Wednesday 30 May 2012

What next???



Mmm…which sub-genre of erotic romance do I write next? That’s the question bugging me right now.

I am a writer who needs change, likes to learn different nuances of this wonderful craft, try different themes, sub-genres, conflicts to keep both my readers and me interested. The same is true of my reading material. I love erotic romance, historical romance, contemporary romance and romantic comedy.

My current releases are both contemporary erotic romance as is my third novella (hoping for a release date VERY soon) and so now I am feeling the need to write something different with my next story. But what?


I put up a poll a while asking my followers and visitors to choose a preferred erotic romance sub-genre. Having only had a handful of responses, it’s hard to judge but the consensus seems to be you guys crave either contemporary or historical erotic romance.

But what about the ever popular paranormal? Or those luscious cowboys? The thrills of a romantic suspense with those naughty boys in uniform? Mmm, delicious, I’m licking my lips just thinking about it!

Even as I am writing this, the ideas are germinating…the lusts growing. I can’t help wondering how other writers create their stories. Do they start with an idea and immediately know in which sub-genre that story will fit into? Or maybe most writers aren’t like me and once they find the sub-genre they want to write, they stick to it. What do you think? I’d love to know what you guys write and/or read. Help me out!

Trawling through websites contemporary and historical erotic romance comes up trumps every time…so that’s it, it’s decided – my next project just has to be an historical. Yum, yum! Now then, which era…?

Rachel x


Friday 25 May 2012

Time for a contest...




As I don't have a guest author today, I thought it was about time I ran a contest...

I am working on novella number four today and as I'm a pantser I sometimes get stuck when I'm writing with no idea where to go next - especially when the characters take me to a place I had no idea they wanted to go!

So I need your help...

If I give you the set-up, let's have some fun and you tell me what you'd like to see happen next. My favorite scenario will win a copy of either Explicitly English or Coming Back - winner's choice.
I can't guarantee it will make it onto the pages of the book but you never know...

Okay, the story is set in a rural village in the UK during the annual horse trials - there is plenty of skin-tight trousers, open shirts and often empty stables that can be taken advantage of ;)

My hero is a horse trainer, my heroine a journalist looking for a story. She happens upon a top show jumper (married and father to three gorgeous children) enjoying far too much of a good time with one of his dedicated fans. She is torn between breaking open the story to scandal or walking away. Should she? Shouldn't she? Then the hero catches her watching, he's angry, thinking this woman is purposely setting out to ruin the rider's career and marriage...what happens next? It's up to you!

Make your answers fun and inventive - this is a chance to let those naughty imaginations run wild!

I'll pick a winner on Sunday - good luck!

Love
Rachel x

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Welcome Christine Leov Lealand, editor of Quintessence Publications...




Today, I have Christine visiting in her editor role but she also writes erotic romance and will be appearing on my blog in that guise on June 26th - but today, she we start with the editor questions. Welcome, Christine!

 What is the best part about your job?
Reading a brilliant new book and helping the author bring it to publication worldwide. Also encouraging authors who often have low self-esteem to realise that there is value in what they have to say. It is remarkable how many capable authors have written books which have never been published. Some may have been almost published by a major house but then dropped. Many authors are unaware that they can now take charge of their own publishing business and be international professionals who can earn significant money. The traditionally encouraged image of the starving author crouching over the last drop of ink in a freezing garrett no longer applies.
 The worst?
Reading an awful attempt at a book by an earnest person who has never really read any books. But they feel like they should write a book because everyone says so.
I am also not keen on editing yet I am very fussy about the quality of books I publish. So every line of every book is read aloud and triple checked.
 Does a synopsis feature in your decision to accept a manuscript? Or is it the pages?
A synopsis is not so important to me. A feature of many books I have noticed is that the author takes several chapters to get into their stride. Consequently the beginnings of many books are weaker than the end. If a chapter within a book shows me the writer has promise – then I will be interested in publishing the book and assisting the author to improve the book where it might need improvement.
 What would you love to see more of? Sub-genre? Characters?
Authentic passion/emotion expressed capably on the page - many authors shy away from deep emotions in their work, yet readers love work they can connect to at a visceral level. There are so many authors "Having a go" at writing romance and erotica – the result is often intellectual Thinks – it should be like this – and consequently the writing never touches one' s heart.
I also would like to see more believable female characters acting as authentic woman and yet being heroines at the same time.
 What is an acceptable turnaround time for you to get back to an author with a decision on a full manuscript?
It depends what the author is looking for. Do they desire me to do an entire publishing package? Do they simply need help to publish their own book? Are they looking for someone to copy-edit their work? Do they want a critique of the work? Generally, I can look over a work and decide if I want to put time into it within a day.
 What is the best thing about being an editor?
Seeing a new work published and an author empowered. Reading reviews from delighted readers.
The worst?
Trying to convey to an ignorant person how they might rewrite or refocus their writing in order to produce a work someone would like to pay to read. I think I'm going to stop doing this! It is wasting my time!
 Do you believe any sub-genre ever loses popularity? Or should a writer always write what they love?
There will always be readers, even for the most unlikely books. If an author feels no passion for their work, then a reader cannot engage with it. Loving what you are writing about is the primary requirement for any book which could have any hope of success. Committment to being authentically yourself on paper – to as Tolstoy put it – to write in your own blood. If you were indeed using your own blood for ink – what would you write? Would you use fewer words to say what you want to say? Would there be more emotion, more meaning in your words than in those you write in mere ink?
 What is on your ‘to do’ list today?
Making book covers for a series of books and short stories about man on man combat bondage – 'Games Without Names' by Jim Stewart. Due to be published soon as a collection and series of short stories by Quintessence Publications.
Working on the final edit of our first Adventure Romance book with my co-author A J Burton. 'Atlantea Soulmates – The Secret Empire' is due to be published later this year by Longship Publications. We have written two out of a series of four – set in a Steampunk Atlantis and ancient Crete.
 What does your workspace look like?
A warm sunny room with yellow walls that looks out on a beautiful garden. I now use a stand up computer station and this has improved my comfort when working.
 Bio

Christine Leov Lealand – Publishing Editor at Quintessence Publications and Longship Publications – imprints which focus on erotic romance, adventure romance and BDSM erotica.

Thanks for being here, Christine - okay, over to you guys! Questions? Comments?

Saturday 19 May 2012

Saturday Promo - Jennifer Jakes...

Blurb:


He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman. 

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower. 

She wanted freedom, not a lover. 

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe. 

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Excerpt:



Oh, Lord. He was going to kiss her. She shouldn’t want this. She was confused enough. Respectable women didn’t kiss men they barely knew, certainly not men who made them have wild, exotic dreams.

It was crazy. He was making her want crazy things. Making her not give a damn about her reputation or her virginity. Or her long-awaited freedom. All she could think about was that dream, and the way his sinful mouth had felt. The table was only a step away, and honey was just as sweet as peach juice…

She swallowed hard and looked up into his hooded eyes.

“Maggie,” he groaned. “Don’t be scared. I’d never hurt you.”

Her mouth parted to object, but firm lips covered hers, hungry, demanding. She gasped, shocked at his hunger, but even more at the illicit response coursing through her. An aching heat unfurled low in her stomach, pulsed between her legs. Oh, yes. It started just like in the dream

He deepened the kiss, coaxed her lips with his warm tongue. Long, languid strokes teased the inside of her mouth, encouraging, tempting before he pulled back to nibble the corners of her lips.

Oh, God. Is this what all kisses felt like? Hot, lethargic? Melting her like molasses over warm bread?

“Kiss me, Maggie,” he breathed.

Buy Link:

Thursday 17 May 2012

Welcome prolific erotic romance writer, Eliza March (AKA Elizabeth Marchat)!



 Good morning, everyone! After visiting with Eliza at her blog yesterday, I am happy to repay the favor and have her visit with me today :) Eliza writes for Siren Publishing as both herself and Elizabeth Marchat. I can't wait to find out more about her and her writing...

1)  Describe your writing space.

I’ve been moving around lately. When I first started writing, I wrote everything at the kitchen table. It’s a beautiful location in an alcove of windows looking out onto our untamed backyard. Then I moved to the loft I have over the bedroom...also a lovely view. But guess what? When I’m writing, I’m not looking up to see the scenery. Now I move from chair to chair, table to table, desk to desk just to change positions. (By the way, I’m back at that first spot, the kitchen table, right now.)

2)  How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written more than I’ve published or will publish and have five in various stages of development. But to answer your question nine. My published full length novels number two: “Across A Crowded Room” (written as Elizabeth Marchat) a romantic suspense, and as Eliza March I have a full length erotic paranormal romance called “The Moon, The Madness, and The Magic” - both with Siren Publishing.

I also have a number of novellas published: two contemporary with The Wild Rose Press: Hot Highland Fling and More Than A Stud. My complete book list including paperback and EBooks is available at My Author Page at Amazon

My favorite is always the one I’m working on now.

3)  What comes first, plot or characters?

I’m a pantser - but I’m trying to kick that bad habit. LOL
Honestly, a germ of an idea strikes first, and then I figure out whom to torture next. So I guess my characters come second. I struggle with world building in my paranormals. I love writing them best, but they are the most difficult to organize. Truly, full length books require layers. A well-known author once shared that with me early on, and I didn’t understand him. I do now, so I don’t worry over not having all the details in the first draft. I mull over them and add them in later. I actually love that part of writing.

4)  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

No, not writers’ block. If anything, I have trouble sticking to a single book. The ideas are overwhelming, and sometimes I have to make a note and promise to come back to it later.


5)  Tell us about one of your books.

Several years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Santorini and the island has left a lasting impression on us. When I thought about places I wanted to write about, the enchanting island was it. So the book I want to share with your readers is SULTRY SANTORINI SUNSETS It’s a Ménage Amour: Erotic Ménage a Quarter Fantasy Romance, M/F/M/M with M/M interaction and sex toys. Okay that’s all the warning you get. Here’s the blurb:

Three thousand years ago, six warriors of Atlantis pledged themselves to Sienna, the Goddess of Sensuality, exchanging emotions for heightened senses and immortality in order to protect what remained of their lost world. Three went in search of their lost emotions and became unredeemable. The others maintained their honor with help from their leader, and they all became the Gods of Atlantis.

As an international banker and head of her family’s company, Miranda fulfilled her responsibilities while denying herself pleasure for years, until now. She's finally escaped. On Santorini, she takes three men as lovers who help her make-up for lost time. When emotions start infiltrating the men's souls in her presence, they discover she's the one woman capable of returning their emotions. Now they must convince her to share their love and lives for all eternity. Will she believe their fantastic tale and trust in their love enough to make the final commitment? Will she accept immortality, their bond, and their love?

6)  What’s next for you?

I finished the first book called “Embrace The Heat” - part of a paranormal series that I’m writing about wolves and vampires (and maybe a few other fictional beings, as well). The second book in this series is called “Defeat The Darkness” and it is almost completed, too. But then, I had a revelation. I decided to write the prequel to the series. Believe or not, I’m almost finished with that. It’s called “Conquer The Highland Beast.”

There are still name changes to make and oodles of editing to go, but the essence of each story is complete. They are not typical of standard romances or even erotic romances. They are dark and heavy in places, light and uplifting in others. I like stories with ensembles casts of characters and this series will accomplish just that. When I have finished the first two books, I may self-publish them, staggering the release dates a month apart, and follow with the third within three to six months.

You can read excerpts of all my books on MY BLOG and I will keep adding excerpts and updates to my WIP at my Author Page on Face Book. If you stop by Face Book, please like my page so I know were there.


Thank you, Rachel for inviting me to spend today with you. It has been a true pleasure.

Here is a list of places where you can find me:
Website Eliza March
TWITTER Eliza March

Thanks for being here, Eliza - hope your visit brings lots of comments and of course, a few sales as well! Have a great day :)

Comments?

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Senior Scarlet Rose editor, Trish Owens shares some tips!





As i am without a guest author today, i thought I'd share some insight into the Wild Rose Press writing guidelines as far as their erotic romance line (Scarlet Rose) is concerned. I know a lot of my readers and visitors aspire to become published writers so here are a few hints from Editor, Trish Owens...

Take it away, Trish!

Good morning!

I'm Trish Owens, Scarlet editor. I've been with TWRP for three years now (I think? Maybe this is going on 4.) My favorite thing about editing erotic romance is I'm not stuck in one genre--I love variety! I like the idea of having a paranormal, futuristic, historical,  a suspense...and an occasional cowboy on my desk at the same time! Yummy.

A personal bit about me--I have a husband, 2 kids, a dog, 1 1/2 cats (one lives part time at my MIL's) 10 chickens and 2 beef cows (we have a small farm--lots of dirt in my house!) I'm a horseback riding instructor when I'm not editing. So if you send me an animal story, expect it to be vetted carefully! I also love to knit and do decorative painting on wood and glass for sale and gifts.

On the editing side--I'm a tough but fair editor (I think. But I'm not friends on facebook with my authors, or I'd know the truth.) My strong points are getting emotion into your story without it being sappy (I hate sappy) and pacing. I also like the sexy parts. :o)

What we've seen enough of--believe it or not, we have had a ton of stories where the heroine is a romance writer and stuck, and needs a handsome man to bring her out of her writing funk. While they're great stories, it's a plot line I think we'd like to not see for a bit.


We also don't accept marriages that have gone awry. It should be a boy-meets-girl scenario. No hanky-panky to spice up an existing relationship.

What we like to see--excellent writing, of course. Something fresh and exciting. Use your sex scenes to build your characters and show growth from the beginning to the end of the story. LOTS of detail in the sex scenes--put what you think is too much, and you're probably just right. LOL

What sells best--BDSM, menage, anything double rose. Miniature length seems to do the best as well. However, we have a lot of single roses and shorter lengths that sell just as well. Promotion is a big key. Getting yourself out on the blogs, drumming up a following goes a long way to selling a lot of books.

Trish


Comments?? Let's get talking about writing! :)

Saturday 12 May 2012

Saturday Promo - A.C. Mason...




Will her love break through his armor so he can be whole again?

In June of 1940, Nazis march into Paris, France. Brutality haunts the streets. 

Engel VanWolf, the Alpha of a Shunu pack - immortals, who shift into wolf-spirit - has a painful past and the patch on his eyes serves as a reminder of human cruelty. No stranger to injustice, he poses as a Nazi officer to smuggle Jewish orphans from the city. Drawn to a seductive fragrance, chocolate skin, and velvet voice, VanWolf comes upon a human beauty, Alexia, in danger. A hunger long forgotten burns anew inside him.

Alexia Pane is taken in by the shunu pack, and finds communal living isn’t the only thing they share. When danger comes knocking, she’s sent to warn VanWolf, who has been discovered but needs rescuing of her own. As he whisks her to safety, he awakens her dormant passion. It’s not the flames of the city she fears, but the fire he invokes inside her. The closer she gets, the more he pushes her away. And then, she falls into enemy hands. 

Can VanWolf save the woman he loves from a ruthless enemy and mend the pain he has caused?

Warning; This book contains a hot Alpha with an eye patch. A chocolate damsel in need of saving. A pack that shares more than communal living. F/M/F/M. A pack with no lack of hot betas to follow.


Alexia’s stomach twisted. Soldiers marched up the pathway to the chateau. Her legs hurt from the pace Griselda kept directing her to the river’s edge. She couldn’t remember the last hour. Griselda had put her to sleep to hide a message for her brother that no one but he could retrieve on her body.

A large wolf with white fur, the hairs black tipped, watched from a distance. Cathen.

“Where are you going?” Griselda probed her for the fourth time.

“The core of Paris to see Engel VanWolf on rue Saint Antoine.” Over the past few days, the pack had become family to her. Any one of them would lay down their life for her. Now this was her chance to show them she too would do the same for them. Being caught meant death and failure. Not an option.
“Good. Do your best to stay out of sight. Cathen will watch over you as long as he can.” Griselda hugged her tight, nearly crushing her.

A kiss to each cheek was all Alexia would allow before she turned. “Your brother and I will meet up with you shortly.” She said those words as much for Griselda as herself, then took off jogging.

Dusk fell. At least the night would provide her cover. Water splashed on her boots, but she wouldn’t leave the banks of the riverbed. Down there, she could mask her scent from the werewolves the pack had warned her about.

She sensed Cathen stop. A howl carried on the breeze as though he told her to stay low and out of sight. His strong energy moved away, paused.

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered under her breath, in hopes it would ease his conscience and act as a silent prayer for her.

The male presence vanished.

Dark puffs of smoke rose into the sky. Red from the explosions reflected off the grayish clouds. The world had gone insane, and she was trapped deep in the belly of madness.

If she died tonight, she’d fail the pack. She refused to.

Male voices above her startled her. She pressed her body to the dirt and rock, trying to remain out of sight. An engine rumbled. Please God, spare her so she could help the pack. The vehicle slowed down. Thunder pounded inside her chest. Her hands trembled and breathing grew labored.

They sped off, casting dirt. She tucked in close to avoid the spray.

As she drew closer to the city, she picked up her pace. Daylight faded in the distance. A few stars managed to shine through the thick covering of smoke in the sky.

At this very moment, she’d have made a deal with the devil himself to make it through the night, but it seemed he had no interest in her. Would she die? If she did, would her life be considered a waste? Her accomplishments were little to nothing. She needed to make a difference in the world.

At least the darkness provided her a veil.

The outer streets of the city were vacant but for the patrolling soldiers. Back home, most would be barely old enough to vote, or enlist. Children fought at the front lines of wars.

How she longed for the suffering to end. Somehow, this only felt like the beginning. Death driven by the desire for a pure race. She was the furthest thing from being untainted. If caught, she too would be cleansed from the earth.

Buy:

Thursday 10 May 2012

Welcome Total E Bound author, Tanith Davenport!



 Hi Tanith! So happy to welcome you here today. Not only is Tanith a fellow Brit, she is also a member of one of the best writing associations in the world! The Romantic Novelists Association is the UK's equivalent to Romance Writers of America and is hugely supportive of all aspiring and established romantic writers. Read on to find out why next week's Summer Party could make Tanith a very happy lady...

1)   What is your writing routine?
I have to get dressed before I can write, which means no sitting around in a dressing gown on the weekend. I usually do an hour most evenings and two to three hours on Saturdays and Sundays, depending on my schedule and the individual needs of my husband and cat, one of whom likes to use the computer and the other to sit on it and get in the way.

2)   Which author/s inspire you to write?
Philippa Gregory and Lauren Oliver are two of my favourite authors – they never fail to grip me with their writing.

3)   Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?
To read, I have a weakness for anything m/m, especially if it involves cowboys. To write, probably either campus stories or paranormals. There’s something about hot frat boys, cute sorority girls and seductive ghosts.

4)   How do you deal with criticism/rejection?
I pout for a while, have a glass of wine, and then try to put it aside. It’s inevitable that not everyone will like what I write, but it never does an author good to respond negatively to a bad review or a rejection letter, even if it’s obvious they didn’t read the story!

5)   What do you expect from an editor?
Accuracy! Fortunately I’ve never had any major errors but I have nightmares about tender scenes being turned into farce because someone left an R out of “shirt”.

6)   Tell me about your latest release
"The Hand He Dealt" was written through the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme and is currently up for the Joan Hessayon Award, which will be awarded later this month. My heroine, Astra, is a sorority girl who goes on a journey of personal discovery when her boyfriend admits he might be gay.



7)   Tease us with a blurb or short excerpt

Two hours later, and Astra stood in front of her bedroom mirror, holding in one hand the toy she had bought from Amy’s Delights.
Rubber underwear was laced through her fingers, a small plastic remote control dangling below on the end of a long cord. And attached to the front—
Well.
It was a strap-on.
It was a strap-on dildo.
And it was purple.
A purple length of shiny plastic. A perfect simulacrum of a veined, circumcised penis, five inches long and of a thickness Astra considered average, just the right width to wrap a hand around.
She stared at her reflection for a long time, contemplating the dildo, before slowly drawing it back towards her body, holding it against her stomach.
No.
One foot through the straps, two feet…rubber caught against denim-clad legs, but after a moment’s struggle the strap-on dildo was in place, and Astra’s image stood in front of her, the purple dick jutting out in front like the hilt of a sword.
Slowly she rotated her hips, watching the dildo glide from side to side, before stopping abruptly with a giggle.
Shit. It looks like a fucking light sabre.
Watching herself in the mirror, she closed one hand around its length, giving it a tentative stroke.
Nothing. Unsurprisingly.
She tried it again, this time holding the remote control and flicking the switch. A sudden buzzing, accompanied by a muted vibration through her jeans, made her jolt sharply.
Interesting.
Flipping the switch again, she rocked her hips slowly, her eyes glazing. In her mind formed a picture of Harry’s smooth back and bare buttocks, thighs parting to receive her, Harry’s voice gasping, begging for more, more, please, more…
Oh.
The switch snapped off.
Astra eyed herself coolly, squaring her shoulders, her legs automatically widening into a masculine stance.

Buy:

8)   Which is your favorite character in the book?  Why?
Ash, my hero, was a great character to write. I’ve always had a soft spot for athletes. He was also quite a challenge because, while not the stereotypical dumb jock, he wasn’t the type for emotional outbursts and so I had to focus on what he didn’t say to the heroine.

9)   What are you working on right now?
I’m working on three shorts, two for upcoming anthologies and one for Total-e-Bound. I’m trying to broaden my range as far as possible – I have a couple of unusual kinks and what I hope is a new take on vampire stories.
I’ve also just had accepted a paranormal romance, “I Heard Your Voice”, about a paranormal investigator and a matchmaking ghost, and also a campus-based short called “Assume the Position”.

10) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?
Finish the book! I’ve been told by a lot of people that they’d love to write a novel, but they just don’t have the time. It took me three years to write my first novel and there were times when I thought I would never get it published, but the guidance I received from the Romantic Novelists’ Association was invaluable.

11) Where can readers find you?
At my blog, tanithdavenport.blogspot.com, on Facebook or on Twitter. I also blog at Erotic Diaries and Hitting the Hot Spot.

HUGE good luck with the Joan Hessayon award at the RNA party next week, Tanith! So good to see erotic romance going through the scheme and coming out so successfully the other end. Make sure you come back to tell us all how you got on!

Okay, Tanith is waiting for your questions and comments... :)

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Maxine Mansfield!


            


SWelcome, Maxine! Happy to have you here and help celebrate your debut Wild Rose Press release. The cover looks great! Who was the artist? I think TWRP have some of the best cover artists in the business, don't you??

      Let's get started with the interview!


When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?

Though I've created stories in my head for as long as I can remember,it was a little over twelve years ago when I really became serious about becoming published. Life can deal you some very hard knocks and one thing that always helped me though mine was being able to escape into another world for a few hours. I wanted to be able to do that for others. So, I began writing, and reading everything I could find on writing romance and character development. It has been a wonderful journey.  

2)   What is the best and worse thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

The best thing I’ve learned from my editor would probably be patience. She is a very much in demand, busy lady, and a phenomenal editor, so, it does take her a little while to get back to me. Patience has never been my strong suite, but I’m getting there. The worst thing I’ve learned from my editor isn’t really bad it was just hard to swallow. She points out my weaknesses on a very regular basis, which is her job. But, it still stings when I’ve convinced myself that ‘this’ time, she will be amazed by my genius writing abilities. In other words, she keeps me humble.    

3)   Favorite author/s?

There are so many to choose from that it’s hard to narrow the list down to a few, but I’ll try. I love everything Julia Quinn writes, and I absolutely adore Monica McCarty. Also, Donna Grant is certainly close to the top of my list. You just can’t beat stories with sexy men running around in kilts.
I also love Suzanne Collins and her Hunger Games series, and of course J. K. Rowling and her Harry. I’m not much for contemporary romance, as I am an absolute history nerd, but I do so love Lizbeth Selvig’s stories of small town Minnesota.


4)   What is your typical day?

My typical night would be more like it, for I’ve worked three twelve hour night shifts a week at my ‘day’ job for more than thirty years. So, those days consist of work, sleep, and work, sleep. But, on my four days a week that I’m off, I revert back to a day shift schedule filled with writing, and Facebook, and then writing, and twitter, then writing, and Words with Friends, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner sprinkled in for good measure between blogs. If it’s a really good day then I also get in some playtime with my grand babies, and my honey.




5)   Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us

Touched by the Magic

New to The Academy of Magical Arts, Briarlarn Tumbleweed wants to learn the art of being a True Healer, but her nerves get the best of her when she’s paired in the sexually dynamic healing class with Uthiel Stoutheart, Paladin of the Realm. Between burning off his eyebrows and overturning a candle on certain exposed male parts, she isn't making a very good impression. But how can she focus when Uthiel is strong, brave, and touches Briar in a way that leaves her weak in the knees, quivering with pleasure, and begging for more?

Falling in love with the accident-prone but talented Briar was not what Uthiel had planned, but life with the sexy healer is adventurous, hilarious, mind-blowingly stimulating, and clearly his destiny. His soul awakens while taking her to new heights of ecstasy, yet he can't allow his own pleasure. There’s no getting around it—he must leave The Academy and pursue his quest to right the wrongs done to his people if he can ever hope to find happiness with Briar.

But is their love strong enough to mend the magic so desperately needed to preserve their world, and that touches both their souls with a searing heat?



6)   Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?

This is a very hard one for me. If Touched by the Magic were ever to be made into a movie I think I would want new, fresh faces in the main character parts. Though, who could ever snub their nose at Zac Efron or Channing Tatum, or OMG! Chris Hemsworth? I mean, has there ever been a more sexy man than he was in Thor? As far as Briarlarn’s part, if Chris were playing Uthiel Stoutheart the paladin, would anyone even notice Briar? 


7)   Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?

I am a complete and total plotter from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I plot every last twist and turn, conflict, and resolution, love scene and argument of every chapter before I ever write one single word of the story. I even know exactly how the book will end before I start. Nerd remember?


8)   What surprised you the most when you became published?

The feel of actually holding my book in my hands. I can’t even describe what that was like. Let’s just say, there were tears involved, and hugging, and stroking, and squeezing, and kissing. Not with tongue though, I wouldn’t want to get it wet.


9)   Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?

I have a chase-lounge worthy of Barbara Cartlind in my living room. It is plush, dark green microfiber, and never fails to cocoon me in warmth and security. It’s my favorite place to write, because if by chance I need a quick, little nap during the writing process, I can cuddle up against one of its cushiony arms, close my eyes, and catch twenty winks or so. At my age, those winks are important.


10)                   What’s  next for you?

Touched by the Magic is the first of a six book series set at The Academy of Magical Arts on the planet Albrath. The next book, Tempted by the Storm is due out sometime in September. Also, I have a sizzling hot little novella coming out later this summer. It is titled Served, and is part of The Wild Rose Press’s Boys of Summer series.


Thank you so much for having me today, and if anyone would like to find me or my book just look me up at http://www.maxinemansfield.com/or on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002681720132,  at Twitter  at https://twitter.com/ and The Wild Rose Press at http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php
My book can be found in paperback form from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.com As e-books, it can be found any place e-books are available

 So glad for the chance to get to know you better, Maxine! Comments? Questions?


Saturday 5 May 2012

Why Write Erotic Romance??





Why Erotic Romance?

I write both erotic and mainstream (under a different name) romance but inevitably it’s the erotic romance that gets the most interest. And this isn’t just from the hot-blooded males, believe me. Women love erotic romance, I think, because it provides more heated escapism than mainstream romance ever could.

And for the writer of erotic romance? The escapism is amazing…even orgasmic, you could say! ; )

Whenever I mention my erotic romance in a bar or out with friends, people automatically ask about the sex scenes and the graphic language but that is not why erotic romance writers write this sub-genre of romance and more often than not, it is not why erotic romance readers read it.

I love creating sexy, passionate characters to star in my erotic romances. I love giving those characters sexy, passionate conflicts and ultimately sexy, passionate love scenes where they can act out their fantasizes, unleash their pent-up frustration and ride the wave! The motivations of these characters, their hopes and dreams are ultimately what makes the story fiery hot and incredibly sexy.

For me, the secret to great erotic romance is not so much the sex scenes themselves (but obviously they help!), but more the sexual tension beforehand, and the passion inside the characters. What makes them tick? What’s their problem/conflict? What do they ultimately want in their lives? And how is the hero/heroine the one to make them happy?

These are all questions I ask myself when coming up with a new idea for an erotic romance story. Once I have these questions answered, I usually have two passionate individuals who NEED to be together in order to live their best life…happily and erotically.

The heroes and heroines of these stories have a job to do that is even more vital than the heroes and heroines of mainstream romance – they have to have a tangible electricity that is so hot it singes the page. Readers want to be turned on, to be squirming in their seat as they are reading, reaching for their own partners after reading and unleash their frustrations…yummy!

This is what happened to me when I was writing Explicitly English and I hope it does to you when you read it  - erotic romance is there to be enjoyed whether that be alone or with someone else… ; )

Blurb & Buy Link:

Laura Markham needs to forget - just for awhile.  Be someone else for change - live as her parents will never have the chance to.  And for Laura, that means leaving the City for the English countryside and doing just what the hell she feels like…wherever she feels like doing it…
           British stockbroker, Stephen Cambridge knows by going home to his country retreat two days early, he's likely to surprise his contracted interior designer.  And when he finds out she's the woman who performed the solo masterbation show for him on the inward bound journey, Stephen will do anything to further convince her to miss the outward bound train and stay with him forever...


I love to hear what makes an erotic romance steaming hot for you…what do you want in an erotic story?

Rachel x