting alone by one of the windows. Suddenly leaving seemed like the last thing I wanted to do. I situated myself on a barstool, ordered a coke, and tried not to look like I was watching him, only glancing over every now and again.
I guessed him to be around thirtyish, half a dozen years or so younger than me, and I was instantly drawn to how impeccably dressed he was. Unlike a lot of the males in my town, he wasn’t in torn jeans, combat-style trousers, or t-shirt. Instead, he was wearing black dress trousers, a light blue long-sleeved shirt which was unbuttoned at the neck, and well polished shoes.
Not only was his dress nice, but the way he looked was as well. Slightly tanned, shaved with just a hint of light brown stubble, and neatly styled, not too long or too short, brown hair. A small, gold sovereign ring adorned his left little finger, and a diamond earring sat in his left earlobe.
As I watched him, I noticed he never turned to face the rest of the pub. He kept his eyes firmly on the window as though waiting for someone, sipping from his glass.
Now although where I lived was classed as a city, it wasn't much bigger than a large town. Every time someone new appeared, they always drew attention. This man was no different, I noticed, for I wasn’t the only person keeping a close eye on him.
On the opposite side of the bar were a group of the local, so called, ‘hard’ men. They were also keeping their eye on this new stranger and seeing as I knew them as well as I did, I knew their reason would be totally different from mine.
For a few minutes I continued to shift my gaze between the stranger and the thugs, and as they stood up to leave, I decided I had a decision to make. I could either let the man leave, knowing full well the thugs would be waiting for him to step outside the pub, or I could go over, introduce myself, offer to buy him a drink, and maybe get to know him.
Keeping my eye on the man to make sure he didn’t just get up and leave, I called the barman over.
“Get me another coke please, and whatever he’s drinking.”
“Are you sure? He’s having double scotch.”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
I paid for the drinks and took both glasses over to where the stranger was sitting.
“Hope you don’t mind, but I saw you alone and got you another,” I said, placing the scotch on the table.
“Oh thanks, that’s very kind of you.”
“Well, you’re new in town and I just thought it would be nice for someone to welcome you.”
“Don’t get too many places like that nowadays.”
“I know, but I remember what it was like when I first moved here,” I told him. “My name’s Leon by the way.”
“I’m Simon, but you can call me Si. Won’t you join me?”
“Thank you,” I said, sitting on the small stool by the table opposite Si. “So are you just passing through?”
“Hopefully I’m going to buy a place, if the property prices here aren’t as outlandish as the last two towns I looked in.”
“I guess that depends on what you are looking for.”
“Ideally a two bedroom apartment, or house if possible.”
“There’s a fair few of those at the other end of town,” I told him. “Is it for just you, or do you have a family that will be joining you once you have found a place?”
“Just me. I have no family.”
“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” I replied, lowering my head, slightly embarrassed at my clumsy attempt to find out more about him.
“No need to apologize, you weren't to know.” He lifted his hand to wave away my apology. For the next few minutes the two of us sat there sipping our drinks, when Si finally broke the silence.
“So tell me, Leon, what do you do around here? My guess is there’s not much in the way of employment to be had.”
“No there isn’t, but I’m lucky enough to work from home as a graphic artist.”
“Wish I could work from home. Mind you, I wish I had a home, but it’s too late to find something now, I guess.”
“I wouldn’t say that. You did happen to choose the one place in town that does bed and breakfast.”
“Ah well that’s lucky then! Would you give me a moment to get set up?”
I watched Si walk over to the bar and begin chatting with the barman. I found myself staring intently at his muscular physique and firm ass, hoping, praying he was gay and wondering what my chances would be with him if he was.
“Thanks for letting me know. He only had one room left,” He sat back down, draining his glass.
“No worries.”
“So, apart from saying you wanted to give me a warm welcome to your small town, what was the real reason for buying a stranger a drink?”
“No other reason,” I lied. I couldn’t tell him the truth, not now that he was thinking of moving to the town. I wanted him to feel welcome, not frightened off by potential danger from local thugs.
“Well maybe I can return the favor another day,” Si smiled. “How about tomorrow? I’ll buy you lunch.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t, but I want to.”
Being asked to lunch by the hottest guy I had seen for ages seemed too good to be true, and I felt my cheeks begin to flush with embarrassment.
“Okay what time?” I mumbled under my breath before repeating myself a lot clearer.
“Why don’t you meet me here about one? Gives me time to have a look around at property.”
“One it is then,” I said, then drained my glass. “Anyway, I better go and let you get settled. Besides, I have a design I have to finish tonight.”
“Oh okay, see you tomorrow then,” Si replied sullenly, and I was sure I could see a look of disappointment in his eyes at the thought of me leaving. But work was work, bills had to be paid, and anyway the date for the next day was arranged and by now I knew the thugs would have finally given up waiting, calling it a night as well. As I stood up, Si offered me his hand and I gave it a gentle shake instantly noticing how soft his skin was. I turned and headed out into the night, a slight smile on my face. If he does hang around I am definitely going to get to know him a lot better, I thought. I walked past where the group of thugs had been hanging out, the cigarette butts and discarded beer cans giving them away, and I continued toward my place.

Author Bio:
Julez S. Morbius is the pseudonym of an engaged father to nine children, four of his own and five step-children. He is also partially disabled, having been born with a neurological condition that has caused his nervous system to deteriorate over the years and finds writing to be the way to express his feelings and fantasies.
Having been writing for less than five years, his first release was “Star Search”, was published by Naughty Nights Press (NNP) in November 2011. This was followed by an appearance in the gay male anthology, “The Boy’s Club”, also published by NNP, where he has further books released.
Julez now considers writing to be his main occupation, and continues to write, mainly in gay male, transgender, and cross dressing genres.
You can find out more about Julez S. Morbius at his blog, Morbius’s World
You will also find excerpts of previous unpublished works, information on current works in progress, release dates and book cover images.

Bringing Love and Romance
To The
Third Sex!

Visit Julez S. Morbius at these places:

Monday, April 1, 2013

Promo Monday with Kameron Brook and Dirk Tylor

Today I have a very special promo as writing duo Kameron and Dirk join me on The Naughty Pages. So, let's take it away and find out more about these two delights. 

Hello, Dirk and Kam, and a very warm welcome to The Naughty Pages. I’m thrilled to have you here
today to discuss your writing.

(Kam) Thank you. We are happy to be here as well!!

~So tell me, what specifically do you write?


(Kam) Thank you. We are happy to be here as well!!

~So tell me, what specifically do you write?


(Kam) We write erotic short stories, which cater to a variety of readers – gay, lesbian, and straight.

~What type of writer are you; do you plot it out or, like myself, are you a pantser?

(Kam) For the most part, we simply think of an idea, type, and go. Rarely will we plan anything out. However, if there is a certain event one of us wants added to a section of a WIP, we will leave a note on the MS to insert it at a specific location.

~Why did you first take up the pen, so to speak?

(Kam) Dirk and I enjoyed sharing our fantasies with each other so much we decided to share them with our FB fans. After much positive feedback, we decided to submit. Dirk was first to get picked up. I followed close behind him a couple months later.
Delightful! No one better than your fans to decide if it's any good or not!

~Did you always know you would write? Or are you a newbie to the craft?

(Kam) I’ve always loved sharing my thoughts, feeling, and ideas with people. I’m glad that I was picked up, we both were. Because of it, many more people can enjoy our erotic minds and adventures.

~You write specific genres, do you find them enjoyable to read as well?

(Kam) If I didn’t, I wouldn’t write the genre. I believe you must like to read what you write. Don’t you agree? J
I absolutely do! You'll find my shelves stacked with paranormal goodies!

~As a writer, who is an idol of yours? ~Is it the same person for you as a reader? If not, who is your favourite author to read?

(Kam) There are many authors that I follow. They keep me motivated. Plus, they are just fun to read. Top ten favorite authors: Christine Feehan, Cheyenne McCray, James Patterson, Maggie Shayne, Lora Leigh, Pamela Palmer, JR Ward, Keri Authur, Lara Adrian, Kresley Cole, and Gena Showalter.
Some familiar names in there!

~Are there any shoutouts you’d like to make?

(Kam) I want to thank everyone who has read one or all our stories. It still amazes me anyone has picked one up and to know they have and enjoyed them, mind-boggling. For those who haven’t yet, give us a chance. I know you won’t be disappointed. We are like Lay’s potato chips ---addictive!
I do know what you mean. If it wasn't for the fans, we'd be writing entirely for ourselves. To write for both is always a pleasure.
Thank you both for your time, it was a pleasure getting to know you, and all the best for your writing!


Bio: Kameron and Dirk, a passionate couple in and out of the bedroom, has decided to join forces and bring their erotic imagination to life with words. Their solo stories are electric; however, the works they create together will practically sizzle off the page. Yes, they might live in a quiet suburb neighborhood, but they’re anything but tame and unadventurous. A fact you shall read and learn about soon enough. 

Contact info:
Blog: http://www.dirkandkam.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/DirkandKam
Goodreads' links: 
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5781386.Kameron_Brook
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5120666.Dirk_Tyler

Amazon Author Pages:
http://amazon.com/author/kameronbrook
http://www.amazon.com/Dirk-Tyler/e/B00A8IDHMC/


Kam and Dirk collaboration – “Sinfully Delicious” (Latest release)
Christine's been without a man for far too long, so she lets her BFF Jasmine talk her into speed-dating. Unfortunately, far too many of her dates are romantic non-starters -- in the worst way. But all it takes is one... and when the right man comes along, he's Sinfully Delicious.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1996
Goodreads Link

Dreams Really Do Come True - Kam & Dirk
Angi didn't plan on sleeping with her co-worker. She was still getting over a failed relationship. However after a night of movies, and too much wine, Angi passed out and then the most vivid dreams occurred. When she woke, she didn't fight the spark brewing all night. Angi took the initiative and made her dreams come to life.

Buy From: [kindle]
Goodreads Link

Welcome to the Neighborhood - Kam & Dirk
Whit and Miguel are happy together, but when Meaghan moves in next door they decide they'd like to add a third to their household.

Buy From: [kindle] • [nook] • [changeling] • [ARe]
Goodreads Link

New Beginnings - Dirk & Kam
Eileen and Mitch have a happy marriage, but they've decided it's time to spice things up. Ashley and Travis seem like the perfect match.

Buy From: [kindle] • [nook] • [changeling] • [ARe]
Goodreads Link

Girls' Night Out - Kameron Brook
Emily's never been the daring type. Nor the kind of woman who does public displays of affection. But Neeka's order awakens the thrill-seeker hidden deep inside. For three long weeks, Emily has kept her crush on Neeka a secret. Tonight she's going to act out her fantasies and claim the woman of her dreams.

Buy From: [kindle] • [nook] • [changeling] • [ARe] • [kobo]
Goodreads Link


Voyeur - Dirk Tyler
After a long day at a business conference, Nate meets Jay over drinks. Then Brooke, Nate's wife, gives him a devilish idea. What happens next is beyond anything Nate could have imagined. Brooke's sexy, playful mind sets the stage for an encounter Nate and Jay will never forget.

Buy From: [kindle] • [nook] • [changeling] • [ARe]
Goodreads Link



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Mid Week Promo with Victoria Black

So I was supposed to host Victoria on a previous Monday and it completely slipped my mind. I don't know how, that's just how my mind is right now. So, with my tail between my legs so to speak, I'm hosting her promo today, so take it away Victoria!


Heavenly Revenge by Victoria Black

An erotic, romantic fantasy

Thank you so much, Phoenix, for letting me talk about my newest e-book, Heavenly Revenge, which was released Secret Cravings Publishers on 31st January.

I love revenge stories. Any time I see "revenge" in a romance title, I'm there. It's not because I'm cruel. It's because I love the yummy conflict the revenge scenario creates. Then there's the whole enemy/attraction scenario. Oh Yum Yum.

Needless to say, both of these delicious premises are central to Heavenly Revenge.

So for an little wee appetiser (Blurb, if we're going to be all authorish):

Revenge can be cold and cruel.

When Rose dies before her time, two sweet, old angels send her on a mission to save another world. The angels worry she will be no match for the land's strong and handsome king. However Rose has learned a bitter lesson courtesy of her unfaithful and very ex boyfriend. She is strong too.

But when the lovely Rose meets King Andrejs, she has a sweet battle on her hands. He believes she is an enemy spy who has learned a secret that may affect the outcome of the war raging between his kingdom and the land to the north. It is against Andrejs' code to hurt a woman.

But, as both he and Rose discover, revenge doesn't have to be cold or cruel. Revenge can be hot and very pleasurable indeed.

And, for the entree, otherwise known as an excerpt, I decided to keep with the food theme and head toward the end of the story, where my couple is getting on a little better. Might be because I'm hungry. Or it might be I just like this bit:

Time for a taste of that domination he'd promised her. He bit back a laugh as he foresaw her indignant reaction. "This is where you need to realize you’re in my power. You like what I'm doing to you, don’t you?"

"Yes! And will you stop talk—"

"But I don’t choose to continue. I want my fruit to have a different flavor." With one hand pressing down on her leg, and using the strength of his body to hold down her other one, he enjoyed once more this view of Rose's helpless exposure.

Then he pushed some berries deep inside her with his fingers. Holding her legs apart, he again dipped his head. This time he licked as far as he could inside her. “Yes, such a different flavor your lovely cunt gives the fruit. Since you seem to be something of a gourmet, I wish you could try it, but right now, I’m not sure how it could be done."

She giggled.

You can purchase Heavenly Revenge from Secret Cravings, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookstrand and ARe.
Check out Victoria's Website and Facebook page.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Promo Monday with Angelica Dawson's Writing Exploits

Angelica Dawson has two titles with Naughty Nights Press. She is one of four authors contributing to the third Campus Sexploits Anthology. Her solo credit, and the story that still fills her writing time, is Blue Moon House, a BDSM house run by vampires. They require absolute obedience and absolute secrecy. The first book features Julia, who is trying to convince the other vampires of the house to agree to her Master's request to keep her and turn her into a vampire.

The vampires of Blue Moon House are typical: they drink blood and are vulnerable to fire, but they have a few tweaks as well. They can stand the sun for short periods, but are harmed by long exposure. They also have a mysterious element in their saliva that acts as a potent aphrodisiac. You want to be bitten by these bad boys (and girls). 

After writing Blue Moon House and meeting all the vampires, Angelica took on the mission of writing a story for each one. Teasers of these are featured on her blog on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To get a sample of her writing, she has offered the following excerpt, but you can also read flash fiction weekly on her blog, particularly Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 


Excerpt

Pressing Julia’s face to the bed, Sophia’s hand came down hard, making Julia wince at the stinging. Then there was burning as Sophia’s teeth broke the skin of Julia’s left buttock. Another spank and another bite.

“Tell me you are prepared,” Sophia demanded.

“I-I am,” Julia stammered. Harry had instructed her to take extra iron and over-hydrate in anticipation of being fed upon this weekend. She expected Sophia wouldn’t be the only one to bite her. All these bites were quick though, small blood loss. Julia was sure the purpose was to put Sophia’s saliva into the wounds. It had an aphrodisiac effect, making Julia start to sway her hips as she became hotter and wetter. Sophia indulged her, fingers stirring her pussy only to stop and spank her again for several minutes, long enough for the edge of pleasure to recede into pain. Then Sophia would bite again and start fondling.

The spanking was followed by a more thorough fucking, and then by a flogging. Most recently Sophia had used a wand, vibrating Julia to orgasm. Julia was covered in sweat, shuddering. Her legs collapsed, and Sophia’s hands alone kept her from falling down. She replaced the wand with a new toy, a rabbit, held inside her by a harness. Sophia turned on the settings and held Julia’s legs as the toy began to rotate and vibrate. When Julia clenched and the toy jarred, slowing its turning, Sophia’s eyebrows raised. However, as soon as Julia relaxed at all the straps pulled it back in. Julia bit her tongue, pulled against the ropes on her arms, screamed freely, but the toy didn’t budge, didn’t cease. After a while, Sophia turned up the setting.

Sophia’s blue eyes filled Julia’s swimming vision. Her last command had been to look at her. Her throat was hoarse from screaming in pleasure, in pain; her chest was heaving with the effort of her vaginal contractions, pulling her diaphragm, her thighs; all of her was consumed by the continued climax. Julia whimpered, licking her lips, her mouth dry.

“There you are,” Sophia murmured and the grinding suddenly stopped.

Purchase Links
Blue Moon House:

Campus Sexploits 3:

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hump Day Hook Special

This week, I'm doing something different. I'm posting not only a hook from my own work, Once Bitten Twice Shy (sequel to The Wolf In The Neighborhood), I'm also posting a hook from Valkyrie Slumbering by  Lilly VanHorn. So you get double the fun, and double the authors! I do hope you enjoy, and don't forget to check out the other authors participating in Hump Day Hook!

Once Bitten Twice Shy:

Derek awoke the next morning in a haze, the previous night patches of blurred color and thumping noise. A vivid dream had woken him, a dream of old times in England with Aubree. He had dreamt of one of the many times they had gone on a pub crawl, to come stumbling home in the early hours of the morning and land in bed, hot and heavy. They would always wrestle over who was on top, but she would always win. The dream left him with such intense feelings, he swore he could still feel Aubree riding him. As his eyes fluttered open, shock rippled through him, to be swiftly replaced by the fury of the Wolf at the sense of betrayal. It wasn’t just a dream; she had taken advantage of his deep slumber to satisfy her own needs at his expense.
“Oh my god!” A loud exclamation by the door chased away the last of the cobwebs and shock. Krissy was standing in the door frame, the look on her face matching his own feeling of shock and betrayal. A roar exploded from within as the Wolf fought to break free and take its revenge upon this despicable female daring to take her own pleasure from this flesh promised to his Alpha female.


Valkyrie Slumbering:

GrĂ­m straightens and closes my fingers tight around the few precious coins I hold. “Well then, I have two horses. Ye may ride with me,” he says as he bows his head low, his long lashes sweeping dramatically.
It is just as likely that he wants someone to warm his furs at night as it is that he truly wants to assist me. And Odin help me, that thought isn’t at all unpleasant. But distractions are dangerous. Regardless, horseless and nearly copperless as I am, I am in no position to refuse him. “I couldn’t impose upon you,” I insist, not wanting to seem too easy.
“Nonsense. We half-elves should stick together,” he insists.
For several moments I stare deep into his startling blue eyes, searching for something in their depths. All I see is honesty and mirth. Deep down, I realize, I’m not ready to let him out of my sight. Finally, I ask in a guarded tone, “What would you require in return?”


Steamy nights in ancient Iceland, a search for vengeance, and creatures from Midgard complicating the whole matter. Rich in Viking lore, this fantasy novella will appeal to those who enjoy romance, fantasy, and erotica.

You can find Valkyrie Slumbering at the following locations:

Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

You can find Lilly VanHorn at the following locations:

Blog / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest


Of course, you should all know where to find me, plenty of links here to buy and follow, but let me know if you're having trouble finding any links!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Author Chat Friday rehash


Ok, much like I began my first Author Chat with an apology, so too do I start this one. This time, due to unfortunate life circumstances, Delena Silverfox, who was scheduled to post today, will be unable to do so. And due to my own life circumstances, I lack time to write up an all new post. 

So I'm once again sharing my post on the importance of a good relationship between publisher and author. I'm also including snippet and blurb of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, which you should all know by now has been released and has cracked Naughty Nights Press's BestSelling list after only 4 days, and remains there still!

To get on with the post, I'd love once more to discuss the important relationship between author and publisher. Something many people don't think about, either because they aren't one of either, or they are but just don't see it as quite as important. But I can tell you know, neither would be able to succeed without the other. So it's very important that an author and publisher see eye to eye, and are both willing to meet in the middle when there is an issue. If the author has an issue with the contract TALK ABOUT IT to the publisher BEFORE signing. 

(Disclaimer: I might use a fair bit of capitalisation in this post, I'm just trying to really make a point here.)

Once the contract is signed, both author and publisher are bound to THAT EXACT contract. That's it. READ IT. Make sure you know what you're signing before you sign. 

So now we've signed the contract, and maybe time is dragging a little. Keep in mind something before you go off the deep end: publishers look after MULTIPLE authors, editors, artists, and numerous other staff. Things come up (and no, they don't HAVE to tell you unless it directly involves you! Some do, though, out of COURTESY), and so instead of wasting their time with your petty tantrums, let them use that time to sort out the issues! They're humans just like you and me. 

Now you're on to the editing process. They're not there to tell you what a great job you've done in writing the story. Their sole purpose: CLEANING IT UP. Any little error, big error, gaping plothole... any issue that might be in there, it's their job to point it out to you. If you don't like it, well that's pretty much too bad. If it's something, say, like capitalisation of a word that normally isn't, (for example, in certain scenes in my Wolf Smitten series, I capitalise Wolf when referring to Derek's Wolf), then don't get shitty if they request it changed. Just leave a comment stating that it's integral. If it's a legit grammatical error or plothole, or something that is just purely difficult to believe even given whatever strange circumstance your story might be set in, LISTEN TO THEM. They're trying to get YOUR story to the best state it can be so that the readers (who PAY YOU) don't feel that they've wasted their money. They aren't your friend, they are your editor. It is important to have a good working relationship and trust with them, yes, but FIRST AND FOREMOST: they are your EDITOR. LISTEN. 

Cover artist has now done the cover. Maybe it's not quite what you thought it would be. Or maybe there's a small detail not quite right. Again: BEFORE going off the deep end, consider: is it INTEGRAL? Maybe the eye colour is wrong. In which case send a CALM message saying "whoops, Character A's eyes are actually red, not purple. Great job though!" If it's way off, for example wrong city skyline, and maybe some readers wouldn't notice but a lot would, again, send a CALM message pointing it out. If it's not absolutely integral, however (maybe the hero is standing when you wanted him to be sitting? Or he's facing left with hand on hip, but you wanted him facing right with his arms crossed), then just LEAVE IT. THEY know what sells and what doesn't. TRUST them. 

All through the process, make sure you always take a breath and THINK before sending a message. Is it IMPORTANT? Can it wait? And ALWAYS make sure you're calm and respectful. Obviously if they aren't respectful when you genuinely have been, then you might get annoyed. But don't see that as an invitation to be disrespectful back. Maybe it was just a swamped day, and they didn't have time for the usual courtesies. You don't know. Unless there are serious red flags going up, then just bear with it. Publishing companies are looking after numerous other authors, all eagerly waiting to get their book out there. But they can't all go out at once. It just doesn't work like that. 

My main points are to READ the contract, SHOW and EARN respect, BREATHE, THINK and TRUST. Not something that is easy these days, but without any trust, society is just going to go to hell. I trusted, respected and, I believe, have earned respect by breathing and thinking and not being a tantrumy, impatient toddler. And now, I am about to see that all pay off with my debut release next week. I can tell you, it is worth every single second of waiting!

Excerpt of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, get your copy HERE. And feel free to leave a review, every little bit helps!

After a few more moments of sniping from him, Krissy finally convinced Derek that a nap might help him feel better, so she helped him off the couch. He pushed away her efforts to help him to her room, stating, “I sure didn’t need the help last night; I think I can make it today,” with a wink that made her giggle. She was astounded at how well she had taken this new aspect of him in her stride. She guessed it was just the exposure to werewolf novels and movies that had her desensitized.

Once they reached her room, she directed Derek to lie on his stomach so she could try to massage out some of the knots in his shoulders, tense from the double transformation. His breath groaned out of his chest as her hands – delicate yet strong – worked out some of the bigger kinks and she felt the vibrations through his back, making her recall his groans of pleasure from last night when she clawed his back.

She frowned in silent thought, wondering whether that had been man or beast enjoying that bit of pain, before she realized Derek had fallen asleep with one last groaning sigh. Krissy smiled as she watched his face, finally peaceful and frown-free.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Author Chat Friday with Phoenix Johnson

Firstly, I want to apologise for it being a little later than normal. Today ended up a little busier than intended, or expected. But I'm here now, posting up my first Author Chat. 

To lead in to my first chat, I'd love to share some very exciting news: The Wolf in the Neighborhood has a release date! That's right, Tuesday 15th January, it will go live for purchase from Naughty Nights Press (where it's already available for pre-order!), All Romance eBooks, Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Kobo... I'm sure there are a few other places it'll be available from, but right now they're the ones I can remember off the top of my head in this stinking hot weather. Gold Coast summer!

So as part of that excitement, about the release date, not the summer bit, I'd love to discuss the important relationship between author and publisher. Something many people don't think about, either because they aren't one of either, or they are but just don't see it as quite as important. But I can tell you know, neither would be able to succeed without the other. So it's very important that an author and publisher see eye to eye, and are both willing to meet in the middle when there is an issue. If the author has an issue with the contract TALK ABOUT IT to the publisher BEFORE signing. 

(Disclaimer: I might use a fair bit of capitalisation in this post, I'm just trying to really make a point here.)

Once the contract is signed, both author and publisher are bound to THAT EXACT contract. That's it. READ IT. Make sure you know what you're signing before you sign. 

So now we've signed the contract, and maybe time is dragging a little. Keep in mind something before you go off the deep end: publishers look after MULTIPLE authors, editors, artists, and numerous other staff. Things come up (and no, they don't HAVE to tell you unless it directly involves you! Some do, though, out of COURTESY), and so instead of wasting their time with your petty tantrums, let them use that time to sort out the issues! They're humans just like you and me. 

Now you're on to the editing process. They're not there to tell you what a great job you've done in writing the story. Their sole purpose: CLEANING IT UP. Any little error, big error, gaping plothole... any issue that might be in there, it's their job to point it out to you. If you don't like it, well that's pretty much too bad. If it's something, say, like capitalisation of a word that normally isn't, (for example, in certain scenes in my Wolf Smitten series, I capitalise Wolf when referring to Derek's Wolf), then don't get shitty if they request it changed. Just leave a comment stating that it's integral. If it's a legit grammatical error or plothole, or something that is just purely difficult to believe even given whatever strange circumstance your story might be set in, LISTEN TO THEM. They're trying to get YOUR story to the best state it can be so that the readers (who PAY YOU) don't feel that they've wasted their money. They aren't your friend, they are your editor. It is important to have a good working relationship and trust with them, yes, but FIRST AND FOREMOST: they are your EDITOR. LISTEN. 

Cover artist has now done the cover. Maybe it's not quite what you thought it would be. Or maybe there's a small detail not quite right. Again: BEFORE going off the deep end, consider: is it INTEGRAL? Maybe the eye colour is wrong. In which case send a CALM message saying "whoops, Character A's eyes are actually red, not purple. Great job though!" If it's way off, for example wrong city skyline, and maybe some readers wouldn't notice but a lot would, again, send a CALM message pointing it out. If it's not absolutely integral, however (maybe the hero is standing when you wanted him to be sitting? Or he's facing left with hand on hip, but you wanted him facing right with his arms crossed), then just LEAVE IT. THEY know what sells and what doesn't. TRUST them. 

All through the process, make sure you always take a breath and THINK before sending a message. Is it IMPORTANT? Can it wait? And ALWAYS make sure you're calm and respectful. Obviously if they aren't respectful when you genuinely have been, then you might get annoyed. But don't see that as an invitation to be disrespectful back. Maybe it was just a swamped day, and they didn't have time for the usual courtesies. You don't know. Unless there are serious red flags going up, then just bear with it. Publishing companies are looking after numerous other authors, all eagerly waiting to get their book out there. But they can't all go out at once. It just doesn't work like that. 

My main points are to READ the contract, SHOW and EARN respect, BREATHE, THINK and TRUST. Not something that is easy these days, but without any trust, society is just going to go to hell. I trusted, respected and, I believe, have earned respect by breathing and thinking and not being a tantrumy, impatient toddler. And now, I am about to see that all pay off with my debut release next week. I can tell you, it is worth every single second of waiting!

Excerpt of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, RELEASE DAY 15 JANUARY 2013 Pre-order HERE

After a few more moments of sniping from him, Krissy finally convinced Derek that a nap might help him feel better, so she helped him off the couch. He pushed away her efforts to help him to her room, stating, “I sure didn’t need the help last night; I think I can make it today,” with a wink that made her giggle. She was astounded at how well she had taken this new aspect of him in her stride. She guessed it was just the exposure to werewolf novels and movies that had her desensitized.

Once they reached her room, she directed Derek to lie on his stomach so she could try to massage out some of the knots in his shoulders, tense from the double transformation. His breath groaned out of his chest as her hands – delicate yet strong – worked out some of the bigger kinks and she felt the vibrations through his back, making her recall his groans of pleasure from last night when she clawed his back.

She frowned in silent thought, wondering whether that had been man or beast enjoying that bit of pain, before she realized Derek had fallen asleep with one last groaning sigh. Krissy smiled as she watched his face, finally peaceful and frown-free.