“Dark Revenge” Released Today!!!

“I like my sex rough and my women restrained.”

So declares Alex’s captor, shortly after they’re mated in a ritual of vengeance. Though her body lustfully yields to her new mate’s dominant will, her mind is only too aware of the tumultuous past they share. She and Tory fought side by side in the military…until he was exiled for treason, an accusation leveled and proven by Alex’s own brother.

Tory is determined to take revenge on the family who falsely accused him…and to win back the woman he’s always loved. If he can’t win her heart, though, he’ll settle for her body—preferably tied up, flogged and begging for him. When they find themselves in the middle of a brewing civil war, they have to learn to trust each other with more than just their bodies. If they can’t, humanity itself may pay the price.

BUY IT HERE

Thirteen Books I’ve Read This Month

1. What Jane Austen Ate and Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool
2. Sherlock Holmes Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle
3. Bound by a Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill
4. Energy by Kim Knox
5. Frequency by Kim Knox
6. One Coffee With by Margaret Maron
7. The Alexandria Link by Stephen Berry
8. Double Shot by Christine D’Abo
9. A Shot In The Dark by Christine D’Abo
10. Vignette Daegan And Gideon by Joey W. Hill. (Available on Joey’s forum)
11. Magnetism by Kim Knox (reread)
12. Friction by Kim Knox (reread)
13. Spectral Bond by Christine D’Abo

*happy sigh*

Ready, Set, Stir the pot…….

Normally, I watch online kerfuffles with a jaded eye and let them pass by me. Maybe I’ve had too much time on my hands lately.
But I wanted to comment on this ongoing 2012 issue.
CHECK THIS OUT
As you can see from the various links on Dear Author, several discussions about reviews and authors has occurred. I’ve decided to put my two cents in for shits and giggles.
First of all, I was a reader long before I was an author. I remember when I didn’t give one rats ass about which publisher put out a book. I was drawn to the cover, the blurb, the title. I was a peruser who bought books based on a myriad of incomprehensible reasons I couldn’t explain if I tried. I understand that not liking a book isn’t as cut and dried as it seems to be. There were times I read a book and instantly forgot it. Or I read a book and something weird struck me about it and forever ended up in my “That book sucked” category. In short, I was an arbitrary and confusing reader with very little regard for the author’s comfort.
Then, I became a writer focused on publication.
The first thing I noticed was my change in attitude toward publishers. It started to matter who was behind the author. The author’s name made more impression on me than the pretty cover or the scintillating blurb. I started to read reviews. (Yep. As a reader? Didn’t give a shit about reviews).
When I became a published author, my first few books garnered…well…crickets. My comments about reviews, bad or otherwise, would have been an academic discussion. A few of my early books received positive reviews, but mostly they were “meh”.
Recently, however, I’ve graduated to the “getting trashed” category. It was a shock to me to realize reviewers didn’t even want me to say “Thank you”. They wanted no comment from the author at all. Here’s my take.
Authors, once published, are no longer able to be “just a reader”.
Readers are completely arbitrary in what they’ll like and what they won’t.
Reviewers are not “just readers” either.
My opinion is that reviewers–I mean the kind that blog, write, and review consistently–have become something more than a reader. Like authors, they’ve learned a lot about publishers, authors, social media etc.
Reviewers have a huge value for authors. And reviews definitely are for readers. But this adversarial relationship between reviewers and authors is silly.
Look, it isn’t easy to take the criticism directed at my work. Not the valid stuff. I can take that and be grateful for the attention. But when a reviewer calls one of my characters a “cunt”, it’s hard to not let that get inside my head. But that is that person’s opinion. That reviewer HATED my character. That’s what happens because I write character driven books. If a reader hates my character, they’re going to hate my book. Period.
Saying “It’s not personal” isn’t true. Usually, a bad review attacks the editing (implying sloppiness/laziness on the author’s part and sometimes saying it outright.), or the plot (criticizing the author’s imagination) or the character (again, a stab at the author’s imagination). But from my own reviewing experience, I know that bad reviews often come from a place of disappointment or surprise. I once trashed a Nora Roberts book because that book was, for me, a departure from the La Nora stuff that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Here’s what I’m arguing today. We authors do need to toughen up. It’s difficult. It’s hard not to “just quit” when someone basically says “You Suck”! But writing isn’t something I do because I’m bored, or looking to be famous. I write because the little voices got too damn loud.
You know, reviewing might be similar. Sharing my opinion about books is something I don’t do so much because I consider myself biased.
It’s all very interesting to me.
Anyway, there’s my shit stirring post of the week.
What’s your take?

To All The Dommes I’ve Heard Before…..

Dear Chantal and Dominique,
I have no idea why you’re bugging ME. I mean, I get that most writers don’t write Fem Dommes. I even get that most writers won’t take on the weird shit you like to throw at me.
But I don’t seem to be able to do you justice. Look, maybe we should just part ways, let the contemporary world pick apart Pamela and leave future book trashing for other authors.
Maybe you should leave me alone.
It should be a clue that I’ve had blinkingcursoritis, the disease that manifests by constant staring at the computer’s cursor and writing nothing. It should be a clue that reviews coming in have zeroed in on my biggest weaknesses. Not to mention neither of you have given me much to work with, Oh, you’ve both given me tantalizing bits of a story but none of them have worked together.
That said, I do love to delve into the psychology behind all this, but hell, I don’t know what to do next. Meanwhile, the blinkingcursoritis is getting worse.
No wonder I usually stick to sci fi.
Oh, don’t worry. I’m not giving up. Despite everything, I’ll stick with it. I may, however, torment you both as much as I can.
I’m just saying.

Blog? What Blog? Ooooh THAT blog.

Okay. I always hate those posts that whine about why someone hasn’t blogged….or written….or showered……
But I do need to update everyone (all six of you) who might want to know why it’s been pretty quiet in this corner of the internet.

The Evil Day Job
This has been my nemesis. Just to recap: I took this job five years ago as extra income filling in for the secretary who had worked there twenty-five years. She taught me very little except how much she hated her job. All I wanted to do was write. But the Redneck, in one of the rare areas he’s been a first class asshole, has viewed my writing for the last six years as a “hobby” at best and a nuisance at worst. So, when the secretary retired and the job came up, he insisted, manipulated and bitched until I took it full time. Since then, the job has gotten as shitty as any job could get. The boss that hired me full time was awesome, but the job itself was a pain in the ass. Fine. Learn the fucking job. Do my best. I can do that. About the time I thought I had my shit together, my boss ended up in the ICU with heart problems and three months later was gone on sick leave never to return. That’s when life got really interesting. They hired an agent (that they’d let go only two months earlier) who is a great guy and good at his job. But they didn’t replace my boss. At least, not a boss that worked here. They farmed out the office to this guy in Rhonert Park who is….well….weird. Not weird in a good way. Weird in the way that I never know what the fuck he’s going to get pissy about and whether our interactions will be awkward, warm or fucking off the chart annoying. Then, in September, they cut my hours. That blindside was one of the reasons my new boss will never have my trust. Ever. The cut hours didn’t bug me as much as getting NO heads up whatsoever. I was a deer in the headlights on that one. So, new boss=asshole. Job=frustrating. I won’t even talk about the memo obsessed bullshit that seems to go on every day. If you want to know how it feels to work in my job, watch the scene in Office Space where three bosses all ask him about his TPO report. Then, add in the joy of guys calling up to bitch about the lack of work out there and you’ve pretty much got the picture. In short, I really find my job stressful and it gets in the way of the one thing I’d really like to focus on. WRITING.
Which is next on my shit list.
Writing
The advent of self-publishing and the insanity of the economy has combined to do the one thing I can’t afford. It eroded my self-confidence. I’m as oversensitive as the next writer and I found myself staring down the barrel of the old “What the fuck do I do” conundrum. I abandoned books that were too hard for me or dragged me out of my comfort zone. I refused to accept plot bunnies that didn’t fit into the box I was starting to store my writing in. I’ve NEVER been an author to take the easy route….until last year. So, when the new year began, I made a goal to tackle the tough work, nose to the grindstone, and head out of the marketing bullshit that just confused me. Write the book. Write the fucking book. Sounds easy. And it is. Unless, of course, it isn’t. But I haven’t stopped. I may be going slowly, but I’m not going to stop. As a result (and because one of my author friends loves to torment me) I’ve got a bite on my historical (totally out of my comfort zone) werewolf (WAY out of my comfort zone) who may actually see the light of day. I focused on my BDSM contemporaries which have always been more difficult for me to write. It’s been slow, but better than spinning helplessly and taking the easy way out. Four releases (all erotic science fiction) last year and another one coming from Ellora’s Cave this month on January 27th means I’m still getting the job done.
Scouting
This part of my life sucks time away from the writing but also makes the EDJ tolerable. I’m no more organized than when I started and have even less understanding of the paperwork. But I haven’t changed my mind. It’s still the one way that I can give back, be a part of the community and change the world…or at least my corner of it. I’ve defied several Scouting traditions mainly because I believe there are things that don’t make sense. Boy Scouts is its own worst enemy, choosing to exclude rather than include. I don’t think every girl should join Boy Scouts. Just like I don’t think every kid with autism should join Boy Scouts. Or, shit, every BOY should join Boy Scouts. I think Scouts is for a certain kind of kid. Some kids are going to love learning about the flag, about pocket knives and about being a good citizen. Some kids won’t. Why can’t we treat Scouting like football? Everyone can join, but not everyone should. And kids decide football isn’t for them every year. So, I have two girls in my pack. Why? Because both of them are girls who want the skills Boy Scouts offer. Girl Scouts does NOT emphasize the outdoors or basic skills required to be a Scout. I know because I was a Girl Scout and I hated it. I wanted to be a Boy Scout. I wanted to learn to tie knots, set up a tent, cook over a fire. Girl Scouts, or at least the Troop I was in, seemed more about horses and rainbows. And that’s great for most girls. Anyway, I’m probably going to get booted out of Scouting for my attitude and I’m sure many folks think I should. But Boy Scouts wasn’t created to exclude or make a private club for elitist heterosexual boys. It was created because the skills normally taught to boys was being lost because an entire generation of young men had been killed in war. Baden-Powell was trying to address an issue of HIS day. I’m trying to address an issue in mine. Just as fathers were absent in Baden-Powell’s day, fathers are absent due to divorce and other social pressures. The United States is the only country that has Scouting that excludes girls. I hope it won’t last much longer. The twelve core values of Scouting–honest, perseverance, citizenship, compassion, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, positive attitude, health and fitness, cooperation, courage and faith–are human qualities. Human. Not just male. Not just heterosexual. Human. Maybe we should add one more: Tolerance. But that said, I’m hoping we can fly under the radar. The two girls we have are there (God willing) until they turn 14 and can enter into a Crew in Boy Scouts. We’ll see how that goes. As you can see, I have a lot of passion for it and sometimes it all keeps me working my ass off and not writing. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.
The Redneck, Unemployment and winter
At Christmas, the Redneck got laid off and had to apply for unemployment. It took a month to get paid. Meanwhile, the finances went to hell. We have hope he’ll go back to work, but meanwhile he’s home….all the time….I go to work to get some peace and quiet. The rain is keeping him out of work. We’ll see what happens.

Looking over this, I realize it sounds pretty depressing, but actually, it’s been pretty awesome. For every frustration there’s been some fantastic stuff too. Well, except for the EDJ. There’s nothing redeemable about that.

I think I take everything one day, one event at a time. And now the Redneck is demanding my attention. So, I’ll be back soon. I hope.

Thirteen Authors To Watch

I’m an author, yes. But I’m also a voracious reader! Here’s some authors I’ve read that I’m going to keep an eye on.

1. Sofia Harper
She’s a contemporary romance author who was published, tested in that experience and now, is moving forward again. I think she’s an up and coming author and I’m going to keep track of her. She cut her teeth with the Cherries (Jennifer Crusieites) and has developed her own unique voice that I think rocks.
2. Maddy Barone
Not only has Maddy created a cool futuristic world with her “After the Crash” series, but she’s a talented person in general blessed by the muses. She’s definitely and author to watch.
3. Michele Zurlo
I’m not basing this on much. Michele’s book “Yes, Justin” caught my eye and the excerpt was very strong. She’s got books at Siren and she’s clearly an established author. I know very little about her, but “Yes, Justin” and the Oasis concept definitely has my attention. I’m keeping my eyes open for this one.
4. Ella Drake
Her fairy tales in the future are some pretty awesome stuff and she’s an excellent writer. That said, I also think she’s becoming a force to be reckoned with. She’s steadily learning and growing toward a successful career. I believe she’ll be one to watch too.
5. Lex Valentine
Lex is already a hugely successful author but there are some changes in the wind for her. I think she’s one to keep an eye on and watch her create something even more amazing than she already is. I’m completely impressed with her imagination, her work ethic and her ability to turn everything she touches into success. She definitely one to keep tabs on.
6. Sasha Devlin
I had the privilege of working with Sasha in the Romance Divas mentor program. Her writing is fantastic and I didn’t do all that much for her other than wave pom poms in general. She’s absolutely an up and coming author and I’ll be keeping her on my auto buy list for years to come.
7. Christine D’Abo
I’ve loved Christine’s sci fi, but her contemporaries are kicking ass too. Her newest offerings at Carina are awesome and she continues to be on my auto buy list. I’m going to keep watching her rise to the top.
8. Hailey Edwards
Here’s another author who continues to release books one better than the one before it. She’s going to be an author to keep on my list.
9. Mima
Mima is already a massively successful author, however I’m going to watch her self-publishing career take off. She’s an author who doesn’t rest on her laurels and always pushes the envelope. I respect and admire that. I think she’ll be one to keep track of.
10. Julia Phillips Smith
This is one of those hard working authors who has finally found her voice among the throng. I have faith that she will rise above and kick some ass!!! I’m going to keep Julia on my radar.
11. Annie Nicholas
Annie is an author I read when she was a newer author but I’ve found myself drawn to her books again and again. Recently, I’ve put her on my TBB list as an author to keep an eye out for. She’s definitely one to watch.
12. Lanie Jordan
Lanie has been amazing in the last couple years but she’s finally brought her work out for the rest of us. She’s meticulous and always wants to get her work just right. She’s one to keep track of.
13. Kim Knox
Kim reached my auto buy list with her Planetary Bodies series that has me panting for the next one. She’s diverse, smart and an awesome writer. I think she’s only just begun.

Thirteen Songs To Inspire for 2012

Every year I pick songs to inspire me. Here’s the ones I’ve got for 2012.
1. Who You Are by Jessie J

2. Invisible by Skylar Grey
This one is more about how I feel a lot, but it gets me through.

3. Walk by The Foo Fighters

4. The End of the Dream by Evanescence

5. Lighters by Bad Meets Evil

6. Who’s Laughing Now by Jesse J.

7. Marry The Night by Lady GaGa

8. Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

9. Tonight by Seether

10. When We Stand Together by Nickelback

11. Not Again by Staind

12. Satellite by Rise Against

13. Make It Stop by Rise Against

I’m ready for 2012!! Let’s go kick some ass!

Welcome to 2012

Even though this is from a couple of years ago, this is one of the theme songs I’m using this year.
Seriously. Watch this video. It’s awesome.

Thirteen Highlights from 2011

1. Japan Earthquake
2. The Tsunami in Humboldt and Del Norte counties

When this happened, I was told to stay home, couldn’t drive to work because the water surged over Highway 101. It was scary since we weren’t sure how bad it all was.
3. Fukishima
Immediately following the Tsunami disaster that caused millions of dollars in damage, we here on the West Coast watched in horror as Japan’s nuclear plants melted down. News on this has been almost impossible to find. Lots of my friends were freaked out, but what could we do? I’m convinced the weird dry winter we’re having is because of this event.
4. The Libyan Rebellion
I’m sure more and more will be revealed about this event, but I watched it spellbound.
5. Tornadoes
Things were so crazy this year that this disaster barely made an impression on me. But I’m sure those effected tell a different tale. On top of a failing economy, this was horrific.
6. The Royal Wedding
The marriage of Prince William and Kate didn’t matter much to me, but I do know a lot of people tweeted about it and followed it. It was a highlight AND they saturated the networks with info about it when Fukishima was at its worst.
7. Osama Bin Laden is killed
Frankly, this seemed anti-climatic, but it was still a big event.
8. The Death of Gary Moore
You may not have heard of him and there are many who passed away who are more famous, but he was, IMHO, a talented guitarist and I will miss him.

9. The Death of Elizabeth Taylor
10. The Crash of Dan Wheldon
11. The Death of Kim Jong II
12. The attempted assassination of Gabrielle Gifford
I put this much later on my list, not because I didn’t think it was important, but because I think Ms. Giffords recovery was more important than her killer’s crime. She is a fighter and that is a human trait I respect.
13. End of the War in Iraq
Regardless of any opinions we all may have about this war, its declared ending is a huge moment and made the list for me.

There were so many other things that happened–an earthquake in New Zealand, flooding in Brazil, flooding in the Phillipins, bombings in Somalia, financial collapses in Europe and it’s tough to pick the things that seemed to rise above it all.
Ultimately, I’m kind of glad to see 2011 heading out the door. I look forward to a New Year.

Merry Christmas To You!!!!

May the joy of Christmas find you, where ever you are.