2007 - bring it on!

We're getting ready to see in the new year later this evening, so I wanted to take a moment out to post a message, to wish all my blog visitors a fun-filled night. I hope it's the start of a really terrific year for you all!

2006 has been a special year for me and I want to thank everyone who calls by here, reads my blog and leaves me comments, for being part of that. You are all very much appreciated!! 2007 is already shaping up to be an exciting year, and we're ready to welcome it in.

Update on The Strangeling

My first print fantasy novel, The Strangeling, has been pushed back a tad in the Juno Books publishing schedule and will appear in February instead of Janaury. I had a flurry of email when Amazon sent out a promo mail just before Christmas, so I'm just mentioning it here as well - the cover that is on Amazon isn't the correct one, nor is the price. It's going to be a trade paperback and I believe it will be going out at USD 9.99. Bargain :) People seem to be placing advance orders, which is terrific news! I just want everyone to know it may be a few weeks later than they expect. I'll post the final cover design as soon as it comes through, should be soon after everything opens up again next week.

Taking stock, and it's looking good!

Are you guys partied out? You better not be, the big one is coming this weekend and I want to hear your wild party tales. :) I’ve been surfing around the blogs I visit and people seem to be doing their new year resolutions already. I’m not quite ready for that, but I have been taking stock of where I'm at, workwise, mostly because I did my newsletter on Christmas Eve. I hadn’t done one in a while, so it was a chance to look back over two+ months, and ahead to what is coming next.

2007 is looking good for more of my work making it into publication. This is (and always will be) somewhat of a miracle to my mind. I’m still shocked and amazed when I get a “yes” from an editor, and I never take anything for granted. When I took stock for my newsletter I realised that in the first six months of next year I have two fantasy novels, two erotic romance novellas, and a half a dozen short stories being published. No one is more surprised than me, believe me! It’s been a busy time. A couple of these were written pre 2006, but most were done over the course of last year. I think, as a writer, I get so focused on how much I’m getting done on a daily basis (or not getting done ;) it’s very easy for me to take a negative view of achievement, especially as I work alone so much. The eternal “am I doing enough?” question is a tough one, for a writer. On that note, I'm pleased and proud to announce I did no writing on Christmas day whatsoever. Ha… I was told (in no uncertain terms) not to. But I was on duty over at the Between the covers blog, so the laptop did go on, I confess. I’ve kept the writing ticking over at a low level, otherwise, because it took me most of December to get up to speed after a difficult month in November. I didn't want to lose that momentum again.

Shanna Germain recently posted this great quote on that very topic after hearing Stephen King speak:

Although don't let me fool you too much with my "non-work" talk. I recently saw Stephen King speak, and he told that story about how he writes every day except Christmas and his birthday. But then he added, "Actually, I just say that so I don't sound too wierd. I write every single day."

I love it! In other news, Sasha White and I are thrilled to have our first review in for KINK, our joint anthology due out in just a few weeks. Here’s what the Romantic Times reviewer had to say:

This is a hot, hot, hot duo of erotic romances. Walker shows a talent for dialogue that is impressive, and her gift for zany storytelling shines through. White's talent lies in her descriptive storytelling. While both novellas contain well-drawn characters, the plots are hard to believe at times. Both stories are good enough to keep readers interested, and the sex scenes are very well-written, as long as you can stand the heat. Anyone looking for a truly spicy read won't regret picking up this book.

Whoop! Can YOU stand the heat?? :) If you’d like to check out our excerpts, click HERE for Sasha's novella, and HERE for mine! Have fun!

Happy Christmas!

Wishing you a wild and wacky holiday!

Christmas contest!

This week I’ve taken delivery of my author copies of the hot new anthology, Naughty Spanking Stories from A-Z Vol 2, and to celebrate I will be giving one away. As usual, I will also be running this on my newsletter, (along with two other publication giveaways!) which will be coming out later today. If you would like to enter please send a message to saskiawalker @ gmail. com (no gaps) with “naughty spanking stories contest” in the subject line. I will announce the winner on New Year’s Day and you can enter up until then!

I hope that, like us, you've done your last minute shopping and are settling in for a festive break with all the goodies. Have fun! :)

Just because...

it makes me chuckle.

New short story sales

Ooh, it really is the season to be jolly! Lots of good stuff going down here. I'm finally catching up on my backlog (light at the end of the tunnel!) and that means I will be able to turn the PC off for two days at Christmas, after all. Amazing. :) I've also heard that two of my short-shorts will be published in Got a Minute, a new Cleis Press anthology due out next March. More reasons to celebrate!

An award...who me?

This is so much fun! Apparently I've won an award for "Best Anal Sex Scene" from Scarlet Magazine. I don't know quite how it happened, but I'm amazed, delighted and very amused (cos you know, my Mother has been looking for something to brag about on my account... LOL)

The scene is from my short story "Edward's Experiments" which is featured in LUSCIOUS, an anthology edited by Alison Tyler and published by Cleis Press.

The issue is out now. I'm thrilled to bits. A glass of fizz is in order, I believe. Cheers!

Naughty Lady late Christmas shopping

Oh yum! I saw this on Violet Blue's blog and I fell in love -- a sexy umbrella for the naughty lady in your life.


And if you're in the UK, you can buy it at Sera of London. Check out the other gorgeous goodies on the site. Mmmmmm..

In other gift news, equally as compelling (it seems,) I can reveal we have taken delivery of Turbo Tigger into our home for our niece's Christmas present, and we're going to have considerable trouble parting with him! He's SO much fun LOL

C'est moi!

A current portrait, since we're gradually updating the website.

Naughty Lady Christmas shopping?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be doing your Christmas shopping right about now. I’m never ready for Christmas in advance! I’ve been hunting down ideas and suggestions, so I thought I’d mention a few of the recommendations I have, with some links to Amazon COM (but most, if not all, available on Amazon UK)

First up, a book I loved reading myself and I’ve ordered for my Dad’s gift, because I know he’ll love it too. Murray Suid’s WORDS OF A FEATHER. This is a fun and educational book for anyone interested in words, language and etymology. With entertaining entries on the relationship between words such as “flatulence” and "inflation” it will give your pals some great dinner party discussion to dazzle and amuse companions with over the holiday season. I had a lot of fun with this book.

If you’re looking to buy a gift for an author of sexy stuff, one of the sub-genres that has really expanded this past couple of years is m/m erotica and romance. ZOWIE! IT'S YAOI! edited by Marilyn Jaye Lewis, is a twist on yaoi. The anthology features six stories of boy’s love written by western girls in novella form. I’m reading this collection now and it’s packed with good stuff, I recommend it without reserve. These stories are beautiful, hot and touching all at once.

Looking for naughty novels for your friends/lovers Christmas stockings? Just a few of the hot erotic novels I’ve read this year. ENTERTAINING MR STONE, by Portia Da Costa, gripping office shenanigans by the Queen of S and M. I've read it twice this year, loved it. STICKY FINGERS by Alison Tyler, wow, an erotic noir detective story. I couldn’t put this one down, it has a fascinating plot and kink with a capital “K” CIRCUS EXCITE by Nikki Magennis is not only a hot read, it’s also full of intriguing detail about this unique erotic circus setting. And if you want to get really debauched over the Christmas season, get a copy of Lisette Ashton's FORBIDDEN READING, a retelling of the Story of O that will have you (and/or your loved one) squirming in a very naughty way. (fans self just thinking about these steaming hot books)

If you’re looking for a book with a Christmas theme, I have to mention THE MERRY XXXMAS BOOK OF EROTICA, edited by Alison Tyler (even though I have a story in this one ;) I just adore this anthology. How can you not love that sexy yet sophisticated cover?

Exotic undies for luscious ladies? A fun underwear website I love to shop with is Hips and Curves. This is a US company, but they do ship overseas fast and reliably, (I have a gorgeous PVC corset from them, and a Chinese satin bustier.) Time might be a tad too short for UK buyers to receive before Christmas, but I’m mentioning them for stateside buyers who have the big boobies etc, like moi. :o) They do everything from basic undies to dress up gear and… poles. Yup, you can get your very own lap-dancing pole HERE folks. How’s that for an unusual, erotic gift?

Tempted? Well why not put it together with STRIPTEASE FOR REAL WOMEN, a DVD? Or if that's a pole too far, try THE ART OF EXOTIC DANCING FOR EVERYDAY WOMEN – CHAIR MOVES, a video that I put my very own personal stamp of approval on.

Have a fun and sexy Christmas, folks!

Writing dilemmas

Alison Kent has a great blog post up at the moment about writing speeds and producing quality novels. This was particularly well timed reading for me, because I’ve just been taking reality checks from my lovely man, and my treasured CP. I'd found myself about to over commit for next year! Yikes!

I’ve always believed in quality over quantity, and it’s very important for me personally to make sure that each novel I write is rich, well researched and different to the last. Next year’s schedule is pretty well booked up, and yet I found myself unable to say no to an exciting proposition. Part of it, I guess, is that fear of not being asked again, and of appearing ungrateful. A few years ago when I was struggling to get published the concept of say “no” just wasn’t in my mentality! I can’t get past that, and I am very close to over committing and pushing myself too far. I know that if I do, everything will suffer, most importantly the writing.

I work for several publishers, and that complicates things for me. I am getting better at organising this though. For the first time recently I wouldn't allow myself to commit to a call for short stories. I used to write and submit to every one I saw. I will confess that I said no because I was physically unable to do the short. I was about to have an operation. But it was an important lesson for me. I can do it LOL I can say no. I need to be a bit more realistic about what I can get done -- and what I can get done well.

In other news, I heard from my editor at Berkley Heat, that Double Dare continues to be in the Barnes & Noble trade romance bestseller lists. I was totally amazed at this news, and very pleased indeed. Gobsmacked would be a good description (gobsmacked=speechless, for any US readers ;) Thanks to you lovely people who bought the book, and I hope you’re enjoying it!!!

Oh, and over at the Between the Covers blog, we’ve got a roundtable discussion today about the thing we like least about our personal writing process. Click on the banner to read more.

Bad news good news

Ach, I have a head cold and throat infection. Not bad enough to stop me working, thank god, I don’t need another knock back like that. But I'm pretty fuzzed here and hoping it doesn’t last long.

On the good news side, I don’t think I posted the release date for my next Red Sage Secrets novella. It will be in Volume 19, coming out in July. Yay! I believe it's an all paranormal collection, but will confirm who else has stories in it ASAP.

My novella, WHAT YOU WISH FOR, is one the first paranormals I wrote set in a contemporary world. Well, partly contemporary ;-) It's a white witch story set in Cornwall. I wrote it three years ago now, (it was in the queue at Red Sage for a long time after the editor I was with left.) I love the story to bits and it will be great to finally see it in print. Click HERE for an excerpt. (NB: adult content)

More good news, I got another review for DOUBLE DARE that put a BIG smile on my face. This one is from Romance Reader at Heart, and the reviewer fell in love with my hero! That makes me so happy! Take a look:

Zach is such a smooth character, I found myself utterly in love with him by the end of the book. He exudes sex appeal and good old-fashioned machismo, and any girl in her right mind would be crazy not to love him.

DOUBLE DARE is exactly what you want if you are looking to spice up your reading. The sex scenes are not for the sensitive reader—they are hot and explosive—but the romance is great and the storyline is exciting. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You will not be sorry! READ MORE

I hope you’re all doing well with your Christmas prep. I managed to get some urgent packages off yesterday, but still have heaps to sort. Meanwhile, I’m going to be posting some last minute gift suggestions here very soon. I've read some good books recently. Have a great day!

Bad sex awards: shortlist

If you're feeling physically and mentally strong enough, click HERE to read the shortlisted excerpts.

Audio and e-books

My interview with In the Know magazine went really well. It turned out the interviewer and I went to the same University, so we had quite a bit in common! The feature won’t be out until January, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it.

In other news, I've now had a couple of queries about getting books on CD, so following the latest message on my guest book I thought I'd post here on the subject as well as responding individually. So far I don't have anything on CD, but my fantasy publisher, Juno Books, is putting some (if not all) of the line out as audio books. The first book, Jenn Reese's Jade Tiger, is already in that format. It may happen with a couple of my books next year and, if so, I'll include that information on my newsletter and website. Fingers crossed! I have a couple of partially sighted readers who enjoyed my ebooks, which are easier for them, and one of my closest friends is hoping for audio format for the same reason too.

I must admit I’m getting into audio books myself. Partly because of vision problems, partly because I can do other stuff while I listen. :) I've been listening to some of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series this way, catching up on the ones I've missed. And speaking of ebooks, I should probably mention my ebook, ALONG FOR THE RIDE will still be available for the next few months. Click here for an excerpt and to find out more.

On being interviewed

I’m blogging over at the BETWEEN THE COVERS blog today, where I'm talking about the strange phenomenon of being interviewed as a writer of fiction (at least, it is for me ;-)

New review for DOUBLE DARE

A lovely surprise for me today, a new review for DOUBLE DARE that put a BIG smile on my face! Thank you to Cynthia at www.aromancereview.com
Here's a snippet:

I Double Dare you to go out and get this book! It will strike such a deep sensual reaction in you that you will definitely need relief. This is more than just an evocative erotic romance, it's a story of sensual exploration between soul mates. What woman doesn’t dream of that? I hated for the story to end. It was beautiful, stirring, solid writing and I can’t wait for more from this Black Lace vet. 4.5 roses. ...READ MORE

Dreaming of a naughty XXXmas?

Get your naughty ecards here!

Tis the season

As I type this my man is out on his Christmas work "do." I had this nostalgic flutter when he went off, and for a little while bemoaned the solitary life of a writer (to myself, LOL) It's not so much the meeting up with other authors, because I do that and will be doing it more next year. It was the idea of partying with people you see on a daily basis, and that whole other mood you get under such circumstances... learning stuff about people you work with that you didn’t know, stuff you can tease them about... you know the sort of thing. Fun. Then, as I thought about it and reflected on events past, I realised I'd never really had a rip-roaring time on any of the work-related events I went on when I had a regular job. Some were good fun, but I also remember some mighty tedious dinners indeed! I had to laugh when I faced up to that particular reality.

So, can you be nostalgic for something you’ve never had? I guess so, well kind of. Anyway, Mark and I are off to paint the town red (black?) tomorrow night, gigs and pubs galore, so I’m using my time wisely this afternoon. Yes, I'm having a facial in preparaton to face the world. Ha. WHILE writing. ;) If you’re off on a seasonal party soon, have lots of fun, and be safe!

My last few posts seem to have been about being interviewed, and I’m at it again on Monday. Once again, a different slant – and this is what I'm really enjoying about the interviews I’ve been doing – this one is for a UK magazine and it's going to focus on how the erotic is becoming mainstream and the fact that it's women in their 30’s and 40’s pushing this. As the writer in the feature I’m really enthusiastic about the topic. I opted for a University education with a feminist slant, back in the 80’s, and I do believe that put me in a very good position for what came after in terms of the changing attitudes to women’s sexuality, and for my move toward writing. More detail on that one as and when it happens.

Have a great weekend!

Catching up on myself

Phew, I’m sorry it’s been so quiet around here. Late last night I came out from under a pressing deadline. I’ve got heaps to catch up on after a lost month in November, but I’m gradually getting there. UNVEILING THE SORCERESS is now with my editor at Juno Books. Can we say nervous?! I am, very. This was the biggest, most complex book I’ve written to date, and novel writing still feels relatively new to me, so I hope I’ve achieved everything I set out to do with it. Fingers crossed!

In other news I’ve done quite a few interviews recently. I’m busy updating my website, long overdue, and I’m planning an interview page (it helps me to keep track ;) As well as the EAA interview (see post below,) I was recently interviewed by Jamie Spracklen for the fantasy journal VISIONARY TONGUE. If you’ve read my bio you’ll know that is the place where I was first published, ten years ago. Visionary Tongue is a fascinating project, the brainchild of British fantasy author Storm Constantine, it offers a chance for new authors, artists and poets to be part of an exciting creative project. Check it out!

Issue 21 is now available and includes some super fiction, poetry and the interview with me - very much from a fantasy perspective. Jamie asked some great questions - and just check out the gorgeous cover art by Ruby.

Featured at EAA!

I was recently interviewed by the lovely Pamela Weatherill (who is both a University lecturer in women's studies and an erotica writer) and you can now read the interview on line over at the Erotic Authors Association. I'm really proud to be part of this organisation, an organisation that does so much to support and promote erotic fiction.

For the interview, Pamela and I had a lot of fun chatting about strong heroines in erotic fiction, and more. Click HERE to read the interview, and HERE to read an except from DOUBLE DARE in the featured fiction slot.

Pamela also reveiwed DOUBLE DARE. Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

It is authors like Saskia Walker who give erotic fiction a good name. When you read Double Dare you immediately understand why the editors at Penguin picked up this title.

I found Double Dare to be a fun read with a strong female lead that didn’t have to be a dominatrix to show her sexual prowess. It was a refreshing erotic journey of both sexual and corporate adventure. All the power plays of a new erotic relationship and business investment are the backdrop for the characters who move the story along through both their corporate and sexual adventures. For readers who like it hot, Walker has achieved the story telling of some classic and exotic fantasies well. For readers who enjoy a powerful setting and a voyeuristic chance to hold the character’s secrets, Walker provides a rather romantic read without compromising the business world setting....READ MORE

Love the review, thanks so much, Pamela! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book!

Cover for UNVEILING THE SORCERESS

Hi honeys, I'm home! We had a superb break, in fact it was so good that it went by in a flash.

I came back to a stuffed mailbox, and a wonderful surprise! Take a look at this mock up cover for my second Juno Books fantasy novel, UNVEILING THE SORCERESS. The artist is Timothy Lantz, and his image is SO perfect for the story, I'm so thrilled! I feel privileged to have his art represent my story.



Click HERE to view Timothy Lantz's full version of this cover art.
Click HERE to read an excerpt from the novel.