Guest Blog: for readers who enjoy "that sort of thing"

Erotic Romance Author Delphine Dryden

Visiting with us today on the Passion Sense Blog is erotic romance author Delphine Dryden. She's talking about her book Roses and Chains, one of the books from the Ellora's Cave author series 1-800-DOM-help, a BDSM line.

-Tell us a little about the book and where did you get the idea to write this story.

Roses and Chains is about a married couple who are just starting to move towards a D/s lifestyle, and the additional partner they pick up along the way. I got the idea after reading a rather snide article somewhere online about "Unicorn Hunters" (established m/f couples with one or more bisexual partners who are on the lookout for that mythical, magical, perfect bisexual third to share their bed and/or life). I've also been reading a lot of my friend Geonn Cannon's work lately, and his specialty is stories featuring lesbian characters who aren't all about being lesbian. They just ARE, they don't really think about it, it's just inherent in the worldbuilding. So I wanted to explore the same sort of dynamic with bisexuality, a story where that was a given and the people involved really weren't concerned about analyzing that part of their sexuality.

- What is your writing schedule like?

All over the place! I'm supposed to write while the kids are at school. Unfortunately, the last two years of writing full time have done nothing to change the fact that I'm essentially a night owl and I'm really just getting warmed up to write by about the time they get home. So just as when I had a day job, I end up doing most of my writing late at night or on the weekends. I will probably never make up my sleep debt as long as I live.

- How did you get started writing novels?

 I started by writing fan fiction. One day, when I was working on my third or fourth novel-length fan fic, I had a thought that I should really work on something original that was novel-length. Then I remembered there's a term for that already: "writing novels." So I did!

- What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

This sounds obvious, but I would advise them to write. Write, write, write. Write bad drafts of novels, write short stories, write little character sketches about weird people you met that day. Actually I often suggest that people find a fandom and write some fan fic. It gives you a chance to write something long and receive a whole lot of feedback, while working within an established universe with known characters. You can build an awful lot of skills that way fairly painlessly.

I also push people (forcefully, passionately, push them) to participate in things like National Novel Writing Month. Or writing groups with a challenge aspect or word count requirement. Anything that puts the emphasis on getting words down on paper, instead of getting bogged down in thinking about planning to maybe write something, someday, when you know what you're going to write. You really can't know until you write it. Get it down on paper first, then worry about what you've written.

- If you could write another genre other than romance what would you write?

There's another genre? I think now that I've started writing romance, I'll probably always think of things in those terms when I'm writing. I suspect just about anything I wrote would end up with enough romance elements to be categorized that way. It's all about relationships, anyway.

- Are you seat of the pants writer or plotter?

A little of both. I have a structure in mind when I start, and I go back and fill in ideas about plot as I go. But I don't do a lot of outlining in advance, and once I start writing the story itself I'm pretty much just pantsing. I don't always wind up where I thought I would.

- Have any of your titles ever been changed from your original choice?

Yes indeedy! My very first title for EC, "Snow Job", was originally "Frostbite." My editor said (and I will never forget), "That's not even close to sexy." So I changed it, and have certainly gotten many a comment about the new title. But I still like the original one!

- If you could turn any of your books into a movie which book or series would it be?

Probably When in Rio. Especially if I got to go to Rio during on-location filming!

- What's next?

I'm waiting to hear back from my editor about the next "Truth & Lies" book, tentatively called "Tangled Truth". It's Drew and Eva's book, and it is shibari-tastic! I suspect she's going to want some revisions, however, so I'm sort of biting my nails until I hear from her. I've also got two short stories coming out in print anthologies later this year. One's a lesbian vampire story called "Al Dente" in the Cleis "Girls Who Bite" antho, and the other one is "Safeword" in the Berkley Heat Agony/Ecstasy anthology. So flattered to be in that collection, with Jane Litte as the editor and with stories by some authors I'm a rabid fangirl for! Plus I have a few other submissions out and about that I'm still waiting to hear from, one at a publisher that is new to me (my fingernails may never be the same).

- For fun. What is your favorite kind of chocolate or chocolate dessert? (I love chocolate covered cherries)

I adore 70% or darker chocolate with a nice smooth mouth feel, like Green & Black or Dagoba. And anything from Moonstruck Chocolates, also. But then I tend to think the most delicious piece of chocolate is whatever piece I'm eating when you ask me :-D

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BLURB: Take one adorable suburban couple just starting to realize their D/s relationship isn’t quite enough to satisfy. Add one cute and quirky sub who can’t seem to find a Dom to suit her tastes. Place them in a room full of sex toys and candlelight, roses and chains…

And after a few smoking-hot nights of pleasure and exploration, all three just might find what they’re looking for.

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I'm looking forward to meeting Del at Romanticon in Akron, Ohio in September. She and Christine d'Abo will be participating in the 1-800-DOM-help workshop titled: BDSM From Top to Bottom. Del and Christine are also presenting their own workshop on steampunk. Can't wait for that! I hear she has a very cool costume planned.

Want to know more about Delphine and her books? Check out her website and blog: http://www.delphinedryden.com

http://www.delphinedryden.com/blog

Release Day for EMERALD DUNGEON



Exciting day today. The green shoes have arrived! Err, EMERALD DUNGEON was released today at Ellora's Cave And I do love the green shoes on the cover.

Yes, this story was inspired by a visit to a castle in Ireland back in September 2010. A writer's mind never stops searching for potential ideas for stories. I had a medieval dinner inside this 586 year old castle called Bunratty. I watched a show, listened to music, had more than my share of mead (honey wine) and listened to the haunting sound of a bagpiper outside. It was a blast. After talking to Desiree Holt about the 1-800-DOM-help author series at the last Romanticon, the naughty mind kicked in gear and I began to wonder what could go on in the dungeon of Bunratty castle...

As so many stories begin with a what if? So did Emerald Dungeon.

What if a woman muscian, a harpist, decides to take a break from her management job and do something she has always dreamed of: perform as a harpist in a small entertainment troupe. Just for the summer. It will be like a summer vacation. Then she'll return and get back to her boring, responsible job. But shortly after she arrives in Ireland, she discovers there's more going on at Rathmore Castle. She discovers a couple in the middle of a BDSM session in the dungeon and finds that her curiosity and submissive side are aroused. A sexy Dominant recognized the sub in her who is anxious to explore her erotic fantasies. There are many other secrets surrounding the castle and the couple has to face some difficult decisions. If they can accept each other with complete trust, and she can surrender to him as his sub, then ultimate pleasure and true love is possible.


Bunratty Castle (Inspiration for Emerald Dungeon)

EMERALD DUNGEON
Line: Taboo
Book Length: Novella
Book Type: eBook
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN: 9781419933721
MSRP/List Price: $8.90
Our Cover Price: $4.45
I hope you'll enjoy the story.
BUY LINK

Release Date For EMERALD DUNGEON



Wow things more fast in the ebook world! I have a release date for EMERALD DUNGEON

March 23rd

Yay! I'll be doing blog tours around at a number of author blogs and I'll spread the news as I get dates.

I'll will be guest blogging with Delilah Devlin on March 23rd. Talk about synchronicity. So check out her blog.http://www.delilahdevlin.com/blog/

  It's all about the shoes.

So far I'll be guest blogging at:   Desiree Holt - 3/23
                                             Francesca Hawley

                                             Ari Thatcher

                                             1-800-DOM-help blog
                                             Michelle Polaris
                                             Christine d'Abo
                                             Delilah Devlin - 3/23

I'll also be doing a Cyber Book Launch with Author Island March 24th for Cyber Launch Party and Front page release news.

I had a blast writing this story. It's a fun, sexy read, and I love the Irish castle setting.

Line: Taboo

Series: 1-800-DOM-help
Book Length: Novella
Book Type: eBook
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN: 9781419933721
MSRP/List Price: $8.90
Our Cover Price: $4.45

Guest Author: Ari Thatcher

Today I'm interviewing Ellora's Cave author Air Thatcher on the Passion Sense Blog and she's going to tell us about one of her hot EC books Maui Rekindled. Okay, I'm looking at the book cover and I want to put myself on the beach right now. Pull my chair up to the edge of the water and hand me a margarita.

Ari is one of the authors in the 1-800-DOM-help series from Ellora's Cave. I've had the pleasure to get to know these authors since I was invited to join this series, and besides being talented writers, they're wonderful ladies. I hope you'll check out their books and the series. Stop by Ari's website and check out her Whispering Valley series. It looks awesome. I read the premise. Very cool!!

*Check back in a few days, I'll have some great news of my own! I'll also have this interview and my exciting news in my March Passion Sense Newsletter.

-Tell us a little about the book and where did you get the idea to write this story.

Maui Rekindled came from the idea of a second chance at a vacation romance. I had a few vacation crushes and have sometimes wondered what happened to them. It was fun putting Gabe and Maggie back on the beach together with all the changes in their personalities since they last were together. Not to mention the fact that Gabe never called her.

- How did you get started writing novels?

I wrote skits in grade school and first tried a novel after reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders when I was twelve. In my twenties I started a time travel novel that evolved over the years and still hasn’t seen its last incarnation. I let gaps happen in my pursuit of publication but finally got tired of seeing other writers selling books and got back in the game for good.

- What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

If writing is the most important thing to your happiness, make it happen. Give it priority or work it in so you spend some time each day working on it. Sleep less, write during your lunch break, or talk into a digital recorder while you drive to work. Life will work against you and you need to fight to make it happen.

- Are you seat of the pants writer or plotter?

I have become a very structured plotter and think my stories are tighter because of it. I no longer have blocks, although I do have days where I don’t have the emotion needed for the scene in front of me. I usually force the action and add the emotion later.

- A lot of people think that genre hopping isn’t a good idea. What do you think?

I think if I don’t genre hop I’ll go mad! I have to write the characters who show up for duty, so to speak. Some are shifters, some are contemporary alphas and a few are titled Brits in Regency England. I know my readers will probably stick with the genre they prefer, but perhaps some will discover a new love by crossing over.

-Do you write a novel straight through? Or revise as you go? Plan a whole series in advance? Or does the series evolve?

I try not to edit as I go, but on occasion I will realize some element needs to be bigger or there will be something big I have to change. In that case I revise and move on. I’ve also discovered that planning the first three or four books in a series works best, or the first book will be weaker in some spots.

- What’s next?

I’m in edits with my first paranormal, Demon of Desire, a menage a quatre with triplet vampires, which will open the Whispering Valley series set in a quirky little valley in the Rocky Mountains. Vampires, shifters, witches and fairies all finding love and fighting to survive. I’m so excited to be playing in a world of my own! Readers can watch my website for a release date.

- Have any of your characters ever ended up completely different than you’d intended?

My heroes often keep a secret from me and bring it out when I least expect it. I was plotting a menage a quatre novel and got to “the” scene where the heroes were going to console the heroine and it would morph into this touching love scene. Instead, two of the heroes realized she needed what the third guy had to offer and they walked away with love. This became my first, as yet uncontracted, series.

- For fun. What is your favorite kind of chocolate or chocolate dessert? (I love chocolate covered cherries)

I’m a chocolate purist. Don’t go adding flavors to distract me! The additions I will allow are vanilla or chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and brownies. So, Caramello bars, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie or a brownie fudge sundae all work. Cold Stone Creamery is best for getting to add just what you want - chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and brownie chunks rock it!

Thanks for being a guest Ari.
Maui Rekindled
ISBN: 9781419928444
http://arithatcher.com/maui.html
website: http://arithatcher.com/


Blurb:

Maui Rekindled

By Ari Thatcher

“I’ll call you.” That’s the last thing Gabe said fifteen years ago as Maggie prepared to fly home from a summer in paradise. When he didn’t call, she packed away the memories of their sexual romp and relegated him to vacation-fling status.

Now, as the ink on her divorce papers dries, Maggie returns to that Maui resort hoping to find the carefree woman she once was. When Gabe walks out of the waves on her first afternoon at the beach, she isn’t sure whether to laugh or run away. Hot, crazy vacation sex with no strings attached would be the perfect remedy for her bloody divorce.

Gabe thinks of Maggie as the one who got away, and he’s not about to let it happen again. The passion between them is as fiery as ever, but is it hot enough to rekindle the romance he knows they could share? He’s got one week to prove to her it is.


Excerpt:

The little noises she made were the fucking hottest thing he’d heard in years. He bit the edge of the bra cup and tugged, baring her to his gaze. Her pale pink areola puckered as he watched. As much as he loved the sight of her, he needed to taste.

He took as much of her flesh in his mouth as he could, kneading with his tongue and pulling back slowly. “Damn, you’re so sweet.”

She stroked his shoulders and down his arms, her fingers working under his sleeves. Sitting up, he tugged off the t-shirt and tossed it aside. Her gasp was a stroke to his ego, which was swelling as fast as his cock.

Her thumbs brushed the contours of his chest, finding areas of sensitivity he’d forgotten. She continued to stare as she explored. “I thought you were so hot when we were younger. I had no idea what hot was.”

As he bared her other breast, he said, “I think we have a better appreciation as we get older. We’re not looking for instant satisfaction.”

“Instant, no,” she agreed. She lifted herself to him.

On a sudden urge, he pulled away, standing and shifting her to lie completely on the couch.

Sitting beside her hips, he said, “Sit up a bit.”

She struggled to rise on one elbow and he took off her tank top and reached behind her to unhook her bra. Then he adjusted the throw pillow behind her head and let her relax. “Perfect.”

He nudged at her elbow. “Put your arms up over your head.”

She did, her eyes never leaving his.

“I want to learn every inch of you. Then memorize it. All those years I had just shadowed memories of you. As hard as I tried to picture you, I could only remember how you felt in the darkness.”

Maggie reached for his arm but he caught her. “Nah, put it back.”

She waited, searching his eyes, then lifted her arm again.

“That’s my girl.” Her flesh swelled beneath his touch as he stroked with light fingers, tracing the pink edge of her areola. He tasted her again, tugged on the nipple and watched her head tilt back in pleasure.

Mistress Mine Another HOT Addition

If you haven't checked out the new 1-800-DOM-help series from Ellora's Cave, you're missing something HOT, unique and fun. From a several talented Ellora's Cave authors, this series has taken the premise of a mysterious business card - 1-800-DOM-help - that will appear to someone involved in the BDSM lifestyle but struggling with some issue or person and turning it into an exciting and sexy read. Once the characters call the number they may be directed to a secret club called Unfettered that has a way of appearing and disappearing in any location as needed. Just think of all the naughty stories an erotica author can come up with.

MISTRESS MINE by Samantha Cayto is the next in the series (all stand alone books)and was released today.

Blurb:

FBI agent and ex-military man Trey Boudreau likes to be in control and issue orders. But the bedroom is not a battlefield. His secret desire is to submit his body to a strong, older woman. He discovers a card that promises him the right one to bring him to his knees.

Juliette Coyne is a Domme determined to overcome a past experience that left her questioning her ability in the lifestyle. She is challenged by Trey, a strong, younger man in need of a good lesson or two. Old habits die hard, however, and the past continues to haunt them. Trey and Juliette grapple with each other and themselves for control, trust and a future together.

Excerpt:

Chapter One

“If you don’t stop mooning over your ex, I’m going to resign as your wingman.”

Trey Boudreau lifted his gaze from the beer bottle to glare at his friend, Mike. “I’m not mooning over Gina, and who the hell says ‘mooning’ anymore?”

Mike rolled his dark, brown eyes and shook his head. “I figured you being from the south and all it was a fitting expression. And yes, you are mooning over Gina. You haven’t stopped staring at your drink all night. Either you’ve developed an unhealthy attraction to malted beverages or you’re obsessing over your ex-wife. Either way, it makes being here pointless. Look, if you’re not interested in hooking up with any of the fine, and I mean fine, women in this club, we may as well head back to my place. No point in spending seven bucks on a bottle of beer if you’re not going to snag some bodacious booty at the same time.”

“Oh my God.” Trey put his head in his hands. This night was a disaster. He should never have let Mike talk him into clubbing. They were too old for this kind of meat market, and he wasn’t interested in “hooking up” with any woman. He wanted to find what he thought he’d had with Gina, a woman to spend the rest of his life with. He still wasn’t sure what had gone wrong. How did a ten-year-old marriage simply die? Sure, he had spent many of those years deployed overseas, but unlike other marriages killed by war, his had ended well after he’d taken a civilian job. He was still reeling from the aftershocks.

Mike’s big hand landed on Trey’s shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. “Come on man, it’ll get better. Maybe you’re pushing it too soon. I have to tell you, though, that I can’t say I’m sorry Gina shoved you out the door.”

Startled by the admission, Trey raised his head to frown at his friend. “I thought you liked Gina.”

Mike shrugged and tossed a couple of peanuts in his mouth. “Sure, I liked her. She was a nice girl, just not your type.”

“Not my type?” Gina had been the perfect type for Trey, sweet and caring, always eager to please him in some way. Biddable, his grandmother once called her. Coming from Granny, it had sounded more like an insult than a compliment. Then again, his Granny hadn’t been sleeping with Gina. Trey had, and a more attentive lover a man couldn’t ask for. Gina had been willing to do anything he wanted, pliant and accommodating and passive as hell.

Shit, when he thought about it, and he had a lot lately, his sex life with Gina had been boring. When he’d first been back from a deployment, he couldn’t get enough of her, like a man fresh from the desert downing lukewarm water. After a while, though, he’d start to crave Dr. Pepper, or beer, or Christ, a shot of bourbon. Then he’d deploy again and the thirst built up to a point where he forgot the tedium. Once he was home for good, working for the FBI, he was with his wife every night or gone only for a few days. Always the one to initiate love-making, he hadn’t been able to work up an interest very often. Their sex life had petered out. He’d thought he was the only one missing it. Gina hadn’t said anything or done anything about it. Obviously he’d been wrong about how she had felt because she was the one to ask for a divorce. She had demanded it, actually, the most assertive he’d ever seen her.

Trey took a long pull of his beer, draining the bottle. “Crap, you may be right. I know I let her down in the bedroom. I let us both down.”

Mike raised his eyebrows. “They say the first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem.”

“Fuck you,” he replied without any heat. Mike was a good friend and Trey knew he’d been a lousy one these past few months. Standing up, he added, “Let’s get out of here. This is a waste of time until I figure out what I’m looking for in a woman.”

Mike joined him and tossed a few more bills on the table for a tip. “As long as we’re talking about it, I may as well tell you what I think you might be looking for.”

“Bring it on.” Trey doubted very much his friend had an insight that he, himself, lacked in his own sex life.

“Remember Major Bradford?”

Trey’s stride hitched for a half-second before he replied. “Yeah, I remember her. So?”

“So, tell me your dick didn’t get hard every time she came into view.”

He waited until they were outside the club, the cool peace of the Boston night a welcome relief to the noisy crush of the club. “Come on, man, you’re talking about a superior officer.”

“Who is not here and we are no longer in the army. Be honest. A woman like that, tall, strong, commanding and mature. She was hot in a way all those young junior grades could never be.”

Trey stopped his body mid-squirm because honestly, he remembered the major in the mess hall one day when a mortar hit. She had been on her feet barking out orders before the dust had cleared. He’d had no problem following her orders when she so obviously knew what she was doing. And, yeah, the sight of her had aroused him each and every time their paths had crossed after that incident. Thinking of her made him hard that very moment. Hence the urge to squirm. He didn’t want to admit it to his friend, though. His reaction didn’t seem right somehow.

Want to know more about Samantha Cayto and her books? Visit her website:
http://www.samanthacayto.com/

New Adventures & New Digs



Harry Houdini

New Adventure? I'm not as adventurous as Harry Houdini but I've been busy with an exciting new project for Ellora's Cave and that's why I’ve been behind on blogging. It's a new adventure because this story is a little different from my usual work. There's still passion and adventure, and I think you'll fall in love with the characters. It was a fun and challenging story to write. If accepted, this book will be part of the 1-800-DOM-help author series. http://1800domhelp.blogspot.com Keep your fingers crossed. I’ll keep you posted.

The premise of the stories of this series involves the mysterious appearance of a business card with the text: ‘1-800-DOM-help’ written on the card. The card will appear to someone—a Dom/Domme or sub who is in need of a special kind of help in his or her D/s relationship. Upon calling the number an Operator will assist them and may guide them to a club called Unfettered.

That’s the basics for the world building, except for a few common characters. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the authors in coming up with a variety of erotic BDSM themes to fit. The locations are different and there are MM, MMF, and MF stories so far. They also contain both male and female Dominants and submissives. The stories are hot, edgy and emotionally satisfying reads.

Althought I do have elements of BDSM in some of my published stories, for this one, I needed to do a lot more research to better understand the lifestyle and dynamics of a D/s relationship. EC authors are great sources for research. I read a number of their books and got recommendations for non-fiction books and also checked out the BDSM and fetish communities on-line. Of course, my interpretation may not be someone else’s interpretation, especially someone who’s a part of that lifestyle. And it’s a fantasy, it’s fiction. The true test will be what the readers think. If it flies, and the readers (and my editor) likes it, I have a couple more ideas in the same setting.

The next question is, while I finish editing this book to send off to my editor, which book do I start working on next? I’m in the middle of two projects a demon book (the third in my Demons in Exile series) and a vampire book. Any preferences???


My new digs?: Is actually a new desk. I have a new writer’s cave!! YAY! For Christmas I received a new desk with credenza, hutch, L-shaped table, filing cabinet, corner table and wall unit (bookcase). The wood stain matches the hardwood floors and wood trim in the spare bedroom. I have three big windows to look out of and the best part is my dining room gets turned back into a dining room. I’ve been using it as my office for seven years. What do you think?

Okay, so Demon book next? Or Vampire book?

CONTEST REMINDER: Don't forget to check out the post on January 9th for details on how to win a copy of Secret Soiree or a surprise print book. Leave a comment and include your email or send me your email and I'll add you in the drawing on Valentine's Day. Details on my website too. http://www.kathykulig.com/

What Will be Your First Nook/Kindle Download?

Are you getting a Kindle or Nook this year for Christmas? If so, what do you plan to download first?
If you have one, what's on your wishlist for ebooks this year?

This has been a busy couple weeks trying to get ready for Christmas - shopping, decorating, menu planning, cleaning, and I'm in the middle of a home improvement project. Painting two bedrooms. I love to paint but what was I thinking starting this project so close to the holidays?? During all the craziness, I'm still determined to finish a novella by the end of December for the 1-800-DOM-help, the Ellora's Cave author series. I'm having a blast writing this book, and I'm very excited to be a part of a group of very talented authors. I have the first two books in the series on my NOOK: Commanding Acquisitions by Christine d'Abo and Needing Harte by Marilu Mann. Coming Soon in January is Delight Me by Desiree Holt.This series is going to be very hot! Here's a cool promo video for the series:


Here's another ebook idea for your first download on that new Kindle or NOOK this year? This week I have a CONTEST for a FREE ebook download of DRAGON WITCH at Anna's Book Blog. Stop by Anna's Blog for a chance to win a free one. If you visit her blog and post a comment on my guest post, you'll be entered. The drawing will be held on December 22nd. Anna's Book Blog also gave me an awesome 4 Star review

"This story has a little bit of something for everyone. A futuristic setting, lush-erotic scenes with paranormal and fantasy elements. Now normally I'm not a fan of threesomes, but this one worked for me. All the different elements sucked me in. Dragon Witch is one Hot story. I loved this one. It was sexy, sweet and definitely an adventure. The situation between the witch, dragonshifter and the fleet captain was intriguing. The ending perfect.

Happily Ever After Reviews gave Dragon Witch 5 Tea Cups. Here's the review:

"Braden is a nice guy who occasionally does bad things. Jaida is a talented, misunderstood women who is willing to lie to save the people-or animals-she loves. Together they have great chemistry. Add to that a shapeshifting dragon who needs to change shape and mate twice a year and you have a really unique menage story that entertains from start to finish. I was really impressed with this book and this author. I'll be checking out her writing in the future."

Please share you ebook wishes. What are you downloading this holiday season???