Some days it seems people are willing to share everything. I do mean everything from their yearly visit to the ob/gyn straight through to politics, religion and their sex lives. I've read the post and skimmed the blogs and discovered there are some things I never needed to know. Such as the exact nature of how your doctor does his testing behind that closed door. Yikes, I may be a female, but I still don't need to share your every discovery.
So here's my random and pretty useless list of things I never want to see blogged about or on.
#1 Exactly what goes on behind your doctor's closed door. Leave us some mystery and our lunch.
#2 Politics. Yes, I am very well aware that America is a free country and founded on the principals of free speech. Yes, this is really happening with romance writers and their blogs. I don't get it. You want to ditch talking about your latest release or work in progress to trash a member of Congress, health care issues or whatever? Readers of your blog aren't interested in your political views, they are interested in how alpha you can make your hero or when your next book will be out or even better how hot you can make them sweat with your next love scene. Leave political opinions off your blog and everyone will be much happier. There's a time and place for everything and unless you're a political writer it has no place on your blog.
#3 Other authors, editors or publishers unless it's flattering don't tempt it. Some people forget that whatever we sent out into cyber space is never lost and available to general public anytime. Careless comments have a way of biting our butts when we least expect it. E-mails written to a friend in private can sometimes end up public fodder. I've seen and read many examples of writers venting in a letter to a trust friend, things they'd never say in a public forum. With one wrong click of the mouse or a carelessly typed address that venting has turned to bashing and there's no way to stop it, take it back or delete it. It's forever out there in cyber space waiting for just the wrong person to read it and start the cycle all over again. Be safe instead of sorry, keep your e-mails friendly and saving the trashing and bashing for your cell phone. After all, no one is perfect and we all need a stress outlet from time to time. Just remember to speak it, not type it and your butt and other body parts will be safe from any further chewing.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
multitasking
In some ways, I'm great at multitasking. I can actually watch TV and do complex needlepoint at the same time. Or read a book and have a conversation with my husband at the same time.
Some days I recline on the deck dreaming of new books or casually flip through some research material. I may even wonder what's happening with my writing career? Why the *!@$ isn't anything happening?
OK, now is not one of those times. Now EVERYTHING is happening, so I've learned to multitask. I'm trying to write a rough draft for a series my publisher is doing. It's due the end of October. While waiting for edits to come back on my currently contracted book, I started resurrecting an old manuscript, doing lots of polishing and researching. By the time I got really into it, guess what? The edits came back. And painful as it was, I had to put aside the project I was really into.
And the rough draft? I'll be lucky if I even remember my characters' names, much less their arcs. Oh, wait. That's right. I haven't even gotten around to naming them yet. (The heroine is not too happy about rolling in the hay with a guy who doesn't know her name.)
When writing was a hobby, I only worked on one book at a time and I polished to my heart's content until I was ready to let it loose. Now I have to keep all those plots and characters divided in my mind like sections of a grapefruit. I have file folders on the desk, on the floor, and in my tote bag. Thank goodness for file folders.
As long as I keep working, I may not finish anything but at least I'll get something done.
Afton Locke
www.aftonlocke.com
Unlock your darkest fantasies and brightest dreams...
Some days I recline on the deck dreaming of new books or casually flip through some research material. I may even wonder what's happening with my writing career? Why the *!@$ isn't anything happening?
OK, now is not one of those times. Now EVERYTHING is happening, so I've learned to multitask. I'm trying to write a rough draft for a series my publisher is doing. It's due the end of October. While waiting for edits to come back on my currently contracted book, I started resurrecting an old manuscript, doing lots of polishing and researching. By the time I got really into it, guess what? The edits came back. And painful as it was, I had to put aside the project I was really into.
And the rough draft? I'll be lucky if I even remember my characters' names, much less their arcs. Oh, wait. That's right. I haven't even gotten around to naming them yet. (The heroine is not too happy about rolling in the hay with a guy who doesn't know her name.)
When writing was a hobby, I only worked on one book at a time and I polished to my heart's content until I was ready to let it loose. Now I have to keep all those plots and characters divided in my mind like sections of a grapefruit. I have file folders on the desk, on the floor, and in my tote bag. Thank goodness for file folders.
As long as I keep working, I may not finish anything but at least I'll get something done.
Afton Locke
www.aftonlocke.com
Unlock your darkest fantasies and brightest dreams...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Interview With "Sexy Games" Heroine, Stacy Newman
Last month I interviewed Sloane Hoffman, hero in April Ash's newest erotic romance book, "Sexy Games". This month I thought I'd get the heroine's perspective so contacted Stacy Newman.
Q: Stacy, I'll be asking you some of the same questions I asked Sloane. To start things off, what made you decide to test games for the Naughty Games Company?
A: I thought about it for a long time. And my friend, Lorraine, kept pushing me to accept a "Game Testing" invitation. I walked into the main office ready to test a game, and hopefully find a way to "push" my own game idea.
Q: So, if Sloane wasn't going to be your partner, you would have tested games with someone else?
A: (Stacy turns bright red). Uh, that's tough to answer. I'd told Lorraine that my partner would have to be someone I knew, but I was relieved to see Sloane there. (she frowns) Actually, I was still mad at him but my hormones starting rampaging the minute I saw him. I'm not sure I would have said I'd test games with someone else.
Q: What game did you enjoy the most?
A: (A big grin crosses Stacy's face) Definitely has to be the Nerdy Professor and the Stripper. Wow. He was so needy and naive, and I...I mean Lola...got to teach him everything. I kinda enjoyed dressing up in that costumes, although I did have to practice walking in those five-inch heels and gyrating so the tassels of my pasties would twirl. Got to dance but without a pole!
Q: How about the Sheik and Bride-to-be scenario?
A: He looked so yummy in that costume. I got to dance in that one, too. And once my character, Fatima, gave into her own lusty feelings, things progressed quickly. (She leans in closer to me) And, I loved that edible Jasmine oil!
Q: I understand you found creative ways to have sex on your "off" night from testing games. Tell me about that.
A: (Stacy laughs) We weren't supposed to have sex on our "off" nights, but managed to satisfy our hunger for sex. You know, "telling" each other what to do or what you're doing or just watching each other satisfy your own needs sends each partner into overdrive, climax and sexual release. We couldn't touch, but had a great time!
Q: I heard a rumor about you two in a movie theatre. So...
A: Uh. I don't think we should talk about that. I mean, being in public and... No, let's have another question.
Q: Hmm. I think we're missing something about your escapade in the movies but we'll move on. Tell me about the last role-playing game you played..."The Lady and Her Butler".
A: (Stacy relaxes) Nice one, except that Sloane seemed distant and bothered by something, although he played his role perfectly. I enjoyed being the novice virgin and made sure I learned quickly as my role card suggested. Got to get in a bathtub with Sloane and enjoyed the bubbles popping around us.
Q: Trouble between you two developed. Tell us about those.
A: Uh, every romance has something or someone blocking their path. (Stacy shrugs her shoulders) Ours was no different. You'll have to read the book to find out what almost kept us apart.
Q: Anything else we should know about you or the book?
A: I had a great time playing the games and get to keep the costumes...for future use. Read the book and find out how we played games...and spent our "off" time...and what things almost separated us forever.
You can get more information about "Sexy Games" by April Ash at www.aprilash.net. In the "My Books" section you can read a blurb and click on a notation under the blurb to read three excerpts...one for each role-playing scenario. "Sexy Games" is available at:
http://www.ellorascave.com/pm-7393-441-sexy-games.aspx
Also, visit www.mariannestephens.net for information on my mainstream romance books.
Q: Stacy, I'll be asking you some of the same questions I asked Sloane. To start things off, what made you decide to test games for the Naughty Games Company?
A: I thought about it for a long time. And my friend, Lorraine, kept pushing me to accept a "Game Testing" invitation. I walked into the main office ready to test a game, and hopefully find a way to "push" my own game idea.
Q: So, if Sloane wasn't going to be your partner, you would have tested games with someone else?
A: (Stacy turns bright red). Uh, that's tough to answer. I'd told Lorraine that my partner would have to be someone I knew, but I was relieved to see Sloane there. (she frowns) Actually, I was still mad at him but my hormones starting rampaging the minute I saw him. I'm not sure I would have said I'd test games with someone else.
Q: What game did you enjoy the most?
A: (A big grin crosses Stacy's face) Definitely has to be the Nerdy Professor and the Stripper. Wow. He was so needy and naive, and I...I mean Lola...got to teach him everything. I kinda enjoyed dressing up in that costumes, although I did have to practice walking in those five-inch heels and gyrating so the tassels of my pasties would twirl. Got to dance but without a pole!
Q: How about the Sheik and Bride-to-be scenario?
A: He looked so yummy in that costume. I got to dance in that one, too. And once my character, Fatima, gave into her own lusty feelings, things progressed quickly. (She leans in closer to me) And, I loved that edible Jasmine oil!
Q: I understand you found creative ways to have sex on your "off" night from testing games. Tell me about that.
A: (Stacy laughs) We weren't supposed to have sex on our "off" nights, but managed to satisfy our hunger for sex. You know, "telling" each other what to do or what you're doing or just watching each other satisfy your own needs sends each partner into overdrive, climax and sexual release. We couldn't touch, but had a great time!
Q: I heard a rumor about you two in a movie theatre. So...
A: Uh. I don't think we should talk about that. I mean, being in public and... No, let's have another question.
Q: Hmm. I think we're missing something about your escapade in the movies but we'll move on. Tell me about the last role-playing game you played..."The Lady and Her Butler".
A: (Stacy relaxes) Nice one, except that Sloane seemed distant and bothered by something, although he played his role perfectly. I enjoyed being the novice virgin and made sure I learned quickly as my role card suggested. Got to get in a bathtub with Sloane and enjoyed the bubbles popping around us.
Q: Trouble between you two developed. Tell us about those.
A: Uh, every romance has something or someone blocking their path. (Stacy shrugs her shoulders) Ours was no different. You'll have to read the book to find out what almost kept us apart.
Q: Anything else we should know about you or the book?
A: I had a great time playing the games and get to keep the costumes...for future use. Read the book and find out how we played games...and spent our "off" time...and what things almost separated us forever.
You can get more information about "Sexy Games" by April Ash at www.aprilash.net. In the "My Books" section you can read a blurb and click on a notation under the blurb to read three excerpts...one for each role-playing scenario. "Sexy Games" is available at:
http://www.ellorascave.com/pm-7393-441-sexy-games.aspx
Also, visit www.mariannestephens.net for information on my mainstream romance books.
Monday, September 7, 2009
An interesting dream, or what would you do?
I started drafting this blog yesterday about the common complaints of a writer. Too many things to do and not enough time. There are so many things I never have time to get around to doing. I could do webmail all day, but then I'd never write. And I could write all day, but then I'd shut myself off from friends, and of course the everlasting promo.
I didn't really expect the promo bit when I was focused in on being published. Now fourteen books later I'm juggling my time like a circus clown. That's was enough venting, but if any of you have ideas to help, what promo works the best, etc. do let me know. AARRRGHHHH!
Guess I was feeling unusually frustrated, and then last night I had an interesting dream. My current hero (Jono in 'Quest for Magic', book 5 in the Songs of the Mages series)) is undergoing an emotional awakening so maybe that's what triggered it. In my dream a good friend of mine and I had gone to a second hand shop looking for a desk for her. I love second hand shops, by the way. We found a lovely little desk and loaded it in her car somehow. Don't know quite how. Maybe it was a station wagon, but I not only dislike them but have a bad back that should have made me of no help. I'm not loading anything when awake! Anyway we got it to her place, carried it to her office and she left me to do something or other. This is a dream, remember. They can be short on logical details if you want them to be. While she was gone I was cleaning out the desk for her and found an old coin wedged in the back of one of the drawers. Don't ask my everybody else had missed it, this is still a dream. I knew enough about old British coins to know this was an exceptionally valuable gold pound piece. Worth beaucoup bucks. (I don't know much about them at all, but again, this is MY dream, so don't quibble.)
Anyway I stood there looking at it, wondering who it belonged to? Me? My friend?
The consignment shop owner? Doubtful, but if we reported it to her would she track down the former owner or pocket it? The former owner? The desk was old enough it probably had several owners. Which one do you pick?
Finders keepers doesn't seem quite right here. Or does it?
Some dreams are fun....
I didn't really expect the promo bit when I was focused in on being published. Now fourteen books later I'm juggling my time like a circus clown. That's was enough venting, but if any of you have ideas to help, what promo works the best, etc. do let me know. AARRRGHHHH!
Guess I was feeling unusually frustrated, and then last night I had an interesting dream. My current hero (Jono in 'Quest for Magic', book 5 in the Songs of the Mages series)) is undergoing an emotional awakening so maybe that's what triggered it. In my dream a good friend of mine and I had gone to a second hand shop looking for a desk for her. I love second hand shops, by the way. We found a lovely little desk and loaded it in her car somehow. Don't know quite how. Maybe it was a station wagon, but I not only dislike them but have a bad back that should have made me of no help. I'm not loading anything when awake! Anyway we got it to her place, carried it to her office and she left me to do something or other. This is a dream, remember. They can be short on logical details if you want them to be. While she was gone I was cleaning out the desk for her and found an old coin wedged in the back of one of the drawers. Don't ask my everybody else had missed it, this is still a dream. I knew enough about old British coins to know this was an exceptionally valuable gold pound piece. Worth beaucoup bucks. (I don't know much about them at all, but again, this is MY dream, so don't quibble.)
Anyway I stood there looking at it, wondering who it belonged to? Me? My friend?
The consignment shop owner? Doubtful, but if we reported it to her would she track down the former owner or pocket it? The former owner? The desk was old enough it probably had several owners. Which one do you pick?
Finders keepers doesn't seem quite right here. Or does it?
Some dreams are fun....
Friday, September 4, 2009
Memories
I'm going to start this post with a couple of quotes, because while these quotes didn't inspire Lost Memories, the book I have coming out this month, it does fit the idea which inspired the book. What would it feel like to lose a chunk of memories?
Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door. ~Saul Bellow
Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years
As for the heroine of Lost Memories, Honie, she's desperate to find a way to regain those memories and feelings. She feels lost and disconnected without the memories taken from her.
Did I mention that it releases on September Sixteenth? And that this is it's awesome cover.
Lost Memories Blurb:
Honie is trying to regain the lost pieces of her memory. Escorting a small group of shifters, she finds her mate among the crew and is torn between desire and fury. She can’t deny her body aches for his, but doesn’t know if she can forgive him for leaving her.
Mace believed his mate was dead and is elated she’s alive. He’s determined to break through her anger and uses the journey to reestablish the bond between them. If his words can’t soothe her anger, maybe a little hot sex will help.
Sparks fly between them and searing glances become heated caresses and sated sighs. But their mission takes them into danger and they’ll have to trust each other to survive.
Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door. ~Saul Bellow
Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years
As for the heroine of Lost Memories, Honie, she's desperate to find a way to regain those memories and feelings. She feels lost and disconnected without the memories taken from her.
Did I mention that it releases on September Sixteenth? And that this is it's awesome cover.
Lost Memories Blurb:
Honie is trying to regain the lost pieces of her memory. Escorting a small group of shifters, she finds her mate among the crew and is torn between desire and fury. She can’t deny her body aches for his, but doesn’t know if she can forgive him for leaving her.
Mace believed his mate was dead and is elated she’s alive. He’s determined to break through her anger and uses the journey to reestablish the bond between them. If his words can’t soothe her anger, maybe a little hot sex will help.
Sparks fly between them and searing glances become heated caresses and sated sighs. But their mission takes them into danger and they’ll have to trust each other to survive.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Lost in the Ether
My original !st of the month post failed to materialise, so you may be wondering what the heck I'm rambling about in my 'WHY' coda.
I was recounting the story of a woman who had asked for a Tarot reading last Sunday. To cut a long story short, she was unhappy with her life. Her husband of 20 years (and father of her five children) was having affairs, and wasn't there for her.
Needless to say, the cards just told her to get her act together, decide what she wanted to do, and do it (though not in those terms!).
But once a doormat... I'd like to think she went home and really thought about things, and acted on them. I'll never know.
But so many of the people who ask for readings are desperate for solutions. Once they might have confided in a family member, a friend, or pastor. Now they come to a stranger and a set of cardboard rectangles. It's very sad, and an indictment on our society.
What happened to the Empoyerment of Women?
I was recounting the story of a woman who had asked for a Tarot reading last Sunday. To cut a long story short, she was unhappy with her life. Her husband of 20 years (and father of her five children) was having affairs, and wasn't there for her.
Needless to say, the cards just told her to get her act together, decide what she wanted to do, and do it (though not in those terms!).
But once a doormat... I'd like to think she went home and really thought about things, and acted on them. I'll never know.
But so many of the people who ask for readings are desperate for solutions. Once they might have confided in a family member, a friend, or pastor. Now they come to a stranger and a set of cardboard rectangles. It's very sad, and an indictment on our society.
What happened to the Empoyerment of Women?
WHY!
A coda to my last blog, if you will allow -- a survey published today says that a third of teenage girls are or have been abused by their boyfriends. A THIRD!!! And the abuse ranges from bullying through intimidation to rape. What is happening here? This is a whole new generation of battered wives...
It's a very worrying trend. What happened to the New Man? Are we, as romance writers, closing our eyes to the awful truth/ What do you think?
It's a very worrying trend. What happened to the New Man? Are we, as romance writers, closing our eyes to the awful truth/ What do you think?
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