However, before I address it, I must apologize for my late blog entry. I've been offline for hours, and only finally got back up and running just a few minutes ago. I've decided the contract post (IT'S CONTRACT THURSDAY!) I wanted to put up today should wait until next time so I can post it early. Plus, I wanted to share the latest on Seducing Gracie.
Seducing Gracie was set to be published earlier this year but had to be delayed. However, I just got word that Gracie and her demon, Mayor Sam, are back on track and ready to welcome you into their, um, unusual world mid-May. I'm so excited!
So that's why I asked how you like to be seduced. Logical detective Gracie Lynbrook discovers more about herself and her desires than she expects when she stumbles into a village that appears only every five years. Waybrook's citizens have one goal--find a suitable sacrifice for Mayor Sam so their souls aren't sent straight to Hell. Gracie is supposed to be that sacrifice, but Mayor Sam has other plans for her...other plans that include convincing her he can fulfill her darkest fantasies for all eternity.
Writing this story got me to thinking about seduction and how it varies from person to person (otherwise, all erotica would read exactly the same, wouldn't it?). Care to share how you like to be seduced? A nice dinner? Days of flirting? Surprise bubble baths? Or perhaps you'd like to give readers tips about how you like to seduce your significant other--we're all ears!
Today I’m interviewing debut romance author, Scarlett Jameson. Her book Stellar Heat is a futuristic erotic romance and was released on April 23, 2010.
BOOK BLURB Jak of House Midori, has found his heart mate, that one person he can connect with on a soul level. Only problem is, as a twin from the planet Zaphron, Jak must share his mate with his brother. But Qwin wants to wait until they are more established in their careers as Star Flight officers.
Petty Officer, Lily Buchanan has whiplash from trying to figure out Jak's intentions. At the pub he's charming and flirtatious, but his aloof attitude on campus leaves her confused--and burning up with sexual energy.
When the three are assigned to repair a satellite in the Helix Galaxy, they are attacked by enemy star fighters. Seriously outgunned and with their craft crippled, the three are stranded alone on an uncharted planet. Will Qwin agree to ease the mating fever consuming Lily, or will Jak be forced to initiate the mate-claim and exclude his brother from their union forever?
1. Please tell our readers a little bit about your book.
Stellar Heat features two heroes, twins from the planet, Zaphronite. As twins, they must share a mate. One twin, Qwin, wants to wait to claim her. The other, Jak, thinks his brother is being stubborn. Their mate, Lily, forces a decision when she goes into mating fever. Oh, and there are star fights and the discovery of a new planet thrown in for good measure.
You can find an excerpt on my website, www.scarlettjameson.com
2. That's a great set-up for a menage, Scarlett. Describe the genre of this particular title, and is this the only genre you write in?
This is a futuristic erotic romance, and actually the first that I’ve ever written. It was a lot of fun to write this story and build this world, though. I’ve got another idea for a story set in this same world.
Normally, I write urban fantasy, and I just sold a romantic suspense novella to The Wild Rose Press for their Jewels of the Night series. I write these under my other pen name, Riley Quinn.
3. When did you start writing toward publication?
I began to write seriously in March of 2008. I had attended a writer’s workshop given by M.R. Sellars, an urban fantasy author that I’ve followed since his first release. That workshop inspired me. I decided that night to go for it and I haven’t looked back.
4. Why have you become a published author?
I have to write. There’s too much going on inside my head to not write. I love to read. I’ve always enjoyed escaping into a book since my mom bought me my first Nancy Drew book. Publication seems a natural extension of both of these loves.
5. Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?
For me personally, I set a goal and achieved it. I kept pressing on even when it got rough. The fact that I can provide some entertainment to someone else as a result is a bonus.
6. Tell us about yourself.
I live in Bavaria, Germany. We moved here from the central Texas area in January of 2009. I live here with my husband and my crazy dog, Peanut. I’m currently finishing up my degree in social science. After this semester, I have one more class to go. Here in Germany, my only options for work is on the military base so it’s slim pickings. I work part time at the craft shop, where I can indulge my crafty side. I mainly crochet and quilt, though I have been known to try other things, too.
7. Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Keep on keeping on. It’s easy to get discouraged because this is a tough business, but perseverance pays off. Also, keep learning. Find a couple of great critique partners and listen to what they have to say.
8. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
I’m a member of RWA National and 3 chapters within RWA. I’m also a member of Romance Divas and Savvy Authors. I can’t say enough good things about all of these groups. It’s not just the technical help that they provide, which is awesome, but the emotional support is rock solid. I’ve met a couple of my critique partners among these writers and made some great friends.
9. What are you working on next?
I’m finishing up the first draft of my novel-length urban fantasy, Out of the Shadows. I plan to have it polished and shined so that I can pitch it to an agent at this year’s RWA National convention. It’s the first in a series of five books.
10. How can my readers buy your book?
The easiest way to buy Stellar Heat is to go to The Wild Rose Press website at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Scarlett is choosing one commenter to receive a copy of this book, so please drop us a line.
Since Earth Day was last week and Arbor Day is Friday, I thought I'd share some nature photos I took recently at home and on a hiking trip. I'm posting them along with some inspiring and motivational quotes.
"When you chase a dream the universe conspires to help you get it." ~author unknown
"Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?"Author Unknown
It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are. ~ e.e.cummings.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
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The below photos are from my hiking trip in the NC mountains and include wildflowers.
"The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground." ~Author Unknown
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." ~Maya Angelou
"Awaken your dreams... now." ~Author Unknown
"The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists." -- Charles Dickens Source: Gilbert Keith Chesterton in Pickwick Papers
"Greatness comes not when things always go good for you, but the greatness comes when you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes. Because only if you have been in the deepest valleys can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." Author Unknown
I’ve written a lot of short stories and novellas. I’m very comfortable writing at that length, keeping a very tight focus on my hero and heroine and their story. And while I hope to continue writing the shorter sexy stories, I’ve decided to venture out of my comfort zone and write a single title length erotic romance. I came up with a premise I really like and a hero and heroine I decided I could spend a lot of time with. At least ninety thousands words worth. And I got to work.
Because I’m comfortable with the shorter length, writing a bigger book offers several challenges. Things like pacing and secondary characters and subplots and, let’s face it, a whole lot more words about the same characters and their story. When one of the RWA chapters I belong to, From the Heart, announced they were taking entries for their Lories Published Author Proposal Contest, it was perfect timing. What better way to get some feedback when I’m trying something new? I’d find out relatively quickly if what I was doing was working. It also forced me to plot out my entire story since I had to submit a synopsis along with the first 40 some pages. I sent in my entry and continued to work on the story. I’m glad to say I’m still enjoying it and I’m nearly halfway there.
I found out today that my entry is a finalist! My scores were awesome and the partial will be headed out to a few editors and agents. I’m so thrilled. As I explained to my husband, so often in this business we can go for long stretches of time without any feedback at all, so to be a finalist with a new type of project at least lets me know that I must be doing something right.
And sometimes, that’s all we need to keep showing up at the keyboard every day and putting a few more words down on the page.
And speaking of doing something right, here’s one of the sexiest country songs I know, sung by one of my favorite artists. Enjoy
One week to go until the release of Safe Surrender! I finished going over the proofs for it this week, and I have to say that while re-reading, I fell in love with this story all over again. It's fast-paced and chock full of uncertainty and roller-coaster emotions. I even teared up when I got to the end! I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I loved writing it! Here's the blurb:
Carli Jacobs wants revenge. When her plan to bring down the drug lord responsible for her sister’s death goes awry, she finds herself thrown into the protective custody of two sexy detectives.
Wes Lucas and Ian Gray are determined to keep her safe. But there’s tension is in the air, and it’s not just sexual. Secrets are being kept. Lives are on the line, and trust is put to the test. As desire rips through each of them, heartbreaking truths will be revealed and lies will be exposed.
Are the three running away from danger, or are they headed straight for it? In Wes and Ian’s quest to keep Carli safe, will she end up surrendering her heart as well?
And here's an excerpt:
The detective who’d pulled her out of the street earlier waltzed in as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Wes Lucas. Yeah, that was his name. In a snug black t-shirt that hugged his broad chest, well-worn jeans and dark shit-kicker boots, he sure had the menacing look down pat. Throw in the packed shoulder holster and she knew she was supposed to be downright scared.
She so wasn’t.
It’d take a hell of a lot more than a hulking body and a steely glare to get her to quake in her boots anymore.
“Ms. Jacobs.” He drew out her name with the slightest hint of a southern drawl that did more to her insides than it should. He sauntered farther into the room, and the man who’d apologized earlier when she sat in the squad car followed after him.
The two couldn’t appear more different if they tried. While the one who saved her from the street had a mysterious, ominous quality about him that only complemented his dark hair and olive skin, the other had a fairer complexion, with blond hair and light eyes. Both of them, however, were as powerful as armored trucks.
Detective Lucas brooded in the chair across from her while the other man leaned against the wall with his ankles crossed, casual as could be. He reached behind her and shut the door with a thick muscled arm.
“Why am I being held?” she snapped. Far be it from her to try and control her resentment at this point.
“We’re not holding you. We’d just like to ask a few questions.”
“Uh-huh. I’ve been locked in here for over an hour, Detective. I consider that being held.”
He glanced at his partner with a slight grin at the edge of his lips.
“Why is that funny?” Their private little joke stoked her ire even further.
His gaze returned to hers, more serious now. “It’s not. I apologize. It seems the young officer was somewhat overzealous when he executed Detective Gray’s earlier instructions.”
The man against the wall, obviously Detective Gray, spoke. “I told him to keep an eye on you, to make you comfortable. Not for him to put you in a holding room. Sorry about that.”
His sincerity was completely lost on her. She pushed an unruly lock of hair out of her eyes and searched the men’s stoic expressions in turn.
Nothing good could come from this much testosterone crowded into such a small space. The buzz they both gave off made her pulse rocket into an erratic rhythm. Yep, it was way past time for her to get the hell out of here. What she needed was a clear mind and a little space to consider all her options. No way would she get that with these two around. “Can I leave?”
Lucas shrugged a massive shoulder. “Sure you can.” Arms even thicker than Detective Gray’s splayed across the tiny table before he closed in and speared her with an icy stare. “As soon as we have some answers. And assuming, of course, that those answers satisfy us.”
She held her own and kept—she hoped—an impassive expression on her face.
The detective leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers under his chin. “You were witness tonight to a gangland-style shooting spree. But, aside from that, what I’d really like to know is why you were in the middle of it all in the first place. What were you doing running away from the same building that housed Romero DeSilva?”
The mention of that abhorrent name sent a mixture of fury and pain through her, along with a sudden sense of impending doom.
Damn it.
Another rush of weariness dragged her further down. For months now she’d been playing the part, acting out in a world she didn’t belong, all in the name of vengeance. Settling the score. It was the only thing she thought about anymore, the lone force that drove her.
But in addition to the deceit that playing the part forced her to create and all those repugnant secrets she’d been keeping for the last three months, could she add lying to the police to her repertoire of distasteful acts, too?
The answer, aided by her exhaustion, came easily enough.
No.
God, she didn’t want to keep up this deception any longer. Could this be her chance to spill her guts and end it all? Okay, moment-of-truth time. Should I tell them everything or not?
She struggled with the decision, but only for a second. All she’d done—everything she’d lost—came down to what she would say right now. It didn’t matter anymore how much trouble she could possibly get into. The important thing now was to tell the truth, to turn over the evidence and get DeSilva off the streets for good. Then it would only be a matter of excising herself from the hate and corruption of the last three months and moving forward into a brand new, easier life, one that didn’t have Romero DeSilva or death involved in it.
Oh yeah, piece of frigging cake.
Carli sagged against the worn vinyl of her chair with her hand in her pocket and the flash drive held tight within her fist. She stared deep into the detective’s ocean-blue eyes as the façade she’d kept in place for so long began to crumble around her. “What exactly is it you want to know?”
For more excerpts, visit www.kristindaniels.com. And don't forget to visit www.eredsage.com on May 1st to get a copy of your very own!
"When you chase a dream the universe conspires to help you get it." ~author unknown
