Batwoman

Love this news! "Comic book heroine Batwoman is to make a comeback as a "lipstick lesbian" who moonlights as a crime fighter, a DC Comics spokesman has confirmed." Is this the first ever LGBT superhero, I wonder? And isn't she just yummy!

New publication: LESSONS IN LOVE

LESSONS IN LOVE is now shipping from Amazon. This is the third book in the Bold Strokes lesbian erotica anthology series, “Erotic interludes.” Edited by Radclyffe and Stacia Seaman, it’s absolutely jam-packed, with over 30 stories, and it includes my new story, “Making it Easy.”

"Making it Easy" is special to me. It takes place in Yorkshire, for a start, and features a woman who works on a mobile library. Along the way -- and when she least expects it -- she meets and falls for the postmistress in a small village. Time for a confession. I’ve always been smitten with the idea of working in a mobile library on the Yorkshire moors. Oh yes, it was one of my (many) dream jobs, and every time I see a mobile library out on the road I get a little frisson of pleasure, as if it represents a secret other life. How mad is that? Bet you thought my dream jobs would all be much more glam, well, there you have it. I don’t know, it combines my love of books with my love of the countryside, and factors in outreach to others, too.

The stories in this collection are under the theme of lessons, as indicated by the title. In mine, the lesson is about letting go, trusting desire and instinct, not thinking it through so much we trip ourselves up on fear and insecurity. In short, my librarian is shy, my postmistress helps her overcome it! One of the things I love to do in fiction is have people meeting their ideal matches in the most unlikely of circumstances, because I think that’s often what real life is like. When you’re single, you can wish and wish and hunt and hunt, and then when you give up… bang! They’re there and you’re wondering if you said something stupid before you noticed them smiling over.

Anyway, less waffle and more work needed here, so off I go to my WiP. Meanwhile, click through if you want to take a look at this new one. Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Busy bee

My day off writing turned into two days off, naughty me! It was well needed though, and I'm back at it today. I finally got my latest newsletter out this morning (so if you're on the list and didn't get one, let me know. I know yahoo groups have been having the odd "glitch" here and there.)

Then it was straight over to my new project, working title: RECKLESS. I think I'm having far too much fun with the opening chapter! I always try to open with a bang, (ahem,) but this one has got a bit of a twist to it, too. My editor at Berkley liked the idea for this novel, so the first three chapters will be my testing ground. No guarantees, so I'm very nervous it will meet with her approval. At the same time, I'm also completely in love with the sultry story myself, so -- either way -- I think this story is gonna have to be told! ;-)

Dance white boy

I saw this over at Sylvia Day's blog and loved it so much I had to pass it on, because I do like to see a man enjoying himself!

Resolutions, ha.

After a heavy workday here at home on shady lane, I was reminded of my New Year resolution, which was to attempt to have weekends off. Ha! Well, circumstances mostly push me to it. I am currently playing catch up after being ill. I’m relaxing with a glass of wine now, to celebrate winding up the fantasy project I was working on, a rework of a novella. I added around 20K to it in the end, taking it from novella to category length (short novel) I really enjoyed the project, and look forward to hearing what my editor makes of it.

Next up I’m writing a partial for a Catalonia set erotic contemporary with a gothic edge. The plan is to have tomorrow off, do a bit of housekeeping, then hit the city. That means a mooch round Borders and Waterstones, a visit to our favourite noodle bar for chilli chicken ramen, and the Sam Smiths pub for their white beer and cider. :-) Hope you’re all having a great holiday weekend –- I think it's a holiday both here and stateside this time around.

Being drunk in England

25 sexiest novels ever written

According to playboy.com. Check them out. Fascinating stuff. I discovered I've read nine of them, plus others by some of the writers included.

Looking for a naughty giggle?

Then click through to the Erotica Readers and Writers Association and read Ashley Lister's article about doing research for his book, Swingers: True Confessions from the Modern Swinging Scene. So funny!

Paranormal romance for women?

Recently I posted about Juno books and linked to the submission guidelines, in case any authors out there might want to submit to Juno. Acquiring editor, Paula Guran, has put some of her thoughts about paranormal romance and what makes it compelling, on the editorial blog, so check it out if you're thinking of subbing.


Juno publishes fantasy featuring strong female characters in richly-imagined contexts with romantic or erotic elements. Otherworldly romance, an adventurous quest, dark secrets, light humor, deep desires, high imagination, mystery, metaphysics, magic, myth...swept into the past, set in the future, or happening right now. Stories that go beyond the ordinary and take the reader with them.

BEA, RT and daydreaming

I think I’m finally starting to shake off my chest infection and get back up to speed. Hurray! I’ve had the help of some fun online reading/photos these past few days. I’ve been vicariously enjoying two major US book events, thanks to the lovely people who blog about these things. I haven’t even been to the London book fair yet (hoping to get down next year and schmooze around with Wendywoo,) but somehow Book Expo America fascinates me even more. I think it's because so many of the people I know/admire/work with converged on it, from my editor at Juno books, to erotic romance colleagues signing at the RWA stand, to erotic publishers Cleis Press, to editors Violet Blue and Rachel Kramer Bussel. Rachel's daily blog reports gave me a vivid impression of the complete whirl of events and people, and check out Violet’s one woman stance against the bible belt publishers, as she signs for her book, FETISH SEX. Love those pics! Violet has also put a short video there to show the immense size of the event.

The Romantic Times convention in Daytona was a different kind of event altogether, and lured me with its camaraderie and partying. Many of my erotic romance writing pals congregated there. Lots of photos popping up over the net now, and I’m enjoying them all. Yesterday, I heard from the winner of the gift bag that I’d sent over for the charity prize draw. I was glad to hear it made it over at all, tbh! But the winner also told me she was able to wear the fishnets and feather boa I'd included, that very night, to a racy party. That made me very happy!

To top all this daydreaming about being at these events, I received my invitation to the Berkley authors cocktail party at the upcoming Romance Writers of America convention in Atlanta. Deep sigh. No, I won’t be able to make it this year, alas, but getting the invitation made this new girl long to be there with the other authors.

Both Mark and I have visited the US many times, but not together, and to combine it with one of these events would be ideal, although it will be a big trip for me (wonky leg and all.) We muse on it frequently and keep trying to figure out which is the best one of these events for us to aim for. RWA Dallas convention in 2007 lures us, but logistically the one in San Francisco in 2008 is the winner, because on top of all the pals and colleagues who will travel for the convention, I’d also get to spend time with my CP, Zaz, who lives a couple of hours outside SF. Many of the erotica editors I’ve had the good fortune to work with also live around the area, including Alison Tyler and Violet Blue. But 2008 is so far away! Ach, I suppose it will come round fast enough…

True heroes...hehehe

It seems to be a bit of a tradition for writers of heterosexual erotic romance to feature pin ups of studs and hunks on their blog from time to time. In view of that, I thought some of you might get a giggle from seeing the sort of men I have as "pin ups" around my desk. Laughing! There are some anomalies in what might be considered "true hero" material amongst the tasty shots of Johnny Depp, Isabelle Adjani, and the like. So here you go, two wacky, insane, sado-masochistic icons, John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, and Steve Martin as the dentist in the Little Shop of Horrors. Grin. Number one tip for seduction: a woman laughing is a woman with her defences down ;-)

Coming soon

AGAINST THE GRAIN, my erotic futuristic novella, is coming soon. Check out the gorgeous cover, and if you like it, please leave a comment for the designer, it's his first book cover ;-)

Looking for a hot read?

Then revisit a rainy day in Amsterdam with Alison Tyler

Another award winning book!

EROTIC INTERLUDES 2: STOLEN MOMENTS has picked up a Lambda literary award for the best erotica category. Published by Bold Strokes Books, and edited by Radclyffe and Stacia Seaman, this collection of quality lesbian erotica is a real keeper. I’m basking in the glow of Radclyffe and Stacia's success, since one of my shorts features in the book, “Lunch Break.”

What with Violet Blue's IPPY award for BEST WOMEN'S EROTICA 2006 a few days ago, this now means I have work in two award winning anthologies. I’m thrilled!

Covers and contracts

Many thanks to everyone who sent me good wishes. I’m still fighting the demon chest infection, but things are improving slowly and I’m managing to get things moving work wise, thank the goddess. Lots of good stuff going on in the background, nevertheless!

I received my contract for my Juno books novel, which is always a cause to be cheery! In Berkley book news, I had a surprise at the start of the week, when I heard that erotic romance author Shiloh Walker (no, we're not related ;-) has read my novel, DOUBLE DARE, and given me a super cover quote. I didn't even know it was happening behind the scenes, so that put a smile on my face. In other Berkley news, Sasha White and I got to see a draft cover of our joint KINK project and can we say HOTHOTHOT? Sasha and I are still fanning ourselves two days on! All I’m going to say at this point (to tease you) is that it features black fishnet stockings. Yum. Hopefully we’ll have a finished version to flash you with soon. Hehehe.

I’ve got a few more days of work on my Juno novel, and then I’m back to working on a new proposal, a big erotic contemporary set in Catalonia, working title RECKLESS. This one is going to be torrid, with a dark, gothic edge to the plot. More yum. :-)

Another cat smile

Puberty, from the legendary British cartoonist, Ronald Searle.

Visionary Tongue

Anyone who has read my bio will know I had my start in fantasy writing, and more specifically, in a British writer's collective small press project called VISIONARY TONGUE. Established by the British fantasy author, Storm Constantine, this was an exciting project that gave new writers the chance to submit to established authors for feedback, possible editing and publication.

Ten years on (yes, really, I’m shocked, I' ve been at it that long!) and VT has undergone many changes, but still going strong, under the guidance of the British poet Jamie Spracklen. If you’re an aspiring fantasy author, give it a look.

I had two short fantasies published in VT, and the first appeared next to an article about inspiration by Neil Gaiman (yes, I swooned!) Not being the best with self confidence in my own work, this early break was crucial in getting me established, getting me to believe I had storytelling skills and a strong voice, and...well, so it went from there. I also got to meet some fab people because of the VT connection, including Storm and Kim Newman.

So, we're up to issue 20, and with gorgeous cover art by Ruby, this very special celebration issue is now available. Lots of good stuff inside. As well as fiction, art and poetry, there are interviews with Storm and with sci-fi author Justina Robson, who also started out in VT. Oh and me, I say a few words. :) £2.50/$5 a copy. Check it out.

For the cat lovers

Along for the Ride

Apologies for the sparsity of blog posts. Alas, I'm battling a rather nasty chest infection here. It has put a kink in my working stride (and when I say kink I don't mean in a good way!) Hopefully normal service will be resumed shortly.

In better news, my ebook, ALONG FOR THE RIDE, is now available as a download from Amazon.com. Here's a naughty little excerpt.

When Georgie agreed to pose for Calvin, she had no idea his paparazzi pal Jason was coming along for the ride -- or that their menage would endanger them all. Rated: Scorching

Calvin rested one hand on the edge of the easel; the other toyed with the new brush he was about to use, his gaze roving over his subject. She was perfect for the job -- shame he couldn't keep his mind on it. He looked appreciatively at the peaks of her nipples, and lower, at the gentle swell of her belly. The taut line of her thighs led up to the soft dark fur covering her pubis. She was a very sexy lady. He wanted to experience that from the inside. He knew it was only a matter of time until he would. She was up for it, and his cock had been uncomfortably erect inside his jeans for some time, but Cal enjoyed that kind of anticipation. He also enjoyed seeing her squirming, wanting, and restless as a cat in heat. He could be very wicked about such things.

He held the new brush in his hand, the thicket of bristles moving through his beard, absentmindedly. He walked closer, quietly, and stood over her, his arms folded across his chest, contemplating her body with determination.

"Georgie?"

Her eyes opened. She rolled over and looked up at him through the wave of black hair that swept over her shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I must have dozed off." She laughed and sat up. "What would you like me to do?"

Cal stared at her upturned chin, her lips apart as she awaited his reply. Her cheekbones were wide and full, her eyes dark pools of suggestion, inviting him in to their liquid depths. She had the look of a harem woman, rich with sensuality. He was hungry for a taste of her.

Her gaze fell to the bulge in his jeans, and he noticed the trip in her breathing. She was very aroused. Her body was emanating waves of desire, her glance becoming bold. This appeared to be going exactly where he thought it might.

"Does that feel good?" She gave an insinuating smile, looking up from his groin to his face, where the paintbrush traveled through his beard in regular strokes.

Was she referring to the brush, or to the obvious bulk of his growing cock?

He caught the teasing look in her eye and squatted down beside her, leaning on the strong, taut line of his thighs.

"It feels good, yes. You should feel it, too." He gave her a dark smile and leaned forward, stroking the outline of her face with the dry brush. He followed the fullness of her cheeks, slowly, in a firm but gentle caress. Her mouth opened. He could see the tip of her tongue behind her teeth and sensed the rapid increase in her breathing. He wondered if she was aware of just what a hot little fireball she was.

He traced the line of her jaw, and she dropped her head back, her eyes half-closing as the brush slid down over her neck. Then her hand was on his arm, guiding him. She lay back over the cushions and drew him down with her.

Cal knelt beside her, leaned over her, and followed the lines of the brush with his mouth, tracing them around the voluptuous curves of her body. Beneath her breast the prying brush released a quiet moan from her throat, and he pursued it there. His tongue nestled into the warm moist crease of skin, his senses immediately immersed in the tangy salt of her skin and the aroma of exotic flowers that danced together with her own scents. He took a subtle bite. Her body writhed and lifted. His hand automatically closed over her undulating hip. He wanted to feel that movement from the inside; he wanted to feel her body writhe like that against his cock.

He closed his eyes and concentrated. Her breathing was louder, the scent of her body growing denser as her craving deepened. He turned his face to her legs and ran the brush down the inside of one thigh, then back up the line of the other. Her pelvis flexed up, her mons moving, exposing a glimpse of the hidden silkiness below. Cal contained his urge to bury his face there. He contained the need to press his erect cock deep inside her warmth. Instead, he gently rolled her over.

She was awash with heat. She was opulent, yet taut with restrained lust. He looked at the back of her knees. The hollow was so perfect, like the wind-smoothed surface of the sand dunes.

"I want to find all your most sensitive spots."

She moaned into a cushion.

He smiled. "You are a very beautiful woman." Cal whispered as the brush traced her spine. She hid her face in her hands, her breasts crushed hard against the cushions. She wanted him badly -- every atom of her body told him that. Deep in his core, something primitive roared with pleasure.

"Your spine is so supple."

He dropped to trace her spine with his mouth, moving down her body, crawling down the length of her. She wriggled, whimpering, when he brushed a teasing line of sensation across the top of each thigh, under the curve of her buttocks, her thighs rolling apart to reveal her pink slit.

He darted his tongue down into her cleft, feeling the soft, damp flesh of her sex give way. She swore aloud, twisting her head to look back at him. She was flushed, her hair wild, hanging over her face. A quiet plea escaped her open lips.

"You're like a cat in heat," he whispered. "I could smell you from across the room." He gave a dark chuckle.

"You're in a similar state yourself, if I'm not mistaken." Georgie nodded at his fly.

"How was I supposed to work, with such a distraction, hmm?" He lifted his eyebrows, accusingly. "Now all I want to do is fuck you."

Georgie groaned, her fingers brushing against his thigh. "I couldn't help it; I wanted you."

The brush clattered to the floor.

Roll up roll up

Over the next couple of days I’ll be putting together my next newsletter. This time around, I’ll be drawing names from the member list for a free copy of the SLAVE TO LOVE anthology, and a copy of RED HOT EROTICA anthology, to celebrate their publication. For your chance to win, sign up now. It’s not a chat list; you’re only signing up for a very occasional newsletter.

Being John Malkovich

Last night we watched Being John Malkovich for the third time. This is a film I would easily list in my top 100 must-sees (heavens knows, Malkovich is. ;-) Aside from the ever-fascinating Malkovich, I loved the wackiness of the story, the hilarious "menage" scene, the sexy puppeteering, and the very sexy Catherine Keener. But I have to admit that on third viewing I discovered a strange phenomenon. It freaked me out somewhat. LOL The first time I watched it I thought it was the most amazingly surreal film, just brilliant screenwriting and acting. The second time I knew where it was going, so I was in it for the laughs. Third time? Third time around I noticed how much seriously £^&$ed up stuff there was going on in those people’s heads/lives. LOL Got to admire a film that views like peeling back the layers of an onion.

In other news, it's pouring with rain here after a beautiful couple of (almost summer) days. I’ve been busy writing today and getting on well with my current fantasy project. I also heard that I sold another short, which is always good motivation. GETTING GOOD DESIGNER OUTLET will appear in the next Black Lace Wicked Words anthology, Sex and Shopping. Wooohoo!!

Juno books site now live

The Juno books website is now live. Check it out -- there are a couple of intriguing excerpts for the launch books there. Juno promises to be an exciting new line for women readers.

Juno publishes fantasy featuring strong female characters in richly-imagined contexts with romantic or erotic elements. Otherworldly romance, an adventurous quest, dark secrets, light humor, deep desires, high imagination, mystery, metaphysics, magic, myth...swept into the past, set in the future, or happening right now. Stories that go beyond the ordinary and take the reader with them.

I’m writing for Juno right now, and when the site went live I was made up to see my name listed as forthcoming on the "about" page. I can’t wait to read Jade Tiger, the September launch book, by Jenn Reese. The excerpt had me hooked. If you are a writer, you might want to check out the guidelines page!

IPPY award for Best Women's Erotica 2006!

News just in from the awesome Violet Blue, The Independent Publisher Book Awards 2006 have annnounced that Best Women's Erotica 2006 is the winner for the Erotica award! This is such exciting news. Edited by Violet and published by Cleis Press, this book is the most amazing collection of short stories by women writers. Oh, and it includes my short story "The Upper Hand." (Grin!)

Twist your bed sheets and dampen your palms. Under the stylish editorship of sex guru Violet Blue, Best Women’s Erotica 2006 delivers risky, romantic thrills. These joyful, daring, authentic stories revel in erotic adventure, from the sparks between strangers to the knowing caresses of longtime lovers.

Many congratulations to Violet and Cleis Press! Also listed as a finalist was Stolen Moments: Erotic Interludes 2 (Bold Strokes Books) which featured my short story "Lunch Break."

AWOL

Oops! I haven’t been blogging -- although I do have a long list of things I want to chatter on about here –- but at least this time it's not because of some nasty virus, it’s because of good, productive stuff going on here. I’ve been immersed in my current writing project, and loving it. I’m busy expanding my STRANGELING novella into a richer, longer story for a print book. The original story was based loosely around pagan druidism in ancient England, and this version is set in a true fantasy world. I loved the characters and their tale, so this project has got me thoroughly engrossed. Marvelous. Makes me long to crack on with my big, exotic, fantasy romance, UNVEILING THE SORCERESS.

Meanwhile, coming in not-too-distant publications: EROTIC INTERLUDES: LESSONS IN LOVE – a lesbian anthology including my short story “Making it Easy,” and AGAINST THE GRAIN –- an erotic speculative fiction novella.

To write, or to do another job

Been away for the weekend and have to push on with the current tale. I will be blogging properly later, but thought I'd post this link. It made me laugh, a lot!! I'd much rather write fiction than teach. :)

I'm smiling away here!

Her short stories have seduced readers in more than thirty international anthologies. Her first novel is twice as hot.

Smiles

"There's a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what's the problem?" Dustin Hoffman

"There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think, 'I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked'." Jerry Seinfeld

"See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." Robin Williams

"One finger professionally, gentlemen; two fingers socially." Gynecologist's saying.

"When God made the arse, he didn't say, 'Hey, it's just your basic hinge, let's knock off early.' He said, 'Behold ye angels, I have created the arse. Throughout the ages to come, men and women shall grab hold of these, and shout my name.'" Anonymous

"To succeed with the opposite sex, tell her you're impotent. She can't wait to disprove it."Cary Grant.

"Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand." Woody Allen

"Sex is one of the nine reasons for incarnation. The other eight are unimportant." George Burns

"Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship." Sharon Stone

"Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." Barbara Bush

"Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." Billy Crystal

"According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful." Robert De Niro

"It's been so long since I've had sex, I've forgotten who ties up whom." Joan Rivers

And..my long time favorite..

"You don't appreciate a lot of stuff in school until you get older. Little things like being spanked every day by a middle-aged woman. Stuff you pay good money for in later life." Emo Phillips

Wendy Wootton, interviewed by moi

I recently interviewed Wendy Wootton, AKA Portia da Costa, on behalf of the Erotic Authors Association. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about Wendy's extensive backlist and her secret influences. You can read the interview HERE.