Thursday, August 28, 2014

Fighting back

Fighting back

I'm back to blog again and I haven't got a clue what to talk about. I could, I suppose, let you know all about my newest WIP, only there isn't one and hasn't been for months You see apart from 200 word teases and 100 word flashes I have been unable to string anything remotely coherent together, not because of writer's block, because of something far worse.

.
Yes it's true the J S Morbius you all love has been a sufferer for over thirty years, ever since I was first diagnosed as a teenager and I have had enough.


I want to write for you, not for fame and fortune (although that would be nice LOL) but because ever since I was first spotted by Penny Peterssen, and then taken on by Naughty Nights Press, writing has been the one escape from my fight and I thought I had completely lost the ability to construct fiction which people would read, like and enjoy.


However just this week I was informed by Mistress Gina Kincade, owner of Naughty Nights Press, that not only were my books selling they were selling so well I was the number one author for NNP for the whole of the last quarter, as well as each individual month in it.
Now to say I was amazed, astounded, gob-smacked, shocked or any other feeling you'd care to mention would be an understatement but, after also talking with Gina, I knew that with my writing, my friends, my fans and my followers I could beat this demon inside of me.



So from this day forward I am determined to no longer let my depression beat me down, even though I know it is going to be the hardest fight I've ever had, and I am going to get back to doing what I do best, and that is turning up the heat.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Food And Drink Cravings Inspired By Books, TV, And Movies


I just finished binge watching the American remake of "House Of Cards", and I absolutely loved it. For anyone who hasn't seen it, it's about political corruption and it's very entertaining. The main lead is played by Kevin Spacey. Television isn't the actor's graveyard it used to be. Now, major stars head very good TV shows. Kevin Spacey is a case in point. I'll watch anything he does.

One scene that repeats quite a bit in the show is how Spacey, as Democratic Majority Whip Frank Underwood, frequents a BBQ rib joint in a rather sketchy part of Washington, D. C. This guys ribs are amazing, and it's one of D. C.'s best kept secrets – including the fact that a major politician sneaks there to get his ribs fix. Watching him rave about the food while he scarfs it down has made my mouth water so much I begged my husband to make ribs for us.

We ate them a week ago Sunday night, and they were delicious.

Movies, TV, and books have influenced my eating and drinking habits. Here are a few examples:

Multiple cozy mysteries – Grand Marnier in a brandy snifter
"The Avengers" (Starring Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg) – Champagne. It's my preferred alcoholic drink to this day.
"Like Water For Chocolate" – Quail in rose petal sauce. One of these days I will make it. Until then, I will simply serve roasted quail.
"Twister" – Steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
"Downton Abbey" – Water out of an antique water carafe, specifically this one:


The Harry Potter books – Jelly Belly jelly beans and chocolate bars.
"Rebecca" – Ravioli. It's frozen, but it'll do. It's not goose liver ravioli, though. When I crave goose liver, I blow $30.00 on a pound of fois gras at a local gourmet shop, but I don't do that very often. In fact, I did it just the other night. ;)
"Tom Jones" – Raw oysters and red wine.
"The Shining" – Bourbon on the rocks, although I loathe the stuff. That said, I'm going to the Stanley Hotel in October for a writer's retreat. Stephen King stayed in the Stanley Hotel, and his stay provided direct influence for his book "The Shining", so I have to drink at least one glass of bourbon on the rocks during my stay, since it was Jack Torrance's drink of choice.



Those are a few choice examples of how my reading and TV/movie viewing influence my choices in food and drink. What about you? Has a book, TV show, or movie ever made you crave foods or drinks?

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Here's where to find me on the web:

Elizabeth Black - Facebook

Elizabeth Black - Twitter

Elizabeth Black - Amazon Author Page


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Beginning at The End

Courtesy of Cliff Johnson, Flickr.com
I’ve been sitting here for over an hour trying to think of how to start this month’s blog post. So instead, let’s talk about endings. Namely romance/fantasy endings. Yes, I’m talking Happily Ever After (HEA) vs Happy For Now (HFN) endings. I’d like to know which people prefer.
As both a reader and an author, I like both. Let me explain that, though. I love reading series, so throughout the series, I’m more than satisfied with a HFN ending, because I know that will lead to the next book, then the next, then the next (series that have upwards of four books are fantastic, they’re one of my addictions!). Of course, once the series gets to the last book, I don’t mind a HEA. However I do appreciate HFN’s in the last official book of a series when the author then writes more books from the universe.
Take Anne Bishop’s ‘Black Jewels’ novels for example. Anyone who knows me knows I have a slight obsession with these books. There is the trilogy, which explains all about the levels of the jewels, and the core relationships. Anne Bishop didn’t stop there, however, and has six other books outside of the trilogy. The closest she gets to a HEA is in ‘Queen of Darkness’, the third book of the trilogy. Even in ‘Dawn’s Twilight’, the final book in the collection, it really is only a HFN. And I love it.
While a HEA closes all questions and lets a reader imagine the happy life that the characters are now living (unless they’re the bad guy, in which case they’re hopefully getting their just desserts), the neatness of such an ending can sometimes feel too good to be true, and so rings false and can leave the reader feeling dissatisfied. At least, that is my experience sometimes. A HFN ending can keep a reader’s imagination flowing and the air of mystery, I believe, keeps the book/s alive.
That is what I try to aim for with my own books. I won’t talk about ‘Wolf Smitten’s’ final book - ‘Leader of The Pack’ - since it’s not out yet. However I will mention a few works in progress (with vague details to avoid spoilers) and my other released title, ‘The Return of Their Master’.
At the end of ‘The Return of Their Master’, there is a new discovery, a new dilemma, and another mystery for Angie and Jake. Of course, I plan on writing a follow up novel to explain that, but for now, while Their Master stands alone, it’s certainly a HFN ending. Even in my fantasy ‘Persephone’, while things work out for her, there is still so much ahead of her that holds a mystery. Even I’m not sure what the future after the novel has in store for her.

So now you know which I prefer. What do other readers prefer? 

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. The Return of Their Master now joins her first title for sale, and both books are receiving great reviews. Phoenix feels that being invited to write for the NNP blog is a great honour, and loves being part of the team!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Summer Heat from Gemma Parkes

I love the summer, sunny beaches, calm seas and late, light evenings. I always feel as though there is more time to get things done but in reality all I gain is more daylight! When the weather is so nice it is hard to sit in the house and catch up on my writing projects. But as I lay back with my eyes closed basking in the summer sunshine I feel...inspired. The sun always turns me on and I have written many stories that revolve around the summer months.


 One of the first novellas I wrote was 'Making Waves':
 Mandy knew that it would take more than a short holiday to a quiet seaside town to turn her struggling relationship with long time partner John into one of passion and honesty. But when help and advice was offered from a voyeuristic stranger by dubious means, it opened the floodgates to her inner desires and darkest fantasies. This story contains explicit sex and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

Excerpt:

Mandy’s sex life had always been troublesome. She seemed to be forever torn between the passion she felt and the passion she shared. It was as if there was a blockage somewhere deep inside her that stopped her from really letting go. Maybe she was afraid of being judged. Whatever it was left Mandy frustrated. Only recently had she begun to address the problem, at least to herself. She knew that she had to do something because masturbation was all she had. Private masturbation at that.


Amazon review from Gina Kincade:

The young woman in this story seems to have reached a crossroads in her life where she has realized she's tired of suppressing her desires.
In comes a stranger, a "sex therapist", who changes all that for her, allowing her to embrace what she needs and provide the same for some of his other "clients".
I loved the twist at the end where it appeared at first that the woman was paid to assist in fulfilling others needs but when you get to the last bit you see where in reality this is simply an act of the heart rather then a monetary transaction.
Recommended read for anyone who has ever wanted to broaden their own sexual desires and dip into the barest hint of kink.

Try 'Making Waves' for free on the 'Yellow Silk Dreams' website for a short time only:


Enjoy August and apply that sun cream!

Gemma Parkes

Thursday, August 7, 2014

What I Love About Writing

It’s been a little over four years since I began this journey. Doing something I did sparingly as a teen and then turning it into a budding career. I never thought I could be a published author, putting out my own books for others to read and enjoy until December 2010 when my first sole author story hit the market.

Boy was I excited. The cover with my penname on it; essentially, my name in lights as if I were the director of a large film or the lead singer of a successful band. Wow! Me? I couldn’t believe it. Although just a short story, it began this long winding road of ups and downs, gnashing teeth over edits, struggling to get the most out of my characters and sulking a little over so so reviews. (More chocolate and liquor please) *laughs* That’s how authors deal. And after all that, here I am, four years later and still excited about the next release!

Oh the joy when I see the new cover, and then when I get the edits, I smile instead of grumbling. One step closer to the finished product going up on Amazon, All Romance, and or Smashwords. Whew! And then comes promotions, blogging, spending a few bucks on cover ads, and yes the reviews which have gotten better than so so. More like, okay, we see what you’re trying to do but… *laughs again* Not many of those either. Seemingly more people enjoy what the muses of Sharita Lira are doing and let me know it through comments and reviews. Thanks so much.

Which brings me back to my topic. What do I enjoy most about writing? The answer? EVERYTHING. I’ve learned a lot since I started. I do more research, I read more of my peers in all genres, I’ve taken classes, and asked for help from fellow authors and betas. Every book I’ve wrote reads better than the last and I’ve self pubbed several with more to come in the near future. Am I nervous, hell yes. Scared? Yes! But I’ve got to continue. It means entering new territory in my career and going on my own without the help of a publisher.

Oh the joy and pains of being a published author. Sometimes we writers throw our hands up when the royalty statements come or when the reviews are less than stellar we sulk again but we love it don’t we? We wouldn’t trade it for anything. To see our names up “in lights” sort of speak is what we live for.

Creating a world around characters we made is just the tip of the iceberg. To me, nothing is more exciting than this process.


Being a published author is what I’ve dreamed of. And I couldn’t be happier. 

* * * *

My latest release is a FREEBIE. BL's Wretched Series is a rock and roll soap opera full of sex, drugs, music, and snark. If you're into that, please look at the series. It's totally FREE!


Download Here



Monday, August 4, 2014

Everyone Needs a Hard Spanking

Well, that's my opinion anyway. It's Cassandre Dayne taking over the Naughty Nights Press blog. I have a brand spanking new (total pun intended) collection and the first story is being released on August 21st. For fans of Spankdown, this is a take off using my wickedly hot professor, Victoria Miller, as the main characters. She had a naughty new business on the side, one her students and colleagues can never learn about. But you know what happens with secrets - right?

A little secret about me. I really am a firm believer that adults should receive spankings on a regular basis. Imagine how much of the bad behavior we have to experience at home, in our professional life and with our friends that would never occur. That is IF they were spanked on a regular basis. In my worlds of writing, women certainly aren't the only ones spanked, but I also have a penchant for Domestic Discipline. Traditionally in this lifestyle, the man or husband is Head of Household. For those of you who don't understand, in a domestic discipline situation, women have certain rules they must obey and if they break them then various methods of discipline are utilized, but spanking is often preferred.

Don't run away in fear. This is something that we as women decide as a choice in what we want within our relationship. This is no different than entering into D/s. There is trust, understanding, communication, patience, learning, more communication as we move into the journey. I believe men have their place just as women do and while the thought might shock some of you (that is those who haven't taken a gander at my blog) that's my belief. I'm very powerful in my vanilla life but I have another side...

Now spanking can take on a different role - that is if our society would allow this to happen. Corporal punishment is often thought about as being used in the penal system. But what if you could use various forms of spankings, corner time, perhaps soap in the mouth, to correct the bad behavior of our employees? Hmmm... Following the rules takes on an entirely new meaning. Right? Spank Me - the collection was born out of this very thought. I hope you enjoy the first of many in the sizzling storyline and here's your first taste...

PERFECTING DISCIPLINE
Synopsis


For Victoria Miller, she knew in her heart everyone deserved a solid spanking now and then. Too bad she wasn’t allowed to convey her beliefs in an open forum. Unfortunately being a highly respected college professor meant endeavoring to share her many years of hallowed education while maintaining a very conservative persona. While she was a good girl during the day light hours, at night she was one wicked vixen, indulging in her hunger for BDSM and Domination, including giving the Internet world her views on corporal punishment. Her spanking blog was a hit, allowing men and women to convey their personal stories of Domestic Discipline and other methods of intense punishment in a protected environment. But she longed for more and developed the perfect plan.

Her idea? Spank Me - a company catering to men and women craving being taken in hand. As summer break approached, interest in her company soared, customers ready to feel the heat of a paddle, the sting of a whip. The trouble was, she hadn’t secured a Master Disciplinarian. A simple ad on Craig’s List, a day long audition and one masked man perfect for the job. But who was the mysterious stranger who seemed to know her most private details? The secret revealed, a touch of blackmail held just above the surface, Victoria was forced to enter into a caustic business relationship – one that proved to be extremely profitable as well as intensely passionate. But what would happen as the new school year approached? Ah, decisions. Decisions. And more spankings for every naughty girl and boy.

How hard do you need your spanking?

EXCERPT
Victoria Miller waved to several students as she whisked through the hallway. Ah, university life. And what a year it had been. She’d introduced some incredible, albeit risqué psychology courses, enjoyed teaching the majority of her students, and had a snazzy tryst with not one but four of the hot, young men who’d graced her classrooms. Then there had been the spanking event. Her entire body tingled as a few shameless visions of fucking and flogging eased into the forefront of her mind. She was a very bad girl.

“Have a great summer, Ms. Miller.”

“You too, Michael,” she said as she unlocked her office door, sweeping inside. Summer had arrived. She set her books down and flicked on her computer. There was some paperwork to finish up, then the summer belonged to all her sinful plans. She giggled as she sat down.

“I came by to say goodbye, Ms. Miller. I had an awesome, kick ass time in your class this year. You’re an amazing teacher.”

Victoria turned to face the voice, the very husky voice of one infatuated student, and smiled. She certainly had her share of boys, who would soon be men, fantasizing about her. Granted, her persona as being a bit out of the ordinary preceded her. Other professors were leery of her and the students were… well, she certainly had an interesting few adjectives follow behind her. She studied the grinning student, her heart swelling with pride. Wally Markum had certainly changed over the last two years. No longer a shy boy, he was now a wanton sex fiend with a tremendous appetite. She’d caught him three times fucking four, yes four, different women in a hallway or empty classroom after hours. His prowess was becoming legendary. “Why Mr. Markum, I do hope you’re taking my class in animal husbandry next year.”

“I…I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You’re my favorite professor. You have yourself a hot summer.” He gave her a heated look as his eyes traveled down from her face to her legs.

Dear God, she could see a thick bulge between his legs. The life of the youngest professor in a school full of aging ninnies was captivating to say the least. Exhaling, she couldn’t help but smile coyly as she crossed and re-crossed her legs. There was nothing wrong with being very naughty on the last day of school, was there? If someone didn’t like it, they could certainly spank her. What a delicious thought. She definitely needed a solid whipping from a strong man. “And you too. Don’t get yourself into any mischief.”

“Not for the world. You know I’m a very good boy.” His grin impish, Wally’s eyes twinkled as he tipped his head and walked away.

“Of course not.” Wicked ideas racing in her mind, Victoria pressed the tip of her pen back and forth across her lips. She’d had a bit too much fun this school year, including the spanking event after her students had discovered her secret and her steamy blog. The sex they’d indulged in and the three weeks of sharing a wild tryst had been tasty, albeit a huge no-no with the University handbook. She could have lost her job. What the fuddy duddies didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. 

The last grade of what had turned out to be several stodgy thesis papers on ‘the relativity of sexual orientation in the world of marketing’ was complete, ready to send to the Proctor. Thank God. She glared at her computer screen, making mental note to figure out a more important topic for next year’s content. Perhaps something like zombies and the modern world, or the effectiveness of serial killers in the workplace would prove to be of more interest to the conservative bunch of kids in her class.

And here she thought her class has been fun as well as informative this year. At least she was done and summer break was right around the corner. Two days of year end paperwork and she was free for a couple of, hopefully productive, months. The thought gave her tingles. So did the other tasty aspects of her life. Glancing over her shoulder, she clicked on the Internet connection, typing in her personal blog. She’d been very careful to keep her day job away from the women who few new around the University.

She licked her lips as she thought about a few wild and wicked moments during the last year. There was nothing quite like indulging in her darkest fantasies, especially the incredible spankings she’d received. As she wiggled back and forth in her chair, she closed her eyes for a few seconds, envisioning every detail of being taken in hand by the sexy student. Alas, he was already gone for the summer. What a pity. He certainly knew how to give her discipline. Exhaling slowly, she knew the moment their sexy affair had started it wouldn’t last. He was twenty years her junior. 

Victoria smiled, seeing her sizzling website pop onto the screen. The site was freshly redone, adding more details, including overtly sensual pictures as well as links to other sites. Clicking on her blog, she scanned down the page looking for any new comments. She was certainly becoming a well-known source for certain kinky indulgences. At last check, she had over ten thousand subscribers, the number growing every day. Who knew spanking was all the rage? Of course she did. Ever since she’d written the first blog, now almost three years before, she’d garnered followers. Men and women from all walks of life seemed to need a hard whipping now and then.

Reading the comments from her gregarious readers always gave her a smile. After looking at her watch, she figured she could spend a few minutes replying to at least a few of the comments left after her controversial blog from the night before. Domestic discipline was all the rage. As she began typing an answer to one of her most loyal readers, she became lost in the moment. 

Click.

The slight sound was enough to make her jump. She fumbled to minimize the window, barely managing to do so before the Proctor of the entire University suddenly appeared beside her desk. Whew. Thank God for fast fingers. From where he stood, he would have been able to see very clearly what she was up to. 

“Thurston. How lovely to see you.” 

What do you think? I am many sinful things in store.

Kisses and spanks...

Cassandre