Aphrodisia Authors :: Blog

I think every author puts some of herself into her characters. For me, more often than not, I find more of myself in my heroines than in my heroes. Maybe it’s the girl thing, I don’t know, but there is a teensy bit of my personality in all of them. So, even though most of my characters live on a futuristic world or have paranormal powers, there’s still something totally human and totally relate-able about them for me because they are, in small part, me.

Jain from “In Ice” in Sexy Beast V is both a teacher and a scholar. This is definitely me. She’s uncomfortable with the total instinct that Kesuk, the hero, guides himself with. The crazy-wild lust she has for him makes her uncomfortable because it’s not logical and not something she can control. She is a total control freak. Let’s just say that part of her personality was pretty natural for me to write.

Sera in Carnal Desires is totally impatient with things she doesn’t agree with. Like the merman society that is focused on outward perfection. She thinks perfection is unattainable, so why beat yourself up about it? Oh, yeah. That’s me. Accept that the world sucks and make the best of it. No need to fake it and pretend something is what it isn’t.

Solana in On The Prowl (which comes out in April of this year) is this amazing combination of strength and vulnerability. I wish that part was me, but it’s not. Solana has more of her stuff together than I do, but she also has a sarcastic streak a mile wide that is so, so me. I think I gave her a few of my favorite cuss words, too.

Chloe in Every Witch Way (working title subject to change at a moment’s notice from my editor) is the character that is, I think, almost entirely me. Me with magical powers. She’s a librarian, a smart ass, allergic to commitment after being burned one too many times, totally independent, and a stubborn wench. Um. Yeah. That would be all me. She’s also a real witch. Like, from a long line of witches. She also has clairaudience, which means she hears voices but she’s not crazy (mostly). I set her up with Merek, an uber-alpha, uber-powerful warlock cop who decides the best way to protect his very independent heroine from some very bad baddies is to just move in with her. And not ask her first. That’s going to go over well, don’t you think?

I sold this book to Aphrodisia last year on proposal, and it will probably come out in late 2010 or early 2011, but I think it’ll be a lot of fun to write. Can’t wait!

So Many Clothes, So Little To Wear

There’s a smarter way to shop for clothes than the way I’ve shopped all my life.  This, I discovered when my best friend (BF) came over recently to help me go through my closet and come up with some “outfits.”  I have plenty of clothes, it seems, but few outfits. Why? Because I buy clothes on impulse.

On the other hand, BF is very disciplined. She’ll try on something in a store that looks great on her, and I’ll urge her to buy it.  She’ll often refuse, saying, “I don’t have anything to go with it.”  My response has always been bafflement. “Who cares? You’ll find something.”

So BF came over that afternoon, and like a fashion drill sergeant, she ordered me to hang my clothes in color groups. Then we mixed and matched.  When we managed to put together an “outfit,” she took a photo of me wearing it, so it would be easy to remember. Along the way, I realized how many pieces of clothing I have that are lovely, but that I haven’t worn because they don’t go with anything else I have. That has always frustrated me.

By the time BF left, I had six outfits.  And a shopping list.  She told me to get a long, narrow, red scarf; high, chunky-heeled black shoes; a black belt; and a red camisole.  “Yes sir!” I replied.  I’ve gotten three of the four.  (Red camisoles of the right length and decoration are hard to find.)

I’m not saying I’ll never impulse-buy again, but I’ll be doing less of it. I really learned something about shopping from my best friend that day:
1. The RIGHT accessories go a long way.
2. Buy smart—buy things that go together.

If you’ve felt the same frustration when trying to put your clothes together, invite a willing friend over to do this. It’s fun and worthwhile!

CONTEST:
My new release, Dominic, The Lords of Satyr pubs in March and I’ll offer a copy of it in next month’s blog. This month, I’m offering an autographed copy of the first book in the satyr series, Nicholas, The Lords of Satyr, since I have extras. Next Wednesday (Feb. 4th), I’ll have someone randomly select a winner from among those who leave a comment here.  Good luck, and thanks for visiting the Aphrodisia Authors’ blog!

~ Elizabeth Amber

Wow, by the subject line of this blog I bet you’ll never guess where I’m going with this post!

So I’m making the effort to date again. This Friday I have a date. After having barely any (let’s see, I can probably count on one hand how many) since I had my daughter and became an instant single mom.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been out of the dating game, and I’ve noticed this time around it’s different. Namely…it’s not a game anymore. I’m like…whatever. I’m going to go out and have fun. I’m not going to go through that angst that was so damn aggravating when I was at it before. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom now. Maybe it’s because I’m in my early thirties. But I have a whole new outlook on it. I’m more openminded. I’m more…relaxed.

Looking back, there were some interesting dates in my twenties, but not many I’d classify as bad. I suppose I should consider myself lucky. Though it’s kind of disappointing in my efforts to share good stories.

Of course, there was this one guy my roomie (another guy) brought home from a bar because he thought we’d be perfect together. They’d just met. Seriously.  Didn’t really work out.

There was one guy I met on a dating site. He seemed my type. Outdoorsee. Guys guy. And then we went to a movie. We saw…shoot what was that bad movie with that rapper…oh yeah 8 mile or something? Anyway, I was a little concerned with how things were progressing, and then we hit the spot in the movie that sealed the deal. I can’t remember exactly, but it was something about the mom (Kim Basinger) and the oral sex. And my date….giggled. Not laughed. He giggled. Now I’m not saying men can’t giggle (well maybe I am), but it was the way he giggled.

So I’m in the mood for some bad dates stories. I’m sure someone has one that’s way better than mine!

p.s. drop by my website to hear about my latest contest!

Shelli Stevens

http://www.shellistevens.com

Have you ever wondered if you’d “go for it” if given the chance to live out a fantasy?

I’ve often wondered it for myself, then usually said “Yes!”. LOL My opportunites have always managed to come as a chance of luck type thing, which is why I generally go with it. Sort of a “it was meant to happen” type of train of thought. And some of those fantasies

I’ve been on readers loops where they talk about why they enjoy reading BDSM, and if they would truly be interested in experiencing it. And I’ve been on writers loops where we talk about why we write about BDSM relationships. The conversations often lead to different levels of BDSM and Kink, as well as the relationships and more – like how to research this stuff?

Me? I usually research by talking to people, and maybe even trying a thing or two. Okay, maybe a thing or three. *grin* Anyway, One valuable, and very naughty research tool I found is a website. Into The Attic is an amature BDSM site. Women (And I think men, get to go there, an explore their submissive fantasies. The catch? It’s videotaped.

Now, one thing I did notice in my research into BDSM previously is that the majority of submissives usually also enjoy some exhibitionism. So this might not be a bad thig for some. It was certainly a good thing for my research as I learned a lot by watching , and talking to them. (You can read more about my research at THE DUNGEON )

Into The Attic is a member site, where you watch real live submissive sessions. These are not actors, but real people. I’ve watched less than half a dozen of the film sequences with various Guests of the Attic (Each session seems to have 5 or 6 sequences,) and I’m still not sure how I feel about them.

Were they tasteful? I think they are. You can choose what part of each session you want to watch, and each session is also descrbed above so you know what you are getting into.

Each session also starts and ends with the Guest speaking clearly about what they are there for. (I’m sure that’s sort of a legal thing too) lol

Were the videos arousing to me? More to my imaginaition than my body. I think I’d enjoy it a lot more if I was writing a BDSM themed story right now – As they are nothing if not creative. I also might enjoy it more if there was a chance of myself and a partner emulating some of it…but I’m partnerless right now, so I took a more analytical view of things. LOL

Do I recommend it? Yes! I think if you have an interest in being submissive, or exploring that aspect of yourself, beyond reading some hot hot stories from authors like us, you should definitely check out INTO THE ATTIC. It’s very interesting.

As some of you may already know (if you read my last blog), I work as an engineer. Some of my coworkers know I write romance and mystery, and a very select few know I write the “hot” stuff, but almost no one at work knows I write as Lydia Parks. There’s a reason for that. I just can’t imagine walking into a meeting to discuss the pros and cons of treating drinking water with reverse osmosis with a bunch of fellow engineers who might be wondering where I got the idea for that group sex scene on page 63. I need to maintain some level of professionalism.

I also understand how important professionalism is in my writing life, although I do believe in enjoying myself. One of my characters once told me “if you ain’t havin’ fun, you’re just wastin’ space.” That has become my motto. Life’s too short not to enjoy.

But I digress.

I realized I needed an author photo for Lydia Parks. I can’t use the same one I use for my other writing because it would be too easy to make the connection, so I decided to come up with a new one. The first requirement was for the photo not to actually look like me. The second was for it to reflect my body of work . Since I write mostly vampires, I opted for fangs and sun glasses.

I spent a fair amount of time over Christmas break shopping for just the right outfit. Then I talked my husband into being my photographer. We started inside where we got a few decent photos, but nothing either of us much liked. We decided natural lighting–as incongruous as it was with a vampire photo–might help. (Did I mention that I’m not in the least photogenic?)

Now, I live in a condo complex, and I don’t know many people living around me. Most of us work and keep to ourselves, and I don’t mind that. I selfishly love having lots of time to write. The only people we’ve really met are the young couple directly across from us. They’re sweet and have a cute puppy. The guy’s a boxer and his wife is a teacher; we say the usual hellos when we’re all outside at the same time. They don’t know I write erotica. Or, at least, they didn’t.

Back to the photos. My husband and I walk outside to take photos, and it’s still Christmas break, so almost no one is around. This is a good thing since I’m wearing fangs, a black shirt buttoned at the neck, a hat, and sunglasses. I peek around each corner before slinking to the next, and spot a wall to use as a backdrop. I trot over to it, pose, and guess who comes around the building. Yep, the young boxer. What can I do but smile and say hello? He tries to carry on a normal conversation with us, but he keeps looking at my fangs. We finally gave up and told him what we were doing. Why is it people are always around the one time you’re doing something you don’t really want them to see?
The good part is that his wife flagged me down a day or two later to ask for my booklist.

So what do you think of the photo? Engineer or erotica writer? Do I look like someone whose book was just nominated by RT for a reader’s choice award in paranormal erotica??

Earlier this month, I sent the last book in my current Aprhodisia contract to my editor. Along with a sense of relief, comes the knowledge that I’m officially homeless. Oh, I have a novella contract to fulfill and its going to be a kick, but it also reinforces that I’m in the position of having to convince the Aphrodisia powers that be that I still have more erotica ideas inside this old brain of mine. I’ve been at this juncture before but never with the economy in the sorry position it is.
The thing is, I’m not worried, not yet anyway. Quite the opposite, I feel as a skier must when she looks out at a mountain pristine with a new coat of snow. The world is perfect. This skier I’ve become will be the first to leave ski tracks on the unspoiled landscape. Switching to writer mode again, I can write whatever I want as long as it fits within the Aphrodisia model. I refuse to ponder the possibility that my next child won’t find a home. I’m not going to fall going down that slope. Quite the opposite, I’m going to leave graceful curves and lines in the snow, beautiful marks, Olympic quality.
How do I know this? Because I haven’t yet written the first word of my next project. Right now it simply swims around in my mind, rich and exciting. I know certain things. I’ll be revealing layers and layers of both hero and heroine. Two strangers who at first blush will appear to be direct and can I say it, simple, will turn out to be as complex as real human beings. They’ll play out their relationship in a complex, even dark plot and in the process, I’ll learn a great deal about something that’s long intrigued me. Oh yes, right now its all good.
Question of the month: how as a reader do you respond to characters who become more and more complex, who peel back the onion layers of their personalities?
Vonna
www.VonnaHarper.com

I wasn’t prepared to blog today. Truth is, it’s the last thing on my mind right now. When I turned ont he computer and sat down today, I saw that is was the 18th. My day to post something witty and entertaining at the Aphrodisia Author’s blog. I cringe. Truth is, I haven’t got anything witty or entertaining to blog about. Right now I’m buried alive under a mountain of stress and depression and trying not to drown. In fact, the last week has been totally terrible, and I’d like to go back and redo the entire thing. Athough I’m tempted to write down a list all the things that are going wrong, I am going to try and be positive and concentrate on the things that are going right.

First off, I’m 50k into Possession. It’s due Feb 2, and the deadline looms. But since I am not working a sucky day job anymore, I have plenty of time to write. I’ve been managing up to 7k per day and I think I am going along at a pretty good clip. I had most of the story already outlined, so the writing part hasn’t been extremely difficult. This is going to be one of my darker books (aren’t they all?), but since I am a dark mood right now, I am writing what I know. I also got the back cover copy from my editor, and I think it’s pretty damn good:

“Enter the midnight world of Devyn Quinn, where passion has no limits and danger rules every desire…

EMBRACE THE DARK SIDE

Opening a rare book on demons in an occult collection, Kendra Carter trembles before the power she is about to unleash. A man like no other has been awakened—but is he more than human? From his first caress, Remi gives her incredible pleasure she’s never felt before…

Night after night, in his secret chamber, Kendra explores her most intimate and hottest sexual fantasies. His passion for her is a supernatural force. He controls her body. He steals her soul. He is her demon lover…”

I don’t have a cover yet, but I hope it’s as kick ass as the blurb.

So, that’s something positive to focus on. I’ve got 5 books coming out in 09, and Possession will be one of the single titles released in late August 09. Yes, I’ve got two weeks to finish the book, but I believe I can with a few days to spare.

Another thing that’s helped bring me out of the dumps (and I might as well move there since I spend so much time under my rock) is a totally fabulous review my story “Personal Possessions” in Dangerous Ties antho recently received from JERR:

“Personal Possessions is one of the most darkly erotic stories I have ever read. It is hard to imagine a writer being able to carry off a passion filled tale involving a woman whose main sins are greed, envy and lust and still make her a sympathetic character. Nikki has grown up in the school of hard knocks and has made some poor choices in life but is still fundamentally strong willed and not prone to self deception. She knows her faults and faces situations head on. Jackson for most of the story is an enigma – is he good or bad? He enjoys pushing Nikki way past her comfort zone in sexual situations and at times seems almost cruel. The heat between these two was palpable and the sex scenes were really captivating. I loved that the ending was totally unexpected and was very creative. I’m going to be looking for more of Ms. Quinn’s work after this winner. 5 O’s” – Just Erotic Romance Reviews .

I might mention that Jodi Lynn Copeland and Anya Howard also received excellent reviews, and that this is going to be one kick ass BDSM/Paranormal anthology. I love my story and think it’s one of the best I’ve written. Dangerous Ties will be out late March 09, with Man After Midnight, my single title, right beside it. A double shot of Devyn. How cool is that?

As you guessed, there are days when I think I am the stupidest person on earth, and that I can not write a coherent sentence. When that happens, a reader like Lea comes along and drops a note into my inbox, indicating that she’s just read and loved one of my books. As I don’t have permission to post her nice note, I’m posting a link to her review of Sins of the Night:

http://lea-closetwriter.blogspot.com/

While we writers love great reviews from professional reviewers, it’s the words of the people who buy and read your books for pleasure that make the biggest difference to a writer. I treasure ever reader and am honored they’ve chosen my book to purchase and read out of the hundreds of others for sale. Lea is a person I love hearing from, to the point where I’ve become a blog stalker, LOL.

So what’s the point of this post? Nothing really. Right now I am just trying to take lemons and turn them into lemonade. It’s been a sour, awful time around here, but I am tired of dwelling on the bad. Fortunately I can look to my writing for a few bright spots in my day. It’s one of the reasons I do keep writing when I’d rather toss in the towel. Because there’s always the hope that someone will read and enjoy one of my books. And if they do, then I’ve done my job.

So, here’s my blog post. To make it a little more interesting, I’m giving away a copy of Embracing Midnight, my latest Aphrodisia release. To enter, just drop an email to: admin@devynquinn.com. I’ll draw a winner Monday, Jan 19th!

It was great reading all the responses to Bonnie’s post on January 6th (about what readers most like in blogs). Lots of people said they like hearing writing news and reading excerpts. So, that’s what I’m going to give you today.

My wonderful news is that my 2008 book, She’s on Top, is a Reviewers Choice Nominee for best erotic romance at Romantic Times BOOKreviews. I’m thrilled to bits!

Three other Aphrodisia titles are nominees as well: Sharon Page’s Black Silk, Lydia Parks’s Addicted, and Noelle Mack’s One Wicked Night. Congrats to them!

She’s on Top is the fourth book in my Awesome Foursome series, featuring four 20-something girlfriends who laugh, cry, bond, and each find their own very hot romances. Here’s a blurb:

What happens when a woman with body image issues contacts her first love, remembering a gawky boy but discovering he’s turned into a total hottie? Music is Rina’s passion and she’s never forgotten the sensual rhapsody she experienced with pianist Giancarlo. Ten years later, he’s a gorgeous music video producer whose masterful fingers still create an intimate melody of pleasure. Rina wants a full encore of passionate sex – so long as Giancarlo sticks to her rules: to only make love with the lights off. But he’s determined to bring her into the light, convince her to love her body the way he does, and give her a glorious, unforgettable climax.

It was so much fun writing this book, coming up with various sex scenes that took place in the dark – or with him blindfolded. When you can’t see, your other senses really come to life, don’t they?

Now, here’s an excerpt (it’s not as hot as some of what you’ll find in the book, but it is pretty explicit – so if you’re not into that kind of thing, don’t read on). This is from the first sex scene. They’re in his hotel room and she hasn’t yet confessed to her insecurities and instituted her “lights off” rule, but she’s determined the room will remain dark.

“Here, let me turn on the light so I can see your eyes,” Giancarlo said. His hand left her back and she knew he was reaching for the switch.

“Oh my.” She licked her lips, letting him hear her do it. Then she ran her hand up and down his shaft, plunging deep inside his clothing to explore his balls, then slowly back up to the head of his penis. Her pussy was aching with need but she didn’t give in. She had to make Giancarlo forget any desire for light.

Can you identify with Rina and her insecurities? I sure can!

(By the way, there are longer excerpts from all my novels and novellas on my website, plus notes about how each book originated, review quotes, and other fun stuff – such as a monthly contest and e-newsletter: http://www.susanlyons.ca.)

Oh, before I forget, and on a completely different note, here’s another bit of fun news. Did you know there’s a new print magazine with short romances, New Love Stories Magazine? My Valentine’s story – and this one’s sweet, not spicy – is in the premiere Jan/Feb issue. If you’re interested in subscribing (or submitting, fellow writers), check it out at this website:

http://www.newlovestories.com.

So far, 2009 is a very good year for me! How about for you?

First, let’s indulge in some blatant self-promotion, because it fits so perfectly with the theme of my post today! Just got the cover for the July cowboy antho, and if this doesn’t put you in a fine, feisty mood I might as well post a page from a casket catalog here!

But even before I saw that hunky cover boy (who, just outta sheer lucky coincidence, looks SO much like the Native American hero in my story, LONG HARD RIDE) I had decided on my mantra for this new year. I don’t do resolutions anymore. By the time I get them worded the way I want, I’ve already broken at least one! But a little jingle like “Feisty and Fine in 2009” sorta rolls off your tongue and you can’t help smiling when you say it.

Which is the whole point!

OK, so the book biz may tank, the American auto industry may go belly-up, and more corporate crooks may come out of the woodwork after embezzling millions of dollars in these recessionary times—but I can’t change any of those things. I can, however, decide how I live my own life and I can choose the mindset with which I’ll deal with other people and my circumstances.

As for me and my house, we’re going with “feisty” and “fine” this year.

Do you recall how editors said, a few years back, that the feisty heroine was out of style? I so disagree with that! I predict that clever, resourceful, happy women who triumph in spite of whatever crap the world throws at them will never go out of fashion, in real life or on the page. And I predict that their men will be mumbling, “Why didn’t I think of that?” and “What’s she on, and where can I get some?”

What am I on? Attitude. Attitude is everything!

It’s no coincidence that I chose “feisty” for my writing attitude this year, either: seems the sweet historical series I was writing under my own name has been the victim of those adoring readers who share their copies of my books with twenty friends and family members…ka-ching, ka-ching, nineteen times, that didn’t show up as sales for me. And I still love those readers. They write me wonderful, uplifting letters.

But I also love writing hot, erotic romps as Melissa MacNeal, so she’s the queen this year! I’m really happy to be writing a fun, full-length book that comes out in November, (about feisty identical twins who swap husbands, in Victorian London) and to have another one under contract while my agent and I figure out what Charlotte will be writing next. Charlotte has reinvented herself before, and she’s fine with doing it again. After all, that’s how Melissa was born.

And as for the “fine” part—I don’t mean the reply you automatically give when someone asks you how you are! I’m talking fine china, which I use several times a week, and fine dining, which might be cooking really nice meals to eat on that china at home, or going out to places a few notches above those ubiquitous chain restaurants. I define fine as whatever makes me ecstatic at the moment. In 2009, I refuse to settle for average or make-do or whatever’s easiest. I’m a notorious bargain hunter (OK, I’m cheap!) so fine doesn’t necessarily translate into expensive: it costs me no more to go after what I really want, because designer labels never did a thing for me, anyway. Fine is a state of mind, and I choose to live there every day!

Does this mean no one in my family will get sick? Will my husband’s 401k recover its losses any time soon? Will I receive no bad news? Of course not. I can’t change what comes at me, but I can choose how I feel about it…how I react to it.

So there you have it! I choose to be happy this year, and I wish you all a Happy New Year, as well! Feisty and fine in 2009…that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

I don’t know about you, but my holidays were filled with books. Borders had coupons. B&N had coupons. Amazon always has free shipping, and I love their 4 for 3 deals. I bought books for everyone.

I bought Founding Faith for my mom, and The Algebraist for my new brother-in-law. He loves big fat science-fiction books. I bought him Down Home Zombie Blues last year. It might have been too girly for him. I didn’t make that mistake this year.

I bought my sister Nefertiti , which is about sisters. I haven’t read it. I hope the sisters are nice to each other. I also bought her one of my favorite books: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Readers only gave it three stars. Are they crazy? Loren Willig rocks.

I bought Star Wars Galactic Crisis for the little boy in my life. I also bought him a book about sharks, but I can’t remember its title. It had a photo of a vicious-looking set of teeth on the front cover. He loved it. For the little girl in my life, I picked out Merlin’s Dragon. Actually, she picked it out. We went to Borders and B&N just before the holidays, and she took a pen and notebook. At the end of the night, she had a long list of books she wanted. Great kid!

For the man in my life, I bought You Being Beautiful. I would have never picked it out for him, but he was with me on one of my shopping trips and he couldn’t put it down. He hasn’t picked it up now that it’s sitting on his own table though. Not sure what to make of that. He bought me Forbidden Knowledge Sex. I don’t know if he thought I’d need this to write my books, or if he was hoping to expand our horizons. Maybe both. (And just so you know, it was hard to deliver those last in my Andy Rooney voice).

If I’m going to keep up the Andy Rooney theme, I have to tell you the books I have on my desk. Here’s what you could find, in chronological order. The farther down the stack, the longer it’s been sitting here: The Write Ingredients (Lori Foster gathered a bunch of recipes from authors and put a book together. All the proceeds went to soldiers. I have a recipe for chocolate chip cookies in there), Witch Fire and The Mark of the Vampire Queen (both have beautiful covers, and I used coupons to buy them. They’re for giveaways). In a different stack, I have Predatory Game, Dead After Dark, Dream Chaser, and Dark Lover. I bought each of these for giveaways on my MySpace blog.

Under that stack, I have the winter issue of Romance Sells. My November release Running Wild is in it, and I’m hoping to use it to convince my conservative library to buy my book. I’m not holding my breath. And under that I have a copy of Hot Silk and Ultimate Weapon. My editor gave me those, and I’m not sure what to do with them. I’ll probably use them in a giveaway, even though they’re not paranormals.

I realize I’m rambling longer than Andy Rooney would have, but this exercise is surprisingly cathartic. I also have a stack of Romantic Time Magazines. Most aren’t opened. I don’t have time to read them. The latest issue of RWR is sitting here too. It has a lovely cover so it’s been serving as a coaster for my tea. I have several gardening catalogs here, each opened to the tomato pages. I closed my eyes and held my breath as I thumbed past the roses. I have no more room in my garden, but I wish I did.

What books are missing off my desk? Seems like an odd question given the stacks I’ve just read off to you, but my desk is huge. It has a huge pop-up shelve that used to house a typewriter but now holds an oversize pile of other book (which I might discuss in a different blog). But I wish George RR Martin’s newest book was sitting here. It’s the final (yeah, right) installment in the Fire and Ice series. I love them. If I preorder this book now, I’ll get it in October, which seems like a long time from now. I wonder if they’ll get it earlier in the UK? I also wish the Smart Bitches upcoming book was sitting here. Beyond Heaving Bosoms, it’s called. I don’t have to wait too long to get this one. I won an ARC of it and it should get here any day now.

And speaking of preorders that are a long way away, you can preorder my next book What She Wants from Amazon. I’m crowing about preorders now, before Kensington posts the cover. I’ve only seen the black and white version, and I can’t say I’m thrilled with it. In fact, it makes me want to run away and scream. Maybe I’ll pass it to the Smart Bitches to mock. When life hands you lemonade…

And finally to the giveaways! Yey! If you’d like a copy of Running Wild or The Supplicant, leave a comment. I’ll pick a random winner on Monday. Be sure and check back then to see if you’re a winner, or leave your e-mail in the message.