Today I am welcoming Randi Alexander to my blog and she is talking about her muse...the thing us writers hanker and sometimes, God forbid, lose altogether. Thankfully, it doesn't happen to me too often, what about you?
Energizing My Muse
I want to thank Rachel for letting me guest blog today. I'm Randi Alexander and I write cowboy erotic romances. My first book, Chase and Seduction is available from The Wild Rose Press' Cowboy Kink line. I have two more books coming soon from The Wild Rose, and I'm gearing up for a busy winter.
I'm usually a fast writer, but sometimes when I write blogs I get a blob of sludge lodged between my brain and my fingers. I can usually come up with something really good twice a month for my blog on Wild and Wicked Cowboys, but when I have a new release and am promoting on a blog tour, coming up with over 30 blogs can challenged me.
When I feel blocked, I pull out all my muse enhancement tricks. I meditate, sitting quietly for five minutes just breathing, concentrating on watching the ocean in my mind. Sometimes I'll watch an animated movie. Beauty and the Beast and Mulan are favorites for re-juicing my creativity.
It helps to read other writers' work, too. I'll open the most recent manuscript from one of my critique partners and read a scene from the middle of the book. Audio books are great, too. Did you know that many libraries offer audio books to check out via download? I slide them onto my iPod, and take a long walk. The combination of visual and audio stimulation is revitalizing.
Then, if nothing else works, I Google pictures of cowboys, country western stars, and steamy scenes of couples to use in video trailers. For some reason, cowboys get me going again ;-})
In Chase and Seduction, the heroine, Reno, is a writer, but she never seems to encounter writers' block. Must be the influence of that sexy cowboy, Chase! I'm excited to share with you the blurb for my book, as well as a sweet, happily ever after-type of excerpt.
Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.
Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.
Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?
EXCERPT: Over 18 only
Chase played for an hour and a half. A few parents stood in the back of the room, the mobile kids danced, the ones in wheelchairs wiggled and clapped, and everyone sang along. A few called out their favorite songs and Chase was hard-pressed to remember the words to some of them, but he’d gotten good at making them up.
Reno sat smack in the middle of the kids on a tiny chair, her knees nearly up to her chin. But she sang along, clapped, and talked with the children. His heart filled with emotion each time he looked at her.
Then a nurse popped her head into the room. “Bedtime, everyone. Say thank you to Mr. Tanner, and start heading back to your rooms.”
“Aw!”
“Already?”
Chase stood and set his guitar in its case. “I’ll be back in a few days.”
One little girl with IV lines into her stomach started crying, and her mother picked her up and brought her to Chase. She asked, “Can she give you a hug?”
His throat choked shut, and all he could do was nod.
“Cassie, thank Mr. Tanner for singing for you.”
Cassie released her mother’s neck and grabbed a hold of his. Her little body felt like a warm, soap-scented bird in his arms. “Tank you for singing.” Then she kissed him full on the mouth.
A sweet-hot burn grew behind his eyes, and he whispered, “You’re welcome, Cassie.”
She stared at him, her tiny arms were light as feathers against his neck. She whispered, “I love you.”
“I…love you, too.” Chase blinked back a swell of tears as he handed her to her mother. They walked away, then he caught Reno’s gaze.
Tears ran from her eyes down her cheeks.
He watched her, unmoving, unable to breathe for fear the tears would leak from his eyes. In his side vision, he saw the princess castle, the toy trucks, and the pretend kitchen. He’d love to have a kid. Maybe two. A boy and a girl. When he imagined his own little girl, she looked a lot like Reno.
I love a happy, romantic story. Especially when it's laced with lots of steamy sex scenes!
Thanks for stopping by today, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a sparkling New Year!
Randi
Buy Chase and Seduction at The Wild Rose Press Wilder Roses
Great excerpt, Randi! I love the Cowboy Kink series from Wild Rose but must admit, i am yet to read Chase and Seduction. I am off to download it right now! Randi is waiting for your comments...let's chat! :)
Buy this book. Read it, reviewed it and LOVED it. Beautiful debut novel by one of the niciest lady out there.
ReplyDeleteMarika
Well, thank you so very much, Marika! I'm so glad you enjoyed Chase and Seduction. I've got another book coming soon, and I'll be sure to get it to you for a review. Happy holidays!
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