Servants of the Muse

New Release from Lyndi Lamont

2011-08-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Deception
by Lyndi Lamont

Genres: Gay / Historical / The Arts / Series
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (20k words)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-163-1 (Electronic)
Cover art © 2011 by Trace Edward Zaber

Author's website: http://www.lyndilamont.com

Blurb:

London 1895, where men who love other men flaunt convention and risk imprisonment for "the love that dare not speak its name." Until Oscar Wilde goes on trial for gross indecency...

An anonymous and intriguing invitation leads struggling artist, Leander Frampton, into a private world of sensuality with a stranger in an elaborate black and gold costume. When the masks come off, Leander rediscovers the lover he's dreamed of for the last two months. The man who abruptly left him in the middle of the night. Now Rupert Austin has returned, inspiring Leander's art and filling him with desire. Thinking he has found both muse and patron, Leander gives all he has: his heart, his body, his talent. But Rupert is as elusive and evasive as ever, appearing and disappearing in Leander's life, with little explanation.

Forbidden passions lure Rupert Austin, an outwardly staid art importer, into a secret life where he is free to pursue his love of handsome young men. Past loss makes him shy away from involvement, but he is unable to resist Leander's talent, youthful beauty and enthusiasm. Rupert arranges for a private showing of Leander's work, but that doesn't mean he trusts Leander with all of his secrets, especially after risky public sex that could have landed them in jail.

Two very different men—one, a businessman, with a great deal to lose and a taste for secret liaisons with beautiful men, and the other a young, gifted artist who will give his all to the right man. Will deception destroy any possibility for a once-in-a-lifetime passion for these passionate lovers?

Excerpt:

...“Let’s walk on the pier,” Rupert suggested when Leander had finished his sketch. “At least it’s sheltered.”

“All right. We were lucky to have such fine weather today. It seems like it always rains on Sundays.”

Rupert laughed as Leander closed his sketchbook and slipped his pencil into his pocket. He followed Rupert to the entrance of the pier, where he paid their toll. It was warmer on the pier, thanks to the windscreen. He moved closer and brushed his arm against Rupert’s, just for a second. He envied the men and women who strolled arm-in-arm along the pier, exchanging fond glances, unaware of how it felt to be unable to do so.

“We should run away,” he said.

Rupert chuckled. “Where do you propose we go?”

Leander frowned. “I don’t know. A tropical island far from civilization?”

Rupert’s brows angled upward. “And do what? Live on fish and coconuts?”

“Why not? What’s stopping us?”

Rupert shook his head. “You spin a nice fantasy, but truth is, we’d both be bored out of our minds in a week. No theater, no books, no culture.”

“Of course,” Leander agreed, though he doubted he’d grow bored so fast. Not as long as he had Rupert and his sketchbook. He turned away and fought down his disappointment. He was in danger of falling in love with Rupert, but the feeling didn’t appear to be reciprocated.

* * *

Just before sunset, they wandered along the beach toward the old chain pier. Rupert shivered from the cold wind off the ocean. They had stopped earlier to book a hotel room, and he was ready to return, but Leander seemed reluctant to leave the beach. Still, Rupert was glad they’d come. The excursion had meant a lot to his young companion. He’d filled several pages in his sketchbook and talked of ideas for new paintings. Nature might be uncomfortable at times, but it was beautiful and inspiring.

By the time they reached the old pier, they were the only ones left on this part of the beach. The sunset had turned the sky shades of red and orange, and the timbers of the decrepit structure were silhouetted in black against the brilliant colors. “What a painting that would make.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Leander said. “I’ll get to work on it when we return to London.”

“Too bad you left your sketchbook at the hotel.”

Leander turned to face him. “It doesn’t matter. I won’t forget.”

“How can you be sure?”

Leander smiled. “I have an excellent memory. Once I’ve seen something, I can draw it down to the smallest detail.”

“Really? I had no idea.”

Leander shrugged modestly. “I’ve always been able to do that.”

“No wonder you’re such a talented artist.”

Leander grabbed his arm and steered him into the shadows under the pier. “That’s not all I’m talented at,” he whispered before grabbing Rupert’s head and pressing a kiss on his lips.

Rupert opened his mouth to protest, and Leander slid his tongue inside, tasting and exploring. Rupert groaned and kissed him back. This was madness, dangerous madness, but he was unable to resist. He wrapped his arms around Leander’s waist and pulled him closer.

“We need to stop,” Rupert gasped between kisses.

“Shut up,” Leander said before taking his mouth again.

He let one hand slide down Rupert’s torso to his waist. Before Rupert knew it, Leander was expertly unbuttoning his trousers. He tried to pull back, but Leander tightened his grip on Rupert’s neck.

Rupert’s protests were silenced by Leander’s tongue in his mouth. Rupert knew all he had to do was push the smaller man away, but his mouth and hands felt too good. For the next few minutes, he forgot how to think, how to talk, as Leander’s hand stroked and teased his prick.

“Are you going to come?”

“Yes,” Rupert groaned.

Leander fell to his knees, took Rupert’s cock in his hands and drew the tip into his mouth...

Copyright 2011 by Lyndi Lamont

buy link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Deception.html

Recipe: Brown Sugar Berry Cobbler

2011-07-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

Also known as what I made for desert tonight. =)

Unlike most cobbler recipes I've made before, this one is diverse in using different berries -- whatever you like -- and it uses brown sugar.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 to 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar, divided (depends on how sweet berries are)
2 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 3/4 pounds mixed berries (strawberries should be trimmed and halved if used)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
Rounded 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish (3-quart).

Stir together 3/4 to 1 cup brown sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add berries and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to baking dish and bake until just bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add butter and blend with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-size lumps of butter. Add milk and stir until the dough just comes together.

Remove baking dish from oven and drop 12 mounds of dough onto hot berries, spacing them evenly apart. Mix together remaining teaspoon brown sugar and granulated sugar and sprinkle all over dough. Bake the cobbler until topping is golden and feather-light, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool until warm, about 30 minutes.

Serves 6. Enjoy!

Thank you!

Isabella Jordan
http://theromancestudio.com

Conference decompression & contest

2011-06-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I’m back after a great experience at the Lori Foster Reader/Author Get Together in Cincinnati this weekend. It was wonderful to connect with readers and other authors as well as network with industry professionals such as editors and agents.

For me, a conference like this provides a rare opportunity. So many times, I feel like I’m working in a vacuum. I attend conferences a couple of times a year but the rest of the time, I work in almost solitary confinement within the walls of my home office. It’s a dream life but it can make you wonder if anyone out there is aware of your stories or cares.

That feeling also goes with the items chosen for giveaways and in promotional pursuits. I’ve tried them all over the years - magnets (nicknamed “those cheesy magnets” by me) which caused a distressing black powder to litter everything that came within 100 feet of them, sample booklets and CDs, flyers, postcards, bookmarks and pens. Most of the time, I wonder if people even look at any of these things, much less keep them.

All this stuff that can cost hundreds even thousands of dollars comes under the label of “swag.” Is the “swag” I’ve chosen clogging up the landfills? In people’s closets gathering dust-bunnies? I didn’t have an answer and mostly tried not to think about it to keep the depression at bay, especially when I come home from a conference.

Imagine my surprise then when I learned late last night of a video up on uTube that addresses and embraces the good and the bad of conference freebies. Double that surprise to learn that my unheralded pens are mentioned as well.

So, maybe I’m not laboring in obscurity after all. Watch it and then come back and post what your favorite freebie item is. Out of the posters, I will pick a winner to receive the full, untouched goody bag given to every attendee at the Lori Foster event. Let’s talk!

Conference Prep - Trixie style

2011-05-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

I’m getting ready to go to a conference this weekend (the Lori Foster Reader Author Get Together in Cincinnati, Ohio) where I'll be signing copies of Trixie's Treats, IV and The Martian Affair (read about them here). As is usual though, I’ve left things to the last minute.

There are two parts to conference prep. Part A is the business side: bookmarks, pens and other goodies to hand out, which I always have on hand.

It’s the personal side that is my Waterloo. I can’t speak for other authors, but the fact is my glamorous writing life consists of ragged shorts, holey t-shirts and generally scruffy disinterest in my personal appearance. So, here I am a mere two days before the conference (one if you consider I’m driving up to Cincinnati on Thursday) and it has just occurred to me that I need to check my “author outfits” for dust-bunnies and pet hair.

As I sit here blowing the too-long bangs out of my face, I also realize that it will now be impossible to get an appointment with my normal beauty consultant, who is booked well in advance and probably vacationing at the beach this week.

Then there’s the underwear or lack thereof. Now, before you say, “TMI, TMI”. I don’t mean I don’t have underwear. Of course I have underwear but not UNDERWEAR. You know, the kind that makes us feel powerful, successful and confident. (Does such a thing exist? If so, have I ever had it? No, I think I’m superimposing life as a Victoria Secret commercial over my reality, which is the kind of underwear that comes in bulk packages, lasts about 126 washings and has elastic bands that have to be pinned in place with industrial safety pins.)

But it isn’t just about clothes. What about that rarest of items – makeup? The last time I bought any of that stuff, Bill Clinton was turning things over to George W. Bush. When was the last time I wore that stuff? Normally, I take it with me, then because I oversleep or just plain forget, never remember to wear it. Has it ever been unpacked from the suitcase? Wait a minute, while I go check. Tick, tick, tick…

Okay, so, we have to schedule a stop somewhere that sells underwear, makeup and has a hair stylist on demand. Talk about impossible tasks!

Oh well, hope all of those that live in or near Cincinnati, stop by and say hello. There’s a link to the conference here.

Also, I’ll be making updates on Facebook and Twitter this weekend for those who can’t check it out in person! If you come to the Saturday book-signing, just mention you read this blog for free gift from my bag of goodies!

New Release: Leather & Lace by Caitlyn Willows

2010-10-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

LEATHER & LACE
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic - Short Contemporary
October 2010
Cover Art © 2010 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-759-5

Purchase link

They’re back again - the hot couple from One To Grow On -- and they’re more than ready to live out a few more sex-filled fantasies.

Nine years of marriage haven’t dimmed the fires of fantasy that fuel Judi and Reese Osbourne’s lust for each other. However, children make living those fantasies tricky. Reese has the ultimate present for his wife on their ninth anniversary. The kids are with Grandma, the house is theirs for the weekend, and redesigned for pleasure.

After a hard day in court, Judi comes home to a quiet house and a hot husband wielding a willow switch. What’s a needy woman to do but get out of her panties as fast as possible…especially when she learns two guests are waiting in the wings to join them in a fresh ménage fantasy…or two.

A willow switch, a hot husband, two hunks… Happy Anniversary to Judi!

Excerpt:

…“The weekend is ours.” He squeezed her butt cheek. “Starting right now. You need to be fucked good and proper. Need to come until you’re spent enough to sleep the day, then come some more. And this tight ass of yours…”

He landed a hard smack over her backside. Judi gasped, rubbed her belly over his cock, and felt her pussy start to cream at the feel of his hard thigh.

“It’s going to burn.” He smacked her again. She arched into him, offering her neck to his mouth.

Reese eased away. “Roll the window down, then close the door.”

Heart thrumming in time with her swelling clitoris, Judi did as he’d ordered. She tossed her purse to the passenger seat, then turned with a smile as she closed the door and leaned against it. Her smile faltered when she saw the willow switch in his hand. Her gaze stayed riveted to it, mind shutting down while blood drained to her crotch.

“Willow is the traditional gift for a ninth anniversary.” Reese sliced the switch through the air.

Judi’s breath caught. Her ass could already feel the stroke upon it. Her thighs quivered.

“It took me a while to find the perfect switch, but I think this will do nicely.” Another whish, this one so close the hairs on her arm lifted. She stifled a groan.

“Bend over into the window. For this you may leave your skirt down. We wouldn’t want to wear your ass out too quickly.” Amusement laced his words. “After all, we have the whole weekend to rebond and it’s been a bit since we’ve had the luxury of a good session…”

:) Caitlyn

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2010!

My family reminds me that last year, a year ago today, I said that 2009 would rock. And it SO didn't. LOL It was one of the most challenging years of my life in fact -- good and bad. But I came out the other side okay and my family did too and for that I'm grateful.

So this year, I'm going to lower my expectations. =)

Let's say that I'm humbly hoping that 2010 will be a good year for all my family and friends out there (that means you!) Here's hoping good things come your way.

In the meantime, I'm writing again. (Right says you as you roll your eyes. LOL) We'll see. I also see movies, always see movies. I saw The Princess and the Frog at the end of the year and it's one of the best animated movies I've seen in some time. I absolutely loved it!

Enjoy my favorite song here, Ma Belle Evangeline. =)

Happy new year!

Isy

New Family member

2009-10-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

One week ago I brought home a new family member. Her name is Stella and she’s pictured here. She’s part beagle, part some other hound and 100 percent star.

This is the story of how Stella has woven her way into my family fabric.

I have two cats, Tucker and Skittles. At 15, Skittles, is the old lady and she doesn’t take any lip. She rules the roost with a silken paw. Tucker is rambunctious, vocal and affectionate. His favorite position is to sit on your chest, neatly in an attempt to strangle and paralyze you with his 18 pounds of love while drooling on your shoulder. So when I decided I wanted a dog for the first time in close to 25 years, I knew I had to plan carefully.

With my landlord’s approval, I fenced in a reasonable section of my backyard, bought a spiffy doghouse with yellow siding and green roof and purchased bedding and entertainment fitting for a beloved animal. I wasn’t thinking our addition would spend all her time outside, but I wanted a safe haven from interlopers and also to give her and my cats time to get adjusted to one another.

Stella, who showed her acting ability at the pound by shivering uncontrollably when I started to pass her cage (it was well over 70 degrees that day!), had other plans. She inspected the fence and house, declaring them to be certainly the finest she’d seen. But there was one little problem, she doesn’t consider herself a D-O-G and thus doesn’t have any desire to rusticate in a D-O-G-H-O-U-S-E.

First she dug her way out from under the fence. My fault for thinking she wouldn’t find out that low spot in the ground on the blind side of the house. Problem fixed with a little more fencing.

Second, she dug her way out from under the gate. This came yesterday in the middle of a drenching downpour that started while I was running errands. When I returned, she was covered from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail in red clay mixed with Tennessee mud.

Stella was unconcerned and marched right into the tub to wait for her servant (that would be me) to draw her bath. She even hastened to show me a spot I missed in the rinse cycle by raising her left leg and paw to expose the soapy underside.

Today she has only left the house for her constitutionals. I believe she and the cats have a meeting scheduled for later to discuss food choices and sleeping arrangements. I fear my castle may face a union uprising soon.

But never fear, I will retake control of my household. But if you don’t hear from me in 72 house, please feel free to send in a rescue team!

Trixie

http://www.trixiestilletto.com

Coming in November: Five Alarm Love

2009-08-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Darkness is falling...

Things at Woods University are not what they seem. When Joey Sumner's roommate Maria joins the growing ranks of blazer-wearing supergeeks who roam the campus in emotionless packs, Joey begins to think she has a problem. Then Joey stumbles upon a secret ritual being performed on campus, and her world is turned upside down. Joey and her boyfriend Will are forced to fight for their lives against an ancient evil cult that is preying on the student body. To make matters worse, their boss is one of them, and his obsession for Joey goes way beyond thinking she has a cute ass...

Evil is growing...

A year after the mysterious death of her husband Terrence, Ada Ross is still seeking answers. When handsome detective Eric Perfater comes back into her life offering a chance to unravel the mystery of her husband's demise, Ada is more than ready to help. She's also willing to throw off her endless loneliness and wantonly offer herself to sexy Eric in bed... But a dark shadow falls across their chance at happiness. Ada is a pawn in a desperate man's ploy to hang onto the past and take control of a secret society whose very existence threatens the entire world.

Can the forces of evil's hungry claws be defeated? Or will they all be consumed by the Dark Legion?

Note: This collection contains the previously released novellas Legion: University and Legion: Adult Education.

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1214

Visit my site to play the jigsaw puzzle made from the cover by Psyche Designs

A review for Jada's Rabbit Habit...

2009-06-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

I was completely humbled to get this review for Jada while I was away on vacation. Thank you so much to Whipped Cream reviews!

Fairy tales are so much fun to read, especially when they are not at all what you expect. In Madam Periwinkle’s Erotic Delights: Jada’s Rabbit Habit, I discovered a modern day fairy tale that poked fun at current celebrities and their unusual quirks. I love fractured fairy tales and any story that resembles them. In my opinion, Jada’s Rabbit Habit is a contemporary twisted tale that I could not get enough of.

Jada Danforth is a hotel heiress who I likened to Paris Hilton in my mind. Yes, she was beautiful, sexy and well-meaning in her own mind, but somehow everything she tried to do turned out wrong. I laughed as she complained about being caught wearing fur. The way poor Jada tells the stories of the paparazzi, I could just see how she thinks what she does is right. Every part of her life is scrutinized and picked apart until I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the poor little rich girl.

Aidan Richards is a genius. Dark Hair, grey eyes, a body to kill for and oh, do I need to mention he’s a werewolf. He makes ingenious vibrators for Madam Periwinkle and does personal service on them. When Aidan makes a service call to Jada’s room his service really is first class. I loved how Aidan’s secret is revealed. I could not get the picture of his discovery by Jada out of my mind as the descriptions in the story are so vivid.

I found another diamond in the Madam Periwinkle Series with Madam Periwinkle’s Erotic Delights: Jada’s Rabbit Habit. This is definitely a fractured fairy tale worth reading.

Thank you Hibiscus!

HUGS

Isy

New release - Her Private Dancer!

2009-05-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

HER PRIVATE DANCER

Amber Quill Press

Invited to go out at the last minute by her perky, younger coworkers, Harriet Wallace is enjoying the show at the male strip club. What she doesn't understand is why the sexy Latino dancer dressed as a matador is checking her out. She's divorced, in her thirties, and dressed for the office.

That doesn't, however, stop Alejandro Campos from invading her personal space during his dance and convincing her to go home with him later for the best night of sex she's ever had.

Just one problem. Aside from being gorgeous, Alejandro is young, single, and in grad school. He's just getting his life going. How can a lonely divorcee with a banking career with a cat ever hope to keep a sexy younger man like him in her life?

Then again, how could she ever let him go?

http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/HerPrivateDancer.html

New Release - Jada's Rabit Habit Now Available!

2009-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

JADA's RABBIT HABIT - Available now from Changeling Press!

Jada Danforth has a little bit of a problem. The hotel heiress has a craving for rabbit dishes. But those pesky animal rights activists have found out what she's been up to, and they still aren't letting that silly little fur coat incident from last year go. Now all the studs on the boyfriend circuit are avoiding her like she's last year's iPhone. She's not getting laid and that's a problem.

While out comfort shopping, she runs across Madame Periwinkle's Erotic Delights. The owner has just the thing for this spoiled princess -- a new type of rabbit, guaranteed to take care of her sensual needs. It even has its own customer service number. How neat!

All is well until her new toy malfunctions. She's amazed when her service call is answered in less than an hour by a very hot repairman. And man is he good with his hands. Yet Aidan Richards isn't what he seems. Can Aidan afford to trust his secrets to a woman whose every step is haunted by the media? Can she dare to hope for a man who can see beyond the heiress and the tabloids to find the woman she really is?

Buy it today: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1142

Use discount code JADA for 5% off your order and a chance to win a copy of Eyes of the Leopard in print!

http://isabellajordan.com/giveaways.php

Thank you!

Happiness is being able to write again...

2009-04-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

I finally decided on a new project. It was hard because I have about 4 series up in the air right now and all of them have been in limbo for a while. I don't like that. I don't like loose ends and not resolving things for those characters. But I just came through a very big dry writing spell. What do you do?

I've started on The Shadow Zone 2 thought I don't have an official title for it yet. I wrote over 1,100 words on it today. I'm happy. =) And I do actually have it plotted out. I just need to get it down.

This one is interesting because it was tied to another series I wrote when I first started. There were just two stories - Legion: University and Legion: Adult Education. They will be released as it turns out as a collection soon because they are tied to The Shadow Zone. I hope those of you who got the chance enjoyed the first story that I offered on my site. I hope you'll like The Shadow Zone too. =)

Off to have a nice dinner with the dh and maybe catch a movie later. On DVD. Too pricey to go to the theater these days unless it's something you just really have to see. For me this summer, that would be Wolverine and Terminator: Salvation. I'm not sure I'll like Christian Bale as John Connor but I'm willing to give him a try. I didn't think I'd like him as Batman either. LOL

And anything with Hugh Jackman is a must see. LOL

Happy weekend!

Isy

In Search of the Perfect Craft Book

2009-03-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

I came home today with a mission: I was determined to go through my storage room (which is crammed tight with boxes from our last move in preparation for our next move) and find my favorite writing craft book. What is it, you ask?

Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to--

No, okay, you're right. I won't do anything dramatic. Instead, I'll count down my top 5 favorite craft books and reveal the one that had me digging through storage at the end.

5. The Right to Write, by Julia Cameron

4. Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer, by Bruce Holland Rogers

3. How to Write a Dirty Story: Reading, Writing and Publishing Erotica,by Susie Bright

2. Man, Oh Man, Writing M/M Fiction for Cash & Kinks, by Josh Lanyon

And my number 1 craft book? *drumroll please*

It's...

Ready...?

1. On Writing, by Stephen King

And no, I wasn't able to find it tonight, but I'll attempt part 2 of my mission tomorrow evening. This time, I might even enlist hubby's help.

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

New release today!

2009-02-22T19:00:00.001-08:00

Trixie’s back with a new release.
Hot Rubber is available today. Yay!
Here's the link and a little bit about this book...
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/HotRubber.html
Genres: Contemporary / Sports / Athletes / BDSM (Light) / Exhibitionism / Public Places
Heat Level: 2
Length: Novella (20k words)
Just a little aside: These two characters and this reunion story started out years ago as an inspirational romance. Well, I hope you’ll think it’s inspirational but in a very Trixie sort of way. ;)

Blurb:
High school reunions are about a lot of things.
For Kayla O’Brien, who has turned herself from ugly duckling into the queen of fashion and beauty and one of the richest women in the nation, it’s about a triumphant return with a little revenge thrown in for good measure. Hooking up with the man who got away, Jacob, is delicious icing on the cake.
For Jacob Lewis, bad boy star of the hottest auto racing circuit in the world, it’s about winning a race he never had the chance to finish and proving he isn’t just a pretty boy who drives fast.
But Kayla and Jacob don’t count on an emotional curve neither one can overcome unless they’re willing to forgive the past and race to the future.

EXCERPT
Kayla nodded. "No turning back then, huh?"

"God, no. It was amazing. The competition, the adrenalin." He paused and grinned wickedly. "And the thrill of winning."

Kayla could believe that. She knew all about winning. Only she didn't do it on an oval track going one hundred-twenty-five miles an hour while a field of twenty-five other cars was trying to go faster on both sides. She shivered and it wasn't from cold but desire. Jacob with the look of lust in his eyes was attractive. Jacob with the look of--well, love was the only word for it--of racing in his eyes was dangerous.

She had to regain control. She had to get her plan back on track and not be derailed by anything.

"So, what are you looking to do now, Jacob?" She pitched her voice low, low enough he bent closer to her to hear over the music blaring in the auditorium.

She could see the way his nostrils flared as if her scent was luring him. She smiled slowly and moved her hand until her fingers were just touching his.

With her pinky, she traced over the nail and down to the knuckle of his index finger. It was wide and bumpy, as if it had been broken at some point. But the heat radiating from his skin was hot enough to scorch her. She thought about bringing his finger to her mouth and sucking it. Before she could do it, he took her hand in his and pulled her to her feet.

"Let's dance," he said, not giving her the chance to say no. He led her just a few steps from their table and pulled her into his arms. The band was playing "Freebird," and he pulled her closer, so her hipbones were almost brushing his. She put her arms around his neck and his hands found their way to the tuck of her hips. The edges of the slit in the back of her dress dropped to within a centimeter just above the curve of her butt.

Jacob, with the luck or perhaps the skill of a man used to going fast in a car and with his women, found the opening immediately. It took every ounce of Kayla's willpower not to melt when she felt his warm, rough fingertips on skin she'd never thought of as an erogenous zone before.

She kept her eyes on Jacob's and didn't miss the flare of desire in his when he touched her.

"Damn, woman," he murmured. "I can't tell you how good it feels to have you in my arms. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life."

He pulled her closer. She could feel the hardness of his body as she was pressed as close to him as possible without sharing body fluids. She'd never had this reaction from him, even when they had made love behind the football stadium that fateful night. She felt that bubbling thrill of sensing a victory close at hand, but managed not to chuckle aloud.

"It is a nice dress, isn't it?" she said, trying for coy. "My designers are the best in the business."

"The dress is fine, but not nearly as beautiful as the woman wearing it," he replied, then paused, keeping his eyes on her lips. It took all of her determination not to lick them. Or lick his. "And you know it."

She smiled and felt the triumph of her power flowing through her, mixing with the heated rush of desire. He was hers. All she had to do was say the time. Perhaps she'd let them both enjoy a little taste of desire before she enacted her revenge.

"So, Kayla," he said, interrupting her mental victory dance, "you want to ditch this party and go screw?"

Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

The Chinese new year holidays, known as the Spring Festival, begins today on the first day of the first lunar month and ends on the 15th day, called Lantern Festival. This is a major holiday for the Chinese and is also celebrated in places with large ethnic Chinese populations like California. It's also celebrated in other Asian nations that have been influenced by China, like Vietnam where the holiday is known as Tet (yes, as in Tet Offensive).

Chinese New Year is celebrated with dragon dances and fireworks. Red is the color associated with the holiday because of the belief that red chases away evil spirits and bad fortune.

In Chinese astrology, 2009 is the Year of the Ox and it is a Yin Earth year. Since the ox is described as calm and steady, dare we hope for a less volatile year than the last one which was a Year of the Rat? I do hope so.

A friend told me that on Chinese New Year's eve you are supposed to eat fish so you'll float into the new year on a sea of prosperity. On New Year's Day you're supposed to wear new clothes so you can start the year with a clean slate. I like these ideas, just wish I'd had a chance to plan ahead a little more. Actually, Teresa had told me some of this before the end of 2008 so I had my bowl of clam chowder on New Year's Eve to ensure prosperity in 2009. We'll see if it works.

Linda / Lyndi

Wikipedia has lots of information on the holiday and on Chinese astrology. The photos are from my trip to Portland's Chinese Garden last March.

And the winner is...

2009-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

Dena!
So Dena to get your box of books, contact me at:
trixie @ trixiestilletto . com (no spaces, of course!)

with your mailing address and I'll ship them out to you.
And thanks to everyone for entering and posting. I'll be back (as Arnold would say...)

Trixie

Cover for February release

2009-01-14T07:38:00.001-08:00

Hi all: Just got the cover of my February release, Hot Rubber, from Amber Quill Press. Whadda ya think?

Preditors and Editors Poll Open

2009-01-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's January, so that means the annual Preditors and Editors(TM) Readers' Poll to honor both print & electronic publications is open for voting.

This year I'm pleased to say that my Alliance: Cosmic Scandal is one of the choices in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Story category.

Anyone can vote and you can nominate a new entry in a category simply by filling out the write-in box at the bottom of the page. Voting ends at midnight on 14 January (GMT).

Lyndi

New release from Trixie Stilletto

2008-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Promises In The Dark by Trixie Stilletto
(Contemporary / The Arts / BDSM [Light] )
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-426-6 (Electronic)

Rock singer Pat Twain is in a funk. As if being cheated on isn’t bad enough, her lousy ex-lover is also her manager. Make that ex-manager. Now that Pat’s fired the lowlife, she’s hit a creative slump that’s affecting her music...and giving the scumbag way more sway over her life than he deserves. So when a party offers a much-needed distraction, she takes a chance on regaining a little control, even if it means possibly running into her despicable ex.

She expects a night of dancing, and maybe even a little no-strings-attached fun. What she gets instead is an unexpected attitude adjustment...and a new way to look at an old friend.

For years, Geoff Danheiser, the bass player in Pat’s band, has patiently waited for his chance. Now that she’s within his grasp, he’s not about to let opportunity pass him by. He knows just what she needs, and how to give it to her. But convincing Pat to relinquish control, even for a single night, may be an impossible task.

But Geoff is nothing if not determined. He’ll take her in hand and show her that, this time, the best way to gain control is to relinquish it...

Heat Level: 2
Length: Extended Amber Kiss (14k words)
Part of ROCK HARD, A New AmberPax Collection Of "Rock-'N'-'Rotica"Romance

Read a short excerpt...

...“You’ve forgotten what it means to let someone else take control. You’re spoiled.”

“And you’re the man to change that?” Pat’s voice was her instrument and she’d spent endless hours practicing. She could make her voice and her lungs do just about anything she wanted. Now, she needed steadiness and was pleased at the way her instrument reacted to her commands. Inside, she was quivering with anticipation and, incredibly, desire. “I don’t think so.”

Now his laugh was different, but it acted like an electric shock to her nerves. There was no denying what his voice and intensity were doing to her body. She was turned on. Her nipples were getting hard and her pussy wet. She saw the way his gaze clawed over her body and she knew he could see the evidence of her desire in the way her shirt, plastered against her nipples, showed every detail. Thankfully he wouldn’t be able to tell how wet her thong was. She studied his face, trying to discern something from behind his mask. That’s the only reason she saw the way his nostrils twitch, as if he’d scented something in the air. Suddenly she was certain he could tell she was wet as well. But just because her body betrayed her didn’t mean her will would do the same.

“Oh, you know I’m right. When is the last time a man has told you ‘no’? When was the last time a man has told you he is the only one responsible for your pleasure? When was the last time you gave someone control?”

Pat didn’t know how to answer his questions. If she told the truth, she was afraid it would change everything and she didn’t know if she could handle that. She did know, however, that she hadn’t been this intrigued and—she could admit to herself—aroused in longer than she could remember. She knew he wasn’t Sloan, but his voice, the way it lowered in pitch on certain words and phrases, told her what the mask and the change in posture and attitude had disguised. His voice wasn’t his instrument, but it was one she knew as well as her own.

“And you think you’re the man to do this, Geoff?”

There was a moment’s pause. Now that she had blown the surprise, would the fantasy end? She wasn’t a hundred percent certain she could handle the change, but she knew she wasn’t ready to end this before it started.

“I’m not Geoff here. You must call me Master.” He removed his mask.

Now the full import of what he was saying hit Pat. She looked at Geoff and wondered how she had ever missed the signs before. There was no doubt he was comfortable playing the role of Dom. The question was, could she play the submissive? Pat bit her bottom lip as she considered all the ramifications of this decision, not only on the personal front, but professionally as well.

He held himself still, and Pat knew that if she walked out the door, she would never have the chance to experience this side of Geoff again. Pat also had to decide if she had what it took to stay and do as he commanded. That was the true rub. Could she surrender all control to this man? She had never been able to do so before.

Pat took a deep breath and made the biggest leap of faith in her life.

“Yes, Master.”

“Come to me.”

Excitement pebbled along her skin. She kept having mental flashes of the Geoff she’d worked and traveled with for years, and those memories didn’t mesh with the man standing before her now. She didn’t know if she longed for the memories or the present.

“Now, Pat, or you leave.”

Her legs finally moved forward. She came to stand so close to him she could feel the brush of his arms, folded across his chest, against her breast when he or she breathed.

“That’s better.” His voice was soft, but there was no doubting the command in it. “Look at me.”

She raised her eyes to his and gasped when she felt one of his hands palm her left breast.

“Does that feel good?”

“Yes.” Why deny it when he could tell her response from the way her nipple hardened even more? She wasn’t small, despite the fact Sloan had complained incessantly about her breast size. He’d even gone so far as to suggest she think about implants. She forced him from her mind because he didn’t matter anymore. But she couldn’t help wondering if Geoff found her breasts unattractive.

“Yes, what?” he replied.

His fingers tweaked her now. She wished she could feel his skin against hers, even as she wondered if she could stand the pleasure. He was playing her like she was his bass guitar.

Pat bit her bottom lip. She was torn. She didn’t like the quivering submissive role. As if he could read her mind, he lifted his fingers from her nipple. He frowned at her, but didn’t say anything else.

“Master,” she acquiesced.

He smiled. “That’s better.” But his hand didn’t return to her breast. “Take off your clothes...”

copyright 2008

buy link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PromisesDark.html

Celebrating Scorpio

2008-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

by Lyndi Lamont

Scorpio was a recent Urban Word of the Day, which reminded me I'm late with my monthly astrology post. Here's the Urban Dictionarydefinition of the word:

Scorpios are sensual, sexy and mesmerizing. they're loyal and sweet to the very end. they're highly intelligent have a quick wit. All the Scorpios I know are adventurous, curious and very loving.

damn that wendy girl is hot! she must be a scorpio!

In astrological circles, Scorpio definitely has a reputation as one of the sexier signs. Scorpio's passion is legendary, and not just in matters of the heart. Your average Scorpio will throw himself into whatever interests him with abandon. (Like her or not, after this year's primary election, I doubt anyone will dispute Scorpio Hillary Clinton's passion for politics.) Scorpio intensity can be either intimidating or mesmerizing and can be used for good or ill. Consider the fact that Billy Graham, Leon Trotsky and Senator Joseph McCarthy were all Scorpios. One used his powers of persuasion to bring people to God, one to foment revolution and the latter conducted a modern-day witch hunt. All were forces to be reckoned with.

Other famous Scorpios include Sarah Bernhardt, Charles Atlas, Johnny Carson, Kevin Kline, Pablo Picasso, Jaclyn Smith, Dylan Thomas, Sylvia Plath, Jonas Salk, John Cleese, Bill Gates, Richard Dreyfuss, Winona Ryder, Kate Jackson, Truman Capote, Henry Winkler, Harry Hamlin, Dan Rather, Steven Crane, Larry Flint, Marie Antoinette, Burt Lancaster, Pat Buchanan, sex researcher Shere Hite, Roseanne Arnold, Will Rogers, Loretta Swit, Vivian Leight, Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon, Tatum O'Neal, Sally Field, Maria Shriver, Marie Curie, Albert Camus, Bill Graham, Katherine Hepburn, Bonnie Raitt, Hedy Lamarr, Richard Burton, General George Patton, Kurt Vonegut, Demi Moore, Grace Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg, Prince Charles, Ed Asner, Rock Hudson, Martin Scorsese, Martin Luther, Indira Gandhi, Ted Turner, Jody Foster, Robert F. Kennedy and Presidents James K Polk, James Garfield, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren G. Harding.

My apologies to my Scorpio friends for being late with this post and to all my blogger friends for not visiting their blogs as often. I hope to get back to regular blogging some day soon. The back is improving, but it's a slow process.

Lyndi

New Release: What About Love by Caitlyn Willows

2008-11-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

WHAT ABOUT LOVE?
Book 1 – Heartbreakers
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/WhatAboutLove.html

A secret weekend, a loved denied -- secrets of the heart are hard to bear alone.

Brian Tristan and Lexy Claremont parted by mutual agreement after a hot and heavy weekend neither would ever forget. An agreement each regretted the moment it was made. Imagine their shock when they learn they are still married, a revelation made on the heels of an announcement Lexy never wanted to hear, one that has both of them asking, “What about love?” and discovering someone else had a secret agenda of their own by keeping them apart.

Excerpt:

…He tossed the phone to the bed and hot-footed it to his bathroom, unzipping and stripping as he walked. His dick felt desert-hot as he wrapped his fist around it. He remembered the tangle of white sheets, her silky hair shifting through his fingers, how damn tight and wet her pussy felt when he plunged into her. Brian had thought of her so many times over the years. How could anyone forget such a perfect weekend? If only they hadn’t been so impulsive. If only they’d been in different stages of their lives. Yeah…he’d thought about it a lot. Day and night, especially at night, when he was wrapped in the arms of a pale substitute for Lexy, lost in the fantasy it was her.

He shoved his trousers to his ankles and fondled his tight balls, while his other hand flashed over his cock. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this hard, this desperate to come. Through lids half-closed he watched pre-cum ooze from the tip. The image of full lips, a sensuous smile, and a talented tongue washed over him. Lexy could suck cock like nobody’s business, make him wait until he thought he’d die, then suck him dry until his balls collapsed.

Brian shot his load into the green towel dangling on the bar, then braced himself with one palm against the cool tile wall while he tried to catch his breath. Reporters and photographers were going to hound them no matter what. Maybe a phone call would settle everything without them ever seeing each other, but it felt like the coward’s way out. He’d man-up and go to her, make it all right, and explain to her husband or boyfriend—a woman like Lexy Claremont would have been snagged long ago. And at that moment Brian regretted again that man wasn’t him.

Lexy was his favorite mistake, but the mistake hadn’t been in marrying her. The mistake had been letting her slip away…

The $%$%$% Journey

2008-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've always believed writing is a journey.

Sometimes it's a vacation to Disney World (or Land depending on your coast) with lots of thrills and spills, lots of pure fun and relaxation.

Sometimes it's a nightmare.

I've been through a nightmare journey with my last story. Above is the cover art for my upcoming release, Promises in the Dark, that I just received. The cover is hot and now I'm thinking about why writing Promises was so tough.

I first got the idea for this story back in the summer. I thought it would be fun to write about a female rock star who is in a funk and the interesting ways a new man in her life would find to get her out of it. I figured this should be an easy story to bang out. In my mind I boldly proclaimed I would have this story finished in a week, two tops. Sadly I also expressed those thoughts to my friends (who hopefully didn't believe me) and my editor. Oops.

The truth was that Promises took more like three and a half months. Maybe that will teach me to be so bold in my predictions.

Thankfully, my characters ganged up on me and gave me a quick kick in the behind reminding me that it is a journey and one I don't travel alone. So sometimes, you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Trixie

Happy Birthday, Libra!

2008-09-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a year since I started doing my monthly astrology blogs, but here we are, a year later. The sun enters Libra at the Autumnal Equinox when the days and nights are of equal length. Libra's symbol is the Scales, the only inanimate object to represent a sign.

Note: Most signs are represented by animals, but two are human: Virgo the Virgin and Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Sagittarius, the Archer, is reprsented by the Centaur, a mythical being.

Libra, the seventh sign of the Zodiac, represents balance and harmony. In the natal chart, the seventh house is the sign for matrimony. However, as we all know, balance in life, or marimony, is never static but something to strive for. Venus rules the sign of Libra, as well as the sign of Taurus. Though Venus energy is typically seen as feminine, Libra is a "masculine" sign in the zodiacal system. Personally, I don't give much credence to the masculine/feminine designations for the signs, but traditionally this is what's done.

Libras have a reputation for indecisiveness as they weigh the pros and cons of everything, alway seeking the balance and harmony in life. Libras value fairness, justice and beauty; they dislike conflict and vulgarity. On the positive side, they can be diplomatic, idealistic, trusting, romantic, charming, and sensitive. On the negative side, they can also be manipulative or gullible, unreliable, or frivolous. In romance, they are supposed to be most compatible with the other air signs of Gemini and Aquarius, and with the fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Is there a Libra in your life?

Lyndi

For more information on Libra, to to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libra_(astrology)

http://www.astrology-online.com/libra.htm

Caitlyn's Kisses Volume V - Now At Amazon!

2008-09-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

CAITLYN'S KISSES - Volume V
by Caitlyn Willows
A Print Anthology of Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60272-920-9 (Paperback)
September 2008
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
Also Available at Amazon.com

Included in the anthology are the following short stories/novellas...

One To Grow On - Reese has something extra special planned for his wife's 30th birthday�the fulfillment of Judi's widest sexual fantasies...and maybe a few of his, too.

Tainted Love - Pride and fear have kept Quentin away. But lost, lonely, and burned out, he's come back, and he's praying they can forgive that he tainted the love they once had.

Midnight Rendezvous - There's something about midnight that brings out the lust in Vanessa Morgan. The inky darkness, the stars glittering in the sky...and the two hunky men watching her from the building next door.

A Corner Of My Soul - Natalie's become a part of his mind. Now Doug has to shut her out to save their lives. That alone is a tricky balance that could cost him the love he holds so dear.

Lust Letters - Months of foreplay in lust letters that threaten to singe the paper they are written on are teasers for the main event when Hannah's Marine finally comes home and takes his naughty wife in hand.

Caitlyn's Having A Contest At Author Island

2008-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

INTO THE NIGHT, book two in Caitlyn Willows' Into the Heart erotic paranormal series, was just released (Book one, INTO THE LAIR, is a 2007 Dream Realm Award Winner) which gives Caitlyn two fantastic reasons to celebrate! And Author Island is helping me do so with a great contest!

Want to win the Shapeshifter Tarot card deck that helped guide Caitlyn's muse through the writing of INTO THE NIGHT? Then head on over to Author Island for information on how you can enter.

New Release: Into The Night by Caitlyn Willows

2008-09-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

INTO THE NIGHT
Book 2 - Into The Heart Series
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic Romance - Paranormal - Shape-shifter
September 2008
Cover Artist - Marci Gass
Loose Id
ISBN 978-1-59632-770-2

It’s an experience too farfetched to be real, but Trina Tate knows she holds the memories of another woman's soul. Memories that cry out to be with the man, the king she once loved. Drawn to the park each night Trina watches shape-shifting black jaguars running...and mating...and craves to be a part of that. Is she shifting herself or is that too only memory?

Wyatt Caldwell has resolved himself to a life without his soulmate. He's lost the love of his life twice. Duty now occupies him -- duty as head of Braden Institute, duty as leader of the shape-shifters. But once he sees Trina roaming, searching the park fully nude, body and soul calling for his touch. How could he possibly resist?

Excerpt:

Trina pulled in a hard breath. A thousand different scents assaulted her. She shook her head to clear it and tumbled to one side. Vertigo. Damn, it was happening again. Trina caught herself before she fell and eased down onto the cool grass. Nausea roiled in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around her midriff in a desperate attempt to keep from throwing up. The buzz in her head grew to a roar. She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain she knew was coming. It slammed into the back of her skull with the force of a sledgehammer.

She tucked into a fetal position, shaking arms clutching her knees. Blackness clouded her mind, and she felt herself drop into a void. Her body convulsed, as if it were trying to leave the confines of her skin. Trina couldn’t say if the seizure was real or just the workings of her troubled mind. Finally, the sensation passed, and she peeled her eyelids open.

She was sprawled on the ground, her fingers digging into the soft grass like a lifeline. Deep gouges bloodied her forearms. She panted, as if she’d run a marathon, each hard breath amplified as the pain in her head drifted away.

Trina pushed herself upright. She felt weak now, every movement an effort. Braced against the tree once more, she hugged her knees. This was why she'd sought the jaguar shape-shifters out. She wanted answers. Needed them. Except the pull of sex, the smell of sweat and hormones, the magic of whatever they were, had taken over instead. She’d been compelled to strip off her clothes, to watch, to join them.

Then Wyatt had been upon her, tracking her, reeking of sex and maleness, asserting his dominance. And she caved, letting him do whatever he wished, take whatever he wanted. The loss of control, the total submission, affected her in ways she’d never imagined. The old Trina would have nipped that in the bud without blinking. But this person she’d become, this person she didn’t recognize…

She buried her face in her hands to squelch the rush of tears. Trina didn’t know what she’d become. She needed help -- their help. Somehow she had to convince them to do so, convince them she wasn’t crazy or nosy or whatever she’d been before. She needed to convince herself, too. She didn’t know which task was harder, getting someone to believe she'd changed, or trying to believe it herself.

No, she knew what was hardest -- asking for help in the first place. It’d taken her a great deal of soul-searching to get to this point -- finding the clan and following them. She couldn’t let the opportunity pass now. The chances of finding them again would be few after tonight; they’d be more watchful now that she’d gotten too close. Of course, Trina could always corner Wyatt at the institute.

Just like he could corner me.

Trina’s pulse leaped at the thought. She hugged herself at the memory -- the promise -- of his hard, hot body looming over hers. Here was a man who took control without asking, who took it because it was his right. If he could do all this to her in the space of an hour and with an audience, what would he do if he had privacy and all the time in the world? The things he could do to her body! The things he could do to her heart.

She shook her head. No, being alone with Wyatt Caldwell was a big mistake. It was better to get this over with tonight. To make the shape-shifters listen and give her the answers she needed.

If they could.

Trina pushed to her feet and brushed her hands down her T-shirt. Her ragged nails snagged on the cotton. Her forearms stung. She didn’t want to see how much damage she’d done to herself while she was out of it. The truly bizarre thing was that, by morning, any sign of injury would be gone anyway.

It was one of those new mysteries happening to her, like how she could now see in the dark, how her body healed overnight, how her sense of smell rivaled that of a bloodhound. She’d learned to accept the enhanced abilities; after all, what other choice did she have? But the isolation, turmoil, and confusion they caused were driving her slowly insane. Or maybe she’d always been close to the edge, and these events were accelerating her decline. The last few nights she'd spent watching the jaguars was the first time she’d felt connected to anything in six months. No wonder she’d hesitated to shatter that by approaching them.

God, you’re pathetic.

Trina winced at the words her conscience threw at her. The last time she’d heard those exact words had set her on a course from which she’d sworn she'd never deviate. Never again was she going to be the victim in any way, shape, or form.

Trina sighed. That decision had isolated her as well. How ironic she’d be suffering this -- she looked at her hands -- whatever this was, now.

She lifted her chin and tried to catch the clan’s scent. A cacophony of smells slammed into her -- the zoo, the residue from the autumn fires, the ocean, vehicle exhaust. Blood.

Fresh nausea clenched her stomach before she considered it was probably her own blood filtering into the mix. She’d only had six months to learn how to deal with a super-sensitized sniffer. Sorting smells in the rain forest was vastly different than doing so in the city.

Trina shook her head. No, this was a lot of blood. Something big had been killed and recently, too, since the stench of decomposition hadn’t set in. Now that was a smell she’d never had a problem identifying. Living in the rain forest, life and death were never more than a hundred yards away, and nature quickly reabsorbed the loss. But this…

She debated on whether to call the police. The conversation played in her mind. I think something’s dead. No, I don’t know what. I don’t know if it’s a person. No, I don’t know where. Somewhere in Balboa Park. No, I’m not a fucking psychic. This isn’t a crank call.

Trina sighed and let it go. Without specifics, there wasn’t anything she could do to help. She clenched her fist against her thigh and forced her attention on finding the clan. Except too many scents vied for her attention, making it difficult to sort them out.

Now what? Did she wander the park, hoping to run into them? Disillusioned, she wrapped her arms around her midriff as she determined her next move. Wyatt’s scent drifted upward. Trina smiled. Of course, he’d been all over her. His scent would naturally be on her.

She inhaled and felt a rush of goose bumps over her skin. Her breath hitched as her body remembered the hard thrust of his body. She scuffed her hands over her arms in a futile attempt to banish the desire burning inside and then lifted her nose to the air to catch Wyatt’s scent.

There. Trina expanded her senses and caught a whiff of the rest of the clan. They’d congregated not too far away. Pulling in a breath and warning her libido against getting sidetracked, she headed in that direction.

Two Fine for Pine + Free Read from Isabella Jordan

2008-08-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

BIG, BLOOMING & WILD! TWO FINE FOR PINE

Changeling Press

Botans Charles and Christopher have found a wonderful home in Cana, Virginia. Half the small population is made of farmers, musicians, and craftsmen of all kinds who've been there for generations. The other half is made up of nudists and other free spirits who came to Cana for the beautiful, green mountains and the opportunity to express themselves in a stress free environment.

When Vanessa Arnault arrives in town, the twins immediately know that their woman has finally arrived, big, beautiful, and exotic.

There's just one problem. Her father owns the land the Botans call home and she has an idea for a signature line of puppy palaces and kitty condos for the pets of her affluent friends and acquaintances back in NY and Paris. She's even picked out two trees, the tallest and grandest oaks in the wooded area for the first puppy palace meant for her own pet.

Charles and Christopher have a lot to do and a short time to do it in. They must convince Vanessa that her idea for designer pet homes isn't the best she can do, win her heart, and claim her as their mate.

It's either that or risk being cut down and used to make a miniature Taj Mahal for her pet poodle Pierre.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=961

Want 5% off? Use discount code TWOFINE!

FREE STORY! Read a free novella of mine here!

Thanks!

Isy

Lookee at my new cover!

2008-08-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Surprise! I have another release coming - I think in September. It's the first of three werewolf stories and I just got the first cover today from the immensely talented Trace Edward Zaber.

When I first saw it, I thought, damn. Now there's a cover even Stephen King would be proud of. I always wanted to be a horror writer too you see. Okay, The Beckmeyer Wolves is a little scary. It's not horror though and it's a very, very sexy. So I hope you'll look for it.

Hope you have a good night!

Isy

I actually have a new release this week...

2008-08-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

And instead of just throwing the blurb and such at you, there's a story behind this series - the Big, Blooming, and Wild series at Changeling Press.

You see it's tricky to discuss religion, politics, favorite sodas... And the Internet is a really big place and you can't just use any example in trying to make your point. If I try, as a native Virginian, to use someone from West Virginia to make a point, I'm going to get whooped -- and I should. LOL

So I always use the term Martian Tree Worshipper. I don't even remember where I got that, but it works nicely because you know you're not going to run into one of those and if you do, you've got a great story to sell the National Enquirer.

But I digress...

I was on a loop day and I used this example. Celia Kyle, a friend and a favorite author of mine. She thought that was really funny and damned if she didn't make a series idea out of it. It was hilarious. I thought at first, she's not serious. Ah, but she was. The "Botans" planet was dying and in an effort to save their kind, a pilot scattered the seedlings over the earth before crashing in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 LMAO

The seedlings would need mates and they'd want "sturdy" mates to survive harsh winters. What about fluffy women, Celia asked. Okay, first I had to get a definition of fluffy. Turns out it means a BBW and that's great because I was picture Dennis Rodman in a feather boa - and I was sober. LOL

So, that's how the series came about. I couldn't be one of the catalysts and NOT write a story. So I wrote Two Fine For Pine.

Blurb (you knew it was coming LOL)

Botans Charles and Christopher have found a wonderful home in Cana, Virginia. Half the small population is made of farmers, musicians, and craftsmen of all kinds who've been there for generations. The other half is made up of nudists and other free spirits who came to Cana for the beautiful, green mountains and the opportunity to express themselves in a stress free environment.

When Vanessa Arnault arrives in town, the twins immediately know that their woman has finally arrived, big, beautiful, and exotic.

There's just one problem. Her father owns the land the Botans call home and she has an idea for a signature line of puppy palaces and kitty condos for the pets of her affluent friends and acquaintances back in NY and Paris. She's even picked out two trees, the tallest and grandest oaks in the wooded area for the first puppy palace meant for her own pet.

Charles and Christopher have a lot to do and a short time to do it in. They must convince Vanessa that her idea for designer pet homes isn't the best she can do, win her heart, and claim her as their mate.

It's either that or risk being cut down and used to make a miniature Taj Mahal for her pet poodle Pierre.

To my understanding, this story comes out this week and you can find out more here:

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=961

Check out the entire series here because there are some wonderful, sexy, and different stories here:

http://www.changelingpress.com/catalog.php?upt=book&ufilter=series&sid=187

Thank you!

Bartering Sex For Stuff Or Services

2008-08-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Another interesting article on CNN.com this morning.

Bartering Sex For Stuff Or Services

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Dead men float and what we can learn from that

2008-08-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Isy, you disappear off the radar for months and THIS is what you come back with? Could you BE any more morbid? LOL

No, I'm not doing an exciting CSI blog on examining bodies for a romantic suspense or anything like that. I want to talk about something I'm focusing on right now - motivation and discipline.

How do you meet a goal, something you really want for yourself? It could be that you want to write a book, or lose weight, or give up smoking. It could be any number of things. You have no boss breathing down your neck, no one giving you a deadline. It's just you and your goal.

Okay, so back to the dead guy. Here's a question for you. Why do dead men float?

Because they don't do anything to stop themselves.

Huh? Sounds simple, right? It's exactly that simple.

You can float too - or meet your goal rather. All you have to do is not prevent yourself from it. And if you think about it, there are thousands of little things you do to prevent yourself from meeting that goal, aren't there?

For me, I want to write. I have to work a full-time job so I don't get to write as much as I would like. Aside from the FT job I have two kids and I do volunteer work. So I finally scrape up an hour to write and you'd think I'd be all about that, right? I'd be hitting the keys madly while my brilliant (yeah, right!) story flows from mind to my fingers to the masterpiece that's on my computer (Oh pulease! LOL)

Yet somehow I wasn't getting a lot done in my allotted writing time. After about two solid months of being frustrated, not to mention a crisis in the day job that I'm still trying to get under control, I finally kept track of how I was spending my time for two weeks and found out a lot of interesting things about how I work and why my writing wasn't getting done:

In order of most time consumed:

1. Unfinished day job or day job related projects aka as I really can't write until I finish ______.
2. Email. I'll just check my email one last time. I have to answer this, I have to answer that...
3. Surfing. I need to look up information on oak trees for my story. Which leads me to reading about environmental issues with a great link on cnn.com to a case about forest fires and while I'm there I see a photo of Johnny Depp so I look him up on IMDB to see what he's up to and then there's a movie review of Star Wars: The Clone Wars... I could go on forever. LOL
4. I'm exhausted because I've put my writing off to the very last thing of the day and it's near midnight already...
5. I can take ONE night off, right? What harm will one evening off really do? Come on.

There were others but these were my big 5. Killers all of them. And in each one, I'm preventing myself from writing. I'm convincing myself I don't have time, I'm too tired, other things are more important, or I'm just not focusing. At this rate, I'll never finish the story or achieve my goals.

And it all comes down to telling myself to do one thing - stop preventing yourself from writing (or whatever it is you want to do).

There's a lot to think about there. What do you want and how are you preventing yourself from getting it or achieving it?

Isy

How Much Do You Tip?

2008-08-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just read a good article in Travel and Leisure on The Art of Tipping. Has some great info. It also includes information on customs around the world. Here's the link if you'd like to read:

The Art of Tipping

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

ILONA'S WOLF now available

2008-08-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ilona's Wolf, part of the Howling At The Moon... Again AmberPax, was released over the weekend while I was at the RWA Conference in San Francisco. This is my first werewolf story and the first with a Medieval-style fantasy setting. World building can be a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun. In this story, I created a kingdom called Velosia in which magic is openly practiced, the old Roman gods and goddesses are still worshipped and werewolves fight to conceal their existence.

My muse didn't lead me in the expected route where the werewolves cycles are tied to the phases of the moon and he's a victim of his biology. In Velosia, werewolves are born with the ability to shapeshift at will. Except for my hero Rolf who starts the story trapped in wolf form. The beginning is a twist on the old fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood, only in this version, Red is saved from the woodsman by the wolf.

While picking herbs in the woods, Princess Ilona is rescued from a woodsman by a wolf. When the creature licks her wounds, it is suddenly transformed into a man. A very handsome, very naked man who makes passionate love to her in a glade.

Cursed by an evil wizard, Rolf was trapped in wolf form until he tasted the blood of a royal. Now he must escort the princess on a hazardous journey back to the castle to stop an ill-fated wedding.

Passion flares between them, but both know there is no future for Ilona and her werewolf. Or is there? In a world where magic and passion combine, anything may be possible.

Here's an excerpt from Ilona's Wolf:

...Ilona felt herself swaying toward Rolf, wanting his touch on her body. Her lips still tingled from the kiss he’d bestowed on her earlier. The sweet caress had sent a surge of power up her spine and a twinge of desire through her loins. It made no sense to want him after what had nearly happened with the woodsman, but the giving and receiving of pleasure was sure to replenish her magic.

She smiled dreamily at him, then remembered where they were. “Not here. It may not be safe. If only we could cross the stream.”

He removed her cloak and fastened it at her throat, the lifted her into his arms and waded into the creek. Ilona wrapped her arms around his neck and held on, but his footing was sure, even though the water swirled rapidly around his legs.

“You’re so strong,” she whispered.

He grinned at her, a proud look on his face.

When he set her down on the other side of the stream, she led him between the trees until she found a small, shady grove. “This is nice.”

Removing her red cloak, she spread it on the ground, then turned to face her naked companion. He stood before her, resplendent in his masculinity. His body was large and strong, with the well-defined muscles of a man who hefted a sword for a living. Her husband had been built like this, though he was fairer, with little body hair. Rolf’s chest was covered with dark hair that trailed down to his groin where his erect cock stood up proudly. His legs were long and sturdy.

“Are you just going to stand there and stare all afternoon?” His amused tone and self-satisfied smile galvanized her into action.

“Not all afternoon.” She untied the girdle around her waist and removed her gray, homespun kirtle, hanging it on a nearby branch. Clad only in her linen smock, she sat on the ground to take off her shoes and stockings. After untying her garters, she glanced at Rolf through lowered lashes. “Would you like to help?”

He joined her on the cloak and slowly rolled one stocking down her leg, caressing her skin as he went. Then he removed the other stocking. She moved to a kneeling position and let him remove her smock. The admiration of his gaze warmed her.

“You’re beautiful, Ilona.”

Slowly he reached out to touch her hair, twining a curl around his finger. He ran his other hand up her side to cup her breast, running his thumb over the nipple until it hardened. The muscles of her pussy clenched in response and she let her eyes drift closed.

“Yes, touch me.”

He cupped both breasts in his hands, teasing her sensitized nipples. Pleasure swirled through her. She gripped his shoulders and felt the strength of the muscles under his smooth skin. When he pulled her close, she melted into his arms and lifted her face for his kiss. Opening her eyes, she stared into his gaze, his pupils darkened with desire. She pressed herself against him as his lips crushed hers, his tongue darting inside to taste her. As her tongue dueled with his, she rubbed her breasts against his chest, letting the rough hair abrade her nipples.

Sensations swirled through her, around her. For every bit of pleasure she gave, she received even more. As her need spiraled, so did her magic. She wrapped one leg around his thigh and pressed her aching pussy against him. His hands squeezed her bum, almost lifting her off her feet.

With a gasp for air, she pulled away and lay back on her red cloak. He straddled her and closed his mouth over one nipple, laving and suckling it. She squirmed with pleasure and wrapped both legs around his waist, heeding the demands of her wet pussy. “I need you now, Rolf.”

He gripped her hips, angling them upward, and surged inside her, filling her to capacity...

~~~~~~~

For more information or to buy a copy of Ilona's Wolf, go to Amber Heat.

Lyndi

Discipline problems & cats

2008-08-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am owned by two cats, Tucker and Skittles. I would like to vent about a discipline problem I'm having with Tucker. Maybe someone who reads this can help. Or at least, send me some electronic empathy.

Tucker dearly loves my husband Tom. They are best buddies. It isn't that Tucker doesn't like me, he would just prefer to be with Tom whenever possible. I'm good with that. Truly I am. But lately I think Tucker is taking this a little bit too far.

Tucker and Skittles are allowed to sleep with us on the bed as long as they stay at the foot of it. Tucker likes to break that rule and creeps up until he is sleeping right between Tom and me. At 17-plus pounds of furry boy, you know when he's there. Most of the time, Tucker is a good sport when I move him back to his spot at the foot of the bed.

Recently though, I've been noticing a disturbing trend. When Tucker is between us and I move to get out of bed, he uses his four legs to give me an extra little push. So far, I've avoided falling on my face but there have been a couple of close calls. Worse, once I'm out of bed I feel like I've lost my spot and it's hard to get it back. Tucker sprawls east-west and he doesn't seem overly interested in sharing.

So, every night we have this little battle. So far I'm still winning but I fear he's gaining ground.
I'm thinking I should look into some assertiveness training course--for me.

What do you think?

Just Because Contest

2008-08-04T11:34:00.001-07:00

Hi all: I decided this morning to have a "Just Because" contest. So,
visit my website(s):
http://www.trixiestilletto.com
http://www.karentroxel.com
And pick your favorite title out of all my books. Put that title in
the body of an e-mail.
On Friday, I'll draw one of the e-mails out of the hat and that
person will get a copy of their chosen book in the ebook format of
their choice.
Have fun!
Oh and you should send the e-mail to trixie @ trixiestilletto .com
(no spaces) with Just Because in the subject line!
Trixie
http:/www.trixiestilletto.com
Available now: Fantasy Man

Morning Visitors

2008-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I do love being a morning person, especially on mornings like today. You see some pretty cool things when you live in the country. So I stepped outside this morning to let my dog out. Mikala wasn't much in the mood at just that point to go out. She's older and kind of finicky. And usually, it's right when I'm in the middle of writing a really intense scene she decides then it's time to go out.

Anyway, I stood on the back step waiting for her to make up her mind when I spotted the bunny in the backyard--I mean right in the backyard almost next to the house. "Camera! Quick!" Any of my friends will tell you I usually have camera in hand, so I knew it wasn't far away. But rabbits aren't always in the mood to hang around and wait for the moment. You know what I mean?

So closing the door as quietly as I could, I ran back into the house, praying that my batteries were still good because I doubted I'd have time to change them. Yup, batteries working. First, I took a picture through the window, because who knew what would happen once the bunny heard the door squeak when I opened it? Holding my breath, and camera ready, then I carefully opened the door and stood on the step. I prayed Mikala wouldn't decide just at that moment to send off a round of barking and dash past me out the door. Phew! I was in luck. I guess she wasn't awake either.

So I focused the camera (thank goodness for zoom) and started clicking away. God, I love digital.

Surprisingly, the bunny was apparently feeling quite photogenic this morning and stayed in place for much longer than I expected as I tried to inch closer and closer. You know the dance--step-focus-snap-step-focus-snap. That one. I was surprised it was being so congenial and friendly this morning.

My dog, on the other hand, took off in the opposite direction, completely ignoring the rabbit. Good for me and good for the bunny.

So, good morning to Mr. Rabbit who stopped in to munch and chat for a bit. It was a nice start to the day. And now I need some coffee.

Considering I'm leaving for the Faerieworlds Festival tomorrow, I guess it's time for the woodland creatures to come out to play.

I do love inspiration that comes in all its forms.

Adrianna

New Release from Adrianna Dane - The Horsemasters: Riding Lessons

2008-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Title: The Horsemasters: Riding Lessons
Author: Adrianna Dane
Purchase Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/Horsemasters1RidingLessons.html
Author URL: http://www.adriannadane.com
Publisher: Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat
ISBN: 978-1-60272-31-6
Cover Art by Trace Edward Zaber

SYNOPSIS:

Gossips say Miguel d'Loganno is a sex master of the highest caliber. Melanie Anne Grayson is desperate for his services. To hire him to train her horse, Merciless, that is. The horse trainer is attractive, commanding, and delicious. So is his strong, silent companion, Ricardo Santofoya. Their unorthodox training methods, both for horse and owner, have the horse set lining up to engage their talents. Can Melanie submit to the Horsemaster in order to obtain his services for her steed? A lusty, blistering interview with these sexy horse trainers has her panting to learn more about their unique training methods.

Read an excerpt at: http://www.adriannadane.com/ridinglessons.html

Adrianna
"Passionate stories with adventurous heart"
www.adriannadane.com
http://www.adriannadane.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/adriannadane

IMDB's Top Box Office Hits

2008-07-10T12:45:00.001-07:00

It's no secret I'm a huge movie buff, so when I saw this fun game making the rounds in the blogsphere, I had to join in.

RULES: This is IMDb’s top 25 all-time box office hits. Bold the ones you saw in theater, italicize the ones you saw some other way instead, and leave the unseen ones alone.

1. Titanic (1997) $600,779,824
2. Star Wars (1977) $460,935,665
3. Shrek 2 (2004) $436,471,036
4. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) $434,949,459
5. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) $431,065,444
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) $423,032,628
7. Spider-Man (2002) $403,706,375
8. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) $380,262,555
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) $377,019,252
10. Spider-Man 2 (2004) $373,377,893
11. The Passion of the Christ (2004) $370,270,943
12. Jurassic Park (1993) $356,784,000
13. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) $340,478,898
14. Finding Nemo (2003) $339,714,367
15. Spider-Man 3 (2007) $336,530,303
16. Forrest Gump (1994) $329,691,196
17. The Lion King (1994) $328,423,001
18. Shrek the Third (2007) $320,706,665
19. Transformers (2007) $318,759,914
20. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) $317,557,891
21. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) $313,837,577
22. Iron Man (2008) $311,708,133
23. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) $310,675,583
24. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007) $309,404,152
25. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) $309,125,40

Wow. Of the top 25, there's one one I haven't seen (and have no interest in seeing). And of the 24 I've seen, I watched 21 of them in the theater. Hmm... I think that means the top 25 list is made up of pretty recent movies, overall.

What about you? How many of these have you watched?

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

Good review in for No Time to Hide

2008-07-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

My latest Karen book, No Time to Hide (available from Amber Quill Press and Amazon) was recently reviewed by Maura of Coffee Time Romance & Karen Find Out About New Books. Here’s a bit of what she said along with a link to the entire review and a link to learn more about the story and read an excerpt.
“This is a very exciting and suspenseful story. There are all sorts of surprises in store for the reader and I could not wait to find out what happens next. The characters are very well written and very vivid; the settings in various places in upstate New York are accurate and well described, particularly the reservation and City of Elmira.” 4 cups of coffee, Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Link to complete review.
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Notimetohide.html

Here’s a link to read more about this story.

http://amberquill.com/NoTimeToHide.html

My TBR (To Be Read) Shelves

2008-07-08T16:12:00.001-07:00

I know... I've teased you all endlessly with mention of my TBR shelves, which, at last count, held over 2000 books. Currently, they're empty -- but don't panic (heck, I'm trying not to, but I still hyperventilate when I look at my beautiful and very lonely shelves), my books are still in boxes.

I took some pictures before leaving Austin, and I thought it was time I stopped teasing you, and started showing you I really mean it when I say I'm a book addict. Ready? Here goes (click on pictures for larger versions):

Yes folks, once again, those shelves only hold books waiting to be read. And yes, I do occasionally wander into that room and complain about having nothing to read.

I should mention that the books are, of course, alphabetized by author. And those little shelves within the shelves you see? They're custom-made additions built by my grandfather so I could double the amount of bookshelf space I have.

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

HELP! I'm turning into a... a... pantser!

2008-07-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me know I'm a die-hard plotter. Character charts. Full, scene-by-scene outlines. Research in advance. The works.

Yeah, well, I have a secret confession. I can't work that way anymore, and facing that fact somehow manages to scare me to death and excite me beyond belief all at once.

Photo by: the trial

I'm not sure what's changed. Maybe I have. The last year has been insane, forcing me to go through some major, life-changing, ups-and-downs. After not writing for a while, I came back to my work enthusiastic and energetic... only to stall in the beginning stages of drafting an outline. I panicked, outlined again... and stalled. So I cried (seriously), outlined again... and stalled.

And then, one day, I said "Fuck it." (Really. I did.) I remembered reading a book that praised writing prompts and their effect on creativity. At that point, I had nothing to lose so I figured why not give this a shot? After all, nothing else I'd tried seemed to work.

I chose a headline from my daily newspaper at random, skipped reading the article altogether, and started writing. Before I knew it, I had a character who intrigued me, in a situation that damn nearly broke my heart. "Aha!" I thought. "Now I can outline." And I did. Only to start writing the story itself, and find my outline was as far removed from the words pouring on screen as Harry Potter is from Anna Karenina.

The really scary part? The stuff coming out on screen was much, much better than the crap in my outline. And I thought it was a pretty good outline to begin with. Guess that'll teach me. Now, every day I sit in front of my computer, I approach the story with a giddy enthusiasm that makes butterflies stir in my stomach. Butterflies? Damn. I haven't felt butterflies in years.

Now, for the first time ever, I'm discovering the story along with my characters. Some days, scenes brew in my mind. Other days, they appear as though out of thin air while my fingers hit the keyboard. When I find myself overwhelmed by questions I figure I should know the answers to, I stop, grab a notebook, and start free-writing. On the characters. On the story. On possible explanations for things that happened in the past, or things that may happen in the future.

I have no idea when the story will end. Or how. Oh, I have a vague hope it might end up where I think it will, but oddly enough, I find myself not caring much if it doesn't. I trust my process. My pantser process.

Not long ago, the word "pantser" would have made me break out in hives. Now, I'm tentatively embracing it, and my newfound creativity (and productivity) along with it.

Are you embracing your process? Or do you fight it, hoping it'll magically morph into something resembling The Hero's Journey instead of The Insomniac Writer's Plight?

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

Promo: New Book Trailer for Cosmic Scandal

2008-06-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

The next installment in my futuristic Alliance series, Cosmic Scandal, is due out this weekend from Amber Heat.

Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic / Series
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (20k words)

When Myrek, heir to the Ziganese throne, becomes ambassador to the planet Mhajav, he hopes to find a cure for his son’s hereditary illness. Then he meets a lovely young geneticist and passion overwhelms his sense of duty. All he can think of is making Khira his own.

Khira is a rarity, a Mhajavi virgin of 24. A child prodigy, she skipped several grades and was underage when most of her classmates went off to sex camp before attending university. Though hopelessly in love with Myrek, she knows their love is doomed. Under Ziganese law Myrek must wed a virgin, but Mhajavi law forbids virgins from marrying.

An erotic encounter in a brothel leads to a fateful decision that defies the laws of two worlds and causes a cosmic scandal.

Here's the video trailer. Enjoy!

Lyndi

Happy Birthday, Cancer!

2008-06-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, as well as the day the sun enters Cancer, the fourth sign of the Zodiac. Cancer is ruled by the Moon and sometimes people born under this sign are referred to as Moon Children.

Like their symbol, the crab, Cancerians can have a hard shell, but underneath you'll usually find a softy. Cancer is a cardinal water sign and Cancerians can be very emotional, even moody, but don't be fooled by the unassuming manner. Moon children enjoy being the center of attention as much as any Leo, and they can be quite determined when they've got a head of steam up about something. They're also fiercely protective of family and friends, and will stick with them to the end.

In the horoscope, the fourth house represents home, and Cancerians are known for being homebodies. Their homes are very important to them, and some display real nesting qualities. This sign also rules the stomach and Moon Children will often have sensitive digestive systems.

For more information, click here: http://www.astrologycom.com/cancer.html

Famous people born under this sign include Presidents John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and George W. Bush, also Julius Caesar, James Cagney, George M. Cohan, Tom Cruise, John Cusack, Phyllis Diller, Will Ferrell, astronaut John Glenn, Oscar Hammerstein, King Henry VIII (I'd have put money on him being a Leo), Helen Keller, the Dalai Lama, Ann Landers, Lindsey Lohan, Nancy Reagan, Rembrand, John D. and Nelson Rockefeller, Barbara Stanwyck, Ringo Starr, Thoreau, Liv Tyler, Abigail Van Buren and Robin Williams..

Cancer is considered to be most compatible with the other water signs, Scorpio and Pisces, and the earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. As always, much depends on the individual's chart.

Is there a Moon Child in your life?

Lyndi

New romantic Suspense released today!

2008-06-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my new romantic suspense, "No Time to Hide" today from Amber Quill Press!

Here's the cover (above) and some information...
A coward dies a thousand times...
Kerry Simpson, aka so many different names she can’t keep them straight, lives this adage. Ever since she heard her fiancé order the death of her hitman father and turned state’s witness, her life has been spiraling out of control. Kerry is desperately seeking the courage to face her biggest fear, but time is running out. Will she find the strength to break free or remain enslaved forever?
Death is more acceptable than failure...
U.S. Marshal Cutter Snead’s biggest failure caused the death of the only people he loved. Now, burned out, he has one final job before he can start anew—even if it is without his wife and unborn child. He wishes his last assignment would be anything but babysitting a "mob daughter" who looks like a kindergarten teacher and acts like a tiger mouse. Kerry Simpson should stand for everything Cutter hates, but each minute he spends with her, she opens emotions he thought had died years ago.
Time stops for none...
Can Cutter and Kerry beat the ticking clock, an evil criminal, and a dangerous mole to discover the truth that will set them free to find the love and life they both deserve?  

To read an excerpt and learn more please visit:
http://www.amberquill.com/NoTimeToHide.html

Karen

Celebrating Gemini

2008-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

The good news is the sun is now in Gemini until June 21. The bad news is Mercury goes retrograde at 21 degrees of Gemini on May 26 and doesn't turn direct until June 19. Don't be surprised if commnications go awry in the next few weeks.

Gemini is symbolized by twins, (and I do like the hunky pair in this bit of clip art). The dual nature of those born under the sign is legendary, though not always obvious. I once had a Gemini boss once, though, who exhibited this quality. Whenever one of the engineers needed to talk to him, he'd first approach the boss's secretary to inquire: "Who's in today, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?"

Most Geminis aren't that schizophrenic, but the dual nature sometimes shows up. Take Gemini Marilyn Monroe, for instance, a sex goddess with a vulnerable, "little girl lost" quality. Men wanted to make love to her; women wanted to take her home and mother her. Her death saddened all of us. Another example is Angelina Jolie, another sex goddess known for her humanitarian work.

Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by the planet Mercury, and the word "mercurial" was invented for people born under this sign. They are clever, versatile, changeable, impatient and easily bored. Geminis tend to think and talk fast, and just try keeping up with them when the ideas get to flashing quick and fast. Theirs is often a restless nature, and stick-to-it-ive-ness may not be a strong suit. Mercury rules writing and communications, and there seem to be an unusual number of writers in this month's list of famous personalities. Mercury's birthstone is variously listed as the aquamarine or the agate, both of which reflect different colors, in keeping with Gemini's changeability.

Gemini is considered to be most compatible with the other air signs, Libra and Aquarius and with the fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. As always, much depends on the individual's chart.

Famous people born under the sign include Johnny Depp, mobster John Dillinger, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bob Dylan, the Duke of Edinburgh, Senator John Edwards, Ian Fleming, Errol Flynn, Michael J. Fox, Morgan Freeman, Judy Garland, Paul Gaugain, Thomas Hardy, Bob Hope, Angelina Jolie, Al Jolson, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Paul McCartney, Marilyn Monroe, Cole Porter, Rosalind Russell, Brooke Shields, Wallis Simpson, director Michael Todd, Rudolph Valentino, Walt Whitman, Frank Lloyd Wright and Brigham Young. More Gemini personalities can be found here. http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/zodiac-central/gemini/famous-gemini

Is there a Gemini in your life?

Lyndi / Linda

First review for Fantasy Man!

2008-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

The first review for my story Fantasy Man is up and it's a great one!

Dee Dailey of The Romance Studio says:

"This rough, football player helps fulfill her fantasies, the ones she writes about and makes them reality. He’s pursued her since the night he fell in love with first sight and he isn’t about to let her go. He’s even read one of her books.
Ms. Stilletto writes an excellent, fun tale!"
Overall rating: 5 hearts

Sensuality rating: Explicit
To read the entire review click here.

Trixie

Discovering myself

2008-05-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

I found out today that I’m a mutt.

Okay, that’s a pretty bald statement but after thinking about it, I guess I have to agree.

Here’s how it all started.

I logged online with my cup of coffee to read my e-mail. There was a story in the headline section talking about how some animal shelters are using cat personality tests to match homeless animals with perspective owners. Here’s the link to the story. <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080514/ap_on_re_us/cat_personality>

After reading the story, I started following other links and doing a couple of searches on my own. There are several interesting “personality tests” available for test your cat. Here’s another link.
http://www.catchannel.com/Magazines/CatFancy/august-2007/cat-personality-quiz.aspx

Then I found a test that finds out what you are. Now, I’m an admitted animal lover. I like all kinds of cats and dogs and I don’t mind rabbits and birds. I’m not much of a fan of reptiles but other wildlife, although respectful of their place and habitat, I wouldn’t run screaming from them unless my life was threatened. As a child I considered being a vet (until I learned how much science and math they had to take!)

But I never really thought about what kind of animal I’d be. Until I stumbled upon this test. Now I know. I scored 42.9% which means:

“Since you are neither dog nor cat but somewhere in between, you sail through life on an even keel. You learn from your experiences but also have fun along the way. Your friends are a mixture of acquaintances and trusted pals who are equally happy at a block party or on a quiet evening walk. You frequently speak your mind but allow others to share their views, keeping disagreements at bay. You work hard but know when it is time to play and consider a wild game of basketball as much fun as a thoughtful game of scrabble. You frequently enjoy the best of both worlds, which is why you would be equally pleased with either pet in your home. A few famous examples of your type are Kim Basinger, George Clooney and Sarah Jessica Parker.”

So if you’ve got a few minutes take the tests.
http://quiz.ivillage.com/home/tests/catdog.htm

See what you are. While you’re doing that, I think I’ll give George a call and see what’s happening in his life today!

Trixie

Self-editing from the Left - A Different Perspective

2008-05-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

In my reading, I try to have one craft book as well as one fiction book going at any given time. If nothing else it serves as a reminder and keeps me a little more focused on the process of writing.

Currently, I'm reading a book on craft by Susan Bell titled "The Artful Edit." (Thanks to my friend, Lacey Savage, for this one.) It's an interesting read and offers some good food for thought. In particular, in Chapter One, there's a subsection titled "The Hang-Up or Lay-Out." Hmmm, I thought...are we talking wallpaper here? Well, maybe not so far off. Utilizing this technique in the editing process can be very visual and enlightening. Consider this partial definition for "perspective."

Perspective: the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed, b. the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance. --Webster's

Bell suggests stringing a line and clipping each page of the chapter to the clothesline to gain a visual perspective and cadence to the written word. Somehow you see the writing differently, say, long and short paragraphs, and the balance of text. Visually, does something not look quite right? Maybe it just looks out of whack. It also suggests that some people lay their pages out on the floor rather than hanging them up.

I guess I found this interesting because I have a novel right now which has moved into the never-ending edit realm. I was really dissatisfied with the first chapter, but I couldn't quite lay my finger on the exact problem.

Finally, one day, I printed out two copies of Chapter One. The first I set aside to keep as a road map to my original destination. The second one I cut up like paperdolls. I cut each paragraph of the chapter out, page by page, and then I played around with the wording. I have several white boards here that I picked up from Home Depot rather inexpensively and upended one of them. Well, actually two of them. I then grabbed some tape and started storyboarding my chapter project. I cut, I added, I switched around. I made notes. Somehow I did come up with a better feel for the chapter. Then I taped all the little pieces to blank white sheets of paper in the order I wanted them. Once I had them all aligned, I went back to the second printed out copy and numbered the paragraphs and then returned to the computer to edit my chapter. Well, actually, I think I sort of numbered them as I was going along, but I tried to make a more legible copy. I might add that during the course of this editing process several pages were removed from the chapter. A few bits and pieces added.

It sounds like a long, drawn out process, but I felt the chapter and the story benefited from the task. It's the first time I did something like that, but not the only one. And I know it's a process I'll use again. It's amazing where frustration can lead you.

So, lining pages up on a clothesline really wouldn't be a far stretch for me. It's certainly something I'd be inclined to try.

Are there any out-of-the-ordinary editing rituals you have?

Adrianna

My favorite team sport

2008-05-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a southern girl (Eastern Tennessee, specifically the Tri-Cities) where football isn't a sport, it's a vital part of life on the most basic level. For some, this statement may sound exaggerated. If you have ever lived there, you'll know it isn't exaggerated at all.

Some of my earliest memories are of going with my parents to the V/T game (that's the cross-state rivalry between two high schools -- the Virginia Bearcats and the Tennessee Vikings -- in Bristol. I loved every minute from the pre-game warm-ups and band performances to the post-game interviews and salutes.

One of my first romantic heroes was a football player. His name? Joe Namath. I also loved Fran Tarkenton, Archie Manning, Dick Butkus, Lance Alworth, Roman Gabriel, and much to my husband’s dismay since he’s a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Larry Csonka and Kenny Stabler. (You can find out more about most of these guys through the Pro Football Hall of Fame website except I believe Gabriel, a great player who was also just too cute!)

So when I think athletic hero archetype in my writing my first thought is football. Fantasy Man and the whole Locker Room Diaries series is my attempt to honor all the men I've watched and admired my entire life!

Pittsburgh First Presbyterian Church

2008-05-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't think I'd be writing about a church would you? I'm always full of surprises. And you just never know where your next story idea will come from. Like my recent attendance at a convention.

In April, I had the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attending the Romantic Times Convention, which takes place in a different city each year, provides me the opportunity to explore new territories. One of the places I visited in Pittsburgh was the First Presbyterian Church located at 320 Sixth Avenue in Pittsburgh.

It was a bit surprising to us to discover this church which is located on a busy street in the midst of towering, modern office buildings. It was like discovering a treasure in the least likely place. But should it really be such a surprise when adventuring along the streets of these cities? Which is part of the fun of taking a city street map and just venturing out and stumbling upon these beautiful surprises.

My friend, Debbie, and I were sort of exploring the downtown area. We did manage to find Macy's and Lord & Taylor, but used restraint when we stumbled upon the shopping area, and our time was limited. Some of the architecture and sculptures were very interesting, and I do love taking photographs. Thank goodness for digital.

The formation of this church dates back to 1758 when the British defeated the French. That defeat took place very close to where our hotel, the Pittsburgh Hilton, is located. As a matter of fact, Caitlyn Willows and I visited the spot where the three rivers (the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio) converge. Oh yes, and there's a bit of a story here, too.

We discovered that quite a bit of downtown Pittsburgh is currently under construction, including the site where these rivers meet and the fountain at Point State Park was not actually working. We were sort of told that one couldn't walk to that area because of the construction. Yeah. Right. They didn't realize they were talking to a couple of authors who don't always handle the "you can't do it" phrase well.

I digress. Back to the church.

Apparently, the 2.5 acres upon which this church was built was originally used as an Indian burial ground. The grounds were used primarily for burial purposes going forward into the 1800's. When the second church was built many of the burials were exhumed and placed into crypts which were constructed for that purpose beneath the church.

The church grounds are currently under renovation and due to the fact that we were there on a weekday and it was late in the day as well, we didn't have an opportunity to go inside the church. Apparently, tours are scheduled after services on Sundays and can also be arranged by calling ahead.

I keep thinking about those underground crypts and Indian burial grounds and I'm thinking there's a story or two building here.

All in all, Pittsburgh was a very interesting city to visit and I came away from my trip with more than a couple of story ideas that will develop along the way. I'm glad I carry my notebook with me, too.

Links of interest regarding the church:

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3NED
http://www.fpcp.org/ (for the history of the church)
http://www.flickr.com/adriannadane (more photos of the church and Pittsburgh)

Adrianna

A writer's work space

2008-05-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm probably the most organized person you'll ever meet. Even my To Do lists have To Do lists. However, those organizational skills don't apply to my writing desk, which is pure chaos on the best day.

Does it bother me? Not at all. I love being surrounded by papers, magazines, books, notes on my latest WIP, journals (I have way too many of those), colored pens, at least six stacks of sticky-notes (of all different shapes, sizes and colors), candles, hand cream, my graphics tablet, my wallet (that credit card has to stay within reach at all times), and 20 tarot decks.

Knowing all that stuff is usually on my desk, you might wonder how I can even fit my keyboard and monitor on its glass surface. Well, not only can I fit those pertinent items, but I even have room for an observer:

So, what about you? What (or who) sits on your writing desk?

Lacey Savage
http://www.laceysavage.com

Fantasy Man now available!

2008-05-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

The first story in my new series, The Locker Room Diaries, is now available.

The story is called Fantasy Man and here's some information about it and a excerpt. I hope you enjoy this story!

Fourth And Long...

Erotic romance author Debbie Morris is sliding down a slippery slope of despair. She can't work and she can't play. Even playing with love, her favorite sport, doesn't seem to interest her anymore. The Alaska native is hoping the warm waters and soft nights of Fiji will inspire her, or will even produce a fantasy man to get her out of her funk. But will an out-of-shape woman who creates fantasies for a living know a real-life hero when she meets him?

Goal Line Stand...

Tall, black and sexy Dmetri Cole has been in tough situations many times as a linebacker in the AFL, the premier professional football league in the world, and he figures catching one elusive romance author will be like tracking down a slow fullback running in the mud. But catching the object of his desire may be just the easy part once he realizes she may want something or someone else.

So how can a regular man, even one with extraordinary athletic talent, compete with the fantasies she creates?

EXCERPT

...Thankfully his shorts were the button-fly kind.

She took her time opening them.

One button released was rewarded with a light kiss.

Two buttons, a lingering lick.

By the time she reached his third button, his hand was gripping her hair.

“Come here, you,” he said when she lifted her head and looked up at him.

They were lying on the beach and, although it was dark, the moon was full and it was if they were in the spotlight. Everything around them was hidden in the inky blackness since they were far from the resort lights. In the daylight, it would no doubt be full of people. This night, it was if they were alone on the island. It wouldn’t have made any difference to Debbie if they weren’t alone. Her entire focus was on Dmetri.

“I thought I’d just settle in for a quick snack,” she replied.

“Oh, no, you don’t. If you continue that, I’ll be as worthless to you as a rookie quarterback,” he said. “And I can’t wait to taste some of your sweet honey.”

Before Debbie could muster her reply, he moved so fast she felt dizzy. She was now lying on the bed of soft sand and he was above her. Once again, for such a large man, he moved with the speed and agility of a cat. She expected to feel crushed. Though she wasn’t little, he was massive. But he kept most of his weight off her. She didn’t have time to think of anything more as he started kissing her again.

Her hands and his removed their remaining clothes between stirring kisses and scintillating love bites. Debbie felt as if every inch of her skin was on fire, fed by prickles of the desire making her heart race, causing her blood to heat and her lungs to demand more oxygen. Finally they were both naked, and she could feel the length and heat of him full against her. He pulled her legs wider apart, and she bent them at the knees. Most of his weight was on his strong arms, but he didn’t seem to have any problems holding it and her in place. She could feel the heated tip of him just at the edge of her pussy. Her moisture, which had been soaked up by her panties, now had no barrier and she could feel how slick she was, how ready she was for his penetration.

“Ready?” he asked as he paused.

“God, yes.” She wrapped her hands around his butt, digging her nails in, in an attempt to draw him deep inside her. He sucked in his breath and leaned forward. As his hips flexed, he ground his mouth against her. Debbie couldn’t catch her breath. She couldn’t believe how big he was, how much his cock was stretching her quivering vagina.

“Damn, I’m too big, aren’t I?” His groan sounded agonized. Debbie couldn’t reply. Every synapse in her brain was busy processing the wonderful feeling of him inside her. So all she could do was shake her head.

“Shit,” he said. “I knew it. I knew it. I should’ve made sure you were ready. I should’ve brought you off better.”

She felt him start to pull away. She still was having trouble sending words from her brain to her mouth, but she knew one thing without a doubt. She was not going to let him pull out. Not when he felt so delicious inside her. So she did the only thing she knew how. She wrapped her legs tightly around his hips. She didn’t think she had the strength to hold him in place, but she also tightened her pussy muscles, squeezing his cock inside her.

“Damn, baby,” he said. “That feels good. But I don’t want to hurt you any more than I already have.”

Finally Debbie found the breath and the sense to speak.

“Don’t leave,” she gasped. Those two words took all the power she had.

She could see from the look in his eyes, he was still afraid of hurting her. So she clenched him again and again.

“Shit,” he groaned. “I get the picture. I’m not going anywhere.”

Debbie finally managed to smile. “Good. Research.”

He chuckled. The sound of itrumbling through his chest warmed her heart.

“Damn, woman, you feel good,” Dmetri said. “Too damn good. Can you take more of me?”

Debbie closed her eyes on a wave of desire. There’s more?...

Trixie
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/FantasyMan.html

Visit me at My Space!

http://www.myspace.com/trixiestilletto

New computer giddiness

2008-05-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

The UPS man finally arrived late Friday afternoon and brought with him a wonderful Mac

I don't use the "l" word lightly but I have to say all the signals are already present to hint at a long, fruitful relationship!

I won't say it's perfect, but hey, since I'm no longer young myself, perfection, although certainly appreciated isn't vital to me these days. My little Mac has some scars and scratches on its exterior, but so far it seems willing and able to try everything I've asked of it.

Some may say I'm waxing way too poetic for a simple machine. Maybe they're right. But right now, I can only say, this looks very promising!

Trixie

Nervous Energy

2008-04-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm filled with nervous anticipation tonight for two reasons.

1) My new release, Fantasy Man, will soon hit the shelves.

2) I've purchased a new laptop computer and am making the big switch from Windows operating system to Mac.

First, I'll talk about the new release. Fantasy Man is the first story in a new series and that's scary for me. The story itself is about a professional football player and an erotic romance writer.
It's about fantasies, life and love. It's also the first time I've written a story involving an inter-racial couple. Did I do it right? Did I deliver a story worthy of these wonderful two characters?
Only time and readers will answer those two questions.

My other big worry about this story is fact it's a start of a new series. I've only done one other series in my life (Scarecrow & Betsy McGee). The way I see it though, that was all just a fluke. And to mix sports metaphors here, I think I may have struck out big time with The Locker Room Diaries. Rather than think more about the huge worry of a new release, I'll switch my attention to computers.

My laptop died an agonizing death. I could have done the easy and purchased another one like it. Instead I decided to switch to Mac. I hemmed and hawed right up until the critical moment when I had to place that bid on the famous auction site. Part of me was hoping I would not win. Of course, I did.

Now what? How the heck am I going to do it? How am I going to make the transition. Why do I need a Mac? I don't do graphic intensive tasks, just a little ol' word processing. But now the die is cast, the bill has been paid and I find the worries edging toward excitement. Will all the suns and moons align to form the perfect ending to this story?

All day long until past dark o'clock, I felt the anticipation rise. Would it come? Would the man in the brown truck wearing those nice little brown shorts relieve my pain?

As I lay me down to sleep, there was no special delivery, no new releae either and the anticipation continues to grow. Will it be tomorrow?...

Caitlyn's RT Experience

2008-04-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that a week ago I was sitting in a Psychic Sunday workshop at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. After a week of basking in the remnants of joy from the conference, my real life has finally intruded with the weekly mundane chore of laundry, etc.

RT was great fun. It's always wonderful to reconnect with friends, make new friends, and meet readers, booksellers, and reviewers. I can't say I was a big fan of the Hilton Pittsburgh, but it certainly wasn't the worst place I've ever stayed (that medal goes to the Panamint Springs "Resort" in Death Valley National Park--think Bates Motel with roaches). The staff at the Hilton Pittsburgh was very nice, and extremely overwhelmed with the number of conference attendees. It didn't help that the hotel was under renovation at the time and that renovation affected every floor. The restaurant dropped their normal menu and went to a buffet. I understand the two bars ran out of tequila and the lobby bar shut down shortly thereafter. Management provided discount coupons for food. The rooms were nice and comfortable, but small and not clean nor were they cleaned with any regularity during our stay. But, again, the staff was very, very nice.

I didn't get to see much of Pittsburgh since I only had a part of a day. On Thursday of the conference the batteries in my marquee badge died and I had to duck out of the luncheon to walk to the nearest drug store. I'd originally been told it was a mile down the road, but it was only about three blocks. And I stepped outside into the most beautiful day. Sun shining, birds singing, a perfect temperature.

I came home with 54 new books to add to my TBR pile. The best giveaway of the entire conference was the red fleece blanket from Samhain Publishing, given away on the last day.

I came home energized, but missed my sister muses immediately. At dinner last night I glanced at my cell phone, which hadn't run once in a week with queries of, "Where are you?", "What time do you want to meet?", or "Ohmygosh, you have to come see this cool (fill in the blank) right now." Oh well....there's always next year in Orlando. I can hardly wait.

Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Tall, er True, tales from the RT convention

2008-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from RT and since I'm first home I can report my version of the events of RT for public consumption.
There may be some among us here at Servants of the Muse who will tell of rowdism and mischievous behavior at the convention. I will not attempt to deny those claims.
I could cite numerous examples of certain members of SOM playing cleavage games during an important dinner in a pitiful attempt to attract the attention of cover models.
I could write how two of our members caused a stir with a artist selling portraits while we were waiting in line for the Vampire Ball to begin.
I could also tell of one author (who shall be nameless--Lacey) making faces at another author who was sitting across from her during the Saturday bookfair thus ruining my, I mean, another author's concentration arranging her promotional M&Ms in their dish. (Oh the calamity of that one! Red M&Ms bouncing here there and everywhere. It was mayhem as the scramble to catch the buggers ensued. Later that same afternoon, the power mysteriously failed in the bookfair room. Was it fate or sabotage?)
I could also tell how three out of the four of us made such a ruckus at the Club RT signing there was a petition to suspend us for decades.
All of these things are true.
Sort of.
I'll let you wonder which is which!
Trixie

Happy Birthday, Taurus

2008-04-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Ferdinand the Bull, from the story by Munro Leaf and the Disney cartoon? Ferdinand was the bull who prefer to smell the flowers rather than fight in the bull ring. Well, Ferdinand was a perfect metaphor for the sign of Taurus.

In real life, the bull is a symbol or power and potency, but the sun sign Taurus is a "feminine" sign ruled by Venus, the love planet. Like the bull, Taurus is slow to anger, but dangerous when provoked. My mother was a Taurus, and while she was usually quite easy-going, I learned that she was a force to be reckoned with on the rare occasions she lost her temper. Most of the time she played peacekeeper, a role much needed in a household containing two Scorpios and an Aries!

Taurus is a fixed, earth sign. My mother wasn't crazy about change, but she sure had a green thumb. She could make almost anything grow and loved to garden. Like most people born under the sign, she had a lot of patience, but could be stubborn. It's a fixed sign, after all. The typical Taurus has a love of beauty combined with exquisite taste. My mom used to joke about having champagne tastes on a beer pocketbook. But being a practical Taurus, she never spent more money than she had. (Taurus can be notoriously tight-fisted, but also good at managing other people's money.)

Taurus can be a loving, peaceful companion. Compatible signs include the other earth signs of Virgo and Capricorn as well as the water signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. For more information, go to Astrology on the Web.

Taurus often has a musical or artistic bent. My mother loved music and had a lovely singing voice, which I, alas, did not inherit. Famous people born under the sign include Fred Astaire, Lionel Barrymore, Johannes Brahms, Catherine the Great, Gary Cooper, Oliver Cromwell, Bing Crosby, Elizabeth II, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Henry Fonda, ballerina Margot Fontyn, Sigmund Freud, Ulysses Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Adolph Hitler, Willie Mays, Vladimir Nobokov, Robespierre, William Shakespeare, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Temple, Harry S. Truman and Orson Welles.

Is there a Taurus in your life?

Lyndi / Linda

Excerpt from Alliance: Clandestine Desire (M/M)

2008-04-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the excerpt I promised from Alliance: Clandestine Desire, male/male science fiction erotica. Enjoy!

Lyndi

Excerpt:

Tai got out of the car and Behrin followed suit, grabbing his bag from the back seat. He followed Tai along a narrow wooden walkway to a medium-sized boat. The name Lehar was painted on the stern. Others docked nearby appeared to be luxury yachts, but there were a few others similar to Tai’s.

“You live over the water?” Behrin asked in surprise.

Tai grinned as he stepped onto the boat. “Yes. Land is at a premium in Mahdesh City. I spend so little time here, I decided to live on my boat instead. Besides, it’s cooler on the water.” He unlocked the door to the cabin and led Behrin down a short flight of stairs.

The main cabin had a sitting area at one end and a small galley at the other. A door off the galley led to the sleeping area. “You can have the bed. I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

“That sofa isn’t long enough even for you,” Behrin objected. He eyed the large bed, picturing Tai lying nude across it, a come hither look on his face. “It looks plenty big enough for two.”

At Tai’s raised eyebrow, Behrin added, “Don’t worry, I won’t ravish you in your sleep.”

“Would you like to?”

A flash of desire ran through Behrin, concentrating in his groin. “Are you sure? I thought you liked women.”

Tai chuckled and moved closer. “Because I flirted with the waitress? You do know we Mhajavis are bisexual?”

Behrin reached out to touch Tai’s face. “I’d heard that but didn’t dare to dream it might be true.”

Tai rubbed his cheek against Behrin’s palm. His skin was only slightly prickly, his beard softer and sparser than Behrin’s own. He pressed his lips to the palm, his lips warm and wet. Lifting his head, he stared into Behrin’s eyes. “It is true, in theory, but there are some of us with decided preferences.”

Behrin’s heart kicked into high gear. “And in your case?”

Tai grinned, his eyes taking on a mischievous gleam. “I have a liking for big, strong men.”

He ran his hands across Behrin’s shoulders and down his arms, gently squeezing his muscles. Then he placed his hands on Behrin’s chest. “Your heart is racing.”

Behrin covered Tai’s hands with his own, larger ones. “You have that affect on me.”

Tai lifted his chin and parted his lips. “As you do me.”

Behrin lowered his head and captured Tai’s mouth with his own, gently at first then with more insistence. Tai responded by running his tongue over Behrin’s lips, then delving inside his mouth. They stood like that, hands and mouths joined, tongues tasting and thrusting, savoring each other. Behrin’s senses nearly overloaded. He’d never been so turned on, so aroused. His cock begged for attention.

Click here to buy a copy of Alliance: Clandestine Desire.

5 Nymphs for Alliance: Clandestine Desire

2008-04-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to report that Literary Nymphs gave my new release, Alliance: Clandestine Desire, a 5 Nymph Review! Here's part of what it said:

"Alliance: Clandestine Desire is a story that inspires the turn of phrase, Please may I have some more. The very talented Lyndi Lamont creates a tantalizing plot with sensual love play and just enough intrigue to have you panting for more of Behrin and Tai, and more adventures in space. This is an amazing series; I look forward to the next episode." - Chocolate Minx, Literary Nymph Reviews

Alliance: Clandestine Desire is part of the Secret Lives Amber Pax. Here's the blurb:

A secret mission....

When Behrin agrees to undertake an undercover mission, he is promised a command of his own in the Ziganese fleet. The fulfillment of his lifelong dream is finally in sight. Then he meets his Mhajavi counterpart and finds he has another dream, too.

An unexpected love...

The last thing Tai expects to find on this mission is a Ziganese officer who stirs his desires. But he’s always had a thing for big, strong men, and he falls hard for Behrin.

A heart-wrenching choice...

Behrin knows a lot is riding on this mission, not only their lives, but the future safety of their respective worlds. Will they survive, only to be torn apart forever?

I'll post an excerpt later for those of you who like Male/Male erotica.

Lyndi

Dreaming by Moonlight

2008-04-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Like most authors, I feel out of sorts when I don't write. But we can't write all the time (no matter how much our fans might want us to). So instead, we find other outlets for our creativity, which often spur more writing ideas. It's a wonderful creative cycle.

My outlet is graphics art. Though I can't even draw a proper stick person if you put a pencil in my hand, I can make magic with Photoshop and a graphics tablet. Yesterday afternoon, after writing nearly 3,000 words on my current WIP, I had the urge to put together a fantasy scene. I wanted something dark and whimsical... and this was the result.

(click on the image for a larger version)

After I finished this piece, I took a long look at the end result and realized she needs a story. A couple of folks suggested a merman should sweep out of the sea and come for her. What do you think?

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

4 Stars from Romantic Times for Esmerelda's Lovers

2008-04-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Small towns never go out of style. And there's always a steamy secret or two, or three lurking around. Esmerelda's Lovers is about small town secrets.

I love small towns. I grew up in one and I live in one now. Not the same one, by the way. I enjoy writing about them. Esmerelda's Lovers is an erotic romance anthology with all of the stories centering around the residents of the fictional small town of Esmerelda, Massachusetts.

Janean Sparks, a reviewer for RT BOOKcub Reviews gives Esmerelda's Lovers four stars and has this to say about this erotic anthology:

Dane gives us four wonderful tales of love and romance. The characters are real and captivating, and there are plenty of spicy scenes that will have your mouth watering. You will get so wrapped up in each of these stories that everything else will just fade away.

Find the review in the May 2008 issue of Romantic Times BOOKreviews or by visiting the Romantic Times website.

A little about Esmerelda's Lovers.

Esmerelda, a small, sleepy town with passion as its foundation. It is a community built on tradition, holding deep, secrets and painful memories for some. Lives intertwine as usually happens in a small town. But as the past explodes into the present, the futures of these lovers will alter forever.

Esmerelda's Secret. A 2004 Amber Heat Wave Contest Winner John William (J.W.) Dalton and Willow MacKenzie had once been passionate lovers, two halves of one soul, torn apart by greed and misunderstanding. Now, ten years later, J.W. is sheriff and Willow has returned to Esmerelda to finally lay to rest the tormenting ghosts that continue to haunt her.

5 Stars! ...Ms. Dane has written a hot, hot short story...Her words make every touch and breath blazing... -- Julie, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Smooth Finish. Back in high school Cody Marx and Jared Creed had been attracted to each other. But when Jared's father died and his half-brother, Kenny, got into trouble, they drifted apart. Years later, a remodeling project draws them together once again. This is one revitalization Cody can't wait to begin.

4 Angels!! Smooth Finish is a great book that has everything you need for a great bedtime story. There is plenty of sexual tension, adventure, and mystery. ... Author Adrianna Dane always creates such appealing books that it makes me eager to immerse myself in her worlds again and again... --Tammy, Fallen Angel Reviews

Ruthless Acts. Elizabeth Anthony, a hot-house flower, the pampered daughter of a powerful man. Isandro Santario, a secretive ex-con with a powerful desire for revenge. One from hell, the other from heaven. Can they discover paradise together? Or will they both end up burning in the smoky depths of purgatory?

5 Lips!! Adrianna Dane has penned an erotic and emotionally intense story that draws you in immediately and doesn't let go until the very last page. ... Ruthless Acts is a definite must-read that'll engage your senses and leave you breathless for more... --Kerin, TwoLips Reviews

Closing Time. Risking her reputation, Evelyn travels to Boston for a little taboo excitement. From the hot encounter behind the stage with the sexy guitar player, to a steamy confrontation in the back room of the Esmerelda library, Evie must face her fears and risk everything for a chance at love.

4 Hearts!! ...Closing Time is a story about taking risks. ... Ms. Dane really touched this reviewer with this plot ... Closing Time is also about sex! Ms. Dane creates some steamy scenes that will leave you breathless and craving more. ... --Tina, Love Romances and More

Read excerpts from each of these stories at my website

Listen to first chapter excerpts in podcast format at Podomatic.com.

Purchase Esmerelda's Lovers online at amazon.com.

Adrianna

Book Habits -- Choosing, Buying, Reading -- How Do You Do It?

2008-04-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

As of last night I have the unique situation of actually having no print books left on my TBR pile for the first time in twenty years. There are still over fifty on my ebook reader though, and I won't even mention my reference and nonfiction pile. The TBR print book fiction pile won't be gone for long. More books are on the way. Why? Because there aren't many things better than delving into a good book and, despite my reading idiosyncrancies, I love the adventure of a great story -- finding it and reading it.

Several weeks ago on another blog, I asked the question -- How do you choose a book?

I've discovered my method of selection is basically the same whether I'm online, in a bookstore, or on Amazon. I receive newsletters from several epublishers regarding new releases. With the click of a button I can see cover, author name, and blurb, even read an excerpt. If the cover art catches my attention, I'll read the blurb on the back. If I like the blurb and the subject matter, I'll read the excerpt. If I like that, I purchase.

My Amazon purchase method is a little different. In that case I already know what I want and simply search and buy (or place on the wish list for someone to buy for me). I generally won't buy fiction in a brick-and-mortar store. Those are the places where I browse for research books.

So...what about you? How do you choose a book?

Next question... How do you read a book?

I'm probably the world's pickiest reader. Many of the books I receive are freebies from conferences. I'll generally give every single one of them a try. (Unless it is a topic I'm not fond of.) If it doesn't catch my attention in the first couple of pages, I quit. If it does catch my attention, I'll read on. If I'm really enjoying it, after several chapters I will (gasp!) skip to the end. If the ending is to my liking, I'll continue reading all the way through. If the ending is to my liking but the read itself is so-so, I read the end and that's it. If I discover anything I don't like in my forward scanning of the story, I won't read anything more or I read the end and leave it at that. And, of course, if I don't like the end, I won't bother continuing on.

So...what about you? How do you choose a book and how do you read? I'd love to hear your responses.

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

March Best Sellers

2008-04-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

The March 2008 Best Seller lists have been posted by Amber Quill Press and Servants of the Muse authors occupy eight of the twenty slots!

Amber Allure March 2008 Best Sellers!

1. Don't Ask, Don't Tell
- Cassie Stevens (Gay / Contemporary)

They loved each other more than life...twelve years ago. If only they'd been more worldly, more sure of themselves, and less inclined to bow to parental dictates and society...

But they'd followed the paths laid out for them—Elliott Baldwin as a Marine Corps officer, Neal Cassidy toward a career in politics and eventually a shot at Congress. Never did they realize, however, that their college love affair would ever be exposed on nationwide television during a nasty political campaign...or that it would thrust them back into each other's arms.

Now they are no longer boys, but men who know what and who they want, know the risks involved, and know society hasn't matured with them. And they also know choices have to be made even as they realize some secrets are best left hidden...

2. Hidden Impact
- Adrianna Dane (Gay / Contemporary)

Reed Parr loves Drew Sanborn with a passion that flares bright and hot and lasting. Drew fulfills every fantasy Reed has ever imagined of the perfect lover, the perfect partner. And Drew loves him right back. So what’s the problem? Reed’s life, for one thing. Reed’s children and Drew’s parents. And their inner vulnerabilities. Age differences and past hurts...

Reed is a gifted architect, and his livelihood hinges on the career he’s built over fifteen years with the Sanborn Architectural Firm—the company owned and run by Drew’s father, a man with whom Reed and his wife had regularly socialized before Reed’s wife’s death. Reed had watched Drew grow up, watched as the young man become fast friends with his own son, Mark, never realizing how their paths would cross in later years. Their lives are so intertwined, that the impact of their relationship on both families could be devastating. Reed simply can’t take the chance on outing his love for Drew without considering the hidden impact on all their lives.

Drew, sixteen years younger than Reed, is openly gay. At some level, he understands Reed’s hesitance on outing their relationship. Yet after two years, he’s ready for their secret affair to transform into a public commitment.

Can a week in the mountains, away from the pressures and expectations surrounding them, help to cement the relationship enough for Reed to publicly admit his love for Drew? Or will everything fall apart, causing the lovers to separate forever, no matter how painful the parting?

Confrontation, revelation, and steamy nights of hot, searing sex could make all the difference in the world...

8. Alliance: Clandestine Affair
- Lyndi Lamont (Gay / Futuristic)

A secret assignment...

When Behrin agrees to undertake a clandestine mission, he is promised a command of his own in the Ziganese fleet. The fulfillment of his lifelong dream is finally in sight. But then he meets his Mhajavi counterpart, and finds he has another dream, too.

An unexpected love...

The last thing Tai expects to find on this assignment is a Ziganese starship officer who stirs his desires. But he’s always had a thing for big, strong men, and he falls hard for Behrin.

A heart-wrenching choice...

Behrin knows a lot is riding on this mission, not only his life as well as Tai’s, but also the future safety of their respective worlds. Will they survive, only to be torn apart forever?

10. An Acquired Taste
- Adrianna Dane (Ménage / Bisexual [M/M])

Cherri Barratt is typically not an adventurous sort of woman. But when she walks into a smoke shop to purchase a box of cigars for her father as a birthday present, she meets Rafael Mercada, a Cuban plantation owner.

A sinfully attractive, sophisticated man who knows what he wants, Rafael seduces Cherri before she knows what hits her. Slowly, he draws her into his world, revealing, bit by bit, the lifestyle he lives. He carefully prepares her, instilling in her an unexpected taste for sexual adventure...before introducing her to his best friend, Luca Reyes.

Soon, Cherri fully acquires a taste for sexy Cuban deliciousness...Rafael with a healthy dose of Luca thrown in to tempt the sexual palate. How can she resist?

Amber Heat March 2008 Best Sellers!

2. An Acquired Taste
- Adrianna Dane (Ménage / Bisexual [M/M])
(See blurb above)

3. The Things We Do For Love
- Cassie Stevens (Ménage / Bisexual [M/M])

Henry Carter's stress has reached critical levels. As a major in the Marine Corps, he feels like everyone with whom he works wants a piece of his ass...but not in the way he truly craves...

Patty Carter made a promise to her husband years before, and she's not going to let him down now. She realizes what Henry desires and knows just the man to give it to him...

Distance is nothing to Trevor Giles. He'd travel anywhere and do anything for Henry, the man he loves. Anything and everything...

6. Tainted Love
- Caitlyn Willows (Ménage / Bisexual [M/M]

They had it all and each other...until one of them walked away...

Five years ago, rock star Quentin Nash abandoned the loves of his life and instantly regretted it. Pride and fear have kept him away. But lost, lonely, and burned out, he's come back, and he's praying they can forgive that he tainted their love.

The music world was a hell on Earth for Mel and Tasha Keane. They escaped while they still had their sanity. Now it's back on their doorstep in the form of the one man to whom they'd lost their hearts years before. There's always been a place for Quentin with them, but can they help him find his way without losing their own?

9. No Choice
- Adrianna Dane (Ménage / Bisexual [M/M])

Back in high school, Ginnie had dated both Mason and Derrick, two best friends. She had loved them both equally...deliciously...separately. But rather than make a choice between them and take a chance on destroying their friendship, she had chosen to leave town.

Now, her old Mustang has broken down in front of the garage they own and she’s going to be confronted by a choice she couldn’t make all those years ago. Ginnie is also about to be faced with an unexpected revelation—one that could change everything and offer her a chance to snuggle into the very position where she truly yearned to be...

Lyndi

Four Angel Review for LOVE... BY THE BOOK!

2008-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to report that Love... By The Book received a Four Angel review from Fallen Angel Reviews. This story asks the question: Can a gift of the Kama Sutra turn an arranged marriage into a love match?

"Love...By the Book is a scintillating mix of lust and sexual exploration. Lydia’s character has the typical ideals of the time period. Marriage is for convenience not for passion or love, no matter what she truly longs for on the inside. Evan is sexy, yet his character has a wonderfully tender side. Evan wants to learn to make Lydia enjoy marriage as much as he intends to. He shows her just how hot marriage can be. The two characters are white hot together. The sexual scenes are scorching. Ms. Lamont has done a very nice job of bringing a bit of the exotic into her writing. I look forward to reading more." - Dawnie, Fallen Angel Reviews

A short excerpt follows. Enjoy!

Lyndi

~~~~~~~~~~

Evan wandered around his bedroom, clad in his new blue and white striped pajamas, wondering how much longer he should wait before going to his new bride. He’d never felt so unsure yet so filled with anticipation. His cock was already partially hard just thinking about what was to come.

At the same time he was more nervous than he’d ever been in his life. It wasn’t as if he were his first time, but every woman he’d been with had been a courtesan, more experienced than he. Lydia was a high-born lady, and a virgin. He just hoped he could make this pleasant for her and not embarrass himself in the process.

He glanced at his copy of the Kama Sutra. The book recommended waiting ten days before consummating the marriage. Bloody hell. He could no more wait ten more days to make her his wife than he could fly to the moon. He wanted her. Now. Badly.

Taking a deep breath, he walked to the door between their rooms and knocked. He let out his breath when she bade him enter. She was sitting up in bed, swathed in a voluminous white nightgown, looking pale and apprehensive.

He swore under his breath. “Where did you get that gown?”

Her eyes grew wide. “Mother ordered it, especially for tonight.”

“I should have known,” he muttered, wondering what other stellar advice her mother had given her. He sat on the side of the bed and took her hands in his. “What did your mother tell you to expect on your wedding night?”

Lydia flushed and glanced away. “Very little actually. She said to lie back and let you take charge.”

He sighed and reached out to touch her face and turn it to him. “I’d really prefer it if you participated in what we’re about to do. It is much more pleasurable that way. Like it was when you kissed me back, that night on the balcony.”

She gave him a tentative smile. “If that’s what you want.”

“What I want is you naked and writhing in my arms.”

Fun With Planets

2008-03-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been busy writing my fingertips to the bone this week, and my poor PhotoShop habit ended up sorely neglected. So today, I thought I'd mess around and see what I can come up with.

I started with a blank canvas. Three hours later, this was the result:

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version)

Since I liked the planet so much, I thought I'd mess with it a little more. So, using Photoshop's brilliant filters, I also came up with...

Planet Under Shattered Glass

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version)

Comic Book Planet

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version)

Nuclear Planet

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version)

Planet on Canvas

(Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version)

Of course, all this messing around with planets got me hankering to write a science-fiction book... something with over-the-top sexy, naughty aliens. What do you think?

Oh, and which planet version is your favorite?

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

A Trip to the Chinese Garden, Part 2

2008-03-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know Caitlyn has already written her report on the garden, but I'm adding my two cents here. Earlier this month, I attended EPICon2008 in Portland, Oregon, along with fellow Servants of the Muse Adrianna Dane and Caitlyn Willows. On the day before the conference started we visited the Chinese Garden, a short ride from our hotel on the light rail system. Here's a photo showing the garden's pool with high-rises in the background.

The garden is lovely, an oasis of serenity in the midst of a modern city. Even though it was quite chilly that morning, my friends and I lingered, exploring every nook and cranny. A few plants were in bloom, including the camellias, but I'm sure it will be even prettier in a month or so.

The early March cold made my left hand, the one with tendonitis, cramp up, so I'm surprised I was able to take as many photos as I did. It would have helped if I'd been dressed more warmly and if I hadn't managed to temporarily misplace my thumb stabilizer. That didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying the gardens though.

I finally got my garden pictures uploaded to my photo gallery at Picassa. I'm adding a little slideshow here for your enjoyment.

I always enjoy gardens, esp. since I don't have a green thumb myself. Three of my favorites are Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Kew Gardens outside London and the garden at the Huntington Library in Arcadia, Calif.

What's your favorite garden?

Lyndi

Celebrating Aries

2008-03-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

There are signs of spring all over, at least here in Southern California. The hills are a bright green, trees that shed their leaves in fall are starting to produce new ones, and my rose bush has produced the first bud of the season.

March 20, the first day of spring, also known as the Vernal Equinox, is the day the sun enters Aries and the beginning of the Zodiacal year. Since Aries is the first sign, it's known as the baby of the Zodiac, which some astrologers take to mean Aries thinks he's the center of the universe. I don't like to take the "infant" analogy very far, though Aries Nikita Khrushev did bang his shoe on a table at the U.N. when he wanted attention! However, I don't think people born under this sign are any more infantile or self-centered than other signs, but maybe I'm biased.

Aries's symbol is the Ram, its ruler is Mars, and it's a cardinal fire sign, so there's often nothing subtle about Aries, and women born under this sign are no exception. Consider Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. It's also interesting that the actresses who played Xena and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are both Aries. People born under the sign do kind of tend to go after what they want in a single-minded, head down, "damn the torpedoes" kind of way. It's a good thing the Ram has strong horns. Aries people can be headstrong, impulsive, and hot-tempered, but also warm-hearted, generous and idealistic.

Famous people born under the sign of Aries include Otto Von Bismark, Marlon Brando, Charlie Chaplin, Russell Crowe, Sarah Michelle Geller, Harry Houdini, Thomas Jefferson, Ahley Judd, Lucy Lawless, Clare Booth Luce, Eugene McCarthy, Andrew Mellon, J. P. Morgan, Gloria Swanson, Vincent Van Gogh, Werner Von Braun and Tennessee Williams.

Compatible signs include the other fire signs, Leo and Sagittarius, and the air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. I married an Aquarian and it's a pretty good match. His rational calm keeps me from racing off the edge of a cliff, while my need to get out and go keeps him from falling into too much of a rut!

For more information, go to http://www.cafeastrology.com/zodiacaries.html.

What's your sign?

Lyndi / Linda

The Care and Feeding of Ideas

2008-03-20T08:10:00.001-07:00

The question readers, acquaintances and family members ask me most often is, "Where do you get your ideas?" I used to hate this question. Any time someone posed it, I think I'd actually cringe. After all, how do I explain to someone who doesn't write that ideas are literally everywhere? I gave up trying after my response met with blank stares and incredulity. If ideas really were everywhere, wouldn't everyone be writing books? Screenplays? Poems? The world would be filled with writers!

What most people don't understand is that it's not the idea that's important. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that the idea itself means nothing at all. It's what you do with it that matters.

But that's a whole other blog post. For the purposes of this one, let's return to the topic of ideas. Okay, so ideas are everywhere. But how do you find them? More importantly, how do you capture them? And what do you do with them once you have them?

I picture ideas as having a physical form. In my mind, they're fireflies -- little specks of golden light that have a life of their own.

Your job, as a writer, is to capture fireflies and treat them well. Don't force them to do something they weren't born to do. Don't stifle them or put them in a jar so you can tap on the glass every now and then to make sure they're still there. Work with them. Play with them. Live with them.

For a little under two years, I've challenged myself to come up with a new book title every day, and three new story ideas a week. As I go about my day, I keep an eye out for fireflies. They exist in a snippet of overheard conversation, in the tattoo circling a woman's belly button, or in a newspaper headline. More often, they're in books, movies and TV.

To date, I have 700 titles for stories waiting to be written. Since I take my fireflies out to play often, I keep my title file open on my desktop at all times and peek inside a few times a day. Here are the last ten titles I've come up with:

Night Signals
Once a Bachelor
Cowboy Dreams
Dark Fire
Sultry Delight
Taken
Two Naughty Brothers
Bedtime Sins
Carnal Memories
Defiant

I don't pretend to claim these are the most innovative, or even the most exciting, titles. But each one of them holds a grain of an idea. The essence of a firefly.

Once I have a title, all I have to do is play the "What If?" game. On average, I can fill five loose-leaf notebook pages based simply on free-association from one or two words alone. And from there, a book takes shape.

So, to recap:

1. Look out for fireflies
2. Capture them
3. Work with them
4. Play with them
5. Live with them

They'll be good to you.

Just for fun, look around you and spot a firefly. I guarantee you have at least twenty surrounding you right now. Catch one. What does it look like? Where did you find it? Even if you're not a writer, what can you do with your firefly during the course of your day?

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

Portland Classical Chinese Gardens

2008-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, the annual EPIC Conference was held in Portland, Oregon. I always try to take advantage of being in a new city by arriving a day early to do a little sightseeing. There were a lot of things to see and do in Portland, but with only one day to explore I had to whittle my list down to a few.

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden made list. This beautiful garden is serenity personified. Though it's in the middle of the city, you'd never know it. Winding stone pathways, flowering plants and trees, arches that beckon you one step further into wonder. An 8,000 square foot lake is the center point, rocks around it take you to a magical world, and a waterfall in the far corner is music for your soul.

I've uploaded some pictures at flickr. Here's the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24707395@N02/sets/72157604122786976/

You can find out more about the garden by visiting their website at: www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com

Public Masks/Private Lives

2008-03-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

And people wonder where fiction comes from. Just look at the headlines this week alone. People are complicated creatures and that's what makes fiction such a challenge and pleasure to write. We are so multi-faceted. Even the villains.

Take New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and this recent scandal to hit the front pages of the papers. Here's a representative public figure with a private secret that's blatantly been exposed for public consumption.

Are there people who do not hide private fantasies beneath a public facade? And would they admit it if they did? Read Nancy Friday and you'd find that many women have very erotic fantasies. But do they act them out? Some might be the adventurous sort, others are content to keep those hidden fantasies to themselves and not to act them out.

What pushes a person to act upon their fantasies? I would guess for each person it's a different catalyst. Is there some measure of desperation when someone chooses to act out these fantasies to the detriment of the people in their lives? Is a public act of contrition sufficient to make amends for unlawful, hurtful acts?

I don't know what the answer is, or even if there can be one answer. There's church, state, family, self. There's pressure, demands, responsibility both to self and others. Must one be expected to be publicly perfect in all phases of their life? Is there a point of shattering when expectations become too heavy a burden? And how do we know when we've reached our limits? Does a little red light go on inside our heads when we get too close to the edge? I wish.

These complicated facets to humanity are what help an author to create realistic fictional characters. Trying to differentiate a good character (maybe the hero) from the evil guy (the villain) isn't always as clearly cut as it once may have seemed. The good guy isn't always wearing the white hat, and the bad guy isn't always wearing the black one.

We are human beings and as such are not always easily read. Haven't we learned that the really nice guy down the street could actually be a serial killer? Or what about the woman who is now homeless and we pass every day--was she once a person who had suffered a devastating, unrecoverable loss and now wanders aimlessly, rootless and without purpose. Maybe she was once a governor who had it all and bargained with the devil. And lost.

We teeter a very slender tightrope as we walk through life. Who knows where we'll end up. One misstep and it could send us careening down a dark and dangerous path.

And that's part of what I love about creating characters--discovering that recipe for humanity in fiction.

Adrianna

Contest winner announced!

2008-03-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the "Give a lonely REB 1100 ereader a Home" contest is.....
Pat Cochran!
Congratulations Pat!
And thanks to everyone for posting to our blog!

Trixie

Wanted: loving, interested home for e-reader

2008-03-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

As Lyndi mentioned earlier, this is Read an eBook Week so I thought I'd talk a little bit more about that and do a little giveaway.
I'm a little obsessive about eBooks and anyone who has known me most of my life will tell you that's pretty amazing. Don't get me wrong, I've mentioned before how much I adore reading and how I can remember the first time I ever read a book and what a thrill it was. But when I heard about eBooks years ago I also rolled my eyes. I mean, sure, I was pretty computer savvy. I had one of the computerized word processors in the late 1980s and early 90s. Do any of you remember those? Then I graduated to a IBM-clone. I enjoyed chatting and surfing the web and they certainly made writing easier (no more correction tape or fluid!). But read on them? Get real.
Well, I did get real and now I'm to the point where if one of my favorite authors has a new book and it isn't available digitally, I get well, perturbed. I don't WANT to go to a regular bookstore and haul it home. I want it on my handy, dandy eReader.
But like those early word processors the technology wasn't always the smoothest thing in the world. Then I found something I could love. It was produced and marketed by RCA and Gemstar and called the REB 1100 ebook reader. I loved it and used it. More, like a wonderful new lover, I couldn't image living without it. LOL.
So I became a bit obsessed about what would happen if I lost it. How would I survive? How would I go on? So I bought another, more modern one. I'm ashamed to say, like a child with a toy I began to think more and more about the new one and less about the old one.
Now my poor REB 1100 sits on a table, unloved and unused. I'm thinking that's a cruel way to treat such a fine old lover and now I'm looking to find it a new home, one where the people will embrace it and let my old love take them on many new, exciting journeys.
If you've been thinking, dreaming of getting yourself a dedicated ebook reader that doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but does open a bright new, unexplored world, post here. On Sunday, I'll pick a winner and send you this wonderful reader.
I've included some pictures of my forlorn reader. Take pity and give it the home it richly deserves!

Read an e-Book Week

2008-03-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Read an e-book week March 2-8, 2008

Today is the first day of Read an e-Book Week, an annual event that draws attention to electronic books. I won't go into all the pros and cons of e-books here, but I will stay that e-books probably saved my marriage. ;) Before e-books, I used to have to sneak my book purchases into the house when my husband wasn't looking. Being able to store my reading matter on the computer hard drive instead of trying to find a place for yet another print book in my over-cluttered house has been a real godsend.

I've been reading e-books for 8 years or so now, and I'm a big fan. I started reading on my laptop, but it wasn't long until I wanted a handheld reader. My first one was a Franklin eBookman which I found less than satisfying, even before it quit working completely. So a few years ago, when I had a chance to pick up an RCA/Gemstar 1100 at a good price I jumped at it. (RCA had purchased the Rocket Book.) My 1100 still works just fine and I still enjoy reading on it. I still read occasionally on my PDA, too.

However, my favorite reader is my new Amazon Kindle. It's not the electronic ink I like as much as the size of the device and the fact that it's so lightweight I can easily hold it in one hand. I like the bigger screen, though that's also true of my 1100. Click here to read my Kindle review.

Who else reads e-books? Why or why not?

If you do, do you read on your computer or on a personal device?

Linda / Lyndi

Have Mercy - 4.5 Blue Ribbon Review

2008-02-29T10:30:00.001-08:00

HAVE MERCY

Caitlyn Willows

www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptHaveMercy.htm

Erotic Romance – Ménage

Loose Id

www.loose-id.net/detail.aspx?ID=655

4.5 Blue Ribbons! All I can say is HAVE MERCY! I was dragged into this story from the very first sentence and begging for more by the end! What an exciting and provocative journey this story turned out to be. Caitlyn Willows is one of the most talented erotica authors of our time and she never disappoints readers. Ike has one heck of a dirty mind (which I loved). The thoughts running through his head while thinking of Mercy will make your teeth sweat. Mercy is just a naughty, naughty girl! The things she's prepared to do with Ike will knock your socks off. When these two do finally succumb to their desires, I swear my computer melted! HAVE MERCY has some of the most original sex scenes I've ever read and I wasn't disappointed with anything throughout the story. The plot line was superb and kept my attention riveted. The relationship between Ike and Mercy was sensational and by far one of the best couplings I've had the pleasure to read in a very long time. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know! - Amanda Haffery, Romance Junkies

Caitlyn's Kisses, Volume IV Now Available

2008-02-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

CAITLYN'S KISSES - Volume IV
by
Caitlyn Willows http://www.caitlynwillows.com/
An Anthology of Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60272-946-9 (Paperback)
February 2008
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
www.amberheat.com/CaitlynsKisses4.html

Also Available Directly From Amazon!

Love and adventure, earthbound and in the stars, naughty and nice, you'll find it all in these seven steamy tales of erotica from the pen of Caitlyn Willows.

Previously available only in electronic format, these short stories and novellas have now been combined for a paperback edition! Included are...

Bring Me To Life - She's ready to starting living again, and she knows just the man to help her do so. All she has to do is get him to admit he wants her as much as she wants him.

All Four One - United for a common goal, two couples discover a perfect joining of body, mind, and soul.

My Salvation - As his soul hovers between eternal bliss and endless damnation, she returns from the grave to help him earn his salvation.

Gypsy Fire - She felt the fire for him long before the legendary coin sliced their fingers and mingled their blood.

Bend Me, Shape Me - Will their sexual acrobatics help them rekindle those fires of youth...or send them to the emergency room?

Playtime - The tables are turned when the husbands decide to give their ladies a little playtime.

The Boys Are Back - The boys are back and they're coming for Melanie Jordan. How's a woman supposed to choose between to-die-for twins?

I'm letting Sven kick my butt!

2008-02-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

As I was telling a couple of friends earlier today, I've been severely unmotivated lately. Last year really messed with my routine. Between my company being taken over by another, having to quit that job, having to find another, then learning we'd be moving to Austin and subsequently selling our house and going through stacks of immigration paperwork -- and then finally moving -- things were nutty, to say the least. My productivity plummeted. My self-esteem plummeted (though none of the things that happened were particularly bad for me as a person -- quite the opposite, in fact). The bottom line is that I've been struggling to get back to my happily productive self ever since March of last year. I guess that makes it almost a full year now.

As it happens, we're now settled in, I've finally gotten over feeling homesick... and I find myself out of excuses. The problem is, even with all those excuses gone, I'm still just as unmotivated as ever.

So I'm doing something about it. I'm going to let Sven kick my butt.

I'm sure some of you have heard of "Seventy Days of Sweat with Sven". For those of you who haven't, here's a brief rundown from the official blog:

"70 Days of Sweat is designed to challenge (naturally), support, and encourage those of us crazy enough to write a book in 70 days. At the end, we’re looking for a word count between 60-100K. We’ve built an extra week into this round, so technically you have 77 days to sweat meaning . . . Round 3 will run from March 1 to May 16.

The rules are simple. You agree to write 4 - 6 pages a day (depending on the length of your book) every day between the dates listed above. If you need to take off a day, you make up the pages another. If you don’t like to write 7 days a week, too bad. This challenge lasts for only 10 weeks, and if you have to get up early on the weekends to get the pages done, you do it. (Hey, we all do it! You can, too!)"

*deep breath* I'm ready. What's even better, I have the perfect project. I'll be working on a brand spankin' new, erotic contemporary novel titled BREAKING EVERY RULE. I'm aiming for 90k, though knowing me, it'll likely run closer to 100k.

So why am I telling you this? Because, as Sven says, "Going public with your commitment is about owning it." I guess that means I now officially own it.

The art of calendaring!

2008-02-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

It’s leap year and that means an extra day of February. Yuck.

I don’t like February in the best of situations and not just because I’m stuck in the middle of the dead of winter here in Buffalo. But it’s got me thinking how in the world did we come up with the current calendar as we use it and why would anyone stick an extra day in February? I want an extra day in June or July. I’d even take one in October. But February? Please! I want it to be two weeks shorter.

I’ve been doing a tiny bit of research on calendars and the history of them. I won’t take the time to give you all the facts and links but I will tell you the funniest thing I read.

Apparently in the time of the French Revolution, major changes were made to the Gregorian calendar according to David Harper PH.D., F.R.A.S. http://www.obliquity.com/calendar/index.html They wanted to take the basics of calendaring (my word) away from religion and the church and take it back to nature. It was called The French Republican calendar and the New Year was scheduled to begin on the Autumn Equinox which was September 22 in 1792, the first year this calendar was in use. The names for the months were Vendemiaire (Vintage), Brumaire (Foggy), Frimaire (Freezing), Nivose (Snow), Pluviose (Rain), Ventose (Wind),Germinal (Budding), Floreal (Flowering), Prairial (Meadows), Messidor (Harvest), Thermidor (Heat), Fructidor (Fruitful).

The calendar had some problems from the get-go because the Equinox was hard to figure since it constantly moved around and, it was a PR nightmare because it only gave the French workingman 36 days of rest rather than the 52 they were getting. This was going to be a hard sell in the best of situations.

Harper says this calendar was also met with scorn by England. Its citizens even went so far to come up with derisive names for the months like Wheezy, Sneezy and Freezy; Slippy, Drippy and Nippy; Showery, Bowery and Flowery; Hoppy, Croppy and Poppy. The Republican Calendar lasted only thirteen years when Napoleon said off with its head.

This afternoon as I was sliding my way across the icy parking lot of the local pet store to pick up cat food since my two sweethearts have decided the cabinet full of food they normally relish is complete slop, I’m thinking about all this information I’ve learned. Maybe this slippy, drippy and nippy is something after all…

Happy Birthday, Pisces!

2008-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Pisces is the 12th sign of the Zodiac and thus represents the end of the human journey through life that starts with Aries. Does that mean every Pisces has absorbed the wisdom of the ages? Not exactly, though there have been some extraordinary people born under this sign, like Michelangelo and Albert Einstein.

Pisceans tend to be creative and intuitive, often artistic, charming, good-natured, compassionate and free-spirited. Not that you won't occasionally meet a sarcastic, acid-tongued fish. The sign is ruled by Neptune, god of the seas, and as the tides ebb and flow, so does the moods and energy of the Piscean.

The sign's symbol is that of two fish swimming in opposite directions. Or are they swimming in a circle? Sometimes it can seem that way. , but they can be single minded. While it's all too easy to get distracted by all the pretty coral in the ocean and the sandy beaches and sunlight, salmon are driven to swim upstream to spawn, often against tremendous obstacles.

In her classic book on Sun Signs, Linda Goodman says that the fish facing in different directions represents a choice not a dual nature. Pisces will be tempted to swim downstream, after all, it's easier, but "to swim upstream is the challenge of Pisces -- and the only way he ever finds true peace and happiness. Taking the easy way is a trap for those born under this Sun Sign, a glittering bait that entices them, while it hides the dangerous hook -- a wasted life." *

Click here for more information on Pisces, and check out my personal blog, Linda's Flights of Fancy for a list of famous people born under the sign of Pisces.

A special happy birthday to Servant of the Muse Trixie Stilletto / Karen Troxel. Hope it's a good one!

Any other Pisces out there?

Linda / Lyndi

* Linda Goodman's Sun Signs by Linda Goodman, Bantam, 1968, p. 439.

Labels/tags: Pisces, astrology,

Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

It's the day before Valentine's Day and I'm not going to be with my sweetie tomorrow.

I'm traveling to Tennessee to spend some time with my mother and my flight just happens to be on the day normally reserved for lovers. But I got a very sweet surprise on Monday. I've posted a picture of it at the top of this blog. It was a special fruit basket and was delicious. It was also a welcome surprise because Monday was one of those days. We all have them. It's the kind of day that makes you want to hide under the covers and never come out.

I won't bore you with all the things that happened on Monday because that's not what I want to talk about. Instead I'd like to talk a little bit about Valentine's Day. As a romance writer, I think it's one of the most important days of the year. But first let's get some facts.

Here are some interesting links I found. Some of them contain factual information, some are just fun.
http://www.history.com/minisites/valentine/viewPage?pageId=882

http://wilstar.com/holidays/valentn.htm

http://www.me2u.com/LoveLore/Valentine/

http://www.me2u.com/LoveLore/Valentine/

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/valentinesday/Valentines_Day.htm

http://www.goddessgift.com/pandora

http://classiclit.about.com/od/valentinesday/Valentines_Day_Literature.htm

The thing I think makes Valentine's Day special has nothing to do with history or gifts. It doesn't even have anything to do with the day itself. More I think it's the knowledge that I have found the one person who will always be there when I have days like Monday to pick me up and make me smile.

My hope for those who have found your special someone is you take the time tomorrow to let him or her know how you feel. If you haven't found that person, may you find them soon to enjoy Valentine's Day every day of the year.

Fear and the Neurotic Writer

2008-02-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Writers face fear every day. Fear that the current book won't be as good as the last one, fear that it won't sell, fear of bad reviews, negative fan mail... Most of all the fear that I'll never be able to do this again. The list goes on and on. Fear and uncertainty are the writer's constant companions.

It's not just writing-related fears. This week I found myself wimping out of a promotional opportunity because it would take me out of my comfort zone. Now I don't mind speaking in front of a group. In fact, put a microphone in my hand and I'm a happy camper. I know that will sound strange to many of you, since fear of publish speaking is one of the biggest phobias around. I think it's because I've always been such a wallflower. In a group, I'll be the one fading into the wallpaper. But when you're the speaker, suddenly you're the center of attention, and I just don't see the downside to that.

Face-to-face promotion is something else entirely. I'm fine talking to other writers about point of view or some other technical subject, or introducing strangers to the joys of reading e-books. I really enjoy showing my readers and sharing my enthusiasm for the technology. But don't ask me to toot my own horn and tell you why you should buy my book. Suddenly I'm the shyest person around, and normally I don't have a shy bone in my body. So I don't mind being the center of attention as long as I don't have to sell anything.

I recently downloaded a sample of Arianna Huffington's latest book, ON BECOMING FEARLESS to my Amazon Kindle. The book is about women and fear, and it sounds really fascinating. One passage struck me in a personal way:

"...ironically, the woman who appears well adapted my be the one who has simply become most comfortable being governed by her fears, while the 'neurotic' one is still gamely struggling to reach fearlessness."

This paragraph really resonates with me. The writing business seems to make us crazy, if we weren't already nuts to begin with. I used to think of myself as fairly well adjusted -- until I started writing, then I became a card carrying neurotic, and I still am.

So now I don't feel quite so bad about being neurotic. It means I'm still trying. And who knows? Maybe I'll work up the nerve to tackle that missed opportunity.

In the meantime, I'll be speaking to the Cactus Rose RWA chapter in Las Vegas next weekend on Point of View and having a great time.

Lyndi / Linda

New Release: Leopard Tails 2: Submissive by Isabella Jordan + Contest

2008-02-07T07:18:00.002-08:00

LEOPARD TAILS 2: SUBMISSIVE

Available today from Changeling Press

Neva Kolenkov has lived in the shadows for years. Hiding from a dark and painful past, she just wants to exist beneath everyone's notice.

Yet someone has noticed her. Isaak Stahl sees Neva in his coffee shop every day and is determined to claim her as his mate. They are from the same proud line of demon leopards, from the same homeland, and it only makes sense that they be together. It also doesn't hurt that the exotic, green eyed beauty makes him burn with lust every time he sees her.

When a serial killer claims the life of a young human girl who works in Isaak's shop, the shadow of danger falls on their kind in Madden. Several of their females match the killer's profile -- including Neva.

Can Isaak protect her from the threat the killer poses? While doing that, can he help Neva discover the powerful, desirable being he sees when he looks at her?

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=782

Excerpt: http://isabellajordan.com/lt2.php

To celebrate the release of Leopard Tails 2: Submissive today, I'm holding two giveaways!
First, buy a copy of Leopard Tails 2: Submissive using discount code ISYLT208 to take off 5% for a chance to win an autographed print copy of Eyes of the Leopard and PDF copies of Cat Out of Hell and Leopard Tails: Alchemist - all connected stories in my Demon Leopard universe and leading up to this story.

Enter at my site for an extra chance to win. Three winners will win PDF copies of the entire Eyes of the Leopard series + Cat Out of Hell and Leopard Tails: Alchemist. Enter at:

http://isabellajordan.com/giveaways2.php

Thank you!

A Glowing Review for Mariposa Soul (review and M/M Excerpt)

2008-02-07T06:23:00.001-08:00

A new review for Mariposa Soul...

..I found Mariposa Soul to be a unique story about a man who had difficulties facing the truth about his sexuality... Adrianna Dane did a fantastic job of showcasing Andre's struggles, heartache and denials as he tried to come to terms with his feelings for Simon... Their love scenes were sweetly tender, and their encounters were sensual and very passionate. Thank you, Ms. Dane for such a beautifully written gripping story... --Nikita Steele, JoyfullyReviewed.com

Review link: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Feb08/MariposaSoul.AD.html

Mariposa Soul by Adrianna Dane
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat
Genre: Contemporary Gay Erotic Romance
Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/MariposaSoul.com
ISBN: 1-59279-619-2
Author website: www.adriannadane.com
Cover Art by Trace Edward Zaber

Also available in the paperback anthology, Carnal Carnivale, now available at Amazon.com.

BLURB:

Andre spends his time globetrotting around the world and flitting from bed to bed, never tempted to stay in any of them. Always searching for that soul his would recognize as the one he couldn't live without. A chance encounter teaches him something about himself he would never have expected.

EXCERPT:

Grabbing a vacant stool at the bar, he ordered a neat scotch. As he downed his first swallow, someone sat down on the stool beside him. He glanced up and swallowed hard. It wasn't possible.

The man who'd sat down next to him turned and smiled. Small lines of maturity crinkled near his eyes and Andre was held fascinated by the depth of those deep blue mirrors.

"Simon Doran," he said as he held out a hand.

Andre nodded and extended his own hand, noting the firm, callused grip. "Andre Cordaire. Yes, I know who you are. I sat in on your discussion this morning. Great job."

"Thanks. I don't do as many as I used to, but this one sounded challenging and I liked the combination of panelists they had lined up. Glad you got something out of it."

Andre took another swallow of his scotch. This was more than he could have hoped for—to actually hold a conversation with Simon Doran. Once Simon's drink arrived, as Andre watched he took a long swallow and leaned back with a sigh.

"Yeah, I needed that. Conferences are thirsty work."

Andre chuckled. "Yeah, I guess they are."

"Are you staying here at the hotel?" Simon's gaze studied Andre. He recognized that look—it probed for a way to get inside his head, to find out what made him tick. He met the look, guessing it would challenge Simon to dig past it.

Simon leaned back against the stool, visibly relaxing, and grinned. Andre felt an unfamiliar heat dig inside him at that look of acceptance. What surprised him was that Simon looked as magnetic and attractive in person as he did on television or in photographs he'd seen of him.

"I know your name. You've done some great investigative pieces recently, if I remember correctly."

Andre nodded. "Thanks. Yes. I have to say, I've followed your career pretty closely and it's an honor to finally meet you in person."

Simon chuckled. "Don't tell me you became a journalist because of me. You'll make me feel a whole lot older than I want to."

It was Andre's turn to grin. "Wouldn't think of it. I will say you inspired me in the right direction. I've always written, but you got me on the road to investigative reporting—and I have to thank you for that."

Simon nodded. "I'll accept the compliment as graciously as I can. You've obviously got the talent for what you do, at least as far as I've seen, so if I helped you find the path, that's great."

He turned his head and surveyed the nearly empty bar. "Let's find a table, get more comfortable, and compare war stories. I've got an urge to kick back a little. Do you have the time, or maybe you've got someplace you need to be?"

Andre shook his head. "No, sounds like a plan to me. I've got some free time and I'd enjoy a chance to talk with you."

They left the stools, drinks in hand and sauntered over to a vacant table.

Andre never made it to the dinner, and instead they shared a plate of chicken wings and potato skins, and another round of drinks. They had more in common than Andre ever could have expected and their conversation went on well into the night. It was the wee hours of morning before they looked up and realized how much time had passed.

"Wow," Andre remarked as he rose from the table. "I can't believe how the time has flown. I'm sorry I kept you so long."

Simon shook his head. "Hey, I enjoyed it. But it is getting late and I need to get some sleep. I'm planning to hike up the mountain tomorrow and need at least a few hours of rest."
They walked toward the front door of the hotel and through the glass doors. Andre turned to Simon and held out his hand. "I enjoyed the conversation and the panel discussion. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again."

Simon reached out and engulf his hand in a firm grip, held it for long moments, staring into Andre's eyes.

Andre felt a warmth pervade his bones and dig deep inside. He felt regret at the parting, feeling there was something more to be shared with this man. There was something about him that he didn't want to let go. For a few short hours, the loneliness that had always been a part of him had faded away.

"You live in town?" Simon finally asked as he released his grip.

"Yes, not too far from here as a matter of fact."

The doorman waved a taxi forward.

"Care to share a cab? I have an apartment in town as well."

Andre nodded and followed Simon into the taxi, and gave his directions to the cabbie, then settled back.

Andre could felt the hard heat of Simon's firm thigh almost touch him, hips close, his warmth and vibrancy reaching toward him. In a sense it made him uncomfortable that he was responding to him in much the same way he would to an attractive woman. Except it was more—something deeper inside him, something far stronger.

He looked at Simon's hand lying at rest on his thigh. He wore a gold ring with a black onyx stone. He remembered the firm grip when they shook hands. He found himself wondering how he used them to make love to a woman. Was he as smooth and in his element in bed as he obviously was when reporting? And for some reason his balls tightened at the thought of discovering how the hard touch of a man was different from the softness of a woman.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the foreign erotic thoughts running through hismind, and turned to look out the window at the passing buildings, noting the streets were beginning to fill as people rose to begin a new day. He'd never thought of himself in those terms before, not ever. So why now?

He must be tired, and then there were all those scotches he hadn't noticed himself downing as they talked through the night. That must be it.

The taxi pulled up in front of his building. He opened the door, then felt Simon's firm grip on his arm. He turned to look inquiringly.

"I mentioned I'm going hiking...well, later today. I know it's short notice, but if you don't have anything better to do, maybe you'd like to join me?"

Read another excerpt at: http://www.adriannadane.com/mariposasoul.html

Listen to a podcast of the first chapter at: http://adriannadane.podomatic.com/entry/2007-12-28T08_49_04-08_00

Back and with a new story!

2008-01-31T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hey there! I'm back and ready to tell you about my latest release which comes out a week from today. Leopard Tails 2: Submissive is the story of Neva from Eyes of the Leopard 2 and 3 and she was a tortured soul. So many of you wrote to me asking when she'd get her own story, and considering what she went through she really deserves it. I listened. I'm also going to do a story for Charlee, Molly's friend from Superstitious. If you've read both series so far, you have to know that Molly and Gramma Ruby are two of my favorite characters -- and they're human! LOL

The Leopard Tails series is a continuation of the Eyes of the Leopard series. Now all the demon leopards, Russian and American (although the Russians don't entirely TRUST the Americans LOL), have settled down in Madden, Maine. I've had a wonderful time writing the series because the secondary characters are all old friends and it kind of plays out like a David Lynch television series. Except no Bob or dancing little red guys =)

Anyway, Neva had come to America with Nadia (Vitali and Ilia's sister) and her husband Mikhail. They call her their nanny but Nadia isn't really their employee. She's taken refuge in their household. So many bad things happened that she can't even conceive of having a normal life. She's terrified of males with good reason.

Isaak Stahl owns a coffee shop and he's been watching Neva for a while. They are both Russian, both demon leopards, and both single. They should be mates. He's already decided it's going to happen and he's incredibly stubborn. LOL He also thinks she's about the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.

But Isaak's got a full plate. One of his waitresses has been murdered by a serial killer in the area. He has Neva to protect and seduce. He's going to face a real challenge in this story but he's just the cat -- er-- guy for the job. =)

So I'd be humbled and honored if you gave my story a try next week. =) Thank you!

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=782

Isy

Magic

2008-01-29T09:02:00.001-08:00

One of my first tasks this morning was to answer several interview questions that had been sent to me and then I took some time to read an article on writing (what a surprise) and I found it interesting that a certain theme seemed to develop. The topic being the magic of life and creativity.

I have a friend who tells me she has no imagination. My mother tells me she doesn't dream. I don't believe that's true for either my friend or my mother. Answering the questions and reading the article reminded me that we are all born with magic but for many of us, somewhere along the line it's bleached out of our psyches as the world tries to civilize us. In learning responsibility and manners, right from wrong, good from bad, the magic we are born with is suffocated, its light snuffed from existence as an undesirable quality, and there are some of us who don't know how to revive it and flounder through life thinking Peter Pan is really just a rebellious, naughty boy who refused to become an adult. I think he might not have been so concerned about growing up if he could have kept his magic. He fought for what was important and in doing so paid a price. Adulthood.

We forget to nurture the very essence of our souls in search of acceptance, the ability to blend in and not stand out. We look for the nod from mom and dad that assures us we are growing into adulthood and will make a fine asset to the community. But what happened to the magic?

Do you ever hear the statement made about someone who has reached maturity. "Oh, she is so senile..." Would that be a true statement or has that person simply reclaimed her magic? I have to wonder.

There's a poem I'm particularly fond of called "Warning" by Jenny Joseph. It's included in a collection of poetry and essays about women in their later years.

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter...

...

"But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple..."

[An excerpt from "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, from the collection "When I am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple" (ISBN: 0-918949-16-5)]

I bought this book back in 1991, my twins were eleven and my daughter was thirteen. I decided not to wait. Through all my travels and moves across the country, it's a book I always kept close. The title has become a theme through my life, except I changed it a bit, I shortened it.

I shall wear purple...now, dammit! :-)

What a sad thing it can be if we wait too long to revive the magic we lost as a child.

Reclaim it now. It really is okay to keep that spirit of youth and imagination. Don't let it die.

Adrianna

Guilty Pleasures

2008-01-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

One of my guilty pleasures is watching TV. Of course, with the writers strike going on, there isn't much new on at night. One would think this would be a great time to catch up on all the work piled on my desk, but that's just not going to happen. I do need some downtime. So this leaves me to fill the evening void.

I was so excited a couple of weeks ago when I learned my husband had recorded the old episodes of Wild, Wild West. I had loved this show as a child and looked forward to seeing it again with great anticipation. Boy, was I disappointed. I couldn't believe I'd actually like it. James West behaved an awful lot like--gasp!--Captain James T. Kirk. Not surprising since the shows were on around the same time. Seeing my dismay, my husband gleefully offered to find and record for my viewing pleasure The Adventures of Briscoe County Jr. I loved that show, too, and begged him not to burst my bubble. So all those old shows that hold such great memories for me will have to continue to exist in my head.

This revelation has also caused me to go through my bookshelves and my vast to-be-read pile. All my keepers, all the books I once loved so much will be finding new homes. I know I'll never read them again and I would love to be able to let them bring someone else they same joy they once gave me. There aren't too many things better than losing oneself in a book. Think of the adventure, the places and times you can travel, the things we get to learn and feel. And with the lack of new TV to fulfill my guilty pleasure, I've now returned to the timeless pleasure of reading at night. It's especially rewarding on these cold winter nights, tucked under the covers. And no strutting '60s TV heroes to deal with either...

Caitlyn

Happy Birthday, Aquarius!

2008-01-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late with my birthday wishes this month, since the sun entered Aquarius on January 20. Let blame Mars being in retrograde, at least for a few more days. The good news is it goes direct on Jan. 30, so if you've felt like you're being held back by some unseen force, you can expect that to ease in the next week or so.

Speaking of retrogrades, the bad news is that Mercury goes retrograde on the 28th, so don't be surprised if communications and travel go awry for a few weeks. It goes direct on Feb. 19.

Getting back to our main topic, Aquarius, the Water Bearer, is one of my favorite signs. Maybe that's because I'm married to one, but it's also because Aquarius is compatible with my own sign of Aries.

Aquarius is an air sign and people born under this sign are thinkers. The sign is ruled by Uranus, however, so don't expect conventional wisdom from an Aquarian. They tend to be free thinkers, but since it's also a fixed sign, Aquarians are caught between innovation and practicality. How this works out in the individual is represented by other aspects in the chart. For instance, Mercury in Capricorn or strong aspects from Saturn can keep the Aquarian down to earth while Mercury in Pisces or strong aspects from Neptune can send him soaring to the stars. Linda Goodman describes the typical Aquarian as "half Albert Schweitzer, half Mickey Mouse".

In any case, being a fixed air sign means Aquarians can be quite fixed in their ideas and impatient with others who disagree or fail to follow their rapid thought processes. They can also be quite outspoken. My husband's favorite mantra is "I never apologize for speaking the truth". Of course, that's the truth as he sees it. :)

In the natal chart, the eleventh house represents friends and Aquarius is the eleventh sign, so many of them have an active social conscience. They know it's really about us, not just me. That's why the Age of Aquarius is supposed to usher in an era of peace. We've been waiting a long time for that, and I hope it actually happens one of these days.

Famous Aquarians include: Francis Bacon, Helen Gurley Brown, Lord Byron, Lewis Carroll, Colette, Charles Darwin, Angela Davis, Thomas Edison, Betty Friedan, Galileo, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Lindbergh, Somerset Maughm, Mozart, Paul Newman, Yoko Ono, Leontyne Price, Ronald Reagan, Vanessa Redgrave, Norman Rockwell, Franklin Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson, Oprah Winfrey and Virginia Woolf

For more on Aquarius, go to http://www.astrology.com/allaboutyou/sunsigns/aquarius.html

Lyndi / Linda

Body Parts

2008-01-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

Body Parts by Adrianna Dane

Now Available from Loose Id
Cover Art by April Martinez
Genres: Gothic/Horror Paranormal
Length: Novel
Caution: Explicit adult content

Blurb:

Male virility unbound. Eternal lust designed by and for the pleasure of his makers and their thirst to discover the secret to eternal life.

Immortal Youth. All male. An incomparable Frankenstein creation without flaw. Parts melded by alchemy and science, infused and fed by sexual energies of lust and desire, wholly designed for pleasure. Who survives through the acts of pleasure in all its many seductive forms.

Yet a tortured soul who walks eternally alone, forever hungry, driven to hunt for his one, true, perfect mate. That one person who can accept who and what he is. Someone who doesn't see him as a monster, but a man who only wants to love and to no longer be alone. Someone he can trust.

Athan...they all wanted him...

Dr. Sheba Ransom...

My heart hammered loudly as I greedily studied the sheathed, inanimate body. As I slowly revealed the shrouded form, a shiver of anticipation raced along my spine because deep down I knew my desire to see this gorgeous creature animate once more was not fully clinical... From the journal of Dr. Sheba Ransom (March 1939)

Dr. Paul Cathcart...

Paul had been here for a month and during that time he'd grown accustomed to this big, mysterious man. He'd become addicted to the sex. Maybe he needed some distance to regain his perspective. Becoming emotionally attached to any of the men or women he fucked was not in his best interests. He'd learned that lesson a long time ago. His mother had been a great teacher.

People were meant to be used to get ahead and make life more comfortable. Use ‘em and lose ‘em was the motto he lived by, what his mother had taught him very well. But Athan was almost a creature of another world and his fucking was stupendous. Paul had never really thought of himself as gay, but with this man... Mmm, it was hard to think of being with anyone else, let alone a woman. He already felt the desire jolting through him, and they'd just fucked that morning. - Present Day, Dr. Paul Cathcart of the Morgan Institute

Dr. Korrie Odell...

Suddenly it was as if someone else took over her body -- yet again. Arching, she smoothed hands down over her aching breasts, cupped the dampness of her mound as she watched the molten look in his eyes deepen. Reaching up, she worked the button free on the front of his worn denims, peeled the zip open, and shoved his pants down over his hips. He dropped forward, reached under her skirt, and with one quick yank ripped off her panties. Shoving her skirt and slip up, he pressed her slick thighs open, opening and baring her to him. His hot hand cupped her, and she gasped when she felt a finger slide through her juices. Pure primal heat engulfed her as she arched her hips up to meet him, like a plant rising from beneath the earth to reach for the life-giving sun... -Present Day, Dr. Korrie Odell

Yet no one would ever understand what he truly desired...

Athan...

No one knew what living hell was unless they walked in his shoes. And he was certain no one would want that pleasure.

God-play, and he was the result. Combine science, sex, and alchemy, and the good doctors had created him. He lived by pleasure, for pleasure, and because of pleasure. He was fed by sex, the anticipation of the hunt, the sex act, the energy of consummation, and the afterglow.

He was one of a kind, an experiment never to be repeated. One that could be turned monster or man. The Ransoms had wanted the man, but if anyone else found out the truth about him...the monster could be released if the wrong person learned his secrets. He couldn't take the chance, ...

No one was to be trusted, that was the one edict that had been ingrained into Athan by the Ransoms.

Trust no one....

Or did someone understand?

They all want something...

One wanted to give him life, to protect him, and teach him about passion...

One wanted to use him, to own him....or destroy him...

One wanted to love him ...

and one wanted simply to no longer remain alone...

In the Beginning...

In the 1940's the Doctors Ransom hid more from the outside world than anyone could ever have imagined, both in scientific research and in the intimacy of passion. Basing their taboo, scientific research on the controversial works of Dr. Frankenstein, and combining their own knowledge, Sheba and Cornelius Ransom created the perfect male specimen from body parts and mystic alchemy. He is one-of-a-kind and no one will ever discover the true depths of the experiment because in his creation, the doctors also designed the perfect guardian to secure the records containing the secrets of their miracle defined by pure lust. He is a man imprisoned by his roots.

More than sixty years later, Dr. Korrie Odell, a research scientist at the Morgan Institute, a woman betrayed and marked by her past, is in search of the answer to the riddle of immortality, one supposedly unlocked by Drs. Sheba and Cornelius Ransom. Dr. Paul Cathcart, Korrie's ex-lover, and the man who betrayed her, also thirsts for that knowledge and fights for plumb assignment using any method necessary to gain what he wants. A quirk of fate eventually lands Korrie the opportunity she's been waiting for and has her arriving at the Ransom estate to more thoroughly delve into the Ransoms' research. It is there that Korrie stumbles upon the Heathcliff-sexy and mysteriously elusive caretaker, known only by the name "Athan"...

Frankenstein may have created a monster, but the Ransoms sculpted a lover without boundaries, without limits, tied irrevocably to a tortured past. In his mind he is an unspeakable horror.

There are murderous forces and dark, sinister secrets churning on the horizon, ones that contain the power to destroy Korrie and Athan and quench the fiery passion that has only begun to unleash.

Read more about Athan and his lovers at
http://www.adriannadane.com/bodyparts.html

Purchase the book: http://www.loose-id.com/detail.aspx?ID=637

Me and My Kindle

2008-01-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

My primary Christmas present is an Amazon Kindle, and I love it. In fact, my Kindle and I are pretty much inseparable these days.

I've been an avid e-book reader for some years now. I've read e-books on my laptop, my RCA Germstar 1100, a PDA and a Pocket PC. I've enjoyed most of my readers (with the notable exception of the now-defunct Franklin eBookman), but the Kindle is rapidly becoming my favorite.

I'm amazed at how lightweight it is, much less than the comparably-sized RCA Gemstar 1100. The wireless is fast, unbelievably fast, so it's really easy to buy from the Kindle store or download updates to magazine or blog subscription. I like being able to download a sample to read before deciding to buy a book, too. That's a very nice feature. If you leave the wireless off most of the time, the battery life is excellent, and the device charges back up very quickly.

I thought I might miss the backlighting, and at times I do, but it's also nice to be able to read in sunlight, particularly when traveling in the car. (Not when I'm driving, of course!)

I'm glad I waited for the Kindle instead of buying the Sony Reader because, for me, the Kindle is more useful and versatile. I already had a lot of books in unprotected Mobipocket format which can be read on the Kindle without any conversion. It's easy to transfer files from your computer to the device using the USB cable. I had a little more confusion getting files onto the SC card, though. I thought I could pre-load the card, but the Kindle didn't recognize any of the files. I wiped them off the card then transferred them to the Kindle directly. After that I transferred most of the files to the SD card using the Kindle. So apparently anything on the card has to go through the Kindle first in order to write a directory file. Makes sense when you think of it.

Furthermore, if you download the Mobipocket Reader Desktop 6.1, you can use this desktop software to convert PDF, HTML, DOC and plain text files which can then be read on the Kindle. I've found this process to be about 95% effective. The only problems I've notice so far, with a couple of old HTML files, is that the title wasn't recognized by my Kindle.

The only real frustration I've had with it so far is that, while it will play MP3 music, it won't play my MP3 podcasts. I can't understand what the difference is beyond the fact that the podcasts in question are so much longer, about 45 minutes. They're all MP3 files, so what the hey? Oh, well.

Also, it's easy to hit the next page or previous page buttons by accident, but I figure once I get used to the device, that won't happen so much any more.

Is this the "killer device" the e-book community has been waiting for?

Probably not, but the wireless connectivity alone makes it a huge step forward. The real problem remains the lack plethora of formats, so that's a software problem that can't be solved by new hardware. Chances for real standardization range from a best case scenario of years to a worst case scenario of never. For now, it doesn't hurt to have more than one reader that will handle different formats.

The only other downside is the $399.00 list price and the fact that the device is only available in the US. The price may eventually come down, but probably not anytime soon, since the Kindle has been "temporarily out of stock" almost since it was released. I ordered mine at the end of November and had to wait about two weeks to get. It may take even longer now. The fact that demand appears to be steady is a good sign for the future of the Kindle. :D

If anyone has any questions about the Kindle, I'll try to answer them.

Lyndi / Linda

Creating Immortal Treasure

2008-01-11T10:06:00.001-08:00

In 2006, Amber Heat released an erotic romance of mine titled Immortal Treasure. I've recently recorded a podcast of the first chapter of this story and published it today.

Creating Immortal Treasure happened through a series of events. I started out with the story premise of an archeologist/linguist who goes to Egypt on a dig. It was interesting that a series of programs regarding ancient Egypt were broadcast right around the time I was plotting this story. It was around November, just when the large discounts houses have those wonderful glossy gift books out and I purchased one of them on Ancient Egypt. Let me tell you, it's a really big book...and I love it.

Slowly the story began to emerge and change and grow as I watched and read more and more about the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.

I often find that if I go to sleep at night pondering a story, I awake with a scene in my head, or some image that relates to my work in progress (WIP). Thus was created the mythical city of Niveka, lost long ago through the anger of the God, Ra.

In a Google search, I discovered a listing of Egyptian names, breaking them down and providing meaning to the various roots of the names. And so Khafeelamtek, First Vizier and Caretaker of the Secrets of the King, and the other ancient, immortal characters were named in this story.

And here is where the lovely Dr. Cassandra Linsey enters the picture, a woman who is chosen to reveal the secrets of Niveka.

This is what I love about story creation and why my house (let alone my office) is filled with books, books, and more books, and pile after pile of paper. Researching and reading and making notes until suddenly a bolt of lightning hits and just around another corner some exciting new revelation is revealed to enhance and bring the story and characters to life.

I have to say, I didn't want Immortal Treasure to end, there's so much more to learn about my mythical city of Niveka and the people who lived there. This is the type of thing that brings so much excitement to story creation.

A little about Immortal Treasure.

"Destiny and immortality often demand a steep price. The sands of time are running out as a seductively attractive Vizier of ancient Egypt and a beautiful present day Egyptologist are surprised to discover a shared passion that explodes into more than the borders of time, or the gods, will allow."

Listen to the podcast of the first chapter at: http://adriannadane.podomatic.com/entry/2008-01-11T08_31_54-08_00

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/Amberheat/ImmortalTreasure.html

Read an excerpt: http://www.adriannadane.com/immortaltreasure.html

This story and the research is what led to Jewel of Niveka which is the story of a secondary character from Immortal Treasure, Sahrametatiri and the man who falls in love with her, Ben Solomon.

There's at least one more story to be told and if you read Immortal Treasure, I think you can guess whose story it will be.

Adrianna

Inspirational Thoughts

2008-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Whenever I hear or read an inspirational thought that resonants with me, I write it down in a special journal embossed with a hummingbird. I thought I'd share some of those with you today.

To increase synchronicity in your life, do the following:
Every morning say: Today I want to meet good people. People compatible with my path with whom I can exchange information or messages about where to go next.
Every night at bedtime say: I send my good energy to all the people I have met, who are thinking of me, who have crossed my path in any way.

To reconnect, do the following:
Think of one thing you love and do well. Close your eyes and remember the last time you did it. Really bring that positive feeling into your body through your imagination. Do this everyday for three weeks.

If you know the question, you already have the answer deep in your subconscious.

Never be defeated by the discouraging vicissitudes of the game.

Non illegitimi te corborundum. (Don't let the bastards wear you down.)

The Universe never closes one door without opening another.

We all come together for a reason and when that purpose has been accomplished, each moves on in his own way, to fulfill a still greater purpose.

Heartily know, when half-gods go, the gods arrive – Emerson

Be bold and the might forces will come to your aid.

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. – Buddha

Once we start weaving, the gods will furnish the skein.

If you wait for happiness, you're missing the point.

Life isn't fair.

Don't dream, do it.

The other side of risk is regret.

If it no longer grows corn for you, get rid of it.

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late - Emerson

Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.

Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.

When we set our intention for what we desire, we achieve it usually only after we have released our need for it.

For every birth, there are ten thousand souls who were vying for that opportunity.

Leap and the net will appear.

You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.

You are never given a wish without the power to carry it through.

:) Caitlyn

The Seductive Ritual of Recreational Reading

2008-01-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

I don't get a lot of time for "recreational" reading, but sometimes I reach a point where I scream and just throw everything aside and pull a book out from the pile. It's like indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries and a glass of wine at the end of a day. Although if I add that into the ritual of reading, oh, that makes it all just so divine. Maybe a fragrant candle added to the mix.

Darn, it's first thing in the morning and I want to step away from the desk and do it RIGHT NOW!

There is a ritual to reading. And there is that ritual, be it paperback of electronic. I often hear people say, "well an ebook isn't like holding a paperback in your hand." Well, okay, I'll agree that's true. But really what one is talking about when they state that is "habit." We are used to a certain habit in our reading styles. That's what it comes down to. Where's the excitement in habit?

Ritual is a whole other aspect. It might include lighting the candle, pouring the wine, dipping the strawberries in chocolate, choosing the book, adjusting the lighting, finding that comfortable spot before you open the book. All of that can also be incorporated into reading an ebook.

Sensory responses are important. When I write, it's all about the senses. I like touching, I love the scent of things, be it a newly-mown lawn, the clean, brisk scent of newly-fallen snow, or the smoky aroma of fires burning on a frigid night.

When I pick up a paperback, the first thing I do is smooth my hand across the cover. I memorize the cool, silky texture of the stiff material, trace the raised lettering, carefully turn it over, slide a finger along the defined slant of the spine, around the sharp, taut edges, tracing and memorizing the shape, enjoying the sensation of holding it in my hand. I might be inclined to pet the slick, attractive artwork, breath in the essence of the adventure I'm about to embark on. Excitement builds as I open the cover. I might reach for a strawberry, maybe dip it in the wine, suck it between my lips, and then I turn my gaze to the words on the page. Ah, delicious.

Now, you might say, "See? You can't replace a paperback with an ebook?" I say, it's all in the ritual.

I read on my Palm which is sheathed in a leather case. I love the smell of leather, don't you? I contemplate the book I'll select from the dozens contained on my reader. Anticipation is so much a part of the ritual. Slowly, I draw the zip down, after I've smoothed my hand across the supple, pliant material of the black case. Ah, breathe in deeply. Leather has this earthy aroma to it that just reaches deep down inside. It's a sensual fabric deserving of appreciation, shrouded in primal energy. I inhale as I peel back the case to reveal my ereader. Texture so different, hard and sleek, at first cool to the touch, but as I enclose it within my grip it warms, my heat transferring pleasurably, yet still solid and firm, the infused warmth making it a subtle extension to me.

I might stroke across the screen, brushing away an errant speck of dust and then I press the small button and it bursts to life, soaking the screen with passionate words, scenes I control with a gentle, yet firm, touch of my hand, a stroke of my fingertip, pressing at just the right spot. With my ereader I am able to immerse myself even deeper into the story as I reach up to switch off the light, subtly drenching the atmosphere into a level of intimacy that, with the scents of leather and strawberries, and chocolate, surround me, drenching me with heady anticipation that I eagerly embrace.

The room grows quieter, the world is still and I tap the screen and begin to absorb the seductive words displayed, be it mystery or romance, fantasy or science fiction. This story is crafted to seduce me, to enthrall me, to pleasure me in ways only this tale will do. Thus, I feel the curling whisps of imagination curve around me, drawing me in.

I guess you see what I mean. Reading isn't habit, it's ritual. It isn't the packaging, so much as how we approach the leisurely enjoyment, how we delve into the story. How we appreciate its packaging, manipulate it, take pleasure in it, and eventually immerse ourselves into story. And don't you just love the exitement of mystery and discovery?

Now, anyone have any questions about why I write erotic romance? God, I love words in all their shapes and sizes, all their smooth curves and sharp edges, all their passion and seduction.

So what's your ritual?

Happy reading,

Adrianna

Ringing In The New Year

2007-12-31T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are at the end of one year/the beginning of another. It's impossible not to think about past New Year's celebrations and such.

One thing I have learned is to not make any resolutions. There is a tram in Palm Springs that goes up the mountain. It's a cable and tower tram. After too many years in the area and avoiding it because of my fear of heights (actually it's not the height, it's the fear of falling) I made a resolution to go up the tram. Well, Labor Day was approaching and I will hadn't gone. I knew time was running short because once the winter arrived it wouldn't be as nice up there, and I understood it was very beautiful. So we went. And I was never more petrified in my life. I sat on the floor of the tram car the whole time, holding on for dear life, crying all the way. I was so scared, that I was seriously considering having my husband go back down, drive two hours around the mountain to the back road while I hiked the six to eight miles out. I was more afraid of the tram than I was of running into bears. I eventually made it down the same way I went up. No more resolutions for me...or tram rides. Was it beautiful up there? I have no idea. It took me two hours to stop shaking. I spent another two hours staring at the cables and towers that went steeply down the side.

As a child it was a big deal to stay up until midnight (now I'm ready for bed by 9 and the New Year happens just fine without me). The tradition in our family was to eat a pickled herring as the year turned. It was supposed to bring you good luck. I've rung in the New Year many ways over the years: quiet parties, wild parties, casinos, alone, with friends, playing cards, watching movies, sober and not so sober. But the very best New Year I remember is the year another couple came over. He and my husband did computer stuff while she and I did cross stitch.

So no matter how you choose to celebrate the coming year, I always hope your memories will be...well, memorable.

Happy New Year!

Caitlyn

Happy Birthday, Capricorn!

2007-12-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

The sun enters the sign of Capricorn at the Winter Solstice and stays there until app. Jan. 19.

This sign is represented by the goat and the wise old man, like the symbol of Father Time we sometimes see at New Year's. Capricorns are sometimes thought to be "born old" as they tend to be very serious minded. They're also known for their ambition. No one climbs to the top of the mountain quite like the goat!

The planet Saturn, father of the gods in Roman mythology, rules Capricorn, and the Romans celebrated the Winter Solstice as Saturnalia. Saturn is the taskmaster of astrology. Hard work is rewarded and luck plays no part in it, a lesson Capricorns usually learn at an early age.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign, meaning an initiator of action, and an earth signing, meaning down-to-earth, practical action. You won't find many dreamers here, unless, perhaps, the natal moon sign is in Pisces or conjunct Neptune. Of course there's always an exception. John Denver, Elvis Presley, Rod Serling and J. R. R. Tolkien were Capricorns.

When it comes to romance, Capricorns are considered to be most compatible with other earth signs, Taurus and Virgo, or the water signs, Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio. Of course, much depends on other aspects of the chart.

More famous Capricorns include Clara Barton, Robert Bly, Humphrey Bogart, Pablo Casals, Benjamin Franklin (talk about a wise old man!), Barry Goldwater, Alexander Hamilton, Lady Bird Johnson, Isaac Newton, Mao Tse Tung, Richard Nixon, Louis Pasteur, Edgar Allen Poe, Albert Schweitzer, Denzel Washington, Woodrow Wilson, and Loretta Young.

Happy Holidays!

Lyndi

EPPIE ENVY

2007-12-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

I'll confess. I've been suffering from EPPIE envy for some time now.

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, the EPPIES is a major e-book contest sponsored by EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection, an organization of e-book authors and publishers.

I first saw the EPPIE statue at the 2003 EPICon in Tampa Beach, Florida, where my dear friend Helen Haddad won the EPPIE in the Romantic Suspence category for her wonderful book, Picture of Guilt. A year later at the EPICon in 2004, I had the honor of accepting two EPPIES for my friends, Catherine Snodgrass and Bryndis Rubin, in the same category, for their novel, Judging Ellie.

Since then, I've been lusting in my heart after an EPPIE. I've entered the contest year after year, hoping to make the final round, but to no avail. Until now.

Imagine, then, my delight at learning that Finding Jason is a finalist in the GLBT category. I am both thrilled and stunned by the honor of being an EPPIE finalist. My only regret is that Helen is no longer with us to share in my excitement at being a finalist. She loved Finding Jason and I know she'd be as happy for me as I was for her.

I'm also thrilled that Caitlyn Willows, my friend (and roommate for the upcoming EPICon) is also a finalist, in the Erotica category, for One To Grow On. We'll sit together at the EPPIE banquet and quiet each other's nerves while waiting for the announcements, console each other if we don't win and celebrate if one of us does win.

Wish us luck in March.

Lyndi

Don't let a sleeping muse lie

2007-12-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

I've been having problems sleeping lately and finally went to a sleep center. I don't really know what I expected but it was eye-opening. LOL

I was told to arrive at 8:30 p.m. (that's Eastern time) and when I got there, was led back to a basic private hospital style room. This sleep study was not conducted at a hospital but at a doctor's office-type building. The room had a single bed, a bathroom, a television up on the wall, one small round table and a bedside table. On the bedside table there was a small square with some Christmas tree type lights with plastic-coated wires and one of those attachments for your finger that monitors pulse. Within minutes, a video started explaining what the sleep study would do and how they monitored you. Then we were told to relax.

While everyone was settling in, I watched some television and wrote (much to the amazement of the staff!) Shortly after 9 p.m. I heard an announcement telling me they were ready to begin and I should get into my pajamas. Around 9:15, a nurse came in and hooked me up. Now I started to feel like Jack Nicholson in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. They put sensors and conductors on just about every body part. On my head, they used some kind of jelled substances to hold them in place. I was thinking, "Anybody need some conductive?"

The technician helping me was friendly and inquisitive about my writing but didn't have a lot of answers for me. I asked if they had ever had anyone wig out during the test. :) I don't think she understood that I was kidding because she answered quite seriously no, and did I think I was going to be the first? I said no.

Now, I'm truly trussed up with wires coming from my feet and legs, torso and, of course, on every available spot on my head. I was told I could watch television and should try to sleep normally but it would be best if I could do it on my back.

As I soon found out, this was the deal breaker. I can sleep on my back but that's not how I can fall asleep. I also learned on this night that it's very hard to toss and turn and get comfortable when there are wires coming from all different body parts. Then I worried that I would get so tangled up they would have to call the Fire Department to get me free. Finally, at 5 a.m., the torture, I mean test, was over and they unhooked me and set me free.

What did I learn from this? Well, medically I don't know. I have a follow-up visit next week. I have always claimed I can sleep at any place and any time. Now I know better. I also got a good idea for a new story. Have you ever heard the one about the woman who couldn't sleep...

Different Points of View

2007-12-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

A while ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Seal Beach Leisure World Writer's Club on the subject of point of view. To illustrate the points I wanted to make, I read excerpts from my historical romance, Rogue's Hostage,written under my "real" name, Linda McLaughlin.

Imagine my surprise and delight afterwards when I received a note from the club president, Shirley Roberts, containing a poem she had written based on my talk. I asked her if I could post it to my blog and she graciously agreed.

LOOKING AT ROMANCE NOVELS

by Shirley Roberts

Linda spoke of Point of View
An idea not so new
But when applied to love and sex
Can often reader's mind perplex.

First she-view tells of handsome face,
Firm muscles, smile and strident pace,
Eyes that probe with deep desire
Sure to set her own on fire.

He-view sees innocence, temptation
Filling him with contemplation.
Holding her within strong arms
Victim of her female charms.

There are no sublime surprises.
Transpires just as one surmises:
He - the hunter, she - the prey
Or they reverse another day

Depicts a short vicarious fling
Providing sense of the real thing.
But what you feel is up to you -
It all depends on point of view.

c. 2007

I think Shirley did a marvelous job and I can't thank her enough. Her poem brightens my day whenever I read it.

~~~~~~~~

And speaking of Rogue's Hostage, I recently produced a video book trailer for that story. A video trailer gives a different point of view of a book, say a blurb or excerpt, as it can convey the overall tone of the story, whether it be adventurous, menacing, romantic, sexy, etc. I used more urgent music for Rogue's Hostage than I've done for other video trailers, since the story is darker and more adventurous than most of my work.

Rogue's Hostage video
Uploaded by LyndiLamont

I hope you enjoyed the poem and video.

Lyndi / Linda

New Podcast Excerpt Now Available for Scent

2007-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

I've just posted a podcast excerpt from Scent. You can listen or download it at: http://adriannadane.podomatic.com/entry/2007-12-07T07_30_50-08_00

Title: Primal Magic 2: Scent
Author: Adrianna Dane
Author Website: http://www.adriannadane.com
Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/Scent.html
Publisher: Amber Heat (www.amberheat.com)

SYNOPSIS: Their story began with If You Dare... Julian demanded her obedience. Rachel willingly offered her submission. The past has scarred him and only Rachel's magic can cleanse him and help to defeat his mortal enemy. Now a potion he has created will release her magic, but only if she offers her trust to him of her own free will and understands there's more to Julian Donata than she could possibly ever imagine. Tonight the primal desire that is at the heart of her dominant lover will be unleashed once again.

Read an excerpt at: http://www.adriannadane.com/scent.html

Adrianna

Life in the Northwest

2007-12-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Daylight truly does show the realities the night cloaks. As you may be aware we’ve gotten a lot of wind and rain recently. We’re on fairly high ground here, and have been lucky. But I looked out the window this morning and found the water was a bit higher, and closer, than what I had thought.

I went shopping yesterday morning at the local Wal-Mart in Chehalis. I was just going to do our regular weekly shopping, but with the forecasts I thought it might be better to take some time to stock up on some things. Watching the aerial views about an hour ago, I saw that very same Wal-Mart under water. A scary feeling.

I’m hearing the helicopters and small planes overhead this afternoon. The sun is starting to peek through the clouds.

I’m glad to be an early morning person because I was able to get out for a bit yesterday. It did appear that about half the cashiers had called in because of the flooding and by the time I got to check out, it was a back-up cashier who apparently starting working about a month ago. The person assisting with the bagging had also started around the same time.

Yes, the checkout was slow, but at least they were they to help get the people out. I remembered to thank them. Yes, they were there, but would the get home last night? I hope they did. I sometimes thing we don’t thank people enough for the small things, like bagging and being there to do their jobs. Yes, we were all a little stressed, and I know they wanted to be out of there as much as I did. But they showed up and they stayed and did there best, and I know that I for one appreciated that.

I heard on the news last night before I went to bed, about a woman who called for assistance because she was in labor. Emergency crews were unable to get to her. I have to say I worried about her and wondered what happened. I was happy to hear that there were some volunteer firemen stranded in the same area and they were able to get to her and help her. Thank Goodness. So thank you for the big things, too.

I also so that there were some salmon stranded on city streets and watched and encouraged as they swam toward deeper water. You could hear the people shouting encouragement to the poor things and applauding as they succeeded. Salmon are a good poster child for never giving up, no matter how great the odds of success seem to be.

In any crisis trying to find the good and the strength that comes out of it is the way to survive. The sun does shine eventually.

My husband was at work yesterday and is still stranded on the coast. He had to use a pay phone to reach me because there’s apparently a tower down somewhere and his cell phone wasn’t working. Several hours later I received a call from his customer (hubby refinishes wood floors for a living) and she wanted to assure me he was all right just in case I hadn’t heard from him, and to offer me a place to stay if our house was in danger of flooding.

The light shines through any storm, any disaster if we can just take the time to look for it.

Adrianna

Latest release on Best Seller list

2007-12-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to report that my latest release, Love... By the Book, is number five on the November Amber Heat Best Seller list. It's not often that a historical story makes it onto the Best Seller list, so I'm thrilled.

For your enjoyment, an excerpt from Love... By The Book follows below.

Passion isn't supposed to enter into the marriage bargain between darkly handsome Evan Channing and demure Lydia Blatchford, the daughter of an impoverished earl. Even if both secretly yearn for more from this contract.

But the rules are about to change when Evan is gifted with an intriguing copy of the Kama Sutra. He sets out to win his high-born bride, blending seductive heat with exotic lessons in love-making. With a little help from Sir Richard Burton's new, provocative translation of ancient wisdom on seduction and arousal, the cold marriage bed of an arranged union is about to combust into a blazing flame of desire.

Excerpt:

Somehow Lydia made it through dinner, despite being seated next to him.

Just being in the same room with Evan Channing disconcerted her. It might have been his dark good looks, the sleek black hair, deep olive skin and liquid brown eyes. Those eyes had studied her earlier as if she were some sort of scientific specimen. He seemed to see inside her, right to her cowardly soul. Then there was his deep voice murmuring in her ear during the meal. She had no idea what he’d said, but the sound had sent alternate waves of heat and cold through her. She’d barely been able to eat a bite, though she’d drained her wineglass more than once before the champagne toast was served. She’d drunk that as well.

Now, feeling a bit woolly-headed, she walked out onto the balcony for some fresh air, letting the breeze cool her face. The men were still having their port, while her mother and Phoebe sat and visited with Mrs. Channing. Lydia knew she should go back inside and converse with her future mother-in-law, a pleasantly plump woman with a distinctly Welsh accent. But Lydia wasn’t up to it right now. Thank heavens it was a small gathering, with just her immediate family, Evan, his mother and his Uncle Frederick. She’d never have been able to deal with society tonight.

When the men entered the room, her gaze flew to Evan. He looked around, frowning, until he spotted her standing outside the open french door. A smile creased his face as he headed straight for her. She clutched the door jamb, her heart pounding.

“There you are,” he said, stopping in front of her. “I feared you’d left.”

“I just needed some fresh air,” she stammered.

“Are you well?” he asked, taking her hand solicitously. Heat radiated from him, shooting up her arm.

“I’m fine…just a bit warm.”

“I am, too.” He guided her to the railing looking over the small garden at the back of the house.

“Since our engagement is official, I’ll send the announcement to the Times tomorrow, then speak to the vicar about having the banns read. Shall we set a date now?”

She stiffened, staring straight ahead. Official. The word pounded in her head. Once the announcement was published, there would be no backing out. She closed her eyes, not knowing what to say?

“Lydia?”

Gently, he grasped her chin and turned her head toward his. When she looked up, his expression was concerned.

“What’s wrong, my dear?”

Everything. But she could not say so. In truth, she was afraid of the weeks to come. Of what this marriage would mean. How it would change her life.

He moved his hand to her shoulder. “Are you frightened?”

She managed a jerky nod.

“So am I,” he whispered.

She stared at him in astonishment. “Truly?”

“Truly. This is a big step for both of us. I realize we don’t know each other very well. If you’d like a long engagement—”

“No. Waiting will just make things worse.”

He quirked a dark brow. “How so?”

Taking a step back, she spread her hands. “It will just give me more time to dread—” She broke off at the injured look on his face. “Forgive me, but surely you understand this marriage was never my preference.”

He turned away from her and ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I know, but I hoped you had become resigned to it.”

“I have. At least I have tried to. That’s why I think it’s best just to plunge ahead. Once the banns have been read thrice, we can wed almost immediately.”

He turned back, a frown marring his forehead. “Will that give your mother enough time to plan?”

She shrugged. “All I need is a new gown.”

“But won’t society think it odd we married in such haste?”

She looked him in the eye. “Let me make one thing clear. I do not give a fig for what society thinks. If you supposed you were marrying a social butterfly, let me banish that notion right now.”

He smiled at her. “Harry said you were sensible, but this surprises me. I’m happy to agree to a short engagement.” He stepped closer, towering over her.

“The sooner I can make you mine, the better.”

Her heart pounded and her breath caught as he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers for but a second before backing away. She drew in a deep breath. Her first kiss and it had been over almost before it was begun. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

“Shall we go inside and discuss the wedding plans with your parents?”

“Not yet. There is something else I’d like to say.” It was now or never.

“Yes, dear, what is it?”

She licked her lips then plunged ahead. “I know how these things work. Arranged marriages, that is. I won’t expect fidelity from you.”

His shocked expression surprised her. “Is that what you think, Lydia? That I’m marrying you with the intention of cheating on you?”

“Perhaps not now,” she said. “But in a few years… It’s not as if ours is a love match. I won’t cut up a fuss if you decide to take a mistress. As long as you’re discreet, that is.”

“How very… sophisticated of you,” he said dryly.

“And once I’ve produced the requisite heir and spare, I assume I’ll be free to seek my pleasure elsewhere.”

The thunderous look on his face startled her and she stepped back.

“You’ll do no such thing,” he said fiercely, reaching for her. “Ours may not be a love match now, but I fully intend to see it turns into one.”

With that, he pulled her into his embrace, trapping her arms between them as his encircled her shoulders and waist. His mouth covered hers, kissing her with a heady combination of passion and anger. Her resistance crumbled in the face of his onslaught. She clutched at his lapels and returned his kiss, even parting her lips when his tongue probed them. Overwhelmed by the sensations his lips provoked, she let her eyes drift shut as she clung to him.

Lyndi

P. S. I'm featured at TRS BLUE this month.

L.

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