Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Writing Conflict and Tension In A Romance Story

Elizabeth Black lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and four cats. You may find her on Facebook and on her web site.


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Since it's Women In Horror Month, I thought I'd talk about my favorite female horror writer - Shirley Jackson. Discussing one of the most powerful horror writers may seem out of place on a romance blog, but hear me out. There are plenty of romances with some scary and tense elements to them. The Gothic romances come to mind; books like those written by Daphne du Maurier, the Bronte sisters works "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights", and "Thunder Heights" by Phyllis Whitney. Putting a woman in distress in a romance novel heightens the relief felt when the hero rescues her.

Despite opinions to the contrary, women can write scary and suspenseful books. Shirley Jackson is the perfect example. I discovered Jackson in high school when my English class read "The Lottery". I had never before heard of a writer whose story so incensed people they they'd boycott a magazine. I wanted to have that kind of effect on readers. Angry readers cancelled their subscription to The New Yorker because they didn't believe Jackson's upsetting story belonged in their highbrow magazine. Jackson laughed all the way to the bank and into literary history.

At the time I hadn't known I had already been exposed to another one of Jackson's works, but it was in movie form. I couldn't identify the scariest movie I'd ever seen for nearly a decade. The only thing I could remember about it was that it ended with a woman driving a car and a figure in white running in front of her. She lost control of the car, crashed into a tree, and died at the scene. I only knew that movie scared the piss out of me when I was 10 years old and I watched some of it on Thanksgiving with my aunt and cousins. My mother probably didn't want me to see it, but with the other relatives around, who was going to stop me? :)

I learned many years later while watching a horror movie in the dead of night that the movie was Robert Wise's "The Haunting". I didn't recognize it until I got to that last scene. When I saw Eleanor Lance dodge the woman in white and crash her car into that tree, I went nuts. I found that scary movie from a decade ago! When I learned it was based on a book written by the same woman who wrote "The Lottery", I borrowed the book from the library and read it in a couple of days.

Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting Of Hill House" scared the hell out of me. To this day, it's one of my favorite horror novels. I've read some of her other works, notably "We Have Always Lived In The Castle". Jackson was adept at showcasing people's fears and prejudices, which if you think about it are offshoots of each other.


Yes, women can write pants on fire scary shit. Jackson is proof of it. When it comes to writing conflict and tension in a romance novel, look to darker fiction to get it right.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day - 14 February



February 14, and it’s Valentine’s Day. For many it’s a time when people’s thoughts turn to love. The sending of cards and gifts is known to date back centuries. So how did it all begin?

The true history remains vague, but there is a myth that Valentine, a priest in Roman times fell in love and was imprisoned by Claudius 11 in AD 270. Before he was put to death however, he smuggled a letter out to his love, hence the very first Valentine. It’s a beautiful story even if it is only a myth.

Then in the fouteenth century it was Geoffrey Chaucer who linked the date to the Christian feast of love.  He wrote the first Valentine’s poem:
Geoffrey Chaucer (ca. 1343-1400)
  from The Parliament of Fowls


    A garden saw I, full of blossomy boughs 
    Upon a river, in a green mead, 
    There as sweetness evermore enough is, 
    With flowers white, blue, yellow, and red, 
    And cold well-streams, nothing dead, 
    That swimming full of small fishes light, 
    With fins red and scales silver bright.

    On every bough the birds heard I sing, 
    With voice of angels in their harmony; 
    Some busied themselves birds forth to bring; 
    The little coneys to here play did hie. 
    And further all about I could see 
    The dread filled roe, the buck, the hart and hind, 
    Squirrels, and beasts small of gentle kind.

    Of instruments of strings in accord 
    Heard I so play a ravishing sweetness, 
    That God, that maker is of all and lord, 
    Had heard never better, as I guess. 
    Therewith a wind, scarcely it might be less, 
    Made in the leaves green a noise soft 
    Accordant to the fowls' song aloft.

    Th'air of that place so a-temperate was 
    That never was grievance of hot nor cold. 
    There wax also every wholesome spice and grass; 
    No man may there wax sick nor old; 
    Yet was there joy more a thousandfold 
    Than man can tell; never would it be night, 
    But always clear day to any man's sight.

Valentine’s Day traditions of giving cards and gifts expanded and flourished all over World,throughout the centuries to present day. In fact here are a few traditions from different countries that are quite interesting.

In South Korea the Women send chocolates to men on Valentine’s day. The men reciprocate on a different day called White Day.

In Slovenia, 14 February marks the first day of working in the fields. St Valentine or Zdravko, giving him the Slovak name is the patron St of spring.. They have another day and St to celebrate love.

Japanese women are reputedly reserved about showing love and affection. However in 1936 a Kobe based confectioner started a new custom of gifting chocolate on this special day. Their sales immediately went through the roof.

So to end, don’t forget the love in your heart  is meant for sharing and many a good book has been born from love too. 



Thursday, February 13, 2014

Valentine's Day: For Everyone!

My first time on the Naughty Nights Press blog. How exciting. I guess I'd better introduce myself. 

Hello, lovelies! I'm Phoenix. I've been fairly quiet since making my publishing debut last year, but it was a pretty hectic year for me. I can promise, though, that this year is the year of the Phoenix.

I write a variety of genres. I made my debut with the first in my paranormal erotic romance trilogy, Wolf Smitten. Book One, The Wolf in the Neighborhood, was released with NNP last January. Books two and three are soon to follow, as well as paranormal erotic shorts, sweet fantasy novels, and paranormal thriller epic novels, among others. Let's just say I like to keep things interesting. 

 So to kick off my first appearance, let's talk about tomorrow. Valentine's Day. Celebrated by couples and often shunned by singles, it's an interesting day, to put it simply. 

Personally, I see it as just another day, as everyday should be celebrated for love and life. Though I won't deny being treated to chocolates, flowers and what not by my other half isn't highly enjoyed. It isn't a day just for couples, however. 

There are plenty of ways singles can enjoy the day thoroughly. Take-out for dinner, a nice candle lit bath and movies in bed for a nice relaxing time, or go out and have fun, flirt it up and have a girl's (or a guy's) night out. Check out the babes, enjoy yourself. Safely. One should never let their guard down, after all. 

 Valentine's Day is a day for everyone. You make it what you want. So what do you want?

Phoenix Johnson is an Australian author who has always had the passion for the written word. She had her nose in at least one book ever since she could read and would even scrutinize the back of the cereal box every morning at breakfast. It was only natural she take up writing.
After reviewing a few delicious titles for Naughty Nights Press as she wrote her first title, The Wolf in the Neighborhood, Phoenix was of one mind to submit it to NNP, and she hasn't looked back. She feels that being invited to write for the NNP blog is a great honour, and loves being part of the team!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Voyeuristic Sex by Gemma Parkes


What exactly is it about furtive sex that excites us? Just the mere thought of sneaking off somewhere and having sex where you know you shouldn't is sublimely thrilling! Add to that the idea of having sex with a stranger and you create a fantasy that may keep you up for some time. What if there was a possibility that you could be discovered during the act? For some of us that would be a stretch too far but for others it’s an irresistible kick. Voyeuristic sex features in many of my stories because to me it’s such an exciting thought. The reality, of course, would be different or would it?
Personally I would not want to be watched by anyone but my lover, but to watch someone else? That’s hot! Especially if they can’t see you peaking:

Excerpt, ‘The Midnight Gathering’ ‘Park ‘N’ Ride’:      
 
Pausing to duck down behind a large overgrown briar he saw a clearing not 15 meters away. The music appeared so much louder now. It was a thudding drumbeat, the tremors seemed to be rising up through the very ground he crouched on. Danny saw that the flickering lights he had seen previously were in fact coming from the dancing flames of what looked like a campfire. There were several people standing around. All males as far as he could see. They were gathering around something in the centre, talking in low, excited voices.
Suddenly a gap appeared as two of the men walked away to collect something from their bags. Danny’s breath caught in his throat as he saw a beautiful, naked woman stood in the middle of the men. She was dancing provocatively, her long black hair swaying in the cool breeze of the night. As Danny’s eyes adjusted to the flickering light he could see that the men were holding lighted flame torches towards her body but not touching her. She sashayed around them, teasing and enticing, dodging the flames by twisting and turning her body.
The two men who had left the group now returned holding some items which Danny could not quite make out. They closed the circle around the woman again and Danny’s view was blocked.
Sensing the electricity in the air, Danny was overpowered by the need to see what exactly was going on. Everyone had their backs to him; all the men were watching the woman.
He broke cover from the bush, grateful for his choice of clothing, black jeans and long sleeved T shirt, both providing some camouflage in the darkness. Then he crept to another bush so close that he could see the deep desire on the faces of the watching men.

What about those who dupe other people into taking part in their sexual fun?

Excerpt, ‘A Voyeuristic Lover’:

 I played him the way Paul liked me to. We chatted, we laughed, we drank some more. I caught Paul’s eyes and knew that the time was right. Leaning in towards my prey, l whispered softly into his ear. He moved quickly, hotly, beads of sweat already visible on his forehead. He followed me outside.
Discreetly, and at a distance, Paul followed too.
We went down a small alleyway at the side of the bar, it was dark and deserted. I leant against the wall and fixed my suitor with a sultry stare. That was all it took. He lunged at me, his hands gripping my ass and sliding my dress up high. He groaned his desire through his eager kisses as he found my nakedness. I caught a glimpse of Paul in the shadows. It turned me on to see his face watching this young man’s desperation. 
He grabbed at my breasts before dropping his trousers and freeing himself, lifting me up by my thighs to push me back against the cold brick wall. He entered me quickly and sharply. I cried out with the eagerness of his thrusts and saw Paul smiling and beginning to stroke his own cock. I gasped at the power of this strangers fuck as he pounded furiously up and into me grunting hard. My back scraped against the sharp brick and l could see Paul clearly over his shoulder.
Did he like what I was doing? Was l being a good girl for him?
The stranger cursed as he pounded, he was too excited to hold back and it was soon over.
This didn't disappoint me, l knew that Paul would reward his naughty girl once we arrived back home.
The stranger hurried back inside the wine bar once he'd finished with me and Paul stepped out of the shadows as l smoothed down my skirt.

Buy Links:                                                Have fun 'til next time

Park ‘N’ Ride:                        
                                                                         
          Amazon                                                                                 
                                                                                                       

  A Voyeuristic Lover:


        Naughty Nights Press

          All Romance






Monday, February 10, 2014

Remote control...

The power of technology... The 21st century has brought a multitude of media to allow us to indulge our fantasies... It set me thinking of a little scene, just how powerful could technology really be...


The Benwa push on my cervix, deep inside me, my other hand tightly clutching my mobile phone, anxiously waiting for the next command to come through. I've turned the volume on the ringtone up high so I don't miss a command... it seems ridiculous, hanging on ever message from him, but I do...
"Come for me"
The phone vibrates and my body surrenders yet again... four? five? six? My exhausted gasping as I recover from my orgasm distracts me from the total. It's irrelevant anyway, he would know... I can picture his smile as he types out each instruction, detailing each task, controlling me from afar, commanding me as if by remote control...
I lie there basking in my orgasm as I remember his first command as I leave work...
"Lay out your lingerie for this evening, and choose it for me, not you."
And so, I quickly search through my underwear drawers, selecting coordinating panties and stockings... I omit the bra as I know that he prefers my breasts to be free of constraints, free for him to bind, to kiss, and caress, to torture as he pleases...
I take a photo of the garments, email them to him, draw a hot bath, then follow his next command...
"When you've set the bath running, crawl on all fours, and collect your benwa, insert them deep for me girl, make sure they rest so deliciously on you g-spot... Just as I place them in you..."
I fall to my knees at my bedside table, hardly worthy of worship, but his words mean everything to me... A bedside table, his feet... both are as sacred when they have a meaning indescribable... so deeply ingrained inside me that obedience is something that comes utterly without thought... I look at the pink plastic objects jiggling seductively in my palms, and smile, slipping them gently, and slowly deep between my wet, swollen lips, further still, deeper inside my aching core... I whimper an angst filled sigh as I screw my eyes tightly shut, biting my lip to stifle the cry of his name as it falls without thought from my lips... Controlling me even still... is he even thinking of me? Or is he in a meeting? Is he working on a presentation to win a new prestigious project? Or is he sitting in his deep leather armchair, a peaty whiskey cradled preciously in his hand, watching the crackling open fire... imagining just what his girl is doing for love of him...
Sinking into my bath, I forget the world for 30 minutes... his command, to cleanse my body of the days's stresses... to purify... to shed the cares and worries... so that my mind... may be entirely his...
"Such a good girl... Now... Dry yourself and dress for me... lie on your back on the floor in the lounge..."
I rush to dry myself, the coarse towel I picked causing my skin to become bright red as I rub it hard against my flesh... I catch sight of myself in the bathroom mirror... my cheeks flushed, my eyes bright... I consider that I have never looked so youthful... beautiful? My breasts firm, round, my nipples hard and red, begging to be kissed, nibbled... I look on in awe... can words from afar create such a physical response?
Another buzz from my phone interrupts my reverie...
"Take your most powerful vibe and push your benwa deep with it, feel the sensation... lose yourself..."
And so here I am... lost in overwhelming pleasure... desperately clutching my mobile phone as if my life depended on it... My mind focussed on a man... miles and miles away whom I have no idea whether he cares if I follow his commands or not... who is controlling me by words alone...
By remote control...

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sometimes Love Is Blind To Gender...NEW RELEASE by J.S. Morbius

Sometimes Love Is Blind To Gender...


Michael is just a regular guy, living a regular life. Having not long moved in to a new neighborhood, he is yet to meet any of his new neighbors and the first one he comes across is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
As he begins to watch her sunbathing in her back yard wearing nothing but a tiny red bikini, Michael starts to develop strong feelings for her. However he discovers completely by accident, his new neighbor isn't just any woman, she is a transsexual woman. Michael suddenly finds himself caught in a predicament.
On the one hand he finds himself falling for her more and more, but as he considered himself to be one hundred percent straight, the fact she wasn't one hundred percent genetic female leads him to question whether or not he can conquer his fear of the unknown. With the help of Jazz’s friends, Michael embarks on a relationship which teaches him Jazz is what he truly wants, no longer caring she’s a transsexual.

Overcoming his fear of the unknown, Michael journeys through self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and ultimately finding true love.

Buy Links:


About The Author

Julez S. Morbius is the pseudonym of an engaged father to nine children, four of his own and five stepchildren. He is also partially disabled, having been born with a neurological condition that has caused his nervous system to deteriorate over the years and finds writing to be the way to express his feelings, and fantasies. 
Having been writing for less than five years, Star Search, published by Naughty Nights Press in November 2011, was his first release. This was followed by an appearance in the gay male anthology The Boy's Club, also published by Naughty Nights Press, where he had two stories, Opposites Attract and Room for Two. 
His second stand-alone release, Addicted to Charlie, came out in June 2012, quickly followed by Naughty Hot Shots - Reunited at a Reunion, which earned him his first ever bestseller certificate from his publisher, NNP. His next Transgender release, Naught Hot Shots - Top Of The Class, earned him yet another silver star at All Romance Ebooks on the very first day, and For The Love Of Leon, a gay male romance, released in October 2013.
Julez has several stories, both gay male and transgender, currently on the editing table of his publisher that he hopes will be out to his fans shortly. A recent surgery to assist him in his mobility has added to the unfortunate delayed releases, but now that Julez is on the mend he has jumped back into the wonderfully busy process of working with his editor to cultivate his upcoming works.
Julez now considers writing to be his main occupation, and continues to write, mainly in gay male, transgender and cross dressing genres and more about him can be found by visiting his blog at www.morbiussworld.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 6, 2014

The Sexiest Part of a Man

Greetings folks. Mmmph. Nothing sexier than a man right? The well sculpted face, chiseled body, the chest, the abs, the… cock… Ugh. Are you salivating yet? I know I am. *wipes off drool* But ladies and gentlemen, are those REALLY the most sexiest parts of a man? Uh no, not even close. Yeah a lot of those are great to look at, touch, and erm, lick… *giggles* but what about that part of his body you see when his jeans hang low and might be going commando.

Well, I searched, I Googled, and wondered, what is that part called? You know, the portion of the man’s body leading from his hipbones down to his crotch. Oh holy hell it’s sexy and even better when you get to see it on your man up close. It’s the V muscle. Oh yeah, I love seeing it on men and when they’re in great shape it’s clearly defined.


I’d often wondered what that was called when looking at a hot model on various websites or on Facebook when people like Shar post hot pictures. The space above the waist that leads to the biggest treasure. Does your man have it? Well even if he doesn’t, you can still ogle men that do.

Do you agree that this is the sexiest part on his body or is there another that catches your eye. Please, I’d like to know your thoughts!


BLMorticia is currently a published writer with Naughty Nights Press and Rebel Ink Press. She entertains her readers with hot and smexy sex, humor, and lots of swear words. She attempts to incorporate metal music or the military in most of her works. Nothin’ sexier than metalheads or military servicemen and women! She also writes a monthly column on Blak Rayne Books and blogs on the First Thursday of the month at NNP Blog. For more info, please visit, Erotica With Snark