Anne's Winners from Last Week!

Hi all!

 We're keeping things short and sweet today but watch out for TOMORROW when our brand new Wicked Writer, Cari Quinn comes over to chat with everyone. As you know we are still under construction so thanks kindly for bearing with us.

In the meantime, Anne posted her 'goodbye' post last week and offered up a contest so it's with great pleasure we annouce her winners.

Jessica has won TWO of Anne's ebooks from her list.
Tiss has won a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate.

Congrats ladies! Write Anne to claim your prize at annerainey@gmail.com

Hard decisions and another goodbye

It's so hard when you have to make a decision that you hate, but know it's something you need to do. I struggled with this choice for a while, but I really feel like it's something I need to do. It's with a heavy heart that I'm leaving Three Wicked Writers Plus Two.

It feels so strange. This blog has been a part of my life for years. I still remember when Regina, Anne, and I sat around, emailing like crazy as we made plans for this blog. Years later we've grown so much. We got new members in Tess and Natalie, tons of followers and awesome friends in all of our readers. I've had so many laughs here, shared tears here and have memories I will always treasure. And I'll still be around, I just need to limit some of my responsibilities right now. I have personal things going on with my family, a lot of writing responsibilities and am experiencing a shift in my career. Though its hard, this is the choice I had to make right now.

I want to thank everyone for EVERYTHING we've shared over these years. It's been great and I'm honored to have been a part of Three Wicked Writers Plus Two.

Distractions and Shiiiiiiny Things

First off, just another mention that our blog is currently 'under construction'. We're hoping to unveil the new look very soon and we can't wait to show it off. Sorry I'm so late posting today but I have been distracted these days. Don't know what's up with that. Spring Fever? Maybe. The grass is greening up and we've been having some pretty darn nice weather around here but I honestly don't think that's it. I've just had trouble focusing because I just think too much is going on. Over at the Three Wicked Writers loop (you should definitely sign up btw) we decided to do a little writing exercise. A number of us were stumped at various points in our wips so we started off by stating our goals and then checking in to 'report' every hour. Everyone who came out to play did great and I believe we all met our goals. Now I only need to polish up and tweak what I wrote so speedy quick and move on with the manuscript. So what's holding me back? Lots of stuff. I am planning a joint promotion thing with author and friend Mari Carr. We both have releases tomorrow at Ellora's Cave. YAY on that! We've been plotting and planning joint contests and such so be watching for contest information on our personal blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. Also, Mr. Reg and I have been looking at houses. Ummmm. What are we thinking???? We have a very nice house already but we've kind of got the bug so we've been checking out some local listings. I'm signed up to guest blog, dealing with a 'major' change with my daughter and hell, just so many things that my head is spinning. What do you do when focus is hard to come by? I've been trying to figure that out for years. Today I'm seriously considering sitting out on the patio and watching the rain come down (yes, it's a MIRACLE...rain in west Texas!). Maybe my brain will settle down and I'll be able to focus on one thing at a time. Maybe a nice hot bath with bubbles? I just don't know but if you have any ideas, I would be most grateful! As I mentioned, Mari Carr and I both have releases tomorrow. Inflamed and Return to Delight are in the Lawless line and Everything's Comin' Up Cowboys for us. Here's a bit about both books.

COMING March 30

Blurb:

Stuck in a rut in every way possible, Keri decides her first step in a bid for change is moving back to the Texas home she left years ago. The second step? Spicing up her sex life with the crazy-hot cowboys she left behind. Too responsible (and smart) to touch her way back when, Max and Shaw filled Keri’s hottest teen dreams. Now she’s older, wiser—and more than ready to make up for lost time. Max and Shaw were always fond of Keri, but the stunning woman strutting back into their lives is a far cry from the serious, studious teen they remember. She wants to take a walk on the racy side—with both of them—and the cowboys are only too happy to oblige. As they suspected, the sex is explosive, though Max and Shaw aren’t sure Keri can really handle everything they have to give. Nor do they know if she can handle the sexy secret they’ve yet to divulge.

Coming March 30

Blurb:

Harley June Baker left Delight thinking never to return, but when circumstances draw her back to this tiny town and straight into Cooper’s strong arms, she knows she’s in deep trouble. The man she’d loved and left behind is now one sexy devil-in-denim and hotter than a Texas summer night. With his every wicked touch throwing her senses into overdrive, how could any sane woman resist? Cooper Dobbs is a man on a mission. He let Harley get away once, but never again. Knowing it’s time to burn up some sheets with the delectable woman, Cooper plies her with a raw, savage passion that threatens to incinerate them both. It’s gonna take plenty of panty-drenching sex and a fair amount of sweet-talkin’ to make Harley his, but Cooper reckons he’s up to the challenge.

Sizing Up Sexy

Before I begin today’s post, Natalie Dae and I want to thank everyone who voted for Black Cougar Curse in Whipped Cream’s Book of the Week Contest. Yayyyy!!!!! It won!!!! And looks like Twelve Days of Love will be having its own little “vote” soon, too. But about that another time. So thanks to everyone who voted! And if you haven't read Black Cougar Curse? Click HERE to find out more about it.

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My kid wanted Bojangles chicken. So I was sitting in the drive-thru line and patiently waiting, hitting the seek button on the radio to find something decent to listen to, when this sexy silver fox walks out of the restaurant. I did a double take. Whoaaaaa… Now most of ya’ll know that I like men with seasoning—kind of like my fried chicken! But in this case, the spices happen to be those seasonings that come with a little age and life experiences. I like a man with a bit of character in his face and salt ‘n’ pepper hair or hair with more salt than pepper. Lol I’ve always liked older men. Even when I was in my twenties.

Anyway, I’m watching this dude. Tall—at least six-two or three. Broad shoulders. Tanned. Nice butt! Handsome face—great Alpha strut! My gaze immediately rolled to his left hand. Is he married? No ring. Ohhhh…all right! Yeah yeah yeah. Like I was gonna jump out of the car, run over to him and introduce myself. So NOT. I never do. Guess I’m just curious. And I can always dream, can't I? But I’m way too shy to do something like that! Okay, okay, stop laughing. I am TOO shy. Stop holding your stomach, Regina! Stop it. I tell ya I am TOO shy. Forget it. Not listening to this snickering anymore.(LOL)

So I’m watching him walk into the parking lot and I’m holding my breath now just waiting to see which car is his. You can tell a lot about a man from the car he drives. You know it’s really just an extension of their… Well, there was a nice black Cadillac parked in the direction he was moving, and I’m nodding my head. Smooth, sleek, lots of quiet power—staying power. Ohhhhhh yeah. And then he immediately jumps into a yellow and black striped MINI COOPER! My face scrunched up into what I know was a look of sheer horror. I gulped, almost swallowing my tongue. That tall drink of whiskey had folded up those long legs of his and had gotten into a damn MINI COOPER! I don’t give a damn if Matt Damon DID drive the hell out of one in that movie. It’s just NOT the car for MY kind of man.

A picture of him in bed…uh…errrr…performing…came to mind. He was all over the place. And he was quick about it. Darting here, darting there, spinning around. He reminded me of a honey bee—only I didn’t want to give him the honey. And all the while I’m hearing: “I want a man with sloooooow hand. I want a lover with an eeeezy touch. I want someone who will spend some time. Not come and go in a heated rush…” (Love that song. Love The Pointer Sisters.)

Another one had bitten the dust. I’d have settled for a pickup truck with mud on the tires before that little, itty bitty box! I don’t need any bees buzzin’ ‘round ME!

Okay, I know at least one of you drives one of these cars. Or at least two of you loves these cars and wants one—but really? A man that tall? A man that built? Sorry, the car IS cute, but I can’t see the great Alpha male in that car. So my apologies if you are offended and happy driving!

A few days before this particular incident, I was sitting in one of the shopping center parking lots—not listening to music this time. I was thinking about a plot line. But my kid was in Game Stop and I knew it was going to be a while, so it was safe to think and jot down a few notes. A Dually pulls up in the space across from me. Big ol’ black one. Nice truck. And no, I’m not really into trucks, but I see them as Alpha material for sure—dependent upon which kind, of course, how well-kept it is, etc. This one was nice.

There was a gun rack in the back glass. Expected. A little deer symbol in the left corner of the glass. Expected. The door swings open and this big ol’ boot shows itself along with a long, camo pants encased leg. That boot planted itself on the pavement. I kept waiting on the other leg to join it. But it didn’t. I thought: Hmmm…he’s stretched wide right now. Yeah, I thought that. He had to be tall in order to do this. And he was. He finally brought that other leg out and stood. Ohhhh YUMMY! Definitely military. Biceps, triceps, pecs—all molded inside one of those tightly stretched Army t-shirts. I wanted to reach out and touch the Iron Man. And he HAD to be made of iron. Not a lot of hair, but definitely salt ‘n’ pepper. NO wedding ring. I shook my head. Why am I sooooo shy? REGINA!!!! I’m gonna have to gag you, woman!

And then?

He blew his nose. Through his fingers. Onto the pavement. Wiped his hand on those camo pants and started walking toward the sidewalk. I collapsed onto the steering wheel and the horn blared. I sat up just in time to see him turn around and look. I sank in the seat, making myself as small as possible. “PLEASE, dear Lord,” I prayed. “Don’t let this be the one who approaches ME!”

Thankfully, he moved on.

About a month ago, my oldest showed me a pic of a guy on Facebook that she’d met and was thinking about “hanging out” with. They don’t date these days, they hang out. Anyway, he had done one of those bathroom pics of himself without his shirt. NICE eight-pack. Very muscular. She was grinning from ear to ear. I nodded and said, “Yep, he’s cute. What does he do for a living. Does he go to school? What does he drive?” All of which got me a frown and a “none of your business” response.

Sooo…she’s been seeing this dude. Friday afternoon, he drives up and she runs out the door—followed by MOI! Yep, it was time for me to meet him. Ohhhh, she said some things under her breath and out of the side of her mouth to me. LMAO…no way was he getting away from me. And he saw me coming. Hopped out of his big ol’ green pick up (nice truck) and he was short. At least three to four inches shorter than her. Okay, nothing wrong with men under six feet tall. Okay. So nobody get all worked up over this. But I have this thing. I want the man to be taller than the woman. I know, I know. It’s outdated, silly, just so wrong. But hey—that’s me.

But even bigger than the problem I was having with him being shorter than her was his lack of MEAT. The boy was a stick. He’d blow away in a March wind for sure. There was nothing there to hold on to. Well, maybe I can fatten him up—stretch him out. Probably no need, though. She goes through relationships like most people eat M & Ms—by the handful. The one I want for her—and she doesn’t want—has a killer body, good lookin’ as sin, great job, great future ahead of him—has a kick ass tattoo on his back. Good personality. And adores her. And? She wants NOTHING to do with him. sighhhhh

But enough about me and my taste in men. Ya’ll got any funny stories about the Alpha who bit the dust? I’d love to hear them. Leave me comments. We’ll pass those war stories back and forth.

On another note, I’ve decided to start showcasing an author video each week. If you caught my debut blog post over at The Romance Studio, you know how fascinated I am by them. Here’s the link in case you missed that post: http://trsblue.blogspot.com/2011/03/move-over-steven-spielberg.html

The post features three book trailers that I absolutely love. Check them out!

Today’s video is by Lex Valentine of Winterheart Design. It was created for author, Debbie Gould for her book, November Rain. I’ve always loved the title of that book. And the cover is gorgeous—made by the amazing Emmy Ellis, aka Natalie Dae. Once you see this book trailer, I know you’ll want to buy the book.

So here’s the link so you can do just that: http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=147&products_id=410

Now for the video…

Welcome our Guest...Amber Skyze

For writer’s we need to not only write a great story we need to promote the book too. There’s Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Chat Loops, and Blog Tours just to get started. All these can be overwhelming for a writer. What happens when you’re spending all your time promoting and hanging out with other writers? The act of actual writing takes a back seat. I’m guilty of this – BIG TIME I tried to find a happy medium but it just doesn’t work. Once I get started making my rounds on the various blogs I follow I can’t stop. And I have to hope that the author doesn’t ask me to go visit another site, because of course I’ll get sucked in.

I could spend all day on chat loops taking about the craft of writing or the world news. These are all distractions. I’m not saying they’re not worth the time, just in moderation. How much is the right amount of time? I can’t answer that. The one thing I can say is don’t let it become your life, like I did. My problem used to be solved by writing in the wee hours of the morning – 4am. By the time I finished writing the regular workday started and I was free to hang out all I wanted, unless I had an article assignment. That’s changed recently and I’m sleeping until at least 6, sometimes later. My schedule is off and I’m readjusting. That shift in schedule means something had to go. I’m not on the loops as often and I visit blogs when I can. I feel terrible, but my writing has to come first. If there isn’t a book, there’s nothing to promote or talk about. Short of hiring someone to do all your promoting, how do you balance your writing and promoting?

Where to find Amber: 

http://www.amberskyze.com/ http://amberskyze.blogspot.com/
 
Buy it HERE!

Blurb:

Tired of their ho-hum sex life, Jack decides to spice things up by planning a surprise for his wife. After sending the children off for an overnight with their aunt, Jack handcuffs Beth to their bed. Beth awakes naked, blindfolded and at the mercy of her husband. The day starts off with being fed by Jack and quickly turns into hot and heavy sex. She soon learns that a slip of the tongue can lead to stinging ass cheeks. This rainy day will be spent pushing their sexual limits. Whether in bed or out, Jack will leave Beth begging for more—until she says something unforgiveable.


Adult Excerpt From:

JUST ANOTHER RAINY DAY

Copyright © AMBER SKYZE, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

Beth opened her eyes to total darkness. She attempted to move, but found her arms were pulled above her head. Around her wrists was soft fur. She tugged and the rattling sound of chains filled her ears. She was restrained. Fear spread throughout her body and into her throat.

“Why am I handcuffed?” As she tried to sit up she realized she was also blindfolded. Never in their fifteen years of marriage had she woken to find herself trussed like a slave or prisoner.

The smell of bacon wafted closer, assaulting her nostrils.

“I’m going to fuck that pussy all day long.”

Beth moved her head to the left where Jack’s voice echoed through the room. She shivered. The thought of him fucking her all day sent chills down her spine, until reality came crashing back.

“What about the kids? Surely they’ll want Mom to cook them breakfast and drive them all over God’s creation.”

“All taken care of. I just sent them packing with Auntie. They’ll be home tomorrow bright and early.”

How long had she’d slept? She knew she was exhausted when she fell into bed the night before, but to sleep through the kids waking and Jack shackling her to the bed wasn’t like her.

“Did you spike my drink last night, Jack?”

A full belly laugh filled the room. “I’d hardly do something so sinister.”

He had a point. In all their marriage he’d never even spoken an ill word against her. Why should she accuse him of something so hideous?

“How did you manage to handcuff me to the bed?”

“You were snoring peacefully. I moved your arms without getting a peep out of you. You barely stirred.”

Beth racked her brains trying to remember any feeling of being moved around, but nothing came to mind.

“Clever, Jack, now uncuff me please.”

“No can do.”

“Huh? Please, Jack. My arms can only take so much of being stretched like this. I’d like you to release me, now.”

“Remember your prisoner fantasy?”

How could she forget? She’d told him about the fantasy eons ago. They’d been enjoying a glass of white wine on a cold winter’s night. They’d nestled all cozy in front of the fireplace. As they gazed into the glowing embers, she had shared her deepest darkest desires. Beth had told him how she wanted to feel as if she’d been kidnapped, taken away and tortured in every delicious way imaginable. Jack had listened quietly and nodded at the appropriate times. She’d explained that she pictured herself in the shower after a long day. A stranger would appear and pull her soaking wet from the streaming water. He’d carry her to her bedroom where he’d take what he wanted. He’d ignore her pleas for him to stop. He’d fuck her until they were both sated.

She’d thought he’d forgotten by now. Obviously he had been biding his time.

“Is this what is happening today? You’re living out my fantasy?” A slight shiver passed through her body. Jack had listened. He’d taken her seriously and decided to give her what she needed.

“We are and I’m in control. You will do as I say or suffer the consequences.”

Beth shook as a chill of delight filled her. Jack’s voice was deep and demanding. He was using his dominant tone.

“Got it.” A secret smile filled her soul.

Welcome Our Guest Elizabeth Black

For The Love Of Women
By Elizabeth Black

Loving women comes naturally to me, but I didn't know that when I was in college. I always thought you were either gay or straight. I didn't know you could love both men and women. So I learned by the time I was in my late twenties that I was bi-sexual. I've often fantasized about making love to a woman as far back as high school but the opportunity never presented itself except once, and she turned out to be very, very straight. I gave her many different kinds of educations. For instance, she was a vegetarian, and I got her to eat bacon. The gateway meat. LOL Soon she was eating cow and chicken. I don't know if she went back to being vegetarian but she did take a walk on the wild side for a little while there. However, my first and only experience making love to a woman didn't work out as I had hoped it would. I loved her, too. Even though it didn't work out the way I had hoped, we remained friends and are friends to this day.

I've created many lesbian and bisexual female characters, and Bridget and Gillian in "Things That Go Hump In The Night" are only my latest. This short paranormal lesbian story appears in the anthology "I Kissed A Girl II: More Virgin Lesbian Stories" published by Ravenous Romance. All my female characters feel a great lust for life and they help to open up their bi-curious lovers to the joys of both womanly sex and exotic living. My first lesbian character was Amelia in "Lost In Her Mouth". She appears in my short story anthology "Tales Of Lust And Longing", published by Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. Amelia is a very tactile-oriented young woman who loves to taste and feel everything around her – including her lover. My two favorites are Angelina and Charlotte in my favorite lesbian short story "Neighbors", which appears in the "Vamps" lesbian anthology published by Torquere Press. Angelina is based on Angelina jolie and Charlotte is based on Charlotte Lewis. Yes, I like a particular body type – long dark hair and skin, exotic features, muscular yet lithe, with large breasts and big hips. I don't do blondes, LOL. Ange and Charlotte invite staid, stick-in-the-mud Annie into their world, and there's no turning back! Annie dives into a world of decadent food, fine wine, a love of leisure, and exciting sex. Coming soon: Gatria, Sun, and Shira who appear in yet another lesbian story "Unfolding Her Wings", soon to be published in the anthology "Women On The Edge Of Space", by Circlet Press. This is my first science fiction story. Characters like Ange, Charlotte, Gillian, Sun, Gatria, Shira, and Amelia are very appealing to me. They break rules, think outside the box, enjoy their bodies and their lover's bodies, and there's no holding them back. I see them as my alter ego.

So, are you interested in meeting these fascinating women? You may find cover art and links to "Neighbors" and "Lost In Her Mouth" on my web site.

"Neighbors" – Scroll down on the "Short Stories" page to "Vamps".

"Lost In Her Mouth" – in "Tales Of Lust And Longing"

And here is information about my newest release, "Things That Go Hump In The Night", appearing in the "I Kissed A Girl II: More Virgin Lesbian Stories" anthology.

Title: I Kissed a Girl II: More Virgin Lesbian Stories
Includes short story "Things The Go Hump In The Night" by Elizabeth Black
Paranormal erotic lesbian romance
Edited by Regina Perry
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Publish Date: 2011-03-22
Word Count: 50,957
ISBN: 9781607773993
Price $4.99

Buy Links:

Ravenous Romance

Amazon Kindle

AllRomanceEBooks

Bookstrand

Elizabeth Black's Web Site "I Kissed A Girl II" Page

Blurb:

Our readers asked for it, and now we're pleased to present Volume II of first-time lesbian encounters inspired by Katy Perry's hit song! Seven returning authors continue to arouse, plus six new authors will not disappoint.

This diverse collection travels the globe and the ages. No two settings or circumstances are alike, proving that women from every walk of life and culture are curious and eager to explore their full sexuality...with each other.

Saying Goodbye & A Contest

So, it's come time for me to say goodbye to Three Wicked Writers plus Two. I'm finding myself backed into a corner lately because I just have way too much going on, both personally and professionally.

On a personal front my mom is having some heath problems. The tumor the doctors removed awhile back has left it's mark it seems. She has swollen lymph nodes and the doctor thinks that her cancer has possibly spread. She has a CT Scan (is that how it's spelled?) on Monday. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

On a professional front my deadline is fast approaching on my current WIP and I have a lot of work to do these next few days if I have any hope at all in meeting it. When I do, there are three more books waiting in the wings and two editors itching for them to be finished--yesterday. This is good news actually! Having editors interested in my stuff is a blessing.

Nevertheless, I've had to take a hard look at my schedule for the year and it's VERY full. This means I need to do some rearranging. Sooo, next Thursday will be my last time posting on here. I figured it'd be wrong if I went out quietly. That's just not my style. LOL I wondered what I could do to show my love and appreciation of ALL the followers on here and the one thing that sprang to mind is to have a contest.

I'm going to pick two winners. The first will win a $25 online gift certificate to Amazon. The second winner will get their choice of 2 of my ebooks from my current releases.

All you have to do is tell me this: Have you or have you not enjoyed the hunks I've brought to you over the years? C'mom, you drooled and you know it. LOL

I will announce the winners here on the blog next Thursday, which will be my final post.

RT, Baby!

I've always wanted to go to Romantic Times Convention. I'd love to be surrounded by that many lovers of romance and erotic romance. Every year it seems like something comes up and I'm not able to attend. This year is in LA which is right around the corner from me! I'm not attending the whole convention, but spending the day there on Saturday and I can't wait!

I'll be attending the signing, some author sessions and a workshop and I'm really looking forward to it. My BFF is coming with me. I'm not even going as an author. I'm going just for fun! It's rather exciting!!

Have you been to one of the big conventions? Are they as big of a blast as they look?

Getting Back to Normal

I don't really have a topic today. Bad me. Honestly I think my brain is fried from all the spring break going's on and I'm currently struggling to get settled back into my routine. Spring Break was great. My daughter and I shopped, talked until late in the night, watched movies and favorite tv shows. It was a good thing and I honestly hadn't realized how much I'd been pushing myself with the work stuff until I took some time away from it. Then, over the final days of the break, my son and his girlfriend came for a few days. Crowded house but we had fun. It was strange though...the whole time I lolled about like a lazy ass I kept thinking about my WIP or wondering about edits, release dates, and things like that. Guilt ate at me. Have you ever done that? I mean, you KNOW you are sort of on vacation but work eats at you anyway.

Oh well....that's life I reckon. Now the house is quiet again and I'm back into my routine though yesterday was rough. My thoughts were scattered as I tried to get back into the groove. It'll come, I know. Hopefully today as I pull up the work in progress and dig in. After everyone left the house echoed and Mr. Regina and I looked at each other and kind of sighed. Strange moment as we looked at each other knowing it was just us again. We will adjust to all this quiet, as we always do, and then go through the whole rollercoaster again when the kids return. I figure it will always be this way and that's okay. Keeps life interesting doesn't it?



Book Release: Return to Delight comes out next Weds. (March 30) at Ellora's Cave. Just got my cover last week. Isn't it great? I love it and depicts a scene from the book perfectly. This is a 'brother' series and I'm looking forward to writing the next two of these.

Blurb:

Harley June Baker left Delight thinking never to return, but when circumstances draw her back to this tiny town and straight into Cooper’s strong arms she knows she’s in deep trouble. The man she’d loved and left behind is now one sexy devil-in-denim and hotter than a Texas summer night. With his every wicked touch throwing her senses into overdrive, how could any sane woman resist?

Cooper Dobbs is a man on a mission. He let her get away once but never again. Knowing it’s time to burn up some sheets with the delectable Harley, Cooper plies her with a raw, savage passion that threatens to incinerate them both. It’s gonna take plenty of panty-drenching sex and a fair amount of sweet talkin’ but Cooper reckons he’s up to the challenge.


New Book in Print! Sequins, Saddles and Spurs which contains Trouble in Cowboy Boots (Desiree Holt), Trouble in a Stetson (Regina Carlysle) and Trouble in Chaps (Ciana Stone) is available for sale at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. I suspect it will be up for sale on the Ellora's Cave site very soon. So if you love a print book pick up your copy today.

Exploding Heads

The news around the world gets to me sometimes, and when it does, I just want to shake someone to prevent my head from exploding. Yes, I’m on my soapbox again this morning. But you knew that, didn’t you? Mostly my rant is about common sense and the lack thereof. Now I don’t consider myself to be knowledgeable on all subjects, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure a few things out either, does it?

For instance, I woke up this morning to find in the news that the Arab League was now all upset about the No Fly Zone in Libya and the air strikes. Ummm…they just supported it the day before. And now they say they are concerned about killing other Muslims and getting involved? So why the flip flop? Was there a breakdown in the language translation at the United Nations or what?

I’m not in favor of killing anyone, but the decision was made, and the Arab League was in complete agreement. Did they think those fighter jets would be loaded with BBs? Makes me think there is another far more sinister reason for flip flopping. Because surely they knew what it meant. For now, we’ll just have to sit back and see how this plays out. And any way you cut it, it doesn’t bode well for world affairs.

On another note, I’ve been following the case of the protesters who place themselves outside of military funerals and disrupt services with their anti-gay and anti-war messages. I’m sure everyone is aware of this church group by now, and most people would not begrudge them their right to shout their message from the rooftops no matter what we think of the actual message. But we DON’T think it’s okay to deliver the message in such a way that grieving family members are targeted and caused further grief.

I for one have not always agreed with what has occurred in the War On Terrorism. But terrorism does exist and we must fight it. It’s only common sense. But not one time have I ever NOT supported our fighting men and women. Anti-war protests are much better laid at the doorsteps of the Capitol Building—not at the feet of grieving families.

But the Supreme Court agrees with the free speech rights of the protestors. I can’t say I was shocked. The Court is, after all, sworn to interpret and uphold the laws of this land. However, with that said, the Court is also charged with making sense of our laws, and therefore, in some cases clarifying or even making decisions that throw laws or interpretation of laws out the window. And NO, I don’t suggest we throw free speech out the window!

But I have to say this: The rights given to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights are only “rights” as long as we don’t infringe on the freedoms and rights of others. At least that’s the way I look at it. Maybe that's an over-simplified approach to it all, but it works for me. Respect others.

It is a sad day when individuals take it upon themselves to purposely inflict pain in order to bring attention to themselves. To say that God hates anyone—gays, a particular race, gender, etc.—and is handing out punishment as a result, goes against the very grain of Christianity. So the reasoning of these church members eludes me. And now that they have “permission” to do what they’ve been doing? I imagine it will only worsen. They will become bolder and much more aggressive. I see a lot of sorrow to come on the horizon.

And then there is the catastrophe in Japan. Thousands upon thousands are dead, thousands are missing, and the people of Japan are barely hanging on. So what do people do? Make jokes about it. A famous comedienne and a governor’s press secretary have lost their jobs by doing just that--making fun of such a horrendous tragedy. There was a college student who made a video about being miffed over Japanese students on their cell phones trying to find out what had happened to their loved ones back home. My own kid posted on X Box to some friends about what is going on in Japan and the response he got shocked him. He ended up deleting a few friends as a result.

Were these people raised by wolves or what?

What has happened to compassion and tolerance in our world? It seems to no longer exist. More and more it appears as though we are living in a world of pure madness, and the mob mentality has taken over, bleeding people dry of all common sense. 

I read a local story this morning. A story from North Carolina in a town about a hundred miles from me. There was a big fight going on in a mobile home park. A man was passing by on his way to get his kid a late night snack from a fast food restaurant at about 9:15. From this mobile home park, a man ran out in front of him and the driver of the car hit him—unavoidable accident. But others from the park saw this happen, ran out and snatched the driver from his car and almost beat him to death.

And here’s the shining light.

A woman came along in her car, saw what was happening, sat down on her horn for over five minutes to draw attention to the situation—therefore saving the man’s life. The woman was obviously afraid for her own life, but she said she just couldn’t drive away and leave him there.

Hope is what keeps us going. That tiny light within each of us that promises things will get better. It’s what gives us the strength to face a mob, defy those without a conscience, and move mountains when everyone said it was impossible. We live in dangerous and complicated times. There are no easy solutions. But if we all sit down on the horn and refuse to leave those who need us? I think we’ll weather the storm just fine.

Yeah, hope springs eternal. Even from a jaded lady with an exploding head like me.

Welcome our guest Afton Locke

Dark closet + sexy boss + 7 minutes = too HOT to stop!
Wanna play 7 Minutes in Heaven?

Now available at Ellora’s Cave!

Ever had a fantasy about your boss? 'Fess up. We all have.

Despite Eliza Worth’s attraction to her boss, Zach Taunton, she’s so fed up with his unreasonable demands she’s decided to look for another job. Her matchmaking friend Margo, determined to give Eliza some sexual healing for her work stress, invites her to a singles mixer, where Eliza reluctantly agrees to play a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. In a dark closet, Eliza is quickly brought to the edge and beyond by a sexy mystery man. Her initial intrigue quickly turns to horror when she discovers her masterful, anonymous lover is none other than her slave-driving boss himself—and Zach seems to want her for a lot longer than seven minutes. But first he’ll have to relinquish some control and negotiate his way into her heart.

Watch the Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_K4oZAFAj8

Seven Minutes of Seduction
ISBN# 978-14199-32977
Ellora's Cave Publishing
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9201-seven-minutes-of-seduction.aspx

Excerpt (Adult)
(Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2011, All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.)
Her breath caught when she realized the room wasn’t just dark. It was completely black. She couldn’t see a thing now. Margo must have had special padding or weather-stripping installed around the edges of the door.
“You’re not allowed to talk, starting now,” Margo said, her voice muffled.
Eliza fought down the urge to pound on the door and beg to be let out but knew that would make her resemble a childish idiot. Not being able to see and knowing nothing about who was in the closet with her sent her heart rate into the aerobic range.
Her other senses soon took over. She heard the rustle of curtain, a man’s breathing and…oh God. That was Zach’s cologne. The distinctive blend of exotic spices and understated class had distracted her mid-task more than once at work.
Coincidence, she told herself as she clasped her hand across her throat. Lots of men wore the same cologne. He couldn’t possibly be here.
This man, whoever he was, didn’t seem nearly as inclined to pause and analyze the situation as she did. She gasped when a questing hand brushed her waist and arm, followed much too quickly by two steely arms fastening around her. Goose bumps exploded across her arms as rolled-up shirtsleeves and very hot forearms slid across her skin.

The Moment by Nichelle Gregory

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Tarra, My Lovelies!

Hiya gang!

Today is my last day blogging here. Since starting work full time, I’ve had to sit down and seriously work out what I can comfortably manage without overstretching myself. Blogging is one of those things—I haven’t even written on my own blogs in an age—and something I need to remove from my list. Other things have also been placed in the “to do later” file.

I’m utterly dedicated to my job and family, and those two things take priority with me. Anything else has to wait its turn, and it’s unfair of me to continue here when I don’t have the time to write interesting posts that you’ll enjoy reading.

That said, it’s been great blogging here. I’ve met some wonderful people, made friends I wouldn’t have otherwise, and leave this blog knowing it was well worth the experience.

All that is left to say now is that I wish the other ladies well, all you readers and authors well, and may your lives take all the twists and turns you want, making you happy and fulfilled!

Bless you all, loves! See you around!

HUG!

Thursday Hunks

Hi All,

I figured today would be a good day for some hunks. I'm sick as a dog and heading to the docs soon. These guys are cheering me up a bit though. :)

Anyone have some extra patience?

I have always been impatient and I'm the first one to admit it. It practically kills me to wait. I jump the gun and regret it later. I'm there early when everyone else is late. Which begs the question, how did I end up a writer? LOL. Well, technically the answer to that is because there is nothing else I would rather be. I can't, NOT write, but for this post, we're going to forget that.

There is A LOT of waiting involved in writing. It takes a while to write a book, if you have critique partners it takes time to get your work back, then edit. Querying is a KILLER, submission, edits, release AHHHHH. There is so much waiting! LOL.

My agent has one of my book out on submission right now and the wait is threatening to do me in. I get it. I know it takes time. The logical part of me knows that, but it doesn't stop me from driving myself crazy. From checking my email a million times a day, even when I'm not home.

SO... I need patience. How do you do it? What's your magic ticket to making the wait not drive you bonkers?

And for fun, I'll leave you with Patience by Guns and Roses. Love this song.

Spring Breaking

I never seem to do much during spring break but PLAY and this week is shaking out to be no different. My daughter came in town last Thursday night and it has been nothing but run, run, run. Writing? Pfffft? What's that? Yesterday I managed about two whole pages of my current project. Today daughter and I are heading off for our yearly checkups at the doctor. It has become tradition for us to schedule a day to get this crappy but necessary thing done and then we treat ourselves to lunch afterwards. I guess misery loves company after all, huh? So yeah, we do this together, take care of ourselves and, as a mom, I want to be a good example, right? So we'll heading out to get this done in a few hours.

Years ago when all the kids were living at home we took trips for spring break. It might be shopping in Dallas or heading to San Antonio to take the kids to Sea World (and more shopping) but times have certainly changed. Family trips with all four of us seem to be a thing of the past and I hate that. Mainly it's due to everyone getting older, moving off, having evil day jobs and things like that. It's rather sad but it has been like this for about five years or more now. Some things we just never get used to, huh? So today, and for the rest of the week, I'll hang with my daughter and we'll talk, catch up, stay in town and see what's what.

In other news: I'm happy to announce that Return to Delight, a contemporary western, has been contracted by Ellora's Cave for their Lawless line. Waiting for edits and a beautiful new shiny cover which I'll most certainly show off as soon as possible. I'm also working on Rio's Touch, book three of the Savage Sanctuary series, and hope to have this finished by the end of the month. Once spring break is over I'll head back into my cave and whip it out.

Special thanks to my friend, author Allie Standifer, who felt my pain last week over the loss of my Cadbury Creme Eggs. She kindly sent me a box of them which I quickly 'stashed away' in a secret location.

Loaded for Bear

Today I’ve got my 12 gauge loaded up and I’m taking aim. There are some bad bears in these woods—bears that are out to get us—and I’m not going to stand idly by and keep my mouth shut. So authors and readers gather ‘round. Be aware of what is going on.

I’ve chatted with a lot of readers, and they are simply out there to read and enjoy our books. That’s it. No hidden agenda whatsoever. Those of you I’ve chatted with online are not engaged in sharing e books. YOU understand. It’s those misguided, so-called industry insiders who are not quite with it where e books are concerned in the first place that I’m targeting. Dinosaurs who are terrified that print books are going to vanish. Dinosaurs who believe that an author published within the e book industry is not a real author and their books have no real value. And I’m also gunning for those individuals whose character I question because they think it’s okay to engage in sharing e books when it’s clearly against the law. You know who I’m talking about—those people who are out to get anything free regardless of how much it costs someone else.

I saw a post on a group from a fellow author who was talking about a librarian who posted a Reader’s Bill of Rights. Now I won’t repost the link to this blog because I don’t openly advertise this kind of thing. Just as no one should ever repost a link to a piracy or sharing site. Why spread the mess around? But I’m sure if you need to find it, you can.

This librarian pretty much advocates giving away e books. As soon as someone buys one of our e books, this librarian thinks it’s okay for the buyer to share it. Uhhh…well, if it were a print book and they bought it and shared it with their bridge club, that might be okay. But it’s NOT! It’s a freaking e book. And when an e book gets shared it ends up on a pirate site or a sharing site and is shared thousands upon thousands of times. The “sharing” is UNLIMITED—INFINITE. Not so with a print book. GET A GRIP! A print book could not physically remain intact being shared that much.

Points the author of the post tries to make—and I am paraphrasing only—will not quote this person at all:

1.  That authors benefit from allowing unlimited usage of our books because downloading them is so technical and it’s hard for readers to understand—different e book readers limit you this way or that and therefore it’s all so difficult that readers will just give up and not read e books.

EXCUUUUSEEEE ME! The way the digital industry is growing by leaps and bounds, carving its way into the print realm and basically forcing big time print publishers to now embrace e books and sell them—even going all digital in some cases or simply creating a new arm to their businesses that is all digital—it would seem that readers are not quite as clueless as the blogger believes they are. I’m damn sure techno-stupid, but I know lots and lots of readers out there who with little effort have figured out how to download books to their Kindles and Nooks, Kobos, and Sonys. It’s different—sure. But do we toss the baby out with the bathwater just because it might be a little bit of trouble until we get the hang of getting the water the right temperature? Hell no. So the argument that e books are just too damn hard to download and therefore readers will buy print instead just doesn’t hold water, now does it?  So thank you very much, Mr. Librarian, I’ll take my chances and just figure that most people who can read can also read instructions as to how to download a damn book!

2.    That books should be available across the board in any format the reader chooses. In other words, whatever you can download with a Kindle, you should be able to download on a Nook or Kobo or whatever.

Uhhh…thought you could already do that. You simply choose the format you like. However, I think what he is referring to is downloading it once and then being able to transfer it to any other reader you like. Okay, but why? I don’t know about everyone else, but I think most people choose and own one reading device. Well, maybe you owned a Kindle and then bought a Nook. But do you really need or want to transfer your reading material back and forth between these devices? Maybe you do want to be able to read from one device or another. But I’d think that would be more along the lines of having a back up copy some place or maybe on a smaller device you stick in your pocket like an IPhone or one of those mini e readers. Sorry, I’m not quite up on all the techno stuff with e readers yet—Anne Rainey gave me a lesson and I read everything over at Dear Author about them, but still… It would seem to me, at least, that having e books available as one format or being able to universally transfer them from device to device is more about SHARING books than it is about convenience to readers. I can maybe see myself having a book on my Sony and then having another copy on my smaller Sony in order to have it in my purse so I can read at the dentist’s office, but really? I don’t think even that would be necessary. E readers are pretty small and easily tucked away or carried, aren’t they? Not only that but the last time I checked we lived in the Unites States of America. Ever heard of the concept “free enterprise”. Manufacturers DO have the right to decide how to sell their wares. And to tell you the truth, they have the right to do so in such a way that they pay for their research and development. Maybe someday e readers will be universal. But now? Not a chance. And hells bells, that’s not up to the author anyway. But I sure as hell don’t begrudge the manufacturers of e readers for making money. Not at all.

3.   That readers are somehow crippled by the inability to quote from our work or share passages.

Uhhh…Well, as an erotic romance author—uhhh…quoting MY work?---uhhhh…Go ahead. Make my day!

(but get my written permission first, okay?) LOL Hey, I don’t get this at all. Do readers really want to read a book and share passages from it? I’ve never done that. I mean, sure, I might email a buddy and say, “ohhhh I just read the most amazing line in this book!” And then give my buddy the line. But honestly? WTF? This librarian must be talking about something Sarah Palin wrote—not me. Surely not me. LMAO But in all seriousness, I think the poster was talking about readers discussing a book within some sort of group setting. Okay, well, that applies mostly to print books and book clubs. The poster is definitely immersed in the world of print and trying way too hard to make e books conform. They won’t. They can’t. Different animal. Yes, there are discussions on Yahoo goups with regard to certain books. But I’ve never known anyone that had to post or print out sections of a book in order to discuss it. As authors online, we post excerpts, chapters even, of our work and that should be enough. We give away free reads all the time. We are online with OUR readers. We are incredibly accessible.  Like I said, different from print altogether. So, saying that as an author, by disallowing sections of my books to be reprinted or quoted without my permission is hurting my readership and screwing with sales is a dog that just won’t hunt. Final answer? Just get permission before you quote someone’s work. The book is not yours to do with as you please. Print or e book. With that said, I have no issue whatsoever—and I doubt any other author does either—with a group of readers getting together and discussing a book and using printed out sections to do so. I have no issue with the Kindle Sharing Program. And I am most certainly not worried about libraries lending books. The poster does not understand what it’s like to have your books downloaded for free thousands upon thousands of times, thereby depriving an author of their livelihood. It’s just that simple. These are two entirely different issues. One is legitimate use of our e books and the other is a matter of outright theft.

4.   Sharing? Well, the poster believes that authors benefit from sharing because so many readers have found their favorite authors after a friend has loaned them a copy of a book.

The poster is clueless and does not understand the difference between e books and print books. And once again, they ARE different animals. One has an infinite life and the other doesn’t. As far as me worrying over losing sales because I don’t want someone sharing my book with someone else on the off chance they might buy my next book???? I’m not worried. I love new readers. Want new readers. But if I have to give away half my book sales in order to do it then I lost out big time, didn’t I? Right now I have a book on a pirate site that has had well over five thousand downloads. I very stupidly trusted a publisher who told me flat out they would take care of all piracy issues. And when I reported the issue to the publisher nothing was done. Not like Ellora’s Cave where I am published now. Nope. EC has an amazing lady, Kelly, who goes after these pirates and share sites with great gusto! So this bad publisher I fell in with went out of business and my book is still up there. I figure at this point I’ve lost right around $12,000.00 in royalties. Any way you figure it, that’s just plain wrong. I wonder if the poster of the Reader’s Bill of Rights would like to cut that much money out of his librarian salary.

I want to make it clear that my views on e book piracy and sharing are in no way a personal attack on the author of the Reader’s Bill of Rights. However, the poster’s lack of understanding—probably based on the fact he is deeply involved in the world of print as a librarian and new to the e book world just like everyone else—is quite evident and he should expect some pretty tough criticism of that post. As a matter of fact, it would seem there have been some personal attacks made on the librarian’s character at this point as evidenced by a more recent blog entry. The poster of the Bill of Rights says they are entitled to be treated with respect—and I so agree—and not like a potential criminal. I can only assume the reference to being treated like a criminal is based on DRM—basically limiting access to e books so they CAN’T be shared over and over. What I don’t understand is why everyone thinks it’s okay for a company like Microsoft to limit the number of downloads you have to your $150.00 copy of Microsoft Office so the program can’t be shared over and over, yet this librarian is up in the air because authors don’t want their blood, sweat, and tears downloaded thousands of times for free. The poster believes he has the right to archive the e books he purchases So do I. The poster also believes he has the right to share those e books. No, he doesn’t and shouldn’t have that right. The poster also believes he has the right to resell the e book he purchases. In response to that I can only say that the poster needs to walk a mile in the shoes of e book authors.

In the librarian’s latest post, he claims that we have a right to our opinion but not to our own set of facts. Well, to that I say: Get YOUR facts straight and you won’t have any problem with another set of facts being presented to you. We are, after all, entitled to defend our livelihood, and therefore SHOULD present the facts as they really are.

What are the facts?

Sharing e books takes the meat and potatoes off my dinner table. Reselling e books does the same thing. If you want to pass along my book to your best friend or your cousin Margaret who can’t afford to purchase a lot of reading material—so be it. But if Cousin Margaret uploads my book to a sharing site or resells my book, I’m going to be upset. And I will have every right to be.

I urge readers and authors to think this through. How would you feel if you were an artist and your work was duplicated over and over, thereby making your work less valuable—not in demand. How would you feel if you ran a construction company and the owner of the house you were building suddenly demanded that you build another bathroom for free—after all, she paid for the first one, didn’t she? So why not give her another for free? How would you feel as a teacher if you worked all day long teaching a sixth grade class just to have the principal come along and tell you that you must work on Saturday to teach another sixth grade class for free because—hey, after all, the school system already paid you once. Let’s just give away everyone’s work. It’s all been paid for once.

I urge all supporters of authors who are published in the e book industry to take a stand. Would love to have your support of this issue right here on the Three Wicked Writers Plus Two Blog. So leave me a comment, please. Thanks to all! Happy reading and writing.

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