Aphrodisia Authors :: Blog

I recently had my stomach flutter. It has been a long time since that occurred in the pit of my tummy.

A man grasped a hold of my hand and gently started to draw patterns into my palm with his fingertips. We sat outside talking and watching the fire before us flicker with other friends all around us.

I was surprised that this simple gesture caused such a moment and feeling. It seemed to me so much more intimate than a kiss on the lips would have been. Yet this man is not my lover or anything like that. He still somehow touched that intimate button in me and made me pause…to wonder, feel, slow down and enjoy.

I know life is filled with little intimate moments with friends, family, lovers and well strangers, so I am wondering what are some small intimate gestures that surprisingly touched you somehow?

Hope you are having a great June day.

Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

I have been working on a very naughty historical. I do a lot of research for my stories, both historical and sexual. I thought it would be fun to list out here my favorite sex reference books.

The books I use the most when in search of inspiration are:


The Guide to Getting It On by Paul Joannides and Toni Johnson (This book is THE book on sex. Want to know what a man or woman thinks and feels during sex… read this book.)












Arousal by Dr. Michael J. Bader (A great book on fantasies and why people have them.)
















The Ultimate Guide To Fellatio by Violet Blue (It is the ultimate guide. Wink)


















Tricks To Please A Man by Jay Wiseman (Any book by Jay Wiseman is excellent! I have most of his books.)


Tricks To Please A Woman by Jay Wiseman (He wrote one for Women too.)














Erotica Universals by Gilles Neret (This is a book of art from BC all the way through the 70’s. Being visual this is a great way to imagine some naughtiness for a scene.)

What references(books, websites, etc) on sex or sexuality have you found enlightening, inspiring, and useful?

Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

I just finished up attending the Celebrate Romance Conference in Portland OR. It was a blast. I met so many wonderful readers and writers. I enjoyed the panels about what readers love and hate about books and simply mingling with them for long talks over lunch or breakfast or drinks at the bar.

It was a fantastic experience… both for networking and because I experienced something other worldly.

When I had arrived at the Benson Hotel… it was amazing. The old craftsmanship in the lobby spoke of an age gone by. I checked in and took the old style elevator up to the 12th floor and my room 1224. As I stepped out of the elevator and turned the corner towards my room, the hairs on my neck stood on end. I quickened my pace and the entire way to my room there was a pressure at my back, as if something was behind me… pushing me… something unhappy… something bad. I glanced over my shoulder almost afraid to look… but nothing was there.

My hand shook as I put the key in the door. Opened it and stepped in as quickly as possible and the eerie feeling dissipated. The rooms have windows that you can open up with a nice little windowsill that is about 10 inches thick. I opened the window and let in some fresh air. Then unpacked. When I went out into the hall I again had that strange feeling returned that something was at the other end of the hall way. No where else in the hotel did I have this feeling. Just on the 12th floor floor.

I met some wonderful people both old and new at the conference. Meljean Brook and I both have the same agent and finally got to spend some time together chatting about the industry and writing and such. I also had some much needed time with my dear friend Delilah Marvelle. She is such a sweet person and I always feel when we are together like we have known each other for a lifetime.

The new authors I got know over the weekend were Lisa Hendrix… Viking totems cursed to live forever as the animal they are. Yumm! And Elizabeth Boyle. I have no idea why I had not picked up these two authors before. Writing Regency set and loving regency romance you would have thought I would have read Elizabeth at least once! And the Vikings mesh with my Ursus (Animal Lust) so I bought both of their books.

I also sat next to Elizabeth at the Borders signing in Beaverton and when I stood up to talk about myself she very gently said… speak up… speak to the last row. I tend to speak quietly when I am nervous and this helped me! I will always think of this now when I am getting ready to speak in front of people. I thank her so much for that. Kisses to Elizabeth!

While talking to Elizabeth about the conference and the hotel. We both had a discovery… We both were staying on the 12th floor in rooms that were right next to each other.

I asked her if she had any weird feelings in the hallway on that floor?

She told me yes that she too had the same feeling and that she almost called down to see if she could change rooms. She said when she checked in and went to open the window in her room she heard someone say JUMP! She then told it to go away and it seemed to have listened to her.

So odd. so weird… so very paranormal!

Elizabeth asked at the front desk about the floor and if any one had died on it. They told her yes that Mitch Mitchell, The drummer from Jimmy Hendrix first band had died on this floor in November of this past year. That it didn’t happen in either one of our rooms though. She then said but had anyone died that was unhappy? had any jumped from or been pushed from the window on this floor? the desk clerk said “How do you know all this? and I wouldn’t tell you if someone had anyway.”

Well. I took that as a yes… someone had at some point over the years jumped or was pushed from a window on this floor.

So… I stayed on a haunted floor at the Benson Hotel. I have never done anything quite like that before. And I have to say I had a very hard time sleeping at night! I did so with the bathroom light on which I never do and I could not fall asleep until I was exhausted. So I am a bit tired.

I am wondering how many of you have had paranormal experiences like the one that Elizabeth and I did? if you have what did you do about it?

Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

PS. the hotel bar is the only place where I have ever been that serves you extra on the side of what ever drink you order… I thought this very cool!

And The Winner Is Amy S.!!!

Amy, Email me at Lacy@lacydanes.com and I will get your copy of Being Wicked in the mail to you this week!

Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning… I mean afternoon/evening all.
I had good intentions on getting this posted earlier than this, but I woke this morning wanting to linger in bed and think. Not having my kids this week makes this possible, so I did!

I have had a few friends of late break up. Some of the experiences have gone smoothly, others horridly. All of them stressful for both parties involved.
I have a horrid time breaking up with someone. Especially if I have been with that person for some time. I hate hurting people so breaking up is something that pains me to do. Even when I know it is the right thing for me I always end up crying as I am saying the words.

One of my friends is a firm believer in breaking with someone but continuing to see them off and on for a month or so to make sure things are done with, and with future friendship in mind. I have seen him do this on several occasions. They break up. They meet for coffee the next day. They go to the movies the next week and then slowly they become friends. I am not sure how this would work for me. I have never had someone do this nor have I attempted doing such.

I have another friend who will simply cut the cord and walk away never to talk to the person again. But when you do care about a person this way seems harsh and hard to handle.

I have had bad break ups… and okay ones. But not usually the kind where I can immediately be friends with the person. My worst experience had the person I broke up with climbing up on my balcony the next day trying to talk me around. So not a good experience.

So I guess I am looking to hear from all of you out there. How do you end a relationship? And what good and bad experiences in breaking up or being broken up with had you had?

I will choose one name from all of those who comment by the end of tomorrow 2/3/09 and give away my new release Being Wicked!

Good Luck!
Lacy.

I had typed up a really great post to put up here today when I forgot how to get in to the site to post! So I wanted to take a moment to thank my dear friends who put up with my absentmindedness and my, oh so not–tech suaveness. Shelli Stevens and I have been good friends for several years and I think I have asked her for the link to this site at least 3 times and Crystal Jordan I have asked a few times too. Thanks babes you so rock. Oh and of course as soon as I receive the link to the site… I have to hit my head on the monitor because I forgot my password!

Note to self… bookmark the log in page.
Note to self two… Make password the same as your other blog.

Does anyone else out there have this issue with all the electronic communications we have?

Okay so on to a shortened version of my post!

This past year I wrote one full book and and short novella. Both of those two novellas are just about to release and I am so excited.

I read back through these stories now and I can see the places I have been and the things I felt when writing these. The memories appear in the flow of the writing, in the story themselves. etc. I wrote them while in Denmark, Seattle, and Hawaii. I wrote them while life was good, and while life was stressful. I wrote them while sitting on the couch, out on the porch, in the coffee shop, sitting by the pool drinking gimlets, during my lunch at work, and sitting on the floor eating yummy traditional and not so traditional cuisine. My drink of choice while writing them was red wine and my munchies chocolate or a can of regular Pringles (which I have now all abandoned due to high calories. I gained about 10 lbs during that time.)

The two stories that are coming out are my novella Torn Desires in a Red Hot Valentines Day from Avon Red, releasing January 6th and Being Wicked my historical release from Aphrodisia Jan 27th.

Reviews for both have been good so far. RT gives A Red Hot Valentines Day four stars and says “All these stories are sure to make for a hot Valentine’s Day.” And RT says this about Being Wicked “The sex is hot, hot, hot in Danes’ latest erotic historical romance.”

Woo hoo!
Great reviews I think.

Hugs, kisses, and the creation of fond memories to you all in this shiny New Year!
Lacy.

While reading a research book for character development in my next writing project, I came across a section talking about “know thy self”… ie what are your values and needs. In this section, they asked you to list your values and needs in order.

Some of the examples they gave for possible values and needs are:

Excellence
Beauty
Intimacy
Understanding
Respect
Entrepreneurship
Healing
Stimulation
Status
Justice
Creativity/Creation
Animal Companions
Originality
Fun
Generosity
Knowledge
Learning
Solitude
Trust
Adventure
Uniqueness
Connection/Connecting
Expression
Flow
Intelligence
Helping
Recognition
Community
Integrity
Choice

Of course there are many more than just that list, but you get the idea…

Once you know what your values and needs are you can better stay with them when making decisions. There are no bad values or needs. Bad or wrong only come into play in how you deal with getting your values and needs met.

The book says that most times when people are sad or depressed, feeling trapped, or troubled etc. that if they think of their values and needs they usually realize they have compromised on them and are not living who they are anymore. This exercise helps them get back to who they are at a core and helps them shake the depression and achieve happiness through living their values.

I found this interesting. Having gone through rough patches in my life, I looked back on those spots and I was amazed that it was true. I had slid away from my own values and needs each of those times.

I am always delighted when I read a book for one of my characters and I learn something about myself.

Just this past week I was laid off from my day job. I am looking at this as an opportunity to fine tune my life one more time, so looking at my values and needs going forward is important. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I am looking forward to finding my new path while learning more about myself.

Hope this finds you well.
Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

A good friend asked me recently “What are FIVE books that have most influenced you in your life.” I paused and thought for a moment and he continued. “You know books that once you were finished something about your way of thought or something you wished for yourself changed.” The first two books were really quite easy for me to come up with.

1.) Carries Story by Molly Weatherfield. (This was the very first BDSM book I read and it sparked fantasies in me that I have since not been able to escape from.)

2.) Finding Meaning In The Second Half Of Life by James Hollis. (This book I read after a particularly hard event in my life. It is a dense book that makes you think about who you are and why you do what you do. I am so much more aware of myself than before I read this book.)

After that the list became a choosing match for me… so many books influence me in small or subtle ways. But I needed to pick three more… so I chose.

3.) The Hell Fire Clubs by Geoffrey Ash (After reading this book I wrote the story Night Of The Taking which was the story I sold on. Grin.)

4.)Clan Of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (A long ago BF and I read this book aloud to each other before bed time. I had stopped reading years before this moment and reading this book aloud together re-sparked my thirst for the written word. I have not stopped reading since.)

5.) The Pearl by Anonymous (I purchased this book on a whim and have been in love with Victorian erotica ever since.)

So how about you? What are the FIVE books that have most influenced your life?

Hugs to you all,
Lacy.

Today starts my kid’s school schedule. I am divorced with two little kids and during the summer months, I have my kids most of the time. The school year brings change for all of my family as my kids go back to their Dad during the week and come to see me on the weekends. It is a good schedule for writing and having a day job, but sad because I get to see my little ones so much less.

This year is also my daughter’s first year of preschool and my sons first year of kindergarten. Big milestones in their lives and in all of ours. I am lucky that I am good friends with my X now. It took us a few years to get back to this place of working together for the wellbeing of our kids. I know they still struggle with the “mom and dad not being together” stuff, but there is no more yelling at each other and that is I think a much better environment to grow up in. An environment where mom and dad are actually friends and give each other hugs and sit and share glasses of wine together is much more stable and pleasant than slamming doors and harsh words.

So, I try to concentrate on the new beginnings this schedule brings and with my free time I will take a new class and write my next book. I am not sure what that book will be yet. I am thinking something historical. Maybe based around a historical event of some kind. I purchased a book on a recent trip to Portland. It is a dictionary of English Folklore. I never knew such a book existed but it is filled with all sorts of wonderful definitions of words such as (flipping book open to some unknown page)

Lantern Man: An East Anglian name for a fierce *Will-o’-the -Wisp. One must never *whistle at night, or he will come; the only protection then is to lie flat with one’s face buried in the mud, so that he passes over one’s body.

Grin. Interesting eh?

Well I am sure I will find some bits of inspiration that will focus me back on my writing and away from my kids starting a new part of their life and a new schedule with Dad.

I hope your back to school days are filled with joy and smiles.
Lacy.

Hi all I am giving away signed copy’s of both my books to the first that can answer the questions on my blog.

Lacy Underthings

Hope you all are having a great day!

Hugs and Kisses,
Lacy.

Yesterday was my son’s birthday party. We always hold his party in the summer because he was born on December 27th. Not a good time of year to have a party. The party yesterday was wonderful. My X’s neighbors all came over and my dear friend Shelli Stevens. They all brought their kids and we had blast…. My son, who is not quite 5 yet, could not wait to open his gifts so as soon as the last guest arrived he tore into them. He got a scooter, a croquet set, Disney’s Cars school supplies, a really cool noisy balloon launcher (the balloons ended up all over the place including on my neighbors roof!), A cowboy hat and boots, dinosaurs, a marble playing game, clothes, and a Loony Tunes DVD set.

The interesting part of the day was the cake. I ordered my son an ice cream cake. The cakes base color, made to look like grass, was green. Not thinking much about it. I set the cake out to thaw a bit as he opened his gifts and when my X brought the cake to the table he smiled and what do you know… green teeth and lips.

He had gotten some on his finger and licked it before coming to the table and the green food coloring was dark… so everyone ended up with green teeth and the kids of course being kids got it ALL over. On their shirts, on there hands… the dog even licked some off the patio and he too had a green tongue for awhile it was quite funny.

I arrived home last night with the task to finish writing a synopsis for my next book. I HATE writing a synopsis. I am not a plotter, and I never stick to them when I am actually writing the book, so I always feel like they are a waste of time.

But I found myself thinking of the green teeth and the party I just came from and how something so simple made people laugh and the laughter of the day made me want to add a bit of humor to this next book. Humor is something that I never do. I can’t write funny dialog, but I think… I maybe able to write funny situations. I ended up adding some silly scenes that happen to keep my hero and heroine apart. Maybe I will have to add a scene where my heroine sees greens in my hero’s teeth and is disgusted by it or laughs and offends him.

I don’t know…

Authors, how often do you use real events to inspire a scene in your stories? And readers do you like to know when a scene in a story was inspired by a real life event that the author experienced?

Hugs and Kisses!

Lacy.