Sunday, April 30, 2006
Win the chance to live your fantasy
Check out this contest being run by Harlequin for the launch of the new SPICE erotica line. Alas, only open to US and Canadian entrants, but if you're eligible I say go for it, and good luck!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Are friends electric? Oh, yes.
Gary Numan played in Yorkshire last week, and we were there. Superb gig and a fab night had by all, despite the head colds. Gary Numan? I hear you ask. Wasn’t he like, 1979, 1980? Yes, but if you thought he was just sitting back counting his royalties every time HERE IN MY CAR is used as the soundtrack for another car advert, you’d be wrong.
I was first introduced to the Numan futuristic sound when I was at school. In fact I recall my first sight of Gary, when two girls showed off his photos in a pop magazine to the nun teaching us Religious Ed (yes, I went to catholic girls, are you surprised? LOL) They had a blond version and a black haired version, and asked the nun which man she preferred. She selected the dark haired one -- interesting that she didn’t refuse to play along, I noted, cynically -- but anyway, I grew curious when I realised that they were both the same guy. Then I saw him posturing and growling on TV. He was kind of sexy-scary, and compellingly weird. Very soon the new romantics came along, and for a while I forgot about Numan and his blue eyeliner and boiler suits.
So what about his sound now, and why am I listening to him, all these years later? Well, in the 90’s things changed somewhat. Rumour has it that he married a goth and got more into stuff like NIN, Sisters of Mercy and Mission. That’s when his music got really interesting, IMO. Last week he was touring for the launch of his latest album, JAGGED, which is pretty good. SACRIFICE is still a top player around here. It's eerie and atmospheric, and I was listening to it a lot recently while writing my futuristic, AGAINST THE GRAIN.
Live, Numan warms up audiences by playing a NIN album before he comes on, so that will give you an idea where he went! Still with that quintessential Numanesque sound, but with much more layering and an epic quality to it that shows his later influences. Add to this that the guy is a top-notch showman, impressively fit, and I guarantee a show not to be missed. Last Monday night was no exception; we had a superb time. The Numan fans are a rabid bunch, diehards, a mix of average townies, and the goths and punks who crawl out of the woodwork for events like this. Sigh. LOL
It seems that the start of the summer gig season is upon us. Four in two weeks – whoopee. I love live music. One down, three to go. Next up is Sisters of Mercy. The Von has been hauling his skinny behind, his hired hands and his drum machine all over the world for a couple of months now, so we'll see what shape he's in when he hits home. Heh.
I was first introduced to the Numan futuristic sound when I was at school. In fact I recall my first sight of Gary, when two girls showed off his photos in a pop magazine to the nun teaching us Religious Ed (yes, I went to catholic girls, are you surprised? LOL) They had a blond version and a black haired version, and asked the nun which man she preferred. She selected the dark haired one -- interesting that she didn’t refuse to play along, I noted, cynically -- but anyway, I grew curious when I realised that they were both the same guy. Then I saw him posturing and growling on TV. He was kind of sexy-scary, and compellingly weird. Very soon the new romantics came along, and for a while I forgot about Numan and his blue eyeliner and boiler suits.
So what about his sound now, and why am I listening to him, all these years later? Well, in the 90’s things changed somewhat. Rumour has it that he married a goth and got more into stuff like NIN, Sisters of Mercy and Mission. That’s when his music got really interesting, IMO. Last week he was touring for the launch of his latest album, JAGGED, which is pretty good. SACRIFICE is still a top player around here. It's eerie and atmospheric, and I was listening to it a lot recently while writing my futuristic, AGAINST THE GRAIN.
Live, Numan warms up audiences by playing a NIN album before he comes on, so that will give you an idea where he went! Still with that quintessential Numanesque sound, but with much more layering and an epic quality to it that shows his later influences. Add to this that the guy is a top-notch showman, impressively fit, and I guarantee a show not to be missed. Last Monday night was no exception; we had a superb time. The Numan fans are a rabid bunch, diehards, a mix of average townies, and the goths and punks who crawl out of the woodwork for events like this. Sigh. LOL
It seems that the start of the summer gig season is upon us. Four in two weeks – whoopee. I love live music. One down, three to go. Next up is Sisters of Mercy. The Von has been hauling his skinny behind, his hired hands and his drum machine all over the world for a couple of months now, so we'll see what shape he's in when he hits home. Heh.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Where’d you get those peepers?
Last week, a friend (who really should've known better,) asked us where we got the eyes in the header image on my website. This provided us with no end of amusement, because he seemed to think we’d got them from an image library. But, bless him, he blushed when I said they came from my Dad's side of the family. (laughing)
After I'd done with my edits today, I dug out the original photo, so I thought I might as well share it here to give you a smile/laugh. :-) This is around six years old and this is me in my warrior princess persona, going out to a fetish/Goth/alternative night. The outfit also featured big boots and a bullwhip. If I get enough interested comments, I might scan a couple more of my “dressing up” pics...so, you all let me know if you enjoy it. LOL
After I'd done with my edits today, I dug out the original photo, so I thought I might as well share it here to give you a smile/laugh. :-) This is around six years old and this is me in my warrior princess persona, going out to a fetish/Goth/alternative night. The outfit also featured big boots and a bullwhip. If I get enough interested comments, I might scan a couple more of my “dressing up” pics...so, you all let me know if you enjoy it. LOL
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Catching up with myself
It has been a funny couple of weeks here at home on shady lane. On the downside: head colds, my car was badly keyed by a pack of rabid kids in a supermarket car park, and several slates blew off our roof in dramatic high winds. The 100+ year old slates hung precariously in the guttering, right over the front door, guillotine-like, until The Man of The House was able to do death-defying stunts to rescue them. Scary business. A friendly retired neighbour came over to point it out, lest they struck us down. She presented a true image of British pluck when she stood, gesticulating wildly and upwards from the end of the path, having knocked at the front door and run away. :-)
Thanks to the stinky head colds had by one and all here, I’ve got behind on my deadlines, and my fun time. Grrr. The Man of the House has been off work this week and we were intending to do a heap of fun stuff together. We’ve only managed to claw some of it back, with a gig on Monday night, and a beautiful romantic open-air picnic at Yorkshire Sculpture Park today. Heavenly, feeding each other sushi in the sunshine on the hillside. Sigh.
So, things are improving. Had some excellent news last night from Paula Guran, my editor at Juno books. My fantasy romance novel, The Strangeling, is tentatively scheduled for a Feb 2007 release. This is exciting.
More excitement today, when FedEx arrived with a big package containing my edits for my big contemporary erotic romance, Double Dare. I’ve been anticipating this for several months and now it’s here I’m feeling positively gleeful. (Like, its really going to happen, this book is really going to be printed ;-)) Some writers hate edits, but I love it and learn heaps along the way. First time on paper edits though, I’m used to doing it via computer docs. A quick glance shows it’s not too embarrassing. It seems most of the things I have to clarify are cultural differences – things like explaining that the City of London does have a capital C, because it refers to the square mile of London that was the historic city, now the financial zone, and that rugby is played on a pitch, not a field. Above all, it is exciting to be at this stage with my first big print novel. I shall be busy with it tomorrow. Thank God my head cold has cleared enough that I am not constantly reaching for the tissue box.
Many thanks to those who read and commented on the excerpt mentioned in the last post, feedback always much appreciated!
Thanks to the stinky head colds had by one and all here, I’ve got behind on my deadlines, and my fun time. Grrr. The Man of the House has been off work this week and we were intending to do a heap of fun stuff together. We’ve only managed to claw some of it back, with a gig on Monday night, and a beautiful romantic open-air picnic at Yorkshire Sculpture Park today. Heavenly, feeding each other sushi in the sunshine on the hillside. Sigh.
So, things are improving. Had some excellent news last night from Paula Guran, my editor at Juno books. My fantasy romance novel, The Strangeling, is tentatively scheduled for a Feb 2007 release. This is exciting.
More excitement today, when FedEx arrived with a big package containing my edits for my big contemporary erotic romance, Double Dare. I’ve been anticipating this for several months and now it’s here I’m feeling positively gleeful. (Like, its really going to happen, this book is really going to be printed ;-)) Some writers hate edits, but I love it and learn heaps along the way. First time on paper edits though, I’m used to doing it via computer docs. A quick glance shows it’s not too embarrassing. It seems most of the things I have to clarify are cultural differences – things like explaining that the City of London does have a capital C, because it refers to the square mile of London that was the historic city, now the financial zone, and that rugby is played on a pitch, not a field. Above all, it is exciting to be at this stage with my first big print novel. I shall be busy with it tomorrow. Thank God my head cold has cleared enough that I am not constantly reaching for the tissue box.
Many thanks to those who read and commented on the excerpt mentioned in the last post, feedback always much appreciated!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Something to look forward to
I'm nursing a horrid head cold, alas. Hopefully I'll be firing on all cylinders soon. Meanwhile, here's something I'll be looking forward to in the autumn/fall. The lovely Rachel Kramer Bussel posted details of this new anthology, CAUGHT LOOKING (which she has edited, together with Alison Tyler) and you can get a sneak preview of the yummy cover, the blurb, and a teaser from my story by following this link. It was a wonderful surprise to find my story there in the catalog entry. I had a lot of fun with this one. (naughty giggles)
Friday, April 21, 2006
Erotic sale of the century (wife says it's got to go)
The largest collection of 'naughty' art goes under the hammer next week. Clive Aslet (The Telegraph) takes a peek. Click HERE to read.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Describing characters
I was watching reruns of one of my favourite comedy sketch shows, Big Train, last week. There was a classic sketch with a police artist sitting with a female witness, trying to put together a description. The woman is an intelligent, arty type. When the police artist asks the woman to describe the person they are looking for, he gently suggests they start with the eyes. She says: “He had melancholy eyes.” The police artist pauses, pencil hovering over the page. “So, would you say he had round eyes?” She shakes her head. Perplexed, he asks her to move onto the nose. “He had a defiant nose…there was rage behind that nose.” Again the police artist stares at the blank outline of a face on the page and back at her, completely unable to put what she sees into the drawing. “The nose had a bump on it?” he suggests. Again, she shakes her head. “Let’s move onto the mouth,” he says. The woman nods, seemingly more sure of herself. “He had a daft mouth.” The police artist is fast heading for a state of despair. But she goes on, she’s on a roll here: “He had ears like a fat, dead Japanese businessman and eyebrows that looked like they were on retractable springs.”
So it went on and got very silly, but it’s a classic sketch because of her style of description. What it pointed out to me (as a writer) is that we can show two things, what’s on the surface and what is beyond it, i.e. what you might glean about the person, from the way the person looks. Ideally, a combination of both works best. I always try to be light with my descriptions, give an idea of type, allow the reader to fill in some blanks, make their own archetype hero or heroine. But I’m still learning, (always!) and the sketch really made me think.
I’ve been reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series on/off for the last couple of years. I’ve read them all out of order, luckily that doesn’t matter. One of the many things I admire about Evanovich is the way she describes the many characters her protagonist meets. Here is a classic example. Stephanie is looking at a photo of her old flame and adversary Joe Morelli, a man she has to bring in to collect the bounty on his head.
He hadn’t changed much. A little leaner, perhaps. More bone definition in the face. A few lines at the eyes. A new scar, paper thin, sliced through his right eyebrow, causing his right eyelid to droop there was a slightly. The effect was unsettling. Menacing.
Evanovich has given us the perfect combination of visual characteristics and the effect those features have on the viewer, suggesting what is behind the surface. I really admire her skill of deftly painting character images for us and making them count, fast. That, and the fact that her dialogue and comebacks are brilliant, and she makes me laugh when I least expect it.
In other news, writer and editor Alison Tyler has an interview up at the Cleis Press website. If you’re a fan of Alison's writing, as I am, check it out. Lots of background about Alison’s start in writing erotica and her influences in music. I was also stunned and delighted to find that she mentioned little old me in there! It blew me away. I still have a big smile on my face!
So it went on and got very silly, but it’s a classic sketch because of her style of description. What it pointed out to me (as a writer) is that we can show two things, what’s on the surface and what is beyond it, i.e. what you might glean about the person, from the way the person looks. Ideally, a combination of both works best. I always try to be light with my descriptions, give an idea of type, allow the reader to fill in some blanks, make their own archetype hero or heroine. But I’m still learning, (always!) and the sketch really made me think.
I’ve been reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series on/off for the last couple of years. I’ve read them all out of order, luckily that doesn’t matter. One of the many things I admire about Evanovich is the way she describes the many characters her protagonist meets. Here is a classic example. Stephanie is looking at a photo of her old flame and adversary Joe Morelli, a man she has to bring in to collect the bounty on his head.
He hadn’t changed much. A little leaner, perhaps. More bone definition in the face. A few lines at the eyes. A new scar, paper thin, sliced through his right eyebrow, causing his right eyelid to droop there was a slightly. The effect was unsettling. Menacing.
Evanovich has given us the perfect combination of visual characteristics and the effect those features have on the viewer, suggesting what is behind the surface. I really admire her skill of deftly painting character images for us and making them count, fast. That, and the fact that her dialogue and comebacks are brilliant, and she makes me laugh when I least expect it.
In other news, writer and editor Alison Tyler has an interview up at the Cleis Press website. If you’re a fan of Alison's writing, as I am, check it out. Lots of background about Alison’s start in writing erotica and her influences in music. I was also stunned and delighted to find that she mentioned little old me in there! It blew me away. I still have a big smile on my face!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
The Difference between Cats and Dogs
A dog thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... They must be Gods!
A cat thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... I must be a God!
A cat thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... I must be a God!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Words Printed on Pages Still Sell Well
"Reports of the book industry's demise have been greatly exaggerated over the last 20 years."
check out this New York Times article.
check out this New York Times article.
Back to work
I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. For us it went by in a rush of partying and catching up with old friends, but I think it did me the world of good to get away from the PC for a couple of days. I’m about to get stuck into my fantasy writing project for Juno books, the revised and expanded novel version of The Strangeling. I’m really looking forward to this project.
Yesterday we met up with old friends, Simon, Sarah and Caitlin, and they are big fantasy readers. They brought me a copy of Raymond E Feist’s Fairie Tale, since Simon said it has themes in common with The Strangeling and thought I'd enjoy it. It looks fascinating, and I’m torn between reading it right now, and worrying about whether it’s going to influence and distract me. Funny thing though, as I looked at it I realised I've always been drawn to fantasy written by female authors, in particular Storm Constantine, Tanith Lee, Patricia McKillip, Ursula Laguin, and Frieda Warrington. I’ve never really thought about it, but wondered if there is a subconscious reason why. My guess is(and I cringe as I admit it) I steered towards female authors as an adult where I assumed there'd be less chance of talking gnomes and odd techie things I’d struggle to understand. Dreadful sexist assumption to have to admit, but there you have it. (I'm laughing away here.) Anyway, maybe Raymond Feist will cure me of this strange affliction. ;-)
And in other fantasy news, my lovely man treated me to a DVD of Narnia, something I shall be indulging myself in this week - not only to wallow in the fantasy imagery, but to indulge my total crush on Tilda Swinton. ;-)
Yesterday we met up with old friends, Simon, Sarah and Caitlin, and they are big fantasy readers. They brought me a copy of Raymond E Feist’s Fairie Tale, since Simon said it has themes in common with The Strangeling and thought I'd enjoy it. It looks fascinating, and I’m torn between reading it right now, and worrying about whether it’s going to influence and distract me. Funny thing though, as I looked at it I realised I've always been drawn to fantasy written by female authors, in particular Storm Constantine, Tanith Lee, Patricia McKillip, Ursula Laguin, and Frieda Warrington. I’ve never really thought about it, but wondered if there is a subconscious reason why. My guess is(and I cringe as I admit it) I steered towards female authors as an adult where I assumed there'd be less chance of talking gnomes and odd techie things I’d struggle to understand. Dreadful sexist assumption to have to admit, but there you have it. (I'm laughing away here.) Anyway, maybe Raymond Feist will cure me of this strange affliction. ;-)
And in other fantasy news, my lovely man treated me to a DVD of Narnia, something I shall be indulging myself in this week - not only to wallow in the fantasy imagery, but to indulge my total crush on Tilda Swinton. ;-)
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Violet Blue podcasts my work
The lovely Violet Blue, writer, editor, sex educator, and all around delicious sexpot, reads my short story RICHARD'S SECRET on her latest podcast. This is such a thrill for me. Violet has the yummiest voice and her podcasts have been superb listening material. I was grinning madly when she asked if she could read my story. The thought of hearing her read my naughty, naughty words, with that sexy, sexy voice....I melted!
RICHARD’S SECRET featured in TABOO: FORBIDDEN FANTASIES FOR COUPLES edited by Violet, and was also selected by Maxim Jakubowski to appear in the latest edition of THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST NEW EROTICA.
And now it’s a live performance. Me puuururrrrrrrrring...
RICHARD’S SECRET featured in TABOO: FORBIDDEN FANTASIES FOR COUPLES edited by Violet, and was also selected by Maxim Jakubowski to appear in the latest edition of THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST NEW EROTICA. And now it’s a live performance. Me puuururrrrrrrrring...
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Marilyn Jaye Lewis interview
There is a fascinating interview with Marilyn Jaye Lewis online over at the GLBT website. This resource is run by author, Jolie du Pre. Jolie has some great authors lined up to interview over the next few months. The site is related to the GLBT promo group, which was established for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender erotica or erotic romance promotions. It's a very friendly, relaxed group, so if you read or write GLBT, come on over.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Crazy writer stuff
Mid afternoon today, I finished up a complete draft of the current longer WiP -- Sex, Lies and Bondage Tape -- at which point I went straight to the supermarket, because the cupboard was BARE! I've had so much on this past couple of weeks we just agreed to make do with whatever was in the freezer etc. Last night we had to eat a peculiar combination of tomato and herb chicken with Thai couscous. Don’t ask! Whilst tentatively tasting, incredulous looks were exchanged. The perfect antidote to that taste atrocity was of course a bottle of red wine; alas there was only one left in the house (yikes!) so we had to wrangle over that, and the dregs of a vodka bottle. I knew then that we'd hit rock bottom. As soon as I had a complete novella, I hit the shops. I’m now unwinding with a Westons premium cider. Ah. Such luxury.
After the uncertainty starting this project (I lost some time trying to find a snazzier title that worked for everyone,) I’m very pleased with the way it turned out. My lovely CP, Zaz, has been an absolute rock, seeing me through and dealing with my panics and insecurities. She has the patience of a saint, and I don’t know what I'd do without her. I’m expecting revisions, but I’m dying to know what my editor will think of it. It’s kind of exploded all over the place since she bought it. Hmmm. LOL
I did some things I hadn’t done before. One was the length. 40K. I’d never written that length before, so it was like walking into the wilderness not knowing where I was going to pop out. I plotted to account for it, but still felt very unsure. As it happens, I got exactly the right number of pages, by lucky chance. Weird. One of the other things I tried was to have a roller coaster first two chapters, where the action never let up through 3 long scenes – in a kind of non-stop erotic cabaret stylee. ;-)
I’m in the drained stage right now, but very soon I know I’ll want to party to burn it off, which is just as well because we’ve got a few events coming up over the next three weeks. Music, club nights, catching up with friends. Woohoo. Well timed. I’m actually taking a whole two days off writing, this weekend! Of course, I’ve got two short stories I want to finish before then... (cue manic laughter....)
After the uncertainty starting this project (I lost some time trying to find a snazzier title that worked for everyone,) I’m very pleased with the way it turned out. My lovely CP, Zaz, has been an absolute rock, seeing me through and dealing with my panics and insecurities. She has the patience of a saint, and I don’t know what I'd do without her. I’m expecting revisions, but I’m dying to know what my editor will think of it. It’s kind of exploded all over the place since she bought it. Hmmm. LOL
I did some things I hadn’t done before. One was the length. 40K. I’d never written that length before, so it was like walking into the wilderness not knowing where I was going to pop out. I plotted to account for it, but still felt very unsure. As it happens, I got exactly the right number of pages, by lucky chance. Weird. One of the other things I tried was to have a roller coaster first two chapters, where the action never let up through 3 long scenes – in a kind of non-stop erotic cabaret stylee. ;-)
I’m in the drained stage right now, but very soon I know I’ll want to party to burn it off, which is just as well because we’ve got a few events coming up over the next three weeks. Music, club nights, catching up with friends. Woohoo. Well timed. I’m actually taking a whole two days off writing, this weekend! Of course, I’ve got two short stories I want to finish before then... (cue manic laughter....)
Monday, April 10, 2006
Nearly done
I'm nearly done with the current WiP, so normal service will be resumed ASAP. Meanhwhile, a smile for those of us who wear black...
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Out now: SLAVE TO LOVE
More good news, the SLAVE TO LOVE anthology is now shipping from Cleis Press.
Slave to Love - Sexy Tales of Erotic Restraint
Restraint is sexy. It can be a simple leather strap, a shiny pair of handcuffs, a delicate silk scarf, or a dominant’s stern gaze. The yearning for a partner who will take control can grip one as powerfully as the most intricate, indecipherable rope knot. In Slave to Love, Alison Tyler gathers the most popular — and often most taboo — fantasies of sexual control and erotic restraint. Featuring such popular erotica writers as Thomas Roche, Saskia Walker, and Rachel Kramer Bussel, Slave to Love is luscious, naughty, and infinitely sexy.
This collection is edited by Alison Tyler and contains my new short story "Watching Lois Perform." And just check out the cover. I know, I’m always raving about Cleis covers. It's in my nature to do so, I studied art history for 9 years. ;-) Part of what is so sexy is that their images are often at unusual angles, not just straight on. It makes a hell of a difference, by suggesting power, or intimacy. Anyway, here's a teaser from my story:
Watching Lois Perform
Saskia Walker
“Trust me, Lois.” Jack’s arm shot out, blocking the doorway to her office. “I know what you need.” His shirt sleeve was rolled up, revealing a strong forearm dusted with black hair, his fist sure and large against the doorframe.
Halted in her steps, she took a deep breath. Her glance moved to meet his. “Trust me, Jack, you don’t.” Steeling herself, she pushed his arm aside, ignoring his knowing look, ignoring those dark eyes filled with suggestion and the tangible wall of testosterone he exuded.
She headed for her desk, her stiletto heels clicking over the polished wood floor. The skin on her back prickled with awareness, awareness brought about by his presence. He’d done it again. He’d made her curious, responsive. She didn’t take any nonsense from the men she worked with, but Jack Fulton had unsettled her. Counting to five, she put her laptop down on the desk and turned to face him, ready to challenge his comment. The door was ajar, the space empty. He was gone.
She shook her head. “Typical.” Grabbing her bag and coat, she left the building.
The pavement outside was growing crowded with commuters; the Friday evening London rush hour was under way. She stepped into the crush, leaving the office behind, hurrying to the tube station and descending the escalator at a pace. The display board told her it was four minutes until her train was due.
She strode up and down the platform, her body wired. She was always like this after delivering a successful presentation. It had gone well, and she’d easily dealt with the put-downs issued by the men who defied her female power. She thrived on it, but now she longed to throw off her city suit and heels.
The crowd thickened on the platform behind her, noisy and restless. Wind funneled down the tunnel, a distant train rumbled. She glanced across the tracks. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Jack standing opposite her, still as a predator about to pounce. A barely perceptible smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Even across the rail tracks she could see the intense look in his eyes.
She swallowed. What was it about Jack Fulton? The way he looked at her, it did powerful things to her, sexual things. They’d worked together for just a few months, but he was one of the few men who didn't challenge her. Instead he sat back with a secret smile, watching as she defended herself at board meetings, where she proved over and again that she had earned her right to be in this male dominated world. But it was more than that. His sexuality was dark and tangible, evident in the way he carried himself and the way he scrutinized her. He made her self-aware in the extreme, her underwear soon growing damp when his gaze followed her with that knowing look in his eyes. The knowing look he had on right now.
He inclined his head in greeting. She nodded back and then glanced away, fidgeting with the strap of her shoulder bag. One minute until her train arrived. His earlier comment echoed through her mind. ‘I know what you need.’ Her curiosity was growing. Her instant denial had been because of the controversy at the meeting, where she’d been giving the research stats for a proposal to change power source in the company’s major manufacturing plant. Men were always telling her they knew better than her, even though it was her field of expertise. As soon as she’d rebuffed his comment about knowing what she needed, she’d realized he meant something other than work. Something more intimate. She wanted to know more. And he’d gone.
Glancing back, she saw that his train was approaching. He never took his eyes off her. She craned her neck when her view was obscured by the moving carriages. The shift of the crowd into the train made it impossible to pick him out. Then it was gone. The platform was empty. She stared at the place where he had stood until her train pulled in. She moved to the far side of the carriage, where she could stand out her journey, and turned on her heel, just in time to see Jack close in behind her.
“Your place it is then.” His eyes glittered with anticipation, with certainty.
Her heart thudded in her chest. Her lips parted, but this time no retort emerged. Between her thighs, a pulse throbbed with need. She closed her mouth, snatching at the overhead handhold for support.
His smile was triumphant.
Available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK.
Slave to Love - Sexy Tales of Erotic RestraintRestraint is sexy. It can be a simple leather strap, a shiny pair of handcuffs, a delicate silk scarf, or a dominant’s stern gaze. The yearning for a partner who will take control can grip one as powerfully as the most intricate, indecipherable rope knot. In Slave to Love, Alison Tyler gathers the most popular — and often most taboo — fantasies of sexual control and erotic restraint. Featuring such popular erotica writers as Thomas Roche, Saskia Walker, and Rachel Kramer Bussel, Slave to Love is luscious, naughty, and infinitely sexy.
This collection is edited by Alison Tyler and contains my new short story "Watching Lois Perform." And just check out the cover. I know, I’m always raving about Cleis covers. It's in my nature to do so, I studied art history for 9 years. ;-) Part of what is so sexy is that their images are often at unusual angles, not just straight on. It makes a hell of a difference, by suggesting power, or intimacy. Anyway, here's a teaser from my story:
Watching Lois Perform
Saskia Walker
“Trust me, Lois.” Jack’s arm shot out, blocking the doorway to her office. “I know what you need.” His shirt sleeve was rolled up, revealing a strong forearm dusted with black hair, his fist sure and large against the doorframe.
Halted in her steps, she took a deep breath. Her glance moved to meet his. “Trust me, Jack, you don’t.” Steeling herself, she pushed his arm aside, ignoring his knowing look, ignoring those dark eyes filled with suggestion and the tangible wall of testosterone he exuded.
She headed for her desk, her stiletto heels clicking over the polished wood floor. The skin on her back prickled with awareness, awareness brought about by his presence. He’d done it again. He’d made her curious, responsive. She didn’t take any nonsense from the men she worked with, but Jack Fulton had unsettled her. Counting to five, she put her laptop down on the desk and turned to face him, ready to challenge his comment. The door was ajar, the space empty. He was gone.
She shook her head. “Typical.” Grabbing her bag and coat, she left the building.
The pavement outside was growing crowded with commuters; the Friday evening London rush hour was under way. She stepped into the crush, leaving the office behind, hurrying to the tube station and descending the escalator at a pace. The display board told her it was four minutes until her train was due.
She strode up and down the platform, her body wired. She was always like this after delivering a successful presentation. It had gone well, and she’d easily dealt with the put-downs issued by the men who defied her female power. She thrived on it, but now she longed to throw off her city suit and heels.
The crowd thickened on the platform behind her, noisy and restless. Wind funneled down the tunnel, a distant train rumbled. She glanced across the tracks. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Jack standing opposite her, still as a predator about to pounce. A barely perceptible smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Even across the rail tracks she could see the intense look in his eyes.
She swallowed. What was it about Jack Fulton? The way he looked at her, it did powerful things to her, sexual things. They’d worked together for just a few months, but he was one of the few men who didn't challenge her. Instead he sat back with a secret smile, watching as she defended herself at board meetings, where she proved over and again that she had earned her right to be in this male dominated world. But it was more than that. His sexuality was dark and tangible, evident in the way he carried himself and the way he scrutinized her. He made her self-aware in the extreme, her underwear soon growing damp when his gaze followed her with that knowing look in his eyes. The knowing look he had on right now.
He inclined his head in greeting. She nodded back and then glanced away, fidgeting with the strap of her shoulder bag. One minute until her train arrived. His earlier comment echoed through her mind. ‘I know what you need.’ Her curiosity was growing. Her instant denial had been because of the controversy at the meeting, where she’d been giving the research stats for a proposal to change power source in the company’s major manufacturing plant. Men were always telling her they knew better than her, even though it was her field of expertise. As soon as she’d rebuffed his comment about knowing what she needed, she’d realized he meant something other than work. Something more intimate. She wanted to know more. And he’d gone.
Glancing back, she saw that his train was approaching. He never took his eyes off her. She craned her neck when her view was obscured by the moving carriages. The shift of the crowd into the train made it impossible to pick him out. Then it was gone. The platform was empty. She stared at the place where he had stood until her train pulled in. She moved to the far side of the carriage, where she could stand out her journey, and turned on her heel, just in time to see Jack close in behind her.
“Your place it is then.” His eyes glittered with anticipation, with certainty.
Her heart thudded in her chest. Her lips parted, but this time no retort emerged. Between her thighs, a pulse throbbed with need. She closed her mouth, snatching at the overhead handhold for support.
His smile was triumphant.
Available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Harold Pinter on characterisation
This is so good...
It's a strange moment, the moment of creating characters who up to that moment have had no existence. What follows is fitful, uncertain, even hallucinatory, although sometimes it can be an unstoppable avalanche. The author's position is an odd one. In a sense he is not welcomed by the characters. The characters resist him, they are not easy to live with, they are impossible to define. You certainly can't dictate to them. To a certain extent you play a never-ending game with them, cat and mouse, blind man's buff, hide and seek. But finally you find that you have people of flesh and blood on your hands, people with will and an individual sensibility of their own, made out of component parts you are unable to change, manipulate or distort.
© THE NOBEL FOUNDATION 2005
The quote is from Pinter's acceptance speech for his 2005 Nobel prize for literature. Read the whole speech here. Amazing stuff. I was weaned onto modern literature in part with Pinter. Years later, and it's finally beginning to make sense to me. ;-)
It's a strange moment, the moment of creating characters who up to that moment have had no existence. What follows is fitful, uncertain, even hallucinatory, although sometimes it can be an unstoppable avalanche. The author's position is an odd one. In a sense he is not welcomed by the characters. The characters resist him, they are not easy to live with, they are impossible to define. You certainly can't dictate to them. To a certain extent you play a never-ending game with them, cat and mouse, blind man's buff, hide and seek. But finally you find that you have people of flesh and blood on your hands, people with will and an individual sensibility of their own, made out of component parts you are unable to change, manipulate or distort.
© THE NOBEL FOUNDATION 2005
The quote is from Pinter's acceptance speech for his 2005 Nobel prize for literature. Read the whole speech here. Amazing stuff. I was weaned onto modern literature in part with Pinter. Years later, and it's finally beginning to make sense to me. ;-)
Catching up with the world
It has been a funny old week here at home on shady lane. I’m on a deadline crunch, my first really big one. Yikes, it’s kind of scary. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, though, and I still love my characters and their mad story(even though they put me through hell a few times these last two weeks ;-) It has to be gone next week, so wish me luck for the countdown. In other news, the Man of the House is down with the lurgi. He's off work and in bed. This doesn’t happen often. I’ve been fighting it off too and slept away half of yesterday in an effort to clear my head for work. Luckily the renovations next door had got to the post-plastering stage and silence reigned. The way I was feeling I think I could have slept through anything.
In net news, the lovely Alison Tyler has joined the blogging world! Alison writes and edits for several publishers, so I’m sure this will be a great way to keep up with her latest news from all over. She’s also got a web site in the pipeline.
We tuned into the James Whale show last night to listen to Ashley Lister talking about his new non-fiction book on the British swinging scene. Ashley writes erotic novels for Virgin's Nexus line and he is a reviewer for ERWA. For anyone who doesn’t know, James Whale is a very naughty, fast-talking bad boy who puts his guests through the wringer. I know, I’ve been there myself. Luckily I had Kerri Sharp holding my hand, but, nevertheless… James taunted our Ashley who stood up to him fair and proper. Good on you, Ash! Apparently, Ash was wearing a fetching sequined shirt, a sight I’d love to see. You can find Ashley’s new book here.
Oh, and here's the latest news article on erotica/erotic romance. This one has a slightly more informed approach in terms of history (yes, erotica did exist before last year, shock horror!) but some rather huge bloopers nonetheless. Sigh. As well as saying Red Sage started online (Red sage has been doing print Erotic Romance since 1995!) it completely ignores Black Lace and the impact that line had on women's fiction. You’d think they’d get someone who knew what they were talking about to write these articles, wouldn’t you?
In net news, the lovely Alison Tyler has joined the blogging world! Alison writes and edits for several publishers, so I’m sure this will be a great way to keep up with her latest news from all over. She’s also got a web site in the pipeline.
We tuned into the James Whale show last night to listen to Ashley Lister talking about his new non-fiction book on the British swinging scene. Ashley writes erotic novels for Virgin's Nexus line and he is a reviewer for ERWA. For anyone who doesn’t know, James Whale is a very naughty, fast-talking bad boy who puts his guests through the wringer. I know, I’ve been there myself. Luckily I had Kerri Sharp holding my hand, but, nevertheless… James taunted our Ashley who stood up to him fair and proper. Good on you, Ash! Apparently, Ash was wearing a fetching sequined shirt, a sight I’d love to see. You can find Ashley’s new book here.
Oh, and here's the latest news article on erotica/erotic romance. This one has a slightly more informed approach in terms of history (yes, erotica did exist before last year, shock horror!) but some rather huge bloopers nonetheless. Sigh. As well as saying Red Sage started online (Red sage has been doing print Erotic Romance since 1995!) it completely ignores Black Lace and the impact that line had on women's fiction. You’d think they’d get someone who knew what they were talking about to write these articles, wouldn’t you?
Monday, April 03, 2006
Out now: RED HOT EROTICA
Great news, RED HOT EROTICA is shipping early. This anthology is edited by the lovely Alison Tyler and includes my new short story "It's Just not Cricket." I wasn't expecting this book to come out for another few weeks, so it's a lovely suprise.
I adore the Cleis Press book covers, and this one is very special indeed. Mmmpurrrr! Just look at the hands -- that part of the image would make a good cover all by itself...
I should probably mention that "It's Just Not Cricket" is my most eccentric naughty story to date. (teehee) I love it to bits and it makes me chuckle just thinking about it. If you pick the book up, I hope you enjoy it too.
These explicit, playful tales range from the sweetly sensual to the candidly carnal. Bill Noble’s poetic “Stardrift” finds a beach runner drawn into an unexpected moonlight ménage. Saskia Walker’s “It’s Just Not Cricket” stars fearless bondage queen Ella, whose hobby of tying up “languid aristocratic types” is challenged by a randy noble who turns her into a human croquet game. Marilyn Jaye Lewis’s piquant “That Summer by Our Pool” is a provocative tour of a woman’s sexual history that exposes old wounds and new lust with a rekindled old flame.
Available from Amazon and Amazon UK.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Frazzled
It has not been a tranquil week here at home in shady lane! The house adjoining ours is under renovation. For the last ten days or so there has been constant noise and vibration, with teams of builders, electricians, plumbers, and various assorted workmen making a massive racket. My poor scaredy cat, BC, has been living in fear, barely coming out from underneath the dining-room table. She seems to think the whole world is falling down around our ears, and even when it is quiet in the evening she sits under the coffee table peeping out at us, rather than sprawling on the chairs.
I have mostly been writing in the evenings as a result, so both my schedule and my blog have suffered, (although I did resort to ear plugs to complete edits one day!) and my nerves are somewhat frazzled. Noise has never bothered me and I work with all sorts of loud music and interruptions, but something about sudden hammer strikes, pneumatic drills, concrete slabs being thrown around, fireplaces being chiselled out, baths sliding down stairs – you get the picture - it’s the kind of noise barrage you can’t exactly ignore or drown out. The Man of the House has pointed out that it’s better all being done in a short intensive period by relay teams than over a year by a hobbyist, and he’s probably right, but it would have to be when I’m under a deadline crunch, wouldn’t it.
In other, more pleasant news, :-) I am busy putting together an author’s basket to send over for the Romantic Times Convention raffle, which will be raising funds for the Pediatric Aid foundation and the SOS. Yesterday we escaped the noise and went shopping in the city, and I picked up all sorts of goodies that are fun, and fairly light to post. So far, I’ve got treats for the bathroom, a cuddly toy, a couple of books of course, (SECRETS 15 and SEDUCTIONS,) bookmarks and a lovely gift bag. The selection may change to make posting viable. I’d love to be at the Romantic Times convention myself so it’s nice to be able to have a small presence there. I just hope whoever wins the basket enjoys the stuff. I am also including a voucher for a signed copy of DOUBLE DARE when it is published in October, so let's hope whoever wins enjoys steam! LOL.
I have mostly been writing in the evenings as a result, so both my schedule and my blog have suffered, (although I did resort to ear plugs to complete edits one day!) and my nerves are somewhat frazzled. Noise has never bothered me and I work with all sorts of loud music and interruptions, but something about sudden hammer strikes, pneumatic drills, concrete slabs being thrown around, fireplaces being chiselled out, baths sliding down stairs – you get the picture - it’s the kind of noise barrage you can’t exactly ignore or drown out. The Man of the House has pointed out that it’s better all being done in a short intensive period by relay teams than over a year by a hobbyist, and he’s probably right, but it would have to be when I’m under a deadline crunch, wouldn’t it.
In other, more pleasant news, :-) I am busy putting together an author’s basket to send over for the Romantic Times Convention raffle, which will be raising funds for the Pediatric Aid foundation and the SOS. Yesterday we escaped the noise and went shopping in the city, and I picked up all sorts of goodies that are fun, and fairly light to post. So far, I’ve got treats for the bathroom, a cuddly toy, a couple of books of course, (SECRETS 15 and SEDUCTIONS,) bookmarks and a lovely gift bag. The selection may change to make posting viable. I’d love to be at the Romantic Times convention myself so it’s nice to be able to have a small presence there. I just hope whoever wins the basket enjoys the stuff. I am also including a voucher for a signed copy of DOUBLE DARE when it is published in October, so let's hope whoever wins enjoys steam! LOL.
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