Writer's Words of Wisdom

      This is no big shocker- Sex Sells! Erotic romance is booming and there's no short supply or demand for piping-hot, new erotica. I write erotica for lots of reasons, one of them being that I'm not a big romantic and sugary-sweet romances are just SO far out of my realm. Today, I'm focusing on my own genre and I'm offering you some writing tips for writing HOT romance.

• Tip 1: Make it your own! Don't just do what other people are doing. Readers will get bored of reading A*B=C. Stay away from formulas. I know there are "classes" out there that teach you a recipe for a 'Bestseller' and all you have to do is plug in different names and settings- stay away! Learn to innovate, never replicate.
• Tip 2: Create Good Characters: Readers don't just want to read sex for their own benefit- although that's reason enough. They want an unrestricted, all-access pass into your characters' relationship, but you won't hold their attention long if they're not interesting. Don't just make your characters fall in love with each other, make your readers fall in love with them, too. Don't be afraid to delve into their sexuality and help your readers get to know them better, on the most base level imaginable. After all, we're at our most vulnerable when we're naked.
• Tip 3: Find Your Limits & Push: We all get Vanilla sex, hell it's splashed all over TV and mainstream media so much that we, the global audience, are nonplussed by it. Bring something exciting to the table. I'm sure you're aware of the newest flavor- BDSM. Thanks to the success of Fifty Shades, readers are being bombarded with bossy, over-protective Doms and Rebellious, not-so-submissive subs. Bring some spice into the literary bedroom that is something new and exciting to entice your readers and not remind them of some other book. 

      These are just a quick run-through and hints to keep in mind while writing. There are plenty of places on the internet and scores of books on the shelves that go into in-depth plot and character development if you're interested in exploring them further.
      Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to hop on over to the other authors' blog posts! Happy Wednesday!

We are a smart & savvy group of authors who write a weekly feature for their blog every Wednesday. The goal is to impart what we've learned about writing, editing, getting published, book promotion, and more along the way.

Tammy Dennings Maggy

Paloma Beck

Melinda Dozier 

Jessicca Collins

Vote

I hope everyone was able to make it out to vote today, or at least absentee vote. See? No excuses.

I hate it when people complain about the way things are, and then do nothing to change it. At the very least you could educate yourself on policies, bills, candidates, party platforms. At least you could throw your two cents into an impromptu debate in the grocery line sometime.

I voted already, obviously, and I admit that I felt like I needed a good scrubbing with lye soap, bleach, and boiling water after picking through the lesser of evils...except there were a lot of "I'm the only candidate here" slots- so I'm thinking more people need to run for office, too!

So, that's my soap box lecture today. Don't bitch if you aren't willing to do some leg work.

Promotional Fridays: Secret Cravings Author Vanessa Johnston

It's Friday again, folks! And that means it's time to get
to know another of my fellow SCP authors. This week I'd like to welcome Vanessa Johnston! Vanessa is here to promote her two new SCP releases, Dangerous Interlude and A Special Night.

But first, let's get to know Vanessa!

Vanessa Johnston is an actress who lives in California. When not writing or

acting, she paints abstracts and enjoys nature walks. Her heroines are often full-figured women because love comes to people of all shapes and sizes.  

Now let's get to know her books!

Her newest release is Dangerous Interlude.

Get your copy at Secret Cravings Publishing

 For her big audition as the lead singer for The NicNacs, Marcy Wilkin wears a sexy mini-skirt, stilettos and a low-cut top. With her voluptuous double-D size she doesn't need a push-up bra to show off her ample cleavage. She knows she's hot and she sings her heart out, expecting to get the gig. But when The NicNacs insist on a different game plan, Marcy can't believe what she hears. This was supposed to be her big chance. But she realizes she can't afford to let it go. That's when she makes a decision that will change her life forever. It takes her on a path she hopes will bring her success and love, or at least admiration. Besides, anything's better than her job at Dilmar's Department Store. But in her rush to grab this opportunity, her rash behavior with a handsome stranger distracts her from realizing the danger that surrounds her.       

More Dangerous Interlude Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Vanessa is also the author of A Special Night.

Buy your copy at Secret Cravings Publishing

 
Although meeting men at this business convention is not on the agenda for Francine, she can't get Omar out of her mind. He acts interested, but never makes a move. On the last night of the convention, as sexy as she looks in black fishnet stockings and a low-cut bustier, she wonders if she can compete with that throng of gorgeous, skinny model-types surrounding Omar wherever he goes. But then this other guy appears with Omar and Francine realizes she wants him too. Who is he? And what should she do? 


 "The heroine of A Special Night, an erotic menage novelette, is a full figured woman. I chose this character because I believe love comes to people of all shapes and sizes. I wanted to write about a woman who ultimately realizes her power to attract love."

More A Special Night Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Thank you for stopping by and chatting with us, Vanessa! It's been great getting to know you and your books!

Vanessa's Links

Blog  

Secret Cravings Publishing

Facebook

 

Hump Day Hook

I'm pretty sure I was supposed to do this last week. But now I'm here and fully-involved! Sorry for the delay, folks.

This is from the first book in my Sex Chronicles, Training Dani series, currently under consideration with Secret Cravings Publishing. Enjoy!

 

Dani imagined the serpent in the Garden of Eden in her mind’s eye, even as she found the clip in Jessa’s hair and tugged it loose. She dropped the trinket and heard it skitter across the floor. Did she want to give herself over to Jessa so completely? She ruled most of her waking hours anyway, but how would Jessa’s offer change that? She knew Jessa had power to make lots of previously barred doors open up to her, but she wasn’t sure how she could give her Neil. Surely she didn’t own him as well?

Got your attention yet? I sure hope so! This is my favorite project so far and I hope to add it to my SCP published collection soon!

:.She reminds me of the regal, sexy, controlling Jessa Blaze. Also, her decorating style in her California Mansion. I borrowed this picture from my friend and fellow author Marina Kris.:

 

Don't Forget To Check Out the Other Hump Day Hook Authors! 

Kerrianne Coombes  http://kerriannecoombes.wordpress.com/
Lacie Nation  http://soulshakinromance.blogspot.fr/?zx=235b81f7a0ed181f
Beth Carter      http://bethdcarter.com/2012/index.php
Shannon West  http://remyshannon.weebly.com/
Lindsey Downs  http://ajessicasalesnovel.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Simpkins  www.jennifersimpkins.net
Colette. L. Saucier. http://colettesaucier.blogspot.com/2012/10/hump-day-hook.html
Paloma Beck http://palomabeck.weebly.com.
Jessicca Collins  http://thatsexactlywrite.blogspot.com
Kenzie Michaels  http://kenziemichaels.blogspot.com
Vanessa Johnston http://vanessajohnstonwrites.blogspot.com
Thresa Stillwagon http://tstillwagon.wordpress.com
Kathleen Grieve http://kathleengrieve.blogspot.com
Karen cino http://karencinobooks.blogspot.com
Molly Daniels http://mjdaniels.blogspot.com
Marie Rose Dufour www.marierosedufour.blogspot.com

Get Humping!

If you'd like to sign up, check out Kerrianne Coombes' Blog!

Writer's Words of Wisdom- Too Commited?

There's (almost) nothing worse than being late- unless you're knocked up. I love babies! I just couldn't let that golden opportunity slip past. Sorry!

Anyway! If you're an author, you probably work with deadlines. You're given a certain amount of time to return edits, approve mark-ups, that sort of thing. If you're like me, you also try to get some promo stuff in too. It's good to get the publicity, but reveiw your schedule carefully before you overly-commit to blog hops, interviews, chat groups, Beta Readers Groups- You see where I'm going with this?

Now, I know that we all have lives outside our computers and inevitably, emergencies arise that are completely out of our control. If at all possible, try to notify anyone you may have to reschedule or who have to reschedule you in a reasonable amount of time, or otherwise responsible manner. People are more willing to work with you than you probably think.

Most importantly, when you give your word to someone- try your very best to keep it. This is my personal motto. Even if it puts me in a bad spot or otherwise inconveniences me, I do my absolute best to stay true to my word. Your reputation is just as big a part of your professional career as it is your literary one. Strive to be a dependable person!

Case in point, as a last-minute decision, I decided to offer a Grand Prize for my Howloween Blog Hop post. Initially I offered a $10.00 Amazon gift card. The only problem was, I don't want to use my banking account for on-line stuff, so I decided to buy a physical gift card to mail to the winner (along with a business card, of course). When I went to buy a gift card, the only store close to me offered a minimum amount of $25.00. It was more money than I advertised and more money from my budget, but I'd given my word. So, I bought it and changed the post to a higher amount. Now I'll know to be more prepared!

So, in review- our lessons for today are-

1. Be prompt.
2. Schedule responsibly.
3. Be respectful of deadlines. Get a Weekly Planner and refer to it often!
4. Be prepared. Have your bio., blurb, buy links, etc. saved as documents so you can send them to interviewers in short notice if you have to.
5. Investigate local stores BEFORE offering prizes!

Happy Halloween, Ya'll!

A Smart & Savvy Group of Authors who write a weekly feature for their blog -Writer's Words of Wisdom- each Wednesday. The goal is to impart what we've learned about writing, editing, getting published, book promotion, and more along the way.

 

Don't forget to check out this weeks other participating authors:

Paloma Beck 

Tammy Dennings Maggy 

Melinda Dozier 

Howloween Blog Hop- Win A Free Copy of Bi-Curious

Welcome to the Halloween Blog Hop! This is my first year participating and my second blog hop...ever. So bear with me, Lovelies.

You can win a FREE Copy of my new Secret Cravings Publishing release, Bi-Curious. All you have to do is leave a comment with your name and e-mail address! Please make sure you include your e-mail address or you will not be considered. 

Also, and I was going to keep this under my hat but I'm partial to my wonderful readers, I'll choose one lucky commenter to win a FREE $25.00 Amazon Gift card! That's right, $25.00. I know it's more than I originally advertised, but I'm feeling generous :P.



So please come back Monday, October 29th when I will unveil my two lucky winners!

Happy Posting!

Don't Forget to Visit the Other Authors for A Chance to Win More Freebies!

The Blog Hop Spot: Halloween Hop

Promotional Fridays: Secret Cravings Publishing Author Lacie Nation

Welcome back to Promotional Fridays! This week the spotlight is on SCP Author Lacie Nation.
Lacie is here to promote her latest release, The Weeping Willow Tree.

Lacie draws inspiration from these two photographs when she writes emotional scenes for her books.






































Blurb:

Willow Bradley lives her life as simply as she can. Playing the guitar and singing her pain away, she finds peace under her shade tree by the lake in her small town. Her entire life has been a struggle not to let her depression control her life. Overcoming her issues was something she was proud of. Her life was just as she wanted it until the breath taking Danny Mason walked into her safe haven. Can she put her pain aside and love a man who has secrets of his own?

 
Danny Mason wants nothing more than simplicity. His life is full of greed and the constant need to be perfect. What happens when he hears an angel singing under a lone weeping willow tree on the lakeside? Danny and Willow share a deep, all consuming love. Will it survive the chaos his social status, and high society parents cause?


 Buy Links:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Secret Cravings Publishing 

 
Get to Know Lacie Nation:

Facebook
Website

Thank you for stopping by to meet Lacie and read about her new book. Don't forget to come back next Friday to meet Vanessa Johnston.