Okay so it looks like I fell off the planet. Promise - I'm still here. The last four years have been ... hard. There's no other word for it. Everything is fine. I'm fine, but I've been the caregiver of my mom who has Dementia. Between her needs, work, etc I seem to have lost control of my time. I am still writing and am trying hard to get back to my blog.

In case you weren't aware Phaze and HSWF which where under the Mundania Umbrella have closed. I was smart enough to get my titles back before all this happened. I'm happy to say the three books I sold to HSWF have been picked up by Melange Books and are available through their Satin Books imprint. I have even sold a new title to them called Magical Quest due out in 2022

I have also been lucky enough to find a publisher for my Vespian Way series. I'm now with Blushing Books under the name of Bethany Drake. I have five titles out with them right now and am close to submitting two more. There's Desire's Destiny, Desire's Duty and Desire's Promise. Then there is two in my werewolf series, Tears of the Queen and Legend of the Tears. I have just finished the rough draft of the third book in the series and have plans for a fourth one the moment I submit it.

I'll probably still be sporadic here on the blog. Unless I win the lottery and can hire someone to help me I can't avoid it, but know I'm still here still working hard in the background and am hoping to do better at keeping my blog alive.

Barb:)



Thursday, November 26, 2015

Writing Down the Bones: Story Construction and Evaluation the Romance Novel - Part 12 Dialog

Okay now you've gone through your manuscript and it's time to polish that baby of yours. So first we're going to look at dialog again.

Now as you look at it you need to ask yourself these questions:

1.) Does your dialog represent your character properly? Are these words what your character would truly say? Are you using the unique thinking or figure of speech of your character?

2.) Does it help the conflict?

3.) Is it fun? Is the banter quick/clever? Or is it kind of boring?

4.) Does it move the plot along? Does it give necessary information without being a data dump?

5.) Is it filled with emotion from your character? Does it show their state of mind?

6.) Does your action tags/tags stay in your characters POV?

I hope everyone in the USA has a Happy Thanksgiving - those in Canada a belated Happy Thanksgiving and to the rest of the world peace in your life,

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Welcome my Newest Guest! Theophilia St. Claire! @theoStClaire

I want to welcome Theophilia St. Claire First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Hi! I'm Theo, author of M/M fiction and erotica. I live with my amazing family in the South, and I love anime, TV shows, yaoi, cats, and chocolate. In no particular order. I'm still relatively new to the publishing world, and I'm looking forward to hitting some Best Seller lists.

Tell us about your latest release.

My latest release, Three-Way Weekend, is also my first solo release! It's gay ménage, and a very erotic story about Jeremy and Ethan, a couple who want to try a threesome for the first time. However, Jeremy isn't really into the idea until they meet Javier, a sexy stranger from Spain. Jeremy becomes really conflicted because he lusts after Javier, but he still can't let go of his beliefs about what he thinks infidelity is. There's jealousy, insecurities, three sexy men, partying, and of course, lots of sex.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

Really tough question to answer. I've seen a lot of awesome villains over the years, but as of late, I'm kind of obsessing over the Biskit Twins from Littlest Pet Shop. They're just so incredibly nasty and mean, so privileged, and literally think the whole world revolves around them. I love the way they talk, and how fashionable they are when they're treating people like the dirt beneath their heels. Let's just say that if I were a mean girl, I'd want to be a Biskit.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

I love all my characters but Koji definitely takes favorite spot right now. I'm currently working on the story he appears in, and he's so desirable. He can have almost any man he wants on their knees. Koji is confident to the point of arrogance, cool, and totally owns the fact he's a "slut."

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

I write gay erotica, mostly M/M. I have no clue why I started writing in this genre. Ever since I was little, I've liked the idea of two males together. Maybe it was the forbidden or taboo aspect of it. Now that I think about it, it seems more appropriate to say the genre chose me.

4.) What are you working on now?

I am working on an erotic story about sex, obsession, and other questionable themes. And yes, it does include Koji.

5.) What got you to start writing?

When I was eleven, one of my favorite shows didn't end the way I wanted it to. So I decided to re-write the ending. I've loved writing since. Only recently did I look into getting published.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere. Dreams, conversations I overhear, books I've read, movies I've watched, songs I've listened to, or sometimes they just seem to come to me out of nowhere.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

Probably my age ;)

8.) Do you have any special talents?

Not that I know of.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

"Write, write, write." Sometimes I procrastinate. Sometimes, I even want to do other things and make excuses. But then I remember that if I'm not writing, no one will ever read my stories.

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

Acheron Parthenopaeus from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series. He's ancient and he knows everything, so we'd talk about life, history, and I'd love to do a compare/contrast between living as a paranormal and living as a human. He's also very easy on the eyes, too.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

Raul Ferrando - Yearning

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

A cat, for sure.






Title: Three-Way Weekend

Blurb:
Lovers Jeremy Taylor and Ethan Mercer are looking for something different on Friday night—a complete stranger to take home for a steamy ménage. Well, Ethan's looking. Jeremy isn't too fond of the idea. He only agrees because it's what Ethan wants and Jeremy loves to please his lover.
When they spot Javier Cervantes, a sexy stranger from Spain, even Jeremy finds him irresistible. But Jeremy will have to put aside his feelings of jealousy and insecurity long enough to have a good time and he's not sure he can.

Author: Theophilia St. Claire

Author Bio: I am a writer of steamy M/M fiction! I'm a Southern girl with a love for writing, reading, and roleplaying. I probably watch too much anime, and I'm somewhat of a nerd. I like my fiction dark and sexy. The darker, the better.

Social Media:

Publisher: Fireborn Publishing


Excerpt:
Midtown Miami's hottest venue, The Stage, was packed as usual on Friday nights. A local band played reggae music while everyone jammed and swayed to the beat. Jeremy and Ethan sat at the bar with chilled shots of Patron. Fortunately, they had a great view of the band. The eclectic, but small bar had minimal seating capacity. Those who arrived late sat outside.
"Hey, Jer, you're being watched."
Jeremy Taylor turned his head to look, only to be stopped by Ethan's strong grip on his forearm.
His lover grinned. "Don't look. You're too obvious."
Jeremy sipped his drink, savoring the smooth liquid sliding down his throat. "How do you expect me to check out the goods if I can't even look?"
Huddled beneath the mood lights, they didn't need to yell over the band's pumping music. Jeremy imagined how they looked--two tall, muscled guys in leather jackets, close enough to kiss, and whispering as if sharing the world's secrets.
The thought made him smile. Or maybe the alcohol had loosened him up. He was already on his third shot of Patron.
"I'll tell you," Ethan said. His gray eyes gleamed with mischief. "Tall, dark, and sexy. Long hair. Ethnic."
Jeremy frowned. "You sound like you're reading from a menu."
"I want him on my menu."
Ignoring Ethan, Jeremy turned to look. Across the room, on a plush, tan couch next to graffiti art paintings, sat the poster man for his wet dreams.
Just like Ethan described: long, black hair cascaded past the newcomer's shoulders, brushing smooth dark tanned skin. The man's muscles rippled beneath tight, denim jeans, and a muscle shirt. The way he sat, with his legs spread casually, showed off an impressive bulge. Jeremy's dick twitched as heat flooded his groin.
"You can pick your jaw up off the floor, lover." Ethan's mocking voice snapped him back to reality. "I take it you like?"
Hell, yes.
"Why did I let you talk me into this again?" Despite the stranger's oozing attraction, Jeremy wasn't too gung-ho about this three-way idea.
In his mind, cheating was cheating. Even if his lover happened to be on the other side of the bed.
Jeremy had reluctantly agreed because he lived to please Ethan. And Ethan always got his way.
Ethan downed another shot. "You're indulging me. You know a ménage is my ultimate fantasy, and you're the conduit to making it a reality."
"I'm definitely indulging you," Jeremy said.
Ethan stood before him, close enough Jeremy could taste the sweetness of his alcohol-laced breath. "Jer, you know I won't do this if you're not up for it. And it's okay. I completely, absolutely, one-hundred and ten percent understand why you wouldn't be."
Yeah, right. The moment he refused to fulfill Ethan's fantasy, he'd make Jeremy regret it.
"Fuck it." Jeremy finished his shot in one gulp.
Ethan grinned. "Yes, let's. Though I think 'him' would fit better at the end of that sentence."
The band switched to another song, a reggaeton number that got the crowd on their feet dancing. Ethan glided through them, his body fluid while moving along to the music. Jeremy followed, still uneasy about this whole thing. He'd never picked up a random guy from a bar when he was single.
Doing it now with his monogamous lover of five years was awkward as shit.
Once they came to a stop at the sectioned-off couches, Jeremy's resolve weakened.
"Mind if we sit here? Bar's kinda full," Ethan said.
The guy chuckled, staring up at them with dark, hooded eyes. He was exotic with chiseled features and a killer smile. Jeremy wanted to feel those teeth in his skin, hard enough to leave imprints.
"Please, sit," he said with a Spanish accent. Jeremy swallowed hard. Ever since he'd studied abroad in Europe, he'd grown a thing for accents.
"I think we will. Won't we, Jeremy?"
Jeremy hesitated. He locked his baby blues on the pair of dark eyes looking back at him. Jeremy wanted him. And he wasn't comfortable with that.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Writing down the Bones: Story Constructiom and Evaluation The Romance Novel Part 11 The Resolution #writingtips

I know I know it's about time I posted on this handout again. I plan on explaining what has caused me to be so bad at posting in a day or two.

I'm working off the handout written by Janice Bennett titled Writing the Popular Novel. Now we're going to talk about how to look at your resolution during the editing process.

1.) Have you concluded all of your conflicts?

2.) Have you made your climax satisfying? Have you pulled on your reader's emotions?

3.) This one I just copied because I feel she worded this one perfectly. Have you taken advantage of any poetic justice?

4.) Are there any loose ends you missed before the romance between your hero ad heroine is resolved?

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Welcome my Latest Guest Andrea R. Cooper! #amwriting @andrearcooper

I want to welcome Andrea R. Cooper! First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Hi everyone, I’m Andrea. Full-time wife/mom and writer whenever I can squeeze it in. I’m addicted to Game of Thrones, Chai Lattes, and Zumba.

Tell us about your latest release.

Fairy Trouble is a short story paranormal romance and a retelling of the Cinderella story in a modern setting with a twist. Cindy doesn’t want to go to the ball or meet the ‘prince’. So her newly appointed Fairy Godmother takes her place and that’s just the beginning of the troubles.

This story is bundled along with three other fabulous fairy-tale retellings.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

The Evil Queen from Once Upon A Time. I love how the writers of the show not only tweak the fairytales, but show why this villain does things. She also has a good/vulnerable side and shows not everyone is entirely evil…or good for that matter.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

Celeste from The Legends of Oblivion series. Even though she faced adversity and pain, she didn’t let it define who she was or how she treated others. She has an inner strength that is refreshing.

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

I write lots of genres. My favorite are fantasy/ paranormal romance and historical romance. I’ve always been drawn to reading those type of books. I love learning new things about history, yet I enjoy the freedom of creating worlds in fantasy/ paranormal books.

4.) What are you working on now?

I’ve several projects that I work on because I’ve found it helps to avoid the dreaded writer’s block. If one story fizzles out or I can’t get inspired, I move onto another. Sometimes I write a chapter or two in one story, then hop over to another.

Currently, here’s my list:
·         Tainted Book 3 of the Claimed series
·         Untitled – Book 2.5 of the Claimed series
·         War of Darkness Book 3 Legends of Oblivion series
·         Viking Blaze – Book 2 Viking Fire series

5.) What got you to start writing?

I’ve always created characters and story, just acted them out with friends and neighborhood kids. But even though I grew up and life happened, these stories never went away and new ones kept filling my thoughts, so I started writing.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere. An idea, a dream, a snatch of conversation. Viking Fire came from finding out the name Lochlann was Gaelic for Viking.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

That I don’t typically read mystery or suspense unless it is high-level. Too often, I figure out who-did-it before the half-way point in the book and I like to be surprised. So it has to be a really good book.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

I used to choreograph dance routines for me and my friends. And I can typically remember everything that was said in a conversation, especially if there was a great significance to the communication.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

The best advice I received was to keep writing. I don’t know of any authors who wrote one draft of their first manuscript and were instantly published.

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

Grace O’Malley – Irish pirate who never lost a battle. I’d interview her and find out how she was so successful and what it was like to meet Queen Elizabeth.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

Stronger (What doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

A tiger. They are one of my favorite animals.





Fairy Trouble Blurb:
Esmeralda has a chance to become a permanent Fairy Godmother…if she doesn’t botch her last test. However Cindy, her new charge, doesn’t want to go to the ball.
Ryan has until midnight on his birthday to pull his bakery into the black or lose it. When he meets an intriguing blue-haired beauty, he can’t decide if she’s real or a con.
Getting the prince to fall in love with Cindy was supposed to be easy, but toss in a fairy and nothing goes as planned.

Page 13 excerpt – Fairy Trouble
The woman stood staring open-mouthed for a moment, blinked several times, then rushed away pushing the stroller. Oops, did it again! Esmeralda flicked her wand and removed the last few minutes of the woman’s memory. The lady stopped, looked around, then shook her head, and continued down the path. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get you ready for the ball.” Although the ball was still hours away, of course, Esmeralda clucked her tongue. “Doesn’t hurt to be prepared ahead of time.” And I might just be able to go smell that amazing man—I mean, bakery—again.
“Did my stepmother put you up to this?” Cindy stood, and the chair toppled over. “Tell her some fancy magician will not make me go to the party. It’ll be full of rich, stuffy people.”
“But you have to go.” There were no second chances, no do-overs. It had to be that ball with him and Cindy, before midnight this Thursday—or nothing. This should have been a slam-dunk assignment. But now she wondered if the council and Fanny had given her a difficult task to prove herself worthy.
Cindy snapped her fingers. “Why don’t you go in my place?”
“W-what?” The idea held some appeal. Esmeralda could see Ryan again and be dressed to make him drool, and his arms could be around her as they danced. Wait, dance with a human? What was wrong with her? Was it just because he smelled so good that she wanted to be near him? Fairies didn’t love or marry each other. If a fairy fell in love with a human, he or she would have to give up immortality and become human.
Esmeralda’s gut clenched. Fairies had no choice in their futures or dreams. It was like being locked in a position at birth with no hope of a career change. How many times had she wanted to live with the humans and experience everything they did? To taste fresh, warm bread and not puke it up half an hour later? To kiss? And that brought back the image of the handsome baker, and she shivered, wanting to know if his lips tasted sweeter than nectar. If she traded places with Cindy …



Andrea’s Bio: Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes contemporary romance suspense, fantasy, paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba or chasing her two youngest kids through the park.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Meet my Latest Guest: Barbara Donlon Bradley...wait a minute me? Again? @barbbradley #amwriting

I want to welcome me! Barbara Donlon Bradley! First I’d love you to re-introduce yourself.

Tell us about your latest release.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite author? Do you feel you write like them?

I do have a lot – one of my favorites is Johanna Lindsey. I’d like to think I do write like her. My writing is lighthearted and humorous.

2.) What was your favorite book growing up?

Gosh there were so many but the one that I loved so much that I started rewriting it word for word because I couldn’t find a copy to buy was the Faraway Lurs. It was my first love story and made me an avid reader.

3.) Are you a plotter or a pantser and why did you choose that method?

I’m a pantser. I still plot out but not on paper. It’s all in my head. I’ve also been known to just sit down and write with nothing more than a thought. The plot comes to me as I write. I didn’t choose this method. It chose me.

4.) Do you consider writing a career or a hobby? Why?

It is a career for me. This is something I want to do full time and for the rest of my life. I find I must write. When I don’t I get a little crazy.

5.) What are you working on now?

I’m working on the tenth book of my series The Vespian Way. Heather and Storm are at it again! I also have a werewolf story I want to take out of mothballs and polish. I’ve worked on it a little over the summer but haven’t gotten as far as I wanted.

6.) What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to an up and coming author?

Sit down and try to write every day. Even if you only write a sentence you’ve written something. That will start to add up over time and a lot of times you’ll find you’ll write more than you planned.

7.) If you had the ability to time travel and your first visit was to see a younger version of yourself what would you say to that younger self?

Start writing earlier. I found my passion for writing when I was older partially because I didn’t think I could publish and look at me now. Always believe in yourself and your talent.

8.) You just got a million dollars, whether it’s from an inheritance, the lottery, or a sweet book deal doesn’t matter. What would be the first thing you would buy for yourself?

I would update my charm bracelet. I started it when I sold my first book I have heart charms with the title of my books on one side and the date they were published on the other. I have six on it right now and have a lot more to add.

9.) If you could un-invent one thing in the world what would it be?

I think it would be bras. I hate them…and pantyhose…

10.) What is your favorite movie/TV Show? Why?


I am a huge Star Trek fan. I have all the shows and the movies but I’m also a big Planet of the Apes fan. I have all of the movies and the series as well…this includes the cartoon series. Can you day geek?




Blurb:
Someone keeps altering the timeline and only Sam and Skye are aware of the change. The culprit doesn’t want Heather and Storm together, yet they keep finding each other, no matter how many times it is changed. Everything needs to be righted and the person messing with it needs to be stopped. It’s up to Sam and Skye to get things back the way it should be.

Excerpt:
Their ship landed in the cave they used as their tarmac. Fridon stepped up to them the moment they disembarked.

“Reasta has attacked another one of our posts.” He led them to the main computer room, where everything that had been going on was up and viewable. “We keep moving them and she keeps finding them.”

“How many people have we lost?” asked Heather as she studied the data.

“Five so far.”

Heather swore under her breath. She hated losing their soldiers. “And her people are still attacking?”

“Yes, we can’t stop them.”

Heather turned to Bert. “I’m sorry, but you’re sort of trapped here until we can stop her.”

“Then let me see what I can do to help you end this.”

“Thank you.” Heather turned to her mate. “Storm, each person we lose – ”
****
“What the hell?” Skye ran his hands over the control panel, trying to get a response. Any response. All the power in the ship went out for a second before it powered back up. Now everything worked fine. He wondered what caused that.

“That was odd.” Sam ran a few tests. She looked at him. “Everything seems to be fine now.”

Skye slowed their ship down as they got close to Vespian space. Protocol needed to be followed and he knew who would be the one yelling at him if he didn’t follow it. He sent the proper message and waited for clearance. They’d figure out what happened to the ship once they landed. “I wish I knew what caused that. I’ve never had any trouble with this ship before.”

“We’ll check with Bert once we’re through.” Sam sat in the copilot seat. She pressed a few buttons and cupped her ear. “Skye, security is contacting us.”

“That’s odd.” He activated the communication system. “This is Skye Latimer.”

“What is the purpose for your visit?”

“Purpose?” He looked at Sam. Why were they asking that? “We’re returning home.”

“We have no record of your citizenship.” And they cut the line.

“What are they talking about? Sam leaned forward. “I’ll get them back.”

“Wait.” He reached out and took her hand in his. “I don’t want to end up in a jail while we try to figure out what happened. Let’s leave like we’re supposed to, and once we’re out of their radar, we’ll come back and use the ship’s cloaking device to go to Bert’s ship. He’ll have the answers for us.”

Bio: Barbara Donlon Bradley’s writing started innocently enough, she kept diaries, journals, and wrote an occasional letter but her vivid imagination had her writing scenes and short stories, adding characters to her favorite shows and comic books. As time went on the passion for writing became too strong to ignore. Humor dominates her life. Writing something deep and dark, will never happen. That humor bleeds into her writing. Since she can’t beat it she’s learned to use it to her advantage. Now she lives in Tidewater Virginia with two cats, one mother in law – whose 88 now, her husband and son.

Author Sites: