Kelly Writes

Snippet Saturday: Humorous

2010-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Guess who the joke is on today? Me. That's right. There are quite a lot of themes open to us, but some themes are just ripe for repeating. Humor is one of them. A fair amount of authors have multiple scenes, and even full novels, they can turn to for examples of humorous writing. Me? I couldn't even come up with a good example the first time we did this theme last August! You can see my "flailing about in a lava lake" antics in the original post. I'm writing a humongous note to myself in my calendar: "NO MORE 'HUMOROUS' SNIPPET SATURDAYS! YOU HAVE NOTHING FOR THEM!" So, this dumb blonde (Okay, strawberry blonde. My sister, the dirty blonde, says I'm a redhead, not a blonde. The redheads don't want to claim me either.), is suggesting you take yourselves off to these other fabulous authors who are sure to have much better examples of humorous writing available for you:

Vivian Arend
McKenna Jeffries
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels

Snippet Saturday: Explosions

2010-01-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

While I *love* a good fireworks show, I know explosions don't always have to be of the boom-and-blast variety. Sometimes they can be quiet and happen in a way you don't even notice until later. And we *all* know how good a certain kind of personal explosion can be ;) This is from Cimmerean League: Revelations.

~~~~~~~~~

Bolt caught her before she slipped unconscious to the ground. Damn stupid woman. Night had relayed her coordinates to him, and she was fucking lucky he got here when he did.

He'd known she was in that area only she could go when she didn't flick an eyelash when he stopped his bike millimeters from where she stood, dagger drawn. Night had relayed that it had been over five minutes since her last contact.

Not even in the lab had she been in a state of stasis for so long without an anchor. He slapped her cheeks. "Vie. Wake up. Tell me what you saw. VIE!"

Her eyelids fluttered, but she remained a limp mess. Scanning the area, he spotted a likely entrance. He hoisted her body over his shoulder.

He pressed the communication unit in his ear. "Night?"

"Yes? Have you got her?"

"Yeah. She's passed out though. I'll take care of it and find out what she knows. When I've got answers, I'll contact you."

"Do that."

"Bolt out." He ripped the unit off and stuffed it into his gear belt.

Crossing the street, he descended stairs to the basement entrance. His fist nearly went through the flimsy door as he pounded on it.

It opened to a wizened old lady. She narrowed her eyes at him. They flicked once to his burden. "What do you want? I don't run a medi-center."

"You got a room?"

"One hundred fifty credits for one hour. Two hundred if you want a shower after. Five hundred if you want a playmate."

Bolt glared at the woman. "Just the room."

She held out her hand.

He nearly took her head off. He didn't have time for this shit, but he needed Vie responding.

Digging into his gear belt, he shoved what credits he had into the woman's hand. "That's what I got. If it ain't enough, I'll square up with you later. The room. Now."

The woman blinked, but handed over a key. "Thirteen. Top of the stairs, third door on your left."

Bolt grunted and shifted Vie's body. She was going to wake up pissed, but she was going to wake up.

As he passed rooms, he could hear the moans, groans, and in some cases screams, of the hos and johns behind the doors. One asshole stumbled out of the room as he was stuffing his limp dick back into his pants. He tripped over his feet into Bolt.

"Watch it, dickhead." Bolt kept his hands on Vie so not to crush the dumb fuck's skull. The man smiled the goofiest grin at him and continued on down the hall, hitting the wall every few feet. Probably fucking high.

He slipped the key into the slot and waited for the passlight to turn green. By the time it finally did, he was half a heartbeat away from kicking it in. Opening the door, he slipped in and locked it behind him.

The room was dingy, but clean. For the most part. He laid Vie down onto the pallet and stripped her. He forced himself to look at her objectively, clinically.

Steady pulse. Good color. Creamy skin the color of pale caramel. No bruising. Visible anyway. Her dark hair was still in the complex knot that she wore when on a mission. Hair a shade and a half lighter covered her pussy. Her nipples were bronze and capped breasts that would comfortably fit into his hands and his mouth.

He gritted his teeth. Yeah, she was going to wake up spitting nails. Too bad for him. Testing had found sexual stimulation to be the most effective way of freeing her from this psychic chrysalis. He was only doing what he had to do.

Pulling off his gloves he set them to the side. Lying down next to her, he brushed her hair away from her face. "Vie, can you hear me? You better wake up now if you don't want me waking you up."

No response.

He sighed. No going back now. He cupped her face and kissed her. Her lips were petal soft, but unresponsive. Moving on to her face, he kissed her closed eyelids as he traced his fingers down to her breasts.

Her skin was even softer there. He bit the inside of his cheek and rested his forehead against hers before continuing. Thumbing a nipple, he felt the tightening of her skin. His dick twitched in concert.

Nuzzling her neck, he inhaled her scent. Something sweet, flowery, and completely woman. He nipped her skin. Marking her. She may not remember this, but she was his. He'd waited long enough.

Moving down to her breast, he mouthed her nipple. It came erect in his mouth. Curling his tongue around it, he sucked. A faint moan echoed in the room. He raised his head. Other than a faint redness now coloring her skin, there was no change in her that he could detect.

He bent and took her other nipple into his mouth, repeating his attentions. The moan was stronger this time, but still faint.

Stroking his hand down her body, he searched for her center. She was damp. He hissed. He cupped her curls, fingers searching for her clit.

"Come on, Vie. Wake up. I know you're in there. Come out and play."

He scraped his teeth down her tight abs. He felt the drag of her skin against his cock through his pants. God, he'd waited so long for this, and she was fucking unconscious.

The red tinge to her skin was darker now. He pushed her legs apart and settled in. Draping one of her legs over his shoulder, he parted her lips. Moisture gleamed on them. She wasn't near wet enough for what he wanted to do to her. He'd have to wait for that, but he was going to feast on her.

He licked the length of her. Flavor, her flavor, exploded in his brain. Like her scent, sweet, almost flowery and all woman. He groaned. Not since he'd been a whelp had he been this close to coming in his shorts.

One taste of her and he was ready to come. He massaged her hip and speared his tongue into her. Her body closed in on him, drawing him in farther. He stroked, reaching as far as he could. Short gasps teased his ears. Dragging his head up, he settled his mouth on her erect clit. Like her nipples, he coaxed it into his mouth with his tongue and sucked.

The gasps turned into moans. One finger, two, entered her. Her inner muscles clamped down on him and he groaned.

God, she was so fucking tight. And strong. He flattened his tongue and flicked at her clit. Looking up her body, he saw the muscles of her abdomen fluttering and could feel the corresponding inner movement on his fingers.

His cock was as hard as steel. Pushing away the urgency pounding at him, he returned to her clit. He sucked, flicked, teased, worshipped. Groans and gasps now filled the room.

He crooked his fingers and dragged them against her inner muscles, searching for that patch of spongy skin he knew would throw her into orgasm.

She cried out now. Looking up, he saw her chest up, head thrown back. He moaned against her.

Screaming, she convulsed.

~~~~~~~~~

Be sure to see how the other Snippet Saturday authors this week handle explosions!

McKenna Jeffries
Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Mari Carr
Eliza Gayle
Victoria Janssen
TJ Micheals

Snippet Saturday: Unusual Professions

2010-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

First, Happy New Year!!! I hope you all have a fun and fabulous 2010. I like giving my characters unusual professions. I do tend towards archaeologists, though, because I majored in anthropology in college. When I wrote The Man from H.A.T.H.O.R., there was a regular patron at the library I was working at who was working as a contract archaeologist. I found this kind of work very fascinating, so I decided to make Eloisa, my heroine, a contract Egyptologist.

*****

Eloisa tossed the towel down. This set was driving her batty.
Rubbing her temples, she closed her eyes. The papyri were remarkably well preserved, but she had to take her time separating the leaves.

She noticed one name kept reappearing on the leaves she'd already examined. It wasn't listed in the accepted Kings lists, but it was surrounded by a cartouche.

"Akhet-en." The name rolled off her lips. "Who were you?"

The jangle of her phone broke through the soothing Mozart she had
playing in the background.

She pulled off her gloves and dug her portable unit out from under
the mail she'd dumped on her way into the office. "Hello?"

"Eloisa, sweetums."

"Hello, Gran. How are you doing?"

"I'm very well. Your mother came to visit and we were talking
about the upcoming Van Der Waal soiree. You will be attending it, of
course."

Eloisa breathed in through one nostril and out through the other. "I
don't believe I received an invitation, Gran. I'm sure I have other plans."

"You never have any plans other than mucking around with those
old papers. I'll have Boopsie give you a call and we'll see you there
Friday night. Oh, and I'll send around a dress for you."

"Gran, I really can't make it. This assignment needs to be completed as soon as possible. I have to devote all of my time to it."

"What difference will one night make? I'll see you Friday. Toodles,
dear, and I love you."

"Love you, too, Gran."

She hung up and banged her forehead against the wall. One night
wouldn't make much of a difference with her timeline, but it would make a huge difference in her sanity. Eloisa loved her family, she really did, and they loved her, but they didn't get her. Of course, they'd never discouraged her from pursuing her career. A doctor in the family, no matter the subject area, always had a certain cachet. However, they didn't understand why she hadn't pursued the more traditional academic career. Being a college professor was much preferable than being an independent contractor.

Eloisa hated the day in and day out politics of academia. At least
this way, she could control the amount of human contact that was
required of her.

Shaking off the melancholy, she returned to her task. She was
amazed at how quickly the process was going. The pages could have been created a month ago they were so crisp and perfectly preserved. Prepped, she took the tweezers and peeled off the next layer, and froze.

Hieroglyphs took months, even years, to decipher. And you were
never sure if you really got it correct. The passage jumped off the page at her, fully formed in her brain.

The man from Hathor waits.
To his binder, her deepest desire he must grant.
Three days has he, nigh to return to Osiris
Shall she want.
His name,

"Akhet-en." She breathed. Why the name flashed into her mind, she
couldn't say, only that it felt right. The piece of the papyri with the name on it was missing, but she knew his would have been there.

Thunder boomed outside and she soon heard the rhythmic beating
of rain on the roof. She hadn't thought thunderstorms were due, but then she hadn't actually listened to a weather report in at least a week.

She peeled off the next leaf.

Her perfumed thighs beckon me,
Her breasts fill the cup of my hand like fine apples,
Within her body, the route to the heavens.

Only she comforts me in distress,
This gift from the great goddess, Hathor,
I praise her with my woman.

In war I dream of her lying with me,
Comforting me with the pleasures she gives,
My soul bonded to hers.

The vision of a man, muscles heavy from war, cuffs of gold banding
his biceps, his jet-black hair braided back, features sharp like a hawk, filled her mind. Eloisa drew in a shuddered breath. Heat coursed through her system. Looking down, she saw her nipples had beaded against her thin tee shirt. She crossed her legs and felt the slick glide of juices in her core.

Good god, she was aroused. She blinked. This was not the first time she'd read the erotic poetry many ancient Egyptians had written. But, she'd just read it. Not translated it. And then the image...

No man looked like that. It was physically impossible. Unless you
were on steroids. She laughed. It had been too long since she'd had an orgasm. She must be PMS'ing.

Peeling off her gloves once more, she rolled her neck. Her mind was playing tricks on her and she couldn't afford to lose her focus. Maybe she'd go out and enjoy the storm for a bit. Let it clear her mind. Anything had to be better than thinking she could read hieroglyphs as if they were nothing more than German. And maybe, when she was done letting her mind drift for a bit, she'd come back in and enjoy some quality time with her B.O.B.

If some fantasy guy got her all hot and bothered, she really needed
to take the edge off. Setting her office to rights and packing up the
papyri, she thought about the guy, man—he was all man, again. She couldn't remember ever seeing depictions of men with their hair braided back. It made sense if he had long hair and was a warrior, but still.

And what had that one stanza meant by, "the man from Hathor?" If
she remembered her Egyptian mythology correctly, Hathor hadn't had any children, unlike her Greek counterpart, Aphrodite. Maybe it was a love spell, like, "the man from Hathor" was the man you conjured when you spoke it.

She locked the door to her office. It made as much sense as
anything. The puzzles that archaeology threw at her were fun and
intriguing, but they were also frustrating because she could never be sure if the pieces were in the right order when she finished. She sighed. It would be nice if she could meet a man like her fantasy. If only for one night of hot, mind-blowing sex.

*****

Wish the other Snippet Saturday authors a Happy New Year!

McKenna Jeffries
Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
Jody Wallace
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw

Snippet Saturday: Parties

2009-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love a good party, and this time of year is rife with them! In fact, as you're reading this, I'm probably driving up to Wisconsin for a weekend-long party with friends. One of the things I absolutely love about parties is the preparation for them. Now, the prep time can be stressful, but it can also be incredibly relaxing. I wanted to show some of the ritual of party prep in End Balance as it's the scene where Raquel and Hayden truly come back together after their estrangement. Enjoy, and be sure to check out the other Snippet Saturday authors below!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Raquel laid her head on the cool surface of her desk. How the hell did he turn her on like that? Every time she saw him, it felt like she was being pulled in two. One part of her wanted to beat the crap out of him in whatever way possible, and the other wanted to jump his bones and ride him until they were both boneless with exhaustion.

A tap sounded a second before Louise DiVollo entered. Her father’s longtime secretary, and lover after her mother had died, Louise had been an anchor for her in the days following her father’s accident.

“Am I screwing up, Louise?”

A hand stroked her hair. “No, I don’t think you are. You’re doing what you think is best for the company. Just because Mr. Campbell seems to have misinterpreted your father’s intentions doesn’t mean you have to go along with them.”

Raquel scrubbed her face with her hands. “You’re right. You’re always right.” She smiled up at Louise. “Thanks. I’ve got to get going if I’m going to make it to the function tonight.”

“It’s in Chicago, isn’t it?”

“Yes, the Field Museum. Charles asked me to help serve as hostess.” She sighed. She’d always hated having to dress up for these things, and if she hadn’t agreed to bail Charles out, she wouldn’t have had to.

Louise leaned down and bussed the top of her head. “Have a wonderful time, then. Will Terrance be there?”

Raquel wrinkled her nose. “Probably, but I’ll deal with it.”

“Well, hurry up, then. I’m sure your salon appointment is waiting.”

Raquel watched Louise head out for the night and went over to the hidden closet where she had stashed her party clothes earlier. When they had been shopping, her best friend assured her the emerald green dress was the perfect complement for her dark hair and eyes. Too bad there was so little material to it. She eyed the spike-heel shoes that matched the dress. Thousands of years of evolution and they’d yet to design a comfortable, yet stylish, shoe for women.

She carried the ensemble with her to the salon on the third floor and turned herself over to their ministrations.

“Raquel, bella mia! What look are we going for tonight?”

“Hi, Dante. Sleek and stylish, as I’m playing hostess tonight and I don’t want to deal with an absurd amount of gunk.”

Her stylist laughed as he always did when she referred to his tools of the trade as gunk. “Did I not return your skin to its dewy youthfulness within a week of your return with a minimum of gunk? How much time do we have and where is your dress?”

“A half an hour and it’s hanging up by the reception desk.”

“Bene. One moment for the relaxation treatment and I will be back to work my magic.”

First reclining the spa chair, he then fitted the face mask on and she was immediately taken in by the subtle scents of lavender and chamomile. Little beads massaged her facial muscles and a cool, fibrous pad pressed against her eyelids. The chair cupped her and massaging waves caressed her tired body. As promised, within moments she felt the tensions of the day slipping away.

When Dante removed the mask, Raquel immediately regretted the need to rush the session. Catching the look on his face, she recoiled a bit. She’d seen that look only a few times before, usually when he was dealing with other clients. The women had always come out of the session looking absolutely gorgeous, but the session itself had looked like a war zone to an outsider.

This one turned out to be no different. Dante called for wands like a master surgeon. Her hair was tugged from all directions, and Dante muttered under his breath about hue saturation. Thumbing the dial on his wand, she felt a slight heat edge her brow line. He flipped the dial again, and this time a cool mist covered the lid. He repeated the process on her other brow and lid. Another wand and her lips met the same fate.

She could feel her hair, what there was of it, getting twisted and pulled and lacquered into place. When Dante adjusted the chair and she could see herself in the mirror, she gasped. She looked like a fairy out of one of those fantasy paintings. “Wow.”

Dante clasped his hand against his heart. “The complimento ultimo! Grazie.”

“No, mille grazie da me, Dante. You are a true artist.” A buzz sounded and the time flashed on the mirrorscreen for a moment. “I’m sorry I need to rush, but please send the bill to the office.”

“I will, now va, va.”

Raquel paused only long enough to claim her bags. She met her driver at the back entrance and they made it to the airpad in record time. The sleek silver jet lifted up as soon as she buckled in. Once they were stabilized, she took her bags to the only private room on the transport. Slipping the lock on the bathroom door, she spread out her ensemble and changed. She tugged at the dress, but almost all of her chest was still exposed. Gold piping crisscrossed her stomach, attaching the top to the skirt. She turned, looking at the back. It at least covered her ass, but she’d have to be careful when sitting. Plumber’s disease was never pretty.

Unlocking her jewelry case, she pulled out the piece she’d specially packed for the night. Hammered gold and decorated with triskelions, it had been a gift from her father for receiving her master’s. She slipped the gold cuff onto her left biceps. A matching bracelet went on her right wrist. She fastened the earrings her mother had given her as a high school graduation gift to her lobes, finishing the effect.

“Dr. MacLendon, we’ve been cleared for landing. You may want to take a seat.”

She touched the intercom. “Thank you, Warren.”

Pulling on the shoes, she went back to her seat and gripped the armrest as they circled down into Chicago.

*****

Raquel smiled and greeted yet another guest. “Thank you so much for coming. Please enjoy yourselves.”

A soft voice whispered in her ear. “You’re doing wonderfully. Thanks so much for agreeing to do this.”

Raquel gritted her teeth, keeping the smile on her face. “Only for you, Charles. But if one more man mentally measures the size of my chest, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

She held out her hand and murmured a polite greeting to the next set of newcomers before turning to Charles. His distinguished silver hair was set off to perfection by the silver-shot tuxedo. “Is it time to go in yet? I need to sit down for a bit. My shoes are killing me.”

He looked at his wrist unit. “Well, I was hoping for one more of our bigger supporters, but it looks like he’s running late.” His black gaze met hers. “We still have to open the dancing.”

She sighed. “I know. Let’s just make it fast.”

Charles laughed. “If Edgar wasn’t waiting inside for me, I’d try to snap you up.”

Raquel tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “That’s what you’ve been telling me for the last ten years. You’re still married and I don’t do married guys.”

He escorted her into the grand hall. Tables had been set up on the north end, leaving room for the dance platforms by Sue, the museum’s prized Tyrannosaurus Rex. Stopping in the center platform, he tapped the pin on his lapel. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?” His voice boomed over the PA system and all eyes were on them. “Thank you for your support over the past year. We hope you enjoy yourselves tonight by eating, mingling and, of course, dancing. The museum’s staff has graciously opened a number of exhibits, thanks to my lovely hostess, Dr. Raquel MacLendon. Explore them to your heart’s content. Docents are available for any questions you may have.” He turned to the bandstand. “Maestro, if you will?”

The band struck up the classic standby from the late 1970s, Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love”. They were soon soaring twenty feet above the crowd on a private dance pad, swaying to the orgasmic croon. Over one hundred years old, the song still resonated for those looking to intimately dance in public.

Raquel let the music wash over her. The sensuous beat and pounding rhythm demanded total participation. If she could have ditched the shoes and the dress, she would have.

She sighed as they floated back down to earth as the last few bars of the song echoed through the hall. They touched down and the band began playing Texas’ “I Don’t Want a Lover”.

Raquel laughed. “Someone has a sick sense of humor.”

Charles clasped a hand to his heart. “You wound me! I was only thinking of your enjoyment. Remember, I know you’ve got every single album Texas ever released.”

Raquel patted his arm. “Yeah, and you’re not getting your hands on them.”

He pouted for a minute, but then grinned as he looked over her head. “Oh, here’s our late guest. Smile pretty, dear.”

Raquel turned and locked her jaw. No, no, no. What in the hell was he doing here?

The late guest took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Ah, Ms. MacLendon. How nice to see you twice in one day.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Campbell. What are you doing here?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you know? I helped to fund Charles’ latest pet project.” He held out a hand and shook Charles’. “It looks like you got a great turnout. You did a really nice job putting this shindig together, and I’m sorry I couldn’t have been here earlier. My date had some…trouble, with her dress.”

“I bet.” Raquel flicked a smile at the latest sensation to hit the fashion runways. “Myra, isn’t it?”

The woman’s expression could only be called supercilious. “Yes. Hayden, honey, I’m thirsty.”

Campbell petted her hand and nodded goodbye to them. Raquel bared her teeth at his back.

“Ah, ah. People might think you were being antisocial, and we do want them to crack open those credicounts of theirs.”

“I promise to be the epitome of social grace as long as I don’t have to deal with him.” She jerked her chin toward where Campbell and the freak of beauty science were downing martinis.

Charles nodded and took her hand in his. “Your blood sugar level must be low, so let’s fix that. I know Edgar promised to save us some seats and the choice selection of dishes.”

Raquel blew at the sweep of hair in front of her eye. “You’re right. I can’t let him get under my skin.” She reached up and pecked at his cheek. “Thanks for putting up with my bitchiness.”

“You’re welcome. I expect a nice donation from MacLendon Industries for the pleasure tomorrow, though.”

Raquel laughed and followed his lead to where Edgar had indeed saved the best selections for them from which to choose.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Party along with these other Snippet Saturday authors!!

Vivian Arend
Moira Rogers
Ashley Ladd
Jaci Burton
Kelly Maher
Leah Braemel
McKenna Jeffries
Sasha White
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Juliana Stone
TJ Michaels

Snippet Saturday: Secondary Characters

2009-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Secondary characters add richness to a story. To make the story as rich as possible, though, you have to flesh out the secondary characters in addition to the main characters. For this, they are often referred to as supporting characters, and supports are what hold up a structure. Weak supports may cause the structure to fall down.

I've included below two different, but related, scenes from End Balance that illustrate one of the more fun secondary characters I've written.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hayden scanned through Tommy’s report. “Explain this again.”

“I had a breakthrough when I was in my cultural foundations class. Basically, you can think of programs in kinship terms. We were talking about kinship schemes, especially the Eskimo scheme, and well, it just made sense all of a sudden. The program that siphoned off our records is probably a second-generation cousin to the base data architecture system MI uses.”

Hayden rubbed his forehead. It was bad enough when Tommy would go off in techno-speak, but when he started talking in anthro-geek-speak, forget following what he was saying. “Simple terms, Tommy. Remember, I’m a poor misguided business major.”

“Basically, these two programs are second-generation derivatives of another program. Whoever created these two programs had to know the creator of the original program, however, there are enough differences in syntax that I’d say it was two different people who developed the derivatives.”

Hayden ran his hands through his hair. “How long do you think it’s been since the original program was developed?”

Tommy looked over his shoulder and waved to someone. There was a sudden influx of people in the background of the screen. “Sorry, Hayd, what was that?”

“Can you guesstimate how long it’s been since the original program was developed?”

“Oh well, it’s probably been at least five years. Parts of it seem like it was for systems that were in common use up to fifteen years ago. I can say for sure the most recent sections of code that I’d guess were written by the original developer are for systems that are three generations removed from current technology.”

Hayden figured he’d be better off talking to Tommy when he wasn’t between classes. “Okay, I’ll talk to Raquel and see if we can meet up tonight. When is your last class over?”

“Five. I could get there probably by five thirty. I took one of the protos today.”

Hayden sat bolt upright. “You did what?”

“Uh, the bell’s going off. Gotta go.”

“Tommy—” The damn idiot cut the connection before Hayden could get a word in. He punched in the redial code, but only got Tommy’s “in class” message.

He was going to wring the kid’s neck when he got in. Stupid fool, taking one of the protos. If he got pulled over, the cops were going to be on him like white on rice. The protos hadn’t been cleared for everyday road testing yet, and if Campbell Holdings got fined for the unlicensed use of a prototype, he’d take it out of Tommy’s hide.

Punching up Raquel’s code, he got an away message for her too. “Hey, Raquel, it’s Hayden. Give me a call when you’re available.” He hung up and turned to putting the finishing touches on the revised estimates for the quarterly earnings.

He was about to tear his hair out from piecing together the reports from his R&D divisions when Raquel called back.

Glancing at his wrist unit, he saw it was already four o’clock. Where in the hell had the time gone? “Hey, babe.”

“Hey. I just wanted to let you know that I got Edward to review your figures once again. I told him you’d drop them off personally. Can you bring them with when you pick me up?”

“Sure. By the way, Tommy called to say he’s made progress and he said he’d be able to be here before six, but I know you wanted to work out. Do you want me to call him and tell him to come later?”

She shook her head. “No, I’ll just call Jimmy and tell him I’ll be by later tonight. He doesn’t close until eleven, anyway.”

“Okay. I’ll be by in about thirty minutes then.”

She blew an air kiss at him. “See you then. Just come on up to my floor. I’ll have Louise take you straight to Edward and I’ll meet you at his office.”

He smiled. “See you.”

*****

“What?” Raquel’s jaw dropped.

Hayden pulled into traffic and she braced herself against the dash, fearing they would crash into the car in front of them.

“Are you crazy?”

The muscles in his jaw were clenched and he kept his gaze on the traffic. “Have you ever fucked Lightfoot? Just answer the question.”

“Of course not. Jesus, Hayden. What’s gotten into you?”

He sent the car into hover, and her stomach dropped at the suddenness of the move. “He’s wanted to.”

Raquel snapped her fingers near his ear. “Are you hearing what’s coming out of your mouth? Edward has never been anything but professional with me.”

Hayden took a sharp right. Raquel closed her eyes. It probably would be better if she didn’t open them until they got back to his office. “Do you mind slowing down, just a teensy bit?”

“Being professional does not preclude his wanting to fuck you. I can tell when a man wants to fuck my woman.”

Raquel swallowed the faint taste of bile burbling up at the back of her mouth. She was in serious danger of becoming carsick for the first time in her life. “I’ll address that statement later, after my stomach’s caught up with me.”

Hayden growled. He downshifted and they merged back into traffic on the ground. Raquel held a hand to her stomach and took five deep breaths. When they pulled into his parking space, he got out and slammed his door. She was still gathering the contents of her bag that had spilled out during his midair maneuvers when he opened her door. She looked at him. Sections of his hair stood out in spikes and his expression still carried a scowl. “I’m sorry. I’m overreacting.”

“Damn right.”

He closed his eyes and let out a breath. “I’m overreacting and I’m trying to get a hold of myself. I’d appreciate you being kind to my fragile male ego.” He held out his hand to her.

She pursed her lips, but picked up her bag and took his hand. “I’ll think about it. Don’t think I’m going to let the ‘my woman’ comment fade into nothingness.”

He nodded. Again, the glide ride was accomplished in silence.

They found Tommy working at Hayden’s desk. She’d have to give some serious thought to stealing him away from Hayden when this was over.

Tommy glanced up at them and waved. “I’ve got some more stuff for you guys.”

She hung up her coat and pulled a chair over to the desk where Hayden was hovering over Tommy’s shoulder. “Why don’t you update Raquel on what you figured out earlier? I didn’t get a chance to do so.”

Tommy’s eyes were bright when they met hers. “You know of the Eskimo kinship scheme?”

She nodded. “Of course, it’s the one most prevalent in Western society.”

“Well, we were discussing it and the other kinship schemes in my cultural foundations class today, and it dawned on me it can be applied to how this program was developed.”

Raquel’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Well, like I was explaining to Hayd, I’m pretty sure the program the cracker used to break in and download our stuff is related to the base data architecture program that MI uses. Sarah was showing it to me yesterday and I thought it looked familiar.”

Raquel massaged her eyes. “I’m not sure I understand, Tommy.”

His face looked crestfallen for a moment and then brightened. “Oh, I forgot the Ego, didn’t I?”

Raquel looked over at Hayden. “Can I have a piece of paper and a pen? I always understood these schemes better when I drew them out.”

Hayden opened a drawer and handed her the needed items. She uncapped the pen and looked back at Tommy. “Okay, go ahead.”

“Okay, pretend the cracker program is Ego.” Raquel drew the Ego symbol on the paper and gestured for him to continue. “I’m pretty sure your data architecture system is a cousin to it. I’ve been comparing them for the permutations. If the screws were put to me, I’d say your system is four generations removed from the original program, while the cracker program is only two.”

Raquel finished sketching the scheme on the paper. “Okay, so what you’re saying is the cracker program is closer to the original program?”

“Exactly. I was telling Hayd I’m pretty sure the cracker hasn’t worked on the data architecture program and that he’s not the guy who created the original program.”

Raquel looked at Tommy. “But the cracker probably knew the original programmer, since he has a purer form of the code?”

“Exactly!” Tommy’s face lit up like a kid finding out that all of the Christmas presents were for him alone.

Hayden walked over to his vendfridge and pulled out a couple of bottles, tossing one to Tommy who caught it one-handed. He passed Raquel’s hers, letting his fingers linger on her skin before drawing away. He sat on the edge of his desk, popped the top and drank deeply. “Raquel, do you know who created the data architecture program?”

She shook her head. “No. I have no idea when it was created or implemented. My dad never talked to me about the day-to-day stuff when I was in school.”

Hayden turned back to Tommy. “I know you’ve told me you find ways to notate your name in all of your programs. Is there anything on the data architecture program?”

Tommy was shaking his head even before Hayden finished. “I’ve found holes, though, so I’d say the cracker probably wiped any mention of the original programmer from the data architecture program without messing with the functionality.”

Hayden blew out a breath. He turned to Raquel. “Do you think you guys would have a record of how you got the data architecture program and who the creator was?”

“I’d have to talk to Vinnie and he’s going to wonder why I’m asking.” She sat back in her chair and opened the bottle. Taking a sip, she promptly choked. “What the hell is this stuff?”

Hayden patted her back. “An energy drink. Finish it.”

Raquel scowled and took another sip. The taste of foliage promptly coated her mouth. “What do I tell Vinnie when he asks me why I’m asking him?”

“Be vague and just say you came across something in your father’s records. He doesn’t have to know the exact reason. Threaten to fire him if you have to.”

Raquel crossed her legs. “If I have to fire Vinnie, I’m taking Tommy away from you. That’s your fair warning.”

“Duly noted.” Hayden stood and tossed his bottle in the trash receptacle. He paced the office, hands clasped behind his neck. “This guy’s smart. If Tommy can’t track him down, I’m not sure what else we can do until he makes another move.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The other Snippet Saturday authors have some fabulous secondary characters of their own, so be sure to read about them!

Vivian Arend
Moira Rogers
Ashley Ladd
Anya Bast
Jaci Burton
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Mandy Roth
McKenna Jeffries
Sasha White
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Victoria Janssen
Jody Wallace
Juliana Stone
TJ Michaels

Snippet Saturday: Departures

2009-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oy! Is anyone else in the US still stuffed with turkey from Thanksgiving like I am? Hope those of you celebrating had a fabulous time with your family, that you were born into and/or the one you chose.

Departures in fiction can be quiet or loud, dramatic or comedic. All of them make a point if they are shown "on camera". One of the stories I had the most fun writing, Revelations, also has one of my few departure scenes where I keep the "camera" on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Struggling against the riptide swallowing her, she was no match for it as palm met palm.

"Nooooo!"

She couldn't tell from where the primeval cry came. From within or without?

"Bolt." Chaos hissed.

It felt like an oddly tailored suit encasing her body. Vie blinked and saw that Bolt had broken through the doorway.

Chaos' powers flowed into her, forcing a reflection and refraction. He whipped around and flung out energy bonds, trapping Bolt within them as she'd been trapped by the psychic energy snakes.

"That should hold you long enough." Chaos strolled to where Night was still crumpled. "I think I'll deal with you later." He hefted Night's body up to his chest, walked to a railing and threw the body over.

She cried out. "Night!"

Chaos turned and reached out, his fingers narrowing to a closed circle. Vie felt her throat constrict with the motion until her air was completely closed off. She didn't bother clawing at the sensation, knowing that it would be of no use. "You will speak only when I command it."

Walking over to where Bolt was tied down, he sucker punched him. Bolt staggered, but kept his feet. "Finally got around to fucking her, did you?"

Bolt's mouth firmed.

"No answer? I could smell the stink of sex still on her when I took her. Sloppy seconds are so passé, but when in Rome..."

Vie whimpered as she saw Bolt's eyes blaze. He remained silent, however.

Chaos circled Bolt, looking him over. "While your exceptional strength would be more than welcome in my new world order, I'm afraid I just could not tolerate my consort's ex-lover."

Another surge of tainted power took control of her and she watched as Bolt's face turned purple. Chaos was crushing him to death.

Vie pleaded. "Please. I don't want to do this."

"I know, baby. I love you. I believe in you." Bolt forced the words out as he fought for air.

He drew in a deep breath and hunched his shoulders before he exploded in a fury of strength and speed. Tears streamed down her face as she watched him break free of the bonds. Needles of pain stabbed her brain as Chaos called upon her powers to throw Bolt back into captivity. Underlying the pain, she felt soothing waves circle her, trying to carry her away. Recognizing Bolt's psychic signature, she flailed about reaching for him, but he kept getting pushed just outside her grasp.

Chaos' eyes burned. "She is mine now. Mine to control. Mine to use how I see fit."

Bolt howled and sprang at their tormentor. Chaos kept slipping out of his grasp, but Bolt persevered until he locked Chaos in bear hug.

"Don't kill him, Bolt."

Vie gasped as she saw Night rise from where Chaos had thrown him.

"If I don't kill him, he'll never leave us, leave Vie, alone."

Night landed on the floor and walked to where Chaos viciously fought to break Bolt's hold. Night reached in and took Chaos by the scruff of his neck. "I give you my word, Bolt, that he will never attack your woman again."

Bolt released him and nodded. "Your word is your honor. I accept it."

Night acknowledged the acceptance and pushed off, punching through the roof and flying off into the night, all the while controlling his burden with the tips of his fingers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be sure to visit this week's other Snippet Saturday authors!

Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Lauren Dane
Taige Crenshaw
Shelley Munro
Savannah Foley
Moira Rogers

Snippet Saturday: Arrivals

2009-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

When I first signed up for this week's theme, I thought it would be a piece of cake to think of a scene to post. Not so much. I finally circled around to a secondary character's arrival "on the scene". This is from End Balance and Detective Gira's arrival in my story was a surprise to me as I was writing it. She was a lot of fun, though, and I hope you enjoy what she adds to the story!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ross flipped through the report Tommy had brought with. He grunted at parts and made notes in the margins.

Raquel crossed her ankles, trying to force her body to relax. It didn’t help that a lot of the tension coursing through the air was due to the dueling testosterone producers surrounding her.

Tommy, at least, was a calm port in the storm engulfing them. He was too focused on messaging with Sarah.

Raquel looked back and forth between Hayden and Edward. She still couldn’t believe Hayden’s assertion that Edward had a…thing…for her. Edward had never once, through word or look, indicated he wanted anything more than a professional relationship from her.

She blew up a puff of air, forcing her bangs out of her eyes. Ross looked up at Tommy. “You were able to note which IP address the attack originated from before they switched it to Dr. MacLendon’s unit?”

Tommy looked up and nodded. “Yes, sir. It was enough of an anomaly that I made a copy of the report and stashed it with our backup.”

The detective turned to Raquel. “And your IT manager didn’t know who the creator of the program is?”

Raquel shook her head. “No, he couldn’t find the records for it. He’s quietly digging around for them now.”

Ross picked up the all-one and dialed. He did a quick rundown of the report for the person on the other end before grunting once more and hanging up.

“That was Detective Maria Gira. She’ll be meeting us here in a minute and is one of our top systems crime investigators.”

Hayden leaned forward in his chair. “What can she do that we haven’t done already?”

“Since she was hired after hacking our system, along with those of a number of other criminal investigative institutions, just to get a job, I’d say she’s qualified to offer some insights. Damn woman still goes to hacking parties to see who she can break into.”

Raquel’s jaw dropped. “And she’s still employed?”

Ross shrugged. “From what I hear, the guys upstairs would prefer to keep her on our side of the fence. As long as she doesn’t cross the line into cracking and gives reports on security weaknesses, they don’t have a problem with it.”

Tommy straightened up. “Wait a minute. Do you know what her game name is?”

Ross shrugged. “Dark something-or-other.”

“Dark Angel? Dark Angel is going to help us? Man, that is frozen!” Tommy quivered in his chair.

Edward frowned. “I take it you know of her, Campbell.”

Tommy turned in his seat to look at Edward. “Dude, Dark Angel is legend. She’s been able to hack pretty much every system that’s ever been created. She can run ten levels deeper than ghosts. I only wish I could do what she’s capable of doing.”

“I’m glad to know my fan club survives.” They all turned to the husky voice that came from the doorway.

Her latte-colored skin set off light green eyes. She was the most gorgeous woman Raquel had ever seen.

The woman crossed over to Tommy and held out her hand. “Game name?”

Tommy took her hand, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “RaiderOne.”

“For the Scottish raiders or Raiders of the Lost Ark?”

“Um, both.”

She nodded. “You’re good, but you need to spend more time studying your systems if you want to get better.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Tommy’s face was bright red.

Her gaze swept the room, pausing a fraction of a second longer on Edward than the rest of them. No one else probably noticed, but Raquel did. “I’m Maria Gira. Ross’ report was interesting.”

Hayden spoke up. “We had a cracker over the weekend. He crashed our systems, but not before downloading all of our files to his location.”

Gira sat on the corner of Ross’ desk. “What makes you so sure it’s a man?”

Hayden sat back and crossed his ankle onto his knee as he smoothly reached over and took Raquel’s hand. “Habit, I guess. If you don’t know someone’s gender, you start calling him or her ‘he’.”

The detective nodded and brushed a hank of straight ebony hair behind her ear. “True. Unfortunately, with systems crimes, you’re never fully sure of whether you’ve got a woman or a man.” She turned and picked up the report from where it was sitting on Ross’ desk.

Hayden’s thumb grazed her inner wrist and Raquel shivered. She looked up and caught Gira’s gaze focused on where their hands linked. Gira glanced up after a moment and smiled. “You two together?”

Raquel blushed. “Only for the last week now.”

“How long have you two known each other?”

“A little over six months. Hayden came to my office because of a deal my father approached him about prior to his death.”

“It was my understanding the deal was dead, however.” Edward broke his silence from the corner of the room.

Gira turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “How come?”

“I received a memo from MacLendon’s private account the day before he died, saying he’d decided the deal with Campbell Holdings was too risky. Their business infrastructure wasn’t as solid as he’d been led to believe.”

Gira turned back to Raquel. “How did your father die?”

“His health seemed to be fading over the last year or so. He was out for a walk, and from what the reports said, he tripped and fell into traffic. The autopsy said it looked like he suffered a minor stroke, which caused him to fall like that.”

Gira turned back to Ross. “Can you pull up the report for me?”

Ross shrugged and flipped on his unit. Gira turned back to Hayden. “Can I come and have a look at your system tonight?”

Hayden looked over at Tommy. “Do you have any papers due?”

Tommy checked his all-one and then shook his head. “Nothing I can’t take care of. I was supposed to go out on a date with Sarah, but she’ll understand.”

Hayden turned back to Gira. “Fine. I’ll notify our security to expect you.”

She nodded. “Dr. MacLendon, I’d also like to take a look at your systems. I’d prefer to do it from inside, but I can do it remotely if needs be.”

Raquel turned back to Edward. “There’s a staff meeting tomorrow, right?”

He inclined his head. “Nine in the morning and everyone’s expected to be there.”

Raquel met Gira’s gaze. “You can come then and no one should be around.”

“I’ll need an escort, just in case, and to answer any questions I might have.”

Edward spoke up. “I’ll do it. You’re expected to be there, Raquel, and it will be easier for me to claim another commitment.”

A smirk danced across Gira’s lips. “I’ll meet you at the door, then. If anyone comes in, you can claim you were showing me your etchings.”

Edward glowered at the detective. “I’m not trite.”

“I never said you were. Dr. MacLendon, Mr. Campbell, Raider, I’ll see you later tonight. Have Ross here page me when you’re ready to leave.”

Raquel turned to Ross. “Is there anything else you need from us?”

He shook his head, jowls flapping. “No. Thank you again for coming in. If any clarification is needed in your statements, I’ll be sure to give you a call. Until we catch this guy, there probably won’t be anything. I’ll keep you all appraised of the progress of the investigation as needed.”

She turned back to Gira. “Well then, I think we’re ready to go.”

Gira smiled. “I’ll meet you downstairs. Mr. Lightfoot, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Edward nodded once and then shook Ross’ hand on his way out.

Gira grinned at Raquel. “Taciturn, isn’t he?”

“A little, but he knows his figures.”

Gira licked her lips. “I’m counting on it.” She winked at Raquel. “I’ll go grab my things and meet you folks downstairs.”

Hayden, Tommy and Raquel shook Ross’ hand after Gira left and headed to the garage. Tommy bounced as he walked, like a ten-year-old who’d just met his favorite arenaball player.

“Man, Dark Angel. I can’t believe I’ve met Dark Angel and she’s going to be coming to my place!”

Hayden hooked his arm around Raquel’s shoulders. “Chill, Tommy. I thought you were interested in Sarah.”

“Sarah. Man, I’ve got to call and tell her. She’s going to flip.”

Raquel shook her head and smiled at Hayden. “I think I’m finally witnessing a man more interested in a woman’s brain over her body.”

“And a fine one at that too.”

Raquel quirked an eyebrow. “Her brain or her body?”

Hayden’s grin spread over her face. “Both, honey, both.”

Raquel slapped his stomach. “Remember how I can kick you into next week?”

Hayden leaned down and pecked a kiss on her lips. “She’s gorgeous, but I get to have you anytime I want. And, honey, I want. Too bad Tommy’s with us.”

Raquel sighed. “You’re such a sweet-talker.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be sure to find out what other arrivals are in store for you with this week's Snippet Saturday authors!

Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Leah Braemel
Taige Crenshaw
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Eliza Gayle
McKenna Jeffries
Jody Wallace
Lauren Dane
Juliana Stone
Shelli Stevens
Victoria Janssen
Moira Rogers

Snippet Saturday: Horror

2009-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, Halloween here in the US. How I love it. It's the one day a year I can let my horns show without getting strange looks ;) I'm not actually a fan of horror, in the sense of gobbling down anything I can get my hands on. I blame Pinhead and a birthday party sleepover for that one. But I do like using traditional horror tropes in my writing, and can appreciate well-constructed psychological terror. I wasn't queen of my college dorm's haunted house for four years without reason! When the call for submissions for Black Lace's Lust at First Bite went out, I heard through the grapevine Adam Neville, the acquiring editor, was particularly interested in seeing stories with a more horror-ish edge to them. This appealed to me as I'd been wondering how far I could go with a dark tone. While I didn't go full on horror, I do think "Feasting" is the darkest story I've ever written. After you're done reading it, be sure to check out the other tricks and treats from today's Snippet Saturday participants!

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Waves of heat shimmered up from the pitch black pavement before her. The oven of summer in New England baked Etta's fair skin so that it turned the tender pink of freshly-butchered lamb. Dark lenses protected her eyes as she scanned the horizon for the turn-off noted in the invitation packet.

She hadn't seen another car since passing through the small hamlet about ten miles back and began to wonder if she wanted to work in such an out of the way location. The image of Randall fucking their realtor on her kitchen counter seared her brain, reminding her why the offer of auditioning for the position of chef of the bed and breakfast's attached restaurant drew her like a bee to nectar. Also, it wasn't as if the restaurant was a complete hole in the wall. Jeffrey Steingarten had reviewed it when it first opened. If one of the most feared judges on Iron Chef enjoyed the food enough to recommend it, foodies flocked.

Rat-bastard Randall. She'd been gearing up for the perfect life with him in the new apartment and the beginnings of their own restaurant. It wasn't like either of them hadn't slept with others before, but they, or at least she, had always been up front about it before the encounter if it was outside of the party scene. To go behind her back like that…

From behind an elderly maple tree, the sign for the turn off appeared as if from the ether. She pulled the ancient Sebring to the side of the road and admired the eye-catching sign. Carved into the local granite was script proclaiming The Cavern's establishment in 1796 with what looked like birds spewing forth from the mouth of a cave. A cloud passed over the sun, providing a short, cooling respite from the intense light of the late afternoon sun.

Etta smiled up at the sky, “Is that a good or bad omen?”

Shaking off the chill settling on her skin from the first atmospheric shade of the day, she resumed her trek to her potential new workspace. As she turned off the road, it felt like she was leaving the modern world behind.

The Bavarian chalet-inspired outbuildings made their first appearance about a mile away from the main road. Set among the forest of maple and pine trees, she felt a little like Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood entering the forbidden forest. Glimpses of white trimmed with dark wood peeped out on the road ahead between rolling curves.

A flash of brown and white exploded out of the forest feet ahead of her and she slammed on the brakes. The deer's white rump disappeared into the greenery on the other side of the road as she fought to control the fishtail motion. Through grit and memories of her dad teaching her how to drive in Midwest winters, she stopped the car inches from slamming into a disturbingly solid tree. Air shuddered in and out of her lungs and her heart fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird.

Closing her eyes, she focused on easing her system down from the adrenaline rush. When she finally felt reasonably in control, she maneuvered the car back onto the road and stopped almost immediately. The promise of the outbuildings was more than fulfilled by the edifice gracing the clearing. Gingerbread trim emphasized the pristine whiteness of the wattle and daub walls. The sun glinted off of the mullioned windows. Etta lost a tiny bit of her heart.

The packet had indicated that she park in the visitor lot when she arrived, and she followed the signs to what looked like an old estate's cobbled stable yard, excepting for the orderly white lines created by white stones on the south end.

The musical tinkling of water burbling over rocks filled the air, and she saw the stream hidden from view by the picket fencing when she stepped from the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anya Bast
Eliza Gayle
Juliana Stone
Michelle Pillow
Lauren Dane
Moira Rogers
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace
Ashley Ladd
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Mandy Roth
Mark Henry
Savannah Foley

Snippet Saturday: Character in Danger

2009-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are times I gleefully rub my hands together as I throw characters to the wolves. As I go back and look at my past work, I think Revelations can claim the current record of life-threatening character predicaments at my hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vie felt as if she were floating naked on the ocean. Waves buffeted her about, but strong arms anchored her. Bolt.

She curled up next to his hard body and snuggled into his shoulder. Even if she wanted him to leave, he wouldn't. Just being here, now, he demanded a presence in her life. There was no going back.

They'd have to talk about where to live. Her apartment barely had room for her. She had no clue what his living space was like. For as long as they had worked together, she'd made a conscious effort to avoid him. She hadn't wanted to acknowledge how deeply he called to her.

The gate to her inner garden loomed in front of her. She pushed through. And froze.

Energy snakes the color of dried blood coated the ground. They poured over the far wall, their mass pulsing, reaching for her.

She whirled around to run. Heavy arms imprisoned her from behind. The cold touch of a tongue traced its way up the side of her neck.

"Ah, my dear, dear Vie. How good of you to come."

"Chaos."

"Your one and only." He squeezed her to the point of pain. "How is my favorite little empath doing? It's been so long since we've had a nice chat."

"You psycho."

"Always one for the sweet talk, weren't you?" He bit her and she screamed.

She kicked back, making contact with his shin, but his grip only tightened.

"How did you get in? No one can come here without me bringing them."

Long fingers traced her breast, pausing to twist her nipple. She wanted to cringe back at the pain, but that would have brought her closer in to him.

"Tell me then, how did Bolt find his way in here earlier. You weren't with him."

Vie closed her eyes. "I, uh, sent him ahead."

"Really? You have untapped powers if you did. But to answer your question as to how I got here, it was child's play. When you touched my minion yesterday, you took a tracer with you."

"The social worker was a setup. For me."

"Of course."

"Where is she now?"

Chaos' laughter was tinged with madness. "I let my minion play with her as a reward. I honestly don't know what happened to her."

Pain arrowed through Vie. The woman was most likely dead, all because this maniacal demon wanted revenge.

"Night will see to it that you suffer for her and for all the others you've harmed."

Chaos wrenched her chin around and up. Greasy blond hair hung in ropes along one half of a gaunt face. Scar tissue covered the other half of his scalp and the edges of his face. Madness burned black in his eyes. "Don't count on it, little girl. I have plans for Night. Where is Bolt?"

Fear skirted along her nerves. Before, Chaos had been a fair angel with a black soul. Now, with his beauty deformed, the whole world could look upon his true nature. "I-I don't know."

"No matter. I'll find him soon enough. Let's go for a ride."

Vie clawed at the hands that held her fast. He had grown in power, and that was not a good thing. "Where are you taking me?"

"To your new home."

Closing her eyes, she pushed back the fear that wanted to overwhelm her and drag her down into his madness. Her lungs constricted as he pushed off and they flew through the psychic miasma that surrounded her little haven. Space and time bent around them until they slammed to a stop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit this week's Snippet Saturday authors to find out which characters they like to threaten:

Anya Bast
Jaci Burton
Eliza Gayle
Michelle Pillow
Mandy Roth
Juliana Stone
Lacey Savage
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Sasha White
Ashley Ladd
Victoria Janssen
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane

Snippet Saturday: Dialogue

2009-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

When I'm writing, dialogue is the bit that generally comes easiest to me. This is because I hear my stories. Some writers "see" their stories unfold in their heads, and I envy them when it comes time to write scene descriptions and such. I've always been an aural person. As a kid, I would replay conversations I'd overhear in my head and it was if I had hit the rewind button on the VCR, but was in the other room and couldn't see the TV. This excerpt is from Family Jewels, one of the first stories I had published. I wrote it because I wanted to play with a darker mood, and it came to me as one of those old noir movies with the private dick's voice over setting the scene as the film opened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My name's Amalia Winston. Rhymes with dahlia. You know, the flower? Not Amy, not Ame. Amalia. The last person who tried to call me Amy ended up with his nuts in a vise. Literally.

Most people who look at me would wonder how I knew what a vise even was. Looks can be deceiving. That works to my advantage in this business. It also pays to be discreet. Very discreet. Few people know what I can do, and those who can, pay me a lot of money to do it.

Somehow, I knew the potential client due in any moment, according to my calendar, would be a turning point in my career.

I sat back in my chair as he walked into my office. My nipples peaked and my pussy lathered. It wasn't the suit emphasizing his broad shoulders. It wasn't the dark wavy hair gathered in a queue at the nape of his neck. Oh no, it was the look in his black-as-sin eyes that said he wanted to strip me naked and fuck me senseless.

"I've been told you're the woman to see." A faint Slavic accent tinged his words.

I licked my lips and crossed my legs. His eyes dipped down, following the movement of my skirt up my legs.

"It depends. What are you looking for?"

"A date."

I raised a brow. This man would never lack for female companionship. "Really?"

His smile curled the edges of his lips. "Let us say that I need the experience of a woman who can slip in, cloud the senses, and get the job done."

"My fees are fifteen hundred a night plus expenses."

"Very well." He shrugged as if the sum were negligible. "I will send a driver to pick you up tonight at eight o'clock."

I turned to my computer and pulled up the file for my standard contract. "I assume you have no problems with signing a contract? For the protection of both of us, you understand."

"Completely."

"Your full name is?"

"Alexandre Feodrovich. Please, call me Sasha."

"Sasha." I let his name roll off of my tongue, imagining the body I hoped to lay my hands on after a successful mission. "A pleasure to meet you. What's the dress code?"

His eyes traveled up and down my figure. "Minimal."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week's Snippet Saturday authors are:

Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Shelley Munro
Sasha White
Ashley Ladd
Victoria Janssen
Eliza Gayle

Snippet Saturday: First Paragraph

2009-09-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

My first paragraphs tend to be short as I like to, hopefully, draw the reader quickly into the scene. Here's the one from Cimmerean League: Revelations.

Quiet desperation gripped her throat, cutting off oxygen. Rage beat in time with her heart.

Only two sentences. When I first started writing fiction, trying to figure out how long a paragraph and chapter should be was one of the hardest pieces of craft for me to learn. Ultimately, it's instinct. You need to figure out what the pace of the story should be at that point and structure your paragraphs accordingly. I tend to like to start my stories with action. Action demands a faster pace which dictates shorter paragraphs. It works for me. As a reader, I do enjoy books that start with a more lazy pace, if it's appropriate to the story. Some authors have perfect command of that technique and make for entertaining reads. Check out the other authors participating in this week's Snippet Saturday to find out what they think about First Paragraphs:

Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Shelley Munro
Sasha White
Ashley Ladd

Snippet Saturday: Worldbuilding

2009-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

When you are developing a story, no matter the genre or setting, you need to worldbuild. You are creating a fictional world and need to engage your readers in that world. Even if the world is one that could be just down the street from you and happening right now. Readers have to believe that whatever is happening in your story's world is appropriate and right in that world.

A couple of years ago, those of us in the Deliciously Naughty Writers at the time developed a shared world for a series proposal, the world of the Dark Pantheon. We determined that we would each set our story in different time periods, so the only things we really had to hash out amongst ourselves were how the Dark Pantheon was created (our twist to the vampire myths), and characteristics for each family of the Dark Pantheon. Because we weren't setting our stories in the same time frame, we didn't have to determine how our characters would interact, the shared setting, etc. We each had to develop the world our characters lived in, however. The first three stories were set in historical times, so Sherrill, Sierra and Anna had to figure out how to incorporate our new mythology with an established understanding of their chosen time and setting for the story to remain believable.

In some ways, I had it easier because I was doing the only futuristic of the lot, Tera's Awakening, and had looser established knowledge constraints. I decided, partially due to the Dark Pantheon family I'd chosen, to do a post-apocalyptic world where food and arable land were scarce. Tera's, for lack of a better term, an environmentalist and she's confronted Darius, a man she believes to be systematically stripping the land of what little growth remains. Nothing is ever what it seems at first glance, and Darius has convinced Tera to return with him to his lair. Working this scene out was one of my favorite exercises in worldbuilding to date.

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Tera tried to orient herself, knowing instinctively she’d need to find her way back to this place. The house was a warren of rooms, empty except for the echoing of their footsteps, making her feel like a skittering rabbit. Just when she thought she had the layout fixed in her head, he took a turn and twisted her around as he’d flipped her emotions into turmoil.

She let those thoughts mull around in her head while he wordlessly continued leading her through the maze of his house. The world still made sense, but she felt as if she were looking at it through the crystal glass he’d served her with earlier. Things seemed slightly fractured, a half step out of rhythm with the way her life was going.

Had been going until she’d met Darius. What was it about him that drew her to him as if he were a lodestone? Yes, he was handsome, in a diabolical way. Yes, he was rich, but she had been taking care of herself for years and had no need for riches. He exuded charisma as if it could be gathered and bottled. She had given herself over to him and she felt as if she barely knew him. Not what really counted. Was he good to his fellow man? Did he care for anyone besides himself? Would she only be another notch in his bedpost?

They turned one last corner and her thoughts derailed as she took in the expanse displayed before her as the doors slid open. A lush jungle entangled her senses. She could hear squawks of birds in the distance. Heavy sweetness permeated the air. She froze in the doorway, ignoring his attempts to pull her further in.

How had he done it? She spied trees and plants she had only read about. If her eyes were to be believed, a good deal of vegetation thought to be extinct wasn’t. Finally, his tugging could not be denied and he guided her deeper into what truly was Eden.

Microclimates were interspersed. She saw tropical rainforest next to a desert landscape. They came to an arid zone and he paused by a fruited tree. He reached up, yanked off a fruit and handed it to her. She took the gift in both palms and cupped the rough-skinned offering. The deep red rind could only be one thing. “I thought pomegranates were extinct.” She laughed. “I thought most of these plants were extinct.”

He stroked both of his palms against her upper arms. “This is partly what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Tera met his gaze. Worry lurked in the shadows. “How were you able to reconstruct all of them?”

“I didn’t have to.”

She frowned. “What do you mean, you didn’t have to?” She held up the pomegranate. “I know this has been extinct for the last hundred years. At least. The saguaro we passed has been gone for even longer.”

“These plants have always called to me. I just…” He shook his head. “Let’s sit down. There’s too much for me to sift through.”

Tera jutted her chin out. “Why don’t you tell me all of it? That usually works for me.”

“To tell you all of it would, frankly, send you running into the badlands, never to be heard from again.”

She rolled her eyes at his drama but let him pull her over to a bench in the middle of what she’d once seen described as an English rose garden. The heavy, sweet scent overpowered the competing smells from the nearby sections.

Darius took the pomegranate from her and drew a penknife out of his pocket. The edge of it gleamed in the light and he sliced the fruit open. Juice the color of blood spurted out from the incision. He cracked it open, baring the heart of it to her gaze. Little red rondelles clustered in the pale yellow-white membrane. He held it in his palm and offered it to her. “Try them.”

“How do I eat it?”

“Take however many of the seeds you want. Put them in your mouth and suck on them. You can swallow the seeds if you want as they’re perfectly edible.”

Tera picked out a half dozen of the fruit seeds. She selected one and placed it on her tongue. Tart flavor burst out of the little package when she sucked. She rolled the hard seed around on her tongue for a moment before she pulled it out of her mouth.

She repeated the process five more times, savoring the tart sweetness. “Mmmm. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” He set the fruit down next to him on the bench.

“I know I keep asking how, but what you’ve done here is impossible. These plants shouldn’t exist.”

“But they do.”

“They do. Darius, where did they come from?”

He stood and paced in front of her, his hands shoved into his pants pockets. Tera remained silent, knowing he would answer when he was ready. Stopping in front of one of the plants, he reached out and cupped a blossom, caressing the petals. He touched them as he had touched her earlier, like a lover.

Turning, he faced her, the lines of his face prominent. “Tell me about your farm. Why do you do it?”

Tera frowned. She wanted answers to her questions and it felt like he was stalling. Why? His stance was that of a fighter, unwilling to give ground. She knew to her bones this was a game of cat and mouse, her answers the mouse.

“I grew up in an orphanage in Paris. I was lucky in that I had a roof over my head and food in my belly every day.” Tera gripped the edge of the bench and forced her memories back to those dark days. “The priests took pleasure in reminding me I could easily be sent back to the streets. A few of the other children remembered their parents, their families, but most of us were foundlings either left on the orphanage’s steps or discovered abandoned in the streets. Most of us thought our families were part of the Mass Emigrations.

“When I was about nine, I discovered the library. We were schooled according to state standards, but by that point, there was little left of the state. I hacked my way into the repository and found old texts of what the earth had been like before the Great Devastation.

“I craved a world like that—peaceful, food enough for everyone and green everywhere. I know there were problems, but there was so much good.”

“The problem with shiny apples is they’re usually hiding dark spots underneath the surface.” His voice was bleak.

“Which is why the Devastation so quickly overtook the world.”

He laughed. “Don’t fool yourself with what the history texts spout. There was no Great Devastation. The world’s been dying for a very long time.”

“Everything dies out eventually.”

“Yes, but few things actively seek death in the natural order. Even those that did, did so during the quest of reproduction. Taken in context, they weren’t truly seeking death. The earth has.”

“Why are you convinced of this?”

“I’ve seen much over the years.” He rubbed one hand over his face. “I’ve known many people. One in particular.”

Tera stood. “How could one person cause the earth to seek death? And why am I talking as if the earth was an animate object?”

Darius stared into her eyes for a moment. “Isn’t it?”

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Check out these other Snippet Saturday authors' takes on worldbuilding!

Michelle Pillow
Kelly Maher
Mark Henry
Jody Wallace
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
Ashley Ladd
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle

Snippet Saturday: Humorous

2009-08-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

I sat here trying to think of a particular scene, or part of a scene, I could post as being a good representation of humor in my body of work. I could not think of one. This isn't because humor isn't present in my work, it is. But it's more of a passing one-liner, you-might-find-funny-if-you've-gotten-to-know-the-characters-by-this-point kind of humor.

On Twitter, as my day persona, I've often been described as others as being very humorous and entertaining. However, Twitter is the perfect environment for passing one-liners, you-might-find-funny-if-you've-gotten-to-know-me kind of humor :) Sustaining a humorous tone throughout a book, or even a scene, is hard work. It must also be appropriate to the tone of the book or story. None of my work that's been published so far was intended to have a humorous tone. I kind of like writing the darker toned stories. I don't shy away from adding humor where appropriate in those dark toned stories, because I believe the contrast of dark and light adds dimension to both the characters and story. Thinking back, the majority of my humor is very much character driven. I'm 95% positive I've never written a situational-driven humor scene. Please correct me if I'm wrong though!

Which brings me to another point about humor. What I find funny does not equate to what you find funny. Heck, it doesn't necessarily equate to what my characters find funny. The majority of the time it will, but not always. I'm very curious, for those of you who've read any of my work, to find out what you find humorous, if anything!, about it. Post in the comments what you can remember of the humorous snippets or scenes that stand out for you!

By the way, I'm now on Twitter as this identity, too, as kmmaher!

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Jody Wallace
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
Leah Braemel
TJ Michaels
Shelli Stevens
Mark Henry
Shelley Munro
Kelly Maher
Juliana Stone
Elisabeth Naughton
Michelle Rowen
Ashley Ladd

Snippet Saturday: Character Sketch

2009-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sketchy is probably a better way to describe how I go about building my charcters. How I start my stories is always different depending on the story. Sometimes I get a flash of plot. Other times there's a setting I want to use. For my latest work in progress, I actually got an idea of who my main character was to be and her issues. There are days I do a lot of driving for my job, and frankly, the backroads of rural Iowa give you a lot of thinking time. This day, while I didn't have a clue what my character's names were, I knew their essences. Since I don't carry a recorder with me (I'm usually listening to audiobooks), I called home and left myself a voicemail. Works perfectly! Here's what I wrote down when I got home from that day trip:

Heroine is late-30's out on town w/friends as long-term lover is getting married that day. He had not wanted to get married before. They go to strip club and her eye is caught by bouncer. She hasn't dated anyone for last year since they broke up, but is feeling extremely horny w/peri-menopause. He is undercover cop to observe illegal transactions & is finishing up job. New guy is about 10 years younger. Has past-interactions w/her former lover as former lover is a firefighter/arson investigator. New lover is becoming hot shot. Her issues are with age difference and never being with a younger man before. Is okay with job dangers due to previous lover. He lied to her about her identity during one night. Need to have discovery scene of his identity. Shoot for 20K, but allow for maybe a little more.

Not a whole lot of detail, but enough to get me started down the road. I do a lot of thinking before I start writing on a project. Part of this is sheer terror. Can I do this story justice? What if I've completely forgotten how to write? Is this a story anyone but me is going to care about? Debilitating questions, to say the least. But I keep thinking, mulling over details, asking why. During one of those why periods, I was trying to figure out why my heroine is going to have hangups with dating a younger guy. There's got to be a reason, doesn't there? One day, probably another day of driving, the answer unfolded before me:

Heroine has issues with younger men as her mother ran around with younger and younger men as she got older as her parents got divorced because her father decided he wanted a trophy wife.

Who isn't going to have issues when their parents, already examples of unstable relationships, start dating people younger than you are?

Last week, I finally reached the breaking point and started writing. As I write, the story and characters clarify for me. Through this process, I've come to realize I'm a hybrid pantser/plotter. I need to plot a bit to get the story started, riff on what I've got for a bit, and when I hit a wall, go back and refine where I'm at and where I need to go. This works for me because I'm also what I can an "organic" writer. I prefer to let the story develop in a logical way. If I were to totally plot something out, write a later scene, and then go back, write an early scene what happens when they don't match up? This is how my brain works, so I go with it.

At one point when I was writing this week, I realized a couple of things. First, this story may end up being a lot longer than I had planned it to be. Second, the issue isn't really that he's a younger guy, though that does come into play, it's that he's lied to her about his identity. Major breech of trust. How do you come back from that to be able to build a relationship? It's something I'm going to have to work out as I write. But, I'm writing and the more I write, the better I get to know my characters. Example, I found out a reason why our eventual hero is pursuing the heroine:

Neal knows who Lora is from some police/fireman function. He heard about Steven leaving her and has been waiting to make his move.

Yeah, not many details, but it's another layer to riff on.

For those of you who are coming here from the other Snippet Saturday authors, check out my request for focus group participants. You'll get a preview of this work in progress project if you're selected ;) Enjoy this week's character sketches!

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Snippet Saturday authors:

Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
Mark Henry
Leah Braemel

Focus Group Needed

2009-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every writer's life where she needs to examine where she is currently at in her career and what she needs to do to take her career to the next level. As part of my process, in the great tradition of marketing research, I have decided to put together a focus group.

Job description:

Requirements:

Enjoy reading erotic romance and/or erotica
Able to read and digest stories quickly
Have access to an internet connection
Able to read electronic books (no DRM involved)
Honesty, even if you think it may hurt the author's feelings (As I'm the one soliciting this, I can guarantee that while my feeling may get a little bruised, I don't take honest critiques of my work as a personal attack. My mother started training me to think like this at age 5 with my first book report.)

Preferable:

Be primarily a reader or reviewer
Familiarity with wide range of romance sub-genres
Have read something of my work in the past, even if you didn't like it

Compensation:

Copies of the books/stories selected for “testing”
Upon full completion of the focus group survey, a thank you gift to be determined

Process:

Send a short e-mail explaining why you want to be a part of the focus group to kellymahersurvey{at}gmail.com with APPLICATION as the subject line by Monday, August 24, 2009.
Selection of 8 participants will be made by Monday, August 31, 2009.
A selection of up to four in print works of mine along with up to two works in progress (which may only be partially completed and unedited) will be e-mailed to selected participants on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.
The participants will have until 11:59:59 PM CDT on Sunday, October 4, 2009 to read all provided material and complete the survey to be eligible for the thank you gift.

E-mail any questions to kellymahersurvey{at}gmail.com or post them in the comments section of my blog. I will warn you that I am in a wedding the weekend of the 21st to the 23rd, but will try to answer any questions received then as quickly as I can when I get back.

Snippet Saturday: Villain scene

2009-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick bit from End Balance. The villain in this piece doesn't get much face time, but was chilling when present.

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A blue glow illuminated the face of the traitor. Years, it had been so many years since the first steps had been taken and the finish line was so close. He could not be allowed to ruin the many years of work. MacLendon Industries was going to die in a fiery crash. It had to die in a fiery crash, just like little Davy had.

The settlement the lawsuit had garnered had never been enough, would never be enough. Davy would be avenged.

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Other villainous snippets:

Cynthia Eden
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Moira Rogers
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher
Taige Crenshaw
Mandy Roth
McKenna Jeffries
SJ Day

Snippet Saturday: Opening

2009-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't sell End Balance right away. My editor sent back a note requesting I work on the worldbuilding, and she would take another look at it when I was done. The prologue and first chapter of End Balance grew out of that challenge.

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Prologue
New York City, 2075

Robert MacLendon strolled through Central Park, letting his mind turn to when his little girl would be home next from Scotland. She now had her doctorate in archaeology, but she’d always be his little girl, pigtails flying as she chased after the park’s waterfowl. The call of ducks, geese and children mingled with the hum of the air purifiers located throughout the park to create a contemplative white noise. He fingered the ring box in his pocket. Raquel would probably understand; she’d always liked Louise.

Pausing at a vendcart, he selected a soy dog and fries and inserted his credikey into the slot. The service platform creaked through its program and Robert felt blessed that his food actually gave off faint spirals of steam when it finally rose from the bowels of the machine. He ordered a soda from the vendfridge to complete his lunch and made his way over to one of the empty benches.

He was getting older and he’d always imagined his life ending with his wife by his side. Mirielle had died five years ago and he’d been lost. His relationship with Louise had slowly, but surely, changed from that of boss and assistant to lovers. He didn’t love Louise as he had loved Mirielle, but how could you love two completely different women in the same way?

Dusting the remnants of the dog and fries from his suit, he got up and threw his trash into the nearest waste compactor. He’d taken the afternoon off work, knowing he’d not be able to keep the question to himself until his date with Louise tonight.

Feeling as if his world was centering once again, he dodged the kids and adults on airskates and navigated his way through the congealed mass of humanity clogging the sidewalks of New York. Most people had taken to the air in some way and he knew the next generation of personal transports he envisioned would be a smash hit. Despite his belief in the mode of transportation, though, he was one of the few traditionalists who still preferred walking on his own two feet. The dance between man and machine kept him nimble.

Just as he was swerving out of the path of one young rascal on a flatboard, a punch to the middle of his back threw him off balance and into the flow of traffic. For one moment, as his body whirled through the air, he saw the face of his attacker. Shock suffused his system a moment before his world went black. Forever.

Chapter One

Raquel ran her hands through her hair, pulling it back into a knot and pinning a clip to it. She scanned her ID card and the baggage chute belched out her two bags. The flight from Scotland had been mercifully short. Her father had told stories of when he visited his grandparents and the trips over the Atlantic to Edinburgh would take seven hours. She shuddered at the thought of being trapped in one of those old-style airplanes for longer than the two hours it currently took to fly between JFK and Connery International.

She linked the bags together and pulled them behind her to the taxi stand. The line to the signal bot extended past the entryway. If it weren’t for her bags, she’d just give in and take the subway. Louise had offered to come pick her up, but Raquel didn’t want to face anyone she knew until tomorrow. Tomorrow, when the ritual grieving would begin. Blinking back the tears that seemed always just below the surface, she focused on what she needed to discuss with Niall on her next check-in with him.

With her father dead and no other successor named, it was unlikely she’d be returning to the dig anytime soon, if at all. MacLendon Industries’ board would follow her father’s wishes of having her installed as the next CEO, despite her own feelings on the matter. She already knew Edward didn’t want the job, as her father had offered him the position of crown prince a few years ago. Since Edward had turned it down, her father made no move to install anyone else, probably expecting to live forever.

Tears leaked out of her eyes. Forever was too fucking short. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Pure JFK with the humid saltiness of Jamaica Bay on the wind. Center. The line crept forward.

When she got to the signal bot, she programmed her loft’s address. She’d dump the bags, find something to do and head out to Murphy’s for lunch. If it was still open. David had been talking of selling it and retiring to County Mayo the last time she’d been in town.

The taxi zipped through traffic. Early Sunday morning in New York City was always quiet and still. Even with the population boom in the last fifty years, she’d always been able to depend on the sleepy silence of the city at this time of the week. The streets would be filling soon with people heading off to Sunday services and then the mad rush to work.

She thought back to the last time she and her dad had spent a lazy Sunday together. He’d been laughing over the funnies they used to read together when she was a kid and she’d been cooking a breakfast of eggs and soy bacon. He’d taken the day off to spend it with her. Her breath shuddered in and out. Memories of happy times fought their way through the grief.

Her doorman opened the door for her as soon as the taxi glided to a stop. “Hi, Henry.”

“Ms. MacLendon. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks, Henry. I’m just going to drop my bags off and go for a walk.”

He nodded and held the door open for her. “I’ll make sure the building staff is aware you are back in residence.”

She nodded and walked over to the glides. Keying in her code, she waited for a pod to become available. A door opened and she slipped inside. “Good morning, Ms. MacLendon. Please hold on to the rail for safety purposes.”

Raquel rolled her eyes. Why the damn program had to say that every single time a person got on one of these, she’d never understand. It’s not like after riding on these things for almost thirty years, she didn’t know it was a smart idea to hold on to the rail. The pod quickly ascended and the door opened to her loft. She’d left Edinburgh midmorning and now light was just gilding her furnishings as the sun rose.

Stowing the bags in her bedroom, she changed her shoes and headed back down to the lobby. Henry held the door open for her and she strode out into the sunlight.

At first she turned to the right, toward Central Park. She stopped in her tracks when she realized where her feet were taking her. Her father had died steps from its entrance. No way could she deal with that today. She whirled around and headed south, toward Bryant Park. Fashion Week had ended a couple of weeks ago, so the park should be clear. If she wanted to, she could just take refuge in the Old Library Museum. She could lose herself in the displays of old books and manuscripts. Plus the walk would help her burn off some of her excess energy.

The wake would be tomorrow. She’d be trapped in the grief room with her father’s colleagues and acquaintances. Some of her family might crawl out of the woodwork, but she wouldn’t bet on it. They only bothered with her father when they needed money. He’d made it clear to them not to expect anything when he died, so there was no reason for them to show.

Stirrings in the shops and apartment buildings she passed showed the signs of life in the city. She quickened her step so she could reach the park before the general air quality disintegrated. Combustion engines hadn’t been extinct long enough for the air to completely clear of pollutants and it was always worse when the populace was up and active en masse.

The park was gorgeous, as usual, and she splurged on a real egg and bacon breakfast sandwich from the little restaurant. She ate by the Lowell fountain, enjoying the tinkling and bubbling of the water as it flowed down. A cool breeze flowed through her hair. It was probably manufactured by the standard filters, but it was welcome. Already, she could feel her psyche calming and centering.

She spent the rest of the day wandering first the park and then the museum. It was just as peaceful as she remembered it from her childhood. Her mother had saved a number of books from her own childhood and read them to Raquel religiously, but it wasn’t until she was older and her father’s business was firmly established that they’d been well-off enough to actually afford to go to a bookstore with printed books to buy new ones. The sensual pleasure of paper cost a dear price, and the everyday person had to content themselves with the gel broadsheets for their pleasure reading. They folded into any standard print format size, so it at least felt like you were holding something the size of an old paperback or a newspaper and with a flick of a finger across the top corner the “page” turned. The miniscule battery pack powering them had guaranteed the creator the Nobel Prize in Physics for that year and thanks to the international embargo on new paper consumption, they’d taken off and made MI, as the manufacturer, a mint. Plus, you only needed space in a drawer to house your own personal library.

On her way home, she browsed through a number of shops, looking for something to wear at the wake and memorial service. If she really needed to, she could wear what she had to her mother’s funeral. That had been five years and five pounds ago, though. Besides, she needed a pair of comfortable shoes if she was expected to stand for any length of time. Her best friend had once told her she had the best body for heels, thin and lean. With having spent the last two years on a dig and in work boots, though, Raquel knew her feet would be screaming at her if she jumped right back into wearing any kind of heel.

Luckily, she found what she needed in short order. She exited the shoe store and walked into the wall of jet lag. She needed sleep. Now. Scanning the street, she saw a few empty cabs. One hustled over to her as soon as she held up her all-one to signal. For the second time that day, she programmed her address and fell back against the seat. Through the fog of exhaustion, she let Henry help her out and into the glide pod. She paused inside her entry only long enough to hang the dress up in the closet. Her couch was five feet away and she collapsed onto it.

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Other Snippet Saturday authors participating today:

Beth Williamson
Cynthia Eden
Elisabeth Naughton
Eliza Gayle
Jaci Burton
Jody Wallace
Kelly Maher
Lacey Savage
Lauren Dane
Marissa Scott
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers
Sasha White
Shelley Munro
Sylvia Day
Taige Crenshaw
TJ Michaels
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
Shelli Stevens

RWA photos

2009-07-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

As almost everyone I spent time with over the last two weeks took pains to remind me, I'm not that damn old! However, I still feel like I'm hung over from vacation. I swear, all I had were two drinks the entire time! More thoughtful analysis of the conference will be forthcoming, but I at least got my pictures up on Flickr after the network I was on dying on me twice while trying to get them loaded.

RWA 2009 photo set

Snippet Saturday - Living It Up

2009-07-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

RWA is winding down and I'm *still* rushing around! Here's a quick bit from End Balance.

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Other Snippet Saturday authors who are "Living It Up":

Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Kelly Maher
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle M Pillow
Moira Rogers
S. J. Day
Sasha White
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Lauren Dane

RWA - Wednesday and Thursday

2009-07-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I wish I could post pictures! Sadly, I've got my internet access through the concierge lounge's desktops (yes, I know, woe is me) and the pictures are on my computer where I'd have to pay an obscene amount for internet wi-fi in the room. And, as Silver James told me over drinks a little bit ago, my Mac may not even like playing with the hotel's wi-fi. Maybe I'll break down Saturday afternoon and get it to try :)

So, Wednesday. It started out with the Librarian event, which was populated by four fabulous panels. We had: Deb Schneider, this year's librarian of the year, and one of her partners in crime, Chapple Langemack, Gaelen Foley, Holly Jacobs, Gena Showalter, Allison Brennan, Sarah Frantz, Pamela Regis, Sabrina Jeffries, Jade Lee, Tracy Montoya, and Candice Poarch. Thank you all ladies for all of the insights you shared with us. Stella Cameron keynoted our lunch and afterwards was the librarians & bookseller mixer with authors. Thank you to all of the authors who provided such fabulous goodies for us!

Wednesday night was to be my very first signing ever with the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing. Sadly, my books did not show :( However, I made the best of it and sat there almost the entire time (back-to-back with one of my alter-ego's Twitter buds, Deidre Knight!) and signed the excerpt booklets I made for it. It was still a fabulous experience, and apparently just over $60,000 was raised for literacy efforts. Thanks to everyone who bought books!!

Today I felt like it was non-stop rushing from the moment I woke up. I started off the day with the Rogue Digital workshop. Around 100 people showed up for a program that wasn't officially part of the conference. So cool! Thanks to all of the presesnters for sharing such valuable and educational information and the sponsors for their support of this very important topic. I then went to my shift at the registration desk. With being a librarian as my day job, it felt just like working the reference desk :D Linda Howard at luncheon lived up, and more!, to my expectations. This is one hilarious lady and a joy to listen to every time I get a chance. I think I may need to make time to go see her chat session if it hasn't happened already! After a short break, I headed over to the Vegas suite for the Smart Bitches bootleg signing to finally grab my copy of Beyond Heaving Bosoms. I'd been waiting for the chance to have both Sarah and Candy sign it. The Avon signing was next (thanks again for all the books, Avon!), and got to see a couple of my favorite authors. By this point, I needed to dump all the books I had accumulated in my room (and I was restrained!!), before heading off to the Passionate Ink chapter party. Much fun was had, and Angie James cooly kept her composure despite reading scenes from erotic romances in an area that wasn't completely closed off to the public.

Later, I trudged up the hill from the Metro stop intending to collapse onto my bed below the ice cold vent. No, I had to go and get kidnapped by two of my chapter mates for brownie sundae dessert. Mmmmmm. A stop at the Moonlight Madness Bazaar for a blinking tiara from the Maryland chapter and a drink at the bar with one of my chapter mates and Silver finally brings me to this point. About ready to collapse into bed. Now, if only I could find that restart button for my brain.

Snippet Saturday: Prologues

2009-07-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Prologues are short things typically which works well for my schedule as I'm vacation right now :) Here's the prologue from my short story "Bound to Love" in the Coming Together: For the Cure anthology from Phaze.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A legend lost to the mists of time:

Many years ago, a wizard wandered the world performing bits of magic for kings and emperors. One day, an emperor, pleased with the wizard’s talent, introduced the wizard to his daughter. The wizard fell in love with the princess and determined that she would be his.

The princess was quite taken with the wizard and she agreed to run off with him. They did not know her father, the emperor, had promised the princess as wife to the great god in exchange for the blessing of an empire. The great god came to collect his promised wife, only to find her missing, and her father, the emperor, cowering in the dungeon. The great god cursed the land and went in search of his promised wife.

He found them in a clearing of the forest, resting after a hard day of travel. The great god demanded the princess as his promised wife. The wizard, unafraid of the god’s powers refused. He and the princess had been married earlier in the day, and he knew their love strengthened his own powers.

Seeing the princess stand behind the wizard, her hand on his shoulder, a great and powerful jealousy filled the god and he rent the two of them apart, killing them. He cursed them to forever be separated, never to know the joy of their love.

So the curse would have stood if not for the great god’s sister. Furious with her brother for killing her greatest work of coupling, she passed on the knowledge of how to break the curse. She could only do so much though, and the separated lovers have little time left in which to reunite and live their lives in love and passion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other Snippet Saturday: Prologues participants:

Sylvia Day
Shelley Munro
Jaci Burton
Michelle Pillow
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Sasha White
TJ Michaels
Lacey Savage
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson
Beth Kery
Mandy Roth

Snippet Saturday: First meeting between character and villain

2009-07-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

First, Happy Fourth of July!!! In my family, it's not only our nation's Independence Day, but also birthday day as today is my baby brother's birthday, my birthday's two days away, and before he passed, my grandfather's birthday was two days after mine. We like to celebrate big :D If you're in the US, have a very fun and safe holiday.

In Feasting, my story in the Black Lace Anthology Lust at First Bite, I went for more of a horror/gothic tone. As it is a short story, Etta doesn't meet the really, really bad guy, Schwarz, until almost the end of the story. By then, it's too late. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Etta blinked. The scent of burnt sage scraped at her nostrils. Wrinkling her nose, she lifted a hand to her sore neck. David must have left one heck of a hickey. Wetness met the graze of her fingertips.

She held her fingers up, and in the dim light, she could make out the red viscous fluid staining her fingers. Blood. Her blood. Not a hickey.

“Mmmm. Our little dove awakens. What did you call her, David? A Viking English rose? Very appropriate description.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Etta turned her head to the German-accented voice. Candle and firelight gilded sharp planes of bone and muscle. Whipcord lean, the man lounged naked in a wingback chair, David kneeling at his feet, both hands occupied with cock.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

“So coherent. Even after being marked a mere hour ago. I am Anton Schwarz. You are in my den. More questions?”

He steepled his fingers below his chin, the erect curvature of his penis the only indication of his body’s reaction to David’s ministrations.

She felt as if she were swimming in gelatin, her senses fogged to all but the erotic tableau before her. “What are you?”

“Nosferatu.”

He pronounced it as if she should know the term. “I don’t know what that means.”

“Max Schreck? Bram Stoker? Dracula?”

“Vampires?” Etta scrambled back against the wall, her eyes darting around the room, searching for an escape. She had to be dreaming. Vampires weren’t real. David hadn’t taken her out into the middle of the forest, fucked her blind, and then bit her. She had to have been exhausted from her cooking session and Mr. Schwarz was a kindly old man currently enjoying the feast she prepared in the dining room downstairs. Right?

Schwarz waved his hand and figures stepped out of the shadows, ringing the room. All were naked, tautly muscled bodies gleaming in the firelight as if oiled. The men’s erections jutted from nests of hair of all different shades and textures. The women also crossed the range of coloring and race. At each corner of every mouth a graceful white fang edged over the lower lip. They closed in, forming a corridor, focusing her attention on Schwarz.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More villains are on the loose at these authors' blogs:

Leah Braemel
Victoria Janssen
Shelley Munro
Anya Bast
Cynthia Eden
SJ Day
Jaci Burton
Michelle Pillow
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Sacha White
TJ Michaels
Lacey Savage
McKenna Jeffries
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Vivian Arend
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson

Getting ready for RWA

2009-06-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

I adore getting ready for vacations. I go list-happy. My family finds this hilarious as in my regular life I'm one of the most disorganized souls you'll meet, though there is a method to my madness. Currently on my walls, I have a to do list, a daily wardrobe list and an incidentals packing list. These are each on an oversized Post-It flip chart sheet :D

Tonight I did the bulk of my pre-vacation laundry. I'll probably have at least one more load to do before I leave, but now I can start packing. The only problem is I'm only going to be home three nights before I leave next Wednesday. Hence, all of the lists.

As I was doing laundry, I was also putting a new pair of shoes through it's paces. I plan on doing a lot of walking around DC during my off-time and I well know the value of a comfortable, but sturdy, pair of shoes. I bought two pairs of shoes on Sunday. One through Zappos, and one from a somewhat local sporting goods store. I was really hoping the pair I bought from Zappos would work out as I own other pairs of shoes of the same brand and they were *cute*! Sadly, the usual downfall of my shoe addiction reared its head, or should I say arch? I've got a pretty high one, and as this pair is a full shoe unlike the Mary Jane styles of the other pairs I own, the shoe did not fit. The cute shoes must now go back to Zappos. By the way, the Zappos Customer Service Team? Top tier.

Luckily, the pair of shoes I bought at the sporting goods store fits. They fit snugly, which is good for a shoe you plan on walking around in as it'll give you proper support. The only, minor, drawback is that it's a sandal style shoe and one of my pinkie toes keeps wanting to peek out of the side risking blisters. Thin socks definitely save the day, even if they're not quite as fashionable as bare feet. This is a sports sandal, so really, not a fashion faux pas either. I hope. I'm one of those who'd rather make a fashion misstep rather than get blisters.

However, I do know the joy of dressing it up and looking fabulous. The signing on Wednesday is going to rock as I'll be debuting my first adult knitted garment:

The front is even more fabulous :D Visit me to find out what the front looks like, as well as get a limited edition excerpt booklet for a chance to win a prize pack of 10 books I'll pick up for the winner during the conference.

One other thing, I upgraded my Flickr account to Pro today so you can see what I see.

Snippet Saturday: Food

2009-06-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

There's just something about chocolate and sex, isn't there? I couldn't resist the pairing for this scene from End Balance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Moving back to her clit, he sucked hard on it. She shuddered and moved away from him. “Not yet.” Her chest was heaving as she drew in short breaths.

She slipped off the bed. “I’ll be back. Remember, you have to learn patience.”

His head fell back onto the pillow. He wondered if she had felt this overwhelming anticipation when he’d left her tied up. Aware of everything, but unable to do anything but receive the pleasure she doled out. Hearing her moving around through his retreat, wondering what she was doing.

She came back, a covered tray in her hands. “What we have here, my student, are things that are going to help you learn patience. You are only going to come when I tell you to. If you don’t wait for me, then you’re going to be in bigger trouble. I may have to break out the riding whip and cane you.”

The image of her riding him, whip in hand, sent his temperature soaring. She pulled the cover off the tray with a flourish. With a glint in her eye, she held up the bottle of chocolate sauce he’d stashed away months ago.

“I’m hungry for chocolate and I think I want a nice long, hard chocolate stick. Do you know where I can find one?”

“No, ma’am.”

She pouted. “I guess I’ll just have to make one.” She tipped the bottle over, the cool sauce running in streams down his cock. Her hand spread the chocolate around so it covered his entire cock and balls, her clever fingers sending him into orbit as they worked every sensitive spot on his cock.

“Mmmm. That looks wonderful.” She leaned down and licked up the underside of his cock. His eyes rolled back into his head and he wanted to come right then and there. She pinched his inner thigh.

“Remember, no coming until I say so.” Her smile wicked, she poured more sauce over him. “I want to eat lots and lots of chocolate.”

He was not going to survive this. No way in hell was he going to be able to wait until she told him he could come. He pulled at the bonds, but they were just as the store owner described, able to withstand a thousand pounds of pressure.

“You’re being a naughty boy again. I guess I have to punish you some more.” She tightened the nipple clamps another notch. She probably would have tightened the cock ring too, but there was no slack to it for her to be able to do so.

“Since you like honey so much, I thought you’d like some more.” He watched as she took the honey container from earlier, lay back on the bed and canted her hips enough so she could squirt a little up into her pussy.

Turning her back to him, she crouched back over him, her pussy to his mouth. She bent forward and started licking his cock as is if it indeed were an ice-cream cone.

He groaned against her, letting the vibrations caress her most sensitive areas, and she hummed in response. She took three inches of him into her mouth, her teeth lightly rasping against his taut skin.

Firming his tongue, he speared it into her slit, letting her move against it as she sucked his cock in and out of her mouth. She pumped what part of his cock she couldn’t cover with her hand, and he thrust up against her.

He inhaled her musky scent mixed with the sweetness of honey and lapped at the liquid now flowing from her. Sighing once against him, she squeezed his cock one last time and turned around.

She straddled his erection and eased down. The heat of her welcoming body consumed him. He tried to thrust into her, but she flowed upward out of reach.

Flicking her fingertip against one of his engorged nipples, she eased back down on to him. “Naughty boy. I’m in charge here.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other Snippet Saturday: Food participants:

Cynthia Eden
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle M Pillow
Moira Rogers
Sylvia Day
TJ Michaels
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Victoria Janssen
Marissa Scott
Maura Anderson
Shelley Munro
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher
Lacey Savage
Mark Henry
Shelli Stevens

Snippet Saturday: Heroine Seduction FAIL

2009-06-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not participating this week, so check out some fab excerpts of when the hero's seduction of the heroine may not go as planned :)

Cynthia Eden
Sylvia Day
Leah Braemel
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Jaci Burton
Anya Bast
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Vivian Arend
Shelley Munro
Lacey Savage

June Newsletter a little late

2009-06-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Like that's much of a surprise to anyone :D At this point, I'm hoping to have it up by Friday night at the latest. I have managed to schedule myself for meetings and part-time job shifts pretty much every night this week and really only have a lunch break on Wednesday where I can actually work on a side project. If I can't get the newsletter done by Friday, I do promise to announce the monthly contest winner by then so they have time to pick out which books they want me to go shopping for in July!

Snippet Saturday: Outtakes

2009-06-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! I lost a week there. I'm not officially participating this week, but I will have something for last week's theme down below in a moment. Some fabulous outtakes can be found at the blogs below :D

Cynthia Eden
Victoria Janssen
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Sylvia Day
Vivian Arend
Mark Henry
Shelley Munro
Jaci Burton
Mandy Roth
Eliza Gayle

Snippet Saturday: Fight Scene

2009-06-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is from one of my favorite stories, Cimmerean League: Revelations. I had a lot of fun with this story and hope to revisit the world again some time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bolt knew that Chaos had vowed Vie's destruction. They'd all thought his apparent death was her salvation.

Night's first law of survival: there is no such thing as a sure thing. Even when you witnessed your mortal enemy set off explosions in the middle of a warehouse of chemicals so flammable that only a fine dust was left when the fires died out.

"I haven't been able to find out if he's resurrected his network. If he has, he's using completely new personnel. All of his previous agents are either dead, some questionably in the recent past, or are employed in other organizations. Most likely out of his reach for the moment."

Bolt settled farther back in his chair. "But why swipe the sosh? What the hell does she have to do with anything?"

"Me."

He saw her knuckles whiten and wished he could reach over and cover them. She'd just yank her hand away. "Huh?"

She scowled at him. "You can be a little too dense at times, Bolt."

He let the side of his mouth curl up. "Why don't you just explain it in terms that I can understand, Doctor Vie."

"One of these days, they're going to let me at your records and explain how in the hell you got in with your limited intelligence."

He'd have to dust off that diploma of his. Which she'd probably send to an independent document examiner to verify. "You can examine me any time you want to, babe."

"I meant that he knew I would be sent in to attempt to connect with her. The woman was bait to him. Nothing more."

She sniffed and turned to the boss man, whose face was blank.

"Are you two done?"

Bolt sobered. "Yes, sir."

The holo-image rotated. Night stood and circled the table. "We're not even sure if he still looks like this. What I do know is that we cannot let him connect with Vie in any way until we're ready. Bolt, I'm counting on you to protect her."

"Night!" Vie sprang out of her seat. "If you feel the need to assign someone, assign anyone but him."

Bolt felt his temper prick, but as happened sometimes when he was near her, the sensation was distant. It still amazed him that she shielded him. He'd never told anyone about it, preferring to keep it his little secret. As far as he knew, her empath abilities just meant that she felt whatever her subject felt; she didn't absorb the feelings. But, there was no other way he could describe the sensation. And it didn't happen every time, only when whatever he was feeling threatened to fracture his focus.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't go off into LaLa Land every ten seconds."

Bolt blinked, narrowing his gaze. "Sorry, Doc. I thought my presence wasn't needed in your opinion."

He had the sudden vision of him jumping out of the way of daggers. If there was ever a woman who could make a figure of speech reality, it was her.

"Bolt, I'd like for you and Vie to stay here for the duration." Night moved to the console that lined one wall of the war room.

"What about my patrol?"

"It's been reassigned. Your only job right now is to care for her."

Bolt nodded. There was no other appropriate response.

Night turned to Vie. "You, my dear, will keep your appointments that have been scheduled for this location. I'll have Mercury make arrangements for the others." He leaned back against the console, hands on either side of his hips. "If you at any point feel his presence, you are to tell Bolt immediately. We do not have the luxury of the two of you playing power games. Do you understand me?"

Her pretty mouth tightened at the edges. "Yes sir."

She crossed her arms under her breasts, plumping them up. Bolt scooted his chair a little farther under the table and shifted his hips.

"Why don't you go on ahead, Doc, and I'll run some things past Night and then catch up."

Her lips compressed even farther, but she nodded shortly. "Don't feel the need to rush. Gentlemen."

She rose and exited the room, her hips swishing in a very lovely arc with each step.

"If she were to ever catch you looking at her like that Bolt, she'd run you through."

He turned to the boss man. "Ah, but then I'd die a happy man, Night."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shelley Munro
Anya Bast
Cynthia Eden
SJ Day
Vivi Anna
Jaci Burton
Mandy Roth
Michelle Pillow
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Sacha White
TJ Michaels
Maura Anderson
Beth Kery
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher
Elisabeth Naughton
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson

2009 Romance Writers of America conference

2009-06-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

I'll be attending this year! Even better, I'll be signing! That's right, I'm one of the authors signing at the huge, massive, we could even say behemoth gathering of romance authors of all persuasions. Visit the RWA website to start picking which authors you'd like to see on Wednesday, July 15th in DC. I'll be signing copies of Lust at First Bite. All proceeds from the signing will go to benefit local and national literacy organizations.

As a special incentive to come visit me, I'll have 50 excerpt booklets which I'll sign for you. If you're one of the 50 to pick up a booklet, you'll also have a chance to enter a drawing. I'll pick the winner Wednesday night and then gather 10 books during the remainder of the conference and have them signed to the winner when possible. I'll ship them out after the conference, no matter where you live.

I'm really looking forward to this as this will be my first booksigning ever, and it's the 10th anniversary of the first RWA conference I ever attended. I didn't even dream then of one day being one of "those" authors who were signing :D I'm looking forward to meeting you in DC!

Snippet Saturday - First Kiss

2009-05-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm making it in under the wire! Welcome to my first foray into Snippet Saturday. This first kiss between Raquel MacLendon and Hayden Campbell is from my most recent release, End Balance, available from Ellora's Cave. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~

How to proposition a man for a one-night stand, though? He was most definitely interested, the way his gaze kept straying down to her chest and his leg kept rubbing against hers. All of her other lovers had been the products of fairly long-standing relationships. Even that worm, Terrance.

She had just finished the last bite of the burger when the band belted out their first song. Her comment about them being overaged frat boys wasn’t far off. They still played loud enough to break eardrums.

“Hey!”

Hayden’s fingers grazed the back of her hand and she leaned in to catch what he was saying.

“Do you want to get out of here?”

“Sure.” She nodded vigorously in case he couldn’t hear her. Holding up one finger, she took the Jameson, said a quick prayer for her dad and downed it.

“Now I’m ready.”

He scooted out of the booth and cleared a space for her to exit. After he swiped his credikey through the table scanner to clear their bill, he took her elbow and guided her through the crowd. She waved to David as they exited to the relative quiet of the street.

“The bar at my hotel is pretty decent. Would you like to come over for a nightcap?”

She paused for a moment. If she went back with him, she’d end up in bed with him. Taking a shallow breath, she held out her hand to him. “Sure.”

He pulled her up against him, his lips firm and warm on hers. She let her other hand skim up over his muscled chest and neck to where his hair lay close cut against his skull. He broke the kiss after a moment, not even trying to French her.

Her system was nicely humming along. She licked her lips, hoping for a faint taste of him.

A wicked smile bloomed on his face. “Raquel, I think this was my lucky night.”

She laughed, the first spurt of mirth breaking through the grief of the last two days. “Funny, Hayden, I was thinking the same thing. Let’s go.”

Walking in the cool night air, Raquel reveled in the heat arcing between her and Hayden. His arm draped across her shoulders and she breathed in his clean scent, which reminded her of spices and…lemon? Soft strokes from the tips of his fingers traced the edge of her collar along her skin.

“Just so we’re clear, you are joining me for something more than a nightcap?”

Raquel flashed a smile up at him. “I plan to wring you dry by morning.”

He bobbed his head. “Interesting, and painful, imagery. How about we agree to enjoy each other to the best of our abilities?”

“As long as I get a few orgasms out of the deal, I’m happy with however you want to phrase it.”

“Blunt. I never thought I’d find that trait attractive in a woman. What is it you said you do?”

Raquel turned her gaze to look down the relatively empty street. Most of the city’s denizens were busy partying it up in the clubs and restaurants. “I’m an archaeologist, but it looks like I may be facing an unexpected career change.”

“So you’re like Indiana Jones?”

The cleansing release of laughter rocked her frame. “Not quite. I wasn’t sure anyone not in the field knew those old movies.”

Hayden spun her around into a tiny alcove hidden from public view only by a screen of greenery. His hands raked through her hair, anchoring her head for his ravaging of her mouth.

He broke from her after reducing her knees to custard. “You’re gorgeous when you laugh, so free and light.”

She fought to regain her breath. “Thanks for the compliment.” Giving in to the moment, she ran her hands up underneath his shirt, reveling in the taut skin and hardened muscles. The roughness of his chest hair contrasted with smooth skin and pebble-hard nipples. Ripples traveled under the skin wherever her fingers caressed. Her own system mirrored his as he stroked his hands up and down her back.

“You do realize we’re on a street in the middle of New York? If you continue what you’re doing for much longer, I’m not going to care.”

An old, old fantasy of making love in front of a crowd flashed into her mind. “Mmmm…the idea is amazingly appealing.”

~~~~~~~~

Visit the other participants for more tantalizing kisses :D

Lauren Dane
Cynthia Eden
Vivi Anna
Sylvia Day
Moira Rogers
Mandy Roth
Anya Bast
Viv Arend
Beth Williamson
Elisabeth Naughton
Michelle Pillow
Jaci Burton
Taige Crenshaw
McKenna Jeffries
Victoria Janssen
Shelli Stevens
Maggie Robinson
Juliana Stone
Sasha White
Maura Anderson
Shelley Munro
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle

Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes Research

2009-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

The auction is open, my basket is ready, and I finally finished the scarf last night!

The basket's theme is "Make Life Spicy!" The contents are fabulous and are guaranteed to spice up your days :D

Black Lace vampire anthology "Lust at First Bite" including Kelly Maher's story "Feasting" - signed by Kelly Maher
Handknit scarf by Kelly Maher using the luxury yarn "La Boheme" from Fiesta Yarns in Candy Apple Red
Erotic dice
Heart-shaped pasties
"52 Weeks of Romance" scratch & win cards
Items from Bath & Body Works Sensual collection
- 15 oz. Sensual Luxury Bath in Black Currant Vanilla
- 4 oz. Sensual Massage Oil in Jasmine Vanilla
- 2 oz. Sensual Body Wash & Foam Bath in Jasmine Vanilla
- 2 2 oz. Sensual Body Lotions in Jasmine Vanilla
Warm Glow Candle Company Oversized Votives
- 1 Sandalwood
- 1 Country Spice
- 1 Cinnamon Bun
Penzeys Spices seasoning packs
- 4 oz. Southwest Seasoning
- 4 oz. Cajun Seasoning
- 4 oz. Bangkok Blend

As of this post, the basket is up to $75! As I'm a native Chicagoan & this was drummed into me in utero: "Bid early, bid often"!

New Releases!

2009-01-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

Click To Play

November newsletter delayed

2008-11-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

Expect it on Wednesday or Thursday :)

Tera's Awakening now available!

2008-10-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Blurb:

They are children of the gods. Half-immortal, yet never whole. Until they find the one they burn to possess for all eternity...

In a world that is dying, Tera Fitzpatrick leaves her sanctuary for one last mission to attempt to save the final forest on Earth. She knows it's a fool's run as she has gone up against mining magnate Darius Hadides before and lost.

Darius has his own reasons for obtaining the Torgon Forest, and allowing Tera to breach his company's security. His immortal father Hades, king of the Underworld, set events into motion that Darius has spent millennia trying to correct. Tera is the key.

Now that a prince of the Underworld is ready to claim a woman of the earth as his bondmate, the Earth's future will be decided.

Available in e-book format from Ellora's Cave.

Lust at First Bite

2008-10-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

I got my author copy in the mail yesterday. Isn't he pretty?

And check out all of the fabulous authors I get to share these pages with!

Release dates are November 2008 for the UK and January 2009 for the US!

October fun!

2008-10-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Want a chance to win one of over 50 fabulous prizes? Play the The Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt!

Upcoming releases

2008-08-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

I've got some dang hot covers for my next few releases:

Tera's Awakening - October 24, 2008 - Ellora's Cave

Blurb:

They are children of the gods. Half-immortal, yet never whole. Until they find the one they burn to possess for all eternity...

In a world that is dying, Tera Fitzpatrick leaves her sanctuary for one last mission to attempt to save the final forest on Earth. She knows it's a fool's run as she has gone up against mining magnate Darius Hadides before and lost.

Darius has his own reasons for obtaining the Torgon Forest, and allowing Tera to breach his company's security. His immortal father Hades, king of the Underworld, set events into motion that Darius has spent millennia trying to correct. Tera is the key.

Now that a prince of the Underworld is ready to claim a woman of the earth as his bondmate, the Earth's future will be decided.

Excerpt:

"Tera, there is something of great value in the land and that is all I can share with you at this point. However, if you would be amenable to spending time with me at my estate, I might be persuaded to share with you my reasons."

Tera froze. "What are you implying, Mr. Hadides?"

"Only that I would greatly appreciate the favor of your company. I've been aware of you for a number of years, Tera, but this is the first chance I've been graced with your presence. I would like to extend our acquaintance."

She searched his eyes and found her answer there. He wanted to fuck her. Pretty words couldn't hide his intent. And his intent blazed like the sun from his dark as sin eyes.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you, Mr. Hadides."
"Darius, please."

"No." She could see no was not a common response to his…requests.
"I must insist, Tera. Otherwise, my employees will have my orders to commence their deforestation efforts the moment you walk out the door."

Tera surged up, fury igniting throughout her system. "This is blackmail, Hadides."

He waved a hand in the air. "If you must. I would prefer to call it business and pleasure. My pleasure and your business."
She bared her teeth at him, trapped. Katlyn would not let her rest if she were to come back defeated. Tera loved Katlyn, but Katlyn was willing to pay any price for her cause and could not understand those who would rather live to fight another day. If this is what she needed to do to spend her remaining days in peace in her sanctuary, then she'd do it and be done.

Darius saw the decision warring on her face. When the disgusted look in her eyes won out, he forced his facial muscles into stillness so as not to grin.

"Very well. I must be able to leave by tomorrow afternoon, however. I have…people waiting to hear from me."

"You will be able to contact whoever you want, whenever you desire. When you leave my estate will be entirely your decision. I do hope I can persuade you to extend your stay with me, however."

She snorted.

Why a woman who obviously didn't care how she appeared to him would appeal so strongly was a phenomenon he looked forward to exploring. Tera Fitzpatrick had been a steady thorn in his side for years, but he'd long ago inured himself to irritations, and had ignored her. For the most part. Every once in a while he caught her picture on the news reports and her looks intrigued him. Soft sable hair curled at the edges of her sharply defined jaw. Eyes the color of the darkest sapphire met the censure of the world head on. Her passion for the beliefs she spoke out on excited him. He'd wondered at the strength of his attraction since he first saw her. Wondered if, even through the distance of technology, he'd finally caught sight of his bondmate. Now he mused, would she accept such a pairing? Run screaming into the night? Or strike him dead as the avenging angel she could be?

What would it be like to harness fire such as hers? This world was slowly dying, thanks to that bitch Demeter, and most of the planet's population had died off, relocated to other planets or eked out a minimal existence on what was left. Those who had remained seemed to pass through their lives in a catatonic trance, taking one plodding step at a time until they died and were delivered to his father's realm.

Except for this woman.

Her jaw firmed as she jutted it out. "Let's get going."

Lust at First Bite, including Feasting - UK: November 2008, USA: January 2009 - Black Lace Books

Excerpt:

The Bavarian chalet-inspired outbuildings made their first appearance about a mile away from the main road. Set among the forest of maple and pine trees, she felt a little like Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood entering the forbidden forest. Glimpses of white trimmed with dark wood peeped out on the road ahead between rolling curves.

A flash of brown and white exploded out of the forest feet ahead of her and she slammed on the brakes. The deer's white rump disappeared into the greenery on the other side of the road as she fought to control the fishtail motion. Through grit and memories of her dad teaching her how to drive in Midwest winters, she stopped the car inches from slamming into a disturbingly solid tree. Air shuddered in and out of her lungs and her heart fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird.

Closing her eyes, she focused on easing her system down from the adrenaline rush. When she finally felt reasonably in control, she maneuvered the car back onto the road and stopped almost immediately. The promise of the outbuildings was more than fulfilled by the edifice gracing the clearing. Gingerbread trim emphasized the pristine whiteness of the wattle and daub walls. The sun glinted off of the mullioned windows. Etta lost a tiny bit of her heart.

Dusting off the blog

2008-07-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Long time, no talk here. Not much to report at the moment, but I'm hoping to have some news on the publishing front for you in the near future. I'm sure my newsletter readers are getting a tad sick of hearing me say that though ;) Until then, if you like talking about books as much as I do and you love reading everything from steamy romance to straight-up erotica, check out the new online book club I've started over at Book Sprouts: We Like it Hot! Registration is required, but free, so come join us for some fabulous reads and discussions.

Holy Moses! Newsletter is late

2007-11-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

How on earth did it get to be the 15th already? I swear it was only the 10th yesterday. The monthly newsletter will be released into the wild some time this weekend.

My first chat as an EC author!!

2007-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Join the Deliciously Naughty Writers for a
Deliciously Naughty evening of fun at Ellora's Cave!

Sierra Dafoe
Anna J. Evans
Kelly Maher
December Quinn
Sherrill Quinn
And Friends

Sunday October 7th from 4pm-10pm EST
on the Ellora's Cave Chat loop

Win FREE DOWNLOADS of ebooks from your favorite EC writers including Taige Crenshaw, Mackenzie McKade, A.D. Christopher, Christine D'abo, Desiree Holt, Anna J. Evans, Sierra Dafoe and MORE.

Don't miss it!!

Coming Together: For the Cure in print!

2007-10-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to announce that Coming Together: For the Cure is now available in print. It includes my short story, Bound to Love. Here's what Cherokee at Coffee Time Romance had to say about the anthology:

"For anyone who has been touched by a loved one with breast cancer or any illness, I would highly recommend Coming Together for the Cure. Alessia Brio and the other talented authors create some uplifting tales that make the reader feel good all over."

And what she had to say about "Bound to Love":

"Kelly Maher fashions a powerful read that captures the heart."

Purchase it today!

My Big News!!

2007-09-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

The newsletter has gone out a little early, which means the news is out.

I've sold to Ellora's Cave!!

I sent the contracts in last week for, not only my first EC release, but also my first novel to be published. End Balance is a light futuristic/romantic suspense. It holds a special place in my heart as I wrote the first draft as part of the 2004 NaNoWriMo. I damn near killed myself, but I did learn a lot about my writing process. More specific details, like when it'll be released, are yet to come. Stay tuned!

Big news in newsletter

2007-09-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm being very good about getting my newsletter all ready to go next Saturday bright and early as I'm going to be on the road for the day job most of this week. If you want a chance for an electronic copy of Coming Together: For the Cure, be sure to sign up to receive the newsletter by Wednesday the 12th. Also, the Deliciously Naughty Writers have switched our Delurk Day to the third Saturday of the month. This Saturday is our first day on the new schedule, so be sure to join us!

Out the door

2007-08-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

The edits for Tera's Awakening are finished, the submission polished, and on its way to the editor for review. Cross your fingers!

The thing about titles...

2007-08-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! Kelly, thanks for having me over -- Kelly invited me today because I've got a release out tomorrow, and yes, I will have an excerpt for you! But first, I want to talk about titles.

Durn little buggers, titles -- I'm careful about them, too. Before I contract a story, I do a Google search and try to make sure there aren't three other books with the same title (or at least, not three books in the past year, or anything!) Sometimes, though, no matter how careful you are... it happens. Six months before your book comes out, there's another release with the same title. And at that point the contract's already set in stone, and you can't change it, and, well, you feel a bit like an ass. Or I do, anyway!

In this case, though, Stray Cat Strut is Persia's theme song. It's also the theme of the book. Even if I could have changed it, I wouldn't have wanted to. So, with apologies to Shelley Munro (who also has a wonderful recently-released book called "Stray Cat Strut" out), I give you a snippet from tomorrow's release:

Shifter Sisters 3: Stray Cat Strut
by Sierra Dafoe
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=670

For the first time, the short order cook she’d heard rattling around the kitchen appeared in the opening. Persia froze on her stool.

Wow. Just wow. Now that was what she called cute.

Cute? Hell, girl, he’s gorgeous!

He was, too. Shaggy, sun-streaked hair fell over soft brown eyes that glowed with warmth as he smiled at the scowling waitress. Young, taut muscles rippled under his smooth skin. A leather thong around his neck drew her attention to his torso, hidden behind the ratty cooking apron. Persia wondered what his chest looked like. Absolutely yummy, she’d bet -- it was way too easy to picture him on a beach somewhere, strong tanned thighs flexing as he played Frisbee in nothing but cutoffs.

Or sprawled on the sand, wearing nothing at all.

Oh yeah. She could definitely picture that.

Damn, he was pretty! His face still had a bit of adolescent roundness despite the strong, well-shaped jaw. He had great lips -- full and pouty, just the kind a girl could happily nibble on all night long -- and a slightly snub nose that went well with his easy, boyish grin.

Hell, he doesn’t even look old enough to be out this late by himself, Persia thought, and smirked. Somebody might come along and just gobble him right up.

It had been a while since she’d actually slept with a man. Not that she didn’t like sex -- au contraire! as the French would say -- but she’d gotten pickier and pickier over the years. It took a lot more to tempt her these days.

And Persia was suddenly feeling very tempted indeed. She leaned her elbows on the counter, chin propped in her soft little hands as he took the plate and glanced at the offending meal. “I dunno, Jen. If I cook this any more, it’s gonna be burned.”

“Hell, I know that.” The waitress heaved an aggrieved sigh, but some of the tension left her broad, fleshy shoulders. Persia grinned -- she rather suspected Billy had that effect on a lot of older women.

And the younger ones probably just about pissed their pants at the sight of him.

Jen jerked her head at the table. “It’s not worth arguing with those damn yahoos -- they want it burned, they can have it burned. I don’t give a fuck.”

Billy craned his neck, peering out at the rowdies who were now flipping pennies into a water glass, cheering like it was the damn Superbowl every time they got one in. Persia admired the strong tendons in his neck as he did, and the way that honey-gold hair just brushed his bronzed shoulders. “Ah, don’t let ’em get to ya, Jen. Hell, you coulda changed their diapers.”

“Don’t remind me,” Jen growled as she turned away. Billy grinned at her back and disappeared behind the window. A moment later, Persia heard the bacon sizzling.

Well, yum! Sure, he wasn’t rich -- therefore not a keeper, sadly. But he’d sure go a long way toward easing the sting of her disappointment. Crossing her legs, Persia swung one plump calf back and forth, enjoying the slight pressure it created in her groin.

It was gonna be tough to find the right man, she mused. Money alone wasn’t enough -- God knows, she’d had her share of sugar daddies in her time. The only problem was, they were invariably old. And she liked ’em young -- young and lean and hard-bodied.

Like Billy.

“Jen, you’re up!”

Persia straightened as he slid the plate back across the divider. Lifting her arms, she fussed with her hair, arching her back and pushing her generously full breasts out front and center, willing him to glance over at her.

He did. Those deep, warm brown eyes swung toward her like a needle toward north and stopped, widening. Persia’s smile deepened as he gaped, his arm still extended with the plate forgotten in his hand. Letting her lower lip pooch in a playful pout, she played with her hair, twirling one white blonde curl around a finger as she gave him a flirty little smile.

Billy didn’t even notice when Jen lifted the plate from his hand.

God, she loved guys with brown eyes and blond hair. Whatever it was about that combination, she didn’t know, but Persia felt a definite trickle of warmth between her plump thighs as they locked gazes. Neither of them moved until the waitress came back with another order, rattling it off as she looked down at her notepad. “Two eggs over easy, rye toast, dry, mush and Swiss omelet with whole wheat… Billy? Hey, Billy!”

Startled, he jerked his gaze to Jen, shaking his head as if to clear it. “What?”

She glanced at him skeptically. “Thought you were falling asleep on me there, kid.”

“No, I… uh…” His eyes flicked to Persia again. She dropped her gaze with a pretense of shyness -- after all, she’d already hooked him. She knew it. “Just give it to me again.”

Smiling smugly, she studied the menu as the waitress repeated the order, taking her time over that most critical of decisions -- pancakes or waffles?

She already knew what she was having for dessert.

Get your copy of Shifter Sisters: Stray Cat Strut tomorrow!
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=670
-- Sierra

http://www.sierradafoe.com

The end

2007-08-24T20:13:00.001-07:00

*Sigh* I didn't quite make 18,000, but the first draft is done. I know I'll end up adding more words during edits, so I'm not that worried. I'm just happy it's done! I can start editing tomorrow.

17,769 / 18,000
(98.7%)

Lunch break!

2007-08-24T11:30:00.001-07:00

Look at that progress bar! I'm running out to grab a sandwich before the chat. Once again, join the Deliciously Naughty Writers at the Love Romances and More Cafe loop from 3-9p Eastern (but it looks like Sherrill's going to be a die hard and go for longer <G>).

17,159 / 18,000
(95.3%)

No writing tonight

2007-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's definitely easier to update the blog when I have something to report :) Of course, the fact I made it home to my parents without getting into an accident should be enough. Normally, this wouldn't be news, but I ended up driving some of the worst of the storms that hit the Chicago area today. Which made the drive longer than normal. Blech. All right, time for bed. Tomorrow, I will finish Tera, probably while I'm chatting over at the Love Romances & More Cafe loop with the other Deliciously Naughty Writers. We're there from 3-9p Eastern!

The end is in sight!

2007-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, need to get to bed, and not as much written as I would have liked, but 2000 words to go. Probably no writing time tomorrow, but I've got all day Friday set aside. Also on Friday, join me and the other Deliciously Naughty Writers at the Love Romances & More Cafe chat loop from 3pm to 9pm Eastern.

16,000 / 18,000
(88.9%)

Quick note re: Coming Together

2007-08-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

For those electronically inclined, I hope you've bought your copies of this great anthology already. Inclined to do more good? Hurry on over to Alison Kent's blog where she's running a comment drive. She'll buy a copy of the electronic edition for every 10 comments, up to 25 copies (250 comments) and give them away as prizes!

Alison Kent - Comment for the Cure

5 down, 1 to go

2007-08-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Whew! I had a marathon night for a weeknight. 1,347 words! I think the closer you get to the end of a project the faster you want to write. I kept going past my 10 o'clock stop time because I was so close to the end of the chapter. So, yeah! One chapter left to go.

15,381 / 18,000
(85.5%)

So-so

2007-08-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Not much of an update tonight. I broke 14,000, and providing I can hit around 1000 tomorrow and Wednesday, I'll be good to finish on Friday. Whoop!

14,034 / 18,000
(78.0%)

I can taste it...

2007-08-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of myself. I wrote just over 3100 words today and finished *before* the witching hour. At times thoughts of wussing out crossed my mind, but I beat them back. It certainly didn't help that it's been raining on and off all day and the resulting humidity is a bit uncomfortable. I got it done, though! I think I'm going to forgo writing time on Thurday to drive home for the weekend, and spend Friday writing the last chapter. All I need to do is write at least 750 words tomorrow through Wednesday. I can do that :)

13,127 / 18,000
(72.9%)

Appropriate meme

2007-08-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Taking a quick break from Tera's Awakening, and I took this fun meme:

Which Greek Creature are you? (pics\detailed\etc)

You are a Water Nymph! Whether it's in thunderstorms, or swimming in rivers or the ocean, you love it. You probably have a great connection with society or your friends, and are a loving, helpful creature. Just as the ocean can be calm and breathtaking, your talents are unique and are a blessing to those around you. But sometimes the ocean is dark, myserious, or stormy, which also reflect your emotions. Role- They were depicted as beautiful maidens, often riding on the backs of Hippokampoi (Fish-tailed horses), Ketoi (Sea-monsters) or dolphins.Symbols- water (naw, really?!, seashells, nymphs, helpers of Poseidon. Story- There are several different types of Nymphs in Greek Mythology, but they are usually helpers and assistants to the gods. Nymphs had the divine power of changing the shape of things, and were agressive lovers. Nymphs are always with their companions (which is why you are so social) and were kind to sailors in trouble (which is why you are so nice.)
Take this quiz!

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Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Measly progress

2007-08-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

But progress nonetheless. I just need to realize that my day job, along with trips back home, are going to interfere with my writing schedule. I can write at home when there's no one else around, but if I'm booked with family the entire time, forget about it. The day job takes priority as it's the one paying the bills, obviously. Travel is a part of my job, and one I really do enjoy. When I'm averaging 12 hours a day for almost a week, however, I'm not going to be in any kind of mental shape to be creative at the end of the day. I don't have to like it, but I do need to accept it. Unfortunately, when I get derailed for a week, or more, it's that much harder to pull myself back into the writing saddle. Yesterday was good as I did get my newsletter out (sign up here if you're not on it), so at least I worked on the peripheral tasks of my writing career. To get this project done by the end of August I figured I need to average just under 600 words per day. Tonight, I got just over 200. Like I said, measly progress, but progress. Tomorrow's Sunday, and all I have planned is writing. I'm shooting for a reasonable goal of 3000 words for the day. If I can swing that (if not a little more) I just may have this done by the weekend.

10,025 / 18,000
(55.7%)

Coming Together: For the Cure On Sale!

2007-08-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing like cramming 6 work days into 4 to fry your mind :)

Coming Together for the Cure

Edited by Alessia Brio
Including "Bound to Love" by Kelly Maher
Publisher: Phaze Books
Release Date: August 14, 2007
Length: Anthology
Price: $7.00
Purchase: www.phaze.com

At some point, virtually everyone's life is touched in some way by breast cancer. Whether it's a friend or family member, or even yourself, the journey is one of courage and compassion. Phaze continues its tradition of fundraising for this cause with Coming Together: For the Cure, an anthology of erotic romance edited by Alessia Brio. Royalties from the sale of this edition of Coming Together will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Coming Together has never felt this good!

Some reviews of Bound to Love when it was previously published:

4 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews

Daniela and Michael are two people struggling to find what is missing in their lives. The connection between the two is very deep on a physical and emotional level as their love for one another bound them together. I enjoyed the way the author was able to blend the past and the present to bring two people together.

Multiple O's from RRT Erotic

BOUND TO LOVE is wildly romantic, a sweet, spicy, satisfying nibble, and the imagery is smooth. Read and smile. I recommend it.

Praise from Carrie White, erotica author

As the nights draw in and become colder, snuggle up in a warm, soft dressing gown, curl up in front of the fire and grab a copy of Bound to Love to warm the cockles of your heart.

5 Lips from TwoLips Reviews

Bound To Love is a sweet love story. Don’t let the term sweet fool you though, Kelly Maher packs the story with erotic lovemaking.

If you're a writer, and are interested in contributing to future charity anthologies, Alessia's upcoming project is Coming Together: With Pride.

Quick status

2007-08-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm traveling for work, and will be out a night longer than expected. Sadly, with being away for the weekend and the work stuff, no writing has gotten done. The monthly newsletter may also be delayed. Just a head's up.

Inching closer

2007-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

I broke my 9:00 pm mark. I started writing around 7 pm, mainly 'cause there was nothing good on TV. I got about half of my goal written and then stopped. I probably could have finished my goal by 8, but I hit a point where I wasn't sure how I wanted to transition into the next scene. I know I do well if I let the story ferment a while in my brain. I saved it and put the laptop on standby. Now, it was time for my "procrastination" rituals.

First, I knitted a bit on the Clapotis. About four rows got done. I think this is going to turn into a really cool shawl. Next, cleaning the kitchen. Not only did it need it, but I'm going out of town for the weekend, so I didn't want things hanging around that shouldn't be hanging around. Futzed around on the Internet for a while. It then got to be 9 pm. All right, back to work. But, but...Duff was on!! I managed to not only write while watching Duff, I got a tiny bit extra written. Okay, I wrote the same amount of words (probably more) in the 10 minutes after Duff was over as I did while watching, but I finished at my usual time! Now to go pack up the car so I can leave as soon as I get off work tomorrow.

9,815 / 18,000
(54.5%)

Halfway there

2007-08-08T20:19:00.001-07:00

I hit the halfway point tonight, and none too early. I've been having problems with my eyes and the computer all day. The great thing about being a touch typist and having a laptop is that I can recline in my club chair and close my eyes while I type. Saves the eyes some pain. I'm going to bed early, so I leave you with the word count-o-meter.

9,005 / 18,000
(50.0%)

Tuesday update

2007-08-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is with me and USB's this week. First I discovered my trustworthy one is missing. (I'm hoping it shows up soon.) My next fail-safe one decided it wasn't so fail-safe. Despite not having a "write protection" switch on it to accidentally turn on, it's decided the files were not to be tampered with. Tonight, the USB I dredged up in my office supplies wasn't working with my desktop. I have a supply of random computer cables though, so it got a hardwire hookup and I achieved file transfer nirvana. That exercise sucked up the first half hour I planned on working. Once again, *sigh*. I didn't let it get me down, and got 1112 words written. I discovered my original plotting wasn't going to work, so I rejiggered the outline while I was at it. The life of a writer: solving one crisis at a time.

Almost 50% finished!

8,218 / 18,000
(45.7%)

Monday, Monday

2007-08-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

What is it about Mondays that just throws off the whole week? Too often, I feel like that old saying: "I just can't get the hang of Mondays." Today was no different. I did what I could at the office, but I know I could have been more focused. When I got home, I relaxed my brain as much as I could by working a bit on a new knitting project. I've been planning on doing this pattern for almost as long as I've been knitting. The only drawback was the amount of yarn called for in the pattern. The yarns that called to me for it were too expensive for the amount needed. For the last two years, sitting unloved in my yarn stash was this great yarn I could not figure out what to do with. Finally, thanks to the joy that is Ravelry, I finally put the two together. Even better, thanks to the gift of a swift from my siblings for my birthday, I don't have to worry about breaking the yarn into small balls to work from. My current project is the Clapotis using Interlacements' Rick Rack II in the Grape Harvest colorway.

After some food shopping, dinner eating, and futzing around with a now dead to me USB drive, I got to work on the novella. And, yay!, I got just over 1000 words written. Catching up this week and, *maybe*, getting a little ahead will be a very good thing as I'm heading back home this weekend for a knitting show and to spend time with my boys (Dad, brothers, nephews). I'm willing to bet, with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law out of town for the soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower (so sad I can't make it!), my brother will have the carseats hooked up to a golf cart and my nephews out for their first round of golf.

7,106 / 18,000
(39.5%)

The sweet spot?

2007-08-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think my writing sweet spot is 9 pm. It's either that, or the "Move Along" album by The All-American Rejects triggers my writing pheromones. *Sigh* It's probably a bit of both. I had fallen behind with my daily goals and was trying to catch up today by writing 3000 words. As I had the whole day set aside for it, I should have reached it no problem. Sadly, no. I did get 2250 written, but the last 1250 was from 9-10:15 pm. In over four hours of trying to write previous to then, I only got 1000 words written. At least, I'm only behind a day now, instead of three. What helped me get even 1000 words was my story outline. I'm turning into a mix of pantser and plotter. I usually start out pantsing, and part way through work out a rough outline to help guide me through the rest of the story. This primarily helps me with the pacing of the story, as well as being able to jump ahead to where I may not be as stuck.

The "lost" day was worth it though 'cause I reworked the beginning of a project that's been on a backburner and sent it in as a contest entry. I haven't entered a contest in a while, but as the deadline had been extended to gather in more entries to keep the erotic category open, I figured it was worth it. We'll see what happens with it :)

6,088 / 18,000
(33.8%)

Tera's Awakening update

2007-08-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I'd announced the title of the sekrit project, but it's Tera's Awakening :) I made my goal of 750 words for the day. I'm hoping the routine makes it go faster over the next few weeks as the rest of this week and the week after next are dicey in terms of how much time I'll be able to cram writing into.

3,868 / 18,000
(21.5%)

Back among the living

2007-07-31T20:23:00.001-07:00

Long time, no talk, eh? I'm still alive :) Barely. The time between when I last posted here and now is a blur. I was in and out of town at least every weekend, if not for longer. Now that I'm semi-coherent again, here's the latest news!

Bound to Love is being reprinted!

It'll be back in print electronically on August 13th as part of a charity anthology. Coming Together: For the Cure is a collection of erotica/erotic romance, and all proceeds will benefit to the Susan G. Komen Fund.

I hope you'll support this wonderful anthology by purchasing it from the Phaze website. I've had a number of family friends affected by breast cancer, and cancer in general. It truly was an honor to be selected.

DNW series gets the go ahead!

All of us will be contributing a story to a series set in a world where descendants of the Greek gods are vampires. I'm working to finish and submit my story by the end of the month. As soon as the first of us sells, I'll post more information. Until then, watch the word count meter to track my progress. When I last worked on the story, I had 2070 words, with a goal of 20,000. The goal is now 18,000 and I got just over 1000 words tonight.

3,100 / 18,000
(17.2%)

Romance Junkies interview posted!

Want to learn more about me? Check out the RJ interview:

Romance Junkies interviews Kelly Maher

As always, I post every Tuesday to the Deliciously Naughty Writers blog, so check me out there :)

A pause while we're experiencing technical difficulties

2007-06-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Not the blog of course, but my iPod. I'm one of those writers who craves background music as I'm writing. I'm also of the subset that requires the background music to be piped through earphones. My earphones are my blinder to the world. They are what allow me to thrust the real world and its distractions aside to immerse myself in the world of my making. It's frustrating when even with my blinders, I have a hard time focusing on writing. This last week and a half is a prime example. Today, though I was determined to get back to basics and just write. My main project is editing and reworking a novel an editor has expressed interest in, but wants to see what I can do with her suggestions. The edits have been giving me fits. When editors offer suggestions an author can not only live with, but agree with, it theoretically is supposed to make edits easier to implement. Not with this dang story. If it ever gets published, I'm going to praise the deities and refuse to read it again. Words outright refusing to flow has been the bane of my existence with every round of edits this manuscript has been through. My penance for actually writing it in less than a month with NaNoWriMo.

Tooling around the web, I stumbled upon a submission call for a short story anthology. As the longest accepted submission is to be no more than 1500, and a story sparked into my head immediately, I thought I'd give it a try. Just to break the wordflow dam. Nope, out of luck. I've got two sentences, and I can see the story as a whole, but I need those blinders to really focus in. I get out my iPod. Oops! It had gotten turned on and ran out of juice. I plug it into my computer to charge up the battery and listen while its doing so. Click play. Nothing happens. Click the select button and get the Apple icon. Menu pops up. Select music. Then Playlists. Where's my JUST MUSIC playlist? Where are the rest of my playlists for that matter? Gone, all gone!!! Maybe if I click on Update iPod again on iTunes. "iPod harddrive is corrupted, please do this whatsamajigger utility." WHATTTT?!?!?!?! Deep breaths. Maybe if I reboot it. "Reboot successful, copying 1500+ songs onto iPod." *siiiiggggghhhhhh* Now I'll be ready to lose myself in lust and discovery. After I go see Ocean's 13 ;)

Free story!!

2007-05-24T18:56:00.001-07:00

Phaze has reprinted a super-short of mine called "Good Night" and it's available for free! Go get it now and check out all of the other free Phaze Flares.

"Good Night" from Phaze

Live chat!

2007-05-17T19:14:00.001-07:00

Got a burning question for me and can't wait for an answer! Check to see if I'm available! On the sidebar and on the Meet Kelly page of my website, you can now find MeeboMe. It lets you instant message me, even if you don't have an IM account of your own. Generally, you'll probably find me online in the evenings on weekdays and during the day and night on some weekend days. Looking forward to talking with you!

Help out a friend of mine

2007-05-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Take this survey: http://treadinginshallowwater.joskinandlob.com/ and spread the word.

If only I spoke or wrote in German

2007-05-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

The next time you hear a librarian talking dirty, they might be doing this:

Vienna's public library raising cash through erotica hotline - International Herald Tribune

Short update

2007-05-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm still chugging along and am hitting my per day goal.

2,069 / 20,000
(10.3%)

BIAW update

2007-05-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Once again, the body clock wouldn't turn on the writing switch until 10 pm, but I got in my goal and am off to bed!

1,557 / 20,000
(7.8%)

Blogging at DNW!

2007-05-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Just as a reminder that I spend my Tuesdays over at the Deliciously Naughty Writers blog. This week's topic for the DNW'ers: "What's your favorite body part on a man? Other than the obvious."

Deliciously Naughty Writers Blog

Turtle vs. Hare

2007-05-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'm working my way to becoming the turtle rather than the hare. "Slow and steady wins the race." Now, if I can just get myself geared up enough to write *before* 10pm.

1,044 / 20,000
(5.2%)

Nothing like an incipient freak out...

2007-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

The fine ladies at Romance Junkies were kind enough to fit me into their interview schedule. Tonight I spent an hour answering all the fun and funny questions they asked. I went to return the document to them. Just to be sure, I checked to make sure I was sending the correct file. Um, no answers there. AAACCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!! Not even doing a computer search turned up the file, which I now knew must have been the Temp file I saved rather than the permanent file. With the despairing thought of having to think up mostly new answers to all of those questions, I checked one last place: Firefox's Download Manager. Clicking on "open", I found my answers waiting for me. *Sigh* I quickly copied and pasted them into the permanent file, saved and sent them winging on their way to the staff at RJ. This incident *almost* made up for the time a glitch in Firefox completely wiped out my "My Documents" folder. So many pictures, gone...gone! I'll post a link to the interview here when it's available.

Book in a Week

2007-05-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today starts a two-weeker Book in a Week (BIAW), sponsored by one of my RWA chapters. Dirty secret of mine: I haven't written any fiction in about 6 months. Well, probably longer now that I really think on it. Eeep! I have many good reasons why I haven't written, but one of the bigger ones is that I burnt myself out last August when I wrote The Man from H.A.T.H.O.R. in something like a two weeks.

I've been doing that kind of thing waaaayyyy too much, and my production has significantly suffered. In a chat recently, I mentioned my acceptance that by nature, I'm a slow writer. I'm using this BIAW to jumpstart my writing again and to get ahead on my portion of a project the Deliciously Naughty Writers have cooked up. Normally for a BIAW, a writer will do her best to write as much as she can in the time period allowed. Not me. I'm retraining myself to my new process. My goal is to write 500 words a day on the DNW project. I'm not going to stop if I hit 500 mid-sentence, but I am going to cut myself off before I hit 550, because I'd otherwise just keep going and going and going and...well, you get the idea. If I do feel like writing more, I'll allow myself to switch over to one other project, once again writing no more than 550 words in a day on it. This is my way of ensuring quality stories for my readers on a regular basis.

Enjoy watching the meter inch up over the next two weeks. I'm going home to my parents for a long weekend this weekend, so I may not be adding to the total as I can't cart my desktop with me, and I seem to have misplaced my three, yes, three, jumpdrives. I'll see if I can sneak away with my Palm for a bit, but my family doesn't like it much when I pull out my electronic toys.

524 / 20,000
(2.6%)

New interview!

2007-05-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Of course, I would find this just as I was leaving for work :) I did an interview with Coffee Time Romance and More and it's now available on the site:

Coffee Time Romance and More - Interviews - Kelly Maher

Hokie Healing project

2007-04-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember that in addition to writing, I also spend my "free" time knitting. A friend of mine just informed me of the Hokie Healing project sponsored by the local yarn shop (LYS) to Virginia Tech. A cousin of mine is a graduate of VT, and I'll be participating. If anyone else is interested, here's the link to the LYS:

Mosaic Yarn Shop - Hokie Healing

Squares need to be sent to them by the end of May to be included in the projects. Knit *and* crocheted squares accepted.

Live chat tomorrow!

2007-04-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday night at 9pm Eastern, the Deliciously Naughty Writers will be chatting over at TwoLips Reviews. Come join us for some merriment and a little mayhem. One lucky chatter will come away with a prize pack which includes a book from each of the DNWs!

Happy Friday the 13th!!

2007-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Run on over to the Deliciously Naughty Writers blog where we've been talking about luck all week. My post is from Tuesday.

Chat-astic!

2007-04-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Join me and the other Deliciously Naughty Writers over at Talking TwoLips all day today! The excerpts have already been flying, so come join in on the fun!

April 2nd

2007-04-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's 5 o'clock?!?!? How the heck did it get to be 5 o'clock? Of course, I'm also wondering how the hell it got to be April 2nd. Thankfully, the taxes are done. Sadly, the returns have pretty much been spent.

I've been out of town for the last five days for work stuff and it's amazing how quickly time slips through your fingers. I'm watching one of those Propel commercials, and man, John Stamos looks a lot better to me now than when he was on Full House.

Part of my frustration with it being 5 o'clock is that I feel like I haven't accomplished much today. Part of that is because I went to get my new driver's license, and had forgotten the office is closed on Mondays. I'm annoyed because this wasted a damn good hair day more than anything else. Tomorrow, I'm going to be blogging over at the Deliciously Naughty Writers blog, so be sure to stop by! For tonight though, my goal is to get a couple of pages written on the day profession project so I can get back to my fiction writing!

XXX section to open in Newman Library - The Tickler

2007-03-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Genius! I can't quite tell if this is the college's version of The Onion or not, but either way, pure genius.

XXX section to open in Newman Library - The Tickler

Sexy commercial

2007-03-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

Tempted...

2007-03-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

...to write a historical set in Ancient Greece. I'm watching Last Stand of the 300 on the History Channel and I'm getting all hot and bothered looking at all of these hot men in short skirts. And, mmm, mmm, mmm, I'm not usually one for guys with some grey in their hair, or even longish hair with facial hair, but the guy playing Themistocles is damn fine. Oh, he's got a profile on IMDb. Yeah, that profile pic doesn't do him justice. This guy on the other hand, yep, damn good. Like I needed more history porn.

Friday 5

2007-03-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Man, this was one thought-provoking Friday 5.

1. What’s something that’s generally considered bad manners that you don’t think is a big deal?
Having a TV in your living room. This is one of my grandmother's pet peeves.

2. What’s something you think should be considered good manners that you don’t think most people pay any attention to?
Signalling when turning. And I mean driving here.

3. In what way are you especially well-mannered?
I always say please and thank you when dealing with people.

4. In what way are you especially ill-mannered?
I'm really slow in replying to people's messages to me.

5. If you owned a beautiful, enormous house high upon a hill, what would you name your manor?
Nope, don't think so.

Where has the week gone?

2007-03-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

I had Monday off of work and I'm now a day behind. It took me a few hours this morning to realize it was Thursday. I've just now realized that because it's Thursday, it also means it's time for Thursday Thirteen. I'm going to bed in five minutes, so no T13 for this week. You guys just get to find out how out of it I am ;)

I survived!

2007-03-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

I survived another St. Patrick's Day weekend at home. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is this upcoming Saturday, officially. But if you grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the last 30 years, you tend to observe it two days a year. March 17th and whatever day the South Side Irish Parade is. And, every few years, you're lucky enough to have St. Patrick's Day week. That's because the SSI Parade is always the Sunday of or before the 17th, so when the 17th is a Saturday, the SSI Parade is the Sunday before like this year.

Even though I took today off of work to drive back from Chicago so I wouldn't have to leave the party early, I'm still exhausted. I have been productive though! The newsletter is almost done. It's always a good feeling when you're ahead of schedule. So watch for the newsletter on Thursday as there's some big announcements in it. Sadly, no new sales, but I'm working on new stories :)

Friday 5 - condiments

2007-03-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

1. What do you like on a hot dog?
My Chicago-ness would have been revoked if I ever admitted that I like ketchup on a hot dog, but seeing as I've given up ketchup due to it having HFCS in it, I can reclaim my Chicago heritage by stating, just mustard.

2. What do you like on a hamburger?
Once again, I miss the ketchup, but mustard and a thin layer of mayo still work.

3. What do you like on a baked potato?
Salt, pepper, and butter, lots of butter

4. What do you like on a slice of toast?
Butter, and sometimes strawberry jam or a cinnamon-sugar mix

5. What do you like in a cup of coffee or tea?
Nothing, because I don't like either one.

Thursday Thirteen - SSI edition

2007-03-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

13 things I love about the South Side Irish Parade:

1. Family party
2. The parade itself
3. Living close enough to walk to the parade
4. The family-friendly, for the most part, atmosphere
5. Seeing old family friends
6. Warm, homemade Irish Brown Bread with Boursin spread on it
7. Watching my brothers drink Guiness
8. Betting on the weather
9. Green beads
10. Hot men in uniform marching
11. The high school bands
12. Irish music
13. Bagpipers

My brain hurts

2007-03-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

I just spent about three hours doing taxes. And that was with them already being partially done! Now, however, they are completely done and e-filed. Thankfully, I'm getting a nice return and will be able to afford to go to one conference this year. Which is really nice as I have great hopes that one of my writer buddies will be a finalist for an award and I want to be there to see her win it.

Cracked the Top 50...

2007-02-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

...on Fictionwise! Can Cimmerean League: Revelations break into the Top 10? It's up to you!

Sale over at Phaze!

2007-02-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

If you still haven't gotten your copy of Spring Storm, you can get it for $1.00 over at Phaze. This Week Only!*

*Which means, until Friday.

The definition of annoying

2007-02-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

You've been without power for five hours and there's still no estimate time of service return. You go out and take a half hour to clean off your car of snow and ice. You then take your time carefully driving to the nearest open Target to get there 15 minutes before they close. Oh, and one streetlight is also out and you have to navigate the idiots blithely blowing through the intersection. You get the bread and cooler and ice that you're there for. You then backtrack to your apartment, hoping that you're not going to skid off the road as there's ice underneath the snow covering the roads. You get back home, pull the stuff you really want out of the fridge and toss it into the cooler with one of the bags of ice, and throw the other two bags into the freezer. Ten minutes later the power comes back on. Eh, at least the power is back on now and not blaring on in the middle of the night.

Friday 5

2007-02-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

1. Would you rather serve in heaven or rule in hell?

A lot of people believe that I already have my seat in the handbasket reserved, so I'll say hell.

2. If you had evidence that would catch a killer, but also put you in jail, would you use it?

Yep.

3. If you could work the worst job you have ever had, for three years and then never have to work again, would you or would you rather work the job you always wanted but not be able to retire until well past the age of retirement?

If I worked the worst job I ever had for three years, I'd be unable to work again as I'd be committed for the rest of my life due to a complete mental breakdown. I'll go with the job I always wanted and working way past retirement.

4. If you could write four newspaper headlines, which would come true, what would they be?

Woman's bills paid for life
You know, I have no clue after this :)

5. A video of children in Florida fighting, while adults cheer on, was posted on the popular web site MySpace, The popularity of "gang videos" has also increased, and there has been renewed interest in re creating the infamous "Faces of Death" video series, do you feel there should be laws limiting extreme videos?

I don't think laws limiting extreme videos would do any good. What would be better is the aggressive enforcement of existing laws and the MEDIA reporting the consequences of these idiots' actions.

Well, bummer

2007-02-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

I go and get myself all psyched up to do my first Thursday 13, and they're ending it. I'll make up my own Thursday 13 for the night.

13 of my favorite movies, in no particular order
1. McHale's Navy
2. Down Periscope
3. Blame it on the Bellboy
4. The Matchmaker
5. Office Space
6. Blazing Saddles
7. The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming
8. The Life of Brian
9. The Thin Man
10. The Producers (the original 1968 version)
11. Mr. Mom
12. Evolution
13. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Now available

2007-02-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

Happy news :) Cimmerean League: Revelations is now available on Fictionwise. Think it can break the Top 5? Buy it now to find out!

And! Isabelle from RRTErotic gave The Man from H.A.T.H.O.R. Multiple O's!

"This nibble may be short on length but it's jam packed with action, adventure and sex."

Sweet.

Friday 5

2007-02-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

I know I need to be a bit more active here, so watch for Thursday 13's and Friday 5's in the future! Here's this week's Friday 5.

For these first seven weeks of 2007, what’s something you give yourself an A for?

Shopping

What’s something you give yourself a B for?

Staying sane

What’s something you give yourself a C for?

Meeting deadlines

What’s something you give yourself a D for?

Getting enough sleep

What’s something you give yourself an F for?

Writing

Tagged for 10 Weird Things

2007-02-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

The lovely Bridget Midway tagged me for this meme, and I thought I'd take a break from moving to share :)

10 Weird Things About Myself:

I used to study dead people. My undergrad degree is in Anthropology, specializing in Forensics.

I once cut a (cow) rib bone open in the middle of my residence hall's dining room because I wanted to see what it looked like on the inside. My tablemates were staring blankly at me when I finally became aware of what was going on around me.

I once had a paranormal experience in the Vaults of Edinburgh, Scotland.

I'm the oldest of 5 kids.

I can drink a half gallon of grapefruit juice in one sitting.

I'm a triskaidekaphiliac.

While I'm now neutral as to which I like better, when I was a kid, I loved Grease 2 more than Grease.

I have a triumvirate of "they're so bad, they're good" movies that all came out the same year: Blame it on the Bellboy, Noises Off, and Once Upon a Crime.

I'm a somewhat active contributor to at least 6 blogs.

I'm really scraping the bottom of the barrel here, I still have a collection of ceramic ghosts that I received periodically in grammar school from a classmate's mother who was a ceramics teacher. I'm a Halloween nut.

News update

2007-01-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

Two big things:

1. I am moving, beginning tomorrow. If you try to get in touch with me, be prepared to wait a little bit.

2. Bound to Love is no longer available at Ocean's Mist Press. I am working on placing it elsewhere, and I wish Noemi and Rosie the best of luck with the company's reorganization.

The Man from H.A.T.H.O.R. now available!

2007-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Man from H.A.T.H.O.R. is now available from Phaze!

A servant of the Ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor for four millennia, Akhet-en's continued survival depends on his rescuing an ancient set of papyri from pre-eminent Egyptologist, Dr. Eloisa Brown.

Eloisa figures a one night stand with a hot hunk is just one more step on the road to recovery from a crushing divorce. She just doesn't expect him to be as old as the antiquities studies.

Read an excerpt