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I’m a bit of a music fanatic–even though I don’t have a musical bone in my body and can’t play a note–I love to listen to it, love buy it, love to watch the videos, I even love cheesy fan videos (and my best friend likes to send me links to especially awful ones).
So, I play list my works in progress. Sometimes it’s a single album or artist. Sometimes it’s a variety. The novella I’m working on is for a Big Cats shifter anthology (that I think comes out in the middle of next year), and the heroine is really dominating the story for me right now. She’s fiery and mercurial and totally fascinates the very dutiful hero. I just started the novella last week, so we’re in the early stages yet. The hero will add songs to the list as I go, but here’s the play list (mostly for the heroine) so far.
Something in Your Mouth by Nickelback Smooth by Santana & Rob Thomas Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry Gotta be Somebody by Nickelback I’m a Bitch by Meredith Brooks 6 Underground by Sneaker Pimps (Oakenfold Remix) Reach Out by Hilary Duff SEX by Nickelback
And here’s a few videos that I think really work, too.
Circus by Britney Spears. This one is just wicked and, with the flying whips, has a little flavoring of BDSM to it that I totally love.
6 Underground by Sneaker Pimps. This is the non-remixed version. I’m into both versions at the moment. This video is a little dark, a little paranormal, and a little sexy. Nice.
Piece of Me by Britney Spears. It has this “don’t tell me how to live” vibe to it that totally suits my current heroine. She got turned into a shape-shifter against her will and refuses to live how shifters live just because someone took her choice away. For whatever reason, Britney’s attitude in this video flows with that.
We’ve all done it. Or at least a good amount of us have. What am I talking about? Well, morphing ourselves and our activities to fit in with someone we like. Have a crush on. Want to get horizontal with until we forget how to walk. In my newest release Tempting Adam, my hero even does it. He’s a man’s man. Almost a cowboy. And what’s the first thing he does to get the girl he wants? Signs up for salsa dancing lessons!
And I’m totally guilty of doing it too. Though I have to admit I was pretty young (early 20′s) and pretty flexible in my ways. If you know me, I’m a bit of a happy, perky, Pollyanna type. I even had a favorite t-shirt that read: I’m just one big fucking ray of sunshine.It was yellow with a big retro sunshine on it. Maybe it was supposed to be sarcastic….hmm.
So, back to my story. Here I am, miss cheerful, and I fell for…a goth boy. Total vampire wannabe, sulking, mysterious. Oooh and how I wanted him.
And the bizarre thing? He seemed to want me to. But, alas, I was the one who ‘adapted’ to make us a better fit. I started wearing more black. Started drinking brandy from a sifter (it was his thing)–I remember I gagged.
And the thing that stuck out the most, was when we went to buy some clothes. I brought some of my friends, too. We all went out and bought black, vinyl style club wear that was a bit slutty goth. Totally hot. And the makeup? That was the fun part. Dark eyeliner and eyeshadow and dark red/purple/blackish lipstick. So not me, but so fun.
But before goth boy and I could become a cute little goth couple, or I could dye my hair black and burn all my pink tops, it ended.
So how about you? What have you done in your lifetime to make yourself more ‘perfect’ for someone of the opposite sex. I want to hear all your stories! No matter how funny, pathetic, horrifying, or dull. Please, share!
I’m sure we’ve all been asked this question at one time or another, and being a paranormal writer, it’s a question that makes my mind buzz with possibilities.
So, I’m asking…
If you were offered the chance to go back in time twenty years, but you would retain the knowledge (and maturity) and skills you have now, would you?
Now, that would put us back in February 1989, which for me would mean I would be back at Arizona State University as an Instrumental Music Education major at the end of my junior year. I’d be living in an apartment off campus and it would be about six months before I would meet the man who would become my first husband and the father of my son. I really enjoyed my time in college and look back upon it fondly even though I don’t work in that industry any more. But to go back? To do those classes all over again? To navigate the social waters of college in my now more mature mindset, but with that very perky body and younger energy? To remake all those choices that I’d made over twenty years and see them through the eyes of the person I’ve become now? Very temping, I have to admit.
My answer would be, only if I could get back my son in a very similar form to who he is now. And I don’t mean looks, but I mean personality and the great person he is. If I could go back with that stipulation, and maybe start writing then, rather than waiting until I was 32 to be brave enough to take my shot. Hmmm, life would be very different. But what the hell, I’m always a girl up for a challenge.
Just for fun, I asked my husband the same question. And in normal man-style he wanted to know my answer first. I told him and he immediately told me that I was breaking the rules. Rules? What rules? I didn’t remember introducing any rules.
He promptly informed me that my son wouldn’t exist any more if I didn’t decide to get back with my first husband—a point I instantly debated. I think the person is more about their soul and who they choose to come into this life as than of their biological parts. Not that that isn’t a piece of it, but I think that’s an entirely different blog…lol! So, he said if I wanted my son without the failed relationship, I’d have to go have a one night stand with my husband and get my son that way. I told him that was total man thinking, but we had to agree to disagree in the end.
My hubby who is a lot younger than me said he definitely wouldn’t go back because it would put him in the fifth grade (yeah, made me feel veeeerrrry old to hear that) right before a very rough time in his life. He isn’t willing to relive that time, even with his additional knowledge and maturity so he’s happy to stay on the course he’s on right now.
When my son got home, and overheard some of this discussion, he promptly chimed in with a list of names he would prefer over the one he has now—both male and female (just in case) and a list of physical characteristics and personality traits I was to look for in a new father for him. (Yeah, the kid’s a smart-alec…and unfortunately for me, I know where he gets it…lol!) He also told me to reread all my books a few times before I went back, so I could rewrite them easily, as well as to study who the Superbowl winners, Kentucky Derby Winners and companies who had big stock jumps were so I could at least be rich in my next timeline And I have to admit, the kid has a point…
So, would you? Think back to where you were twenty years ago today, and what’s happened in the intervening years. Then think about what choices you would make knowing what you know now and with the maturity and skills you’ve gained. Would you take a new chance?
I think Free Reads are awesome. As a reader I love gettign them. I mean who doesn;t liek tha free book/ebook? As an author I thinkit’s a great way to maybe hook some new readers while rewarding my regular readers.
In the past I’ve done a couple of them , you can find them on the EXTRAS page of my website by surfing the sidebar. MEANDORS is a short story I wrote over 5 years ago. It was the one that won the Amber Quill HeatWave contest and was published by them for a year. It’s been available as free read from me for about a year now. And now, I’ve put out another one for you.
ABDUCTION is another short story I wrote five years ago. It was also available from Amber Quill press for a couple of years, but has basically sat on my computer for the last 2 years doing absolutely nothing. Since I only have one novel scheduled for release this year, I thought I should offer up something to hold y’all over.
I pulled it out, polished it up a bit, and created a cover. (Yes, I did the cover myself…I’m very proud of that)
Those who have read the version that AQP published will notice a few changes, nothing huge, but I did tweak it a bit to help set up some more stories. Yes, there is a sequel (Written 4.5 years ago) that I’m polishing up for you as well…and there might even be more after that.
For now you can read them both online or download the PDF’s from my Scribd Page. I hope you enjoy them!
When Max Cooper, a “damaged” ex-Coast Guard officer, wakes up naked in a strange bed with no memory of how he got there, “alien abduction” is not what pops into his head.
It’s Captain Tyla Natori’s job to bring males from other worlds back to her own female-dominated planet to be put “on the market.” When she finds a perfect male speciman in the form of Max Cooper, however, she decides he’s the one for her…and he has no choice in the matter…
Or does he?
(Click on the cover to go to the bookpage)
Previous reviews for ABDUCTION:
“ABDUCTION by Sasha White is a quick sumptuous read that will have you squirming and wanting to abduct a love slave of your very own. Ms. White developed her characters quickly and solidly in an other worldly setting that you will want to visit again.” – eCataromance Reviews
“Hot, fast-paced and erotic, the tension between Tyla and Max is sizzling. This sci-fi Erotica quickie delivers!” – Romance Divas
Sometimes I get to do wonderful things as an author, and yesterday was one of those days. I was asked to participate with other local authors in a fundraiser for an adult literacy program in a small New Mexico town. The event went on for about six hours, and each of the authors spoke for seven minutes, then we spent the rest of the time signing books and talking to readers. Besides my Aprhodisia title, I have nearly a dozen romance and mysteries in print, and most are more or less appropriate for libraries where young readers may run across them. Since the event was sponsored by the library, that’s what I signed. But I always carry my cover flats with me, and Sexy Beast VI was a big hit. (No one even commented on the drool marks I’ve left on my copies!)
I loved the idea of helping raise money for adult literacy, but I didn’t really feel the importance of the project until one of the last authors got up to speak. He was a former adult literacy pupil who learned to read at 51. He talked about his experiences reading his first book — Bram Stoker’s Dracula. He described the excitement of riding in the carriage through the dark Transalvanian woods, the fear of visiting Count Dracula’s eerie castle, and the thrill of plotting to kill the vampire. I hadn’t really considered what a miracle it is to get drawn into a book; the experience is something I take for granted. I thought back to my parents reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to me when I went to bed. And then I remembered the thrill of living Will James’ tale of Smoky the Cow Horse, and all of Walter Farley’s adventures in the Black Stallion series. (Can you tell I wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up?) I’d forgotten the magic until I was listening to this new author talk (he has written the story of his life ). I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes.
If I can figure out how to do it between working full time and writing, I’d like to tutor adults learning to read. What a gift to give someone! I hope you all lose yourselves in books tonight until way past bedtime, and then, as you’re turning off your lights, you send good thoughts to those in your lives who taught you all to read. I know I will.
Okay, so that’s not the perfect title, but its close enough for where my thoughts have been wandering lately. Before I open up my brain and reveal the tangled mess in there, an explanation/excuse. Some 12 days ago I had a hip replacement, and for the next week my mind operated in neutral. Fortunately, a week after the surgery, I sat down at the computer and actually wrote–or rather I should say re-wrote which I found much easier than creating something new. What I was working on was part of a special project, a fund-raiser none of us involved in wanted to have happen. Although I was only too happy to donate my time and effort, the reason for the need still hurts. That, coupled with the physical healing process I’m going through stripped away too much of my inherent love of writing. Wow, that’s hard to admit, but I’m too deep into this post to be anything except honest.
Fortunately things are looking up now that I’m onto something else. Going from having to force myself to write each word to sinking deep into that place where reality and creativity meet, and I’m looking forward to meeting today’s goals. Not only that, yesterday a couple of things happened in the real world that made my imagination sit up and take notice. Both offer potential for character depth and plot possibilities.
That said, losing my sense of direction shook my confidence. I’m determined to be easy on myself and because I’ve been writing for around a million years, I’ve been through other ups and downs. I just don’t like the downs so enough already!!!!
Vonna,
www.VonnaHarper.com
I hope you’ll forgive me, but today I’m going to plug a new release that isn’t an Aphrodisia. It’s a charity anthology, with all proceeds benefiting a shelter for abused women. The book is Dreams & Desires 3: A Collection of Romance and Erotic Tales, published by Freya’s Bower.
You can read some great stories and support a valuable cause.
I’ve posted information and purchase links on my website.
My story is titled “A Forever Cowboy.” City girl Carly loves her Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos, so what made her buy a pair of cowboy boots and why does she dream of horses and sexy cowboys? It’s time to find out. And so she goes to Sundance Ranch and meets a seductive cowboy named Riley, and learns there is truth in dreams.
Here’s an excerpt. I hope you like it.
He ran his hands up my back, under my cardigan, and I shivered as need raced through me.
I stepped closer, touched his back. The well-washed cotton of his sweatshirt was an annoying barrier. I lifted the hem and stroked his lower back, feeling his strength, his warmth.
He shivered, and, reflexively, so did I.
He tugged at my waist, urging me closer, and I came, until my body pressed firmly against his. Under the sweats, he was erect.
Arousal crashed through me in a powerful wave. It had been building, and now all the feelings, physical and emotional, came together with an intensity I’d never felt.
My hand slid under the waistband of his sweats, fingers running through soft curls of hair and gently probing the hollow at the base of his spine. I tilted my head up to his, and yes, it was an offer. He’d seduced the filly into eating an apple from his hands and in the process he’d seduced me into . . .
Trusting him? Maybe. Wanting him, most definitely.
He lowered his mouth to mine, touching my lips in a butterfly kiss, and pulled back. “You can feel how much I want you, Carly, but I don’t want to rush you if you’re not ready.”
Was I? At the moment, I couldn’t imagine walking away. So I sucked in my breath, reached up, and pulled his head down to me. He came readily.
My lips opened under his. Tentatively, he traced the inside edges with his tongue, and I gave a little gasp.
I extended the tip of my tongue to meet his, and he took it as the invitation I’d intended it to be and entered my mouth. The impact shuddered through my whole body. A simple kiss. How could it be so damned erotic?
My body was on fire for him, and he was on fire too. There was no hiding it, not under his loose sweats.
If we were going to stop, we’d have to do it soon.
His hands settled at the neckline of my unbuttoned cardigan, and he tugged it gently away from my sundress and bare skin.
Enough confusion and indecision. I wanted this man. Needed him. Impatiently, I tore my mouth from his, yanked the sweater off, and flung it down.
His eyes blazed at the sight of the skimpy sundress with the row of buttons down the front. Before he could touch, my hands grasped the hem of his sweatshirt, tugging it upwards. He tried to help, but the both of us got tangled up in our haste and struggled clumsily to get the garment off him.
Then, finally, my hands were all over his chest, touching him with greed and impatience.
He groaned, grabbed my hands, and held them.
“No,” I protested.
“Wait. Let’s get more comfortable.”
“Oh!” I realized we still stood in the middle of the barn, outside the filly’s stall. “Yes, please.”
He reached for my hand, and I went willingly as he guided me through the barn, collecting a clean horse blanket along the way.
There was a loft. I’d never noticed it before, but now I saw the wooden ladder and climbed up ahead of him. Here, the light shone golden, and it gleamed in his hair and spilled across the sweet-smelling bed of hay as he spread the blanket.
Suddenly nervous, I watched, hands clasped behind my back like a schoolgirl.
What was I doing? This couldn’t be me, could it?
What was I doing with a man who was so different from me? About to have sex in a barn?
But he turned to me, laughed softly, came to kiss me. The passion flared again in an instant, and the doubts vanished. God knows what I was doing, but, right now, it was the one perfect thing, the thing I wanted more than anything else.
Here’s hoping all your dreams and desires come true!
*giggle* After a 14 day contest on my blog and 2 children with the flu…I got not a lot. I am officially brain dead. So how about a piece of fiction that has absolutely nothing to do with anything?! yeah! LOL I know…I have a release in nine days and should be pimping it but….nahhhhhhhhh Read the rest of this entry »
What luck! I get to blog on a day for lovers. Yippee!
Good news all around. Satisfy Me Tonight drops on 2/24/09 and I’m quite ecstatic! The stories are hot! Hot! HOT!
Also, my own novella is shaping up. Just got the contract from John and guess what? He gives me a March 1 deadline and I just got it in February. But I’m up to the challenge…I think. Anywho here is a synopsis of what I’m writing about:
As Yet Unnamed Anthology
1. You’ve Got Male- Dina’s life has been amazing beyond her expections–she’s amassed wealth, lives like she likes but the one thing she’s still missing is a true companion. Not these new millineum Mr. Wrongs–if she goes out with another man who thinks Ryans Buffet is a “resturant”she would scream–but a real man with Old World charm and sophistication. But life is about to get really interesting. You see, Dina has purchased a Mail Order Husband. Dubois stands 6’5″, speaks three languages, has great manners and has been “schooled” in the art of satisfying a woman’s desires. And oh, how he does.
2. Multiple Sexualities or Fiending For It.- Variety IS the spice of life and Chaz and Elena are determined to keep that spice alive! Whereas you might come home and play chess, Monopoly or backgammon with your spouse, these two up the delicious ante with Daddy May I?, Ring Around the Cock and my favorite, Drip. Ride along with them as they jaunt from hood to haunt, state to country in search of the next big sexual thrill. They can be anyone they want, can do anything they want…as long as it’s with each other. Screw, suck, lick or show, nothing’s taboo for these two. Feel the tension?
3. Becoming One- Topaz has come to a decision. It’s finally time to trim the fat and be one and one with only her husband. The question is, since she has three, which one will it be? And will the polygamist sect she founded support her once they learn of her plans?
So, hope you guys will stay tuned. I plan for this to be a wild read.
I was thinking of blogging about what would make the Ultimate Valentine’s Day present, but right now, for me that would be sleep! I just turned in a book (a bit long at 120,000 words) on Monday and am working on new proposals right now.
I’m very laid back about Valentine’s Day. My hubby and I don’t make a big fuss, and with two kids, we don’t go out for dinner. Sitting on the couch and having a bottle of wine sounds like an ultimate fantasy to me .
As a romance author, I think one of the best gifts is a romance book—this is a treat I like to get for myself. There’s nothing more decadent than taking a little time to read. I received a bit of a gift from my publisher myself—a few extra copies of Hot Silk arrived yesterday. I’m giving away 2 on Fresh Fiction, and would like to give one away here.
So I’ll send a copy of Hot Silk to whoever answers the following question:
What does vampire Zayan do to Miranda while Lukos kisses her neck?
The answer can be found in the excerpt below—the excerpt is from my upcoming June 09 release, Blood Deep!
Zayan reached for her hand. “Isn’t a kiss on the hand the way a proper English gentleman begins his seduction of a lady?”
His hand clasped hers; his fingers threaded through hers. Like a perfect gentleman, like a man she might have dreamed about, he raised her hand to his lips.
“No, don’t do this.” She could not bear a mockery of courtship before she was killed and her blood taken. “No, I know nothing of magic. I didn’t even really believe in vampires!”
Soft and full, Zayan’s lower lip touched the back of her bare hand. A jolt of warm pleasure ignited there at the brush of his mouth. He kissed her hand as no man had ever done before—a tantalizing play of mouth and tongue. She’d had no idea a kiss to her hand could make her blood rush madly through her. Could make her nipples lift against her shift.
But Lukos was not going to simply watch, she realized. He had moved to their side—he was on his knees. It startled her that a vampire, a demonic creature, would be on his knees for her. “I do not share,” he growled, looking like a defiant boy. “We could have her choose—”
“Choose!” she cried. “I’d never—”
“But we can both compel her thoughts,” Lukos continued, ignoring her outrage. “I propose a competition. An amusement for a long journey.”
The fiends were speaking as though she were not even there. And butterflies took flight in her belly at the word competition.
“No magic?” Zayan asked.
“Magic is allowed, but only for seduction, which will begin like this…”
Miranda held her breath. Lukos bent to her neck. She felt him approach. Her skin seemed to anticipate him, tingling before he touched her.
His lips brushed her, and she moaned with desire. What was wrong with her? Zayan suckled her fingers one by one and the sensations left her dizzy. She could not fight the…the heated desire rising in her. They were competing for her, like she was a prize.
What if she touched them? What if she touched them as she did to others who had died? Could she bring them back? Could this mysterious power she possessed do that—to men who had been vampires for centuries?
Did she dare try? If she could change them, they couldn’t kill her.
The shade rattled away from the carriage window. Barely any light filtered in.
The sun had set. She had to try now. She did not have any more time, and this might be her only hope to live.
We’ve all done it. Or at least a good amount of us have. What am I talking about? Well, morphing ourselves and our activities to fit in with someone we like. Have a crush on. Want to get horizontal with until we forget how to walk. In my newest release 
I hope you’ll forgive me, but today I’m going to plug a new release that isn’t an Aphrodisia. It’s a charity anthology, with all proceeds benefiting a shelter for abused women. The book is Dreams & Desires 3: A Collection of Romance and Erotic Tales, published by Freya’s Bower. 
